Mutant/mutation
The mutant lacks expression of 6-cysteine protein P41

Protein (function)
The P41 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 P41 is transcribed in all blood stages and the P41 protein has been detected in proteome analyses of merozoites of both P. berghei and P. falciparum (van Dijk M.R. et al., 2010, 6, e1000853).

Phenotype
The phenotype of blood stages has not been analysed in detail. During the cloning procedure no evidence has been found for a delayed/affected growth/multiplication of the asexual blood stages. The generation of mutants lacking expression of P41 indicates that P41 is not essential for asexual blood stage development.

Additional information

Table: P. falciparum gene members of the 6-cys family

 
Other mutants