MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ADP ATP-TRANSPORTER CDNA FROM THE HUMAN MALARIA PARASITE PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM/

We have isolated a cDNA sequence encoding the ADP/ATP transporter in P lasmodium falciparum. The sequence analysis revealed an open reading f rame encoding 301 amino acids and showed significant similarities to k nown eukaryotic translocases such as that of Chlorella (up to 67.2% id entity) acid the human transporter (61.2%). RNA blot analysis showed t he presence of mRNA encoding for a 33.7-kDa ADP/ATP transporter. Durin g the cell cycle of the parasite the expression levels of the transcri pts fluctuate. The mitochondrial ADP/ATP transporter could play a role in energy metabolism of P. falciparum and makes this transporter an e xcellent target for chemotherapy.