Research is focused on identify cellular targets/receptors of the antimalarial artemisinin. It is unique mechanism has not been fully elucidated and we aim to improve our understanding in its mechanism of action by using the Huisgen cycloaddition to bioconjugate the target molecules with fluorescent probes. Specific objectives are as follows:
1. To synthesize artemisinin derivatives as chemical probes and verify their antimalarial activities
2. To synthesize suitable fluorogenic probes for visualization of artemisinin derivatives by fluorescence-based techniques
3. To investigate the presence of artemisinin probes in parasite-infected red blood cells with fluorescent techniques
4. To identify the cellular targets of artemisinin
5. To verify the function of cellular targets involved in therapeutic mechanisms
6. To identify the alkylation sites of artemisinin on a biological target
