Down-regulation of cellulose synthase inhibits the formation of endocysts in Acanthamoeba.
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.
Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700-422, Korea.
Eun-Kyung
EK
Moon
Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700-422, Korea.
Yeonchul
Y
Hong
Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700-422, Korea.
Dong-Il
DI
Chung
Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700-422, Korea.
Youn-Kyoung
YK
Goo
Department of Parasitology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan 602-714, Korea.
Hyun-Hee
HH
Kong
D048248:Acanthamoeba castellanii / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D019747:Aldose-Ketose Isomerases / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000562:Amebiasis / Q000473:pathology*; D001557:Benzenesulfonates; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002482:Cellulose / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015536:Down-Regulation; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000469:parasitology; D005964:Glucosyltransferases / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D007634:Keratitis / Q000469:parasitology; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering
D001557:Benzenesulfonates; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; C007061:C.I. Fluorescent Brightening Agent 28; D002482:Cellulose; D005964:Glucosyltransferases; C478648:cellulose synthase; D019747:Aldose-Ketose Isomerases; C023298:xylose isomerase
Acanthamoeba castellanii; cellulose synthase; encystation; endocyst