Down-regulation of cellulose synthase inhibits the formation of endocysts in Acanthamoeba.

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.

• Authors: Eun-Kyung Moon, Yeonchul Hong, Dong-Il Chung, Youn-Kyoung Goo, Hyun-Hee Kong
• Journal: The Korean journal of parasitology (Korean J Parasitol) Vol. 52 Issue 2 Pg. 131-5 (Apr 2014) ISSN: 1738-0006 [Electronic] Korea (South)
• PMID: 24850955 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Benzenesulfonates
• RNA, Small Interfering
• C.I. Fluorescent Brightening Agent 28
• Cellulose
• Glucosyltransferases
• cellulose synthase
• Aldose-Ketose Isomerases
• xylose isomerase

Topics

• 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