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.
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.