Work with me here: variations in genome content and emerging genetic tools in Entamoeba histolytica

Abstract

Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebiasis, a significant source of morbidity and mortality in developing nations. Despite this, E. histolytica is understudied, leading to few treatment options and a poor understanding of pathogenesis. Genetic tools have historically been limited. By applying modern approaches, it was recently revealed that the genome is aneuploid. Interestingly, gene expression levels do not correlate with ploidy, potentially highlighting the importance of RNAi in gene regulation. Characterization of the RNAi pathway has led to potent tools for targeted gene knockdown, and the advent of RNAi-based forward genetics. CRISPR/Cas tools for editing the endogenous genome are an exciting possibility on the horizon. We celebrate the gains that have made E. histolytica tractable and anticipate continued advances.