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. 1987 Dec 20;6(13):4137–4142. doi: 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1987.tb02759.x

A naturally occurring gene encoding the major surface antigen precursor p190 of Plasmodium falciparum lacks tripeptide repeats.

U Certa 1, D Rotmann 1, H Matile 1, R Reber-Liske 1
PMCID: PMC553896  PMID: 3327688

Abstract

Plasmodium falciparum merozoites have variable surface proteins that are processed from a 190-kd precursor protein (p190). The gene encoding p190 exists in two allelic forms and cross-over events occurring mainly near the 5' end, combined with isolate-specific tripeptide repeats, contribute to its antigen diversity. We have sequenced a large portion of the p190 gene from the parasite isolate RO-33 (Ghana). Remarkably, the typical N-terminal tripeptide repeat structure is lacking. Apart from mutations in the variable parts, the gene appears identical to the MAD-20 allele (Papua, New Guinea). Southern blot analysis detects p190 genes similar to RO-33 in other parasite isolates independent of their geographical origin. The lack of p190 repeats in RO-33 eliminates the possibility that they are involved in host cell recognition or integration and restricts their function to immune escape.

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Selected References

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