Molecular characterization of the Trypanosoma cruzi specific RNA binding protein TcRBP40 and its associated mRNAs

► TcRBP40 is a T. cruzi exclusive RBP differentially expressed along metacyclogenesis. ► We used the recombinant RIP-Chip assay to identify the mRNAs associated to TcRBP40. ► The protein associates with transcripts coding for putative transmembrane proteins. ► TcRBP40 binds to an AG-rich sequence in the 3′UTR of the mRNAs. ► In epimastigote forms, it appears in the reservosomes, a T. cruzi specific organelle.