Coevolutionary analysis of the Pfs47-P47Rec complex: a bioinformatics approach

Background: The ability to predict and comprehend molecular interactions offers significant insights into the biological functions of proteins. The interaction between Pfs47 and P47Rec has attracted increased attention due to their roles in parasite evasion of the mosquito immune system and the concept of geographical coevolution between distinct species. The aims of this study were: (1) to apply a bioinformatics approach to investigate the interaction between Pfs47 and P47Rec proteins, and (2) to identify the potential binding sites, protein orientations, and receptor specificity sites concerning the geographical origins of the vectors and the parasite. Methods: : The p47 gene was subjected to sequencing and subsequent analysis in two distinct Anopheles species collected in Honduras. In addition, public sequences of the pfs47 and p47rec genes were downloaded, which were subsequently filtered to predict functional and structural annotations of the Pfs47-P47Rec complex. Phylogenetic analyses of both proteins were carried out. Results: The findings revealed a pattern of dissemination of anophelines and parasites originating from Africa to other geographical regions. Additionally, the examination of motifs reveals a significant degree of conservation in pfs47, suggesting that Pfs47 might have undergone recent evolutionary development and adaptation. The theory of selectivity of Plasmodium falciparum strains towards their vectors in diverse geographical regions was supported by structural models and docking analyses. A detailed description of the putative interaction between the Pfs47-P47Rec complex is shown. Conclusions: The findings of this study unveiled coevolutionary trends between P47Rec and Pfs47, which are associated with the process of speciation and the geographical distribution of Anopheles spp and P. falciparum .