TblncRNA-23, a long non-coding RNA transcribed by RNA polymerase I, regulates developmental changes in Trypanosoma...

Area of Science:

• Molecular parasitology
• RNA biology
• Gene regulation

Background:

• Trypanosoma brucei, a protozoan parasite, exhibits a complex life cycle involving mammalian hosts and tsetse fly vectors.
• Procyclic forms of T. brucei express EP and GPEET procyclins, crucial surface proteins regulated by RNA polymerase I transcription.
• Understanding gene regulation during parasite development is vital for controlling transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize novel regulatory elements in T. brucei.
• To investigate the function of a newly discovered long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in parasite development and gene expression.
• To elucidate the role of TblncRNA-23 in regulating parasite transitions within the tsetse fly.

Main Methods:

• Identification of TblncRNA-23 located between EP and GPEET procyclin genes.
• Analysis of TblncRNA-23 localization (nucleolus, polysomes) and function via overexpression and RNA interference (RNAi) or knockout (KO).
• RNA immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (RaPID) to identify TblncRNA-23-associated proteins and target mRNAs.

Main Results:

• TblncRNA-23 directly targets EP and GPEET mRNAs, influencing gene expression during parasite developmental transitions.
• TblncRNA-23 associates with translating ribosomes and regulates the abundance of various mRNAs.
• Overexpression of TblncRNA-23 enhances parasite motility (SoMo), while its absence impairs it and affects the procyclic to metacyclic form transformation.

Conclusions:

• TblncRNA-23 is a key regulator of gene expression and developmental transitions in T. brucei.
• This lncRNA plays a critical role in parasite motility and the ability to complete its life cycle.
• TblncRNA-23 represents a potential target for interventions against trypanosomiasis.