(B) Localization of native PfCuP-ATPase in trophozoite-infected erythrocytes using immuno-fluorescence microscopy: panels 1 and 3, DAPI (4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole)-fluorescent image; panel 2, pre-immune serum (Texas-Red-labelled cells); panel 4, (Texas-Red-labelled cells) affinity-purified polyclonal antibody. The brightest signals were observed in late trophozoite and schizont stages. Signal was competed with MBP–MBD (fusion protein MBP–MBD containing the metal-binding motif Met-Thr-Cys-Asp-Asn-Cys of PfCuP-ATPase) and not MBP alone. (C) Trophozoite/schizont-infected erythrocytes were stained with antibody against PfCuP-ATPase using a gold pre-embedding immunoelectron microscopic method. The arrows indicate signals both on the parasite as well as on the erythrocyte membrane. The scale bar is 1 μm.

Reproduced with permission, from Rasoloson D, Shi L, Chong CR, Kafsack BF, Sullivan DJ. Copper pathways in Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes indicate an efflux role for the copper P-ATPase. Biochem J. 2004 381:803-11. © the Biochemical Society.