Apoptosis and apoptotic mimicry: the Leishmania connection |
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Authors: | João Luiz M Wanderley Marcello A Barcinski |
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Institution: | 1. Division of Experimental Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2. Program in Morphological Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 3. Departamento de Parasitogia, Universidade de S?o Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1374, S?o Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil
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Abstract: | Different death-styles have been described in unicellular organisms. In most cases they evolve with phenotypic features similar
to apoptotic death of animal cells, such as phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation, and loss
of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, hinting that similar mechanisms operate in both situations. However, the biochemical
pathways underlying death in unicellular organisms are still unclear. Host recognition of PS exposed on the surface of unicellular
parasites is an important feature of the process of infection and progression of the disease. Here, we discuss data showing
that entirely different mechanisms of PS exposure co-exist during the life-cycle of Leishmania amazonensis: in the case of promastigotes, a sub-population dies by apoptosis; in the case of amastigotes, the entire population exposes
PS, not necessarily followed by apoptotic death. This phenomenon has been called apoptotic mimicry. The elusive caspase-like
activities described in protozoa are also discussed. |
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