Plasmodium gene regulation: far more to factor in.

TitlePlasmodium gene regulation: far more to factor in.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsLlinĂ¡s M, Deitsch KW, Voss TS
JournalTrends Parasitol
Volume24
Issue12
Pagination551-6
Date Published2008 Dec
ISSN1471-4922
KeywordsAnimals, Gene Expression Regulation, Plasmodium
Abstract

Gene expression in the malaria parasite has received generous attention over the past several decades, predominantly because of the importance of var gene regulation, which is key to antigenic variation and host immune evasion. However, the role of transcriptional regulation in governing other genes expressed during the various stages of development has remained less well characterized. This mostly has been due to the lack of defined transcriptional regulators in Plasmodium parasites. Here, we describe recent advances that have become possible by joining traditional biochemistry with new technological innovations. These studies have increased our understanding of the role of transcriptional regulation, not only in the control of gene expression for antigenic variation but also in the coordination of stage-specific parasite development.

DOI10.1016/j.pt.2008.08.010
Alternate JournalTrends Parasitol
PubMed ID18929512

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