Characterization of the Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis genomic region containing the META 1 gene. / Caracterização da região genômica META 1 de Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis e comparação com a região ortóloga de L. (L.) major.

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2008

RESUMO

The characterization of coding sequences in the vicinity of the META 1 gene allowed the identification of some genes preferentially expressed in L. (L.) amazonensis infective stages. One of the identified transcripts presents a distinct pattern of expression with higher levels of mRNA in amastigotes. This gene was named LaLRR17 since it encodes a 72 kDa protein with 6 leucine-rich repeats (LRR) in its central region. Leucine-rich repeats (LRR) are present in several families of proteins and are responsible for the formation of a structure capable of establishing protein interactions. The central region of the LRR17 protein showed similarity with the carboxyl-terminal portion of the NOD 3 human protein. The LaLRR17 protein is secreted to the cytoplasm of L. (L.) amazonensis-infected macrophages. To characterize the function of the LRR17 protein we obtained strains of L. (L.) amazonensis expressing the LmjLRR17 gene. These mutant strains were more infective to macrophages in vitro when compared with the wild type strain. We also evaluated the role of NOD 1 and NOD 2 proteins in infections with L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (L.) major to investigate a possible role of the LRR17 protein in the interaction with these defense pathways in macrophages.

ASSUNTO(S)

protozoologia parasitic diseases leishmaniasis cutaneous leishmania diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis leishmaniose cutânea doenças parasitárias genes gene protozoologia leishmaniose tegumentar difusa leishmania

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