Analysis of the 60 S ribosomal protein L27a (L29) gene of Trypanosoma brucei

The Trypanosoma brucei gene encoding the 60 S ribosomal protein L27a (L29) homologue has been cloned and characterised. The complete open reading frame encodes a small basic protein of 145 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 15,950. The L27a amino acid sequence shares 45-58% identity with other L27a (L29) homologues. Southern blot hybridisation suggests that the gene is present in multiple copies. Northern blot analysis of RNA from three T. brucei life cycle stages show that mRNA levels are two-fold higher in procyclic than in early or late bloodstream stages. This infers that this highly conserved ribosomal protein may play an important role in translational regulation through the life cycle of trypanosomes.