May be involved in DNA damage response (PubMed:26251451). Appears not to be involved in DNA replication in trophozoites (PubMed:26251451). Homotrimer (PubMed:12413950, PubMed:12464414, PubMed:26251451). Oligomer (PubMed:12413950). Interacts with ORC1 (via PIP-box motif) (PubMed:26251451). Interacts with FEN1 (PubMed:26251451). Unlike PCNA1, does not localize to nuclear foci (PubMed:26251451). Enriched in the nucleus in response to DNA damage (PubMed:26251451). Expressed during the asexual blood stage; expression is low at the ring stage, increases in trophozoites and early schizonts and sharply decreases in late schizonts (at protein level) (PubMed:12413950, PubMed:12464414, PubMed:26251451). Expressed during the sexual blood stage (PubMed:12464414). Induced by DNA damage (at protein level). Belongs to the PCNA family.