Genome ploidy in different stages of the Giardia lamblia life cycle

Transcriptome analyses of the Giardia lamblia life cycle.

We quantified mRNA abundance from 10 stages in the Giardia lamblia life cycle in vitro using Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE). 163 abundant transcripts were expressed constitutively. 71 transcripts were upregulated specifically during excystation and 42 during encystation. Nonetheless, the transcriptomes of cysts and trophozoites showed major differences. SAGE detected co-expressed clu...

Giardia Lamblia.

Whole genome sequencing of clinical isolates of Giardia lamblia.

Clinical isolates from protozoan parasites such as Giardia lamblia are at present practically impossible to culture. By using simple cyst purification methods, we show that Giardia whole genome sequencing of clinical stool samples is possible. Immunomagnetic separation after sucrose gradient flotation gave superior results compared to sucrose gradient flotation alone. The method enables detaile...

The cytoskeleton of Giardia lamblia.

Giardia lamblia is a ubiquitous intestinal pathogen of mammals. Evolutionary studies have also defined it as a member of one of the earliest diverging eukaryotic lineages that we are able to cultivate and study in the laboratory. Despite early recognition of its striking structure resembling a half pear endowed with eight flagella and a unique ventral disk, a molecular understanding of the cyto...

Biology of Giardia lamblia.

Giardia lamblia is a common cause of diarrhea in humans and other mammals throughout the world. It can be distinguished from other Giardia species by light or electron microscopy. The two major genotypes of G. lamblia that infect humans are so different genetically and biologically that they may warrant separate species or subspecies designations. Trophozoites have nuclei and a well-developed c...