Ozigbo Ukamaka Ogochukwu*
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
Publication History: Submitted: February 20, 2025 | Accepted: September 8, 2025 | Published: October 31, 2025
How to cite: Ozigbo, U. O. (2025). Exploring the Role of Epigenetic Modifications in Regulating Gene Expression During Development and Disease Progression: A Case Study of Malaria in Female Adult Wistar Rats. International Journal of Scholarly Resources. 18(1), 70-85
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications play crucial roles in regulating gene expression during both normal development and pathological conditions. This study investigates the impact of malaria infection on epigenetic mechanisms in female adult Wistar rats, focusing on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling patterns. Through comprehensive analysis of epigenetic landscapes before and after Plasmodium infection, we demonstrate significant alterations in host gene expression profiles that contribute to disease pathogenesis and immune responses. Our findings reveal that malaria infection induces widespread changes in the host epigenome, affecting genes involved in immune function, metabolism, and cellular stress responses. This research contributes to understanding how infectious diseases manipulate host epigenetic machinery and provides insights for potential therapeutic interventions.
Keywords: Epigenetics, malaria, gene expression, DNA methylation, histone modifications, Wistar rats
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Reference
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