Gene duplication in trypanosomatids - Two DED1 paralogs are functionally redundant and differentially expressed during the life cycle

► DED1 from yeast is essential for translation initiation. ► Each of the two Leishmania DED1s can complement the yeast ortholog. ► The function of LeishDED1-1 and LeishDED1-2 is redundant. ► The two LeishDED1s associate with the PIC through mRNA. ► Expression of the two LeishDED1s varies in the different life forms.