cAMP signalling in trypanosomatids: role in pathogenesis and as a drug target

Makin, L. and Gluenz, E. (2015) cAMP signalling in trypanosomatids: role in pathogenesis and as a drug target. Trends in Parasitology, 31(8), pp. 373-379. (doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.04.014) (PMID:26004537) (PMCID:PMC4534343)

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Abstract

Despite recent research linking cAMP signalling to virulence in trypanosomatids and detailed studies of trypanosomatid adenylyl cyclases (ACs) and phosphodiesterases (PDEs) since their discoveries 40 years ago, downstream components of the pathway and their biological functions have remained remarkably elusive. However, in recent years, significant discoveries have been made: a role for parasite ACs has been proposed in cytokinesis, evasion of the host immune response, and social motility. cAMP phosphodiesterases PDEB1 and PDEB2 were found to be essential for survival and virulence of Trypanosoma brucei and, in Trypanosoma cruzi, PDEC2 was shown to be required for normal osmoregulation. As we discuss here, these breakthroughs have led to an ongoing surge in the development of PDE inhibitors as lead compounds for trypanocidal drugs.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Gluenz, Dr Eva
Authors: Makin, L., and Gluenz, E.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Trends in Parasitology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:1471-4922
ISSN (Online):1471-5007
Published Online:21 May 2015
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 The Authors
First Published:First published in Trends in Parasitology 31(8):373-379
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons license

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