The identification, cloning and functional expression of the gene encoding orotidine 5'-monophosphate (OMP) decarboxylase fromPlasmodium falciparum

The coding region of a putative orotidine 5'-monophosphate decarboxylase gene from Plasmodium falciparum was identified in genomic data from the Malarial Genome Sequencing Project. The gene encodes a protein of 323 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 37.8 kDa. The gene was cloned into a bacterial expression vector and over-expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein was purified and shown to have orotidine 5'-monophosphate decarboxylase activity, confirming the identity of the gene.