Jie Song1, Ellen Mak2, Binghua Wu2, Eric Beitz3. 1. Institute of Physiology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Germany. 2. Pharmaceutical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Germany. 3. Pharmaceutical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Germany. Electronic address: ebeitz@pharmazie.uni-kiel.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although being situated in a niche, research on parasite aquaporins is a lively field that has provided new insight into basic aquaporin structure-function relationships and physiological roles of water and solute transport. Moreover, it bears the potential to find novel approaches to antiparasitic chemotherapy. SCOPE OF REVIEW: Here, we summarize the current knowledge about the structure and substrate selectivity of aquaporins from protozoan and helminth parasites, review the current views on their physiological roles, and discuss their potency for chemotherapy. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Parasite aquaporins fulfill highly diverse tasks in the physiology of the various organisms, yet their general protein structure is well conserved. Aquaporins are directly (antimonials) and indirectly (melarsoprol, pentamidine) linked to the uptake of antiparasitic drugs. Unfortunately, drug-like aquaporin inhibitors are still missing. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Aquaporins expression levels determine the degree of parasite resistance against certain drugs. Further studies on parasite aquaporins may provide data about overcoming drug resistance mechanisms or even spark novel treatments. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Aquaporins.
BACKGROUND: Although being situated in a niche, research on parasite aquaporins is a lively field that has provided new insight into basic aquaporin structure-function relationships and physiological roles of water and solute transport. Moreover, it bears the potential to find novel approaches to antiparasitic chemotherapy. SCOPE OF REVIEW: Here, we summarize the current knowledge about the structure and substrate selectivity of aquaporins from protozoan and helminth parasites, review the current views on their physiological roles, and discuss their potency for chemotherapy. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Parasite aquaporins fulfill highly diverse tasks in the physiology of the various organisms, yet their general protein structure is well conserved. Aquaporins are directly (antimonials) and indirectly (melarsoprol, pentamidine) linked to the uptake of antiparasitic drugs. Unfortunately, drug-like aquaporin inhibitors are still missing. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Aquaporins expression levels determine the degree of parasite resistance against certain drugs. Further studies on parasite aquaporins may provide data about overcoming drug resistance mechanisms or even spark novel treatments. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Aquaporins.
Authors: Jon Anders Stavang; Francois Chauvigné; Heidi Kongshaug; Joan Cerdà; Frank Nilsen; Roderick Nigel Finn Journal: BMC Genomics Date: 2015-08-19 Impact factor: 3.969
Authors: Jie Song; Nicola Baker; Monja Rothert; Björn Henke; Laura Jeacock; David Horn; Eric Beitz Journal: PLoS Pathog Date: 2016-02-01 Impact factor: 6.823