mRNA Sequencing Reveals Upregulation of Glutathione S-Transferase Genes during Acanthamoeba Encystation

Some members of the genus are facultative pathogens typically with a biphasic lifestyle: trophozoites and cysts. is capable of infecting the cornea, resulting in keratitis. The cyst is one of the key components for the persistence of infection. Gene expression during encystation showed an upregulation of glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes and other closely related proteins. mRNA sequencing showed GST, and five genes with similar sequences were upregulated after 24 h of inducing encystation. GST overexpression was verified with qPCR using the HPRT and the cyst-specific protein 21 genes as controls. The GST inhibitor ethacrynic acid was found to decrease cell viability by 70%. These results indicate a role of GST in successful encystation, possibly by maintaining redox balance. GST and associated processes could be targets for potential treatments alongside regular therapies to reduce relapses of infection.