A putative ATP/GTP binding protein affects Leishmania mexicana growth in insect vectors and vertebrate hosts.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Leishmania virulence factors responsible for the complicated epidemiology of the various leishmaniases remain mainly unidentified. This study is a characterization of a gene previously identified as upregulated in two of three overlapping datasets containing putative factors important for Leishmania's ability to establish mammalian intracellular infection and to colonize the gut of an insect vector.

Methodology/principal findings

The investigated gene encodes ATP/GTP binding motif-containing protein related to Leishmania development 1 (ALD1), a cytosolic protein that contains a cryptic ATP/GTP binding P-loop. We compared differentiation, growth rates, and infective abilities of wild-type and ALD1 null mutant cell lines of L. mexicana. Loss of ALD1 results in retar

SUBMITTER: Ishemgulova A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5542692 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature