Biological significance of glycosylphosphatidylinositols in protozoan parasites

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1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Parasitic protozoans including the members of trypanosomatidae family are the cause of diseases in humans and livestock. A majority of the glycoproteins present on plasma membrane of these parasites are attached by glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor. In addition, plasma membrane of some of the protozoans is decorated with free GPIs which are not attached to proteins. The structure and biosynthesis of GPIs in protozoans as compared to higher eukaryotes and their utility as targets for anti-protozoan chemotherapy is discussed. The crucial role of GPIs and GPI-attached glycoproteins in protozoan parasites infectivity and survival is the focus of this review.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)439-453
Number of pages15
JournalTrends in Glycoscience and Glycotechnology
Volume10
Issue number56
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biosynthesis
  • Glycosylphosphatidylinositol
  • Infectivity and survival
  • Inhibitors
  • Protozoans

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Organic Chemistry

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