Researchers at the University of Alberta have found an important protein in the cells of a deadly infectious parasite, opening the door to less harmful treatment for millions of people suffering from diseases like sleeping sickness in Africa and Chagas disease in South America.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have found an important protein in the cells of a deadly infectious parasite, opening the door to less harmful treatment for millions of people suffering from diseases like sleeping sickness in Africa and Chagas disease in South America.
The parasite, trypanosome, is transmitted through insect bites. In a study published in Life Science Alliance, U of A cell biologist and Canada Research Chair in Cell Biology Rick Rachubinski, and research associates Hiren Banerjee and Barbara Knobloch, found that a protein called PEX3, long believed not to exist in the parasite, was in fact present and essential for their viability.
PEX3 is a critical component of the cell biology of many living things, including humans, plants and trypanosomes. It helps make and regulate parts of the cells called peroxisomes, which help break down fatty acids and amino acids in the body to create energy.
Read more at University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
Photo: (From left) Researchers Barbara Knoblach, Hiren Banerjee and Rick Rachubinski are now using their discovery to identify new, less toxic drugs to treat neglected tropical diseases that affect millions in Africa and South America. Photo Credit: Ryan O'Byrne/ University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
