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Müller J, Boubaker G, Müller N, Uldry AC, Braga-Lagache S, Heller M, Hemphill A. Investigating Antiprotozoal Chemotherapies with Novel Proteomic Tools-Chances and Limitations: A Critical Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6903. [PMID: 39000012 PMCID: PMC11241152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136903] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Identification of drug targets and biochemical investigations on mechanisms of action are major issues in modern drug development. The present article is a critical review of the classical "one drug"-"one target" paradigm. In fact, novel methods for target deconvolution and for investigation of resistant strains based on protein mass spectrometry have shown that multiple gene products and adaptation mechanisms are involved in the responses of pathogens to xenobiotics rather than one single gene or gene product. Resistance to drugs may be linked to differential expression of other proteins than those interacting with the drug in protein binding studies and result in complex cell physiological adaptation. Consequently, the unraveling of mechanisms of action needs approaches beyond proteomics. This review is focused on protozoan pathogens. The conclusions can, however, be extended to chemotherapies against other pathogens or cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Christine Uldry
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Braga-Lagache
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Heller
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Müller J, Boubaker G, Imhof D, Hänggeli K, Haudenschild N, Uldry AC, Braga-Lagache S, Heller M, Ortega-Mora LM, Hemphill A. Differential Affinity Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry: A Suitable Tool to Identify Common Binding Proteins of a Broad-Range Antimicrobial Peptide Derived from Leucinostatin. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112675. [PMID: 36359195 PMCID: PMC9687860 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucinostatins are antimicrobial peptides with a broad range of activities against infectious agents as well as mammalian cells. The leucinostatin-derivative peptide ZHAWOC_6027 (peptide 6027) was tested in vitro and in vivo for activity against the intracellular apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. While highly efficacious in vitro (EC50 = 2 nM), subcutaneous application of peptide 6027 (3 mg/kg/day for 5 days) in mice experimentally infected with T. gondii oocysts exacerbated the infection, caused mild clinical signs and elevated cerebral parasite load. Peptide 6027 also impaired the proliferation and viability of mouse splenocytes, most notably LPS-stimulated B cells, in vitro. To identify common potential targets in Toxoplasma and murine splenocytes, we performed differential affinity chromatography (DAC) with cell-free extracts from T. gondii tachyzoites and mouse spleens using peptide 6027 or an ineffective analogue (peptide 21,358) coupled to N-hydroxy-succinimide sepharose, followed by mass spectrometry. Proteins specifically binding to peptide 6027 were identified in eluates from the peptide 6027 column but not in peptide 21,358 nor the mock column eluates. In T. gondii eluates, 269 proteins binding specifically to peptide 6027 were identified, while in eluates from mouse spleen extracts 645 proteins specifically binding to this peptide were detected. Both datasets contained proteins involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism and in protein processing and secretion. These results suggest that peptide 6027 interacts with common targets in eukaryotes involved in essential pathways. Since this methodology can be applied to various compounds as well as target cell lines or organs, DAC combined with mass spectrometry and proteomic analysis should be considered a smart and 3R-relevant way to identify drug targets in pathogens and hosts, thereby eliminating compounds with potential side effects before performing tedious and costly safety and efficacy assessments in animals or humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kai Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Noé Haudenschild
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Christine Uldry
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Braga-Lagache
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Heller
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luis-Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
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Müller J, Anghel N, Imhof D, Hänggeli K, Uldry AC, Braga-Lagache S, Heller M, Ojo KK, Ortega-Mora LM, Van Voorhis WC, Hemphill A. Common Molecular Targets of a Quinolone Based Bumped Kinase Inhibitor in Neospora caninum and Danio rerio. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2381. [PMID: 35216497 PMCID: PMC8879773 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite closely related to Toxoplasma gondii, and causes abortions, stillbirths and/or fetal malformations in livestock. Target-based drug development has led to the synthesis of calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 inhibitors, collectively named bumped kinase inhibitors (BKIs). Previous studies have shown that several BKIs have excellent efficacy against neosporosis in vitro and in vivo. However, several members of this class of compounds impair fertility in pregnant mouse models and cause embryonic malformation in a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. Similar to the first-generation antiprotozoal drug quinine, some BKIs have a quinoline core structure. To identify common targets in both organisms, we performed differential affinity chromatography with cell-free extracts from N. caninum tachyzoites and D. rerio embryos using the 5-aminopyrazole-4-carboxamide (AC) compound BKI-1748 and quinine columns coupled to epoxy-activated sepharose followed by mass spectrometry. BKI-binding proteins of interest were identified in eluates from columns coupled to BKI-1748, or in eluates from BKI-1748 as well as quinine columns. In N. caninum, 12 proteins were bound specifically to BKI-1748 alone, and 105 proteins, including NcCDPK1, were bound to both BKI-1748 and quinine. For D. rerio, the corresponding numbers were 13 and 98 binding proteins, respectively. In both organisms, a majority of BKI-1748 binding proteins was involved in RNA binding and modification, in particular, splicing. Moreover, both datasets contained proteins involved in DNA binding or modification and key steps of intermediate metabolism. These results suggest that BKI-1748 interacts with not only specific targets in apicomplexans, such as CDPK1, but also with targets in other eukaryotes, which are involved in common, essential pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.M.); (N.A.); (D.I.); (K.H.)
| | - Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.M.); (N.A.); (D.I.); (K.H.)
| | - Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.M.); (N.A.); (D.I.); (K.H.)
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kai Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.M.); (N.A.); (D.I.); (K.H.)
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Christine Uldry
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (A.-C.U.); (S.B.-L.); (M.H.)
| | - Sophie Braga-Lagache
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (A.-C.U.); (S.B.-L.); (M.H.)
| | - Manfred Heller
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (A.-C.U.); (S.B.-L.); (M.H.)
| | - Kayode K. Ojo
- Center for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (K.K.O.); (W.C.V.V.)
| | - Luis-Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Wesley C. Van Voorhis
- Center for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (K.K.O.); (W.C.V.V.)
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.M.); (N.A.); (D.I.); (K.H.)
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Anghel N, Müller J, Serricchio M, Jelk J, Bütikofer P, Boubaker G, Imhof D, Ramseier J, Desiatkina O, Păunescu E, Braga-Lagache S, Heller M, Furrer J, Hemphill A. Cellular and Molecular Targets of Nucleotide-Tagged Trithiolato-Bridged Arene Ruthenium Complexes in the Protozoan Parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Trypanosoma brucei. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910787. [PMID: 34639127 PMCID: PMC8509533 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite that infects and proliferates within many different types of host cells and infects virtually all warm-blooded animals and humans. Trypanosoma brucei is an extracellular kinetoplastid that causes human African trypanosomiasis and Nagana disease in cattle, primarily in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Current treatments against both parasites have limitations, e.g., suboptimal efficacy and adverse side effects. Here, we investigate the potential cellular and molecular targets of a trithiolato-bridged arene ruthenium complex conjugated to 9-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenine (1), which inhibits both parasites with IC50s below 10−7 M. Proteins that bind to 1 were identified using differential affinity chromatography (DAC) followed by shotgun-mass spectrometry. A trithiolato-bridged ruthenium complex decorated with hypoxanthine (2) and 2-hydroxyethyl-adenine (3) were included as controls. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed distinct ultrastructural modifications in the mitochondrion induced by (1) but not by (2) and (3) in both species. DAC revealed 128 proteins in T. gondii and 46 proteins in T. brucei specifically binding to 1 but not 2 or 3. In T. gondii, the most abundant was a protein with unknown function annotated as YOU2. This protein is a homolog to the human mitochondrial inner membrane translocase subunit Tim10. In T. brucei, the most abundant proteins binding specifically to 1 were mitochondrial ATP-synthase subunits. Exposure of T. brucei bloodstream forms to 1 resulted in rapid breakdown of the ATP-synthase complex. Moreover, both datasets contained proteins involved in key steps of metabolism and nucleic acid binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (D.I.); (J.R.)
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (D.I.); (J.R.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Mauro Serricchio
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.S.); (J.J.); (P.B.)
| | - Jennifer Jelk
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.S.); (J.J.); (P.B.)
| | - Peter Bütikofer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.S.); (J.J.); (P.B.)
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (D.I.); (J.R.)
| | - Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (D.I.); (J.R.)
| | - Jessica Ramseier
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (D.I.); (J.R.)
| | - Oksana Desiatkina
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (O.D.); (E.P.); (J.F.)
| | - Emilia Păunescu
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (O.D.); (E.P.); (J.F.)
| | - Sophie Braga-Lagache
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (S.B.-L.); (M.H.)
| | - Manfred Heller
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (S.B.-L.); (M.H.)
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (O.D.); (E.P.); (J.F.)
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (D.I.); (J.R.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (A.H.)
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Wu Y, Li Z, Zhao YS, Huang YY, Jiang MY, Luo HB. Therapeutic targets and potential agents for the treatment of COVID-19. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:1775-1797. [PMID: 33393116 DOI: 10.1002/med.21776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, has become a global crisis. As of November 9, COVID-19 has already spread to more than 190 countries with 50,000,000 infections and 1,250,000 deaths. Effective therapeutics and drugs are in high demand. The structure of SARS-CoV-2 is highly conserved with those of SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome-CoV. Enzymes, including RdRp, Mpro /3CLpro , and PLpro , which play important roles in viral transcription and replication, have been regarded as key targets for therapies against coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The identification of readily available drugs for repositioning in COVID-19 therapy is a relatively rapid approach for clinical treatment, and a series of approved or candidate drugs have been proven to be efficient against COVID-19 in preclinical or clinical studies. This review summarizes recent progress in the development of drugs against SARS-CoV-2 and the targets involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinuo Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhe Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Song Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-You Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei-Yan Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Bin Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
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Lei K, Gu X, Alvarado AG, Du Y, Luo S, Ahn EH, Kang SS, Ji B, Liu X, Mao H, Fu H, Kornblum HI, Jin L, Li H, Ye K. Discovery of a dual inhibitor of NQO1 and GSTP1 for treating glioblastoma. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:141. [PMID: 33087132 PMCID: PMC7579906 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00979-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is a universally lethal tumor with frequently overexpressed or mutated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and glutathione-S-transferase Pi 1 (GSTP1) are commonly upregulated in GBM. NQO1 and GSTP1 decrease the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which mediates the oxidative stress and promotes GBM cell proliferation. METHODS High-throughput screen was used for agents selectively active against GBM cells with EGFRvIII mutations. Co-crystal structures were revealed molecular details of target recognition. Pharmacological and gene knockdown/overexpression approaches were used to investigate the oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We identified a small molecular inhibitor, "MNPC," that binds to both NQO1 and GSTP1 with high affinity and selectivity. MNPC inhibits NQO1 and GSTP1 enzymes and induces apoptosis in GBM, specifically inhibiting the growth of cell lines and primary GBM bearing the EGFRvIII mutation. Co-crystal structures between MNPC and NQO1, and molecular docking of MNPC with GSTP1 reveal that it binds the active sites and acts as a potent dual inhibitor. Inactivation of both NQO1 and GSTP1 with siRNA or MNPC results in imbalanced redox homeostasis, leading to apoptosis and mitigated cancer proliferation in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Thus, MNPC, a dual inhibitor for both NQO1 and GSTP1, provides a novel lead compound for treating GBM via the exploitation of specific vulnerabilities created by mutant EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kecheng Lei
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA ,grid.24516.340000000123704535Neurotoxin Research Center of Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Neurological Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxia Gu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 People’s Republic of China
| | - Alvaro G. Alvarado
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Yuhong Du
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Atlanta, USA
| | - Shilin Luo
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Eun Hee Ahn
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Seong Su Kang
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Bing Ji
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Xia Liu
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Hui Mao
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Haian Fu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Atlanta, USA
| | - Harley I. Kornblum
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Lingjing Jin
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Neurotoxin Research Center of Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Neurological Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua Li
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 People’s Republic of China ,grid.412561.50000 0000 8645 4345Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Keqiang Ye
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
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Shou J, Wang M, Cheng X, Wang X, Zhang L, Liu Y, Fei C, Wang C, Gu F, Xue F, Li J, Zhang K. Tizoxanide induces autophagy by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Arch Pharm Res 2020; 43:257-270. [PMID: 31894502 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-019-01202-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
As the main metabolite of nitazoxanide, tizoxanide (TIZ) has a broad-spectrum anti-infective effect against parasites, bacteria, and virus. In this study, we investigated the effects of TIZ on autophagy by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. RAW264.7 macrophage cells were treated with various TIZ concentrations. Cell viability assay, transmission electron microscope, and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the biological function of the macrophage cells, and the expression levels of the autophagy pathway-related proteins were measured by Western blot. Results revealed that TIZ promoted the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II, the formation of autophagy vacuoles, and the degradation of SQSTM1/p62 in a concentration- and time-dependent manner in RAW264.7 cells. Treatment with TIZ increased the Beclin-1 expression level and inhibited PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and ULK1 activation. These effects were enhanced by pretreatment with rapamycin but attenuated by pretreatment with LY294002. In addition, the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II was observed in Vero, 293T, and HepG2 cells treated with TIZ. These data suggested that TIZ may induce autophagy by inhibiting the Akt/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway in macrophages and other cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoqin Shou
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue RD, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
- College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Yuhu District, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Mi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue RD, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Xiaolei Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue RD, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue RD, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue RD, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yingchun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue RD, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Chenzhong Fei
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue RD, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue RD, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Feng Gu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue RD, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Feiqun Xue
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue RD, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Juan Li
- College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Yuhu District, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China.
| | - Keyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue RD, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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Sánchez-Sánchez R, Vázquez P, Ferre I, Ortega-Mora LM. Treatment of Toxoplasmosis and Neosporosis in Farm Ruminants: State of Knowledge and Future Trends. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 18:1304-1323. [PMID: 30277158 PMCID: PMC6340160 DOI: 10.2174/1568026618666181002113617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are closely related protozoan diseases that lead to important economic impacts in farm ruminants. Toxoplasma gondii infection mainly causes reproductive failure in small ruminants and is a widespread zoonosis, whereas Neospora caninum infection is one of the most important causes of abortion in cattle worldwide. Vaccination has been considered the most economic measure for controlling these diseases. However, despite vaccine development efforts, only a live-attenuated T. gondii vaccine has been licensed for veterinary use, and no promising vaccines against ne-osporosis have been developed; therefore, vaccine development remains a key goal. Additionally, drug therapy could be a valuable strategy for disease control in farm ruminants, as several drugs that limit T. gondii and N. caninum proliferation and dissemination have been evaluated. This approach may also be relevant to performing an initial drug screening for potential human therapy for zoonotic parasites. Treat-ments can be applied against infections in adult ruminants to minimize the outcomes of a primo-infection or the reactivation of a chronic infection during gestation or in newborn ruminants to avoid infection chronification. In this review, the current status of drug development against toxoplasmosis and neosporo-sis in farm ruminants is presented, and in an effort to promote additional treatment options, prospective drugs that have shown efficacy in vitro and in laboratory animal models of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are examined
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Vázquez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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Smith BJ, Martins-de-Souza D, Fioramonte M. A Guide to Mass Spectrometry-Based Quantitative Proteomics. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1916:3-39. [PMID: 30535679 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8994-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Proteomics has become an attractive science in the postgenomic era, given its capacity to identify up to thousands of molecules in a single, complex sample and quantify them in an absolute and/or relative manner. The use of these techniques enables understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms of diseases and other biological conditions, as well as identification and screening of protein biomarkers. Here we provide a straightforward, up-to-date compilation and comparison of the main quantitation techniques used in comparative proteomics such as in vitro and in vivo stable isotope labeling and label-free techniques. Additionally, this chapter includes common methods for data acquisition in proteomics and some appropriate methods for data processing. This compilation can serve as a reference for scientists who are new to, or already familiar with, quantitative proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Smith
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Daniel Martins-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Center for Neurobiology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Fioramonte
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.
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Cardoso R, Wang J, Müller J, Rupp S, Leitão A, Hemphill A. Modulation of cis- and trans- Golgi and the Rab9A-GTPase during infection by Besnoitia besnoiti, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Exp Parasitol 2018; 187:75-85. [PMID: 29499180 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Like most intracellular pathogens, the apicomplexan parasites Besnoitia besnoiti, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum scavenge metabolites from their host cells. Recruitment of the Golgi complex to the vicinity of the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) is likely to aid in this process. In this work, we comparatively assessed B. besnoiti, T. gondii and N. caninum infected human retinal pigmented epithelial (hTERT-RPE-1) cells at 24 h post-infection and used antibodies to confirm Golgi ribbon compaction in B. besnoiti, and Golgi ribbon dispersion in T. gondii, while no alteration in Golgi morphology was seen in N. caninum infected cells. In either case, the Golgi stacks of infected cells contained both cis- (GM130) and trans- (TGN46) Golgi proteins. The localization of Rab9A, an important regulator of endosomal trafficking, was also studied. GFP-tagged Rab9A was recruited to the vicinity of the PV of all three parasites. Toxoplasma-infected cells exhibited increased expression of Rab9A in comparison to non-infected cells. However, Rab9A expression levels remained unaltered upon infection with N. caninum and B. besnoiti tachyzoites. In contrast to Rab9A, a GFP-tagged dominant negative mutant form of Rab9A (Rab9A DN), was not recruited to the PV, and the expression of Rab9A DN did not affect host cell invasion nor replication by all three parasites. Thus, B. besnoiti, T. gondii and N. caninum show similarities but also differences in how they affect constituents of the endosomal/secretory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Cardoso
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Bern, 3012, Switzerland; Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Junhua Wang
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Rupp
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Bern, 3012, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 1, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Leitão
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
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The single cyclic nucleotide-specific phosphodiesterase of the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia represents a potential drug target. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005891. [PMID: 28915270 PMCID: PMC5617230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Giardiasis is an intestinal infection correlated with poverty and poor drinking water quality, and treatment options are limited. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Giardia infections afflict nearly 33% of people in developing countries, and 2% of the adult population in the developed world. This study describes the single cyclic nucleotide-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) of G. lamblia and assesses PDE inhibitors as a new generation of anti-giardial drugs. Methods An extensive search of the Giardia genome database identified a single gene coding for a class I PDE, GlPDE. The predicted protein sequence was analyzed in-silico to characterize its domain structure and catalytic domain. Enzymatic activity of GlPDE was established by complementation of a PDE-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, and enzyme kinetics were characterized in soluble yeast lysates. The potency of known PDE inhibitors was tested against the activity of recombinant GlPDE expressed in yeast and against proliferating Giardia trophozoites. Finally, the localization of epitope-tagged and ectopically expressed GlPDE in Giardia cells was investigated. Results Giardia encodes a class I PDE. Catalytically important residues are fully conserved between GlPDE and human PDEs, but sequence differences between their catalytic domains suggest that designing Giardia-specific inhibitors is feasible. Recombinant GlPDE hydrolyzes cAMP with a Km of 408 μM, and cGMP is not accepted as a substrate. A number of drugs exhibit a high degree of correlation between their potency against the recombinant enzyme and their inhibition of trophozoite proliferation in culture. Epitope-tagged GlPDE localizes as dots in a pattern reminiscent of mitosomes and to the perinuclear region in Giardia. Conclusions Our data strongly suggest that inhibition of G. lamblia PDE activity leads to a profound inhibition of parasite proliferation and that GlPDE is a promising target for developing novel anti-giardial drugs. Cellular signaling by the cyclic nucleotides cAMP and cGMP is ubiquitously found in organisms from human to unicellular parasites. Cyclic nucleotide-specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are pivotal regulators of these signaling processes and these enzymes represent important drug targets for a variety of diseases. Eleven PDE families are distinguished in humans and selective inhibition of a single human PDE family without targeting others is feasible. In parasites, interference in the signaling mechanism by PDE inhibition may be fatal. The diarrhea-causing parasite Giardia lamblia contains only one single PDE, named GlPDE. GlPDE activity is highly impaired by a range of PDE inhibitors, which also suppress parasite proliferation in vitro. Thus, there is a good agreement between PDE inhibition and parasite drug susceptibility. We demonstrate molecular differences between human PDEs and GlPDE that can be exploited for the development of GlPDE-selective inhibitors. Finally, our data may suggest localization of GlPDE to mitosome organelles, which are absent in human cells and thus are in the focus as possible targets for the treatment of giardiasis. This may add to the notion that GlPDE represents a potential target for the development of novel anti-giardial drugs.
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In vitro effects of new artemisinin derivatives in Neospora caninum-infected human fibroblasts. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2015; 46:88-93. [PMID: 25934265 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2015.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
From a panel of 34 artemisinin derivatives tested in vitro, artemisone, GC007 and GC012 were most efficacious at inhibiting Neospora caninum replication (IC50 values of 3-54nM), did not notably impair the invasiveness of tachyzoites and were non-toxic for human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs). Transmission electron microscopy of drug-treated N. caninum-infected HFFs demonstrated severe alterations in the parasite cytoplasm, changes in the composition of the matrix of the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) and diminished integrity of the PV membrane. To exert parasiticidal activity, parasites had to be cultured continuously in the presence of 5μM artemisone or GC007 for 3 weeks. N. caninum tachyzoites readily adapted to a stepwise increase in concentrations (0.5-10μM) of GC012, but not to artemisone or GC007. Drugs induced the expression of elevated levels of NcBAG1 and NcSAG4 mRNA, but only NcBAG1 could be detected by immunofluorescence. Thus, artemisinin derivatives represent interesting leads that should be investigated further.
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Comparative characterisation of two nitroreductases from Giardia lamblia as potential activators of nitro compounds. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2015; 5:37-43. [PMID: 27099829 PMCID: PMC4813764 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
G. lamblia has two nitroreductases with substrate specificities not only for nitro compounds, but also for quinones. GlNR1 rather activates nitro drugs by forming toxic intermediates, GlNR2 rather inactivates them.
Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that causes giardiasis, a diarrhoeal disease affecting humans and various animal species. Nitro drugs such as the nitroimidazole metronidazole and the nitrothiazolide nitazoxanide are used for treatment of giardiasis. Nitroreductases such as GlNR1 and GlNR2 may play a role in activation or inactivation of these drugs. The aim of this work is to characterise these two enyzmes using functional assays. For respective analyses recombinant analogues from GlNR1 and GlNR2 were produced in Escherichia coli. E. coli expressing GlNR1 and GlNR2 alone or together were grown in the presence of nitro compounds. Furthermore, pull-down assays were performed using HA-tagged GlNR1 and GlNR2 as baits. As expected, E. coli expressing GlNR1 were more susceptible to metronidazole under aerobic and semi-aerobic and to nitazoxanide under semi-aerobic growth conditions whereas E. coli expressing GlNR2 were susceptible to neither drug. Interestingly, expression of both nitroreductases gave the same results as expression of GlNR2 alone. In functional assays, both nitroreductases had their strongest activities on the quinone menadione (vitamin K3) and FAD, but reduction of nitro compounds including the nitro drugs metronidazole and nitazoxanide was clearly detected. Full reduction of 7-nitrocoumarin to 7-aminocoumarin was preferentially achieved with GlNR2. Pull-down assays revealed that GlNR1 and GlNR2 interacted in vivo forming a multienzyme complex. These findings suggest that both nitroreductases are multifunctional. Their main biological role may reside in the reduction of vitamin K analogues and FAD. Activation by GlNR1 or inactivation by GlNR2 of nitro drugs may be the consequence of a secondary enzymatic activity either yielding (GlNR1) or eliminating (GlNR2) toxic intermediates after reduction of these compounds.
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A quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR assay for the assessment of drug activities against intracellular Theileria annulata schizonts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:201-9. [PMID: 25516828 PMCID: PMC4266814 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative RT real time PCR was used to assess metabolic impairment of Theileria schizonts. The method was validated with buparvaquone. Buparvaquone acts directly and rapidly on the parasite within 1 h of treatment. Electron microscopy confirmed these findings. A series of anti-parasitic compounds and antibiotics acted primarily on the host cells.
Intracellular schizonts of the apicomplexans Theileria annulata and Theileria parva immortalize bovine leucocytes thereby causing fatal immunoproliferative diseases. Buparvaquone, a hydroxynaphthoquinone related to parvaquone, is the only drug available against Theileria. The drug is only effective at the onset of infection and emerging resistance underlines the need for identifying alternative compounds. Current drug assays employ monitoring of proliferation of infected cells, with apoptosis of the infected host cell as a read-out, but it is often unclear whether active compounds directly impair the viability of the parasite or primarily induce host cell death. We here report on the development of a quantitative reverse transcriptase real time PCR method based on two Theileria genes, tasp and tap104, which are both expressed in schizonts. Upon in vitro treatment of T. annulata infected bovine monocytes with buparvaquone, TaSP and Tap104 mRNA expression levels significantly decreased in relation to host cell actin already within 4 h of drug exposure, while significant differences in host cell proliferation were detectable only after 48–72 h. TEM revealed marked alterations of the schizont ultrastructure already after 2 h of buparvaquone treatment, while the host cell remained unaffected. Expression of TaSP and Tap104 proteins showed a marked decrease only after 24 h. Therefore, the analysis of expression levels of mRNA coding for TaSP and Tap104 allows to directly measuring impairment of parasite viability. We subsequently applied this method using a series of compounds affecting different targets in other apicomplexan parasites, and show that monitoring of TaSP- and Tap104 mRNA levels constitutes a suitable tool for anti-theilerial drug development.
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Design, synthesis and biological characterization of thiazolidin-4-one derivatives as promising inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 86:17-30. [PMID: 25140751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.08.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We designed and synthesized a large number of novel thiazolidin-4-one derivatives for the evaluation of their anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity. This scaffold was functionalized at the N1-hydrazine portion with aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and (hetero)aromatic moieties. Then, a benzyl pendant was introduced at the lactamic NH of the core nucleus to evaluate the influence of this chemical modification on biological activity. The compounds were subjected to several in vitro assays to assess their anti-parasitic efficacy, cytotoxicity on fibroblasts, inhibition of tachyzoite invasion/attachment and replication after treatment. Results showed that fourteen of these thiazole-based compounds compare favorably to control compound trimethoprim in terms of parasite growth inhibition.
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Radi AE, El-Naggar AE, Nassef HM. Electrochemical and Spectral studies on the Interaction of the Antiparasitic Drug Nitazoxanide with DNA. Electrochim Acta 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2014.02.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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17
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Galván-Ramírez MDLL, Dueñas Jiménez JM, Rocío Rodríguez Pérez L, Troyo-Sanroman R, Ramírez-Herrera M, García-Iglesias T. Effect of nitaxozanide and pyrimethamine on astrocytes infected by Toxoplasma gondii in vitro. Arch Med Res 2013; 44:415-21. [PMID: 23973195 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS T. gondii is a causal agent of encephalitis in immunocompromised patients. Pyrimethamine (PYR) has been the treatment of choice for toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of nitazoxanide and pyrimethamine on astrocytes infected with T. gondii in vitro. METHODS Rat astrocytes were cultured and infected with T. gondii. The effect of nitazoxanide (10, 20 and 30 μg/mL) and pyrimethamine (7, 10 and 13 μg/mL) on astrocytes infected was evaluated at 24 and 48 h post-infection. Tachyzoites and astrocytes were detected by the immunocytochemical method. T. gondii viability in astrocytes infected and treated with NTZ and PYR as well as NTZ and PYR cytotoxicity on astrocytes in vitro were evaluated by the MTT assay. RESULTS The number of parasites in astrocytes treated with the drugs was significantly reduced when compared to control (p <0.001) at 24 and 48 h. Nitazoxanide produced 97% T. gondii death in a concentration of 10 μg/mL in 48 h infected astrocytes. At 48 h, the death rate of T. gondii was higher when treated with nitazoxanide than with pyrimethamine. A higher toxicity rate in astrocyte was observed when using pyrimethamine at 40 μg/mL. CONCLUSIONS Nitazoxanide reduced T. gondii infection more efficiently than pyrimethamine and is not cytotoxic to astrocytes at the administered dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ma de la Luz Galván-Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
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Müller J, Hemphill A. New approaches for the identification of drug targets in protozoan parasites. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 301:359-401. [PMID: 23317822 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407704-1.00007-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Antiparasitic chemotherapy is an important issue for drug development. Traditionally, novel compounds with antiprotozoan activities have been identified by screening of compound libraries in high-throughput systems. More recently developed approaches employ target-based drug design supported by genomics and proteomics of protozoan parasites. In this chapter, the drug targets in protozoan parasites are reviewed. The gene-expression machinery has been among the first targets for antiparasitic drugs and is still under investigation as a target for novel compounds. Other targets include cytoskeletal proteins, proteins involved in intracellular signaling, membranes, and enzymes participating in intermediary metabolism. In apicomplexan parasites, the apicoplast is a suitable target for established and novel drugs. Some drugs act on multiple subcellular targets. Drugs with nitro groups generate free radicals under anaerobic growth conditions, and drugs with peroxide groups generate radicals under aerobic growth conditions, both affecting multiple cellular pathways. Mefloquine and thiazolides are presented as examples for antiprotozoan compounds with multiple (side) effects. The classic approach of drug discovery employing high-throughput physiological screenings followed by identification of drug targets has yielded the mainstream of current antiprotozoal drugs. Target-based drug design supported by genomics and proteomics of protozoan parasites has not produced any antiparasitic drug so far. The reason for this is discussed and a synthesis of both methods is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
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Dunham WH, Mullin M, Gingras AC. Affinity-purification coupled to mass spectrometry: basic principles and strategies. Proteomics 2012; 12:1576-90. [PMID: 22611051 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201100523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Identifying the interactions established by a protein of interest can be a critical step in understanding its function. This is especially true when an unknown protein of interest is demonstrated to physically interact with proteins of known function. While many techniques have been developed to characterize protein-protein interactions, one strategy that has gained considerable momentum over the past decade for identification and quantification of protein-protein interactions, is affinity-purification followed by mass spectrometry (AP-MS). Here, we briefly review the basic principles used in affinity-purification coupled to mass spectrometry, with an emphasis on tools (both biochemical and computational), which enable the discovery and reporting of high quality protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wade H Dunham
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Nitazoxanide stimulates autophagy and inhibits mTORC1 signaling and intracellular proliferation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002691. [PMID: 22589723 PMCID: PMC3349752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world today. M. tuberculosis hijacks the phagosome-lysosome trafficking pathway to escape clearance from infected macrophages. There is increasing evidence that manipulation of autophagy, a regulated catabolic trafficking pathway, can enhance killing of M. tuberculosis. Therefore, pharmacological agents that induce autophagy could be important in combating tuberculosis. We report that the antiprotozoal drug nitazoxanide and its active metabolite tizoxanide strongly stimulate autophagy and inhibit signaling by mTORC1, a major negative regulator of autophagy. Analysis of 16 nitazoxanide analogues reveals similar strict structural requirements for activity in autophagosome induction, EGFP-LC3 processing and mTORC1 inhibition. Nitazoxanide can inhibit M. tuberculosis proliferation in vitro. Here we show that it inhibits M. tuberculosis proliferation more potently in infected human THP-1 cells and peripheral monocytes. We identify the human quinone oxidoreductase NQO1 as a nitazoxanide target and propose, based on experiments with cells expressing NQO1 or not, that NQO1 inhibition is partly responsible for mTORC1 inhibition and enhanced autophagy. The dual action of nitazoxanide on both the bacterium and the host cell response to infection may lead to improved tuberculosis treatment. Tuberculosis is responsible for approximately 2 million deaths worldwide each year. Current treatment regimens require administration of multiple drugs over several months and resistance to these drugs is on the rise. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of the disease, can proliferate within host cells. It has been recently observed that autophagy (cellular self-eating) can kill intracellular M. tuberculosis. We report that the antiprotozoal drug nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide induce autophagy, inhibit signaling by mTORC1, a major negative regulator of autophagy, and prevent M. tuberculosis proliferation in infected macrophages. We show that nitazoxanide exerts at least some of its pharmacological effects by targeting the quinone reductase NQO1. Our results uncover a novel mechanism of action for the drug nitazoxanide, and show that pharmacological modulation of autophagy can suppress intracellular M. tuberculosis proliferation.
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Tritten L, Silbereisen A, Keiser J. Nitazoxanide: In vitro and in vivo drug effects against Trichuris muris and Ancylostoma ceylanicum, alone or in combination. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2012; 2:98-105. [PMID: 24533270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2012] [Revised: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 02/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths cause more than 1 billion human infections globally, mostly in the poorest regions of the world. Control relies essentially on a limited panel of four drugs, and drug resistance might be inescapable. Nitazoxanide, an anti-infective drug, has been shown to exert anthelmintic activity in human clinical trials. In the present work, nitazoxanide was tested alone or combined with commercialized anthelmintics on Trichuris muris, a whipworm mouse model, and Ancylostoma ceylanicum, a hookworm hamster model, in vitro and in vivo. IC50s of ⩽1 and 12.87 μg/ml were achieved with nitazoxanide on T. muris third-stage larvae (L3) and adult worms in vitro, respectively. An IC50 of ⩽1 μg/ml was obtained exposing A. ceylanicum adults worms to nitazoxanide, whereas A. ceylanicum L3 were not affected. Using scanning electron microscopy, the tegument of adult T. muris appeared unchanged following nitazoxanide treatment, whereas swellings were seen on the tegument of the anterior region of half of the A. ceylanicum specimen analyzed. Synergism was observed in vitro when nitazoxanide was combined with levamisole or ivermectin on T. muris adult worms, and when combined with levamisole, pyrantel pamoate, or ivermectin on A. ceylanicum adult worms. In T. muris-infected mice, oral nitazoxanide achieved worm burden reductions of 56.09% and 17.37% following a single dose of 100 mg/kg and three doses of 50 mg/kg, respectively. None of the tested drug combinations displayed activity on T. muris in vivo. In A. ceylanicum-infected hamsters, no effect was observed for oral nitazoxanide alone, and none of the tested combinations reached the threshold for additive effect. In conclusion, nitazoxanide failed to demonstrate promising activity against T. muris and A. ceylanicum in vivo, regardless whether tested as monotherapy or combined with standard drugs. Reasons for the discrepancy of these findings compared to results obtained in clinical trials remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucienne Tritten
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Angelika Silbereisen
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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