Mechanism of action of 4-phenoxyphenoxyethyl thiocyanate (WC-9) against Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas' disease.

ABSTRACT: We investigated the molecular basis of the activity of 4-phenoxyphenoxyethyl thiocyanate (WC-9) against Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas' disease. We found that growth inhibition of T. cruzi epimastigotes induced by this compound was associated with a reduction in the content of the parasite's endogenous sterols due to a specific blockade of their de novo synthesis at the level of squalene synthase.

SUBMITTER: Urbina JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC155860 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature