PfSET10, a Plasmodium falciparum methyltransferase, maintains the active var gene in a poised state during parasite division

Cell Host Microbe. 2012 Jan 19;11(1):7-18. doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2011.11.011.

Abstract

A major virulence factor of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1), a variant protein expressed on the infected erythrocyte surface. PfEMP1 is responsible for adherence of infected erythrocytes to the endothelium and plays an important role in pathogenesis. Mutually exclusive transcription and switched expression of one of 60 var genes encoding PfEMP1 in each parasite genome provides a mechanism for antigenic variation. We report the identification of a parasite protein, designated PfSET10, which localizes exclusively to the perinuclear active var gene expression site. PfSET10 is a histone 3 lysine 4 methyltransferase required to maintain the active var gene in a poised state during division for reactivation in daughter parasites, and as such is required for P. falciparum antigenic variation. PfSET10 likely maintains the transcriptionally permissive chromatin environment of the active var promoter and thus retains memory for heritable transmission of epigenetic information during parasite division.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigenic Variation
  • Cell Division*
  • DNA, Protozoan / metabolism*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Gene Expression*
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase / metabolism*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / enzymology*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / physiology*
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics*
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • erythrocyte membrane protein 1, Plasmodium falciparum
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase