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1: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1989 Nov;86(22):8625-9.Click here to read Links

Isolation and expression of the Pneumocystis carinii dihydrofolate reductase gene.

Edman JC, Edman U, Cao M, Lundgren B, Kovacs JA, Santi DV.

Hormone Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0534.

Pneumocystis carinii dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR; 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate: NADP+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.5.1.3) cDNA sequences have been isolated by their ability to confer trimethoprim resistance to Escherichia coli. Consistent with the recent conclusion that P. carinii is a member of the Fungi, sequence analysis and chromosomal localization show that DHFR is neither physically nor genetically linked to thymidylate synthase. Expression of recombinant P. carinii DHFR in heterologous hosts provides an abundant source of the enzyme that may form a basis for the development of new therapies for this enigmatic pathogen. Studies with the recombinant enzyme show that trimethoprim is a very poor inhibitor of P. carinii DHFR and, in fact, is a more potent inhibitor of human DHFR.

PMID: 2682653 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PMCID: PMC298340

Patient Drug Information

  • Trimethoprim (Proloprim® )

    Trimethoprim eliminates bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. It is used in combination with other drugs to treat certain types of pneumonia. It also is used to treat 'travelers' diarrhea.' Antibiotics will not w...

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