Transcriptome analysis of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Benin reveals specific gene expression associated with cerebral malaria
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ABSTRACT: The most severe form of Plasmodium falciparum infection, cerebral malaria (CM), is linked to the parasite’s ability to bind to specific endothelial receptors in brain capillaries. However, the host and parasitic factors causing CM are not yet fully elucidated and the transcriptome profile of P. falciparum isolated from patients with CM remains largely unknown. To complement this deficiency, we aimed to characterize the gene expression associated with CM, by sequencing the parasite’s transcriptome from 15 CM and 15 uncomplicated malaria Beninese children. We demonstrated a specific gene expression in CM, making it possible to completely distinguish the two clinical phenotypes. Numerous biological pathways including entry into host and cytoadherence were predicted as impacted. In addition, infected erythrocytes (iE) from CM children had a decreased circulation time. It may be the result of a stronger adhesion capacity of these iE, which we previously demonstrated in vitro. Consistent with this result, we were able to measure an overall increased expression of the var genes family, encoding for the major mediator of adherence to host endothelium. This phenomenon may allow iE to avoid splenic clearance and cause the increased parasitaemia measured in CM.
ORGANISM(S): Plasmodium falciparum
PROVIDER: GSE186820 | GEO | 2021/10/31
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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