Two simultaneously active VSG gene transcription units in a single Trypanosoma brucei variant

The dynamics of antigenic variation and growth of African trypanosomes

Antigenic variation in African trypanosomes, which is a simple strategy for survival in the immune host, is rendered complex by its magnitude. For protection from nonspecific immunity and escape from specific immunity, each trypanosome is covered by a replaceable surface coat composed of the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG), which specifies the variable antigen type (VAT) of the trypanosome. Antigenic variation is the process by which the trypanosome switches from one coat to another. Here, David Barry and Michael Turner consider this phenomenon within the context of the course of trypanosome infection.

Control of VSG gene expression sites

Trypanosoma brucei survives in mammals by antigenic variation of its surface coat consisting of variant surface glycoprotein (VSG). Trypanosomes change coat mainly by replacing the transcribed VSG genes in an active telomeric expression site by a different VSG gene. There are about 20 different expression sites and trypanosomes can also change coat by switching the site that is active. This review summarizes recent work on the mechanism of site switching and on the way inactive expression sites are kept silent.

Subnuclear localization of the active variant surface glycoprotein gene expression site in Trypanosoma brucei

In Trypanosoma brucei, transcription by RNA polymerase II and 5' capping of messenger RNA are uncoupled: a capped spliced leader is trans spliced to every RNA. This decoupling makes it possible to have protein-coding gene transcription driven by RNA polymerase I. Indeed, indirect evidence suggests that the genes for the major surface glycoproteins, variant surface glycoproteins (VSGs) in bloodstream-form trypanosomes, are transcribed by RNA polymerase I. In a single trypanosome, only one VSG expression site is maximally transcribed at any one time, and it has been speculated that transcription takes place at a unique site within the nucleus, perhaps in the nucleolus. We tested this by using fluorescence in situ hybridization. With probes that cover about 50 kb of the active 221 expression site, we detected nuclear transcripts of this site in a single fluorescent spot, which did not colocalize with the nucleolus. Analysis of marker gene-tagged active expression site DNA by fluorescent DNA in situ hybridization confirmed the absence of association with the nucleolus. Even an active expression site in which the promoter had been replaced by an rDNA promoter did not colocalize with the nulceolus. As expected, marker genes inserted in the rDNA array predominantly colocalize with the nucleolus, whereas the tubulin gene arrays do not. We conclude that transcription of the active VSG expression site does not take place in the nucleolus.

Changing the end: antigenic variation orchestrated at the telomeres of African trypanosomes

African trypanosomes express the gene encoding their variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) surface coat from one of many telomeric expression sites. This genomic location at chromosome ends not only allows easy exchange of VSG gene cassettes using various mechanisms of DNA recombination but also appears to play a role in VSG gene expression site control.

Frequent loss of the active site during variant surface glycoprotein expression site switching in vitro in Trypanosoma brucei

African trypanosomes undergo antigenic variation of their variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat to avoid being killed by their mammalian hosts. The active VSG gene is located in one of many telomeric expression sites. Replacement of the VSG gene in the active site or switching between expression sites can give rise to a new VSG coat. To study Trypanosoma brucei VSG expression site inactivation rather than VSG gene switching, it is useful to have an in vitro negative-selection system independent of the VSG. We have achieved this aim by using a viral thymidine kinase (TK) gene. Following integration of the TK gene downstream of the 221a VSG expression site promoter, transformant cell lines became sensitive to the nucleoside analog 1-(2-deoxy-2-fluoro-8-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodouracil. These TK trypanosomes were able to revert to resistance at a rate approaching 10(-5) per cell per generation. The majority of revertants expressed a new VSG gene even though there had been no selection against the VSG itself. Analysis of these switched variants showed that some had shut down TK expression via an in situ expression site switch. However, most variants had the complete 221 expression site deleted and another VSG expression site activated. We speculate that a new VSG expression site cannot switch on without inactivation of the old site.

Localization of the modified base J in telomeric VSG gene expression sites of Trypanosoma brucei

African trypanosomes such as Trypanosoma brucei undergo antigenic variation in the bloodstream of their mammalian hosts by regularly changing the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) gene expressed. The transcribed VSG gene is invariably located in a telomeric expression site. There are multiple expression sites and one way to change the VSG gene expressed is by activating a new site and inactivating the previously active one. The mechanisms that control expression site switching are unknown, but have been suggested to involve epigenetic regulation. We have found previously that VSG genes in silent (but not active) expression sites contain modified restriction endonuclease cleavage sites, and we have presented circumstantial evidence indicating that this is attributable to the presence of a novel modified base beta-D-glucosyl-hydroxymethyluracil, or J. To directly test this, we have generated antisera that specifically recognize J-containing DNA and have used these to determine the precise location of this modified thymine in the telomeric VSG expression sites. By anti J-DNA immunoprecipitations, we found that J is present in telomeric VSG genes in silenced expression sites and not in actively transcribed telomeric VSG genes. J was absent from inactive chromosome-internal VSG genes. DNA modification was also found at the boundaries of expression sites. In the long 50-bp repeat arrays upstream of the promoter and in the telomeric repeat arrays downstream of the VSG gene, J was found both in silent and active expression sites. This suggests that silencing results in a gradient of modification spreading from repetitive DNA flanks into the neighboring expression site sequences. In this paper, we discuss the possible role of J in silencing of expression sites.

Manipulation of the vsg co-transposed region increases expression-site switching in Trypanosoma brucei

Disruption of a region of DNA in Trypanosoma brucei immediately upstream of the expressed telomere-proximal variant surface glycoprotein gene (vsg), known as the co-transposed region (CTR), can cause a dramatic increase in the rate at which the active expression site (ES) is switched off and a new ES is switched on. Deletion of most of the CTR in two ESs caused a greater than 100-fold increase in the rate of ES switching, to about 1.3 x 10(-4) per generation. A more dramatic effect was observed when the entire CTR and the 5' coding region of the expressed vsg221 were deleted. In this case a new ES was activated within a few cell divisions. This switch also occurred in cell lines where a second vsg had been inserted into the ES, prior to CTR deletion. These cell lines, which stably co-expressed the inserted and endogenous Vsgs, in equal amounts, did not differ from the wild-type in growth rate or switching frequency, suggesting that simultaneous expression of two Vsgs has no intrinsic effect. CTR deletion did not disturb the inserted vsg117. We tentatively conclude that it was not the disruption of the vsg221 in itself that destabilized the ES. All of the observed switches occurred without additional detectable DNA rearrangements in the switched ES. Deletion of the 70-bp repeats and/or a vsg pseudogene upstream of the CTR did not affect ES stability. Several speculative interpretations of these observation are offered, the most intriguing of which is that the CTR plays some role in modulating chromatin conformation at an ES.

Analysis of Trypanosoma brucei vsg expression site switching in vitro

Trypanosoma brucei can undergo antigenic variation by switching between distinct telomeric variant surface glycoprotein gene (vsg) expression sites (ESs) or by replacing the active vsg. DNA rearrangements have often been associated with ES switching, but it is unclear if such rearrangements are necessary or whether ES inactivation always accompanies ES activation. To explore these issues, we derived ten independent clones, from the same parent, that had undergone a similar vsg activation event. This was achieved in the absence of an immune response, in vitro, using cells with selectable markers integrated into an ES. Nine of the ten clones had undergone ES switching. Such heritable changes in transcription state occurred at a frequency of approximately 6 x 10(-7). Comparison of switched and un-switched clones highlighted the dynamic nature of T. brucei telomeres, but changes in telomere length were not specifically associated with ES switching. Mapping within and beyond the ESs revealed no detectable DNA rearrangements, indicating that rearrangements are not necessary for ES activation/inactivation. Examination of individual cells indicated that ES activation consistently accompanied inactivation of the previously active ES. In some cases, however, we found cells that appeared to have efficiently established the switched state but which subsequently, at a frequency of approximately 2 x 10(-3), generated cells expressing both pre- and post-switch vsgs. These results show that ES activation/inactivation is usually a coupled process but that cells can inherit a propensity to uncouple these events.

Targeted disruption of expression site-associated gene-1 in bloodstream-form Trypanosoma brucei

Each variant surface glycoprotein (Vsg) expression site (ES) in bloodstream-form Trypanosoma brucei is a polycistronic transcription unit containing several distinct expression site-associated genes (esag), in addition to a single vsg gene. esag1 genes from different ESs encode a highly polymorphic family of membrane-associated glycoproteins, whose function is unknown. In the hope of producing a phenotype that could indicate a function, we disrupted the esag1 genes in two ESs by targeted insertion of a hygromycin phosphotransferase gene. Our failure to produce an obvious phenotype prompted us to search for other esag1 transcripts. RNA from the mutant trypanosomes hybridized with an esag1-specific oligonucleotide. Cloning and sequencing of mRNA from both mutant and wild-type cells showed that several esag1 family members were expressed, each at a much lower level than the esag1 transcript from the active ES in wild-type trypanosomes. Long-range DNA mapping showed that these additional esag1 genes, some of which contained premature translation-termination codons, most probably originate from chromosomal-internal genes and pseudogenes. We have therefore been unable to determine whether esag1 is an essential gene, or what function it fulfils, or whether any competent Esag1 protein is expressed in the mutant trypanosomes.

Stable expression of mosaic coats of variant surface glycoproteins in Trypanosoma brucei

The paradigm of antigenic variation in parasites is the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) of African trypanosomes. Only one VSG is expressed at any time, except for short periods during switching. The reasons for this pattern of expression and the consequences of expressing more than one VSG are unknown. Trypanosoma brucei was genetically manipulated to generate cell lines that expressed two VSGs simultaneously. These VSGs were produced in equal amounts and were homogeneously distributed on the trypanosome surface. The double-expressor cells had similar population doubling times and were as infective as wild-type cells. Thus, the simultaneous expression of two VSGs is not intrinsically harmful.

Antigenic variation in trypanosomes: secrets surface slowly

Among pathogenic micro-organisms that evade the mammalian immune responses. Trypanosoma brucei has developed the most elaborate capacity for antigenic variation. Trypanosomes branched early during eukaryotic evolution. They are characterized by many aberrations, ranging from the unusual compartmentation of metabolic pathways to the heresy of RNA editing. The ubiquitous phenomenon of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchoring of eukaryotic plasma membrane proteins and RNA trans-splicing (trypanosome genes contain no introns), which adds an identical leader sequence to all trypanosome mRNAs, were first defined during studies of antigenic variation. Genetic transformation of trypanosomes and the high efficiency of gene targeting provide new opportunities to investigate the regulation of antigenic variation. There is every reason to expect trypanosomes to provide further surprises and insights into the evolution of genetic regulatory mechanisms.

Expression site-associated genes transcribed independently of variant surface glycoprotein genes in Trypanosoma brucei

Expression site-associated genes (ESAGs) of Trypanosoma brucei are found upstream of variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) genes in bloodstream expression sites. There are at least 6 different ESAGs in each of these expression sites, and each ESAG is repetitive in the genome. ESAGs are believed to reside only in VSG expression sites and to be co-transcribed with the VSG gene from a common alpha-amanitin-insensitive promoter. Our results show that this is not always true. The transcriptionally active 1.22 metacyclic expression site contains no ESAGs, but ESAGs are highly transcribed in these cells. The level of transcription indicates that more than one copy of each of these genes is active. Furthermore, some of these genes are transcribed, to produce steady state RNA, in procyclic culture cells which do not express the VSG gene: there is differential expression of ESAGs between the bloodstream and procyclic phases of the trypanosome life cycle. Thus ESAGs can be transcribed outwith an active VSG gene expression site and in the absence of expression of the VSG.

Characterization of VSG gene expression site promoters and promoter-associated DNA rearrangement events

The expressed variant cell surface glycoprotein (VSG) gene of Trypanosoma brucei is located at the 3' end of a large, telomeric, polycistronic transcription unit or expression site. We show that the region 45 kb upstream of the VSG gene, in the expression site on a 1.5-Mb chromosome, contains at least two promoters that are arranged in tandem, directing the transcription of the expression site. DNA rearrangement events occur specifically, at inactivation of the expression site, and these events delete the most upstream transcribed region and replace it with a large array of simple-sequence DNA, leaving the downstream promoter intact. Because of the placement of simple-sequence DNA, the remaining downstream promoter now becomes structurally identical to previously described VSG promoters. The downstream promoter is repetitive in the genome, since it is present at several different expression sites. Restriction fragment length polymorphism mapping allows grouping of the expression sites into two families, those with and those without an upstream transcription unit, and the DNA rearrangement events convert the expression sites from one type to the other. Deletion of the upstream transcription unit also leads to the loss of several steady-state RNAs. The findings may indicate a role for promoter-associated DNA rearrangement events, and/or interactions between tandemly arranged promoters, in expression site transcriptional control.

