Trypanothione

Trypanothione is a unique thiol compound found in parasites of the family Trypanosomatidae. This family includes the genera Trypanosoma and Leishmania, which are responsible for diseases such as sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis. Trypanothione is vital for the survival of these parasites and is not found in their human hosts, making it an attractive target for drug development.

Structure and Synthesis

Trypanothione is a dipeptide of glutathione and spermidine. The synthesis of trypanothione involves the conjugation of two molecules of glutathione by the enzyme trypanothione synthetase. This reaction is ATP-dependent and results in the formation of a bis(glutathionyl)spermidine intermediate, which is then reduced by trypanothione reductase to form trypanothione.

Function

Trypanothione plays a crucial role in maintaining the redox balance within the parasite. It does this by detoxifying harmful reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species that are produced during the parasite's metabolic processes. Trypanothione achieves this through a cycle of oxidation and reduction, catalyzed by the enzyme trypanothione reductase.

Role in Disease and Drug Development

Given its essential role in parasite survival and its absence in humans, trypanothione is a promising target for the development of drugs against diseases caused by Trypanosomatidae. Inhibitors of trypanothione synthetase and trypanothione reductase have been shown to be effective in killing the parasites in vitro and in animal models.

See Also

• Trypanosoma
• Leishmania
• Sleeping sickness
• Chagas disease
• Leishmaniasis
• Trypanothione synthetase
• Trypanothione reductase