Galactofuranose metabolism: a potential target for antimicrobial chemotherapy

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2003 Feb;60(2):259-66. doi: 10.1007/s000180300021.

Abstract

Galactofuranose-containing glycoconjugates are present in numerous microbes, many of which are pathogenic for humans. Metabolic aspects of the monosaccharide have proven difficult to elucidate, because galactofuranose metabolites and glycoconjugates are relatively unstable during analyses. Recent advances in biochemical and genetic approaches, however, have facilitated a better understanding of galactofuranose metabolism. This review summarizes our current information on its metabolism and a few selected glycoconjugates containing this furanose.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Drug Design*
  • Galactose / genetics
  • Galactose / metabolism*
  • Glycoconjugates / genetics
  • Glycoconjugates / metabolism*
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / drug effects
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / metabolism
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / pathogenicity
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / drug effects
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / metabolism
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / pathogenicity
  • Humans
  • Leishmania / drug effects
  • Leishmania / metabolism
  • Leishmania / pathogenicity

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Glycoconjugates
  • Galactose