1
|
Withers-Martinez C, Lidumniece E, Hackett F, Collins CR, Taha Z, Blackman MJ, Jirgensons A. Peptidic Boronic Acid Plasmodium falciparum SUB1 Inhibitors with Improved Selectivity over Human Proteasome. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39051854 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum subtilisin-like serine protease 1 (PfSUB1) is essential for egress of invasive merozoite forms of the parasite, rendering PfSUB1 an attractive antimalarial target. Here, we report studies aimed to improve drug-like properties of peptidic boronic acid PfSUB1 inhibitors including increased lipophilicity and selectivity over human proteasome (H20S). Structure-activity relationship investigations revealed that lipophilic P3 amino acid side chains as well as N-capping groups were well tolerated in retaining PfSUB1 inhibitory potency. At the P1 position, replacing the methyl group with a carboxyethyl substituent led to boralactone PfSUB1 inhibitors with remarkably improved selectivity over H20S. Combining lipophilic end-capping groups with the boralactone reduced the selectivity over H20S. However, compound 4c still showed >60-fold selectivity versus H20S and low nanomolar PfSUB1 inhibitory potency. Importantly, this compound inhibited the growth of a genetically modified P. falciparum line expressing reduced levels of PfSUB1 13-fold more efficiently compared to a wild-type parasite line.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fiona Hackett
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, U.K
| | - Christine R Collins
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, U.K
| | - Zahie Taha
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, U.K
| | - Michael J Blackman
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, U.K
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, U.K
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Legru A, Batista FA, Puszko AK, Bouillon A, Maurel M, Martinez M, Ejjoummany A, Ortega Varga L, Adler P, Méchaly A, Hadjadj M, Sosnowski P, Hopfgartner G, Alzari PM, Blondel A, Haouz A, Barale JC, Hernandez JF. Insights from structure-activity relationships and the binding mode of peptidic α-ketoamide inhibitors of the malaria drug target subtilisin-like SUB1. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116308. [PMID: 38503166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116308] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Plasmodium multi-resistance, including against artemisinin, seriously threatens malaria treatment and control. Hence, new drugs are urgently needed, ideally targeting different parasitic stages, which are not yet targeted by current drugs. The SUB1 protease is involved in both hepatic and blood stages due to its essential role in the egress of parasites from host cells, and, as potential new target, it would meet the above criteria. We report here the synthesis as well as the biological and structural evaluation of substrate-based α-ketoamide SUB1 pseudopeptidic inhibitors encompassing positions P4-P2'. By individually substituting each position of the reference compound 1 (MAM-117, Ac-Ile-Thr-Ala-AlaCO-Asp-Glu (Oall)-NH2), we better characterized the structural determinants for SUB1 binding. We first identified compound 8 with IC50 values of 50 and 570 nM against Pv- and PfSUB1, respectively (about 3.5-fold higher potency compared to 1). Compound 8 inhibited P. falciparum merozoite egress in culture by 37% at 100 μM. By increasing the overall hydrophobicity of the compounds, we could improve the PfSUB1 inhibition level and antiparasitic activity, as shown with compound 40 (IC50 values of 12 and 10 nM against Pv- and PfSUB1, respectively, IC50 value of 23 μM on P. falciparum merozoite egress). We also found that 8 was highly selective towards SUB1 over three mammalian serine peptidases, supporting the promising value of this compound. Finally, several crystal 3D-structures of SUB1-inhibitor complexes, including with 8, were solved at high resolution to decipher the binding mode of these compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Legru
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), CNRS, Univ Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Fernando A Batista
- Structural Microbiology, UMR3528, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Anna K Puszko
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), CNRS, Univ Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Anthony Bouillon
- Structural Microbiology, UMR3528, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Manon Maurel
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), CNRS, Univ Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Mariano Martinez
- Structural Microbiology, UMR3528, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Abdelaziz Ejjoummany
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), CNRS, Univ Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Laura Ortega Varga
- Structural Bioinformatic, UMR3528, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Adler
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), CNRS, Univ Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Ariel Méchaly
- Cristallography Platform-C2RT, UMR3528, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Margot Hadjadj
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), CNRS, Univ Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Piotr Sosnowski
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gérard Hopfgartner
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pedro M Alzari
- Structural Microbiology, UMR3528, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Blondel
- Structural Bioinformatic, UMR3528, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Ahmed Haouz
- Cristallography Platform-C2RT, UMR3528, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Barale
- Structural Microbiology, UMR3528, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Jean-François Hernandez
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), CNRS, Univ Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
He X, Guillot R, Deloisy S, Aitken DJ. High anti Diastereoselectivity in a Tandem Oxyhomologation-Coupling Protocol for the Preparation of Amides and Peptides Incorporating α-Hydroxy β-Amino Acids. Org Lett 2024; 26:2207-2211. [PMID: 38457925 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The one-pot MAC (Masked Acyl Cyanide) reaction is used to perform the tandem oxyhomologation reaction of N,N-dibenzyl-l-phenylalaninal and coupling with nitrogen nucleophiles to provide a wide selection of amide and peptide derivatives of (2S,3S)-allophenylnorstatin in generally good yields and with high anti selectivity, often with dr >98:2. The procedure works equally well with other selected N,N-dibenzyl α-amino aldehydes, and is used to achieve a very short synthesis of (2S,3S,S)-epibestatin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng He
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, ICMMO, 17 Avenue des Sciences, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Régis Guillot
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, ICMMO, 17 Avenue des Sciences, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Sandrine Deloisy
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, ICMMO, 17 Avenue des Sciences, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - David J Aitken
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, ICMMO, 17 Avenue des Sciences, 91400 Orsay, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhao Z, Gao P, Meng L, Wu Q, Yuan Y. A Convenient Iodine‐Promoted Synthesis of α‐Ketothioesters. ChemistrySelect 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202202939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengzheng Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Yangzhou University 88 Daxue South Road Yangzhou City Jiangsu Province China
| | - Pan Gao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Yangzhou University 88 Daxue South Road Yangzhou City Jiangsu Province China
| | - Lei Meng
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Yangzhou University 88 Daxue South Road Yangzhou City Jiangsu Province China
| | - Qingyi Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Yangzhou University 88 Daxue South Road Yangzhou City Jiangsu Province China
| | - Yu Yuan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Yangzhou University 88 Daxue South Road Yangzhou City Jiangsu Province China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lidumniece E, Withers-Martinez C, Hackett F, Blackman MJ, Jirgensons A. Subtilisin-like Serine Protease 1 (SUB1) as an Emerging Antimalarial Drug Target: Current Achievements in Inhibitor Discovery. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12535-12545. [PMID: 36137276 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Widespread resistance to many antimalarial therapies currently in use stresses the need for the discovery of new classes of drugs with new modes of action. The subtilisin-like serine protease SUB1 controls egress of malaria parasites (merozoites) from the parasite-infected red blood cell. As such, SUB1 is considered a prospective target for drugs designed to interrupt the asexual blood stage life cycle of the malaria parasite. Inhibitors of SUB1 have potential as wide-spectrum antimalarial drugs, as a single orthologue of SUB1 is found in the genomes of all known Plasmodium species. This mini-perspective provides a short overview of the function and structure of SUB1 and summarizes all of the published SUB1 inhibitors. The inhibitors are classified by the methods of their discovery, including both rational design and screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fiona Hackett
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Blackman
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao F, Ai HJ, Wu XF. Copper-Catalyzed Substrate-Controlled Carbonylative Synthesis of α-Keto Amides and Amides from Alkyl Halides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202200062. [PMID: 35175679 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202200062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Controllable production of α-keto amides and amides from the same substrates is an attractive goal in the field of transition-metal-catalyzed (double-)carbonylation. Herein, a novel copper-catalyzed highly selective double carbonylation of alkyl bromides has been developed. Moderate to good yields of α-keto amides were obtained as the only products. In the case of alkyl iodides, double- and mono-carbonylation can be achieved controllably under different conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengqian Zhao
- Leibniz-Institut für Katalyse e.V., Albert-Einstein-Straße 29a, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Han-Jun Ai
- Leibniz-Institut für Katalyse e.V., Albert-Einstein-Straße 29a, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Xiao-Feng Wu
- Leibniz-Institut für Katalyse e.V., Albert-Einstein-Straße 29a, 18059, Rostock, Germany.,Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 116023, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhao F, Ai H, Wu X. Copper‐Catalyzed Substrate‐Controlled Carbonylative Synthesis of α‐Keto Amides and Amides from Alkyl Halides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202200062] [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)
- Fengqian Zhao
- Leibniz-Institut für Katalyse e.V. Albert-Einstein-Straße 29a 18059 Rostock Germany
| | - Han‐Jun Ai
- Leibniz-Institut für Katalyse e.V. Albert-Einstein-Straße 29a 18059 Rostock Germany
| | - Xiao‐Feng Wu
- Leibniz-Institut für Katalyse e.V. Albert-Einstein-Straße 29a 18059 Rostock Germany
- Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences 116023 Dalian Liaoning China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
He X, Buchotte M, Guillot R, Deloisy S, Aitken DJ. A case study of the MAC (masked acyl cyanide) oxyhomologation of N, N-dibenzyl-L-phenylalaninal with anti diastereoselectivity: preparation of (2 S,3 S)-allophenylnorstatin esters. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:1769-1781. [PMID: 35166749 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob02411f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The three-component reaction between a protected α-amino aldehyde, an alcohol and an α-silyloxymalononitrile provides an expedient access to protected α-hydroxy-β-amino acid derivatives. The prototypical process, performed on N-Cbz-phenylalaninal, is known to proceed with syn diastereoselectivity. The present study demonstrates that the diastereoselectivity of the reaction can be inverted, using the rationale of a Felkin-Anh interaction model. Reactions performed on N,N-dibenzyl-L-phenylalaninal proceed with a high anti diastereoselectivity, providing a panel of synthetically useful ester derivatives of (2S,3S)-allophenylnorstatin. The procedure is exploited to accomplish one of the most efficient syntheses of the title compound to date, in 3 steps (66% yield) from N,N-dibenzyl-L-phenylalaninal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng He
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, ICMMO, CP3A Organic Synthesis Group and Services Communs, 15 rue Georges Clemenceau, 91405 Orsay cedex, France.
| | - Marie Buchotte
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, ICMMO, CP3A Organic Synthesis Group and Services Communs, 15 rue Georges Clemenceau, 91405 Orsay cedex, France.
| | - Régis Guillot
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, ICMMO, CP3A Organic Synthesis Group and Services Communs, 15 rue Georges Clemenceau, 91405 Orsay cedex, France.
| | - Sandrine Deloisy
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, ICMMO, CP3A Organic Synthesis Group and Services Communs, 15 rue Georges Clemenceau, 91405 Orsay cedex, France.
| | - David J Aitken
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, ICMMO, CP3A Organic Synthesis Group and Services Communs, 15 rue Georges Clemenceau, 91405 Orsay cedex, France.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tan Y, Wu J, Song L, Zhang M, Hipolito CJ, Wu C, Wang S, Zhang Y, Yin Y. Merging the Versatile Functionalities of Boronic Acid with Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312958. [PMID: 34884766 PMCID: PMC8657650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides inherently feature the favorable properties of being easily synthesized, water-soluble, biocompatible, and typically non-toxic. Thus, boronic acid has been widely integrated with peptides with the goal of discovering peptide ligands with novel biological activities, and this effort has led to broad applications. Taking the integration between boronic acid and peptide as a starting point, we provide an overview of the latest research advances and highlight the versatile and robust functionalities of boronic acid. In this review, we summarize the diverse applications of peptide boronic acids in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology, including the identification of covalent reversible enzyme inhibitors, recognition, and detection of glycans on proteins or cancer cell surface, delivery of siRNAs, development of pH responsive devices, and recognition of RNA or bacterial surfaces. Additionally, we discuss boronic acid-mediated peptide cyclization and peptide modifications, as well as the facile chemical synthesis of peptide boronic acids, which paved the way for developing a growing number of peptide boronic acids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yahong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Y.T.); (J.W.); (L.S.); (M.Z.); (C.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Junjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Y.T.); (J.W.); (L.S.); (M.Z.); (C.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Lulu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Y.T.); (J.W.); (L.S.); (M.Z.); (C.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Y.T.); (J.W.); (L.S.); (M.Z.); (C.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Christopher John Hipolito
- Screening & Compound Profiling, Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA;
| | - Changsheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Y.T.); (J.W.); (L.S.); (M.Z.); (C.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Youming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Y.T.); (J.W.); (L.S.); (M.Z.); (C.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yizhen Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Y.T.); (J.W.); (L.S.); (M.Z.); (C.W.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (Y.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tan MSY, Koussis K, Withers‐Martinez C, Howell SA, Thomas JA, Hackett F, Knuepfer E, Shen M, Hall MD, Snijders AP, Blackman MJ. Autocatalytic activation of a malarial egress protease is druggable and requires a protein cofactor. EMBO J 2021; 40:e107226. [PMID: 33932049 PMCID: PMC8167364 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020107226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasite egress from host erythrocytes (RBCs) is regulated by discharge of a parasite serine protease called SUB1 into the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). There, SUB1 activates a PV-resident cysteine protease called SERA6, enabling host RBC rupture through SERA6-mediated degradation of the RBC cytoskeleton protein β-spectrin. Here, we show that the activation of Plasmodium falciparum SERA6 involves a second, autocatalytic step that is triggered by SUB1 cleavage. Unexpectedly, autoproteolytic maturation of SERA6 requires interaction in multimolecular complexes with a distinct PV-located protein cofactor, MSA180, that is itself a SUB1 substrate. Genetic ablation of MSA180 mimics SERA6 disruption, producing a fatal block in β-spectrin cleavage and RBC rupture. Drug-like inhibitors of SERA6 autoprocessing similarly prevent β-spectrin cleavage and egress in both P. falciparum and the emerging zoonotic pathogen P. knowlesi. Our results elucidate the egress pathway and identify SERA6 as a target for a new class of antimalarial drugs designed to prevent disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele S Y Tan
- Malaria Biochemistry LaboratoryThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | | | | | - Steven A Howell
- Protein Analysis and Proteomics PlatformThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | - James A Thomas
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Fiona Hackett
- Malaria Biochemistry LaboratoryThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | - Ellen Knuepfer
- Department of Pathobiology and Population SciencesRoyal Veterinary CollegeHertfordshireUK
| | - Min Shen
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)National Institutes of HealthRockvilleMDUSA
| | - Matthew D Hall
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)National Institutes of HealthRockvilleMDUSA
| | | | - Michael J Blackman
- Malaria Biochemistry LaboratoryThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Peptidic boronic acids are potent cell-permeable inhibitors of the malaria parasite egress serine protease SUB1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2022696118. [PMID: 33975947 PMCID: PMC8157947 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2022696118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a devastating infectious disease, which causes over 400,000 deaths per annum and impacts the lives of nearly half the world's population. The causative agent, a protozoan parasite, replicates within red blood cells (RBCs), eventually destroying the cells in a lytic process called egress to release a new generation of parasites. These invade fresh RBCs to repeat the cycle. Egress is regulated by an essential parasite subtilisin-like serine protease called SUB1. Here, we describe the development and optimization of substrate-based peptidic boronic acids that inhibit Plasmodium falciparum SUB1 with low nanomolar potency. Structural optimization generated membrane-permeable, slow off-rate inhibitors that prevent Pfalciparum egress through direct inhibition of SUB1 activity and block parasite replication in vitro at submicromolar concentrations. Our results validate SUB1 as a potential target for a new class of antimalarial drugs designed to prevent parasite replication and disease progression.
Collapse
|
12
|
Yang SQ, Yao YQ, Chen XC, Lu Y, Zhao XL, Liu Y. Pd-Catalyst Containing a Hemilabile P,C-Hybrid Ligand in Amino Dicarbonylation of Aryl Halides for Synthesis of α-Ketoamides. Organometallics 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.organomet.1c00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Qing Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Yin-Qing Yao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Xiao-Chao Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Yong Lu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Xiao-Li Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Ye Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Burns AL, Dans MG, Balbin JM, de Koning-Ward TF, Gilson PR, Beeson JG, Boyle MJ, Wilson DW. Targeting malaria parasite invasion of red blood cells as an antimalarial strategy. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2019; 43:223-238. [PMID: 30753425 PMCID: PMC6524681 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium spp. parasites that cause malaria disease remain a significant global-health burden. With the spread of parasites resistant to artemisinin combination therapies in Southeast Asia, there is a growing need to develop new antimalarials with novel targets. Invasion of the red blood cell by Plasmodium merozoites is essential for parasite survival and proliferation, thus representing an attractive target for therapeutic development. Red blood cell invasion requires a co-ordinated series of protein/protein interactions, protease cleavage events, intracellular signals, organelle release and engagement of an actin-myosin motor, which provide many potential targets for drug development. As these steps occur in the bloodstream, they are directly susceptible and exposed to drugs. A number of invasion inhibitors against a diverse range of parasite proteins involved in these different processes of invasion have been identified, with several showing potential to be optimised for improved drug-like properties. In this review, we discuss red blood cell invasion as a drug target and highlight a number of approaches for developing antimalarials with invasion inhibitory activity to use in future combination therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Burns
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia 5005
| | - Madeline G Dans
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3004.,Deakin University, School of Medicine, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia 3216
| | - Juan M Balbin
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia 5005
| | | | - Paul R Gilson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3004
| | - James G Beeson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3004.,Central Clinical School and Department of Microbiology, Monash University 3004.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Australia 3052
| | - Michelle J Boyle
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3004.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia 4006
| | - Danny W Wilson
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia 5005.,Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3004
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pace T, Grasso F, Camarda G, Suarez C, Blackman MJ, Ponzi M, Olivieri A. The Plasmodium berghei serine protease PbSUB1 plays an important role in male gamete egress. Cell Microbiol 2019; 21:e13028. [PMID: 30941868 PMCID: PMC6766862 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The Plasmodium subtilisin-like serine protease SUB1 is expressed in hepatic and both asexual and sexual blood parasite stages. SUB1 is required for egress of invasive forms of the parasite from both erythrocytes and hepatocytes, but its subcellular localisation, function, and potential substrates in the sexual stages are unknown. Here, we have characterised the expression profile and subcellular localisation of SUB1 in Plasmodium berghei sexual stages. We show that the protease is selectively expressed in mature male gametocytes and localises to secretory organelles known to be involved in gamete egress, called male osmiophilic bodies. We have investigated PbSUB1 function in the sexual stages by generating P. berghei transgenic lines deficient in PbSUB1 expression or enzyme activity in gametocytes. Our results demonstrate that PbSUB1 plays a role in male gamete egress. We also show for the first time that the PbSUB1 substrate PbSERA3 is expressed in gametocytes and processed by PbSUB1 upon gametocyte activation. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that PbSUB1 is not only a promising drug target for asexual stages but could also be an attractive malaria transmission-blocking target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasino Pace
- Dipartimento di Malattie InfettiveIstituto Superiore di SanitàRomeItaly
| | - Felicia Grasso
- Dipartimento di Malattie InfettiveIstituto Superiore di SanitàRomeItaly
| | - Grazia Camarda
- Dipartimento di Malattie InfettiveIstituto Superiore di SanitàRomeItaly
| | - Catherine Suarez
- Malaria Biochemistry LaboratoryThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | - Michael J. Blackman
- Malaria Biochemistry LaboratoryThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Marta Ponzi
- Dipartimento di Malattie InfettiveIstituto Superiore di SanitàRomeItaly
| | - Anna Olivieri
- Dipartimento di Malattie InfettiveIstituto Superiore di SanitàRomeItaly
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Esgulian M, Buchotte M, Guillot R, Deloisy S, Aitken DJ. Reversal of Diastereoselectivity in a Masked Acyl Cyanide (MAC) Reaction: Synthesis of Protected erythro-β-Hydroxyaspartate Derivatives. Org Lett 2019; 21:2378-2382. [PMID: 30855975 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.9b00664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Using Garner's aldehyde as a substrate, one-pot MAC hydroxyhomologation reactions proceeded in good yields and with anti selectivity for the first time (dr up to 9:1). The products were used to prepare a panel of protected derivatives of erythro-β-hydroxyaspartic acid and erythro-β-hydroxyasparagine as single enantiomers in a few steps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Esgulian
- CP3A Organic Synthesis Group and Services Communs, ICMMO, CNRS , Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay , 15 rue Georges Clemenceau , 91405 Orsay cedex , France
| | - Marie Buchotte
- CP3A Organic Synthesis Group and Services Communs, ICMMO, CNRS , Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay , 15 rue Georges Clemenceau , 91405 Orsay cedex , France
| | - Régis Guillot
- CP3A Organic Synthesis Group and Services Communs, ICMMO, CNRS , Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay , 15 rue Georges Clemenceau , 91405 Orsay cedex , France
| | - Sandrine Deloisy
- CP3A Organic Synthesis Group and Services Communs, ICMMO, CNRS , Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay , 15 rue Georges Clemenceau , 91405 Orsay cedex , France
| | - David J Aitken
- CP3A Organic Synthesis Group and Services Communs, ICMMO, CNRS , Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay , 15 rue Georges Clemenceau , 91405 Orsay cedex , France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rohrbacher F, Zwicky A, Bode JW. Facile Synthesis of Internal and C-Terminal Peptide α
-Ketoamides with Fmoc-Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis. Helv Chim Acta 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/hlca.201800039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Rohrbacher
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie; Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences; ETH Zürich; Vladimir Prelog Weg 3 CH 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - André Zwicky
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie; Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences; ETH Zürich; Vladimir Prelog Weg 3 CH 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Jeffrey W. Bode
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie; Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences; ETH Zürich; Vladimir Prelog Weg 3 CH 8093 Zürich Switzerland
- Institute of Transformative bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM); Nagoya University; Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8602 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Masui H, Yosugi S, Fuse S, Takahashi T. Solution-phase automated synthesis of an α-amino aldehyde as a versatile intermediate. Beilstein J Org Chem 2017; 13:106-110. [PMID: 28228851 PMCID: PMC5301908 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.13.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A solution-phase automated synthesis of the versatile synthetic intermediate, Garner's aldehyde, was demonstrated. tert-Butoxycarbonyl (Boc) protection, acetal formation, and reduction of the ester to the corresponding aldehyde were performed utilizing our originally developed automated synthesizer, ChemKonzert. The developed procedure was also useful for the synthesis of Garner's aldehyde analogues possessing fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) or benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz) protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Masui
- Yokohama University of Pharmacy, 601 Matano-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 245-0066, Japan
| | - Sae Yosugi
- Yokohama University of Pharmacy, 601 Matano-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 245-0066, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Fuse
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Takashi Takahashi
- Yokohama University of Pharmacy, 601 Matano-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 245-0066, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Esgulian M, Belot V, Guillot R, Deloisy S, Aitken DJ. Studies on cyclization reactions of 3-amino-2,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid derivatives. Org Biomol Chem 2017; 15:1453-1462. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ob02759h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Linear derivatives of the title compound are convenient precursors for regioselective cyclizations leading to highly-functionalized γ-lactones, oxazolidinones, oxazolines and aziridines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Esgulian
- CP3A Organic Synthesis Group and Services Communs
- ICMMO
- CNRS
- Université Paris-Sud
- Université Paris-Saclay
| | - Vincent Belot
- CP3A Organic Synthesis Group and Services Communs
- ICMMO
- CNRS
- Université Paris-Sud
- Université Paris-Saclay
| | - Régis Guillot
- CP3A Organic Synthesis Group and Services Communs
- ICMMO
- CNRS
- Université Paris-Sud
- Université Paris-Saclay
| | - Sandrine Deloisy
- CP3A Organic Synthesis Group and Services Communs
- ICMMO
- CNRS
- Université Paris-Sud
- Université Paris-Saclay
| | - David J. Aitken
- CP3A Organic Synthesis Group and Services Communs
- ICMMO
- CNRS
- Université Paris-Sud
- Université Paris-Saclay
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Brogi S, Giovani S, Brindisi M, Gemma S, Novellino E, Campiani G, Blackman MJ, Butini S. In silico study of subtilisin-like protease 1 (SUB1) from different Plasmodium species in complex with peptidyl-difluorostatones and characterization of potent pan-SUB1 inhibitors. J Mol Graph Model 2016; 64:121-130. [PMID: 26826801 PMCID: PMC5276822 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Homology models of four SUB1 orthologues from P. falciparum species were produced. We analyzed the binding mode of our previous difluorostatone inhibitors to six SUB1. In vitro activity of our difluorostatone-based inhibitors was correctly predicted. We derived a structure-based pan-SUB1 pharmacophore, and validated it in silico. We confirmed that development of pan-SUB1 inhibitors is a feasible task.
