The role of melatonin in parasite biology

Piero Bagnaresi; Myna Nakabashi; Andrew P. Thomas; Russel J. Reiter; Célia R.S. Garcia

doi:10.1016/j.molbiopara.2011.09.010

The role of melatonin in parasite biology

Piero Bagnaresi, Myna Nakabashi, Andrew P. Thomas, Russel J. Reiter, Célia R.S. Garcia

Cell Systems & Anatomy

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Regarded as the circadian hormone in mammals, melatonin is a highly conserved molecule, present in nearly all species. In this review, we discuss the role of this indolamine and its precursors in the cell biology of parasites and the role of the molecule in the physiology of the host. In Plasmodium, melatonin can modulate intracellular concentrations of calcium and cAMP, which in turn can regulate kinase activity and cell cycle. In Trypanosoma infections, modulation of the immune system by melatonin is extremely important in controlling the parasite population. Melatonin also contributes to the inflammatory response to Toxoplasma gondii infection. Thus, there are a number of unique adaptations involving intricate connections between melatonin and the biology of the parasite-host relationship.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	1-6
Number of pages	6
Journal	Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology
Volume	181
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molbiopara.2011.09.010
State	Published - Jan 1 2012

Keywords

Circadian rhythm
Malaria
Melatonin
Plasmodium chabaudi, Calcium signaling
Plasmodium falciparum

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Parasitology
Molecular Biology

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AB - Regarded as the circadian hormone in mammals, melatonin is a highly conserved molecule, present in nearly all species. In this review, we discuss the role of this indolamine and its precursors in the cell biology of parasites and the role of the molecule in the physiology of the host. In Plasmodium, melatonin can modulate intracellular concentrations of calcium and cAMP, which in turn can regulate kinase activity and cell cycle. In Trypanosoma infections, modulation of the immune system by melatonin is extremely important in controlling the parasite population. Melatonin also contributes to the inflammatory response to Toxoplasma gondii infection. Thus, there are a number of unique adaptations involving intricate connections between melatonin and the biology of the parasite-host relationship.

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