Mutant/mutation
In the mutant the endogenous P. berghei gpr180 gene replaced with the gpr180 ortholog of P. vivax (which is C-terminal tagged with 3xHA)

Protein (function)
Heptahelical serpentine receptors are the largest group of membrane receptors responsible for transducing extracellular signals to various downstream effectors. The serpentine receptors coupled to heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins belong to G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with a salient feature of seven transmembrane domains, each consisting of 25–35 residues. Although there is little conservation in amino acid (aa) sequences across the entire GPCR superfamily, they share similar structures, which are used to classify the GPCRs into six main classes (A – F). Rhodopsin-like Class A is the largest class, accounting for around 90% of GPCRs. Structurally, Rhodopsin-like GPCRs have a GpcrRhopsn4 domain, an eighth helix, and a palmitoylated cysteine at the C-terminal tail. Bioinformatic analysis identified a gpr180-like gene in all Plasmodium species, with the GPCR-like transmembrane domain located in the C terminus, as predicted using the HMMER program. The ~250 aa GPCR domain contains residues that are highly conserved in the Rhodopsin-like GPCR transmembrane domain, which classifies the GPR180 proteins as Class A (Rhodopsin-like) family members of GPCRs

Phenotype
The absence of a phenotype for gametes and ookinetes indicate that PPR180 from P. vivax can functionally complement P. berghei GPR180.

Analysis of a mutant lacking expression of GPR180 (see RMgm-5196) indicates a function during male and female gamete formation (normal (wild type) numbers of gametocytes are produced; male gamete formation ~2fold reduced (as determined by counting exflagellation); female gamete formation reduced by ~ 30%. Crossing experiments indicate a more severe defect in female gametes compared to males. Reduced ookinete formation).

Additional information
Expression of GPR180 in schizonts, gametocytes and ookinetes with highest expression in gametocytes (see mutant RMgm-5197 that expresses HA-tagged GPR180). Evidence is presented that gametocyte activation stimulates GPR180 redistribution from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane.

Other mutants