Lipid synthesis in protozoan parasites: a comparison between kinetoplastids and apicomplexans.

摘要: Lipid metabolism is of crucial importance for pathogens. Lipids serve as cellular building blocks, signalling molecules, energy stores, posttranslational modifiers, and pathogenesis factors. Parasites rely on a complex system uptake synthesis mechanisms to satisfy their lipid needs. The parameters this change dramatically the parasite transits through various stages its life cycle. Here we discuss tremendous recent advances that have been made in understanding pathways fatty acids phospholipids apicomplexan kinetoplastid parasites, including Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, Trypanosoma Leishmania. differs significant ways between parasites from both phyla human host. acquired novel endosymbiosis, case apicoplast, reshaped substrate product profiles, evolved specialized lipids interact with or manipulate These differences potentially provide opportunities drug development. We outline key species detail they progress developmental cycle highlight those are particular biology pathogens and/or most promising targets parasite-specific treatment.