Multi-copy suppression of an Aspergillus nidulans mutant sensitive to camptothecin by a putative monocarboxylate transporter

Curr Microbiol. 2004 Oct;49(4):229-33. doi: 10.1007/s00284-004-4293-8.

Abstract

The Mono carboxylate Transporter (MCT) is a family of membrane proteins from the Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) of transporters. Here, we report the first identified Aspergillus nidulans MCT homologue, AmcA. The amcA gene was isolated by high copy number suppression of the hydroxyurea (HU) sensitivity of an A. nidulans camptothecin-sensitive mutant. Expression of amcA is increased when hyphae are grown in media containing acetate or pyruvate as single carbon source, and after exposure to several unrelated drugs. Our results suggest that AmcA could be involved not only in monocarboxylate transport, but also in drug secretion. To our knowledge, this is the first report suggesting a possible involvement of MCT transporters with drug resistance in eukaryotic cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus nidulans / drug effects*
  • Aspergillus nidulans / genetics
  • Aspergillus nidulans / growth & development
  • Biological Transport
  • Camptothecin / pharmacology
  • Carboxylic Acids / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal / genetics*
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism
  • Gene Dosage*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism
  • Monocarboxylic Acid Transporters / genetics*
  • Monocarboxylic Acid Transporters / metabolism
  • Mutation*
  • Suppression, Genetic*
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Carboxylic Acids
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Monocarboxylic Acid Transporters
  • Camptothecin