Quantification of labile heme in live malaria parasites using a genetically encoded biosensor

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1615195114
• Publication Date: 2017-02-28T01:55:25Z
• Authors: James R. Abshire; Christopher J. Ro...; Suresh M. Ganesan; Peter T. C. So; Jacquin C. Niles
• Keywords: Hemozoin; Hemeprotein

Significance Malaria parasites degrade substantial quantities of hemoglobin to release heme within a specialized digestive vacuole. Most this is sequestered in an inert crystal. However, the concentration bioavailable, labile parasite’s cytosol was unknown. We developed biosensor provide first quantitative insights into concentrations malaria parasites. find that ∼1.6 µM cytosolic maintained, including during period coincident with intense degradation. The heme-binding antimalarial drug, chloroquine, which interferes crystallization, specifically induces increase heme. ability quantify opens opportunities for better understanding homeostasis, signaling, and metabolism, its association potency.