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Related Concept Videos

Genetic Variation01:25

Genetic Variation

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Genetic variation is the diversity in DNA sequences found among individuals of the same species. This diversity is crucial for a species' survival because it helps organisms adapt to environmental changes. Genetic variation begins with fertilization, where an egg and sperm cell merge. Each of these cells carries 23 chromosomes, up to 46 in the fertilized egg. Chromosomes are long DNA strands that contain genes, the basic units of heredity.
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In a population that is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of alleles changes over time. Therefore, any deviations from the five conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can alter the genetic variation of a given population. Conditions that change the genetic variability of a population include mutations, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift (small population size).
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The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes. 
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Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
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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...
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Genetic variations significantly influence drug response through pharmacokinetics, receptor interactions, and biologic milieu modifications. Pharmacokinetic alterations impact drug metabolism and clearance, affecting efficacy and toxicity. Variants in drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, alter drug activation and elimination. For example, CYP2C9 loss-of-function variants require lower warfarin doses to prevent excessive bleeding, while CYP2C19 variants reduce clopidogrel...
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Variant Gene Expression and Antigenic Variation by Malaria Parasites.

Kirk W Deitsch1, Ron Dzikowski2

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065;

Annual Review of Microbiology
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PubMed
Summary

Malaria parasites like Plasmodium falciparum evade immune responses through antigenic variation, altering displayed antigens. Recent research deciphers molecular mechanisms regulating this process, crucial for chronic Plasmodium infections.

Keywords:
Plasmodium falciparumcytoadherenceepigenetic memoryhost-parasite interactionsmutually exclusive expressionvar gene

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Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Malaria remains a major global health challenge, particularly in developing nations.
  • Protozoan parasites causing malaria employ sophisticated immune evasion strategies to establish chronic infections.
  • Antigenic variation is a key mechanism by which malaria parasites, like Plasmodium falciparum, avoid host adaptive immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying antigenic variation in Plasmodium falciparum.
  • To understand how Plasmodium falciparum regulates the expression of variant-antigen-encoding genes.
  • To shed light on the regulatory cascade responsible for maintaining chronic malaria infections.

Main Methods:

  • The study focuses on the molecular biology of Plasmodium falciparum.
  • Investigates the genetic and epigenetic regulation of variant-antigen gene expression.
  • Analyzes the complex molecular cascade involved in immune evasion.

Main Results:

  • Plasmodium falciparum systematically alters its surface antigens to evade the host immune system.
  • This alteration involves complex molecular mechanisms controlling variant-antigen gene expression.
  • Significant progress has been made in understanding the regulatory cascade driving chronic infections.

Conclusions:

  • Antigenic variation is a critical survival strategy for Plasmodium falciparum, enabling chronic infections.
  • Deciphering the molecular regulation of this process is key to understanding and combating malaria.
  • Ongoing research continues to reveal the intricate details of this parasite's immune evasion tactics.