Silencing Cytokeratin 18 Inhibits Trypanosoma cruzi Replication in HeLa Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Claser Carla, Curcio Marli, de Mello Samanta M, Silveira Eduardo V, Monteiro Hugo P, Rodrigues Mauricio M
Primary Institution: Centro Interdisciplinar de Terapia Gênica (CINTERGEN), Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina
Hypothesis
Does RNA interference-mediated downregulation of the CK18 gene interfere with the life cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro?
Conclusion
Silencing CK18 inhibits the intracellular multiplication of Trypanosoma cruzi in HeLa cells but does not affect their binding and invasion.
Supporting Evidence
- CK18 RNAi-treated HeLa cells showed a significant reduction in the number of amastigotes compared to control cells.
- CK18 expression was not necessary for the initial invasion of trypomastigotes into HeLa cells.
- CK18 RNAi treatment did not induce apoptosis in HeLa cells.
Takeaway
Researchers found that when they turned off a specific gene in cells, the parasites couldn't grow inside them, even though they could still get in.
Methodology
HeLa cells were treated with CK18 RNAi to knock down CK18 expression, followed by infection with Trypanosoma cruzi to assess invasion and replication.
Limitations
The study was conducted in vitro, which may not fully represent in vivo conditions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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