Page, A. P. , Stepek, G., Winter, A. D. and Pertab, D. (2014) Enzymology of the nematode cuticle: a potential drug target? International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance, 4(2), pp. 133-141. (doi: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.05.003) (PMID:25057463) (PMCID:PMC4095051)
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Abstract
All nematodes possess an external structure known as the cuticle, which is crucial for their development and survival. This structure is composed primarily of collagen, which is secreted from the underlying hypodermal cells. Extensive studies using the free-living nematode <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> demonstrate that formation of the cuticle requires the activity of an extensive range of enzymes. Enzymes are required both pre-secretion, for synthesis of component proteins such as collagen, and post-secretion, for removal of the previous developmental stage cuticle, in a process known as moulting or exsheathment. The excretion/secretion products of numerous parasitic nematodes contain metallo-, serine and cysteine proteases, and these proteases are conserved across the nematode phylum and many are involved in the moulting/exsheathment process. This review highlights the enzymes required for cuticle formation, with a focus on the post-secretion moulting events. Where orthologues of the <i>C. elegans</i> enzymes have been identified in parasitic nematodes these may represent novel candidate targets for future drug/vaccine development.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Pertab, Mr David and Page, Professor Tony and Stepek, Dr Gillian and Winter, Dr Alan |
Authors: | Page, A. P., Stepek, G., Winter, A. D., and Pertab, D. |
College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine |
Journal Name: | International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
ISSN: | 2211-3207 |
ISSN (Online): | 2211-3207 |
Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2014 The Authors |
First Published: | First published in International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance 4(2):133-141 |
Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
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