Role of Melatonin in the Synchronization of Asexual Forms in the Parasite Plasmodium falciparum

Author(s)

Singh, Maneesh Kumar ^[1] ; de Menezes Dias, Barbara Karina ^[2] ; Garcia, Celia R. S. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Clin & Toxicol Anal, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Parasitol, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: BIOMOLECULES; v. 10, n. 9 SEP 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

The indoleamine compound melatonin has been extensively studied in the regulation of the circadian rhythm in nearly all vertebrates. The effects of melatonin have also been studied in Protozoan parasites, especially in the synchronization of the human malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparumvia a complex downstream signalling pathway. Melatonin activates protein kinase A (PfPKA) and requires the activation of protein kinase 7 (PfPK7), PLC-IP3, and a subset of genes from the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In other parasites, such asTrypanosoma cruziandToxoplasma gondii, melatonin increases inflammatory components, thus amplifying the protective response of the host's immune system and affecting parasite load. The development of melatonin-related indole compounds exhibiting antiparasitic properties clearly suggests this new and effective approach as an alternative treatment. Therefore, it is critical to understand how melatonin confers stimulatory functions in host-parasite biology. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/08684-7 - Decoding Plasmodium signaling at molecular level as a new tool to the development of new antimalarials
• Grantee: Célia Regina da Silva Garcia
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/09490-7 - Screening of novel ligands for PfSR1, a putative GPCR-like receptor and identification of potential IP3 receptor in calcium signaling in the Plasmodium falciparum
• Grantee: Maneesh Kumar Singh
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral