Implication of a Plasmodium falciparum gene in the switch between asexual reproduction and gametocytogenesis.
Gametocytogenesis is fundamental for transmission of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum from the human host to the mosquito vector, yet very little is understood about what triggers the switch between asexual reproduction and gametocytogenesis. Arresting the progression through the sexual cycle would block transmission of this disease. Here we identify a novel gene in P. falciparum that when genetically silenced reduces gametocyte production by a factor of 6, and when complemented up-regulates gametocyte-specific gene transcription.
Gardiner
Donald L
DL
Malaria Biology Laboratory, The Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health and Nutrition, The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia. dong@qimr.edu.au
Dixon
Matthew W A
MW
Spielmann
Tobias
T
Skinner-Adams
Tina S
TS
Hawthorne
Paula L
PL
Ortega
Maria R
MR
Kemp
David J
DJ
Trenholme
Katharine R
KR
D000818:Animals; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D005718:Gametogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D017125:Genes, Protozoan; D005816:Genetic Complementation Test; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D012100:Reproduction, Asexual / Q000235:genetics
D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D008565:Membrane Proteins; C068959:Pfs16 protein, Plasmodium falciparum