Mutant/mutation
The mutant expresses a C-terminal GFP-tagged version of ROM3

Protein (function)
Rhomboid proteins are intra-membrane proteases that play a role in multiple processes. They belong to a family of serine proteases that cleave cell-surface proteins within their transmembrane domains. The Plasmodium genome encodes a total of 8 rhomboid proteases (ROM1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10).
Phenotype analyses  of a mutant lacking ROM3 (RMgm-178) indicate that ROM3 plays an essential role in oocyst development and in the formation of sporozoites. Normal numbers of oocysts are produced but sporozoite formation is completely blocked in the absence of ROM3.

Phenotype
Phenotype analyses  of a mutant lacking ROM3 (RMgm-178) indicate that ROM3 plays an essential role in oocyst development and in the formation of sporozoites. Normal numbers of oocysts are produced but sporozoite formation is completely blocked in the absence of ROM3.

In the rom3::gfp mutant GFP-ROM3 expression was observed in female gametocytes and ookinetes. GFP-signals were not detected in developing oocysts.

Additional information
All rom3::gfp female gametocytes and ookinetes exhibited a GFP signal that was significantly above background values. No GFP signals above background were detected in either male gametocyte or asexual blood stages. In the mosquito vector no GFP signals were detected in either rom3::gfp oocysts (6–17 days after mosquito infection) or in salivary gland sporozoites (day 21).

Other mutants
RMgm-176: an independent mutant lacking expression of rhomboid protease ROM1 (partial disruption)
RMgm-177: a mutant lacking expression of rhomboid protease ROM1 (partial disruption)
RMgm-178: a mutant lacking expression of rhomboid protease ROM3
RMgm-179: a mutant lacking expression of rhomboid protease ROM10
RMgm-187: unsuccessful attempts to disrupt rhomboid protease rom4
RMgm-659: P. y. yoelii 17XNL mutant lacking expression of rhomboid protease ROM1
RMgm-660: P. y. yoelii 17XNL mutant expressing  a (N-terminal) HA-tagged version of rhomboid protease ROM1
RMgm-758: unsuccessful attempts to disrupt rhomboid protease rom6
RMgm-759: unsuccessful attempts to disrupt rhomboid protease rom7
RMgm-760: unsuccessful attempts to disrupt rhomboid protease rom8
RMgm-761: mutant lacking expression of rhomboid protease ROM1 (complete disruption)
RMgm-762: a mutant lacking expression of rhomboid protease ROM9
RMgm-764: a mutant expressing  a (C-terminal) mCherry-tagged version of rhomboid protease ROM4