Host–Parasite interactions in Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar: what have we learned from their genomes?

I W Wilson,N Hall,G D Weedall

doi:10.1111/j.1365-3024.2011.01325.x

I W Wilson, N Hall + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3024.2011.01325.x

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Journal: Parasite Immunology	Publication Date: Feb 1, 2012
Citations: 51	License type: unspecified-oa

Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Abstract

Invasive amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is a major global health problem. Virulence is a rare outcome of infection, occurring in fewer than 1 in 10 infections. Not all strains of the parasite are equally virulent, and understanding the mechanisms and causes of virulence is an important goal of Entamoeba research. The sequencing of the genome of E. histolytica and the related avirulent species Entamoeba dispar has allowed whole-genome-scale analyses of genetic divergence and differential gene expression to be undertaken. These studies have helped elucidate mechanisms of virulence and identified genes differentially expressed in virulent and avirulent parasites. Here, we review the current status of the E. histolytica and E. dispar genomes and the findings of a number of genome-scale studies comparing parasites of different virulence.

Highlights

SUMMARYInvasive amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is a major global health problem
Amoebiasis is a disease of global importance, caused by the eukaryotic parasite Entamoeba histolytica
We describe the current status of genome annotation in virulent and nonvirulent Entamoeba species and review some of the important genes identified by genomic, proteomic and transcriptomic studies in the context of the pathogenic E. histolytica life cycle

Summary

SUMMARY

Invasive amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is a major global health problem. Not all strains of the parasite are virulent, and understanding the mechanisms and causes of virulence is an important goal of Entamoeba research. The sequencing of the genome of E. histolytica and the related avirulent species Entamoeba dispar has allowed whole-genome-scale analyses of genetic divergence and differential gene expression to be undertaken. These studies have helped elucidate mechanisms of virulence and identified genes differentially expressed in virulent and avirulent parasites. We review the current status of the E. histolytica and E. dispar genomes and the findings of a number of genome-scale studies comparing parasites of different virulence

INTRODUCTION

Host or bacterial cell 4

Findings

Concluding Remarks