The protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani is the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, a devastating and often fatal disease in humans. A better understanding of the biochemical or metabolic differences between pathogen and host is needed for the development of more effective therapeutic drugs. This research proposal offers thorough characterization of two key enzymes of the polyamine pathway in Leishmania donovani: spermidine synthase (SPDSYN) and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (ADOMETDC). A thorough biochemical and physicochemical characterization of recombinant SPDSYN and ADOMETDC as well as the initiation of structural analyses will be the main focus of the proposal. The metabolic contribution and importance of these proteins will be evaluated in SPDSYN and ADOMETDC deficient parasites, which have been created by targeted gene replacement. The nutritional requirement, growth rate and polyamine metabolism of the mutants will be investigated. As the polyamine pathway has been targeted in antiparasitic chemotherapies, this investigation provides a foundation for the validation of SPDSYN and ADOMETDC as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of parasitic diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32AI010096-01A2
Application #
6055505
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-TMP (01))
Program Officer
Fairfield, Alexandra
Project Start
2000-03-01
Project End
Budget Start
2000-03-01
Budget End
2001-02-28
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$42,628
Indirect Cost
Name
Oregon Health and Science University
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
009584210
City
Portland
State
OR
Country
United States
Zip Code
97239