Characterisation of a beta-tubulin gene from the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica

This study represents the first beta -tubulin sequence from a trematode par asite, namely, the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica. PCR of genomic DNA showe d that at least one beta -tubulin gene from F. hepatica contains no introns . A number of amino acids in the primary sequence of fluke tubulin are diff erent from those described previously in various nematode species and the c estode. Echinococcus multilocularis. beta -Tubulin is an important target f or benzimidazole anthelmintics, although (with the exception of triclabenda zole) they show limited activity against F. hepatica. The amino acid differ ences in fluke beta -tubulin are discussed in relation to the selective tox icity of benzimidazoles against helminths and the mechanism of drug resista nce. (C) 2001 Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. Published by Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.