Enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism as potential drug targets

The potential for chemotherapeutic exploitation of carbohydrate metabolism in the Trypanosomatidae is reviewed. This review is based largely on discus sions held at a meeting of the COST B9 Action, entitled 'Bioenergetics of P rotozoan Parasites'. The major questions posed were: which enzymes are the best to target; what further information is required to allow their use for rational drug development; what compounds would constitute the best inhibi tors and which of the enzymes of the pentose-phosphate pathway are present inside the glycosomes, as well? Only partial answers could be obtained in m any cases, but the interactive discussion between the multidisciplinary gro up of participants, comprising chemists, biochemists and molecular biologis ts, provided thought-provoking ideas and will help direct future research. (C) 2001 Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. Published by Elsevier Sci ence Ltd. All rights reserved.