Two complementary methods for the identification and production of novel biomarkers of Plasmodium falciparum

Abstract

Ribosome profiling (RP) is a novel technique that exploits RNA sequencing and ribosome immobilization to quantify transcription and translation at different cell growth stages. Therefore, RP provides invaluable information for expression dynamics studies. Quantitative –omics studies are of crucial importance for identification of potential biomarkers of infection. An ideal parasite detection system should definitely establish the presence or absence of infection; determine the species involved; be detectable even in low concentrations; be proportional to parasite density; and determine the presence of antibiotic resistance. Here, we propose a simple workflow that attempts to identify a set of biomarkers that fulfill some of the above criteria for the ideal detection system. RP expression profiles were ranked for abundance, crosschecked with PlasmoDB for homogeneity along infection cycles and probed for availability of structural stability. The latter is of fundamental importance for the development of molecular biosensors to be give birth to rapid diagnostic kits. In addition, a simple biochemistry workflow was developed for easy production of the selected biomarkers in E. coli. Altogether, the present work provides two complementary and novel workflows that shall aid researchers to rapidly produce molecular biomarkers and develop biosensors based on antibodies or aptamers.