A genome-wide over-expression screen identifies genes involved in phagocytosis in the human protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica.

ABSTRACT: Functional genomics and forward genetics seek to assign function to all known genes in a genome. Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite for which forward genetics approaches have not been extensively applied. It is the causative agent of amoebic dysentery and liver abscess, and infection is prevalent in developing countries that cannot prevent its fecal-oral spread. It is responsible for considerable global morbidity and mortality. Given that the E. histolytica genome has been sequenced, it should be possible to apply genomic approaches to discover gene function. We used a genome-wide over-expression screen to uncover genes regulating an important virulence function of E. histolytica, namely phagocytosis. We developed an episomal E. histolytica cDNA over-expression library, transfec

SUBMITTER: King AV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3419234 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature