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Cogo RM, Pavani TFA, Mengarda ACA, Cajas RA, Teixeira TR, Fukui-Silva L, Sun YU, Liu LJ, Amarasinghe DK, Yoon MC, Santos-Filho OA, de Moraes J, Caffrey CR, G G Rando D. Pharmacophore Virtual Screening Identifies Riboflavin as an Inhibitor of the Schistosome Cathepsin B1 Protease with Antiparasitic Activity. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:25356-25369. [PMID: 38882094 PMCID: PMC11170711 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c03376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease of poverty that affects over 200 million people worldwide and relies on a single drug for therapy. The cathepsin B1 cysteine protease (SmCB1) of Schistosoma mansoni has been investigated as a potential target. Here, a structure-based pharmacophore virtual screening (VS) approach was used on a data set of approved drugs to identify potential antischistosomal agents targeting SmCB1. Pharmacophore (PHP) models underwent validation through receiver operating characteristics curves achieving values >0.8. The data highlighted riboflavin (RBF) as a compound of particular interest. A 1 μs molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated that RBF altered the conformation of SmCB1, causing the protease's binding site to close around RBF while maintaining the protease's overall integrity. RBF inhibited the activity of SmCB1 at low micromolar values and killed the parasite in vitro. Finally, in a murine model of S. mansoni infection, oral administration of 100 mg/kg RBF for 7 days significantly decreased worm burdens by ∼20% and had a major impact on intestinal and fecal egg burdens, which were decreased by ∼80%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon M Cogo
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Campus Diadema, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Química da Unifesp, Rua São Nicolau 210, 2o andar, Centro, Diadema, São Paulo 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Thaís F A Pavani
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Campus Diadema, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Química da Unifesp, Rua São Nicolau 210, 2o andar, Centro, Diadema, São Paulo 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Ana C A Mengarda
- Universidade Guarulhos, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas-NPDN, Praça Tereza Cristina 88, Guarulhos 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Rayssa A Cajas
- Universidade Guarulhos, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas-NPDN, Praça Tereza Cristina 88, Guarulhos 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Thainá R Teixeira
- Universidade Guarulhos, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas-NPDN, Praça Tereza Cristina 88, Guarulhos 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Lucas Fukui-Silva
- Universidade Guarulhos, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas-NPDN, Praça Tereza Cristina 88, Guarulhos 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Yujie Uli Sun
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Lawrence J Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Dilini K Amarasinghe
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Michael C Yoon
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Osvaldo A Santos-Filho
- Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais Walter Mors, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Bloco H, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Universidade Guarulhos, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas-NPDN, Praça Tereza Cristina 88, Guarulhos 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Daniela G G Rando
- Grupo de Pesquisas Químico-Farmacêuticas da Unifesp, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Rua São Nicolau, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Campus Diadema, 210, 2o andar, Centro, Diadema, São Paulo 09972-270, Brazil
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Jiang Z, Silva EB, Liu C, Fajtová P, Liu LJ, El-Sakkary N, Skinner DE, Syed A, Wang SC, Caffrey CR, O’Donoghue AJ. Development of subunit selective proteasome substrates for Schistosoma species. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.13.580161. [PMID: 38405969 PMCID: PMC10888821 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.13.580161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, or bilharzia, is a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma spp. blood flukes that infects over 200 million people worldwide. Just one partially effective drug is available, and new drugs and drug targets would be welcome. The 20S proteasome is a validated drug target for many parasitic infections, including those caused by Plasmodium and Leishmania. We previously showed that anticancer proteasome inhibitors that act through the Schistosoma mansoni 20S proteasome (Sm20S) kill the parasite in vitro. To advance these initial findings, we employed Multiplex Substrate Profiling by Mass Spectrometry (MSP-MS) to define the substrate cleavage specificities of the three catalytic β subunits of purified Sm20S. The profiles in turn were used to design and synthesize subunit-specific optimized substrates that performed two to eight fold better than the equivalent substrates used to measure the activity of the constitutive human proteasome (c20S). These specific substrates also eliminated the need to purify Sm20S from parasite extracts - a single step enrichment was sufficient to accurately measure substrate hydrolysis and its inhibition with proteasome inhibitors. Finally, we show that the substrate and inhibition profiles for the 20S proteasome from the three medically important schistosome species are similar, suggesting that data arising from an inhibitor development campaign that focuses on Sm20S can be extrapolated to the other two targets with consequent time and cost savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenze Jiang
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | | | - Chenxi Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Lawrence J. Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Danielle E. Skinner
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Ali Syed
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Steven C Wang
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Anthony J. O’Donoghue
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
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Giroud M, Kuhn B, Haap W. Drug Discovery Efforts to Identify Novel Treatments for Neglected Tropical Diseases - Cysteine Protease Inhibitors. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2170-2194. [PMID: 37916489 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673249097231017051733] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected tropical diseases are a severe burden for mankind, affecting an increasing number of people around the globe. Many of those diseases are caused by protozoan parasites in which cysteine proteases play a key role in the parasite's pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE In this review article, we summarize the drug discovery efforts of the research community from 2017 - 2022 with a special focus on the optimization of small molecule cysteine protease inhibitors in terms of selectivity profiles or drug-like properties as well as in vivo studies. The cysteine proteases evaluated by this methodology include Cathepsin B1 from Schistosoma mansoni, papain, cruzain, falcipain, and rhodesain. METHODS Exhaustive literature searches were performed using the keywords "Cysteine Proteases" and "Neglected Tropical Diseases" including the years 2017 - 2022. Overall, approximately 3'000 scientific papers were retrieved, which were filtered using specific keywords enabling the focus on drug discovery efforts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Potent and selective cysteine protease inhibitors to treat neglected tropical diseases were identified, which progressed to pharmacokinetic and in vivo efficacy studies. As far as the authors are aware of, none of those inhibitors reached the stage of active clinical development. Either the inhibitor's potency or pharmacokinetic properties or safety profile or a combination thereof prevented further development of the compounds. More efforts with particular emphasis on optimizing pharmacokinetic and safety properties are needed, potentially by collaborations of academic and industrial research groups with complementary expertise. Furthermore, new warheads reacting with the catalytic cysteine should be exploited to advance the research field in order to make a meaningful impact on society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Giroud
- Pharma Research and Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Medicinal Chemistry, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel, CH-4070, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Kuhn
- Pharma Research and Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Medicinal Chemistry, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel, CH-4070, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Haap
- Pharma Research and Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Medicinal Chemistry, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel, CH-4070, Switzerland
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Otarigho B, Falade MO. Natural Perylenequinone Compounds as Potent Inhibitors of Schistosoma mansoni Glutathione S-Transferase. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1957. [PMID: 37895339 PMCID: PMC10608284 DOI: 10.3390/life13101957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The existing treatment strategy for Schistosomiasis centers on praziquantel, a single drug, but its effectiveness is limited due to resistance and lack of preventive benefits. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel antischistosomal agents. Schistosoma glutathione S-transferase (GST) is an essential parasite enzyme, with a high potential for targeted drug discovery. In this study, we conducted a screening of compounds possessing antihelminth properties, focusing on their interaction with the Schistosoma mansoni glutathione S-transferase (SmGST) protein. We demonstrated the unique nature of SmGST in comparison to human GST. Evolutionary analysis indicated its close relationship with other parasitic worms, setting it apart from free-living worms such as C. elegans. Through an assessment of binding pockets and subsequent protein-ligand docking, we identified Scutiaquinone A and Scutiaquinone B, both naturally derived Perylenequinones, as robust binders to SmGST. These compounds have exhibited effectiveness against similar parasites and offer promising potential as antischistosomal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benson Otarigho
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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5
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Padalino G, Celatka CA, Rienhoff Jr. HY, Kalin JH, Cole PA, Lassalle D, Forde-Thomas J, Chalmers IW, Brancale A, Grunau C, Hoffmann KF. Chemical modulation of Schistosoma mansoni lysine specific demethylase 1 (SmLSD1) induces wide-scale biological and epigenomic changes. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 8:146. [PMID: 37520936 PMCID: PMC10375057 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18826.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm species responsible for the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis, undergoes strict developmental regulation of gene expression that is carefully controlled by both genetic and epigenetic processes. As inhibition of S. mansoni epigenetic machinery components impairs key transitions throughout the parasite's digenetic lifecycle, a greater understanding of how epi-drugs affect molecular processes in schistosomes could lead to the development of new anthelmintics. Methods: In vitro whole organism assays were used to assess the anti-schistosomal activity of 39 Homo sapiens Lysine Specific Demethylase 1 (HsLSD1) inhibitors on different parasite life cycle stages. Moreover, tissue-specific stains and genomic analysis shed light on the effect of these small molecules on the parasite biology. Results: Amongst this collection of small molecules, compound 33 was the most potent in reducing ex vivo viabilities of schistosomula, juveniles, miracidia and adults. At its sub-lethal concentration to adults (3.13 µM), compound 33 also significantly impacted oviposition, ovarian as well as vitellarian architecture and gonadal/neoblast stem cell proliferation. ATAC-seq analysis of adults demonstrated that compound 33 significantly affected chromatin structure (intragenic regions > intergenic regions), especially in genes differentially expressed in cell populations (e.g., germinal stem cells, hes2 + stem cell progeny, S1 cells and late female germinal cells) associated with these ex vivo phenotypes. KEGG analyses further highlighted that chromatin structure of genes associated with sugar metabolism as well as TGF-beta and Wnt signalling were also significantly perturbed by compound 33 treatment. Conclusions: This work confirms the importance of histone methylation in S. mansoni lifecycle transitions, suggesting that evaluation of LSD1 - targeting epi-drugs may facilitate the search for next-generation anti-schistosomal drugs. The ability of compound 33 to modulate chromatin structure as well as inhibit parasite survival, oviposition and stem cell proliferation warrants further investigations of this compound and its epigenetic target SmLSD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Padalino
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3NB, UK
| | | | | | - Jay H. Kalin
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Philip A. Cole
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Josephine Forde-Thomas
- Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Iain W. Chalmers
- Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3NB, UK
| | | | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DA, UK
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6
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de Lima Fragelli BD, Fattori ACM, de Almeida Montija E, de Almeida Rodolpho JM, de Castro CA, de Godoy KF, Nogueira CT, Rodrigues V, Soares EG, Romanello L, Torini JR, Pereira HD, de Freitas Anibal F. HGPRT and PNP: Recombinant Enzymes from Schistosoma mansoni and Their Role in Immunotherapy during Experimental Murine Schistosomiasis. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040527. [PMID: 37111413 PMCID: PMC10144537 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by trematode worms (also called blood flukes) of the genus Schistosoma sp., which affects over 230 million people worldwide, causing 200,000 deaths annually. There is no vaccine or new drugs available, which represents a worrying aspect, since there is loss of sensitivity of the parasite to the medication recommended by the World Health Organization, Praziquantel. The present study evaluated the effects of the recombinant enzymes of S. mansoni Hypoxanthine-Guanine Phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT), Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase (PNP) and the MIX of both enzymes in the immunotherapy of schistosomiasis in murine model. These enzymes are part of the purine salvage pathway, the only metabolic pathway present in the parasite for this purpose, being essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Female mice of Swiss and BALB/c strains were infected with cercariae and treated, intraperitoneally, with three doses of 100 µg of enzymes. After the immunotherapy, the eggs and adult worms were counted in the feces; the number of eosinophils from the fluid in the peritoneal cavity and peripheral blood was observed; and the quantification of the cytokine IL-4 and the production of antibodies IgE was analyzed. The evaluation of the number of granulomas and collagen deposition via histological slides of the liver was performed. The results demonstrate that immunotherapy with the enzyme HGPRT seems to stimulate the production of IL-4 and promoted a significant reduction of granulomas in the liver in treated animals. The treatment with the enzyme PNP and the MIX was able to reduce the number of worms in the liver and in the mesenteric vessels of the intestine, to reduce the number of eggs in the feces and to negatively modulate the number of eosinophils. Therefore, immunotherapy with the recombinant enzymes of S. mansoni HGPRT and PNP might contribute to the control and reduction of the pathophysiological aspects of schistosomiasis, helping to decrease the morbidity associated with the infection in murine model.
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7
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Mathavan I, Liu LJ, Robinson SW, El-Sakkary N, Elatico AJJ, Gomez D, Nellas R, Owens RJ, Zuercher W, Navratilova I, Caffrey CR, Beis K. Identification of Inhibitors of the Schistosoma mansoni VKR2 Kinase Domain. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1715-1722. [PMID: 36385939 PMCID: PMC9661718 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms. Current treatment relies on just one partially effective drug, praziquantel (PZQ). Schistosoma mansoni Venus Kinase Receptors 1 and 2 (SmVKR1 and SmVKR2) are important for parasite growth and egg production, and are potential targets for combating schistosomiasis. VKRs consist of an extracellular Venus Flytrap Module (VFTM) linked via a transmembrane helix to a kinase domain. Here, we initiated a drug discovery effort to inhibit the activity of the SmVKR2 kinase domain (SmVKR2KD) by screening the GSK published kinase inhibitor set 2 (PKIS2). We identified several inhibitors, of which four were able to inhibit its enzymatic activity and induced phenotypic changes in ex vivo S. mansoni. Our crystal structure of the SmVKR2KD displays an active-like state that sheds light on the activation process of VKRs. Our data provide a basis for the further exploration of SmVKR2 as a possible drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indran Mathavan
- Department
of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, South Kensington SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- Rutherford
Appleton Laboratory, Research Complex at
Harwell, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0FA, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence J. Liu
- Center
for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Sean W. Robinson
- Kinetic
Discovery Ltd., an Exscientia group company, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science
Park, Oxford OX4 4GE, United Kingdom
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center
for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Adam Jo J. Elatico
- Institute
of Chemistry, College of Science, University
of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 1101
| | - Darwin Gomez
- Institute
of Chemistry, College of Science, University
of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 1101
| | - Ricky Nellas
- Institute
of Chemistry, College of Science, University
of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 1101
| | - Raymond J. Owens
- The Rosalind
Franklin Institute, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QX, United Kingdom
- Division
of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United
Kingdom
| | - William Zuercher
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Iva Navratilova
- Kinetic
Discovery Ltd., an Exscientia group company, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science
Park, Oxford OX4 4GE, United Kingdom
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center
for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Konstantinos Beis
- Department
of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, South Kensington SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- Rutherford
Appleton Laboratory, Research Complex at
Harwell, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0FA, United Kingdom
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8
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Changes in the lipid profile of hamster liver after Schistosoma mansoni infection, characterized by mass spectrometry imaging and LC-MS/MS analysis. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:3653-3665. [PMID: 35320368 PMCID: PMC9035427 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04006-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni, is one of the WHO-listed neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and it has severe impact on morbidity and mortality, especially in Africa. Not only the adult worms but also their eggs are responsible for health problems. Up to 50% of the eggs produced by the female worms are not excreted with the feces but are trapped in the host tissue, such as the liver, where they provoke immune responses and a change in the lipid profile. We built up a database with 372 infection markers found in livers of S. mansoni-infected hamsters, using LC-MS/MS for identification, followed by statistical analysis. Most of them belong to the lipid classes of phosphatidylcholines (PCs), phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), and triglycerides (TGs). We assigned some of these markers to specific anatomical structures by applying high-resolution MALDI MSI to cryosections of hamster liver and generating ion images based on the marker list from the LC-MS/MS experiments. Furthermore, enrichment and depletion of several markers were visualized.
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9
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Padalino G, El-Sakkary N, Liu LJ, Liu C, Harte DSG, Barnes RE, Sayers E, Forde-Thomas J, Whiteland H, Bassetto M, Ferla S, Johnson G, Jones AT, Caffrey CR, Chalmers I, Brancale A, Hoffmann KF. Anti-schistosomal activities of quinoxaline-containing compounds: From hit identification to lead optimisation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113823. [PMID: 34536671 PMCID: PMC8626775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease of poverty that is caused by infection with blood fluke species contained within the genus Schistosoma. For the last 40 years, control of schistosomiasis in endemic regions has predominantly been facilitated by administration of a single drug, praziquantel. Due to limitations in this mono-chemotherapeutic approach for sustaining schistosomiasis control into the future, alternative anti-schistosomal compounds are increasingly being sought by the drug discovery community. Herein, we describe a multi-pronged, integrated strategy that led to the identification and further exploration of the quinoxaline core as a promising anti-schistosomal scaffold. Firstly, phenotypic screening of commercially available small molecules resulted in the identification of a moderately active hit compound against Schistosoma mansoni (1, EC50 = 4.59 μM on schistosomula). Secondary exploration of the chemical space around compound 1 led to the identification of a quinoxaline-core containing, non-genotoxic lead (compound 22). Compound 22 demonstrated substantially improved activities on both intra-mammalian (EC50 = 0.44 μM, 0.20 μM and 84.7 nM, on schistosomula, juvenile and adult worms, respectively) and intra-molluscan (sporocyst) S. mansoni lifecycle stages. Further medicinal chemistry optimisation of compound 22, resulting in the generation of 20 additional analogues, improved our understanding of the structure-activity relationship and resulted in considerable improvements in both anti-schistosome potency and selectivity (e.g. compound 30; EC50 = 2.59 nM on adult worms; selectivity index compared to the HepG2 cell line = 348). Some derivatives of compound 22 (e.g. 31 and 33) also demonstrated significant activity against the two other medically important species, Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma japonicum. Further optimisation of this class of anti-schistosomal is ongoing and could lead to the development of an urgently needed alternative to praziquantel for assisting in schistosomiasis elimination strategies. Lead compound 22 was identified with EC50 of 0.44 µM and 84.7 nM for schistosomula and adult worms. 20 analogues of the lead compound 22 were synthesised. Compounds 25, 30 and 32 showed the best selectivity profile. Compounds 31 and 33 are the most active on three medically important schistosome species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Padalino
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lawrence J Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Danielle S G Harte
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel E Barnes
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Sayers
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Josephine Forde-Thomas
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Whiteland
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Marcella Bassetto
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Salvatore Ferla
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - George Johnson
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Arwyn T Jones
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Iain Chalmers
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Karl F Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom.
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10
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Cheuka PM. Drug Discovery and Target Identification against Schistosomiasis: a Reality Check on Progress and Future Prospects. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 22:1595-1610. [PMID: 34565320 DOI: 10.2174/1568026621666210924101805] [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: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis ranks among the most important infectious diseases, with over 200 million people currently being infected and > 280,000 deaths reported annually. Chemotherapeutic treatment has relied on one drug, praziquantel, for four decades, while other drugs, such as oxamniquine and metrifonate, are no longer preferred for clinical use due to their narrow spectrum of activity - these are only active against S. mansoni and S. haematobium, respectively. Despite being cheap, safe, and effective against all schistosome species, praziquantel is ineffective against immature worms, which may lead to reinfections and treatment failure in endemic areas; a situation that necessitates repeated administration besides other limitations. Therefore, novel drugs are urgently needed to overcome this situation. In this paper, an up to date review of drug targets identified and validated against schistosomiasis while also encompassing promising clinical and preclinical candidate drugs is presented. While there are considerable efforts aimed at identifying and validating drug targets, the pipeline for new antischistosomals is dry. Moreover, the majority of compounds evaluated preclinically are not really advanced because most of them were evaluated in very small preclinical species such as mice alone. Overall, it appears that although a lot of research is going on at discovery phases, unfortunately, it does not translate to advanced preclinical and clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Mubanga Cheuka
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka. Zambia
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11
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Probst A, Häberli C, Siegel D, Huang J, Vigneron S, Ta AP, Skinner DE, El-Sakkary N, Momper JD, Gangoiti J, Dong Y, Vennerstrom JL, Charman SA, Caffrey CR, Keiser J. Efficacy, metabolism and pharmacokinetics of Ro 15-5458, a forgotten schistosomicidal 9-acridanone hydrazone. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:2925-2932. [PMID: 32617557 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of schistosomiasis, a neglected disease, relies on just one partially effective drug, praziquantel. We revisited the 9-acridanone hydrazone, Ro 15-5458, a largely forgotten antischistosomal lead compound. METHODS Ro 15-5458 was evaluated in juvenile and adult Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. We studied dose-response, hepatic shift and stage specificity. The metabolic stability of Ro 15-5458 was measured in the presence of human and mouse liver microsomes, and human hepatocytes; the latter also served to identify metabolites. Pharmacokinetic parameters were measured in naive mice. The efficacy of Ro 15-5458 was also assessed in S. haematobium-infected hamsters and S. japonicum-infected mice. RESULTS Ro 15-5458 had single-dose ED50 values of 15 and 5.3 mg/kg in mice harbouring juvenile and adult S. mansoni infections, respectively. An ED50 value of 17 mg/kg was measured in S. haematobium-infected hamsters; however, the compound was inactive at up to 100 mg/kg in S. japonicum-infected mice. The drug-induced hepatic shift occurred between 48 and 66 h post treatment. A single oral dose of 50 mg/kg of Ro 15-5458 had high activity against all tested S. mansoni stages (1-, 7-, 14-, 21- and 49-day-old). In vitro, human hepatocytes produced N-desethyl and glucuronide metabolites; otherwise Ro 15-5458 was metabolically stable in the presence of microsomes or whole hepatocytes. The maximum plasma concentration was approximately 8.13 μg/mL 3 h after a 50 mg/kg oral dose and the half-life was approximately 4.9 h. CONCLUSIONS Ro 15-5458 has high activity against S. mansoni and S. haematobium, yet lacks activity against S. japonicum, which is striking. This will require further investigation, as a broad-spectrum antischistosomal drug is desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Probst
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, PO Box, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, PO Box, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dionicio Siegel
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jianbo Huang
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Seth Vigneron
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Anh P Ta
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Danielle E Skinner
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jeremiah D Momper
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jon Gangoiti
- Biochemical Genetics and Metabolomics Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yuxiang Dong
- College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986125 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jonathan L Vennerstrom
- College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986125 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Susan A Charman
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, PO Box, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
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12
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The promising antischistosomal activity of oleic acid-loaded polymeric nanocapsules for oral administration. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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13
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Moreira-Filho JT, Silva AC, Dantas RF, Gomes BF, Souza Neto LR, Brandao-Neto J, Owens RJ, Furnham N, Neves BJ, Silva-Junior FP, Andrade CH. Schistosomiasis Drug Discovery in the Era of Automation and Artificial Intelligence. Front Immunol 2021; 12:642383. [PMID: 34135888 PMCID: PMC8203334 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.642383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma and affects over 200 million people worldwide. The control and treatment of this neglected tropical disease is based on a single drug, praziquantel, which raises concerns about the development of drug resistance. This, and the lack of efficacy of praziquantel against juvenile worms, highlights the urgency for new antischistosomal therapies. In this review we focus on innovative approaches to the identification of antischistosomal drug candidates, including the use of automated assays, fragment-based screening, computer-aided and artificial intelligence-based computational methods. We highlight the current developments that may contribute to optimizing research outputs and lead to more effective drugs for this highly prevalent disease, in a more cost-effective drug discovery endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- José T. Moreira-Filho
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás – UFG, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Arthur C. Silva
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás – UFG, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rafael F. Dantas
- LaBECFar – Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Barbara F. Gomes
- LaBECFar – Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lauro R. Souza Neto
- LaBECFar – Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jose Brandao-Neto
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Didcot, United Kingdom
- Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond J. Owens
- The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell, United Kingdom
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetic, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Furnham
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno J. Neves
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás – UFG, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Floriano P. Silva-Junior
- LaBECFar – Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carolina H. Andrade
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás – UFG, Goiânia, Brazil
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14
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Jílková A, Rubešová P, Fanfrlík J, Fajtová P, Řezáčová P, Brynda J, Lepšík M, Mertlíková-Kaiserová H, Emal CD, Renslo AR, Roush WR, Horn M, Caffrey CR, Mareš M. Druggable Hot Spots in the Schistosomiasis Cathepsin B1 Target Identified by Functional and Binding Mode Analysis of Potent Vinyl Sulfone Inhibitors. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1077-1088. [PMID: 33175511 PMCID: PMC8154419 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease
caused by blood flukes of
the genus Schistosoma, is a global health problem
with over 200 million people infected. Treatment relies on just one
drug, and new chemotherapies are needed. Schistosoma mansoni cathepsin B1 (SmCB1) is a critical peptidase for the digestion of
host blood proteins and a validated drug target. We screened a library
of peptidomimetic vinyl sulfones against SmCB1 and identified the
most potent SmCB1 inhibitors reported to date that are active in the
subnanomolar range with second order rate constants (k2nd) of ∼2 × 105 M–1 s–1. High resolution crystal structures of the
two best inhibitors in complex with SmCB1 were determined. Quantum
chemical calculations of their respective binding modes identified
critical hot spot interactions in the S1′ and S2 subsites.
The most potent inhibitor targets the S1′ subsite with an N-hydroxysulfonic amide moiety and displays favorable functional
properties, including bioactivity against the pathogen, selectivity
for SmCB1 over human cathepsin B, and reasonable metabolic stability.
Our results provide structural insights for the rational design of
next-generation SmCB1 inhibitors as potential drugs to treat schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adéla Jílková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Rubešová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jindřich Fanfrlík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlína Řezáčová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Brynda
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Lepšík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Mertlíková-Kaiserová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Cory D. Emal
- Eastern Michigan University, 541 Mark Jefferson, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, United States
| | - Adam R. Renslo
- University of California San Francisco, 600 16th Street, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - William R. Roush
- The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Michael Mareš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
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15
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Meng R, Zhang X, Wang H, Zhang D, Zhao X. Different Inductive Effects of Praziquantel Racemate and its Enantiomers on the Enzyme CYP3A4 Mediated by Pregnane X Receptor and its Variants. Curr Drug Metab 2021; 22:232-239. [PMID: 33397228 DOI: 10.2174/1389200221999210104204057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Praziquantel (PZQ), which possesses an asymmetric center, is classified as a pyrazinoisoquinoline and has been the mainstay in the treatment of schistosomiasis since 1980. PZQ undergoes a pronounced first-pass metabolism in the liver through the CYP450 system which could be mediated by nuclear receptors. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible different induction effects of CYP3A4 by PZQ racemate and enantiomers via the pregnane X receptor (PXR) and the effect of PXR polymorphism on the induction potency of PZQs. METHODS The dual-luciferase reporter gene systems constructed in HepG2 cells were used to measure the abilities of PZQs to induce CYP3A4 expression mediated by PXR. The mRNA and protein levels of CYP3A4 were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting, respectively. RESULTS In HepG2 cells transfected with PXRwt, PXR158, PXR163, PXR370 or PXR403 expression plasmids, PZQ racemate and its enantiomers up-regulated the luciferase activity in a concentration-dependent manner, while reaching saturation after transfected with PXR379 expression plasmids. The mRNA and protein expression of CYP3A4 was effectively activated in PXR-transfected HepG2 cells. The induction ability of CYP3A4 mediated by PXR activation by PZQ racemate and its enantiomers were statistically different between the same PXR group and different PXR groups. CONCLUSION The enantioselective induction effects of PZQs on CYP3A4 were related to the enantioselective activations of PXR by PZQs and were influenced by the PXR gene polymorphism. These findings provide a basis for further understanding the enantiomeric metabolism and the variable efficacy of PZQs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Meng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Haina Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Danlu Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
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16
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Gupta A, Baker C, Wang H, Targa N, Pfefferkorn A, Tielemans E. Target animal safety evaluation of a novel topical combination of esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel for cats. Parasite 2021; 28:18. [PMID: 33812450 PMCID: PMC8019570 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The safety profile of NexGard® Combo, a novel topical product for cats combining esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel, for the treatment and prevention of internal and external parasites, was evaluated in kittens, in two margin-of-safety studies (Studies #1 and #2), and in an oral tolerance study (Study #3). In the margin of safety studies, kittens were dosed several times topically with multiples of the maximum exposure dose (1×): in Study #1, 3× and 5× doses four times at 2-week intervals; in Study #2, 1×, 3× and 5× doses six times at 4-week intervals. In Study #3, kittens were dosed orally once with a 1× dose. Furthermore, in Study #1, another group of kittens was dosed topically twice at a 4-week interval with a formulation of esafoxolaner as the sole active ingredient dosed at 23×. Physical examinations and clinical pathology analyses were performed throughout the studies, followed by necropsy and detailed histopathological evaluation in Studies #1 and #2. No significant treatment related effects were observed in the three studies, except for one occurrence of reversible neurological signs attributed to eprinomectin in one cat after the third 5× dose in Study #2, with clinical signs observed nine hours after dosing, pronounced for a few hours, significantly improved the next day, and absent 2 days after dosing. In conclusion, NexGard® Combo was demonstrated safe in kittens following repeated topical administrations and following oral ingestion, and very high topical doses of esafoxolaner were well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aradhana Gupta
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health 3239 Satellite Blvd Duluth 30096 GA USA (until 2020)
| | - Christine Baker
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health 1730 Olympic Drive Athens 30601 GA USA
| | - Hailun Wang
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health 3239 Satellite Blvd Duluth 30096 GA USA (until 2020)
| | - Norba Targa
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health 1730 Olympic Drive Athens 30601 GA USA
| | | | - Eric Tielemans
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health 29 Avenue Tony Garnier 69007 Lyon France
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17
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da Costa JMC, Gouveia MJ, Rinaldi G, Brindley PJ, Santos J, Santos LL. Control Strategies for Carcinogenic-Associated Helminthiases: An Integrated Overview. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:626672. [PMID: 33842386 PMCID: PMC8025785 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.626672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminthiases are extremely prevalent in the developing world. In addition, the chronic infection with some parasitic worms are classified as carcinogenic. Therefore, it is utmost importance to understand the parasite-host interactions, the mechanisms underlay carcinogenesis and how they could be counteracted. This knowledge may ultimately guide novel control strategies that include chemotherapy-based approaches targeting these pathogens and associated pathologies caused by their infections. Little is known on how some helminthiases are associated with cancer; however, it has been hypothesized that chemical carcinogenesis may be involved in the process. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on chemical carcinogenesis associated with helminthiases, along with available therapeutic options and potential therapeutic alternatives including chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. Ideally, the treatment of the carcinogenic helminthiases should target both the parasite and associated pathologies. The success of any chemotherapeutic regimen often depends on the host immune response during the infection and nutritional status among other factors. The close association between chemotherapy and cell-mediated immunity suggests that a dual therapeutic approach would be advantageous. In addition, there is a pressing need for complementary drugs that antagonize the carcinogenesis process associated with the helminth infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Correia da Costa
- Centre for the Study in Animal Science (CECA/ICETA), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Centre for Parasite Immunology and Biology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Health Dr Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Gouveia
- Centre for the Study in Animal Science (CECA/ICETA), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Centre for Parasite Immunology and Biology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Health Dr Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal.,REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Paul J Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, and Research Centre for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Júlio Santos
- Deparment of Urology, Clínica da Sagrada Esperança, Luanda, Angola
| | - Lúcio Lara Santos
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Research Center of Instituto Português de Oncologia, Porto, Portugal
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18
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Ghazy RM, Tahoun MM, Abdo SM, El-Badry AA, Hamdy NA. Evaluation of Praziquantel Effectivenss After Decades of Prolonged Use in an Endemic Area in Egypt. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:81-90. [PMID: 32729003 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00242-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Praziquantel (PZQ) is the preferred drug for schistomiasis treatment because of its safety. As PZQ is used for mass drug administration (MDA) in schistosomiasis endemic areas, the effectiveness of the drug, used solely for decades, should be continuously monitored to detect drug resistance. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of PZQ to cure Schistosoma mansoni infection and to reduce the intensity of infection in an endemic area by estimating the cure rate (CR), egg reduction rate (ERR), and comparing these estimates to the levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). METHODS A total of 342 children aged 5-15 years living in Kafr-El-Sheikh were screened for S. mansoni infection. Stool samples were examined microscopically using Kato-Katz (KK) technique. Among the screened children, 106 children had S. mansoni ova in stool, 100 of them received the first dose of PZQ (40 mg/kg). Four weeks later, 96 of 100 children received the second dose of PZQ. Stool samples, collected 4 weeks after each dose of PZQ, were examined using KK. The effectiveness of PZQ was assessed based on ERR and CR. RESULTS CR after the first dose of PZQ was 66.7%, increased to 79.12% after second dose (X2 = 3.05, P = 0.08). Median egg count before treatment was 30.00 (6.00-744), that significantly decreased after two doses of PZQ to 0.00 (0.00-221.33) (Z = 8.29, P = 0.001). Children aged 10-15 years showed higher CR (91.3%) than those aged 5-9 years (OR = 5.25, CI 1.58-17.40). CONCLUSIONS PZQ is still an effective agent against S. mansoni in endemic areas, achieving a high CR and ERR with predominantly low intensity of infection. Age is a main predictor of response to PZQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramy Mohamed Ghazy
- Department of Tropical Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Mostafa Tahoun
- Department of Epidemiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sarah Mohamed Abdo
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Ayman A El-Badry
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noha Alaa Hamdy
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.
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19
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Jílková A, Horn M, Fanfrlík J, Küppers J, Pachl P, Řezáčová P, Lepšík M, Fajtová P, Rubešová P, Chanová M, Caffrey CR, Gütschow M, Mareš M. Azanitrile Inhibitors of the SmCB1 Protease Target Are Lethal to Schistosoma mansoni: Structural and Mechanistic Insights into Chemotype Reactivity. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:189-201. [PMID: 33301315 PMCID: PMC7802074 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Azapeptide
nitriles are postulated to reversibly covalently react
with the active-site cysteine residue of cysteine proteases and form
isothiosemicarbazide adducts. We investigated the interaction of azadipeptide
nitriles with the cathepsin B1 drug target (SmCB1) from Schistosoma
mansoni, a pathogen that causes the global neglected disease
schistosomiasis. Azadipeptide nitriles were superior inhibitors of
SmCB1 over their parent carba analogs. We determined the crystal structure
of SmCB1 in complex with an azadipeptide nitrile and analyzed the
reaction mechanism using quantum chemical calculations. The data demonstrate
that azadipeptide nitriles, in contrast to their carba counterparts,
undergo a change from E- to Z-configuration
upon binding, which gives rise to a highly favorable energy profile
of noncovalent and covalent complex formation. Finally, azadipeptide
nitriles were considerably more lethal than their carba analogs against
the schistosome pathogen in culture, supporting the further development
of this chemotype as a treatment for schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adéla Jílková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jindřich Fanfrlík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jim Küppers
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Petr Pachl
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlína Řezáčová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Lepšík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Rubešová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Chanová
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Studničkova 2028/7, 12800 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Mareš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
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20
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Abdel-Azeem HH, Osman GY, El Garhy MF, Al Benasy KS. Efficacy of Miltefosine and Artemether on Infected Biomphalaria Alexandrina Snails with Schistosoma Mansoni: Immunological and Histological Studies. Helminthologia 2020; 57:335-343. [PMID: 33364902 PMCID: PMC7734665 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2020-0037] [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: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomphalaria alexandrina snails have received much attention due to their great medical importance as vectors for transmitting Schistosoma mansoni infection to humans. The main objective of the present work was to assess the efficacy of miltefosin a synthetic molluscicidal drug and artemether a natural molluscicidal drug. The correlation between immunological and histological observations from light and electron microscopy of the hemocytes of B. alexandrina post treatment with both drugs was also evaluated. LC50 and LC90 values were represented by 13.80 ppm and 24.40 ppm for miltefosine and 16.88 ppm and 27.97 ppm for artemether, respectively. The results showed that the treatment of S. mansoni-infected snails and normal snails with sublethal dose of miltefosine (LC25=8.20 ppm) and artemether (LC25=11.04 ppm) induced morphological abnormalities and a significant reduction in hemocytes count.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G. Y. Osman
- Department of Zoology, Menoufia University, Shebeen El-koom, Egypt
| | | | - K. S. Al Benasy
- Department of Zoology, Menoufia University, Shebeen El-koom, Egypt
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, MajmaahSaudi Arabia
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21
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Guzman MA, Rugel AR, Tarpley RS, Alwan SN, Chevalier FD, Kovalskyy DP, Cao X, Holloway SP, Anderson TJC, Taylor AB, McHardy SF, LoVerde PT. An iterative process produces oxamniquine derivatives that kill the major species of schistosomes infecting humans. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008517. [PMID: 32810153 PMCID: PMC7454593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently there is only one method of treatment for human schistosomiasis, the drug praziquantel. Strong selective pressure has caused a serious concern for a rise in resistance to praziquantel leading to the necessity for additional pharmaceuticals, with a distinctly different mechanism of action, to be used in combination therapy with praziquantel. Previous treatment of Schistosoma mansoni included the use of oxamniquine (OXA), a prodrug that is enzymatically activated in S. mansoni but is ineffective against S. haematobium and S. japonicum. The oxamniquine activating enzyme was identified as a S. mansoni sulfotransferase (SmSULT-OR). Structural data have allowed for directed drug development in reengineering oxamniquine to be effective against S. haematobium and S. japonicum. Guided by data from X-ray crystallographic studies and Schistosoma worm killing assays on oxamniquine, our structure-based drug design approach produced a robust SAR program that tested over 300 derivatives and identified several new lead compounds with effective worm killing in vitro. Previous studies resulted in the discovery of compound CIDD-0066790, which demonstrated broad-species activity in killing of schistosome species. As these compounds are racemic mixtures, we tested and demonstrate that the R enantiomer CIDD-007229 kills S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. japonicum better than the parent drug (CIDD-0066790). The search for derivatives that kill better than CIDD-0066790 has resulted in a derivative (CIDD- 149830) that kills 100% of S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. japonicum adult worms within 7 days. We hypothesize that the difference in activation and thus killing by the derivatives is due to the ability of the derivative to fit in the binding pocket of each sulfotransferase (SmSULT-OR, ShSULT-OR, SjSULT-OR) and to be efficiently sulfated. The purpose of this research is to develop a second drug to be used in conjunction with praziquantel to treat the major human species of Schistosoma. Collectively, our findings show that CIDD-00149830 and CIDD-0072229 are promising novel drugs for the treatment of human schistosomiasis and strongly support further development and in vivo testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan A. Guzman
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Anastasia R. Rugel
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Reid S. Tarpley
- Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sevan N. Alwan
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Frédéric D. Chevalier
- Program in Host-Pathogen Interactions, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dmytro P. Kovalskyy
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Xiaohang Cao
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Stephen P. Holloway
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Timothy J. C. Anderson
- Program in Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alexander B. Taylor
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- X-ray Crystallography Core Laboratory, Institutional Research Cores, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Stanton F. McHardy
- Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SFM); (PTL)
| | - Philip T. LoVerde
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SFM); (PTL)
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22
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Martínez NA, Fernández-Álvarez F, Delgado ÁV, Badillo-García ML, Raba J, Cerutti SE, Arias JL. First steps in the formulation of praziquantel nanosuspensions for pharmaceutical applications. Pharm Dev Technol 2020; 25:892-898. [PMID: 32321344 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2020.1756320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Praziquantel (PZQ), a broad spectrum anthelmintic drug, cannot be found in acceptable dosage forms for elderly patients, paediatric patients, and for veterinary use. In fact, very little has been done up to now in the formulation of liquid dosage forms, being they always formulated for parenteral administration. To beat this important challenge, it was accomplished a comprehensive analysis of the influence of two elementary physicochemical aspects, i.e. surface thermodynamic and electrokinetic properties, on the colloidal stability of PZQ nanosuspensions. The hydrophobic character of the drug, intensely determining the flocculation curves, was confirmed by the thermodynamic characterization. The electrophoretic characterization, in combination with the sedimentation and relative absorbance versus time curves, highlighted that the electrical double layer thickness and the surface charge can play an essential role in the stability of the pharmaceutical colloid. Finally, it was demonstrated that controlling the pH values and the incorporation of electrolytes can help in formulating PZQ aqueous nanosuspensions with appropriate stability and redispersibility behaviours for pharmaceutical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia A Martínez
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis, San Luis, Argentina.,Institute of Chemistry of San Luis (INQUISAL), National Council of Scientific and Technical Investigations (CONICET), National University of San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Fátima Fernández-Álvarez
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ángel V Delgado
- Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María Luisa Badillo-García
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Julio Raba
- Institute of Chemistry of San Luis (INQUISAL), National Council of Scientific and Technical Investigations (CONICET), National University of San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Soledad E Cerutti
- Institute of Chemistry of San Luis (INQUISAL), National Council of Scientific and Technical Investigations (CONICET), National University of San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - José L Arias
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Andalusian Health Service (SAS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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23
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Buskes M, Clements M, Bachovchin KA, Jalani HB, Leonard A, Bag S, Klug DM, Singh B, Campbell RF, Sciotti RJ, El-Sakkary N, Caffrey CR, Pollastri MP, Ferrins L. Structure-Bioactivity Relationships of Lapatinib Derived Analogs against Schistosoma mansoni. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:258-265. [PMID: 32184954 PMCID: PMC7073886 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported a series of compounds for a solubility-driven optimization campaign of antitrypanosomal compounds. Extending a parasite-hopping approach to the series, a subset of compounds from this library has been cross-screened for activity against the metazoan flatworm parasite, Schistosoma mansoni. This study reports the identification and preliminary development of several potently bioactive compounds against adult schistosomes, one or more of which represent promising leads for further assessment and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa
J. Buskes
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Monica Clements
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Kelly A. Bachovchin
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Hitesh B. Jalani
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Allison Leonard
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Seema Bag
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Dana M. Klug
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Baljinder Singh
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Robert F. Campbell
- Experimental
Therapeutics, Walter Reed Army Institute
of Research, 2460 Linden Lane, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United
States
| | - Richard J. Sciotti
- Experimental
Therapeutics, Walter Reed Army Institute
of Research, 2460 Linden Lane, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United
States
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center
for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center
for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Michael P. Pollastri
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Lori Ferrins
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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24
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Synthesis and Bioactivity of Phthalimide Analogs as Potential Drugs to Treat Schistosomiasis, a Neglected Disease of Poverty. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13020025. [PMID: 32028743 PMCID: PMC7169845 DOI: 10.3390/ph13020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The neglected tropical disease, schistosomiasis, is caused by trematode blood flukes of the Schistosoma genus and infects approximately 200 million people worldwide. With just one partially effective drug available for disease treatment, new drugs are urgently needed. Herein, a series of 47 phthalimide (Pht) analogues possessing high-value bioactive scaffolds (i.e., benzimidazole and 1,2,3,-triazoles) was synthesized by click-chemistry. Compounds were evaluated for anti-schistosomal activity in culture against somules (post-infective larvae) and adults of Schistosoma mansoni, their predicted ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) properties, and toxicity vs. HepG2 cells. The majority showed favorable parameters for surface area, lipophilicity, bioavailability and Lipinski score. Thirteen compounds were active at 10 µM against both somules and adults (6d, 6f, 6i–6l, 6n–6p, 6s, 6r’, 6t’ and 6w). Against somules, the majority caused degeneracy and/or death after 72 h; whereas against adult parasites, five compounds (6l, 6d, 6f, 6r’ and 6s) elicited degeneracy, tegumental (surface) damage and/or death. Strongest potency against both developmental stages was recorded for compounds possessing n-butyl or isobutyl as a linker, and a pentafluorophenyl group on triazole. Apart from five compounds for which anti-parasite activity tracked with toxicity to HepG2 cells, there was apparently no toxicity to HepG2 cells (EC50 values ≥50 µM). The data overall suggest that phthaloyl-triazole compounds are favorable synthons for additional studies as anti-schistosomals.
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25
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Adekiya TA, Kondiah PPD, Choonara YE, Kumar P, Pillay V. A Review of Nanotechnology for Targeted Anti-schistosomal Therapy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:32. [PMID: 32083071 PMCID: PMC7005470 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the major parasitic diseases and second most prevalent among the group of neglected diseases. The prevalence of schistosomiasis may be due to environmental and socio-economic factors, as well as the unavailability of vaccines for schistosomiasis. To date, current treatment; mainly the drug praziquantel (PZQ), has not been effective in treating the early forms of schistosome species. The development of drug resistance has been documented in several regions globally, due to the overuse of PZQ, rate of parasitic mutation, poor treatment compliance, co-infection with different strains of schistosomes and the overall parasite load. Hence, exploring the schistosome tegument may be a potential focus for the design and development of targeted anti-schistosomal therapy, with higher bioavailability as molecular targets using nanotechnology. This review aims to provide a concise incursion on the use of various advance approaches to achieve targeted anti-schistosomal therapy, mainly through the use of nano-enabled drug delivery systems. It also assimilates the molecular structure and function of the schistosome tegument and highlights the potential molecular targets found on the tegument, for effective specific interaction with receptors for more efficacious anti-schistosomal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Viness Pillay
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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26
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Santos SS, de Araújo RV, Giarolla J, Seoud OE, Ferreira EI. Searching for drugs for Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis: a review. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2020; 55:105906. [PMID: 31987883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.105906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis are neglected diseases (NDs) and are a considerable global challenge. Despite the huge number of people infected, NDs do not create interest from pharmaceutical companies because the associated revenue is generally low. Most of the research on these diseases has been conducted in academic institutions. The chemotherapeutic armamentarium for NDs is scarce and inefficient and better drugs are needed. Researchers have found some promising potential drug candidates using medicinal chemistry and computational approaches. Most of these compounds are synthetic but some are from natural sources or are semi-synthetic. Drug repurposing or repositioning has also been greatly stimulated for NDs. This review considers some potential drug candidates and provides details of their design, discovery and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Silva Santos
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Renan Vinicius de Araújo
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Jeanine Giarolla
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Omar El Seoud
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Igne Ferreira
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil.
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27
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis caused by parasitic blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma is a global health problem with over 200 million people infected. Schistosoma mansoni cathepsin B1 (SmCB1) is a gut-associated protease critical for digestion of host blood proteins as a source of nutrients. SmCB1 is a validated drug target, and inhibitors of SmCB1 represent promising anti-schistosomals. A comprehensive structural and functional characterization of SmCB1 provides a starting point for the rational design of selective and potent SmCB1 inhibitors. Here, we report optimized protocols for (1) the production of recombinant SmCB1 in the Pichia pastoris expression system and its purification, (2) the measurement of SmCB1 activity and inhibition in a kinetic fluorescence assay, and (3) the preparation and crystallization of SmCB1 in complex with a model vinyl sulfone inhibitor, and the determination of its crystal structure.
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28
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Santos DBD, Moreira-Filho JT, Melo ADO, Lemes JA, Damacena Silva L, Rocha TL, Andrade CH, Neves BJ, Bezerra JCB. In silico-driven identification of novel molluscicides effective against Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818). NEW J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj03314f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis control in endemic areas depends on several factors, including mass drug delivery programs and interrupting the transmission of disease by controlling the intermediate host snails in the freshwater ecosystem using molluscicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Braz dos Santos
- Laboratory for Studies of the Host-parasite Relationship
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública
- Universidade Federal de Goiás
- Goiânia
- Brazil
| | - José Teófilo Moreira-Filho
- Laboratory for Studies of the Host-parasite Relationship
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública
- Universidade Federal de Goiás
- Goiânia
- Brazil
| | | | - Josiel Araújo Lemes
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics
- Centro Universitário de Anápolis – UniEVANGÉLICA
- Anápolis
- Brazil
| | | | - Thiago Lopes Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública
- Universidade Federal de Goiás
- Goiânia
- Brazil
| | - Carolina Horta Andrade
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design
- Faculdade de Farmácia
- Universidade Federal de Goiás
- Goiânia
- Brazil
| | - Bruno Junior Neves
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design
- Faculdade de Farmácia
- Universidade Federal de Goiás
- Goiânia
- Brazil
| | - José Clecildo Barreto Bezerra
- Laboratory for Studies of the Host-parasite Relationship
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública
- Universidade Federal de Goiás
- Goiânia
- Brazil
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29
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Lei J, Xu J, Tang DY, Shao JW, Li HY, Chen ZZ, Xu ZG. A concise and unexpected one-pot methodology for the synthesis of pyrazinone-fused pyridones. Org Chem Front 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0qo00590h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A post-Ugi/Michael/Retro-Michael reaction, aromatization and 5-exo-dig cyclization cascade reaction was developed and utilized for the synthesis of pyrazinone-fused pyridone derivatives under mild reaction conditions in one-pot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Lei
- College of Pharmacy
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine
- Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences
- Chongqing 402160
| | - Jia Xu
- College of Pharmacy
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine
- Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences
- Chongqing 402160
| | - Dian-Yong Tang
- College of Pharmacy
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine
- Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences
- Chongqing 402160
| | - Jing-Wei Shao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- College of Pharmacy
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Little Rock
- USA
| | - Hong-yu Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- College of Pharmacy
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Little Rock
- USA
| | - Zhong-Zhu Chen
- College of Pharmacy
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine
- Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences
- Chongqing 402160
| | - Zhi-Gang Xu
- College of Pharmacy
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine
- Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences
- Chongqing 402160
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30
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Maccesi M, Aguiar PHN, Pasche V, Padilla M, Suzuki BM, Montefusco S, Abagyan R, Keiser J, Mourão MM, Caffrey CR. Multi-center screening of the Pathogen Box collection for schistosomiasis drug discovery. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:493. [PMID: 31640761 PMCID: PMC6805474 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3747-6] [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: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past five years, as a public service to encourage and accelerate drug discovery for diseases of poverty, the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) has released box sets of 400 compounds named the Malaria, Pathogen and Stasis Boxes. Here, we screened the Pathogen Box against the post-infective larvae (schistosomula) of Schistosoma mansoni using assays particular to the three contributing institutions, namely, the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in the USA, the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) in Switzerland, and the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ) in Brazil. With the same set of compounds, the goal was to determine the degree of inter-assay variability and identify a core set of active compounds common to all three assays. New drugs for schistosomiasis would be welcome given that current treatment and control strategies rely on chemotherapy with just one drug, praziquantel. METHODS Both the UCSD and Swiss TPH assays utilize daily observational scoring methodologies over 72 h, whereas the FIOCRUZ assay employs XTT (2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide) at 72 h to measure viability as a function of NAD+/NADH redox state. Raw and transformed data arising from each assay were assembled for comparative analysis. RESULTS For the UCSD and Swiss TPH assays, there was strong concordance of at least 87% in identifying active and inactive compounds on one or more of the three days. When all three assays were compared at 72 h, concordance remained a robust 74%. Further, robust Pearson's correlations (0.48-0.68) were measured between the assays. Of those actives at 72 h, the UCSD, Swiss TPH and FIOCRUZ assays identified 86, 103 and 66 compounds, respectively, of which 35 were common. Assay idiosyncrasies included the identification of unique compounds, the differential ability to identify known antischistosomal compounds and the concept that compounds of interest might include those that increase metabolic activity above baseline. CONCLUSIONS The inter-assay data generated were in good agreement, including with previously reported data. A common set of antischistosomal molecules for further exploration has been identified .
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Maccesi
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Pedro H N Aguiar
- Laboratório de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, René Rachou Institute, FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Valérian Pasche
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, P.O. Box, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Melody Padilla
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Brian M Suzuki
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sandro Montefusco
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Ruben Abagyan
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, 4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, P.O. Box, 4003, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Marina M Mourão
- Laboratório de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, René Rachou Institute, FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Bibo-Verdugo B, Wang SC, Almaliti J, Ta AP, Jiang Z, Wong DA, Lietz CB, Suzuki BM, El-Sakkary N, Hook V, Salvesen GS, Gerwick WH, Caffrey CR, O’Donoghue AJ. The Proteasome as a Drug Target in the Metazoan Pathogen, Schistosoma mansoni. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:1802-1812. [PMID: 31355632 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Proteases are fundamental to successful parasitism, including that of the schistosome flatworm parasite, which causes the disease schistosomiasis in 200 million people worldwide. The proteasome is receiving attention as a potential drug target for treatment of a variety of infectious parasitic diseases, but it has been understudied in the schistosome. Adult Schistosoma mansoni were incubated with 1 μM concentrations of the proteasome inhibitors bortezomib, carfilzomib, and MG132. After 24 h, bortezomib and carfilzomib decreased worm motility by more than 85% and endogenous proteasome activity by >75%, and after 72 h, they increased caspase activity by >4.5-fold. The association between the engagement of the proteasome target and the phenotypic and biochemical effects recorded encouraged the chromatographic enrichment of the S. mansoni proteasome (Sm20S). Activity assays with fluorogenic proteasome substrates revealed that Sm20S contains caspase-type (β1), trypsin-type (β2), and chymotrypsin-type (β5) activities. Sm20S was screened with 11 peptide epoxyketone inhibitors derived from the marine natural product carmaphycin B. Analogue 17 was 27.4-fold less cytotoxic to HepG2 cells than carmaphycin B and showed equal potency for the β5 subunits of Sm20S, human constitutive proteasome, and human immunoproteasome. However, this analogue was 13.2-fold more potent at targeting Sm20S β2 than it was at targeting the equivalent subunits of the human enzymes. Furthermore, 1 μM 17 decreased both worm motility and endogenous Sm20S activity by more than 90% after 24 h. We provide direct evidence of the proteasome's importance to schistosome viability and identify a lead for which future studies will aim to improve the potency, selectivity, and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsaida Bibo-Verdugo
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Steven C Wang
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Jehad Almaliti
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Anh P. Ta
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Zhenze Jiang
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Derek A. Wong
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Christopher B. Lietz
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Brian M. Suzuki
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Vivian Hook
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Guy S. Salvesen
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - William H. Gerwick
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Anthony J. O’Donoghue
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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Caffrey CR, El‐Sakkary N, Mäder P, Krieg R, Becker K, Schlitzer M, Drewry DH, Vennerstrom JL, Grevelding CG. Drug Discovery and Development for Schistosomiasis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/9783527808656.ch8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Probst A, Nguyen TN, El-Sakkary N, Skinner D, Suzuki BM, Buckner FS, Gelb MH, Caffrey CR, Debnath A. Bioactivity of Farnesyltransferase Inhibitors Against Entamoeba histolytica and Schistosoma mansoni. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:180. [PMID: 31192168 PMCID: PMC6548881 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica can induce amebic colitis and amebic liver abscess. First-line drugs for the treatment of amebiasis are nitroimidazoles, particularly metronidazole. Metronidazole has side effects and potential drug resistance is a concern. Schistosomiasis, a chronic and painful infection, is caused by various species of the Schistosoma flatworm. There is only one partially effective drug, praziquantel, a worrisome situation should drug resistance emerge. As many essential metabolic pathways and enzymes are shared between eukaryotic organisms, it is possible to conceive of small molecule interventions that target more than one organism or target, particularly when chemical matter is already available. Farnesyltransferase (FT), the last common enzyme for products derived from the mevalonate pathway, is vital for diverse functions, including cell differentiation and growth. Both E. histolytica and Schistosoma mansoni genomes encode FT genes. In this study, we phenotypically screened E. histolytica and S. mansoni in vitro with the established FT inhibitors, lonafarnib and tipifarnib, and with 125 tipifarnib analogs previously screened against both the whole organism and/or the FT of Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi. For E. histolytica, we also explored whether synergy arises by combining lonafarnib and metronidazole or lonafarnib with statins that modulate protein prenylation. We demonstrate the anti-amebic and anti-schistosomal activities of lonafarnib and tipifarnib, and identify 17 tipifarnib analogs with more than 75% growth inhibition at 50 μM against E. histolytica. Apart from five analogs of tipifarnib exhibiting activity against both E. histolytica and S. mansoni, 10 additional analogs demonstrated anti-schistosomal activity (severe degenerative changes at 10 μM after 24 h). Analysis of the structure-activity relationship available for the T. brucei FT suggests that FT may not be the relevant target in E. histolytica and S. mansoni. For E. histolytica, combination of metronidazole and lonafarnib resulted in synergism for growth inhibition. Also, of a number of statins tested, simvastatin exhibited moderate anti-amebic activity which, when combined with lonafarnib, resulted in slight synergism. Even in the absence of a definitive molecular target, identification of potent anti-parasitic tipifarnib analogs encourages further exploration while the synergistic combination of metronidazole and lonafarnib offers a promising treatment strategy for amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Probst
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Thi N Nguyen
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Danielle Skinner
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Brian M Suzuki
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Frederick S Buckner
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Michael H Gelb
- Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Yu X, Zhai Q, Fu Z, Hong Y, Liu J, Li H, Lu K, Zhu C, Lin J, Li G. Comparative analysis of microRNA expression profiles of adult Schistosoma japonicum isolated from water buffalo and yellow cattle. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:196. [PMID: 31046821 PMCID: PMC6498558 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3450-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yellow cattle and water buffalo are important natural reservoir hosts and the main transmission sources of Schistosoma japonicum in endemic areas of China. The worms from the two hosts have marked differences in general worm morphology and ultrastructure, gene transcription and protein expression profiles. RESULTS To investigate microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the regulation of schistosome development and survival, we compared miRNA expression profiles of adult schistosomes derived from yellow cattle and water buffalo by using high-throughput sequencing with Illumina Hiseq Xten. Schistosoma japonicum from water buffalo and yellow cattle yielded 63.78 million and 63.21 million reads, respectively, of which nearly 50% and 49% could be mapped to selected miRNAs in miRbase. A total of 206 miRNAs were identified, namely 79 previously annotated miRNAs of S. japonicum and 127 miRNAs that matched with the S. japonicum genome and were highly similar to the annotated miRNAs from other organisms. Among the 79 miRNAs, five (sja-miR-124-3p, sja-miR-219-5p, sja-miR-2e-3p, sja-miR-7-3p and sja-miR-3490) were significantly upregulated in the schistosomes from water buffalo compared with those from yellow cattle. A total of 268 potential target genes were predicted for these five differentially expressed miRNAs. Eleven differentially expressed targets were confirmed by qRT-PCR among 15 tested targets, one of which was further validated through dual-luciferase reporter assay. Among the 127 'possible' S. japonicum miRNAs, ten were significantly differentially expressed in the schistosomes from these two hosts. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the important roles of miRNAs in regulating the development and survival of schistosomes in water buffalo and yellow cattle and facilitate understanding of the miRNA regulatory mechanisms in schistosomes derived from different susceptible hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingang Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China
- National Reference Laboratory of Animal Schistosomiasis, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Qi Zhai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China
- National Reference Laboratory of Animal Schistosomiasis, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- National Reference Laboratory of Animal Schistosomiasis, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Yang Hong
- National Reference Laboratory of Animal Schistosomiasis, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Jinming Liu
- National Reference Laboratory of Animal Schistosomiasis, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Hao Li
- National Reference Laboratory of Animal Schistosomiasis, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Ke Lu
- National Reference Laboratory of Animal Schistosomiasis, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Chuangang Zhu
- National Reference Laboratory of Animal Schistosomiasis, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Jiaojiao Lin
- National Reference Laboratory of Animal Schistosomiasis, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Guoqing Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China
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Meng R, Zhang D, Ji J, Hu L, Sun D, Wang H. Enantioselective Plasma Pharmacokinetic Study of a Novel Anti- Sichistosomiasis Agent P96 in Rat by Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry. CURR PHARM ANAL 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1573412914666180608093636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
2-Cyclopentanecarbonyl-1,2,3,6,7,11b-hexahydro-pyrazino[2,1- a]isoquinolin-
4-one (P96), was found to be a novel drug candidate with one chiral center to treat schistosomiasis
caused by Schistosoma japonicum.
</P><P>
Objective: To study pharmacokinetic characteristics, a simple, rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-
tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and fully validated for the quantification
analysis of P96 in rat plasma.
Methods:
Chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column with gradient eluted mobile
phase composed of acetonitrile and water at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. Detection was performed on a
triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer using positive mode electrospray ionization in the multiple
reactions monitoring (MRM) mode.
Results:
Excellent linearity was observed in the range of 3-900 ng/mL with the lower limit of quantification
of 3 ng/mL in rat plasma for P96. The intra- and inter-day precisions exhibited less than 6.6%.
Mean recoveries ranged from 96.9% to 102.4%. This method was applied to investigate the enantioselective
differences on the pharmacokinetics between (R,S)-P96 and its enantiomers in rats after oral
administration. The enantioselective differences of (R)-P96, (S)-P96 and (R,S)-P96 were found and
compared.
Conclusion:
The established method was found to be accurate, precise, and sensitive and can be applied
to investigate the stereoselective differences on pharmacokinetics between rac-P96 and its enantiomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Meng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Danlu Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jianbo Ji
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lingyun Hu
- Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Dequn Sun
- Marine College, Shandong University at Weihai, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Haina Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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In vitro and in vivo characterization of the multiple isoforms of Schistosoma mansoni hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferases. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2019; 229:24-34. [PMID: 30772423 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni, the parasite responsible for schistosomiasis, lacks the "de novo" purine biosynthetic pathway and depends entirely on the purine salvage pathway for the supply of purines. Numerous reports of praziquantel resistance have been described, as well as stimulated efforts to develop new drugs against schistosomiasis. Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) is a key enzyme of the purine salvage pathway. Here, we describe a crystallographic structure of the S. mansoni HPGRT-1 (SmHGPRT), complexed with IMP at a resolution of 2.8 Ǻ. Four substitutions were identified in the region of the active site between SmHGPRT-1 and human HGPRT. We also present data from RNA-Seq and WISH, suggesting that some isoforms of HGPRT might be involved in the process related to sexual maturation and reproduction in worms; furthermore, its enzymatic assays show that the isoform SmHGPRT-3 does not present the same catalytic efficiency as other isoforms. Finally, although other studies have previously suggested this enzyme as a potential antischistosomal chemotherapy target, the kinetics parameters reveal the impossibility to use SmHGPRT as an efficient chemotherapeutic target.
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Pasche V, Laleu B, Keiser J. Early Antischistosomal Leads Identified from in Vitro and in Vivo Screening of the Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:102-110. [PMID: 30398059 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.8b00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
As part of the control and elimination strategy of human schistosomiasis, preventive chemotherapy relies on a single drug, praziquantel. Facing an almost dry drug development pipeline, screening the Pathogen Box from the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), provides a unique opportunity to possibly expand the pool of potent molecules against schistosomiasis. The activity of 400 compounds from this open-access library was first screened in vitro on the larval stage of Schistosoma mansoni. The hits were then tested on adult worms. Eleven leads were identified and tested for albumin-binding and activity on adult S. haematobium. In parallel, a rudimental structure-activity relationship analysis was performed on the 112 available analogues of three leads, yielding another 30 molecules active against both larval and adult stages of S. mansoni. Seven leads, selected on druglikeness, pharmacokinetic properties, and availability, plus auranofin were tested in mice harboring a chronic S. mansoni infection. MMV022029 and MMV022478 revealed the highest worm burden reductions of 67.8 and 70.7%, respectively. This study provided a series of new potent scaffolds and pharmacophores that could be used to design and develop suitable alternative(s) to praziquantel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérian Pasche
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benoît Laleu
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Weber CJ, Hargan-Calvopiña J, Graef KM, Manner CK, Dent J. WIPO Re:Search-A Platform for Product-Centered Cross-Sector Partnerships for the Elimination of Schistosomiasis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:E11. [PMID: 30634429 PMCID: PMC6473617 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease that affects over 200 million people worldwide, and with over 700 million people estimated to be at risk of contracting this disease, it is a pressing issue in global health. However, research and development (R&D) to develop new approaches to preventing, diagnosing, and treating schistosomiasis has been relatively limited. Praziquantel, a drug developed in the 1970s, is the only agent used in schistosomiasis mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns, indicating a critical need for a diversified therapeutic pipeline. Further, gaps in the vaccine and diagnostic pipelines demonstrate a need for early-stage innovation in all areas of schistosomiasis product R&D. As a platform for public-private partnerships (PPPs), the WIPO Re:Search consortium engages the private sector in early-stage R&D for neglected diseases by forging mutually beneficial collaborations and facilitating the sharing of intellectual property (IP) assets between the for-profit and academic/non-profit sectors. The Consortium connects people, resources, and ideas to fill gaps in neglected disease product development pipelines by leveraging the strengths of these two sectors. Using WIPO Re:Search as an example, this article highlights the opportunities for the PPP model to play a key role in the elimination of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie J Weber
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1950, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
| | | | - Katy M Graef
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1950, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
| | - Cathyryne K Manner
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1950, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
| | - Jennifer Dent
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1950, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
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Aruleba RT, Adekiya TA, Oyinloye BE, Masamba P, Mbatha LS, Pretorius A, Kappo AP. PZQ Therapy: How Close are we in the Development of Effective Alternative Anti-schistosomal Drugs? Infect Disord Drug Targets 2019; 19:337-349. [PMID: 30599112 PMCID: PMC7046992 DOI: 10.2174/1871526519666181231153139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Today schistosomiasis, caused mainly by the three major schistosome species (S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. japonicum), has for many decades and still continues to be on a rapid and swift rise globally, claiming thousands of lives every year and leaving 800 million people at the risk of infection. Due to the high prevalence of this disease and the steady increase in the infection rates, praziquantel (PZQ) remains the only effective drug against this acute disease although it has no effect on the juvenile schistosome parasite. However, no significant approaches have been made in recent years in the discovery of new or alternative drugs and unfortunately, resistance to this drug has been reported in some parts of the world. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a new drug for this debilitating disease. In this review, a brief history of past, present, and new promising anti-schistosomal drugs is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Taiwo Aruleba
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
| | - Tayo Alex Adekiya
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
| | - Babatunji Emmanuel Oyinloye
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry, Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti 360001, Nigeria
| | - Priscilla Masamba
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
| | - Londiwe Simphiwe Mbatha
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
| | - Ashley Pretorius
- Bioinformatics Research Group (BRG), DST/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Abidemi Paul Kappo
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major cause of morbidity in the world; it is second only to malaria as a major infectious disease. Globally, it is estimated that the disease affects over 250 million people in 78 countries of the world and is responsible for some 280,000 deaths each year. The three major schistosomes infecting humans are Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. haematobium. This chapter covers a wide range of aspects of schistosomiasis, including basic biology of the parasites, epidemiology, immunopathology, treatment, control, vaccines, and genomics/proteomics. In this chapter, the reader will understand the significant toll this disease takes in terms of mortality and morbidity. A description of the various life stages of schistosomes is presented, which will be informative for both those unfamiliar with the disease and experienced scientists. Clinical and public health aspects are addressed that cover acute and chronic disease, diagnosis, current treatment regimens and alternative drugs, and schistosomiasis control programs. A brief overview of genomics and proteomics is included that details recent advances in the field that will help scientists investigate the molecular biology of schistosomes. The reader will take away an appreciation for general aspects of schistosomiasis and research advances.
