Cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the mitochondrial tryparedoxin peroxidase from Leishmania braziliensis

Tryparedoxin peroxidase (TXNPx) is an essential constituent of the main enzymatic scavenger system for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in trypano­somatids. Genetic studies have demonstrated the importance of this system for the development and virulence of these parasites, representing a potential target for the discovery of new trypanocidal drugs. In this work, the mitochondrial TXNPx from Leishmania braziliensis was cloned, overexpressed, purified and crystallized. The crystals diffracted to 3.3 Å resolution and belonged to space group P4₂2₁2, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 131.8, c = 44.4 Å. These studies will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in ROS detoxification by trypanosomatids.