MonoADP-ribosylation of the NAD+-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase from Entamoeba histolytica

The human parasite Entamoeba histolytica is an amitochondrial protozoan whose metabolism depends on glucose fermentation. Among the metabolic enzymes absolutely required for amoeba growth is the NAD(+)-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase (EhADH2). The polymeric form of EhADH2 was sedimented at 160,000g, and in this fraction we observed [P-32]-labeling of a 96-kDa protein under monoADP-ribosylation conditions with [P-32] NAD(+). The [P-32]-labeled protein had the same molecular weight as the EhADH2 monomer. Because of the importance of monoADP-ribosylation in the regulation of many physiological processes, the aim of this study was to determine whether EhADH2 is ADP-ribosylated, and what would be the consequence of this modification on its alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymatic activities. This study describes the ADP-ribosylation of EhADH2. This modification did not have an effect on the enzymatic activities, but it may regulate other functions of EhADH2.