Direct tests of enzymatic heme degradation by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum

Abstract

Background: Malaria parasites detoxify copious amounts of heme during human infection, but enzyme involvement remains unclear. Results: Parasite-infected and uninfected erythrocytes contain indistinguishable low levels of heme catabolites, and a heme oxygenase-like parasite protein binds but does not degrade heme. Conclusion: P. falciparum parasites do not enzymatically degrade heme. Significance: This study comprehensively answers a long standing question regarding heme metabolism in this important parasite. © 2012 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.