Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
10:22
Methods to Investigate the Regulatory Role of Small RNAs and Ribosomal Occupancy of Plasmodium falciparum
Published on: December 4, 2015
Plasmodium falciparum transcriptome analysis reveals pregnancy malaria associated gene expression
Nicaise Tuikue Ndam1, Emmanuel Bischoff, Caroline Proux
1Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UR010 at Université Paris Descartes, Mother and Child Health in the Tropics, Faculté de Pharmacie, Paris, France. Nicaise.Ndam@ird.fr
Plos One
|March 28, 2008
Summary
Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) involves parasite proteins like VAR2CSA. Novel proteins, such as PFI1785w, also contribute to PAM pathogenesis and may aid future vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Malariology
- Molecular parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) is a significant cause of maternal anemia and low birth weight.
- Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes exhibit adhesive properties influencing malaria severity.
- VAR2CSA has been identified as a specific gene involved in PAM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel Plasmodium falciparum parasite molecules involved in pregnancy-associated malaria.
- To investigate the role of these molecules in host-pathogen interactions and placental tropism.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide microarray transcript analysis of 18 P. falciparum placental isolates.
- Characterization of candidate proteins, including PFI1785w, a PHIST gene product.
- Serological analysis using samples from P. falciparum-exposed women and men.
Main Results:
- Over-expression of subtelomeric and exported genes in PAM isolates compared to the whole genome.
- Identification of novel PAM-specific parasite molecules.
- PFI1785w was recognized more frequently by serum from women exposed to P. falciparum than from men.
Conclusions:
- Parasite proteins, including PFI1785w, may contribute to PAM pathogenesis alongside VAR2CSA.
- These findings are valuable for developing new strategies and vaccines against PAM.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Malaria
Malaria pathogenesis in humans reflects a delicate interplay between parasite biology and host response. Clinical illness reflects a host’s immune response to the parasite’s asexual replication cycle, which is often asymptomatic in individuals with partial immunity. From the parasite's perspective, transmission between mosquito and human with minimal host pathology is evolutionarily advantageous. Among the six Plasmodium species infecting humans, P. falciparum and P. vivax dominate in global...
00:58Symbiosis
Symbiotic relationships are long-term, close interactions between individuals of different species that affect the distribution and abundance of those species. When a relationship is beneficial to both species, this is called mutualism. When the relationship is beneficial to one species but neither beneficial nor harmful to the other species, this is called commensalism. When one organism is harmed to benefit another, the relationship is known as parasitism. These types of relationships often...