Characterization of the beta-tubulin gene of Pneumocystis carinii.
To examine the potential of antimicrotubule drugs for treating Pneumocystis carinii infections, and to learn more about this unusual organism on a molecular level, we are studying its tubulin genes. A 0.3 kbp fragment of the P. carinii beta-tubulin gene was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction. Sequence analysis of this DNA revealed that P. carinii beta-tubulin is most closely related to those of the fungal molds. Consistent with these results, P. carinii growth in vitro was sensitive to the antifungal benzimidazoles benomyl and carbendazim.
Edlind
T D
TD
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129.
Bartlett
M S
MS
Smith
J W
JW
D015766:Albendazole / Q000494:pharmacology; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001483:Base Sequence; D001542:Benomyl / Q000494:pharmacology; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D002219:Carbamates; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D005800:Genes, Fungal; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011010:Pneumocystis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012689:Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid; D014404:Tubulin / Q000235:genetics*
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D002219:Carbamates; D014404:Tubulin; D015766:Albendazole; C006698:carbendazim; D001542:Benomyl