Hierarchical transcriptional control regulates Plasmodium falciparum sexual differentiation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Malaria pathogenesis relies on sexual gametocyte forms of the malaria parasite to be transmitted between the infected human and the mosquito host but the molecular mechanisms controlling gametocytogenesis remains poorly understood. Here we provide a high-resolution transcriptome of Plasmodium falciparum as it commits to and develops through gametocytogenesis.

Results

The gametocyte-associated transcriptome is significantly different from that of the asexual parasites, with dynamic gene expression shifts characterizing early, intermediate and late-stage gametocyte development and results in differential timing for sex-specific transcripts. The transcriptional dynamics suggest strict transcriptional control during gametocytogenesis in P. falciparum, which we propose

SUBMITTER: van Biljon R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6889441 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature