Abstract

Analysis of minicircle sequences of kDNA obtained from clinical samples (lesions and scars) of patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Pernambuco State, Brazil

The present study demonstrates multiple alignment of minicircle sequences, where size polymorphisms (ranging from 518-797 bp) were present, as well as sequence polymorphisms, indicating significant heterogeneity of classes, particularly in minicircles amplified from active cutaneous lesions. The minicircle sequences obtained from scars were grouped into one cluster, indicating some degree of homogeneity, possibly due to clonal selection. The compositional analysis showed A + T of 70%. Palindromes were mapped and identified in two clones, showing that the variable region of minicircles was richer in A + T than was the conserved region. Direct repeated alternate motifs composed of TA, AT, TT, and AA represented 55% of these sequences. Fifty-five polymorphic microsatellites were mapped in both the conserved and variable regions of the minicircles. The mapping of palindromes, direct alternate repeats and microsatellites was not differentially present, suggesting that they represent common structural features of this molecule. Specific motifs were identified and mapped in the conserved and variable regions of kDNA minicircles, and classified according to frequency as pertaining to scar minicircles or lesion minicircles.

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