Characterization of two distinct gene transcripts for ribosomal protein L21 from pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains of Entamoeba histolytica

Ram Petter, Sharon Moshitch, Shmuel Rozenblatt, Yael Nuchamowitz, David Mirelman*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

A second gene (rp-L21) copy, clone g34, coding for ribosomal (r-) protein L21, was isolated from the pathogenic (P) strain HM-1:IMSS c16 of the intestinal parasite Entamoeba histolytica (Eh). The gene was compared to the previously isolated copy, gLE3 [Petter et al., Mol. Biochem. Parasitol. 56 (1992) 329-334], with respect to its primary structure, mRNA levels and binding to the r-complex during translation. Unlike the gLE3 gene copy [Petter et al., Mol. Biochem. Parasitol. 56 (1992) 329-334], g34 was found not to be physically connected to an actin gene copy. Homologous copies of the two rp-L21 genes were also characterized from the nonpathogenic (NP) strain SAW1734R clAR, as well as from its P derivative. Sequence comparison of the coding regions of the two rp-L21 revealed almost full identity. Significant differences were found, however, within their 3' and 5' flanking regions. Using the 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (3' RACE) method [Frohman et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85 (1988) 8998-9002], as well as Northern and slot blot hybridizations, it was demonstrated that both rp-L21 mRNAs are found in similar amounts. However, as was shown by differential hybridization, the relative binding of each transcript to the r-complex varied somewhat between P and NP strains. This finding suggests that the control of expression of rp-L21 in Eh may involve regulation at the post-transcriptional level.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)181-186
Number of pages6
JournalGene
Volume150
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2 Dec 1994

Funding

FundersFunder number
John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
John D. and CatherineT

    Keywords

    • Protozoan parasite
    • crude ribosomal extracts
    • intergenic regions
    • polymerase chain reaction
    • post-transcriptional regulation
    • sequence alignment

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