Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

RNA Catalyst as a Reporter for Screening Drugs against RNA Editing in Trypanosomes
Published on: July 22, 2014
Ribonucleotide reductase: A new target for antiparasite therapies
1Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Hokkaido, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan. ingram@vetmed.hokudai.ac.jp
Abstract:
New treatments are required urgently for the control of parasitic protozoan diseases of humans and animals. One approach is the development of subunit vaccines; the other focuses on identifying and exploiting specific differences in essential functions between the host and parasite. One enzyme currently attracting attention is ribonucleotide reductase, an essential component in the biosynthesis of DNA. In this article, Geoffrey Ingram and Jane Kinnaird examine differences between the host and parasite enzymes and assess possible means of therapeutic intervention.
Related Concept Videos
Types of RNA
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
RNA Interference
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
Experimental RNAi
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors
Anthelminthic Agents
Antiprotozoal Agents

