Reporter gene systems: A powerful tool for Leishmania studies

Autor(es)

Boy, Romario Lopes ; Hong, Ahyun ; Aoki, Juliana Ide ; Floeter-Winter, Lucile Maria ; Laranjeira-Silva, Maria Fernanda

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES; v. 3, p. 11-pg., 2022-01-01.

Resumo

Protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania are responsible for leishmaniases, one of the most important anthropozoonotic diseases affecting millions of people worldwide. To date, there are no approved vaccines against leishmaniases for humans. At present, available treatment options lack specificity, which may lead to drug resistance and often cause adverse effects. Genomic analysis of Leishmania spp. revealed that most of the annotated genes encode hypothetical proteins, yet the functions of those proteins are still unknown. Characterization of these proteins is, hence, of utmost importance for the discovery of new therapeutic targets against leishmaniases. Reporter gene systems, or reporters, are powerful tools that enable the detection and measurement of targeted gene expression when introduced to a biological system. Over the years, numerous expression systems containing various reporters have been employed in characterizing several novel genes essential for parasite development. Such systems can be used to predict the subcellular localization of targeted proteins, screen antileishmanial drugs, and monitor the progression of infection within the vector and vertebrate hosts, among other uses. Therefore, it is critical to comprehend the available reporter gene expression systems to choose the most suitable for each study. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 17/23933-3 - Identificação e caracterização de proteínas de membrana envolvidas no transporte e metabolismo de ferro em Leishmania
• Beneficiário: Maria Fernanda Laranjeira da Silva
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Jovens Pesquisadores
• Processo FAPESP: 18/23512-0 - A relação Leishmania-hospedeiro sob a ótica das ‘ômicas’
• Beneficiário: Lucile Maria Floeter-Winter
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Temático