Application of RNA interference and protein localization to investigate housekeeping and developmentally regulated genes in the emerging model protozoan Paramecium caudatum.

ABSTRACT: Unicellular eukaryotes represent tremendous evolutionary diversity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this diversity remain largely unexplored, partly due to a limitation of genetic tools to only a few model species. Paramecium caudatum is a well-known unicellular eukaryote with an unexpectedly large germline genome, of which only two percent is retained in the somatic genome following sexual processes, revealing extensive DNA elimination. However, further progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms governing this process is hampered by a lack of suitable genetic tools. Here, we report the successful application of gene knockdown and protein localization methods to interrogate the function of both housekeeping and developmentally regulated genes in P. caudatum. Using thes

SUBMITTER: Gao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10876655 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature