Fig. 6.

Immunolocalization of DRM-associated proteins in nonactivated and activated P. berghei gametocytes. To define subcellular localization and dynamics of proteins associated with gametocyte DRMs, antibodies specific for NAP/SET, 14-3-3, PbTRP1, the putative ATP-dependent RNA helicase UAP56 and PbDPA, were used in IFA on fixed nonactivated (A), activated gametocytes (B) and mature male gametes (C). PbG377 and NAP/SET were used as female and male specific markers, respectively. Antibodies against the alpha-tubulin were used to distinguish both the activated male gametocytes and the mature male gametes. Nuclei were stained with DAPI. Activated male gametocytes undergoing DNA replication display bright DAPI fluorescence. PbTRP1 localizes to the nucleus of activated males whereas the RNA helicase UAP56 is detected in the nucleus of both males and females upon activation. NAP/SET is abundant in the nucleus of male gametocytes; whereas the specific fluorescence drops in activated males. 14-3-3 and PbDPA localize to the cytoplasm of nonactivated and activated gametocytes with a dotted pattern. They are also detected in mature male gametes. PbDPA does not colocalizes with the OB-resident PbG377. Bars correspond to 5 μm.