Potential CFTR & BRCA2 Homologs Identified in Naegleria

In quest of foundational knowledge regarding potential drug targets

Abstract

When humans contract Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) from freshwater amoeba Naegleria fowleri, death is almost always imminent. In quest of foundational knowledge regarding potential drug targets, two human disease-causing proteins (BRCA2 and CFTR) were identified. Primers were generated and then used in conjunction with non-pathogenic amoeba for qPCR experiments which yielded specific amplification of target gene transcripts. These assays confirmed expression of the target genes and increase interest regarding function and potential avenues for advanced treatment.