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Islam A, do Prado BR, Dittz D, Rodrigues BL, Silva SMD, do Monte-Neto RL, Shabeer M, Frézard F, Demicheli C. Susceptibility of Leishmania to novel pentavalent organometallics: Investigating impact on DNA and membrane integrity in antimony(III)-sensitive and -resistant strains. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22194. [PMID: 38704828 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The aim the present study was to investigate the impact of novel pentavalent organobismuth and organoantimony complexes on membrane integrity and their interaction with DNA, activity against Sb(III)-sensitive and -resistant Leishmania strains and toxicity in mammalian peritoneal macrophages. Ph3M(L)2 type complexes were synthesized, where M = Sb(V) or Bi(V) and L = deprotonated 3-(dimethylamino)benzoic acid or 2-acetylbenzoic acid. Both organobismuth(V) and organoantimony(V) complexes exhibited efficacy at micromolar concentrations against Leishmania amazonensis and L. infantum but only the later ones demonstrated biocompatibility. Ph3Sb(L1)2 and Ph3Bi(L1)2 demonstrated distinct susceptibility profiles compared to inorganic Sb(III)-resistant strains of MRPA-overexpressing L. amazonensis and AQP1-mutated L. guyanensis. These complexes were able to permeate the cell membrane and interact with the Leishmania DNA, suggesting that this effect may contribute to the parasite growth inhibition via apoptosis. Taken altogether, our data substantiate the notion of a distinct mechanism of uptake pathway and action in Leishmania for these organometallic complexes, distinguishing them from the conventional inorganic antimonial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshad Islam
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Postgraduate Program in Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Government Lady Reading Hospital Medical Teaching Institution, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Bruno Rodrigues do Prado
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Dalton Dittz
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Av. Universitária, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Bernardo Lages Rodrigues
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sydnei Magno da Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av Amazonas, s/n, Umuarama, Brazil
| | | | - Muhammad Shabeer
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Frédéric Frézard
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Postgraduate Program in Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cynthia Demicheli
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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2
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Leroux M, Luquain-Costaz C, Lawton P, Azzouz-Maache S, Delton I. Fatty Acid Composition and Metabolism in Leishmania Parasite Species: Potential Biomarkers or Drug Targets for Leishmaniasis? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054702. [PMID: 36902138 PMCID: PMC10003364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids have received growing interest in Leishmania biology with the characterization of the enzymes allowing the complete fatty acid synthesis of this trypanosomatid parasite. This review presents a comparative analysis of the fatty acid profiles of the major classes of lipids and phospholipids in different species of Leishmania with cutaneous or visceral tropism. Specificities relating to the parasite forms, resistance to antileishmanial drugs, and host/parasite interactions are described as well as comparisons with other trypanosomatids. Emphasis is placed on polyunsaturated fatty acids and their metabolic and functional specificities, in particular, their conversion into oxygenated metabolites that are inflammatory mediators able to modulate metacyclogenesis and parasite infectivity. The impact of lipid status on the development of leishmaniasis and the potential of fatty acids as therapeutic targets or candidates for nutritional interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Leroux
- CNRS 5007, LAGEPP, Université of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Céline Luquain-Costaz
- CNRS 5007, LAGEPP, Université of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Department of Biosciences, INSA Lyon, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Philippe Lawton
- CNRS 5007, LAGEPP, Université of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Samira Azzouz-Maache
- CNRS 5007, LAGEPP, Université of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Isabelle Delton
- CNRS 5007, LAGEPP, Université of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Department of Biosciences, INSA Lyon, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Correspondence:
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3
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Alpizar-Sosa EA, Ithnin NRB, Wei W, Pountain AW, Weidt SK, Donachie AM, Ritchie R, Dickie EA, Burchmore RJS, Denny PW, Barrett MP. Amphotericin B resistance in Leishmania mexicana: Alterations to sterol metabolism and oxidative stress response. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010779. [PMID: 36170238 PMCID: PMC9581426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphotericin B is increasingly used in treatment of leishmaniasis. Here, fourteen independent lines of Leishmania mexicana and one L. infantum line were selected for resistance to either amphotericin B or the related polyene antimicrobial, nystatin. Sterol profiling revealed that, in each resistant line, the predominant wild-type sterol, ergosta-5,7,24-trienol, was replaced by other sterol intermediates. Broadly, two different profiles emerged among the resistant lines. Whole genome sequencing then showed that these distinct profiles were due either to mutations in the sterol methyl transferase (C24SMT) gene locus or the sterol C5 desaturase (C5DS) gene. In three lines an additional deletion of the miltefosine transporter gene was found. Differences in sensitivity to amphotericin B were apparent, depending on whether cells were grown in HOMEM, supplemented with foetal bovine serum, or a serum free defined medium (DM). Metabolomic analysis after exposure to AmB showed that a large increase in glucose flux via the pentose phosphate pathway preceded cell death in cells sustained in HOMEM but not DM, indicating the oxidative stress was more significantly induced under HOMEM conditions. Several of the lines were tested for their ability to infect macrophages and replicate as amastigote forms, alongside their ability to establish infections in mice. While several AmB resistant lines showed reduced virulence, at least two lines displayed heightened virulence in mice whilst retaining their resistance phenotype, emphasising the risks of resistance emerging to this critical drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edubiel A. Alpizar-Sosa
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Nur Raihana Binti Ithnin
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wenbin Wei
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew W. Pountain
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute for Computational Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Stefan K. Weidt
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anne M. Donachie
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Ritchie
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emily A. Dickie
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. S. Burchmore
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul W. Denny
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P. Barrett
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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4
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Andrade-Neto VV, Manso PPDA, Pereira MG, de Cicco NNT, Atella GC, Pelajo-Machado M, Menna-Barreto RFS, Torres-Santos EC. Host cholesterol influences the activity of sterol biosynthesis inhibitors in Leishmania amazonensis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e220407. [PMID: 35384972 PMCID: PMC8979231 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant percentage of exogenous cholesterol was found in promastigotes and amastigotes of all studied species of Leishmania, suggesting a biological role for this molecule. Previous studies have shown that promastigotes of Leishmania uptake more low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles under pharmacological pressure and are more susceptible to ergosterol inhibition in the absence of exogenous sources of cholesterol. This work shows that the host’s LDL is available to intracellular amastigotes and that the absence of exogenous cholesterol enhances the potency of sterol biosynthesis inhibitors in infected macrophages. A complete understanding of cholesterol transport to the parasitophorous vacuole can guide the development of a new drug class to be used in combination with sterol biosynthesis inhibitors for the treatment of leishmaniases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valter Viana Andrade-Neto
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanossomatídeos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Pedro Paulo de Abreu Manso
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Patologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Miria Gomes Pereira
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Georgia Corrêa Atella
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Pelajo-Machado
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Patologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Eduardo Caio Torres-Santos
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanossomatídeos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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5
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Simvastatin Resistance of Leishmania amazonensis Induces Sterol Remodeling and Cross-Resistance to Sterol Pathway and Serine Protease Inhibitors. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020398. [PMID: 35208853 PMCID: PMC8877030 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The sterol biosynthesis pathway of Leishmania spp. is used as a pharmacological target; however, available information about the mechanisms of the regulation and remodeling of sterol-related genes is scarce. The present study investigated compensatory mechanisms of the sterol biosynthesis pathway using an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase (simvastatin) and by developing drug-resistant parasites to evaluate the impact on sterol remodeling, cross-resistance, and gene expression. Simvastatin-resistant L. amazonensis parasites (LaSimR) underwent reprogramming of sterol metabolism manifested as an increase in cholestane- and stigmastane-based sterols and a decrease in ergostane-based sterols. The levels of the transcripts of sterol 24-C-methyltransferase (SMT), sterol C14-α-demethylase (C14DM), and protease subtilisin (SUB) were increased in LaSimR. LaSimR was cross-resistance to ketoconazole (a C14DM inhibitor) and remained sensitive to terbinafine (an inhibitor of squalene monooxygenase). Sensitivity of the LaSimR mutant to other antileishmanial drugs unrelated to the sterol biosynthesis pathway, such as trivalent antimony and pentamidine, was similar to that of the wild-type strain; however, LaSimR was cross-resistant to miltefosine, general serine protease inhibitor N-p-tosyl-l-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone (TPCK), subtilisin-specific inhibitor 4-[(diethylamino)methyl]-N-[2-(2-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-N-(3R)-3-pyrrolidinyl-benzamide dihydrochloride (PF-429242), and tunicamycin. The findings on the regulation of the sterol pathway can support the development of drugs and protease inhibitors targeting this route in parasites.
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Ramu D, Singh S. Potential molecular targets of Leishmania pathways in developing novel antileishmanials. Future Microbiol 2021; 17:41-57. [PMID: 34877877 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2021-0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The illness known as leishmaniasis has not become a household name like malaria, although it stands as the second-largest parasitic disease, surpassed only by malaria. As no licensed vaccine is available, treatment for leishmaniasis mostly relies on chemotherapy. Inefficiency and drug resistance are the major impediments in current therapeutics. In this scenario, identification of novel molecular drug candidates is indispensable to develop robust antileishmanials. The exploration of structure-based drugs to target enzymes/molecules of Leishmania which differ structurally/functionally from their equivalents in mammalian hosts not only helps in developing a new class of antileishmanials, but also paves the way to understand Leishmania biology. This review provides a comprehensive overview on possible drug candidates relating to various Leishmania molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandugudumula Ramu
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, 201314, India
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
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7
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Barbosa RCF, Landuci FS, de Oliveira MCC, Echevarria A, Pereira EC, Castelar B, Pontes MD, Torres-Santos EC, Andrade-Neto VV. Sterol profile of Neobenedenia melleni, a marine ectoparasite fish. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 246:111414. [PMID: 34551360 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111414] [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: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neobenedenia melleni, a marine fish ectoparasite, is responsible for considerable losses in the mariculture industry. In maintaining the parasite's homeostasis, sterols are structural and functional lipids that perform vital functions. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of biosynthesis and the uptake of sterols can reveal potential pharmacological targets. The objective of this work was thereby to characterize the N. melleni sterols. The most abundant sterol found was cholesterol in either its free (47.48 ± 15.93 %) or esterified form. However, its precursors, squalene (3.53 ± 0.92 %) and desmosterol (0.25 ± 0.03 %), were also found, suggesting the uptake of these intermediates from hosts or an unusual active pathway of sterol biosynthesis, which can be further explored as pharmacological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo César Fernandes Barbosa
- Instituto de Química, Departamento de Química Orgânica, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, 23970-000 Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Schwahofer Landuci
- Fundação Instituto de Pesca do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Diretoria de Pesquisa e Produção, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcia Cristina Campos de Oliveira
- Instituto de Química, Departamento de Química Orgânica, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, 23970-000 Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Aurea Echevarria
- Instituto de Química, Departamento de Química Orgânica, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, 23970-000 Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elisa Cavalcante Pereira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Castelar
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin. Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Marcelo Duarte Pontes
- Fundação Instituto de Pesca do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Diretoria de Pesquisa e Produção, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Valter Viana Andrade-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bezemer JM, van der Ende J, Limpens J, de Vries HJC, Schallig HDFH. Safety and efficacy of allylamines in the treatment of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis: A systematic review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249628. [PMID: 33826660 PMCID: PMC8026199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249628] [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: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis affect a million people yearly, leading to skin lesions and potentially disfiguring mucosal disease. Current treatments can have severe side effects. Allylamine drugs, like terbinafine, are safe, including during pregnancy. This review assesses efficacy and safety of allylamines for the treatment of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. It followed the PRISMA statement for reporting and was preregistered in PROSPERO(CRD4201809068). MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Global Health Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and clinical trial registers were searched from their creation to May 24th, 2020. All original human, animal, and in vitro studies concerning allylamines and cutaneous or mucocutaneous leishmaniasis were eligible for inclusion. Comparators—if any—included both placebo or alternative cutaneous or mucocutaneous leishmaniasis treatments. Complete cure, growth inhibition, or adverse events served as outcomes. The search identified 312 publications, of which 22 were included in this systematic review. There were one uncontrolled and two randomised controlled trials. The only well-designed randomised controlled trial that compared the treatment efficacy of oral terbinafine versus intramuscular meglumine antimoniate in 80 Leismania tropica infected patients showed a non-significant lower cure rate for terbinafine vs meglumine antimoniate (38% vs 53%). A meta-analysis could not be performed due to the small number of studies, their heterogeneity, and low quality. This systematic review shows that there is no evidence of efficacy of allylamine monotherapy against cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Further trials of allylamines should be carefully considered as the outcomes of an adequately designed trial were disappointing and in vitro studies indicate minimal effective concentrations that are not achieved in the skin during standard doses. However, the in vitro synergistic effects of allylamines combined with triazole drugs warrant further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob M. Bezemer
