Increased Expression of a MicroRNA Correlates with Anthelmintic Resistance in Parasitic Nematodes.

ABSTRACT: Resistance to anthelmintic drugs is a major problem in the global fight against parasitic nematodes infecting humans and animals. While previous studies have identified mutations in drug target genes in resistant parasites, changes in the expression levels of both targets and transporters have also been reported. The mechanisms underlying these changes in gene expression are unresolved. Here, we take a novel approach to this problem by investigating the role of small regulatory RNAs in drug resistant strains of the important parasite Haemonchus contortus. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small (22 nt) non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by binding predominantly to the 3' UTR of mRNAs. Changes in miRNA expression have been implicated in drug resistance in a variety of tumor cells. In

SUBMITTER: Gillan V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5701612 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature