Diclazuril-induced expression of CDK-related kinase 2 in the second-generation merozoites of Eimeria tenella

Mol Biochem Parasitol. 2023 Sep:255:111575. doi: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2023.111575. Epub 2023 Jun 9.

Abstract

Diclazuril is a classic anticoccidial drug. The key molecules of diclazuril in anticoccidial action allows target screening for the development of anticoccidial drugs. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) are prominent target proteins in apicomplexan parasites. In this study, a diclazuril anticoccidiosis animal model was established, and the transcription and translation levels of the CDK-related kinase 2 of Eimeria tenella (EtCRK2) were detected. mRNA and protein expression levels of EtCRK2 decreased in the infected/diclazuril group compared with those in the infected/control group. In addition, immunofluorescence analysis showed that EtCRK2 was localised in the cytoplasm of the merozoites. The fluorescence intensity of EtCRK2 in the infected/diclazuril group was significantly weaker than that in the infected/control group. The anticoccidial drug diclazuril against E.tenella affects the expression pattern of EtCRK2 molecule, and EtCRK2 is a potential target for new drug development.

Keywords: CRK2; Cell cycle; Diclazuril; Eimeria tenella.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chickens / parasitology
  • Coccidiosis* / drug therapy
  • Coccidiosis* / parasitology
  • Coccidiosis* / veterinary
  • Eimeria tenella* / genetics
  • Merozoites
  • Nitriles / pharmacology
  • Triazines / pharmacology

Substances

  • diclazuril
  • Nitriles
  • Triazines