Characterisation of a polo-like protein kinase gene homologue from an evolutionary divergent eukaryote, Trypanosoma brucei

摘要: Abstract The polo -like protein kinase gene family (PLKs) encodes proteins which are involved in the control of exit from mitosis higher eukaryotes. We have cloned and analysed a kinase, tbplk , an evolutionary divergent eukaryote, Trypanosoma brucei . 767 amino acid predicted size 86.8 kDa with 50.4% identity to mammalian PLK s over catalytic domain it possesses conserved motif, `polo-box', is found all s. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that this clearly member family, although has some distinctive features such as large C-terminal insertion when compared single copy expressed both bloodstream procyclic stage trypanosomes. Sequencing number trypanosome isolates reveals length polymorphism run asparagine residues within coding region. presence wide range organisms, including primitive organism T. suggests may key role function cell cycle.