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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Lipid and fatty acid metabolism in trypanosomatids

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Author(s):
Aquino, Giovana Parreira de [1] ; Gomes, Marco Antonio Mendes [1] ; Salinas, Roberto Kopke [2] ; Laranjeira-Silva, Maria Fernanda [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biosci, Dept Physiol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Chem, Dept Biochem, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Review article
Source: MICROBIAL CELL; v. 8, n. 11, p. 262-275, NOV 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Trypanosomiases and leishmaniases are neglected tropical diseases that have been spreading to previously non affected areas in recent years. Identification of new chemotherapeutics is needed as there are no vaccines and the currently available treatment options are highly toxic and often ineffective. The causative agents for these diseases are the protozoan parasites of the Trypanosomatidae family, and they alternate between invertebrate and vertebrate hosts during their life cycles. Hence, these parasites must be able to adapt to different environments and compete with their hosts for several essential compounds, such as amino acids, vitamins, ions, carbohydrates, and lipids. Among these nutrients, lipids and fatty acids (FAs) are essential for parasite survival. Trypanosomatids require massive amounts of FAs, and they can either synthesize FAs de novo or scavenge them from the host. Moreover, FAs are the major energy source during specific life cycle stages of T. brucei, T. cruzi, and Leishmania. Therefore, considering the distinctive features of FAs metabolism in trypanosomatids, these pathways could be exploited for the development of novel antiparasitic drugs. In this review, we highlight specific aspects of lipid and FA metabolism in the protozoan parasites T. brucei, T. cruzi, and Leishmania spp., as well as the pathways that have been explored for the development of new chemotherapies. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 18/15971-5 - Identification and characterization of membrane proteins involved in iron transport and metabolism in Leishmania.
Grantee:Maria Fernanda Laranjeira da Silva
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers
FAPESP's process: 19/19968-1 - Structural studies of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger by high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Grantee:Roberto Kopke Salinas
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants