Genome sequences reveal divergence times of malaria parasite lineages.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The evolutionary history of human malaria parasites (genus Plasmodium) has long been a subject of speculation and controversy. The complete genome sequences of the two most widespread human malaria parasites, P. falciparum and P. vivax, and of the monkey parasite P. knowlesi are now available, together with the draft genomes of the chimpanzee parasite P. reichenowi, three rodent parasites, P. yoelii yoelli, P. berghei and P. chabaudi chabaudi, and one avian parasite, P. gallinaceum.

Methods

We present here an analysis of 45 orthologous gene sequences across the eight species that resolves the relationships of major Plasmodium lineages, and provides the first comprehensive dating of the age of those groups.

Results

Our analyses support the hypothesis that the

SUBMITTER: Silva JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3081533 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature