Mutant/mutation
The mutant expresses a C-terminal 3xHA-tagged version of P38 (PY17X_1108700)

Protein (function)
The P38 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 P38 is transcribed in both asexual blood stages and in gametocytes.

Phenotype
In sporozoites the staining and localization of P38 was internal to CSP and matched that of TRAP, a known micronemal protein that is secreted during motility and translocated to the sporozoite surface.

Additional information

Other mutants
RMgm-354: a P. berghei mutant lacking expression of P38