This Deadly Parasite Stays Invisible by Shredding Its Own Genes

Researchers discovered that Trypanosoma brucei uses a protein called ESB2 to selectively shred RNA messages as they are made.

ESB2 operates inside the parasite’s Expression Site Body to destroy helper-gene transcripts while sparing VSG messages.

This selective RNA decay explains why the parasite produces large amounts of VSG yet little helper protein.

The finding, published in Nature Microbiology, identifies potential vulnerabilities that could inform new treatments for Sleeping Sickness.