- Experimental Parasitology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Fundación Misión Cristiana de Salud, Shell, Pastaza, Ecuador
- * E-mail:
| | - Jacob van der Ende
- Fundación Quina Care Ecuador, Puerto el Carmen de Putumayo, Sucumbíos, Ecuador
| | - Jacqueline Limpens
- Medical Library, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henry J. C. de Vries
- Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk D. F. H. Schallig
- Experimental Parasitology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Paradela LS, Wall RJ, Carvalho S, Chemi G, Corpas-Lopez V, Moynihan E, Bello D, Patterson S, Güther MLS, Fairlamb AH, Ferguson MAJ, Zuccotto F, Martin J, Gilbert IH, Wyllie S. Multiple unbiased approaches identify oxidosqualene cyclase as the molecular target of a promising anti-leishmanial. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:711-721.e8. [PMID: 33691122 PMCID: PMC8153249 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic screening identified a benzothiophene compound with activity against Leishmania donovani, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis. Using multiple orthogonal approaches, oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC), a key enzyme of sterol biosynthesis, was identified as the target of this racemic compound and its enantiomers. Whole genome sequencing and screening of a genome-wide overexpression library confirmed that OSC gene amplification is associated with resistance to compound 1. Introduction of an ectopic copy of the OSC gene into wild-type cells reduced susceptibility to these compounds confirming the role of this enzyme in resistance. Biochemical analyses demonstrated the accumulation of the substrate of OSC and depletion of its product in compound (S)-1-treated-promastigotes and cell-free membrane preparations, respectively. Thermal proteome profiling confirmed that compound (S)-1 binds directly to OSC. Finally, modeling and docking studies identified key interactions between compound (S)-1 and the LdOSC active site. Strategies to improve the potency for this promising anti-leishmanial are proposed. Genetics and chemo-proteomics identify the target of a promising anti-leishmanial Biochemical assays confirm the direct inhibition of oxidosqualene cyclase in cells Docking and modeling studies identify key interactions between compound and target Strategies to improve the potency of this benzothiophene are proposed
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana S Paradela
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Richard J Wall
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Sandra Carvalho
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Giulia Chemi
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Victoriano Corpas-Lopez
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Eoin Moynihan
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Davide Bello
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Stephen Patterson
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Maria Lucia S Güther
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Alan H Fairlamb
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Michael A J Ferguson
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Fabio Zuccotto
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Julio Martin
- Global Health R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Tres Cantos 28760, Spain
| | - Ian H Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Susan Wyllie
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK.
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10
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O'Neal AJ, Butler LR, Rolandelli A, Gilk SD, Pedra JH. Lipid hijacking: a unifying theme in vector-borne diseases. eLife 2020; 9:61675. [PMID: 33118933 PMCID: PMC7595734 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne illnesses comprise a significant portion of human maladies, representing 17% of global infections. Transmission of vector-borne pathogens to mammals primarily occurs by hematophagous arthropods. It is speculated that blood may provide a unique environment that aids in the replication and pathogenesis of these microbes. Lipids and their derivatives are one component enriched in blood and are essential for microbial survival. For instance, the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum and the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, among others, have been shown to scavenge and manipulate host lipids for structural support, metabolism, replication, immune evasion, and disease severity. In this Review, we will explore the importance of lipid hijacking for the growth and persistence of these microbes in both mammalian hosts and arthropod vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya J O'Neal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - L Rainer Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Agustin Rolandelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Stacey D Gilk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Joao Hf Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
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Loria AD, Dattilo V, Santoro D, Guccione J, De Luca A, Ciaramella P, Pirozzi M, Iaccino E. Expression of Serum Exosomal miRNA 122 and Lipoprotein Levels in Dogs Naturally Infected by Leishmania infantum: A Preliminary Study. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10010100. [PMID: 31936232 PMCID: PMC7023135 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The immunopathogenesis of leishmaniasis is not completely understood. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles produced by most eukaryotic cells, containing various molecular constituents with biological effects (e.g., proteins, peptides, RNA). They play an important role in cell-to-cell signaling. Recently, exosomal microRNA were demonstrated to be able to regulate gene expression and protein production in mammalian cells, serving as potential biomarkers of disease. The microRNA miR-122 is a biomarker of hepatic damage widely studied in mice in the course of Leishmania infection. Leishmania organisms can interfere with miR-122 production leading to a dysfunction in cholesterol metabolism ensuring its proliferation in the infected host. In this study, we suggest that such a phenomenon may also occur in dogs affected by Leishmania infection. Abstract Current knowledge on the role of exosomal microRNA (miRNA) in canine leishmaniasis (CL), with particular regards to the interaction between miR-122 and lipid alterations, is limited. The aim of this study was to isolate/characterize exosomes in canine serum and evaluate the expression of miR-122 in ten healthy and ten leishmaniotic dogs. Serum exosomes were isolated using a polymer-based kit, ExoQuick® and characterized by flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy, whereas miR-122-5p expression was evaluated by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. A significant decreased expression of exosomal miR-122-5p, decreased serum levels of high-density lipoproteins, and increased serum levels of low-density lipoproteins were seen in leishmaniotic dogs when compared with healthy dogs. These results suggest that hepatic dysfunctions induced by the parasite interfere with lipoprotein status. The decreased expression of exosomal miR122 represents an additional effect of Leishmania infection in dogs as in people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Di Loria
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, 80130 Napoli, Italy; (J.G.); (P.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.D.L.); (D.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Dattilo
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Domenico Santoro
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Correspondence: (A.D.L.); (D.S.)
