Novel putative glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored micronemal antigen of Plasmodium falciparum that binds to erythrocytes.

ABSTRACT: We have identified a new Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte binding protein that appears to be located in the micronemes of the merozoite stage of the parasite and membrane linked through a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. The protein is designated GPI-anchored micronemal antigen (GAMA) and was identified by applying a set of selection criteria to identify previously uncharacterized merozoite proteins that may have a role in cell invasion. The protein is also present in the proteomes of the sporozoite and ookinete micronemes and is conserved throughout the genus. GAMA contains a novel domain that may be constrained by disulfide bonds and a predicted C-terminal hydrophobic sequence that is presumably replaced by the GPI. The protein is synthesized late during schizogony, processed

SUBMITTER: Hinds L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2794214 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature