Genomic and proteomic approaches for Chagas' disease: critical analysis of diagnostic methods.
Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas' disease, a chronic inflammatory condition that results in heart and digestive complications. The first draft of the parasite genome is now complete and it is expected that, along with the published genomic and proteomic analyses discussed herein, it will lead to the identification of crucial genes and proteins directly associated with disease. This article reviews the current research trends addressing host-parasite interaction, parasite genetic variability and diagnosis. These advances will certainly bring about major developments not only in our understanding of Trypanosoma cruzi biology, but also in the application of new technologies to disease prevention and control.
Huete-Pérez
Jorge A
JA
Sandler Center for Basic Research in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, QB3 Building, Box 2550, 1700 4 Street, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. Jhuete@itsa.ucsf.edu
Flores-Obando
Rafael Ernesto
RE
Ghedin
Elodie
E
Caffrey
Conor R
CR
D000818:Animals; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology*; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000235:genetics; D018503:Genome, Protozoan / Q000235:genetics*; D023281:Genomics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D040901:Proteomics / Q000379:methods*; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*