Expression and localization of 3D7- or W2mef-derived AMA-1 in transgenic parasites. Full-length AMA-1-GFP (green) localizes in schizonts (s) at the apical end of merozoites (m) and is distributed over the surface of merozoites after schizont rupture. This is shown in both unfixed (E) and fixed parasites (F). The distribution of the endogenous protein visualized with the 3D7-specific 1F9 antibody (red) is identical to the localization of the fusion protein (merge).

Treeck M, Zacherl S, Herrmann S, Cabrera A, Kono M, Struck NS, Engelberg K, Haase S, Frischknecht F, Miura K, Spielmann T, Gilberger TW. Functional analysis of the leading malaria vaccine candidate AMA-1 reveals an essential role for the cytoplasmic domain in the invasion process. PLoS Pathog. 2009 Mar;5(3):e1000322.