Mapping Apoptosis Pathway Offers Treatment for Deadly Parasite

Researchers have recently discovered the mechanism for apoptosis in schistosomes. Schistosomes are parasitic fluke worms responsible for schistosomiasis, a dangerous disease. Over 200 million people are infected with the fluke worms, primarily in Africa, and endangers over 700 million people around the world. The researchers found that the molecule that signals for cell death in schistosomes is very similar to the protein that causes human cells to apoptose. The researchers are looking to BH3 mimetics to treat schistosomiasis and other worms infections. The discovery of schistosome apoptosis is important because it will lay the groundwork for developing a drug to combat parasitic worm infections via induced apoptosis around the world. This article is interesting to me, because I like to see how biology and biotechnology research is benefitting life and allowing humans to live fuller, longer lives.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928110044.htm