Controls of the expression of the Vsg in Trypanosoma brucei.
We present an overview of the regulation of vsg expression, focusing on initiation and elongation of transcription as well as processing and stabilization of the transcripts. We propose a model where common factors are involved in the reverse controls of the genes for the two main stage-specific antigens, the Vsg and procyclin: a cross-talk between the two transcription units would allow a fast rerouting of limiting factors at differentiation, thereby allowing the expression of only one type of antigen at a time. A similar mechanism would ensure that only one vsg ES is fully expressed at a time in bloodstream forms.
Vanhamme
L
L
Department of Molecular Biology, Free University of Brussels, Rhode St. Genèse, Belgium.
Pays
E
E
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D017125:Genes, Protozoan; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014346:Trypanosoma brucei brucei / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D014643:Variant Surface Glycoproteins, Trypanosoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D014643:Variant Surface Glycoproteins, Trypanosoma