Leishmania subtilisin is a maturase for the trypanothione reductase system and contributes to disease pathology.

ABSTRACT: Proteases are a ubiquitous group of enzymes that play key roles in the life cycle of parasites, in the host-parasite relationship, and in the pathogenesis of parasitic diseases. Furthermore, proteases are druggable targets for the development of new anti-parasitic therapy. The subtilisin protease (SUB; Clan SB, family S8) of Leishmania donovani was cloned and found to possess a unique catalytic triad. This gene was then deleted by gene knock-out, which resulted in reduced ability by the parasite to undergo promastigote to amastigote differentiation in vitro. Electron microscopy of SUB knock-out amastigotes revealed abnormal membrane structures, retained flagella, and increased binucleation. SUB-deficient Leishmania displayed reduced virulence in both hamster and murine infection models. Hi

SUBMITTER: Swenerton RK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2951185 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature