Patterns of gene recombination shape var gene repertoires in Plasmodium falciparum: comparisons of geographically diverse isolates.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Var genes encode a family of virulence factors known as PfEMP1 (Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1) which are responsible for both antigenic variation and cytoadherence of infected erythrocytes. Although these molecules play a central role in malaria pathogenesis, the mechanisms generating variant antigen diversification are poorly understood. To investigate var gene evolution, we compared the variant antigen repertoires from three geographically diverse parasite isolates: the 3D7 genome reference isolate; the recently sequenced HB3 isolate; and the IT4/25/5 (IT4) parasite isolate which retains the capacity to cytoadhere in vitro and in vivo.

Results

These comparisons revealed that only two var genes (var1csa and var2csa) are conserved in all thr

SUBMITTER: Kraemer SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1805758 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature