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Association of a determinant on mouse chromosome 18 with experimental severe Plasmodium berghei malaria
Eiji Nagayasu1, Koichi Nagakura, Mayumi Akaki
1Institute of Science and Technology. Division of Molecular Life Science, School of Medicine. Division of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University, Isehara 259-1193, Japan.
Abstract:
Experimental severe malaria (ESM; also known as experimental cerebral malaria) is an acute lethal syndrome caused by infection with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and associated with coma and other neurological manifestations in mice. Various inbred strains of mice exhibit differences in susceptibility to the development of ESM. For example, C57BL/6 mice are highly susceptible and DBA/2 mice are relatively resistant. We report here the results of a genomewide scan for host genomic regions that control resistance to ESM in DBA/2 mice using an F(2) intercross population of susceptible and resistant strains. A region of mid-chromosome 18 was found to be a major determinant of resistance to ESM.
Insights
Researchers identified a key genetic region on mouse chromosome 18 that controls resistance to experimental severe malaria (ESM). This finding helps understand the genetic basis of malaria resistance in mice.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Experimental severe malaria (ESM) in mice, caused by Plasmodium berghei ANKA, is a lethal neurological syndrome.
- Susceptibility to ESM varies significantly among different inbred mouse strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify host genomic regions controlling resistance to experimental severe malaria (ESM).
- To investigate the genetic basis of differential susceptibility to ESM in mice.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an F(2) intercross population derived from susceptible (C57BL/6) and resistant (DBA/2) mouse strains.
- Performed a genomewide scan to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with ESM resistance.
Main Results:
- A major determinant of resistance to experimental severe malaria was mapped to a region on mid-chromosome 18.
- This chromosomal region significantly influences the development of neurological manifestations in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA.
Conclusions:
- A specific genomic region on mouse chromosome 18 plays a critical role in conferring resistance to experimental severe malaria.
- Further research into this region may reveal novel therapeutic targets for malaria.