Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8646747 | Infection, Genetics and Evolution | 2018 | 33 Pages |
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted to humans and other mammals primarily by Triatomine insects. Being endemic in many South and Central American countries and affecting millions of people the need for new more effective and safe therapies is evident. Here, we examine genetic variation and natural selection on DNA (471â¯bp) and amino acid (157â¯aa) sequence data of the T. cruzi trans-sialdiase (TcTS) protein, often suggested as a candidate for rational drug design. In our surveyed region of the protein there were five amino acid residues that have been shown to be integral to the function of TcTS. We found that three were under strong negative selection making them ideal candidates for drug design; however, one was under balancing selection and should be avoided as a drug target. Our study provides new information into identifying potential targets for a new Chagas drug.
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Authors
Joseph P. Gallant, Raquel Asunción Lima-Cordón, Silvia A. Justi, Maria Carlota Monroy, Toni Viola, Lori Stevens,