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RNA polymerase I-mediated protein-coding gene expression in Trypanosoma brucei.
H M Chung1, M G Lee, L H Van der Ploeg
1Merck Research Laboratories, Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, PO Box 2000, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA.
Parasitology Today (Personal Ed.)
|December 1, 1992
Summary
In Trypanosoma brucei, RNA polymerase I (pol I) may transcribe protein-coding genes, unlike other eukaryotes. This challenges the universal role of RNA polymerase II (pol II) in gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Parasitology
Background:
- Protein-coding genes are typically transcribed by RNA polymerase II (pol II) in eukaryotes.
- Trypanosoma brucei is an exception, where reporter genes (chloramphenicol acetyl transferase and neomycin phosphotransferase) can be expressed via pol I.
- Trans-splicing in T. brucei, involving a mini-exon, may decouple mRNA production from pol II.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence suggesting that pol I transcribes naturally occurring protein-coding genes in T. brucei.
- To explore the implications of pol I involvement in protein-coding gene expression in this protozoan.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature and evidence.
- Analysis of experimental data supporting pol I transcription of protein-coding genes.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports the hypothesis that pol I transcribes a subset of protein-coding genes in T. brucei.
- This finding contrasts with the established model of eukaryotic gene transcription.
Conclusions:
- RNA polymerase I plays a role in transcribing protein-coding genes in Trypanosoma brucei.
- This unique mechanism in T. brucei challenges the universal reliance on pol II for protein-coding gene expression in eukaryotes.