Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2α Kinases Regulate Virulence Functions, Stage Conversion, and the Stress Response in Entamoeba invadens.

ABSTRACT: Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amoebic dysentery and liver abscess. This pathogen possesses a two-stage life cycle consisting of an environmentally stable cyst and a pathogenic amoeboid trophozoite. Since infection is acquired by ingestion of cysts from contaminated food and water, this parasite is prevalent in underdeveloped countries. A reptilian pathogen, Entamoeba invadens, which can encyst in culture, has long served as a surrogate to study stage conversion. In the host, Entamoeba species must manage stress, including nutrient deprivation and host immune pressure. In many systems, the stress response is characterized by downregulation of translation, which is initiated by the phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 alpha (eIF2α). In mammalia

SUBMITTER: Walters HA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9241534 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature