Distinct genomic organization, mRNA expression and cellular localization of members of two amastin sub-families present in Trypanosoma cruzi

摘要: Amastins are surface glycoproteins (approximately 180 residues long) initially described in Trypanosoma cruzi as particularly abundant during the amastigote stage of this protozoan parasite. Subsequently, they have been found to be encoded by large gene families also present genomes several species Leishmania and other Trypanosomatids. Although most amastin genes organized clusters associated with tuzin up-regulated intracellular T. spp, distinct genomic organizations mRNA expression patterns reported. Based on analysis complete genome sequences two strains, we identified a total 14 copies showed that belong four previously subfamilies. Whereas δ-amastin or more alternating genes, β-amastins linked together chromosome. Most amastins similar localization determined confocal microscopy western blot analyses. Transcript levels for δ-amastins were amastigotes from except G strain, which is known low infection capacity. In contrast, all strains analysed, β-amastin transcripts epimastigotes, insect vector. Here not only number diversity larger than what has predicted, but their mode parasite life cycle complex. localization, amastigotes. The results showing sub-group family suggest that, addition role amastigotes, may serve important functions cycle. importantly, evidence virulence factors was unveiled data down regulated strain presenting