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A novel Plasmodium falciparum ring stage protein, REX, is located in Maurer's clefts

Paula L Hawthorne1, Katharine R Trenholme, Tina S Skinner-Adams

  • 1University of Queensland, Herston, 4006 Qld., Australia.

Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology
|October 16, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Researchers discovered a new protein, Ring Exported protein (REX), crucial for the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. REX is found in Maurer's clefts and aids in transporting proteins within infected red blood cells.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular biology
  • Parasitology
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum infects human erythrocytes, which lack typical cellular machinery.
  • The parasite requires a sophisticated transport system for nutrient import and waste export.
  • Parasite-derived structures, like Maurer's clefts, are involved in protein trafficking in infected red blood cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify novel genes and proteins involved in Plasmodium falciparum trafficking within erythrocytes.
  • To characterize the function and localization of a newly identified protein, REX.

Main Methods:

  • Gene identification and transcription analysis in ring stage parasites.
  • Protein localization studies within infected erythrocytes, specifically in Maurer's clefts.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of REX protein structure and potential function.

Main Results:

  • A novel gene encoding the Ring Exported protein (REX) was identified and transcribed in ring stage parasites.
  • REX was localized to Maurer's clefts, parasite-induced structures in infected erythrocytes.
  • REX possesses structural features suggesting a role in vesicle tethering and protein transport.

Conclusions:

  • REX is a novel protein critical for the malaria parasite's survival and propagation within red blood cells.
  • REX likely plays a significant role in the biogenesis and/or function of Maurer's clefts.
  • Understanding REX's function offers potential targets for antimalarial drug development.

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