Scientific area
3.3 Health sciences
Discipline(s)
Parasitology
Infectious diseases
Tropical medicine
Project title
Trypanosomatid 2- cys peroxiredoxins and their role in virulence
Scientific Coordinator's name:
Ana M. Tomás
Scientific Coordinator's e-mail:
atomas@ibmc.up.pt
Principal R&D Unit:
Molecular Parasitology
Other R&D Units involved in the project:
Other R&D units involved in the project
Project keyword(s)
Leishmania; Trypanosomatids; parasite; infection; c-cys peroxiredoxin.
Short abstract and comments
Peroxiredoxins (PRXs) are hydroperoxide-reducing enzymes found in almost all living organisms, wherein they display a variety of functions that range from general antioxidant defense to peroxide sensing. In protozoan parasites of the Trypanosomatidae family, including the medically relevant Leishmania sp., Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei, PRXs are regarded as virulence factors based on observations that their increased expression is associated with highly infectious strains. We have set as overall aim of this research project to dissect the mode of action of the 3 cytosolic Leishmania PRXs (LicPRXs ) during infection with particular emphasis on peroxidase-unrelated functions of these proteins. We will start by addressing whether LicPRXs are susceptible or resistant to inactivation by hydroperoxides and/or phosphorylation and, importantly, we will investigate the essential character of each LicPRX isoform during infection. By elucidating the function of Leishmania PRXs that is (are) determinant for parasite infectivity, we expect to open new venues towards the formulation of effective strategies to control parasite dissemination. Moreover, this proposal also holds interest in the area of PRX research, as it may bring into light novel functions for these proteins.
Potential uses/indications
Development of anti-trypanosomatid drugs
Status
Ongoing
Partner Status: Seeking Partners?
Yes
Grant number (QREN, FP7, Eureka, etc)
Grant number (QREN, FP7, Eureka, etc)
Last edited on
2012-12-27 18:20:00