Auxin-inducible degron-mediated protein depletion in Diplonema papillatum

Background Diplonemids are highly abundant unicellular flagellates that are evolutionarily divergent from traditional model eukaryotes. Diplonema papillatum is a model diplonemid for which several molecular tools have recently been established. However, no method for conditional protein depletion was available. Methods Here, we have adapted an auxin-inducible degron (AID) system in D. papillatum. Results Depletion of the KIN-A motor protein (a glycomonad-specific component of the chromosomal passenger complex) causes defects in chromosome segregation and cell proliferation. The AID system also successfully depleted a divergent Mad1 protein that localizes at nuclear pores, and a flagellar component, CFAP20. Conclusions Our study demonstrates the power of the AID system to perform loss-of-function studies in D. papillatum.