MTRAP undergoes extensive processing during invasion. A, episomally expressed MTRAP-GFP followed through the life cycle confirms apical localization (44–48 h) suggests the release of MTRAP onto the surface of free merozoites (capping, 0 h) and suggests that, despite processing, the cytoplasmic tail is carried through to newly invaded rings (<8 h). B, this is confirmed by following co-localization with antibodies that recognize AMA1, which have been previously reported as being carried through to rings. In early ring stages, there does not appear to be direct co-localization, suggesting that they may be associating with different compartments.

Baum J, Richard D, Healer J, Rug M, Krnajski Z, Gilberger TW, Green JL, Holder AA, Cowman AF. A conserved molecular motor drives cell invasion and gliding motility across malaria life cycle stages and other apicomplexan parasites. J Biol Chem. 2006 281(8):5197-208.