1
|
Du Z, Tong D, Chen X, Wu F, Jiang S, Zhang J, Yang Y, Wang R, Gantuya S, Davaajargal T, Lkhagvatseren S, Batsukh Z, Du A, Ma G. Genome-wide RNA interference of the nhr gene family in barber's pole worm identified members crucial for larval viability in vitro. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 122:105609. [PMID: 38806077 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) are emerging target candidates against nematode infection and resistance. However, there is a lack of comprehensive information on NHR-coding genes in parasitic nematodes. In this study, we curated the nhr gene family for 60 major parasitic nematodes from humans and animals. Compared with the free-living model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, a remarkable contraction of the nhr family was revealed in parasitic species, with genetic diversification and conservation unveiled among nematode Clades I (10-13), III (16-42), IV (33-35) and V (25-64). Using an in vitro biosystem, we demonstrated that 40 nhr genes in a blood-feeding nematode Haemonchus contortus (clade V; barber's pole worm) were responsive to host serum and one nhr gene (i.e., nhr-64) was consistently stimulated by anthelmintics (i.e., ivermectin, thiabendazole and levamisole); Using a high-throughput RNA interference platform, we knocked down 43 nhr genes of H. contortus and identified at least two genes that are required for the viability (i.e., nhr-105) and development (i.e., nhr-17) of the infective larvae of this parasitic nematode in vitro. Harnessing this preliminary functional atlas of nhr genes for H. contortus will prime the biological studies of this gene family in nematode genetics, infection, and anthelmintic metabolism within host animals, as well as the promising discovery of novel intervention targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhendong Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Danni Tong
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Fei Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Shengjun Jiang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Jingju Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Sambuu Gantuya
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia
| | - Tserennyam Davaajargal
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia
| | - Sukhbaatar Lkhagvatseren
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia.
| | - Zayat Batsukh
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia.
| | - Aifang Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Guangxu Ma
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bester B, Koslowa K, Gronau AC, Mietens A, Nowell C, Whittaker MR, Pilatz A, Wagenlehner F, Exintaris B, Middendorff R. The oxytocin antagonist cligosiban reduces human prostate contractility: Implications for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2869-2885. [PMID: 38676555 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16369] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE With increasing life expectancy, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) consequently affects more ageing men, illustrating the urgent need for advancements in BPH therapy. One emerging possibility may be the use of oxytocin antagonists to relax smooth muscle cells in the prostate, similar to the currently used (although often associated with side effects) α1-adrenoceptor blockers. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH For the first time we used live-imaging, combined with a novel image analysis method, to investigate the multidirectional contractions of the human prostate and determine their changes in response to oxytocin and the oxytocin antagonists atosiban and cligosiban. Human prostate samples were obtained and compared from patients undergoing prostatectomy due to prostate cancer as well as from patients with transurethral resection of prostate tissue due to severe BPH. KEY RESULTS The two cohorts of tissue samples showed spontaneous multidirectional contractions, which significantly increased after the addition of oxytocin. Different to atosiban, which showed ambiguous effects of short duration, only long-acting cligosiban reliably prevented, as well as counteracted, any contractile oxytocin effect. Furthermore, cligosiban visibly reduced not only oxytocin-induced contractions, but also showed intrinsic activity to relax prostatic tissue. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Thus, the oxytocin antagonist cligosiban could be an interesting candidate in the search for novel BPH treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrix Bester
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kristina Koslowa
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ann-Catherine Gronau
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andrea Mietens
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Cameron Nowell
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael R Whittaker
- Drug Discovery Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Florian Wagenlehner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Betty Exintaris
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shanley HT, Taki AC, Nguyen N, Wang T, Byrne JJ, Ang CS, Leeming MG, Nie S, Williamson N, Zheng Y, Young ND, Korhonen PK, Hofmann A, Chang BCH, Wells TNC, Häberli C, Keiser J, Jabbar A, Sleebs BE, Gasser RB. Structure-activity relationship and target investigation of 2-aryl quinolines with nematocidal activity. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 24:100522. [PMID: 38295619 PMCID: PMC10845918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100522] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Within the context of our anthelmintic discovery program, we recently identified and evaluated a quinoline derivative, called ABX464 or obefazimod, as a nematocidal candidate; synthesised a series of analogues which were assessed for activity against the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans; and predicted compound-target relationships by thermal proteome profiling (TPP) and in silico docking. Here, we logically extended this work and critically evaluated the anthelmintic activity of ABX464 analogues on Haemonchus contortus (barber's pole worm) - a highly pathogenic nematode of ruminant livestock. First, we tested a series of 44 analogues on H. contortus (larvae and adults) to investigate the nematocidal pharmacophore of ABX464, and identified one compound with greater potency than the parent compound and showed moderate activity against a select number of other parasitic nematodes (including Ancylostoma, Heligmosomoides and Strongyloides species). Using TPP and in silico modelling studies, we predicted protein HCON_00074590 (a predicted aldo-keto reductase) as a target candidate for ABX464 in H. contortus. Future work aims to optimise this compound as a nematocidal candidate and investigate its pharmacokinetic properties. Overall, this study presents a first step toward the development of a new nematocide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harrison T Shanley
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Aya C Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Nghi Nguyen
- Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Joseph J Byrne
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Michael G Leeming
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Shuai Nie
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Nicholas Williamson
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Yuanting Zheng
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Neil D Young
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Pasi K Korhonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; National Reference Centre for Authentic Food, Max Rubner-Institut, 95326, Kulmbach, Germany
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Tim N C Wells
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Brad E Sleebs
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shanley HT, Taki AC, Nguyen N, Wang T, Byrne JJ, Ang CS, Leeming MG, Williamson N, Chang BCH, Jabbar A, Sleebs BE, Gasser RB. Comparative structure activity and target exploration of 1,2-diphenylethynes in Haemonchus contortus and Caenorhabditis elegans. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 25:100534. [PMID: 38554597 PMCID: PMC10992699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Infections and diseases caused by parasitic nematodes have a major adverse impact on the health and productivity of animals and humans worldwide. The control of these parasites often relies heavily on the treatment with commercially available chemical compounds (anthelmintics). However, the excessive or uncontrolled use of these compounds in livestock animals has led to major challenges linked to drug resistance in nematodes. Therefore, there is a need to develop new anthelmintics with novel mechanism(s) of action. Recently, we identified a small molecule, designated UMW-9729, with nematocidal activity against the free-living model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we evaluated UMW-9729's potential as an anthelmintic in a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study in C. elegans and the highly pathogenic, blood-feeding Haemonchus contortus (barber's pole worm), and explored the compound-target relationship using thermal proteome profiling (TPP). First, we synthesised and tested 25 analogues of UMW-9729 for their nematocidal activity in both H. contortus (larvae and adults) and C. elegans (young adults), establishing a preliminary nematocidal pharmacophore for both species. We identified several compounds with marked activity against either H. contortus or C. elegans which had greater efficacy than UMW-9729, and found a significant divergence in compound bioactivity between these two nematode species. We also identified a UMW-9729 analogue, designated 25, that moderately inhibited the motility of adult female H. contortus in vitro. Subsequently, we inferred three H. contortus proteins (HCON_00134350, HCON_00021470 and HCON_00099760) and five C. elegans proteins (F30A10.9, F15B9.8, B0361.6, DNC-4 and UNC-11) that interacted directly with UMW-9729; however, no conserved protein target was shared between the two nematode species. Future work aims to extend the SAR investigation in these and other parasitic nematode species, and validate individual proteins identified here as possible targets of UMW-9729. Overall, the present study evaluates this anthelmintic candidate and highlights some challenges associated with early anthelmintic investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harrison T Shanley
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Aya C Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Nghi Nguyen
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Joseph J Byrne
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Michael G Leeming
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Nicholas Williamson
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Brad E Sleebs
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shanley HT, Taki AC, Byrne JJ, Nguyen N, Wells TNC, Jabbar A, Sleebs BE, Gasser RB. A phenotypic screen of the Global Health Priority Box identifies an insecticide with anthelmintic activity. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:131. [PMID: 38486232 PMCID: PMC10938758 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06183-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection with parasitic nematodes (helminths), particularly those of the order Strongylida (such as Haemonchus contortus), can cause significant and burdensome diseases in humans and animals. Widespread drug (anthelmintic) resistance in livestock parasites, the absence of vaccines against most of these nematodes, and a lack of new and effective chemical entities on the commercial market demands the discovery of new anthelmintics. In the present study, we searched the Global Health Priority Box (Medicines for Malaria Venture) for new candidates for anthelmintic development. METHODS We employed a whole-organism, motility-based phenotypic screening assay to identify compounds from the Global Health Priority Box with activity against larvae of the model parasite H. contortus, and the free-living comparator nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Hit compounds were further validated via dose-response assays, with lead candidates then assessed for nematocidal activity against H. contortus adult worms, and additionally, for cytotoxic and mitotoxic effects on human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. RESULTS The primary screen against H. contortus and C. elegans revealed or reidentified 16 hit compounds; further validation established MMV1794206, otherwise known as 'flufenerim', as a significant inhibitor of H. contortus larval motility (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 18 μM) and development (IC50 = 1.2 μM), H. contortus adult female motility (100% after 12 h of incubation) and C. elegans larval motility (IC50 = 0.22 μM). Further testing on a mammalian cell line (human hepatoma HepG2 cells), however, identified flufenerim to be both cytotoxic (half-maximal cytotoxic concentration [CC50] < 0.7 μM) and mitotoxic (half-maximal mitotoxic concentration [MC50] < 0.7 μM). CONCLUSIONS The in vitro efficacy of MMV1794206 against the most pathogenic stages of H. contortus, as well as the free-living C. elegans, suggests the potential for development as a broad-spectrum anthelmintic compound; however, the high toxicity towards mammalian cells presents a significant hindrance. Further work should seek to establish the protein-drug interactions of MMV1794206 in a nematode model, to unravel the mechanism of action, in addition to an advanced structure-activity relationship investigation to optimise anthelmintic activity and eliminate mammalian cell toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harrison T Shanley
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Aya C Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Joseph J Byrne
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Nghi Nguyen
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Tim N C Wells
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Brad E Sleebs
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang C, Lum KY, Taki AC, Gasser RB, Byrne JJ, Montaner LJ, Tietjen I, Avery VM, Davis RA. Using a Bioactive Eremophila-Derived Serrulatane Scaffold to Generate a Unique Carbamate Library for Anti-infective Evaluations. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2023; 86:557-565. [PMID: 36799121 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c01041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The known Eremophila microtheca-derived diterpenoid 3,7,8-trihydroxyserrulat-14-en-19-oic acid (1) was targeted for large-scale purification, as this bioactive plant compound has proven to be an attractive scaffold for semisynthetic studies and subsequent library generation. Compound 1 was converted to a selectively protected trimethyl derivative, 3-hydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyserrulat-14-en-19-oic acid methyl ester (2), using simple and rapid methylation conditions. The resulting scaffold 2 was reacted with a diverse series of commercially available isocyanates to generate an 11-membered carbamate-based library. The chemical structures of the 11 new semisynthetic analogues were fully characterized by spectroscopic and spectrometric analysis. All natural products and semisynthetic compounds were evaluated for their anthelmintic, antimalarial, and anti-HIV activities. Compound 3 was shown to elicit the greatest antiplasmodial activity of all compounds tested, with IC50 values of 4.6 and 11.6 μM against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 and Dd2, respectively. Compound 11 showed the greatest inhibition of development to fourth-stage Haemonchus contortus larvae (L4) and induction of a skinny (Ski) phenotype (67.5% of nematodes) at 50 μM. Compound 7, which inhibited 59.0% of HIV production at 100 μg/mL, was the carbamate analogue that displayed the best antiviral activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Kah Yean Lum
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Aya C Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Joseph J Byrne
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Luis J Montaner
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Ian Tietjen
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Vicky M Avery
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Rohan A Davis
