Mutant/mutation
The mutant expresses a GFP-tagged version (N-terminal) of Rab11A under the control of the 5'- and 3'-UTR regions of rab11a. The gfp-rab11a gene is inserted into the 5'-UTR region of rab11a resulting in the presence of both a gfp-tagged version of rab11a and an intact copy of rab11a.

Protein (function)
Rab genes encode a subgroup of small GTP-binding proteins within the ras super-family that regulate targeting and fusion of transport vesicles within the secretory and endocytic pathways. In the genome of P. falciparum 11 genes have been identified that encode Rab GTPases. Rab11A is highly conserved in apicomplexan parasites. Unsuccessful attempts to disrupt Rab11A (RMgm-298) indicates an essential rol of Rab11A during asexual blood stage development.

Phenotype
A rather diffuse, vesicular localisation of GFP-Rab11A was found in trophozoites and gametocytes, whereas in schizonts, a clear apical-like localisation was observed. The results indicate that Rab11A has a dynamic localisation during intra-erythrocytic development associating with rhoptries only after their biogenesis.

Additional information
The analysis of GFP-Rab11A localisation confirmed data from IFA, RT-PCR and microarray data that Rab11A  expression occurs during development of the trophozoite into the schizont and free merozoites.
Proof that the GFP-Rab11A is functionally active came from its ability to “rescue” parasites lacking the endogenous rab11a gene, when the GFP-tagged version was expressed off an episome. Unsuccessful attempts to disrupt rab11a indicate that a functional Rab11A is essential for blood stage development (see RMgm-298).
The results indicate that Rab11A has a dynamic localisation during intra-erythrocytic development associating with rhoptries only after their biogenesis. The changing distribution of Rab11A indicate that the GTPase could be performing non-rhoptry associated functions during development of the parasite within red blood cells. Based on studies in both Toxoplasma gondii and P. falciparum evidence is presented in this paper that Rab11A mediated transport might be involved in Inner Membrane Complex (IMC) maturation and IMC interaction with the plasma membrane and also might deliver components of the proto-glidosome to the IMC. It is speculated that Rab11A transports vesicles derived from endosome-like compartments, similar to its known function in other eukaryotes.

Other mutants
RMgm-298: Unsuccessful attempts to disrupt Rab11A