Primary structure, expression and localization of two intermediate subunit lectins ofEntamoeba disparthat contain multiple CXXC motifs
SUMMARYWe have recently identified 2 surface proteins inEntamoeba histolyticaas intermediate subunits of galactose- andN-acetyl-D-galactosamine-inhibitable lectin (EhIgl1 and EhIgl2); these proteins both contain multiple CXXC motifs. Here, we report the molecular characterization of the corresponding proteins inEntamoeba dispar, which is neither pathogenic nor invasive. TwoIglgenes encoding 1110 and 1106 amino acids (EdIgl1 and EdIgl2) were cloned from 2 strains ofE. dispar. The amino acid sequence identities were 79% between EdIgl1 and EdIgl2, 75–76% between EdIgl1 and EhIgl1, and 73–74% between EdIgl2 and EhIgl2. However, all the CXXC motifs were conserved in the EdIgl proteins, suggesting that the fold conferred by this motif is important for function. Comparison of the expression level of theIglgenes by real-time RT-PCR showed 3–5 times higher expression ofEdIgl1compared toEdIgl2. Most EdIgl1 and EdIgl2 proteins were co-localized on the surface and in the cytoplasm of trophozoites, based on confocal microscopy. However, a different localization of EdIgl1 and EdIgl2 in intracellular vacuoles and a different level of phenotypic expression of the two Igls were also observed. These results demonstrate that Igls are important proteins even in non-pathogenic amoeba and that Igl1 and Igl2 may possess different functions.