| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Garcia, Celia R. S.
;
Alves, Eduardo
;
Pereira, Pedro H. S.
;
Bartlett, Paula J.
;
Thomas, Andrew P.
;
Mikoshiba, Katsuhiko
;
Plattner, Helmut
;
Sibley, L. David
Total Authors: 8
|
| Document type: | Review article |
| Source: | CURRENT TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY; v. 17, n. 19, p. 2158-2165, 2017. |
| Web of Science Citations: | 7 |
| Abstract | |
Background: Phosphoinositides (PIs) and their derivatives are essential cellular components that form the building blocks for cell membranes and regulate numerous cell functions. Specifically, the ability to generate myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) via phospholipase C (PLC) dependent hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) to InsP(3) and diacylglycerol (DAG) initiates intracellular calcium signaling events representing a fundamental signaling mechanism dependent on PIs. InsP(3) produced by PI turnover as a second messenger causes intracellular calcium release, especially from endoplasmic reticulum, by binding to the InsP(3) receptor (InsP(3)R). Various PIs and the enzymes, such as phosphatidylinositol synthase and phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase, necessary for their turnover have been characterized in Apicomplexa, a large phylum of mostly commensal organisms that also includes several clinically relevant parasites. However, InsP(3)Rs have not been identified in genomes of apicomplexans, despite evidence that these parasites produce InsP(3) that mediates intracellular Ca2+ signaling. Conclusion: Evidence to supporting IP3-dependent signaling cascades in apicomplexans suggests that they may harbor a primitive or non-canonical InsP(3)R. Understanding these pathways may be informative about early branching eukaryotes, where such signaling pathways also diverge from animal systems, thus identifying potential novel and essential targets for therapeutic intervention. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 11/51295-5 - Functional genomics in Plasmodium |
| Grantee: | Célia Regina da Silva Garcia |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Projects - Thematic Grants |