| | - Jacopo Guccione
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, 80130 Napoli, Italy; (J.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Adriana De Luca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, 80130 Napoli, Italy; (J.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Paolo Ciaramella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, 80130 Napoli, Italy; (J.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Marinella Pirozzi
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, National Research Council, 88100 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Enrico Iaccino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
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12
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Pessoa CC, Reis LC, Ramos-Sanchez EM, Orikaza CM, Cortez C, de Castro Levatti EV, Badaró ACB, Yamamoto JUDS, D’Almeida V, Goto H, Mortara RA, Real F. ATP6V0d2 controls Leishmania parasitophorous vacuole biogenesis via cholesterol homeostasis. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007834. [PMID: 31199856 PMCID: PMC6594656 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
V-ATPases are part of the membrane components of pathogen-containing vacuoles, although their function in intracellular infection remains elusive. In addition to organelle acidification, V-ATPases are alternatively implicated in membrane fusion and anti-inflammatory functions controlled by ATP6V0d2, the d subunit variant of the V-ATPase complex. Therefore, we evaluated the role of ATP6V0d2 in the biogenesis of pathogen-containing vacuoles using ATP6V0d2 knock-down macrophages infected with the protozoan parasite Leishmania amazonensis. These parasites survive within IFNγ/LPS-activated inflammatory macrophages, multiplying in large/fusogenic parasitophorous vacuoles (PVs) and inducing ATP6V0d2 upregulation. ATP6V0d2 knock-down decreased macrophage cholesterol levels and inhibited PV enlargement without interfering with parasite multiplication. However, parasites required ATP6V0d2 to resist the influx of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-derived cholesterol, which restored PV enlargement in ATP6V0d2 knock-down macrophages by replenishing macrophage cholesterol pools. Thus, we reveal parasite-mediated subversion of host V-ATPase function toward cholesterol retention, which is required for establishing an inflammation-resistant intracellular parasite niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Carraro Pessoa
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Luiza Campos Reis
- Laboratório de Soroepidemiologia e Imunobiologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Eduardo Milton Ramos-Sanchez
- Laboratório de Soroepidemiologia e Imunobiologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Cristina Mary Orikaza
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Cristian Cortez
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | | | - Ana Carolina Benites Badaró
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Vânia D’Almeida
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Hiro Goto
- Laboratório de Soroepidemiologia e Imunobiologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Renato Arruda Mortara
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Fernando Real
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
- * E-mail:
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13
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Anti-leishmanial effect of spiro dihydroquinoline-oxindoles on volume regulation decrease and sterol biosynthesis of Leishmania braziliensis. Exp Parasitol 2019; 198:31-38. [PMID: 30690024 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Diverse spiro dihydroquinoline-oxindoles (JS series) were prepared using the BF3•OEt2-catalyzed imino Diels-Alder reaction between ketimine-isatin derivatives and trans-isoeugenol. Ten spiro-oxiindole derivatives were selected and evaluated at different stages of the life cycle of Leishmania braziliensis parasites, responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis in South America. Among them, the 8'-ethyl-4'-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3'-methyl-3',4'-dihydro-1'H-spiro[indoline-3,2'-quinolin]-2-one called JS87 was able to inhibit the growth of promastigotes without affecting the mammalian cells viability, and to decrease the number of intracellular amastigotes of L. braziliensis. This spiro compound was found to act through the alteration of parasite internal regulation by disrupting the regulatory volume decrease (RVD), and to affect the sterol biosynthetic pathway at level of squalene epoxidase (SE) enzyme. These results revealed that the spiro annulation between quinoline and oxindole scaffolds enhances the anti-leishmanial activity, and could assist in the development of potent quinoline-oxindole hybrids against Leishmania braziliensis, the main etiological agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in South America.
