Role of signalling and cytoskeletal rearrangements in the pathogenesis of Entamoeba histolytica.

Virulence of Entamoeba histolytica is characterized by intestinal tissue invasion, engulfment of host cells and the formation of liver abscesses. The actin-rich cytoskeleton of the amoeba allows rapid changes in morphology in response to signals from external stimuli. Cellular and molecular studies have described some of the proteins that participate in signalling and in cytoskeletal changes.