Plasmodium falciparum var gene expression is developmentally controlled at the level of RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription initiation.

Journal article

The Plasmodium falciparum var gene family codes for a major virulence factor in this most lethal of human malaria parasites. A single var protein variant type is expressed on each infected red blood cell, with antigenic variation allowing progeny parasites to escape host immune detection. The control of mutually exclusive var gene expression in the parasite relies on in situ epigenetic changes. Whether control of expression occurs at transcription initiation or post transcription, however, re...

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Authors: Kyes, S; Christodoulou, Z; Pinches, R; Kriek, N; Horrocks, P

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Molecular microbiology
• Volume: 63
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 1237-1247
• Publication date: 2007-02-01
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2007.05587.x
• EISSN: 1365-2958
• ISSN: 0950-382X
• Language: English
• Keywords: Amanitins; Gene Expression Regulation; Transcription, Genetic; Protozoan Proteins; Plasmodium falciparum; Animals; RNA Polymerase II