A gene coding for a high-molecular mass rhoptry protein of Plasmodium yoelii

We describe the deduced amino acid sequence for a gene encoding a high molecular mass rhoptry protein of Plasmodium yoelii. The sequence was obtained from an EcoRI genomic clone that overlaps a short DraI fragment isolated previously. The open reading frame consists of 2294 codons and putative hydrophobic signal and membrane anchor sequences were identified. Similarity with sequence from a clone coding for part of a Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte-binding protein was noted. Based on the sequence and location of the protein and the biological properties of antibodies that react with it, we propose that this may be an erythrocyte-binding protein.