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Entamoeba histolytica: observations on metabolism based on thegenome sequence

Journal Article · · Experimental Parasitology

The sequencing of the genome of Entamoeba histolytica has allowed a reconstruction of its metabolic pathways, many of which are unusual for a eukaryote. Based on the genome sequence, it appears that amino acids may play a larger role than previously thought in energy metabolism, with roles in both ATP synthesis and NAD regeneration. Arginine decarboxylase may be involved in survival of E. histolytica during its passage through the stomach. The usual pyrimidine synthesis pathway is absent, but a partial pyrimidine degradation pathway could be part of a novel pyrimidine synthesis pathway. Ribonucleotide reductase was not found in the E. histolytica genome, but it was found in the close relatives Entamoeba invadens and Entamoeba moshkovskii, suggesting a recent loss from E. histolytica. The usual eukaryotic glucose transporters are not present, but members of a prokaryotic monosaccharide transporter family are present.

Research Organization:
Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley NationalLaboratory, Berkeley, CA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Director. Office of Science. Office of AdvancedScientific Computing Research. Office of Biological and EnvironmentalResearch
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-05CH11231
OSTI ID:
888973
Report Number(s):
LBNL--60430; BnR: KP1103010
Journal Information:
Experimental Parasitology, Journal Name: Experimental Parasitology Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 110; ISSN 0014-4894; ISSN EXPAAA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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