PfAP2-G and PfAP2-I ChIP-seq in schizonts

In the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the switch that occurs from asexual multiplication to sexual differentiation is essential for transmission to mosquitos. One of the key drivers of commitment to sexual development is the transcription factor AP2-G. Although it has been hypothesised that AP2-G orchestrates this crucial cell fate decision by driving expression of gametocyte genes, the molecular mechanisms by which this occurs remain unknown. We show conclusively that AP2-G is a transcriptional activator of gametocyte genes and identify the earliest target genes expressed during commitment. Remarkably, we also find that in committed cells AP2-G is associated with the promoters of genes important for red blood cell invasion and activates them through its interactions with another transcription factor. We thus demonstrate for the first time an intriguing transcriptional link between the apparently opposing processes of red blood cell invasion and gametocytogenesis. This suggests that committed schizonts may have a distinct invasion preference or pathway that is transcriptionally regulated by AP2-G. ChIP was performed on the AP2-G-DD::AP2-I-GFP line (+ Shld1) at the schizont stage using antibodies against GFP and HA. The input material served as the control. There are two biological replicates, giving a total of six samples.