Cysteine protease inhibitor (AcStefin) is required for complete cyst formation of Acanthamoeba.

ABSTRACT: The encystation of Acanthamoeba leads to the formation of resilient cysts from vegetative trophozoites. This process is essential for parasite survival under unfavorable conditions, such as those associated with starvation, low temperatures, and biocides. Furthermore, cysteine proteases have been implicated in the massive turnover of intracellular components required for encystation. Thus, strict modulation of the activities of cysteine proteases is required to protect Acanthamoeba from intracellular damage. However, mechanisms underlying the control of protease activity during encystation have not been established in Acanthamoeba. In the present study, we identified and characterized Acanthamoeba cysteine protease inhibitor (AcStefin), which was found to be highly expressed during encysta

SUBMITTER: Lee JY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3623446 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature