An essential type i nitroreductase from leishmania major can be used to activate leishmanicidal prodrugs

Abstract

Background:Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease prevalent in developing countries. Results:Leishmania majortype I nitroreductase (LmNTR) metabolizes nitroaromatic/quinone substrates, an activity essential for parasite viability. Conclusion:LmNTR exhibits biochemical characteristics of its bacterial counterparts, and its activity is essential for parasite growth. Significance:LmNTR can be exploited as a prodrug activation enzyme or as a target for inhibitor design in drug development. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.