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Blastocystis Research Foundation
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French Teams Sequence the Blastocystis Genome

BRF: What did your group find interesting about Blastocystis?

HICHAM: We have characterized intriguing genome rearrangements, with the presence of genes probably derived from horizontal transfer (from bacteria or unicellular eukaryotes) which have certainly allowed the parasite to adapt in the intestinal environment. The prediction of metabolisms in the intriguing mitochondria-like organelle was made and provides clues to understand how this parasite can survive in anaerobic environments. We also predicted secreted proteins from genomic data, which are probably at the interface between the parasite and the host and may play a role in the pathophysiology. Indeed, among these proteins, hydrolases (like proteases) might degrade surrounding tissues, and others such as protease inhibitors might interfer with the host immune response. Proteases could be used as markers to distinguish pathogenic isolates. Finally, Blastocystis has an arsenal to defend against oxidative bursts induced by immune response, which is an important aspect as observed in other pathogens and may constitute an interesting target for drug design.

BRF: Did anyone complain about your work with Blastocystis, since some researchers have argued it is non-pathogenic?
Not yet

BRF: Are you planning on accessioning the sequence into Genbank?
HICHAM: They are available in GenBank.


For more information:

    Paper from Genome Biology - Full Genome Sequence of Blastocystis
    Perform a BLAST Search using the genome
    Genoscope's Web Site
    Pasteur Institute's Web Site
    Claremont University Web Site (France)




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