Hemozoin formation (heme biocrystallization)

Hemozoin formation (also called heme biocrystallization) is a critical process in the intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium parasites, where free heme, released during hemoglobin digestion, is detoxified by conversion into an insoluble crystalline pigment called hemozoin. This biocrystallization prevents the toxic effects of labile heme on the parasite. Historically, a unique "heme polymerase" enzyme was postulated to catalyze this process, but current evidence suggests that hemozoin formation is primarily a physicochemical event facilitated by the acidic vacuolar environment and possibly promoted by parasite proteins and lipids rather than a canonical enzyme[10]. This pathway represents a well-validated drug target for antimalarials such as chloroquine and related quinolines, which work by inhibiting hemozoin formation, leading to toxic buildup of free heme within the parasite, ultimately causing oxidative damage and parasite death[10].

Other names

hemozoin formationheme detoxification pathwaymalaria pigment formationheme biocrystallizationformerly "heme polymerase"

Inhibition of hemozoin formation, leading to accumulation of toxic free heme and parasite death