Novel putative saposin-like proteins of Entamoeba histolytica different from amoebapores

Amoebapores, the pore-forming proteins of Entamoeba histolytica, have been shown to play a pivotal role in the pathogenicity of the protozoan parasite . They belong to the functionally diverse family of saposin-like proteins ( SAPLIPs) characterized by a conserved pattern of cysteine residues and the ability to interact with lipids. Here, we report the identification of geno mic sequences encoding presumably novel SAPLIPs in E. histolytica and class ify them in the structural and functional context provided by known family members. The genes of altogether 15 SAPLIPs are transcribed in the axenical ly cultured trophozoites as evidenced by reverse transcriptase-polymerase c hain reaction. Interestingly, a remarkable sequence variety with a strong r esemblance to that of known, functionally diverse SAPLIPs is present in thi s archaic, unicellular organism. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.