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Lysine Methyltransferase EhPKMT2 Is Involved in the In Vitro Virulence of Entamoeba histolytica. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030474. [PMID: 36986396 PMCID: PMC10058465 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysine methylation, a posttranslational modification catalyzed by protein lysine methyltransferases (PKMTs), is involved in epigenetics and several signaling pathways, including cell growth, cell migration and stress response, which in turn may participate in virulence of protozoa parasites. Entamoeba histolytica, the etiologic agent of human amebiasis, has four PKMTs (EhPKMT1 to EhPKMT4), but their role in parasite biology is unknown. Here, to obtain insight into the role of EhPKMT2, we analyzed its expression level and localization in trophozoites subjected to heat shock and during phagocytosis, two events that are related to amoeba virulence. Moreover, the effect of EhPKMT2 knockdown on those activities and on cell growth, migration and cytopathic effect was investigated. The results indicate that this enzyme participates in all these cellular events, suggesting that it could be a potential target for development of novel therapeutic strategies against amebiasis.
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Talamás-Lara D, Rosales-Encina JL, Chávez-Munguía B, Acosta-Virgen K, Hernández-Ramírez VI, Salazar-Villatoro L, Espinosa-Cantellano M, Martínez-Palomo A, Talamás-Rohana P. Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar: Morphological and Behavioral Differences Induced by Fibronectin through GTPases Activation and Actin-Binding Proteins. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2020; 67:491-504. [PMID: 32302033 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Early steps of tissue invasion by Entamoeba histolytica are mediated by adhesion and migration through matrix components such as fibronectin with the participation of the actin cytoskeleton. Striking differences in their produced structures, movement, and migration were found. These observations suggest differential changes in their ability to organize the actin cytoskeleton and, therefore, to modify its morphology after adhesion to fibronectin. To understand these observations, we explore deeper the cytoskeleton pathway of E. histolytica compared to Entamoeba dispar, analyzing the activation and involvement of actin cytoskeleton regulatory proteins such as small GTPases (Rho, Rac1 and Cdc42), myosin IB, paxillin, alpha-actinin, and ARP2/3 during interaction with fibronectin. Results showed a higher activation of Rac1 in E. histolytica compared to E. dispar, while Cdc42 and RhoA were equally activated in both amebae; besides, variations in the amount of myosin IB, paxillin, and ARP2/3 were detected among these species, coinciding and reflected in formation of lamellipodia in E. histolytica and filopodia in E. dispar. These could partially explain the higher invasive capacity of E. histolytica compared to E. dispar, due to its pleomorphic ability, high motility, migration, activation, and abundance of proteins involved in the cytoskeleton arrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Talamás-Lara
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apartado Postal, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Luis Rosales-Encina
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apartado Postal, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Bibiana Chávez-Munguía
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apartado Postal, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Karla Acosta-Virgen
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apartado Postal, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Verónica Ivonne Hernández-Ramírez
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apartado Postal, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lizbeth Salazar-Villatoro
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apartado Postal, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martha Espinosa-Cantellano
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apartado Postal, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adolfo Martínez-Palomo
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apartado Postal, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Patricia Talamás-Rohana
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apartado Postal, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
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