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Analysis of the Epithelial Damage Produced by Entamoeba histolytica Infection
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Entamoeba invadens, encystation process and enolase

Norma Cristina Segovia-Gamboa1, Bibiana Chávez-Munguía, Yolanda Medina-Flores

  • 1Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2508, Zacatenco, 07360 Mexico City, Mexico.

Experimental Parasitology
|January 5, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified enolase as a key protein in Entamoeba invadens cyst formation. A specific antibody (mAb B4F2) targeting enolase was developed, showing its role in the encystation process.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Entamoeba invadens serves as a model organism for studying Entamoeba encystation.
  • The molecular mechanisms underlying encystation are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize a novel component of the Entamoeba invadens cyst wall.
  • To investigate the role of this component in the encystation process.

Main Methods:

  • Production and characterization of a monoclonal antibody (mAb B4F2) against an E. invadens cyst wall component.
  • Immunodetection of the target antigen in encysting cells and mature cysts.
  • Two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry for antigen identification.
  • Analysis of enolase mRNA levels during encystation.
  • Inhibition assays using the B4F2 mAb to assess its effect on cyst formation.

Main Results:

  • The mAb B4F2 specifically recognizes a 48-kDa protein in E. invadens cells undergoing encystation.
  • This antigen, identified as enolase, is initially found in cytoplasmic vesicles and later on the cyst surface.
  • Enolase mRNA levels increase during encystation.
  • The B4F2 mAb inhibits E. invadens cyst formation.

Conclusions:

  • Enolase plays a significant role in the encystation process of Entamoeba invadens.
  • The B4F2 mAb is a valuable tool for studying the function of enolase in parasite differentiation.

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