Fig. 9. A model for the dual roles of PfDOZI in post-transcriptional regulation.

The intraerythrocytic developmental cycle and gametocyte development are illustrated. During parasite development, cytoplasmic mRNAs are dynamically associated with different mRNPs and transit between polysome, PB, and SG to be translated, degraded, and stored, respectively. Boxes 1–5 show the partition of PfDOZI into PB-, SG-, and GCG-like mRNP granules in schizonts, stressed schizonts, and young and mature gametocytes, respectively. The sizes of mRNPs indicate the major or minor functions of the PfDOZI-associated mRNPs. The size of the PfDOZI (blue dot) indicates the relative proportion of PfDOZI participating in the respective mRNPs (not to scale). Major target mRNAs associated with the different mRNPs at different stages are highlighted. This figure was created with Biorender.