Trypanosoma brucei: Difference between revisions

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Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.


T. brucei's cell surface has, (in addition to its surface antigens), a thick layer of proteins, called Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG's) genes. These allow the surface antigens to mutate, by switching variants.<ref>[http://portal.isiknowledge.com/portal.cgi/wos?Init=Yes&SID=4Ai5K7kgchC8MLaIeok Lythgoe KA, Morrison LJ, Read AF, Barry JD. "Parasite-intrinsic factors can explain ordered progression of trypanosome antigenic variation". 'Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences of The United States of America'. May 8 2007. p. 8095-8100.]</ref> Having over 1000 VSG genes and psuedogenes, T. brucei is able to switch variants frequently. Trascription occurs one gene at a time, from one of many telomeric VSG expression sites. In order to switch an active VSG gene, DNA rearrangements must occur, to switch the old VSG gene with a new one.
T. brucei's cell surface has, (in addition to its surface antigens), a thick layer of proteins, called Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG's) genes. These allow the surface antigens to mutate, by switching variants.<ref>[http://portal.isiknowledge.com/portal.cgi/wos?Init=Yes&SID=4Ai5K7kgchC8MLaIeok Lythgoe KA, Morrison LJ, Read AF, Barry JD. "Parasite-intrinsic factors can explain ordered progression of trypanosome antigenic variation". 'Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences of The United States of America'. May 8 2007. p. 8095-8100.]</ref> Having over 1000 VSG genes and psuedogenes, T. brucei is able to switch variants frequently. Trascription occurs one gene at a time, from one of many telomeric VSG expression sites.<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrezDb=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=16908087&ordinalpos=20&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum Taylor JE, Rudenko G. 'Switching trypanosome coats: what's in the wardrobe?'. 2006 Aug 14.]</ref> In order to switch an active VSG gene, DNA rearrangements must occur, to switch the old VSG gene with a new one.


==Ecology==
==Ecology==

Revision as of 01:55, 25 August 2007

A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Trypanosoma brucei

Classification

Higher order taxa

Kingdom: Eukaryota; Phylum: Euglenozoa; Order: Kinetoplastida; Family: Trypanosomatidae; Genus: Trypanosoma; SubGenus: Trypanozoon; Species: Trypanosoma brucei

Species

Genus: Trypanosoma Species: brucei Sub-species: Trypanosoma brucei brucei,Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense,Trypanosoma brucei TREU927.

Description and Significance

Trypanosoma brucei, is one of the parasitic species from the Trypanosoma genus. It exists in two forms: an insect vector host, and then once inside the bloodstream, a mammalian host. Once inside the mammalian host, it has the ability to inflict African trypanosomiasis, (sleeping sickness).

The complete genome of T. brucei has been sequenced; this is important because it is key information that is used to research possible cures for Trypanosomiasis.

Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.

Genome structure

Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?

The genome of T. brucei has surface antigens that allow the bacteria to escape from being noticed by the immune system.[1] T. brucei is capable of continuously changing the expression of these antigens to effectively hide from antibodies.

Cell structure and metabolism

Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

T. brucei's cell surface has, (in addition to its surface antigens), a thick layer of proteins, called Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG's) genes. These allow the surface antigens to mutate, by switching variants.[2] Having over 1000 VSG genes and psuedogenes, T. brucei is able to switch variants frequently. Trascription occurs one gene at a time, from one of many telomeric VSG expression sites.[3] In order to switch an active VSG gene, DNA rearrangements must occur, to switch the old VSG gene with a new one.

Ecology

Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

Application to Biotechnology

Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?

Current Research

Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required

References

Edited by Shannon Chan

Frank SA, Barbour AG. "Within-host dynamics of antigenic variation". 'Infection Genetics and Evolution'. 2006. p. 146-146.

Lythgoe KA, Morrison LJ, Read AF, Barry JD. "Parasite-intrinsic factors can explain ordered progression of trypanosome antigenic variation". 'Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences of The United States of America'. 2007 May 8. p. 8095-8100.

Taylor JE, Rudenko G. 'Switching trypanosome coats: what's in the wardrobe?'. 2006 Aug 14.