Multidrug resistance in the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica

Parasitol Int. 2002 Dec;51(4):353-9. doi: 10.1016/s1383-5769(02)00041-7.

Abstract

In this review we discuss the mechanisms and molecules involved in the multidrug resistance (MDR) of the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Drug resistant mutants exhibited the main characteristics presented by the MDR mammalian cells. They showed cross-resistance to several unrelated drugs that is reverted by calcium channel blockers. MDR phenotype in E. histolytica is regulated at a transcriptional level by the EhPgp1 gene, which is constitutively expressed and by the EhPgp5 gene, whose expression is induced in the presence of the drug. Transcription factors participate in the expression regulation of these genes. After over transcription, the EhPgp genes are amplified, cooperating to produce the MDR phenotype. Post-transcriptional mechanisms such as mRNA stability seem to be involved in this phenomenon. As for other mdr gene products, the EhPGP5 protein functions as a chloride current inductor or as a regulator of cellular regulatory volume decrease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / genetics
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Clone Cells
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple / genetics*
  • Entamoeba histolytica / drug effects*
  • Entamoeba histolytica / genetics*
  • Entamoeba histolytica / physiology
  • Gene Amplification / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism
  • Protozoan Proteins / physiology
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1
  • EhPgp5 protein, Entamoeba histolytica
  • Protozoan Proteins