Single-cell RNA sequencing of Trypanosoma brucei from tsetse salivary glands unveils metacyclogenesis and identifies potential transmission blocking antigens.

ABSTRACT: Tsetse-transmitted African trypanosomes must develop into mammalian-infectious metacyclic cells in the fly's salivary glands (SGs) before transmission to a new host. The molecular mechanisms that underlie this developmental process, known as metacyclogenesis, are poorly understood. Blocking the few metacyclic parasites deposited in saliva from further development in the mammal could prevent disease. To obtain an in-depth perspective of metacyclogenesis, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) from a pool of 2,045 parasites collected from infected tsetse SGs. Our data revealed three major cell clusters that represent the epimastigote, and pre- and mature metacyclic trypanosome developmental stages. Individual cell level data also confirm that the metacyclic pool is diverse, and

SUBMITTER: Vigneron A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7007551 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature