Expression of a novel Leishmania gene encoding a histone H1-like protein in Leishmania major modulates parasite infectivity in vitro.

ABSTRACT: We describe identification and characterization of a novel two-copy gene of the parasitic protozoan Leishmania that encodes a nuclear protein designated LNP18. This protein is highly conserved in the genus Leishmania, and it is developmentally regulated. It is an alanine- and lysine-rich protein with potential bipartite nuclear targeting sequence sites. LNP18 shows sequence similarity to H1 histones of trypanosomatids and of higher eukaryotes and in particular with histone H1 of Leishmania major. The nuclear localization of LNP18 was determined by indirect immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis of isolated nuclei by using antibodies raised against the recombinant protein as probes. The antibodies recognized predominantly a 18-kDa band or a 18-kDa-16-kDa doublet. Photochemical cross-l

SUBMITTER: Papageorgiou FT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC132950 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature