Publication

New antiplasmodial natural products from cyanobacteria: linking their ecological role to their therapeutic potential

Cyril Portmann, Karl Gademann
2009
Journal Articles

Abstract

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) produce many metabolites that are directed towards competing photoautotrophs. Such algicidal compounds might offer new approaches for the selective inhibition of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, as this organism contains an organelle (apicoplast) of algal origin [1]. In this communication, we report the identification of two classes of cyanobacterial secondary metabolites with antiplasmodial activity. Aerucyclamides A-D [2] are heterocyclic peptides that are ribosomally produced [3] by Microcystis aeruginosa PCC7806. Nostocarboline is a chlorinated N-methylated carbolinium alkaloid from Nostoc 78-12A [4]. Both compounds display submicromolar IC50 values against Plasmodium falciparum, with a pronounced selectivity towards rat myoblasts. Their respective potential ecological roles and therapeutic potentials will be discussed.

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/7d097651-1f85-4b75-97f8-4979e036c38c

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Cyril Portmann, Karl Gademann
2009
Journal Articles

Abstract

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/7d097651-1f85-4b75-97f8-4979e036c38c

About this result

Related concepts (22)

Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria (saɪˌænoʊbækˈtɪəri.ə), also called Cyanobacteriota or Cyanophyta, are a phylum of gram-negative bacteria that obtain energy via photosynthesis. The name cyanobacteria refers to their color (), which similarly forms the basis of cyanobacteria's common name, blue-green algae, although they are not usually scientifically classified as algae. They appear to have originated in a freshwater or terrestrial environment.

Plasmodium

Plasmodium is a genus of unicellular eukaryotes that are obligate parasites of vertebrates and insects. The life cycles of Plasmodium species involve development in a blood-feeding insect host which then injects parasites into a vertebrate host during a blood meal. Parasites grow within a vertebrate body tissue (often the liver) before entering the bloodstream to infect red blood cells. The ensuing destruction of host red blood cells can result in malaria.

Algae

Algae (UKˈælɡi:, USˈældʒi:; : alga ˈælɡə) is an informal term for a large and diverse group of photosynthetic, eukaryotic organisms. It is a polyphyletic grouping that includes species from multiple distinct clades. Included organisms range from unicellular microalgae, such as Chlorella, Prototheca and the diatoms, to multicellular forms, such as the giant kelp, a large brown alga which may grow up to in length. Most are aquatic and lack many of the distinct cell and tissue types, such as stomata, xylem and phloem that are found in land plants.

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