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Giuliano CJ, Wei KJ, Harling FM, Waldman BS, Farringer MA, Boydston EA, Lan TCT, Thomas RW, Herneisen AL, Sanderlin AG, Coppens I, Dvorin JD, Lourido S. CRISPR-based functional profiling of the Toxoplasma gondii genome during acute murine infection. Nat Microbiol 2024:10.1038/s41564-024-01754-2. [PMID: 38977907 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01754-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Examining host-pathogen interactions in animals can capture aspects of infection that are obscured in cell culture. Using CRISPR-based screens, we functionally profile the entire genome of the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii during murine infection. Barcoded gRNAs enabled bottleneck detection and mapping of population structures within parasite lineages. Over 300 genes with previously unknown roles in infection were found to modulate parasite fitness in mice. Candidates span multiple axes of host-parasite interaction. Rhoptry Apical Surface Protein 1 was characterized as a mediator of host-cell tropism that facilitates repeated invasion attempts. GTP cyclohydrolase I was also required for fitness in mice and druggable through a repurposed compound, 2,4-diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine. This compound synergized with pyrimethamine against T. gondii and malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum parasites. This work represents a complete survey of an apicomplexan genome during infection of an animal host and points to novel interfaces of host-parasite interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth J Wei
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Biology Department, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Benjamin S Waldman
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Biology Department, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Madeline A Farringer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Biological Sciences in Public Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Raina W Thomas
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Biology Department, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alice L Herneisen
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Biology Department, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Isabelle Coppens
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Dvorin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sebastian Lourido
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Biology Department, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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2
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Zwahlen SM, Hayward JA, Maguire CS, Qin AR, van Dooren GG. A myzozoan-specific protein is an essential membrane-anchoring component of the succinate dehydrogenase complex in Toxoplasma parasites. Open Biol 2024; 14:230463. [PMID: 38835243 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230463] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) is a protein complex that functions in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the electron transport chain of mitochondria. In most eukaryotes, SDH is highly conserved and comprises the following four subunits: SdhA and SdhB form the catalytic core of the complex, while SdhC and SdhD anchor the complex in the membrane. Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite that infects one-third of humans worldwide. The genome of T. gondii encodes homologues of the catalytic subunits SdhA and SdhB, although the physiological role of the SDH complex in the parasite and the identity of the membrane-anchoring subunits are poorly understood. Here, we show that the SDH complex contributes to optimal proliferation and O2 consumption in the disease-causing tachyzoite stage of the T. gondii life cycle. We characterize a small membrane-bound subunit of the SDH complex called mitochondrial protein ookinete developmental defect (MPODD), which is conserved among myzozoans, a phylogenetic grouping that incorporates apicomplexan parasites and their closest free-living relatives. We demonstrate that TgMPODD is essential for SDH activity and plays a key role in attaching the TgSdhA and TgSdhB proteins to the membrane anchor of the complex. Our findings highlight a unique and important feature of mitochondrial energy metabolism in apicomplexan parasites and their relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya M Zwahlen
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University , Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Jenni A Hayward
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University , Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Capella S Maguire
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University , Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Alex R Qin
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University , Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Giel G van Dooren
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University , Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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3
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García-Guerrero AE, Marvin RG, Blackwell AM, Sigala PA. Biogenesis of cytochromes c and c 1 in the electron transport chain of malaria parasites. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.01.575742. [PMID: 38352463 PMCID: PMC10862854 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.01.575742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Plasmodium malaria parasites retain an essential mitochondrional electron transport chain (ETC) that is critical for growth within humans and mosquitoes and a key antimalarial drug target. ETC function requires cytochromes c and c 1 that are unusual among heme proteins due to their covalent binding to heme via conserved CXXCH sequence motifs. Heme attachment to these proteins in most eukaryotes requires the mitochondrial enzyme holocytochrome c synthase (HCCS) that binds heme and the apo cytochrome to facilitate biogenesis of the mature cytochrome c or c 1. Although humans encode a single bifunctional HCCS that attaches heme to both proteins, Plasmodium parasites are like yeast and encode two separate HCCS homologs thought to be specific for heme attachment to cyt c (HCCS) or cyt c 1 (HCC1S). To test the function and specificity of P. falciparum HCCS and HCC1S, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to tag both genes for conditional expression. HCC1S knockdown selectively impaired cyt c 1 biogenesis and caused lethal ETC dysfunction that was not reversed by over-expression of HCCS. Knockdown of HCCS caused a more modest growth defect but strongly sensitized parasites to mitochondrial depolarization by proguanil, revealing key defects in ETC function. These results and prior heterologous studies in E. coli of cyt c hemylation by P. falciparum HCCS and HCC1S strongly suggest that both homologs are essential for mitochondrial ETC function and have distinct specificities for biogenesis of cyt c and c 1, respectively, in parasites. This study lays a foundation to develop novel strategies to selectively block ETC function in malaria parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca G. Marvin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Amanda Mixon Blackwell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Paul A. Sigala
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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4
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Springer E, Heimsch KC, Rahlfs S, Becker K, Przyborski JM. Real-time measurements of ATP dynamics via ATeams in Plasmodium falciparum reveal drug-class-specific response patterns. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0169023. [PMID: 38501806 PMCID: PMC11064498 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01690-23] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria tropica, caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), remains one of the greatest public health burdens for humankind. Due to its pivotal role in parasite survival, the energy metabolism of P. falciparum is an interesting target for drug design. To this end, analysis of the central metabolite adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is of great interest. So far, only cell-disruptive or intensiometric ATP assays have been available in this system, with various drawbacks for mechanistic interpretation and partly inconsistent results. To address this, we have established fluorescent probes, based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and known as ATeam, for use in blood-stage parasites. ATeams are capable of measuring MgATP2- levels in a ratiometric manner, thereby facilitating in cellulo measurements of ATP dynamics in real-time using fluorescence microscopy and plate reader detection and overcoming many of the obstacles of established ATP analysis methods. Additionally, we established a superfolder variant of the ratiometric pH sensor pHluorin (sfpHluorin) in P. falciparum to monitor pH homeostasis and control for pH fluctuations, which may affect ATeam measurements. We characterized recombinant ATeam and sfpHluorin protein in vitro and stably integrated the sensors into the genome of the P. falciparum NF54attB cell line. Using these new tools, we found distinct sensor response patterns caused by several different drug classes. Arylamino alcohols increased and redox cyclers decreased ATP; doxycycline caused first-cycle cytosol alkalization; and 4-aminoquinolines caused aberrant proteolysis. Our results open up a completely new perspective on drugs' mode of action, with possible implications for target identification and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Springer
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kim C. Heimsch
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Rahlfs
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katja Becker
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jude M. Przyborski
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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5
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Cardillo NM, Lacy PA, Villarino NF, Doggett JS, Riscoe MK, Bastos RG, Laughery JM, Ueti MW, Suarez CE. Comparative efficacy of buparvaquone and imidocarb in inhibiting the in vitro growth of Babesia bovis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1407548. [PMID: 38751779 PMCID: PMC11094231 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1407548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction B. bovis is an apicomplexan parasite responsible for bovine babesiosis, a tick-borne disease with a worldwide impact. The disease remains inefficiently controlled, and few effective drugs, including imidocarb dipropionate (ID), are currently available in endemic areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether buparvaquone (BPQ), a drug currently used to treat cattle infected with the Babesia-related Theileria spp. parasites, could be active against Babesia parasites. Herein, we compared the effect of ID and BPQ on B. bovis growth in vitro erythrocyte culture. Methods We compared the effect of ID and BPQ on the culture-adapted Texas T2Bo strain of B. bovis. In vitro cultured parasites were incubated with ID and BPQ at two starting parasitemia levels (PPE), 0.2% and 1%. In vitro cultured parasites were treated with ID or BPQ at concentrations ranging from 10 to 300 nM, during 4 consecutive days. Parasitemia levels were daily evaluated using microscopic examination. Data was compared using the independent Student's t-test. Results and discussion Both ID and BPQ significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) the growth of B. bovis, regardless of the initial parasitemia used. At 1% parasitemia, BPQ had lower calculated inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50: 50.01) values than ID (IC50: 117.3). No parasites were found in wells with 0.2% starting parasitemia, treated previously with 50 nM of BPQ or ID, after 2 days of culture without drugs. At 1% parasitemia, no parasite survival was detected at 150 nM of BPQ or 300 nM of ID, suggesting that both drugs acted as babesiacidals. Conclusion Overall, the data suggests that BPQ is effective against B. bovis and shows a residual effect that seems superior to ID, which is currently the first-line drug for treating bovine babesiosis globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia M. Cardillo
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
- Estación Experimental INTA Paraná Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Parana, Argentina
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Paul A. Lacy
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Nicolas F. Villarino
- Program in Individualized Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, United States
| | - J. Stone Doggett
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Michael K. Riscoe
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Reginaldo G. Bastos
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Jacob M. Laughery
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Massaro W. Ueti
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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6
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Tajeri S, Chattopadhyay D, Langsley G, Nijhof AM. A Theileria annulata parasite with a single mutation, methionine 128 to isoleucine (M128I), in cytochrome B is resistant to buparvaquone. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299002. [PMID: 38626086 PMCID: PMC11020719 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Tropical theileriosis is a fatal leukemic-like disease of cattle caused by the tick-transmitted protozoan parasite Theileria annulata. The economics of cattle meat and milk production is severely affected by theileriosis in endemic areas. The hydroxynaphtoquinone buparvaquone (BPQ) is the only available drug currently used to treat clinical theileriosis, whilst BPQ resistance is emerging and spreading in endemic areas. Here, we chronically exposed T. annulata-transformed macrophages in vitro to BPQ and monitored the emergence of drug-resistant parasites. Surviving parasites revealed a significant increase in BPQ IC50 compared to the wild type parasites. Drug resistant parasites from two independent cloned lines had an identical single mutation, M128I, in the gene coding for T. annulata cytochrome B (Tacytb). This in vitro generated mutation has not been reported in resistant field isolates previously, but is reminiscent of the methionine to isoleucine mutation in atovaquone-resistant Plasmodium and Babesia. The M128I mutation did not appear to exert any deleterious effect on parasite fitness (proliferation and differentiation to merozoites). To gain insight into whether drug-resistance could have resulted from altered drug binding to TaCytB we generated in silico a 3D-model of wild type TaCytB and docked BPQ to the predicted 3D-structure. Potential binding sites cluster in four areas of the protein structure including the Q01 site. The bound drug in the Q01 site is expected to pack against an alpha helix, which included M128, suggesting that the change in amino acid in this position may alter drug-binding. The in vitro generated BPQ resistant T. annulata is a useful tool to determine the contribution of the various predicted docking sites to BPQ resistance and will also allow testing novel drugs against theileriosis for their potential to overcome BPQ resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Tajeri
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Debasish Chattopadhyay
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Gordon Langsley
- Inserm U1016-CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Biologie Comparative des Apicomplexes, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes—Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Ard M. Nijhof
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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7
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Lindblom JR, Zhang X, Lehane AM. A pH Fingerprint Assay to Identify Inhibitors of Multiple Validated and Potential Antimalarial Drug Targets. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1185-1200. [PMID: 38499199 PMCID: PMC11019546 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
New drugs with novel modes of action are needed to safeguard malaria treatment. In recent years, millions of compounds have been tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of asexual blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum parasites, resulting in the identification of thousands of compounds with antiplasmodial activity. Determining the mechanisms of action of antiplasmodial compounds informs their further development, but remains challenging. A relatively high proportion of compounds identified as killing asexual blood-stage parasites show evidence of targeting the parasite's plasma membrane Na+-extruding, H+-importing pump, PfATP4. Inhibitors of PfATP4 give rise to characteristic changes in the parasite's internal [Na+] and pH. Here, we designed a "pH fingerprint" assay that robustly identifies PfATP4 inhibitors while simultaneously allowing the detection of (and discrimination between) inhibitors of the lactate:H+ transporter PfFNT, which is a validated antimalarial drug target, and the V-type H+ ATPase, which was suggested as a possible target of the clinical candidate ZY19489. In our pH fingerprint assays and subsequent secondary assays, ZY19489 did not show evidence for the inhibition of pH regulation by the V-type H+ ATPase, suggesting that it has a different mode of action in the parasite. The pH fingerprint assay also has the potential to identify protonophores, inhibitors of the acid-loading Cl- transporter(s) (for which the molecular identity(ies) remain elusive), and compounds that act through inhibition of either the glucose transporter PfHT or glycolysis. The pH fingerprint assay therefore provides an efficient starting point to match a proportion of antiplasmodial compounds with their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adele M. Lehane
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital
Territory 2600, Australia
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8
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Adegboro AG, Afolabi IS. Molecular mechanisms of mitochondria-mediated ferroptosis: a potential target for antimalarial interventions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1374735. [PMID: 38660623 PMCID: PMC11039840 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1374735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death characterized by glutathione (GSH) depletion, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inactivation, and the build-up of lipotoxic reactive species. Ferroptosis-targeted induction is a promising therapeutic approach for addressing antimalarial drug resistance. In addition to being the primary source of intracellular energy supply and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondria actively participate in diverse forms of regulated cell death, including ferroptosis. Altered mitochondrial morphology and functionality are attributed to ferroptosis. Diverse mitochondria-related proteins and metabolic activities have been implicated in fine-tuning the action of ferroptosis inducers. Herein, we review recent progress in this evolving field, elucidating the numerous mechanisms by which mitochondria regulate ferroptosis and giving an insight into the role of the organelle in ferroptosis. Additionally, we present an overview of how mitochondria contribute to ferroptosis in malaria. Furthermore, we attempt to shed light on an inclusive perspective on how targeting malaria parasites' mitochondrion and attacking redox homeostasis is anticipated to induce ferroptosis-mediated antiparasitic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adegbolagun Grace Adegboro
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
| | - Israel Sunmola Afolabi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
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9
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Shang R, Liao Y, Zheng X. Inhibition of Wnt Signaling by Atovaquone Inhibits Gastric Cancer and Enhances Chemotherapy Effectiveness Through Activation of Casein Kinase 1α. Nutr Cancer 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38494910 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2024.2328377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is a driving force behind the progression of gastric cancer. Atovaquone, known as an antimalarial drug, has emerged as a potential candidate for anti-cancer therapy. This study investigated atovaquone's effects on gastric cancer and its underlying mechanisms. Using gastric cancer cell lines, we found that atovaquone, at concentrations relevant to clinical use, significantly reduced their viability. Notably, atovaquone exhibited a lower effectiveness in reducing the viability of normal gastric cells compared to gastric cancer cells. We further demonstrated that atovaquone inhibited gastric cancer growth and colony formation. Mechanism studies revealed that atovaquone inhibited mitochondrial respiration and induced oxidative stress. Experiments using ρ0 cells, deficient in mitochondrial respiration, indicated a slightly weaker effect of atovaquone on inducing apoptosis compared to wildtype cells. Atovaquone increased phosphorylated β-catenin at Ser45 and Ser33/37/Thr41, elevated Axin, and reduced β-catenin. The inhibitory effects of atovaquone on β-catenin were reversed upon depletion of CK1α. Furthermore, the combination of atovaquone with paclitaxel suppressed gastric cancer growth and improved overall survival in mice. Given that atovaquone is already approved for clinical use, these findings suggest its potential as a valuable addition to the drug arsenal available for treating gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Shang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Yingying Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Xuejiao Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
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10
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Nehra AK, Moudgil AD, Kumari A, Kumar V, Vohra S. Population genetic characterization of Theileria annulata based on the cytochrome b gene, with genetic insights into buparvaquone susceptibility in Haryana (India). Acta Trop 2024; 250:107103. [PMID: 38135132 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107103] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The present investigation was aimed at population genetic characterization of Theileria annulata on the basis of the cytochrome b (cyt b) gene along with the evaluation of status of buparvaquone resistance in Haryana (India). The sequences originating from China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Tunisia, Turkey and Sudan were included in the analysis. The maximum likelihood tree based on the Tamura-Nei (TN93+G) model placed all the sequences of T. annulata into a single clade. The median-joining haplotype network exemplified geographical clustering between T. annulata haplotypes originating from each country. Only five haplotypes (7.81 %) were shared between any two countries, while the remaining 59 haplotypes (92.19 %) were singleton and unique to one country. The values of pairwise genetic distance (FST) between all the populations indicated huge genetic differentiation (> 0.25) between different T. annulata populations, barring the FST value between Iraq and Turkey (0.14454) which suggested a moderate differentiation. Contrary to the FST index, the values of gene flow (Nm) between T. annulata populations were very low. The neutrality indices and mismatch distributions indicated a population expansion in the Indian T. annulata population. Furthermore, the secondary structure and homology modeling of the partial cyt b protein is also reported. The molecular analysis of newly generated sequences for buparvaquone resistance revealed that all the isolates were susceptible to buparvaquone treatment. However, two novel mutations at positions V203I and V219I in between the Q01 and Q02 drug-binding regions of the cyt b gene were observed for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar Nehra
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004, India.
| | - Aman Dev Moudgil
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004, India.
| | - Ansu Kumari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004, India.
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004, India
| | - Sukhdeep Vohra
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004, India
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11
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Ramli AH, Mohd Faudzi SM. Diarylpentanoids, the privileged scaffolds in antimalarial and anti-infectives drug discovery: A review. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2300391. [PMID: 37806761 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300391] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Asia is a hotspot for infectious diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, tuberculosis, and the pandemic COVID-19. Emerging infectious diseases have taken a heavy toll on public health and the economy and have been recognized as a major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in Southeast Asia. Infectious disease control is a major challenge, but many surveillance systems and control strategies have been developed and implemented. These include vector control, combination therapies, vaccine development, and the development of new anti-infectives. Numerous newly discovered agents with pharmacological anti-infective potential are being actively and extensively studied for their bioactivity, toxicity, selectivity, and mode of action, but many molecules lose their efficacy over time due to resistance developments. These facts justify the great importance of the search for new, effective, and safe anti-infectives. Diarylpentanoids, a curcumin derivative, have been developed as an alternative with better bioavailability and metabolism as a therapeutic agent. In this review, the mechanisms of action and potential targets of antimalarial drugs as well as the classes of antimalarial drugs are presented. The bioactivity of diarylpentanoids as a potential scaffold for a new class of anti-infectives and their structure-activity relationships are also discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirah H Ramli
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Siti M Mohd Faudzi
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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12
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Silva MF, Douglas K, Sandalli S, Maclean AE, Sheiner L. Functional and biochemical characterization of the Toxoplasma gondii succinate dehydrogenase complex. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011867. [PMID: 38079448 PMCID: PMC10735183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC) is a series of membrane embedded enzymatic complexes critical for energy conversion and mitochondrial metabolism. In commonly studied eukaryotes, including humans and animals, complex II, also known as succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), is an essential four-subunit enzyme that acts as an entry point to the mETC, by harvesting electrons from the TCA cycle. Apicomplexa are pathogenic parasites with significant impact on human and animal health. The phylum includes Toxoplasma gondii which can cause fatal infections in immunocompromised people. Most apicomplexans, including Toxoplasma, rely on their mETC for survival, yet SDH remains largely understudied. Previous studies pointed to a divergent apicomplexan SDH with nine subunits proposed for the Toxoplasma complex, compared to four in humans. While two of the nine are homologs of the well-studied SDHA and B, the other seven have no homologs in SDHs of other systems. Moreover, SDHC and D, that anchor SDH to the membrane and participate in substrate bindings, have no homologs in Apicomplexa. Here, we validated five of the seven proposed subunits as bona fide SDH components and demonstrated their importance for SDH assembly and activity. We further find that all five subunits are important for parasite growth, and that disruption of SDH impairs mitochondrial respiration and results in spontaneous initiation of differentiation into bradyzoites. Finally, we provide evidence that the five subunits are membrane bound, consistent with their potential role in membrane anchoring, and we demonstrate that a DY motif in one of them, SDH10, is essential for complex formation and function. Our study confirms the divergent composition of Toxoplasma SDH compared to human, and starts exploring the role of the lineage-specific subunits in SDH function, paving the way for future mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana F. Silva
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Kiera Douglas
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sofia Sandalli
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew E. Maclean
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Lilach Sheiner
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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13
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Di Trani JM, Gheorghita AA, Turner M, Brzezinski P, Ädelroth P, Vahidi S, Howell PL, Rubinstein JL. Structure of the bc1- cbb3 respiratory supercomplex from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2307093120. [PMID: 37751552 PMCID: PMC10556555 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307093120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy conversion by electron transport chains occurs through the sequential transfer of electrons between protein complexes and intermediate electron carriers, creating the proton motive force that enables ATP synthesis and membrane transport. These protein complexes can also form higher order assemblies known as respiratory supercomplexes (SCs). The electron transport chain of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is closely linked with its ability to invade host tissue, tolerate harsh conditions, and resist antibiotics but is poorly characterized. Here, we determine the structure of a P. aeruginosa SC that forms between the quinol:cytochrome c oxidoreductase (cytochrome bc1) and one of the organism's terminal oxidases, cytochrome cbb3, which is found only in some bacteria. Remarkably, the SC structure also includes two intermediate electron carriers: a diheme cytochrome c4 and a single heme cytochrome c5. Together, these proteins allow electron transfer from ubiquinol in cytochrome bc1 to oxygen in cytochrome cbb3. We also present evidence that different isoforms of cytochrome cbb3 can participate in formation of this SC without changing the overall SC architecture. Incorporating these different subunit isoforms into the SC would allow the bacterium to adapt to different environmental conditions. Bioinformatic analysis focusing on structural motifs in the SC suggests that cytochrome bc1-cbb3 SCs also exist in other bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M. Di Trani
- Molecular Medicine program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONM5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Andreea A. Gheorghita
- Molecular Medicine program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONM5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Madison Turner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ONN1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Peter Brzezinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, StockholmSE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Pia Ädelroth
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, StockholmSE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Siavash Vahidi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ONN1G 2W1, Canada
| | - P. Lynne Howell
- Molecular Medicine program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONM5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 1A8, Canada
| | - John L. Rubinstein
- Molecular Medicine program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONM5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5G 1L7, Canada
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14
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Lamb IM, Okoye IC, Mather MW, Vaidya AB. Unique Properties of Apicomplexan Mitochondria. Annu Rev Microbiol 2023; 77:541-560. [PMID: 37406344 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-032421-120540] [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] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites constitute more than 6,000 species infecting a wide range of hosts. These include important pathogens such as those causing malaria and toxoplasmosis. Their evolutionary emergence coincided with the dawn of animals. Mitochondrial genomes of apicomplexan parasites have undergone dramatic reduction in their coding capacity, with genes for only three proteins and ribosomal RNA genes present in scrambled fragments originating from both strands. Different branches of the apicomplexans have undergone rearrangements of these genes, with Toxoplasma having massive variations in gene arrangements spread over multiple copies. The vast evolutionary distance between the parasite and the host mitochondria has been exploited for the development of antiparasitic drugs, especially those used to treat malaria, wherein inhibition of the parasite mitochondrial respiratory chain is selectively targeted with little toxicity to the host mitochondria. We describe additional unique characteristics of the parasite mitochondria that are being investigated and provide greater insights into these deep-branching eukaryotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Lamb
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;
| | - Ijeoma C Okoye
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;
| | - Michael W Mather
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;
| | - Akhil B Vaidya
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;
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15
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Kalyanaraman B, Cheng G, Hardy M, You M. OXPHOS-targeting drugs in oncology: new perspectives. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:939-952. [PMID: 37736880 PMCID: PMC11034819 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2261631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drugs targeting mitochondria are emerging as promising antitumor therapeutics in preclinical models. However, a few of these drugs have shown clinical toxicity. Developing mitochondria-targeted modified natural compounds and US FDA-approved drugs with increased therapeutic index in cancer is discussed as an alternative strategy. AREAS COVERED Triphenylphosphonium cation (TPP+)-based drugs selectively accumulate in the mitochondria of cancer cells due to their increased negative membrane potential, target the oxidative phosphorylation proteins, inhibit mitochondrial respiration, and inhibit tumor proliferation. TPP+-based drugs exert minimal toxic side effects in rodents and humans. These drugs can sensitize radiation and immunotherapies. EXPERT OPINION TPP+-based drugs targeting the tumor mitochondrial electron transport chain are a new class of oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors with varying antiproliferative and antimetastatic potencies. Some of these TPP+-based agents, which are synthesized from naturally occurring molecules and FDA-approved drugs, have been tested in mice and did not show notable toxicity, including neurotoxicity, when used at doses under the maximally tolerated dose. Thus, more effort should be directed toward the clinical translation of TPP+-based OXPHOS-inhibiting drugs in cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balaraman Kalyanaraman
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Gang Cheng
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Micael Hardy
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR, UMR 7273, Marseille 13013, France
| | - Ming You
- Center for Cancer Prevention, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030, United States
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16
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Hayward JA, Makota FV, Cihalova D, Leonard RA, Rajendran E, Zwahlen SM, Shuttleworth L, Wiedemann U, Spry C, Saliba KJ, Maier AG, van Dooren GG. A screen of drug-like molecules identifies chemically diverse electron transport chain inhibitors in apicomplexan parasites. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011517. [PMID: 37471441 PMCID: PMC10403144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexans are widespread parasites of humans and other animals, and include the causative agents of malaria (Plasmodium species) and toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii). Existing anti-apicomplexan therapies are beset with issues around drug resistance and toxicity, and new treatment options are needed. The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is one of the few processes that has been validated as a drug target in apicomplexans. To identify new inhibitors of the apicomplexan ETC, we developed a Seahorse XFe96 flux analyzer approach to screen the 400 compounds contained within the Medicines for Malaria Venture 'Pathogen Box' for ETC inhibition. We identified six chemically diverse, on-target inhibitors of the ETC in T. gondii, at least four of which also target the ETC of Plasmodium falciparum. Two of the identified compounds (MMV024937 and MMV688853) represent novel ETC inhibitor chemotypes. MMV688853 belongs to a compound class, the aminopyrazole carboxamides, that were shown previously to target a kinase with a key role in parasite invasion of host cells. Our data therefore reveal that MMV688853 has dual targets in apicomplexans. We further developed our approach to pinpoint the molecular targets of these inhibitors, demonstrating that all target Complex III of the ETC, with MMV688853 targeting the ubiquinone reduction (Qi) site of the complex. Most of the compounds we identified remain effective inhibitors of parasites that are resistant to Complex III inhibitors that are in clinical use or development, indicating that they could be used in treating drug resistant parasites. In sum, we have developed a versatile, scalable approach to screen for compounds that target the ETC in apicomplexan parasites, and used this to identify and characterize novel inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni A. Hayward
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - F. Victor Makota
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Daniela Cihalova
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Rachel A. Leonard
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Esther Rajendran
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Soraya M. Zwahlen
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Laura Shuttleworth
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Ursula Wiedemann
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Christina Spry
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Kevin J. Saliba
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Alexander G. Maier
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Giel G. van Dooren
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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17
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Alaithan H, Kumar N, Islam MZ, Liappis AP, Nava VE. Novel Therapeutics for Malaria. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1800. [PMID: 37513987 PMCID: PMC10383744 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071800] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a potentially fatal disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. It is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in endemic countries of the tropical and subtropical world, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. It is estimated that 247 million malaria cases and 619,000 deaths occurred in 2021 alone. The World Health Organization's (WHO) global initiative aims to reduce the burden of disease but has been massively challenged by the emergence of parasitic strains resistant to traditional and emerging antimalarial therapy. Therefore, development of new antimalarial drugs with novel mechanisms of action that overcome resistance in a safe and efficacious manner is urgently needed. Based on the evolving understanding of the physiology of Plasmodium, identification of potential targets for drug intervention has been made in recent years, resulting in more than 10 unique potential anti-malaria drugs added to the pipeline for clinical development. This review article will focus on current therapies as well as novel targets and therapeutics against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham Alaithan
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422, USA
- Department of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Nirbhay Kumar
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Mohammad Z Islam
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Angelike P Liappis
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422, USA
- Department of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Victor E Nava
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422, USA
- Department of Pathology, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
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18
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Espino-Sanchez T, Wienkers H, Marvin R, Nalder SA, García-Guerrero A, VanNatta P, Jami-Alahmadi Y, Mixon Blackwell A, Whitby F, Wohlschlegel J, Kieber-Emmons M, Hill C, A. Sigala P. Direct tests of cytochrome c and c1 functions in the electron transport chain of malaria parasites. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301047120. [PMID: 37126705 PMCID: PMC10175771 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301047120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) of Plasmodium malaria parasites is a major antimalarial drug target, but critical cytochrome (cyt) functions remain unstudied and enigmatic. Parasites express two distinct cyt c homologs (c and c-2) with unusually sparse sequence identity and uncertain fitness contributions. P. falciparum cyt c-2 is the most divergent eukaryotic cyt c homolog currently known and has sequence features predicted to be incompatible with canonical ETC function. We tagged both cyt c homologs and the related cyt c1 for inducible knockdown. Translational repression of cyt c and cyt c1 was lethal to parasites, which died from ETC dysfunction and impaired ubiquinone recycling. In contrast, cyt c-2 knockdown or knockout had little impact on blood-stage growth, indicating that parasites rely fully on the more conserved cyt c for ETC function. Biochemical and structural studies revealed that both cyt c and c-2 are hemylated by holocytochrome c synthase, but UV-vis absorbance and EPR spectra strongly suggest that cyt c-2 has an unusually open active site in which heme is stably coordinated by only a single axial amino acid ligand and can bind exogenous small molecules. These studies provide a direct dissection of cytochrome functions in the ETC of malaria parasites and identify a highly divergent Plasmodium cytochrome c with molecular adaptations that defy a conserved role in eukaryotic evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henry Wienkers
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | - Rebecca G. Marvin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | - Shai-anne Nalder
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | | | - Peter E. VanNatta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | | | - Amanda Mixon Blackwell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | - Frank G. Whitby
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | | | | | - Christopher P. Hill
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | - Paul A. Sigala
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84112
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19
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Saini M, Julius Ngwa C, Marothia M, Verma P, Ahmad S, Kumari J, Anand S, Vandana V, Goyal B, Chakraborti S, Pandey KC, Garg S, Pati S, Ranganathan A, Pradel G, Singh S. Characterization of Plasmodium falciparum prohibitins as novel targets to block infection in humans by impairing the growth and transmission of the parasite. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115567. [PMID: 37088154 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Prohibitins (PHBs) are highly conserved pleiotropic proteins as they have been shown to mediate key cellular functions. Here, we characterize PHBs encoding putative genes of Plasmodium falciparum by exploiting different orthologous models. We demonstrated that PfPHB1 (PF3D7_0829200) and PfPHB2 (PF3D7_1014700) are expressed in asexual and sexual blood stages of the parasite. Immunostaining indicated these proteins as mitochondrial residents as they were found to be localized as branched structures. We further validated PfPHBs as organellar proteins residing in Plasmodium mitochondria, where they interact with each other. Functional characterization was done in Saccharomyces cerevisiae orthologous model by expressing PfPHB1 and PfPHB2 in cells harboring respective mutants. The PfPHBs functionally complemented the yeast PHB1 and PHB2 mutants, where the proteins were found to be involved in stabilizing the mitochondrial DNA, retaining mitochondrial integrity and rescuing yeast cell growth. Further, Rocaglamide (Roc-A), a known inhibitor of PHBs and anti-cancerous agent, was tested against PfPHBs and as an antimalarial. Roc-A treatment retarded the growth of PHB1, PHB2, and ethidium bromide petite yeast mutants. Moreover, Roc-A inhibited growth of yeast PHBs mutants that were functionally complemented with PfPHBs, validating P. falciparum PHBs as one of the molecular targets for Roc-A. Roc-A treatment led to growth inhibition of artemisinin-sensitive (3D7), artemisinin-resistant (R539T) and chloroquine-resistant (RKL-9) parasites in nanomolar ranges. The compound was able to retard gametocyte and oocyst growth with significant morphological aberrations. Based on our findings, we propose the presence of functional mitochondrial PfPHB1 and PfPHB2 in P. falciparum and their druggability to block parasite growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Saini
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR, India; Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Che Julius Ngwa
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Manisha Marothia
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Pritee Verma
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Shakeel Ahmad
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Jyoti Kumari
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR, India; Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Sakshi Anand
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Vandana Vandana
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Bharti Goyal
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Kailash C Pandey
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India; Academic Council of Scientific and Innovative Research, Faridabad, India
| | - Swati Garg
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Soumya Pati
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR, India
| | - Anand Ranganathan
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Gabriele Pradel
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Shailja Singh
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR, India; Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
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20
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Giuliano CJ, Wei KJ, Harling FM, Waldman BS, Farringer MA, Boydston EA, Lan TCT, Thomas RW, Herneisen AL, Sanderlin AG, Coppens I, Dvorin JD, Lourido S. Functional profiling of the Toxoplasma genome during acute mouse infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.05.531216. [PMID: 36945434 PMCID: PMC10028831 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.05.531216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Within a host, pathogens encounter a diverse and changing landscape of cell types, nutrients, and immune responses. Examining host-pathogen interactions in animal models can therefore reveal aspects of infection absent from cell culture. We use CRISPR-based screens to functionally profile the entire genome of the model apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii during mouse infection. Barcoded gRNAs were used to track mutant parasite lineages, enabling detection of bottlenecks and mapping of population structures. We uncovered over 300 genes that modulate parasite fitness in mice with previously unknown roles in infection. These candidates span multiple axes of host-parasite interaction, including determinants of tropism, host organelle remodeling, and metabolic rewiring. We mechanistically characterized three novel candidates, including GTP cyclohydrolase I, against which a small-molecule inhibitor could be repurposed as an antiparasitic compound. This compound exhibited antiparasitic activity against T. gondii and Plasmodium falciparum, the most lethal agent of malaria. Taken together, we present the first complete survey of an apicomplexan genome during infection of an animal host, and point to novel interfaces of host-parasite interaction that may offer new avenues for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth J. Wei
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA
- Biology Department, MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Faye M. Harling
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA
- Biology Department, MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Madeline A. Farringer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Biological Sciences in Public Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Raina W. Thomas
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA
- Biology Department, MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Alice L. Herneisen
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA
- Biology Department, MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Isabelle Coppens
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jeffrey D. Dvorin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sebastian Lourido
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA
- Biology Department, MIT, Cambridge, MA
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21
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Holbrook NR, Klontz EH, Adams GC, Schnittman SR, Issa NC, Bond SA, Branda JA, Lemieux JE. Babesia microti Variant With Multiple Resistance Mutations Detected in an Immunocompromised Patient Receiving Atovaquone Prophylaxis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad097. [PMID: 36968958 PMCID: PMC10034591 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We report Babesia microti genomic sequences with multiple mutations in the atovaquone-target region of cytochrome b, including a newly identified Y272S mutation, plus 1 mutation of undetermined significance in the azithromycin-associated ribosomal protein L4. The parasite was sequenced from an immunocompromised patient on prophylactic atovaquone for Pneumocystis pneumonia before diagnosis of babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolan R Holbrook
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erik H Klontz
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gordon C Adams
- Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samuel R Schnittman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicolas C Issa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sheila A Bond
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John A Branda
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jacob E Lemieux
- Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Espino-Sanchez TJ, Wienkers H, Marvin RG, Nalder SA, García-Guerrero AE, VanNatta PE, Jami-Alahmadi Y, Blackwell AM, Whitby FG, Wohlschlegel JA, Kieber-Emmons MT, Hill CP, Sigala PA. Direct Tests of Cytochrome Function in the Electron Transport Chain of Malaria Parasites. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.23.525242. [PMID: 36747727 PMCID: PMC9900762 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.23.525242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) of Plasmodium malaria parasites is a major antimalarial drug target, but critical cytochrome functions remain unstudied and enigmatic. Parasites express two distinct cyt c homologs ( c and c -2) with unusually sparse sequence identity and uncertain fitness contributions. P. falciparum cyt c -2 is the most divergent eukaryotic cyt c homolog currently known and has sequence features predicted to be incompatible with canonical ETC function. We tagged both cyt c homologs and the related cyt c 1 for inducible knockdown. Translational repression of cyt c and cyt c 1 was lethal to parasites, which died from ETC dysfunction and impaired ubiquinone recycling. In contrast, cyt c -2 knockdown or knock-out had little impact on blood-stage growth, indicating that parasites rely fully on the more conserved cyt c for ETC function. Biochemical and structural studies revealed that both cyt c and c -2 are hemylated by holocytochrome c synthase, but UV-vis absorbance and EPR spectra strongly suggest that cyt c -2 has an unusually open active site in which heme is stably coordinated by only a single axial amino-acid ligand and can bind exogenous small molecules. These studies provide a direct dissection of cytochrome functions in the ETC of malaria parasites and identify a highly divergent Plasmodium cytochrome c with molecular adaptations that defy a conserved role in eukaryotic evolution. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Mitochondria are critical organelles in eukaryotic cells that drive oxidative metabolism. The mitochondrion of Plasmodium malaria parasites is a major drug target that has many differences from human cells and remains poorly studied. One key difference from humans is that malaria parasites express two cytochrome c proteins that differ significantly from each other and play untested and uncertain roles in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). Our study revealed that one cyt c is essential for ETC function and parasite viability while the second, more divergent protein has unusual structural and biochemical properties and is not required for growth of blood-stage parasites. This work elucidates key biochemical properties and evolutionary differences in the mitochondrial ETC of malaria parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya J. Espino-Sanchez
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Henry Wienkers
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Rebecca G. Marvin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Shai-anne Nalder
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Aldo E. García-Guerrero
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Peter E. VanNatta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Yasaman Jami-Alahmadi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Amanda Mixon Blackwell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Frank G. Whitby
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - James A. Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Christopher P. Hill
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Paul A. Sigala
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States,Corresponding author: Paul Sigala
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23
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Hacılarlıoglu S, Bilgic HB, Bakırcı S, Tait A, Weir W, Shiels B, Karagenc T. Selection of genotypes harbouring mutations in the cytochrome b gene of Theileria annulata is associated with resistance to buparvaquone. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279925. [PMID: 36598898 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Buparvaquone remains the only effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of tropical theileriosis caused by Theileria annulata. However, an increase in the rate of buparvaquone treatment failures has been observed in recent years, raising the possibility that resistance to this drug is associated with the selection of T. annulata genotypes bearing mutation(s) in the cytochrome b gene (Cyto b). The aim of the present study was: (1) to demonstrate whether there is an association between mutations in the T. annulata Cyto b gene and selection of parasite-infected cells resistant to buparvaquone and (2) to determine the frequency of these mutations in parasites derived from infected cattle in the Aydın region of Türkiye. Susceptibility to buparvaquone was assessed by comparing the proliferative index of schizont-infected cells obtained from cattle with theileriosis before and/or after treatment with various doses of buparvaquone, using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colourimetric assay. The DNA sequence of the parasite Cyto b gene from cell lines identified as resistant or susceptible was determined. A total of six nonsynonymous and six synonymous mutations were identified. Two of the nonsynonymous mutations resulted in the substitutions V135A and P253S which are located at the putative buparvaquone binding regions of cytochrome b. Allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) analyses detected the V135A and P253S mutations at a frequency of 3.90% and 3.57% respectively in a regional study population and revealed an increase in the frequency of both mutations over the years. The A53P mutation of TaPIN1 of T. annulata, previously suggested as being involved in buparvaquone resistance, was not detected in any of the clonal cell lines examined in the present study. The observed data strongly suggested that the genetic mutations resulting in V135A and P253S detected at the putative binding sites of buparvaquone in cytochrome b play a significant role in conferring, and promoting selection of, T. annulata genotypes resistant to buparvaquone, whereas the role of mutations in TaPIN1 is more equivocal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selin Hacılarlıoglu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Isıklı, Aydın, Türkiye
| | - Huseyin Bilgin Bilgic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Isıklı, Aydın, Türkiye
| | - Serkan Bakırcı
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Isıklı, Aydın, Türkiye
| | - Andrew Tait
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - William Weir
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Shiels
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Tulin Karagenc
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Isıklı, Aydın, Türkiye
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24
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Maclean AE, Hayward JA, Huet D, van Dooren GG, Sheiner L. The mystery of massive mitochondrial complexes: the apicomplexan respiratory chain. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:1041-1052. [PMID: 36302692 PMCID: PMC10434753 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The mitochondrial respiratory chain is an essential pathway in most studied eukaryotes due to its roles in respiration and other pathways that depend on mitochondrial membrane potential. Apicomplexans are unicellular eukaryotes whose members have an impact on global health. The respiratory chain is a drug target for some members of this group, notably the malaria-causing Plasmodium spp. This has motivated studies of the respiratory chain in apicomplexan parasites, primarily Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp. for which experimental tools are most advanced. Studies of the respiratory complexes in these organisms revealed numerous novel features, including expansion of complex size. The divergence of apicomplexan mitochondria from commonly studied models highlights the diversity of mitochondrial form and function across eukaryotic life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Maclean
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jenni A Hayward
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Diego Huet
- Center for Tropical & Emerging Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Giel G van Dooren
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Lilach Sheiner
