Transformation of monomorphic and pleomorphic Trypanosoma brucei

McCulloch, R., Vassella, E., Burton, P., Boshart, M. and Barry, J.D. (2004) Transformation of monomorphic and pleomorphic Trypanosoma brucei. Methods in Molecular Biology, 262(1), pp. 53-86. (doi: 10.1385/1592597610)

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Abstract

African trypanosomes, such as Trypanosoma brucei, are protozoan parasites of mammals that were first described over 100 hundred years ago. They have long been the subjects of biological investigation, which has yielded insights into a number of fundamental, as well as novel, cellular processes in all organisms. In the last decade or so, genetic manipulation of trypanosomes has become possible through DNA transformation, allowing yet more detailed analysis of the biology of the parasite. One facet of this is that DNA transformation has itself been used as an assay for recombination and will undoubtedly lead to further genetic approaches to examine this process. Here we describe protocols for DNA transformation of Trypanosoma brucei, including two different life cycle stages and two different strain types that are distinguished by morphological and developmental criteria. We consider the application of transformation to recombination, as well as the uses of transforming the different life cycle stages and strain types.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Burton, Dr Peter and Barry, Professor J and McCulloch, Professor Richard
Authors: McCulloch, R., Vassella, E., Burton, P., Boshart, M., and Barry, J.D.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Methods in Molecular Biology
ISSN:1064-3745
ISSN (Online):1940-6029
Published Online:03 February 2008

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