Genomic databases and the search of protein targets for protozoan parasites.
The development of databases devoted to biological information opened the possibility to integrate, query and analyze biological data obtained from several sources that otherwise would be scattered through the web. Several issues arise in the handling of biological information, mainly due to the diversity of biological subject matter and the complexity of biological approaches towards phenomena of the living world. The integration of genomic data, three-dimensional structures of proteins, biological activity, and drugs availability allows a system approach to the study of the biology. Here we review the current status of these research efforts to develop genomic databases for protozoan parasites, such as the apicomplexan parasites, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. These databases may help in the discovery and development of new drugs against parasite-mediated diseases.
Timmers
Luís Fernando S M
LF
Faculdade de Biociências, Laboratório de Bioquímica Estrutural, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Pauli
Ivani
I
Barcellos
Guy Barros
GB
Rocha
Kelen Beiestorf
KB
Caceres
Rafael Andrade
RA
de Azevedo
Walter Filgueira
WF
Soares
Milena Botelho Pereira
MB
D000818:Animals; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D030541:Databases, Genetic; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D018503:Genome, Protozoan; D006801:Humans; D011528:Protozoan Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000469:parasitology
D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents