Broad analysis reveals a consistent pattern of var gene transcription in Plasmodium falciparum repeatedly selected for a defined adhesion phenotype
Details
Publication Year 2005-05,Volume 56,Issue #3,Page 774-788
Journal Title
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
Publication Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Transcription of the majority of the members of the Plasmodium falciparum var multigene family were analysed in two isolates by a quantitative approach. Both of these isolates had been repeatedly selected for adhesion to chondroitin sulphate A (CSA) and one had also been selected for adhesion to hyaluronic acid (HA). These adhesion phenotypes are expressed by many parasites isolated from placentae and are associated with malaria disease in pregnancy. Increased transcription of the var gene var2csa, or its homologue IT4 var4, was associated with the CSA and HA adhesion phenotypes in all parasites suggesting that it was the dominant, if not the only, var gene that encoded adhesion to CSA in these allogeneic isolates. Some var genes were consistently transcribed at higher levels than others regardless of expressed adhesion phenotypes suggesting a transcriptional hierarchy. Unspliced or partial transcripts were detected for most var genes tested. These atypical var gene transcripts may have implications for the regulation of var gene transcription.
Publisher
WILEY-BLACKWELL
Keywords
CHONDROITIN SULFATE-A; ERYTHROCYTE-MEMBRANE PROTEIN-1; PREGNANCY-ASSOCIATED MALARIA; INFECTED ERYTHROCYTES; ANTIGENIC VARIATION; SURFACE-ANTIGEN; BINDING DOMAIN; IDENTIFICATION; PARASITE; ANTIBODIES
Terms of Use/Rights Notice
Refer to copyright notice on published article.


Creation Date: 2005-05-01 12:00:00
An error has occurred. This application may no longer respond until reloaded. Reload 🗙