Transcriptional regulator HDP1 regulates expansion of the inner membrane complex during early sexual differentiation of malaria parasites [RNA-Seq]

In this study, we identify HDP1, a previously uncharacterized DNA-binding protein first expressed during early sexual differentiation. The development of HDP1-deficient gametocytes arrests at the Stage I to Stage II transition and ends in loss of viability. Analysis of gene expression and HDP1-binding shows that this protein functions as a positive transcriptional regulator of genes essential for gametocyte development, including genes that are critical for the expansion of the inner membrane complex (IMC) that gives P. falciparum gametocytes their characteristic shape. We analyzed the transcriptome of Δhdp1 and parental NF54 on day 2 of gametocytogenesis, in order to identify changes in expression that may be responsible for aberrant development of HDP1-deficient gametocyes. Two biologically independent replicates were evaluated.