DNA methylation and targeting of LINE retrotransposons in Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba invadens
Abstract
In this study, we have isolated by affinity chromatography, using anti-m5C antibody as a ligand, a DNA encoding reverse transcriptase of LINE retrotransposon (RT LINE) in both Entamoeba invadens and Entamoeba histolytica. RT LINE transcripts were detected in E. histolytica but were absent from E. invadens. The methylation status of genomic copies of E. invadens RT LINE was confirmed by bisulfite analysis. In contrast, all the genomic copies of the E. histolytica RT LINE analyzed in this study were not methylated. Many of these genomic copies diverge from the RT LINE isolated by m5C affinity chromatography by a number of mutations that includes conversion of C to T and G to A. These mutations are reminiscent of the conversion of C to T (and G to A on the complementary DNA strand) that occurred during primate evolution in Alu elements following accelerated deamination of methylated cytosines. E. invadens and E. histolytica RT LINEs isolated by affinity chromatography were cloned in a pEhAct Neo vector, amplified in E. coli GM2163 (dam-dcm) and transformed into E. histolytica. Bisulfite analysis of transfected amoeba showed the presence of m5C in E. invadens RT LINE replicated in E. histolytica, but not in E. histolytica RT LINE o...Continue Reading
References
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Amoebiasis
Amoebiasis, infection by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, remains a global health problem, despite the availability of effective treatment. Here is the latest research.
African Trypanosomiasis
African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is an insect-borne parasitic disease of humans and other animals. It is caused by protozoa of the species Trypanosoma brucei and almost invariably progresses to death unless treated. Discover the latest research on African trypanosomiasis here.