Serine proteases in schistosomes and other trematodes

0490315 - ÚOCHB 2019 RIV AU eng J - Journal Article
Dvorak, J. - Horn, Martin
Serine proteases in schistosomes and other trematodes.
International Journal for Parasitology. Roč. 48, č. 5 (2018), s. 333-344. ISSN 0020-7519. E-ISSN 1879-0135
R&D Projects: GA MŠMT LD15101; GA MŠMT LO1302
Institutional support: RVO:61388963
Keywords : proteolytic enzyme * serine protease * peptidase * Trematoda * Platyhelminthes * Schistosoma * fluke
OECD category: Biochemistry and molecular biology
Impact factor: 3.478, year: 2018

Trematodes, also known as flukes, are phylogenetically ancient parasitic organisms. Due to their importance as human and veterinary parasites, their proteins have been investigated extensively as drug and vaccine targets. Among those, proteases, as crucial enzymes for parasite survival, are considered candidate molecules for anti-parasitic interventions. Surprisingly however, trematode serine proteases, in comparison with other groups of proteases, are largely neglected. Genes encoding serine proteases have been identified in trematode genomes in significant abundance, but the biological roles and biochemical functions of these proteases are poorly understood. However, increasing volumes of genomic and proteomic studies, and accumulated experimental evidence, indicate that this class of proteases plays a substantial role in host-parasite interactions and parasite survival. Here, we discuss in detail serine proteases at genomic and protein levels, and their known or hypothetical functions.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0284941