Abstract:
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Organisms with identical genome sequences can show substantial
differences in their phenotypes owing to epigenetic changes that
result in different use of their genes. Epigenetic regulation of
gene expression plays a key role in the control of several
fundamental processes in the biology of malaria parasites,
including antigenic variation and sexual differentiation. Some
of the histone modifications and chromatin-modifying enzymes
that control the epigenetic states of malaria genes have been
characterized, and their functions are beginning to be
unraveled. The fundamental principles of epigenetic regulation
of gene expression appear to be conserved between malaria
parasites and model eukaryotes, but important peculiarities
exist. Here, we review the current knowledge of malaria
epigenetics and discuss how it can be exploited for the
development of new molecular markers and new types of drugs that
may contribute to malaria eradication efforts. |