Molecular biology of Entamoeba histolytica virulence factors: detection and study of genes and proteins participating in adhesion, phagocytosis, and cellular destruction produced by this amoeba. The 124 kDa protein localized in the trophozoite surface is encoded by two adjacent genes named Ehadh and Ehcp112. This EhCPADH complex contributes to the trophozoite’s adhesion to target cells, during the erythrophagocytosis, and also presents protease activity to damage the intercellular junctions of epithelial cells. The respective genes have been cloned in special vectors and offer an alternative as potential candidates to develop a vaccine against this parasite.
Recently, we identified new members of the ESCRT machinery, Rab proteins and lipids as LBPA and cholesterol, as well as cholesterol-trafficking proteins, participating in the endocytic pathway of this parasite and now we are characterizing their role during different pathogenic events.
Molecular biology and genetics of the multidrug resistance in E. histolytica: To study the genes and proteins involved in the multidrug resistance, several mutant trophozoites drug resistant have been generated. The emetine-inducible (Ehpgp5) and constitutive (Ehpgp1) genes have been detected, cloned, and characterized. The promoters of these genes were also analyzed and the nuclear factors participating in their expression have been actually studied.
Organization of the amoebic genome: the molecular karyotype of E. histolytica has been characterized. In the cytoplasm, this amoeba also contains DNA confined in and new organelle named EhkO. Recently, the exchange of genetic material among trophozoites derived from the same culture and among different strains is under study. Furthermore, we analyzed the factors involved in the DNA exchange in this parasite. These could explain the diversity exhibited by amoebic strains.