Inferring Developmental Stage Composition from Gene Expression in Human Malaria
Figure 5
(A) We collected and analyzed a range of in vitro time points with varying contributions of asexual and sexual stages, from both gametocyte-producing and non-producing lines of 3D7. Absolute number of parasites stages that went into each qRT-PCR reaction well is plotted. (B) Relative qRT-PCR-based gene expression of stage-specific markers for R, T, IG and MG are shown for time points corresponding vertically to those in part A. (C) Inferred proportion of each stage in the total parasite load (model predictions) are shown corresponding vertically to the time points in A and B, plotted as a percentage of total parasites in that sample. (D) In vivo peripheral blood samples from severe malaria patients in Blantyre, Malawi were collected and analyzed. Absolute numbers of parasites stages per µL of blood, as determined by microscopy, are plotted. (E) Relative qRT-PCR-based gene expression of stage-specific markers for T, IG and MG (normalized to SBP1) is shown for time points corresponding vertically to those in part D. (F) Inferred proportion of each stage (model predictions) are shown corresponding vertically to the time points in D and E. Stars indicate subjects in which gametocytes were observed by highly sensitive thick smear examination (one or more gametocytes in 100 high power fields).