Trypanosoma cruzi: analysis of the complete PUF RNA-binding protein family

Exp Parasitol. 2006 Jun;113(2):112-24. doi: 10.1016/j.exppara.2005.12.015. Epub 2006 Feb 7.

Abstract

The members of the PUF family of RNA-binding proteins regulate the fate of mRNAs by binding to their 3'UTR sequence elements in eukaryotes. In trypanosomes, for which gene expression is polycistronic and controlled almost exclusively by post-transcriptional processes, PUF proteins could play a crucial role. We report here the complete analysis of the PUF protein family of Trypanosoma cruzi composed of 10 members. In silico analysis predicts the existence of at least three major groups within the T. cruzi family, based on their putative binding specificity. Using yeast three hybrid assays, we tested some of these predictions for TcPUF1, TcPUF3, TcPUF5, and TcPUF8 as representatives of these groups. Data mining of the T. cruzi genome led us to describe putative binding targets for the TcPUFs of the most conserved group, TcPUF1 and TcPUF2. The targets include genes for mitochondrial proteins and protein kinases. Finally, immunolocalization experiments showed that TcPUF1 is localized in multiple discrete foci in the cytoplasm supporting its proposed function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions / metabolism
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Open Reading Frames
  • Protozoan Proteins / chemistry
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics*
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Repetitive Sequences, Amino Acid
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / genetics*
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / metabolism

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • RNA-Binding Proteins

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AY373518
  • GENBANK/AY373519
  • GENBANK/AY373520
  • GENBANK/AY373521
  • GENBANK/AY373522
  • GENBANK/AY373523
  • GENBANK/AY373524
  • GENBANK/AY373525
  • GENBANK/AY373526