Fig. 5.

PfCINCH is expressed during gametocytogenesis but does not colocalize with PfBLEB. Immunofluorescence demonstrates PfCINCH-smMyc (yellow) and PfBLEB (magenta) expression in developing gametocytes. PfGAP45 (cyan) is an IMC-associated protein. Unlike PfBLEB-smV5, which has a dynamic membrane-associated localization that contracts as the IMC expands, PfCINCH-smMyc demonstrates punctate cytoplasmic expression throughout gametocytogenesis that persists independently of IMC expansion, even in late-stage gametocytes after PfGAP45 surrounds the parasite. Airyscan images shown are single z slices for individual channels and maximum intensity projections of merged channels 8 d after gametocyte induction. (Scale bars, 1 µm.)