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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Single-target high-throughput transcription analyses reveal high levels of alternative splicing present in the FPPS/GGPPS from Plasmodium falciparum

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Author(s):
Gabriel, Heloisa B. [1] ; de Azevedo, Mauro F. [1] ; Palmisano, Giuseppe [1] ; Wunderlich, Gerhard [1] ; Kimura, Emilia A. [1] ; Katzin, Alejandro M. [1] ; Alves, Joao M. P. [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Parasitol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 5, DEC 21 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Malaria is a tropical disease with significant morbidity and mortality. A better understanding of the metabolism of its most important etiological agent, Plasmodium falciparum, is paramount to the development of better treatment and other mitigation measures. Farnesyldiphosphate synthase/geranylgeranyldiphosphate synthase (FPPS/GGPPS) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of isoprenic chains present in many essential structures. In P. falciparum, as well as a handful of other organisms, FPPS/GGPPS has been shown to be a bifunctional enzyme. By genetic tagging and microscopy, we observed a changing localization of FPPS/GGPPS in blood stage parasites. Given the great importance of alternative splicing and other transcriptional phenomena in gene regulation and the generation of protein diversity, we have investigated the processing of the FPPS/GGPPS transcript in P. falciparum by high-throughput sequencing methods in four time-points along the intraerythrocytic cycle of P. falciparum. We have identified levels of transcript diversity an order of magnitude higher than previously observed in this organism, as well as a few stage-specific splicing events. Our data suggest that alternative splicing in P. falciparum is an important feature for gene regulation and the generation of protein diversity. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/14622-3 - Comparative genomics of Trypanosomatidae
Grantee:João Marcelo Pereira Alves
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
FAPESP's process: 10/19518-1 - Functional characterization of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPs) and 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naftoato preniltransferase (MenA) respectively involved in the isoprenoid pathway and the vitamin K during the intra-erythrocytic development of P. falciparum
Grantee:Heloisa Berti Gabriel
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 14/23417-7 - Biosynthesis of isoprenoids in Plasmodium falciparum: evaluation of possible targets for to obtain new anti-malarial drugs
Grantee:Alejandro Miguel Katzin
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants