Atomic Resolution Snapshot of Eukaryotic 18S Ribosomal RNA of Neglected Tropical Disease (NTDs) Parasites as a Therapeutic Target

Abstract

Mwangi Harrison Ndung’u30272*, Edward Kirwa Muge30273, Peter Waiganjo Wagacha30274, Albert Ndakala30276 and Francis Jackim Mulaa30277

Most of the tropical neglected diseases casing agents are single celled eukaryotic parasites that affect millions of global populations physiologically, economically and sociologically. These diseases not only affect humans but also affect the animals that sustain life within these populations completely influencing the societal fabric on sustenance. The current therapies are limited to poorly selected drugs that have a poor efficacy and extreme adverse effects. The current quick growth in sequencing and atomic structure determination of the parasites cellular organelles has accelerated the venture to obtain newer intervenes that would serve to bene fit these populations. The rapid in silico determination of the ribosomal structure, specifically the 18S rRNA has revealed the mechanisms by which some therapeutics induces their effect on the process of translation to the parasites. We show some in silico atomic resolution structures of 18S rRNA of neglected tropical diseases. We further show strategies and scenarios that are exploited to interfere with translation, thus highlighting the 18S rRNA as a primary drug target. The results also highlight unique as well as conserved elements in binding pocket that can serve as hotspots for novel therapeutics development.