Abstract
Replacement of the nematode cuticle with a newly synthesized cuticle (a process known as moulting) occurs four times during larval development. Therefore, the key components of this essential developmental process represent attractive targets for new chemotherapeutic strategies. Recent advances in understanding the molecular genetics of nematode moulting should stimulate and facilitate development of novel drugs that target the essential molecules of the moulting cycle. In particular, we argue that further understanding of the moulting degradome and its key peptidase members offers an important opportunity for the development of novel antinematode agents.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Anthelmintics / pharmacology*
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Caenorhabditis elegans / drug effects
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Caenorhabditis elegans / enzymology*
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Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics
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Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology*
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Drug Design
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
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Helminth Proteins / genetics
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Helminth Proteins / metabolism
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Molting / genetics
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Molting / physiology*
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Nematoda / enzymology
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Nematoda / genetics
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Nematoda / physiology
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Peptide Hydrolases / genetics
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Peptide Hydrolases / metabolism*
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Protease Inhibitors / pharmacology*
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RNA Interference
Substances
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Anthelmintics
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Helminth Proteins
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Protease Inhibitors
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Peptide Hydrolases