title: GPI-anchor biosynthesis.
abstract: Many eukaryotic proteins bind to membranes using a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. GPI anchors are essential in yeasts and probably also in protozoa. Although mammalian cells can survive without GPI anchors, their deficiency in haemopoietic cells cause a haemolytic disease, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH). Here, we discuss recent progress in our understanding of GPI-anchor biosynthesis that could lead to a better understanding of PNH and chemotherapeutic agents to treat protozoal and fungal infections.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002240:Carbohydrate Sequence; D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data
chemical_list: D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols