Disruption of the Pfg27 locus by homologous recombination leads to loss of the sexual phenotype in P. falciparum

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-1999

Journal

Molecular Cell

Volume

3

Issue

6

DOI

10.1016/S1097-2765(01)80011-3

Abstract

Transmission of malaria depends upon the differentiation and development of the sexual stages of the parasite. In Plasmodium falciparum, it is a complex, multistage process, involving the expression of a large number of sexual stage-specific proteins. Pfg27 is one such protein, abundantly expressed at the onset of gametocytogenesis. We report successful disruption of the Pfg27 locus using homologous recombination and show that it is essential for the maintenance of the sexual phenotype. Transfectants lacking Pfg27 abort early in sexual development, resulting in vacuolated, highly disarranged, and disintegrating parasites. This suggests a critical role for Pfg27 in the sexual development of the parasite.

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