RNA Expression Analysis of Mycobacterial Methyltransferases Genes in Different Resistant Strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis infection still represents a global health issue affecting patients worldwide. Strategies for its control may be not as effective as it should be, specifically in case of resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb.) In this regard, the role of mycobacterial methyltransferases (MTases) in TB infection can be fundamental, though it has not been broadly deciphered.

Five resistant isolates of M.tb were obtained. M.tb H37Rv (ATCC 27249) was used as a reference strain. Seven putative mycobacterial MTase genes (Rv0645c, Rv2966c, Rv1988, Rv1694, Rv3919c, Rv2756c, and Rv3263) and Rv1392 as SAM synthase were selected for analysis. PCR-sequencing and qRT-PCR were performed to compare mutations and expression levels of MTases in different strains. The 2-ΔΔCt method was employed to calculate the relative expression levels of these genes.

Only two mutations were found in isoniazid resistance (INHR) strain for Rv3919c (T to G in codon 341) and Rv1392 (G to A in codon 97) genes. Overexpression of Rv0645c, Rv2756c, Rv3263, and Rv2966c was detected in all sensitive and resistant isolates. However, Rv1988 and Rv3919c decreased and Rv1694 increased in the sensitive strains. The Rv1392 expression level also decreased in INHR isolate.

We found a correlation between mycobacterial MTases expression and resistance to antibiotics in M.tb strains. Some MTases undeniably are virulence factors that specifically hijack the host defense mechanism. Further evaluations are needed to explore the complete impact of mycobacterial MTases within specific strains of M.tb to introduce novel diagnosis and treatment strategies.