Identification of PfSR1-MT as melatonin-responsive GPCR-like candidate from the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum

Highlights • P. falciparum receptor SR1-MT is heterologously expressed on the surface of HEK293T cells.• PfSR1-MT binds melatonin with nanomolar affinity.• Melatonin binding results in a conformational change in the N-terminus of PfSR1-MT.• Melatonin increases cytosolic calcium in cells expressing PfSR1-MT.• Luzindole blocks the cytosolic calcium increase in response to melatonin.