A single-point mutation in the RNA-binding protein 6 generates Trypanosoma brucei metacyclics that are able to progress to bloodstream forms in vitro.

ABSTRACT: We previously established an in vitro differentiation system based on the inducible expression of the RNA binding protein 6 (RBP6), which initiated differentiation of Trypanosoma brucei non-infectious procyclics to infectious metacyclics (MFs). However, further differentiation to bloodstream forms (BFs) required infection of mice. Here we report the serendipitous isolation of a single point mutation in RBP6 (Q109K), whose expression not only generated MFs, but purified MFs continued the developmental cycle in vitro to BFs expressing variant surface glycoprotein-2 (VSG-2), formerly known as VSG 221. This transition occurred over a period of 11 days and by RNA-Seq, VSG-2 was first measureable on day 1, whereas metacyclic VSGs were detected up to 8 days. We further showed that inducible expre

SUBMITTER: Shi H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6147148 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature