Leishmania infantum belongs to the Kinetoplastidae that is characterized by a specific mitochondrial DNA, the kinetoplast. This parasite is responsible for both benign cutaneous leishmaniasis and severe visceral leishmaniasis in humans. Molecular determinants of such differences in pathogenesis are not well understood, and the parasites as well as their hosts may contribute to the disease phenotype. Factors that help parasite to adapt its metabolism to nutritional conditions encountered in different location might play pivotal roles in controlling parasite development in these various host environments. Thus, we have decided to initiate studies aimed to compare the mitochondrial protein content of L. infantum. To avoid the drawback caused by the most abundant proteins such as tubulin and proteins of the cytoskeleton present in whole cell extract, we have decided to fractionate the subcellular components of the cells. Using both cytosolic and mitochondrial markers, we have improved a protein pre-fractionation protocol using digitonin that allowed us to generate an enriched mitochondrial fraction.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00436-008-1062-9 | DOI Listing |
Sci Rep
January 2025
Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-University of Barcelona), Rosselló 149-153, Barcelona, 08036, Spain.
We recently characterized the potent antiplasmodial activity of the aggregated protein dye YAT2150, whose presumed mode of action is the inhibition of protein aggregation in the malaria parasite. Using single-dose and ramping methods, assays were done to select Plasmodium falciparum parasites resistant to YAT2150 concentrations ranging from 3× to 0.25× the in vitro IC of the compound (in the two-digit nM range) and performed a cross-resistance assessment in P.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRes Vet Sci
January 2025
Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain. Electronic address:
Leishmaniosis, caused by Leishmania infantum and transmitted by sand flies, is a significant zoonotic disease. Dogs are primary reservoirs, but other domestic animals, such as cats and ferrets, and wild species, including Eurasian otters and European mink, can be hosts. This study focused on European mink, a critically endangered species, investigating the seroprevalence of L.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEcohealth
January 2025
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz, Direction of the University: Campus Soane Nazaré de Andrade, Rod. Jorge Amado, Km 16 - Salobrinho, Ilhéus, Bahia, 45662-900, Brazil.
The black rat Rattus rattus is an exotic and synanthropic rodent prominent in Brazil and with high adaptation to urban areas. The species have an omnivorous diet feed on human food resources, potentially becoming infected and spreading infectious agents that cause zoonoses such as leptospirosis, leishmaniosis, Chagas disease, and toxoplasmosis, which are significant public health concerns in the country. We analyzed the epidemiologic profile of R.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Insect Physiol
January 2025
Laboratório de Fisiologia de Insetos Hematófagos, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil. Electronic address:
Lutzomyia longipalpis Lutz & Neiva, 1912 (Diptera, Psychodidae), is the primary vector of Leishmania infantum Nicole, 1908, the etiological agent of American visceral leishmaniasis. During their development, sandfly larvae pass through four instars, consuming soil particles enriched with microorganisms and decomposing organic material. In numerous insect species, the intestinal epithelium not only secretes digestive enzymes and absorbs digested nutrients but also carries out additional functions, such as regulating luminal pH and facilitating the absorption or secretion of ions and water.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMolecules
January 2025
Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru.
Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by species, presents serious public health challenges due to limited treatment options, toxicity, high costs, and drug resistance. In this study, the in vitro potential of malvidin and echioidinin is examined as antileishmanial agents against , , and , comparing their effects to amphotericin B (AmpB), a standard drug. Malvidin demonstrated greater potency than echioidinin across all parasite stages and species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!