Tools for attenuation of gene expression in malaria parasites.
An understanding of the biology of Plasmodium parasites, which are the causative agents of the disease malaria, requires study of gene function. Various reverse genetic tools have been described for determining gene function. These tools can be broadly grouped as trans- and cis-acting. Trans-acting tools control gene functions through synthetic nucleic acid probe molecules matching the sequence of the gene of interest. Once delivered to the parasite, the probe engages with the mRNA of the target gene and attenuates its function. Cis-acting tools control gene function through elements introduced into the gene of interest by DNA transfection. The expression of the modified gene can be controlled using external agents, typically small molecule ligands. In this review, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these tools to guide researchers in selecting the appropriate tool for studies of gene function, and for guiding future refinements of these tools.
National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 113 Thailand Science Park, Thanon Phahonyothin, Tambon Khlong Neung, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand. Electronic address: philip@biotec.or.th.
Philip J
PJ
Shaw
National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 113 Thailand Science Park, Thanon Phahonyothin, Tambon Khlong Neung, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand.
Aiyada
A
Aroonsri
D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D010961:Plasmodium / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
Malaria; Plasmodium; Reverse genetics; Transfection