Biomaterial Database

Structure, function and druggability of the African trypanosome flagellum. 2022

Julia Sáez Conde, and Samuel Dean

Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.

African trypanosomes are early branching protists that cause human and animal diseases, termed trypanosomiases. They have been under intensive study for more than 100 years and have contributed significantly to our understanding of eukaryotic biology. The combination of conserved and parasite-specific features mean that their flagellum has gained particular attention. Here, we discuss the different structural features of the flagellum and their role in transmission and virulence. We highlight the possibilities of targeting flagellar function to cure trypanosome infections and help in the fight to eliminate trypanosomiases.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D005407	Flagella	A whiplike motility appendage present on the surface cells. Prokaryote flagella are composed of a protein called FLAGELLIN. Bacteria can have a single flagellum, a tuft at one pole, or multiple flagella covering the entire surface. In eukaryotes, flagella are threadlike protoplasmic extensions used to propel flagellates and sperm. Flagella have the same basic structure as CILIA but are longer in proportion to the cell bearing them and present in much smaller numbers. (From King & Stansfield, A Dictionary of Genetics, 4th ed)	Flagellum
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D014345	Trypanosoma	A genus of flagellate protozoans found in the BLOOD and LYMPH of vertebrates and invertebrates, both hosts being required to complete the life cycle.	Nannomonas,Trypanosomes,Nannomona,Trypanosome
D014352	Trypanosomiasis	Infection with protozoa of the genus TRYPANOSOMA.	Trypanosomiases
D014353	Trypanosomiasis, African	A disease endemic among people and animals in Central Africa. It is caused by various species of trypanosomes, particularly T. gambiense and T. rhodesiense. Its second host is the TSETSE FLY. Involvement of the central nervous system produces "African sleeping sickness." Nagana is a rapidly fatal trypanosomiasis of horses and other animals.	African Sleeping Sickness,Nagana,African Trypanosomiasis,African Sleeping Sicknesses,African Trypanosomiases,Sickness, African Sleeping,Sicknesses, African Sleeping,Sleeping Sickness, African,Sleeping Sicknesses, African,Trypanosomiases, African
D014774	Virulence	The degree of pathogenicity within a group or species of microorganisms or viruses as indicated by case fatality rates and/or the ability of the organism to invade the tissues of the host. The pathogenic capacity of an organism is determined by its VIRULENCE FACTORS.	Pathogenicity