ATP and Ca2+ homeostasis in Trypanosoma cruzi.

Cell viability requires the perfect functioning of the processes controlling ATP and Ca2+ homeostasis. It is known that cell death caused by a variety of toxins or pathological conditions is associated with disruption of ATP and Ca2+ homeostasis. Therefore, the study of the mechanisms by which different T. cruzi stages regulate the intracellular Ca2+ distribution and the ATP supply to maintain cell viability could provide new insights into the physiology of these parasites. One important objective of these studies is the identification of possible metabolic differences between host and parasite that could be exploited for the rational design of new and more effective trypanocidal drugs.