Mechanisms of triggering malaria gametocytogenesis by AP2-G.

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K07462
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 49040:Parasitology-related
• Research Institution: Mie University
• Principal Investigator: Kaneko Izumi 三重大学, 医学系研究科, 助教 (20515720)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: マラリア / 転写因子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The target gene and cis-acting element of the transcription factor AP2-G were identified. We found a novel female gametocyte transcription factor AP2-FG2 in the target gene. We found that AP2-FG2 is localized in the nucleus of female gametocytes and binds to the upstream regions of female-specific genes to regulate their gene expression.Furthermore, we found an SNF2-like chromatin remodeling ATPase, gSNF2, which is involved in the differentiation of male gametocytes. The gSNF2-deficient parasites were unable to form normal male gametocytes and completely lost the ability to infection to mosquitoes. We clarified that gSNF2 binds to a specific sequence existing in the upstream region of the male and female gametocyte genes and participates in the gene expression regulation.

Free Research Field

寄生虫

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の成果はマラリア原虫の複雑なライフサイクル成立の根本原理の解明の一端を担うものであり、世界的に問題となっているマラリア感染症の予防・治療に繋がると考える。