Discussion

Survival of tsetse-transmitted trypanozoon species crucially depends on maintenance and expression of their mitochondrial genome, termed kinetoplast (kDNA). Replication, segregation and expression of kDNA are extraordinary complex processes that involve an estimated ~300 proteins, only a minority of which have been identified [1,2]. In addition, very little is known about how these processes are regulated and integrated into cell and life cycle of the parasite. We are using genetic RNA interference target sequencing approaches (RIT-seq [3]) with kinome-wide and genome-wide RNAi libraries to identify novel factors involved in kDNA maintenance and expression and have identified several candidates. We will report on our progress in validating these candidates and in elucidating their specific biological roles using assays ranging from subcellular localisation to measuring the effects of gene knockdown on kDNA composition, maintenance, and expression. 

1. Jensen & Englund (2012) Annu Rev Microbiol 66:473-91.

2. Luke� et al. (2011) IUBMB Life 63(7):528-37.

3. Glover et al. (2015) Nat Protoc 10(1):106-33.