1
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Lindblom JR, Zhang X, Lehane AM. A pH Fingerprint Assay to Identify Inhibitors of Multiple Validated and Potential Antimalarial Drug Targets. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1185-1200. [PMID: 38499199 PMCID: PMC11019546 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
New drugs with novel modes of action are needed to safeguard malaria treatment. In recent years, millions of compounds have been tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of asexual blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum parasites, resulting in the identification of thousands of compounds with antiplasmodial activity. Determining the mechanisms of action of antiplasmodial compounds informs their further development, but remains challenging. A relatively high proportion of compounds identified as killing asexual blood-stage parasites show evidence of targeting the parasite's plasma membrane Na+-extruding, H+-importing pump, PfATP4. Inhibitors of PfATP4 give rise to characteristic changes in the parasite's internal [Na+] and pH. Here, we designed a "pH fingerprint" assay that robustly identifies PfATP4 inhibitors while simultaneously allowing the detection of (and discrimination between) inhibitors of the lactate:H+ transporter PfFNT, which is a validated antimalarial drug target, and the V-type H+ ATPase, which was suggested as a possible target of the clinical candidate ZY19489. In our pH fingerprint assays and subsequent secondary assays, ZY19489 did not show evidence for the inhibition of pH regulation by the V-type H+ ATPase, suggesting that it has a different mode of action in the parasite. The pH fingerprint assay also has the potential to identify protonophores, inhibitors of the acid-loading Cl- transporter(s) (for which the molecular identity(ies) remain elusive), and compounds that act through inhibition of either the glucose transporter PfHT or glycolysis. The pH fingerprint assay therefore provides an efficient starting point to match a proportion of antiplasmodial compounds with their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adele M. Lehane
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital
Territory 2600, Australia
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2
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Redway A, Spry C, Brown A, Wiedemann U, Fathoni I, Garnie LF, Qiu D, Egan TJ, Lehane AM, Jackson Y, Saliba KJ, Downer-Riley N. Discovery of antiplasmodial pyridine carboxamides and thiocarboxamides. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 25:100536. [PMID: 38663046 PMCID: PMC11068522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Malaria continues to be a significant burden, particularly in Africa, which accounts for 95% of malaria deaths worldwide. Despite advances in malaria treatments, malaria eradication is hampered by insecticide and antimalarial drug resistance. Consequently, the need to discover new antimalarial lead compounds remains urgent. To help address this need, we evaluated the antiplasmodial activity of twenty-two amides and thioamides with pyridine cores and their non-pyridine analogues. Twelve of these compounds showed in vitro anti-proliferative activity against the intraerythrocytic stage of Plasmodium falciparum, the most virulent species of Plasmodium infecting humans. Thiopicolinamide 13i was found to possess submicromolar activity (IC50 = 142 nM) and was >88-fold less active against a human cell line. The compound was equally effective against chloroquine-sensitive and -resistant parasites and did not inhibit β-hematin formation, pH regulation or PfATP4. Compound 13i may therefore possess a novel mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Redway
- Department of Chemistry, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica; Chemistry Divison, University of Technology, 237 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica
| | - Christina Spry
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Ainka Brown
- Department of Chemistry, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Ursula Wiedemann
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Imam Fathoni
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Larnelle F Garnie
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Deyun Qiu
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Timothy J Egan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, South Africa
| | - Adele M Lehane
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Yvette Jackson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Kevin J Saliba
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Nadale Downer-Riley
- Department of Chemistry, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
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3
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Li Y, Cardoso-Silva J, Kelly JM, Delves MJ, Furnham N, Papageorgiou LG, Tsoka S. Optimisation-based modelling for explainable lead discovery in malaria. Artif Intell Med 2024; 147:102700. [PMID: 38184363 DOI: 10.1016/j.artmed.2023.102700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The search for new antimalarial treatments is urgent due to growing resistance to existing therapies. The Open Source Malaria (OSM) project offers a promising starting point, having extensively screened various compounds for their effectiveness. Further analysis of the chemical space surrounding these compounds could provide the means for innovative drugs. METHODS We report an optimisation-based method for quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modelling that provides explainable modelling of ligand activity through a mathematical programming formulation. The methodology is based on piecewise regression principles and offers optimal detection of breakpoint features, efficient allocation of samples into distinct sub-groups based on breakpoint feature values, and insightful regression coefficients. Analysis of OSM antimalarial compounds yields interpretable results through rules generated by the model that reflect the contribution of individual fingerprint fragments in ligand activity prediction. Using knowledge of fragment prioritisation and screening of commercially available compound libraries, potential lead compounds for antimalarials are identified and evaluated experimentally via a Plasmodium falciparum asexual growth inhibition assay (PfGIA) and a human cell cytotoxicity assay. CONCLUSIONS Three compounds are identified as potential leads for antimalarials using the methodology described above. This work illustrates how explainable predictive models based on mathematical optimisation can pave the way towards more efficient fragment-based lead discovery as applied in malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Li
- Department of Informatics, King's College London, Bush House, London, WC2B 4BG, UK
| | - Jonathan Cardoso-Silva
- Data Science Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton St, London, WC2A 2AE, UK
| | - John M Kelly
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Michael J Delves
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Nicholas Furnham
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Lazaros G Papageorgiou
- The Sargent Centre for Process Systems Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Sophia Tsoka
- Department of Informatics, King's College London, Bush House, London, WC2B 4BG, UK.
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4
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Aguilella M, Garciadeblás B, Fernández Pacios L, Benito B. Phylogenetic and Structure-Function Analyses of ENA ATPases: A Case Study of the ENA1 Protein from the Fungus Neurospora crassa. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:514. [PMID: 38203685 PMCID: PMC10779151 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
ENA transporters are a group of P-type ATPases that are characterized by actively moving Na+ or K+ out of the cell against their concentration gradient. The existence of these transporters was initially attributed to some fungi, although more recently they have also been identified in mosses, liverworts, and some protozoa. Given the current increase in the number of organisms whose genomes are completely sequenced, we set out to expand our knowledge about the existence of ENA in organisms belonging to other phylogenetic groups. For that, a hidden Markov model profile was constructed to identify homologous sequences to ENA proteins in protein databases. This analysis allowed us to identify the existence of ENA-type ATPases in the most primitive groups of fungi, as well as in other eukaryotic organisms not described so far. In addition, this study has allowed the identification of a possible new group of P-ATPases, initially proposed as ENA but which maintain phylogenetic distances with these proteins. Finally, this work has also addressed this study of the structure of ENA proteins, which remained unknown due to the lack of crystallographic data. For this purpose, a 3D structure prediction of the NcENA1 protein of the fungus Neurospora crassa was performed using AlphaFold2 software v2.3.1. From this structure, the electrostatic potential of the protein was analyzed. With all these data, the protein regions and the amino acids involved in the transport of Na+ or K+ ions across the membrane were proposed for the first time. Targeted mutagenesis of some of these residues has confirmed their relevant participation in the transport function of ENA proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Aguilella
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Campus Montegancedo UPM, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain;
- Departamento de Biotecnología-Biología Vegetal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Blanca Garciadeblás
- Departamento de Biotecnología-Biología Vegetal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Luis Fernández Pacios
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Campus Montegancedo UPM, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain;
- Departamento de Biotecnología-Biología Vegetal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Begoña Benito
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Campus Montegancedo UPM, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain;
- Departamento de Biotecnología-Biología Vegetal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
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5
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Simwela NV, Guiguemde WA, Straimer J, Regnault C, Stokes BH, Tavernelli LE, Yokokawa F, Taft B, Diagana TT, Barrett MP, Waters AP. A conserved metabolic signature associated with response to fast-acting anti-malarial agents. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0397622. [PMID: 37800971 PMCID: PMC10714989 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03976-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In malaria drug discovery, understanding the mode of action of lead compounds is important as it helps in predicting the potential emergence of drug resistance in the field when these drugs are eventually deployed. In this study, we have employed metabolomics technologies to characterize the potential targets of anti-malarial drug candidates in the developmental pipeline at NITD. We show that NITD fast-acting leads belonging to spiroindolone and imidazothiadiazole class induce a common biochemical theme in drug-exposed malaria parasites which is similar to another fast-acting, clinically available drug, DHA. These biochemical features which are absent in a slower acting NITD lead (GNF17) point to hemoglobin digestion and inhibition of the pyrimidine pathway as potential action points for these drugs. These biochemical themes can be used to identify and inform on the mode of action of fast drug candidates of similar profiles in future drug discovery programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson V. Simwela
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Judith Straimer
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - Clement Regnault
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara H. Stokes
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Luis E. Tavernelli
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Fumiaki Yokokawa
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - Benjamin Taft
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, California, USA
| | | | - Michael P. Barrett
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew P. Waters
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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6
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Umumararungu T, Nkuranga JB, Habarurema G, Nyandwi JB, Mukazayire MJ, Mukiza J, Muganga R, Hahirwa I, Mpenda M, Katembezi AN, Olawode EO, Kayitare E, Kayumba PC. Recent developments in antimalarial drug discovery. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 88-89:117339. [PMID: 37236020 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Although malaria remains a big burden to many countries that it threatens their socio-economic stability, particularly in the countries where malaria is endemic, there have been great efforts to eradicate this disease with both successes and failures. For example, there has been a great improvement in malaria prevention and treatment methods with a net reduction in infection and mortality rates. However, the disease remains a global threat in terms of the number of people affected because it is one of the infectious diseases that has the highest prevalence rate, especially in Africa where the deadly Plasmodium falciparum is still widely spread. Methods to fight malaria are being diversified, including the use of mosquito nets, the target candidate profiles (TCPs) and target product profiles (TPPs) of medicine for malarial venture (MMV) strategy, the search for newer and potent drugs that could reverse chloroquine resistance, and the use of adjuvants such as rosiglitazone and sevuparin. Although these adjuvants have no antiplasmodial activity, they can help to alleviate the effects which result from plasmodium invasion such as cytoadherence. The list of new antimalarial drugs under development is long, including the out of ordinary new drugs MMV048, CDRI-97/78 and INE963 from South Africa, India and Novartis, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théoneste Umumararungu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda.
| | - Jean Bosco Nkuranga
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Gratien Habarurema
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Jean Baptiste Nyandwi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Marie Jeanne Mukazayire
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Janvier Mukiza
- Department of Mathematical Science and Physical Education, School of Education, College of Education, University of Rwanda, Rwanda; Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Nyarutarama Plaza, KG 9 Avenue, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Raymond Muganga
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda; Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Nyarutarama Plaza, KG 9 Avenue, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Innocent Hahirwa
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Matabishi Mpenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Alain Nyirimigabo Katembezi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda; Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Nyarutarama Plaza, KG 9 Avenue, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Emmanuel Oladayo Olawode
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Larkin University, 18301 N Miami Ave #1, Miami, FL 33169, USA
| | - Egide Kayitare
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Pierre Claver Kayumba
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
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7
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Santos BMD, Przyborski JM, Garcia CRS. Changes in K + Concentration as a Signaling Mechanism in the Apicomplexa Parasites Plasmodium and Toxoplasma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087276. [PMID: 37108438 PMCID: PMC10138558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During their life cycle, apicomplexan parasites pass through different microenvironments and encounter a range of ion concentrations. The discovery that the GPCR-like SR25 in Plasmodium falciparum is activated by a shift in potassium concentration indicates that the parasite can take advantage of its development by sensing different ionic concentrations in the external milieu. This pathway involves the activation of phospholipase C and an increase in cytosolic calcium. In the present report, we summarize the information available in the literature regarding the role of potassium ions during parasite development. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms that allow the parasite to cope with ionic potassium changes contributes to our knowledge about the cell cycle of Plasmodium spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedito M Dos Santos
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Jude M Przyborski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus-Liebig University, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - Célia R S Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus-Liebig University, 35390 Gießen, Germany
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8
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Ashton TD, Dans MG, Favuzza P, Ngo A, Lehane AM, Zhang X, Qiu D, Chandra Maity B, De N, Schindler KA, Yeo T, Park H, Uhlemann AC, Churchyard A, Baum J, Fidock DA, Jarman KE, Lowes KN, Baud D, Brand S, Jackson PF, Cowman AF, Sleebs BE. Optimization of 2,3-Dihydroquinazolinone-3-carboxamides as Antimalarials Targeting PfATP4. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3540-3565. [PMID: 36812492 PMCID: PMC10009754 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to populate the antimalarial clinical portfolio with new candidates because of resistance against frontline antimalarials. To discover new antimalarial chemotypes, we performed a high-throughput screen of the Janssen Jumpstarter library against the Plasmodium falciparum asexual blood-stage parasite and identified the 2,3-dihydroquinazolinone-3-carboxamide scaffold. We defined the SAR and found that 8-substitution on the tricyclic ring system and 3-substitution of the exocyclic arene produced analogues with potent activity against asexual parasites equivalent to clinically used antimalarials. Resistance selection and profiling against drug-resistant parasite strains revealed that this antimalarial chemotype targets PfATP4. Dihydroquinazolinone analogues were shown to disrupt parasite Na+ homeostasis and affect parasite pH, exhibited a fast-to-moderate rate of asexual kill, and blocked gametogenesis, consistent with the phenotype of clinically used PfATP4 inhibitors. Finally, we observed that optimized frontrunner analogue WJM-921 demonstrates oral efficacy in a mouse model of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trent D Ashton
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Madeline G Dans
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Paola Favuzza
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Anna Ngo
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Adele M Lehane
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia
| | - Deyun Qiu
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia
| | | | - Nirupam De
- TCG Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., Saltlake Sec-V, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Kyra A Schindler
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Tomas Yeo
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Heekuk Park
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Anne-Catrin Uhlemann
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Alisje Churchyard
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington SW7 2AZ U.K
| | - Jake Baum
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington SW7 2AZ U.K.,School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2031, Australia
| | - David A Fidock
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States.,Center for Malaria Therapeutics and Antimicrobial Resistance, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Kate E Jarman
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Kym N Lowes
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Delphine Baud
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, ICC, Route de Pré-Bois 20, 1215 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephen Brand
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, ICC, Route de Pré-Bois 20, 1215 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Paul F Jackson
- Global Public Health, Janssen R&D LLC, La Jolla, California 92121, United States
| | - Alan F Cowman
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Brad E Sleebs
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
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9
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Recent approaches in the drug research and development of novel antimalarial drugs with new targets. ACTA PHARMACEUTICA (ZAGREB, CROATIA) 2023; 73:1-27. [PMID: 36692468 DOI: 10.2478/acph-2023-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a serious worldwide medical issue that results in substantial annual death and morbidity. The availability of treatment alternatives is limited, and the rise of resistant parasite types has posed a significant challenge to malaria treatment. To prevent a public health disaster, novel antimalarial agents with single-dosage therapies, extensive curative capability, and new mechanisms are urgently needed. There are several approaches to developing antimalarial drugs, ranging from alterations of current drugs to the creation of new compounds with specific targeting abilities. The availability of multiple genomic techniques, as well as recent advancements in parasite biology, provides a varied collection of possible targets for the development of novel treatments. A number of promising pharmacological interference targets have been uncovered in modern times. As a result, our review concentrates on the most current scientific and technical progress in the innovation of new antimalarial medications. The protein kinases, choline transport inhibitors, dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors, isoprenoid biosynthesis inhibitors, and enzymes involved in the metabolism of lipids and replication of deoxyribonucleic acid, are among the most fascinating antimalarial target proteins presently being investigated. The new cellular targets and drugs which can inhibit malaria and their development techniques are summarised in this study.
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10
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Tewari SG, Elahi R, Kwan B, Rajaram K, Bhatnagar S, Reifman J, Prigge ST, Vaidya AB, Wallqvist A. Metabolic responses in blood-stage malaria parasites associated with increased and decreased sensitivity to PfATP4 inhibitors. Malar J 2023; 22:56. [PMID: 36788578 PMCID: PMC9930341 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04481-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spiroindolone and pyrazoleamide antimalarial compounds target Plasmodium falciparum P-type ATPase (PfATP4) and induce disruption of intracellular Na+ homeostasis. Recently, a PfATP4 mutation was discovered that confers resistance to a pyrazoleamide while increasing sensitivity to a spiroindolone. Transcriptomic and metabolic adaptations that underlie this seemingly contradictory response of P. falciparum to sublethal concentrations of each compound were examined to understand the different cellular accommodation to PfATP4 disruptions. METHODS A genetically engineered P. falciparum Dd2 strain (Dd2A211V) carrying an Ala211Val (A211V) mutation in PfATP4 was used to identify metabolic adaptations associated with the mutation that results in decreased sensitivity to PA21A092 (a pyrazoleamide) and increased sensitivity to KAE609 (a spiroindolone). First, sublethal doses of PA21A092 and KAE609 causing substantial reduction (30-70%) in Dd2A211V parasite replication were identified. Then, at this sublethal dose of PA21A092 (or KAE609), metabolomic and transcriptomic data were collected during the first intraerythrocytic developmental cycle. Finally, the time-resolved data were integrated with a whole-genome metabolic network model of P. falciparum to characterize antimalarial-induced physiological adaptations. RESULTS Sublethal treatment with PA21A092 caused significant (p < 0.001) alterations in the abundances of 91 Plasmodium gene transcripts, whereas only 21 transcripts were significantly altered due to sublethal treatment with KAE609. In the metabolomic data, a substantial alteration (≥ fourfold) in the abundances of carbohydrate metabolites in the presence of either compound was found. The estimated rates of macromolecule syntheses between the two antimalarial-treated conditions were also comparable, except for the rate of lipid synthesis. A closer examination of parasite metabolism in the presence of either compound indicated statistically significant differences in enzymatic activities associated with synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylinositol. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that malaria parasites activate protein kinases via phospholipid-dependent signalling in response to the ionic perturbation induced by the Na+ homeostasis disruptor PA21A092. Therefore, targeted disruption of phospholipid signalling in PA21A092-resistant parasites could be a means to block the emergence of resistance to PA21A092.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivendra G Tewari
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, USA. .,The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Rubayet Elahi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bobby Kwan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Krithika Rajaram
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Suyash Bhatnagar
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Jaques Reifman
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Sean T Prigge
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Akhil B Vaidya
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anders Wallqvist
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, USA.
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11
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Down the membrane hole: Ion channels in protozoan parasites. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1011004. [PMID: 36580479 PMCID: PMC9799330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases caused by protozoans are highly prevalent around the world, disproportionally affecting developing countries, where coinfection with other microorganisms is common. Control and treatment of parasitic infections are constrained by the lack of specific and effective drugs, plus the rapid emergence of resistance. Ion channels are main drug targets for numerous diseases, but their potential against protozoan parasites is still untapped. Ion channels are membrane proteins expressed in all types of cells, allowing for the flow of ions between compartments, and regulating cellular functions such as membrane potential, excitability, volume, signaling, and death. Channels and transporters reside at the interface between parasites and their hosts, controlling nutrient uptake, viability, replication, and infectivity. To understand how ion channels control protozoan parasites fate and to evaluate their suitability for therapeutics, we must deepen our knowledge of their structure, function, and modulation. However, methodological approaches commonly used in mammalian cells have proven difficult to apply in protozoans. This review focuses on ion channels described in protozoan parasites of clinical relevance, mainly apicomplexans and trypanosomatids, highlighting proteins for which molecular and functional evidence has been correlated with their physiological functions.
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12
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Wells M, Fossépré M, Hambye S, Surin M, Blankert B. Uncovering the antimalarial potential of toad venoms through a bioassay-guided fractionation process. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 20:97-107. [PMID: 36343571 PMCID: PMC9772263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains to date one of the most devastating parasitic diseases worldwide. The fight against this disease is rendered more difficult by the emergence and spread of drug-resistant strains. The need for new therapeutic candidates is now greater than ever. In this study, we investigated the antiplasmodial potential of toad venoms. The wide array of bioactive compounds present in Bufonidae venoms has allowed researchers to consider many potential therapeutic applications, especially for cancers and infectious diseases. We focused on small molecules, namely bufadienolides, found in the venom of Rhinella marina (L.). The developed bio-guided fractionation process includes a four solvent-system extraction followed by fractionation using flash chromatography. Sub-fractions were obtained through preparative TLC. All samples were characterized using chromatographic and spectrometric techniques and then underwent testing on in vitro Plasmodium falciparum cultures. Two strains were considered: 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive) and W2 (chloroquine-resistant). This strategy highlighted a promising activity for one compound named resibufogenin. With IC50 values of (29 ± 8) μg/mL and (23 ± 1) μg/mL for 3D7 and W2 respectively, this makes it an interesting candidate for further investigation. A molecular modelling approach proposed a potential binding mode of resibufogenin to Plasmodium falciparum adenine-triphosphate 4 pump as antimalarial drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Wells
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Fossépré
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel Materials, Faculty of Sciences, Research Institute for Biosciences and Research Institute for Materials, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Hambye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Surin
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel Materials, Faculty of Sciences, Research Institute for Biosciences and Research Institute for Materials, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Bertrand Blankert
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium.
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13
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Barnes CBG, Dans MG, Jonsdottir TK, Crabb BS, Gilson PR. PfATP4 inhibitors in the Medicines for Malaria Venture Malaria Box and Pathogen Box block the schizont-to-ring transition by inhibiting egress rather than invasion. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1060202. [PMID: 36530423 PMCID: PMC9747762 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1060202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The cation efflux pump Plasmodium falciparum ATPase 4 (PfATP4) maintains Na+ homeostasis in malaria parasites and has been implicated in the mechanism of action of many structurally diverse antimalarial agents, including >7% of the antimalarial compounds in the Medicines for Malaria Venture's 'Malaria Box' and 'Pathogen Box'. Recent screens of the 'Malaria Box' and 'Pathogen Box' revealed that many PfATP4 inhibitors prevent parasites from exiting their host red blood cell (egress) or entering new host cells (invasion), suggesting that these compounds may have additional molecular targets involved in egress or invasion. Here, we demonstrate that five PfATP4 inhibitors reduce egress but not invasion. These compounds appear to inhibit egress by blocking the activation of protein kinase G, an enzyme that, once stimulated, rapidly activates parasite egress. We establish a direct link between egress and PfATP4 function by showing that the inhibition of egress is attenuated in a Na+-depleted environment and in parasites with a mutation in pfatp4. Finally, we show that PfATP4 inhibitors induce host cell lysis when administered prior to the completion of parasite replication. Since host cell lysis mimics egress but is not followed by invasion, this phenomenon likely explains why several PfATP4 inhibitors were previously classified as invasion inhibitors. Collectively, our results confirm that PfATP4-mediated Na+ efflux is critical to the regulation of parasite egress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia B. G. Barnes
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Madeline G. Dans
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Thorey K. Jonsdottir
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Brendan S. Crabb
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul R. Gilson
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia,*Correspondence: Paul R. Gilson,
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14
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Mohring F, van Schalkwyk DA, Henrici RC, Blasco B, Leroy D, Sutherland CJ, Moon RW. Cation ATPase (ATP4) Orthologue Replacement in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium knowlesi Reveals Species-Specific Responses to ATP4-Targeting Drugs. mBio 2022; 13:e0117822. [PMID: 36190127 PMCID: PMC9600963 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01178-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Several unrelated classes of antimalarial compounds developed against Plasmodium falciparum target a parasite-specific P-type ATP-dependent Na+ pump, PfATP4. We have previously shown that other malaria parasite species infecting humans are less susceptible to these compounds. Here, we generated a series of transgenic Plasmodium knowlesi orthologue replacement (OR) lines in which the endogenous pkatp4 locus was replaced by a recodonized P. knowlesi atp4 (pkatp4) coding region or the orthologous coding region from P. falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale subsp. curtisi, or Plasmodium vivax. Each OR transgenic line displayed a similar growth pattern to the parental P. knowlesi line. We found significant orthologue-specific differences in parasite susceptibility to three chemically unrelated ATP4 inhibitors, but not to comparator drugs, among the P. knowlesi OR lines. The PfATP4OR transgenic line of P. knowlesi was significantly more susceptible than our control PkATP4OR line to three ATP4 inhibitors: cipargamin, PA21A092, and SJ733. The PvATP4OR and PmATP4OR lines were similarly susceptible to the control PkATP4OR line, but the PocATP4OR line was significantly less susceptible to all ATP4 inhibitors than the PkATP4OR line. Cipargamin-induced inhibition of Na+ efflux was also significantly greater with the P. falciparum orthologue of ATP4. This confirms that species-specific susceptibility differences previously observed in ex vivo studies of human isolates are partly or wholly enshrined in the primary amino acid sequences of the respective ATP4 orthologues and highlights the need to monitor efficacy of investigational malaria drugs against multiple species. P. knowlesi is now established as an important in vitro model for studying drug susceptibility in non-falciparum malaria parasites. IMPORTANCE Effective drugs are vital to minimize the illness and death caused by malaria. Development of new drugs becomes ever more urgent as drug resistance emerges. Among promising compounds now being developed to treat malaria are several unrelated molecules that each inhibit the same protein in the malaria parasite-ATP4. Here, we exploited the genetic tractability of P. knowlesi to replace its own ATP4 genes with orthologues from five human-infective species to understand the drug susceptibility differences among these parasites. We previously estimated the susceptibility to ATP4-targeting drugs of each species using clinical samples from malaria patients. These estimates closely matched those of the corresponding "hybrid" P. knowlesi parasites carrying introduced ATP4 genes. Thus, species-specific ATP4 inhibitor efficacy is directly determined by the sequence of the gene. Our novel approach to understanding cross-species susceptibility/resistance can strongly support the effort to develop antimalarials that effectively target all human malaria parasite species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Mohring
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Donelly A. van Schalkwyk
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan C. Henrici
- Center for Global Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Didier Leroy
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Colin J. Sutherland
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- UK Health Security Agency Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert W. Moon
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Qiu D, Pei JV, Rosling JEO, Thathy V, Li D, Xue Y, Tanner JD, Penington JS, Aw YTV, Aw JYH, Xu G, Tripathi AK, Gnadig NF, Yeo T, Fairhurst KJ, Stokes BH, Murithi JM, Kümpornsin K, Hasemer H, Dennis ASM, Ridgway MC, Schmitt EK, Straimer J, Papenfuss AT, Lee MCS, Corry B, Sinnis P, Fidock DA, van Dooren GG, Kirk K, Lehane AM. A G358S mutation in the Plasmodium falciparum Na + pump PfATP4 confers clinically-relevant resistance to cipargamin. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5746. [PMID: 36180431 PMCID: PMC9525273 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33403-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse compounds target the Plasmodium falciparum Na+ pump PfATP4, with cipargamin and (+)-SJ733 the most clinically-advanced. In a recent clinical trial for cipargamin, recrudescent parasites emerged, with most having a G358S mutation in PfATP4. Here, we show that PfATP4G358S parasites can withstand micromolar concentrations of cipargamin and (+)-SJ733, while remaining susceptible to antimalarials that do not target PfATP4. The G358S mutation in PfATP4, and the equivalent mutation in Toxoplasma gondii ATP4, decrease the sensitivity of ATP4 to inhibition by cipargamin and (+)-SJ733, thereby protecting parasites from disruption of Na+ regulation. The G358S mutation reduces the affinity of PfATP4 for Na+ and is associated with an increase in the parasite's resting cytosolic [Na+]. However, no defect in parasite growth or transmissibility is observed. Our findings suggest that PfATP4 inhibitors in clinical development should be tested against PfATP4G358S parasites, and that their combination with unrelated antimalarials may mitigate against resistance development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyun Qiu
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Jinxin V Pei
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - James E O Rosling
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Vandana Thathy
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Dongdi Li
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Yi Xue
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - John D Tanner
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Jocelyn Sietsma Penington
- Bioinformatic Division, The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Yi Tong Vincent Aw
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Jessica Yi Han Aw
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Guoyue Xu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology and Johns Hopkins Malaria Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Abhai K Tripathi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology and Johns Hopkins Malaria Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Nina F Gnadig
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Tomas Yeo
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Kate J Fairhurst
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Barbara H Stokes
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - James M Murithi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | | | - Heath Hasemer
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Adelaide S M Dennis
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Melanie C Ridgway
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | | | - Judith Straimer
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Anthony T Papenfuss
- Bioinformatic Division, The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Marcus C S Lee
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Ben Corry
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Photini Sinnis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology and Johns Hopkins Malaria Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - David A Fidock
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Center for Malaria Therapeutics and Antimicrobial Resistance, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Giel G van Dooren
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Kiaran Kirk
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Adele M Lehane
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia.
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16
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Dechering KJ, Timmerman M, Rensen K, Koolen KMJ, Honarnejad S, Vos MW, Huijs T, Henderson RWM, Chenu E, Laleu B, Montefiore BC, Segall MD, Mills JEJ, Guantai EM, Duffy J, Duffey M. Replenishing the malaria drug discovery pipeline: Screening and hit evaluation of the MMV Hit Generation Library 1 (HGL1) against asexual blood stage Plasmodium falciparum, using a nano luciferase reporter read-out. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2022; 27:337-348. [PMID: 35872229 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A central challenge of antimalarial therapy is the emergence of resistance to the components of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) and the urgent need for new drugs acting through novel mechanism of action. Over the last decade, compounds identified in phenotypic high throughput screens (HTS) have provided the starting point for six candidate drugs currently in the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) clinical development portfolio. However, the published screening data which provided much of the new chemical matter for malaria drug discovery projects have been extensively mined. Here we present a new screening and selection cascade for generation of hit compounds active against the blood stage of Plasmodium falciparum. In addition, we validate our approach by testing a library of 141,786 compounds not reported earlier as being tested against malaria. The Hit Generation Library 1 (HGL1) was designed to maximise the chemical diversity and novelty of compounds with physicochemical properties associated with potential for further development. A robust HTS cascade containing orthogonal efficacy and cytotoxicity assays, including a newly developed and validated nanoluciferase-based assay was used to profile the compounds. 75 compounds (Screening Active hit rate of 0.05%) were identified meeting our stringent selection criteria of potency in drug sensitive (NF54) and drug resistant (Dd2) parasite strains (IC50 ≤ 2 µM), rapid speed of action and cell viability in HepG2 cells (IC50 ≥ 10 µM). Following further profiling, 33 compounds were identified that meet the MMV Confirmed Active profile and are high quality starting points for new antimalarial drug discovery projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen J Dechering
- TropIQ Health Sciences, Transistorweg 5, 6534 AT Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kim Rensen
- Pivot Park Screening Centre, Oss, North Brabant, The Netherlands
| | - Karin M J Koolen
- TropIQ Health Sciences, Transistorweg 5, 6534 AT Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Saman Honarnejad
- Pivot Park Screening Centre, Oss, North Brabant, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn W Vos
- TropIQ Health Sciences, Transistorweg 5, 6534 AT Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tonnie Huijs
- TropIQ Health Sciences, Transistorweg 5, 6534 AT Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob W M Henderson
- TropIQ Health Sciences, Transistorweg 5, 6534 AT Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elodie Chenu
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Route de Pré-Bois 20, PO Box 1826, 1215 Geneva 15, Switzerland
| | - Benoît Laleu
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Route de Pré-Bois 20, PO Box 1826, 1215 Geneva 15, Switzerland
| | - Bailey C Montefiore
- Optibrium, F5-6 Blenheim House, Cambridge Innovation Park, Denny End Road, Cambridge CB25 9PB, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew D Segall
- Optibrium, F5-6 Blenheim House, Cambridge Innovation Park, Denny End Road, Cambridge CB25 9PB, United Kingdom
| | - James E J Mills
- Sandexis Medicinal Chemistry Ltd, Innovation House, Discovery Park, Sandwich, CT13 9FF, United Kingdom
| | - Eric M Guantai
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, 00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James Duffy
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Route de Pré-Bois 20, PO Box 1826, 1215 Geneva 15, Switzerland
| | - Maëlle Duffey
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Route de Pré-Bois 20, PO Box 1826, 1215 Geneva 15, Switzerland.
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17
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Bernard MM, Mohanty A, Rajendran V. Title: A Comprehensive Review on Classifying Fast-acting and Slow-acting Antimalarial Agents Based on Time of Action and Target Organelle of Plasmodium sp. Pathog Dis 2022; 80:6589403. [PMID: 35588061 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical resistance towards malarial parasites has rendered many antimalarials ineffective, likely due to a lack of understanding of time of action and stage specificity of all life stages. Therefore, to tackle this problem a more incisive comprehensive analysis of the fast and slow-acting profile of antimalarial agents relating to parasite time-kill kinetics and the target organelle on the progression of blood-stage parasites was carried out. It is evident from numerous findings that drugs targeting food vacuole, nuclear components, and endoplasmic reticulum mainly exhibit a fast-killing phenotype within 24h affecting first-cycle activity. Whereas drugs targeting mitochondria, apicoplast, microtubules, parasite invasion and egress exhibit a largely slow-killing phenotype within 96-120h, affecting second-cycle activity with few exemptions as moderately fast-killing. It is essential to understand the susceptibility of drugs on rings, trophozoites, schizonts, merozoites, and the appearance of organelle at each stage of 48h intraerythrocytic parasite cycle. Therefore, these parameters may facilitate the paradigm for understanding the timing of antimalarials action in deciphering its precise mechanism linked with time. Thus, classifying drugs based on the time of killing may promote designing new combination regimens against varied strains of P. falciparum and evaluating potential clinical resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Marie Bernard
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India
| | - Abhinab Mohanty
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India
| | - Vinoth Rajendran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India
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18
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Monteiro Júnior JC, Krüger A, Palmisano G, Wrenger C. Transporter-Mediated Solutes Uptake as Drug Target in Plasmodium falciparum. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:845841. [PMID: 35370717 PMCID: PMC8965513 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.845841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a public health problem with still more than half a million deaths annually. Despite ongoing efforts of many countries, malaria elimination has been difficult due to emerging resistances against most traditional drugs, including artemisinin compounds - the most potent antimalarials currently available. Therefore, the discovery and development of new drugs with novel mechanisms of action to circumvent resistances is urgently needed. In this sense, one of the most promising areas is the exploration of transport proteins. Transporters mediate solute uptake for intracellular parasite proliferation and survival. Targeting transporters can exploit these processes to eliminate the parasite. Here, we focus on transporters of the Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cell studied as potential biological targets and discuss published drugs directed at them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio César Monteiro Júnior
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arne Krüger
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carsten Wrenger
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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19
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Yang J, Wang Y, Guan W, Su W, Li G, Zhang S, Yao H. Spiral molecules with antimalarial activities: A review. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 237:114361. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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20
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Lopes EA, Mestre R, Fontinha D, Legac J, Pei JV, Sanches-Vaz M, Mori M, Lehane AM, Rosenthal PJ, Prudêncio M, Santos MM. Discovery of spirooxadiazoline oxindoles with dual-stage antimalarial activity. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 236:114324. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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21
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Tewari SG, Kwan B, Elahi R, Rajaram K, Reifman J, Prigge ST, Vaidya AB, Wallqvist A. Metabolic adjustments of blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum in response to sublethal pyrazoleamide exposure. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1167. [PMID: 35064153 PMCID: PMC8782945 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04985-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the recurring loss of antimalarial drugs to resistance, there is a need for novel targets, drugs, and combination therapies to ensure the availability of current and future countermeasures. Pyrazoleamides belong to a novel class of antimalarial drugs that disrupt sodium ion homeostasis, although the exact consequences of this disruption in Plasmodium falciparum remain under investigation. In vitro experiments demonstrated that parasites carrying mutations in the metabolic enzyme PfATP4 develop resistance to pyrazoleamide compounds. However, the underlying mechanisms that allow mutant parasites to evade pyrazoleamide treatment are unclear. Here, we first performed experiments to identify the sublethal dose of a pyrazoleamide compound (PA21A092) that caused a significant reduction in growth over one intraerythrocytic developmental cycle (IDC). At this drug concentration, we collected transcriptomic and metabolomic data at multiple time points during the IDC to quantify gene- and metabolite-level alterations in the treated parasites. To probe the effects of pyrazoleamide treatment on parasite metabolism, we coupled the time-resolved omics data with a metabolic network model of P. falciparum. We found that the drug-treated parasites adjusted carbohydrate metabolism to enhance synthesis of myoinositol-a precursor for phosphatidylinositol biosynthesis. This metabolic adaptation caused a decrease in metabolite flux through the pentose phosphate pathway, causing a decreased rate of RNA synthesis and an increase in oxidative stress. Our model analyses suggest that downstream consequences of enhanced myoinositol synthesis may underlie adjustments that could lead to resistance emergence in P. falciparum exposed to a sublethal dose of a pyrazoleamide drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivendra G Tewari
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, USA.
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Bobby Kwan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rubayet Elahi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Krithika Rajaram
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jaques Reifman
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Sean T Prigge
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Akhil B Vaidya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Molecular Parasitology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anders Wallqvist
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, USA.
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22
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Recent Progress in the Development of Indole-Based Compounds Active against Malaria, Trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27010319. [PMID: 35011552 PMCID: PMC8746838 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Human protozoan diseases represent a serious health problem worldwide, affecting mainly people in social and economic vulnerability. These diseases have attracted little investment in drug discovery, which is reflected in the limited available therapeutic arsenal. Authorized drugs present problems such as low efficacy in some stages of the disease or toxicity, which result in undesirable side effects and treatment abandonment. Moreover, the emergence of drug-resistant parasite strains makes necessary an even greater effort to develop safe and effective antiparasitic agents. Among the chemotypes investigated for parasitic diseases, the indole nucleus has emerged as a privileged molecular scaffold for the generation of new drug candidates. In this review, the authors provide an overview of the indole-based compounds developed against important parasitic diseases, namely malaria, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis, by focusing on the design, optimization and synthesis of the most relevant synthetic indole scaffolds recently reported.
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23
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Fatoki T, Awofisayo O, Faleye B. Cipargamin could inhibit human adenosine receptor A3 with higher binding affinity than Plasmodium falciparum P-type ATPase 4: An In silico study. ACTA FACULTATIS MEDICAE NAISSENSIS 2022. [DOI: 10.5937/afmnai39-31499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to predict the molecular targets of cipargamin in humans and estimate the structural dynamics and binding affinity of their interactions compared to that of Plasmodium falciparum P-type ATPase 4 (PfATP4). Methods: In silico methods were used in this study which include target prediction, structure modeling and dynamics, and molecular docking. Results: The results showed that cipargamin had 100% probability of binding to the human adenosine A3 receptor (ADORA3) and about 15% for other human targets which include tyrosine-protein kinase JAK2, adenosine A2a receptor, phosphodiesterase 5A and cathepsin K. The results of molecular docking showed that binding energy of cipargamin to PfATP4 and hADORA3 were-12.40 kcal/mol-1 and-13.40 kcal/mol-1 respectively. The docking was validated by the binding of enprofylline and fostamatinib to PfATP4 and hADORA3. Overall, the binding of cipargamin was closely similar to that of fostamatinib. This study shows the potential of cipargamin to modulate the activities of PfATP4 of the parasite (P. falciparum) as well as ADORA3 of the host (Homo sapiens). Conclusion: All the previous studies of cirpagamin have not implicated its action on hADORA3, thus this study provides an insight into a possible role of hADORA3 in the mechanism of malarial infection.
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24
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Tse EG, Aithani L, Anderson M, Cardoso-Silva J, Cincilla G, Conduit GJ, Galushka M, Guan D, Hallyburton I, Irwin BWJ, Kirk K, Lehane AM, Lindblom JCR, Lui R, Matthews S, McCulloch J, Motion A, Ng HL, Öeren M, Robertson MN, Spadavecchio V, Tatsis VA, van Hoorn WP, Wade AD, Whitehead TM, Willis P, Todd MH. An Open Drug Discovery Competition: Experimental Validation of Predictive Models in a Series of Novel Antimalarials. J Med Chem 2021; 64:16450-16463. [PMID: 34748707 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The Open Source Malaria (OSM) consortium is developing compounds that kill the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, by targeting PfATP4, an essential ion pump on the parasite surface. The structure of PfATP4 has not been determined. Here, we describe a public competition created to develop a predictive model for the identification of PfATP4 inhibitors, thereby reducing project costs associated with the synthesis of inactive compounds. Competition participants could see all entries as they were submitted. In the final round, featuring private sector entrants specializing in machine learning methods, the best-performing models were used to predict novel inhibitors, of which several were synthesized and evaluated against the parasite. Half possessed biological activity, with one featuring a motif that the human chemists familiar with this series would have dismissed as "ill-advised". Since all data and participant interactions remain in the public domain, this research project "lives" and may be improved by others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin G Tse
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, U.K
| | - Laksh Aithani
- Exscientia Ltd., The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GE, U.K
| | - Mark Anderson
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Jonathan Cardoso-Silva
- Department of Informatics, Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, King's College London, London WC2B 4BG, U.K
| | | | - Gareth J Conduit
- Intellegens Ltd., Eagle Labs, Chesterton Road, Cambridge CB4 3AZ, U.K.,Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | | | - Davy Guan
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Irene Hallyburton
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Benedict W J Irwin
- Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.,Optibrium Ltd. Blenheim House, Denny End Road, Cambridge CB25 9QE, U.K
| | - Kiaran Kirk
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Adele M Lehane
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Julia C R Lindblom
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Raymond Lui
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Slade Matthews
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - James McCulloch
- Kellerberrin, 6 Wharf Rd, Balmain, Sydney, NSW 2041, Australia
| | - Alice Motion
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Ho Leung Ng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan Kansas 66506, United States
| | - Mario Öeren
- Optibrium Ltd. Blenheim House, Denny End Road, Cambridge CB25 9QE, U.K
| | - Murray N Robertson
- Strathclyde Institute Of Pharmacy And Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 ORE, U.K
| | | | - Vasileios A Tatsis
- Exscientia Ltd., The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GE, U.K
| | - Willem P van Hoorn
- Exscientia Ltd., The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GE, U.K
| | - Alexander D Wade
- Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | | | - Paul Willis
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, PO Box 1826, 20 rte de Pre-Bois, 1215 Geneva 15, Switzerland
| | - Matthew H Todd
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, U.K
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25
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Erhunse N, Sahal D. Protecting future antimalarials from the trap of resistance: Lessons from artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) failures. J Pharm Anal 2021; 11:541-554. [PMID: 34765267 PMCID: PMC8572664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Having faced increased clinical treatment failures with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ), Cambodia swapped the first line artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) from DHA-PPQ to artesunate-mefloquine given that parasites resistant to piperaquine are susceptible to mefloquine. However, triple mutants have now emerged, suggesting that drug rotations may not be adequate to keep resistance at bay. There is, therefore, an urgent need for alternative treatment strategies to tackle resistance and prevent its spread. A proper understanding of all contributors to artemisinin resistance may help us identify novel strategies to keep artemisinins effective until new drugs become available for their replacement. This review highlights the role of the key players in artemisinin resistance, the current strategies to deal with it and suggests ways of protecting future antimalarial drugs from bowing to resistance as their predecessors did.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nekpen Erhunse
- Malaria Drug Discovery Research Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo-State, Nigeria
| | - Dinkar Sahal
- Malaria Drug Discovery Research Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
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26
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Kreutzfeld O, Rasmussen SA, Ramanathan AA, Tumwebaze PK, Byaruhanga O, Katairo T, Asua V, Okitwi M, Orena S, Legac J, Conrad MD, Nsobya SL, Aydemir O, Bailey J, Duffey M, Bayles BR, Vaidya AB, Cooper RA, Rosenthal PJ. Associations between Varied Susceptibilities to PfATP4 Inhibitors and Genotypes in Ugandan Plasmodium falciparum Isolates. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0077121. [PMID: 34339273 PMCID: PMC8448140 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00771-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Among novel compounds under recent investigation as potential new antimalarial drugs are three independently developed inhibitors of the Plasmodium falciparum P-type ATPase (PfATP4): KAE609 (cipargamin), PA92, and SJ733. We assessed ex vivo susceptibilities to these compounds of 374 fresh P. falciparum isolates collected in Tororo and Busia districts, Uganda, from 2016 to 2019. Median IC50s were 65 nM for SJ733, 9.1 nM for PA92, and 0.5 nM for KAE609. Sequencing of pfatp4 for 218 of these isolates demonstrated many nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms; the most frequent mutations were G1128R (69% of isolates mixed or mutant), Q1081K/R (68%), G223S (25%), N1045K (16%), and D1116G/N/Y (16%). The G223S mutation was associated with decreased susceptibility to SJ733, PA92, and KAE609. The D1116G/N/Y mutations were associated with decreased susceptibility to SJ733, and the presence of mutations at both codons 223 and 1116 was associated with decreased susceptibility to PA92 and SJ733. In all of these cases, absolute differences in susceptibilities of wild-type (WT) and mutant parasites were modest. Analysis of clones separated from mixed field isolates consistently identified mutant clones as less susceptible than WT. Analysis of isolates from other sites demonstrated the presence of the G223S and D1116G/N/Y mutations across Uganda. Our results indicate that malaria parasites circulating in Uganda have a number of polymorphisms in PfATP4 and that modestly decreased susceptibility to PfATP4 inhibitors is associated with some mutations now present in Ugandan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriana Kreutzfeld
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Aarti A. Ramanathan
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Thomas Katairo
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Victor Asua
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Martin Okitwi
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen Orena
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jennifer Legac
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Melissa D. Conrad
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Brett R. Bayles
- Dominican University of California, San Rafael, California, USA
| | - Akhil B. Vaidya
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Philip J. Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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27
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Synthesis, characterization, docking study and biological evaluation of new chalcone, pyrazoline, and pyrimidine derivatives as potent antimalarial compounds. ARAB J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2021.103304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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28
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Tisnerat C, Dassonville-Klimpt A, Gosselet F, Sonnet P. Antimalarial drug discovery: from quinine to the most recent promising clinical drug candidates. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:3326-3365. [PMID: 34344287 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210803152419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a tropical threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, resulting in 409,000 deaths in 2019. The delay of mortality and morbidity has been compounded by the widespread of drug resistant parasites from Southeast Asia since two decades. The emergence of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium in Africa, where most cases are accounted, highlights the urgent need for new medicines. In this effort, the World Health Organization and Medicines for Malaria Venture joined to define clear goals for novel therapies and characterized the target candidate profile. This ongoing search for new treatments is based on imperative labor in medicinal chemistry which is summarized here with particular attention to hit-to-lead optimizations, key properties, and modes of action of these novel antimalarial drugs. This review, after presenting the current antimalarial chemotherapy, from quinine to the latest marketed drugs, focuses in particular on recent advances of the most promising antimalarial candidates in clinical and preclinical phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Tisnerat
- AGIR UR4294, UFR de Pharmacie, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens. France
| | | | | | - Pascal Sonnet
- AGIR UR4294, UFR de Pharmacie, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens. France
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29
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Gezelle J, Saggu G, Desai SA. Promises and Pitfalls of Parasite Patch-clamp. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:414-429. [PMID: 33640269 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Protozoan parasites acquire essential ions, nutrients, and other solutes from their insect and vertebrate hosts by transmembrane uptake. For intracellular stages, these solutes must cross additional membranous barriers. At each step, ion channels and transporters mediate not only this uptake but also the removal of waste products. These transport proteins are best isolated and studied with patch-clamp, but these methods remain accessible to only a few parasitologists due to specialized instrumentation and the required training in both theory and practice. Here, we provide an overview of patch-clamp, describing the advantages and limitations of the technology and highlighting issues that may lead to incorrect conclusions. We aim to help non-experts understand and critically assess patch-clamp data in basic research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine Gezelle
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Gagandeep Saggu
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Sanjay A Desai
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.
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30
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Lawong A, Gahalawat S, Okombo J, Striepen J, Yeo T, Mok S, Deni I, Bridgford JL, Niederstrasser H, Zhou A, Posner B, Wittlin S, Gamo FJ, Crespo B, Churchyard A, Baum J, Mittal N, Winzeler E, Laleu B, Palmer MJ, Charman SA, Fidock DA, Ready JM, Phillips MA. Novel Antimalarial Tetrazoles and Amides Active against the Hemoglobin Degradation Pathway in Plasmodium falciparum. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2739-2761. [PMID: 33620219 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Malaria control programs continue to be threatened by drug resistance. To identify new antimalarials, we conducted a phenotypic screen and identified a novel tetrazole-based series that shows fast-kill kinetics and a relatively low propensity to develop high-level resistance. Preliminary structure-activity relationships were established including identification of a subseries of related amides with antiplasmodial activity. Assaying parasites with resistance to antimalarials led us to test whether the series had a similar mechanism of action to chloroquine (CQ). Treatment of synchronized Plasmodium falciparum parasites with active analogues revealed a pattern of intracellular inhibition of hemozoin (Hz) formation reminiscent of CQ's action. Drug selections yielded only modest resistance that was associated with amplification of the multidrug resistance gene 1 (pfmdr1). Thus, we have identified a novel chemical series that targets the historically druggable heme polymerization pathway and that can form the basis of future optimization efforts to develop a new malaria treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aloysus Lawong
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Suraksha Gahalawat
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - John Okombo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Josefine Striepen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Tomas Yeo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Sachel Mok
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Ioanna Deni
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Jessica L Bridgford
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Hanspeter Niederstrasser
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Anwu Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Bruce Posner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Sergio Wittlin
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4002 Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Benigno Crespo
- Medicines Development Campus, GlaxoSmithKline, Tres Cantos, 28760 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alisje Churchyard
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ South Kensington, U.K
| | - Jake Baum
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ South Kensington, U.K
| | - Nimisha Mittal
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Elizabeth Winzeler
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Benoît Laleu
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, 1215 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Susan A Charman
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - David A Fidock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Joseph M Ready
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Margaret A Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
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31
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Defining the Antimalarial Activity of Cipargamin in Healthy Volunteers Experimentally Infected with Blood-Stage Plasmodium falciparum. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.01423-20. [PMID: 33199389 PMCID: PMC7849011 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01423-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The spiroindolone cipargamin, a new antimalarial compound that inhibits Plasmodium ATP4, is currently in clinical development. This study aimed to characterize the antimalarial activity of cipargamin in healthy volunteers experimentally infected with blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum. The spiroindolone cipargamin, a new antimalarial compound that inhibits Plasmodium ATP4, is currently in clinical development. This study aimed to characterize the antimalarial activity of cipargamin in healthy volunteers experimentally infected with blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum. Eight subjects were intravenously inoculated with parasite-infected erythrocytes and received a single oral dose of 10 mg cipargamin 7 days later. Blood samples were collected to monitor the development and clearance of parasitemia and plasma cipargamin concentrations. Parasite regrowth was treated with piperaquine monotherapy to clear asexual parasites, while allowing gametocyte transmissibility to mosquitoes to be investigated. An initial rapid decrease in parasitemia occurred in all participants following cipargamin dosing, with a parasite clearance half-life of 3.99 h. As anticipated from the dose selected, parasite regrowth occurred in all 8 subjects 3 to 8 days after dosing and allowed the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship to be determined. Based on the limited data from the single subtherapeutic dose cohort, a MIC of 11.6 ng/ml and minimum parasiticidal concentration that achieves 90% of maximum effect of 23.5 ng/ml were estimated, and a single 95-mg dose (95% confidence interval [CI], 50 to 270) was predicted to clear 109 parasites/ml. Low gametocyte densities were detected in all subjects following piperaquine treatment, which did not transmit to mosquitoes. Serious adverse liver function changes were observed in three subjects, which led to premature study termination. The antimalarial activity characterized in this study supports the further clinical development of cipargamin as a new treatment for P. falciparum malaria, although the hepatic safety profile of the compound warrants further evaluation. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT02543086.)
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32
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Asady B, Dick CF, Ehrenman K, Sahu T, Romano JD, Coppens I. A single Na+-Pi cotransporter in Toxoplasma plays key roles in phosphate import and control of parasite osmoregulation. PLoS Pathog 2021; 16:e1009067. [PMID: 33383579 PMCID: PMC7817038 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Inorganic ions such as phosphate, are essential nutrients required for a broad spectrum of cellular functions and regulation. During infection, pathogens must obtain inorganic phosphate (Pi) from the host. Despite the essentiality of phosphate for all forms of life, how the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii acquires Pi from the host cell is still unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that Toxoplasma actively internalizes exogenous Pi by exploiting a gradient of Na+ ions to drive Pi uptake across the plasma membrane. The Na+-dependent phosphate transport mechanism is electrogenic and functionally coupled to a cipargarmin sensitive Na+-H+-ATPase. Toxoplasma expresses one transmembrane Pi transporter harboring PHO4 binding domains that typify the PiT Family. This transporter named TgPiT, localizes to the plasma membrane, the inward buds of the endosomal organelles termed VAC, and many cytoplasmic vesicles. Upon Pi limitation in the medium, TgPiT is more abundant at the plasma membrane. We genetically ablated the PiT gene, and ΔTgPiT parasites are impaired in importing Pi and synthesizing polyphosphates. Interestingly, ΔTgPiT parasites accumulate 4-times more acidocalcisomes, storage organelles for phosphate molecules, as compared to parental parasites. In addition, these mutants have a reduced cell volume, enlarged VAC organelles, defects in calcium storage and a slightly alkaline pH. Overall, these mutants exhibit severe growth defects and have reduced acute virulence in mice. In survival mode, ΔTgPiT parasites upregulate several genes, including those encoding enzymes that cleave or transfer phosphate groups from phosphometabolites, transporters and ions exchangers localized to VAC or acidocalcisomes. Taken together, these findings point to a critical role of TgPiT for Pi supply for Toxoplasma and also for protection against osmotic stresses. Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is indispensable for the biosynthesis of key cellular components, and is involved in many metabolic and signaling pathways. Transport across the plasma membrane is the first step in the utilization of Pi. The import mechanism of Pi by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma is unknown. We characterized a transmembrane, high-affinity Na+-Pi cotransporter, named TgPiT, expressed by the parasite at the plasma membrane for Pi uptake. Interestingly, TgPiT is also localized to inward buds of the endosomal VAC organelles and some cytoplasmic vesicles. Loss of TgPiT results in a severe reduction in Pi internalization and polyphosphate levels, but stimulation of the biogenesis of phosphate-enriched acidocalcisomes. ΔTgPiT parasites have a shrunken cell body, enlarged VAC organelles, poor release of stored calcium and a mildly alkaline pH, suggesting a role for TgPiT in the maintenance of overall ionic homeostasis. ΔTgPiT parasites are poorly infectious in vitro and in mice. The mutant appears to partially cope with the absence of TgPiT by up-regulating genes coding for ion transporters and enzymes catalyzing phosphate group transfer. Our data highlight a scenario in which the role of TgPiT in Pi and Na+ transport is functionally coupled with osmoregulation activities central to sustain Toxoplasma survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beejan Asady
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore Maryland, United States of America
| | - Claudia F. Dick
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore Maryland, United States of America
| | - Karen Ehrenman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tejram Sahu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore Maryland, United States of America
| | - Julia D. Romano
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore Maryland, United States of America
| | - Isabelle Coppens
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Quade BN, Parker MD, Occhipinti R. The therapeutic importance of acid-base balance. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 183:114278. [PMID: 33039418 PMCID: PMC7544731 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Baking soda and vinegar have been used as home remedies for generations and today we are only a mouse-click away from claims that baking soda, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar are miracles cures for everything from cancer to COVID-19. Despite these specious claims, the therapeutic value of controlling acid-base balance is indisputable and is the basis of Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for constipation, epilepsy, metabolic acidosis, and peptic ulcers. In this narrative review, we present evidence in support of the current and potential therapeutic value of countering local and systemic acid-base imbalances, several of which do in fact involve the administration of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Furthermore, we discuss the side effects of pharmaceuticals on acid-base balance as well as the influence of acid-base status on the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. Our review considers all major organ systems as well as information relevant to several clinical specialties such as anesthesiology, infectious disease, oncology, dentistry, and surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca N Quade
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The State University of New York, The University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Mark D Parker
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The State University of New York, The University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA; State University of New York Eye Institute, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Rossana Occhipinti
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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Smith NC, Goulart C, Hayward JA, Kupz A, Miller CM, van Dooren GG. Control of human toxoplasmosis. Int J Parasitol 2020; 51:95-121. [PMID: 33347832 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an apicomplexan parasite that is able to infect any nucleated cell in any warm-blooded animal. Toxoplasma gondii infects around 2 billion people and, whilst only a small percentage of infected people will suffer serious disease, the prevalence of the parasite makes it one of the most damaging zoonotic diseases in the world. Toxoplasmosis is a disease with multiple manifestations: it can cause a fatal encephalitis in immunosuppressed people; if first contracted during pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage or congenital defects in the neonate; and it can cause serious ocular disease, even in immunocompetent people. The disease has a complex epidemiology, being transmitted by ingestion of oocysts that are shed in the faeces of definitive feline hosts and contaminate water, soil and crops, or by consumption of intracellular cysts in undercooked meat from intermediate hosts. In this review we examine current and future approaches to control toxoplasmosis, which encompass a variety of measures that target different components of the life cycle of T. gondii. These include: education programs about the parasite and avoidance of contact with infectious stages; biosecurity and sanitation to ensure food and water safety; chemo- and immunotherapeutics to control active infections and disease; prophylactic options to prevent acquisition of infection by livestock and cyst formation in meat; and vaccines to prevent shedding of oocysts by definitive feline hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Smith
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
| | - Cibelly Goulart
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Jenni A Hayward
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Andreas Kupz
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Catherine M Miller
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Giel G van Dooren
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
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Transmission of Artemisinin-Resistant Malaria Parasites to Mosquitoes under Antimalarial Drug Pressure. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 65:AAC.00898-20. [PMID: 33139275 PMCID: PMC7927852 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00898-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in the Plasmodium falciparum parasite is threatening to reverse recent gains in reducing global deaths from malaria. While resistance manifests as delayed parasite clearance in patients, the phenotype can only spread geographically via the sexual stages and mosquito transmission. In addition to their asexual killing properties, artemisinin and its derivatives sterilize sexual male gametocytes. Whether resistant parasites overcome this sterilizing effect has not, however, been fully tested. Resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in the Plasmodium falciparum parasite is threatening to reverse recent gains in reducing global deaths from malaria. While resistance manifests as delayed parasite clearance in patients, the phenotype can only spread geographically via the sexual stages and mosquito transmission. In addition to their asexual killing properties, artemisinin and its derivatives sterilize sexual male gametocytes. Whether resistant parasites overcome this sterilizing effect has not, however, been fully tested. Here, we analyzed P. falciparum clinical isolates from the Greater Mekong Subregion, each demonstrating delayed clinical clearance and known resistance-associated polymorphisms in the Kelch13 (PfK13var) gene. As well as demonstrating reduced asexual sensitivity to drug, certain PfK13var isolates demonstrated a marked reduction in sensitivity to artemisinin in an in vitro male gamete formation assay. Importantly, this same reduction in sensitivity was observed when the most resistant isolate was tested directly in mosquito feeds. These results indicate that, under artemisinin drug pressure, while sensitive parasites are blocked, resistant parasites continue transmission. This selective advantage for resistance transmission could favor acquisition of additional host-specificity or polymorphisms affecting partner drug sensitivity in mixed infections. Favored resistance transmission under ACT coverage could have profound implications for the spread of multidrug-resistant malaria beyond Southeast Asia.
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Surur AS, Huluka SA, Mitku ML, Asres K. Indole: The After Next Scaffold of Antiplasmodial Agents? Drug Des Devel Ther 2020; 14:4855-4867. [PMID: 33204071 PMCID: PMC7666986 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s278588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a global public health problem due to the uphill fight against the causative Plasmodium parasites that are relentless in developing resistance. Indole-based antiplasmodial compounds are endowed with multiple modes of action, of which inhibition of hemozoin formation is the major mechanism of action reported for compounds such as cryptolepine, flinderoles, and isosungucine. Indole-based compounds exert their potent activity against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium strains by inhibiting hemozoin formation in a mode of action different from that of chloroquine or through a novel mechanism of action. For example, dysregulating the sodium and osmotic homeostasis of Plasmodium through inhibition of PfATP4 is the novel mechanism of cipargamin. The potential of developing multi-targeted compounds through molecular hybridization ensures the existence of indole-based compounds in the antimalarial pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Solomon Assefa Huluka
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Kaleab Asres
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Madhav H, Hoda N. An insight into the recent development of the clinical candidates for the treatment of malaria and their target proteins. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 210:112955. [PMID: 33131885 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is an endemic disease, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions which cost half of million deaths annually. The eradication of malaria is one of the global health priority nevertheless, current therapeutic efforts seem to be insufficient due to the emergence of drug resistance towards most of the available drugs, even first-line treatment ACT, unavailability of the vaccine, and lack of drugs with a new mechanism of action. Intensification of antimalarial research in recent years has resulted into the development of single dose multistage therapeutic agents which has advantage of overcoming the antimalarial drug resistance. The present review explored the current progress in the development of new promising antimalarials against prominent target proteins that have the potential to be a clinical candidate. Here, we also reviewed different aspects of drug resistance and highlighted new drug candidates that are currently in a clinical trial or clinical development, along with a few other molecules with excellent antimalarial activity overs ACTs. The summarized scientific value of previous approaches and structural features of antimalarials related to the activity are highlighted that will be helpful for the development of next-generation antimalarials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Madhav
- Drug Design and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, 110025, India.
| | - Nasimul Hoda
- Drug Design and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, 110025, India.
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The Functioning of Na +-ATPases from Protozoan Parasites: Are These Pumps Targets for Antiparasitic Drugs? Cells 2020; 9:cells9102225. [PMID: 33023071 PMCID: PMC7600311 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The ENA ATPases (from exitus natru: the exit of sodium) belonging to the P-type ATPases are structurally very similar to the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA); they exchange Na+ for H+ and, therefore, are also known as Na+-ATPases. ENA ATPases are required in alkaline milieu, as in the case for Aspergillus, where other transporters cannot mediate an uphill Na+ efflux. They are also important for salt tolerance, as described for Arabidopsis. During their life cycles, protozoan parasites might encounter a high pH environment, thus allowing consideration of ENA ATPases as possible targets for controlling certain severe parasitic diseases, such as Chagas' Disease. Phylogenetic analysis has now shown that, besides the types IIA, IIB, IIC, and IID P-type ATPases, there exists a 5th subgroup of ATPases classified as ATP4-type ATPases, found in Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii. In malaria, for example, some drugs targeting PfATP4 destroy Na+ homeostasis; these drugs, which include spiroindolones, are now in clinical trials. The ENA P-type (IID P-type ATPase) and ATP4-type ATPases have no structural homologue in mammalian cells, appearing only in fungi, plants, and protozoan parasites, e.g., Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania sp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Plasmodium falciparum. This exclusivity makes Na+-ATPase a potential candidate for the biologically-based design of new therapeutic interventions; for this reason, Na+-ATPases deserves more attention.
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Borges-Pereira L, Thomas SJ, Dos Anjos E Silva AL, Bartlett PJ, Thomas AP, Garcia CRS. The genetic Ca 2+ sensor GCaMP3 reveals multiple Ca 2+ stores differentially coupled to Ca 2+ entry in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:14998-15012. [PMID: 32848018 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic Ca2+ regulates multiple steps in the host-cell invasion, growth, proliferation, and egress of blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum, yet our understanding of Ca2+ signaling in this endemic malaria parasite is incomplete. By using a newly generated transgenic line of P. falciparum (PfGCaMP3) that expresses constitutively the genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator GCaMP3, we have investigated the dynamics of Ca2+ release and influx elicited by inhibitors of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase pumps, cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), and thapsigargin (Thg). Here we show that in isolated trophozoite phase parasites: (i) both CPA and Thg release Ca2+ from intracellular stores in P. falciparum parasites; (ii) Thg is able to induce Ca2+ release from an intracellular compartment insensitive to CPA; (iii) only Thg is able to activate Ca2+ influx from extracellular media, through a mechanism resembling store-operated Ca2+ entry, typical of mammalian cells; and (iv) the Thg-sensitive Ca2+ pool is unaffected by collapsing the mitochondria membrane potential with the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone or the release of acidic Ca2+ stores with nigericin. These data suggest the presence of two Ca2+ pools in P. falciparum with differential sensitivity to the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase pump inhibitors, and only the release of the Thg-sensitive Ca2+ store induces Ca2+ influx. Activation of the store-operated Ca2+ entry-like Ca2+ influx may be relevant for controlling processes such as parasite invasion, egress, and development mediated by kinases, phosphatases, and proteases that rely on Ca2+ levels for their activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Borges-Pereira
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil; Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Samantha J Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Paula J Bartlett
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Andrew P Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.
| | - Célia R S Garcia
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.
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Brullo C, Rapetti F, Bruno O. Pyrazolyl-Ureas as Interesting Scaffold in Medicinal Chemistry. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25153457. [PMID: 32751358 PMCID: PMC7435939 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The pyrazole nucleus has long been known as a privileged scaffold in the synthesis of biologically active compounds. Within the numerous pyrazole derivatives developed as potential drugs, this review is focused on molecules characterized by a urea function directly linked to the pyrazole nucleus in a different position. In the last 20 years, the interest of numerous researchers has been especially attracted by pyrazolyl-ureas showing a wide spectrum of biological activities, ranging from the antipathogenic activities (bacteria, plasmodium, toxoplasma, and others) to the anticarcinogenic activities. In particular, in the anticancer field, pyrazolyl-ureas have been shown to interact at the intracellular level on many pathways, in particular on different kinases such as Src, p38-MAPK, TrKa, and others. In addition, some of them evidenced an antiangiogenic potential that deserves to be explored. This review therefore summarizes all these biological data (from 2000 to date), including patented compounds.
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Bouwman SA, Zoleko-Manego R, Renner KC, Schmitt EK, Mombo-Ngoma G, Grobusch MP. The early preclinical and clinical development of cipargamin (KAE609), a novel antimalarial compound. Travel Med Infect Dis 2020; 36:101765. [PMID: 32561392 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cipargamin (KAE609) is a novel spiroindolone class drug for the treatment of malaria, currently undergoing phase 2 clinical development. This review provides an overview and interpretation of the pre-clinical and clinical data of this possible next-generation antimalarial drug published to date. METHODS We systematically searched the literature for studies on the preclinical and clinical development of cipargamin. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using the terms 'cipargamin', 'KAE609' or 'NITD609' in the English language; one additional article was identified during revision. Nineteen of these in total 43 papers identified reported original studies; 13 of those articles were on pre-clinical studies and 6 reported clinical trials. RESULTS A total of 20 studies addressing its preclinical and clinical development have been published on this compound at the time of writing. Cipargamin acts on the PfATP4, which is a P-type Na + ATPase disrupting the Na + homeostasis in the parasite. Cipargamin is a very fast-acting antimalarial, it is active against all intra-erythrocytic stages of the malaria parasite and exerts gametocytocidal activity, with transmission-blocking potential. It is currently undergoing phase 2 clinical trial to assess safety and efficacy, with a special focus on hepatic safety. CONCLUSION In the search for novel antimalarial drugs, cipargamin exhibits promising properties, exerting activity against multiple intra-erythrocytic stages of plasmodia, including gametocytes. It exhibits a favourable pharmacokinetic profile, possibly allowing for single-dose treatment with a suitable combination partner. According to the clinical results of the first studies in Asian malaria patients, a possible safety concern is hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan Am Bouwman
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Rella Zoleko-Manego
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Esther K Schmitt
- Novartis Pharma AG, Global Health Development Unit, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ghyslain Mombo-Ngoma
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin P Grobusch
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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Whole-Cell Phenotypic Screening of Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box Identifies Specific Inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum Late-Stage Development and Egress. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01802-19. [PMID: 32071059 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01802-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a systematic, cellular phenotype-based antimalarial screening of the Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box collection, which facilitated the identification of specific blockers of late-stage intraerythrocytic development of Plasmodium falciparum First, from standard growth inhibition assays, we identified 173 molecules with antimalarial activity (50% effective concentration [EC50] ≤ 10 μM), which included 62 additional molecules over previously known antimalarial candidates from the Pathogen Box. We identified 90 molecules with EC50 of ≤1 μM, which had significant effect on the ring-trophozoite transition, while 9 molecules inhibited the trophozoite-schizont transition and 21 molecules inhibited the schizont-ring transition (with ≥50% parasites failing to proceed to the next stage) at 1 μM. We therefore rescreened all 173 molecules and validated hits in microscopy to prioritize 12 hits as selective blockers of the schizont-ring transition. Seven of these molecules inhibited the calcium ionophore-induced egress of Toxoplasma gondii, a related apicomplexan parasite, suggesting that the inhibitors may be acting via a conserved mechanism which could be further exploited for target identification studies. We demonstrate that two molecules, MMV020670 and MMV026356, identified as schizont inhibitors in our screens, induce the fragmentation of DNA in merozoites, thereby impairing their ability to egress and invade. Further mechanistic studies would facilitate the therapeutic exploitation of these molecules as broadly active inhibitors targeting late-stage development and egress of apicomplexan parasites relevant to human health.
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Kümpornsin K, Kochakarn T, Chookajorn T. The resistome and genomic reconnaissance in the age of malaria elimination. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:12/12/dmm040717. [PMID: 31874839 PMCID: PMC6955228 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.040717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasitic protozoa in the Plasmodium genus. A complete understanding of the biology of these parasites is challenging in view of their need to switch between the vertebrate and insect hosts. The parasites are also capable of becoming highly motile and of remaining dormant for decades, depending on the stage of their life cycle. Malaria elimination efforts have been implemented in several endemic countries, but the parasites have proven to be resilient. One of the major obstacles for malaria elimination is the development of antimalarial drug resistance. Ineffective treatment regimens will fail to remove the circulating parasites and to prevent the local transmission of the disease. Genomic epidemiology of malaria parasites has become a powerful tool to track emerging drug-resistant parasite populations almost in real time. Population-scale genomic data are instrumental in tracking the hidden pockets of Plasmodium in nationwide elimination efforts. However, genomic surveillance data can be useful in determining the threat only when combined with a thorough understanding of the malarial resistome – the genetic repertoires responsible for causing and potentiating drug resistance evolution. Even though long-term selection has been a standard method for drug target identification in laboratories, its implementation in large-scale exploration of the druggable space in Plasmodium falciparum, along with genome-editing technologies, have enabled mapping of the genetic repertoires that drive drug resistance. This Review presents examples of practical use and describes the latest technology to show the power of real-time genomic epidemiology in achieving malaria elimination. Summary: This Review discusses the challenges in malaria elimination and how implementation of national-scale genomic surveillance programmes in combination with resistome analyses could provide a powerful solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krittikorn Kümpornsin
- Parasites and Microbes Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Theerarat Kochakarn
- Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine Unit (GEM), Centre of Excellence in Malaria Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Thanat Chookajorn
- Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine Unit (GEM), Centre of Excellence in Malaria Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Cui H, Chen X, Bai M, Han D, Lin L, Dong M. Multipathway Antibacterial Mechanism of a Nanoparticle-Supported Artemisinin Promoted by Nitrogen Plasma Treatment. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:47299-47310. [PMID: 31797661 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b15124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin has excellent antimalarial, antiparasitic, and antibacterial activities; however, the poor water solubility of artemisinin crystal limits their application in antibiosis. Herein, artemisinin crystal was first composited with silica nanoparticles (SNPs) to form an artemisinin@silica nanoparticle (A@SNP). After treating with nitrogen plasma, the aqueous solubility of plasma-treated A@SNP (A@SNP-p) approaches 42.26%, which is possibly attributed to the exposure of hydrophilic groups such as -OH groups on the SNPs during the plasma process. Compared with the pristine A@SNP, the antibacterial activity of A@SNP-p against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains is further enhanced, and its bactericidal rate against both strains exceeded 6 log CFU/mL (>99.9999%), which is contributed by the increased water solubility of the A@SNP-p. A possible multipathway antibacterial mechanism of A@SNP was proposed and preliminarily proved by the changes of intracellular materials of bacteria and the inhibition of bacterial metabolism processes, including the HMP pathway in Gram-negative strain and EMP pathway in Gram-positive strain, after treating with A@SNP-p. These findings from the present work will provide a new view for fabricating artemisinin-based materials as antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Cui
- School of Food & Biological Engineering , Jiangsu University , Zhenjiang 212013 , China
| | - Xiaochen Chen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research , Aarhus University , Aarhus 8000 , Denmark
| | - Mei Bai
- School of Food & Biological Engineering , Jiangsu University , Zhenjiang 212013 , China
| | - Dong Han
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology , Beijing , China 100190
| | - Lin Lin
- School of Food & Biological Engineering , Jiangsu University , Zhenjiang 212013 , China
| | - Mingdong Dong
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research , Aarhus University , Aarhus 8000 , Denmark
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45
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Dangi P, Jain R, Mamidala R, Sharma V, Agarwal S, Bathula C, Thirumalachary M, Sen S, Singh S. Natural Product Inspired Novel Indole based Chiral Scaffold Kills Human Malaria Parasites via Ionic Imbalance Mediated Cell Death. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17785. [PMID: 31780808 PMCID: PMC6882913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54339-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products offer an abundant source of diverse novel scaffolds that inspires development of next generation anti-malarials. With this vision, a library of scaffolds inspired by natural biologically active alkaloids was synthesized from chiral bicyclic lactams with steps/scaffold ratio of 1.7:1. On evaluation of library of scaffolds for their growth inhibitory effect against malaria parasite we found one scaffold with IC50 in low micro molar range. It inhibited parasite growth via disruption of Na+ homeostasis. P-type ATPase, PfATP4 is responsible for maintaining parasite Na+ homeostasis and is a good target for anti-malarials. Molecular docking with our scaffold showed that it fits well in the binding pocket of PfATP4. Moreover, inhibition of Na+-dependent ATPase activity by our potent scaffold suggests that it targets parasite by inhibiting PfATP4, leading to ionic imbalance. However how ionic imbalance attributes to parasite's death is unclear. We show that ionic imbalance caused by scaffold 7 induces autophagy that leads to onset of apoptosis in the parasite evident by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and DNA degradation. Our study provides a novel strategy for drug discovery and an insight into the molecular mechanism of ionic imbalance mediated death in malaria parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Dangi
- Department of Life Science, Shiv Nadar University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, 201314, India
| | - Ravi Jain
- Department of Life Science, Shiv Nadar University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, 201314, India
| | | | - Vijeta Sharma
- Department of Life Science, Shiv Nadar University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, 201314, India
| | - Shalini Agarwal
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Chandramohan Bathula
- Department of Chemistry, Shiv Nadar University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, 201314, India
| | - M Thirumalachary
- Jawaharlal Technological University, Kukatpally, 500072, Hyderabad, India
| | - Subhabrata Sen
- Department of Chemistry, Shiv Nadar University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, 201314, India
| | - Shailja Singh
- Department of Life Science, Shiv Nadar University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, 201314, India.
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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46
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Martin RE. The transportome of the malaria parasite. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 95:305-332. [PMID: 31701663 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Membrane transport proteins, also known as transporters, control the movement of ions, nutrients, metabolites, and waste products across the membranes of a cell and are central to its biology. Proteins of this type also serve as drug targets and are key players in the phenomenon of drug resistance. The malaria parasite has a relatively reduced transportome, with only approximately 2.5% of its genes encoding transporters. Even so, assigning functions and physiological roles to these proteins, and ascertaining their contributions to drug action and drug resistance, has been very challenging. This review presents a detailed critique and synthesis of the disruption phenotypes, protein subcellular localisations, protein functions (observed or predicted), and links to antimalarial drug resistance for each of the parasite's transporter genes. The breadth and depth of the gene disruption data are particularly impressive, with at least one phenotype determined in the parasite's asexual blood stage for each transporter gene, and multiple phenotypes available for 76% of the genes. Analysis of the curated data set revealed there to be relatively little redundancy in the Plasmodium transportome; almost two-thirds of the parasite's transporter genes are essential or required for normal growth in the asexual blood stage of the parasite, and this proportion increased to 78% when the disruption phenotypes available for the other parasite life stages were included in the analysis. These observations, together with the finding that 22% of the transportome is implicated in the parasite's resistance to existing antimalarials and/or drugs within the development pipeline, indicate that transporters are likely to serve, or are already serving, as drug targets. Integration of the different biological and bioinformatic data sets also enabled the selection of candidates for transport processes known to be essential for parasite survival, but for which the underlying proteins have thus far remained undiscovered. These include potential transporters of pantothenate, isoleucine, or isopentenyl diphosphate, as well as putative anion-selective channels that may serve as the pore component of the parasite's 'new permeation pathways'. Other novel insights into the parasite's biology included the identification of transporters for the potential development of antimalarial treatments, transmission-blocking drugs, prophylactics, and genetically attenuated vaccines. The syntheses presented herein set a foundation for elucidating the functions and physiological roles of key members of the Plasmodium transportome and, ultimately, to explore and realise their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena E Martin
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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47
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Narula AK, Azad CS, Nainwal LM. New dimensions in the field of antimalarial research against malaria resurgence. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 181:111353. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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48
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Ashton TD, Devine SM, Möhrle JJ, Laleu B, Burrows JN, Charman SA, Creek DJ, Sleebs BE. The Development Process for Discovery and Clinical Advancement of Modern Antimalarials. J Med Chem 2019; 62:10526-10562. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Trent D. Ashton
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Shane M. Devine
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Jörg J. Möhrle
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, ICC, Route de Pré-Bois 20, 1215 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Benoît Laleu
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, ICC, Route de Pré-Bois 20, 1215 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeremy N. Burrows
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, ICC, Route de Pré-Bois 20, 1215 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Susan A. Charman
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Darren J. Creek
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Brad E. Sleebs
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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49
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Gilson PR, Kumarasingha R, Thompson J, Zhang X, Penington JS, Kalhor R, Bullen HE, Lehane AM, Dans MG, de Koning-Ward TF, Holien JK, Soares da Costa TP, Hulett MD, Buskes MJ, Crabb BS, Kirk K, Papenfuss AT, Cowman AF, Abbott BM. A 4-cyano-3-methylisoquinoline inhibitor of Plasmodium falciparum growth targets the sodium efflux pump PfATP4. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10292. [PMID: 31311978 PMCID: PMC6635429 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46500-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed a novel series of antimalarial compounds based on a 4-cyano-3-methylisoquinoline. Our lead compound MB14 achieved modest inhibition of the growth in vitro of the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. To identify its biological target we selected for parasites resistant to MB14. Genome sequencing revealed that all resistant parasites bore a single point S374R mutation in the sodium (Na+) efflux transporter PfATP4. There are many compounds known to inhibit PfATP4 and some are under preclinical development. MB14 was shown to inhibit Na+ dependent ATPase activity in parasite membranes, consistent with the compound targeting PfATP4 directly. PfATP4 inhibitors cause swelling and lysis of infected erythrocytes, attributed to the accumulation of Na+ inside the intracellular parasites and the resultant parasite swelling. We show here that inhibitor-induced lysis of infected erythrocytes is dependent upon the parasite protein RhopH2, a component of the new permeability pathways that are induced by the parasite in the erythrocyte membrane. These pathways mediate the influx of Na+ into the infected erythrocyte and their suppression via RhopH2 knockdown limits the accumulation of Na+ within the parasite hence protecting the infected erythrocyte from lysis. This study reveals a role for the parasite-induced new permeability pathways in the mechanism of action of PfATP4 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Gilson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia. .,Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
| | | | - Jennifer Thompson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | | | - Robabeh Kalhor
- La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | | | - Adele M Lehane
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Madeline G Dans
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.,School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | | | - Jessica K Holien
- St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, 3065, Australia
| | | | - Mark D Hulett
- La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | | | - Brendan S Crabb
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.,Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3800, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Kiaran Kirk
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Anthony T Papenfuss
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Alan F Cowman
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
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50
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Cobbold SA, McConville MJ. Determining the Mode of Action of Antimalarial Drugs Using Time-Resolved LC-MS-Based Metabolite Profiling. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1859:225-239. [PMID: 30421232 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8757-3_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Methods for assessing the mode of action of new antimalarial compounds identified in high throughput phenotypic screens are needed to triage and facilitate lead compound development and to anticipate potential resistance mechanisms that might emerge. Here we describe a mass spectrometry-based approach for detecting metabolic changes in asexual erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum induced by antimalarial compounds. Time-resolved or concentration-resolved measurements are used to discriminate between putative targets of the compound and nonspecific and/or downstream secondary metabolic effects. These protocols can also be coupled with 13C-stable-isotope tracing experiments under nonequilibrative (or nonstationary) conditions to measure metabolic dynamics following drug exposure. Time-resolved 13C-labeling studies greatly increase confidence in target assignment and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the metabolic perturbations induced by small molecule inhibitors. The protocol provides details on the experimental design, Plasmodium falciparum culture, sample preparation, analytical approaches, and data analysis used in either targeted (pathway focused) or untargeted (all detected metabolites) analysis of drug-induced metabolic perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon A Cobbold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Malcolm J McConville
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Victoria, Australia.
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