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14
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Rebello KM, Andrade-Neto VV, Zuma AA, Motta MCM, Gomes CRB, de Souza MVN, Atella GC, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS, Torres-Santos EC, d'Avila-Levy CM. Lopinavir, an HIV-1 peptidase inhibitor, induces alteration on the lipid metabolism of Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes. Parasitology 2018; 145:1304-1310. [PMID: 29806577 PMCID: PMC6137378 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018000823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The anti-leishmania effects of HIV peptidase inhibitors (PIs) have been widely reported; however, the biochemical target and mode of action are still a matter of controversy in Leishmania parasites. Considering the possibility that HIV-PIs induce lipid accumulation in Leishmania amazonensis, we analysed the effects of lopinavir on the lipid metabolism of L. amazonensis promastigotes. To this end, parasites were treated with lopinavir at different concentrations and analysed by fluorescence microscopy and spectrofluorimetry, using a fluorescent lipophilic marker. Then, the cellular ultrastructure of treated and control parasites was analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the lipid composition was investigated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Finally, the sterol content was assayed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). TEM analysis revealed an increased number of lipid inclusions in lopinavir-treated cells, which was accompanied by an increase in the lipophilic content, in a dose-dependent manner. TLC and GC-MS analysis revealed a marked increase of cholesterol-esters and cholesterol. In conclusion, lopinavir-induced lipid accumulation and affected lipid composition in L. amazonensis in a concentration-response manner. These data contribute to a better understanding of the possible mechanisms of action of this HIV-PI in L. amazonensis promastigotes. The concerted action of lopinavir on this and other cellular processes, such as the direct inhibition of an aspartyl peptidase, may be responsible for the arrested development of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina M Rebello
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Valter V Andrade-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Aline A Zuma
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer,Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina M Motta
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer,Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases,Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, UFRJ,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases,Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, UFRJ,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | | | - Claudia M d'Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
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15
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Semini G, Paape D, Paterou A, Schroeder J, Barrios‐Llerena M, Aebischer T. Changes to cholesterol trafficking in macrophages by Leishmania parasites infection. Microbiologyopen 2017; 6:e00469. [PMID: 28349644 PMCID: PMC5552908 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania spp. are protozoan parasites that are transmitted by sandfly vectors during blood sucking to vertebrate hosts and cause a spectrum of diseases called leishmaniases. It has been demonstrated that host cholesterol plays an important role during Leishmania infection. Nevertheless, little is known about the intracellular distribution of this lipid early after internalization of the parasite. Here, pulse-chase experiments with radiolabeled cholesteryl esterified to fatty acids bound to low-density lipoproteins indicated that retention of this source of cholesterol is increased in parasite-containing subcellular fractions, while uptake is unaffected. This is correlated with a reduction or absence of detectable NPC1 (Niemann-Pick disease, type C1), a protein responsible for cholesterol efflux from endocytic compartments, in the Leishmania mexicana habitat and infected cells. Filipin staining revealed a halo around parasites within parasitophorous vacuoles (PV) likely representing free cholesterol accumulation. Labeling of host cell membranous cholesterol by fluorescent cholesterol species before infection revealed that this pool is also trafficked to the PV but becomes incorporated into the parasites' membranes and seems not to contribute to the halo detected by filipin. This cholesterol sequestration happened early after infection and was functionally significant as it correlated with the upregulation of mRNA-encoding proteins required for cholesterol biosynthesis. Thus, sequestration of cholesterol by Leishmania amastigotes early after infection provides a basis to understand perturbation of cholesterol-dependent processes in macrophages that were shown previously by others to be necessary for their proper function in innate and adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geo Semini
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and MycobacteriaDepartment of Infectious DiseasesRobert Koch‐InstituteBerlinGermany
| | - Daniel Paape
- Institute of Immunology and Infection ResearchThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Present address:
Welcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology and Institute of Infection Immunity and InflammationCollege of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Athina Paterou
- Institute of Immunology and Infection ResearchThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Juliane Schroeder
- Institute of Immunology and Infection ResearchThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Present address:
Welcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology and Institute of Infection Immunity and InflammationCollege of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Martin Barrios‐Llerena
- Institute of Immunology and Infection ResearchThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Present address:
Centre for Cardiovascular SciencesQueen's Medical Research Institute University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Toni Aebischer
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and MycobacteriaDepartment of Infectious DiseasesRobert Koch‐InstituteBerlinGermany
- Institute of Immunology and Infection ResearchThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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16
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Farajzadeh S, Heshmatkhah A, Vares B, Mohebbi E, Mohebbi A, Aflatoonian M, Eybpoosh S, Sharifi I, Aflatoonian MR, Shamsi Meymandi S, Fekri AR, Mostafavi M. Topical terbinafine in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: triple blind randomized clinical trial. J Parasit Dis 2016; 40:1159-1164. [PMID: 27876906 PMCID: PMC5118267 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-014-0641-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a spectrum of disease condition with considerable health impacts, caused by different species of Leishmania. This disease is currently endemic in 98 countries and territories in the world. There are many treatment modalities for cutaneous leishmaniasis. The use of topical terbinafine in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis has recently been considered. Eighty-eight participants more than two years old with proven acute CL by a positive direct smear were randomly allocated to one of the two study arms: first group received meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime) 20 mg/kg/day intramuscular injection (IM) plus a placebo ointment (Mahan Vaseline) for 20 days. The second group received meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime) 20 mg/kg/day IM plus topical terbinafine, for 20 days and were monitored closely by dermatologist during the course of the study. Crude regression analysis showed that there was no significant difference between placebo and intervention group regarding partial or complete treatment (partial treatment: HRcrude = 1.1, CI 95 % = 0.7-1.7; complete treatment: HRcrude = 1.1, CI 95 % = 0.8-1.7). Although, there was no statistically significant different between the two treatment groups, but clinically it seems that the treatment rate in those who receive glucantime plus terbinafine was more effective than the other group. However this rate depended on the type of lesions. As data indicated ulcerated nodules, papules and plaque in experimental group have been completely improved two times faster than placebo group. Ulcerated nodules, nodules and plaque were partially improved faster in those used tebinafine than placebo ointment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeedeh Farajzadeh
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Amireh Heshmatkhah
- Department of Dermatology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Behrooz Vares
- Department of Dermatology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Elham Mohebbi
- Research Center for Modeling in Health, Institute of Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Azadeh Mohebbi
- Department of Dermatology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahin Aflatoonian
- Department of Dermatology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sana Eybpoosh
- Regional Knowledge Hub and WHO Collaboration Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Future Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Aflatoonian
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Ali Reza Fekri
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahshid Mostafavi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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17
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Soumya N, Panara MN, Neerupudi KB, Singh S. Functional analysis of an AMP forming acetyl CoA synthetase from Leishmania donovani by gene overexpression and targeted gene disruption approaches. Parasitol Int 2016; 66:992-1002. [PMID: 27825908 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease is endemic in 98 countries and >350 million people are at risk of getting the infection. The existing chemotherapy of Leishmaniasis is limited due to adverse effects, resistance to existing drugs and increasing cases of HIV-Leishmaniasis co-infection. Hence, there is a need to identify novel metabolic pathways for design of new chemical entities. Acetyl-CoA synthetase (AceCS) is an enzyme of acetate metabolic pathway whose functions are unknown in Leishmania parasite. AceCS from Leishmania donovani (LdAceCS) is significantly different from human host to be explored as a potential drug candidate to develop parasite specific inhibitors. To dissect the functions of LdAceCS in Leishmania promastigotes, two approaches were followed. LdAceCS overexpressing parasites were generated by episomal expression of LdAceCS in promastigotes and single knockout (SKO) cell lines of LdAceCS were generated by targeted gene disruption. An insight into the phenotypic changes undergone by the overexpressors revealed an increase in LdAceCS activity, total lipid content, infectivity and ergosterol levels by ~2.2, 2.2, 1.65 and 3 fold respectively with respect to wild type. Similarly SKO transgenic parasites exhibited ~2.5, 3, 1.5 and 3 fold decrease in activity, total lipid content, infectivity and ergosterol respectively. Repeated attempts to generate null mutants failed thus indicating that LdAceCS is essential for the parasite and can be selectively targeted to combat Leishmania infection. The present study demonstrates that LdAceCS is important for in vitro macrophage infection and is also essential for biosynthesis of total lipids and ergosterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelagiri Soumya
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Mitesh N Panara
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Kishore Babu Neerupudi
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Sushma Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, India.
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18
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Andrade-Neto VV, Pereira TM, Canto-Cavalheiro MD, Torres-Santos EC. Imipramine alters the sterol profile in Leishmania amazonensis and increases its sensitivity to miconazole. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:183. [PMID: 27036654 PMCID: PMC4815111 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1467-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant widely used clinically, has other pharmacological effects, such as antileishmanial activity. Tricyclic antidepressants interact with lipid bilayers, and some studies have shown that imipramine inhibits methyltransferases. Leishmania spp. produces compounds with an ergostane skeleton instead of a cholesterol skeleton, and the inhibition of enzymes of the sterol biosynthesis pathway is an interesting therapeutic target. Among these enzymes, C-24 methyltransferase has been suggested to play an essential role, as its inhibition kills the parasites. In this context, we investigated whether imipramine alters the biosynthesis of sterols in L. amazonensis and evaluated the efficacy of imipramine alone and in combination with miconazole, a classical inhibitor of another step in this pathway. Methods To analyze the interference of imipramine with sterol metabolism, promastigotes of L. amazonensis were cultured with medium alone, 15 or 30 μM imipramine or 4 μM miconazole, and their lipids were extracted with methanol/chloroform/water (1:0.5:0.4 v/v) and analyzed by GC/MS. To assess the antileishmanial activity of the treatments, promastigotes of L. amazonensis were incubated with various concentrations of imipramine up to 100 μM and up to 24 μM miconazole. Promastigotes were also treated with the combination of imipramine and miconazole at concentrations up to 12.5 μM of imipramine and 24 μM of miconazole. Parasite growth was evaluated by the MTT assay. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was calculated to determine whether there were synergistic effects. Peritoneal macrophages with and without L. amazonensis infection were treated with miconazole (0 – 16 μM) or imipramine (0 to 50 μM) for 72 hours. For assays of the combined treatment in amastigotes, the concentration of imipramine was fixed at 12.5 μM and various concentrations of miconazole were used up to 16 μM. The infection rate was determined by counting the infected macrophages under a light microscope. Findings Promastigotes treated with imipramine accumulated cholesta-5,7,22-trien-3β-ol and cholesta-7-24-dien- 3β-ol, sterols that normally increase after treatment with classical inhibitors of C-24 methyltransferase. The IC50 of miconazole in promastigotes decreased when it was used in combination with imipramine, resulting in an additive effect, with a FICI value of 0.83. Imipramine also showed activity against intracellular amastigotes and enhanced the activity of miconazole, without apparent toxicity to the host cells. Conclusions Imipramine was confirmed to have antileishmanial activity in both forms of the parasite, affecting the sterol biosynthesis of the organisms. Using imipramine in combination with azoles may be advantageous for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valter Viana Andrade-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thaís Martins Pereira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marilene do Canto-Cavalheiro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Caio Torres-Santos
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Yang Y, Xiong J, Zhou Z, Huo F, Miao W, Ran C, Liu Y, Zhang J, Feng J, Wang M, Wang M, Wang L, Yao B. The genome of the myxosporean Thelohanellus kitauei shows adaptations to nutrient acquisition within its fish host. Genome Biol Evol 2014; 6:3182-98. [PMID: 25381665 PMCID: PMC4986447 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evu247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of Myxozoa, a parasitic metazoan taxon, have considerable detrimental effects on fish hosts and also have been associated with human food-borne illness. Little is known about their biology and metabolism. Analysis of the genome of Thelohanellus kitauei and comparative analysis with genomes of its two free-living cnidarian relatives revealed that T. kitauei has adapted to parasitism, as indicated by the streamlined metabolic repertoire and the tendency toward anabolism rather than catabolism. Thelohanellus kitauei mainly secretes proteases and protease inhibitors for nutrient digestion (parasite invasion), and depends on endocytosis (mainly low-density lipoprotein receptors-mediated type) and secondary carriers for nutrient absorption. Absence of both classic and complementary anaerobic pathways and gluconeogenesis, the lack of de novo synthesis and reduced activity in hydrolysis of fatty acids, amino acids, and nucleotides indicated that T. kitauei in this vertebrate host-parasite system has adapted to inhabit a physiological environment extremely rich in both oxygen and nutrients (especially glucose), which is consistent with its preferred parasitic site, that is, the host gut submucosa. Taking advantage of the genomic and transcriptomic information, 23 potential nutrition-related T. kitauei-specific chemotherapeutic targets were identified. This first genome sequence of a myxozoan will facilitate development of potential therapeutics for efficient control of myxozoan parasites and ultimately prevent myxozoan-induced fish-borne illnesses in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Yang
- Key Laboratory for Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhigang Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengmin Huo
- Key Laboratory for Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Miao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Ran
- Key Laboratory for Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuchun Liu
- Key Laboratory for Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinmei Feng
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- Tianjin Biochip Corporation, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Wang
- TEDA School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- TEDA School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Yao
- Key Laboratory for Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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20
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Uttaro AD. Acquisition and biosynthesis of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids by trypanosomatids. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2014; 196:61-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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21
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Mesquita JT, Pinto EG, Taniwaki NN, Galisteo AJ, Tempone AG. Lethal action of the nitrothiazolyl-salicylamide derivative nitazoxanide via induction of oxidative stress in Leishmania (L.) infantum. Acta Trop 2013; 128:666-73. [PMID: 24071379 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Studying the cellular death pathways in Leishmania is an important aspect of discovering new antileishmanials. While using a drug repositioning approach, the lethal action of the nitrothiazolyl-salicylamide derivative nitazoxanide (NTZ) was investigated against Leishmania (L.) infantum. The in vitro antileishmanial activity and cytotoxicity were assessed using both parasite stages and mammalian NCTC cells, respectively. The lethal action of NTZ was investigated by detecting the phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation, plasma membrane permeability, mitochondrial membrane potential and ultrastructural modifications by transmission electron microscopy. NTZ's activity against L. infantum was confirmed, producing IC50 values of 42.71μg/mL against promastigotes and 6.78μg/mL against intracellular amastigotes. NTZ rapidly altered the cellular metabolism of promastigotes by depolarising the mitochondrial membrane and up-regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, the flow cytometry data revealed an intense and time-dependent exposure of PS in promastigotes. When using SYTOX(®) Green as a fluorescent probe, NTZ demonstrated no interference in plasma membrane permeability. The ultrastructural alterations in promastigotes were time-dependent and caused chromatin condensation, plasma membrane blebbing and mitochondrial swelling. These data suggest that NTZ induced oxidative stress in L. (L.) infantum and might be a useful compound for investigating new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Tonini Mesquita
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 351, 01246-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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22
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Dinesh N, Pallerla DSR, Kaur PK, Kishore Babu N, Singh S. Exploring Leishmania donovani 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) as a potential drug target by biochemical, biophysical and inhibition studies. Microb Pathog 2013; 66:14-23. [PMID: 24239940 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2013.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase (HMGR), an NADPH dependant enzyme catalyzes the synthesis of mevalonic acid from HMG-CoA required for isoprenoid biosynthesis. The HMGR gene from Leishmania donovani was cloned and expressed. Genome analysis of L. donovani revealed that HMGR gene having an open reading frame of 1305 bp encodes a putative protein of 434 amino acids. LdHMGR showed optimal activity at pH 7.2 and temperature 37 °C. Kinetic analysis of this enzyme revealed Km values of 35.7 ± 2.5 μM for (R,S)-HMG-CoA and 70 ± 7.9 μM for the cofactor NADPH. On tryptophan fluorescence quenching, the Stern Volmer constant (Ksv), binding constant (Ka) and protein:cofactor stoichiometry for interaction of NADPH cofactor with the enzyme were found to be 6.0 ± 0.7 M(-1), 0.17 μM and 0.72 respectively. Polyclonal anti-rat HMGR antibody detected a band of ∼45 kDa in all phases of promastigote growth. Biophysical analysis of the secondary structure of LdHMGR confirmed the presence of 25.7 ± 0.35% alpha helicity. Thermal denaturation studies showed extreme stability of the enzyme with 60% helical structure retained at 90 °C. Statins (simvastatin and atorvastatin) and non-statin (resveratrol) effectively inhibited the growth of L. donovani promastigotes as well as the catalytic activity of the recombinant LdHMGR. Atorvastatin was found to be most potent antileishmanial inhibitor with an IC50 value of 19.4 ± 3.07 μM and a very lower concentration of 315.5 ± 2.1 nM was enough to cause 50% recombinant LdHMGR enzyme inhibition suggesting direct interaction with the rate limiting enzyme of the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. Exogenous supplementation of ergosterol in case of atorvastatin and resveratrol treated cells caused complete reversal of growth inhibition whereas simvastatin was found to be ergosterol refractory. Cholesterol supplementation however, failed to overcome growth inhibition in all the cases. Overall our study emphasizes on exploring LdHMGR as a potential drug target for the development of novel antileishmanial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeradi Dinesh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Dheeraj Sree Ram Pallerla
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Preet Kamal Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Neerupudi Kishore Babu
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Sushma Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India.
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Aceves-Ramos A, Valdez RA, Gaona B, Willms K, Romano MC. Steroid synthesis by Taenia crassiceps WFU cysticerci is regulated by enzyme inhibitors. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 188:212-7. [PMID: 23608546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cysticerci and tapeworms from Taenia crassiceps WFU, ORF and Taenia solium synthesize sex-steroid hormones in vitro. Corticosteroids increase the 17β-estradiol synthesis by T. crassiceps cysticerci. T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci synthesize corticosteroids, mainly 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC). The aim of this work was to investigate whether classical steroidogenic inhibitors modify the capacity of T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci to synthesize corticosteroids and sex steroid hormones. For this purpose, T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci were obtained from the abdominal cavity of mice, pre-cultured for 24h in DMEM+antibiotics/antimycotics and cultured in the presence of tritiated progesterone ((3)H-P4), androstendione ((3)H-A4), or dehydroepiandrosterone ((3)H-DHEA) plus different doses of the corresponding inhibitors, for different periods. Blanks with the culture media adding the tritiated precursors were simultaneously incubated. At the end of the incubation period, parasites were separated and media extracted with ether. The resulting steroids were separated by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Data were expressed as percent transformation of the tritiated precursors. Results showed that after 2h of exposure of the cysticerci to 100 μM formestane, the (3)H-17β-estradiol synthesis from tritiated androstenedione was significantly inhibited. The incubation of cysticerci in the presence of (3)H-DHEA and danazol (100 nM) resulted in (3)H-androstenediol accumulation and a significant reduction of the 17β-estradiol synthesis. The cysticerci (3)H-DOC synthesis was significantly inhibited when the parasites were cultured in the presence of different ketoconazole dosis. The drug treatments did not affect parasite's viability. The results of this study showed that corticosteroid and sex steroid synthesis in T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci can be modified by steroidogenic enzyme inhibitors. As was shown previously by our laboratory and others, parasite survival and development depends on sex steroids, therefore the inhibition of their synthesis is a good starting point exploited in situations where the inhibition of steroidogenesis could help to control the infection for the development of new treatments, or replacement of the usual therapy in resistant parasite infections. We raise the possibility that these drug actions may be beneficially.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aceves-Ramos
- Dpto. de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N., Apdo. Postal 14-740, 07360 Mexico D.F., Mexico
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24
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Kessler RL, Soares MJ, Probst CM, Krieger MA. Trypanosoma cruzi response to sterol biosynthesis inhibitors: morphophysiological alterations leading to cell death. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55497. [PMID: 23383204 PMCID: PMC3561218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi displays similarities to fungi in terms of its sterol lipid biosynthesis, as ergosterol and other 24-alkylated sterols are its principal endogenous sterols. The sterol pathway is thus a potential drug target for the treatment of Chagas disease. We describe here a comparative study of the growth inhibition, ultrastructural and physiological changes leading to the death of T. cruzi cells following treatment with the sterol biosynthesis inhibitors (SBIs) ketoconazole and lovastatin. We first calculated the drug concentration inhibiting epimastigote growth by 50% (EC(50)/72 h) or killing all cells within 24 hours (EC(100)/24 h). Incubation with inhibitors at the EC(50)/72 h resulted in interesting morphological changes: intense proliferation of the inner mitochondrial membrane, which was corroborated by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy of the parasites stained with rhodamine 123, and strong swelling of the reservosomes, which was confirmed by acridine orange staining. These changes to the mitochondria and reservosomes may reflect the involvement of these organelles in ergosterol biosynthesis or the progressive autophagic process culminating in cell lysis after 6 to 7 days of treatment with SBIs at the EC(50)/72 h. By contrast, treatment with SBIs at the EC(100)/24 h resulted in rapid cell death with a necrotic phenotype: time-dependent cytosolic calcium overload, mitochondrial depolarization and reservosome membrane permeabilization (RMP), culminating in cell lysis after a few hours of drug exposure. We provide the first demonstration that RMP constitutes the "point of no return" in the cell death cascade, and propose a model for the necrotic cell death of T. cruzi. Thus, SBIs trigger cell death by different mechanisms, depending on the dose used, in T. cruzi. These findings shed new light on ergosterol biosynthesis and the mechanisms of programmed cell death in this ancient protozoan parasite.
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De Cicco NNT, Pereira MG, Corrêa JR, Andrade-Neto VV, Saraiva FB, Chagas-Lima AC, Gondim KC, Torres-Santos EC, Folly E, Saraiva EM, Cunha-E-Silva NL, Soares MJ, Atella GC. LDL uptake by Leishmania amazonensis: involvement of membrane lipid microdomains. Exp Parasitol 2012; 130:330-40. [PMID: 22381219 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Revised: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania amazonensis lacks a de novo mechanism for cholesterol synthesis and therefore must scavenge this lipid from the host environment. In this study we show that the L. amazonensis takes up and metabolizes human LDL(1) particles in both a time and dose-dependent manner. This mechanism implies the presence of a true LDL receptor because the uptake is blocked by both low temperature and by the excess of non-labelled LDL. This receptor is probably associated with specific microdomains in the membrane of the parasite, such as rafts, because this process is blocked by methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCBD). Cholesteryl ester fluorescently-labeled LDL (BODIPY-cholesteryl-LDL) was used to follow the intracellular distribution of this lipid. After uptake it was localized in large compartments along the parasite body. The accumulation of LDL was analyzed by flow cytometry using FITC-labeled LDL particles. Together these data show for the first time that L. amazonensis is able to compensate for its lack of lipid synthesis through the use of a lipid importing machinery largely based on the uptake of LDL particles from the host. Understanding the details of the molecular events involved in this mechanism may lead to the identification of novel targets to block Leishmania infection in human hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuccia N T De Cicco
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21.941-902, Brazil
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26
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Endocytosis and Sphingolipid Scavenging in Leishmania mexicana Amastigotes. Biochem Res Int 2011; 2012:691363. [PMID: 21941657 PMCID: PMC3177366 DOI: 10.1155/2012/691363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania species are the causative agents of the leishmaniases, a spectrum of neglected tropical diseases. Amastigote stage parasites exist within macrophages and scavenge host factors for survival, for example, Leishmania species utilise host sphingolipid for synthesis of complex sphingolipid. In this study L. mexicana endocytosis was shown to be significantly upregulated in amastigotes, indicating that sphingolipid scavenging may be enhanced. However, inhibition of host sphingolipid biosynthesis had no significant effect on amastigote proliferation within a macrophage cell line. In addition, infection itself did not directly influence host biosynthesis. Notably, in contrast to L. major, L. mexicana amastigotes are indicated to possess a complete biosynthetic pathway suggesting that scavenged sphingolipids may be nonessential for proliferation. This suggested that Old and New World species differ in their interactions with the macrophage host. This will need to be considered when targeting the Leishmania sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway with novel therapeutics.
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