DNA repair mechanisms in eukaryotes: Special focus in Entamoeba histolytica and related protozoan parasites

Infect Genet Evol. 2009 Dec;9(6):1051-6. doi: 10.1016/j.meegid.2009.06.024. Epub 2009 Jul 8.

Abstract

Eukaryotic cell viability highly relies on genome stability and DNA integrity maintenance. The cellular response to DNA damage mainly consists of six biological conserved pathways known as homologous recombination repair (HRR), non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), base excision repair (BER), mismatch repair (MMR), nucleotide excision repair (NER), and methyltransferase repair that operate in a concerted way to minimize genetic information loss due to a DNA lesion. Particularly, protozoan parasites survival depends on DNA repair mechanisms that constantly supervise chromosomes to correct damaged nucleotides generated by cytotoxic agents, host immune pressure or cellular processes. Here we reviewed the current knowledge about DNA repair mechanisms in the most relevant human protozoan pathogens. Additionally, we described the recent advances to understand DNA repair mechanisms in Entamoeba histolytica with special emphasis in the use of genomic approaches based on bioinformatic analysis of parasite genome sequence and microarrays technology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Repair*
  • Entamoeba histolytica / genetics*
  • Entamoeba histolytica / metabolism
  • Eukaryota / genetics*
  • Eukaryota / metabolism
  • Genetic Techniques
  • Genome, Protozoan
  • Humans
  • Protozoan Infections / genetics*
  • Protozoan Infections / metabolism
  • Protozoan Infections / parasitology*

Substances

  • DNA