Abstract
We have previously shown that the DNA of the unicellular eukaryote T. brucei contains about 0.1% of a novel modified base, called J. The presence of J correlates with a DNA modification associated with the silencing of telomeric expression sites for the variant surface antigens of trypanosomes. Here we show that J is 5-((beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-methyl)-uracil (shortened to beta-D-glucosyl-hydroxymethyluracil), a base not previously found in DNA. We discuss putative pathways for the introduction of this base modification at specific positions in the DNA and the possible contribution of this modification to repression of surface antigen gene expression.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Chromatography, Liquid
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Chromatography, Thin Layer
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DNA, Protozoan / chemistry*
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DNA, Protozoan / isolation & purification
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Deoxyribonucleotides / isolation & purification
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Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
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Galactosyltransferases
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Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
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Gene Expression
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Glucosides / analysis*
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Glucosides / chemistry
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Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
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Molecular Structure
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Telomere / physiology
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Trypanosoma brucei brucei / chemistry*
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Trypanosoma brucei brucei / genetics
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Uracil / analogs & derivatives*
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Uracil / analysis
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Uracil / chemistry
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Variant Surface Glycoproteins, Trypanosoma / biosynthesis
Substances
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DNA, Protozoan
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Deoxyribonucleotides
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Glucosides
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Variant Surface Glycoproteins, Trypanosoma
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5-((glucopyranosyloxy)methyl)uracil
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Uracil
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Galactosyltransferases