Come, sweet death: targeting glycosomal protein import for antitrypanosomal drug development

Curr Opin Microbiol. 2018 Dec:46:116-122. doi: 10.1016/j.mib.2018.11.003. Epub 2018 Nov 24.

Abstract

Glycosomes evolved as specialized system for glycolysis in trypanosomatids. These organelle rely on protein import to maintain function. A machinery of peroxin (PEX) proteins is responsible for recognition and transport of glycosomal proteins to the organelle. Disruption of PEX-based import system was expected to be a strategy against trypanosomatids. Recently, a proof of this hypothesis has been presented. Here, we review current information about trypanosomatids' glycosomal transport components as targets for new trypanocidal therapies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Drug Development
  • Humans
  • Microbodies / drug effects*
  • Microbodies / genetics
  • Microbodies / metabolism
  • Protein Transport / drug effects
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism
  • Trypanosoma / drug effects*
  • Trypanosoma / genetics
  • Trypanosoma / metabolism
  • Trypanosomiasis / drug therapy
  • Trypanosomiasis / parasitology*

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Protozoan Proteins