Targeting the polyadenylation factor EhCFIm25 with RNA aptamers controls survival in Entamoeba histolytica.

ABSTRACT: Messenger RNA 3'-end polyadenylation is an important regulator of gene expression in eukaryotic cells. In our search for new ways of treating parasitic infectious diseases, we looked at whether or not alterations in polyadenylation might control the survival of Entamoeba histolytica (the agent of amoebiasis in humans). We used molecular biology and computational tools to characterize the mRNA cleavage factor EhCFIm25, which is essential for polyadenylation in E. histolytica. By using a strategy based on the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment, we identified single-stranded RNA aptamers that target EhCFIm25. The results of RNA-protein binding assays showed that EhCFIm25 binds to the GUUG motif in vitro, which differs from the UGUA motif bound by the homologous human pr

SUBMITTER: Ospina-Villa JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5890266 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature