Legislation of Gene Appearance In Biology of P. Falciparum: an Integrative Investigation on Coming into the Post-Genomic Period of Malaria Research |

ABSTRACT:

The sequencing of the genome of Plasmodiumfalciparum promises to revolutionize the way in which malaria research will becarried out. Beyond simple gene discovery, the genome sequence will facilitatethe comprehensive determination of the parasite’s gene expression during itsdevelopmental phases, pathology, and in response to environmental variables,such as drug treatment and host genetic background. This article reviews thecurrent status of the P. falciparum genome sequencing project and the uniqueinsights it has generated. We also summarize the application of bioinformaticsand analytical tools that have been developed for functional genomics. The aim of these activities is the rational,information-based identification of new therapeutic strategies and targets,based on a thorough insight into the biology of Plasmodium spp. Plasmodiumfalciparum malaria is one of the most lethal infectious diseasesafflicting humanity. During development within the erythrocyte, P. falciparum induces significantmodifications to the structure and function of the human erythrocyte membrane.This study focused on the identification of new protein-protein interactionsbetween host and parasite. The intraerythrocytic development of Plasmodium falciparum, the mostvirulent human malaria parasite involves asexual and gametocyte stages. Therehas been a significant increase in disparate datasets derived from genomic andpost-genomic analysis of the parasite that necessitates delivery of integratedanalysis from which biological processes important to the survival of theparasite can be determined. With the ability to adopt an assortment of formsthroughout its life cycle, and to thrive in host environments so diverse andchallenging, the malaria parasite Plasmodiumfalciparum may well serve as the epitome of the regulation of geneexpression. The parasite is replete with mechanisms of control, many of themunique and intriguing, permitting it to transit seamlessly from one definedecological niche to the next. This review is an attempt to capture the essenceof our current understanding of transcriptional, posttranscriptional andtranslational regulation in P.falciparum, and how this works for us in drug development.