Biosynthesis of heme O in intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum and potential inhibitors of this pathway

Sci Rep. 2019 Dec 17;9(1):19261. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-55506-y.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases / genetics
  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases / metabolism
  • Antimalarials / chemistry
  • Antimalarials / pharmacology
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism
  • Erythrocytes / parasitology*
  • Heme / biosynthesis*
  • Heme / genetics
  • Humans
  • Plasmodium falciparum / genetics
  • Plasmodium falciparum / metabolism*
  • Protozoan Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • heme O
  • Heme
  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases