University Calendar

Recent Advances In Biology Speaker - Claudia Rohr `19

Speaker Claudia Rohr (`19) will give a talk titled "Academic drug discovery for neglected tropical diseases: a long TRP from bench to field"

Abstract: The drug praziquantel (PZQ) has served as the long-standing treatment of many human and veterinary diseases caused by parasitic flatworms, such as blood, lung, and liver flukes, and various tapeworm infections. Despite clinical usage spanning over 4 decades, the parasite target of PZQ has long remained unknown. In 2019, a flatworm transient receptor potential ion channel (TRPMPZQ) was identified as a target for PZQ. Following this discovery, a predicted binding pose and associated binding pocket in schistosomes was determined. Investigation into natural sequence variation in the binding pocket of TRPMPZQ between species revealed the molecular basis for the unique drug sensitivity seen in some, but not all, parasites. Despite a high level of sequence conservation, the presence of two key variant residues were found to underpin the particular sensitivity of certain parasites to PZQ. The realization of the importance of this variation in the target allows for two primary avenues of research. First, we can design novel compounds that accommodate the unique binding pocket architectures identified in difficult to treat parasite species. Second, we can look at natural variation within parasite populations, providing a means of surveillance for potential drug resistance. Interrogation of TRPMPZQ both between species and within species populations is critical for both the development of new therapies and the successful treatment of diseases that impact millions of people worldwide.

Location:	Wriston Auditorium
Sponsor:	Biology RABLS Talk
Contact:	Biology Department
copy this event into your personal desktop calendar