Aminopeptidases involved in regulating the amino acid pool in malaria parasites

Funding: 2006: $88,000
2007: $88,000
2008: $88,000

Funding or Partner Organisation: Australian Research Council (Other funds for ARC projects)
Australian Research Council (ARC Discovery Projects)

Start year: 2006

Summary: Four enzymes, namely leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), membrane alanyl aminopeptidase (MAA), aspartyl aminopeptidase (DAP) and propyl aminopeptidase (PA) are involved in releasing amino acids from protein substrates in malaria cells. Because of their central role in protein turnover and synthesis they each represent a target at which novel anti-malaria drugs could be directed. However, before embarking on a drug discovery program, basic information on their biochemistry, structure, expression and relative importance in malaria cell metabolism is needed. This project employs recent advances in 3-dimensional modelling, enzyme kinetics, site-directed mutagenesis and gene knockdown/over-expression to enlighten us about these essential enzymes.

Keywords: aminopeptidases, proteases, protozoa, enzymes, biochemistry, parasites,

FOR Codes: Medical Parasitology, Enzymes, Genetic Engineering and Enzyme Technology, Prevention-biologicals (e.g. vaccines), Infectious diseases, Human Biological Preventatives (e.g. Vaccines), Biocatalysis and Enzyme Technology, Veterinary Biological Preventatives (e.g. Vaccines), Medical parasitology , Clinical health, Human pharmaceutical products, Veterinary pharmaceutical products

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.