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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Development of a Negative Selectable Marker for Entamoeba histolytica
Published on: December 12, 2010
Virulence factors of Entamoeba histolytica
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia HSC, MR4 Building, Room 2115, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. cg2p@virginia.edu
Abstract:
Recent studies have increased our knowledge of Entamoeba histolytica cell biology and gene regulation. In the ameba, dominant-negative mutations in the Gal/GalNAc lectin affect adhesion and cytolysis, whereas mutations in meromyosin affect cytoskeletal function. Studying these mutant proteins has improved our understanding of the role of these proteins in E. histolytica virulence. The characterization of the CP5 cysteine protease and the induction of apoptosis in host target cells has led to a better comprehension of the mechanisms by which trophozoites can lyse target cells.
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