Fossil Hunters

Rna

Red cells resistant to

GATA-1 binding site lost merozoite invasion in presence of SNP

Loss of expression of DARC gene

DARC gene

Figure 13.6 Molecular schematic of the functional consequences of an A to G substitution in the promoter of the DARC gene. In the homozygous state, GATA-1 binding is lost and the DARC gene is not expressed. Red blood cells in these 'Duffy negative' individuals are resistant to invasion by Plasmodium vivax as the cells lack the Duffy antigen receptor required by the parasite to gain entry.

Figure 13.6 Molecular schematic of the functional consequences of an A to G substitution in the promoter of the DARC gene. In the homozygous state, GATA-1 binding is lost and the DARC gene is not expressed. Red blood cells in these 'Duffy negative' individuals are resistant to invasion by Plasmodium vivax as the cells lack the Duffy antigen receptor required by the parasite to gain entry.