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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25
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Multiple point mutations in cytochrome b gene of Babesia gibsoni – A possible cause for buparvaquone resistance. Vet Parasitol 2022; 312:109823. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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26
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Challis MP, Devine SM, Creek DJ. Current and emerging target identification methods for novel antimalarials. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 20:135-144. [PMID: 36410177 PMCID: PMC9771836 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
New antimalarial compounds with novel mechanisms of action are urgently needed to combat the recent rise in antimalarial drug resistance. Phenotypic high-throughput screens have proven to be a successful method for identifying new compounds, however, do not provide mechanistic information about the molecular target(s) responsible for antimalarial action. Current and emerging target identification methods such as in vitro resistance generation, metabolomics screening, chemoproteomic approaches and biophysical assays measuring protein stability across the whole proteome have successfully identified novel drug targets. This review provides an overview of these techniques, comparing their strengths and weaknesses and how they can be utilised for antimalarial target identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P. Challis
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Shane M. Devine
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Darren J. Creek
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia,Corresponding author. Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
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27
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Koumpoura C, Nguyen M, Bijani C, Vendier L, Salina EG, Buroni S, Degiacomi G, Cojean S, Loiseau PM, Benoit-Vical F, García-Sosa AT, Baltas M. Design of Anti-infectious Agents from Lawsone in a Three-Component Reaction with Aldehydes and Isocyanides. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:35635-35655. [PMID: 36249398 PMCID: PMC9558256 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The first effective synthetic approach to naphthofuroquinones via a reaction involving lawsone, various aldehydes, and three isocyanides under microwave irradiation afforded derivatives in moderate to good yields. In addition, for less-reactive aldehydes, two naphtho-enaminodione quinones were obtained for the first time, as result of condensation between lawsone and isocyanides. X-ray structure determination for 9 and 2D-NMR spectra of 28 confirmed the obtained structures. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-infectious activities against Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania donovani, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Among the naphthofuroquinone series, 17 exhibited comparatively the best activity against P. falciparum (IC50 = 2.5 μM) and M. tuberculosis (MIC = 9 μM) with better (P. falciparum) or equivalent (M. tuberculosis) values to already-known naphthofuroquinone compounds. Among the two naphtho-enaminodione quinones, 28 exhibited a moderate activity against P. falciparum with a good selectivity index (SI > 36) while also a very high potency against L. donovani (IC50 = 3.5 μM and SI > 28), rendering it very competitive to the reference drug miltefosine. All compounds were studied through molecular modeling on their potential targets for P. falciparum, Pfbc1, and PfDHODH, where 17 showed the most favorable interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina
L. Koumpoura
- Laboratoire
de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS−UPR8241, Inserm ERL 1289
Team “New antiplasmodial molecules and pharmacological approaches”, 205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099, Toulouse Cedex 31077, France
| | - Michel Nguyen
- Laboratoire
de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS−UPR8241, Inserm ERL 1289
Team “New antiplasmodial molecules and pharmacological approaches”, 205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099, Toulouse Cedex 31077, France
| | - Christian Bijani
- Laboratoire
de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS−UPR8241, Inserm ERL 1289
Team “New antiplasmodial molecules and pharmacological approaches”, 205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099, Toulouse Cedex 31077, France
| | - Laure Vendier
- Laboratoire
de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS−UPR8241, Inserm ERL 1289
Team “New antiplasmodial molecules and pharmacological approaches”, 205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099, Toulouse Cedex 31077, France
| | - Elena G. Salina
- Bach
Institute of Biochemistry, Research Center
of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Silvia Buroni
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Giulia Degiacomi
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Sandrine Cojean
- Antiparasite
Chemotherapy, UMR 8076 CNRS BioCIS, Faculty of Pharmacy, University
Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry 92290, France
| | - Philippe M. Loiseau
- Antiparasite
Chemotherapy, UMR 8076 CNRS BioCIS, Faculty of Pharmacy, University
Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry 92290, France
| | - Françoise Benoit-Vical
- Laboratoire
de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS−UPR8241, Inserm ERL 1289
Team “New antiplasmodial molecules and pharmacological approaches”, 205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099, Toulouse Cedex 31077, France
| | - Alfonso T. García-Sosa
- Department
of Molecular Technology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Michel Baltas
- Laboratoire
de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS−UPR8241, Inserm ERL 1289
Team “New antiplasmodial molecules and pharmacological approaches”, 205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099, Toulouse Cedex 31077, France
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28
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Azad A, Kong A. The Therapeutic Potential of Imidazole or Quinone-Based Compounds as Radiosensitisers in Combination with Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194694. [PMID: 36230623 PMCID: PMC9563564 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Patients with curable head and neck cancers are usually treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but they experience significant, severe side effects, which greatly affect their quality of life. Some of these patients still experience disease relapse after an intensive course of treatment due to tumours that are resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy because of hypoxia (lack of oxygen). In addition, some patients are not suitable for and/or are not able to have combined chemotherapy with radiotherapy due to their age or other physical conditions. Certain small-molecule drugs, which are used to treat various infections including malaria, have been shown to reduce hypoxia and thus make radiotherapy more effective. Therefore, their combination with radiotherapy could have less toxicities compared with the combination of chemotherapy with radiotherapy. Here, we discuss the promising results from preclinical work and clinical trials of these agents, and their potential use in the clinic, to reduce hypoxia and to sensitise radiotherapy. These agents could potentially be used for patients who are not suitable for combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy; they may also be used to reduce the dose of radiotherapy if able to enhance radiotherapy effect at lower dose in order to reduce toxicities while maintaining the treatment efficacy in a more personalised manner. Abstract The addition of platinum chemotherapy to primary radiotherapy (chemoradiation) improves survival outcomes for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but it carries a high incidence of acute and long-term treatment-related complications, resulting in a poor quality of life. In addition, patients with significant co-morbidities, or older patients, cannot tolerate or do not benefit from concurrent chemoradiation. These patients are often treated with radiotherapy alone resulting in poor locoregional control and worse survival outcomes. Thus, there is an urgent need to assess other less toxic treatment modalities, which could become an alternative to chemoradiation in HNSCC. Currently, there are several promising anti-cancer drugs available, but there has been very limited success so far in replacing concurrent chemoradiation due to their low efficacy or increased toxicities. However, there is new hope that a treatment strategy that incorporates agents that act as radiosensitisers to improve the efficacy of conventional radiotherapy could be an alternative to more toxic chemotherapeutic agents. Recently, imidazole-based or quinone-based anti-malarial compounds have drawn considerable attention as potential radiosensitisers in several cancers. Here, we will discuss the possibility of using these compounds as radiosensitisers, which could be assessed as safe and effective alternatives to chemotherapy, particularly for patients with HNSCC that are not suitable for concurrent chemotherapy due to their age or co-morbidities or in metastatic settings. In addition, these agents could also be tested to assess their efficacy in combination with immunotherapy in recurrent and metastatic settings or in combination with radiotherapy and immunotherapy in curative settings.
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29
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Alday PH, Nilsen A, Doggett JS. Structure-activity relationships of Toxoplasma gondii cytochrome bc1 inhibitors. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:997-1011. [PMID: 35772172 PMCID: PMC9561756 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2096588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii is a prolific apicomplexan parasite that infects human and nonhuman animals worldwide and can cause severe brain and eye disease. Safer, more effective therapies for toxoplasmosis are needed. Cytochrome bc1 inhibitors are remarkably effective against toxoplasmosis and other apicomplexan-caused diseases. AREAS COVERED This work reviews T. gondii cytochrome bc1 inhibitors. Emphasis is placed on the structure-activity relationships of these inhibitors with regard to efficacy, pharmacokinetics, selectivity of T. gondii cytochrome bc1 over host, safety, and potential therapeutic strategies. EXPERT OPINION Cytochrome bc1 inhibitors are highly promising compounds for toxoplasmosis that have been effective in clinical and preclinical studies. Clinical experience with atovaquone previously validated cytochrome bc1 as a tractable drug target and, over the past decade, optimization of cytochrome bc1 inhibitors has resulted in improved bioavailability, metabolic stability, potency, blood-brain barrier penetration, and selectivity for the T. gondii cytochrome bc1 over the mammalian bc1. Recent studies have demonstrated preclinical safety, identified novel therapeutic strategies for toxoplasmosis using synergistic combinations or long-acting administration and provided insight into their role in chronic infection. This research has identified drug candidates that are more effective than clinically used drugs in preclinical measures of efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil Holland Alday
- Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Aaron Nilsen
- Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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30
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Ali Q, Zahid O, Mhadhbi M, Jones B, Darghouth MA, Raynes G, Afshan K, Birtles R, Sargison ND, Betson M, Chaudhry U. Genetic characterisation of the Theileria annulata cytochrome b locus and its impact on buparvaquone resistance in bovine. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 20:65-75. [PMID: 36183440 PMCID: PMC9529669 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Control of tropical theileriosis, caused by the apicomplexan Theileria annulata, depends on the use of a single drug, buparvaquone, the efficacy of which is compromised by the emergence of resistance. The present study was undertaken to improve understanding of the role of mutations conferring buparvaquone resistance in T. annulata, and the effects of selection pressures on their emergence and spread. First, we investigated genetic characteristics of the cytochrome b locus associated with buparvaquone resistance in 10 susceptible and 7 resistant T. annulata isolates. The 129G (GGC) mutation was found in the Q01 binding pocket and 253S (TCT) and 262S (TCA) mutations were identified within the Q02 binding pocket. Next, we examined field isolates and identified cytochrome b mutations 129G (GGC), 253S (TCT) and 262S (TCA) in 21/75 buffalo-derived and 19/119 cattle-derived T. annulata isolates, providing evidence of positive selection pressure. Both hard and soft selective sweeps were identified, with striking differences between isolates. For example, 19 buffalo-derived and 7 cattle-derived isolates contained 129G (GGC) and 253S (TCT) resistance haplotypes at a high frequency, implying the emergence of resistance by a single mutation. Two buffalo-derived and 12 cattle-derived isolates contained equally high frequencies of 129G (GGC), 253S (TCT), 129G (GGC)/253S (TCT) and 262S (TCA) resistance haplotypes, implying the emergence of resistance by pre-existing or recurrent mutations. Phylogenetic analysis further revealed that 9 and 21 unique haplotypes in buffalo and cattle-derived isolates were present in a single lineage, suggesting a single origin. We propose that animal migration between farms is an important factor in the spread of buparvaquone resistance in endemic regions of Pakistan. The overall outcomes will be useful in understanding how drug resistance emerges and spreads, and this information will help design strategies to optimise the use and lifespan of the single most drug use to control tropical theileriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qasim Ali
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
| | - Osama Zahid
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Moez Mhadhbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de La Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Ben Jones
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, UK
| | - Mohamed Aziz Darghouth
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de La Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - George Raynes
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kiran Afshan
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Richard Birtles
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, UK
| | - Neil D. Sargison
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Martha Betson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, UK
| | - Umer Chaudhry
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, UK,Corresponding author. School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, GU2 7AL, UK.
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31
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Rajaram K, Tewari SG, Wallqvist A, Prigge ST. Metabolic changes accompanying the loss of fumarate hydratase and malate-quinone oxidoreductase in the asexual blood stage of Plasmodium falciparum. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101897. [PMID: 35398098 PMCID: PMC9118666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In the glucose-rich milieu of red blood cells, asexually replicating malarial parasites mainly rely on glycolysis for ATP production, with limited carbon flux through the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. By contrast, gametocytes and mosquito-stage parasites exhibit an increased dependence on the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation for more economical energy generation. Prior genetic studies supported these stage-specific metabolic preferences by revealing that six of eight TCA cycle enzymes are completely dispensable during the asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum, with only fumarate hydratase (FH) and malate-quinone oxidoreductase (MQO) being refractory to deletion. Several hypotheses have been put forth to explain the possible essentiality of FH and MQO, including their participation in a malate shuttle between the mitochondrial matrix and the cytosol. However, using newer genetic techniques like CRISPR and dimerizable Cre, we were able to generate deletion strains of FH and MQO in P. falciparum. We employed metabolomic analyses to characterize a double knockout mutant of FH and MQO (ΔFM) and identified changes in purine salvage and urea cycle metabolism that may help to limit fumarate accumulation. Correspondingly, we found that the ΔFM mutant was more sensitive to exogenous fumarate, which is known to cause toxicity by modifying and inactivating proteins and metabolites. Overall, our data indicate that P. falciparum is able to adequately compensate for the loss of FH and MQO, rendering them unsuitable targets for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krithika Rajaram
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shivendra G Tewari
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Ft. Detrick, Maryland, USA; The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anders Wallqvist
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Ft. Detrick, Maryland, USA
| | - Sean T Prigge
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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32
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Gujjari L, Kalani H, Pindiprolu SK, Arakareddy BP, Yadagiri G. Current challenges and nanotechnology-based pharmaceutical strategies for the treatment and control of malaria. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2022; 17:e00244. [PMID: 35243049 PMCID: PMC8866151 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2022.e00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the prevalent tropical diseases caused by the parasitic protozoan of the genus Plasmodium spp. With an estimated 228 million cases, it is a major public health concern with high incidence of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The emergence of drug-resistant parasites, inadequate vector control measures, and the non-availability of effective vaccine(s) against malaria pose a serious challenge to malaria eradication especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. Malaria treatment and control comprehensively relies on chemical compounds, which encompass various complications, including severe toxic effects, emergence of drug resistance, and high cost of therapy. To overcome the clinical failures of anti-malarial chemotherapy, a new drug development is of an immediate need. However, the drug discovery and development process is expensive and time consuming. In such a scenario, nanotechnological strategies may offer promising alternative approach for the treatment and control of malaria, with improved efficacy and safety. Nanotechnology based formulations of existing anti-malarial chemotherapeutic agents prove to exceed the limitations of existing therapies in relation to optimum therapeutic benefits, safety, and cost effectiveness, which indeed advances the patient's compliance in treatment. In this review, the shortcomings of malaria therapeutics and necessity of nanotechnological strategies for treating malaria were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lohitha Gujjari
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S. A. S. Nagar, Punjab 160 062, India
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Hamed Kalani
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Sai Kiran Pindiprolu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh 533003, India
| | | | - Ganesh Yadagiri
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh 533003, India
- Centre for Food Animal Health, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
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Panahi Y, Dadkhah M, Talei S, Gharari Z, Asghariazar V, Abdolmaleki A, Matin S, Molaei S. Can anti-parasitic drugs help control COVID-19? Future Virol 2022. [PMID: 35359702 PMCID: PMC8940209 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Novel COVID-19 is a public health emergency that poses a serious threat to people worldwide. Given the virus spreading so quickly, novel antiviral medications are desperately needed. Repurposing existing drugs is the first strategy. Anti-parasitic drugs were among the first to be considered as a potential treatment option for this disease. Even though many papers have discussed the efficacy of various anti-parasitic drugs in treating COVID-19 separately, so far, no single study comprehensively discussed these drugs. This study reviews some anti-parasitic recommended drugs to treat COVID-19, in terms of function and in vitro as well as clinical results. Finally, we briefly review the advanced techniques, such as artificial intelligence, that have been used to find effective drugs for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasin Panahi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Dadkhah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Sahand Talei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Gharari
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Al-Zahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Asghariazar
- Deputy of Research & Technology, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Arash Abdolmaleki
- Department of Engineering Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Technologies, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Namin, Iran.,Bio Science & Biotechnology Research center (BBRC), Sabalan University of Advanced Technologies (SUAT), Namin, Iran
| | - Somayeh Matin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Soheila Molaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.,Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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Huang M, Xiong D, Pan J, Zhang Q, Wang Y, Myers CR, Johnson BD, Hardy M, Kalyanaraman B, You M. Prevention of Tumor Growth and Dissemination by In Situ Vaccination with Mitochondria-Targeted Atovaquone. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2101267. [PMID: 35243806 PMCID: PMC9036031 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Atovaquone, an FDA-approved drug for malaria, is known to inhibit mitochondrial electron transport. A recently synthesized mitochondria-targeted atovaquone increased mitochondrial accumulation and antitumor activity in vitro. Using an in situ vaccination approach, local injection of mitochondria-targeted atovaquone into primary tumors triggered potent T cell immune responses locally and in distant tumor sites. Mitochondria-targeted atovaquone treatment led to significant reductions of both granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Mitochondria-targeted atovaquone treatment blocks the expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells, which may lead to death of granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells. Mitochondria-targeted atovaquone inhibits expression of genes for mitochondrial complex components, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis in both granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells. The resulting decreases in intratumoral granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells could facilitate the observed increase in tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells. Mitochondria-targeted atovaquone also improves the anti-tumor activity of PD-1 blockade immunotherapy. The results implicate granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells as novel targets of mitochondria-targeted atovaquone that facilitate its antitumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mofei Huang
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Donghai Xiong
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Jing Pan
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Yian Wang
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Charles R. Myers
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWI53226USA
| | - Bryon D. Johnson
- Department of MedicineMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWI53226USA
| | - Micael Hardy
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRSICRUMR 7273Marseille13013France
| | - Balaraman Kalyanaraman
- Department of BiophysicsMedical College of Wisconsin8701 Watertown Plank RoadMilwaukeeWI53226USA
| | - Ming You
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
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Combining PEGylated mito-atovaquone with MCT and Krebs cycle redox inhibitors as a potential strategy to abrogate tumor cell proliferation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5143. [PMID: 35332210 PMCID: PMC8948292 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08984-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycolytic and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, which are two major energy sources in tumors, are potential targets in cancer treatment. Metabolic reprogramming from glycolysis to mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and vice versa is an adaptive strategy with which tumor cells obtain energy to survive and thrive under the compromised conditions of glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. Developing highly potent, nontoxic, and tumor-selective oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) inhibitors may help advance therapeutic targeting of mitochondrial drugs in cancer. The FDA-approved antimalarial drug atovaquone (ATO), a mitochondrial complex III inhibitor, was repurposed in cancer treatment. Here, we developed a new class of PEGylated mitochondria-targeted ATO (Mito-(PEG)n-ATO). Depending on the PEGylation chain length (n), Mito-PEG-ATO analogs inhibit both mitochondrial complex I- and complex III-induced oxygen consumption in human pancreatic (MiaPaCa-2) and brain (U87MG) cancer cells. Mito-PEG5-ATO is one of the most potent antiproliferative mitochondria-targeted compounds (IC50 = 38 nM) in MiaPaCa-2 cells, and is more effective than other inhibitors of OXPHOS in MiaPaCa-2 and U87MG cells. Furthermore, we show that the combined use of the most potent OXPHOS-targeted inhibitors (Mito-PEG5-ATO) and inhibitors of monocarboxylate transporters (MCT-1 and MCT-4), Krebs cycle redox metabolism, or glutaminolysis will synergistically abrogate tumor cell proliferation. Potential clinical benefits of these combinatorial therapies are discussed.
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Okada M, Rajaram K, Swift RP, Mixon A, Maschek JA, Prigge ST, Sigala PA. Critical role for isoprenoids in apicoplast biogenesis by malaria parasites. eLife 2022; 11:73208. [PMID: 35257658 PMCID: PMC8959605 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) is an essential metabolic output of the apicoplast organelle in Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites and is required for prenylation-dependent vesicular trafficking and other cellular processes. We have elucidated a critical and previously uncharacterized role for IPP in apicoplast biogenesis. Inhibiting IPP synthesis blocks apicoplast elongation and inheritance by daughter merozoites, and apicoplast biogenesis is rescued by exogenous IPP and polyprenols. Knockout of the only known isoprenoid-dependent apicoplast pathway, tRNA prenylation by MiaA, has no effect on blood-stage parasites and thus cannot explain apicoplast reliance on IPP. However, we have localized an annotated polyprenyl synthase (PPS) to the apicoplast. PPS knockdown is lethal to parasites, rescued by IPP and long- (C50) but not short-chain (≤C20) prenyl alcohols, and blocks apicoplast biogenesis, thus explaining apicoplast dependence on isoprenoid synthesis. We hypothesize that PPS synthesizes long-chain polyprenols critical for apicoplast membrane fluidity and biogenesis. This work critically expands the paradigm for isoprenoid utilization in malaria parasites and identifies a novel essential branch of apicoplast metabolism suitable for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Okada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Krithika Rajaram
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States
| | - Russell P Swift
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States
| | - Amanda Mixon
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - John Alan Maschek
- Metabolomics Core, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Sean T Prigge
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States
| | - Paul A Sigala
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
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Consalvi S, Tammaro C, Appetecchia F, Biava M, Poce G. Malaria transmission blocking compounds: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2022; 32:649-666. [PMID: 35240899 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2022.2049239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite substantial progress in the field, malaria remains a global health issue and currently available control strategies are not sufficient to achieve eradication. Agents able to prevent transmission are likely to have a strong impact on malaria control and have been prioritized as a primary objective to reduce the number of secondary infections. Therefore, there is an increased interest in finding novel drugs targeting sexual stages of Plasmodium and innovative methods to target malaria transmission from host to vector, and vice versa. AREAS COVERED This review covers innovative transmission-blocking inventions patented between 2015 and October 2021. The focus is on chemical interventions which could be used as "chemical vaccines" to prevent transmission (small molecules, carbohydrates, and polypeptides). EXPERT OPINION Even though the development of novel strategies to block transmission still requires fundamental additional research and a deeper understanding of parasite sexual stages biology, the research in this field has significantly accelerated. Among innovative inventions patented over the last six years, the surface-delivery of antimalarial drugs to kill transmission-stages parasites in mosquitoes holds the highest promise for success in malaria control strategies, opening completely new scenarios in malaria transmission-blocking drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Consalvi
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drug, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Tammaro
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drug, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Appetecchia
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drug, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariangela Biava
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drug, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Poce
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drug, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Reactive Oxygen Species as the Brainbox in Malaria Treatment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10121872. [PMID: 34942976 PMCID: PMC8698694 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10121872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Several measures are in place to combat the worldwide spread of malaria, especially in regions of high endemicity. In part, most common antimalarials, such as quinolines and artemisinin and its derivatives, deploy an ROS-mediated approach to kill malaria parasites. Although some antimalarials may share similar targets and mechanisms of action, varying levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation may account for their varying pharmacological activities. Regardless of the numerous approaches employed currently and in development to treat malaria, concerningly, there has been increasing development of resistance by Plasmodium falciparum, which can be connected to the ability of the parasites to manage the oxidative stress from ROS produced under steady or treatment states. ROS generation has remained the mainstay in enforcing the antiparasitic activity of most conventional antimalarials. However, a combination of conventional drugs with ROS-generating ability and newer drugs that exploit vital metabolic pathways, such antioxidant machinery, could be the way forward in effective malaria control.
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Carter-Timofte ME, Arulanandam R, Kurmasheva N, Fu K, Laroche G, Taha Z, van der Horst D, Cassin L, van der Sluis RM, Palermo E, Di Carlo D, Jacobs D, Maznyi G, Azad T, Singaravelu R, Ren F, Hansen AL, Idorn M, Holm CK, Jakobsen MR, van Grevenynghe J, Hiscott J, Paludan SR, Bell JC, Seguin J, Sabourin LA, Côté M, Diallo JS, Alain T, Olagnier D. Antiviral Potential of the Antimicrobial Drug Atovaquone against SARS-CoV-2 and Emerging Variants of Concern. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:3034-3051. [PMID: 34658235 PMCID: PMC8547501 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The antimicrobial medication malarone (atovaquone/proguanil) is used as a fixed-dose combination for treating children and adults with uncomplicated malaria or as chemoprophylaxis for preventing malaria in travelers. It is an inexpensive, efficacious, and safe drug frequently prescribed around the world. Following anecdotal evidence from 17 patients in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, Canada, suggesting that malarone/atovaquone may present some benefits in protecting against COVID-19, we sought to examine its antiviral potential in limiting the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in cellular models of infection. In VeroE6 expressing human TMPRSS2 and human lung Calu-3 epithelial cells, we show that the active compound atovaquone at micromolar concentrations potently inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2 and other variants of concern including the alpha, beta, and delta variants. Importantly, atovaquone retained its full antiviral activity in a primary human airway epithelium cell culture model. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the atovaquone antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 is partially dependent on the expression of TMPRSS2 and that the drug can disrupt the interaction of the spike protein with the viral receptor, ACE2. Additionally, spike-mediated membrane fusion was also reduced in the presence of atovaquone. In the United States, two clinical trials of atovaquone administered alone or in combination with azithromycin were initiated in 2020. While we await the results of these trials, our findings in cellular infection models demonstrate that atovaquone is a potent antiviral FDA-approved drug against SARS-CoV-2 and other variants of concern in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rozanne Arulanandam
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research,
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6,
Canada
| | - Naziia Kurmasheva
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus
University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | - Kathy Fu
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and
Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1,
Canada
- Center for Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation,
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1,
Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems
Biology, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Geneviève Laroche
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and
Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1,
Canada
- Center for Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation,
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1,
Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems
Biology, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Zaid Taha
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research,
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6,
Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and
Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1,
Canada
| | | | - Lena Cassin
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus
University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | - Renée M. van der Sluis
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus
University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
- Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus
University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Enrico Palermo
- Istituto Pasteur Italia-Cenci Bolognetti
Foundation, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome 00161,
Italy
| | - Daniele Di Carlo
- Istituto Pasteur Italia-Cenci Bolognetti
Foundation, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome 00161,
Italy
| | - David Jacobs
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and
Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1,
Canada
- Center for Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation,
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1,
Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems
Biology, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Glib Maznyi
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research,
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6,
Canada
| | - Taha Azad
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research,
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6,
Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and
Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1,
Canada
| | - Ragunath Singaravelu
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research,
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6,
Canada
| | - Fanghui Ren
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus
University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | | | - Manja Idorn
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus
University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | - Christian K. Holm
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus
University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | | | - Julien van Grevenynghe
- Institut National de la Recherche
Scientifique (INRS)-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie,
Laval, Québec H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - John Hiscott
- Istituto Pasteur Italia-Cenci Bolognetti
Foundation, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome 00161,
Italy
| | - Søren R. Paludan
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus
University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | - John C. Bell
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research,
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6,
Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and
Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1,
Canada
| | - Jean Seguin
- CCFP, Dipl. Sport Med., CareMedics
McArthur, 311 McArthur Avenue suite 103, Ottawa, Ontario K1L 8M3,
Canada
| | - Luc A. Sabourin
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research,
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6,
Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine,
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5,
Canada
| | - Marceline Côté
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and
Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1,
Canada
- Center for Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation,
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1,
Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems
Biology, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Jean-Simon Diallo
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research,
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6,
Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and
Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1,
Canada
| | - Tommy Alain
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and
Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1,
Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern
Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1,
Canada
| | - David Olagnier
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus
University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
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van Esveld SL, Meerstein‐Kessel L, Boshoven C, Baaij JF, Barylyuk K, Coolen JPM, van Strien J, Duim RAJ, Dutilh BE, Garza DR, Letterie M, Proellochs NI, de Ridder MN, Venkatasubramanian PB, de Vries LE, Waller RF, Kooij TWA, Huynen MA. A Prioritized and Validated Resource of Mitochondrial Proteins in Plasmodium Identifies Unique Biology. mSphere 2021; 6:e0061421. [PMID: 34494883 PMCID: PMC8550323 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00614-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium species have a single mitochondrion that is essential for their survival and has been successfully targeted by antimalarial drugs. Most mitochondrial proteins are imported into this organelle, and our picture of the Plasmodium mitochondrial proteome remains incomplete. Many data sources contain information about mitochondrial localization, including proteome and gene expression profiles, orthology to mitochondrial proteins from other species, coevolutionary relationships, and amino acid sequences, each with different coverage and reliability. To obtain a comprehensive, prioritized list of Plasmodium falciparum mitochondrial proteins, we rigorously analyzed and integrated eight data sets using Bayesian statistics into a predictive score per protein for mitochondrial localization. At a corrected false discovery rate of 25%, we identified 445 proteins with a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 97%. They include proteins that have not been identified as mitochondrial in other eukaryotes but have characterized homologs in bacteria that are involved in metabolism or translation. Mitochondrial localization of seven Plasmodium berghei orthologs was confirmed by epitope labeling and colocalization with a mitochondrial marker protein. One of these belongs to a newly identified apicomplexan mitochondrial protein family that in P. falciparum has four members. With the experimentally validated mitochondrial proteins and the complete ranked P. falciparum proteome, which we have named PlasmoMitoCarta, we present a resource to study unique proteins of Plasmodium mitochondria. IMPORTANCE The unique biology and medical relevance of the mitochondrion of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum have made it the subject of many studies. However, we actually do not have a comprehensive assessment of which proteins reside in this organelle. Many omics data are available that are predictive of mitochondrial localization, such as proteomics data and expression data. Individual data sets are, however, rarely complete and can provide conflicting evidence. We integrated a wide variety of available omics data in a manner that exploits the relative strengths of the data sets. Our analysis gave a predictive score for the mitochondrial localization to each nuclear encoded P. falciparum protein and identified 445 likely mitochondrial proteins. We experimentally validated the mitochondrial localization of seven of the new mitochondrial proteins, confirming the quality of the complete list. These include proteins that have not been observed mitochondria before, adding unique mitochondrial functions to P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma L. van Esveld
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Mitochondrial Medicine, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette Meerstein‐Kessel
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Cas Boshoven
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jochem F. Baaij
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Konstantin Barylyuk
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jordy P. M. Coolen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Joeri van Strien
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald A. J. Duim
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Bas E. Dutilh
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Science for Life, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel R. Garza
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology (Rega Institute), Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marijn Letterie
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nicholas I. Proellochs
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Michelle N. de Ridder
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Laura E. de Vries
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ross F. Waller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Taco W. A. Kooij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn A. Huynen
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Mitochondrial Medicine, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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41
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An X, Yu L, Wang S, Ao Y, Zhan X, Liu Q, Zhao Y, Li M, Shu X, Li F, He L, Zhao J. Kinetic Characterization and Inhibitor Screening of Pyruvate Kinase I From Babesia microti. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:710678. [PMID: 34603237 PMCID: PMC8481833 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.710678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan Babesia microti is a main pathogenic parasite causing human babesiosis, which is one of the most widely distributed tick-borne diseases in humans. Pyruvate kinase (PYK) plays a central metabolic regulatory role in most living organisms and catalyzes the essentially irreversible step in glycolysis that converts phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to pyruvate. Hence, PYK is recognized as an attractive therapeutic target in cancer and human pathogens such as apicomplexans. In this study, we cloned, expressed, and purified B. microti PYK I (BmPYKI). Western blotting illustrated that anti-rBmPYKI antibody could specifically recognize the native BmPYKI protein in the lysate of B. microti with a 54-kDa band, which is consistent with the predicted size. In addition, the enzymatic activity of the purified recombinant PYKI (rPYKI) was tested under a range of pH values. The results showed that the maximum catalytic activity could be achieved at pH 7.0. The saturation curves for substrates demonstrated that the Km value for PEP was 0.655 ± 0.117 mM and that for ADP was 0.388 ± 0.087 mM. We further investigated the effect of 13 compounds on rBmPYKI. Kinetic analysis indicated that six inhibitors (tannic acid, shikonin, apigenin, PKM2 inhibitor, rosiglitazone, and pioglitazone) could significantly inhibit the catalytic activity of PYKI, among which tannic acid is the most efficient inhibitor with an IC50 value 0.49 μM. Besides, four inhibitors (tannic acid, apigenin, shikonin, and PKM2 inhibitor) could significantly decrease the growth of in vitro-cultured B. microti with IC50 values of 0.77, 2.10, 1.73, and 1.15 μM. Overall, the present study provides a theoretical basis for the design and development of new anti-Babesia drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng An
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemical Disease and Infectious Zoonoses, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Long Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemical Disease and Infectious Zoonoses, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemical Disease and Infectious Zoonoses, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yangsiqi Ao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemical Disease and Infectious Zoonoses, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xueyan Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemical Disease and Infectious Zoonoses, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemical Disease and Infectious Zoonoses, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yangnan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemical Disease and Infectious Zoonoses, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Muxiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemical Disease and Infectious Zoonoses, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemical Disease and Infectious Zoonoses, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fangjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemical Disease and Infectious Zoonoses, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lan He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemical Disease and Infectious Zoonoses, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemical Disease and Infectious Zoonoses, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
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42
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Koumpoura CL, Robert A, Athanassopoulos CM, Baltas M. Antimalarial Inhibitors Targeting Epigenetics or Mitochondria in Plasmodium falciparum: Recent Survey upon Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Potential Drugs against Malaria. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26185711. [PMID: 34577183 PMCID: PMC8467436 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite many efforts, malaria remains among the most problematic infectious diseases worldwide, mainly due to the development of drug resistance by P. falciparum. Over the past decade, new essential pathways have been emerged to fight against malaria. Among them, epigenetic processes and mitochondrial metabolism appear to be important targets. This review will focus on recent evolutions concerning worldwide efforts to conceive, synthesize and evaluate new drug candidates interfering selectively and efficiently with these two targets and pathways. The focus will be on compounds/scaffolds that possess biological/pharmacophoric properties on DNA methyltransferases and HDAC’s for epigenetics, and on cytochrome bc1 and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase for mitochondrion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L. Koumpoura
- CNRS, LCC (Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination), Université de Toulouse, UPS, INPT, Inserm ERL 1289, 205 Route de Narbonne, BP 44099, CEDEX 4, F-31077 Toulouse, France; (C.L.K.); (A.R.)
| | - Anne Robert
- CNRS, LCC (Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination), Université de Toulouse, UPS, INPT, Inserm ERL 1289, 205 Route de Narbonne, BP 44099, CEDEX 4, F-31077 Toulouse, France; (C.L.K.); (A.R.)
| | | | - Michel Baltas
- CNRS, LCC (Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination), Université de Toulouse, UPS, INPT, Inserm ERL 1289, 205 Route de Narbonne, BP 44099, CEDEX 4, F-31077 Toulouse, France; (C.L.K.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence:
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43
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Xie F, Gong J, Tan H, Zhang H, Ma J. Preclinical evidence of synergism between atovaquone and chemotherapy by AMPK-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 907:174256. [PMID: 34129882 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174256] [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: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Chemoresistance has been associated with increased reliance on mitochondrial functions in many cancers, including lung cancer. Atovaquone is an anti-malaria drug and mitochondrial inhibitor. In this work, we attempted to explore whether atovaquone can be repurposed for lung cancer treatment to overcome chemoresistance. We showed that atovaquone inhibited proliferation, colony formation and survival in non-small cell lung cancer cell (NSCLC) cells. Of note, the effective dose of atovaquone was clinically achievable. Combination index value indicated that atovaquone and carboplatin were synergistic in inhibiting NSCLC. The potent efficacy of atovaquone and its synergism with chemotherapeutic drug were also demonstrated in NSCLC xenograft mice model. Mechanism studies showed that the synergism between atovaquone and carboplatin was due to atovaquone's ability in disrupting mitochondrial functions via specifically inhibiting complex III induced oxygen consumption. Subsequently, atovaquone activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibited mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. AMPK inhibition reversed the anti-NSCLC activity of atovaquone, suggesting that the action of atovaquone is also dependent on AMPK. Our work suggests that atovaquone is an attractive candidate for NSCLC treatment. Our findings emphasize that inhibition of mitochondrial function is a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance NSCLC chemosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Xie
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Gong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Hongxia Tan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jingping Ma
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.
