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Transcription of multiple var genes by individual, trophozoite‐stage Plasmodium falciparum cells expressing a chondroitin sulphate A binding phenotype
Author(s) -
Duffy Michael F.,
Brown Graham V.,
Basuki Wanny,
Krejany Efrosinia O.,
Noviyanti Rintis,
Cowman Alan F.,
Reeder John C.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
molecular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 247
eISSN - 1365-2958
pISSN - 0950-382X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2958.2002.02822.x
Subject(s) - biology , plasmodium falciparum , phenotype , gene , transcription (linguistics) , microbiology and biotechnology , receptor , encode , genetics , immunology , malaria , linguistics , philosophy
Summary In this study, we detected multiple var gene transcripts within single, mature trophozoite‐infected red blood cells (iRBCs) bound to chondroitin sulphate A (CSA). Several of the var detected had previously been demonstrated to encode Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein‐1 (PfEMP‐1) variants with domains that mediated iRBC adhesion to receptors other than CSA. Parasites expressing the CSA‐adherent phenotype transcribed far more of one var than of all others, but this gene was different from the two other var previously purported to encode adhesion to CSA. Previous work suggesting that only single var are transcribed by mature trophozoites needs re‐examination in the light of these data from single, infected cells.