Cloning and characterisation of a cDNA encoding the Trypanosoma brucei ribosomal protein L24

A cDNA encoding ribosomal protein L24 was amplified by PCR from the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma brucei. The 621 nucleotide cDNA had an open reading frame of 375 nucleotides, predicting a highly basic protein of 125 aa. Database searches revealed 33-40% identity between the T. brucei RPL24 protein and several eukaryotic RPL24 homologues. Southern blot analysis indicated that the gene was present as a single copy, and a transcript of approximately 620 nucleotides was detected in procyclic forms of the parasite. Interestingly, T. brucei PRL24 is the smallest eukaryotic RPL24 protein described to date. It is also the most divergent of the known kinetoplastid ribosomal proteins. Copyright (C) 1999 Australian Society for Parasitology Inc.