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The gene encoding DNA polymerase alpha from Plasmodium falciparum

J H White¹, B J Kilbey, E de Vries

¹Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Edinburgh, UK.

Nucleic Acids Research

|August 11, 1993

Summary

Researchers sequenced the Plasmodium falciparum DNA polymerase alpha gene. This malaria parasite

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Parasitology
Genetics

Background:

DNA polymerase alpha is essential for DNA replication in eukaryotes.
Understanding Plasmodium falciparum's DNA polymerase alpha is crucial for antimalarial drug development.

Purpose of the Study:

To sequence and characterize the gene encoding DNA polymerase alpha in Plasmodium falciparum.
To identify unique features of the Plasmodium falciparum DNA polymerase alpha protein.

Main Methods:

Gene sequencing and amino acid sequence analysis.
Identification of conserved eukaryotic and alpha DNA polymerase motifs.
cDNA-directed PCR to analyze mRNA structure.
Gene mapping to Plasmodium falciparum chromosome 4.

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Main Results:

The deduced amino acid sequence contains conserved eukaryotic replicative DNA polymerase motifs (I-VII) and alpha DNA polymerase motifs (A-E).
Unique Plasmodium-specific sequences were identified, including interspersed amino acid blocks, asparagine-rich regions, and a novel carboxy-terminal extension.
Repetitive sequences, characteristic of other malarial proteins, are present.
The gene (approximately 7kb) contains a single intron and is located on chromosome 4.
Transcription occurs in both asexual and sexual erythrocytic stages.

Conclusions:

The Plasmodium falciparum DNA polymerase alpha gene has been successfully sequenced and characterized.
The unique features of this polymerase may represent targets for antimalarial drug development.
The gene's expression in different parasite stages suggests its importance throughout the erythrocytic cycle.