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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.10.01.616045

UBR-1 deficiency leads to ivermectin resistance in C. elegans

Li, Y.·Gong, L.·Wu, J.·Hung, W.·Zhen, M.·Gao, S.
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Abstract

Resistance to anthelmintics, particularly the macrocyclic lactone ivermectin (IVM), presents a substantial global challenge for parasite control. We found that the functional loss of an evolutionarily conserved E3 ubiquitin ligase, UBR-1, leads to IVM resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans. Multiple IVM-inhibiting activities, including viability, body size, pharyngeal pumping, and locomotion, were significantly ameliorated in various ubr-1 mutants. Interestingly, exogenous application of glutamate induces IVM resistance in wild-type animals. The sensitivity of all IVM-affected phenotypes of ubr-1 is restored by eliminating proteins associated with glutamate metabolism or signaling: GOT-1, a transaminase that converts aspartate to glutamate, and EAT-4, a vesicular glutamate transporter. We demonstrated that IVM-targeted GluCls (glutamate-gated chloride channels) are downregulated and that the IVM-mediated inhibition of serotonin-activated pharynx Ca2+ activity is diminished in ubr-1. Additionally, enhancing glutamate uptake in ubr-1 mutants through ceftriaxone completely restored their IVM sensitivity. Therefore, UBR-1 deficiency-mediated aberrant glutamate signaling leads to ivermectin resistance in C. elegans.

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Li, Y., Gong, L., Wu, J., Hung, W., Zhen, M., Gao, S.. 2024-10-02. UBR-1 deficiency leads to ivermectin resistance in C. elegans. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.10.01.616045

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