To take advantage of the advances in sequencing genomes of malaria parasites large-scale analyses of protein-protein interactions and gene expression profiles will be essential. As a part of the Malaria Genome Project, 5X coverage of a rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii genome has been accomplished by the Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR), and a large collection of cDNA clones have been sequenced. With these reagents in hand, we propose to establish reagents to undertake high throughput yeast two hybrid screening to assess protein-protein interactions. Our experience with yeast two-hybrid system suggests that, for reasons that are not entirely clear, P. yoelii genes are better expressed in the yeast compared to P. falciparum. By using the power of yeast genetics, the protocols proposed here will permit screening for interacting proteins with much greater efficiency. We also propose to construct cDNA microarrays using the sequenced P. yoelii clones for undertaking large-scale gene expression profiling. Again, the rodent malaria model will provide certain advantage in conducting gene expression profiling of parasites replicating in vivo. A variety of investigations will be aided by availability of such microarrays.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21AI053803-02
Application #
6711157
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MBC-1 (01))
Program Officer
Coyne, Philip Edward
Project Start
2003-03-15
Project End
2006-02-28
Budget Start
2004-03-01
Budget End
2006-02-28
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$226,500
Indirect Cost
Name
Drexel University
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
002604817
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104