Characterization of Entamoeba histolytica alpha-actinin

We have cloned, expressed and characterized a alpha-actinin-like protein of Entamoeba histolytica. Analysis of the primary structure reveals that the essential domains of the alpha-actinin protein family are conserved: an N-terminus actin-binding domain, a C-terminus calcium-binding domain and a central helical rod domain. However, the rod domain of this Entamoeba protein is considerably shorter than the rod domain in alpha-actinins of higher organisms. The cloned Entamoeba 63 kDa protein is recognized by conventional alpha-actinin antibodies as well as binds and cross-links filamentous actin and calcium ions in the same manner as a-actinins. Despite the shorter rod domain this protein has conserved the most important functions of alpha-actinins. Therefore, it is suggested that this 63 kDa protein is an atypical and ancestral alpha-actinin. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.