• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.252-263
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• 2001

Nematode infections compromise human health and reduce agricultural productivtiy. Experiments that exploit the powerful molecular genetics of the free-living nematode Caenorhabdl - elegans have contributed to our understanding of how the major classes of anthelmintic nema-tocides kill worms and how worms might evolve resistance to these drugs In C. elegans, as in parasites, benzimidixoles interfere with microtubule polyumerization the imidazothiazoles/tetra-hydropyrimidines activate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and the macrocyclic la ctones activate qlutamate-gate chloride chanels. Mutant alleles of genes that encode drug targes often confer resistance in C. elegans. Preliminary evidence suggests that alleles of homologous genes in parasites will, in many cases, also play a role in resistance. Thus information acquired from C. elegans can be usefully applied to understand the mechanisms of drug sensitivity and the genetics of resis-tance in parasites.