A green fluorescent protein-based assay for determining gametocyte production in Plasmodium falciparum

Matthew W A Dixon; Christopher L Peatey; Donald L Gardiner; Katharine R Trenholme

doi:10.1016/j.molbiopara.2008.10.004

A green fluorescent protein-based assay for determining gametocyte production in Plasmodium falciparum

Mol Biochem Parasitol. 2009 Feb;163(2):123-6. doi: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2008.10.004. Epub 2008 Nov 5.

Authors

Matthew W A Dixon¹, Christopher L Peatey, Donald L Gardiner, Katharine R Trenholme

Affiliation

¹ Malaria Biology Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Queensland, Australia.

PMID: 19027798
DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2008.10.004

Abstract

Study of the formation of the sexual blood stages of the malaria parasite has been significantly hampered by the absence of a reliable, reproducible assay devoid of operator bias and error. Here we report on the development of an assay utilizing a green fluorescent protein chimera of the early sexual blood stage protein Pfs16 as a marker for commitment to gametocytogenesis. Analysis of parasites via fluorescence activated cell sorting allows for the accurate assessment of gametocyte production well before morphological changes are apparent.

Publication types

Evaluation Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Antigens, Protozoan / genetics
Antigens, Protozoan / metabolism
Cell Separation
Flow Cytometry*
Gametogenesis
Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics*
Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
Membrane Proteins / genetics
Membrane Proteins / metabolism
Plasmodium falciparum / growth & development*
Plasmodium falciparum / metabolism
Protozoan Proteins / genetics
Protozoan Proteins / metabolism

Substances

Antigens, Protozoan
Membrane Proteins
Protozoan Proteins
Pfs16 protein, Plasmodium falciparum
Green Fluorescent Proteins