The Open Parasitology Journal

2010, 4 : 102-110
Published online 2010 December 10. DOI: 10.2174/1874421401004010102
Publisher ID: TOPARAJ-4-102

RESEARCH ARTICLE
 Intracellular Signaling Pathways Involved in Cell Differentiation in Trypanosomatids

Angela H. Lopes, *,1 , Marta T. Gomes2 , Fernando L. Dutra1 , Alane B. Vermelho1 , José R. Meyer-Fernandes , Mário A. C. Silva-Neto2 , Thaïs Souto-Padrón1 and Danielle P. Vieira1
1 Instituto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes, UFRJ; Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, R.J. 21941-590, Brazil
2 Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, UFRJ; Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, R.J. 21941-590, Brazil

* Address correspondence to this author at the Instituto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes, UFRJ; Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, R.J. 21941-590, Brazil; Tel: + 55-21-2562-6740; Fax: + 55-21-2560-8344; E-mail: angela.lopes@micro.ufrj.br

ABSTRACT

Knowledge of cell signaling pathways in trypanosomatids is crucial for the future design of new drugs to treat diseases caused by these parasites. The publication of the complete genome sequences of three pathogenic trypanosomatids, Trypanosoma brucei, T. cruzi and Leishmania major, revealed numerous protein members of signaling pathways that modulate important processes, such as cell differentiation. Even so, little is known about the role that these proteins play in the physiology of trypanosomatids. This review aims to stimulate discussion on this subject to encourage further studies of the signaling pathways involved in the cell differentiation of trypanosomatids.

Keywords:

Cellular differentiation, signaling pathways, protein kinases, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, Leishmania.