Mutant/mutation
The mutant lacks expression of the 6-cystein protein P230p and expresses GFP under the control of the strong and constitutive hsp70 promoter.

Protein (function)
The P230p protein is a member of a small family of proteins, the 6-cysteine (cys) family of (surface) proteins. The proteins are characterized by domains of roughly 120 amino acids in size that contain six positionally conserved cysteines (6-cys). Although some species of Plasmodium (may) contain unique members of the 6-cys family, ten members have been identified that are conserved both in structure as well as in genome organization throughout the genus. Some of the conserved 6-cys proteins are encoded by genes that form paralogous gene-pairs which are closely linked in the genome separated by less then 2 kb of intergenic region. Most members have a GPI anchor and are predicted membrane surface proteins whereas others appear to be secreted and most members are expressed in a discrete stage-specific manner in gametocytes, sporozoites or merozoites (see also 'Additional Information'). Evidence has been presented that P230p is specifically expressed in gametocytes of P. berghei. However, the P230p protein is not essential throughout the complete life cycle of both P. berghei and P. yoelii (see also mutants RMgm-351, RMgm-352 and RMgm-688).

Phenotype
Blood stage development, and production of gametocytes, ookinetes, oocysts and sporozoites were similar to that of wild type parasites.
Also analysis of other mutants lacking expression of P230p indicate that the P230p protein is not essential throughout the complete life cycle of both P. berghei and P. yoelii (see mutants RMgm-351, RMgm-352 and RMgm-688).

Additional information

Other mutants