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Chawla K, Modena MM, Ravaynia PS, Lombardo FC, Leonhardt M, Panic G, Bürgel SC, Keiser J, Hierlemann A. Impedance-Based Microfluidic Assay for Automated Antischistosomal Drug Screening. ACS Sens 2018; 3:2613-2620. [PMID: 30426744 PMCID: PMC6396876 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.8b01027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease, caused by parasitic worms, which affects almost 200 million people worldwide. For over 40 years, chemotherapeutic treatment has relied on the administration of praziquantel, an efficacious drug against schistosomiasis. However, concerns about developing drug resistance require the discovery of novel drug compounds. Currently, the drug-screening process is mostly based on the visual evaluation of drug effects on worm larvae in vitro by a trained operator. This manual process is extremely labor-intensive, has limited throughput, and may be affected by subjectivity of the operator evaluation. In this paper, we introduce a microfluidic platform with integrated electrodes for the automated detection of worm larvae viability using an impedance-based approach. The microfluidic analysis unit consists of two sets of electrodes and a channel of variable geometry to enable counting and size detection of single parasite larvae and the collective evaluation of the motility of the larvae as an unbiased estimator for their viability. The current platform also allows for multiplexing of the analysis units resulting in increased throughput. We used our platform to record size and motility variations of Schistosoma mansoni larvae exposed to different concentrations of mefloquine, a drug with established in vitro antischistosomal properties. The developed platform demonstrates the potential of integrated microfluidic platforms for high-throughput antischistosomal drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketki Chawla
- ETH Zurich, Dept. of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Bio Engineering Laboratory, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mario M. Modena
- ETH Zurich, Dept. of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Bio Engineering Laboratory, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paolo S. Ravaynia
- ETH Zurich, Dept. of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Bio Engineering Laboratory, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Flavio C. Lombardo
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Leonhardt
- ETH Zurich, Dept. of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Bio Engineering Laboratory, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gordana Panic
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian C. Bürgel
- ETH Zurich, Dept. of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Bio Engineering Laboratory, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hierlemann
- ETH Zurich, Dept. of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Bio Engineering Laboratory, Basel, Switzerland
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Hernandez HW, Soeung M, Zorn KM, Ashoura N, Mottin M, Andrade CH, Caffrey CR, de Siqueira-Neto JL, Ekins S. High Throughput and Computational Repurposing for Neglected Diseases. Pharm Res 2018; 36:27. [PMID: 30560386 PMCID: PMC6792295 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-018-2558-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) represent are a heterogeneous group of communicable diseases that are found within the poorest populations of the world. There are 23 NTDs that have been prioritized by the World Health Organization, which are endemic in 149 countries and affect more than 1.4 billion people, costing these developing economies billions of dollars annually. The NTDs result from four different causative pathogens: protozoa, bacteria, helminth and virus. The majority of the diseases lack effective treatments. Therefore, new therapeutics for NTDs are desperately needed. Methods We describe various high throughput screening and computational approaches that have been performed in recent years. We have collated the molecules identified in these studies and calculated molecular properties. Results Numerous global repurposing efforts have yielded some promising compounds for various neglected tropical diseases. These compounds when analyzed as one would expect appear drug-like. Several large datasets are also now in the public domain and this enables machine learning models to be constructed that then facilitate the discovery of new molecules for these pathogens. Conclusions In the space of a few years many groups have either performed experimental or computational repurposing high throughput screens against neglected diseases. These have identified compounds which in many cases are already approved drugs. Such approaches perhaps offer a more efficient way to develop treatments which are generally not a focus for global pharmaceutical companies because of the economics or the lack of a viable market. Other diseases could perhaps benefit from these repurposing approaches. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11095-018-2558-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melinda Soeung
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kimberley M Zorn
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27606, USA
| | | | - Melina Mottin
- LabMol - Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design Faculdade de Farmacia, Universidade Federal de Goias - UFG, Goiânia, GO, 74605-170, Brazil
| | - Carolina Horta Andrade
- LabMol - Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design Faculdade de Farmacia, Universidade Federal de Goias - UFG, Goiânia, GO, 74605-170, Brazil
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, 92093, USA
| | - Jair Lage de Siqueira-Neto
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, 92093, USA
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27606, USA.
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TPT sulfonate, a single, oral dose schistosomicidal prodrug: In vivo efficacy, disposition and metabolic profiling. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2018; 8:571-586. [PMID: 30503203 PMCID: PMC6287543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of schistosomiasis relies precariously on just one drug, praziquantel (PZQ). In the search for alternatives, 15 S-[2-(alkylamino)alkane] thiosulfuric acids were obtained from a previous research program and profiled in mice for efficacy against both mature (>42-day-old) and juvenile (21-day-old) Schistosoma mansoni using a screening dose of 100 mg/kg PO QDx4. One compound, S-[2-(tert-butylamino)-1-phenylethane] thiosulfuric acid (TPT sulfonate), was the most effective by decreasing female and male worm burdens by ≥ 90% and ≥46% (mature), and ≥89% and ≥79% (juvenile), respectively. In contrast, PZQ decreased mature female and male worm burdens by 95% and 94%, respectively, but was ineffective against juvenile stages. Against 7-day-old lung-stage worms, TPT sulfonate was only effective at twice the dose decreasing female and male burdens by 95 and 80%, respectively. Single oral doses at 400 and/or 600 mg/kg across various developmental time-points (1-, 7-, 15-, 21- and/or 42 day-old) were consistent with the QD x4 data; efficacy was strongest once the parasites had completed lung migration, and female and male burdens were decreased by at least 90% and 80%, respectively. In vitro, TPT sulfonate is inactive against the parasite suggesting a pro-drug mechanism of action. In mice, TPT sulfonate is fully absorbed and subject to rapid, non-CYP-mediated, first-pass metabolism that is initiated by desulfation and yields a series of metabolites. The initially-formed free thiol-containing metabolite, termed TP thiol, was chemically synthesized; it dose-dependently decreased S. mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium motility in vitro. Also, when administered as a single 50 mg/kg IP dose, TP thiol decreased 33-day-old S. mansoni female and male burdens by 35% and 44%, with less severe organomegaly. Overall, TPT sulfonate's efficacy profile is competitive with that of PZQ. Also, the characterization of a parasiticidal metabolite facilitates an understanding and improvement of the chemistry, and identification of the mechanism of action and/or target. TPT sulfonate provides single dose efficacy that is competitive with the current drug, praziquantel. TPT sulfonate must be biotransformed to be active. TPT sulfonate is fully absorbed and subject to rapid, non-CYP-mediated, first-pass metabolism. One of the key metabolites, TP thiol, is anti-schistosomal in vitro and in vivo.
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Pereira ASA, Amaral MS, Vasconcelos EJR, Pires DS, Asif H, daSilva LF, Morales-Vicente DA, Carneiro VC, Angeli CB, Palmisano G, Fantappie MR, Pierce RJ, Setubal JC, Verjovski-Almeida S. Inhibition of histone methyltransferase EZH2 in Schistosoma mansoni in vitro by GSK343 reduces egg laying and decreases the expression of genes implicated in DNA replication and noncoding RNA metabolism. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006873. [PMID: 30365505 PMCID: PMC6221359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The possibility of emergence of praziquantel-resistant Schistosoma parasites and the lack of other effective drugs demand the discovery of new schistosomicidal agents. In this context the study of compounds that target histone-modifying enzymes is extremely promising. Our aim was to investigate the effect of inhibition of EZH2, a histone methyltransferase that is involved in chromatin remodeling processes and gene expression control; we tested different developmental forms of Schistosoma mansoni using GKS343, a selective inhibitor of EZH2 in human cells. Methodology/Principal findings Adult male and female worms and schistosomula were treated with different concentrations of GSK343 for up to two days in vitro. Western blotting showed a decrease in the H3K27me3 histone mark in all three developmental forms. Motility, mortality, pairing and egg laying were employed as schistosomicidal parameters for adult worms. Schistosomula viability was evaluated with propidium iodide staining and ATP quantification. Adult worms showed decreased motility when exposed to GSK343. Also, an approximate 40% reduction of egg laying by GSK343-treated females was observed when compared with controls (0.1% DMSO). Scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of bulges and bubbles throughout the dorsal region of GSK343-treated adult worms. In schistosomula the body was extremely contracted with the presence of numerous folds, and growth was markedly slowed. RNA-seq was applied to identify the metabolic pathways affected by GSK343 sublethal doses. GSK343-treated adult worms showed significantly altered expression of genes related to transmembrane transport, cellular homeostasis and egg development. In females, genes related to DNA replication and noncoding RNA metabolism processes were downregulated. Schistosomula showed altered expression of genes related to cell adhesion and membrane synthesis pathways. Conclusions/Significance The results indicated that GSK343 presents in vitro activities against S. mansoni, and the characterization of EZH2 as a new potential molecular target establishes EZH2 inhibitors as part of a promising new group of compounds that could be used for the development of schistosomicidal agents. Schistosomiasis is a chronic and debilitating disease caused by a trematode of the genus Schistosoma. The current strategy for the control of the disease involves treatment with praziquantel, the only available drug. The development of new drugs is therefore a top priority. Drugs that inhibit histone modifying enzymes have been used in cancer, altering gene expression, replication, repair and DNA recombination. Schistosoma parasites have some characteristics similar to malignant tumors, such as intense cell division and high levels of metabolic activity. Here we evaluate in Schistosoma mansoni the effect of GSK343, an inhibitor of the histone methyltransferase EZH2 that had been shown to arrest or reduce the growth of human cancer cells. We show that GSK343 causes damage to the parasite tegument and reduces egg laying in vitro, concomitant with a decrease in levels of H3K27me3, the histone mark put in place by EZH2. RNA-seq and proteomic analyses of treated parasites showed changes in the expression of hundreds of genes involved in important metabolic processes. In females, a marked decrease was observed in the expression of genes related to processes such as DNA replication and noncoding RNA metabolism. In conclusion, the histone methyltransferase EZH2 seems to be a promising novel drug target against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana S. A. Pereira
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Murilo S. Amaral
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Elton J. R. Vasconcelos
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - David S. Pires
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Huma Asif
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Lucas F. daSilva
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - David A. Morales-Vicente
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Vitor C. Carneiro
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Claudia B. Angeli
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Laboratório de Glicoproteômica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Laboratório de Glicoproteômica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcelo R. Fantappie
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Raymond J. Pierce
- Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, CNRS UMR 8204, Inserm U1019, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - João C. Setubal
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- * E-mail:
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Caffrey CR, Goupil L, Rebello KM, Dalton JP, Smith D. Cysteine proteases as digestive enzymes in parasitic helminths. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0005840. [PMID: 30138310 PMCID: PMC6107103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We briefly review cysteine proteases (orthologs of mammalian cathepsins B, L, F, and C) that are expressed in flatworm and nematode parasites. Emphasis is placed on enzyme activities that have been functionally characterized, are associated with the parasite gut, and putatively contribute to degrading host proteins to absorbable nutrients [1–4]. Often, gut proteases are expressed as multigene families, as is the case with Fasciola [5] and Haemonchus [6], presumably expanding the range of substrates that can be degraded, not least during parasite migration through host tissues [5]. The application of the free-living planarian and Caenorhabditis elegans as investigative models for parasite cysteine proteases is discussed. Finally, because of their central nutritive contribution, targeting the component gut proteases with small-molecule chemical inhibitors and understanding their utility as vaccine candidates are active areas of research [7].
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Louise Goupil
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Karina M. Rebello
- Laboratório de Toxinologia and Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - John P. Dalton
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen´s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - David Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen´s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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El-Sakkary N, Chen S, Arkin MR, Caffrey CR, Ribeiro P. Octopamine signaling in the metazoan pathogen Schistosoma mansoni: localization, small-molecule screening and opportunities for drug development. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm033563. [PMID: 29925529 PMCID: PMC6078403 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.033563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a tropical disease caused by a flatworm trematode parasite that infects over 200 million people worldwide. Treatment and control of the disease rely on just one drug, praziquantel. The possibility of drug resistance coupled with praziquantel's variable efficacy encourages the identification of new drugs and drug targets. Disruption of neuromuscular homeostasis in parasitic worms is a validated strategy for drug development. In schistosomes, however, much remains to be understood about the organization of the nervous system, its component neurotransmitters and potential for drug discovery. Using synapsin as a neuronal marker, we map the central and peripheral nervous systems in the Schistosoma mansoni adult and schistosomulum (post-infective larva). We discover the widespread presence of octopamine (OA), a tyrosine-derived and invertebrate-specific neurotransmitter involved in neuromuscular coordination. OA labeling facilitated the discovery of two pairs of ganglia in the brain of the adult schistosome, rather than the one pair thus far reported for this and other trematodes. In quantitative phenotypic assays, OA and the structurally related tyrosine-derived phenolamine and catecholamine neurotransmitters differentially modulated schistosomulum motility and length. Similarly, from a screen of 28 drug agonists and antagonists of tyrosine-derivative signaling, certain drugs that act on OA and dopamine receptors induced robust and sometimes complex concentration-dependent effects on schistosome motility and length; in some cases, these effects occurred at concentrations achievable in vivo The present data advance our knowledge of the organization of the nervous system in this globally important pathogen and identify a number of drugs that interfere with tyrosine-derivative signaling, one or more of which might provide the basis for a new chemotherapeutic approach to treat schistosomiasis.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly El-Sakkary
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Macdonald Campus, 21, 111 Lakeshore Road, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada H9X-3V9
| | - Steven Chen
- Small Molecule Discovery Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Michelle R Arkin
- Small Molecule Discovery Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Paula Ribeiro
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Macdonald Campus, 21, 111 Lakeshore Road, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada H9X-3V9
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Lopes MS, Suzuki BM, Pereira GADN, Probst AC, Ferreira RS, Oliveira JTD, Tecchio KB, Santos FVD, Caffrey CR, Oliveira RBD. Ortho-nitrobenzyl derivatives as potential anti-schistosomal agents. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/s2175-97902018000217376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Hajjar WM, Alsheikh AM, Alhumaid AY, Alkreedees NA, Abdulwahed NB, Hajjar AW. Pulmonary schistosomiasis in a young male: A case report and review of the literature. Ann Thorac Med 2018; 13:190-192. [PMID: 30123339 PMCID: PMC6073789 DOI: 10.4103/atm.atm_300_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma is a parasitic infection that affects many people worldwide. However, pulmonary Schistosomiasis is very rare entity which defined as pulmonary involvement develops in persons living or travelling in endemic areas. We report a rare case of 23-year-old Yamani patient admitted as an emergency with a 1-week history of productive cough, hemoptysis, and chest pain. Chest X-ray and computed tomography scan showed right upper lobe peripheral abscess cavity. All routine blood investigations and interventions such as bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage failed to confirm the diagnosis. However, he underwent right thoracoscopy and excision of this abscess, which unexpectedly showed in the histopathology of the resected specimen Schistosoma parasite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem M. Hajjar
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmalik M. Alsheikh
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Alanoud Y. Alhumaid
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Noura A. Alkreedees
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf B. Abdulwahed
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Adnan W. Hajjar
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Leontovyč A, Ulrychová L, O’Donoghue AJ, Vondrášek J, Marešová L, Hubálek M, Fajtová P, Chanová M, Jiang Z, Craik CS, Caffrey CR, Mareš M, Dvořák J, Horn M. SmSP2: A serine protease secreted by the blood fluke pathogen Schistosoma mansoni with anti-hemostatic properties. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006446. [PMID: 29677188 PMCID: PMC5931690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serine proteases are important virulence factors for many pathogens. Recently, we discovered a group of trypsin-like serine proteases with domain organization unique to flatworm parasites and containing a thrombospondin type 1 repeat (TSR-1). These proteases are recognized as antigens during host infection and may prove useful as anthelminthic vaccines, however their molecular characteristics are under-studied. Here, we characterize the structural and proteolytic attributes of serine protease 2 (SmSP2) from Schistosoma mansoni, one of the major species responsible for the tropical infectious disease, schistosomiasis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS SmSP2 comprises three domains: a histidine stretch, TSR-1 and a serine protease domain. The cleavage specificity of recombinant SmSP2 was determined using positional scanning and multiplex combinatorial libraries and the determinants of specificity were identified with 3D homology models, demonstrating a trypsin-like endopeptidase mode of action. SmSP2 displayed restricted proteolysis on protein substrates. It activated tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen as key components of the fibrinolytic system, and released the vasoregulatory peptide, kinin, from kininogen. SmSP2 was detected in the surface tegument, esophageal glands and reproductive organs of the adult parasite by immunofluorescence microscopy, and in the excretory/secretory products by immunoblotting. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The data suggest that SmSP2 is secreted, functions at the host-parasite interface and contributes to the survival of the parasite by manipulating host vasodilatation and fibrinolysis. SmSP2 may be, therefore, a potential target for anti-schistosomal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Leontovyč
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Ulrychová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anthony J. O’Donoghue
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Jiří Vondrášek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Marešová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hubálek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Chanová
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zhenze Jiang
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Charles S. Craik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Michael Mareš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Dvořák
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail: (MH); (JD)
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail: (MH); (JD)
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Singh R, Beasley R, Long T, Caffrey CR. Algorithmic Mapping and Characterization of the Drug-Induced Phenotypic-Response Space of Parasites Causing Schistosomiasis. IEEE/ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS 2018; 15:469-481. [PMID: 27071187 PMCID: PMC5915339 DOI: 10.1109/tcbb.2016.2550444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases, especially those caused by helminths, constitute some of the most common infections of the world's poorest people. Amongst these, schistosomiasis (bilharzia or 'snail fever'), caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, ranks second only to malaria in terms of human impact: two hundred million people are infected and close to 800 million are at risk of infection. Drug screening against helminths poses unique challenges: the parasite cannot be cloned and is difficult to target using gene knockouts or RNAi. Consequently, both lead identification and validation involve phenotypic screening, where parasites are exposed to compounds whose effects are determined through the analysis of the ensuing phenotypic responses. The efficacy of leads thus identified derives from one or more or even unknown molecular mechanisms of action. The two most immediate and significant challenges that confront the state-of-the-art in this area are: the development of automated and quantitative phenotypic screening techniques and the mapping and quantitative characterization of the totality of phenotypic responses of the parasite. In this paper, we investigate and propose solutions for the latter problem in terms of the following: (1) mathematical formulation and algorithms that allow rigorous representation of the phenotypic response space of the parasite, (2) application of graph-theoretic and network analysis techniques for quantitative modeling and characterization of the phenotypic space, and (3) application of the aforementioned methodology to analyze the phenotypic space of S. mansoni - one of the etiological agents of schistosomiasis, induced by compounds that target its polo-like kinase 1 (PLK 1) gene - a recently validated drug target. In our approach, first, bio-image analysis algorithms are used to quantify the phenotypic responses of different drugs. Next, these responses are linearly mapped into a low- dimensional space using Principle Component Analysis (PCA). The phenotype space is modeled using neighborhood graphs which are used to represent the similarity amongst the phenotypes. These graphs are characterized and explored using network analysis algorithms. We present a number of results related to both the nature of the phenotypic space of the S. mansoni parasite as well as algorithmic issues encountered in constructing and analyzing the phenotypic-response space. In particular, the phenotype distribution of the parasite was found to have a distinct shape and topology. We have also quantitatively characterized the phenotypic space by varying critical model parameters. Finally, these maps of the phenotype space allows visualization and reasoning about complex relationships between putative drugs and their system-wide effects and can serve as a highly efficient paradigm for assimilating and unifying information from phenotypic screens both during lead identification and lead optimization.
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