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Published on: July 11, 2025
Leveraging cell cycle analysis in anticancer drug discovery to identify novel plasmodial drug targets
Sergei Kozlov1, Norman C Waters, Marina Chavchich
1Radiation Biology and Oncology, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, PO Royal Brisbane Hospital, Queensland, 4029, Australia.
Abstract:
Cancer and malaria are life threatening diseases killing millions of people each year. In spite of our best efforts, both continue to resist full control and eradication. If untreated, both malaria and cancer can lead to death. Only a few antimalarial drugs have been developed over the last decades and new drugs are urgently needed to combat drug-resistant parasites. Significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer and designing new anticancer therapies. However, similar to malaria, majority of cancers quickly develop resistance to single target-based therapy. Novel cancer therapeutics are being developed with the aim of targeting multiple signalling pathways in tumour cells, an approach that may be applicable to antimalarial therapy. In this review we compare cell signalling pathways targeted by cancer drugs with similar pathways in the malaria parasite. We placed particular emphasis on cell cycle regulation and cell cycle checkpoints since the associated molecular machinery controlling these processes are conserved in Plasmodium. Furthermore, a large number of cancer drugs target cell cycle control mechanisms and, therefore, these compounds may possess antimalarial activity. We tried to demonstrate that promising areas of anticancer drug development can be incorporated in the existing antimalarial drug discovery program as well as deepen our understanding of parasite biology.
Insights
Cancer and malaria therapies can be improved by repurposing anticancer drugs that target cell cycle regulation. This approach may overcome drug resistance in both diseases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Cancer and malaria are life-threatening diseases with millions of annual deaths.
- Both diseases exhibit resistance to current treatments, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Existing anticancer drug development offers potential for repurposing against malaria parasites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cancer drug targets with analogous pathways in the malaria parasite, Plasmodium.
- To explore the potential of incorporating anticancer drug development strategies into antimalarial drug discovery.
- To enhance understanding of Plasmodium biology through the lens of cancer research.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of cell signaling pathways targeted by anticancer drugs and those in Plasmodium.
- Focus on conserved cell cycle regulation and checkpoint mechanisms.
- Review of existing anticancer compounds targeting cell cycle control.
Main Results:
- Cell cycle regulation and checkpoint machinery are conserved between cancer cells and Plasmodium.
- Many anticancer drugs targeting cell cycle control may exhibit antimalarial activity.
- Identified potential for cross-application of anticancer drug development strategies.
Conclusions:
- Anticancer drug development, particularly targeting cell cycle control, holds promise for novel antimalarial therapies.
- Repurposing cancer therapeutics can address drug resistance in both cancer and malaria.
- This interdisciplinary approach can advance antimalarial drug discovery and deepen parasite biology understanding.
