Trypanosomes are unicellular protozoa of ancient evolutionary origin that are responsible for several tropical diseases, such as African sleeping sickness. Over the last few decades, research in trypanosome biology has revealed many unique and fascinating features, many of which have helped to establish new paradigms in other biological systems. This applies in particular to studies in gene expression and regulation, which benefit enormously from the trypanosome genome projects and from the new genome-wide approaches recently introduced in trypanosome research. This volume covers the most important aspects of biosynthesis, processing, and functions of RNA in trypanosomes, ranging from transcription to RNA editing, mRNA splicing/translation/turnover, processing of transfer and ribosomal RNA, RNA interference, and current transcriptome-wide analyses. Recent progress in RNA-focused research in trypanosomatids promises to yield novel insights into trypanosome-specific features, as well as to reveal in the process new potential therapeutic strategies for combating these parasitic diseases.

This volume focuses on mitochondrial RNA metabolism, emphasizing recent discoveries and technological advances in this fast moving area that increase our understanding of mitochondrial gene function. Topics addressed include the interplay of mitochondria with the nucleus and cytosol, structure-function connections, and relevance to human disease. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, and a great deal is known about mitochondrial energy metabolism. Less well known is the plethora of amazing mechanisms that have evolved to control expression of mitochondrial genomes. Several RNA processes and machineries in protozoa, plants, flies and humans are discussed, including: transcription and RNA polymerase mechanism; tRNA processing of 5′ and 3′ ends; mRNA maturation by nucleotide insertion/deletion editing and by RNA splicing; mRNA stability; and RNA import. Specialized factors and ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) examined include pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins, RNase P, polymerases, helicases, nucleases, editing and repair enzymes. Remarkable features of these processes and factors are either not found outside mitochondria, differ substantially among eukaryotic lineages, or are unique in biology.

Goringer’s brilliant new work dedicates a chapter to each of the main types of RNA editing – the very first volume to do so. All of the sections here have been written by experts in the various research areas and a specific focus is put on the correlation between RNA structure and function, as well as on the complex cellular machineries that catalyze the different editing reactions. This leads to a "state of the art" compendium of our current knowledge on RNA editing.

RNA editing in trypanosomes is the post-transcriptional insertion or deletion of uridylates at specific sites in mitochondrial mRNAs. This process is catalyzed by a multienzyme, multisubunit complex through a series of enzymatic cycles directed by small, trans-acting RNA molecules. Despite impressive progress in our understanding of the mechanism of RNA editing and the composition of the editing complex, fundamental questions regarding RNP assembly and the regulation of catalysis remain. This dissertation presents studies of RNA-protein interactions between RNA editing complexes and substrate RNAs and the determination of substrate secondary structural determinants that govern them. Our results suggest that substrate association, cleavage and full-round editing by RNA editing complexes in vitro obey hierarchical determinants that increase in complexity as editing progresses and we propose a model for substrate recognition by RNA editing complexes. In addition, this dissertation also presents the characterization of a novel mitochondrial RNA helicase, named REH2 and its macromolecular interactions. Our data suggest that REH2 is intimately involved in interactions with macromolecular complexes that integrate diverse processes mediating mitochondrial gene expression. These results have implications for the mechanism of substrate RNA recognition by RNA editing complexes as well as for the integration of RNA editing to other facets of mitochondrial RNA metabolism.

This volume explores the latest methods used by researchers to study different trypanosomatid parasites. These methods cover numerous disciplines, from organismal biology to molecular mechanism. The chapters in this book cover topics such as high-throughput sequencing; next-generation analysis of trypanosomatid genome stability and instability; DNA repair in cell extracts; ribosome profiling; and the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for gene editing. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and practical, Trypanosomatids: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for any researcher working with trypanosomatids and trypanosomatid-borne diseases. Chapters 14, 15, 16, 23, 24, 30, and 48 are open access under a CC BY 4.0 license.

The second edition of a highly acclaimed handbook and ready reference. Unmatched in its breadth and quality, around 100 specialists from all over the world share their up-to-date expertise and experiences, including hundreds of protocols, complete with explanations, and hitherto unpublished troubleshooting hints. They cover all modern techniques for the handling, analysis and modification of RNAs and their complexes with proteins. Throughout, they bear the practising bench scientist in mind, providing quick and reliable access to a plethora of solutions for practical questions of RNA research, ranging from simple to highly complex. This broad scope allows the treatment of specialized methods side by side with basic biochemical techniques, making the book a real treasure trove for every researcher experimenting with RNA.

Chagas disease causes severe socioeconomic impact and a high medical cost in Latin America. WHO and the World Bank consider Chagas disease as the fourth most transmittable disease to have a major impact on public health in Latin America: 120 million persons are potentially exposed, 16 to 18 million of whom are presently infected, causing 45,000 to 50,000 deaths per year. It has been calculated that approximately 2.4 million potential working years are lost because of incapacity and mortality due to the disease, for an annual cost estimated at 20 billion Euros. American Trypanosomiasis provides a comprehensive overview of Chagas disease and discusses the latest discoveries concerning the three elements that compose the transmission chain of the disease: - The host: human and mammalian reservoirs - The insect vectors: domestic and sylvatic vectors - The causative parasite: Trypanosoma cruzi - Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field - Contributions from leading authorities and industry experts