Use of variability in the stage-specific transcription levels of Plasmodium falciparum in the selection of target genes.
The malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum exhibits several morphological and developmental stages. We have quantified the level of expression of a battery of genes in the ring and trophozoite stage-two of the most prominent stages in the erythrocytic development of the parasite. Using optimized RT-PCR, we observed that some of the genes show a large variation in stage-specific expression. We have also correlated the level of mRNA expression (of the target enzyme) to its metabolic requirement using specific inhibitors. This protocol gives us a handle to identify vulnerable target genes that could be used to develop antimalarials.
Kumar
V P
VP
AstraZeneca R & D Bangalore, 277, T Chowdaiah Road, Malleswaram, Bangalore-560003, India. vidya.prasanna@astrazeneca.com
Datta
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D000818:Animals; D003470:Culture Media; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000469:parasitology; D015870:Gene Expression; D017125:Genes, Protozoan; D006801:Humans; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000469:parasitology; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development*; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D003470:Culture Media; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger