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Schwarzer E, Skorokhod O. Post-Translational Modifications of Proteins of Malaria Parasites during the Life Cycle. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6145. [PMID: 38892332 PMCID: PMC11173270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are essential for regulating protein functions, influencing various fundamental processes in eukaryotes. These include, but are not limited to, cell signaling, protein trafficking, the epigenetic control of gene expression, and control of the cell cycle, as well as cell proliferation, differentiation, and interactions between cells. In this review, we discuss protein PTMs that play a key role in the malaria parasite biology and its pathogenesis. Phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, lipidation and lipoxidation, glycosylation, ubiquitination and sumoylation, nitrosylation and glutathionylation, all of which occur in malarial parasites, are reviewed. We provide information regarding the biological significance of these modifications along all phases of the complex life cycle of Plasmodium spp. Importantly, not only the parasite, but also the host and vector protein PTMs are often crucial for parasite growth and development. In addition to metabolic regulations, protein PTMs can result in epitopes that are able to elicit both innate and adaptive immune responses of the host or vector. We discuss some existing and prospective results from antimalarial drug discovery trials that target various PTM-related processes in the parasite or host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelin Schwarzer
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Oleksii Skorokhod
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina, 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
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2
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Reyser T, Paloque L, Augereau JM, Di Stefano L, Benoit-Vical F. Epigenetic regulation as a therapeutic target in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Malar J 2024; 23:44. [PMID: 38347549 PMCID: PMC10863139 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04855-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past thirty years, epigenetic regulation of gene expression has gained increasing interest as it was shown to be implicated in illnesses ranging from cancers to parasitic diseases. In the malaria parasite, epigenetics was shown to be involved in several key steps of the complex life cycle of Plasmodium, among which asexual development and sexual commitment, but also in major biological processes like immune evasion, response to environmental changes or DNA repair. Because epigenetics plays such paramount roles in the Plasmodium parasite, enzymes involved in these regulating pathways represent a reservoir of potential therapeutic targets. This review focuses on epigenetic regulatory processes and their effectors in the malaria parasite, as well as the inhibitors of epigenetic pathways and their potential as new anti-malarial drugs. Such types of drugs could be formidable tools that may contribute to malaria eradication in a context of widespread resistance to conventional anti-malarials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaud Reyser
- LCC-CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- MAAP, Inserm ERL 1289, Team "New Antiplasmodial Molecules and Pharmacological Approaches", Toulouse, France
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Lucie Paloque
- LCC-CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- MAAP, Inserm ERL 1289, Team "New Antiplasmodial Molecules and Pharmacological Approaches", Toulouse, France
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Michel Augereau
- LCC-CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- MAAP, Inserm ERL 1289, Team "New Antiplasmodial Molecules and Pharmacological Approaches", Toulouse, France
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Luisa Di Stefano
- MCD, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Françoise Benoit-Vical
- LCC-CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
- MAAP, Inserm ERL 1289, Team "New Antiplasmodial Molecules and Pharmacological Approaches", Toulouse, France.
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
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3
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Reyser T, Paloque L, Nguyen M, Augereau JM, Fuchter MJ, Lopez M, Arimondo PB, Hassell-Hart S, Spencer J, Di Stefano L, Benoit-Vical F. Epidrugs as Promising Tools to Eliminate Plasmodium falciparum Artemisinin-Resistant and Quiescent Parasites. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2440. [PMID: 37896200 PMCID: PMC10610379 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of artemisinin and its derivatives has helped reduce the burden of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. However, artemisinin-resistant parasites are able, in the presence of artemisinins, to stop their cell cycles. This quiescent state can alter the activity of artemisinin partner drugs leading to a secondary drug resistance and thus threatens malaria eradication strategies. Drugs targeting epigenetic mechanisms (namely epidrugs) are emerging as potential antimalarial drugs. Here, we set out to evaluate a selection of various epidrugs for their activity against quiescent parasites, to explore the possibility of using these compounds to counter artemisinin resistance. The 32 chosen epidrugs were first screened for their antiplasmodial activity and selectivity. We then demonstrated, thanks to the specific Quiescent-stage Survival Assay, that four epidrugs targeting both histone methylation or deacetylation as well as DNA methylation decrease the ability of artemisinin-resistant parasites to recover after artemisinin exposure. In the quest for novel antiplasmodial drugs with new modes of action, these results reinforce the therapeutic potential of epidrugs as antiplasmodial drugs especially in the context of artemisinin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaud Reyser
- LCC-CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31077 Toulouse, France
- MAAP, New Antimalarial Molecules and Pharmacological Approaches, Inserm ERL 1289, 31077 Toulouse, France
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Lucie Paloque
- LCC-CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31077 Toulouse, France
- MAAP, New Antimalarial Molecules and Pharmacological Approaches, Inserm ERL 1289, 31077 Toulouse, France
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Michel Nguyen
- LCC-CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31077 Toulouse, France
- MAAP, New Antimalarial Molecules and Pharmacological Approaches, Inserm ERL 1289, 31077 Toulouse, France
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Michel Augereau
- LCC-CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31077 Toulouse, France
- MAAP, New Antimalarial Molecules and Pharmacological Approaches, Inserm ERL 1289, 31077 Toulouse, France
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Matthew John Fuchter
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Marie Lopez
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM UMR 5247, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Paola B Arimondo
- Epigenetic Chemical Biology, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris-Cité, UMR 3523 CNRS, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Storm Hassell-Hart
- Department of Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9QJ, UK
| | - John Spencer
- Department of Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9QJ, UK
| | - Luisa Di Stefano
- MCD, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Françoise Benoit-Vical
- LCC-CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31077 Toulouse, France
- MAAP, New Antimalarial Molecules and Pharmacological Approaches, Inserm ERL 1289, 31077 Toulouse, France
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), 31077 Toulouse, France
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Xiao HT, Jin J, Zheng ZG. Emerging role of GCN5 in human diseases and its therapeutic potential. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:114835. [PMID: 37352700 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114835] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As the first histone acetyltransferase to be cloned and identified in yeast, general control non-depressible 5 (GCN5) plays a crucial role in epigenetic and chromatin modifications. It has been extensively studied for its essential role in regulating and causing various diseases. There is mounting evidence to suggest that GCN5 plays an emerging role in human diseases and its therapeutic potential is promising. In this paper, we begin by providing an introduction GCN5 including its structure, catalytic mechanism, and regulation, followed by a review of the current research progress on the role of GCN5 in regulating various diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis. Thus, we delve into the various aspects of GCN5 inhibitors, including their types, characteristics, means of discovery, activities, and limitations from a medicinal chemistry perspective. Our analysis highlights the importance of identifying and creating inhibitors that are both highly selective and effective inhibitors, for the future development of novel therapeutic agents aimed at treating GCN5-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Tao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zu-Guo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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5
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Basha NJ, Basavarajaiah SM. An insight into therapeutic efficacy of heterocycles as histone modifying enzyme inhibitors that targets cancer epigenetic pathways. Chem Biol Drug Des 2022; 100:682-698. [PMID: 36059065 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Histone modifying enzymes are the key regulators involved in the post-translational modification of histone and non-histone. These enzymes are responsible for the epigenetic control of cellular functions. However, deregulation of the activity of these enzymes results in uncontrolled disorders such as cancer and inflammatory and neurological diseases. The study includes histone acetyltransferases, deacetylases, methyl transferases, demethylases, DNA methyl transferases, and their potent inhibitors which are in a clinical trial and used as medicinal drugs. The present review covers the heterocycles as target-specific inhibitors of histone-modifying enzyme, more specifically histone acetyltransferases. This review also confers more recent reports on heterocycles as potential HAT inhibitors covered from 2016-2022 and future perspectives of these heterocycles in epigenetic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Jeelan Basha
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Academy Degree College-Autonomous, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - S M Basavarajaiah
- P.G. Department of Chemistry, Vijaya College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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6
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Jiang L, Liu B, Hou S, Su T, Fan Q, Alyafeai E, Tang Y, Wu M, Liu X, Li J, Hu Y, Li W, Zheng Z, Liu Y, Wu J. Discovery and evaluation of chalcone derivatives as novel potential anti-Toxoplasma gondii agents. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 234:114244. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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He B, Pan H, Zheng F, Chen S, Bie Q, Cao J, Zhao R, Liang J, Wei L, Zeng J, Li H, Cui X, Ding Y, Chao W, Xiang T, Cheng Y, Qiu G, Huang S, Tang L, Chang J, Luo D, Yang J, Zhang B. Long noncoding RNA LINC00930 promotes PFKFB3-mediated tumor glycolysis and cell proliferation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:77. [PMID: 35209949 PMCID: PMC8867671 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02282-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer. However, the roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer metabolism, especially glucose metabolism remain largely unknown. Results In this study, we identified and functionally characterized a novel metabolism-related lncRNA, LINC00930, which was upregulated and associated with tumorigenesis, lymphatic invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Functionally, LINC00930 was required for increased glycolysis activity and cell proliferation in multiple NPC models in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC00930 served as a scaffold to recruit the RBBP5 and GCN5 complex to the PFKFB3 promoter and increased H3K4 trimethylation and H3K9 acetylation levels in the PFKFB3 promoter region, which epigenetically transactivating PFKFB3, and thus promoting glycolytic flux and cell cycle progression. Clinically, targeting LINC00930 and PFKFB3 in combination with radiotherapy induced tumor regression. Conclusions Collectively, LINC00930 is mechanistically, functionally and clinically oncogenic in NPC. Targeting LINC00930 and its pathway may be meaningful for treating patients with NPC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02282-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China. .,Medical Science Laboratory, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China.
| | - Hongli Pan
- Medical Science Laboratory, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China.,Department of Reproductive Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Fengque Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Saiqiong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Qingli Bie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Jinghe Cao
- Department of Reproductive Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Rou Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Liang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Li Wei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Jianchao Zeng
- Medical Science Laboratory, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xing Cui
- Department of Otolaryngology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Yixuan Ding
- Department of Pathology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Wei Chao
- Medical Science Laboratory, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Tiantian Xiang
- Experimental Center of Medical Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuhe Cheng
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Gui Qiu
- Medical Science Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shishun Huang
- Medical Science Laboratory, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Libo Tang
- Medical Science Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiansheng Chang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Experimental Center of Medical Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Delan Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First People's Hospital of Neijiang City, Neijiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Hematology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China.
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.
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Miao J, Wang C, Lucky AB, Liang X, Min H, Adapa SR, Jiang R, Kim K, Cui L. A unique GCN5 histone acetyltransferase complex controls erythrocyte invasion and virulence in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009351. [PMID: 34403450 PMCID: PMC8396726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone acetyltransferase GCN5-associated SAGA complex is evolutionarily conserved from yeast to human and functions as a general transcription co-activator in global gene regulation. In this study, we identified a divergent GCN5 complex in Plasmodium falciparum, which contains two plant homeodomain (PHD) proteins (PfPHD1 and PfPHD2) and a plant apetela2 (AP2)-domain transcription factor (PfAP2-LT). To dissect the functions of the PfGCN5 complex, we generated parasite lines with either the bromodomain in PfGCN5 or the PHD domain in PfPHD1 deleted. The two deletion mutants closely phenocopied each other, exhibiting significantly reduced merozoite invasion of erythrocytes and elevated sexual conversion. These domain deletions caused dramatic decreases not only in histone H3K9 acetylation but also in H3K4 trimethylation, indicating synergistic crosstalk between the two euchromatin marks. Domain deletion in either PfGCN5 or PfPHD1 profoundly disturbed the global transcription pattern, causing altered expression of more than 60% of the genes. At the schizont stage, these domain deletions were linked to specific down-regulation of merozoite genes involved in erythrocyte invasion, many of which contain the AP2-LT binding motif and are also regulated by AP2-I and BDP1, suggesting targeted recruitment of the PfGCN5 complex to the invasion genes by these specific factors. Conversely, at the ring stage, PfGCN5 or PfPHD1 domain deletions disrupted the mutually exclusive expression pattern of the entire var gene family, which encodes the virulent factor PfEMP1. Correlation analysis between the chromatin state and alteration of gene expression demonstrated that up- and down-regulated genes in these mutants are highly correlated with the silent and active chromatin states in the wild-type parasite, respectively. Collectively, the PfGCN5 complex represents a novel HAT complex with a unique subunit composition including an AP2 transcription factor, which signifies a new paradigm for targeting the co-activator complex to regulate general and parasite-specific cellular processes in this low-branching parasitic protist. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression plays essential roles in orchestrating the general and parasite-specific cellular pathways in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. To better understand the epigenetic mechanisms in this parasite, we characterized the histone acetyltransferase GCN5-mediated transcription regulation during intraerythrocytic development of the parasite. Using tandem affinity purification and proteomic characterization, we identified that the PfGCN5-associated complex contains nine core components, including two PHD domain proteins (PfPHD1 and PfPHD2) and an AP2-domain transcription factor, which is divergent from the canonical GCN5 complexes evolutionarily conserved from yeast to human. To understand the functions of the PfGCN5 complex, we performed domain deletions in two subunits of this complex, PfGCN5 and PfPHD1. We found that the two deletion mutants displayed very similar growth phenotypes, including significantly reduced merozoite invasion rates and elevated sexual conversion. These two mutants were associated with dramatic decreases in histone H3K9 acetylation and H3K4 trimethylation, which led to global changes in chromatin states and gene expression. Consistent with the phenotypes, genes significantly affected by the PfGCN5 and PfPHD1 gene disruption include those participating in parasite-specific pathways such as invasion, virulence, and sexual development. In conclusion, this study presents a new model of the PfGCN5 complex for targeting the co-activator complex to regulate general and parasite-specific cellular processes in this low-branching parasitic protist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Miao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JM); (LC)
| | - Chengqi Wang
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Amuza Byaruhanga Lucky
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Xiaoying Liang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Hui Min
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Swamy Rakesh Adapa
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Rays Jiang
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kami Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JM); (LC)
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9
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The GCN5: its biological functions and therapeutic potentials. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:231-257. [PMID: 33443284 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
General control non-depressible 5 (GCN5) or lysine acetyltransferase 2A (KAT2A) is one of the most highly studied histone acetyltransferases. It acts as both histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and lysine acetyltransferase (KAT). As an HAT it plays a pivotal role in the epigenetic landscape and chromatin modification. Besides, GCN5 regulates a wide range of biological events such as gene regulation, cellular proliferation, metabolism and inflammation. Imbalance in the GCN5 activity has been reported in many disorders such as cancer, metabolic disorders, autoimmune disorders and neurological disorders. Therefore, unravelling the role of GCN5 in different diseases progression is a prerequisite for both understanding and developing novel therapeutic agents of these diseases. In this review, we have discussed the structural features, the biological function of GCN5 and the mechanical link with the diseases associated with its imbalance. Moreover, the present GCN5 modulators and their limitations will be presented in a medicinal chemistry perspective.
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10
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Catalysis by protein acetyltransferase Gcn5. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1864:194627. [PMID: 32841743 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Gcn5 serves as the defining member of the Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily of proteins that display a common structural fold and catalytic mechanism involving the transfer of the acyl-group, primarily acetyl-, from CoA to an acceptor nucleophile. In the case of Gcn5, the target is the ε-amino group of lysine primarily on histones. Over the years, studies on Gcn5 structure-function have often formed the basis by which we understand the complex activities and regulation of the entire protein acetyltransferase family. It is now appreciated that protein acetylation occurs on thousands of proteins and can reversibly regulate the function of many cellular processes. In this review, we provide an overview of our fundamental understanding of catalysis, regulation of activity and substrate selection, and inhibitor development for this archetypal acetyltransferase.
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11
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Targeting histone acetylation/deacetylation in parasites: an update (2017–2020). Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 57:65-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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12
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Hanquier J, Gimeno T, Jeffers V, Sullivan WJ. Evaluating the GCN5b bromodomain as a novel therapeutic target against the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Exp Parasitol 2020; 211:107868. [PMID: 32119930 PMCID: PMC7483680 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite of great importance in human and veterinary health. The frontline treatment of antifolates suffers a variety of drawbacks, including toxicity and allergic reactions, underscoring the need to identify novel drug targets for new therapeutics to be developed. We previously showed that the Toxoplasma lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) GCN5b is an essential chromatin remodeling enzyme in the parasite linked to the regulation of gene expression. We have previously established that the KAT domain is a liability that can be targeted in the parasite by compounds like garcinol; here, we investigate the potential of the bromodomain as a targetable element of GCN5b. Bromodomains bind acetylated lysine residues on histones, which helps stabilize the KAT complex at gene promoters. Using an inducible dominant-negative strategy, we found that the GCN5b bromodomain is critical for Toxoplasma viability. We also found that the GCN5-family bromodomain inhibitor, L-Moses, interferes with the ability of the GCN5b bromodomain to associate with acetylated histone residues using an in vitro binding assay. Moreover, L-Moses displays potent activity against Toxoplasma tachyzoites in vitro, which can be overcome if parasites are engineered to over-express GCN5b. Collectively, our data support the GCN5b bromodomain as an attractive target for the development of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyne Hanquier
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Thomas Gimeno
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Victoria Jeffers
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - William J Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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13
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Bhowmick K, Tehlan A, Sunita, Sudhakar R, Kaur I, Sijwali PS, Krishnamachari A, Dhar SK. Plasmodium falciparum GCN5 acetyltransferase follows a novel proteolytic processing pathway that is essential for its function. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs.236489. [PMID: 31862795 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.236489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of human malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum is interlinked with its timely control of gene expression during its complex life cycle. In this organism, gene expression is partially controlled through epigenetic mechanisms, the regulation of which is, hence, of paramount importance to the parasite. The P. falciparum (Pf)-GCN5 histone acetyltransferase (HAT), an essential enzyme, acetylates histone 3 and regulates global gene expression in the parasite. Here, we show the existence of a novel proteolytic processing for PfGCN5 that is crucial for its activity in vivo We find that a cysteine protease-like enzyme is required for the processing of PfGCN5 protein. Immunofluorescence and immuno-electron microscopy analysis suggest that the processing event occurs in the vicinity of the digestive vacuole of the parasite following its trafficking through the classical ER-Golgi secretory pathway, before it subsequently reaches the nucleus. Furthermore, blocking of PfGCN5 processing leads to the concomitant reduction of its occupancy at the gene promoters and a reduced H3K9 acetylation level at these promoters, highlighting the important correlation between the processing event and PfGCN5 activity. Altogether, our study reveals a unique processing event for a nuclear protein PfGCN5 with unforeseen role of a food vacuolar cysteine protease. This leads to a possibility of the development of new antimalarials against these targets.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishanu Bhowmick
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ankita Tehlan
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sunita
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Renu Sudhakar
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, Telengana 500007, India
| | - Inderjeet Kaur
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Puran Singh Sijwali
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, Telengana 500007, India
| | | | - Suman Kumar Dhar
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
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14
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Huang M, Huang J, Zheng Y, Sun Q. Histone acetyltransferase inhibitors: An overview in synthesis, structure-activity relationship and molecular mechanism. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 178:259-286. [PMID: 31195169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.05.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Acetylation, a key component in post-translational modification regulated by HATs and HDACs, is relevant to many crucial cellular contexts in organisms. Based on crucial pharmacophore patterns and the structure of targeted proteins, HAT inhibitors are designed and modified for higher affinity and better bioactivity. However, there are still some challenges, such as cell permeability, selectivity, toxicity and synthetic availability, which limit the improvement of HAT inhibitors. So far, only few HAT inhibitors have been approved for commercialization, indicating the urgent need for more successful and effective structure-based drug design and synthetic strategies. Here, we summarized three classes of HAT inhibitors based on their sources and structural scaffolds, emphasizing on their synthetic methods and structure-activity relationships and molecular mechanisms, hoping to facilitate the development and further application of HAT inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiangkun Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongcheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qiu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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15
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Kumar A, Dhar SK, Subbarao N. In silico identification of inhibitors against Plasmodium falciparum histone deacetylase 1 (PfHDAC-1). J Mol Model 2018; 24:232. [PMID: 30109440 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-018-3761-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In erythrocytes, actively multiplying Plasmodium falciparum parasites exhibit a unique signature of virulence associated histone modifications, thereby epigenetically regulating the expression of the majority of genes. Histone acetylation is one such modification, effectuated and maintained by the dynamic interplay of two functionally antagonist enzymes, histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). Their inhibition leads to hypo/hyperacetylation and is known to be deleterious for P. falciparum, and hence they have become attractive molecular targets to design novel antimalarials. Many compounds, including four Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs, have been developed so far to inhibit HDAC activity but are not suitable to treat malaria as they lack selectivity and cause cytotoxicity in mammalian cells. In this study, we used comparative modeling and molecular docking to establish different binding modes of nonselective and selective compounds in the PfHDAC-1 (a class I HDAC protein in P. falciparum) active site and identified the involvement of active site nonidentical residues in binding of selective compounds. Further, we have applied virtual screening with precise selection criteria and molecular dynamics simulation to identify novel potential inhibitors against PfHDAC-1. We report 20 compounds (10 from ChEMBL and 10 from analogues compound library) bearing seven scaffolds having better affinity toward PfHDAC-1. Sixteen of these compounds are known antimalarials with 14 having activity in the nanomolar range against various drug resistant and sensitive strains of P. falciparum. The cytotoxicity of these compounds against various human cell lines are reported at relatively higher concentration and hence can be used as potential PfHDAC-1 inhibitors in P. falciparum. These findings indeed show great potential for using the above molecules as prospective antimalarials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarjeet Kumar
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Suman Kumar Dhar
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Naidu Subbarao
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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16
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Lysine acetyltransferase inhibitors: structure-activity relationships and potential therapeutic implications. Future Med Chem 2018; 10:1067-1091. [PMID: 29676588 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2017-0244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysine acetylation is a post-translational modification of both histone and nonhistone proteins that is catalyzed by lysine acetyltransferases and plays a key role in numerous biological contexts. The dysregulation of this enzyme activity is implicated in many human pathologies such as cancer, neurological and inflammatory disorders. Many lysine acetyltransferase inhibitors (KATi) have been developed so far, but there is still the need for new, more potent, metabolically stable and selective KATi as chemical tools for studying KAT biology and/or as potential therapeutic agents. This review will examine the features of KAT enzymes and related diseases, with particular emphasis on KATi (bisubstrate analogs, natural compounds and synthetic derivatives), analyzing their mechanism of action, structure-activity relationships, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties and potential future applications.
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17
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Lu W, Zhang R, Jiang H, Zhang H, Luo C. Computer-Aided Drug Design in Epigenetics. Front Chem 2018; 6:57. [PMID: 29594101 PMCID: PMC5857607 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic dysfunction has been widely implicated in several diseases especially cancers thus highlights the therapeutic potential for chemical interventions in this field. With rapid development of computational methodologies and high-performance computational resources, computer-aided drug design has emerged as a promising strategy to speed up epigenetic drug discovery. Herein, we make a brief overview of major computational methods reported in the literature including druggability prediction, virtual screening, homology modeling, scaffold hopping, pharmacophore modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, quantum chemistry calculation, and 3D quantitative structure activity relationship that have been successfully applied in the design and discovery of epi-drugs and epi-probes. Finally, we discuss about major limitations of current virtual drug design strategies in epigenetics drug discovery and future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Lu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rukang Zhang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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18
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Kanyal A, Rawat M, Gurung P, Choubey D, Anamika K, Karmodiya K. Genome‐wide survey and phylogenetic analysis of histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases of
Plasmodium falciparum. FEBS J 2018; 285:1767-1782. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.14376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Kanyal
- Department of Biology Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pashan, Pune India
| | - Mukul Rawat
- Department of Biology Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pashan, Pune India
| | - Pratima Gurung
- Department of Biology Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pashan, Pune India
| | | | | | - Krishanpal Karmodiya
- Department of Biology Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pashan, Pune India
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