Genomic characterization of variable surface antigens reveals a telomere position effect as a prerequisite for RNA interference-mediated silencing in Paramecium tetraurelia.

ABSTRACT:

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Antigenic or phenotypic variation is a widespread phenomenon of expression of variable surface protein coats on eukaryotic microbes. To clarify the mechanism behind mutually exclusive gene expression, we characterized the genetic properties of the surface antigen multigene family in the ciliate Paramecium tetraurelia and the epigenetic factors controlling expression and silencing. Genome analysis indicated that the multigene family consists of intrachromosomal and subtelomeric genes; both classes apparently derive from different gene duplication events: whole-genome and intrachromosomal duplication. Expression analysis provides evidence for telomere position effects, because only subtelomeric genes follow mutually exclusive transcription. Microarray analysis of cultures

SUBMITTER: Baranasic D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4235209 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature