1
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Schwarzer E, Skorokhod O. Post-Translational Modifications of Proteins of Malaria Parasites during the Life Cycle. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6145. [PMID: 38892332 PMCID: PMC11173270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116145] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are essential for regulating protein functions, influencing various fundamental processes in eukaryotes. These include, but are not limited to, cell signaling, protein trafficking, the epigenetic control of gene expression, and control of the cell cycle, as well as cell proliferation, differentiation, and interactions between cells. In this review, we discuss protein PTMs that play a key role in the malaria parasite biology and its pathogenesis. Phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, lipidation and lipoxidation, glycosylation, ubiquitination and sumoylation, nitrosylation and glutathionylation, all of which occur in malarial parasites, are reviewed. We provide information regarding the biological significance of these modifications along all phases of the complex life cycle of Plasmodium spp. Importantly, not only the parasite, but also the host and vector protein PTMs are often crucial for parasite growth and development. In addition to metabolic regulations, protein PTMs can result in epitopes that are able to elicit both innate and adaptive immune responses of the host or vector. We discuss some existing and prospective results from antimalarial drug discovery trials that target various PTM-related processes in the parasite or host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelin Schwarzer
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Oleksii Skorokhod
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina, 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
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2
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Bekić V, Kilian N. Novel secretory organelles of parasite origin - at the center of host-parasite interaction. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2200241. [PMID: 37518819 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200241] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Reorganization of cell organelle-deprived host red blood cells by the apicomplexan malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum enables their cytoadherence to endothelial cells that line the microvasculature. This increases the time red blood cells infected with mature developmental stages remain within selected organs such as the brain to avoid the spleen passage, which can lead to severe complications and cumulate in patient death. The Maurer's clefts are a novel secretory organelle of parasite origin established by the parasite in the cytoplasm of the host red blood cell in order to facilitate the establishment of cytoadherence by conducting the trafficking of immunovariant adhesins to the host cell surface. Another important function of the organelle is the sorting of other proteins the parasite traffics into its host cell. Although the organelle is of high importance for the pathology of malaria, additional putative functions, structure, and genesis remain shrouded in mystery more than a century after its discovery. In this review, we highlight our current knowledge about the Maurer's clefts and other novel secretory organelles established within the host cell cytoplasm by human-pathogenic malaria parasites and other parasites that reside within human red blood cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Bekić
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nicole Kilian
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
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3
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Ong HW, Adderley J, Tobin AB, Drewry DH, Doerig C. Parasite and host kinases as targets for antimalarials. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:151-169. [PMID: 36942408 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2185511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The deployment of Artemisinin-based combination therapies and transmission control measures led to a decrease in the global malaria burden over the recent decades. Unfortunately, this trend is now reversing, in part due to resistance against available treatments, calling for the development of new drugs against untapped targets to prevent cross-resistance. AREAS COVERED In view of their demonstrated druggability in noninfectious diseases, protein kinases represent attractive targets. Kinase-focussed antimalarial drug discovery is facilitated by the availability of kinase-targeting scaffolds and large libraries of inhibitors, as well as high-throughput phenotypic and biochemical assays. We present an overview of validated Plasmodium kinase targets and their inhibitors, and briefly discuss the potential of host cell kinases as targets for host-directed therapy. EXPERT OPINION We propose priority research areas, including (i) diversification of Plasmodium kinase targets (at present most efforts focus on a very small number of targets); (ii) polypharmacology as an avenue to limit resistance (kinase inhibitors are highly suitable in this respect); and (iii) preemptive limitation of resistance through host-directed therapy (targeting host cell kinases that are required for parasite survival) and transmission-blocking through targeting sexual stage-specific kinases as a strategy to protect curative drugs from the spread of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wee Ong
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Jack Adderley
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Rmit University, Bundoora VIC Australia
| | - Andrew B Tobin
- Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - David H Drewry
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Christian Doerig
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Rmit University, Bundoora VIC Australia
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4
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Galal KA, Truong A, Kwarcinski F, de Silva C, Avalani K, Havener TM, Chirgwin ME, Merten E, Ong HW, Willis C, Abdelwaly A, Helal MA, Derbyshire ER, Zutshi R, Drewry DH. Identification of Novel 2,4,5-Trisubstituted Pyrimidines as Potent Dual Inhibitors of Plasmodial PfGSK3/ PfPK6 with Activity against Blood Stage Parasites In Vitro. J Med Chem 2022; 65:13172-13197. [PMID: 36166733 PMCID: PMC9574854 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00996] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Essential plasmodial kinases PfGSK3
and PfPK6 are considered novel drug targets to combat
rising
resistance to traditional antimalarial therapy. Herein, we report
the discovery of IKK16 as a dual PfGSK3/PfPK6 inhibitor active against blood stage Pf3D7 parasites. To establish structure–activity relationships
for PfPK6 and PfGSK3, 52 analogues
were synthesized and assessed for the inhibition of PfGSK3 and PfPK6, with potent inhibitors further assessed
for activity against blood and liver stage parasites. This culminated
in the discovery of dual PfGSK3/PfPK6 inhibitors 23d (PfGSK3/PfPK6 IC50 = 172/11 nM) and 23e (PfGSK3/PfPK6 IC50 = 97/8 nM)
with antiplasmodial activity (23dPf3D7 EC50 = 552 ± 37 nM and 23ePf3D7 EC50 = 1400 ± 13 nM). However, both
compounds exhibited significant promiscuity when tested in a panel
of human kinase targets. Our results demonstrate that dual PfPK6/PfGSK3 inhibitors with antiplasmodial
activity can be identified and can set the stage for further optimization
efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kareem A Galal
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Anna Truong
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Frank Kwarcinski
- Luceome Biotechnologies, L.L.C, 1665 E. 18th Street, Suite 106, Tucson, Arizona 85719, United States
| | - Chandi de Silva
- Luceome Biotechnologies, L.L.C, 1665 E. 18th Street, Suite 106, Tucson, Arizona 85719, United States
| | - Krisha Avalani
- Luceome Biotechnologies, L.L.C, 1665 E. 18th Street, Suite 106, Tucson, Arizona 85719, United States
| | - Tammy M Havener
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Michael E Chirgwin
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Eric Merten
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Han Wee Ong
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Caleb Willis
- Luceome Biotechnologies, L.L.C, 1665 E. 18th Street, Suite 106, Tucson, Arizona 85719, United States
| | - Ahmad Abdelwaly
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12587, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Helal
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12587, Egypt.,Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Emily R Derbyshire
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, 213 Research Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Reena Zutshi
- Luceome Biotechnologies, L.L.C, 1665 E. 18th Street, Suite 106, Tucson, Arizona 85719, United States
| | - David H Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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5
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Functional inactivation of Plasmodium falciparum glycogen synthase kinase GSK3 modulates erythrocyte invasion and blocks gametocyte maturation. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102360. [PMID: 35961464 PMCID: PMC9478393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102360] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. The lack of an effective vaccine and the global spread of multidrug resistant parasites hampers the fight against the disease and underlines the need for new antimalarial drugs. Central to the pathogenesis of malaria is the proliferation of Plasmodium parasites within human erythrocytes. Parasites invade erythrocytes via a coordinated sequence of receptor–ligand interactions between the parasite and the host cell. Posttranslational modifications such as protein phosphorylation are known to be key regulators in this process and are mediated by protein kinases. For several parasite kinases, including the Plasmodium falciparum glycogen synthase kinase 3 (PfGSK3), inhibitors have been shown to block erythrocyte invasion. Here, we provide an assessment of PfGSK3 function by reverse genetics. Using targeted gene disruption, we show the active gene copy, PfGSK3β, is not essential for asexual blood stage proliferation, although it modulates efficient erythrocyte invasion. We found functional inactivation leads to a 69% decreased growth rate and confirmed this growth defect by rescue experiments with wildtype and catalytically inactive mutants. Functional knockout of PfGSK3β does not lead to transcriptional upregulation of the second copy of PfGSK3. We further analyze expression, localization, and function of PfGSK3β during gametocytogenesis using a parasite line allowing conditional induction of sexual commitment. We demonstrate PfGSK3β-deficient gametocytes show a strikingly malformed morphology leading to the death of parasites in later stages of gametocyte development. Taken together, these findings are important for our understanding and the development of PfGSK3 as an antimalarial target.
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6
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Moradiya RB, Morja MI, Chauhan PM, Chikhalia KH. Metal‐Catalyzed Approaches for the Construction of Azepinones. ChemistrySelect 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202201168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Riddhi B. Moradiya
- Department of Chemistry Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Surat 395007 Gujarat India
| | - Mayur I. Morja
- Department of Chemistry Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Surat 395007 Gujarat India
| | | | - Kishor H. Chikhalia
- Department of Chemistry Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Surat 395007 Gujarat India
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7
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N-terminal phosphorylation regulates the activity of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 from Plasmodium falciparum. Biochem J 2022; 479:337-356. [PMID: 35023554 PMCID: PMC8883495 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As the decline of malaria cases stalled over the last five years, novel targets in Plasmodium falciparum are necessary for the development of new drugs. Glycogen Synthase Kinase (PfGSK3) has been identified as a potential target, since its selective inhibitors were shown to disrupt the parasitès life cycle. In the uncanonical N-terminal region of the parasite enzyme, we identified several autophosphorylation sites and probed their role in activity regulation of PfGSK3. By combining molecular modeling with experimental small-angle X-ray scattering data, we show that increased PfGSK3 activity is promoted by conformational changes in the PfGSK3 N-terminus, triggered by N-terminal phosphorylation. Our work provides novel insights into the structure and regulation of the malarial PfGSK3.
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8
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Endo T, Takemae H, Sharma I, Furuya T. Multipurpose Drugs Active Against Both Plasmodium spp. and Microorganisms: Potential Application for New Drug Development. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:797509. [PMID: 35004357 PMCID: PMC8740689 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.797509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria, a disease caused by the protozoan parasites Plasmodium spp., is still causing serious problems in endemic regions in the world. Although the WHO recommends artemisinin combination therapies for the treatment of malaria patients, the emergence of artemisinin-resistant parasites has become a serious issue and underscores the need for the development of new antimalarial drugs. On the other hand, new and re-emergences of infectious diseases, such as the influenza pandemic, Ebola virus disease, and COVID-19, are urging the world to develop effective chemotherapeutic agents against the causative viruses, which are not achieved to the desired level yet. In this review article, we describe existing drugs which are active against both Plasmodium spp. and microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. We also focus on the current knowledge about the mechanism of actions of these drugs. Our major aims of this article are to describe examples of drugs that kill both Plasmodium parasites and other microbes and to provide valuable information to help find new ideas for developing novel drugs, rather than merely augmenting already existing drug repurposing efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuro Endo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Takemae
- Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Indu Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, United States
| | - Tetsuya Furuya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
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9
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Synthesis and Antiplasmodial Activity of Bisindolylcyclobutenediones. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26164739. [PMID: 34443327 PMCID: PMC8402075 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases. Because the causative Plasmodium parasites have developed resistances against virtually all established antimalarial drugs, novel antiplasmodial agents are required. In order to target plasmodial kinases, novel N-unsubstituted bisindolylcyclobutenediones were designed as analogs to the kinase inhibitory bisindolylmaleimides. Molecular docking experiments produced favorable poses of the unsubstituted bisindolylcyclobutenedione in the ATP binding pocket of various plasmodial protein kinases. The synthesis of the title compounds was accomplished by sequential Friedel-Crafts acylation procedures. In vitro screening of the new compounds against transgenic NF54-luc P. falciparum parasites revealed a set of derivatives with submicromolar activity, of which some displayed a reasonable selectivity profile against a human cell line. Although the molecular docking studies suggested the plasmodial protein kinase PfGSK-3 as the putative biological target, the title compounds failed to inhibit the isolated enzyme in vitro. As selective submicromolar antiplasmodial agents, the N-unsubstituted bisindolylcyclobutenediones are promising starting structures in the search for antimalarial drugs, albeit for a rational development, the biological target addressed by these compounds has yet to be identified.
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10
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Jonsdottir TK, Gabriela M, Crabb BS, F de Koning-Ward T, Gilson PR. Defining the Essential Exportome of the Malaria Parasite. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:664-675. [PMID: 33985912 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To survive inside red blood cells (RBCs), malaria parasites export many proteins to alter their host cell's physiological properties. Although most proteins of this exportome are involved in immune avoidance or in the trafficking of exported proteins to the host membrane, about 20% are essential for parasite survival in culture but little is known about their biological functions. Here, we have combined information from large-scale genetic screens and targeted gene-disruption studies to tabulate all currently known Plasmodium falciparum exported proteins according to their likelihood of being essential. We also discuss the essential functional pathways that exported proteins might be involved in to help direct research efforts towards a more comprehensive understanding of host-cell remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorey K Jonsdottir
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Mikha Gabriela
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Brendan S Crabb
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | | | - Paul R Gilson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
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11
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Akunuri R, Vadakattu M, Bujji S, Veerareddy V, Madhavi YV, Nanduri S. Fused-azepinones: Emerging scaffolds of medicinal importance. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 220:113445. [PMID: 33901899 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Hymenialdisine an alkaloid of oroidin class has drawn the attention of researchers owing to its unique structural features and interesting biological properties. Hymenialdisine exhibited promising inhibitory activity against a number of therapeutically important kinases viz., CDKs, GSK-3β etc., and showed anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, neuroprotective, anti-fouling, anti-plasmodium properties. Hymenialdisine and other structurally related oroidin alkaloids such as dibromo-hymenialdisine, stevensine, hymenin, axinohydantoin, spongicidines A-D, latonduines and callyspongisines contain pyrrolo[2,3-c] azepin-8-one core in common. Keeping in view of the interesting structural and therapeutic features of HMD, several structural modifications were carried around the fused-azepinone core which resulted in a number of diverse structural motifs like indolo-azepinones, paullones, aza-paullones, darpones and 5,7-dihydro-6H-benzo[b]pyrimido[4,5-d] azepin-6-one. In this review, an attempt is made to collate and review the structures of diverse hymenialdisine and related fused-azepinones of synthetic/natural origin and their biological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravikumar Akunuri
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500 037, India
| | - Manasa Vadakattu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500 037, India
| | - Sushmitha Bujji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology (Process Chemistry), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500 037, India
| | - Vaishnavi Veerareddy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology (Process Chemistry), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500 037, India
| | - Y V Madhavi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500 037, India
| | - Srinivas Nanduri
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500 037, India.
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12
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Exploration of benzofuran-based compounds as potent and selective Plasmodium falciparum glycogen synthase kinase-3 (PfGSK-3) inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2021; 112:104839. [PMID: 33813310 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum glycogen synthase kinase-3 (PfGSK-3) has been identified as a potential target for the development of novel drugs against multi-drug resistant malaria. A series of benzofuran-based compounds was synthesised and evaluated as inhibitors of recombinantly expressed and purified PfGSK-3 and human glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (HsGSK-3β). Of this series, five compounds (5k, 5m, 5p, 5r, 5s) preferentially inhibited PfGSK-3, with four of these compounds exhibiting IC50 values in the sub-micromolar range (0.00048-0.440 µM). Evaluation of the structure-activity relationships required for PfGSK-3 selective inhibition indicated that a C6-OCH3 substitution on ring A is preferred, while the effect of the ring B substituent on activity, in decreasing order is: C4'-CN > C4'-F > C3'-OCH3 > C3',4'-diCl. To date, development of PfGSK-3 inhibitors has been limited to the 4-phenylthieno[2,3-b]pyridine class. Chalcone-based scaffolds, such as the benzofurans described herein, are promising new hits which can be explored for future design of PfGSK-3 selective inhibitors.
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13
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Adderley J, Williamson T, Doerig C. Parasite and Host Erythrocyte Kinomics of Plasmodium Infection. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:508-524. [PMID: 33593681 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Malaria remains a heavy public health and socioeconomic burden in tropical and subtropical regions. Increasing resistance against front-line treatments implies that novel targets for antimalarial intervention are urgently required. Protein kinases of both the parasites and their host cells possess strong potential in this respect. We present an overview of the updated kinome of Plasmodium falciparum, the species that is the largest contributor to malaria mortality, and of current knowledge pertaining to the function of parasite-encoded protein kinases during the parasite's life cycle. Furthermore, we detail recent advances in drug initiatives targeting Plasmodium kinases and outline the potential of protein kinases in the context of the growing field of host-directed therapies, which is currently being explored as a novel way to combat parasite drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Adderley
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Tayla Williamson
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Christian Doerig
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia.
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14
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Xie Z, Yang X, Duan Y, Han J, Liao C. Small-Molecule Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Nononcologic Diseases. J Med Chem 2021; 64:1283-1345. [PMID: 33481605 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Great successes have been achieved in developing small-molecule kinase inhibitors as anticancer therapeutic agents. However, kinase deregulation plays essential roles not only in cancer but also in almost all major disease areas. Accumulating evidence has revealed that kinases are promising drug targets for different diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, central nervous system disorders, viral infections, and malaria. Indeed, the first small-molecule kinase inhibitor for treatment of a nononcologic disease was approved in 2011 by the U.S. FDA. To date, 10 such inhibitors have been approved, and more are in clinical trials for applications other than cancer. This Perspective discusses a number of kinases and their small-molecule inhibitors for the treatment of diseases in nononcologic therapeutic fields. The opportunities and challenges in developing such inhibitors are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouling Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Yajun Duan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Jihong Han
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Chenzhong Liao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
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15
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Moolman C, van der Sluis R, Beteck RM, Legoabe LJ. An Update on Development of Small-Molecule Plasmodial Kinase Inhibitors. Molecules 2020; 25:E5182. [PMID: 33171706 PMCID: PMC7664427 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25215182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria control relies heavily on the small number of existing antimalarial drugs. However, recurring antimalarial drug resistance necessitates the continual generation of new antimalarial drugs with novel modes of action. In order to shift the focus from only controlling this disease towards elimination and eradication, next-generation antimalarial agents need to address the gaps in the malaria drug arsenal. This includes developing drugs for chemoprotection, treating severe malaria and blocking transmission. Plasmodial kinases are promising targets for next-generation antimalarial drug development as they mediate critical cellular processes and some are active across multiple stages of the parasite's life cycle. This review gives an update on the progress made thus far with regards to plasmodial kinase small-molecule inhibitor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantalle Moolman
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; (C.M.); (R.M.B.)
| | - Rencia van der Sluis
- Focus Area for Human Metabolomics, Biochemistry, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa;
| | - Richard M. Beteck
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; (C.M.); (R.M.B.)
| | - Lesetja J. Legoabe
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; (C.M.); (R.M.B.)
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Abstract
Malaria is one of the most impacting public health problems in tropical and subtropical areas of the globe, with approximately 200 million cases worldwide annually. In the absence of an effective vaccine, rapid treatment is vital for effective malaria control. However, parasite resistance to currently available drugs underscores the urgent need for identifying new antimalarial therapies with new mechanisms of action. Among potential drug targets for developing new antimalarial candidates, protein kinases are attractive. These enzymes catalyze the phosphorylation of several proteins, thereby regulating a variety of cellular processes and playing crucial roles in the development of all stages of the malaria parasite life cycle. Moreover, the large phylogenetic distance between Plasmodium species and its human host is reflected in marked differences in structure and function of malaria protein kinases between the homologs of both species, indicating that selectivity can be attained. In this review, we describe the functions of the different types of Plasmodium kinases and highlight the main recent advances in the discovery of kinase inhibitors as potential new antimalarial drug candidates.
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17
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Schweda SI, Alder A, Gilberger T, Kunick C. 4-Arylthieno[2,3- b]pyridine-2-carboxamides Are a New Class of Antiplasmodial Agents. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25143187. [PMID: 32668631 PMCID: PMC7397174 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25143187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria causes hundreds of thousands of deaths every year, making it one of the most dangerous infectious diseases worldwide. Because the pathogens have developed resistance against most of the established anti-malarial drugs, new antiplasmodial agents are urgently needed. In analogy to similar antiplasmodial ketones, 4-arylthieno[2,3-b]pyridine-2-carboxamides were synthesized by Thorpe-Ziegler reactions. In contrast to the related ketones, these carboxamides are only weak inhibitors of the plasmodial enzyme PfGSK-3 but the compounds nevertheless show strong antiparasitic activity. The most potent representatives inhibit the pathogens with IC50 values in the two-digit nanomolar range and exhibit high selectivity indices (>100).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra I. Schweda
- Institut für Medizinische und Pharmazeutische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany;
- Zentrum für Pharmaverfahrenstechnik (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Franz-Liszt-Straße 35A, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Arne Alder
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, 22607 Hamburg, Germany; (A.A.); (T.G.)
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Gilberger
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, 22607 Hamburg, Germany; (A.A.); (T.G.)
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Conrad Kunick
- Institut für Medizinische und Pharmazeutische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany;
- Zentrum für Pharmaverfahrenstechnik (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Franz-Liszt-Straße 35A, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)53-1391-2754
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Liu J, Li H, Xia T, Du P, Giri B, Li X, Li X, Cheng G. Identification of Schistosoma japonicum GSK3β interacting partners by yeast two-hybrid screening and its role in parasite survival. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2217-2226. [PMID: 32500370 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06731-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Schistosoma is the causative agent of schistosomiasis, a common infectious disease distributed worldwide. Our previous phosphoproteomic analysis suggested that glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), a conserved protein kinase in eukaryotes, is likely involved in protein phosphorylation of Schistosoma japonicum. Here, we aimed to identify the interacting partners of S. japonicum GSK3β (SjGSK3β) and to evaluate its role in parasite survival. Toward these ends, we determined the transcription levels of SjGSK3β at different developmental stages and identified its interacting partners of SjGSK3β by screening a yeast two-hybrid S. japonicum cDNA library. We further used RNA interference (RNAi) to inhibit the expression of SjGSK3β in adult worms in vitro and examined the resultant changes in transcription of its putative interacting proteins and in worm viability compared with those of control worms. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain analysis indicated that SjGSK3β is expressed throughout the life cycle of S. japonicum, with higher expression levels detected in the eggs and relatively higher expression level found in male worms than in female worms. By screening the yeast two-hybrid library, eight proteins were identified as potentially interacting with SjGSK3β including cell division cycle 37 homolog (Cdc37), 14-3-3 protein, tegument antigen (I(H)A), V-ATPase proteolipid subunit, myosin alkali light chain 1, and three proteins without recognized functional domains. In addition, SjGSK3β RNAi reduced the SjGSK3β gene transcript level, leading to a significant decrease in kinase activity, cell viability, and worm survival. Collectively, these findings suggested that SjGSK3β may interact with its partner proteins to influence worm survival by regulating kinase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Huimin Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Tianqi Xia
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Pengfei Du
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Bikash Giri
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Xue Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Xuxin Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Guofeng Cheng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, 200241, China.
- Tongji University of School of Medicine, #1239 Si-Ping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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19
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Waltero C, Martins R, Calixto C, da Fonseca RN, Abreu LAD, da Silva Vaz I, Logullo C. The hallmarks of GSK-3 in morphogenesis and embryonic development metabolism in arthropods. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 118:103307. [PMID: 31857215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Several research groups around the world have studied diverse aspects of energy metabolism in arthropod disease vectors, with the aim of discovering potential control targets. As in all oviparous organisms, arthropod embryonic development is characterized by the mobilization of maternally-derived metabolites for the formation of new tissues and organs. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a serine-threonine kinase described as an important regulator of metabolism and development in a wide range of organisms. GSK-3 was first identified based on its action upon glycogen synthase, a central enzyme in glycogen biosynthesis. Currently, it is recognized as a key component of multiple cellular processes such as glucose metabolism, apoptosis, cell proliferation, transcription, cell migration, and immune response. The present review will describe the current knowledge on GSK-3 activation and its role in morphogenesis and embryonic metabolism in arthropods. Altogether, the information discussed here can spark new approaches and strategies for further studies, enhancing our understanding of these important arthropod vectors and strengthening the resources in the search for novel control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Waltero
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade NUPEM, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renato Martins
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade NUPEM, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Christiano Calixto
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade NUPEM, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Nunes da Fonseca
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade NUPEM, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Brazil
| | - Leonardo Araujo de Abreu
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade NUPEM, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Brazil; Centro de Biotecnologia and Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos Logullo
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade NUPEM, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Brazil.
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20
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Mapping and functional analysis of heterochromatin protein 1 phosphorylation in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16720. [PMID: 31723180 PMCID: PMC6853920 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53325-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies in model eukaryotes have demonstrated that phosphorylation of heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) is important for dynamically regulating its various functions. However, in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum both the function of HP1 phosphorylation and the identity of the protein kinases targeting HP1 are still elusive. In order to functionally analyze phosphorylation of P. falciparum HP1 (PfHP1), we first mapped PfHP1 phosphorylation sites by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of native PfHP1, which identified motifs from which potential kinases could be predicted; in particular, several phosphorylated residues were embedded in motifs rich in acidic residues, reminiscent of targets for P. falciparum casein kinase 2 (PfCK2). Secondly, we tested recombinant PfCK2 and a number of additional protein kinases for their ability to phosphorylate PfHP1 in in vitro kinase assays. These experiments validated our prediction that PfHP1 acts as a substrate for PfCK2. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS analysis showed that PfCK2 phosphorylates three clustered serine residues in an acidic motif within the central hinge region of PfHP1. To study the role of PfHP1 phosphorylation in live parasites we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing to generate a number of conditional PfHP1 phosphomutants based on the DiCre/LoxP system. Our studies revealed that neither PfCK2-dependent phosphorylation of PfHP1, nor phosphorylation of the hinge domain in general, affect PfHP1's ability to localize to heterochromatin, and that PfHP1 phosphorylation in this region is dispensable for the proliferation of P. falciparum blood stage parasites.
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21
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Rahman MK, You M. Molecular cloning and transcriptional and functional analysis of glycogen synthase kinase-3β in Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari, Ixodidae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:39. [PMID: 31294687 PMCID: PMC6621911 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), which belongs to the serine/threonine kinase family, regulates glycogen metabolism, Wnt signaling, hormonal regulation, and embryonic development in many eukaryotes. Here, we cloned a complete open reading frame (ORF) of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) from Haemaphysalis longicornis and characterized its transcriptional and functional status. The ORF of GSK-3β possesses 1242 nucleotides encoding a mature protein of 413 amino acid residues. GSK-3β nucleotide and protein sequences are highly conserved among different vertebrate and invertebrate animals, with identity between 47.8–100% and 63.2–88.7%, respectively. Sequence comparison showed one signature domain between the residues of 51 and 335 amino acids, which was identified as a protein kinase (serine/threonine). RT-PCR showed GSK-3β mRNA present in all developmental stages of H. longicornis. Interestingly, a higher transcript level was observed in nymph and 7-day-old eggs compared with others by real-time PCR, indicating a role of GSK-3β in the early stages of life. The functional status of GSK-3β was characterized by RNA interference (RNAi) and caused significant (p < 0.05) reduction in feeding and reproduction, as well as an abnormality in eggs and hatching. Taken together, our results suggest that GSK-3β may be an important candidate for a multiple antigen vaccine for controlling the tick population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Khalesur Rahman
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-Safety Research Centre, Chonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea - Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Myungjo You
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-Safety Research Centre, Chonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea
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22
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Masch A, Nasereddin A, Alder A, Bird MJ, Schweda SI, Preu L, Doerig C, Dzikowski R, Gilberger TW, Kunick C. Structure-activity relationships in a series of antiplasmodial thieno[2,3-b]pyridines. Malar J 2019; 18:89. [PMID: 30898128 PMCID: PMC6429710 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2725-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is one of the most prevalent tropical infectious diseases. Since recently cases of artemisinin resistance were reported, novel anti-malarial drugs are required which differ from artemisinins in structure and biological target. The plasmodial glycogen synthase kinase-3 (PfGSK-3) was suggested as a new anti-malarial drug target. 4-Phenylthieno[2,3-b]pyridines were previously identified as selective PfGSK-3 inhibitors with antiplasmodial activity. The present study aims at identifying a molecular position on this scaffold for the attachment of side chains in order to improve solubility and antiplasmodial activity. Furthermore, the role of axial chirality in the compound class for antiplasmodial activity and PfGSK-3 inhibition was investigated. METHODS 4-Phenylthieno[2,3-b]pyridines with substituents in 4-position of the phenyl ring were docked into the ATP binding site of PfGSK-3. The compounds were synthesized employing a Thorpe reaction as final step. The enantiomers of one congener were separated by chiral HPLC. All derivatives were tested for inhibition of asexual erythrocytic stages of transgenic NF54-luc Plasmodium falciparum. Selected compounds with promising antiplasmodial activity were further evaluated for inhibition of HEK293 cells as well as inhibition of isolated PfGSK-3 and HsGSK-3. The kinetic aqueous solubility was assessed by laser nephelometry. RESULTS The para position at the 4-phenyl ring of the title compounds was identified as a suitable point for the attachment of side chains. While alkoxy substituents in this position led to decreased antiplasmodial activity, alkylamino groups retained antiparasitic potency. The most promising of these congeners (4h) was investigated in detail. This compound is a selective PfGSK-3 inhibitor (versus the human GSK-3 orthologue), and exhibits improved antiplasmodial activity in vitro as well as better solubility in aqueous media than its unsubstituted parent structure. The derivative 4b was separated into the atropisomers, and it was shown that the (+)-enantiomer acts as eutomer. CONCLUSIONS The attachment of alkylamino side chains leads to the improvement of antiplasmodial activity and aqueous solubility of selective PfGSK-inhibitors belonging to the class of 4-phenylthieno[2,3-b]pyridines. These molecules show axial chirality, a feature of high impact for biological activity. The findings can be exploited for the development of improved selective PfGSK-3 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Masch
- Institut für Medizinische und Pharmazeutische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstraße 55, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Abed Nasereddin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, IMRIC, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel.,Genomics Applications Laboratory, Core Research Facility, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Arne Alder
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Notkestraße 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.,Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Megan J Bird
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Infection & Immunity Program, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Sandra I Schweda
- Institut für Medizinische und Pharmazeutische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstraße 55, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany.,Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Franz-Liszt-Straße 35A, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Lutz Preu
- Institut für Medizinische und Pharmazeutische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstraße 55, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christian Doerig
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Infection & Immunity Program, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Centre for Chronic, Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Ron Dzikowski
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, IMRIC, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tim W Gilberger
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Notkestraße 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.,Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Conrad Kunick
- Institut für Medizinische und Pharmazeutische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstraße 55, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany. .,Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Franz-Liszt-Straße 35A, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany.
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Rogerio KR, Carvalho LJM, Domingues LHP, Neves BJ, Moreira Filho JT, Castro RN, Bianco Júnior C, Daniel-Ribeiro CT, Andrade CH, Graebin CS. Synthesis and molecular modelling studies of pyrimidinones and pyrrolo[3,4-d]-pyrimidinodiones as new antiplasmodial compounds. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2018; 113:e170452. [PMID: 29924131 PMCID: PMC6001580 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760170452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is responsible for 429,000 deaths per year worldwide, and more than 200 million cases were reported in 2015. Increasing parasite resistance has imposed restrictions to the currently available antimalarial drugs. Thus, the search for new, effective and safe antimalarial drugs is crucial. Heterocyclic compounds, such as dihydropyrimidinones (DHPM), synthesised via the Biginelli multicomponent reaction, as well as bicyclic compounds synthesised from DHPMs, have emerged as potential antimalarial candidates in the last few years. METHODS Thirty compounds were synthesised employing the Biginelli multicomponent reaction and subsequent one-pot substitution/cyclisation protocol; the compounds were then evaluated in vitro against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites (W2 strain). Drug cytotoxicity in baseline kidney African Green Monkey cells (BGM) was also evaluated. The most active in vitro compounds were evaluated against P. berghei parasites in mice. Additionally, we performed an in silico target fishing approach with the most active compounds, aiming to shed some light into the mechanism at a molecular level. RESULTS The synthetic route chosen was effective, leading to products with high purity and yields ranging from 10-84%. Three out of the 30 compounds tested were identified as active against the parasite and presented low toxicity. The in silico study suggested that among all the molecular targets identified by our target fishing approach, Protein Kinase 3 (PK5) and Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK-3β) are the most likely molecular targets for the synthesised compounds. CONCLUSIONS We were able to easily obtain a collection of heterocyclic compounds with in vitro anti-P. falciparum activity that can be used as scaffolds for the design and development of new antiplasmodial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla Rodrigues Rogerio
- Laboratório de Diversidade Molecular e Química Medicinal, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Leonardo J M Carvalho
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Malária, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Luiza Helena Pinto Domingues
- Laboratório de Diversidade Molecular e Química Medicinal, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Bruno Junior Neves
- Laboratório de Planejamento de Fármacos e Modelagem Molecular, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - José Teófilo Moreira Filho
- Laboratório de Planejamento de Fármacos e Modelagem Molecular, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - Rosane Nora Castro
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Cesare Bianco Júnior
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Malária, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Claudio Tadeu Daniel-Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Malária, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Carolina Horta Andrade
- Laboratório de Planejamento de Fármacos e Modelagem Molecular, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - Cedric Stephan Graebin
- Laboratório de Diversidade Molecular e Química Medicinal, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
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24
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Cabrera DG, Horatscheck A, Wilson CR, Basarab G, Eyermann CJ, Chibale K. Plasmodial Kinase Inhibitors: License to Cure? J Med Chem 2018; 61:8061-8077. [PMID: 29771541 PMCID: PMC6166223 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Advances
in the genetics, function, and stage-specificity of Plasmodium kinases has driven robust efforts to identify
targets for the design of antimalarial therapies. Reverse genomics
following phenotypic screening against Plasmodia or
related parasites has uncovered vulnerable kinase targets including
PI4K, PKG, and GSK-3, an approach bolstered by access to human disease-directed
kinase libraries. Alternatively, screening compound libraries against Plasmodium kinases has successfully led to inhibitors with
antiplasmodial activity. As with other therapeutic areas, optimizing
compound ADMET and PK properties in parallel with target inhibitory
potency and whole cell activity becomes paramount toward advancing
compounds as clinical candidates. These and other considerations will
be discussed in the context of progress achieved toward deriving important,
novel mode-of-action kinase-inhibiting antimalarial medicines.
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25
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Buskes MJ, Harvey KL, Richards BJ, Kalhor R, Christoff RM, Gardhi CK, Littler DR, Cope ED, Prinz B, Weiss GE, O'Brien NJ, Crabb BS, Deady LW, Gilson PR, Abbott BM. Antimalarial activity of novel 4-cyano-3-methylisoquinoline inhibitors against Plasmodium falciparum: design, synthesis and biological evaluation. Org Biomol Chem 2018; 14:4617-39. [PMID: 27105169 DOI: 10.1039/c5ob02517f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Central to malaria pathogenesis is the invasion of human red blood cells by Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Following each cycle of intracellular development and replication, parasites activate a cellular program to egress from their current host cell and invade a new one. The orchestration of this process critically relies upon numerous organised phospho-signaling cascades, which are mediated by a number of central kinases. Parasite kinases are emerging as novel antimalarial targets as they have diverged sufficiently from their mammalian counterparts to allow selectable therapeutic action. Parasite protein kinase A (PfPKA) is highly expressed late in the cell cycle of the parasite blood stage and has been shown to phosphorylate a critical invasion protein, Apical Membrane Antigen 1. This enzyme could therefore be a valuable drug target so we have repurposed a substituted 4-cyano-3-methylisoquinoline that has been shown to inhibit rat PKA with the goal of targeting PfPKA. We synthesised a novel series of compounds and, although many potently inhibit the growth of chloroquine sensitive and resistant strains of P. falciparum, they were found to have minimal activity against PfPKA, indicating that they likely have another target important to parasite cytokinesis and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Buskes
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.
| | - Katherine L Harvey
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Richards
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.
| | - Robabeh Kalhor
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.
| | - Rebecca M Christoff
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.
| | - Chamodi K Gardhi
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.
| | | | - Elliott D Cope
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Boris Prinz
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Greta E Weiss
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Nathan J O'Brien
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.
| | - Brendan S Crabb
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Leslie W Deady
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.
| | - Paul R Gilson
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Belinda M Abbott
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.
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Saraswati AP, Ali Hussaini SM, Krishna NH, Babu BN, Kamal A. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 and its inhibitors: Potential target for various therapeutic conditions. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 144:843-858. [PMID: 29306837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.11.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a serine/threonine kinase which is ubiquitously expressed and is regarded as a regulator for various cellular events and signalling pathways. It exists in two isoforms, GSK-3α and GSK-3β and can phosphorylate a wide range of substrates. Aberrancy in the GSK-3 activity can lead to various diseases like Alzheimer's, diabetes, cancer, neurodegeneration etc., rendering it an attractive target to develop potent and specific inhibitors. The present review focuses on the recent developments in the area of GSK-3 inhibitors and also enlightens its therapeutic applicability in various disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Prasanth Saraswati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, 500 037, India
| | - S M Ali Hussaini
- Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500 007, India
| | - Namballa Hari Krishna
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, 500 037, India; Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500 007, India
| | - Bathini Nagendra Babu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, 500 037, India
| | - Ahmed Kamal
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, 500 037, India; Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500 007, India; School Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
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27
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Loaëc N, Attanasio E, Villiers B, Durieu E, Tahtouh T, Cam M, Davis RA, Alencar A, Roué M, Bourguet-Kondracki ML, Proksch P, Limanton E, Guiheneuf S, Carreaux F, Bazureau JP, Klautau M, Meijer L. Marine-Derived 2-Aminoimidazolone Alkaloids. Leucettamine B-Related Polyandrocarpamines Inhibit Mammalian and Protozoan DYRK & CLK Kinases. Mar Drugs 2017; 15:E316. [PMID: 29039762 PMCID: PMC5666424 DOI: 10.3390/md15100316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A large diversity of 2-aminoimidazolone alkaloids is produced by various marine invertebrates, especially by the marine Calcareous sponges Leucetta and Clathrina. The phylogeny of these sponges and the wide scope of 2-aminoimidazolone alkaloids they produce are reviewed in this article. The origin (invertebrate cells, associated microorganisms, or filtered plankton), physiological functions, and natural molecular targets of these alkaloids are largely unknown. Following the identification of leucettamine B as an inhibitor of selected protein kinases, we synthesized a family of analogues, collectively named leucettines, as potent inhibitors of DYRKs (dual-specificity, tyrosine phosphorylation regulated kinases) and CLKs (cdc2-like kinases) and potential pharmacological leads for the treatment of several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome. We assembled a small library of marine sponge- and ascidian-derived 2-aminoimidazolone alkaloids, along with several synthetic analogues, and tested them on a panel of mammalian and protozoan kinases. Polyandrocarpamines A and B were found to be potent and selective inhibitors of DYRKs and CLKs. They inhibited cyclin D1 phosphorylation on a DYRK1A phosphosite in cultured cells. 2-Aminoimidazolones thus represent a promising chemical scaffold for the design of potential therapeutic drug candidates acting as specific inhibitors of disease-relevant kinases, and possibly other disease-relevant targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Loaëc
- ManRos Therapeutics, Perharidy Research Center, 29680 Roscoff, Bretagne, France.
- Station Biologique de Roscoff, CNRS, 'Protein Phosphorylation and Human Disease' Group, Place G. Teissier, 29680 Roscoff, Bretagne, France.
| | - Eletta Attanasio
- ManRos Therapeutics, Perharidy Research Center, 29680 Roscoff, Bretagne, France.
| | - Benoît Villiers
- ManRos Therapeutics, Perharidy Research Center, 29680 Roscoff, Bretagne, France.
| | - Emilie Durieu
- ManRos Therapeutics, Perharidy Research Center, 29680 Roscoff, Bretagne, France.
| | - Tania Tahtouh
- ManRos Therapeutics, Perharidy Research Center, 29680 Roscoff, Bretagne, France.
| | - Morgane Cam
- ManRos Therapeutics, Perharidy Research Center, 29680 Roscoff, Bretagne, France.
| | - Rohan A Davis
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Aline Alencar
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biologia-Departamento de Zoologia, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373-CCS-Bloco A-Sala A0-100, Ilha do Fundão, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
| | - Mélanie Roué
- Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-Organismes, UMR 7245 CNRS, Muséum National d' Histoire Naturelle, 57 rue Cuvier (C.P. 54), 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Marie-Lise Bourguet-Kondracki
- Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-Organismes, UMR 7245 CNRS, Muséum National d' Histoire Naturelle, 57 rue Cuvier (C.P. 54), 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Peter Proksch
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie und Biotechnologie, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Emmanuelle Limanton
- Université de Rennes 1, Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, ISCR UMR CNRS 6226, Groupe Chimie Organique et Interfaces (CORINT), Bât. 10A, Campus de Beaulieu, Avenue du Général Leclerc, CS 74205, 35042 Rennes CEDEX, Bretagne, France.
| | - Solène Guiheneuf
- Université de Rennes 1, Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, ISCR UMR CNRS 6226, Groupe Chimie Organique et Interfaces (CORINT), Bât. 10A, Campus de Beaulieu, Avenue du Général Leclerc, CS 74205, 35042 Rennes CEDEX, Bretagne, France.
| | - François Carreaux
- Université de Rennes 1, Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, ISCR UMR CNRS 6226, Groupe Chimie Organique et Interfaces (CORINT), Bât. 10A, Campus de Beaulieu, Avenue du Général Leclerc, CS 74205, 35042 Rennes CEDEX, Bretagne, France.
| | - Jean-Pierre Bazureau
- Université de Rennes 1, Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, ISCR UMR CNRS 6226, Groupe Chimie Organique et Interfaces (CORINT), Bât. 10A, Campus de Beaulieu, Avenue du Général Leclerc, CS 74205, 35042 Rennes CEDEX, Bretagne, France.
| | - Michelle Klautau
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biologia-Departamento de Zoologia, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373-CCS-Bloco A-Sala A0-100, Ilha do Fundão, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
| | - Laurent Meijer
- ManRos Therapeutics, Perharidy Research Center, 29680 Roscoff, Bretagne, France.
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28
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Wang L, Cheng J, Wang S, Zhang X, Cai, X. Screening of inhibitors of Taenia solium glycogen synthase Kinase-3β. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra05873j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A flow chart of the screening of lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- Jilin University
- Changchun 130062
- China
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology
| | - Jiagao Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology
- School of Pharmacy
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
- China
| | - Shuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology
- Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
- Lanzhou 730046
- China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- Jilin University
- Changchun 130062
- China
| | - Xuepeng Cai,
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- Jilin University
- Changchun 130062
- China
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology
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29
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Haubrich BA, Swinney DC. Enzyme Activity Assays for Protein Kinases: Strategies to Identify Active Substrates. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2016; 13:2-15. [PMID: 26768716 DOI: 10.2174/1570163813666160115125930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinases are an important class of enzymes and drug targets. New opportunities to discover medicines for neglected diseases can be leveraged by the extensive kinase tools and knowledge created in targeting human kinases. A valuable tool for kinase drug discovery is an enzyme assay that measures catalytic function. The functional assay can be used to identify inhibitors, estimate affinity, characterize molecular mechanisms of action (MMOAs) and evaluate selectivity. However, establishing an enzyme assay for a new kinases requires identification of a suitable substrate. Identification of a new kinase's endogenous physiologic substrate and function can be extremely costly and time consuming. Fortunately, most kinases are promiscuous and will catalyze the phosphotransfer from ATP to alternative substrates with differing degrees of catalytic efficiency. In this manuscript we review strategies and successes in the identification of alternative substrates for kinases from organisms responsible for many of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) towards the goal of informing strategies to identify substrates for new kinases. Approaches for establishing a functional kinase assay include measuring auto-activation and use of generic substrates and peptides. The most commonly used generic substrates are casein, myelin basic protein, and histone. Sequence homology modeling can provide insights into the potential substrates and the requirement for activation. Empirical approaches that can identify substrates include screening of lysates (which may also help identify native substrates) and use of peptide arrays. All of these approaches have been used with a varying degree of success to identify alternative substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad A Haubrich
- Institute for Rare and Neglected Diseases Drug Discovery, 897 Independence Ave, Suite 2C, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA.
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30
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Kuruva CS, Reddy PH. Amyloid beta modulators and neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease: a critical appraisal. Drug Discov Today 2016; 22:223-233. [PMID: 27794478 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Multiple cellular changes have been identified as being involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, including mitochondrial damage, synaptic loss, amyloid beta (Aβ) production and/or accumulation, inflammatory responses, and phosphorylated tau formation and/or accumulation. Studies have established that Aβ-induced synaptic dysfunction is dependent on abnormal amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing caused by β- and γ-secretases, resulting in the generation of Aβ. The Aβ formed as a result of abnormal APP processing induces phosphorylated tau and activates glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) and cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (CDK5). Here, we review the latest research on the development of Aβ modulators for neuroprotection in AD. We also review the use of molecular inhibitors as therapeutic targets in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Sekhar Kuruva
- Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, MS 9424, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, MS 9424, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, MS 9424, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Neuroscience & Pharmacology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, MS 9424, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Neurology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, MS 9424, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, MS 9424, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Garrison Institute on Aging, South West Campus, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 6630 S. Quaker Ste. E, MS 7495, Lubbock, TX 79413, USA.
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31
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Dahari DE, Salleh RM, Mahmud F, Chin LP, Embi N, Sidek HM. Anti-malarial Activities of Two Soil Actinomycete Isolates from Sabah via Inhibition of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β. Trop Life Sci Res 2016; 27:53-71. [PMID: 27688851 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2016.27.2.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Exploiting natural resources for bioactive compounds is an attractive drug discovery strategy in search for new anti-malarial drugs with novel modes of action. Initial screening efforts in our laboratory revealed two preparations of soil-derived actinomycetes (H11809 and FH025) with potent anti-malarial activities. Both crude extracts showed glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)-inhibitory activities in a yeast-based kinase assay. We have previously shown that the GSK3 inhibitor, lithium chloride (LiCl), was able to suppress parasitaemia development in a rodent model of malarial infection. The present study aims to evaluate whether anti-malarial activities of H11809 and FH025 involve the inhibition of GSK3β. The acetone crude extracts of H11809 and FH025 each exerted strong inhibition on the growth of Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 in vitro with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.57 ± 0.09 and 1.28 ± 0.11 µg/mL, respectively. The tested extracts exhibited Selectivity Index (SI) values exceeding 10 for the 3D7 strain. Both H11809 and FH025 showed dosage-dependent chemo-suppressive activities in vivo and improved animal survivability compared to non-treated infected mice. Western analysis revealed increased phosphorylation of serine (Ser 9) GSK3β (by 6.79 to 6.83-fold) in liver samples from infected mice treated with H11809 or FH025 compared to samples from non-infected or non-treated infected mice. A compound already identified in H11809 (data not shown), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) showed active anti-plasmodial activity against 3D7 (IC50 4.87 ± 1.26 µg/mL which is equivalent to 17.50 µM) and good chemo-suppressive activity in vivo (60.80% chemo-suppression at 300 mg/kg body weight [bw] dosage). DBP administration also resulted in increased phosphorylation of Ser 9 GSK3β compared to controls. Findings from the present study demonstrate that the potent anti-malarial activities of H11809 and FH025 were mediated via inhibition of host GSK3β. In addition, our study suggests that DBP is in part the bioactive component contributing to the anti-malarial activity displayed by H11809 acting through the inhibition of GSK3β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiana Efani Dahari
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Raifana Mohamad Salleh
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fauze Mahmud
- School of Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88999 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Lee Ping Chin
- School of Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88999 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Noor Embi
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hasidah Mohd Sidek
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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32
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Hierarchical phosphorylation of apical membrane antigen 1 is required for efficient red blood cell invasion by malaria parasites. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34479. [PMID: 27698395 PMCID: PMC5048298 DOI: 10.1038/srep34479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Central to the pathogenesis of malaria is the proliferation of Plasmodium falciparum parasites within human erythrocytes. Parasites invade erythrocytes via a coordinated sequence of receptor-ligand interactions between the parasite and host cell. One key ligand, Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (AMA1), is a leading blood-stage vaccine and previous work indicates that phosphorylation of its cytoplasmic domain (CPD) is important to its function during invasion. Here we investigate the significance of each of the six available phospho-sites in the CPD. We confirm that the cyclic AMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signalling pathway elicits a phospho-priming step upon serine 610 (S610), which enables subsequent phosphorylation in vitro of a conserved, downstream threonine residue (T613) by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3). Both phosphorylation steps are required for AMA1 to function efficiently during invasion. This provides the first evidence that the functions of key invasion ligands of the malaria parasite are regulated by sequential phosphorylation steps.
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33
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Chakraborty A. Emerging drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum: A review of well-characterized drug targets for novel antimalarial chemotherapy. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(16)61090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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34
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Arfeen M, Bhagat S, Patel R, Prasad S, Roy I, Chakraborti AK, Bharatam PV. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 5-benzylidene-2-iminothiazolidin-4-ones as selective GSK-3β inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 121:727-736. [PMID: 27423119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.04.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In this work, iminothiazolidin-4-one derivatives were explored as selective GSK-3β inhibitors. Molecular docking analysis was carried to design a series of compounds, which were synthesized using substituted thiourea, 2-bromoacetophenones and benzaldehydes. Out of the twenty five compounds synthesized during this work, the in vitro evaluation against GSK-3 led to the identification of nine compounds with activity in lower nano-molar range (2-85 nM). Further, in vitro evaluation against CDK-2 showed five compounds to be selective towards GSK-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhajul Arfeen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Shweta Bhagat
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Rahul Patel
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Shivcharan Prasad
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Ipsita Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Asit K Chakraborti
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Prasad V Bharatam
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, 160062, Punjab, India.
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35
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Hoo R, Zhu L, Amaladoss A, Mok S, Natalang O, Lapp SA, Hu G, Liew K, Galinski MR, Bozdech Z, Preiser PR. Integrated analysis of the Plasmodium species transcriptome. EBioMedicine 2016; 7:255-66. [PMID: 27322479 PMCID: PMC4909483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The genome sequence available for different Plasmodium species is a valuable resource for understanding malaria parasite biology. However, comparative genomics on its own cannot fully explain all the species-specific differences which suggests that other genomic aspects such as regulation of gene expression play an important role in defining species-specific characteristics. Here, we developed a comprehensive approach to measure transcriptional changes of the evolutionary conserved syntenic orthologs during the intraerythrocytic developmental cycle across six Plasmodium species. We show significant transcriptional constraint at the mid-developmental stage of Plasmodium species while the earliest stages of parasite development display the greatest transcriptional variation associated with critical functional processes. Modeling of the evolutionary relationship based on changes in transcriptional profile reveal a phylogeny pattern of the Plasmodium species that strictly follows its mammalian hosts. In addition, the work shows that transcriptional conserved orthologs represent potential future targets for anti-malaria intervention as they would be expected to carry out key essential functions within the parasites. This work provides an integrated analysis of orthologous transcriptome, which aims to provide insights into the Plasmodium evolution thereby establishing a framework to explore complex pathways and drug discovery in Plasmodium species with broad host range. Comparison of variations in mRNA abundance across six different Plasmodium species. Transcriptional conservation and divergence of Plasmodium syntenic orthologs. Pattern of Plasmodium transcriptome evolution are established. Transcriptionally conserved orthologs represent attractive intervention targets.
Malaria remains a major public health concern despite global efforts in the fight against this disease. The intraerythrocytic stage of the malaria parasites is currently in the spotlight for anti-malarial intervention and vaccine targets. The primary goal of this study is to generate a comprehensive and directly comparable transcriptome dataset across multiple Plasmodium species originating from different hosts. We establish that specific pathways and intraerythrocytic stages are more transcriptionally diverged than others, reflecting transcriptional evolutionary diversity. We further propose a panel of transcriptionally conserved genes as potential drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Hoo
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Lei Zhu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Anburaj Amaladoss
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Sachel Mok
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Onguma Natalang
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Stacey A Lapp
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Guangan Hu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Kingsley Liew
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Mary R Galinski
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zbynek Bozdech
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Peter R Preiser
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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Balasaheb Aher R, Roy K. First report on exploring classification and regression based QSAR modelling of Plasmodium falciparum glycogen synthase kinase (PfGSK-3) inhibitors. SAR AND QSAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 26:959-976. [PMID: 26524390 DOI: 10.1080/1062936x.2015.1104518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the knowledge of parasite biology have unveiled many new antimalarial targets for drug development. The glycogen synthase kinase-3 from Plasmodium falciparum (PfGSK-3) plays an active role in the completion of the asexual erythrocytic stage of P. falciparum life cycle. Due to the limited availability of experimental information (only one dataset is publicly available to our knowledge) and the absence of the target protein structure, the discovery of new inhibitors against PfGSK-3 is quite challenging. Against this background, we have made an effort to develop classification-based (using linear discriminant analysis or LDA) and regression-based quantitative structure-activity relationship (using group based-QSAR or G-QSAR) models for the categorization and quantitative prediction, respectively, of the activity of PfGSK-3 inhibitors. The classification model highlighted the contribution of electronic (Dipole-mag) and topological (S_tsC) descriptors in discriminating the PfGSK-3 inhibitors into more active and less active classes. The regression-based G-QSAR model showed the contribution of fragment-based descriptors (R1-chiV3 and R2-Most-vePotential) in determining the PfGSK-3 inhibitory activity, and also suggested modification sites for the improvement of PfGSK-3 inhibitory activity. The information obtained from this work could be utilized for the identification of novel PfGSK-3 inhibitors with a hope of overcoming the antimalarial resistance problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Balasaheb Aher
- a Drug Theoretics and Cheminformatics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology , Jadavpur University , Kolkata , India
| | - K Roy
- a Drug Theoretics and Cheminformatics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology , Jadavpur University , Kolkata , India
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37
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Selective inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum glycogen synthase-3 (PfGSK-3): New antimalarial agents? BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2015; 1854:1644-9. [PMID: 25861860 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2015.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum glycogen synthase kinase-3 (PfGSK-3) is one of the eukaryotic protein kinases that were identified as essential for the parasite causing malaria tropica. Although the physiological functions of PfGSK-3 are still unknown, it had been suggested as a putative target for novel antimalarial drugs. The high structural similarity of PfGSK-3 and its human orthologue HsGSK-3 makes the development of selective PfGSK-3 inhibitors a challenging task. Actually, established GSK-3 inhibitors are either unselective or are more potent for inhibition of the mammalian GSK-3. A high throughput screening campaign identified thieno[2,3-b]pyridines as a new class of PfGSK-3 inhibitors. Systematic variation of the substitution pattern at the parent scaffold led to compounds which selectively inhibited the plasmodial enzyme. These compounds also exhibited activity against erythrocyte stages of the parasites. A hypothetical explanation for the selectivity of the new antimalarial compounds was enunciated based on the results of docking a selective inhibitor into a PfGSK-3 homology model and by comparison of the results with an X-ray structure of HsGSK-3 co-crystallized with a similar but unselective compound. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Inhibitors of Protein Kinases.
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Gomes AR, Bushell E, Schwach F, Girling G, Anar B, Quail MA, Herd C, Pfander C, Modrzynska K, Rayner JC, Billker O. A genome-scale vector resource enables high-throughput reverse genetic screening in a malaria parasite. Cell Host Microbe 2015; 17:404-413. [PMID: 25732065 PMCID: PMC4362957 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2015.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
The genome-wide identification of gene functions in malaria parasites is hampered by a lack of reverse genetic screening methods. We present a large-scale resource of barcoded vectors with long homology arms for effective modification of the Plasmodium berghei genome. Cotransfecting dozens of vectors into the haploid blood stages creates complex pools of barcoded mutants, whose competitive fitness can be measured during infection of a single mouse using barcode sequencing (barseq). To validate the utility of this resource, we rescreen the P. berghei kinome, using published kinome screens for comparison. We find that several protein kinases function redundantly in asexual blood stages and confirm the targetability of kinases cdpk1, gsk3, tkl3, and PBANKA_082960 by genotyping cloned mutants. Thus, parallel phenotyping of barcoded mutants unlocks the power of reverse genetic screening for a malaria parasite and will enable the systematic identification of genes essential for in vivo parasite growth and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Gomes
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Ellen Bushell
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Frank Schwach
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Gareth Girling
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Burcu Anar
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Michael A Quail
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Colin Herd
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Claudia Pfander
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | | | - Julian C Rayner
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.
| | - Oliver Billker
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.
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Abstract
Despite a century of control and eradication campaigns, malaria remains one of the world's most devastating diseases. Our once-powerful therapeutic weapons are losing the war against the Plasmodium parasite, whose ability to rapidly develop and spread drug resistance hamper past and present malaria-control efforts. Finding new and effective treatments for malaria is now a top global health priority, fuelling an increase in funding and promoting open-source collaborations between researchers and pharmaceutical consortia around the world. The result of this is rapid advances in drug discovery approaches and technologies, with three major methods for antimalarial drug development emerging: (i) chemistry-based, (ii) target-based, and (iii) cell-based. Common to all three of these approaches is the unique ability of structural biology to inform and accelerate drug development. Where possible, SBDD (structure-based drug discovery) is a foundation for antimalarial drug development programmes, and has been invaluable to the development of a number of current pre-clinical and clinical candidates. However, as we expand our understanding of the malarial life cycle and mechanisms of resistance development, SBDD as a field must continue to evolve in order to develop compounds that adhere to the ideal characteristics for novel antimalarial therapeutics and to avoid high attrition rates pre- and post-clinic. In the present review, we aim to examine the contribution that SBDD has made to current antimalarial drug development efforts, covering hit discovery to lead optimization and prevention of parasite resistance. Finally, the potential for structural biology, particularly high-throughput structural genomics programmes, to identify future targets for drug discovery are discussed.
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Efstathiou A, Gaboriaud-Kolar N, Smirlis D, Myrianthopoulos V, Vougogiannopoulou K, Alexandratos A, Kritsanida M, Mikros E, Soteriadou K, Skaltsounis AL. An inhibitor-driven study for enhancing the selectivity of indirubin derivatives towards leishmanial Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 over leishmanial cdc2-related protein kinase 3. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:234. [PMID: 24886176 PMCID: PMC4039064 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In search of new antiparasitic agents for overcoming the limitations of current leishmaniasis chemotherapy, we have previously shown that 6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (6BIO) and several other 6-substituted analogues of indirubin, a naturally occurring bis-indole present in mollusks and plants, displayed reverse selectivity from the respective mammalian kinases, targeting more potently the leishmanial Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-1 (CDK1) homologue [cdc2-related protein kinase 3 (LCRK3)] over leishmanial Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (LGSK-3). This reversal of selectivity in Leishmania parasites compared to mammalian cells makes the design of specific indirubin-based LGSK-3 inhibitors difficult. In this context, the identification of compounds bearing specific substitutions that shift indirubin inhibition towards LGSK-3, previously found to be a potential drug target, over LCRK3 is imperative for antileishmanial targeted drug discovery. Methods A new in-house indirubin library, composed of 35 compounds, initially designed to target mammalian kinases (CDKs, GSK-3), was tested against Leishmania donovani promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes using the Alamar blue assay. Indirubins with antileishmanial activity were tested against LGSK-3 and LCRK3 kinases, purified from homologous expression systems. Flow cytometry (FACS) was used to measure the DNA content for cell-cycle analysis and the mode of cell death. Comparative structural analysis of the involved kinases was then performed using the Szmap algorithm. Results We have identified 7 new indirubin analogues that are selective inhibitors of LGSK-3 over LCRK3. These new inhibitors were also found to display potent antileishmanial activity with GI50 values of <1.5 μΜ. Surprisingly, all the compounds that displayed enhanced selectivity towards LGSK-3, were 6BIO analogues bearing an additional 3'-bulky amino substitution, namely a piperazine or pyrrolidine ring. A comparative structural analysis of the two aforementioned leishmanial kinases was subsequently undertaken to explain and rationalize the selectivity trend determined by the in vitro binding assays. Interestingly, the latter analysis showed that selectivity could be correlated with differences in kinase solvation thermo dynamics induced by minor sequence variations of the otherwise highly similar ATP binding pockets. Conclusions In conclusion, 3'-bulky amino substituted 6-BIO derivatives, which demonstrate enhanced specificity towards LGSK-3, represent a new scaffold for targeted drug development to treat leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexios-Leandros Skaltsounis
- Laboratories of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece.
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Erben F, Michalik D, Feist H, Kleeblatt D, Hein M, Matin A, Iqbal J, Langer P. Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of (Z)-1-glycosyl-3-(5-oxo-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-ylidene)indolin-2-ones and (Z)-3-(2-glycosylsulfanyl-4-oxo-4,5-dihydro-thiazol-5-ylidene)indolin-2-ones. RSC Adv 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ra44362k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Kleeblatt D, Cordes CA, Lebrenz P, Hein M, Feist H, Matin A, Raza R, Iqbal J, Munshi O, Rahman Q, Villinger A, Langer P. Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of N-glycosyl-3,3-diaryloxindoles. RSC Adv 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra02627f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Abstract
There is an urgent need for the development of new antimalarial drugs with novel modes of actions. The malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, has a relatively small kinome of <100 kinases, with many members exhibiting a high degree of structural divergence from their host counterparts. A number of Plasmodium kinases have recently been shown by reverse genetics to be essential for various parts of the complex parasitic life cycle, and are thus genetically validated as potential targets. Implementation of mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics approaches has informed on key phospho-signalling pathways in the parasite. In addition, global phenotypic screens have revealed a large number of putative protein kinase inhibitors with antimalarial potency. Taken together, these investigations point to the Plasmodium kinome as a rich source of potential new targets. In this review, we highlight recent progress made towards this goal.
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Mbengue A, Audiger N, Vialla E, Dubremetz JF, Braun-Breton C. NovelPlasmodium falciparum Maurer's clefts protein families implicated in the release of infectious merozoites. Mol Microbiol 2013; 88:425-42. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Fugel W, Oberholzer AE, Gschloessl B, Dzikowski R, Pressburger N, Preu L, Pearl LH, Baratte B, Ratin M, Okun I, Doerig C, Kruggel S, Lemcke T, Meijer L, Kunick C. 3,6-Diamino-4-(2-halophenyl)-2-benzoylthieno[2,3-b]pyridine-5-carbonitriles are selective inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum glycogen synthase kinase-3. J Med Chem 2013; 56:264-75. [PMID: 23214499 DOI: 10.1021/jm301575n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum is the infective agent responsible for malaria tropica. The glycogen synthase kinase-3 of the parasite (PfGSK-3) was suggested as a potential biological target for novel antimalarial drugs. Starting from hit structures identified in a high-throughput screening campaign, 3,6-diamino-4-(2-halophenyl)-2-benzoylthieno[2,3-b]pyridine-5-carbonitriles were discovered as a new class of PfGSK-3 inhibitors. Being less active on GSK-3 homologues of other species, the title compounds showed selectivity in favor of PfGSK-3. Taking into account the X-ray structure of a related molecule in complex with human GSK-3 (HsGSK-3), a model was computed for the comparison of inhibitor complexes with the plasmodial and human enzymes. It was found that subtle differences in the ATP-binding pockets are responsible for the observed PfGSK-3 vs HsGSK-3 selectivity. Representatives of the title compound class exhibited micromolar IC₅₀ values against P. falciparum erythrocyte stage parasites. These results suggest that inhibitors of PfGSK-3 could be developed as potential antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Fugel
- Institut für Medizinische und Pharmazeutische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstrasse 55, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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Abstract
Malaria, the disease caused by infection with protozoan parasites from the genus Plasmodium, claims the lives of nearly 1 million people annually. Developing nations, particularly in the African Region, bear the brunt of this malaria burden. Alarmingly, the most dangerous etiologic agent of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, is becoming increasingly resistant to current first-line antimalarials. In light of the widespread devastation caused by malaria, the emergence of drug-resistant P. falciparum strains, and the projected decrease in funding for malaria eradication that may occur over the next decade, the identification of promising new targets for antimalarial drug design is imperative. P. falciparum kinases have been proposed as ideal drug targets for antimalarial drug design because they mediate critical cellular processes within the parasite and are, in many cases, structurally and mechanistically divergent when compared with kinases from humans. Identifying a molecule capable of inhibiting the activity of a target enzyme is generally an arduous and expensive process that can be greatly aided by utilizing in silico drug design techniques. Such methods have been extensively applied to human kinases, but as yet have not been fully exploited for the exploration and characterization of antimalarial kinase targets. This review focuses on in silico methods that have been used for the evaluation of potential antimalarials and the Plasmodium kinases that could be explored using these techniques.
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Kato K, Sugi T, Iwanaga T. Roles of Apicomplexan protein kinases at each life cycle stage. Parasitol Int 2011; 61:224-34. [PMID: 22209882 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2011] [Revised: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitors of cellular protein kinases have been reported to inhibit the development of Apicomplexan parasites, suggesting that the functions of protozoan protein kinases are critical for their life cycle. However, the specific roles of these protein kinases cannot be determined using only these inhibitors without molecular analysis, including gene disruption. In this report, we describe the functions of Apicomplexan protein kinases in each parasite life stage and the potential of pre-existing protein kinase inhibitors as Apicomplexan drugs against, mainly, Plasmodium and Toxoplasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Kato
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan.
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Toxoplasma and Plasmodium protein kinases: roles in invasion and host cell remodelling. Int J Parasitol 2011; 42:21-32. [PMID: 22154850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2011.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 11/16/2011] [Accepted: 11/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Some apicomplexan parasites have evolved distinct protein kinase families to modulate host cell structure and function. Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry protein kinases and pseudokinases are involved in virulence and modulation of host cell signalling. The proteome of Plasmodium falciparum contains a family of putative kinases called FIKKs, some of which are exported to the host red blood cell and might play a role in erythrocyte remodelling. In this review we will discuss kinases known to be critical for host cell invasion, intracellular growth and egress, focusing on (i) calcium-dependent protein kinases and (ii) the secreted kinases that are unique to Toxoplasma (rhoptry protein kinases and pseudokinases) and Plasmodium (FIKKs).
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Artz JD, Wernimont AK, Allali-Hassani A, Zhao Y, Amani M, Lin YH, Senisterra G, Wasney GA, Fedorov O, King O, Roos A, Lunin VV, Qiu W, Finerty P, Hutchinson A, Chau I, von Delft F, MacKenzie F, Lew J, Kozieradzki I, Vedadi M, Schapira M, Zhang C, Shokat K, Heightman T, Hui R. The Cryptosporidium parvum kinome. BMC Genomics 2011; 12:478. [PMID: 21962082 PMCID: PMC3227725 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-12-478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hundreds of millions of people are infected with cryptosporidiosis annually, with immunocompromised individuals suffering debilitating symptoms and children in socioeconomically challenged regions at risk of repeated infections. There is currently no effective drug available. In order to facilitate the pursuit of anti-cryptosporidiosis targets and compounds, our study spans the classification of the Cryptosporidium parvum kinome and the structural and biochemical characterization of representatives from the CDPK family and a MAP kinase. RESULTS The C. parvum kinome comprises over 70 members, some of which may be promising drug targets. These C. parvum protein kinases include members in the AGC, Atypical, CaMK, CK1, CMGC, and TKL groups; however, almost 35% could only be classified as OPK (other protein kinases). In addition, about 25% of the kinases identified did not have any known orthologues outside of Cryptosporidium spp. Comparison of specific kinases with their Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii orthologues revealed some distinct characteristics within the C. parvum kinome, including potential targets and opportunities for drug design. Structural and biochemical analysis of 4 representatives of the CaMK group and a MAP kinase confirms features that may be exploited in inhibitor design. Indeed, screening CpCDPK1 against a library of kinase inhibitors yielded a set of the pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives (PP1-derivatives) with IC₅₀ values of < 10 nM. The binding of a PP1-derivative is further described by an inhibitor-bound crystal structure of CpCDPK1. In addition, structural analysis of CpCDPK4 identified an unprecedented Zn-finger within the CDPK kinase domain that may have implications for its regulation. CONCLUSIONS Identification and comparison of the C. parvum protein kinases against other parasitic kinases shows how orthologue- and family-based research can be used to facilitate characterization of promising drug targets and the search for new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Artz
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, MaRS South Tower, Floor 7, 101 College St, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada.
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García I, Fall Y, García-Mera X, Prado-Prado F. Theoretical study of GSK−3α: neural networks QSAR studies for the design of new inhibitors using 2D descriptors. Mol Divers 2011; 15:947-55. [DOI: 10.1007/s11030-011-9325-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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