Cloing and Expression of Thioredoxin Reductase from the Human Protozoal Parasite Trichomonas vaginalis
Poster Number
51
Format
Poster Presentation
Faculty Mentor Name
Kirkwood Land
Faculty Mentor Department
Biological Sciences
Additional Faculty Mentor Name
Lisa Wrischnik
Abstract/Artist Statement
Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoal parasite that causes trichomoniasis in humans. The current FDA approved drugs for treatment of human trichomoniasis are metronidazole and tinidazole. Current data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have suggested that almost 5% of all clinical cases of trichomoniasis show some level of resistance to these drugs. In search of new chemotherapies, we have focused on the role of thioredoxin reductase, an enzyme that plays a role in susceptibility to metronidazole. To begin to understand the possible role of these enzymes, we have cloned and have begun to express the thioredoxin reductase from T. vaginalis. Our goal is to better understand the role of this enzyme in drug susceptibility and resistance.
Location
Grave Covell
Start Date
21-4-2012 10:00 AM
End Date
21-4-2012 12:00 PM
Cloing and Expression of Thioredoxin Reductase from the Human Protozoal Parasite Trichomonas vaginalis
Grave Covell
Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoal parasite that causes trichomoniasis in humans. The current FDA approved drugs for treatment of human trichomoniasis are metronidazole and tinidazole. Current data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have suggested that almost 5% of all clinical cases of trichomoniasis show some level of resistance to these drugs. In search of new chemotherapies, we have focused on the role of thioredoxin reductase, an enzyme that plays a role in susceptibility to metronidazole. To begin to understand the possible role of these enzymes, we have cloned and have begun to express the thioredoxin reductase from T. vaginalis. Our goal is to better understand the role of this enzyme in drug susceptibility and resistance.