P-glycoprotein-like protein contributes to cadmium resistance in Euglena gracilis

Selective pressures from polluted environments have led to the development of resistance systems in aquatic organisms. Using different techniques, this study examined a cadmium defense mechanism of the freshwater unicellular protozoa Euglena gracilis, and found it to be an efflux pump similar to the multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein. Cd²⁺-treated E. gracilis were able to extrude Rhodamine 123 at 21 °C, but not at 4 °C. Furthermore, verapamil, a P-glycoprotein modulator, partially blocked the efflux process (at 21 °C), and enhanced the Cd²⁺ toxic effects on these cells. Western immunoblots of cell lysates, using the anti-P-glycoprotein antibody JSB-1, revealed a 120-KDa protein, which was expressed, in high amounts on Cd²⁺-exposed cells (74% above the control values). Moreover, cells treated with JSB-1 became more sensitive to the harmful effects of cadmium, showing a decreased survival rate. Taken together, these results suggest that a MDR phenotype has evolved in Euglena as one of the mechanisms for cadmium detoxification.Abbreviations DTT dithiothreitol - mAb JSB-1 anti-human P-gp monoclonal antibody JSB-1 - MDR multidrug resistance - MRP MDR-associated protein - PBS phosphate buffered saline - P-gp P-glycoproteinCommunicated by G. HeldmaierA.J.F.O. and F.L.S.S. are undergraduate students under a CNPq special program for research training