Targeting protein translation, RNA splicing, and degradation by morpholino-based conjugates in Plasmodium falciparum.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Aprajita GargSidney Altman

Abstract

Identification and genetic validation of new targets from available genome sequences are critical steps toward the development of new potent and selective antimalarials. However, no methods are currently available for large-scale functional analysis of the Plasmodium falciparum genome. Here we present evidence for successful use of morpholino oligomers (MO) to mediate degradation of target mRNAs or to inhibit RNA splicing or translation of several genes of P. falciparum involved in chloroquine transport, apicoplast biogenesis, and phospholipid biosynthesis. Consistent with their role in the parasite life cycle, down-regulation of these essential genes resulted in inhibition of parasite development. We show that a MO conjugate that targets the chloroquine-resistant transporter PfCRT is effective against chloroquine-sensitive and -resistant parasites, causes enlarged digestive vacuoles, and renders chloroquine-resistant strains more sensitive to chloroquine. Similarly, we show that a MO conjugate that targets the PfDXR involved in apicoplast biogenesis inhibits parasite growth and that this defect can be rescued by addition of isopentenyl pyrophosphate. MO-based gene regulation is a viable alternative approach to functional analy...Continue Reading

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Citations

Oct 19, 2016·Current Opinion in Microbiology·Erin K Sully, Bruce L Geller
Feb 22, 2018·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·David LanglaisPhilippe Gros
Jul 5, 2019·Advanced Materials·Devleena SamantaChad A Mirkin
Feb 21, 2019·MBio·Lee M YeohStuart A Ralph
Aug 9, 2020·Nature Communications·Sarah H ShafikRowena E Martin

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