Exploitation of key enzymes in the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway as drug targets in leishmania

Objective

The proposal describes how steps will be made to advance in the knowledge of is oprenoid biosynthesis in order to produce specific inhibitors that will be of use in the treatment of the leishamniases. Focus will be placed on the development of inhbitors against two enzymes: farnesyl diphosphate syntheses and squalling syntheses. Advantage will be taken of the existing knowledge on the inhibition of these enzymes in other organisms and of the crystal structures available for the modelling of the active site of the protozoan enzymes and identification of lead molecules. Alterations in is oprenoid composition, effects on parasite ultrustructural morphology and the intracellular localization of these enzymes will be studied in order to use the information in understanding drug toxicity, mode of action and intracellular transport requirements.

Fields of science

• engineering and technology › materials engineering › crystals
• natural sciences › biological sciences › biochemistry › biomolecules › proteins › enzymes

Programme(s)

• FP5-INCO 2 - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Confirming the international role of Community research,1998-2002"

Topic(s)

Data not available

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS

Address

Calle Ventanilla 11
18001 Granada
Spain

Participants (3)

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF RIO DE JANEIRO

Brazil

Address

S/n,edificio Do Centro De Ciencias Da Saude, Bloco G
21949-900 Rio De Janeiro

INSTITUTO VENEZOLANO DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS

Venezuela

Address

Km 11,altos De Pipe, Km. 11, Carretera Panamericana
1020 Caracas

UNIVERSITY OF WALES CARDIFF

United Kingdom

Address

King Edward Vii Avenue, Redwood Building
CF10 3XF Cardiff