Abstract

Background: Malaria parasites detoxify copious amounts of heme during human infection, but enzyme involvement remains unclear. Results: Parasite-infected and uninfected erythrocytes contain indistinguishable low levels of heme catabolites, and a heme oxygenase-like parasite protein binds but does not degrade heme. Conclusion: P. falciparum parasites do not enzymatically degrade heme. Significance: This study comprehensively answers a long standing question regarding heme metabolism in this important parasite.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)37793-37807
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry
Volume287
Issue number45
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2 2012

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