Trypanosoma vivax: Evidence for only one RNA polymerase II largest subunit gene in a trypanosome which undergoes antigenic variation

Abstract

Previous studies suggested a correlation between antigenic variation in Kinetoplastida and the presence of two RNA polymerase (pol) II largest subunit genes in these organisms. We have found that Trypanosoma vivax, an African trypanosome which undergoes antigenic variation, is an exception, and has only one pol II largest subunit gene, indicating that probably neither of the two pol II genes found in other African trypanosomes is uniquely required for antigenc variation. © 1993 Academic press, Inc.