Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of quiescent epimastigotes as a resource for investigating the persister phenotype in Trypanosoma cruzi.

The “persister” phenotype is often associated with treatment failure. Our knowledge of parasite biology, in particular the mechanistic processes associated with persistence phenotype is limited The ability to isolate homogenous populations of dormant or slowly replicating parasites vs non-perturbed parasites is the limiting step in defining these phenotypes In this context, the project implemented: The use of “fluorescent timer” proteins and live cell sorting as a method for isolating populations of non-perturbed slow-growing or dormant parasites Proteomics and transcriptomics methods, including a common sample collection/sample preparation procedure, from the parasites coming from the sorting to assess the mechanistic processes associated with parasite persistence The aim is the descritpion and to identify discriminant markers/pathways associated with parasite persistence