Evaluating Potential Molecular Targets for Novel Anti-Toxoplasmosis Compound: KG3

Advisor Information

Paul Davis

Location

UNO Criss Library, Room 232

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Start Date

4-3-2016 1:30 PM

End Date

4-3-2016 1:45 PM

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular obligate parasite. Although most cases of toxoplasmosis go undetected, it can cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals and can cause congenital birth defects if the mother becomes infected while pregnant. Despite these serious possibilities, current treatment options are less than optimal due to significant side effects. In previous studies, compounds showing growth inhibition against Toxoplasma gondii were identified and are currently undergoing testing as promising drug candidates. Current efforts include attempting to identify a mechanism of action by characterizing drug resistance. As a step in this process, chemical mutagenesis and drug selection has been performed to generate a parasite population demonstrates resistance to the experimental drug KG3. Results of the next-generation sequencing analysis for the parasite’s genome has allowed for several putative molecular targets to be identified. Therefore, further analysis of the mutant strain may yield the molecular target for the drug KG3.

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Mar 4th, 1:30 PM Mar 4th, 1:45 PM

Evaluating Potential Molecular Targets for Novel Anti-Toxoplasmosis Compound: KG3

UNO Criss Library, Room 232

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular obligate parasite. Although most cases of toxoplasmosis go undetected, it can cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals and can cause congenital birth defects if the mother becomes infected while pregnant. Despite these serious possibilities, current treatment options are less than optimal due to significant side effects. In previous studies, compounds showing growth inhibition against Toxoplasma gondii were identified and are currently undergoing testing as promising drug candidates. Current efforts include attempting to identify a mechanism of action by characterizing drug resistance. As a step in this process, chemical mutagenesis and drug selection has been performed to generate a parasite population demonstrates resistance to the experimental drug KG3. Results of the next-generation sequencing analysis for the parasite’s genome has allowed for several putative molecular targets to be identified. Therefore, further analysis of the mutant strain may yield the molecular target for the drug KG3.