María Angélica Sánchez González

Ms. María Angélica Sánchez González

Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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7 January 2026 in Pathogens
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Journal Article
Open access
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JLJesus Gabriel León-Beltán
Jesus Gabriel León-Beltán
SMSarita Montaño
Sarita Montaño
RARossana Arroyo
Rossana Arroyo
DEDaniela Estrada-Ramírez
Daniela Estrada-Ramírez
Nidia Leon-SicairosNidia Leon-Sicairos
Nidia Leon-Sicairos
CLClaudia León-Sicairos
Claudia León-Sicairos
Protozoa use iron to grow, feed, and cause harm through elaborate mechanisms to obtain it from the host. In addition, expression of virulence genes is affected by iron. In Entamoeba histolytica, the parasite that causes amoebic dysentery and complications in human organs, our group have previously reported the presence of an IRE/IRP-like (Iron Responsive Element/Iron Regulatory Protein) mechanism. Giardia duodenalis is another parasite of medical interest that causes giardiasis, including nutrient malabsorption syndrome and dysbiosis, among other complications, such as anemia in children with giardiasis. Moreover, expression of many putative giardial virulence factors by free-iron levels has been reported. Recently, we have reported stem-loop structures in some mRNAs coding virulence proteins from both parasites. However, much remains to be studied about the role of iron in pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize several aspects of gene expression regulation by iron in these protozoa as well as an iron regulatory mechanism in E. histolytica and discuss the possibility of an iron regulatory IRE/IRP-like mechanism in G. duodenalis.