A store-operated Ca2+-entry in Trypanosoma equiperdum: Physiological evidences of its presence

Pérez-Gordones, María Carolina; Ramírez-Iglesias, José Rubén; Benaím, Gustavo; Mendoza, M.

doi:10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111394

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 52 publications

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“…In intracellular parasites, host cell invasion [ 4 , 48 , 98 ] and egress are also Ca 2+ dependent [ 54 , 99 – 103 ]. The evidence of Ca 2+ uptake from the extracellular medium and the interaction of this ion influx with the intracellular stores is overwhelming, pointing out the presence of Ca 2+ -permeable channels at the plasma membrane [ 4 , 53 , 104 – 108 ]. L-type nifedipine-sensitive Ca 2+ conductances have been described in T .…”

Section: Ion Channel Repertoiresmentioning

confidence: 99%

Down the membrane hole: Ion channels in protozoan parasites

Jiménez

Sebastian

2022

PLoS Pathog

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Parasitic diseases caused by protozoans are highly prevalent around the world, disproportionally affecting developing countries, where coinfection with other microorganisms is common. Control and treatment of parasitic infections are constrained by the lack of specific and effective drugs, plus the rapid emergence of resistance. Ion channels are main drug targets for numerous diseases, but their potential against protozoan parasites is still untapped. Ion channels are membrane proteins expressed in all types of cells, allowing for the flow of ions between compartments, and regulating cellular functions such as membrane potential, excitability, volume, signaling, and death. Channels and transporters reside at the interface between parasites and their hosts, controlling nutrient uptake, viability, replication, and infectivity. To understand how ion channels control protozoan parasites fate and to evaluate their suitability for therapeutics, we must deepen our knowledge of their structure, function, and modulation. However, methodological approaches commonly used in mammalian cells have proven difficult to apply in protozoans. This review focuses on ion channels described in protozoan parasites of clinical relevance, mainly apicomplexans and trypanosomatids, highlighting proteins for which molecular and functional evidence has been correlated with their physiological functions.

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