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Plasmodium falciparum MORC protein modulates gene expression through interaction with heterochromatin

ABSTRACT: The MORC (microrchidia) family of proteins is highly conserved in all eukaryotic cells and have been shown to play diverse roles by forming protein-protein interactions with immune-responsive proteins, SWI chromatin remodeling complexes, histone deacetylases, and histone tail modifications across metazoans. To dissect the functional roles of MORC in the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, we developed a glmS based ribozyme knockdown system to induce PfMORC knockdown upon glucosamine (GlcN) induction. We further conducted a transcriptomic analysis in PfMORC-HA-glmS knockdown parasites at the asexual stage to investigate alterations in global gene expression. Our results indicate an overrepresentation of downregulated genes belonging to the heterochromatin-associated hypervariable gene family proteins. Overall, we found that PfMORC controls the asexual gene expression of the P. falciparum and can be a potential target for malaria disease containment.

ORGANISM(S): Plasmodium falciparum

PROVIDER: GSE241313 | GEO | 2023/11/15

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Plasmodium falciparum MORC protein modulates gene expression through interaction with heterochromatin

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