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Shoaib R, Parveen N, Kumar V, Behl A, Garg S, Chaudhary P, Rex DAB, Saini M, Maurya P, Jain R, Pandey KC, Abid M, Singh S. Prefoldins are novel regulators of the unfolded protein response in artemisinin resistant P. falciparum malaria. J Biol Chem 2024:107496. [PMID: 38925325 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging Artemisinin (ART) resistance in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) poses challenges for discovery of novel drugs to tackle ART resistant parasites. Concentrated efforts towards ART resistance mechanism indicated a strong molecular link of ART resistance with up-regulated expression of unfolded protein response pathways involving Prefoldins (PFDs). However, a complete characterization of PFDs as molecular players taking part in ART resistance mechanism, and discovery of small molecule inhibitors to block this process have not been identified to date. Here, we functionally characterized all Pf Prefoldin subunits (PFD1-6), and established a causative role played by PFDs in ART resistance by demonstrating their expression in intra-erythrocytic parasites along with their interactions with Kelch13 protein through immunoprecipitation coupled MS/MS analysis. Systematic biophysical interaction analysis between all subunits of PFDs revealed their potential to form a complex. The role of PFDs in ART resistance was confirmed in orthologous yeast PFD6 mutants, where PfPFD6 expression in yeast mutants reverted phenotype to ART resistance. We identified an FDA approved drug 'Biperiden' that restricts the formation of Prefoldin complex and inhibits its interaction with its key parasite protein substrates, MSP-1 and α-tubulin-I. Moreover, Biperiden treatment inhibits the parasite growth in ART sensitive Pf3D7 and resistant Pf3D7k13R539T strains. Ring survival assays that are clinically relevant to analyse ART resistance in Pf3D7k13R539T parasites demonstrate the potency of BPD to inhibit growth of survivor parasites. Overall, our study provides first evidence towards the role of PfPFDs in ART resistance mechanism, and opens new avenues for the management of resistant parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumaisha Shoaib
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Delhi, 110067; India; Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Delhi, 110025; India
| | - Nidha Parveen
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Delhi, 110067; India
| | - Vikash Kumar
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Delhi, 110067; India
| | - Ankita Behl
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Delhi, 110067; India
| | - Swati Garg
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Delhi, 110067; India
| | - Preeti Chaudhary
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India; Department of Life Sciences, IGNOU, Delhi, India
| | | | - Monika Saini
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Delhi, 110067; India; Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, 201314 India
| | - Preeti Maurya
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Delhi, 110067; India
| | - Ravi Jain
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Delhi, 110067; India
| | | | - Mohammad Abid
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Delhi, 110025; India
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Delhi, 110067; India.
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Ezenyi I, Madan E, Singhal J, Jain R, Chakrabarti A, Ghousepeer GD, Pandey RP, Igoli N, Igoli J, Singh S. Screening of traditional medicinal plant extracts and compounds identifies a potent anti-leishmanial diarylheptanoid from Siphonochilus aethiopicus. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:2449-2463. [PMID: 37199276 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2212779] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Available anti-leishmanial drugs are associated with toxic side effects, necessitating the search for safe and effective alternatives. This study is focused on identifying traditional medicinal plant natural products for anti-leishmanial potential and possible mechanism of action. Compounds S and T. cordifolia residual fraction (TC-5) presented the best anti-leishmanial activity (IC50: 0.446 and 1.028 mg/ml) against promastigotes at 48 h and less cytotoxicity to THP-1 macrophages. These test agents elicited increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines; TNFα and IL-12. In infected untreated macrophages, NO release was suppressed but was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in infected cells treated with compound S. Importantly, Compound S was found to interact with LdTopoIIdimer in silico, resulting in a likely reduced ability of nucleic acid (dsDNA)-remodelling and, as a result, parasite proliferation in vitro. Thereby, Compound S possesses anti-leishmanial activity and this effect occurs via a Th1-mediated pro-inflammatory response. An increase in NO release and its inhibitory effect on LdTopoII may also contribute to the anti-leishmanial effect of compound S. These results show the potential of this compound as a potential starting point for the discovery of novel anti-leishmanial leads.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeoma Ezenyi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Evanka Madan
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Jhalak Singhal
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravi Jain
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Amrita Chakrabarti
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
| | | | - Ramendra Pati Pandey
- Centre for Drug Design Discovery and Development, SRM University, Sonepat, Haryana, India
| | - Ngozichukwuka Igoli
- Centre for Food Technology and Research, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria
| | - John Igoli
- Centre for Medicinal Plants and Propolis Research, Department of Chemical Sciences, Pen Resource University, Gombe, Nigeria
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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Jeon H, Choi E, Hwang J. Identification and characterization of VapBC toxin-antitoxin system in Bosea sp. PAMC 26642 isolated from Arctic lichens. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 27:1374-1389. [PMID: 34429367 PMCID: PMC8522696 DOI: 10.1261/rna.078786.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are genetic modules composed of a toxin interfering with cellular processes and its cognate antitoxin, which counteracts the activity of the toxin. TA modules are widespread in bacterial and archaeal genomes. It has been suggested that TA modules participate in the adaptation of prokaryotes to unfavorable conditions. The Bosea sp. PAMC 26642 used in this study was isolated from the Arctic lichen Stereocaulon sp. There are 12 putative type II TA loci in the genome of Bosea sp. PAMC 26642. Of these, nine functional TA systems have been shown to be toxic in Escherichia coli The toxin inhibits growth, but this inhibition is reversed when the cognate antitoxin genes are coexpressed, indicating that these putative TA loci were bona fide TA modules. Only the BoVapC1 (AXW83_01405) toxin, a homolog of VapC, showed growth inhibition specific to low temperatures, which was recovered by the coexpression of BoVapB1 (AXW83_01400). Microscopic observation and growth monitoring revealed that the BoVapC1 toxin had bacteriostatic effects on the growth of E. coli and induced morphological changes. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and northern blotting analyses showed that the BoVapC1 toxin had a ribonuclease activity on the initiator tRNAfMet, implying that degradation of tRNAfMet might trigger growth arrest in E. coli Furthermore, the BoVapBC1 system was found to contribute to survival against prolonged exposure at 4°C. This is the first study to identify the function of TA systems in cold adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyerin Jeon
- Department of Microbiology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsil Choi
- Department of Microbiology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Microbiological Resource Research Institute, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihwan Hwang
- Department of Microbiology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Microbiological Resource Research Institute, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
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Karthika A, Ramachandran B, Chitra J, Prabhu D, Rajamanikandan S, Veerapandiyan M, Jeyakanthan J. Molecular dynamics simulation of Toxin-Antitoxin (TA) system in Acinetobacter baumannii to explore the novel mechanism for inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis: Zeta Toxin as an effective therapeutic target. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:1832-1847. [PMID: 34448250 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The majority of bacteria and archaea contains Toxin-Antitoxin system (TA) that codes for the stable Toxin and unstable Antitoxin components forming a complex. The Antitoxin inhibits the catalytic activities of the Toxin. In general, the Antitoxin will be degraded by the proteases leading to the Toxin activation that subsequently targets essential cellular processes, including transcription, translation, replication, cell division, and cell wall biosynthesis. The Zeta Toxin-Epsilon Antitoxin system in ESKAPE pathogen stabilizes the resistance plasmid and promotes pathogenicity. The known TA system in Acinetobacter baumannii are known to be involved in the replication and translation, however, the mechanism of Zeta Toxin-Epsilon Antitoxin in cell wall biosynthesis remains unknown. In the present study, molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were employed to demonstrate whether Zeta Toxin can impair cell wall synthesis in A. baumannii. Further, the degradation mechanism of Antitoxin in the presence and absence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules are explained through MD simulation. The result reveals that the cleavage of Antitoxin could be possible with the presence of ATP by displaying its response from 20 ns, whereas the Zeta Toxin/Epsilon was unstable after 90 ns. The obtained results demonstrate that Zeta Toxin is "temporarily favorable" for ATP to undergo phosphorylation at UNAG kinase through the substrate tunneling process. The study further evidenced that phosphorylated UNAG prevents the binding of MurA, the enzyme that catalyzes the initial step of bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Therefore, the present study explores the binding mechanism of Zeta Toxin/Epsilon Antitoxin, which could be beneficial for preventing cell wall biosynthesis as well as for unveiling the alternative treatment options to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alagesan Karthika
- Structural Biology and Bio-Computing Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Balajee Ramachandran
- Structural Biology and Bio-Computing Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jeyarajpandian Chitra
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Umayal Ramanathan College for Women, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dhamodharan Prabhu
- Structural Biology and Bio-Computing Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sundaraj Rajamanikandan
- Structural Biology and Bio-Computing Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Malaisamy Veerapandiyan
- Structural Biology and Bio-Computing Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jeyaraman Jeyakanthan
- Structural Biology and Bio-Computing Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
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Efstathiou A, Smirlis D. Leishmania Protein Kinases: Important Regulators of the Parasite Life Cycle and Molecular Targets for Treating Leishmaniasis. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040691. [PMID: 33801655 PMCID: PMC8066228 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania is a protozoan parasite of the trypanosomatid family, causing a wide range of diseases with different clinical manifestations including cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. According to WHO, one billion people are at risk of Leishmania infection as they live in endemic areas while there are 12 million infected people worldwide. Annually, 0.9-1.6 million new infections are reported and 20-50 thousand deaths occur due to Leishmania infection. As current chemotherapy for treating leishmaniasis exhibits numerous drawbacks and due to the lack of effective human vaccine, there is an urgent need to develop new antileishmanial therapy treatment. To this end, eukaryotic protein kinases can be ideal target candidates for rational drug design against leishmaniasis. Eukaryotic protein kinases mediate signal transduction through protein phosphorylation and their inhibition is anticipated to be disease modifying as they regulate all essential processes for Leishmania viability and completion of the parasitic life cycle including cell-cycle progression, differentiation and virulence. This review highlights existing knowledge concerning the exploitation of Leishmania protein kinases as molecular targets to treat leishmaniasis and the current knowledge of their role in the biology of Leishmania spp. and in the regulation of signalling events that promote parasite survival in the insect vector or the mammalian host.
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Srivastava A, Pati S, Kaushik H, Singh S, Garg LC. Toxin-antitoxin systems and their medical applications: current status and future perspective. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:1803-1821. [PMID: 33582835 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11134-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Almost all bacteria synthesize two types of toxins-one for its survival by regulating different cellular processes and another as a strategy to interact with host cells for pathogenesis. Usually, "bacterial toxins" are contemplated as virulence factors that harm the host organism. However, toxins produced by bacteria, as a survival strategy against the host, also hamper its cellular processes. To overcome this, the bacteria have evolved with the production of a molecule, referred to as antitoxin, to negate the deleterious effect of the toxin against itself. The toxin and antitoxins are encoded by a two-component toxin-antitoxin (TA) system. The antitoxin, a protein or RNA, sequesters the toxins of the TA system for neutralization within the bacterial cell. In this review, we have described different TA systems of bacteria and their potential medical and biotechnological applications. It is of interest to note that while bacterial toxin-antitoxin systems have been well studied, the TA system in unicellular eukaryotes, though predicted by the investigators, have never been paid the desired attention. In the present review, we have also touched upon the TA system of eukaryotes identified to date. KEY POINTS: Bacterial toxins harm the host and also affect the bacterial cellular processes. The antitoxin produced by bacteria protect it from the toxin's harmful effects. The toxin-antitoxin systems can be targeted for various medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akriti Srivastava
- Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201314, India
| | - Soumya Pati
- Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201314, India
| | - Himani Kaushik
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| | - Lalit C Garg
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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