Mutant/mutation
The mutant expresses a C-terminal GFP-tagged version of BLEB

Protein (function)
The inner membrane complex (IMC), a membranous scaffold together with associated proteins that lie below the parasite plasma membrane, strengthen the cytoskeleton, and  play a role in invasion, gametocyte formation, and cytokinesis. In gametocytes, the IMC serves as a critical structural support. The basal complex is believed to form a contractile ring at the edge of the emerging IMC and likely facilitates IMC expansion. PfBLEB, is a basal complex protein. Studies presented in this paper on PfBLEB shows that the protein is essential for gametocytogenesis. Parasites lacking PfBLEB harbor defects in IMC expansion and are unable to form mature gametocytes. 

Phenotype
To determine whether BLEB exhibits similar expression patterns in other Plasmodium species, we assessed the localization of PyBLEB-GFP in P. yoelii. We found that PyBLEB has a dynamic localization in P. yoelii schizonts, mirroring the basal complex localization of PfBLEB in P. falciparum schizonts. This provides further evidence that BLEB is a member of the basal complex found in multiple Plasmodium species.

Additional information 
In the paper evidence is presented that:
- PfBLEB Is Not Required for Asexual Parasite Replication In Vitro.
- PfBLEB Is Essential for the Formation of Mature Gametocytes
- PfBLEB Lines the Leading Edge of the Expanding IMC Throughout Gametocytogenesis
- Knockdown of PfBLEB Disrupts Expansion of the IMC and Microtubules in Gametocytes 
- PfBLEB Does Not Colocalize with Known Members of the Asexual Basal Complex in Gametocytes

From the paper: 'The major function of the IMC network in gametocytes is to generate and maintain cell shape. P. falciparum is unique within the Plasmodium genus in that it is the only species to undergo the dramatic transformation into a crescent shape. A handful of early electron microscopic studies suggest that the IMC in P. berghei and P. knowlesi does not completely surround these round gametocytes and instead lays discontinuously around the perimeter of the cell. This suggests that Plasmodium species with round gametocytes may not require a stable or continuous IMC, and therefore may not require BLEB in the development of transmission stages. Intriguingly, we have demonstrated that PyBLEB is expressed on the periphery of nonfalciform P. yoelii.gametocytes, but its function remains unclear. Future investigations into the IMC, BLEB, and its interacting partners in nonfalciform gametocytes may clarify how the development of transmission stages varies between species.'

Other mutants