Functional analysis of an essential Trypanosoma brucei protein kinase

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Trypanosomatid parasites cause some of the most challenging neglected diseases worldwide. The human- pathogenic triumvirate of Trypanosoma brucei spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania spp. affect hundreds of thousands of individuals, causing human African trypanosomiasis, Chagas’ disease, and a range of visceral to cutaneous lesions, respectively. With no approved vaccines and treatments challenged by resistance, delivery, and efficacy concerns, discovery of new drugs is critical for therapy, control, and elimination of these diseases. Hence, new, validated targets are needed to enter the discovery pipeline. We have recently genetically and chemically validated the T. brucei protein kinase, AEK1, which is both highly conserved in these agents yet different from human protein kinases. The lytic phenotype following knockdown argues that important pathways are controlled by AEK1, yet nothing is known about its regulation or downstream effectors. We propose to fill this knowledge gap. We will test specific cis and trans interactions that we postulate regulate AEK1 activity, including probing a predicted allosteric site and assessing a candidate activating kinase. Our data shows that inhibition of AEK1 leads to inhibition of one or more events required for cytokinesis. To place its action within the cellular context, we will pinpoint the cytologic defect that occurs when AEK1 is inhibited. Because protein kinases exert their functions via modulating downstream effector molecules, the essentiality of AEK1 must reflect essentiality of one or more of its substrates. To identify substrates, we will use a genetically modified AEK1 that specifically accepts large thio-ATP analogs to enable specific thiophosphorylation of its substrates. Substrates will then be captured by virtue of the transferred thiophosphate. Identification of the thiophosphorylated peptides by mass spectrometry will allow development of a list of candidate substrates and a consensus phosphorylation site sequence that will enable identification of additional candidates. The identified molecules will be reviewed for their relationship to the phenotypic processes identified to aid in prioritization for future studies. By revealing mechanisms of regulation and identifying candidate substrates, this project will inform us about the pathway in which AEK1 functions. Given the high similarity of AEK1 across trypanosomatids, it is likely that many of our findings will be applicable to other trypanosomatid pathogens.