Essential function reflected in the phylodynamics of a multigene family: the pir genes of malaria parasites
Andrew P. Jackson, Deirdre A Cunningham, Lin Lin, Naomi Mara Claro de Oliveira, Séverine Chevalley, Giulia Pianta, Franziska Morhing, Abigail K Renfree, Timothy S. Little, Robert William Moon, Langhorne Jean, Chris J. Janse, Blandine M. D. Franke-Fayard, Christiaan van Ooij
This study investigates the evolutionary dynamics and essential function of pir genes in malaria parasites, identifying pirC1 as critical for blood stage growth and suggesting a role in host cell interaction or nutrient uptake.
bioRxiv · Jan 23, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology