Abstract
We previously reported the superior effect of minocycline against drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. Here, we report that RT-PCR for falciparum parasites treated with minocycline revealed reduced levels of RNA transcripts of the mitochondrion-encoded genes such as the COI and Cyb genes, as well as the plastid-encoded RNA polymerase subunit (rpoB/C) gene. However, we detected no apparent effects of the antibiotic on the transcription of merozoite surface antigen and small subunit rRNA genes encoded by the nucleus. In addition, treatment with chloroquine and pyrimethamine showed no substantial reduction of any RT-PCR products. These findings suggest that tetracycline antibiotics selectively inhibit both mitochondrial and plastid activity.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
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Antimalarials / pharmacology
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Apoproteins / genetics
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Cytochrome b Group / genetics
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Cytochromes b
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DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / genetics
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Drug Resistance
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Electron Transport Complex IV / genetics
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Genes, rRNA / genetics
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Merozoite Surface Protein 1 / genetics
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Minocycline / pharmacology*
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Mitochondria / drug effects*
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Mitochondria / metabolism
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Plasmodium falciparum / drug effects*
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Plasmodium falciparum / metabolism
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Plastids / drug effects*
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Plastids / metabolism
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Protein Subunits
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RNA, Messenger / analysis
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism
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Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Transcription, Genetic / drug effects
Substances
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Anti-Bacterial Agents
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Antimalarials
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Apoproteins
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Cytochrome b Group
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Merozoite Surface Protein 1
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Protein Subunits
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RNA, Messenger
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Cytochromes b
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Electron Transport Complex IV
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DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases
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Minocycline