In order to survive in the human bloodstream, the African trypanosome virus coats itself in a protective membrane made of proteins called variant surface glycoproteins (VSG). A study published in Nature Microbiology has now identified a key protein that allows microbes to properly manipulate this protective “coat”.
The researchers found that a newly identified protein, ESB2, plays a key role in this process. It acts as a “molecular shredder,” enabling viruses to stay hidden by cutting out selected parts of genetic instructions as they are being produced.
Understanding this highly precise process gives scientists new insights into the finer details of the microbial life cycle. This could eventually lead to better treatments for Sleeping Sickness, a disease that still has a huge impact across sub-Saharan Africa.
Sleeping sickness is spread by the bite of the tsetse fly. Without treatment, the parasites can enter the central nervous system, which leads to serious symptoms such as sleep disturbances, confusion and coma.
“Molecular Shredder” Changes Genetic Instructions in Real Time
Dr. Joana Faria, senior author of the study and head of the research group at the University of York, explained: “We found that the secret of the virus to remain invisible is not only what it prints, but what it chooses to change.
“This suggests a fundamental change in the way we view infection: the survival of many organisms may depend heavily on how they transmit genetic instructions and how they destroy them at the source.”
Solving the 40-Year Mystery of Gene Expression
The discovery helps explain a long-standing mystery in microbial biology that has puzzled scientists for decades. The genetic instructions that produce the protective “coat” also include several “genes” that support survival and immune evasion. Based on this arrangement, the scientists expected that the virus would produce equal amounts of each protein.
Instead, bacteria produce large amounts of cloak proteins while producing small amounts of helper proteins. New research reveals that this imbalance did not happen by accident.
By identifying ESB2, the research team showed that the virus controls its gene production by disrupting specific instructions rather than simply controlling how much is produced.
Correct control within the Body of the Showcase
ESB2 is located within the protein production center of the virus, known as the Expression Site Body. When genetic instructions are being processed, ESB2 acts as a “molecular blade,” instantly severing parts of the helper gene while leaving the related instructions intact.
This real-time adaptation ensures that the virus produces what it needs to remain undetected by the immune system.
A presentation from the University of York Research Group
The discovery represents the first major breakthrough from Dr. Faria at the University of York and contributes to the city’s growing reputation as a center for life sciences research.
The project was funded by a Sir Henry Dale Fellowship — a partnership between the Wellcome Trust and the Royal Society — and brought together researchers from the United Kingdom, Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany, Singapore and Brazil.
Lianne Lansink, first author of the study, said: “When we first saw the molecular shredder put into the microscope, we knew we had found something special.”
Dr. Faria added: “This discovery is a real full-circle moment for me. The mystery of how these organisms control gene expression has been a hot topic in the back of my mind since my days as a postdoc. To finally solve it now, as my lab’s first major production here in York, is incredibly rewarding. Look at an old problem in a completely new way.”
#Scientists #discover #molecular #shredder #helps #deadly #viruses #evade #immune #system