Mutant/mutation
The mutant expresses a C-terminal GFP-tagged version of AP2-O

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. AP2-O plays a role in ookinete formation. Parasites lacking expression of AP2-O show the following phenotypes: 'Normal gametocyte production and gamete formation. Evidence for normal fertilisation. Formation of retort shaped, immature ookinetes but no mature ookinete production'.

Phenotype
Zygotes were enriched of parasites expressing PyApiAP2-O::GFP in combination with staining with a zygote-specific antibody, anti-Pys25.

Evidence in the paper is presented that: 'the compositional and spatial rearrangements detected by proximity proteomics are consistent with DOZI/CITH/ALBA mRNPs 1) adopting a condensed state during translational repression in female gametocytes, and then 2) undergoing composition changes that promote its elongation in zygotes following the release from translational repression'.

Additional information

Other mutants