Genomics meets transgenics in search of the elusive Cryptosporidium drug target.
Cryptosporidium is an important pathogen of humans, and a challenging model for the laboratory. The parasite genome sequence, accessible through a comprehensive database, now provides exciting opportunities for urgently needed advances. Comparative genomics, combined with the genetic system in the related parasite Toxoplasma gondii, outlines a detailed Cryptosporidium parvum metabolic map and facilitates cell biological analyses. New targets for Cryptosporidium drug and vaccine development can be identified and validated based on this approach.
Striepen
Boris
B
Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, 623 Biological Sciences Building, Athens, GA 30602, USA. striepen@cb.uga.edu
Kissinger
Jessica C
JC
D000818:Animals; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology; D016785:Cryptosporidium parvum / Q000235:genetics*; D015195:Drug Design; D018503:Genome, Protozoan; D006801:Humans; D030781:Organisms, Genetically Modified; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000235:genetics; D014162:Transfection