Abstract
Apicomplexan protist parasites utilize host sugars transported into the parasite by sugar transporter proteins for use as an energy source. We performed a phylum-wide phylogenetic analysis of the apicomplexan sugar transporter repertoire. Phylogenetic analyses revealed six major subfamilies of apicomplexan sugar transporters. Transporters in one subfamily have undergone expansions in Piroplasma species and Gregarina niphandrodes, while other subfamilies are highly divergent and contain genes found in only one or two species. Analyses of the divergent apicomplexan subfamilies revealed their presence in ciliates, indicating their alveolate ancestry and subsequent loss in chromerids and many apicomplexans.
Highlights
The sugar transporter gene family is one of the 25 gene families that make up the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) [1]
We found that the variable number of apicomplexan sugar transporters present is a result of the expansion of hexose-like transporters combined with differential retention of transporter family members in different apicomplexan lineages
Sugar Transporter Gene Family Number Varies in Apicomplexans
Summary
The sugar transporter gene family is one of the 25 gene families that make up the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) [1]. Genes in the MFS encode transporter proteins that mediate movement of a wide range of substrates across membranes [2]. Sugar transporters mediate the import of sucrose, monosaccharides (such as glucose, mannose, and fructose), and polyols (such as mannitol, sorbitol, and galactinol) [4]. Monosaccharide transporters are further divided into several subfamilies such as hexose, tonoplast/vacuolar, and inositol [4]. Sugar transporter proteins can be found localized to the plasma membrane and subcellular compartments [5]
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