M. Zoltner

Beyond the VSG Layer: Exploring the Role of Intrinsic Disorder in the Invariant Surface Glycoproteins of African Trypanosomes

This study investigates the role of intrinsic disorder in invariant surface glycoproteins (ISGs) of African trypanosomes, showing they can switch between compact and elongated conformers to balance immune evasion and host interaction.

Intron-loss in Kinetoplastea correlates with a non-functional EJC and loss of NMD factors

This study shows that Trypanosoma brucei lacks a functional EJC and NMD pathway due to intron loss and gene redundancy.

Targeted protein degradation of the CPSF complex by benzoxaboroles through sumoylation

This study identifies CPSF3 as a target of benzoxaboroles in trypanosomatids, showing that BoBs induce sumoylation-dependent degradation of CPSF complex members, leading to reduced mRNA levels.

Suramin action in African trypanosomes involves a RuvB-like DNA helicase

This paper identifies a DNA helicase, RuvBL1, as a key target of suramin in African trypanosomes, showing that mutations in this helicase confer resistance to the drug.

Beyond BioID: Streptavidin outcompetes antibody fluorescence signals in protein localization and readily visualises targets evading immunofluorescence detection.

This paper demonstrates that streptavidin-based imaging outperforms immunofluorescence in detecting low-abundance or inaccessible proteins and reveals dynamic protein interactions.

Structure and dynamics of the contractile vacuole complex in Tetrahymena thermophila

The paper identifies four proteins that localize to distinct zones of the contractile vacuole complex in Tetrahymena thermophila, enabling in vivo analysis of its dynamics and structure.

Evolution of cullin E3 ubiquitin ligases and function in trypanosomes

The paper reconstructs the evolution of cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases across eukaryotes and experimentally characterizes two cullin complexes in trypanosomatids, revealing lineage-specific diversity and novel substrate specificity.

Trypanosoma cruzi VDU deubiquitinase mediates surface protein trafficking and infectivity

This paper identifies TcVDU as a deubiquitinase that regulates endosomal trafficking and surface protein dynamics in Trypanosoma cruzi, affecting infectivity.

Repurposing of mitochondria-targeted tamoxifen: Novel anti-cancer drug exhibits potent activity against major protozoan and fungal pathogens.

This paper demonstrates that MitoTam, a mitochondria-targeted tamoxifen analog, effectively kills various pathogens including fungi, Plasmodium falciparum, and trypanosomatid parasites in vitro and in vivo.

The endosomal TbTpr86/TbUsp7/SkpZ (TUS) complex controls surface protein abundance in trypanosomes

The paper identifies a complex involving TbTpr86, TbUsp7, and SkpZ that regulates surface protein abundance in trypanosomes by controlling endocytosis and ubiquitination.

Diversification of CORVET tethers facilitates transport complexity in Tetrahymena thermophila

The paper investigates the diversification of CORVET tethers in Tetrahymena thermophila, showing how multiple paralogs and distinct complexes enable transport complexity despite lacking HOPS and other trafficking genes.

Modification of an atypical clathrin-independent AP-2 adaptin complex of Plasmodium falciparum reduces susceptibility to artemisinin

This study shows that modifying the AP-2 adaptin complex in Plasmodium falciparum reduces susceptibility to artemisinin, suggesting alternative mechanisms of drug resistance beyond pfkelch13 mutations.

Proteome of the secondary plastid of Euglena gracilis reveals metabolic quirks and colourful history

The paper identifies and annotates the plastid proteome of Euglena gracilis, revealing horizontally transferred genes and unique metabolic features.

EsaB is a core component of the Staphylococcus aureus Type VII secretion system

This study shows EsaB is essential for T7SS secretion in S. aureus but not for substrate production, and has both T7SS-dependent and -independent roles.