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Mitochondrial ribosome as the target for the macrolide antibiotic clarithromycin in the helminth Echinococcus multilocularis.

ABSTRACT: The mitochondrial rRNA of the tapeworm species Echinococcus multilocularis carries an adenine at sequence position 2058 (numbering according to that for Escherichia coli) of the large-subunit rRNA (lsrRNA), while the nucleus-encoded rRNA, as determined in this study, is characterized by 2058G. This indicates a dichotomy in the drug susceptibilities of ribosomes: cytoplasmic ribosomes are predicted to be resistant to macrolide antibiotics, while mitochondrial ribosomes lack the most common chromosomal resistance determinant, lsrRNA 2058G. Upon incubation with the macrolide clarithromycin, the formation of vesicles from metacestode tissue was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Electron microscopy revealed distinct morphological alterations both of the mitochondria and of the vesicle wall (e.g., loss of microtriches) in drug-treated vesicles. Adult worms lost their motility and displayed morphological changes (shortening and constriction of proglottids and the presence of vacuoles) upon incubation with clarithromycin. Our findings demonstrate that macrolides have distinct in vitro effects on E. multilocularis, endorsing the use of sequence-based in silico approaches for exploitation of available ribosomal drugs as anthelmintic agents.

SUBMITTER: Mathis A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1196245 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Mitochondrial ribosome as the target for the macrolide antibiotic clarithromycin in the helminth Echinococcus multilocularis.

Mathis Alexander A Wild Peter P Boettger Erik C EC Kapel Christian M O CM Deplazes Peter P

Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy 20050801 8

The mitochondrial rRNA of the tapeworm species Echinococcus multilocularis carries an adenine at sequence position 2058 (numbering according to that for Escherichia coli) of the large-subunit rRNA (lsrRNA), while the nucleus-encoded rRNA, as determined in this study, is characterized by 2058G. This indicates a dichotomy in the drug susceptibilities of ribosomes: cytoplasmic ribosomes are predicted to be resistant to macrolide antibiotics, while mitochondrial ribosomes lack the most common chromo ...[more]

PMID: 16048933

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Project description:BackgroundSerotonin is a phylogenetically ancient molecule that is widely distributed in most metazoans, including flatworms. In addition to its role as a neurotransmitter, serotonin acts as a morphogen and regulates developmental processes. Although several studies have focused on the serotonergic nervous system in parasitic flatworms, little is known on the role of serotonin in flatworm development.MethodsTo study the effects of serotonin on proliferation and development of the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis, we cloned the genes encoding the E. multilocularis serotonin transporter (SERT) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), analyzed gene expression by transcriptome analysis and whole mount in situ hybridization (WMISH) and performed cell culture experiments.ResultsWe first characterized orthologues encoding the SERT and TPH, the rate-limiting enzyme in serotonin biosynthesis. WMISH and transcriptomic analyses indicated that the genes for both SERT and TPH are expressed in the parasite nervous system. Long-term treatment of parasite stem cell cultures with serotonin stimulated development towards the parasite metacestode stage. Mature metacestode vesicles treated with serotonin showed increased rates of incorporation of the thymidine analogue 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), indicating stimulated cell proliferation. In contrast, treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor paroxetine strongly affected the viability of parasite cells. Paroxetine also caused structural damage in metacestode vesicles, suggesting that serotonin transport is crucial for the integrity of parasite vesicles.ConclusionsOur results indicate that serotonin plays an important role in E. multilocularis development and proliferation, providing evidence that the E. multilocularis SERT and TPH are expressed in the nervous system of the protoscolex. Our results further suggest that the E. multilocularis SERT has a secondary role outside the nervous system that is essential for parasite integrity and survival. Since serotonin stimulated E. multilocularis metacestode development and proliferation, serotonin might also contribute to the formation and growth of the parasite in the liver.

Dataset Information

Mitochondrial ribosome as the target for the macrolide antibiotic clarithromycin in the helminth Echinococcus multilocularis.

Publications

Mitochondrial ribosome as the target for the macrolide antibiotic clarithromycin in the helminth Echinococcus multilocularis.

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