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Rodríguez-Urretavizcaya B, Vilaplana L, Marco MP. Strategies for Quorum Sensing inhibition as a tool for controlling Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2024; 64:107323. [PMID: 39242051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2024.107323] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most important concerns in global health today. A growing number of infections are becoming harder to treat with conventional drugs and fewer new antibiotics are being developed. In this context, strategies based on blocking or attenuating virulence pathways that do not focus on eradication of bacteria are potential therapeutic approaches that should reduce the selective pressure exerted on the pathogen. This virulence depletion can be achieved by inhibiting the conserved quorum sensing (QS) system, a mechanism that enables bacteria to communicate with one another in a density-dependent manner. QS regulates gene expression, leading to the activation of important processes such as virulence and biofilm formation. This review highlights the approaches reported so far for disrupting different steps of the QS system of the multiresistant pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The authors describe different types of molecules (including enzymes, natural and synthetic small molecules, and antibodies) already identified as P. aeruginosa quorum quenchers (QQs) or QS inhibitors (QSIs), grouped according to the QS circuit that they block (Las, Rhl, Pqs and some examples from the controversial pathway Iqs). The discovery of new QQs and QSIs is expected to help reduce antibiotic doses, or at least to provide options that act as adjuvants to enhance the effect of antibiotic treatment. Moreover, this article outlines the advantages and possible drawbacks of each strategy and provides perspectives on the potential developments in this field in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Rodríguez-Urretavizcaya
- Nanobiotechnology for diagnostics group (Nb4D), Department of Surfactants and Nanobiotechnology, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia IQAC-CSIC. Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lluïsa Vilaplana
- Nanobiotechnology for diagnostics group (Nb4D), Department of Surfactants and Nanobiotechnology, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia IQAC-CSIC. Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - M-Pilar Marco
- Nanobiotechnology for diagnostics group (Nb4D), Department of Surfactants and Nanobiotechnology, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia IQAC-CSIC. Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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Vieira TF, Leitão MM, Cerqueira NMFSA, Sousa SF, Borges A, Simões M. Montelukast and cefoperazone act as antiquorum sensing and antibiofilm agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae088. [PMID: 38587815 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae088] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Drug repurposing is an attractive strategy to control biofilm-related infectious diseases. In this study, two drugs (montelukast and cefoperazone) with well-established therapeutic applications were tested on Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing (QS) inhibition and biofilm control. METHODS AND RESULTS The activity of montelukast and cefoperazone was evaluated for Pqs signal inhibition, pyocyanin synthesis, and prevention and eradication of Ps. aeruginosa biofilms. Cefoperazone inhibited the Pqs system by hindering the production of the autoinducer molecules 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline (HHQ) and 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolone (the Pseudomonas quinolone signal or PQS), corroborating in silico results. Pseudomonas aeruginosa pyocyanin production was reduced by 50%. The combination of the antibiotics cefoperazone and ciprofloxacin was synergistic for Ps. aeruginosa biofilm control. On the other hand, montelukast had no relevant effects on the inhibition of the Pqs system and against Ps. aeruginosa biofilm. CONCLUSION This study provides for the first time strong evidence that cefoperazone interacts with the Pqs system, hindering the formation of the autoinducer molecules HHQ and PQS, reducing Ps. aeruginosa pathogenicity and virulence. Cefoperazone demonstrated a potential to be used in combination with less effective antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin) to potentiate the biofilm control action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana F Vieira
- Faculty of Medicine, LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Departamento de Medicina, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Leitão
- Faculty of Engineering, LEPABE Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences, CIQUP-IMS - Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Porto, Rua Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno M F S A Cerqueira
- Faculty of Medicine, LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Departamento de Medicina, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio F Sousa
- Faculty of Medicine, LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Departamento de Medicina, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Anabela Borges
- Faculty of Engineering, LEPABE Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Simões
- Faculty of Engineering, LEPABE Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Grossman S, Soukarieh F, Richardson W, Liu R, Mashabi A, Emsley J, Williams P, Cámara M, Stocks MJ. Novel quinazolinone inhibitors of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing transcriptional regulator PqsR. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 208:112778. [PMID: 32927392 PMCID: PMC7684530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Rising numbers of cases of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa over recent years have created an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches to cure potentially fatal infections. One such approach is virulence attenuation where anti-virulence compounds, designed to reduce pathogenicity without affording bactericidal effects, are employed to treat infections. P. aeruginosa uses the pqs quorum sensing (QS) system, to coordinate the expression of a large number of virulence determinants as well as bacterial-host interactions and hence represents an excellent anti-virulence target. We report the synthesis and identification of a new series of thiazole-containing quinazolinones capable of inhibiting PqsR, the transcriptional regulator of the pqs QS system. The compounds demonstrated high potency (IC50 < 300 nM) in a whole-cell assay, using a mCTX:PpqsA-lux-based bioreporter for the P. aeruginosa PAO1-L and PA14 strains. Structural evaluation defined the binding modes of four analogues in the ligand-binding domain of PqsR through X-ray crystallography. Further work showed the ability of 6-chloro-3((2-pentylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one (18) and 6-chloro-3((2-hexylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one (19) to attenuate production of the PqsR-regulated virulence factor pyocyanin. Compounds 18 and 19 showed a low cytotoxic profile in the A549 human epithelial lung cell line making them suitable candidates for further pre-clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Grossman
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Fadi Soukarieh
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK; National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - William Richardson
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ruiling Liu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Alaa Mashabi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Jonas Emsley
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK; National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Paul Williams
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK; National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Miguel Cámara
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK; National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Michael J Stocks
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK; National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK.
