Identification of a transcription factor in the mosquito-invasive stage of malaria parasites

Yuda, M., Iwanaga, S., Shigenobu, S., Mair, G.R., Janse, C.J., Waters, A.P. , Kato, T. and Kaneko, I. (2009) Identification of a transcription factor in the mosquito-invasive stage of malaria parasites. Molecular Microbiology, 71(6), pp. 1402-1414. (doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2009.06609.x)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2958.2009.06609.x

Abstract

Gene expression in <i>Plasmodium</i> parasites undergoes significant changes in each developmental stage, but the transcription factors (TFs) regulating these changes have not been identified. We report here a <i>Plasmodium</i> TF (AP2-O) that activates gene expression in ookinetes, the mosquito-invasive form, and has a DNA-binding domain structurally related to that of a plant TF, Apetala2 (AP2). AP2-O mRNA is pre-synthesized by intraerythrocytic female gametocytes and translated later during ookinete development in the mosquito. The <i>Plasmodium</i> TF activates a set of genes, including all genes reported to be required for midgut invasion, by binding to specific six-base sequences on the proximal promoter. These results indicate that AP2 family TFs have important roles in stage-specific gene regulation in <i>Plasmodium</i> parasites.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Waters, Professor Andy
Authors: Yuda, M., Iwanaga, S., Shigenobu, S., Mair, G.R., Janse, C.J., Waters, A.P., Kato, T., and Kaneko, I.
Subjects:Q Science > QR Microbiology > QR355 Virology
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH345 Biochemistry
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Molecular Microbiology
ISSN:0950-382X
ISSN (Online):1365-2958
Published Online:10 February 2009

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record