Entering the post-genomic era of malaria research

The sequencing of the genome of Plasmodium falciparum promises to revolutio nize the way in which malaria research will be carried out. Beyond simple g ene discovery, the genome sequence will facilitate the comprehensive determ ination of the parasite's gene expression during its developmental phases, pathology, and in response to environmental variables, such as drug treatme nt and host genetic background. This article reviews the current status of the P. falciparum genome sequencing project and the unique insights it has generated. We also summarize the application of bioinformatics and analytic al tools that have been developed for functional genomics. The aim of these activities is the rational, information-based identification of new therap eutic strategies and targets, based on a thorough insight into the biology of Plasmodium spp.