Differential expression of peptidases in Strigomonas culicis wild-type and aposymbiotic strains: from proteomic data to proteolytic activity.

Background: Strigomonas culicis is a monoxenic trypanosomatid parasite of insects that naturally contains an endosymbiotic bacterium. The aposymbiotic strain can be obtained, making this strain a model for evolutive research about organelle origins. In addition, S.

Susceptibility of Axenic Amastigotes to the Calpain Inhibitor MDL28170.

Leishmaniasis encompasses a group of neglected diseases caused by flagellated protozoa belonging to the genus, associated with high morbidity and mortality. The search for compounds with anti- activity that exhibit lower toxicity and can overcome the emergence of resistant strains remains a significant goal. In this context, the calpain inhibitor MDL28170 has previously demonstrated deleterious effects against promastigote forms of , which led us to investigate its role on axenic amastigote forms.

Generation and capture of naphthoquinonynes: a new frontier in the development of trypanocidal quinones aryne chemistry.

The regioselective synthesis of functionalized naphthoquinones the formation and capture of naphthoquinonynes has been used to prepare trypanocidal compounds. The target compounds are functionalized on the aromatic ring, leaving the quinoidal ring intact. Using this technique, eighteen functionalized naphthoquinones were succesfull obtained, divided in two main groups: the first scope using -nucleophiles, and the second scope using pyridine -oxides, with yields up to 74%.

Electrochemical Halogenation of Naphthoquinones: A Modular and Sustainable Strategy Towards Trypanocidal Compounds.

An eco-friendly electrochemical halogenation of 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinones has been developed. The new mild and energy efficient methodology comprises sustainable features like oxidant free and double role of the halogen source as electrolyte, originating twenty-six amino-halogenated naphthoquinoidal derivatives in good yields under mild conditions. This novel methodology permitted access to new potent trypanocidal prototypes, where six compounds were more active than benznidazole, the current market drug used in the treatment of Chagas Disease.

Leishmania major telomerase RNA knockout: From altered cell proliferation to decreased parasite infectivity.

This study focuses on the biological impacts of deleting the telomerase RNA from Leishmania major (LeishTER), a parasite responsible for causing leishmaniases, for which no effective treatment or prevention is available. TER is a critical player in the telomerase ribonucleoprotein complex, containing the template sequence copied by the reverse transcriptase component during telomere elongation. The success of knocking out both LeishTER alleles was confirmed, and no off-targets were detected.