Stage specific kinetoplast DNA-binding proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi.
Knowledge regarding kinetoplast DNA organization in all members of the Trypanosomatid family is incomplete. Recently, the presence of kinetoplast-associated proteins in condensing kDNA networks in Crithidia fasciculata has been described and a role for these proteins in the maintenance of these complex structures was suggested. To investigate the presence of protein components in Trypanosoma cruzi kinetoplast, we previously described seven epimastigote kinetoplast-associated proteins. We report here the existence of kinetoplast binding proteins in amastigote and trypomastigote stages of T. cruzi, which could bind both mini and maxicircles components with a stage specific elements for every infective form of the parasite. We propose three major classes of kinetoplast-associated proteins related to the basic processes of this intricate disc structure and suggest a possible function of these binding proteins in the T. cruzi mitochondrial DNA organization.
Zavala-Castro
J E
JE
Departamento de Patología experimental, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del I.P.N., Mexico City, Mexico. zcastro@tunku.uady.mx
Acosta-Viana
K
K
Guzmán-Marín
E
E
Rosado-Barrera
M E
ME
Rosales-Encina
J L
JL
D000818:Animals; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D015153:Blotting, Western; D015342:DNA Probes / Q000737:chemistry; D018105:DNA, Kinetoplast / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D015252:Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific / Q000737:chemistry; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D006801:Humans; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D015342:DNA Probes; D018105:DNA, Kinetoplast; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; C024404:BglII endonuclease; D015252:Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific; C032229:GANTC-specific type II deoxyribonucleases