An efficient strategy for gene targeting and phenotypic assessment in the Plasmodium yoelii rodent malaria model

Mol Biochem Parasitol. 2008 Apr;158(2):213-6. doi: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2007.12.006. Epub 2007 Dec 15.

Abstract

In this report, we describe a cloning procedure for gene replacement by double homologous recombination in Plasmodium yoelii, which requires only one digestion and ligation step. This significantly shortens the time required to complete the production of the targeting vector. Furthermore, for more efficient phenotypic evaluation of the gene knockout parasites, we have also introduced a fluorescent protein cassette into the targeting vector. This allows for a more rapid assessment of parasite growth in all of its developmental stages. In addition, the introduction of the fluorescent marker via the replacement strategy confers the stable integration of the marker.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anopheles / parasitology
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Gene Deletion
  • Gene Targeting / methods*
  • Malaria / parasitology*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Phenotype
  • Plasmodium yoelii / classification*
  • Plasmodium yoelii / genetics*
  • Plasmodium yoelii / pathogenicity
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics*
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism
  • Recombination, Genetic*

Substances

  • Protozoan Proteins