An Atypical Class C G-Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) Homolog Regulates Movement and Phagocytosis in the Protozoan Parasite Entamoeba histolytica
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ABSTRACT: Amebiasis is a parasitic infection of the human intestines, primarily caused by Entamoeba histolytica. Its pathogenesis relies on the environmental sensing-induced cytoskeletal remodeling as the basic mechanism for motility and tissue invasion. We identified and characterized a G protein-coupled receptor-like protein, EhGPCR (CL6EHI_096680), predicted to contain a Venus Fly-Trap (VFT) extracellular domain with an Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF) receptor domain, as commonly found in the class C GPCR family protein. This protein is uniquely lacking a transmembrane domain. Instead, the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor is responsible for its cell membrane localization. Removal of the GPI signal led to unexpected mitosomal localization, highlighting the importance of GPI modification in subcellular targeting. Functional studies revealed that EhGPCR knockdown reduced parasite motility and phagocytosis following the reduction of expression of actin cytoskeleton-related genes, including myosin II, villidin, and gelsolin. Our findings suggest that EhGPCR (CL6EHI_096680) plays a role in regulating downstream signaling linked to Entamoeba motility and phagocytosis. This study provides novel insights into GPCR-like signaling in E. histolytica, an area previously understudied.
ORGANISM(S): Entamoeba histolytica
PROVIDER: GSE302139 | GEO | 2026/07/01
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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