In a nutshell:
• Important for infection: Researchers have shown that parasites of the genus Leishmania require the protein TKUL to maintain infections of host cells.

• Two enzymes in one molecule: TKUL has two infection-relevant enzyme functions: a kinase and a ubiquitin ligase.

• Unusual mechanism: The kinase acts as a molecular switch that activates the ubiquitin ligase. This occurs through structural rearrangements.

• New molecular target: Kinase inhibitors can block both enzymatic activities of TKUL, thus providing new therapeutic opportunities for leishmaniasis.