Comparative RNAseq analysis of Trypanosoma brucei and T. congolense

Purpose: The is a major paucity of knowledge regarding the biology of Trypanosoma congolense, a protozoan parasite primarily responsible for Animal African Trypanosomiasis. In contrast, the closely related species T. brucei, is far better understood. To characterise core metabolism in T. congolense, comparative RNAseq analysis was undertaken to assess similarities and differences in transcript levels of genes associated with metabolism Methods: Samples from both in vitro culture and ex vivo (isolated from murine infections) bloodstream-form T. brucei and T. congolense were RNA-sequenced. Data was analyzed using a pipeline that allows for inter-species comparison Results: T. congolense exhibits increased transcript abundance in genes associated with the glycosomal succinate shunt, as well as mitochondrial metabolism, in particular the catabolism of pyruvate to acetate, compared to T. brucei. These differences occur both in vitro and ex vivo. Furthermore there are differences in nucleotide metabolism, and transcript levels of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis are reduced in T. congolense compared to T. brucei. Conclusions: Comparative RNAseq between two closely related species provided a detailed overview of similarities and differences in core metabolism. This carries significant implications for adaptation to in vitro culture, and drug efficacy, mode of action and mode of resistance. 4 replicates per sample group, 4 sample groups, 2 species (T. brucei and T. congolense), 2 conditions (in vitro and ex vivo)