PIK-ing New Malaria Chemotherapy

Trends Parasitol. 2018 Nov;34(11):925-927. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.06.003. Epub 2018 Jun 19.

Abstract

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) kinases (PIKs) regulate cell proliferation, survival, membrane trafficking, and other processes. PIK classes are distinguished by substrate preference and their distinct phosphorylated PI products. Recently two Plasmodium falciparum PIKs (PfPIKs) have been recognized as attractive new drug targets. Here we briefly summarize PIK biochemistry and recent progress with PfPIKs.

Keywords: PfPI3K; PfPI4K; PfVps34; Plasmodium falciparum; phosphatidylinositol kinases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Malaria / drug therapy*
  • Malaria / parasitology
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways*
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / genetics
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism*
  • Phosphatidylinositol Phosphates / metabolism*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Plasmodium falciparum / enzymology*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / genetics
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Phosphatidylinositol Phosphates
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases