Mutation underlying resistance of Plasmodium berghei to atovaquone in the quinone binding domain 2 (Qo(2)) of the cytochrome b gene

Parasitol Int. 2008 Jun;57(2):229-32. doi: 10.1016/j.parint.2007.12.002. Epub 2007 Dec 8.

Abstract

The anti-malarial agent atovaquone specifically targets the cytochrome bc(1) complex and inhibits the parasite respiration. Resistance to this drug, a coenzyme Q analogue, is associated with mutations in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. We previously reported atovaquone resistant mutations in Plasmodium berghei, in the first quinone binding domain (Qo(1)) of the cytochrome b gene (M133I and L144S) with V284F in the sixth transmembrane domain. However, in P. falciparum the most common mutations are found in the Qo(2) region. To obtain a better model for biochemical and genetic studies, we have now extended our study to isolate a wider range of P. berghei resistant strains, in particular those in the Qo(2). Here we report four new mutations (Y268N, Y268C, L271V and K272R), all in the Qo(2) domain. Two of these mutations are convergent to codon 268 (nt802-804) drug-induced mutation in P. falciparum.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Antimalarials / pharmacology*
  • Antimalarials / therapeutic use
  • Atovaquone / pharmacology*
  • Atovaquone / therapeutic use
  • Benzoquinones / metabolism*
  • Cytochrome b Group / chemistry
  • Cytochrome b Group / genetics*
  • Cytochrome b Group / metabolism
  • Drug Resistance / genetics*
  • Malaria / drug therapy
  • Malaria / parasitology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation*
  • Parasitemia / drug therapy
  • Parasitemia / parasitology
  • Parasitic Sensitivity Tests / methods
  • Plasmodium berghei / drug effects*
  • Plasmodium berghei / genetics

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Benzoquinones
  • Cytochrome b Group
  • quinone
  • Atovaquone