Amebiasis, which results from tissue invasion by the protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica, is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in impoverished countries and is of significance in the United States. The molecular mechanism of interaction of E. histolytica with mammalian target cells is poorly understood. Contact of the parasite with a target cell and action of the amoeba actin cytoskeleton are required. There is evidence that parasite attack is receptor mediated, that the receptor recognizes target carbohydrates, and that lipid components of the target cell membrane trigger the attack response. The long term goals of this research are to contribute to the explanation of the mechanism of interaction of E. histolytica with mammalian cells and to identify molecules which may be exploited to develop immunological or other clinical means of prevention of Amebiasis.
The specific aims of this proposal are to: identify target cell membrane lipid ligands which trigger amoeba actin polymerization, a signal of the initiation of attack; prepare monoclonal anti-amoeba antibodies which inhibit this attack response; use the monoclonal antibodies to aid isolation and characterization of amoeba antigens involved in attack; use attack stimulating liposomes to seek evidence of biochemical controls in the attack mechanism, specifically, changes in intracellular calcium flux and protein phosphorylation in response to ligand-receptor interaction. Liposomes will be constructed with purified human red blood cell glycosphingolipids (collaboration with Dr. Sen-Itiroh Hakomori) and tested for their ability to stimulate E. histolytica actin polymerization as detected by enhanced rhodamine-phalloidin binding. Monoclonal antibodies against E. histolytica membranes will be detected by their ability to inhibit the amoeba cytoskeleton response. Immunoaffinity techniques will provide the basis for identification and isolation of specific attack related amoeba antigens. Changes in intracellular calcium triggered by target ligand bearing liposomes will be detected by fluorescence microscopy and video image analysis using the calcium sensitive fluor, Fura-2. Liposome stimulated changes in protein phosphorylation will be detected by 2-dimensional electrophoresis and autoradiography of 32P-labeled E. histolytica proteins.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI023523-03
Application #
3135762
Study Section
Tropical Medicine and Parasitology Study Section (TMP)
Project Start
1988-02-01
Project End
1992-01-31
Budget Start
1990-02-01
Budget End
1992-01-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Morehouse School of Medicine
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30310
Beanan, M J; Bailey, G B (1995) The primary structure of an Entamoeba histolytica enolase. Mol Biochem Parasitol 69:119-21
Leroy, A; De Bruyne, G; Mareel, M et al. (1995) Contact-dependent transfer of the galactose-specific lectin of Entamoeba histolytica to the lateral surface of enterocytes in culture. Infect Immun 63:4253-60
Beanan, M J; Bailey, G B (1995) The primary structure of an Entamoeba histolytica beta-hexosaminidase A subunit. J Eukaryot Microbiol 42:632-6
Bailey, G B; Day, D B; McCoomer, N E (1992) Entamoeba motility: dynamics of cytoplasmic streaming, locomotion and translocation of surface-bound particles, and organization of the actin cytoskeleton in Entamoeba invadens. J Protozool 39:267-72
Bailey, G B; Nudelman, E D; Day, D B et al. (1990) Use of non-cellular models to study the interaction of E. histolytica with mammalian cells. Arch Invest Med (Mex) 21 Suppl 1:85-9
Bailey, G B; Gilmour, J R; McCoomer, N E (1990) Roles of target cell membrane carbohydrate and lipid in Entamoeba histolytica interaction with mammalian cells. Infect Immun 58:2389-91
Bailey, G B; Nudelman, E D; Day, D B et al. (1990) Specificity of glycosphingolipid recognition by Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites. Infect Immun 58:43-7