Evidence for regulated expression of Telomeric Repeat-containing RNAs (TERRA) in parasitic trypanosomatids

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2017 Aug;112(8):572-576. doi: 10.1590/0074-02760170054.

Abstract

The Telomeric Repeat-containing RNAs (TERRA) participate in the homeostasis of telomeres in higher eukaryotes. Here, we investigated the expression of TERRA in Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma brucei and found evidences for its expression as a specific RNA class. The trypanosomatid TERRA are heterogeneous in size and partially polyadenylated. The levels of TERRA transcripts appear to be modulated through the life cycle in both trypanosomatids investigated, suggesting that TERRA play a stage-specific role in the life cycle of these early-branching eukaryotes.

MeSH terms

  • Leishmania / genetics*
  • RNA / genetics*
  • Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid / genetics*
  • Telomerase / genetics*
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / genetics*

Substances

  • RNA
  • Telomerase