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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Toxicological Assays for Testing Effects of an Epigenetic Drug on Development, Fecundity and Survivorship of Malaria Mosquitoes
Published on: January 16, 2015
A Drug Repurposing Approach Reveals Targetable Epigenetic Pathways in Plasmodium vivax Hypnozoites
S P Maher1, M A Bakowski2, A Vantaux3
1Center for Tropical & Emerging Global Disease, University of Georgia; Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
New antimalarial drugs targeting Plasmodium vivax hypnozoites were identified by screening epigenetic inhibitors. These drugs target DNA methylation and histone modifications, offering new hope for radical cure treatments.
Area of Science:
- Malariology
- Epigenetics
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria requires eliminating liver-stage hypnozoites.
- Current FDA-approved treatments have contraindications for vulnerable populations.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to target hypnozoites effectively.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic mechanisms likely modulate hypnozoite formation and persistence.
- Targeting epigenetic pathways offers a promising avenue for developing improved radical cure antimalarials.
- Validated the importance of selective inhibitors targeting epigenetic features on hypnozoites.
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