Plasmodium falciparum phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PfPI3K)

Plasmodium falciparum phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PfPI3K) is a vital enzyme in the malaria parasite responsible for the synthesis of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P), a key signaling lipid. This enzyme plays a central role in the parasite's intracellular trafficking pathways, specifically the endocytosis of host hemoglobin from the erythrocyte into the parasite's digestive vacuole (Wang et al., 2015, Nature). By facilitating the transport of nutrients, PfPI3K is essential for the growth and survival of the parasite during its intra-erythrocytic stages. Research has identified PfPI3K as a primary target for artemisinin and its derivatives, which are the frontline treatments for malaria (Mbengue et al., 2015, Nature). Artemisinin binds to PfPI3K and inhibits its activity, leading to a depletion of PI3P and subsequent parasite death. Furthermore, mutations in the Kelch13 (K13) protein, which are associated with artemisinin resistance, have been shown to increase PfPI3K levels, thereby compensating for the drug's inhibitory effects (Bhattacharjee et al., 2018, Nature Communications).

Other names

PfPI3KPhosphatidylinositol 3-kinasePI3-kinaseP. falciparum PI3KPhosphoinositide 3-kinase

Inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity, leading to decreased production of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P) and disruption of hemoglobin trafficking to the food vacuole.