The Plasmodium falciparum var gene transcription strategy at the onset of blood stage infection in a human volunteer.
The var genes encode a family of adhesion receptor proteins, Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1), which profoundly influence malaria pathogenesis. Only a single var gene is transcribed and one PfEMP1 expressed per P.falciparum parasite. Here we present the in vivo transcript distribution of var genes in a P. falciparum-infected non-immune individual and show that the initial expression of PfEMP1 is based on a strategy that allows all or most variants of PfEMP1s to be expressed by the parasite population at the onset of the blood stage infection.
Wang
Christian W
CW
Department of International Health, Immunology, and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark. cwang@sund.ku.dk
Hermsen
Cornelus C
CC
Sauerwein
Robert W
RW
Arnot
David E
DE
Theander
Thor G
TG
Lavstsen
Thomas
T
D000818:Animals; D000940:Antigenic Variation; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000469:parasitology*; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D015800:Protozoan Proteins; C085731:erythrocyte membrane protein 1, Plasmodium falciparum