Host tissue invasion by E. histolytica is driven by motility and phagocytosis, which are both regulated primarily by reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. The structural and signaling components of the actin cytoskeleton from available genomes of three Entamoeba species, E. histolytica, E.dispar and E. invadens, have been annotated manually and compared systematically. These protein families include the actin superfamily, actin nucleators, calponin-related actin-binding proteins (ABPs), gelsolin-related ABPs, myosins, small GTPases and their regulators, as well as phospholipid signaling regulators.

from Anaerobic Parasitic Protozoa: Genomics and Molecular Biology

Further reading:

• Anaerobic Parasitic Protozoa
• Acanthamoeba: Biology and Pathogenesis
• Leishmania: After The Genome

Labels: Actin, Actin nucleators, Actin superfamily, E dispar, E histolytica, E invadens, Entamoeba histolytica, motility, Phagocytosis, Small GTPases

Flagella-dependent motility is widespread throughout prokaryotes and is advantageous when nutrients are limited, as a mechanism to migrate to more favourable environments and to compete with other microorganisms. Flagella systems can also play an important role in additional processes such as adhesion to substrates, biofilm formation and host invasion in pathogenic bacteria. A variety of different classes of pili are found in prokaryotes and these structures also possess a diverse array of functions. Pili are essential for host colonization, virulence and pathogenesis for many bacteria and, in the case of type IV pili, can also be employed for motility across solid surfaces.

Further reading: Pili and Flagella

Labels: adhesion, biofilms, flagella, motility, pili

Bacteria assemble a variety of structures on their cell surface, including extended fibers generally termed pili or fimbriae. These pili mediate interactions with other bacteria, the host, and the environment.

Pili often function as adhesins, dictating specific binding to and colonization of biological as well as non-biological surfaces. Pili are critical virulence factors for pathogenic bacteria, initiating infection and determining how and where bacterial colonization may occur. A variety of different classes of pili are found in prokaryotes. Pili have a diverse array of functions. Pili are essential for host colonization, virulence and pathogenesis for many bacteria and, in the case of type IV pili, can also be employed for motility across solid surfaces.

Further reading:

1. Pili and Flagella
2. Bacterial Secreted Proteins
3. Microbiology Books

Labels: adhesins, colonization, fimbriae, flagella, motility, pathogenesis, pathogenic, pili, type IV pili, virulence