Leishmania donovani argininosuccinate synthase is an active enzyme associated with parasite pathogenesis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gene expression analysis in Leishmania donovani (Ld) identified an orthologue of the urea cycle enzyme, argininosuccinate synthase (LdASS), that was more abundantly expressed in amastigotes than in promastigotes. In order to characterize in detail this newly identified protein in Leishmania, we determined its enzymatic activity, subcellular localization in the parasite and affect on virulence in vivo.

Methodology/principal findings

Two parasite cell lines either over expressing wild type LdASS or a mutant form (G128S) associated with severe cases of citrullinemia in humans were developed. In addition we also produced bacterially expressed recombinant forms of the same proteins. Our results demonstrated that LdASS has argininosuccinate synthase enzymatic activity t

SUBMITTER: Lakhal-Naouar I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3475689 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature