Here we report the identification of 15 potential MSP-like proteins from the P. falciparum 3D7 genome using a bioinformatics-based approach. One candidate, renamed URF1, was further characterized by cloning into the Gateway system. We were able to demonstrate expression of URF1 during the blood stage, especially the trophozoite, early and late schizont phases, by immunofluorescence on infected RBC using antisera raised in mice with an URF1 DNA vaccine. URF1 expression in the merozoite stage could not be confirmed in this study. Future co-localization and immunosorbent electron microscopy (EM) experiments would help us determine the exact localization of URF1 on the parasite before officially categorizing URF1 as a merozoite surface protein. As a whole, this research project demonstrates the success of using bioinformatics in identifying potential new MSP-like proteins found in the malaria genome. Further characterization and sequence analysis of the other 15 candidates may reveal other novel antigens expressed during the erythrocytic stage, especially in the merozoite stage. Such antigens may prove to be good vaccine candidates.

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