RNA isolation and cDNA synthesis. Total RNA was isolated from 3D7 parasite-infected erythrocytes rich in schizonts by using the RNeasy minikit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) and stored at −80°C. Following DNase treatment, cDNA was generated with random hexamers by using an Omniscript reverse transcription kit (Qiagen).
Production of recombinant PF08_0008 proteins and antisera. The nucleotide sequence of the PF08_0008 gene was obtained from the P. falciparum 3D7 genome database (http://plasmodb.org). Full-length and different truncated versions of PF08_0008 proteins were synthesized and used for raising antibodies (see Fig. 1). Briefly, the PF08_0008 fragments encoding constructs designated FL (full-length GAMA,