Trypanosome Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Biosynthesis.
10.3347/kjp.2009.47.3.197
- Author:
Yeonchul HONG
1
;
Taroh KINOSHITA
Author Information
1. Department of Parasitology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700-422, Korea. ychong@knu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Review ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords:
Trypanosoma brucei;
trypanosome;
glycosylphosphatidylinositol;
glycoprotein;
biosynthesis
- MeSH:
Animals;
Biosynthetic Pathways;
Glycosylphosphatidylinositols/*biosynthesis/chemistry;
Humans;
Protozoan Proteins/genetics/metabolism;
Trypanosoma brucei brucei/chemistry/genetics/*metabolism;
Trypanosomiasis, African/*parasitology
- From:The Korean Journal of Parasitology
2009;47(3):197-204
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Trypanosoma brucei, a protozoan parasite, causes sleeping sickness in humans and Nagana disease in domestic animals in central Africa. The trypanosome surface is extensively covered by glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins known as variant surface glycoproteins and procyclins. GPI anchoring is suggested to be important for trypanosome survival and establishment of infection. Trypanosomes are not only pathogenically important, but also constitute a useful model for elucidating the GPI biosynthesis pathway. This review focuses on the trypanosome GPI biosynthesis pathway. Studies on GPI that will be described indicate the potential for the design of drugs that specifically inhibit trypanosome GPI biosynthesis.
