 |
|
New malaria enzyme laid bare with help of computer calculations
December 07, 2004Using only computers, a research team at Uppsala University in Sweden has managed to reveal both the structure and the function of a newly discovered enzyme from the most dangerous malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. All that was needed was the amino acid sequence of the enzyme. The findings may represent a breakthrough for future pharmaceutical research.
The research was carried out within the framework of a project (RAPID) at the Uppsala University Center for Structural Biology, Medical Chemistry, and Computer Chemistry, which was established last year and is directed by Professor Alwyn Jones. The aim is to develop drugs for some of the most severe and widely spread diseases in the world, such as malaria and TB. The results, which recently came out as an "accelerated publication" in the journal Biochemistry, are the work of Professor Johan Ãqvist and doctoral student Sinisa Bjelic.
"The enzyme we studied is a new type, with previously unknown catalyst groups. This made it especially interesting as a target molecule for new drugs. Using only computer calculations, we succeeded in revealing both what it looks like and how it functions. It's the first time anybody ever did that," says Johan Ãqvist.
They started by comparing the enzyme's amino acid sequence with other known sequences. Then they ran computer simulations of how it might move in order to find possible structures, after which they looked at plausible combinations for how a substrate, a small peptide, might stick to the enzyme. In this way it was possible to predict the structure of the enzyme, how the substrate bonds, and the mechanism and rapidity of the chemical reaction. The fit with experimental data was good.
"In the past researchers have managed to predict reaction mechanisms on the basis of known structures, but this time we started from scratch."
The malaria parasite under study, Plasmodium falciparum, has several enzymes that directly attack hemoglobin in the blood when it invades. There is a tremendous interest in these enzymes among drug researchers. Today 1-3 million people die of malaria every year, and there is growing concern that the numbers will increase further.
"Millions of people are infected, and the parasite quickly develops resistance to new drugs," says Johan Ãqvist.
Vetenskapsrådet (The Swedish Research Council)
Malaria Current Events and Malaria News RSSDuffy-negative blood types no longer protected from P. Vivax malaria
In a paradigm changing discovery, Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) malaria has been identified in a population historically thought to be resistant to the disease, those who do not express the Duffy blood group protein on their red blood cells.
Barrier in mosquito midgut protects invading pathogens
Scientists studying the Anopheles gambiae mosquito - the main vector of malaria - have found that when the mosquito takes a blood meal, that act triggers two enzymes to form a network of crisscrossing proteins around the ingested blood.
Study: Climate change one factor in malaria spread
Climate change is one reason malaria is on the rise in some parts of the world, new research finds, but other factors such as migration and land-use changes are likely also at play.
PINC Trial Launched to Test New Treatment for Pre-Invasive Breast Cancer
Can a drug that has been used to treat malaria for years possibly be used to treat breast cancer before it becomes invasive? That's what researchers at George Mason University's Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM) and Inova Breast Care Institute (IBCI) are trying to prove.
Health care volunteers and disasters: First, be prepared
A surge in volunteers following a major disaster can overwhelm a response system, and without overall coordination, can actually make a situation worse instead of better.
Flightless mosquitoes developed to help control dengue fever
A new strain of mosquitoes in which females cannot fly may help curb the transmission of dengue fever, according to UC Irvine and British scientists.
Stanford review finds painfully few surefire treatments for muscle cramps
Most cases of muscle cramps never get reported to public health authorities, so it's difficult to say how common they are.
Malaria research must be based in Africa
Gunilla Priebe has studied the international research alliance the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM), which advocates for malaria research in general and the strengthening of research environments in Africa.
UCR researcher identifies mechanism malaria parasite uses to spread among red blood cells
Malaria remains one of the most deadly infectious diseases. Yet, how Plasmodium, the malaria parasite, regulates its infectious cycle has remained an enigma despite decades of rigorous research.
Genomic warfare to counter malaria drug resistance
Scientists battling malaria have earned a major victory. According to a Nature Genetics study, an international group of researchers has used genomics to decode the blueprint of Plasmodium falciparum - a strain of malaria most resistant to drugs that causes the most deaths around the world.
More Malaria Current Events and Malaria News Articles
 |
The Making of a Tropical Disease: A Short History of Malaria (Johns Hopkins Biographies of Disease) by Randall M. Packard (Author) Malaria sickens hundreds of millions of people -- and kills one to three million -- each year. Despite massive efforts to eradicate the disease, it remains a major public health problem in poorer tropical regions. But malaria has not always been concentrated in tropical areas. How did other regions control malaria and why does the disease still flourish in some parts of the globe? From Russia to Bengal to Palm Beach, Randall Packard's far-ranging narrative traces the natural and social forces that help malaria spread and make it deadly. He finds that war, land development, crumbling health systems, and globalization -- coupled with climate change and changes in the distribution and flow of water -- create conditions in which malaria's carrier mosquitoes thrive. The combination of... |
 |
The Malaria Capers : More Tales of Parasites and People, Research and Reality by Robert S. Desowitz (Author) "Reads like a murder mystery. . . . [Desowitz] writes with uncommon lucidity and verse, leaving the reader with a vivid understanding of malaria and other tropical diseases, and the ways in which culture, climate and politics have affected their spread and containment."—New York Times Why, Robert S. Desowitz asks, has biotechnical research on malaria produced so little when it had promised so much? An expert in tropical diseases, Desowtiz searches for answers in this provocative book. . |
 |
Compiled 1981-1984 by Malaria! |
 |
Humanity's Burden: A Global History of Malaria (Studies in Environment and History) by James L.A. Webb Jr. (Author) Humanity's Burden provides a panoramic overview of the history of malaria. It traces the long arc of malaria out of tropical Africa into Eurasia, its transfer to the Americas during the early years of the Columbian exchange, and its retraction from the middle latitudes into the tropics since the late nineteenth century. Adopting a broadly comparative approach to historical patterns and processes, it synthesizes research findings from the natural and social sciences and weaves these understandings into a narrative that reaches from the earliest evidence of malaria infections in tropical Africa up to the present. Written in a style that is easily accessible to non-specialists, it considers the significance of genetic mutations, diet, lifestyle, migration, warfare, palliative and curative... |
 |
GIANTMICROBES - MALARIA by GIANTMICROBES INC. The tropics have coconuts, soft beaches, clear water, shiny fish, colorful birds, steel drums, umbrella drinks. And Malaria. |
 |
Malaria: Fever Wars Starring: Artist Not Provided |
 |
Parasites! - The Malaria Parasite by Sheila Wyborny (Author) Malaria is a serious disease caused by a tiny mosquito-borne parasite called Plasmodium. It once affected entire empires, but thanks to the work of health organizations, malaria is now mostly confined to warm, moist climates. Scientists are still at work today, however, developing methods of curing the disease and destroying its carriers. |
 |
Malaria Protection Kit by Traveler's Supply, Inc The Malaria Protection Kit contains: 1 8oz. DurationTM Permethrin 0.5% RTU Kills insects when they come in contact with it Repels and kills mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus, Malaria and ticks that may carry Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever For use on clothing, tents or netting. Safe for use on childrens clothing The active ingredient (Permethrin) actually binds to the fabric being treated and is completely odorless after application It is safe for use on natural and synthetic fibers 3 oz. (sprayed) treats 2 sets of clothes for 2 weeks or 2 launderings 1-bottle used as a soaking method provides 6 weeks of protection 1- 2oz. & 3single use packets of UltrathonTM Insect Repellent Rated the # 1 most effective insect repellent lotion by a leading consumer... |
 |
The Elusive Malaria Vaccine: Miracle or Mirage? by Irwin W. Sherman (Author) Chronicling a 100-year quest, this book tells the fascinating story of the hunt for the still-elusive malaria vaccine. Its clear, engaging style makes the book accessible to a general audience and brings to life all the drama of the hunt, celebrating the triumphs and documenting the failures. The author captures the controversies, missteps, wars of words, stolen ideas, and clashes of ego as researchers around the world compete to develop the first successful malaria vaccine. "The Elusive Malaria Vaccine: Miracle or Mirage?" is based on author Irwin W. Sherman's thorough investigation of the scientific literature as well as his first-hand interviews with today's pioneers in malaria vaccine research. As a result, the book offers remarkable insights into the keys to a successful malaria... |
 |
Molecular Approaches to Malaria by Irwin W. Sherman (Editor) "Molecular Approaches to Malaria" provides an overview of the rapid and significant developments that have occurred in malaria research, including the 2002 genome sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum and its mosquito vector, Anopheles gambiae. This work: provides a concise source of up-to-date research findings; appeals to a diverse audience, including malaria researchers, teachers, investigators, and public health professionals; offers contributions by recognized malaria researchers with practical experience; and, presents comprehensive coverage of topics including a clearly written introduction to Plasmodium molecular biology. |
| © 2010 BrightSurf.com |