Featured Publications
The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum can sense environmental changes and respond by antigenic switching
Schneider V, Visone J, Harris C, Florini F, Hadjimichael E, Zhang X, Gross M, Rhee K, Mamoun C, Kafsack B, Deitsch K. The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum can sense environmental changes and respond by antigenic switching. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of America 2023, 120: e2302152120. PMID: 37068249, PMCID: PMC10151525, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302152120.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGene switchingGene expressionHistone methyltransferasesHuman malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparumMalaria parasite Plasmodium falciparumS-adenosylmethionineGene expression patternsMulticopy gene familiesVariant surface proteinsParasite Plasmodium falciparumHuman malaria parasiteIntracellular S-adenosylmethioninePrincipal methyl donorEpigenetic controlGene familyActive genesAntigenic switchingGene transcriptionNutrient availabilityExpression patternsMethylation modificationSAM metabolismGenetic modificationAntigenic variationSurface proteins
2019
Comparative 3D genome organization in apicomplexan parasites
Bunnik EM, Venkat A, Shao J, McGovern KE, Batugedara G, Worth D, Prudhomme J, Lapp SA, Andolina C, Ross LS, Lawres L, Brady D, Sinnis P, Nosten F, Fidock DA, Wilson EH, Tewari R, Galinski MR, Ben Mamoun C, Ay F, Le Roch KG. Comparative 3D genome organization in apicomplexan parasites. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of America 2019, 116: 3183-3192. PMID: 30723152, PMCID: PMC6386730, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1810815116.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGenome organizationGene expressionApicomplexan parasitesVirulence genesSpatial genome organizationPositioning of chromosomesRelated apicomplexan parasitesVirulence gene clusterClustering of centromeresHi-C experimentsStrong repressive effectHuman malaria parasiteChromosome foldingEukaryotic cellsGene familyGene clusterGenome modelGenomeGene clusteringMore virulent pathogensNuclear spaceRepressive effectGenesAntigenic variationVirulent pathogens
2011
Phosphoethanolamine methyltransferases in phosphocholine biosynthesis: functions and potential for antiparasite therapy
Bobenchik AM, Augagneur Y, Hao B, Hoch JC, Mamoun C. Phosphoethanolamine methyltransferases in phosphocholine biosynthesis: functions and potential for antiparasite therapy. FEMS Microbiology Reviews 2011, 35: 609-619. PMID: 21303393, PMCID: PMC4107886, DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2011.00267.x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsStress-resistant plantsImportant biochemical stepHuman malaria parasiteMethyl donor SAMPhosphocholine biosynthesisN-methyltransferasesFlorida lanceletDependent methyltransferasesNuclear divisionBiochemical stepsDependent methylationBiological functionsGene expressionGenetic characterizationDevelopment of therapiesMalaria parasitesMajor phospholipidsDiverse groupEnzymeSmall moleculesPlantsAntiparasite therapyEukaryotesPhosphoethanolamineMethyltransferases