The human protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica is responsible for amebiasis, a disease endemic to developing countries. Amebiasis is transmitted primarily through the consumption of contaminated food or water containing E. histolytica cysts. Trophozoites released from the cysts colonize the large intestine where they mostly fed on bacteria. A number of aspects of E. histolytica-planktonic bacteria biology have been extensively studied. However, in nature bacteria primarily reside in complex communities frequently designated biofilms, where cells are forming aggregates too large for phagocytosis. How this parasite, and parasites in general, interact with bacterial biofilms is unknown. In this proposal, we will combine multi-OMICS technologies to investigate the interactions between E. histolytica and bacterial biofilms. Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli enteropathogenic (EPEC) that are used as biofilm model organisms represent a Gram-positive probiotic strain and a Gram-negative enteric pathogen, respectively. More specifically, we will take advantage of the omics expertise and infrastructures available at Greifswald University to improve the current understanding of the molecular and metabolic changes occurring in E. histolytica and B. subtilis or EPEC biofilm during their interaction. Due to their ability to tolerate antibiotics, host defense systems, and other external stresses, bacteria biofilms pose a serious global health threat. Our preliminary data support E. histolytica as a potent source of anti-biofilm molecules. A better understanding of the interactions between E. histolytica and bacterial biofilms may lead to effective treatments that could significantly decrease the burden of this enteropathogen.

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