Transcripts of the multidrug resistance genes in chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistantPlasmodium falciparum

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Homologues of the mammalian multidrug resistance gene have been identified in isolates and clones ofPlasmodium falciparumand designatedpfmdr1andpfmdr2.Mutations inpfmdr1have been associated with chloroquine resistance but confirmation could not be obtained in a genetic cross. We have examined the copy number and expression ofpfmdr1andpfmdr2in chloroquine-sensitive and -resistantP. falciparumand have found no relationship between the copy number of either gene and chloroquine resistance. However, a marked correlation was seen between levels of mRNA transcribed for each gene and chloroquine resistance. Two transcripts ofpfmdr1were detected, and in the asexual blood cycle an 8 kb transcript appeared first, followed by the appearance of a 7 kb species.