1
|
Butler MS, Vollmer W, Goodall ECA, Capon RJ, Henderson IR, Blaskovich MAT. A Review of Antibacterial Candidates with New Modes of Action. ACS Infect Dis 2024. [PMID: 39018341 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
There is a lack of new antibiotics to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections that increasingly threaten global health. The current pipeline of clinical-stage antimicrobials is primarily populated by "new and improved" versions of existing antibiotic classes, supplemented by several novel chemical scaffolds that act on traditional targets. The lack of fresh chemotypes acting on previously unexploited targets (the "holy grail" for new antimicrobials due to their scarcity) is particularly unfortunate as these offer the greatest opportunity for innovative breakthroughs to overcome existing resistance. In recognition of their potential, this review focuses on this subset of high value antibiotics, providing chemical structures where available. This review focuses on candidates that have progressed to clinical trials, as well as selected examples of promising pioneering approaches in advanced stages of development, in order to stimulate additional research aimed at combating drug-resistant infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Butler
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Waldemar Vollmer
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Emily C A Goodall
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Robert J Capon
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Ian R Henderson
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mark A T Blaskovich
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Butler MS, Henderson IR, Capon RJ, Blaskovich MAT. Antibiotics in the clinical pipeline as of December 2022. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2023; 76:431-473. [PMID: 37291465 PMCID: PMC10248350 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-023-00629-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The need for new antibacterial drugs to treat the increasing global prevalence of drug-resistant bacterial infections has clearly attracted global attention, with a range of existing and upcoming funding, policy, and legislative initiatives designed to revive antibacterial R&D. It is essential to assess whether these programs are having any real-world impact and this review continues our systematic analyses that began in 2011. Direct-acting antibacterials (47), non-traditional small molecule antibacterials (5), and β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations (10) under clinical development as of December 2022 are described, as are the three antibacterial drugs launched since 2020. Encouragingly, the increased number of early-stage clinical candidates observed in the 2019 review increased in 2022, although the number of first-time drug approvals from 2020 to 2022 was disappointingly low. It will be critical to monitor how many Phase-I and -II candidates move into Phase-III and beyond in the next few years. There was also an enhanced presence of novel antibacterial pharmacophores in early-stage trials, and at least 18 of the 26 phase-I candidates were targeted to treat Gram-negative bacteria infections. Despite the promising early-stage antibacterial pipeline, it is essential to maintain funding for antibacterial R&D and to ensure that plans to address late-stage pipeline issues succeed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Butler
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
| | - Ian R Henderson
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Robert J Capon
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Mark A T Blaskovich
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ruggieri F, Compagne N, Antraygues K, Eveque M, Flipo M, Willand N. Antibiotics with novel mode of action as new weapons to fight antimicrobial resistance. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115413. [PMID: 37150058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health issue, causing 5 million deaths per year. Without any action plan, AMR will be in a near future the leading cause of death ahead of cancer. AMR comes from the ability of bacteria to rapidly develop and share resistance mechanisms towards current antibiotics, rendering them less effective. To circumvent this issue and avoid the phenomenon of cross-resistance, new antibiotics acting on novel targets or with new modes of action are required. Today, the pipeline of potential new treatments with these characteristics includes promising compounds such as gepotidacin, zoliflodacin, ibezapolstat, MGB-BP-3, CRS-3123, afabicin and TXA-709, which are currently in clinical trials, and lefamulin, which has been recently approved by FDA and EMA. In this review, we report the chemical synthesis, mode of action, structure-activity relationships, in vitro and in vivo activities as well as clinical data of these eight small molecules listed above.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ruggieri
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177-Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Nina Compagne
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177-Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Kevin Antraygues
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177-Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Maxime Eveque
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177-Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Marion Flipo
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177-Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Willand
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177-Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Antibiotics in the clinical pipeline in October 2019. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2020; 73:329-364. [PMID: 32152527 PMCID: PMC7223789 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-020-0291-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The development of new and effective antibacterial drugs to treat multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, especially Gram-negative (G−ve) pathogens, is acknowledged as one of the world’s most pressing health issues; however, the discovery and development of new, nontoxic antibacterials is not a straightforward scientific task, which is compounded by a challenging economic model. This review lists the antibacterials, β-lactamase/β-lactam inhibitor (BLI) combinations, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) first launched around the world since 2009 and details the seven new antibiotics and two new β-lactam/BLI combinations launched since 2016. The development status, mode of action, spectra of activity, lead source, and administration route for the 44 small molecule antibacterials, eight β-lactamase/BLI combinations, and one antibody drug conjugate (ADC) being evaluated in worldwide clinical trials at the end of October 2019 are described. Compounds discontinued from clinical development since 2016 and new antibacterial pharmacophores are also reviewed. There has been an increase in the number of early stage clinical candidates, which has been fueled by antibiotic-focused funding agencies; however, there is still a significant gap in the pipeline for the development of new antibacterials with activity against β-metallolactamases, orally administered with broad spectrum G−ve activity, and new treatments for MDR Acinetobacter and gonorrhea.
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu WC, Silverman MH, Yu XY, Wright G, Brown N. Discovery and development of DNA polymerase IIIC inhibitors to treat Gram-positive infections. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:3209-3217. [PMID: 31221610 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Despite the growing global crisis caused by antimicrobial drug resistance among pathogenic bacteria, the number of new antibiotics, especially new chemical class of antibiotics under development is insufficient to tackle the problem. Our review focuses on an emerging class of antibacterial therapeutic agents that holds a completely novel mechanism of action, namely, inhibition of bacterial DNA polymerase IIIC. The recent entry of this new class into human trials may herald the introduction of novel drugs whose novel molecular target precludes cross-resistance with existing antibiotic classes. This review therefore examines the evolution of DNA pol IIIC inhibitors from the discovery of 6-(p-hydroxyphenylazo)uracil (HPUra) in the 1960s to the development of current first-in-class N7-substituted guanine drug candidate ACX-362E, now under clinical development for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chu Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Worcester State University, 486 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA 01602, USA.
| | | | - Xiang Yang Yu
- Acurx Pharmaceuticals LLC, 22 Camelot Court, White Plains, NY 10603, USA
| | - George Wright
- Acurx Pharmaceuticals LLC, 22 Camelot Court, White Plains, NY 10603, USA
| | - Neal Brown
- Acurx Pharmaceuticals LLC, 22 Camelot Court, White Plains, NY 10603, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kaguni JM. The Macromolecular Machines that Duplicate the Escherichia coli Chromosome as Targets for Drug Discovery. Antibiotics (Basel) 2018. [PMID: 29538288 PMCID: PMC5872134 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics7010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA replication is an essential process. Although the fundamental strategies to duplicate chromosomes are similar in all free-living organisms, the enzymes of the three domains of life that perform similar functions in DNA replication differ in amino acid sequence and their three-dimensional structures. Moreover, the respective proteins generally utilize different enzymatic mechanisms. Hence, the replication proteins that are highly conserved among bacterial species are attractive targets to develop novel antibiotics as the compounds are unlikely to demonstrate off-target effects. For those proteins that differ among bacteria, compounds that are species-specific may be found. Escherichia coli has been developed as a model system to study DNA replication, serving as a benchmark for comparison. This review summarizes the functions of individual E. coli proteins, and the compounds that inhibit them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon M Kaguni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1319, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
van Eijk E, Wittekoek B, Kuijper EJ, Smits WK. DNA replication proteins as potential targets for antimicrobials in drug-resistant bacterial pathogens. J Antimicrob Chemother 2018; 72:1275-1284. [PMID: 28073967 PMCID: PMC5400081 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkw548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
With the impending crisis of antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent need to develop novel antimicrobials to combat difficult infections and MDR pathogenic microorganisms. DNA replication is essential for cell viability and is therefore an attractive target for antimicrobials. Although several antimicrobials targeting DNA replication proteins have been developed to date, gyrase/topoisomerase inhibitors are the only class widely used in the clinic. Given the numerous essential proteins in the bacterial replisome that may serve as a potential target for inhibitors and the relative paucity of suitable compounds, it is evident that antimicrobials targeting the replisome are underdeveloped so far. In this review, we report on the diversity of antimicrobial compounds targeting DNA replication and highlight some of the challenges in developing new drugs that target this process.
Collapse
|
8
|
Reiche MA, Warner DF, Mizrahi V. Targeting DNA Replication and Repair for the Development of Novel Therapeutics against Tuberculosis. Front Mol Biosci 2017; 4:75. [PMID: 29184888 PMCID: PMC5694481 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2017.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease which results in approximately 10 million incident cases and 1.4 million deaths globally each year, making it the leading cause of mortality from infection. An effective frontline combination chemotherapy exists for TB; however, this regimen requires the administration of four drugs in a 2 month long intensive phase followed by a continuation phase of a further 4 months with two of the original drugs, and is only effective for the treatment of drug-sensitive TB. The emergence and global spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) as well as extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of M. tuberculosis, and the complications posed by co-infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other co-morbidities such as diabetes, have prompted urgent efforts to develop shorter regimens comprising new compounds with novel mechanisms of action. This demands that researchers re-visit cellular pathways and functions that are essential to M. tuberculosis survival and replication in the host but which are inadequately represented amongst the targets of current anti-mycobacterial agents. Here, we consider the DNA replication and repair machinery as a source of new targets for anti-TB drug development. Like most bacteria, M. tuberculosis encodes a complex array of proteins which ensure faithful and accurate replication and repair of the chromosomal DNA. Many of these are essential; so, too, are enzymes in the ancillary pathways of nucleotide biosynthesis, salvage, and re-cycling, suggesting the potential to inhibit replication and repair functions at multiple stages. To this end, we provide an update on the state of chemotherapeutic inhibition of DNA synthesis and related pathways in M. tuberculosis. Given the established links between genotoxicity and mutagenesis, we also consider the potential implications of targeting DNA metabolic pathways implicated in the development of drug resistance in M. tuberculosis, an organism which is unusual in relying exclusively on de novo mutations and chromosomal rearrangements for evolution, including the acquisition of drug resistance. In that context, we conclude by discussing the feasibility of targeting mutagenic pathways in an ancillary, “anti-evolution” strategy aimed at protecting existing and future TB drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Reiche
- SAMRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Digby F Warner
- SAMRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Valerie Mizrahi
- SAMRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
DNA Targeting as a Likely Mechanism Underlying the Antibacterial Activity of Synthetic Bis-Indole Antibiotics. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:7067-7076. [PMID: 27620482 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00309-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported the synthesis and biological activity of a series of cationic bis-indoles with potent, broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. Here, we describe mechanism of action studies to test the hypothesis that these compounds bind to DNA and that this target plays an important role in their antibacterial outcome. The results reported here indicate that the bis-indoles bind selectively to DNA at A/T-rich sites, which is correlated with the inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis in representative Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) organisms. Further, exposure of E. coli and S. aureus to representative bis-indoles resulted in induction of the DNA damage-inducible SOS response. In addition, the bis-indoles were found to be potent inhibitors of cell wall biosynthesis; however, they do not induce the cell wall stress stimulon in S. aureus, suggesting that this pathway is inhibited by an indirect mechanism. In light of these findings, the most likely basis for the observed activities of these compounds is their ability to bind to the minor groove of DNA, resulting in the inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis and other secondary effects.
Collapse
|
10
|
Special Challenges to the Rational Design of Antibacterial Agents. ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-417150-3.00018-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
|
11
|
Robinson A, Causer RJ, Dixon NE. Architecture and conservation of the bacterial DNA replication machinery, an underexploited drug target. Curr Drug Targets 2012; 13:352-72. [PMID: 22206257 PMCID: PMC3290774 DOI: 10.2174/138945012799424598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
New antibiotics with novel modes of action are required to combat the growing threat posed by multi-drug resistant bacteria. Over the last decade, genome sequencing and other high-throughput techniques have provided tremendous insight into the molecular processes underlying cellular functions in a wide range of bacterial species. We can now use these data to assess the degree of conservation of certain aspects of bacterial physiology, to help choose the best cellular targets for development of new broad-spectrum antibacterials. DNA replication is a conserved and essential process, and the large number of proteins that interact to replicate DNA in bacteria are distinct from those in eukaryotes and archaea; yet none of the antibiotics in current clinical use acts directly on the replication machinery. Bacterial DNA synthesis thus appears to be an underexploited drug target. However, before this system can be targeted for drug design, it is important to understand which parts are conserved and which are not, as this will have implications for the spectrum of activity of any new inhibitors against bacterial species, as well as the potential for development of drug resistance. In this review we assess similarities and differences in replication components and mechanisms across the bacteria, highlight current progress towards the discovery of novel replication inhibitors, and suggest those aspects of the replication machinery that have the greatest potential as drug targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Robinson
- School of Chemistry, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Standish AJ, Salim AA, Capon RJ, Morona R. Dual inhibition of DNA polymerase PolC and protein tyrosine phosphatase CpsB uncovers a novel antibiotic target. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012. [PMID: 23194664 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.11.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Increasing antibiotic resistance is making the identification of novel antimicrobial targets critical. Recently, we discovered an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase CpsB, fascioquinol E (FQE), which unexpectedly inhibited the growth of Gram-positive pathogens. CpsB is a member of the polymerase and histidinol phosphate phosphatase (PHP) domain family. Another member of this family found in a variety of Gram-positive pathogens is DNA polymerase PolC. We purified the PHP domain from PolC (PolC(PHP)), and showed that this competes away FQE inhibition of CpsB phosphatase activity. Furthermore, we showed that this domain hydrolyses the 5'-p-nitrophenyl ester of thymidine-5'-monophosphate (pNP-TMP), which has been used as a measure of exonuclease activity. Finally, we showed that FQE not only inhibits the phosphatase activity of CpsB, but also ability of PolC(PHP) to catalyse the hydrolysis of pNP-TMP. This suggests that PolC may be the essential target of FQE, and that the PHP domain may represent an as yet untapped target for the development of novel antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alistair J Standish
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dvoskin S, Xu WC, Brown NC, Yanachkov IB, Yanachkova M, Wright GE. A novel agent effective against Clostridium difficile infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:1624-6. [PMID: 22203600 PMCID: PMC3294905 DOI: 10.1128/aac.06097-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Accepted: 12/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
N(2)-(3,4-Dichlorobenzyl)-7-(2-[1-morpholinyl]ethyl)guanine (MorE-DCBG, 362E) is a synthetic purine that selectively inhibits the replication-specific DNA polymerase of Clostridium difficile. MorE-DCBG and its analogs strongly inhibited the growth of a wide variety of C. difficile strains. When administered orally in a hamster model of C. difficile-specific colitis, 362E was as effective as oral vancomycin, the current agent of choice for treating severe forms of the human disease.
Collapse
|
14
|
Torti A, Lossani A, Savi L, Focher F, Wright GE, Brown NC, Xu WC. Clostridium difficile DNA polymerase IIIC: basis for activity of antibacterial compounds. CURRENT ENZYME INHIBITION 2011; 7:147-153. [PMID: 22844265 PMCID: PMC3404731 DOI: 10.2174/157340811798807597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Based on the finding that aerobic Gram-positive antibacterials that inhibit DNA polymerase IIIC (pol IIIC) were potent inhibitors of the growth of anaerobic Clostridium difficile (CD) strains, we chose to clone and express the gene for pol IIIC from this organism. The properties of the recombinant enzyme are similar to those of related pol IIICs from Gram-positive aerobes, e.g. B. subtilis. Inhibitors of the CD enzyme also inhibited B. subtilis pol IIIC, and were competitive with respect to the cognate substrate 2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-triphosphate (dGTP). Significantly, several of these inhibitors of the CD pol IIIC had potent activity against the growth of CD clinical isolates in culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Torti
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
7-Alkyl-N(2)-substituted-3-deazaguanines. Synthesis, DNA polymerase III inhibition and antibacterial activity. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2011; 21:4197-202. [PMID: 21684746 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2011.05.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2011] [Revised: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Several 2-anilino- and 2-benzylamino-3-deaza-6-oxopurines [3-deazaguanines] and selected 8-methyl and 8-aza analogs have been synthesized. 7-Substituted N(2)-(3-ethyl-4-methylphenyl)-3-deazaguanines were potent and selective inhibitors of Gram+ bacterial DNA polymerase (pol) IIIC, and 7-substituted N(2)-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-3-deazaguanines were potent inhibitors of both pol IIIC and pol IIIE from Gram+ bacteria, but weakly inhibited pol IIIE from Gram- bacteria. Potent enzyme inhibitors in both classes inhibited the growth of Gram+ bacteria (MICs 2.5-10μg/ml), and were inactive against the Gram- organism Escherichia coli. Several derivatives had moderate protective activity in Staphylococcus aureus-infected mice.
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
The discovery of novel small-molecule antibacterial drugs has been stalled for many years. The purpose of this review is to underscore and illustrate those scientific problems unique to the discovery and optimization of novel antibacterial agents that have adversely affected the output of the effort. The major challenges fall into two areas: (i) proper target selection, particularly the necessity of pursuing molecular targets that are not prone to rapid resistance development, and (ii) improvement of chemical libraries to overcome limitations of diversity, especially that which is necessary to overcome barriers to bacterial entry and proclivity to be effluxed, especially in Gram-negative organisms. Failure to address these problems has led to a great deal of misdirected effort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn L Silver
- LL Silver Consulting, LLC, 955 S. Springfield Ave., Unit C403, Springfield, NJ 07081, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Qu H, Wu H, Zhang T, Zhang Z, Hu S, Yu J. Nucleotide compositional asymmetry between the leading and lagging strands of eubacterial genomes. Res Microbiol 2010; 161:838-46. [PMID: 20868744 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2010.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Nucleotide compositional asymmetry (NCA) between leading and lagging strands (LeS and LaS) is dynamic and diverse among eubacterial genomes due to different mutation and selection forces. A thorough investigation is needed in order to study the relationship between nucleotide composition dynamics and gene distribution biases. Based on a collection of 364 eubacterial genomes that were grouped according to a DnaE-based scheme (DnaE1-DnaE1, DnaE2-DnaE1, and DnaE3-PolC), we investigated NCA and nucleotide composition gradients at three codon positions and found that there was universal G-enrichment on LeS among all groups. This was due to a strong selection for G-heading (codon position1 or cp1) codons and mutation pressure that led to more G-ending (cp3) codons. Moreover, a slight T-enrichment of LeS due to the mutation of cytosine deamination at cp3 was universal among DnaE1-DnaE1 and DnaE2-DnaE1 genomes, but was not clearly seen among DnaE3-PolC genomes, in which A-enrichment of LeS was proposed to be the effect of selections unique to polC and a mutation bias toward A-richness at cp1 that may be a result of transcription-coupled DNA repair mechanisms. Furthermore, strand-biased gene distribution enhances the purine-richness of LeS for DnaE3-PolC genomes and T-richness of LeS for DnaE1-DnaE1 and DnaE2-dnaE1 genomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhu Qu
- Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kim JN, Blount KF, Puskarz I, Lim J, Link KH, Breaker RR. Design and antimicrobial action of purine analogues that bind Guanine riboswitches. ACS Chem Biol 2009; 4:915-27. [PMID: 19739679 PMCID: PMC4140397 DOI: 10.1021/cb900146k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Riboswitches are structured RNA domains that can bind directly to specific ligands and regulate gene expression. These RNA elements are located most commonly within the noncoding regions of bacterial mRNAs, although representatives of one riboswitch class have been discovered in organisms from all three domains of life. In several Gram-positive species of bacteria, riboswitches that selectively recognize guanine regulate the expression of genes involved in purine biosynthesis and transport. Because these genes are involved in fundamental metabolic pathways in certain bacterial pathogens, guanine-binding riboswitches may be targets for the development of novel antibacterial compounds. To explore this possibility, the atomic-resolution structure of a guanine riboswitch aptamer from Bacillus subtilis was used to guide the design of several riboswitch-compatible guanine analogues. The ability of these compounds to be bound by the riboswitch and repress bacterial growth was examined. Many of these rationally designed compounds are bound by a guanine riboswitch aptamer in vitro with affinities comparable to that of the natural ligand, and several also inhibit bacterial growth. We found that one of these antimicrobial guanine analogues (6-N-hydroxylaminopurine, or G7) represses expression of a reporter gene controlled by a guanine riboswitch in B. subtilis, suggesting it may inhibit bacterial growth by triggering guanine riboswitch action. These studies demonstrate the utility of a three-dimensional structure model of a natural aptamer to design ligand analogues that target riboswitches. This approach also could be implemented to design antibacterial compounds that specifically target other riboswitch classes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane N. Kim
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, P.O. Box 208103, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
| | - Kenneth F. Blount
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, P.O. Box 208103, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
| | - Izabela Puskarz
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, P.O. Box 208103, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
| | - Jinsoo Lim
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, P.O. Box 208103, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
| | - Kristian H. Link
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, P.O. Box 208103, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, P.O. Box 208103, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
| | - Ronald R. Breaker
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, P.O. Box 208103, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, P.O. Box 208103, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, P.O. Box 208103, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Structure of PolC reveals unique DNA binding and fidelity determinants. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:20695-700. [PMID: 19106298 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0809989106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PolC is the polymerase responsible for genome duplication in many Gram-positive bacteria and represents an attractive target for antibacterial development. We have determined the 2.4-A resolution crystal structure of Geobacillus kaustophilus PolC in a ternary complex with DNA and dGTP. The structure reveals nascent base pair interactions that lead to highly accurate nucleotide incorporation. A unique beta-strand motif in the PolC thumb domain contacts the minor groove, allowing replication errors to be sensed up to 8 nt upstream of the active site. PolC exhibits the potential for large-scale conformational flexibility, which could encompass the catalytic residues. The structure suggests a mechanism by which the active site can communicate with the rest of the replisome to trigger proofreading after nucleotide misincorporation, leading to an integrated model for controlling the dynamic switch between replicative and repair polymerases. This ternary complex of a cellular replicative polymerase affords insights into polymerase fidelity, evolution, and structural diversity.
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Antibacterial discovery research has been driven, medically, commercially and intellectually, by the need for new therapeutics that are not subject to the resistance mechanisms that have evolved to combat previous generations of antibacterial agents. This need has often been equated with the identification and exploitation of novel targets. But efforts towards discovery and development of inhibitors of novel targets have proved frustrating. It might be that the 'good old targets' are qualitatively different from the crop of all possible novel targets. What has been learned from existing targets that can be applied to the quest for new antibacterials?
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn L Silver
- LL Silver Consulting, Springfield, New Jersey 07081, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Titok M, Suski C, Dalmais B, Ehrlich SD, Jannière L. The replicative polymerases PolC and DnaE are required for theta replication of the Bacillus subtilis plasmid pBS72. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2006; 152:1471-1478. [PMID: 16622063 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.28693-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Plasmids are the tools of choice for studying bacterial functions involved in DNA maintenance. Here a genetic study on the replication of a novel, low-copy-number, Bacillus subtilis plasmid, pBS72, is reported. The results show that two plasmid elements, the initiator protein RepA and an iteron-containing origin, and at least nine host-encoded replication proteins, the primosomal proteins DnaB, DnaC, DnaD, DnaG and DnaI, the DNA polymerases DnaE and PolC, and the polymerase cofactors DnaN and DnaX, are required for pBS72 replication. On the contrary, the cellular initiators DnaA and PriA, the helicase PcrA and DNA polymerase I are dispensable. From this, it is inferred that pBS72 replication is of the theta type and is initiated by an original mechanism. Indirect evidence suggests that during this process the DnaC helicase might be delivered to the plasmid origin by the weakly active DnaD pathway stimulated by a predicted interaction between DnaC and a domain of RepA homologous to the major DnaC-binding domain of the cellular initiator DnaA. The plasmid pBS72 replication fork appears to require the same functions as the bacterial chromosome and the unrelated plasmid pAMbeta1. Most importantly, this replication machinery contains the two type C polymerases, PolC and DnaE. As the mechanism of initiation of the three genomes is substantially different, this suggests that both type C polymerases might be required in any Cairns replication in B. subtilis and presumably in other bacteria encoding PolC and DnaE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Titok
- Belarussian State University, Biological Faculty, Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Minsk 220050, 4 Scorina Avenue, Belarus
| | | | - Bérengère Dalmais
- Laboratoire de Génétique Microbienne, Bâtiment des Biotechnologies, INRA, 78352 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - S Dusko Ehrlich
- Laboratoire de Génétique Microbienne, Bâtiment des Biotechnologies, INRA, 78352 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Laurent Jannière
- Laboratoire de Génétique Microbienne, Bâtiment des Biotechnologies, INRA, 78352 Jouy en Josas, France
| |
Collapse
|