Lipid and Fatty Acid Metabolism in Trypanosomatids

Overview

Journal Microb Cell

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2021 Nov 16

PMID 34782859

Citations 16

Authors

Giovana Parreira de Aquino

Marco Antonio Mendes Gomes

Roberto Kopke Salinas

Maria Fernanda Laranjeira-Silva

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Trypanosomiases and leishmaniases are neglected tropical diseases that have been spreading to previously non-affected areas in recent years. Identification of new chemotherapeutics is needed as there are no vaccines and the currently available treatment options are highly toxic and often ineffective. The causative agents for these diseases are the protozoan parasites of the Trypanosomatidae family, and they alternate between invertebrate and vertebrate hosts during their life cycles. Hence, these parasites must be able to adapt to different environments and compete with their hosts for several essential compounds, such as amino acids, vitamins, ions, carbohydrates, and lipids. Among these nutrients, lipids and fatty acids (FAs) are essential for parasite survival. Trypanosomatids require massive amounts of FAs, and they can either synthesize FAs or scavenge them from the host. Moreover, FAs are the major energy source during specific life cycle stages of , and . Therefore, considering the distinctive features of FAs metabolism in trypanosomatids, these pathways could be exploited for the development of novel antiparasitic drugs. In this review, we highlight specific aspects of lipid and FA metabolism in the protozoan parasites and spp., as well as the pathways that have been explored for the development of new chemotherapies.

Citing Articles

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