Subcellular localization pattern of a selection of FIKK kinases using antibodies against the C-terminal HA tag fused to each FIKK kinase, MAHRP1 (Maurer’s cleft marker) and KAHRP (knob marker). DAPI was used for nuclear staining. For FIKK5, a late schizont is shown on the left and a burst schizont on the right to demonstrate the localization of the kinase in merozoites. Scale bars, 5 μm. The immunofluorescence assays were performed at least three times for each FIKK with similar results. Neo, neomycin-resistance cassette; gDNA, genomic DNA; sg, single-guide RNA; Rc, recognized; DIC, differential interference contrast. The C-terminal HA tag fused to each kinase allowed us to visualize their subcellular localization through immunofluorescence assays. As expected, FIKK8 was not exported and localized in the parasite. Several FIKKs were clearly exported into the host cell, with some additional staining observed in the parasite. Surprisingly, FIKK3 and FIKK5 did not seem to be exported, with FIKK5 localizing to merozoites. FIKK1, FIKK10.1 and FIKK10.2 co-localized with the Maurer’s cleft marker MAHRP1, whereas FIKK4.1, FIKK4.2 and FIKK11 localized to the RBC periphery, as predicted previously for FIKK4.1
Davies H, Belda H, Broncel M, et al. An exported kinase family mediates species-specific erythrocyte remodelling and virulence in human malaria Nat Microbiol. 2020;10.1038/s41564-020-0702-4.
Other associated proteins
PFID | Formal Annotation |
---|---|
PF3D7_0102600 | serine/threonine protein kinase, FIKK family |
PF3D7_0424500 | serine/threonine protein kinase, FIKK family |
PF3D7_0424700 | serine/threonine protein kinase, FIKK family |
PF3D7_0805700 | serine/threonine protein kinase, FIKK family |
PF3D7_1016400 | serine/threonine protein kinase, FIKK family |
PF3D7_1039000 | serine/threonine protein kinase, FIKK family |
PF3D7_1370300 | membrane associated histidine-rich protein |