Encystation of Giardia lamblia: a model for other parasites.
To colonize the human small intestine, Giardia lamblia monitors a dynamic environment. Trophozoites attach to enterocytes that mature and die. The parasites must 'decide' whether to re-attach or differentiate into cysts that survive in the environment and re-activate when ingested. Other intestinal parasites face similar challenges. Study of these parasites is limited because they do not encyst in vitro. Giardia trophozoites were persuaded to encyst in vitro by mimicking physiological stimuli. Cysts are dormant, yet 'spring-loaded for action' to excyst upon ingestion. Giardial encystation has been studied from morphological, cell biological, biochemical, and molecular viewpoints. Yet important gaps remain and the mechanisms that co-ordinate responses to external signals remain enigmatic.
Lauwaet
Tineke
T
Department of Pathology, Division of Infectious Disease, University of California, San Diego, 214 Dickinson Street, San Diego, CA 92103-8416, USA. tlauwaet@ucsd.edu
Davids
Barbara J
BJ
Reiner
David S
DS
Gillin
Frances D
FD
D000818:Animals; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000378:metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D016829:Giardia lamblia / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D015800:Protozoan Proteins