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Kobayashi M, Kuzuyama T. Recent Advances in the Biosynthesis of Carbazoles Produced by Actinomycetes. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10081147. [PMID: 32764478 PMCID: PMC7466098 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Structurally diverse carbazole alkaloids are valuable due to their pharmaceutical properties and have been isolated from nature. Experimental knowledge on carbazole biosynthesis is limited. The latest development of in silico analysis of the biosynthetic gene clusters for bacterial carbazoles has allowed studies on the biosynthesis of a carbazole skeleton, which was established by sequential enzyme-coupling reactions associated with an unprecedented carbazole synthase, a thiamine-dependent enzyme, and a ketosynthase-like enzyme. This review describes the carbazole biosynthetic mechanism, which includes a key step in enzymatic formation of a tricyclic carbazole skeleton, followed by modifications such as prenylation and hydroxylation in the skeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Kobayashi
- Biotechnology Research Center, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan;
| | - Tomohisa Kuzuyama
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Fax: +81-3-5841-3080
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Development and bioanalytical method validation of an LC-MS/MS assay for simultaneous quantitation of 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolones for application in bacterial cell culture and lung tissue. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:1521-1534. [PMID: 31993728 PMCID: PMC7223165 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-019-02374-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that produces numerous exoproducts during infection that help it evade the host immune system and procure nutrients from the host environment. Among these products are a family of secreted 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolone metabolites (AQs), which exhibit a range of biological activities. Here, we describe the validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based method for quantifying multiple AQ congeners in complex biological matrices. The assay was validated for selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, carryover, dilution integrity, recovery, matrix effects, and various aspects of stability (freeze-thaw, bench-top, long-term storage, and autosampler/post-preparative). Using authentic standards for 6 distinct AQ congeners, we report accurate quantitation within a linear range between 25 and 1000 nmol/L for all of the validated AQ standards. This method was successfully applied to quantify AQ concentrations in P. aeruginosa cell culture and in the lungs of mice infected with P. aeruginosa. Further, we confirmed the presence of unsaturated forms of several AQ congeners in cell culture. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Kobayashi M, Tomita T, Shin‐ya K, Nishiyama M, Kuzuyama T. An Unprecedented Cyclization Mechanism in the Biosynthesis of Carbazole Alkaloids in
Streptomyces. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:13349-13353. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201906864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Kobayashi
- Biotechnology Research CentreThe University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
| | - Takeo Tomita
- Biotechnology Research CentreThe University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology (CRIIM)The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
| | - Kazuo Shin‐ya
- Biotechnology Research CentreThe University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology 2-4-7 Aomi, Koto-ku Tokyo 135-0064 Japan
| | - Makoto Nishiyama
- Biotechnology Research CentreThe University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology (CRIIM)The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
| | - Tomohisa Kuzuyama
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology (CRIIM)The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
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7
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Kobayashi M, Tomita T, Shin‐ya K, Nishiyama M, Kuzuyama T. An Unprecedented Cyclization Mechanism in the Biosynthesis of Carbazole Alkaloids in
Streptomyces. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201906864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Kobayashi
- Biotechnology Research CentreThe University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
| | - Takeo Tomita
- Biotechnology Research CentreThe University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology (CRIIM)The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
| | - Kazuo Shin‐ya
- Biotechnology Research CentreThe University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology 2-4-7 Aomi, Koto-ku Tokyo 135-0064 Japan
| | - Makoto Nishiyama
- Biotechnology Research CentreThe University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology (CRIIM)The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
| | - Tomohisa Kuzuyama
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology (CRIIM)The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
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8
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Shen C, Wang A, Xu J, An Z, Loh KY, Zhang P, Liu X. Recent Advances in the Catalytic Synthesis of 4-Quinolones. Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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9
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Fleitas Martínez O, Rigueiras PO, Pires ÁDS, Porto WF, Silva ON, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Franco OL. Interference With Quorum-Sensing Signal Biosynthesis as a Promising Therapeutic Strategy Against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 8:444. [PMID: 30805311 PMCID: PMC6371041 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Faced with the global health threat of increasing resistance to antibiotics, researchers are exploring interventions that target bacterial virulence factors. Quorum sensing is a particularly attractive target because several bacterial virulence factors are controlled by this mechanism. Furthermore, attacking the quorum-sensing signaling network is less likely to select for resistant strains than using conventional antibiotics. Strategies that focus on the inhibition of quorum-sensing signal production are especially attractive because the enzymes involved are expressed in bacterial cells but are not present in their mammalian counterparts. We review here various approaches that are being taken to interfere with quorum-sensing signal production via the inhibition of autoinducer-2 synthesis, PQS synthesis, peptide autoinducer synthesis, and N-acyl-homoserine lactone synthesis. We expect these approaches will lead to the discovery of new quorum-sensing inhibitors that can help to stem the tide of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmel Fleitas Martínez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Pietra Orlandi Rigueiras
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Állan da Silva Pires
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - William Farias Porto
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,Porto Reports, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Osmar Nascimento Silva
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Biological Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,The Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Octavio Luiz Franco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
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10
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Schütz C, Empting M. Targeting the Pseudomonas quinolone signal quorum sensing system for the discovery of novel anti-infective pathoblockers. Beilstein J Org Chem 2018; 14:2627-2645. [PMID: 30410625 PMCID: PMC6204780 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.14.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes severe nosocomial infections. It uses quorum sensing (QS) to regulate and coordinate population-wide group behaviours in the infection process like concerted secretion of virulence factors. One very important signalling network is the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) QS. With the aim to devise novel and innovative anti-infectives, inhibitors have been designed to address the various potential drug targets present within pqs QS. These range from enzymes within the biosynthesis cascade of the signal molecules PqsABCDE to the receptor of these autoinducers PqsR (MvfR). This review shortly introduces P. aeruginosa and its pathogenicity traits regulated by the pqs system and highlights the published drug discovery efforts providing insights into the compound binding modes if available. Furthermore, suitability of the individual targets for pathoblocker design is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schütz
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Saarbrücken, Germany
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11
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Soukarieh F, Williams P, Stocks MJ, Cámara M. Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing Systems as Drug Discovery Targets: Current Position and Future Perspectives. J Med Chem 2018; 61:10385-10402. [PMID: 29999316 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to public health globally, manifested by the frequent emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens that render current chemotherapy inadequate. Health organizations worldwide have recognized the severity of this crisis and implemented action plans to contain its adverse consequences and prolong the utility of conventional antibiotics. Hence, there is a pressing need for new classes of antibacterial agents with novel modes of action. Quorum sensing (QS), a communication system employed by bacterial populations to coordinate virulence gene expression, is a potential target that has been intensively investigated over the past decade. This Perspective will focus on recent advances in targeting the three main quorum sensing systems ( las, rhl, and pqs) of a major opportunistic human pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and will specifically evaluate the medicinal chemistry strategies devised to develop QS inhibitors from a drug discovery perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Soukarieh
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , NG7 2RD , U.K
| | - Paul Williams
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , NG7 2RD , U.K
| | - Michael J Stocks
- School of Pharmacy, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , NG7 2RD , U.K
| | - Miguel Cámara
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , NG7 2RD , U.K
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12
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Kamal AAM, Petrera L, Eberhard J, Hartmann RW. Structure-functionality relationship and pharmacological profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa alkylquinolone quorum sensing modulators. Org Biomol Chem 2018; 15:4620-4630. [PMID: 28513746 DOI: 10.1039/c7ob00263g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
An important paradigm in anti-infective research is the antivirulence concept. Pathoblockers are compounds which disarm bacteria of their arsenal of virulence factors. PqsR is a transcriptional regulator controlling the production of such factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, most prominently pyocyanin. In this work, a series of tool compounds based on the structure of the natural ligand 2-heptyl-4-quinolone (HHQ) were used for probing the structure-functionality relationship. Four different profiles are identified namely agonists, antagonists, inverse agonists and biphasic modulators. Molecular docking studies revealed that each class of the PqsR modulators showed distinctive interactions in the PqsR binding domain. It was found that the substituents in position 3 of the quinolone core act as a switch between the different profiles, according to their ability to donate or accept a hydrogen bond, or form a hydrophobic interaction. Finally, it was shown that only inverse agonists were able to strongly inhibit pyocyanin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A M Kamal
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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13
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Baker YR, Hodgkinson JT, Florea BI, Alza E, Galloway WRJD, Grimm L, Geddis SM, Overkleeft HS, Welch M, Spring DR. Identification of new quorum sensing autoinducer binding partners in Pseudomonas aeruginosa using photoaffinity probes. Chem Sci 2017; 8:7403-7411. [PMID: 29163891 PMCID: PMC5674140 DOI: 10.1039/c7sc01270e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacterial species, including the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, employ a mechanism of intercellular communication known as quorum sensing (QS), which is mediated by signalling molecules termed autoinducers. The Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS) and 2-Heptyl-3H-4-Quinolone (HHQ) are autoinducers in P. aeruginosa, and they are considered important factors in the progress of infections by this clinically relevant organism. Herein, we report the development of HHQ and PQS photoaffinity-based probes for chemical proteomic studies. Application of these probes led to the identification of previously unsuspected putative HHQ and PQS binders, thereby providing new insights into QS at a proteomic level and revealing potential new small molecule targets for virulence attenuation strategies. Notably, we found evidence that PQS binds RhlR, the cognate receptor in the Rhl QS sub-system of P. aeruginosa. This is the first indication of interaction between the Rhl and PQS systems at the protein/ligand level, which suggests that RhlR should be considered a highly attractive target for antivirulence strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y R Baker
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge , CB2 1EW , UK .
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry , Leiden University , Einsteinweg 55 , 2333 CC Leiden , The Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , 80 Tennis Court Road , Cambridge , CB2 1GA , UK .
| | - J T Hodgkinson
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge , CB2 1EW , UK .
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , 80 Tennis Court Road , Cambridge , CB2 1GA , UK .
| | - B I Florea
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry , Leiden University , Einsteinweg 55 , 2333 CC Leiden , The Netherlands
| | - E Alza
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge , CB2 1EW , UK .
| | - W R J D Galloway
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge , CB2 1EW , UK .
| | - L Grimm
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , 80 Tennis Court Road , Cambridge , CB2 1GA , UK .
| | - S M Geddis
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge , CB2 1EW , UK .
| | - H S Overkleeft
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry , Leiden University , Einsteinweg 55 , 2333 CC Leiden , The Netherlands
| | - M Welch
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , 80 Tennis Court Road , Cambridge , CB2 1GA , UK .
| | - D R Spring
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge , CB2 1EW , UK .
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14
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Zhou Z, Ma S. Recent Advances in the Discovery of PqsD Inhibitors as Antimicrobial Agents. ChemMedChem 2017; 12:420-425. [PMID: 28195681 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201700015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ziteng Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Shandong University; 44, West Culture Road Jinan 250012 PR China)
| | - Shutao Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Shandong University; 44, West Culture Road Jinan 250012 PR China)
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15
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Kamal AAM, Maurer CK, Allegretta G, Haupenthal J, Empting M, Hartmann RW. Quorum Sensing Inhibitors as Pathoblockers for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections: A New Concept in Anti-Infective Drug Discovery. TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/7355_2017_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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16
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Prothiwa M, Szamosvári D, Glasmacher S, Böttcher T. Chemical probes for competitive profiling of the quorum sensing signal synthase PqsD of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Beilstein J Org Chem 2016; 12:2784-2792. [PMID: 28144351 PMCID: PMC5238532 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.12.277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses the pqs quorum sensing system to coordinate the production of its broad spectrum of virulence factors to facilitate colonization and infection of its host. Hereby, the enzyme PqsD is a virulence related quorum sensing signal synthase that catalyzes the central step in the biosynthesis of the Pseudomonas quinolone signals HHQ and PQS. We developed a library of cysteine reactive chemical probes with an alkyne handle for fluorescence tagging and report the selective and highly sensitive in vitro labelling of the active site cysteine of this important enzyme. Interestingly, only one type of probe, with a reactive α-chloroacetamide was capable of covalently reacting with the active site. We demonstrated the potential of our probes in a competitive labelling platform where we screened a library of synthetic HHQ and PQS analogues with heteroatom replacements and found several inhibitors of probe binding that may represent promising scaffolds for the development of customized PqsD inhibitors as well as a chemical toolbox to investigate the activity and active site specificity of the enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Prothiwa
- Department of Chemistry, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Dávid Szamosvári
- Department of Chemistry, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Sandra Glasmacher
- Department of Chemistry, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Thomas Böttcher
- Department of Chemistry, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
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17
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Ji C, Sharma I, Pratihar D, Hudson LL, Maura D, Guney T, Rahme LG, Pesci EC, Coleman JP, Tan DS. Designed Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the Anthranilyl-CoA Synthetase PqsA Block Quinolone Biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. ACS Chem Biol 2016; 11:3061-3067. [PMID: 27658001 PMCID: PMC5117135 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.6b00575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
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The Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses three interconnected intercellular
signaling systems regulated
by the transcription factors LasR, RhlR, and MvfR (PqsR), which mediate
bacterial cell–cell communication via small-molecule natural
products and control the production of a variety of virulence factors.
The MvfR system is activated by and controls the biosynthesis of the
quinolone quorum sensing factors HHQ and PQS. A key step in the biosynthesis
of these quinolones is catalyzed by the anthranilyl-CoA synthetase
PqsA. To develop inhibitors of PqsA as novel potential antivirulence
antibiotics, we report herein the design and synthesis of sulfonyladeonsine-based
mimics of the anthranilyl-AMP reaction intermediate that is bound
tightly by PqsA. Biochemical, microbiological, and pharmacological
studies identified two potent PqsA inhibitors, anthranilyl-AMS (1) and anthranilyl-AMSN (2), that decreased HHQ
and PQS production in P. aeruginosa strain
PA14. However, these compounds did not inhibit
production of the virulence factor pyocyanin. Moreover, they exhibited
limited bacterial penetration in compound accumulation studies. This
work provides the most potent PqsA inhibitors reported to date and
sets the stage for future efforts to develop analogues with improved
cellular activity to investigate further the complex relationships
between quinolone biosynthesis and virulence factor production in P. aeruginosa and the therapeutic potential of targeting
PqsA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - L. Lynn Hudson
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Boulevard, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, United States
| | - Damien Maura
- Department
of Surgery, Harvard Medical School and Massachusettts General Hospital, 50
Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | | | - Laurence G. Rahme
- Department
of Surgery, Harvard Medical School and Massachusettts General Hospital, 50
Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Shriners Hospitals for
Children Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Everett C. Pesci
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Boulevard, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, United States
| | - James P. Coleman
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Boulevard, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, United States
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18
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Thomann A, Brengel C, Börger C, Kail D, Steinbach A, Empting M, Hartmann RW. Structure-Activity Relationships of 2-Sufonylpyrimidines as Quorum-Sensing Inhibitors to Tackle Biofilm Formation and eDNA Release ofPseudomonas aeruginosa. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:2522-2533. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201600419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Thomann
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland; Department of Drug Design and Optimization; Campus E 8.1 66123 Saarbrücken Germany
| | - Christian Brengel
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland; Department of Drug Design and Optimization; Campus E 8.1 66123 Saarbrücken Germany
| | - Carsten Börger
- PharmBioTec GmbH; Science Park 1 66123 Saarbrücken Germany
| | - Dagmar Kail
- PharmBioTec GmbH; Science Park 1 66123 Saarbrücken Germany
| | - Anke Steinbach
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland; Department of Drug Design and Optimization; Campus E 8.1 66123 Saarbrücken Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland; Department of Drug Design and Optimization; Campus E 8.1 66123 Saarbrücken Germany
| | - Rolf W. Hartmann
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland; Department of Drug Design and Optimization; Campus E 8.1 66123 Saarbrücken Germany
- Saarland University; Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Campus C 2.3 66123 Saarbrücken Germany
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19
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Considerations and caveats in anti-virulence drug development. Curr Opin Microbiol 2016; 33:41-46. [PMID: 27318551 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
As antibiotic resistance remains a major public health threat, anti-virulence therapy research is gaining interest. Hundreds of potential anti-virulence compounds have been examined, but very few have made it to clinical trials and none have been approved. This review surveys the current anti-virulence research field with a focus on the highly resistant and deadly ESKAPE pathogens, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We discuss timely considerations and caveats in anti-virulence drug development, including target identification, administration, preclinical development, and metrics for success in clinical trials. Development of a defined pipeline for anti-virulence agents, which differs in important ways from conventional antibiotics, is imperative for the future success of these critically needed drugs.
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20
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Welsh MA, Blackwell HE. Chemical probes of quorum sensing: from compound development to biological discovery. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2016; 40:774-94. [PMID: 27268906 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuw009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria can utilize chemical signals to coordinate the expression of group-beneficial behaviors in a method of cell-cell communication called quorum sensing (QS). The discovery that QS controls the production of virulence factors and biofilm formation in many common pathogens has driven an explosion of research aimed at both deepening our fundamental understanding of these regulatory networks and developing chemical agents that can attenuate QS signaling. The inherently chemical nature of QS makes studying these pathways with small molecule tools a complementary approach to traditional microbiology techniques. Indeed, chemical tools are beginning to yield new insights into QS regulation and provide novel strategies to inhibit QS. Here, we review the most recent advances in the development of chemical probes of QS systems in Gram-negative bacteria, with an emphasis on the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa We first describe reports of novel small molecule modulators of QS receptors and QS signal synthases. Next, in several case studies, we showcase how chemical tools have been deployed to reveal new knowledge of QS biology and outline lessons for how researchers might best target QS to combat bacterial virulence. To close, we detail the outstanding challenges in the field and suggest strategies to overcome these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Welsh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Helen E Blackwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706, USA
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21
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Wagner S, Sommer R, Hinsberger S, Lu C, Hartmann RW, Empting M, Titz A. Novel Strategies for the Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections. J Med Chem 2016; 59:5929-69. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Wagner
- Chemical
Biology of Carbohydrates, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), 30625 Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Roman Sommer
- Chemical
Biology of Carbohydrates, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), 30625 Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Hinsberger
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), 30625 Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
- Drug
Design and Optimization, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Cenbin Lu
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), 30625 Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
- Drug
Design and Optimization, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf W. Hartmann
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), 30625 Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
- Drug
Design and Optimization, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), 30625 Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
- Drug
Design and Optimization, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Alexander Titz
- Chemical
Biology of Carbohydrates, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), 30625 Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
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22
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Composing compound libraries for hit discovery--rationality-driven preselection or random choice by structural diversity? Future Med Chem 2015; 6:2057-72. [PMID: 25531968 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.14.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS In order to identify new scaffolds for drug discovery, surface plasmon resonance is frequently used to screen structurally diverse libraries. Usually, hit rates are low and identification processes are time consuming. Hence, approaches which improve hit rates and, thus, reduce the library size are required. METHODS In this work, we studied three often used strategies for their applicability to identify inhibitors of PqsD. In two of them, target-specific aspects like inhibition of a homologous protein or predicted binding determined by virtual screening were used for compound preselection. Finally, a fragment library, covering a large chemical space, was screened and served as comparison. RESULTS & CONCLUSION Indeed, higher hit rates were observed for methods employing preselected libraries indicating that target-oriented compound selection provides a time-effective alternative.
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23
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Sahner JH, Empting M, Kamal A, Weidel E, Groh M, Börger C, Hartmann RW. Exploring the chemical space of ureidothiophene-2-carboxylic acids as inhibitors of the quorum sensing enzyme PqsD from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 96:14-21. [PMID: 25874327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa employs a quorum sensing (QS) communication system that makes use of small diffusible molecules. Among other effects, the QS system coordinates the formation of biofilm which decisively contributes to difficulties in the therapy of Pseudomonas infections. The present work deals with the structure-activity exploration of ureidothiophene-2-carboxylic acids as inhibitors of PqsD, a key enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of signal molecules in the Pseudomonas QS system. We describe an improvement of the inhibitory activity by successfully combining features from two different PqsD inhibitor classes. Furthermore the functional groups, which are responsible for the inhibitory potency, were identified. Moreover, the inability of the new inhibitors, to prevent signal molecule formation in whole cell assays, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Henning Sahner
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University & Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Campus C2 3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University & Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Campus C2 3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Ahmed Kamal
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University & Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Campus C2 3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Weidel
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University & Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Campus C2 3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Matthias Groh
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University & Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Campus C2 3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Carsten Börger
- PharmBioTec GmbH, Science Park 1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf W Hartmann
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University & Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Campus C2 3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
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24
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Sangshetti JN, Khan FAK, Patil RH, Marathe SD, Gade WN, Shinde DB. Biofilm inhibition of linezolid-like Schiff bases: Synthesis, biological activity, molecular docking and in silico ADME prediction. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:874-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.12.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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25
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Singh RP. Attenuation of quorum sensing-mediated virulence in Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria: implications for the post-antibiotic era. MEDCHEMCOMM 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c4md00363b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Quorum quenching compounds blocked quorum sensing system of bacteria by several mechanisms (a, b, c and d).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindra Pal Singh
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Kyushu University
- Fukuoka-shi
- Japan
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26
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Allegretta G, Weidel E, Empting M, Hartmann RW. Catechol-based substrates of chalcone synthase as a scaffold for novel inhibitors of PqsD. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 90:351-9. [PMID: 25437621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.11.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A new strategy for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections could be disrupting the Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS) quorum sensing (QS) system. The goal is to impair communication among the cells and, hence, reduce the expression of virulence factors and the formation of biofilms. PqsD is an essential enzyme for the synthesis of PQS and shares some features with chalcone synthase (CHS2), an enzyme expressed in Medicago sativa. Both proteins are quite similar concerning the size of the active site, the catalytic residues and the electrostatic surface potential at the entrance of the substrate tunnel. Hence, we evaluated selected substrates of the vegetable enzyme as potential inhibitors of the bacterial protein. This similarity-guided approach led to the identification of a new class of PqsD inhibitors having a catechol structure as an essential feature for activity, a saturated linker with two or more carbons and an ester moiety bearing bulky substituents. The developed compounds showed PqsD inhibition with IC50 values in the single-digit micromolar range. The binding mode of these compounds was investigated by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) experiments revealing that their interaction with the protein is not influenced by the presence of the anthranilic acid bound to active site cysteine. Importantly, some compounds reduced the signal molecule production in cellulo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Allegretta
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Campus C2(3), 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Weidel
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Campus C2(3), 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Campus C2(3), 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf W Hartmann
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Campus C2(3), 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C2(3), 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
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27
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Hutter MC, Brengel C, Negri M, Henn C, Zimmer C, Hartmann RW, Empting M, Steinbach A. Mechanistic details for anthraniloyl transfer in PqsD: the initial step in HHQ biosynthesis. J Mol Model 2014; 20:2255. [PMID: 24842325 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-014-2255-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PqsD mediates the conversion of anthraniloyl-coenzyme A (ACoA) to 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline (HHQ), a precursor of the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) molecule. Due to the role of the quinolone signaling pathway of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the expression of several virulence factors and biofilm formation, PqsD is a potential target for controlling this nosocomial pathogen, which exhibits a low susceptibility to standard antibiotics. PqsD belongs to the β-ketoacyl-ACP synthase family and is similar in structure to homologous FabH enzymes in E. coli and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Here, we used molecular dynamics simulations to obtain the structural position of the substrate ACoA in the binding pocket of PqsD, and semiempirical molecular orbital calculations to study the reaction mechanism for the catalytic cleavage of ACoA. Our findings suggest a nucleophilic attack of the deprotonated sulfur of Cys112 at the carbonyl carbon of ACoA and a switch in the protonation pattern of His257 whereby Nδ is protonated and the proton of Nε is shifted to the sulfur of CoA during the reaction. This is in agreement with the experimentally determined decreased catalytic activity of the Cys112Ser mutant, whereas the Cys112Ala, His257Phe, and Asn287Ala mutants are all inactive. ESI mass-spectrometric measurements of the Asn287Ala mutant show that anthraniloyl remains covalently bound to Cys112, thus further supporting the inference from our computed mechanism that Asn287 does not take part in the cleavage of ACoA. Since this mutant is inactive, we suggest instead that Asn287 must play an essential role in the subsequent formation of HHQ in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Hutter
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland University, Campus Building E2.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany,
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28
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Hinsberger S, de Jong JC, Groh M, Haupenthal J, Hartmann RW. Benzamidobenzoic acids as potent PqsD inhibitors for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 76:343-51. [PMID: 24589489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Targeting PqsD is a promising novel approach to disrupt bacterial cell-to-cell-communication in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In search of selective PqsD inhibitors, two series of benzamidobenzoic acids - one published as RNAP inhibitors and the other as PqsD inhibitors - were investigated for inhibitory activity toward the respective other enzyme. Additionally, novel derivatives were synthesized and biologically evaluated. By this means, the structural features needed for benzamidobenzoic acids to be potent and, most notably, selective PqsD inhibitors were identified. The most interesting compound of this study was the 3-Cl substituted compound 5 which strongly inhibits PqsD (IC₅₀ 6.2 μM) while exhibiting no inhibition of RNAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hinsberger
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Johannes C de Jong
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Matthias Groh
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jörg Haupenthal
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf W Hartmann
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
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29
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Storz MP, Allegretta G, Kirsch B, Empting M, Hartmann RW. From in vitro to in cellulo: structure–activity relationship of (2-nitrophenyl)methanol derivatives as inhibitors of PqsD in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Org Biomol Chem 2014; 12:6094-104. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ob00707g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
More than 60 derivatives of (2-nitrophenyl)methanol were synthesized and evaluated regarding their potency to inhibit PqsD. In vitro and in cellulo structure–activity relationships were derived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Storz
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)
- 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Allegretta
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)
- 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Benjamin Kirsch
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)
- 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)
- 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf W. Hartmann
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)
- 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry
- Saarland University
- 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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Storz MP, Brengel C, Weidel E, Hoffmann M, Hollemeyer K, Steinbach A, Müller R, Empting M, Hartmann RW. Biochemical and biophysical analysis of a chiral PqsD inhibitor revealing tight-binding behavior and enantiomers with contrary thermodynamic signatures. ACS Chem Biol 2013; 8:2794-801. [PMID: 24099650 DOI: 10.1021/cb400530d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Antivirulence strategies addressing bacterial pathogenicity without exhibiting growth inhibition effects represent a novel approach to overcome today's crisis in antibiotic development. In recent studies, we examined various inhibitors of PqsD, an enzyme involved in formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cell-to-cell signaling molecules, and observed desired cellular effects for 2-nitrophenyl derivatives. Herein, we investigated the binding characteristics of this interesting compound class using several biochemical and biophysical methods. The inhibitors showed time-dependent activity, tight-binding behavior, and interactions with the catalytic center. Furthermore, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments with separated enantiomers revealed contrary thermodynamic signatures showing either enthalpy- or entropy-driven affinity. A combination of site-directed mutagenesis and thermodynamic profiling was used to identify key residues involved in inhibitor binding. This information allowed the proposal of experimentally confirmed docking poses. Although originally designed as transition state analogs, our results suggest an altered position for both enantiomers. Interestingly, the main difference between stereoisomers was found in the orientation of the hydroxyl group at the stereogenic center. The predicted binding modes are in accordance with experimental data and, thus, allow future structure-guided optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Storz
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department Drug Design and Optimization, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Christian Brengel
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department Drug Design and Optimization, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Weidel
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department Drug Design and Optimization, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Pharmaceutical
and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Michael Hoffmann
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department Microbial Natural Products, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Klaus Hollemeyer
- Biochemical
Engineering, Saarland University, Campus A1.5, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Anke Steinbach
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department Drug Design and Optimization, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department Microbial Natural Products, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department Drug Design and Optimization, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf W. Hartmann
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department Drug Design and Optimization, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Pharmaceutical
and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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Dulcey CE, Dekimpe V, Fauvelle DA, Milot S, Groleau MC, Doucet N, Rahme LG, Lépine F, Déziel E. The end of an old hypothesis: the pseudomonas signaling molecules 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinolines derive from fatty acids, not 3-ketofatty acids. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:1481-91. [PMID: 24239007 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2013.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Groups of pathogenic bacteria use diffusible signals to regulate their virulence in a concerted manner. Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinolines (HAQs), including 4-hydroxy-2-heptylquinoline (HHQ) and 3,4-dihydroxy-2-heptylquinoline (PQS), as unique signals. We demonstrate that octanoic acid is directly incorporated into HHQ. This finding rules out the long-standing hypothesis that 3-ketofatty acids are the precursors of HAQs. We found that HAQ biosynthesis, which requires the PqsABCD enzymes, proceeds by a two-step pathway: (1) PqsD mediates the synthesis of 2-aminobenzoylacetate (2-ABA) from anthraniloyl-coenzyme A (CoA) and malonyl-CoA, then (2) the decarboxylating coupling of 2-ABA to an octanoate group linked to PqsC produces HHQ, the direct precursor of PQS. PqsB is tightly associated with PqsC and required for the second step. This finding uncovers promising targets for the development of specific antivirulence drugs to combat this opportunistic pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Eduardo Dulcey
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Valérie Dekimpe
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - David-Alexandre Fauvelle
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Sylvain Milot
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Marie-Christine Groleau
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Nicolas Doucet
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Laurence G Rahme
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 50 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - François Lépine
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada.
| | - Eric Déziel
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada.
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Hinsberger S, Hüsecken K, Groh M, Negri M, Haupenthal J, Hartmann RW. Discovery of Novel Bacterial RNA Polymerase Inhibitors: Pharmacophore-Based Virtual Screening and Hit Optimization. J Med Chem 2013; 56:8332-8. [DOI: 10.1021/jm400485e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hinsberger
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical
Research Saarland, Department
of Drug Design and Optimization, and ‡Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Kristina Hüsecken
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical
Research Saarland, Department
of Drug Design and Optimization, and ‡Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Matthias Groh
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical
Research Saarland, Department
of Drug Design and Optimization, and ‡Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Matthias Negri
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical
Research Saarland, Department
of Drug Design and Optimization, and ‡Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jörg Haupenthal
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical
Research Saarland, Department
of Drug Design and Optimization, and ‡Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf W. Hartmann
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical
Research Saarland, Department
of Drug Design and Optimization, and ‡Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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Sahner JH, Brengel C, Storz MP, Groh M, Plaza A, Müller R, Hartmann RW. Combining in silico and biophysical methods for the development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing inhibitors: an alternative approach for structure-based drug design. J Med Chem 2013; 56:8656-64. [PMID: 24083807 DOI: 10.1021/jm401102e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present work deals with the optimization of an inhibitor of PqsD, an enzyme essential for Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing apparatus. Molecular docking studies, supported by biophysical methods (surface plasmon resonance, isothermal titration calorimetry, saturation transfer difference NMR), were used to illuminate the binding mode of the 5-aryl-ureidothiophene-2-carboxylic acids. Enabled to make profound predictions, structure-based optimization led to increased inhibitory potency. Finally a covalent inhibitor was obtained. Binding to the active site was confirmed by LC-ESI-MS and MALDI-TOF-MS experiments. Following this rational approach, potent PqsD inhibitors were efficiently developed within a short period of time. This example shows that a combination and careful application of in silico and biophysical methods represents a powerful complement to cocrystallography.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Henning Sahner
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department of Drug Design and Optimization & Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University , Campus C2 3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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Schaadt NS, Steinbach A, Hartmann RW, Helms V. Rule-based regulatory and metabolic model for Quorum sensing in P. aeruginosa. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2013; 7:81. [PMID: 23965312 PMCID: PMC3765737 DOI: 10.1186/1752-0509-7-81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background In the pathogen P. aeruginosa, the formation of virulence factors is regulated via Quorum sensing signaling pathways. Due to the increasing number of strains that are resistant to antibiotics, there is a high interest to develop novel antiinfectives. In the combat of resistant bacteria, selective blockade of the bacterial cell–to–cell communication (Quorum sensing) has gained special interest as anti–virulence strategy. Here, we modeled the las, rhl, and pqs Quorum sensing systems by a multi–level logical approach to analyze how enzyme inhibitors and receptor antagonists effect the formation of autoinducers and virulence factors. Results Our rule–based simulations fulfill the behavior expected from literature considering the external level of autoinducers. In the presence of PqsBCD inhibitors, the external HHQ and PQS levels are indeed clearly reduced. The magnitude of this effect strongly depends on the inhibition level. However, it seems that the pyocyanin pathway is incomplete. Conclusions To match experimental observations we suggest a modified network topology in which PqsE and PqsR acts as receptors and an autoinducer as ligand that up–regulate pyocyanin in a concerted manner. While the PQS biosynthesis is more appropriate as target to inhibit the HHQ and PQS formation, blocking the receptor PqsR that regulates the biosynthesis reduces the pyocyanin level stronger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine S Schaadt
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland University, Campus E2,1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
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35
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Maurer CK, Steinbach A, Hartmann RW. Development and validation of a UHPLC-MS/MS procedure for quantification of the Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal in bacterial culture after acetylation for characterization of new quorum sensing inhibitors. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2013; 86:127-34. [PMID: 24001903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2013.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The appearance of antibiotic resistance requires novel therapeutic strategies. One approach is to selectively attenuate bacterial pathogenicity by interfering with bacterial cell-to-cell communication known as quorum sensing. The PQS quorum sensing system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa employs as signal molecule the Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS; 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-(1H)-quinolone), a key contributor to virulence and biofilm formation. Thus, interference with PQS production is considered as promising approach for the development of novel anti-infectives. Therefore, in this study, we developed and validated an ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric approach for reliable quantification of PQS in P. aeruginosa cultures for activity determination of new quorum sensing inhibitors. The poor chromatographic properties of PQS reported by others could be overcome by fast microwave-assisted acetylation. The validation procedure including matrix effects, recovery, process efficiency, selectivity, carry-over, accuracy and precision, stability of the processed sample, and limit of quantification demonstrated that the method fulfilled all requirements of common validation guidelines. Its applicability was successfully proven in routine testing. In addition, two-point calibration was shown to be applicable for fast and reliable PQS quantification saving time and resources. In summary, the described method provides a powerful tool for the discovery of new quorum sensing inhibitors as potential anti-infectives and illustrated the usefulness of chemical derivatization, acetylation, in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine K Maurer
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Campus C2.3, D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
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36
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Steinbach A, Maurer CK, Weidel E, Henn C, Brengel C, Hartmann RW, Negri M. Molecular basis of HHQ biosynthesis: molecular dynamics simulations, enzyme kinetic and surface plasmon resonance studies. BMC BIOPHYSICS 2013; 6:10. [PMID: 23916145 PMCID: PMC3734052 DOI: 10.1186/2046-1682-6-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PQS (PseudomonasQuinolone Signal) and its precursor HHQ are signal molecules of the P. aeruginosa quorum sensing system. They explicate their role in mammalian pathogenicity by binding to the receptor PqsR that induces virulence factor production and biofilm formation. The enzyme PqsD catalyses the biosynthesis of HHQ. RESULTS Enzyme kinetic analysis and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor experiments were used to determine mechanism and substrate order of the biosynthesis. Comparative analysis led to the identification of domains involved in functionality of PqsD. A kinetic cycle was set up and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to study the molecular bases of the kinetics of PqsD. Trajectory analysis, pocket volume measurements, binding energy estimations and decompositions ensured insights into the binding mode of the substrates anthraniloyl-CoA and β-ketodecanoic acid. CONCLUSIONS Enzyme kinetics and SPR experiments hint at a ping-pong mechanism for PqsD with ACoA as first substrate. Trajectory analysis of different PqsD complexes evidenced ligand-dependent induced-fit motions affecting the modified ACoA funnel access to the exposure of a secondary channel. A tunnel-network is formed in which Ser317 plays an important role by binding to both substrates. Mutagenesis experiments resulting in the inactive S317F mutant confirmed the importance of this residue. Two binding modes for β-ketodecanoic acid were identified with distinct catalytic mechanism preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Steinbach
