0000000001020834
AUTHOR
Alejandro M. Katzin
Biosynthesis of heme O in intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum and potential inhibitors of this pathway
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 additi…
Stabilization and detection of hydrophylloquinone as di-O-methyl derivative
Phylloquinone is a redox active naphthoquinone involved in electron transport in plants. The function of this reduced form remains unclear due to its instability, which has precluded detection. Herein, a simple method that permits the stabilization of the reduced form of phylloquinone by di-O-methylation and HPLC detection is described. Fil: Sussmann, Rodrigo A. C.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: de Moraes, Marcilio M.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Cebrián Torrejón, Gerardo. Universidad de Valencia; España. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Porta, Exequiel Oscar Jesús. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - …