How a Protein Helps Trypanosomes Change Their Surface
Author Information
Author(s): Luisa M. Figueiredo, Christian J. Janzen, George A.M. Cross
Primary Institution: Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, the Rockefeller University
Hypothesis
Does the histone methyltransferase DOT1B play a role in regulating antigenic variation in Trypanosoma brucei?
Conclusion
DOT1B is essential for maintaining strict VSG silencing and ensuring rapid transcriptional switching in Trypanosoma brucei.
Supporting Evidence
- DOT1B deletion leads to partial derepression of silent VSGs.
- In ΔDOT1B cells, VSG switching occurs more slowly, allowing two VSGs to be expressed simultaneously.
- The study provides evidence that epigenetic regulation is crucial for antigenic variation in T. brucei.
Takeaway
Trypanosomes can change their outer coat to avoid being attacked by the immune system, and a protein called DOT1B helps control how quickly they can make these changes.
Methodology
The study involved generating cell lines with specific gene deletions and using quantitative RT-PCR to measure transcript levels of variant surface glycoproteins.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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