Successful modification | The parasite was generated by the genetic modification |
The mutant contains the following genetic modification(s) |
Gene disruption
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Reference (PubMed-PMID number) |
Reference 1 (PMID number) : 29866905 |
MR4 number |
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Parent parasite used to introduce the genetic modification |
Rodent Malaria Parasite | P. berghei |
Parent strain/line | P. berghei ANKA |
Name parent line/clone |
Not applicable
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Other information parent line | |
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The mutant parasite was generated by |
Name PI/Researcher | Liu F, Cao Y |
Name Group/Department | Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences |
Name Institute | China Medical University |
City | Shenyang, Liaoning |
Country | China |
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Name of the mutant parasite |
RMgm number | RMgm-4456 |
Principal name | Δpbg37 |
Alternative name | |
Standardized name | |
Is the mutant parasite cloned after genetic modification | Yes |
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Phenotype |
Asexual blood stage | Not different from wild type |
Gametocyte/Gamete | Reduced gametocyte production. A higher female/male gametocyte ratio, fewer mature male gametocytes and defects in exflagellation of mature microgametocytes. |
Fertilization and ookinete | reduced (75%) ookinete formation |
Oocyst | Mosquitoes fed on mice infected with the Δpbg37 lines showed a modest reduction in infection rate (68.2% in the Δpbg37 groups) compared to those fed on mice infected with the WT parasites (93.1%). Moreover, there was a 91.4% reduction in the mean oocyst number/midgut in mosquitoes fed on mice infected with the Δpbg37 parasites (12.2) as compared to that in the WT group (140.9). |
Sporozoite | Not tested |
Liver stage | Not tested |
Additional remarks phenotype | Mutant/mutation
The mutant lacks expression of Pbg37
Protein (function)
A protein of 37 kDa with a signal peptide and 34 multiple transmembrane domains, and preferentially expressed in gametocytes.
Phenotype
Reduced gametocyte production and reduced ookinete and oocyst formation.
Additional information
Recombinant protein (rPbg37) targeting the N-terminal 63 amino acids (26-88) expressed in bacteria elicited strong antibody responses in mice. Western blots demonstrated Pbg37 expression in gametocytes, zygotes, and to a lesser extent, ookinetes, and its predominant association with membranes of gametocytes. Indirect immunofluorescence assay showed abundant surface localization of Pbg37 on gametes and zygotes, but reduced amounts on retorts and ookinetes.
Other mutants |