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Identification of two putative ATP-cassette genes in Encephalitozoon intestinalis
M T Bonafonte1, J Stewart, J R Mead
1Medical Research 151, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033, USA.
Abstract:
Currently existing chemotherapeutic compounds are limited and few are effective for treating microsporidiosis. It is possible that resistance of Encephalitozoon to some drugs occurs by efflux mechanisms similar to those previously described for mammalian tumour cells, bacteria or protozoal parasites such as Plasmodium, Leishmania and Entamoeba histolytica. The data in the present study suggest that Encephalitozoon intestinalis contains at least one multidrug resistance gene. We report here two complete sequences EiABC1 and EiABC2, encoding different ATP-binding cassette genes from E. intestinalis, including a P-gp.
Insights
Drug resistance in Encephalitozoon intestinalis may involve efflux mechanisms. Researchers identified two ATP-binding cassette genes, EiABC1 and EiABC2, suggesting multidrug resistance in this microsporidian parasite.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Limited chemotherapeutic options exist for microsporidiosis.
- Drug resistance in pathogens like Encephalitozoon may involve efflux pumps, similar to those in cancer cells and other parasites.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential multidrug resistance mechanisms in Encephalitozoon intestinalis.
- To identify and characterize genes associated with drug efflux in E. intestinalis.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes.
- Gene sequencing to obtain complete coding sequences of identified genes.
- Comparison of identified sequences with known multidrug resistance genes.
Main Results:
- Two complete sequences, EiABC1 and EiABC2, encoding ABC genes were identified in E. intestinalis.
- These genes are homologous to known multidrug resistance genes, including P-glycoprotein (P-gp).
- The findings suggest the presence of an active efflux mechanism contributing to drug resistance in E. intestinalis.
Conclusions:
- Encephalitozoon intestinalis possesses at least one multidrug resistance gene.
- The identified ABC genes, EiABC1 and EiABC2, are likely involved in drug efflux.
- These findings provide a basis for exploring novel therapeutic strategies against microsporidiosis.
