Sending the message: specialized RNA export mechanisms in trypanosomes

Trends Parasitol. 2022 Oct;38(10):854-867. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.07.008. Epub 2022 Aug 24.

Abstract

Export of RNA from the nucleus is essential for all eukaryotic cells and has emerged as a major step in the control of gene expression. mRNA molecules are required to complete a complex series of processing events and pass a quality control system to protect the cytoplasm from the translation of aberrant proteins. Many of these events are highly conserved across eukaryotes, reflecting their ancient origin, but significant deviation from a canonical pathway as described from animals and fungi has emerged in the trypanosomatids. With significant implications for the mechanisms that control gene expression and hence differentiation, responses to altered environments and fitness as a parasite, these deviations may also reveal additional, previously unsuspected, mRNA export pathways.

Keywords: eukaryogenesis; mRNA export; nuclear pore complex; polycistronic transcription; trans-splicing; trypanosomes.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Animals
  • Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • RNA* / genetics
  • RNA* / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Trypanosoma* / genetics
  • Trypanosoma* / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA