Emerging biology of noncoding RNAs in malaria parasites

Simantov, Karina; Goyal, Manish; Dzikowski, Ron

doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1010600

Cited by 16 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 165 publications

(225 reference statements)

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“…Among these, TARE6 has been shown to complex with histone H3 using a hairpin structure; however, it is not known whether this interaction affects gene regulation [25]. Although the aforementioned studies provide insights into how lncRNAs may regulate biological processes, many recent reviews highlight that these examples represent only a small subset of the thousands of lncRNAs identified so far in P. falciparum [6,[28][29][30].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A manually curated annotation characterises genomic features of P. falciparum lncRNAs

et al. 2022

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Background Important regulation occurs at the level of transcription in Plasmodium falciparum and growing evidence suggests that these apicomplexan parasites have complex regulatory networks. Recent studies implicate long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as transcriptional regulators in P. falciparum. However, due to limited research and the lack of necessary experimental tools, our understanding of their role in the malaria-causing parasite remains largely unelucidated. In this work, we address one of these limitations, the lack of an updated and improved lncRNA annotation in P. falciparum. Results We generated long-read RNA sequencing data and integrated information extracted and curated from multiple sources to manually annotate lncRNAs. We identified 1119 novel lncRNAs and validated and refined 1250 existing annotations. Utilising the collated datasets, we generated evidence-based ranking scores for each annotation and characterised the distinct genomic contexts and features of P. falciparum lncRNAs. Certain features indicated subsets with potential biological significance such as 25 lncRNAs containing multiple introns, 335 lncRNAs lacking mutations in piggyBac mutagenic studies and lncRNAs associated with specific biologic processes including two new types of lncRNAs found proximal to var genes. Conclusions The insights and the annotation presented in this study will serve as valuable tools for researchers seeking to understand the role of lncRNAs in parasite biology through both bioinformatics and experimental approaches.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A manually curated annotation characterises genomic features of P. falciparum lncRNAs

et al. 2022

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“…Anti-sense lncRNA recruits the proteins required for chromatin modifications and transcriptional activation. They are majorly involved in the mutually exclusive expression of Pf EMP1 variants which contribute to antigenic variation and host immune evasion by parasite ( 46 ). Recently, one group of researchers have identified an anti-sense lncRNA-associated protein, Pf TPx-1 which localizes to specific nuclear subcompartment and creates a redox-controlled microenvironment essential for the active transcription of var genes.…”

Section: Parasite Survival or Immune Evasion Strategies In Mammalian ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Host-parasite interactions during Plasmodium infection: Implications for immunotherapies

et al. 2023

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Malaria is a global infectious disease that remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Multiple environmental and host and parasite factors govern the clinical outcomes of malaria. The host immune response against the Plasmodium parasite is heterogenous and stage-specific both in the human host and mosquito vector. The Plasmodium parasite virulence is predominantly associated with its ability to evade the host’s immune response. Despite the availability of drug-based therapies, Plasmodium parasites can acquire drug resistance due to high antigenic variations and allelic polymorphisms. The lack of licensed vaccines against Plasmodium infection necessitates the development of effective, safe and successful therapeutics. To design an effective vaccine, it is important to study the immune evasion strategies and stage-specific Plasmodium proteins, which are targets of the host immune response. This review provides an overview of the host immune defense mechanisms and parasite immune evasion strategies during Plasmodium infection. Furthermore, we also summarize and discuss the current progress in various anti-malarial vaccine approaches, along with antibody-based therapy involving monoclonal antibodies, and research advancements in host-directed therapy, which can together open new avenues for developing novel immunotherapies against malaria infection and transmission.

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“…These variable surface proteins serve as major ligands that contribute to the pathogenicity of P . falciparum and its capacity to evade human immunity (Simantov et al, 2022).…”

Section: Lncrnas In Malariamentioning

confidence: 99%

Exosome‐derived long noncoding RNAs: Mediators of host–Plasmodium parasite communication

et al. 2023

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Overcoming challenges associated with malaria eradication proves to be a formidable task due to the complicated life cycle exhibited by the malaria parasite and the lack of safe and enduring vaccines against malaria. Investigating the interplay between Plasmodium parasites and their mammalian hosts is crucial for the development of novel vaccines. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) derived from Plasmodium parasites or host cells have emerged as potential signaling molecules involved in the trafficking of proteins, RNA (mRNAs, miRNAs, and ncRNAs), and DNA. These lncRNAs facilitate the interaction between hosts and parasites, impacting normal physiology or pathology in malaria‐infected individuals. Moreover, they possess the capacity to regulate immune responses and associated signaling pathways, thus potentially influencing chromatin organization, epigenetic modifications, mRNA processing, splicing, and translation. However, the functional role of exosomal lncRNAs in malaria remains poorly understood. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of lncRNA and exosomal lncRNA profiles during malaria infection. It presents an overview of recent progress in elucidating the involvement of exosomal lncRNAs in host–parasite interactions. Additionally, potential exosomal lncRNAs linked to the domains of innate and adaptive immunity in the context of malaria are proposed. These findings may contribute to the discovery of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for malaria. Furthermore, the need for additional research was highlighted that aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying lncRNA transportation into host cells and their targeting of specific genes to regulate the host's immune response. This knowledge gap presents an opportunity for future investigations, offering innovative approaches to enhance malarial control.This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule‐RNA Interactions RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

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Emerging biology of noncoding RNAs in malaria parasites

Cited by 16 publications

References 165 publications

A manually curated annotation characterises genomic features of P. falciparum lncRNAs

A manually curated annotation characterises genomic features of P. falciparum lncRNAs

Host-parasite interactions during Plasmodium infection: Implications for immunotherapies

Exosome‐derived long noncoding RNAs: Mediators of host–Plasmodium parasite communication

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