TbRRM1 knockdown produces abnormal cell morphology and apoptotic-like death in the bloodstream form of T. brucei.

TbRRM1, an SR-related protein, is involved in transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene expression regulation in procyclic T. brucei. In previous work, we found that TbRRM1 is essential and its depletion leads to cell cycle impairment, aberrant phenotypes and cell loss by apoptotic-like death. Here, we report the findings obtained after TbRRM1 knockdown in bloodstream parasites. Depletion of TbRRM1 in this cell stage led also to growth arrest and cell loss by apoptosis-like death. However, microscopic analysis showed aberrant cell morphology with parasites displaying flagellum detachment and cytokinesis impairment after RNAi induction, suggesting that TbRRM1 could play different roles depending on parasite stage.