Decoding the Role of Melatonin Structure on Human Malaria Parasites Synchronization Using 2-Sulfenylindoles Derivatives.

Melatonin acts to synchronize the parasite's intraerythrocytic cycle by triggering the phospholipase -inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (PLC-IP) signaling cascade. Compounds with an indole scaffold impair in vitro proliferation of blood-stage malaria parasites, indicating that this class of compounds is potentially emerging antiplasmodial drugs. Therefore, we aimed to study the role of the alkyl and aryl thiol moieties of 14 synthetic indole compounds against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) strains of .

Role of Melatonin in the Synchronization of Asexual Forms in the Parasite .

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 via a complex downstream signalling pathway. Melatonin activates protein kinase A (PfPKA) and requires the activation of protein kinase 7 (PfPK7), PLC-IP, and a subset of genes from the ubiquitin-proteasome system.