Identification of Putative Potassium Channel Homologues in Pathogenic Protozoa
نویسندگان
چکیده
K(+) channels play a vital homeostatic role in cells and abnormal activity of these channels can dramatically alter cell function and survival, suggesting that they might be attractive drug targets in pathogenic organisms. Pathogenic protozoa lead to diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis and dysentery that are responsible for millions of deaths each year worldwide. The genomes of many protozoan parasites have recently been sequenced, allowing rational design of targeted therapies. We analyzed the genomes of pathogenic protozoa and show the existence within them of genes encoding putative homologues of K(+) channels. These protozoan K(+) channel homologues represent novel targets for anti-parasitic drugs. Differences in the sequences and diversity of human and parasite proteins may allow pathogen-specific targeting of these K(+) channel homologues.
منابع مشابه
Identification and Analysis of Putative Homologues of Mechanosensitive Channels in Pathogenic Protozoa
Mechanosensitive channels play important roles in the physiology of many organisms, and their dysfunction can affect cell survival. This suggests that they might be therapeutic targets in pathogenic organisms. Pathogenic protozoa lead to diseases such as malaria, dysentery, leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis that are responsible for millions of deaths each year worldwide. We analyzed the genomes...
متن کاملIdentification and Analysis of Cation Channel Homologues in Human Pathogenic Fungi
Fungi are major causes of human, animal and plant disease. Human fungal infections can be fatal, but there are limited options for therapy, and resistance to commonly used anti-fungal drugs is widespread. The genomes of many fungi have recently been sequenced, allowing identification of proteins that may become targets for novel therapies. We examined the genomes of human fungal pathogens for g...
متن کاملIdentification of Intracellular and Plasma Membrane Calcium Channel Homologues in Pathogenic Parasites
Ca(2+) channels regulate many crucial processes within cells and their abnormal activity can be damaging to cell survival, suggesting that they might represent attractive therapeutic targets in pathogenic organisms. Parasitic diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis and schistosomiasis are responsible for millions of deaths each year worldwide. The genomes of many pathogenic par...
متن کاملIdentification of Putative Cytoskeletal Protein Homologues in the Protozoan Host <em>Hartmannella vermiformis</em> as Substrates for Induced Tyrosine Phosphatase Activity Upon Attachment to the Legionnaires' Disease Bacterium, <em>Legionella pneumophila</
متن کامل
A molecular study on the endoplasmic reticulum potassium channels in hepatocytes
Introduction: It has recently been suggested that the KATP channel subunits Kir6.x and BKCa channels exist in the endoplasmic reticulum of cardiomyocytes and neurons. Our previous studies showed the electrophysiological behavior of cation channels in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) of rat hepatocytes. Therefore, we hypothesized that KATP channels and Ca2+-activated potassium channels m...
متن کاملذخیره در منابع من
با ذخیره ی این منبع در منابع من، دسترسی به آن را برای استفاده های بعدی آسان تر کنید
عنوان ژورنال:
دوره 7 شماره
صفحات -
تاریخ انتشار 2012