Lack of sequence diversity in the gene encoding merozoite surface protein 5 of Plasmodium falciparum.
The gene encoding merozoite surface protein 5 (MSP5) of Plasmodium falciparum is situated between the genes encoding MSP2 and MSP4 on chromosome 2. Both MSP4 and MSP5 encode proteins that contain hydrophobic signal and glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) attachment signals and a single epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain at their carboxyl termini. The similar gene organization, location and similar structural features of the two genes suggest that they have arisen from a gene duplication event. In this study we provide further evidence for the merozoite surface location of MSP5 by demonstrating that MSP5 is present in isolated merozoites, partitions in the detergent-enriched phase following Triton X-114 fractionation and shows a staining pattern consistent with merozoite surface location by indirect immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. Analysis of antigenic diversity of MSP5 shows a lack of sequence variation between various isolates of P. falciparum from different geographical locations, a feature unusual for surface proteins of merozoites and one that may simplify vaccine formulation.[1]References
- Lack of sequence diversity in the gene encoding merozoite surface protein 5 of Plasmodium falciparum. Wu, T., Black, C.G., Wang, L., Hibbs, A.R., Coppel, R.L. Mol. Biochem. Parasitol. (1999) [Pubmed]
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