DNA breaks as triggers for antigenic variation in African trypanosomes

Genome Biol. 2009;10(6):223. doi: 10.1186/gb-2009-10-6-223. Epub 2009 Jun 8.

Abstract

The DNA repair machinery has been co-opted for antigenic variation in African trypanosomes. New work directly demonstrates that a double-strand break initiates a switch in the expressed variant surface coat.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa
  • Animals
  • Antigenic Variation / genetics*
  • DNA Breaks*
  • DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded
  • Trypanosoma / genetics*
  • Variant Surface Glycoproteins, Trypanosoma / genetics

Substances

  • Variant Surface Glycoproteins, Trypanosoma