Sequence analysis of SWEET transporters from trypanosomatids and evaluation of its expression in Trypanosoma cruzi

Trypanosoma cruzi is an obligate parasite that uses glucose as one of the main resources to maintain its survival and proliferation. In eukaryotic cells glucose transport across membranes is mediated by facilitated transport through a variety of transporters. Herein, genes from the recently described SWEET family of carbohydrate transporters were identified in trypanosomatid parasites, including the medically important species T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. The identified genes have sequences with the typical attributes of known SWEET transporters. The expression of TcSWEET, the gene for the SWEET transporter found in the T. cruzi genome, was evidenced by immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal serum raised against peptides selected from the deduced TcSWEET protein sequence. In Western blot analysis, this alpha-TcSWEET serum detected proteins within the theoretical molecular mass for TcSWEET (25.8 kDa) in total epimastigote lysates, suggesting its expression at this parasite stage. Additionally, this serum stained epimastigotes at localizations consistent with the cell body and the flagellum. Together, these data suggests that SWEET transporters may contribute to glucose transport in trypanosomatid parasites.