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Sex and evolution in trypanosomes.

W Gibson1

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, BS8 1UG, Bristol, UK. w,gibson@bris.ac.uk

International Journal for Parasitology
|May 4, 2001
PubMed
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Genetic exchange in Trypanosoma brucei, a unique trait among kinetoplastids, may have evolved to enhance variant antigen gene diversity or repair DNA damage. This process also increases kinetoplast DNA heterogeneity.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Trypanosoma brucei is the only known kinetoplastid to undergo genetic exchange.
  • Its phylogenetic position offers limited insight into the evolution of this trait in other trypanosomes.
  • Antigenic variation, a shared trait among Salivaria, is well-studied in T. brucei.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential evolutionary advantages and mechanisms of genetic exchange in Trypanosoma brucei.
  • To investigate the relationship between genetic exchange, antigenic variation, and kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) diversity.
  • To understand the significance of biparental organelle DNA inheritance.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis using 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequences.
  • Genomic analysis focusing on variant antigen genes and related sequences.

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  • Investigation of kinetoplast DNA inheritance patterns.

    • Main Results:

    • Phylogenetic analysis did not reveal clues for genetic exchange in other trypanosome groups.
    • A significant portion of the T. brucei genome is dedicated to variant antigen genes, suggesting a role for genetic exchange in repertoire diversity.
    • Genetic exchange may mitigate DNA damage from antigenic variation-associated rearrangements.
    • Biparental inheritance of kinetoplast DNA in T. brucei leads to minicircle heterogeneity.

    Conclusions:

    • Genetic exchange in Trypanosoma brucei likely serves to increase the diversity of variant antigen genes and/or repair DNA damage.
    • The unique biparental inheritance of kinetoplast DNA contributes to its heterogeneity.
    • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the evolutionary origins and functions of genetic exchange in trypanosomes.