Milestone in Malaria and Cancer Research using Terpene Isonitriles

23.09.2024

Lothar Brecker and Evelyn Fülöp from University of Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry made significant development with the synthesis of terpene isonitrile natural product analogs through a streamlined, cost-effective two-step process.

 

This innovation enables the production of potential anti-malarial agents at a reduced cost, with promising results against Plasmodium falciparum, comparable to commercial active agents.  

With effortless UV/Vis monitoring, they are able to study these compounds' activities at the molecular level, enhancing our understanding and efficiency.  

Preliminary tests show that some terpene isonitriles possess selective cytostatic activity against cancer cells, demonstrating potential therapeutic benefits beyond malaria.

Further information can be found here ⤵ lnkd.in/dmqMUjAT

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Figure represents the principle of terpen isonitrile production and action in a very simplified form. In the top line, the red blood cells infested by P. falsiparum are freed from the parasites. The detour through the bottom line shows schematically how this is done. (Various) terpene isonitriles are produced from terpenes (indicated by the basic chemical structure of the isoprene) in the laboratory (indicated by the reaction flask). These can bind to heme (indicated by the square with the iron [Fe]) in the parasite. This binding affects the parasite's metabolism to such an extent that it cannot survive. The UV/Vis spectrum shows schematically that we can easily monitor and investigate the binding.