title: Evaluation of mRNA Expression Levels of cyp51A and mdr1, Candidate Genes for Voriconazole Resistance in Aspergillus flavus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Voriconazole Resistance (VRC-R) in Aspergillus flavus isolates impacts the management of aspergillosis, since azoles are the first choice for prophylaxis and therapy. However, to the best of our knowledge, the mechanisms underlying voriconazole resistance are poorly understood.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study was designed to evaluate mRNA expression levels of cyp51A and mdr1 genes in voriconazole resistant A. flavus by a Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five A. flavus isolates with resistance to VRC were examined by a RT-PCR approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four out of five isolates revealed cyp51A and mdr1 mRNA overexpression. Interestingly, the isolate, which was negative for cyp51A and mdr1 mRNA expression showed a high voriconazole Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Furthermore, a computational-based analysis predicted that voriconazole resistance could be mediated through cooperation with a network protein interaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our experimental and in silico findings may provide new insight in the complex molecular pathways of drug resistance and also could assist design an efficient therapeutic strategy for aspergillosis treatment.
authors: Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors: Azam
authors: A
authors: Fattahi
authors: Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors: Farideh
authors: F
authors: Zaini
authors: Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors: Parivash
authors: P
authors: Kordbacheh
authors: Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors: Sasan
authors: S
authors: Rezaie
authors: Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors: Mahin
authors: M
authors: Safara
authors: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, IR Iran.
authors: Roohollah
authors: R
authors: Fateh
authors: Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors: Shirin
authors: S
authors: Farahyar
authors: Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors: Ali
authors: A
authors: Kanani
authors: Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran; Exprerimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors: Mansour
authors: M
authors: Heidari
keywords: Drug Resistance; Minimum Inhibitory Concentration; cyp51A; mdr1