A new Apicomplexa-specific protein kinase family: multiple members in Plasmodium falciparum, all with an export signature.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Malaria caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium spp. is a major health burden in tropical countries. The development of new control tools, including vaccines and drugs, is urgently needed. The availability of genome sequences from several malaria parasite species provides a basis on which to identify new potential intervention targets. Database mining for orthologs to the Plasmodium falciparum trophozoite protein R45, a vaccine candidate, led us identify a new gene family.

Results

Orthologs to the P. falciparum trophozoite protein R45 were detected exclusively in protozoan parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa, including several Plasmodium spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum. All family members are hybrid genes with a conserved C-termina

SUBMITTER: Schneider AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1079819 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature