African trypanosomes escape the host immune system by periodically changing their Variable Surface Glycoproteins (VSGs). In T. equiperdum this is done in an ordered manner. The VSG genes are activated by a process of duplicative transposition of silent basic copy genes. Those genes expressed early in the infection have complete basic copy genes while those expressed late are composite genes made by the duplication of at least three basic copy genes all of which are pseudogenes. We wish to examine the molecular mechanisms by which the late genes are constructed and which determine their ordered expression. We also wish to examine the regulation of VSG gene transcription in complex expression sites as well as the mechanism of general transcription in these organisms. Finally, we propose methods for the development of a transformation system for these organisms.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI023010-08
Application #
2062060
Study Section
Molecular Biology Study Section (MBY)
Project Start
1987-01-01
Project End
1995-12-31
Budget Start
1994-01-01
Budget End
1995-12-31
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
075524595
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98109