JOURNAL BIOLOGIA CELULAR E MOLECULAR
The in vivo dynamics of antigenic variation in Trypanosoma brucei
Apresentadores: Elaine Vieira Santos e Natália A. de Paula
Tutor: Prof. Luiz Ricardo Orsini Tosi
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei, a causative agent of African Sleeping Sickness, constantly changes its dense variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat to avoid elimination by the immune system of its mammalian host, using an extensive repertoire of dedicated genes. However, the dynamics of VSG expression in T. brucei during an infection are poorly understood. We have developed a method, based on de novo assembly of VSGs, for quantitatively examining the diversity of expressed VSGs in any population of trypanosomes and monitored VSG population dynamics in vivo. Our experiments revealed unexpected diversity within parasite populations and a mechanism for diversifying the genome-encoded VSG repertoire. The interaction between T. brucei and its host is substantially more dynamic and nuanced than previously expected
SEGUNDA FEIRA 04.05.2015 às 16:30 hs
Anfiteatro Pedreira de Freitas – Prédio Central
Artigo na íntegra: Aqui.