Cell organization in the differentiation and in the cell cycle of Trypanosoma

Abstract

In this project we intend to determine the molecular basis for the establishment of different nuclear and cellular organization patterns in trypanosomes, agents of several parasitic diseases. We will characterize histone post-translational modifications in these organisms, essential in the control of DNA transcription, replication, and repair. In parallel, we will characterize in these organisms the activity, specificity, cellular localization and function of some protein kinases known to participate in the control of the protein synthesis, cell growth and differentiation in diverse eukaryotes. We will also evaluate alterations of the cytoskeleton and of the flagellum. We intend to follow these modifications by a systematic proteomic analysis focusing on the phosphorylation during the differentiation processes and progression in the cell cycle, and to test in a large scale screening inhibitors of these processes. These studies may indicate how these parasites control their development as function of the environment changes found in the diverse hosts. (AU)