Ribonucleotide reductase is regulated via the R2 subunit during the life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei

We have examined the occurrence of the R1 and R2 subunits of ribonucleotide reductase during the life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei, Whereas the R1 prot ein is present throughout the life cycle, the R2 protein is not found in ce ll cycle-arrested short stumpy trypanosomes. RT-PCR/hybridization analysis revealed almost equal amounts of the RI and R2 mRNAs in all life cycle stag es of the parasite, The data indicate that ribonucleotide reductase of Afri can trypanosomes is developmentally controlled by post-transcriptional regu lation of the R2 subunit, (C) 2000 Federation of European Biochemical Socie ties.