Molecular characterization of the Trypanosoma cruzi specific RNA binding protein TcRBP40 and its associated mRNAs

摘要: Abstract Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease, a neglected disorder that affects millions people in Americas. T. relies mostly upon post-transcriptional regulation to control stage specific gene expression. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) associate with functionally related mRNAs forming ribonucleoprotein complexes define operons. The Recognition Motif (RRM) most common and ancient family RBPs. This RBPs has been identified trypanosomatid parasites only few them have characterized. We describe here functional characterization TcRBP40, RBP, its associated mRNAs. used modified version recombinant RIP-Chip assay identify which it associates vivo TAP-tag assays confirm these results. TcRBP40 binds an AG-rich sequence 3′UTR mRNAs, were found encode mainly putative transmembrane proteins. differentially expressed metacyclogenesis. Surprisingly, epimastigotes, dispersed cytoplasm but concentrated reservosomes, organelle, suggests new function for this parasite organelle.