RNA interference mutant induction in vivo demonstrates the essential nature of trypanosome flagellar function during mammalian infection.
We demonstrate that trypanosomes compromised in flagellar function are rapidly cleared from infected mice. Analysis of the PFR2 bloodstream RNA interference mutant revealed that defective cell motility occurred prior to cytokinesis failure. This validation provides a paradigm for the flagellum as a target for future assays and interventions against this human pathogen.
Griffiths
Samantha
S
Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom.
Portman
Neil
N
Taylor
Philip R
PR
Gordon
Siamon
S
Ginger
Michael L
ML
Gull
Keith
K
D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D005407:Flagella / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014346:Trypanosoma brucei brucei / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014353:Trypanosomiasis, African
D034741:RNA, Small Interfering