YEAST AS A MODEL SYSTEM TO STUDY DRUGS EFFECTIVE AGAINST APICOMPLEXANPROTEINS

Biochemical and genetic analyses are required to identify potential dr ug targets in apicomplexan parasites, but these studies have proved di fficult in most parasite systems. We have developed methods based on e xpression of parasite proteins in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cer evisiae, to vapidly screen drugs directed against particular parasite targets, to study the structure and function of these target molecules , and to identify mutations in the parasite genes that alter enzyme sp ecificity or drug sensitivity. in this paper we outline the parameters that need to be considered to design yeast strains that function effi ciently to assay function of parasite proteins. Basic protocols and me thods are included. We detail some problems that might be encountered in the engineering of these yeast strains and suggest possible solutio ns. (C) 1997 Academic Press.