Transcriptomic response to different heme sources in Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes

Heme is an essential molecule for most organisms, yet some parasites, like Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, cannot synthesize it. These parasites must acquire heme from their hosts, making this process critical for their survival. In the midgut of the insect vector, T. cruzi epimastigotes are exposed to both hemoglobin (Hb) and free heme resulting from its degradation. Despite the importance of this nutrient, how different heme sources influence parasite gene expression remains poorly understood.