A chromatin-associated protein is encoded in a genomic region highly conserved in the Plasmodium genus

A single copy gene, pbB7, encoding a putative 26 kDa acidic protein has been isolated from Plasmodium berghei and appears to be part of a genomic region well conserved within the Plasmodium genus. The deduced amino acid sequence exhibits significant blocks of similarity with nucleosome assembly proteins from yeast and man. The nuclear localization of the natural protein and its close association with chromatin during the entire erythrocytic cycle of the parasite have been demonstrated using specific monoclonal antibodies against the pbB7 product expressed in Escherichia coli. These results suggest an involvement of this nuclear factor in the dynamics of chromatin packaging.