Characterization of a unique catechol-O-methyltransferase as a molecular drug target in parasitic filarial nematodes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Filarial nematodes cause severe illnesses in humans and canines including limb deformities and disfigurement, heart failure, blindness, and death, among others. There are no vaccines, and current drugs against filarial nematodes infections have only modest effects and are prone to complications.

Methodology/principal findings

We identified a gene (herein called DiMT) encoding an S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferase with orthologs in parasite filarial worms but not in mammals. By in silico analysis, DiMT possesses catalytic sites for binding SAM and catecholamines with high affinity. We expressed and purified recombinant DiMT protein and used it as an enzyme in a series of SAM-dependent methylation assays. DiMT acted specifically as a catechol-

SUBMITTER: Mia MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11392244 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature