A multifaceted model of Entamoeba histolytica KERP2 regulating gene expression and host cell responses
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebiasis and damages intestinal epithelium, but how individual parasite factors coordinate parasite gene regulation with host remodeling is unclear. We investigate lysine- and glutamic acid-rich protein 2, a factor linked to the host brush border. Sequence analysis, imaging, and functional assays show that lysine- and glutamic acid-rich protein 2 accumulates in the parasite nucleus, binds AT-rich DNA, and modulates transcriptional programs related to Amoebiasis, including cysteine protease and sulfur metabolism. During parasite-epithelium contact, the protein enters host epithelial cells and is associated with increased deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis, altered cytoskeletal regulators, actin remodeling, and reduced barrier integrity. Here, we propose a working model in which lysine- and glutamic acid-rich protein 2 links parasite chromatin-associated regulation with host epithelial remodeling during contact. Notably, our data support host cytoskeletal and junctional phenotypes and do not yet establish a direct role for it in host chromatin regulation. Together, these observations suggest a potentially broader mechanism by which extracellular pathogens deploy effectors to optimize virulence and adapt to diverse host environments.
Source: Nature Communications
Institution: The University of Tokyo
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
OpenAlex ID: W7140607147