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Control of gene expression in trypanosomes

L Vanhamme¹, E Pays

¹Department of Molecular Biology, Free University of Brussels, Rhode Saint Genèse, Belgium.

Microbiological Reviews

|June 1, 1995

Summary

Trypanosomes adapt to hosts via regulated gene expression, particularly for surface antigens like procyclin and variant surface glycoprotein (VSG). Gene regulation primarily occurs post-transcriptionally, influencing parasite survival and disease.

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Area of Science:

Parasitology
Molecular Biology
Genetics

Background:

Trypanosomes cause significant human and animal diseases like Chagas' disease and sleeping sickness.
Their life cycle involves distinct developmental stages requiring adaptation to changing environments.
Stage-specific gene expression, especially for surface antigens, is crucial for parasite survival.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the mechanisms of gene expression regulation in trypanosomes.
To understand how stage-specific gene expression allows adaptation to different hosts and environments.
To investigate the regulation of major surface antigens, procyclin and VSG, in *Trypanosoma brucei*.

Main Methods:

Analysis of post-transcriptional gene regulation, including trans-splicing and polyadenylation.
Investigation of the role of untranslated mRNA sequences in controlling gene expression.
Examination of transcription units for VSG and procyclin, including promoter elements and RNA polymerase.
Study of DNA rearrangements and gene activation mechanisms for antigenic variation.

Main Results:

Gene expression regulation in trypanosomes is predominantly post-transcriptional.
Untranslated mRNA sequences significantly modulate individual gene expression and mRNA abundance.
VSG and procyclin transcription units possess unique features supporting high-level expression.
Antigenic variation is mediated by DNA rearrangements and alternative activation of VSG gene expression sites.

Conclusions:

Trypanosome gene expression is tightly regulated post-transcriptionally to facilitate adaptation and survival.
Stage-specific expression of surface antigens is controlled by complex mechanisms involving mRNA processing and untranslated regions.
Antigenic variation, a key survival strategy, involves sophisticated genetic and epigenetic controls.

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