PfSUB-2: a second subtilisin-like protein in Plasmodium falciparum merozoites.
Erythrocyte invasion by the malaria merozoite requires the activity of merozoite proteases. We have previously identified a Plasmodium falciparum protein belonging to the superfamily of subtilisin-like serine proteases, which is expressed in a subset of secretory organelles in free merozoites. Here we describe the identification of a second P. falciparum subtilisin-like merozoite protein. Called PfSUB-2, it is encoded by a single copy gene and is expressed as a large putative type I integral membrane protein which undergoes extensive post-translational processing. The terminal processing product is expressed in an apical location in merozoites. PfSUB-2 may mediate one or more of the serine protease activities known to be associated with erythrocyte invasion.
Hackett
F
F
Division of Parasitology, National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, UK.
Sajid
M
M
Withers-Martinez
C
C
Grainger
M
M
Blackman
M J
MJ
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D002451:Cell Compartmentation; D016764:Cell Polarity; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D017125:Genes, Protozoan; D006801:Humans; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000097:blood; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; D013381:Subtilisins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*
D018076:DNA, Complementary; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D013381:Subtilisins; C119550:sub-2 protein, Plasmodium falciparum