Identifying PKG (protein kinase G) inhibitors as antimalarial drugs

• Grant number: 17/09989-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2017
• End date: December 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Protozoology of Parasites
• Principal Investigator: Gustavo Capatti Cassiano
• Grantee: Kaira Cristina Peralis Tomaz
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Malaria remains an acute public health problem in many regions, including Brazil. Although malaria cases have declined globally in recent years due the improvement of the main control strategies, the recurrent emergence and spread of parasite resistance to antimalarial drugs is one of the main challenges in combating malaria. Apart from reducing the severity of infection, rapid treatment prevents the disease transmission. In this context, the goal of this project is to identify compounds active against malaria parasites. We will use virtual screening to select inhibitors against the Plasmodium protein kinase G (PKG). This kinase is essential for the development of all stages of parasite life cycle, including the asexual erythrocytic stage, responsible for the clinical manifestation of disease. Subsequently, the selected compounds will be tested in in vitro assays with P. falciparum. Thus, the present project could help to identity compounds for potential antimalarial drugs. (AU)