A FANCJ‐Like Protein Is Dispensable for Erythrocytic Stage Development in Plasmodium falciparum

The malaria parasite Plasmodium has a complex life cycle that includes asexually replicating stages as well as sexual gametocyte stages. Transmission of the parasite from human hosts to mosquito vectors requires the formation of fertile male and female gametes. Additionally, accurate and fast chromosome replication underlies the proper formation of microgametes. The FANCJ helicase is a key protein required for DNA damage repair and maintenance of genome stability. However, little is known about its function during the development of the malaria parasite Plasmodium . Here, we report a Fanconi anemia group J (FANCJ)‐like DNA helicase expressed by P. falciparum that localizes to the parasite nucleus. Using complete gene‐deletion parasites, we demonstrate that FANCJ is dispensable for parasite asexual growth and gametocytogenesis. We further show that Pffancj¯ parasites undergo gametogenesis and form both male and female gametes. This study suggests that FANCJ might play a role in later stages of parasite development. Understanding the molecular factors that regulate gametogenesis is crucial to identify newer transmission‐blocking interventions.