Down-Regulation of Cellulose Synthase Inhibits the Formation of Endocysts in Acanthamoeba.
- Author:
Eun Kyung MOON
1
;
Yeonchul HONG
;
Dong Il CHUNG
;
Youn Kyoung GOO
;
Hyun Hee KONG
Author Information
1. Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700-422, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords:
Acanthamoeba castellanii;
encystation;
cellulose synthase;
endocyst
- MeSH:
Acanthamoeba castellanii/*enzymology/genetics/metabolism;
Aldose-Ketose Isomerases/*biosynthesis;
Amebiasis/*pathology;
Benzenesulfonates;
Cell Wall/chemistry/genetics/*metabolism;
Cellulose/biosynthesis;
Down-Regulation;
Encephalitis/parasitology;
Glucosyltransferases/*biosynthesis/genetics;
Keratitis/parasitology;
Microscopy, Electron, Transmission;
RNA Interference;
RNA, Small Interfering
- From:The Korean Journal of Parasitology
2014;52(2):131-135
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Acanthamoeba cysts are resistant to unfavorable physiological conditions and various disinfectants. Acanthamoeba cysts have 2 walls containing various sugar moieties, and in particular, one third of the inner wall is composed of cellulose. In this study, it has been shown that down-regulation of cellulose synthase by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly inhibits the formation of mature Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts. Calcofluor white staining and transmission electron microscopy revealed that siRNA transfected amoeba failed to form an inner wall during encystation and thus are likely to be more vulnerable. In addition, the expression of xylose isomerase, which is involved in cyst wall formation, was not altered in cellulose synthase down-regulated amoeba, indicating that cellulose synthase is a crucial factor for inner wall formation by Acanthamoeba during encystation.
