Entamoeba histolytica: Signaling through G Proteins

Paveto, C., Torres, H. N., Flavia, M. M., Garcı́a-Espitia, M., Ortega, A., and Orozco, E. 1999.Entamoeba histolytica: Signaling through G proteins.Experimental Parasitology91,170–175. The intracellular signaling pathways ofEntamoeba histolyticaare largely unknown. Although the expression of guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins) is expected from functional studies, their biochemical characterization remains elusive in this protozoan. Using a combination of biochemical and immunological studies, we provide strong evidence for the presence of a Gsprotein in amoeba. Our results streghthen our understanding of the signal transduction mechanisms inE. histolyticaas potential sites of a new therapeutic strategy.