Identification of genes encoding arabinosyltransferases (SCA) mediating developmental modifications of lipophosphoglycan required for sand fly transmission of Leishmania major

At key steps in the infectious cycle pathogens must adhere to target cells, but at other times detachment is required for transmission. During sand fly infections by the protozoan parasite Leishmania major, binding of replicating promastigotes is mediated by galactosyl side chain (scGal) modifications of phosphoglycan repeats of the major surface adhesin, lipophosphoglycan (LPG). Release is mediated by arabinosyl (Ara) capping of LPG scβGal residues upon differentiation to the infective metacyclic stage. We used intraspecific polymorphisms of LPG structure to develop a genetic strategy leading to the identification of two genes (SCA1/2) mediating scAra capping. These LPG side chain β1,2-arabinosyl-transferases (scβAraTs) exhibit canonical glycosyl-transferase motifs, and their overexpression leads to elevated microsomal scβAraT activity. Although the level of scAra caps is maximal in metacyclic parasites, scβAraT activity is maximal in log phase cells. Because quantitative immunolocalization studies suggest this is not mediated by sequestration of SCA scβAraTs away from the Golgi apparatus during log phase, regulation of activated Ara precursors may control LPG arabinosylation in vivo. The SCA genes define a new family of eukaryotic βAraTs and represent novel developmentally regulated LPG-modifying activities identified in Leishmania.