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Isoprenoid metabolism in apicomplexan parasites
1Department of Molecular Microbiology Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO 63110 USA limlay@wustl.edu.
Current Clinical Microbiology Reports
|April 21, 2015
Summary
Novel antiparasitic drugs targeting isoprenoid synthesis are crucial for combating deadly apicomplexan parasites. Research highlights the essential methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway as a promising therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Drug Discovery
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Apicomplexan parasites cause prevalent and deadly human diseases.
- Novel antiparasitic drugs are urgently needed.
- Isoprenoid biosynthesis pathways offer potential therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review isoprenoid production and metabolism in apicomplexan parasites.
- To discuss the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway as a drug target.
- To highlight recent advances and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on isoprenoid metabolism in apicomplexan parasites.
- Analysis of the apicoplast-localized MEP pathway and its distinction from the host mevalonate (MVA) pathway.
- Identification and discussion of key regulatory mechanisms and downstream products.
Main Results:
- The MEP pathway is essential for most Apicomplexa and distinct from the mammalian MVA pathway.
- Host isoprenoid precursor acquisition and downstream product utilization are significant.
- The first regulator of the MEP pathway in apicomplexan parasites has been identified.
Conclusions:
- The MEP pathway represents a well-validated and promising target for novel antiparasitic drug development.
- Further research into MEP pathway regulation and isoprenoid metabolism is warranted.
- Targeting isoprenoid biosynthesis offers a viable strategy against apicomplexan infections.
Keywords:
ApicomplexaPlasmodiumfosmidomycinisoprenoidmetabolismmethylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathwayMore Related Videos
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