scholarly journals A small mitochondrial protein present in myzozoans is essential for malaria transmission

Open Biology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 160034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis Klug ◽  
Gunnar R. Mair ◽  
Friedrich Frischknecht ◽  
Ross G. Douglas
Keyword(s):  
Drug Targets ◽  
Mitochondrial Protein ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Developmental Defect ◽  
Mitochondrial Mass ◽  
First Time ◽  
Potential Drug Targets ◽  
Identification And Characterization

Myzozoans (which include dinoflagellates, chromerids and apicomplexans) display notable divergence from their ciliate sister group, including a reduced mitochondrial genome and divergent metabolic processes. The factors contributing to these divergent processes are still poorly understood and could serve as potential drug targets in disease-causing protists. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a small mitochondrial protein from the rodent-infecting apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium berghei that is essential for development in its mosquito host. Parasites lacking the gene mitochondrial protein ookinete developmental defect ( mpodd ) showed malformed parasites that were unable to transmit to mosquitoes. Knockout parasites displayed reduced mitochondrial mass without affecting organelle integrity, indicating no role of the protein in mitochondrial biogenesis or morphology maintenance but a likely role in mitochondrial import or metabolism. Using genetic complementation experiments, we identified a previously unrecognized Plasmodium falciparum homologue that can rescue the mpodd(−) phenotype, thereby showing that the gene is functionally conserved. As far as can be detected, mpodd is found in myzozoans, has homologues in the phylum Apicomplexa and appears to have arisen in free-living dinoflagellates. This suggests that the MPODD protein has a conserved mitochondrial role that is important for myzozoans. While previous studies identified a number of essential proteins which are generally highly conserved evolutionarily, our study identifies, for the first time, a non-canonical protein fulfilling a crucial function in the mitochondrion during parasite transmission.

scholarly journals Genomewide Analysis of Mode of Action of the S-Adenosylmethionine Analogue Sinefungin in Leishmania infantum

mSystems ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arijit Bhattacharya ◽  
Mansi Sharma ◽  
Charles Packianathan ◽  
Barry P. Rosen ◽  
Philippe Leprohon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Targets ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Biosynthetic Pathways ◽  
Potential Drug ◽  
Pathogenic Parasite ◽  
Potential Drug Targets ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Interventions

The two main cellular metabolic one-carbon donors are reduced folates and S-adenosylmethionine, whose biosynthetic pathways have proven highly effective in chemotherapeutic interventions in various cell types. Sinefungin, a nucleoside analogue of S-adenosylmethionine, was shown to have potent activity against the protozoan parasite Leishmania. Here, we studied resistance to sinefungin using whole-genome approaches as a way to further our understanding of the role of S-adenosylmethionine in this parasite and to reveal novel potential drug targets. These approaches allowed the characterization of novel features related to S-adenosylmethionine function in Leishmania which could further help in the development of sinefungin-like compounds against this pathogenic parasite.

scholarly journals In Silico Identification and Characterization of Potential Drug Targets in Bovine Herpes Virus 4, Causing Bovine Mastitis

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Mahantesh M. Kurjogi ◽  
Basappa B. Kaliwal
Keyword(s):  
Drug Discovery ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Herpes Virus ◽  
Bovine Mastitis ◽  
Potential Drug ◽  
Herpès Virus ◽  
Potential Drug Targets ◽  
Identification And Characterization

The purpose of this study is to deal with aetiology causing bovine mastitis; bovine herpes virus is also responsible for causing bovine mastitis but studies on viruses have been neglected as historical mastitis research has concentrated only on bacterial pathogens. Therefore, present study aims to make an in silico identification and characterization of potential drug targets in bovine herpes virus 4 by computational methods using various bioinformatics tools. In the current investigation 5 proteins of BoHV 4 were found to be nonhomologous to the host Bos taurus; these nonhomology proteins were believed to be inevitable proteins of BoHV 4 as they were specific to the virus; however 378 proteins were homologous to the host protein. The in silico physicochemical characterization of 5 proteins of BoHV 4 indicated that all the proteins of the virus were having more or less similar characteristics. Perhaps the knowledge of the present study may help in drug discovery which have high affinity to target site. Possible drug discovery to manage bovine mastitis with a help of bioinformatics tool is more significant and, specific and, reduces time and complications involved in clinical trials.

Structure, Function and Interactions of Tau: Particular Focus on Potential Drug Targets for the Treatment of Tauopathies

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 325-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hojjat Borna ◽  
Kasim Assadoulahei ◽  
Gholamhossein Riazi ◽  
Asghar Beigi Harchegani ◽  
Alireza Shahriary
Keyword(s):  
Tau Protein ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Brain Injuries ◽  
Potential Drug ◽  
Microtubule Network ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
Range Of Functions ◽  
Potential Drug Targets

Background & Objective: Neurodegenrative diseases are among the most widespread lifethreatening disorders around the world in elderly ages. The common feature of a group of neurodegenerative disorders, called tauopathies, is an accumulation of microtubule associated protein tau inside the neurons. The exact mechanism underlying tauopathies is not well-understood but several factors such as traumatic brain injuries and genetics are considered as potential risk factors. Although tau protein is well-known for its key role in stabilizing and organization of axonal microtubule network, it bears a broad range of functions including DNA protection and participation in signaling pathways. Moreover, the flexible unfolded structure of tau facilitates modification of tau by a wide range of intracellular enzymes which in turn broadens tau function and interaction spectrum. The distinctive properties of tau protein concomitant with the crucial role of tau interaction partners in the progression of neurodegeneration suggest tau and its binding partners as potential drug targets for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusion: This review aims to give a detailed description of structure, functions and interactions of tau protein in order to provide insight into potential therapeutic targets for treatment of tauopathies.

