Sequence divergence of Entamoeba histolytica tubulin is responsible for its altered tertiary structure

Abstract

Atypical microtubular structures of the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica (Eh) have been attributed to amino acid sequence divergence of Eh tubulin. To investigate if this sequence divergence leads to significant differences in the tertiary structure of the Eh αβ-tubulin heterodimer, we have modeled αβ-tubulin heterodimer of Eh based on the crystal structure of mammalian tubulin. The predicted 3D homology model exhibits an overall resemblance with the known crystal structure of mammalian tubulin except for the 16 residue long carboxy terminal region of Eh β-tubulin. We propose that this C-terminal region may provide steric hindrance in the polymerization of Eh αβ-tubulin for microtubule formation. Using docking studies, we have identified the binding sites for different microtubule specific drugs on Eh β-tubulin. Our model provides a rational framework, both for understanding the contribution of Ehβ-tubulin C-terminal region to αβ-tubulin polymerization and design of new anti-protozoan drugs in order to control amoebiasis.