“The genome of the protest parasite Entamoeba histolytica”

Entamoeba histolytica, as we have learned, is a parasite that mainly infects the intestines and causes amoebiasis. In this article, the authors discuss metabolic adaptations that are shared with two other parasites: Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis. E. histolytica reduces and can even completely eliminate metabolic pathways (carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, and urea cycle)¹ as well as, “…the use of oxidative stress enzymes,” (Loftus et al., 856-868). Using the ‘whole-genome shotgun’ approach to sequence the parasite, they found it contains, “…expansions of a variety of gene families, including those associated with virulence." (Loftus et al., 865-868) The authors suggest in this that they have come close to isolating exactly how the parasite causes harm on the molecular level.

In sequencing E. histolytica not only can we learn more about a major parasite infecting humans, but they suggest this information might lead to new chemotherapeutic agents. Also, by having a sequenced genome, we can compare it more closely with other parasites (such as the two listed above) to learn more about why it is so harmful to humans. The main purpose of this research as a whole is to learn how it works to find a better way to treat and prevent infection.

 I chose this article because we all have some background on E.hystolitica so we can relate more to the research they are conducting. Also, although an obvious choice of a parasite, the article itself was well written and more understandable having some knowledge of the parasite. Many of the other articles I looked at were very vague, just describing an experiment, not discussing any results. This article discussed the impact their research has on science as well as why they were doing what they were doing.

¹http://journals.cambridge.org/fulltext_content/ERM/ERM4_09/S1462399402004453sup001.pdf

Loftus, Brendan et al., “The genome of the protest parasite Entamoeba histolytica.” Nature. 0028-0836. Volume 433. Issue 7028. 2005. p865-868, September 20, 2012.  http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v433/n7028/full/nature03291.html