[e-drug] Malaria breakthrough (cont)

["Andrew Pearce" <pearce@wehi.edu.au>]

E-drug: Malaria breakthrough (cont)
---------------------------------------------

A collaborative international effort has recently completed the sequencing
of entire DNA sequence (genome) of the protozoan parasite, Plasmodium 
falciparum, which is the causative agent of the disease, malaria. 
The genome contains about 5,300 genes and it is anticipated that this 
information will allow researchers to identify specific genes and 
hence proteins, that will be good targets for vaccines and 
anti-malarial drugs.

The target identification process still requires a lot of work, but 
the availability of the genome sequence is a major advance that has 
exposed the parasite to close scrutiny so that weak points will 
become more obvious.
In addition to Plasmodium falciparum, the genome sequence of the mosquito
that transmits malaria, Anopheles gambiae has also been fully sequenced.

The examination of the mosquito genome may also provide insights such 
as why this type of mosquito can transmit malaria, but another type 
cannot.
A deeper understanding of these processes should lead to new strategies
for undermining parasite transmission and viability.


Andrew Pearce
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Division of Infection and Immunity
Royal Melbourne Hospital Vic 3050 Australia
"Andrew Pearce" <pearce@wehi.EDU.AU>
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