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44
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Pickard A, Calverley BC, Chang J, Garva R, Gago S, Lu Y, Kadler KE. Discovery of re-purposed drugs that slow SARS-CoV-2 replication in human cells. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009840. [PMID: 34499689 PMCID: PMC8428568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccines based on the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 have been developed that appear to be largely successful in stopping infection. However, therapeutics that can help manage the disease are still required until immunity has been achieved globally. The identification of repurposed drugs that stop SARS-CoV-2 replication could have enormous utility in stemming the disease. Here, using a nano-luciferase tagged version of the virus (SARS-CoV-2-ΔOrf7a-NLuc) to quantitate viral load, we evaluated a range of human cell types for their ability to be infected and support replication of the virus, and performed a screen of 1971 FDA-approved drugs. Hepatocytes, kidney glomerulus, and proximal tubule cells were particularly effective in supporting SARS-CoV-2 replication, which is in-line with reported proteinuria and liver damage in patients with COVID-19. Using the nano-luciferase as a measure of virus replication we identified 35 drugs that reduced replication in Vero cells and human hepatocytes when treated prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection and found amodiaquine, atovaquone, bedaquiline, ebastine, LY2835219, manidipine, panobinostat, and vitamin D3 to be effective in slowing SARS-CoV-2 replication in human cells when used to treat infected cells. In conclusion, our study has identified strong candidates for drug repurposing, which could prove powerful additions to the treatment of COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Pickard
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AP); (KEK)
| | - Ben C. Calverley
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Joan Chang
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Richa Garva
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Gago
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Yinhui Lu
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Karl E. Kadler
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AP); (KEK)
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45
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Pangajavalli S, Kumar RR, Ramaswamy S. Structural, Hirshfeld, spectroscopic, quantum chemical and molecular docking studies of N'-(4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1,3-dicyano-5,6,7,8,9,10-hexahydrobenzo[8]annulen 2-yl) N,N-dimethylformimidamide as CCR2 inhibitors. J Mol Struct 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.130503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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46
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Huang LS, Lümmen P, Berry EA. Crystallographic investigation of the ubiquinone binding site of respiratory Complex II and its inhibitors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2021; 1869:140679. [PMID: 34089891 PMCID: PMC8516616 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2021.140679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The quinone binding site (Q-site) of Mitochondrial Complex II (succinate-ubiquinone oxidoreductase) is the target for a number of inhibitors useful for elucidating the mechanism of the enzyme. Some of these have been developed as fungicides or pesticides, and species-specific Q-site inhibitors may be useful against human pathogens. We report structures of chicken Complex II with six different Q-site inhibitors bound, at resolutions 2.0-2.4 Å. These structures show the common interactions between the inhibitors and their binding site. In every case a carbonyl or hydroxyl oxygen of the inhibitor is H-bonded to Tyr58 in subunit SdhD and Trp173 in subunit SdhB. Two of the inhibitors H-bond Ser39 in subunit SdhC directly, while two others do so via a water molecule. There is a distinct cavity that accepts the 2-substituent of the carboxylate ring in flutolanil and related inhibitors. A hydrophobic "tail pocket" opens to receive a side-chain of intermediate-length inhibitors. Shorter inhibitors fit entirely within the main binding cleft, while the long hydrophobic side chains of ferulenol and atpenin A5 protrude out of the cleft into the bulk lipid region, as presumably does that of ubiquinone. Comparison of mitochondrial and Escherichia coli Complex II shows a rotation of the membrane-anchor subunits by 7° relative to the iron‑sulfur protein. This rotation alters the geometry of the Q-site and the H-bonding pattern of SdhB:His216 and SdhD:Asp57. This conformational difference, rather than any active-site mutation, may be responsible for the different inhibitor sensitivity of the bacterial enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shar Huang
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 E. Adams Street, Syracuse, N.Y 13210, USA
| | - Peter Lümmen
- Bayer AG, Crop Science Division, Industrial Park Höchst, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Edward A Berry
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 E. Adams Street, Syracuse, N.Y 13210, USA.
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47
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Tisnerat C, Dassonville-Klimpt A, Gosselet F, Sonnet P. Antimalarial drug discovery: from quinine to the most recent promising clinical drug candidates. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:3326-3365. [PMID: 34344287 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210803152419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a tropical threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, resulting in 409,000 deaths in 2019. The delay of mortality and morbidity has been compounded by the widespread of drug resistant parasites from Southeast Asia since two decades. The emergence of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium in Africa, where most cases are accounted, highlights the urgent need for new medicines. In this effort, the World Health Organization and Medicines for Malaria Venture joined to define clear goals for novel therapies and characterized the target candidate profile. This ongoing search for new treatments is based on imperative labor in medicinal chemistry which is summarized here with particular attention to hit-to-lead optimizations, key properties, and modes of action of these novel antimalarial drugs. This review, after presenting the current antimalarial chemotherapy, from quinine to the latest marketed drugs, focuses in particular on recent advances of the most promising antimalarial candidates in clinical and preclinical phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Tisnerat
- AGIR UR4294, UFR de Pharmacie, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens. France
| | | | | | - Pascal Sonnet
- AGIR UR4294, UFR de Pharmacie, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens. France
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48
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Mitochondria as a potential target for the development of prophylactic and therapeutic drugs against Schistosoma mansoni infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0041821. [PMID: 34339272 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00418-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergence of parasites resistant to praziquantel, the only therapeutic agent, and its ineffectiveness as a prophylactic agent (inactive against the migratory/juvenile Schistosoma mansoni), makes the development of new antischistosomal drugs urgent. The parasite's mitochondrion is an attractive target for drug development because this organelle is essential for survival throughout the parasite's life cycle. We investigated the effects of 116 compounds against Schistosoma mansoni cercariae motility that have been reported to affect mitochondria-related processes in other organisms. Next, eight compounds plus two controls (mefloquine and praziquantel) were selected and assayed against motility of schistosomula (in vitro) and adults (ex vivo). Prophylactic and therapeutic assays were performed using infected mouse models. Inhibition of oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was assayed using Seahorse XFe24 Analyzer. All selected compounds showed excellent prophylactic activity, reducing the worm burden in the lungs to less than 15% that obtained in the vehicle control. Notably, ascofuranone showed the highest activity with a 98% reduction of the worm burden, suggesting the potential for development of ascofuranone as a prophylactic agent. The worm burden of infected mice with S. mansoni at the adult stage was reduced by more than 50% in mice treated with mefloquine, nitazoxanide, amiodarone, ascofuranone, pyrvinium pamoate, or plumbagin. Moreover, adult mitochondrial OCR was severely inhibited by ascofuranone, atovaquone, and nitazoxanide, while pyrvinium pamoate inhibited both mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial OCRs. These results demonstrate that the mitochondria of S. mansoni are feasible target for drug development.
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49
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Chiu JE, Renard I, George S, Pal AC, Alday PH, Narasimhan S, Riscoe MK, Doggett JS, Ben Mamoun C. Cytochrome b Drug Resistance Mutation Decreases Babesia Fitness in the Tick Stages But Not the Mammalian Erythrocytic Cycle. J Infect Dis 2021; 225:135-145. [PMID: 34139755 PMCID: PMC8730496 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne malaria-like illness caused by Babesia parasites following their development in erythrocytes. Here, we show that a mutation in the Babesia microti mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) that confers resistance to the antibabesial drug ELQ-502 decreases parasite fitness in the arthropod vector. Interestingly, whereas the mutant allele does not affect B. microti fitness during the mammalian blood phase of the parasite life cycle and is genetically stable as parasite burden increases, ELQ-502-resistant mutant parasites developing in the tick vector are genetically unstable with a high rate of the wild-type allele emerging during the nymphal stage. Furthermore, we show that B. microti parasites with this mutation are transmitted from the tick to the host, raising the possibility that the frequency of Cytb resistance mutations may be decreased by passage through the tick vector, but could persist in the environment if present when ticks feed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy E Chiu
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Isaline Renard
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Santosh George
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Anasuya C Pal
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Sukanya Narasimhan
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | | - Choukri Ben Mamoun
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Correspondence: Choukri Ben Mamoun, PhD, Yale School of Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Microbial Pathogenesis, Section of Infectious Diseases, 300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520 ()
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50
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A Yeast-Based Drug Discovery Platform To Identify Plasmodium falciparum Type II NADH Dehydrogenase Inhibitors. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.02470-20. [PMID: 33722883 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02470-20] [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: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional methods utilizing in vitro protein activity assay or in vivo parasite survival to screen for malaria inhibitors suffer from high experimental background and/or inconvenience. Here, we introduce a yeast-based system to facilitate chemical screening for specific protein or pathway inhibitors. The platform comprises several isogeneic Pichia strains that differ only in the target of interest, so that a compound which inhibits one strain but not the other is implicated in working specifically against the target. We used Plasmodium falciparum NDH2 (PfNDH2), a type II NADH dehydrogenase, as a proof of principle to show how well this works. Three isogenic Pichia strains harboring, respectively, exogeneously introduced PfNDH2, its own complex I (a type I NADH dehydrogenase), and PfNDH2 with its own complex I, were constructed. In a pilot screen of more than 2,000 compounds, we identified a highly specific inhibitor that acts on PfNDH2. This compound poorly inhibits the parasites at the asexual blood stage; however, is highly effective in repressing oocyst maturation in the mosquito stage. Our results demonstrate that the yeast cell-based screen platform is feasible, efficient, economical, and has very low background noise. Similar strategies could be extended to the functional screen for interacting molecules of other targets.
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