Biosynthesis of heme O in intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum and potential inhibitors of this pathway.
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ABSTRACT: A number of antimalarial drugs interfere with the electron transport chain and heme-related reactions; however, the biosynthesis of heme derivatives in Plasmodium parasites has not been fully elucidated. Here, we characterized the steps that lead to the farnesylation of heme. After the identification of a gene encoding heme O synthase, we identified heme O synthesis in blood stage parasites through the incorporation of radioactive precursors. The presence of heme O synthesis in intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Inabenfide and uniconazole-P appeared to interfere in heme synthesis, accordingly, parasite growth was also affected by the addition of these drugs. We conclude that heme O synthesis occurs in blood stage-P. falciparum and this pathway could be a potential target for antimalarial drugs.
SUBMITTER: Simao-Gurge RM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6917786 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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