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CD36 polymorphism is associated with protection from cerebral malaria.
Kazuya Omi1, Jun Ohashi, Jintana Patarapotikul
1Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
American Journal of Human Genetics
|December 31, 2002
Summary
Certain CD36 gene variations, specifically the in3(TG)(12) allele, are linked to reduced risk of severe cerebral malaria in Thai adults. This finding offers insights into malaria pathology and potential protective mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- CD36 is a key receptor for Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes, contributing to malaria pathology.
- Understanding CD36 gene variations is crucial for deciphering malaria severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between CD36 gene polymorphisms and the severity of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Thai adults.
- To identify specific CD36 variants that may confer protection against cerebral malaria.
Main Methods:
- Variation screening of the CD36 gene in 475 adult Thai patients with P. falciparum malaria.
- Analysis of linkage disequilibrium (LD) and association testing of common CD36 polymorphisms.
- Reverse-transcriptase PCR amplification to examine CD36 transcript variants.
Main Results:
- Nine common CD36 polymorphisms were identified.
- Alleles -14T-->C and -53G-->T were decreased in cerebral malaria patients.
- The in3(TG)(12) allele showed the strongest association with reduced risk of cerebral malaria (OR 0.59, P=.0069).
- The in3(TG)(12) allele was linked to nonproduction of a CD36 transcript lacking exons 4 and 5.
Conclusions:
- The in3(TG)(12) allele, or a variant on its haplotype, may protect against cerebral malaria in Thailand.
- LD mapping of haplotype blocks is a valuable approach for identifying disease-associated variants.
- Findings suggest a mechanism involving altered CD36 transcript structure impacting malaria severity.