Characterization of VSG gene expression site promoters and promoter-associated DNA rearrangement events

The expressed variant cell surface glycoprotein (VSG) gene of Trypanosoma brucei is located at the 3' end of a large, telomeric, polycistronic transcription unit or expression site. We show that the region 45 kb upstream of the VSG gene, in the expression site on a 1.5-Mb chromosome, contains at least two promoters that are arranged in tandem, directing the transcription of the expression site. DNA rearrangement events occur specifically, at inactivation of the expression site, and these events delete the most upstream transcribed region and replace it with a large array of simple-sequence DNA, leaving the downstream promoter intact. Because of the placement of simple-sequence DNA, the remaining downstream promoter now becomes structurally identical to previously described VSG promoters. The downstream promoter is repetitive in the genome, since it is present at several different expression sites. Restriction fragment length polymorphism mapping allows grouping of the expression sites into two families, those with and those without an upstream transcription unit, and the DNA rearrangement events convert the expression sites from one type to the other. Deletion of the upstream transcription unit also leads to the loss of several steady-state RNAs. The findings may indicate a role for promoter-associated DNA rearrangement events, and/or interactions between tandemly arranged promoters, in expression site transcriptional control.

Antigenic variation in Trypanosoma brucei: a telomeric expression site for variant-specific surface glycoprotein genes with novel features

African trypanosomes evade the immune response of their host by periodically changing their variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat. Each coat is encoded by a separate VSG gene. Expressed genes are in a telomeric expression site (ES) and there are several sites in each trypanosome. To study the transcription control of VSG genes in Trypanosoma brucei we have analyzed an ES, called the dominant ES (DES), that readily switches off and on. The promoter area of the DES is very similar to that of the 221 ES (Zomerdijk et al., 1990). It can be switched off and on in vivo without detectable DNA alterations in the vicinity of the transcription start and it can drive high transient expression of a reporter gene in transfection experiments. However, there are also two major differences between the DES and the 221 ES. First, one version of the DES contains an additional upstream transcription unit overlapping the VSG gene ES promoter. The presence of this upstram transcription is dispensable, however, for the VSG gene ES promoter is active, even if transcription through this start from the upstream promoter is blocked using UV light. Moreover, a second version of the DES present in another trypanosome variant does not produce these upstream transcripts. Secondly, we find that the inactivation of DES transcription in one trypanosome variant is accompanied by DNA alterations in the DES upstream (greater than 2 kb) of the transcription start; reactivation of DES transcription is accompanied by another alteration far upstream. Although we cannot exclude that these DNA rearrangements are incidental, our results raise the possibility that the activity of ES promoters is negatively controlled in cis by far upstream sequences not included in transfection constructs and that alterations in these sequences may lead to (in)activation of the promoter.

The Trypanosoma brucei protein phosphatase gene: polycistronic transcription with the RNA polymerase II largest subunit gene

We have previously described the trypanosomal gene encoding the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) and found that two almost identical genes are encoded within the Trypanosoma brucei genome. Here we show by Southern analyses that the 5' breakpoint between both loci is located approximately 7.5 kb upstream of the RNAP II genes. Northern analyses revealed that the 5' duplicated segment contains at least four other genes, which are transcribed in both bloodstream and procyclic trypanosomes. The gene located immediately upstream of the RNAP II gene in both loci was characterized by sequence analyses. The deduced amino acid sequences show a high degree of similarity to the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase class 1 (PP1) genes. S1 mapping provided strong evidence in support of the fact that the PP1 and RNAP II genes belong to a single transcription unit.

