Acanthamoeba castellanii is a small, free living amoeba that is the causative agent for Acanthamoeba keratitis. Acanthamoeba can support intracellular growth for several human pathogens and may represent a significant environmental reservoir for bacteria, which require intracellular growth. Acanthamoeba is characterized by a mitotic growth cycle, and formation of an encapsulated cyst when unfavorable conditions are encountered. The molecular mechanisms of differentiation are largely unknown. This is proposal to characterize mechanisms of gene expression during growth and differentiation. Two genes essential for growth, the TBP gene and the gene of the factor, which regulates it, TPBF, will be characterized in vitro and in vivo. The gene encoding a transcriptionlly regulated, cyst specific protein (CSP21) has been cloned, providing an opportunity to characterize the mechanisms of cell-specific gene expression.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01EY008706-10A1
Application #
6044430
Study Section
Tropical Medicine and Parasitology Study Section (TMP)
Program Officer
Fisher, Richard S
Project Start
1989-12-01
Project End
2004-11-30
Budget Start
1999-12-17
Budget End
2000-11-30
Support Year
10
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$316,710
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
066811191
City
Burlington
State
VT
Country
United States
Zip Code
05405