Role of Melatonin in the Synchronization of Asexual Forms in the Parasite <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i>

• Main Authors: Maneesh Kumar Singh, Bárbara Karina de Menezes Dias, Célia R. S. Garcia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-08-01
• Series: Biomolecules
• Subjects: melatonin; Apicomplexa; rhythm; signalling
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/10/9/1243

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 parasite <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> via 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 as <i>Trypanosoma cruzi</i> and <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>, 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.