Exploring the Untapped Biosynthetic Potential of Apicomplexan Parasites.
Journal Article (Review;Journal Article)
Apicomplexan parasites encompass a diverse group of eukaryotic intracellular pathogens that infect various animal hosts to cause disease. Intriguingly, apicomplexans possess a unique organelle of algal origin, the apicoplast, which phylogenetically links these parasites to dinoflagellates and photosynthetic, coral-associated organisms. While production of secondary metabolites in closely related organisms has been thoroughly examined, it remains widely unexplored in apicomplexans. In this Perspective, we discuss previous work toward understanding secondary metabolite building block biosynthesis in apicomplexans and highlight the unexplored enzymology and biosynthetic potential of these parasites in the context of evolution.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Ganley, JG; Toro-Moreno, M; Derbyshire, ER
Published Date
- January 2018
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 57 / 4
Start / End Page
- 365 - 375
PubMed ID
- 28976181
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1520-4995
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0006-2960
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00877
Language
- eng