Transcriptional differences enable the generation of alternative phenotypes from the same genome. In malaria parasites, transcriptional plasticity plays a major role in the process of adaptation to fluctuations in the environment. Multiple studies with culture-adapted parasites and field isolates are starting to unravel the different transcriptional alternatives available to Plasmodium falciparum and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here we discuss how epigenetic variation, directed transcriptional responses and also genetic changes that affect transcript levels can all contribute to transcriptional variation and, ultimately, parasite survival. Some transcriptional changes are driven by stochastic events. These changes can occur spontaneously, resulting in heterogeneity within parasite populations that provides the grounds for adaptation by dynamic natural selection. However, transcriptional changes can also occur in response to external cues. A better understanding of the mechanisms that the parasite has evolved to alter its transcriptome may ultimately contribute to the design of strategies to combat malaria to which the parasite cannot adapt.

中文翻译：

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疟原虫的转录变异：原因和方式。

转录差异使得能够从同一基因组产生替代表型。在疟原虫中，转录可塑性在适应环境波动的过程中起着重要作用。关于培养适应性寄生虫和田间分离株的多项研究正开始揭示恶性疟原虫可用的不同转录选择及其潜在的分子机制。在这里，我们讨论了表观遗传变异，定向转录反应以及影响转录本水平的遗传变化如何都能促进转录变异以及最终寄生虫的存活。某些转录变化是由随机事件驱动的。这些变化可以自发发生，导致寄生虫种群内的异质性，从而为动态自然选择提供了适应的基础。但是，转录变化也可能会响应外部提示而发生。更好地了解寄生虫进化以改变其转录组的机制，可能最终有助于设计对抗寄生虫无法适应的疟疾的策略。