Structure of a telomeric expression site for variant specific surface antigens in Trypanosoma brucei

We have studied the organization of the expression site, in which most chromosome-internal variant-specific surface glycoprotein (VSG) genes of Trypanosoma brucei strain 427 are expressed (the dominant expression site) and compared it to the previously characterized VSG 221 expression site. With the exception of a 500 bp segment and a VSG pseudogene, which are absent from the dominant expression site, overall all major sequence elements of the two sites are organized similarly, as judged from their relative mapping positions by UV inactivation of transcription. Transcription is insensitive to 1 mg alpha-amanitin per ml, a characteristic property of VSG gene expression sites analyzed thus far. The sequence elements of the dominant expression site include at least one other expressed gene of unknown function and homologues of at least two other open reading frames. The large internal duplication of the 60-kb 221 expression site appear to be missing from the dominant site, resulting in a shorter, 40-kb transcription unit. As judged from its relative sensitivity to UV inactivation of transcription, a subsidiary promoter, identified by other methods in the dominant expression site appears fully dependent for its activity on the promoter located 40 kb upstream of the VSG gene. We conclude that all VSG gene expression sites may be similarly organized as large polygenic transcription units.

A retroposon in the 5' flank of a Trypanosoma brucei VSG gene lacks insertional terminal repeats

A retroposon-like repeated sequence, ingi, occurs in high copy number in the genome of Trypanosoma brucei brucei. An ingi is present in the 5' flank of the 5C gene, an intrachromosomal IsTat 1.5 variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) gene family member. The 5' end of the ingi is located 22 bp upstream of the putative VSG start codon and the ingi open reading frame is in the opposite orientation to that of the VSG gene. The termini of the ingi are not flanked by a short repeat sequence and there are no sequences upstream of the ingi insertion which are homologous to the 5' flanking sequence of other 5 VSG gene family members. Thus, it appears that recombination and/or gene conversion between two ingi sequences may have eliminated the original 5C gene flanking sequence. Similar events may also have occurred with all but one previously reported ingi.

Ordered appearance of antigenic variants of African trypanosomes explained in a mathematical model based on a stochastic switch process and immune-selection against putative switch intermediates

Antigenic variation of African trypanosomes results from the periodic activation of a single new variant cell surface glycoprotein (VSG) gene out of a repertoire of about a 1000 VSG genes. In spite of the apparently random genetic basis of the process of antigenic variation, the relapsing parasitemias are characterized by an as yet unexplained order of appearance of major VSG variants. Here we mathematically test hypotheses concerning the blood-based parasitemia. In our model the antigenic switches occur at random at the DNA level. A variable proportion of the switches has a short intermediate phase in which two different VSGs simultaneously occur on the cell surface. We show that, in a theoretical population of 230 single expressor variants in an immunocompetent or in an immunodeficient host, it is not possible to explain the ordered appearance of variants by affecting the growth coefficients of single expressors or double expressors or by affecting the antigen switch probabilities. Rather, a realistic parasitemia can be obtained if the majority of switches has a double expressor switch-intermediate phase and if the double expressors have a differential susceptibility to the immune control. This study is significant in providing a theoretical basis for the ordered appearance of variants and in explaining previously unresolved discrepancies between the rate of appearance of new variants in culture and in vivo. In addition, testable predictions as to the development of the infections, switch rate of variants, fraction of double expressors, and parasite mortality coefficients are generated.

Trypanosoma brucei contains two RNA polymerase II largest subunit genes with an altered C-terminal domain

We have identified and cloned four trypanosomal RNA polymerase largest subunit genes. Here, we present the molecular analysis of two genes, Trp4.8 and Trp5.9. The sequence of these genes shows that they are almost identical to each other and indicates that they encode the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. Both genes contain a C-terminal extension that is clearly distinct from that of other eukaryotic RNA polymerase II genes, because it lacks the common tandemly repeated heptapeptide sequence and is rich in acidic amino acids. It shares many potential phosphorylation sites, however, with the C-terminal extension of other eukaryotic RNA polymerase II large subunits. The presence of two RNA polymerase II loci suggests that a fourth RNA polymerase could be formed. Interestingly, the fourth gene is only found in species exhibiting antigenic variation.

