Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Applying an Inducible Expression System to Study Interference of Bacterial Virulence Factors with Intracellular Signaling
Published on: June 25, 2015
An upstream open reading frame (uORF) signals for cellular localization of the virulence factor implicated in
Yair Fastman1, Shany Assaraf1, Miriam Rose1
1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research Israel - Canada, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
Abstract:
Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of the deadliest form of human malaria, alternates expression of variable antigens, encoded by members of a multi-copy gene family named var. In var2csa, the var gene implicated in pregnancy-associated malaria, translational repression is regulated by a unique upstream open reading frame (uORF) found only in its 5' UTR. Here, we report that this translated uORF significantly alters both transcription and posttranslational protein trafficking. The parasite can alter a protein's destination without any modifications to the protein itself, but instead by an element within the 5' UTR of the transcript. This uORF-dependent localization was confirmed by single molecule STORM imaging, followed by fusion of the uORF to a reporter gene which changes its cellular localization from cytoplasmic to ER-associated. These data point towards a novel regulatory role of uORF in protein trafficking, with important implications for the pathology of pregnancy-associated malaria.
Related Concept Videos
Framing Effects
Nuclear Localization Signals and Import
Frames
Frames are versatile and widely used in various applications such as structural supports for beams and columns, automobile chassis construction, and in the construction...
Transcription Factors
Frames: Problem Solving II
Frames: Problem Solving I

