Molecular characterization of the Schistosoma mansoni zinc finger protein SmZF1 as a transcription factor.

ABSTRACT:

Background

During its development, the parasite Schistosoma mansoni is exposed to different environments and undergoes many morphological and physiological transformations as a result of profound changes in gene expression. Characterization of proteins involved in the regulation of these processes is of importance for the understanding of schistosome biology. Proteins containing zinc finger motifs usually participate in regulatory processes and are considered the major class of transcription factors in eukaryotes. It has already been shown, by EMSA (Eletrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay), that SmZF1, a S. mansoni zinc finger (ZF) protein, specifically binds both DNA and RNA oligonucleotides. This suggests that this protein might act as a transcription factor in the parasite.

Metho

SUBMITTER: Drummond MG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2770324 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature