Identification of an Antimicrobial Protease from IAcanthamoeba/I via a Novel Zymogram

Proteases play a role in different processes for protozoans and for the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba. Some of these processes are related to pathogenicity and to encystment. In this study we describe the discovery of a protease with antimicrobial activity produced by Acanthamoeba. To identify it,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Processes 2023-09, Vol.11 (9)
Main Authors: de Obeso Fernández del Valle, Alvaro, Melgoza-Ramírez, Luis Javier, Esqueda Hernández, María Fernanda, Rios-Pérez, Alfonso David, Maciver, Sutherland K
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacteria
Chromatography
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
Proteases
Proteins
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Summary:Proteases play a role in different processes for protozoans and for the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba. Some of these processes are related to pathogenicity and to encystment. In this study we describe the discovery of a protease with antimicrobial activity produced by Acanthamoeba. To identify it, we developed a novel zymogram using bacteria as an in-gel substrate that can help identify proteins capable of bacterial degradation. We used chromatography to isolate the proteases and showed that it quickly degrades in the environment. Additionally, we identified overexpressed proteases during encystment. The study of proteases from Acanthamoeba can serve several purposes including new antimicrobial proteins that the amoeba can use for potentially predigesting prokaryotes. Secondly, it can help with the identification of potential new therapies against Acanthamoeba infection.
ISSN:2227-9717
2227-9717
DOI:10.3390/pr11092620