Identification of a Golgi-localized UDP-N-acetylglucosamine transporter in Trypanosoma cruzi.

Background: Nucleotide sugar transporters (NSTs) play an essential role in translocating nucleotide sugars into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus to be used as substrates in glycosylation reactions. This intracellular transport is an essential step in the biosynthesis of glycoconjugates.

Results: We have identified a family of 11 putative NSTs in Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas' disease.