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Entamoeba Histolytica Genome

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The Pathogenic Enteric Protozoa: Giardia, Entamoeba, Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora

Part of the book series: World Class Parasites ((WCPA,volume 8))

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Abstract

E. histolytica is a human parasite that is a significant cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. This parasite is also of interest because it is an early branching amitochondriate eukaryote. The genome project should be completed by the end of 2003, however, the current release and preliminary annotation has already confirmed some previous observations and revealed new interesting aspects of the genome. The genome size is estimated to be 20 Mb with an overall AT content of 78%. The exact number of chromosomes is not resolved. Estimates range from 6 to 14. The genome includes numerous extrachromosomal circular elements including an episome with the rDNA genes. The chromosomal genome also contains a variety of other repeated elements including degenerate transposon-like elements. The promoter elements of E. histolytica have some unique features including a novel “GAAC” element. Introns are estimated to occur in 15% of protein encoding genes. A limited number of genomic sequences of other Entamoeba species have also been released. A comparison of these genomes, along with the nonpathogenic “cousin” of E. histolytica should help to discern the basis of virulence and the phylogenetic relationship of these and other species.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, USA

    J. J. McCoy & B. J. Mann

  2. Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, USA

    B. J. Mann

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  1. University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona

    Charles R. Sterling  & Rodney D. Adam  & 

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McCoy, J.J., Mann, B.J. (2004). Entamoeba Histolytica Genome. In: Sterling, C.R., Adam, R.D. (eds) The Pathogenic Enteric Protozoa: Giardia, Entamoeba, Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora. World Class Parasites, vol 8. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-7878-1_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-7878-1_11

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