Dynamic Epigenetic Regulation of Gene Expression during the Life Cycle of Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003170
• Publication Date: 2013-03-01T13:32:51Z
• Authors: Archna P. Gupta; Wai Hoe Chin; Lei Zhu; Sachel Mok; Yen-Hoon Luah; Eng-How Lim; Zbynek Bozdech
• Keywords: H3K4me3; Epigenomics; Epigenome; Histone code; Chromatin immunoprecipitation

Epigenetic mechanisms are emerging as one of the major factors dynamics gene expression in human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. To elucidate role chromatin remodeling transcriptional regulation associated with progression P. falciparum intraerythrocytic development cycle (IDC), we mapped temporal pattern chromosomal association histone H3 and H4 modifications using ChIP-on-chip. Here, have generated a broad integrative epigenomic map twelve during IDC including H4K5ac, H4K8ac, H4K12ac, H4K16ac, H3K9ac, H3K14ac, H3K56ac, H4K20me1, H4K20me3, H3K4me3, H3K79me3 H4R3me2. While some were found to be vast majority genome their occupancy was constant, others showed more specific highly dynamic distribution. Importantly, eight displaying tight correlations transcript levels differential affinity distinct genomic regions H4K8ac occupying predominantly promoter while occurred at 5' ends coding sequences. The remained unchanged when ectopically inserted different locus, indicating presence DNA elements that recruit modifying enzymes regardless environment. In addition, multivalent domains on carrying than mark, highlighting importance combinatorial effects transcription. Overall, our work portrays substantial between locations various epigenetic markers, activity global stage-specific transitions epigenome.