Identification, cloning, expression, and characterization of the gene for Plasmodium knowlesi surface protein containing an altered thrombospondin repeat domain.

ABSTRACT: Proteins present on the surface of malaria parasites that participate in the process of invasion and adhesion to host cells are considered attractive vaccine targets. Aided by the availability of the partially completed genome sequence of the simian malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi, we have identified a 786-bp DNA sequence that encodes a 262-amino-acid-long protein, containing an altered version of the thrombospondin type I repeat domain (SPATR). Thrombospondin type 1 repeat domains participate in biologically diverse functions, such as cell attachment, mobility, proliferation, and extracellular protease activities. The SPATR from P. knowlesi (PkSPATR) shares 61% and 58% sequence identity with its Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium yoelii orthologs, respectively. By immunofluorescenc

SUBMITTER: Mahajan B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1231135 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature