Immunolocalization of 7-Helix-1 in the sexual stages. Gametocytes (GC stage II–V) and activated gametocytes (aGC; at 2, 10 and 15 min p.a.) of WT NF54 were immunolabeled with mouse anti-7-Helix-1rp1 antisera (green) and counterlabeled with rabbit antibodies directed against Pfs230 and Pfs25 as indicated (red). (B) Female-specific expression of 7-Helix-1. WT NF54 gametocytes were immunolabeled with mouse anti-7-Helix-1rp1 antisera (green) and counterlabeled with anti-Pfs25 antisera (red). Nuclei (in A and B) were highlighted by Hoechst33342 nuclear stain (blue). Bar, 5 μm. Results are representative of five independent experiments. Pfs25 is a plasmalemma-associated protein, linked to translational repressors in the stress granules of female gametocytes.

Pfs25 is a plasmalemma-associated protein, linked to translational repressors in the stress granules of female gametocytes ; it is a female-specific EGF domain protein

Pfs230, a plasmalemma-associated protein of the cysteine-rich superfamily, which is present in both male and female gametocytes;

7-Helix-1 is a homolog of the human stress response regulator LanC-like 2, accumulates in stress granules of female gametocytes and interacts with ribonucleoproteins, such as CITH, DOZI, and PABP.

Bennink S, von Bohl A, Ngwa CJ, Henschel L, Kuehn A, Pilch N, Weißbach T, Rosinski AN, Scheuermayer M, Repnik U, Przyborski JM, Minns AM, Orchard LM, Griffiths G, Lindner SE, Llinás M, Pradel G. A seven-helix protein constitutes stress granules crucial for regulating translation during human-to-mosquito transmission of Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS Pathog. 2018 14(8):e1007249.