Elucidation of the mechanism of malaria parasite gametocyte formation using transcription factors

So far, ChIP-seq analysis of AP2-G has been performed and identified more than 660 AP2-G target genes have been identified. Therefore, the research generated knockout protozoa and GFP-fused protozoa for the AP2-G target genes identified by ChIP-seq, analyzed their phenotypes, and evaluated their effects on gametocyte formation. As a result, candidate genes were found for novel female-specific transcription factors among the AP2-G target genes. The gene was named AP2-FG2. Knockout protozoa of this gene showed a phenotype in which zygotes were formed but the next stage, okinate, was not formed at all. When AP2-FG2-GFP fusion protozoa were prepared and expression analysis was performed, the localization of the AP2-FG2 protein to the nucleus of female gametocytes was confirmed. ChIP-seq using AP2-FG2-GFP protozoa was performed and it was confirmed that this transcription factor binds to the upstream region of the female-specific gene.

Project details

Basic Science

Apr 2020 — Mar 2023

$38,109

Japan