Ribonucleotide reductase as a target to control apicomplexan diseases

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Molecular Biology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Apicomplexa, including Plasmodium (malaria), cause significant human and animal diseases, leading to substantial economic losses.
• Other apicomplexan parasites like Babesia, Theileria, Cryptosporidium, and Toxoplasma also cause serious health issues.
• The urgent need for novel drug targets against these pathogens is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review chemotherapeutic strategies targeting Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) in Apicomplexa.
• To highlight the significance of RNR inhibition for developing new antiparasitic drugs.
• To discuss the implications of the newly identified apicomplexan RNR R2_e2 subunit.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing chemotherapeutic methods.
• Analysis of RNR's essential role in DNA synthesis and repair.
• Focus on RNR inhibition as a therapeutic approach in Apicomplexa.

Main Results:

• Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is a validated drug target across various domains of life.
• RNR inhibition is a key strategy for antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-cancer therapies.
• The RNR R2_e2 subunit presents a novel target within apicomplexan parasites.

Conclusions:

• Inhibiting RNR is a viable strategy for combating apicomplexan-caused diseases.
• The RNR R2_e2 subunit offers a specific and potentially potent target for new drug development.
• Further research into RNR inhibitors is crucial for addressing the global burden of apicomplexan infections.