Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
of both HIV protease-bound ligands and plasmepsin-bound ligands, Andrews
et al. came to the reassuring conclusion that binding to this type of enzyme
involves an extended beta-strand conformation.
11.6 Summary
This chapter has outlined the properties of plasmepsins from the deadliest form
of malaria, P. falciparum, as well as presenting information on plasmepsins
from closely related species. While the past 15-20 years have seen a dramatic
growth in our understanding of the role of these enzymes in parasite biology as
well as in the structures and catalytic activities, there remains much to be done
to provide a full picture. This chapter has not discussed the extensive literature
on the role of proteolytic enzymes in the biology of the parasite or the many
studies utilizing cell biology techniques to probe location and function. Further
studies now under way in laboratories around the world will produce the
complete story in the coming decade. It is hoped that this chapter will stimulate
others to contribute to the ongoing effort.
Acknowledgments
The author is grateful to Professor John B. Dame, Dr Tina Skinner-Adams,
Dr Alexander Wlodawer, and Dr Alla Gustchina for many important con-
versations. The author is also grateful to Miss Reagan Delaney McCarthy
for assistance with the creation of figures to illustrate active-site interactions of
plasmepsins.
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