Structure and sequence of the gene for the largest subunit of trypanosomal RNA polymerase III

As the first step in the analysis of the transcription process in the African trypanosome, Trypanosoma brucei, we have started to characterise the trypanosomal RNA polymerases. We have previously described the gene encoding the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II and found that two almost identical RNA polymerase II genes are encoded within the genome of T. brucei. Here we present the identification, cloning and sequence analysis of the gene encoding the largest subunit of RNA polymerase III. This gene contains a single open reading frame encoding a polypeptide with a Mr of 170 kD. In total, eight encoding a polypeptide with a Mr of 170 kD. In total, eight highly conserved regions with significant homology to those previously reported in other eukaryotic RNA polymerase largest subunits were identified. Some of these domains contain functional sites, which are conserved among all eukaryotic largest subunit genes analysed thus far. Since these domains make up a large part of each polypeptide, independent of the RNA polymerase class, these data strongly support the hypothesis that these domains provide a major part of the transcription machinery of the RNA polymerase complex. The additional domains which are uniquely present in the largest subunit of RNA polymerase I and II, respectively, two large hydrophylic insertions and a C-terminal extension, might be a determining factor in specific transcription of the gene classes.

Inactivation of transcription by UV irradiation of T. brucei provides evidence for a multicistronic transcription unit including a VSG gene

We have used inactivation of transcription by UV irradiation to map transcription units in trypanosomes. The relative inactivation rate of the transcription of mini-exon, 5S, and rRNA genes was inversely proportional to the previously estimated lengths of these transcription units. The telomeric transcription unit containing the gene for variant-specific surface glycoprotein (VSG) 221 was inactivated as a single unit of 60 kb. This long transcription unit comprises at least one other protein-coding gene and yields seven other stable mRNAs. These data thus provide evidence for a multicistronic transcription unit for cellular genes in a eukaryote.

The anatomy and transcription of a telomeric expression site for variant-specific surface antigens in T. brucei

The variant specific surface glycoprotein (VSG) genes of T. brucei are expressed in telomeric expression sites. We have determined the structure of the active site in trypanosome variant 221a, which contains VSG gene 221, by analysis of cloned DNA segments that represent 65 kb of the 5'-flanking region of the VSG gene. In nuclear run-on experiments, 57 kb of adjacent sequences are cotranscribed with the VSG gene at approximately similar rates and in the alpha-amanitin-resistant manner characteristic of VSG genes. Besides the VSG mRNA, this expression site yields at least seven stable RNAs, suggesting that it is a multicistronic transcription unit. Our results also show that insertion of a transcriptional terminator is not the general mechanism of switching off expression sites.

Trypanosoma brucei variant-specific glycoprotein gene chromatin is sensitive to single-strand-specific endonuclease digestion

Active variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) gene chromatin is preferentially digested by the restriction enzyme HinfI in nuclei of bloodstream variants of Trypanosoma brucei. HinfI sensitivity of VSG gene chromatin is not observed in nuclei of relapse variants in which the VSG gene has been inactivated in situ. Active VSG gene chromatin is preferentially degraded by the single-strand-specific endonucleases S1 and Bal31. This sensitivity is not the result of pre-existing single-strand breaks or a detectably altered nucleosomal organization. Trypanosome nuclei in which the run-on transcription of VSG genes has been specifically shut down have been used to show that Hinfl and Bal31 sensitivity is not dependent upon continued transcription of the VSG gene. The presence of single-stranded DNA regions within VSG gene chromatin is consistent with a model in which VSG genes are activated by increased torsional stress.

VSG gene 118 is transcribed from a cotransposed pol I-like promoter

To understand the control of differential variant cell surface glycoprotein (VSG) gene expression in T. brucei, we studied VSG gene and expression site transcription regulation. We show that the interchromosomal duplicative transposition of VSG gene 118, on an unusually large transposed segment, results in the transcriptional activation of a cotransposed RNA polymerase I-like (pol I) promoter, from which the VSG gene is transcribed. Transcription of VSG genes by pol I can therefore be regulated by DNA rearrangements that affect positional control of gene expression. A 5' cap is added in trans to the pol I-derived pre-mRNA, by addition of a pol II-derived 35 nucleotide mini-exon. A second gene (ESAG1) is located 25 kb upstream of the VSG 118 gene and is also transcribed. This expression site therefore contains at least two independently regulated genes. We discuss the putative importance of a nucleolar location for VSG gene and expression site transcription regulation.

