# VOLATILE ACID FORMATION IN PARASITIC HELMINTHS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO · 1991 · $120,623

## Abstract

Many effective anthelminthics inhibit muscle contraction, either
by directly interfering with processes at the neuromuscular
junction or inhibiting energy metabolism.  Since the
mitochondrial metabolism of many parasitic helminths is
predominantly anaerobic and differs substantially from that of
the host, it is a potential site for chemotherapeutic attack.
During the previous grant period, a number of important insights
into the regulation of the enzymes involved in the mitochondrial
metabolism of the parasitic nematode, Ascaris suum, have been
described.  The present study is designed to extend these studies
and concentrate on differences that have been identified between
host and parasite.  Specifically, a novel component of the
ascarid pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) will be further
characterized and its role and that of E2 acetylation in the
regulation of PDC activity by its associated kinase and
phosphatase will be identified.  In addition, the regulation of
NADH-dependent 2-methyl branched-chain enoyl CoA reduction will
be characterized using submitochondrial particles and purified
ascarid enzymes, and the generation of a proton-gradient and ADP
phosphorylation measured directly.  Since Ca++ appears to play a
unique role in the regulation of ascarid mitochondrial
metabolism, Ca++ fluxes in isolated ascarid mitochondria will be
measured and correlated with end-product formation and energy-
generation.  Preliminary experiments have suggested that
mitochondrial volume is an important regulator of organic acid
formation in these isolated mitochondria so that its role also
will be described.  These studies will permit the development of
well characterized preparations of ascarid mitochondria, capable
of volatile organic acid synthesis at physiological levels, and
should provide a much clearer picture of energy-generation in
these often studied, but still poorly understood organelles.
Since these mitochondria are often used to screen compounds for
potential anthelminthic activity, a clear understanding of their
function is essential to intercept results meaningfully,
especially since they differ so profoundly from the corresponding
mammalian organelles.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3127934
- **Project number:** 5R01AI018427-10
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO
- **SAM.gov UEI:** XA77NAJYELF1
- **Principal Investigator:** Richard Walter Komuniecki
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1991
- **Award amount:** $120,623
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1982-01-01 → 1994-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3127934

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3127934, VOLATILE ACID FORMATION IN PARASITIC HELMINTHS (5R01AI018427-10). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3127934. Licensed CC0.

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