 Trapeno-Somertid protozoa are responsible for three deadly human diseases, Lishmaniasis, African sleeping sickness and childless disease. These parasites possess unique mechanisms for gene expression, including polycystronic transcription of protein-coding genes and transpicing. Genomic analysis has identified a few proteins involved in transcription initiation and termination, but further research has shown that many more exist. Post-translational histone modifications, histone variants and chromatin-modifying enzymes have also been found in trapanosomertids, suggesting that epigenetics may be an important factor in their gene expression. Recent studies have focused on understanding how these parasites control transcription initiation and termination, which could lead to new treatments for these devastating diseases. This article was authored by Santiago Martinez-Calvio, Juan C. Visuiteriada, Luis E. Florencio Martinez, and others.