Characterisation of a beta-tubulin gene from the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica |
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Authors: | Robinson M W Hoey E M Fairweather I Dalton J P McGonigle S Trudgett A |
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Affiliation: | School of Biology and Biochemistry, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK. |
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Abstract: | This study represents the first beta-tubulin sequence from a trematode parasite, namely, the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica. PCR of genomic DNA showed that at least one beta-tubulin gene from F. hepatica contains no introns. A number of amino acids in the primary sequence of fluke tubulin are different from those described previously in various nematode species and the cestode, Echinococcus multilocularis. beta-Tubulin is an important target for benzimidazole anthelmintics, although (with the exception of triclabendazole) they show limited activity against F. hepatica. The amino acid differences in fluke beta-tubulin are discussed in relation to the selective toxicity of benzimidazoles against helminths and the mechanism of drug resistance. |
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