Abstract
As eukaryotic cells, protozoa present a classical structural organization where most of the structures and organelles typical of mammalian cells are found. However, even for usual organelles these organisms present structural diversity. In addition, some of the protozoa structures, such as the mitochondria, peroxisomes and even the Golgi complex, are not observed. On the other hand, new organelles such as the hydrogenosomes, mitosomes, Apicoplast, kinetoplast, glycosomes (specialized peroxisomes), rhoptries, micronemes and dense granules, are characteristic features of some protozoa. Also, several unusual cytoskeletal structures, some of them made of yet uncharacterized proteins, are seen in these eukaryotic microorganisms. Further characterization of these structures indicates that they contain special enzymes involved in distinct metabolic pathways making them potential targets for the development of new anti parasite drugs.
Keywords: Parasitic protozoa, structural organization
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title: An Introduction to the Structural Organization of Parasitic Protozoa
Volume: 14 Issue: 9
Author(s): Wanderley de Souza
Affiliation:
Keywords: Parasitic protozoa, structural organization
Abstract: As eukaryotic cells, protozoa present a classical structural organization where most of the structures and organelles typical of mammalian cells are found. However, even for usual organelles these organisms present structural diversity. In addition, some of the protozoa structures, such as the mitochondria, peroxisomes and even the Golgi complex, are not observed. On the other hand, new organelles such as the hydrogenosomes, mitosomes, Apicoplast, kinetoplast, glycosomes (specialized peroxisomes), rhoptries, micronemes and dense granules, are characteristic features of some protozoa. Also, several unusual cytoskeletal structures, some of them made of yet uncharacterized proteins, are seen in these eukaryotic microorganisms. Further characterization of these structures indicates that they contain special enzymes involved in distinct metabolic pathways making them potential targets for the development of new anti parasite drugs.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Souza de Wanderley, An Introduction to the Structural Organization of Parasitic Protozoa, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2008; 14 (9) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161208784041123
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161208784041123 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
"Tuberculosis Prevention, Diagnosis and Drug Discovery"
The Nobel Prize-winning discoveries of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and streptomycin have enabled an appropriate diagnosis and an effective treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Since then, many newer diagnosis methods and drugs have been saving millions of lives. Despite advances in the past, TB is still a leading cause of infectious disease mortality ...read more
Current Pharmaceutical challenges in the treatment and diagnosis of neurological dysfunctions
Neurological dysfunctions (MND, ALS, MS, PD, AD, HD, ALS, Autism, OCD etc..) present significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment, often necessitating innovative approaches and therapeutic interventions. This thematic issue aims to explore the current pharmaceutical landscape surrounding neurological disorders, shedding light on the challenges faced by researchers, clinicians, and ...read more
Emerging and re-emerging diseases
Faced with a possible endemic situation of COVID-19, the world has experienced two important phenomena, the emergence of new infectious diseases and/or the resurgence of previously eradicated infectious diseases. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of such diseases has also undergone changes. This context, in turn, may have a strong relationship with ...read more
Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment: Standard of Care and Recent Advances
In this thematic issue, we aim to provide a standard of care of the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. The editor will invite authors from different countries who will write review articles of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. The Diagnosis, Staging, Surgical Treatment, Non-Surgical Treatment all ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Chronic Psychosocial Stress Exacerbates Impairment of Synaptic Plasticity in β-Amyloid Rat Model of Alzheimers Disease: Prevention by Nicotine
Current Alzheimer Research Neurotoxicity by Synthetic Androgen Steroids: Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Neuropathology: A Review
Current Neuropharmacology Hyperglycemia, Hypoglycemia and Dementia: Role of Mitochondria and Uncoupling Proteins
Current Molecular Medicine Phytochemical, Anti-diabetic and Cardiovascular Properties of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae): A Review
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Nanocarriers: A General Strategy for Enhancement of Oral Bioavailability of Poorly Absorbed or Pre-Systemically Metabolized Drugs
Current Drug Metabolism Therapeutic Potential of High Mobility Group Box-1 in Ischemic Injury and Tissue Regeneration
Current Vascular Pharmacology The Profile of Angiogenic Factors in Vitreous Humor of the Patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Current Molecular Medicine Comparison of Thermal Foot Maps between Diabetic Patients with Neuropathic, Vascular, Neurovascular, and No Complications
Current Diabetes Reviews Regular Physical Activity and Vascular Aging
Current Pharmaceutical Design Molecular Links Between Diabetes and Osteoarthritis: The Role of Physical Activity
Current Diabetes Reviews An Overview of Bioactive Peptides for in vivo Imaging and Therapy in Human Diseases
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Body Composition and -174G/C Interleukin-6 Promoter Gene Polymorphism: Association with Progression of Insulin Resistance in Normal Weight Obese Syndrome
Current Pharmaceutical Design Network Pharmacology Integrated Molecular Docking to Reveal the Autism and Mechanism of Baohewan Heshiwei Wen Dan Tang
Current Pharmaceutical Design Intestinal Dysbiosis, Gut Hyperpermeability and Bacterial Translocation: Missing Links Between Depression, Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Current Pharmaceutical Design Functions of Ghrelin in Brain, Gut and Liver
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Inhibition of IκB Phosphorylation by a Novel IKK Inhibitor IMD-1041 Attenuates Myocardial Dysfunction After Infarction
Immunology, Endocrine & Metabolic Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Discontinued) Status Epilepticus: An Overview
Current Drug Metabolism Perspectives on Brain-Targeting Drug Delivery Systems
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Telmisartan, its Potential Therapeutic Implications in Cardiometabolic Disorders
Recent Patents on Cardiovascular Drug Discovery Vitamins and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets