PfAlbas constitute a new eukaryotic DNA/RNA-binding protein family in malaria parasites

摘要: In Plasmodium falciparum, perinuclear subtelomeric chromatin conveys monoallelic expression of virulence genes. However, proteins that directly bind to chromosome ends are poorly described. Here we identify a novel DNA/RNA-binding protein family bears homology the archaeal Alba (Acetylation lowers binding affinity). We isolated three four PfAlba paralogs as part molecular complex is associated with P. falciparum-specific TARE6 (Telomere-Associated Repetitive Elements 6) region and showed in electromobility shift assays (EMSAs) PfAlbas repeats. early blood stages, were enriched at nuclear periphery partially co-localized PfSir2, TARE6-associated histone deacetylase linked process antigenic variation. The location changed onset parasite proliferation (trophozoite-schizont), where also detectable cytoplasm punctate pattern. Using single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) probes EMSAs, found ssRNA, albeit different preferences. demonstrate for first time eukaryotes Alba-like both DNA their intracellular developmentally regulated. Discovery may provide link between previously described non-coding regulation