A non-coding role for trypanosome VSG transcripts in allelic exclusion.

ABSTRACT: Bloodstream-form African trypanosomes display antigenic variation. This requires mono-telomeric but switchable expression of a Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) gene in a transcription and splicing compartment that is inter-chromosomally bridged by VSG exclusion factors 1 and 2 (VEX1-2). The dominant gene produces 10 000 times more transcript than excluded VSGs. Additional chromatin and RNA-associated factors are required to maintain VSG exclusion, but our understanding of the mechanisms involved remains incomplete. Here, we show that the VSG transcript impacts allelic competition. We induced either specific translation blockade by recruiting MS2 coat protein to the active VSG 5'-untranslated region, or VSG transcript depletion using RNA interference. Neither perturbation substantially co

SUBMITTER: Escrivani DO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12539627 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature