Mutually exclusive var gene expression in the malaria parasite: multiple layers of regulation.
As a major factor in Plasmodium falciparum malaria pathogenesis, the var gene family has been the focus of extensive research, which has contributed to our current understanding of Plasmodium antigenic variation. In recent years, sophisticated molecular tools have enabled the generation of interesting data regarding the regulation of mutually exclusive var expression. Although their results are still inconclusive, these studies have demonstrated the existence of multiple layers of control over gene activation, silencing, memory and 'counting'. This review attempts to summarize recent findings and dissect the different layers of var regulation.
Chookajorn
Thanat
T
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. sctck@mahidol.ac.th
Ponsuwanna
Patrath
P
Cui
Liwang
L
D000818:Animals; D000940:Antigenic Variation; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000235:genetics; D002843:Chromatin / Q000235:genetics; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000235:genetics*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D020868:Gene Silencing; D017125:Genes, Protozoan / Q000235:genetics*; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014774:Virulence / Q000235:genetics
D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D002843:Chromatin; D016054:DNA, Protozoan; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; C085731:erythrocyte membrane protein 1, Plasmodium falciparum