Article Abstract:
Different families of genes are present in the malarial parasite that allow the parasite to change the antigens that it inserts into the membrane of the erythrocyte. The differential expression of these genes help the parasite to survive against the immune response of the host. The antigens are present in the group of proteins called plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes membrane protein, which is secreted by the parasite and inserted in the erythrocyte membrane. These antigens allow the erythrocyte to avoid destruction in the spleen.
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Article Abstract:
Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) located in place of the promoter of a variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) expression site of Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei) has the same functions as the VSG promoters. The T. brucei variants containing rDNA are infective and similar to the wild-type parasites in human blood. However, the structure of the rDNA and the VSG promoter are different. The switching between different VSG expression sites is probably due to telomeric silencing. The suppression of the VSG expression sites occurs during transcription initiation.
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Article Abstract:
The insertion of Trypanosoma brucei promoters of variant-specific surface glycoprotein (vsg) genes near telomeres at the vsg221 locus suppresses transcription in the bloodstream-form (BF) cells. The vsg expression site promoters are suppressed. The procyclic-form of T. brucei shows similar inhibition. This suppression is stable and heritable during mitosis. Telomeric silencing is probably responsible for the activation of one vsg gene and inhibition of other genes in the BF cells.
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