Mutant/mutation
The mutant expresses a C-terminal mNeonGreen-tagged version of AP2-FG

Protein (function)
Most sequence-specific transcription factor families found in other eukaryotes seem to be absent from Plasmodium. Instead, an expansion of a protein family containing one or more apetala2 (AP2) DNA-binding domains was observed across the phylum apicomplexa. In total, 27 members of this family have been found in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (although a possible 28th member of the family may be present. In total, 26 of these have syntenic orthologs in rodent malaria species, each with its unique stage-specific expression profile.

Phenotype
To detect the weak expression of AP2‐FG more effectively (see also mutant RMgm-4650 expressing GFP-tagged AP2-FG), we used transgenic P. berghei parasites that produce mNeonGreen‐tagged AP2‐FG; mNeonGreen is a green fluorescent protein that produces a more intense signal than GFP. Specific expression of AP2‐FG in female gametocytes was also observed in these parasites. We transfected these AP2‐FG::mNeonGreen parasites with a centromere plasmid, which confers male‐ or female‐specific expression of the mCherry gene, and performed the fluorescent microscopic study. In all 100 females examined in this study, the expression of AP2‐FG was observed in the nucleus. In contrast, in all 100 males examined, the expression of AP2‐FG was not observed in the nucleus or in the cytoplasm. These results again confirmed the female‐specific expression of AP2‐FG and its localization in the nucleus.
To investigate the expression profile of AP2‐FG, rats were synchronously infected with AP2‐FG::mNeonGreen parasites by the intravenous inoculation of mature schizonts and the blood smears were examined at 2‐h intervals under a fluorescent microscope. AP2‐FG expression was not observed in mature schizonts before inoculation into the rats (0 hpi). At 14 hpi, weak expression was first observed in a small number of the parasites. Then, the fluorescent signals gradually increased with their development and reached a steady state at around 22–24 hpi. This result indicated that AP2‐FG expression begins before gametocyte‐specific features appear and then reaches a peak in accordance with their manifestation of sexual dimorphism. This expression profile strongly suggested that AP2‐FG is involved in female development from the early phase of gametocytogenesis.

Analyses of a mutant lacking AP2-FG showed the following (see RMgm-4649): Normal production of male gametocytes (and exflagellation). No production of mature female gametocytes. Evidence provided that immature female gametocytes are produced.Strongly reduced numbers of ookinetes in in vitro cultures. All ookinetes show aberrant morphology. No oocyst production

Additional information
See also other mutants in the database targeting this gene PF3D7_1317200

Other mutants