Transcriptome Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum Isolates From Benin Reveals Specific Gene Expression Associated With Cerebral Malaria

Cerebral malaria (CM) is the severest form of Plasmodium falciparum infection. Children under 5 years old are those most vulnerable to CM, and they consequently have the highest risk of malaria-related death. Parasite-associated factors leading to CM are not yet fully elucidated. We therefore sought to characterize the gene expression profile associated with CM, using RNA sequencing data from 15 CM and 15 uncomplicated malaria isolates from Benin. Cerebral malaria parasites displayed reduced circulation times, possibly related to higher cytoadherence capacity. Consistent with the latter, we detected increased var genes abundance in CM isolates. Differential expression analyses showed that distinct transcriptome profiles are signatures of malaria severity. Genes involved in adhesion, excluding variant surface antigens, were dysregulated, supporting the idea of increased cytoadhesion capacity of CM parasites. Finally, we found dysregulated expression of genes in the entry into host pathway that may reflect greater erythrocyte invasion capacity of CM parasites.

Automated summary

This study characterized the gene expression profile associated with cerebral malaria (CM) using RNA sequencing data. The findings revealed that CM parasites had reduced circulation times and increased cytoadherence capacity. Differential expression analyses identified specific transcriptome profiles related to malaria severity. Dysregulated expression of genes involved in adhesion and erythrocyte invasion was also observed.