Haeme Metabolism in Plasmodium Species

Haeme (heme) metabolism is a central and unique aspect of the biology of *Plasmodium* species, the causative agents of malaria. During their intraerythrocytic (blood) stage, these parasites digest large amounts of host hemoglobin to obtain amino acids for protein synthesis. This process releases vast quantities of free heme, which is cytotoxic. To mitigate this toxicity, *Plasmodium* converts free heme into an inert crystalline form called hemozoin within its digestive vacuole. The parasite uses both de novo heme synthesis and heme scavenging to ensure availability of this essential molecule. Consequently, proteins involved in heme metabolism are promising antimalarial drug targets.

Other names

Heme metabolismHaem metabolismHemoglobin degradation pathwayHemozoin formation

Inhibition of hemozoin formation, disruption of heme biosynthesis, generation of reactive oxygen species via heme intermediates.