Characterization of a Drug Resistance Gene in Malaria Parasite
Author Information
Author(s): González-Pons María, Szeto Ada C, González-Méndez Ricardo, Serrano Adelfa E
Primary Institution: University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Hypothesis
The study aims to explore the involvement of the Plasmodium berghei mrp gene in drug resistance.
Conclusion
The pbmrp gene was sequenced and classified as a member of the ABCC sub-family, with no differences in gene organization or expression between drug-sensitive and resistant lines, but a chromosomal translocation was observed.
Supporting Evidence
- The pbmrp gene is a single copy, intronless gene with a predicted open reading frame spanning 5820 nucleotides.
- Bioinformatic analyses show that this protein has distinctive features characteristic of the ABCC sub-family.
- Expression of pbmrp was detected in asexual blood stages.
- A chromosomal translocation was observed in the chloroquine selected RC line.
Takeaway
Researchers studied a gene in malaria that might help the parasite resist drugs. They found that while the gene is similar in different strains, it moved to a different chromosome in the resistant strain.
Methodology
The pbmrp gene was sequenced using PCR, and its classification and expression were analyzed through bioinformatics and Southern blot analysis.
Limitations
The study did not assess the potential for increased expression or gene amplification under continuous drug pressure.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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