Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar: Morphological and Behavioral Differences Induced by Fibronectin through GTPases Activation and Actin-Binding Proteins

J Eukaryot Microbiol. 2020 Jul;67(4):491-504. doi: 10.1111/jeu.12797. Epub 2020 May 6.

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.

Keywords: Actin cytoskeleton; adhesion; displacement; invasive capacity; migration; movement; small GTPases.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Entamoeba / drug effects
  • Entamoeba / physiology*
  • Entamoeba / ultrastructure
  • Entamoeba histolytica / ultrastructure
  • Fibronectins / pharmacology*
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Fibronectins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases