Conserved Regions as Markers of Different Patterns of Expression and Distribution of the Mucin-Associated Surface Proteins of Trypanosoma cruzi

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe MASP gene family is the second most widely represented gene family in the genome ofTrypanosoma cruzi. One of its main characteristics is that its 5′ and 3′ regions are highly conserved. We assessed the expression of these conserved regions as a marker forT. cruziand also analyzed the expression of themaspgenes and MASP proteins. In parasite strains CL-Brener (DTUVI lineage) and PAN4 (DTUI lineage),maspgenes were expressed at different levels both with regard to the two strains and between stages in the parasite's life cycle. We also studied the expression of the family during the intracellular cycle ofT. cruzi, using antibodies against the conserved MASP signal peptide (SP). Fluorescence intensity showed an increase in expression from 24 h onwards, with a peak in intensity at 72 h postinfection. After 24 and 48 h, the MASP proteins were expressed in 33.33% and 57.14% of the amastigotes, respectively. Our data show that not only the extracellular forms ofT. cruzibut also the intracellular phases express this type of protein, though to different extents in the various forms of the parasite.