Chemical Biology Tools To Investigate Malaria Parasites. (31st March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Broichhagen, Johannes; Kilian, Nicole
• Is Part Of: Chembiochem. Volume 22:Number 13(2021)
• Page Start: 2219
• Page End: 2236
• Publication Date: 2021-03-31
• Subjects: chemical biology -- infectious diseases -- malaria -- parasites -- Plasmodium falciparum -- small-molecule probes; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Pharmaceutical chemistry -- Periodicals; 572
• DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000882
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1439-4227

Abstract

Abstract: Parasitic diseases like malaria tropica have been shaping human evolution and history since the beginning of mankind. After infection, the response of the human host ranges from asymptomatic to severe and may culminate in death. Therefore, proper examination of the parasite's biology is pivotal to deciphering unique molecular, biochemical and cell biological processes, which in turn ensure the identification of treatment strategies, such as potent drug targets and vaccine candidates. However, implementing molecular biology methods for genetic manipulation proves to be difficult for many parasite model organisms. The development of fast and straightforward applicable alternatives, for instance small‐molecule probes from the field of chemical biology, is essential. In this review, we will recapitulate the highlights of previous molecular and chemical biology approaches that have already created insight and understanding of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum . We discuss current developments from the field of chemical biology and explore how their application could advance research into this parasite in the future. We anticipate that the described approaches will help to close knowledge gaps in the biology of P. falciparum and we hope that researchers will be inspired to use these methods to gain knowledge – with the aim of ending this devastating disease. Abstract : Ghost hunting : Malaria tropica has been haunting mankind for centuries, but investigating the biology of the causative agent, the protozoan parasite P. falciparum, remains challenging. Herein, we describe ready‐to‐use, non‐genetic, small molecular probes from the field of chemical biology that have been, or may be, used to interrogate the complex infection cycle, with an emphasis on infected red blood cells.