Plasmodium falciparum: Co-dependent expression and co-localization of the PfCCp multi-adhesion domain proteins

Exp Parasitol. 2006 Apr;112(4):263-8. doi: 10.1016/j.exppara.2005.11.010. Epub 2006 Jan 4.

Abstract

In Plasmodium falciparum, a family of six secreted proteins having a conserved architecture of multiple adhesive domains was recently identified by genome annotation. Three of the proteins, termed PfCCp1, PfCCp2, and PfCCp3 due to a common LCCL domain, are expressed inside the gametocyte parasitophorous vacuole and released during gamete emergence, where they relocate extracellularly surrounding exflagellation complexes. In this study we show that the three PfCCp proteins are co-expressed at the gametocyte surface. Abrogation of PfCCp3 in gene disruptant parasites leads to the loss of PfCCp1 and PfCCp2 protein but not transcript, indicating a co-dependent protein expression. In view of these data we propose that the three PfCCp proteins interact during gametocytogenesis by formation of a protein complex.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Multiprotein Complexes / chemistry
  • Multiprotein Complexes / metabolism*
  • Multiprotein Complexes / physiology
  • Plasmodium falciparum / genetics
  • Plasmodium falciparum / metabolism*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / physiology
  • Protozoan Proteins / analysis
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism*
  • Rabbits
  • Reproduction / physiology
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Protozoan Proteins