Catálogo de Investigaciones | 2011-2012

CIENCIAS 38 Computational characterization of the enzymatic content and networks of Loa Loa Loa Loa is a parasitic nematode that causes subcutaneous filariasis in about 13 million people in Africa, South America, and other subtropical regions. Filiariasis usually leads to elephantiasis of the limbs and genitalia that leads to life- long disability and social stigma. Current treatment for Loa Loa infection is diethylcarbamazine (DEC), which may cause encephalopathy and death, therefore it is counterindicated and the only treatment is surgery to remove the worms. The genome of Loa Loa was recently sequenced and the annotation of the 15,444 proteins is currently underway. We performed a genome-wide sequence homology analysis and found that over 4,000 putative proteins (predicted from open reading frames but have yet to be identified in vivo ) of unknown function, and about 11,000 enzymes and non-enzymatic proteins. The purpose of this investigation is to assess the enzymatic content of Loa Loa and distribution based on gene ontology using bioinformatics tools. The results will assist the elucidation of the molecular function and biological processes in Loa Loa to better understand its pathogenicity. katherine subirana mentor dra. mónica m. arroyo loa loa filariasis bioinformatics structural biochemistry enzymes