Genomewide scan reveals amplification of mdr1 as a common denominator of resistance to mefloquine, lumefantrine, and artemisinin in Plasmodium chabaudi malaria parasites

Borges, S., Cravo, P., Creasey, A., Fawcett, R., Modrzynska, K. , Rodrigues, L., Martinelli, A. and Hunt, P. (2011) Genomewide scan reveals amplification of mdr1 as a common denominator of resistance to mefloquine, lumefantrine, and artemisinin in Plasmodium chabaudi malaria parasites. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 55(10), pp. 4858-4865. (doi: 10.1128/AAC.01748-10) (PMID:21709099) (PMCID:PMC3186966)

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Abstract

Multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites pose a threat to effective drug control, even to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). Here we used linkage group selection and Solexa whole-genome resequencing to investigate the genetic basis of resistance to component drugs of ACTs. Using the rodent malaria parasite P. chabaudi, we analyzed the uncloned progeny of a genetic backcross between the mefloquine-, lumefantrine-, and artemisinin-resistant mutant AS-15MF and a genetically distinct sensitive clone, AJ, following drug treatment. Genomewide scans of selection showed that parasites surviving each drug treatment bore a duplication of a segment of chromosome 12 (translocated to chromosome 04) present in AS-15MF. Whole-genome resequencing identified the size of the duplicated segment and its position on chromosome 4. The duplicated fragment extends for ∼393 kbp and contains over 100 genes, including mdr1, encoding the multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein homologue 1. We therefore show that resistance to chemically distinct components of ACTs is mediated by the same genetic mutation, highlighting a possible limitation of these therapies.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Modrzynska, Dr Katarzyna
Authors: Borges, S., Cravo, P., Creasey, A., Fawcett, R., Modrzynska, K., Rodrigues, L., Martinelli, A., and Hunt, P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
Publisher:American Society for Microbiology
ISSN:0066-4804
ISSN (Online):1098-6596
Published Online:27 June 2011

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