Co-localization assays of PfSUMO antiserum with nuclear marker PfSir2, cytoplasmic marker, PfHsp70-1 and Maurer’s clefts marker, Pf332 reveal compartmentalization. Size bar corresponds to 1 mm.Issar N, Roux E, Mattei D, Scherf A. Identification of a novel post-translational modification in Plasmodium falciparum: protein sumoylation in different cellular compartments. Cell Microbiol. 2008 10:1999-2011.

Sumoylation is differentially regulated during P. falciparum red blood cell stages. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy of synchronized 3D7 parasites probed with anti-PfSUMO mAb 7E11 and anti-ACP antibodies. DNA was detected using DAPI. Bar indicates 2 μm. SUMO was concentrated in the nucleus of parasites at all three stages, with no discernible association with Maurer’s clefts. Consistent with immunoblot analysis, levels of detectable SUMO signal were greatest in trophozoite and schizont stage parasites.Reiter K, Mukhopadhyay D, Zhang H, Boucher LE, Kumar N, Bosch J, Matunis MJ. Identification of Biochemically Distinct Properties of the Small Ubiquitin-related Modifier (SUMO) Conjugation Pathway in Plasmodium falciparum. J Biol Chem. 2013 Sep 27;288(39):27724-36. -