Plasmodium falciparum subtilisin-like protease 1 (SUB1) is a novel target for the development of innovative antimalarials. We recently described the first potent difluorostatone-based inhibitors of the enzyme ((4S)-(N-((N-acetyl-l-lysyl)-l-isoleucyl-l-threonyl-l-alanyl)-2,2-difluoro-3-oxo-4-aminopentanoyl)glycine (1) and (4S)-(N-((N-acetyl-l-isoleucyl)-l-threonyl-l-alanylamino)-2,2-difluoro-3-oxo-4-aminopentanoyl)glycine (2)). As a continuation of our efforts towards the definition of the molecular determinants of enzyme-inhibitor interaction, we herein propose the first comprehensive computational investigation of the SUB1 catalytic core from six different Plasmodium species, using homology modeling and molecular docking approaches. Investigation of the differences in the binding sites as well as the interactions of our inhibitors 1,2 with all SUB1 orthologues, allowed us to highlight the structurally relevant regions of the enzyme that could be targeted for developing pan-SUB1 inhibitors. According to our in silico predictions, compounds 1,2 have been demonstrated to be potent inhibitors of SUB1 from all three major clinically relevant Plasmodium species (P. falciparum, P. vivax, and P. knowlesi). We next derived multiple structure-based pharmacophore models that were combined in an inclusive pan-SUB1 pharmacophore (SUB1-PHA). This latter was validated by applying in silico methods, showing that it may be useful for the future development of potent antimalarial agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Brogi
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs), University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerche sulla Malaria (CIRM), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Simone Giovani
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs), University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerche sulla Malaria (CIRM), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Margherita Brindisi
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs), University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerche sulla Malaria (CIRM), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs), University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerche sulla Malaria (CIRM), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Ettore Novellino
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs), University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Dipartimento di Farmacia, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs), University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerche sulla Malaria (CIRM), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Michael J Blackman
- Division of Parasitology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Stefania Butini
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs), University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerche sulla Malaria (CIRM), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Aneja B, Kumar B, Jairajpuri MA, Abid M. A structure guided drug-discovery approach towards identification of Plasmodium inhibitors. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra19673f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This article provides a comprehensive review of inhibitors from natural, semisynthetic or synthetic sources against key targets ofPlasmodium falciparum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Babita Aneja
- Medicinal Chemistry Lab
- Department of Biosciences
- Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University)
- New Delhi 110025
- India
| | - Bhumika Kumar
- Medicinal Chemistry Lab
- Department of Biosciences
- Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University)
- New Delhi 110025
- India
| | - Mohamad Aman Jairajpuri
- Protein Conformation and Enzymology Lab
- Department of Biosciences
- Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University)
- New Delhi 110025
- India
| | - Mohammad Abid
- Medicinal Chemistry Lab
- Department of Biosciences
- Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University)
- New Delhi 110025
- India
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ji F, Peng H, Zhang X, Lu W, Liu S, Jiang H, Liu B, Yin B. Base-Mediated Decomposition of Amide-Substituted Furfuryl Tosylhydrazones: Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activities of Enynyl-Ketoamides. J Org Chem 2015; 80:2092-102. [DOI: 10.1021/jo502328j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fanghua Ji
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
| | - Hui Peng
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoting Zhang
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
| | - Wenhua Lu
- State
Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Shubin Liu
- Research
Computing Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3420, United States
| | - Huanfeng Jiang
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
| | - Bo Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
| | - Biaolin Yin
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Giovani S, Penzo M, Butini S, Brindisi M, Gemma S, Novellino E, Campiani G, Blackman MJ, Brogi S. Plasmodium falciparum subtilisin-like protease 1: discovery of potent difluorostatone-based inhibitors. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra01170a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We here describe the development of potent inhibitors of the malaria parasite enzyme subtilisin-like protease 1 (PfSUB1).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Giovani
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs)
- University of Siena
- Siena
- Italy
- Dept. Biotechnology
| | - Maria Penzo
- Division of Parasitology
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research
- London
- UK
| | - Stefania Butini
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs)
- University of Siena
- Siena
- Italy
- Dept. Biotechnology
| | - Margherita Brindisi
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs)
- University of Siena
- Siena
- Italy
- Dept. Biotechnology
| | - Sandra Gemma
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs)
- University of Siena
- Siena
- Italy
- Dept. Biotechnology
| | - Ettore Novellino
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs)
- University of Siena
- Siena
- Italy
- Dip. di Farmacia
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs)
- University of Siena
- Siena
- Italy
- Dept. Biotechnology
| | | | - Simone Brogi
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs)
- University of Siena
- Siena
- Italy
- Dept. Biotechnology
| |
Collapse
|