Trypanosoma brucei

From MicrobeWiki, the student-edited microbiology resource

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

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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

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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]

Ecology

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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

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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'. May 8 2007. p. 8095-8100.