Entamoeba histolytica: Signaling through G proteins

The intracellular signaling pathways of Entamoeba histolytica are largely u nknown. Although the expression of guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G p roteins) is expected from functional studies, their biochemical characteriz ation remains elusive in this protozoan. Using a combination of biochemical and immunological studies, we provide strong evidence for the presence of a G(s) protein in amoeba. Our results strengthen our understanding of the s ignal transduction mechanisms in E. histolytica as potential sites of a new therapeutic strategy. (C) 1999 Academic Press.