In silico characterization of genetic homology in nuclear-encoded apicoplast-targeted genes between Plasmodium falciparum & P. vivax.

Background & objectives: Resistance to anti-malarial drugs by the parasites is one of the major obstacles to malaria control. The primary objective of this work was to fi nd specifi c nuclear-encoded-apicoplasttargeted genes that are conserved between two different human malaria parasite species, Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax to fi to fi nd a common drug/vaccine targets for both the species. Methods: Using computational genomics, possible nuclear-encoded-apicoplast-targeted genes were identifi ed in P. falciparum genome. With comparative genomic approaches, homologous genes were identifi ed between the two different human malaria species, P. falciparum and P. vivax. Results: Of the total 545 reported nuclear-encoded-apicoplast-targeted genes in P. falciparum, we could narrow down to as less as fi ve genes that were found to have highly conserved nucleotide stretches in P. vivax. However, two such genes were of importance, as the majority of the protein coding regions (exons) of these genes were found to be highly conserved between them. Interpretation & conclusion: This preliminary study shows that nuclear-encoded-apicoplast-targeted genes were conserved between the two human malaria parasites and these could be targeted for developing a common drug to cure both forms of malaria.