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Chromosomal size conservation through the cell cycle supports karyotype stability in Trypanosoma cruzi
Author(s) -
Galindo Mario,
Sabaj Valeria,
Espinoza Ingrid,
Toro Gabriela Cecilia,
Búa Jaqueline,
Grenet Jose,
López-Solís Remigio,
Ruiz Andres Mariano,
Galanti Norbel
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.03.093
Subject(s) - trypanosoma cruzi , biology , karyotype , chromosomal polymorphism , mitosis , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology , cell cycle , chromosome , cell , parasite hosting , gene , world wide web , computer science
The Trypanosoma cruzi karyotype shows an extensive chromosomal size polymorphism. Absence of condensed mitotic chromosomes and chromatin fragility are characteristic features of T. cruzi which would allow DNA breaks and chromosomal rearrangements during cell proliferation. We have investigated by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) eventual changes in chromosomal size during exponential and stationary phases of T. cruzi epimastigotes in culture, in G0 trypomastigotes and throughout the cell cycle in synchronized epimastigotes. T. cruzi molecular karyotype was stable throughout the cell cycle and during differentiation. Thus, the chromosomal size polymorphism previously reported in T. cruzi contrasts with the stability of the molecular karyotype observed here and suggests that chromosomal rearrangements leading to changes in chromosomal size are scarce events during the clonal propagation of this parasite.