Figure 4

Localization of SURFIN _4.1 in respect to other merozoite associated proteins by immunofluorescence staining. A). Co-localization study between rat anti-SURFIN_4.1 and rabbit anti-EBA175 was carried out on 3D7S8 air dried monolayers. EBA175 is a micronemal protein hence localizes at the merozoite apex. The parasite nucleus was stained in blue using Hoescht. In the intact schizont SURFIN_4.1 and EBA175 partially co-localize as shown in the merge of the two photos. B). Co-localization between SURFIN_4.1 (green) and SURFIN_4.2 (red) is observed in the intact schizont as indicated by the yellow colour in the merged photos. In the ruptured schizont on the other hand, SURFIN_4.1 (green) is spread around the merozoites (blue) while SURFIN_4.2 (red) is observed as a distinct dot on the merozoite (blue). The merge of the two colocalization patterns shows that SURFIN_4.1 (green) colocalizes with SURFIN_4.2 (red) even though SURFIN_4.1 (red) is more spread out around the merozoite compared to SURFIN_4.2 which is present at the apex of the merozoite (red). C). A graphical outline of a merozoite showing locations of known merozoite proteins, MSP1 and EBA175 in relation to SURFIN_4.1 and SURFIN_4.2 is depicted here. MSP1 is shown in green surrounding the merozoite, EBA175 is shown in the micronemes, SURFIN_4.1in orange shown as patches of MAM around the merozoite and SURFIN_4.1 in red as MAM at the apical end of the merozoite.