Polysome profiling reveals translational control of gene expression in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In eukaryotic organisms, gene expression is regulated at multiple levels during the processes of transcription and translation. The absence of a tight regulatory network for transcription in the human malaria parasite suggests that gene expression may largely be controlled at post-transcriptional and translational levels.

Results

In this study, we compare steady-state mRNA and polysome-associated mRNA levels of Plasmodium falciparum at different time points during its asexual cell cycle. For more than 30% of its genes, we observe a delay in peak transcript abundance in the polysomal fraction as compared to the steady-state mRNA fraction, suggestive of strong translational control. Our data show that key regulatory mechanisms could include inhibitory activity of up

SUBMITTER: Bunnik EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4053746 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature