Genetic diversity and natural selection on the thrombospondin-related adhesive protein (TRAP) gene of Plasmodium falciparum on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea and global comparative analysis

Abstract Background Thrombospondin-related adhesive protein (TRAP) is a transmembrane that plays crucial role during the invasion of Plasmodium falciparum into liver cells. As potential malaria vaccine candidate, genetic diversity and natural selection Pf TRAP was assessed global polymorphism pattern described. Methods 153 blood spot samples from Bioko patients were collected 2016–2018 target gene amplified. Together with sequences database, nucleotide analysis, structural prediction preformed using bioinformatical tools. Results A total 119 amplified successfully. On Island, shows its high degree heterogeneity, ? value for 0.01046 Hd 0.99. The dN–dS (6.2231, p < 0.05) hinted at on Island. Globally, African TRAPs showed more diverse than Asian ones, significant differentiation discovered by fixation index between countries (Fst > 0.15, 0.05). 667 isolates clustered in 136 haplotypes 739 528 network analysis. mutations I116T, L221I, Y128F, G228V P299S predicted as probably damaging PolyPhen online service, while L49V, R285G, R285S, K421N would lead to increase free energy difference (??G 1) indicated destabilization structure. Conclusions Evidences present investigation supported Island other endemic highly polymorphic (especially T cell epitopes), which provided information background developing an TRAP-based universal effective vaccine. Moreover, some have been shown be detrimental structure or function deserve further study continuous monitoring.