A new reporter gene for transient transfection of Plasmodium falciparum

Transfection of Plasmodium falciparum has remained difficult and laborious due to a lack of suitable reporter genes and low transfection efficiency. Therefore, the luciferase gene of Renilla reniformis, a sensitive mammalian reporter gene, was evaluated as a reporter gene in this system. Our studies indicate that the R. reniformis luciferase gene can be expressed in P. falciparum and is easily detected by luminometry. P. falciparum extracts do not contain endogenous R. reniformis luciferase activity, which is essential for its use as a reporter gene in this organism. Moreover, both firefly and R. reniformis luciferase genes can be co-expressed in P. falciparum and their respective enzyme activities can be measured from the same sample. Thus, the R. reniformis luciferase gene can be used as an experimental reporter gene and/or used in conjunction with the firefly luciferase gene where one gene would be used to control transfection efficiency. The R. reniformis luciferase gene thus provides a valuable tool to facilitate transient transfection analysis in P. falciparum.