Targeting the nucleotide metabolism of protozoan parasites.
Nucleotides have central roles in cellular metabolism by being energy donors and building blocks in DNA and RNA. In Anders Hofer's research group, we are studying the regulation of enzymes involved in nucleotide metabolism and my project is focused on the nucleotide metabolism of Trypanosoma brucei (causing African sleeping sickness), Giardia intestinalis (intestinal infection) and other protozoan parasites where we try to identify and exploit differences in their nucleotide metabolism as compared to mammalian cells in order to selectively kill the pathogens with minimized side effects.