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Polyamine homoeostasis as a drug target in pathogenic protozoa: peculiarities and possibilities

Authors :
Lo Persson
Abraham I. Louw
Olle Heby
Lyn-Marie Birkholtz
Jandeli Niemand
Marni Williams
Source :
Biochemical Journal
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

New drugs are urgently needed for the treatment of tropical and subtropical parasitic diseases, such as African sleeping sickness, Chagas' disease, leishmaniasis and malaria. Enzymes in polyamine biosynthesis and thiol metabolism, as well as polyamine transporters, are potential drug targets within these organisms. In the present review, the current knowledge of unique properties of polyamine metabolism in these parasites is outlined. These properties include prozyme regulation of AdoMetDC (S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase) activity in trypanosomatids, co-expression of ODC (ornithine decarboxylase) and AdoMetDC activities in a single protein in plasmodia, and formation of trypanothione, a unique compound linking polyamine and thiol metabolism in trypanosomatids. Particularly interesting features within polyamine metabolism in these parasites are highlighted for their potential in selective therapeutic strategies.

Details

ISSN :
14708728
Volume :
438
Issue :
2
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
The Biochemical journal
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....f619a35d1c764cd1a364a39f735a6cbe