Effects of Trichostatin A on Gene Expression in Entamoeba histolytica
Author Information
Author(s): Gretchen M Ehrenkaufer, Daniel J Eichinger, Upinder Singh
Primary Institution: Stanford University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
The study investigates the genome-wide effects of histone acetylation on gene expression in the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica.
Conclusion
Trichostatin A significantly affects gene expression in E. histolytica, particularly in genes involved in the encystation pathway, while short chain fatty acids have minimal effects.
Supporting Evidence
- Trichostatin A treatment resulted in significant transcriptional changes in 163 genes.
- 122 genes were upregulated and 41 genes were downregulated by Trichostatin A exposure.
- 73 of the 122 genes upregulated by Trichostatin A were also upregulated in E. histolytica cysts.
Takeaway
This study shows that a drug called Trichostatin A can change how certain genes work in a tiny parasite that causes disease, while another substance has almost no effect.
Methodology
Whole-genome expression profiling was performed on E. histolytica trophozoites treated with short chain fatty acids and Trichostatin A.
Limitations
The study is limited by the lack of an in vitro system for encystation in E. histolytica.
Statistical Information
P-Value
6 × 10-53
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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