Pathogenesis of amebiasis.
It is an exciting time in the study of Entamoeba histolytica. Over the past two years, the natural history and burden of disease in humans has been redefined, mucosal immune responses associated with protection identified, and the developmental regulation of encystation outlined. The number of genes sequenced has increased from a few hundred to a few thousand, and study of the genome structure is revealing unusual repetitive elements and plasticity. DNA microarrays promise the first ability to examine global patterns of mRNA abundance. The mechanism of transcriptional control via histone modifications and sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins are to be delineated. Advances in cell biology are providing new insights into invasion through the intestinal epithelium.
Petri
William A
WA
Division of Infectious Diseases, Room 2115, MR4 Building, Lane Road, PO Box 801340, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-1340, USA. wap3g@virginia.edu
D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004748:Entamoeba histolytica / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D004749:Entamoebiasis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D015800:Protozoan Proteins