Abstract
We have isolated a LAMMER-like gene from Plasmodium falciparum by vectorette technique. The gene consists of 3316 bp encoding a protein 881 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 106.7 kDa. The encoded protein, termed PfLAMMER, is composed of two distinct domains. The N-terminal domain is not related to any previously described protein kinases and has several interesting features including multiple consensus phosphorylation sites for a range of protein kinases, a number of RS/SR dipeptides, a large proportion of charged amino acids, two putative nuclear localisation signals and 14 copies of a tetramer DKYD repeats. The C-terminal domain is characteristic of a kinase in the LAMMER family with the highest homology to the Arabidopsis thaliana AFC3 kinase. Genomic restriction analysis showed that PfLAMMER is encoded by a single copy gene in the parasite genome. A single transcript of approximately 3800 nucleotides is expressed specifically in the sexual stage, indicating that PfLAMMER may be important in regulating the processes of sexual differentiation of the parasite.
DOI
10.1016/s0020-7519(01)00126-6
Publication Date
2001-04-01
Publication Title
International Journal for Parasitology
Volume
31
Issue
4
Publisher
Elsevier BV
ISSN
0020-7519
Embargo Period
2024-11-19
First Page
387
Last Page
392
Recommended Citation
Li, J., Targett, G., & Baker, D. (2001) 'Primary structure and sexual stage-specific expression of a LAMMER protein kinase of Plasmodium falciparum', International Journal for Parasitology, 31(4), pp. 387-392. Elsevier BV: Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0020-7519(01)00126-6
