The organelles in
Blastocystis that resemble mitochondria are an enigma as the organism is a strict anaerobe. Recent sequence analyses of the organelle genome and over 12,000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) has given us many insights into the role these organelles play in the metabolism of the cell.
The genome encodes several subunits of NADH dehydrogenase (complex I) but lacks all trace of genes for cytochrome and ATPase subunits (Complexes III-V). ESTs confirm the presence of complexes I and II, and indicate that this partial electron transport chain may lead to an alternative oxidase. The ESTs also suggest that many other metabolic pathways characteristic of mitochondria are still present in the
Blastocystis organelles. However, other findings show that the organelle also has characteristics in common with hydrogenosomes, as a gene encoding [FeFe] hydrogenase is present and the protein has been localised to the organelles.
from Anaerobic Parasitic Protozoa: Genomics and Molecular BiologyFurther reading:Labels: ATPase subunits, Blastocystis, Hydrogenosomes, Mitochondria, Mitochondrion-like Organelles, NADH dehydrogenase, Organelles
In a forthcoming book on
anaerobic protozoa, internationally acclaimed researchers critically review the most important aspects of research on anaerobic parasitic protozoa, providing the first coherent picture of their genomics and molecular biology since the publication of the genomes.
Chapters are written from a molecular and genomic perspective and contain speculative models upon which future research efforts can be based. Topics include: the genomes of
Entamoeba histolytica,
Trichomonas vaginalis,
Giardia and other diplomonads; the cytoskeletons of
Entamoeba histolytica,
Giardia lamblia and
Trichomonas vaginalis; genomic analyses and manipulation of gene expression in
Entamoeba histolytica; nuclear and chromosomal structure and replication in
Giardia; and the mitochondrion-like organelles of a fourth anaerobe,
Blastocystis.
from Anaerobic Parasitic Protozoa: Genomics and Molecular BiologyFurther reading:Labels: Blastocystis, Diplomonads, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia, Giardia lamblia, Mitochondrion-like organelles, Trichomonas vaginalis
Anaerobic parasitic protozoa cause medically and economically important diseases such as dysentery, sexually transmitted infections, and gastroenteritis that affect millions of people worldwide annually. Recently the genomes of the three key anaerobic protozoa, Trichomonas, Giardia and Entamoeba, have been determined. The availability of these genomic data and the use of post-genomic analyses have provided fascinating new insights into the biology of these important parasites. They will be important for the design of novel anti-protozoan drugs and the development of effective vaccines.
A new book on
Anaerobic Parasitic Protozoa critically reviews the most important aspects of research on anaerobic parasitic protozoa, providing the first coherent picture of their genomics and molecular biology since the publication of the genomes. Chapters are written from a molecular and genomic perspective and contain speculative models upon which future research efforts can be based. Topics include: the genomes of
Entamoeba histolytica,
Trichomonas vaginalis,
Giardia and other diplomonads; the cytoskeletons of
Entamoeba histolytica,
Giardia lamblia and
Trichomonas vaginalis; genomic analyses and manipulation of gene expression in
Entamoeba histolytica; nuclear and chromosomal structure and replication in
Giardia; and the mitochondrion-like organelles of a fourth anaerobe,
Blastocystis. Recommended text for all parasitology laboratories.
Further reading:
Anaerobic Parasitic ProtozoaLabels: Blastocystis, Entamoeba, Giardia, new book, parasites, parasitic infections, parasitology, parasitology books, Trichomonas