Elsevier, Experimental Parasitology, (139), p. 49-57, 2014
DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.02.008
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The activation of signaling pathways involving protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) has been demonstrated during Trypanosoma cruzi invasion. Hereisn, we describe the participation of FAK/Src in the invasion of cardiomyocytes by T. cruzi. The treatment of cardiomyocytes with genistein, a PTK inhibitor, significantly reduced T. cruzi invasion. Also, PP1, a potent Src-family protein inhibitor, and PF573228, a specific FAK inhibitor, also inhibited T. cruzi entry; maximal inhibition was achieved at concentrations of 25μM PP1 (53% inhibition) and 40μM PF573228 (50% inhibition). The suppression of FAK expression in siRNA-treated cells and tetracycline-uninduced Tet-FAK(WT)-46 cells significantly reduced T. cruzi invasion. The entry of T. cruzi is accompanied by changes in c-Src expression and FAK phosphorylation. An enhancement of FAK activation occurs during the initial stages of T. cruzi-cardiomyocyte interaction (30 and 60 min), with a concomitant increase in the level of c-Src expression and phosphorylation, suggesting that FAK/Src act as an integrated signaling pathway that coordinates parasite entry. These data provide novel insights into the signaling pathways that are involved in cardiomyocyte invasion by T. cruzi. A better understanding of the signal transduction networks involved in T. cruzi invasion may contribute to the development of more effective therapies for the treatment of Chagas' disease.