Fig. 1

Overview of RNA-binding proteins in P. falciparum. a Characterization of RNA-binding domains (RBDs) that were found in eight or more proteins. b Classification of proteins containing one or more of 793 different RBDs based on the type of molecule that they most likely interact with, using information from existing annotations, functions of homologs in other species, and the nature of the RBD. Proteins that are known or predicted to interact with mRNA were further categorized into functional groups. c Steady-state mRNA expression levels of several RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) known to be involved in post-transcriptional regulation during the transmission stages. Expression data were obtained from PlasmoDB [34]. d Steady-state mRNA expression levels of three putative RBPs during the asexual and sexual erythrocytic stages and the mosquito ookinete stage. The expression level of polyA-binding protein (PABP), which is ubiquitously present in the cell, is plotted as a reference. e Comparison of expression levels of mRNA-binding proteins to other classes of proteins during different stages of the parasite’s life cycle. Statistically significant differences in average expression levels between mRBPs and other RBPs or transcription factors are indicated by a p value in green or blue, respectively, at the top of the plot (Welch’s t test). R ring, ET early trophozoite, LT late trophozoite, S schizont, G II stage II (early) gametocytes, G V stage V (late) gametocytes, Oo ookinete