The genome sequence of Trypanosoma cruzi, etiologic agent of Chagas disease

Science. 2005 Jul 15;309(5733):409-15. doi: 10.1126/science.1112631.

Abstract

Whole-genome sequencing of the protozoan pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi revealed that the diploid genome contains a predicted 22,570 proteins encoded by genes, of which 12,570 represent allelic pairs. Over 50% of the genome consists of repeated sequences, such as retrotransposons and genes for large families of surface molecules, which include trans-sialidases, mucins, gp63s, and a large novel family (>1300 copies) of mucin-associated surface protein (MASP) genes. Analyses of the T. cruzi, T. brucei, and Leishmania major (Tritryp) genomes imply differences from other eukaryotes in DNA repair and initiation of replication and reflect their unusual mitochondrial DNA. Although the Tritryp lack several classes of signaling molecules, their kinomes contain a large and diverse set of protein kinases and phosphatases; their size and diversity imply previously unknown interactions and regulatory processes, which may be targets for intervention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chagas Disease / drug therapy
  • Chagas Disease / parasitology
  • DNA Repair
  • DNA Replication
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics
  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics
  • Genes, Protozoan
  • Genome, Protozoan*
  • Humans
  • Meiosis
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / physiology
  • Multigene Family
  • Protozoan Proteins / chemistry
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics*
  • Protozoan Proteins / physiology
  • Recombination, Genetic
  • Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid
  • Retroelements
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Telomere / genetics
  • Trypanocidal Agents / pharmacology
  • Trypanocidal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / chemistry
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / genetics*
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / physiology

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • DNA, Protozoan
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Retroelements
  • Trypanocidal Agents