Purine-responsive expression of the Leishmania donovani NT3 purine nucleobase transporter is mediated by a conserved RNA stem-loop.

ABSTRACT: The ability to modulate gene expression in response to changes in the host environment is essential for survival of the kinetoplastid parasite Leishmania Unlike most eukaryotes, gene expression in kinetoplastids is predominately regulated posttranscriptionally. Consequently, RNA-binding proteins and mRNA-encoded sequence elements serve as primary determinants of gene regulation in these organisms; however, few have defined roles in specific stress response pathways. Leishmania species cannot synthesize purines de novo and must scavenge these essential nutrients from the host. Leishmania have evolved a robust stress response to withstand sustained periods of purine scarcity during their life cycle. The purine nucleobase transporter LdNT3 is among the most substan

SUBMITTER: Licon MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7307198 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature