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Examination of the Telomere G-overhang Structure in Trypanosoma brucei
15:25

Examination of the Telomere G-overhang Structure in Trypanosoma brucei

Published on: January 26, 2011

Evidence for trans splicing in trypanosomes

R E Sutton, J C Boothroyd

    Cell
    |November 21, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Trypanosome messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are synthesized using trans splicing. A small RNA molecule (medRNA) provides the 5' mini-exon, which is spliced to protein-coding exons, producing mature mRNA and a free minRNA product.

    Area of Science:

    • Molecular Biology
    • Parasitology
    • RNA Biology

    Background:

    • Trypanosome mRNAs possess a conserved 5' mini-exon sequence.
    • This mini-exon is transcribed separately from the main protein-coding exon.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the mechanism of mRNA synthesis in trypanosomes.
    • To test the hypothesis of trans splicing for mRNA maturation.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of trypanosome RNA for the presence of minRNA.
    • In vitro debranching assays using HeLa cell extracts.

    Main Results:

    • Significant quantities of free minRNA were detected in trypanosome RNA preparations.
    • minRNA could be released from larger RNA structures by a debranching enzyme.

    Conclusions:

    • Trans splicing is the physiological mechanism for generating mature mRNA in trypanosomes.
    • This process involves the joining of a mini-exon from medRNA to protein-coding exons.

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