Repository logo
 

Transcripts in the Plasmodium Apicoplast Undergo Cleavage at tRNAs and Editing, and Include Antisense Sequences.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Change log

Authors

Nisbet, R Ellen R 
Kurniawan, Davy P 
Bowers, Harrison D 
Howe, Christopher J 

Abstract

The apicoplast, an organelle found in Plasmodium and many other parasitic apicomplexan species, is a remnant chloroplast that is no longer able to carry out photosynthesis. Very little is known about primary transcripts and RNA processing in the Plasmodium apicoplast, although processing in chloroplasts of some related organisms (chromerids and dinoflagellate algae) shows a number of unusual features, including RNA editing and the addition of 3' poly(U) tails. Here, we show that many apicoplast transcripts are polycistronic and that there is extensive RNA processing, often involving the excision of tRNA molecules. We have identified major RNA processing sites, and have shown that these are associated with a conserved sequence motif. We provide the first evidence for the presence of RNA editing in the Plasmodium apicoplast, which has evolved independently from editing in dinoflagellates. We also present evidence for long, polycistronic antisense transcripts, and show that in some cases these are processed at the same sites as sense transcripts. Together, this research has significantly enhanced our understanding of the evolution of chloroplast RNA processing in the Apicomplexa and dinoflagellate algae.

Description

Keywords

Apicoplast, Plasmodium, RNA editing., RNA processing, antisense RNA, chloroplast, Apicoplasts, Plasmodium, RNA Editing, RNA, Antisense, RNA, Protozoan, RNA, Transfer

Journal Title

Protist

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1434-4610
1618-0941

Volume Title

167

Publisher

Elsevier BV
Sponsorship
Medical Research Council (MC_PC_15042)
Wellcome Trust (094249/Z/10/Z)
Wellcome Trust (Grant ID: 094249)