scholarly journals Identification and Characterization of α-Glucosidase Inhibition Flavonol Glycosides from Jack Bean (Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 2481
Author(s):  
Anita M. Sutedja ◽  
Emiko Yanase ◽  
Irmanida Batubara ◽  
Dedi Fardiaz ◽  
Hanifah N. Lioe
Keyword(s):  
2D Nmr ◽  
The Other ◽  
Inhibition Activity ◽  
Jack Bean ◽  
Canavalia Ensiformis ◽  
Kaempferol Glycosides ◽  
Uv Visible ◽  
First Time ◽  
Identification And Characterization

Although the intake of jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC.), an underutilized tropical legume, can potentially decrease the risk of several chronic diseases, not much effort has been directed at profiling the polyphenolics contained therein. Hence, this work aimed to identify and quantify the dominant jack bean polyphenolics, which are believed to have antioxidant and other bioactivities. Four major compounds were detected and identified as kaempferol glycosides with three or four glycoside units. Their structures were established based on UV-visible, 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS analyses. Specifically, kaempferol 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1→6)- β-d-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-β-d-galactopyranosyl-7-O-[3-O-o-anisoyl]-α-l-rhamnopyranoside was detected for the first time, while the other three compounds have already been described in plants other than jack bean. This new compound was found to have a higher α-glucosidase inhibition activity compared to acarbose.

The transcriptome of Echinostoma caproni adults: Further characterization of the secretome and identification of new potential drug targets

2013 ◽  
Vol 89 ◽  
pp. 202-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gagan Garg ◽  
Dolores Bernal ◽  
Maria Trelis ◽  
Javier Forment ◽  
Javier Ortiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Targets ◽  
Potential Drug ◽  
Echinostoma Caproni ◽  
Potential Drug Targets

scholarly journals Molecular analysis of the microflora in chronic venous leg ulceration

2003 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.E. Hill ◽  
C.E. Davies ◽  
M.J. Wilson ◽  
P. Stephens ◽  
K.G. Harding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Individual Species ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcer ◽  
Bacterial Populations ◽  
Cultural Methods ◽  
Rdna Sequences ◽  
Oral Microflora ◽  
16S Rdna Sequences ◽  
First Time

There is growing evidence to suggest that the resident microflora of chronic venous leg ulcers impairs cellular wound-healing responses, thereby playing an important role in maintaining the non-healing phenotype of many of these wounds. The significance of individual species of bacteria will remain unclear until it is possible to characterize fully the microflora of such lesions. The limitations and biases of culture-based microbiology are being realized and the subsequent application of molecular methods is revealing greater diversity within mixed bacterial populations than that demonstrated by culture alone. To date, this approach has been limited to a small number of systems, including the oral microflora. Here, for the first time, the comprehensive characterization of the microflora present in the tissue of a chronic venous leg ulcer is described by the comparison of 16S rDNA sequences amplified directly from the wound tissue with sequences obtained from bacteria that were isolated by culture. The molecular approach demonstrated significantly greater bacterial diversity than that revealed by culture. Furthermore, sequences were retrieved that may possibly represent novel species of bacteria. It is only by the comprehensive analysis of the wound microflora by both molecular and cultural methods that it will be possible to further our understanding of the role of bacteria in this important condition.

Structural investigation of inhibitor designs targeting 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase from the shikimate pathway of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

2011 ◽  
Vol 436 (3) ◽  
pp. 729-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcio V. B. Dias ◽  
William C. Snee ◽  
Karen M. Bromfield ◽  
Richard J. Payne ◽  
Satheesh K. Palaninathan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Structural Investigation ◽  
Catalytic Mechanism ◽  
Shikimate Pathway ◽  
Structural Rearrangement ◽  
Competitive Inhibitors ◽  
Structural Insights ◽  
Potential Drug Targets

The shikimate pathway is essential in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its absence from humans makes the enzymes of this pathway potential drug targets. In the present paper, we provide structural insights into ligand and inhibitor binding to 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase (dehydroquinase) from M. tuberculosis (MtDHQase), the third enzyme of the shikimate pathway. The enzyme has been crystallized in complex with its reaction product, 3-dehydroshikimate, and with six different competitive inhibitors. The inhibitor 2,3-anhydroquinate mimics the flattened enol/enolate reaction intermediate and serves as an anchor molecule for four of the inhibitors investigated. MtDHQase also forms a complex with citrazinic acid, a planar analogue of the reaction product. The structure of MtDHQase in complex with a 2,3-anhydroquinate moiety attached to a biaryl group shows that this group extends to an active-site subpocket inducing significant structural rearrangement. The flexible extensions of inhibitors designed to form π-stacking interactions with the catalytic Tyr24 have been investigated. The high-resolution crystal structures of the MtDHQase complexes provide structural evidence for the role of the loop residues 19–24 in MtDHQase ligand binding and catalytic mechanism and provide a rationale for the design and efficacy of inhibitors.

scholarly journals 85: Identification and characterization of an original mechanism of resistance to gefitinib in non-small lung cancers: role of amphiregulin

2010 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. S70-S71
Author(s):  
Busser Benoît ◽  
Lucie Sancey ◽  
Véronique Josserand ◽  
Saadi Khochbin ◽  
Jean-Luc Coll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancers ◽  
Mechanism Of Resistance ◽  
Identification And Characterization
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