Plasmodium falciparum Clag9-Associated PfRhopH Complex Is Involved in Merozoite Binding to Human Erythrocytes.

ABSTRACT: Cytoadherence-linked asexual gene 9 (Clag9), a conserved Plasmodium protein expressed during the asexual blood stages, is involved in the cytoadherence of infected red blood cells (RBCs) to the endothelial lining of blood vessels. Here, we show that Plasmodium falciparum Clag9 (PfClag9) is a component of the PfClag9-RhopH complex that is involved in merozoite binding to human erythrocytes. To characterize PfClag9, we expressed four fragments of PfClag9, encompassing the entire protein. Immunostaining analysis using anti-PfClag9 antibodies showed expression and localization of PfClag9 at the apical end of the merozoites. Mass spectrometric analysis of merozoite extracts after immunoprecipitation using anti-PfClag9 antibody identified P. falciparum rhoptry-associated protein 1 (PfRAP1), PfRA

SUBMITTER: Chourasia BK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6977125 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature