Identifying differentially expressed genes in trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba T4 genotype: Implications for developing new treatments for Acanthamoeba keratitis. | LitMetric
Acanthamoeba T4 genotype is the most prevalent genotype associated with amoebic keratitis. Acanthamoeba keratitis therapy is difficult due to transformation of trophozoite to cyst stage, which hinders the treatment of the disease. Although encystation assists the organism to survive against the chemotherapeutic compounds, the precise mechanism of encystation remains poorly understood. The purpose of this work was to identify differentially expressed genes in Acanthamoeba T4 genotype which might be useful for understanding of the encystment process and may thus help develop more efficient treatment. The mRNA profile of trophozoite and cyst of Acanthamoeba T4 genotype isolated from a soft contact lens wearer were analyzed using a cDNA amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA-AFLP) technique. Subsequently, a real time reverse transcriptase-PCR was performed to validate the cDNA-AFLP results. Three genes, heat shock protein70 (hsp70), actin-I and elongation factor-1alpha (EF-1α) were differentially expressed during Acanthamoeba differentiation. An in silico result predicted that transformation of trophozoite to cyst could be mediated through their cooperation with the protein partners interaction. Taken together, our experimental and bioinformatics findings suggested potential functions of hsp70, EF-1α and actin-I in differentiation of Acanthamoeba T4 genotype which may be useful in the design of an efficient therapeutic strategy in AK.
Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne 50923, Germany; Medical School, Department of Basic and Clinical Science, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus.
The study investigates the long-term viability of an opportunistic amoeba species in freshwater samples from the Philippines after being stored for 3 years at room temperature.
Samples were filtered and cultured, revealing a 33% positivity rate for the amoeba, with various genotypes identified across different regions (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao).
The findings suggest that unpreserved water samples can remain viable for extended periods, posing a potential health risk due to the increased likelihood of human and animal contamination.
species are recognized as the most prevalent free-living amoebae (FLA). They can cause granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) and pulmonary and ocular infections. The present study aimed to isolate and identify genotypes in cancer patients referred to Kashan's hospitals in Central Iran.
Acanthamoeba castellanii is the causative pathogen of a severe eye infection, known as Acanthamoeba keratitis and a life-threatening brain infection, named granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Current treatments are problematic and costly and exhibit limited efficacy against Acanthamoeba parasite, especially the cyst stage. In parallel to drug discovery and drug repurposing efforts, drug modification is also an important approach to tackle infections, especially against neglected parasites such as free-living amoebae: Acanthamoeba.
School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team), World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
Background: spp. is a waterborne, opportunistic protozoan that can cause amebic keratitis and granulomatous amebic encephalitis. is a native tree in Malaysia, and its extracts possess a broad range of biological activities.
Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey; School of Science, College of Science and Engineering, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK. Electronic address:
DNA minor groove binders exhibit a high degree of sequence specificity and have a variety of biological actions including antiviral, anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-protozoal properties. Since it is the location of non-covalent interactions, the minor groove of double helical B-DNA is gaining significant interest as therapeutic targets. For the purpose of this investigation, the synthesis of five novel DNA minor groove binding agents was accomplished and antiparasitic efficacies were determined against Acanthamoeba castellanii of the T4 genotype in vitro.
