title: Regulation of DNA replication proteins in parasitic protozoans: possible role of CDK-like kinases.
abstract: Regulatory roles of CDKs in fundamental processes including cell cycle progression and transcription are well conserved in metazoans. This family of proteins has undergone significant evolutionary divergence and specialization. Several CDK-like kinases have been identified and characterized in parasitic protozoans. However, clear functional role and physiological relevance of these proteins in protozoans still remain elusive. In continuation with the recent finding that CDK-like protein PfPK5 regulates important DNA replication protein like origin recognition complex subunit 1 in Plasmodium falciparum, here we have discussed the emerging significance of CDK1/2 homologs in DNA replication of parasitic protozoans. In fact, involvement of these proteins in crucial cellular processes projects them as potential drug targets. The possibilities that CDKs offer as potential therapeutic targets in controlling parasite progression have also been explored.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India.
authors.forename: Abhijit S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Deshmukh
authors.affiliation: Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Meetu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.affiliation: Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. skdhar2002@yahoo.co.in.
authors.forename: Suman Kumar
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Dhar
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000977:Antiparasitic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D018844:Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004261:DNA Replication; D055808:Drug Discovery; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D005810:Multigene Family; D010271:Parasites / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000977:Antiparasitic Agents; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D018844:Cyclin-Dependent Kinases
keywords: Apicomplexan; Coccidiosis; Cryptosporidiosis; Cyclins; Eimeria tenella; Malaria; ORC; Pk5; Plasmodium falciparum; Sarcocystis neurona; Theileriosis; Toxoplasma gondii; Toxoplasmosis