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Campus C2.3, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Christine K Maurer
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Campus C2.3, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Henn
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Campus C2.3, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Current address: MIP Pharma GmbH, Kirkelerstr. 41, 66440,Blieskastel-Niederwürzbach, Germany
| | - Christian Brengel
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Campus C2.3, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf W Hartmann
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Campus C2.3, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Matthias Negri
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Campus C2.3, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
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37
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Weidel E, de Jong JC, Brengel C, Storz MP, Braunshausen A, Negri M, Plaza A, Steinbach A, Müller R, Hartmann RW. Structure optimization of 2-benzamidobenzoic acids as PqsD inhibitors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and elucidation of binding mode by SPR, STD NMR, and molecular docking. J Med Chem 2013; 56:6146-55. [PMID: 23834469 DOI: 10.1021/jm4006302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa employs a characteristic pqs quorum sensing (QS) system that functions via the signal molecules PQS and its precursor HHQ. They control the production of a number of virulence factors and biofilm formation. Recently, we have shown that sulfonamide substituted 2-benzamidobenzoic acids, which are known FabH inhibitors, are also able to inhibit PqsD, the enzyme catalyzing the last and key step in the biosynthesis of HHQ. Here, we describe the further optimization and characterization of this class of compounds as PqsD inhibitors. Structural modifications showed that both the carboxylic acid ortho to the amide and 3'-sulfonamide are essential for binding. Introduction of substituents in the anthranilic part of the molecule resulted in compounds with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. Binding mode investigations by SPR with wild-type and mutated PqsD revealed that this compound class does not bind into the active center of PqsD but in the ACoA channel, preventing the substrate from accessing the active site. This binding mode was further confirmed by docking studies and STD NMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Weidel
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) , Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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Storz MP, Maurer CK, Zimmer C, Wagner N, Brengel C, de Jong JC, Lucas S, Müsken M, Häussler S, Steinbach A, Hartmann RW. Validation of PqsD as an anti-biofilm target in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by development of small-molecule inhibitors. J Am Chem Soc 2012; 134:16143-6. [PMID: 22992202 DOI: 10.1021/ja3072397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
2-Heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline (HHQ) and Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) are involved in the regulation of virulence factor production and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PqsD is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of these signal molecules. Using a ligand-based approach, we have identified the first class of PqsD inhibitors. Simplification and rigidization led to fragments with high ligand efficiencies. These small molecules repress HHQ and PQS production and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. This validates PqsD as a target for the development of anti-infectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Storz
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Campus C23, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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Henn C, Boettcher S, Steinbach A, Hartmann RW. Catalytic enzyme activity on a biosensor chip: Combination of surface plasmon resonance and mass spectrometry. Anal Biochem 2012; 428:28-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2012.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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40
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Will the initiator of fatty acid synthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa please stand up? J Bacteriol 2012; 194:5159-61. [PMID: 22821980 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01198-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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41
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Discovery of antagonists of PqsR, a key player in 2-alkyl-4-quinolone-dependent quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 19:381-90. [PMID: 22444593 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2012.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The pqs quorum sensing communication system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa controls virulence factor production and is involved in biofilm formation, therefore playing an important role for pathogenicity. In order to attenuate P. aeruginosa pathogenicity, we followed a ligand-based drug design approach and synthesized a series of compounds targeting PqsR, the receptor of the pqs system. In vitro evaluation using a reporter gene assay in Escherichia coli led to the discovery of the first competitive PqsR antagonists, which are highly potent (K(d,app) of compound 20: 7 nM). These antagonists are able to reduce the production of the virulence factor pyocyanin in P. aeruginosa. Our finding offers insights into the ligand-receptor interaction of PqsR and provides a promising starting point for further drug design.
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Fatty acid biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is initiated by the FabY class of β-ketoacyl acyl carrier protein synthases. J Bacteriol 2012; 194:5171-84. [PMID: 22753059 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00792-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The prototypical type II fatty acid synthesis (FAS) pathway in bacteria utilizes two distinct classes of β-ketoacyl synthase (KAS) domains to assemble long-chain fatty acids, the KASIII domain for initiation and the KASI/II domain for elongation. The central role of FAS in bacterial viability and virulence has stimulated significant effort toward developing KAS inhibitors, particularly against the KASIII domain of the β-acetoacetyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthase FabH. Herein, we show that the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa does not utilize a FabH ortholog but rather a new class of divergent KAS I/II enzymes to initiate the FAS pathway. When a P. aeruginosa cosmid library was used to rescue growth in a fabH downregulated strain of Escherichia coli, a single unannotated open reading frame, PA5174, complemented fabH depletion. While deletion of all four KASIII domain-encoding genes in the same P. aeruginosa strain resulted in a wild-type growth phenotype, deletion of PA5174 alone specifically attenuated growth due to a defect in de novo FAS. Siderophore secretion and quorum-sensing signaling, particularly in the rhl and Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) systems, was significantly muted in the absence of PA5174. The defect could be repaired by intergeneric complementation with E. coli fabH. Characterization of recombinant PA5174 confirmed a preference for short-chain acyl coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) substrates, supporting the identification of PA5174 as the predominant enzyme catalyzing the condensation of acetyl coenzyme A with malonyl-ACP in P. aeruginosa. The identification of the functional role for PA5174 in FAS defines the new FabY class of β-ketoacyl synthase KASI/II domain condensation enzymes.
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