Entamoeba histolytica: identification and partial characterization of alpha-mannosidase activity

Despite their well recognized importance in pathogenesis of Entamoeba histolytica there are few studies dealing with the assembly and secretion of glycoproteins that participate in the adhesion to target cells and in the dissemination of the parasite in infected tissues. Some of these studies refer to the identification and, in some cases, the characterization of glycosyl transferases and glycosidases involved in the biosynthesis of these macromolecules as well as to compartments involved in the amoeba dolichol-linked glycosylation pathway. While an N-glycan trimming alpha-mannosidase has been demonstrated in E. histolytica, little is known on its cellular distribution and properties. Here we describe the presence and partial biochemical characterization of soluble and MMF-associated forms of alpha-mannosidase and the separation of at least three internal membrane structures enriched with this glycosidase. Results are discussed in terms of the possible identity of alpha-mannosidase activity and the potential precursor-product relationship between the two enzyme forms.