Coincident multiple activations of the same surface antigen gene in Trypanosoma brucei

Trypanosomes with a coat of variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) 118, consistently appear around day 20 when a rabbit is infected with Trypanosoma brucei strain 427. There is a single chromosome-internal gene for VSG 118 and this is activated by duplicative transposition to a telomeric expression site. We show here that the expression-linked extra copy of VSG gene 118 in a day 18 population of a chronic infection is heterogeneous, and we infer that the population is not monoclonal but is the result of multiple independent activations of the 118 gene. We show that the heterogeneity of expression-linked extra copies is also present in other trypanosome populations expressing chromosome-internal VSG genes. We present a model for the timing of VSG gene activation during chronic infection that emphasizes two features: the relative activation and inactivation frequencies of different expression sites, and the degree of homology of the sequences flanking VSG genes with expression sites.

Programmed gene rearrangements altering gene expression

Programmed gene rearrangements are used in nature to to alter gene copy number (gene amplification and deletion), to create diversity by reassorting gene segments (as in the formation of mammalian immunoglobulin genes), or to control the expression of a set of genes that code for the same function (such as surface antigens). Two major mechanisms for expression control are DNA inversion and DNA transposition. In DNA inversion a DNA segment flips around and is rejoined by site-specific recombination, disconnecting or connecting a gene to sequences required for its expression. In DNA transposition a gene moves into an expression site where it displaces its predecessor by gene conversion. Gene rearrangements altering gene expression have mainly been found in some unicellular organisms. They allow a fraction of the organisms to preadapt to sudden changes in environment, that is, to alter properties such as surface antigens in the absence of an inducing stimulus. The antigenic variation that helps the causative agents of African trypanosomiasis, gonorrhea, and relapsing fever to elude host defense is controlled in this way.

Evolutionary aspects of trypanosomes: analysis of genes

The genes for four glycolytic enzymes of Trypanosoma brucei have been analyzed. The proteins encoded by these genes show 38-57% identity with their counterparts in other organisms, whether pro- or eukaryotic. These data are consistent with a phylogenetic tree in which trypanosomes diverged very early from the main branch of the eukaryotic lineage. No definite conclusion can be drawn yet about the evolutionary origin of glycosomes, the microbodies of trypanosomes which contain most enzymes of the glycolytic pathway. A bias could be observed in the codon usage of the glycolytic genes and genes for other housekeeping proteins, indicating that trypanosomes may have selected a nucleotide sequence that enables efficient translation. However, the genes for variant surface glycoproteins (VSGs) do not show such a bias. This lack of preference for special codons is explained by the high evolutionary rate that could be observed for VSG genes.

Progress in molecular parasitology

Substantial progress has been made in the last ten years in understanding the structural and functional organization of parasitic protozoa and helminths and the complex physiological relationships that exist between these organisms and their hosts. By employing the new powerful techniques of biochemistry, molecular biology and immunology the genomic organization in parasites, the molecular basis of parasite's variation in surface antigens and the biosynthesis, processing, transport and membrane anchoring of these and other surface proteins were extensively investigated. Significant advances have also been made in our knowledge of the specific and often peculiar strategies of intermediary metabolism, cell compartmentation, the role of oxygen for parasites and the mechanisms of antiparasitic drug action. Further major fields of interest are currently the complex processes which enables parasites to evade the host's immune defense system and other mechanisms which have resulted in the specific adaptations which enabled parasites to survive within their host environments. Various approaches in molecular and biochemical parasitology and in immunoparasitology have been proven to be of high potential for serodiagnosis, immunoprophylaxis and drug design.

Trypanosoma brucei: the extent of conversion in antigen genes may be related to the DNA coding specificity

The boundaries of gene conversion in variant-specific antigen genes have been determined in six clones of Trypanosoma brucei. In each clone, antigenic switching involved interaction between two telomeric members of the AnTat 1.1 multigene family, which share extensive homology throughout their coding regions. All conversion events occurred by substitution of faithful copies of donor sequences. Conversion endpoints were nonrandomly distributed. In four clones, the 5' conversion limit was near the antigen translation initiation codon, while in three clones, the 3' conversion limit was located at the "hinge" between the two major antigen domains. In one case, two segmental conversions were involved in antigen switching. These observations reveal that antigen gene conversion can occur without generating point mutations, and suggest that postrecombinational selection may impose a limit on the number of possible rearrangements within antigen genes.