Exploiting the Achilles' heel of membrane trafficking in trypanosomes.
Pathogenic protozoa are evolutionarily highly divergent from their metazoan hosts, reflected in many aspects of their biology. One particularly important parasite taxon is the trypanosomatids. Multiple transmission modes, distinct life cycles and exploitation of many host species attests to great prowess as parasites, and adaptability for efficient, chronic infection. Genome sequencing has begun uncovering how trypanosomatids are well suited to parasitism, and recent genetic screening and cell biology are revealing new aspects of how to control these organisms and prevent disease. Importantly, several lines of evidence suggest that membrane transport processes are central for the sensitivity towards several frontline drugs.
School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK.
Martin
M
Zoltner
School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK.
David
D
Horn
Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, Scotland, UK.
Harry P
HP
de Koning
School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK. Electronic address: mfield@mac.com.
Mark C
MC
Field
D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D001692:Biological Transport; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D021381:Protein Transport; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D014344:Trypanocidal Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014346:Trypanosoma brucei brucei / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology*; D014352:Trypanosomiasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000517:prevention & control
D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D014344:Trypanocidal Agents