Data from: Genome-wide regulatory dynamics of translation in the Plasmodium falciparum asexual blood stages

The characterization of the transcriptome and proteome of Plasmodium
falciparum has been a tremendous resource for the understanding of the
molecular physiology of this parasite. However, the translational dynamics
that link steady-state mRNA with protein levels are not well understood.
In this study, we bridge this disconnect by measuring genome-wide
translation using ribosome profiling, through five stages of the P.
falciparum blood phase developmental cycle. Our findings show that
transcription and translation are tightly coupled, with overt
translational control occurring for less than 10% of the transcriptome.
Translationally regulated genes are predominantly associated with
merozoite egress functions. We systematically define mRNA 5′ leader
sequences, and 3′ UTRs, as well as antisense transcripts, along with
ribosome occupancy for each, and establish that accumulation of ribosomes
on 5′ leaders is a common transcript feature. This work represents the
highest resolution and broadest portrait of gene expression and
translation to date for this medically important parasite.