Abstract
Currently, the treatment of falciparum malaria is seriously compromised by spreading drug resistance. We studied the effects of camptothecin, a potent and specific topoisomerase I inhibitor, on erythrocytic malaria parasites in vitro. In Plasmodium falciparum, camptothecin trapped protein-DNA complexes, inhibited nucleic acid biosynthesis, and was cytotoxic. These results provide proof for the concept that topoisomerase I is a vulnerable target for new antimalarial drug development.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 709-711 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Biochemical Pharmacology |
Volume | 55 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1 1998 |
Keywords
- Camptothecin
- Malaria
- Plasmodium falciparum
- Topoisomerase
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology