title: Use of variability in the stage-specific transcription levels of Plasmodium falciparum in the selection of target genes.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: AstraZeneca R & D Bangalore, 277, T Chowdaiah Road, Malleswaram, Bangalore-560003, India. vidya.prasanna@astrazeneca.com
authors.forename: V P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Datta
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger