title: The Role of Chromatin Structure in Gene Regulation of the Human Malaria Parasite.
abstract: The human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, depends on a coordinated regulation of gene expression for development and propagation within the human host. Recent developments suggest that gene regulation in the parasite is largely controlled by epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we discuss recent advancements contributing to our understanding of the mechanisms controlling gene regulation in the parasite, including nucleosome landscape, histone modifications, and nuclear architecture. In addition, various processes involved in regulation of parasite-specific genes and gene families are examined. Finally, we address the use of epigenetic processes as targets for novel antimalarial therapies. Collectively, these topics highlight the unique biology of P. falciparum, and contribute to our understanding of mechanisms regulating gene expression in this deadly parasite.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
authors.forename: Gayani
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Batugedara
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
authors.forename: Xueqing M
authors.initials: XM
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
authors.forename: Evelien M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Bunnik
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA. Electronic address: karine.leroch@ucr.edu.
authors.forename: Karine G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Le Roch
mesh_terms: D002843:Chromatin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology*; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin
keywords: Plasmodium; chromatin; epigenetics; gene regulation; malaria; nucleosome