Abstract
The telomerically located variant cell surface glycoprotein (VSG) gene expression sites of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei are transcribed by an unusual alpha-amanitin resistant RNA polymerase. We show that the telomere GGGTTA repeats located at the chromosome ends of T. brucei and the related protozoan T. equiperdum are also transcribed by alpha-amanitin resistant RNA polymerases. This transcription predominantly proceeds unidirectionally towards the end of the chromosome, in both bloodstream and insect form trypanosomes and results in the generation of heterogeneously sized steady state RNA. We postulate that telomere repeat transcription results from readthrough downstream of telomeric genes. Telomere repeat transcription was found in all seven protozoan species tested, but was alpha-amanitin resistant only in trypanosome species which exhibited antigenic variation. The data indicate that in some trypanosome species a subset of telomeres is transcribed by a different type of RNA polymerase.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
