Mutant/mutation
The mutant expresses a C-terminal mCherry-tagged version of PbG377.

Protein (function)
PbG377 and its P. falciparum ortholog (PfG377) are associated with osmiophilic bodies (OB) and play a role in the emergence of female gametocytes from the host erythrocyte after induction of gamete formation (gametogenesis). See also mutant RMgm-263 that lacks expression of pbG377.

Phenotype
G377::mCherry expression in female gametocytes. G377::mCherry is trafficked to the periphery of the female gametocytes during gametogenesis consistent with a secretion event for this protein (see also RMgm-263). G377::mCherry was detected in the culture medium only after induction of gamete formation (gametogenesis).

Additional information
This mutant is used in a study aiming at identifying 'gametocyte regressome', i.e. proteins that are released when Plasmodium gametes escape from their host reythrocyte. For the release of mature extracellular gametes two membrane barriers - the parasite parasitophorous vacuole membrane and the host red blood cell membrane - need to be dissolved. Membrane lysis occurs after the release of proteins from specialized secretory vesicles including osmiophilic bodies.
The identified Plasmodium gametocyte egressome includes the proteins released by the parasite during the lysis of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane and red blood cell membrane. BioID of the osmiophilic body protein MDV1/PEG3 revealed a proteome of these gametocyte-specific secretory vesicles. Fluorescent protein tagging and gene deletion approaches were employed to validate and identify a set of novel factors essential for this lysis and egress process.

Other mutants
See this link for other mutants generated in this study.
See also mutant RMgm-263 that lacks expression of pbG377.