Biocrystallization is the formation ofcrystals from organicmacromolecules by livingorganisms.[1] This may be a stress response, a normal part ofmetabolism such as processes that dispose of waste compounds, or a pathology. Template mediated crystallization is qualitatively different fromin vitro crystallization.Inhibitors of biocrystallization are of interest indrug design efforts againstlithiasis and againstpathogens that feed onblood, since many of these organisms use this process to safely dispose ofheme.
| Part of a series related to |
| Biomineralization |
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Teeth, scales, tusks etc |
Under severe stress conditions thebacteriaEscherichia coli protects itsDNA from damage by sequestering it within a crystalline structure.[2] This process is mediated by the stress response protein Dps and allows the bacteria to survive varied assaults such asoxidative stress,heat shock,ultraviolet light,gamma radiation and extremes ofpH.[3][4]
Blood feeding organisms digesthemoglobin and release high quantities of free toxicheme. To avoid destruction by this molecule, the parasite biocrystallizes heme to formhemozoin.[5] To date, the only definitively characterized product of hematin disposal is the pigment hemozoin. Hemozoin isper definitionem not amineral and therefore not formed bybiomineralization. Heme biocrystallization has been found in blood feeding organisms of great medical importance includingPlasmodium,Rhodnius andSchistosoma. Heme biocrystallization is inhibited byquinolineantimalarials such aschloroquine.
Targetingheme biocrystallization remains one of the most promising avenues for antimalarial drug development because the drug target is highly specific to the malarial parasite, and outside thegenetic control of theparasite.
Lithiasis (formation of stones) is a global human health problem. Stones can form in both urinary and gastrointestinal tracts. Related to the formation of stones is the formation of crystals; this can occur in joints (e.g.gout) and in the viscera.[6]
