Dissecting mRNA-ribosome interaction in AU-rich transcriptome of Plasmodium falciparum

Abstract Genome sequencing of P. falciparum, the causative agent of malaria, has laid the foundation for significant biological advances by exposing surprising genomic information. The P. falciparum genome is extremely AT- rich (~80%) and comprised of a large number of genes encoding polyadenosine (polyA) tracks. In most eukaryotes, including humans, polyA tracks act as negative regulators of gene expression. Our recent studies have shown that the translation of mRNAs containing polyA track motifs results in ribosomal stalling and frameshifting in the majority of eukaryotic and bacterial organisms. In contrast to most organisms, P. falciparum can efficiently and accurately translate polyA tracks. Therefore, we want to understand how P. falciparum can effectively translate these genes. We hypothesize that potential contributors to P. falciparum‘s unique translation mechanism are RNA-binding proteins, variations in the translation quality control machinery, and adaptations to the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) itself. P. falciparum evolutionary adaptation towards an AT-rich genome and polyA encoded lysine stretches remains to be explored. 

Association of PfRACK1 protein with P. falciparum and human ribosomes and their interaction with polyA mRNAs will be further characterized using single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) The goals of this project are to characterize P. falciparum mRNA surveillance system fully, and we will be among the first to study the translational complexities in the P. falciparum genome. We believe that this information will be crucial to fighting malaria and that these unique features of the parasite can be exploited into new therapeutic targets, thus furthering the battle against malaria.

NIH project details

Enabling Technologies & Assays
Genetics and Genomics

Jun 2021 — Mar 2025

$630,000

United States