Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebic dysentery. Uptake of iron is critical for E. histolytica growth and iron-bound human transferrin (holo-transferrin) has been shown to serve as an iron source in vitro. Although a transferrin-binding protein has been identified in E. histolytica, the mechanism by which this iron source is taken up by this pathogen is not well understood. To gain insight into this process, the uptake of fluorescent-dextran, -holo-transferrin, and human red blood cells (hRBCs) was compared. Both dextran and transferrin were taken up in an apparent receptor-independent fashion as compared to hRBCs, which were taken up in a receptor-mediated fashion. Interestingly, the uptake of FITC-dextran and FITC-holo-transferrin differentially relied on an intact actin cytoskeleton suggesting that their internalization routes may be regulated independently.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Actins / physiology*
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Animals
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Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / pharmacology
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Cytoskeleton / drug effects
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Cytoskeleton / physiology
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Dextrans / metabolism
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Endocytosis / physiology*
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Entamoeba histolytica / drug effects
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Entamoeba histolytica / metabolism*
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Erythrocytes / metabolism*
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Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate / analogs & derivatives
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Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate / metabolism
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Humans
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Iron / metabolism*
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Microscopy, Confocal / instrumentation
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Microscopy, Interference / instrumentation
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Phagocytosis / physiology
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Thiazoles / pharmacology
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Thiazolidines
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Transferrin / metabolism
Substances
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Actins
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Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic
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Dextrans
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Thiazoles
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Thiazolidines
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Transferrin
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fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran
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holotransferrin
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Iron
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Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate
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latrunculin B