Whole-Genome Analysis of Plasmodium spp. Utilizing a New Agilent Technologies DNA Microarray Platform

The application of DNA microarray technologies to malaria genomics has been widely used but has been limited by sample availability and technical variability. To address these issues, we present a microarray hybridization protocol that has been optimized for use with two new Agilent Technologies DNA microarrays for Plasmodium falciparum and P. berghei . Using the most recent genome sequences available for each species, we have designed ∼14,000 oligonucleotide probes representing ∼5,600 transcripts for each species. Included in each array design are numerous probes that allow for the identification of parasite developmental stages, common Plasmodium molecular markers used in genetic manipulation, and manufacturer probes that control for array consistency and quality. Overall, the Agilent Plasmodium spp. array designs and hybridization methodology provides a sensitive, easy-to-use, high-quality, cost-effective alternative to other currently available microarray platforms.