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu L, Zhang Z, Liu H, Zhu S, Zhou T, Wang C, Hu M. Identification and characterisation of the haemozoin of Haemonchus contortus. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:88. [PMID: 36879311 PMCID: PMC9990328 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05714-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most haematophagous organisms constantly suck the host's haemoglobin, which produces toxic free haem. This toxic haem aggregation into the nontoxic crystallisation complex known as haemozoin represents one of the most important detoxification pathways in living organisms, but very little is known about the features of haemozoin in parasitic nematodes. Here, we identified and characterised the haemozoin of an economically significant blood-sucking nematode, Haemonchus contortus. METHODS Using electron microscopy, spectrophotometry analyses and biochemical approaches, haemozoin crystallisation was identified and characterised in parasitic fourth-stage larvae (L4s) and/or adult worms as well as L4s of in vitro culture. RESULTS The haemozoin was formed in intestinal lipid droplets of the parasitic L4s and adult worms. The characterisation of the haemozoin showed regularly spherical structures and had a 400-nm absorption peak. Furthermore, the haemozoin in in vitro cultured L4s was associated with the culture time and concentration of red blood cells added into the medium, and its formation could be inhibited by chloroquine-derived drugs. CONCLUSIONS This work provides detailed insight into the haemozoin formation of H. contortus and should have important implications for developing novel therapeutic targets against this parasite or related haematophagous organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zongshan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Shengnan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Taoxun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Chunqun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wheeler NJ, Gallo KJ, Rehborg EJG, Ryan KT, Chan JD, Zamanian M. wrmXpress: A modular package for high-throughput image analysis of parasitic and free-living worms. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010937. [PMID: 36399491 PMCID: PMC9718391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in high-throughput and high-content imaging technologies require concomitant development of analytical software capable of handling large datasets and generating relevant phenotypic measurements. Several tools have been developed to analyze drug response phenotypes in parasitic and free-living worms, but these are siloed and often limited to specific instrumentation, worm species, and single phenotypes. No unified tool exists to analyze diverse high-content phenotypic imaging data of worms and provide a platform for future extensibility. We have developed wrmXpress, a unified framework for analyzing a variety of phenotypes matched to high-content experimental assays of free-living and parasitic nematodes and flatworms. We demonstrate its utility for analyzing a suite of phenotypes, including motility, development/size, fecundity, and feeding, and establish the package as a platform upon which to build future custom phenotypic modules. We show that wrmXpress can serve as an analytical workhorse for anthelmintic screening efforts across schistosomes, filarial nematodes, and free-living model nematodes and holds promise for enabling collaboration among investigators with diverse interests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas J. Wheeler
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin United States of America
| | - Kendra J. Gallo
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin United States of America
| | - Elena J. G. Rehborg
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin United States of America
| | - Kaetlyn T. Ryan
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin United States of America
| | - John D. Chan
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Oshkosh, Wisconsin United States of America
| | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang C, Liu L, Wang T, Liu X, Peng W, Srivastav RK, Zhu XQ, Gupta N, Gasser RB, Hu M. H11-induced immunoprotection is predominantly linked to N-glycan moieties during Haemonchus contortus infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1034820. [PMID: 36405717 PMCID: PMC9667387 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1034820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nematodes are one of the largest groups of animals on the planet. Many of them are major pathogens of humans, animals and plants, and cause destructive diseases and socioeconomic losses worldwide. Despite their adverse impacts on human health and agriculture, nematodes can be challenging to control, because anthelmintic treatments do not prevent re-infection, and excessive treatment has led to widespread drug resistance in nematode populations. Indeed, many nematode species of livestock animals have become resistant to almost all classes of anthelmintics used. Most efforts to develop commercial anti-nematode vaccines (native or recombinant) for use in animals and humans have not succeeded, although one effective (dead) vaccine (Barbervax) has been developed to protect animals against one of the most pathogenic parasites of livestock animals – Haemonchus contortus (the barber’s pole worm). This vaccine contains native molecules, called H11 and H-Gal-GP, derived from the intestine of this blood-feeding worm. In its native form, H11 alone consistently induces high levels (75-95%) of immunoprotection in animals against disease (haemonchosis), but recombinant forms thereof do not. Here, to test the hypothesis that post-translational modification (glycosylation) of H11 plays a crucial role in achieving such high immunoprotection, we explored the N-glycoproteome and N-glycome of H11 using the high-resolution mass spectrometry and assessed the roles of N-glycosylation in protective immunity against H. contortus. Our results showed conclusively that N-glycan moieties on H11 are the dominant immunogens, which induce high IgG serum antibody levels in immunised animals, and that anti-H11 IgG antibodies can confer specific, passive immunity in naïve animals. This work provides the first detailed account of the relevance and role of protein glycosylation in protective immunity against a parasitic nematode, with important implications for the design of vaccines against metazoan parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunqun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianjiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjie Peng
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ratnesh Kumar Srivastav
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science – Pilani (BITS-P), Hyderabad, India
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Nishith Gupta
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science – Pilani (BITS-P), Hyderabad, India
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Robin B. Gasser, ; Min Hu,
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Robin B. Gasser, ; Min Hu,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Doyle SR, Laing R, Bartley D, Morrison A, Holroyd N, Maitland K, Antonopoulos A, Chaudhry U, Flis I, Howell S, McIntyre J, Gilleard JS, Tait A, Mable B, Kaplan R, Sargison N, Britton C, Berriman M, Devaney E, Cotton JA. Genomic landscape of drug response reveals mediators of anthelmintic resistance. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111522. [PMID: 36261007 PMCID: PMC9597552 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Like other pathogens, parasitic helminths can rapidly evolve resistance to drug treatment. Understanding the genetic basis of anthelmintic drug resistance in parasitic nematodes is key to tracking its spread and improving the efficacy and sustainability of parasite control. Here, we use an in vivo genetic cross between drug-susceptible and multi-drug-resistant strains of Haemonchus contortus in a natural host-parasite system to simultaneously map resistance loci for the three major classes of anthelmintics. This approach identifies new alleles for resistance to benzimidazoles and levamisole and implicates the transcription factor cky-1 in ivermectin resistance. This gene is within a locus under selection in ivermectin-resistant populations worldwide; expression analyses and functional validation using knockdown experiments support that cky-1 is associated with ivermectin survival. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of high-resolution forward genetics in a parasitic nematode and identifies variants for the development of molecular diagnostics to combat drug resistance in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Doyle
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK.
| | - Roz Laing
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
| | - David Bartley
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Alison Morrison
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Nancy Holroyd
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Kirsty Maitland
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Alistair Antonopoulos
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Umer Chaudhry
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Ilona Flis
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Sue Howell
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Jennifer McIntyre
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - John S Gilleard
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Andy Tait
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Barbara Mable
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Ray Kaplan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Neil Sargison
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Collette Britton
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | | | - Eileen Devaney
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - James A Cotton
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Taki AC, Wang T, Nguyen NN, Ang CS, Leeming MG, Nie S, Byrne JJ, Young ND, Zheng Y, Ma G, Korhonen PK, Koehler AV, Williamson NA, Hofmann A, Chang BCH, Häberli C, Keiser J, Jabbar A, Sleebs BE, Gasser RB. Thermal proteome profiling reveals Haemonchus orphan protein HCO_011565 as a target of the nematocidal small molecule UMW-868. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1014804. [PMID: 36313370 PMCID: PMC9616048 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1014804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic roundworms (nematodes) cause destructive diseases, and immense suffering in humans and other animals around the world. The control of these parasites relies heavily on anthelmintic therapy, but treatment failures and resistance to these drugs are widespread. As efforts to develop vaccines against parasitic nematodes have been largely unsuccessful, there is an increased focus on discovering new anthelmintic entities to combat drug resistant worms. Here, we employed thermal proteome profiling (TPP) to explore hit pharmacology and to support optimisation of a hit compound (UMW-868), identified in a high-throughput whole-worm, phenotypic screen. Using advanced structural prediction and docking tools, we inferred an entirely novel, parasite-specific target (HCO_011565) of this anthelmintic small molecule in the highly pathogenic, blood-feeding barber’s pole worm, and in other socioeconomically important parasitic nematodes. The “hit-to-target” workflow constructed here provides a unique prospect of accelerating the simultaneous discovery of novel anthelmintics and associated parasite-specific targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aya C. Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nghi N. Nguyen
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael G. Leeming
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Shuai Nie
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Joseph J. Byrne
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Neil D. Young
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Yuanting Zheng
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pasi K. Korhonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anson V. Koehler
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas A. Williamson
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bill C. H. Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Brad E. Sleebs
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brad E. Sleebs, ; Robin B. Gasser,
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brad E. Sleebs, ; Robin B. Gasser,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lever J, Kreuder F, Henry J, Hung A, Allard PM, Brkljača R, Rix C, Taki AC, Gasser RB, Kaslin J, Wlodkowic D, Wolfender JL, Urban S. Targeted Isolation of Antibiotic Brominated Alkaloids from the Marine Sponge Pseudoceratina durissima Using Virtual Screening and Molecular Networking. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20090554. [PMID: 36135743 PMCID: PMC9503778 DOI: 10.3390/md20090554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Many targeted natural product isolation approaches rely on the use of pre-existing bioactivity information to inform the strategy used for the isolation of new bioactive compounds. Bioactivity information can be available either in the form of prior assay data or via Structure Activity Relationship (SAR) information which can indicate a potential chemotype that exhibits a desired bioactivity. The work described herein utilizes a unique method of targeted isolation using structure-based virtual screening to identify potential antibacterial compounds active against MRSA within the marine sponge order Verongiida. This is coupled with molecular networking-guided, targeted isolation to provide a novel drug discovery procedure. A total of 12 previously reported bromotyrosine-derived alkaloids were isolated from the marine sponge species Pseudoceratina durissima, and the compound, (+)-aeroplysinin-1 (1) displayed activity against the MRSA pathogen (MIC: <32 µg/mL). The compounds (1−3, 6 and 9) were assessed for their central nervous system (CNS) interaction and behavioral toxicity to zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae, whereby several of the compounds were shown to induce significant hyperactivity. Anthelmintic activity against the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contorutus was also evaluated (2−4, 6−8).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Lever
- School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Sciences), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476 Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Florian Kreuder
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Jason Henry
- Neurotoxicology Lab., School of Science (Biosciences), RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Sciences), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476 Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | | | - Robert Brkljača
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Colin Rix
- School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Sciences), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476 Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Aya C. Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agriculture Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agriculture Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jan Kaslin
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Donald Wlodkowic
- Neurotoxicology Lab., School of Science (Biosciences), RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Jean-Luc Wolfender
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sylvia Urban
- School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Sciences), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476 Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Anthelmintic effect of a water soluble Moringa oleifera lectin in rodents experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus. Parasitol Int 2022; 92:102656. [PMID: 36007704 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Allied to the problem of gastrointestinal parasites, especially Haemochus contortus, the use of lectins of plant origin has contributed to the research of alternative anthelmintics. The nematicidal effect of a water soluble Moringa oleifera lectin (WSMoL) was investigated in an experimental model with H. contortus infected Wistar rodents. Three concentrations were tested orally: 5 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg. The reduction in the number of larvae recovered in the experimental groups was analyzed, as well as biochemical, hematological and histological parameters. Treatments with 5, 2.5 and 1 mg/kg of WSMoL reduced the number of larvae recovered of animals by 74.7%, 72.8% and 66%, respectively. Untreated infected animals had anemia, moderate mononuclear multifocal hepatitis, vascular congestion in the liver and kidneys, white pulp hyperplasia in the spleen, and presence of eosinophils in the intestine. Infected animals treated with 5 mg/kg of WSMoL showed liver with moderate bleeding, kidney with vascular congestion, spleen with white pulp hyperplasia and intestine with moderate presence of mononuclear cells. An increase in the serum level of glutamic pyruvic transaminase and a reduction in the level of hemoglobin (p < 0.001) were also observed in this group when compared to the uninfected group. However, the administered concentrations of 2.5 and 1 mg/kg of WSMoL were both satisfactory in terms of reducing the number of recovered larvae and not promoting negative changes in the biochemical, hematological and histological parameters evaluated. These results indicate an in vivo nematicidal effect of WSMoL on the H. contortus parasite.
Collapse
|
14
|
Repurposing of a human antibody-based microarray to explore conserved components of the signalome of the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:273. [PMID: 35907892 PMCID: PMC9338626 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05400-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gaining insight into molecular signalling pathways of socioeconomically important parasitic nematodes has implications for understanding their molecular biology and for developing novel anthelmintic interventions. METHODS Here, we evaluated the use of a human antibody-based microarray to explore conserved elements of the signalome in the barber's pole worm Haemonchus contortus. To do this, we prepared extracts from mixed-sex (female and male) adult worms and third-stage larvae (L3s), incubated these extracts on the antibody microarray and then measured the amounts of antibody-bound proteins ('signal intensity'). RESULTS In total, 878 signals were classified into two distinct categories: signals that were higher for adults than for larvae of H. contortus (n = 376), and signals that were higher for larvae than for adults of this species (n = 502). Following a data-filtering step, high confidence ('specific') signals were obtained for subsequent analyses. In total, 39 pan-specific signals (linked to antibodies that recognise target proteins irrespective of their phosphorylation status) and 65 phosphorylation-specific signals were higher in the adult stage, and 82 pan-specific signals and 183 phosphorylation-specific signals were higher in L3s. Thus, notably more signals were higher in L3s than in the adult worms. Using publicly available information, we then inferred H. contortus proteins that were detected (with high confidence) by specific antibodies directed against human homologues, and revealed relatively high structural conservation between the two species, with some variability for select proteins. We also in silico-matched 763 compound structures (listed in the DrugBank and Kinase SARfari public databases) to four H. contortus proteins (designated HCON_00005760, HCON_00079680, HCON_00013590 and HCON_00105100). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the present antibody-based microarray provides a useful tool for comparative analyses of signalling pathways between/among developmental stages and/or species, as well as opportunities to explore nematocidal target candidates in H. contortus and related parasites.
Collapse
|
15
|
Hayes S, Taki AC, Lum KY, Byrne JJ, White JM, Ekins MG, Gasser RB, Davis RA. Identification of Anthelmintic Bishomoscalarane Sesterterpenes from the Australian Marine Sponge Phyllospongia bergquistae and Structure Revision of Phyllolactones A-D. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 85:1723-1729. [PMID: 35727327 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput screening of the NatureBank marine extract library (7616 samples) identified an extract derived from the Australian marine sponge Phyllospongia bergquistae with activity against Hemonchus contortus (barber's pole worm), an economically important parasitic nematode. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the CH2Cl2/MeOH extract from P. bergquistae led to the purification of four known bishomoscalarane sesterterpenes, phyllolactones A-D (1-4). The absolute configurations of phyllolactones B (2) and C (3) were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis; literature and data analyses revealed the need for these chemical structures to be revised. Compounds 2-4 induced a lethal, skinny (Ski) phenotype in larvae of H. contortus at concentrations between 5.3 and 10.1 μM. These data indicate that the bishomoscalarane sesterterpene structure class warrants further investigation for nematocidal or nematostatic activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Hayes
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, School of Environment and Science, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Aya C Taki
- Department of Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Kah Yean Lum
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, School of Environment and Science, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Joseph J Byrne
- Department of Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jonathan M White
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Merrick G Ekins
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, School of Environment and Science, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
- Biodiversity and Geosciences, Queensland Museum, South Brisbane BC, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Rohan A Davis
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, School of Environment and Science, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Marchand A, Van Bree JWM, Taki AC, Moyat M, Turcatti G, Chambon M, Smith AAT, Doolan R, Gasser RB, Harris NL, Bouchery T. Novel High-Throughput Fluorescence-Based Assay for the Identification of Nematocidal Compounds That Target the Blood-Feeding Pathway. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060669. [PMID: 35745589 PMCID: PMC9231213 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Hookworm infections cause a neglected tropical disease (NTD) affecting ~740 million people worldwide, principally those living in disadvantaged communities. Infections can cause high morbidity due to their impact on nutrient uptake and their need to feed on host blood, resulting in a loss of iron and protein, which can lead to severe anaemia and impaired cognitive development in children. Currently, only one drug, albendazole is efficient to treat hookworm infection and the scientific community fears the rise of resistant strains. As part of on-going efforts to control hookworm infections and its associated morbidities, new drugs are urgently needed. We focused on targeting the blood-feeding pathway, which is essential to the parasite survival and reproduction, using the laboratory hookworm model Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (a nematode of rodents with a similar life cycle to hookworms). We established an in vitro-drug screening assay based on a fluorescent-based measurement of parasite viability during blood-feeding to identify novel therapeutic targets. A first screen of a library of 2654 natural compounds identified four that caused decreased worm viability in a blood-feeding-dependent manner. This new screening assay has significant potential to accelerate the discovery of new drugs against hookworms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Marchand
- Laboratory of Intestinal Immunology, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (A.M.); (M.M.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Joyce W. M. Van Bree
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct (AMREP), Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Aya C. Taki
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (A.C.T.); (R.B.G.)
| | - Mati Moyat
- Laboratory of Intestinal Immunology, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (A.M.); (M.M.); (N.L.H.)
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct (AMREP), Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Gerardo Turcatti
- Biomolecular Screening Facility, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (G.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Marc Chambon
- Biomolecular Screening Facility, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (G.T.); (M.C.)
| | | | - Rory Doolan
- Hookworm Immuno-Biology Laboratory, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwill, Switzerland;
- Basel University, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (A.C.T.); (R.B.G.)
| | - Nicola Laraine Harris
- Laboratory of Intestinal Immunology, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (A.M.); (M.M.); (N.L.H.)
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct (AMREP), Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Tiffany Bouchery
- Laboratory of Intestinal Immunology, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (A.M.); (M.M.); (N.L.H.)
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct (AMREP), Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
- Hookworm Immuno-Biology Laboratory, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwill, Switzerland;
- Basel University, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Žofka M, Thuy Nguyen L, Mašátová E, Matoušková P. Image recognition based on deep learning in Haemonchus contortus motility assays. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2372-2380. [PMID: 35664223 PMCID: PMC9127531 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor efficacy of some anthelmintics and rising concerns about the widespread drug resistance have highlighted the need for new drug discovery. The parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus is an important model organism widely used for studies of drug resistance and drug screening with the current gold standard being the motility assay. We applied a deep learning approach Mask R-CNN for analysing motility videos containing varying rates of motile worms and compared it to other commonly used algorithms with different levels of complexity, namely the Wiggle Index and the Wide Field-of-View Nematode Tracking Platform. Mask R-CNN consistently outperformed the other algorithms in terms of the detection of worms as well as the precision of motility forecasts, having a mean absolute percentage error of 7.6% and a mean absolute error of 5.6% for the detection and motility forecasts, respectively. Using Mask R-CNN for motility assays confirmed the common problem with algorithms that use non-maximum suppression in detecting overlapping objects, which negatively impacts the overall precision. The use of intersect over union as a measure of the classification of motile / non-motile instances had an overall accuracy of 89%, indicating that it is a viable alternative to previously used methods based on movement characteristics, such as body bends. In comparison to the existing methods evaluated here, Mask R-CNN performed better and we anticipate that this method will broaden the number of possible approaches to video analysis of worm motility.
Collapse
|
18
|
Munguía B, Saldaña J, Nieves M, Melian ME, Ferrer M, Teixeira R, Porcal W, Manta E, Domínguez L. Sensitivity of Haemonchus contortus to anthelmintics using different in vitro screening assays: a comparative study. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:129. [PMID: 35413885 PMCID: PMC9006605 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05253-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helminthiasis and resistance to commercial anthelmintic compounds are major causes of economic losses for livestock producers, resulting in an urgent need for new drugs and reliable in vitro screening tests capable of detecting potentially active products. Considering this, a series of novel benzimidazole derivatives (5-methylbenzimidazole 1,2-disubstituted, 5-carboxybenzimidazole, 5-methylbenzimidazole 2-one) was screened on exsheathed L3 (xL3) and on the adult stage of Haemonchus contortus (Kirby anthelmintic-susceptible McMaster isolate). METHODS This work presents the set-up of an automated motility assay on the xL3 stage of H. contortus using an infrared tracking device (WMicrotracker One) together with a larval development test (xL3 to L4) and a motility assay on the adult stage of H. contortus. A comparative study of the sensitivity of these in vitro assays using commercial anthelmintics with different mechanisms of action was carried out, also evaluating anthelmintic activity of a series of novel benzimidazole derivatives. RESULTS The automated xL3 assay had the great advantage of being able to analyze many compounds simultaneously, but it showed the limitation of having lower sensitivity, requiring higher concentrations of the commercial anthelmintics tested compared to those needed for the adult motility or development assays. Although none of the novel 1,2,5-tri-substituted benzimidazole derivatives could significantly decrease the motility of xL3s, one of them (1e) significantly affected the development of xL3s to L4, and five new compounds (1b, 1d, 1e, 2a and 2c) reduced the motility of H. contortus adult stage. CONCLUSIONS The analysis of the results strongly suggests that the in vitro xL3 to L4 development test, particularly for the L4 stage, could be closer to the pharmacological sensitivity of the adult stage of H. contortus (target of interest) for commercial anthelmintic selected, with different mechanisms of action, and for the series of benzimidazole derivatives assayed. Therefore, an automated motility assay on L4 using the infrared tracking device is being set up. Further studies will be conducted to evaluate the in vivo anthelmintic activity of the most active novel benzimidazole derivatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Munguía
- Área de Farmacología, CIENFAR, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República (Udelar), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jenny Saldaña
- Área de Farmacología, CIENFAR, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República (Udelar), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Magdalena Nieves
- Área de Farmacología, CIENFAR, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República (Udelar), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Elisa Melian
- Área de Farmacología, CIENFAR, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República (Udelar), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Manuela Ferrer
- Área de Farmacología, CIENFAR, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República (Udelar), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ramiro Teixeira
- Área de Farmacología, CIENFAR, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República (Udelar), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Williams Porcal
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República (Udelar), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Eduardo Manta
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Universidad de la República (Udelar), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Laura Domínguez
- Área de Farmacología, CIENFAR, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República (Udelar), Montevideo, Uruguay.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zajíčková M, Prchal L, Vokřál I, Nguyen LT, Kurz T, Gasser R, Bednářová K, Mičundová M, Lungerich B, Michel O, Skálová L. Assessing the Anthelmintic Candidates BLK127 and HBK4 for Their Efficacy on Haemonchus contortus Adults and Eggs, and Their Hepatotoxicity and Biotransformation. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040754. [PMID: 35456588 PMCID: PMC9024958 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
As a widely distributed parasitic nematode of ruminants, Haemonchus contortus has become resistant to most anthelmintic classes, there has been a major demand for new compounds against H. contortus and related nematodes. Recent phenotypic screening has revealed two compounds, designated as BLK127 and HBK4, that are active against H. contortus larvae. The present study was designed to assess the activity of these compounds against H. contortus eggs and adults, hepatotoxicity in rats and sheep, as well as biotransformation in H. contortus adults and the ovine liver. Both compounds exhibited no inhibitory effect on the hatching of eggs. The benzyloxy amide BLK127 significantly decreased the viability of adults in sensitive and resistant strains of H. contortus and showed no hepatotoxic effect, even at the highest concentration tested (100 µM). In contrast, HBK4 had no impact on the viability of H. contortus adults and exhibited significant hepatotoxicity. Based on these findings, HBK4 was excluded from further studies, while BLK127 seems to be a potential candidate for a new anthelmintic. Consequently, biotransformation of BLK127 was tested in H. contortus adults and the ovine liver. In H. contortus, several metabolites formed via hydroxylation, hydrolysis and glycosidation were identified, but the extent of biotransformation was low, and the total quantity of the metabolites formed did not differ significantly between the sensitive and resistant strains. In contrast, ovine liver cells metabolized BLK127 more extensively with a glycine conjugate of 4-(pentyloxy)benzoic acid as the main BLK127 metabolite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Zajíčková
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic; (M.Z.); (L.T.N.); (K.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Lukáš Prchal
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Centre, Sokolska 581, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic;
| | - Ivan Vokřál
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic;
| | - Linh Thuy Nguyen
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic; (M.Z.); (L.T.N.); (K.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (T.K.); (B.L.); (O.M.)
| | - Robin Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Klára Bednářová
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic; (M.Z.); (L.T.N.); (K.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Magdalena Mičundová
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic; (M.Z.); (L.T.N.); (K.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Beate Lungerich
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (T.K.); (B.L.); (O.M.)
| | - Oliver Michel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (T.K.); (B.L.); (O.M.)
| | - Lenka Skálová
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic; (M.Z.); (L.T.N.); (K.B.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Herath HMPD, Taki AC, Rostami A, Jabbar A, Keiser J, Geary TG, Gasser RB. Whole-organism phenotypic screening methods used in early-phase anthelmintic drug discovery. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 57:107937. [PMID: 35271946 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Diseases caused by parasitic helminths (worms) represent a major global health burden in both humans and animals. As vaccines against helminths have yet to achieve a prominent role in worm control, anthelmintics are the primary tool to limit production losses and disease due to helminth infections in both human and veterinary medicine. However, the excessive and often uncontrolled use of these drugs has led to widespread anthelmintic resistance in these worms - particularly of animals - to almost all commercially available anthelmintics, severely compromising control. Thus, there is a major demand for the discovery and development of new classes of anthelmintics. A key component of the discovery process is screening libraries of compounds for anthelmintic activity. Given the need for, and major interest by the pharmaceutical industry in, novel anthelmintics, we considered it both timely and appropriate to re-examine screening methods used for anthelmintic discovery. Thus, we reviewed current literature (1977-2021) on whole-worm phenotypic screening assays developed and used in academic laboratories, with a particular focus on those employed to discover nematocides. This review reveals that at least 50 distinct phenotypic assays with low-, medium- or high-throughput capacity were developed over this period, with more recently developed methods being quantitative, semi-automated and higher throughput. The main features assessed or measured in these assays include worm motility, growth/development, morphological changes, viability/lethality, pharyngeal pumping, egg hatching, larval migration, CO2- or ATP-production and/or enzyme activity. Recent progress in assay development has led to the routine application of practical, cost-effective, medium- to high-throughput whole-worm screening assays in academic or public-private partnership (PPP) contexts, and major potential for novel high-content, high-throughput platforms in the near future. Complementing this progress are major advances in the molecular data sciences, computational biology and informatics, which are likely to further enable and accelerate anthelmintic drug discovery and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H M P Dilrukshi Herath
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aya C Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Timothy G Geary
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Sainte Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X3V9, Canada; School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University-Belfast, Belfast, Ireland
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
A High-Throughput Phenotypic Screen of the 'Pandemic Response Box' Identifies a Quinoline Derivative with Significant Anthelmintic Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020257. [PMID: 35215369 PMCID: PMC8874578 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes cause diseases in livestock animals and major economic losses to the agricultural industry worldwide. Nematodes of the order Strongylida, including Haemonchus contortus, are particularly important. The excessive use of anthelmintic compounds to treat infections and disease has led to widespread resistance to these compounds in nematodes, such that there is a need for new anthelmintics with distinctive mechanisms of action. With a focus on discovering new anthelmintic entities, we screened 400 chemically diverse compounds within the 'Pandemic Response Box' (from Medicines for Malaria Venture, MMV) for activity against H. contortus and its free-living relative, Caenorhabditis elegans-a model organism. Using established phenotypic assays, test compounds were evaluated in vitro for their ability to inhibit the motility and/or development of H. contortus and C. elegans. Dose-response evaluations identified a compound, MMV1581032, that significantly the motility of H. contortus larvae (IC50 = 3.4 ± 1.1 μM) and young adults of C. elegans (IC50 = 7.1 ± 4.6 μM), and the development of H. contortus larvae (IC50 = 2.2 ± 0.7 μM). The favourable characteristics of MMV1581032, such as suitable physicochemical properties and an efficient, cost-effective pathway to analogue synthesis, indicates a promising candidate for further evaluation as a nematocide. Future work will focus on a structure-activity relationship investigation of this chemical scaffold, a toxicity assessment of potent analogues and a mechanism/mode of action investigation.
Collapse
|
22
|
Almeida BH, Medeiros MLS, Bezerra ACDS, Silva MDC. Nematicidal effect of a lectin preparation from Artocarpus heterophyllus (Moraceae) on larvae and adults of Haemonchus contortus. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 200:409-415. [PMID: 35041887 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Haemonchus contortus is a hematophagous parasite that causes damage to ruminant production worldwide. This study reported the in vitro nematicidal effect of a lectin preparation (LP) isolated from Artocarpus heterophyllus seeds on larvae and adults of H. contortus. The protein extraction was in phosphate-buffered saline followed by protein precipitation with ammonium sulfate 70% and dialysis. The dialyzed protein fraction was chromatographed to obtain isolated LP. The LP was characterized by hemagglutinating activity (HA) assays, protein dosage and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The motility index of H. contortus in the third larval stage (unsheathed L3 larvae) and adult stage was evaluated. The HA inhibition of LP by mannose and galactose as well as the electrophoretic profile indicated the presence of the lectins ArtinM and Jacalin. The motility index of H. contortus was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) during the first 8 h of LP exposure, both in larvae (lowest index 8.3% with LP at 1 mg mL-1) and female adults (lowest index 20% with LP at 500 μg mL-1; index 40% with LP at 1 mg mL-1). This research revealed that the LP has potential for being utilized in the development of natural nematicides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Breno H Almeida
- Departamento de Biociências, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Av. Francisco Mota, 572, Costa e Silva, 59625-900 Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
| | - Mário L S Medeiros
- Departamento de Ciências Biomédicas, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Rua Atirador Miguel Antônio da Silva Neto, s/n, Aeroporto, 59607-360 Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
| | - Ana C D S Bezerra
- Departamento de Biociências, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Av. Francisco Mota, 572, Costa e Silva, 59625-900 Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
| | - Michele D C Silva
- Departamento de Biociências, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Av. Francisco Mota, 572, Costa e Silva, 59625-900 Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ramage KS, Taki AC, Lum KY, Hayes S, Byrne JJ, Wang T, Hofmann A, Ekins MG, White JM, Jabbar A, Davis RA, Gasser RB. Dysidenin from the Marine Sponge Citronia sp. Affects the Motility and Morphology of Haemonchus contortus Larvae In Vitro. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19120698. [PMID: 34940697 PMCID: PMC8708643 DOI: 10.3390/md19120698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
High-throughput screening of the NatureBank marine extract library (n = 7616) using a phenotypic assay for the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus identified an active extract derived from the Australian marine sponge Citronia sp. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the CH2Cl2/MeOH extract from Citronia sp. resulted in the purification of two known hexachlorinated peptides, dysidenin (1) and dysideathiazole (2). Compound 1 inhibited the growth/development of H. contortus larvae and induced multiple phenotypic changes, including a lethal evisceration (Evi) phenotype and/or somatic cell and tissue destruction. This is the first report of anthelmintic activity for these rare and unique polychlorinated peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey S. Ramage
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (K.S.R.); (K.Y.L.); (S.H.); (M.G.E.)
| | - Aya C. Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (A.H.); (A.J.)
| | - Kah Yean Lum
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (K.S.R.); (K.Y.L.); (S.H.); (M.G.E.)
| | - Sasha Hayes
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (K.S.R.); (K.Y.L.); (S.H.); (M.G.E.)
| | - Joseph J. Byrne
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (A.H.); (A.J.)
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (A.H.); (A.J.)
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (A.H.); (A.J.)
- Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, 95326 Kulmbach, Germany
| | - Merrick G. Ekins
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (K.S.R.); (K.Y.L.); (S.H.); (M.G.E.)
- Queensland Museum, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Jonathan M. White
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (A.H.); (A.J.)
| | - Rohan A. Davis
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (K.S.R.); (K.Y.L.); (S.H.); (M.G.E.)
- Correspondence: (R.A.D.); (R.B.G.)
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (A.H.); (A.J.)
- Correspondence: (R.A.D.); (R.B.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Norman EO, Hombsch S, Lever J, Brkljača R, White J, Gasser RB, Taki AC, Urban S. Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Testing of the Constituents of the Australian Plant Haemodorum brevisepalum. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:2832-2844. [PMID: 34780692 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Phytochemical profiling was undertaken on the crude extracts of the bulbs, stems, and the fruits of Haemodorum brevisepalum, to determine the nature of the chemical constituents present. This represents the first study to investigate the fruits of a species of Haemodorum. In total, 13 new and 17 previously reported compounds were isolated and identified. The new compounds were of the phenylphenalenone-type class, with a representative of a novel structural form, named tentatively "oxabenzochromenone" (1), a compound akin to an intermediate in a recently proposed phenylphenalenone metabolic network (2), seven new phenylphenalenones (4-10), four new phenylbenzoisochromenones (11-14), and a new phenylbenzoisochromenone derivative (18). The previously reported compounds identified were of the following structure classes: oxabenzochrysenone (3, 23-26), flavonol (15, 16), phenylbenzoisochromenone (17, 21, 22, 27-30), and phenylphenalenone (19, 20). Compounds 2-4, 6-9, 15-18, 21, 22, and 26 were subjected to antimicrobial evaluation with moderate activity observed against Staphylococcus aureus MRSA and slight activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. Compounds 4, 6-9, 17, and 21 were also evaluated for anthelminthic activity against larvae of the blood-feeding parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Owen Norman
- School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - Stuart Hombsch
- School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - James Lever
- School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - Robert Brkljača
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Jonathan White
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Aya C Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Sylvia Urban
- School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
A journey through 50 years of research relevant to the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in ruminant livestock and thoughts on future directions. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1133-1151. [PMID: 34774857 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This review article provides an historical perspective on some of the major research advances of relevance to ruminant livestock gastrointestinal nematode control over the last 50 years. Over this period, gastrointestinal nematode control has been dominated by the use of broad-spectrum anthelmintic drugs. Whilst this has provided unprecedented levels of successful control for many years, this approach has been gradually breaking down for more than two decades and is increasingly unsustainable which is due, at least in part, to the emergence of anthelmintic drug resistance and a number of other factors discussed in this article. We first cover the remarkable success story of the discovery and development of broad-spectrum anthelmintic drugs, the changing face of anthelmintic drug discovery research and the emergence of anthelmintic resistance. This is followed by a review of some of the major advances in the increasingly important area of non-pharmaceutical gastrointestinal nematode control including immunology and vaccine development, epidemiological modelling and some of the alternative control strategies such as breeding for host resistance, refugia-based methods and biological control. The last 50 years have witnessed remarkable innovation and success in research aiming to improve ruminant livestock gastrointestinal nematode control, particularly given the relatively small size of the research community and limited funding. In spite of this, the growing global demand for livestock products, together with the need to maximise production efficiencies, reduce environmental impacts and safeguard animal welfare - as well as specific challenges such as anthelmintic drug resistance and climate change- mean that gastrointestinal nematode researchers will need to be as innovative in the next 50 years as in the last.
Collapse
|
26
|
Jayawardene KLTD, Palombo EA, Boag PR. Natural Products Are a Promising Source for Anthelmintic Drug Discovery. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1457. [PMID: 34680090 PMCID: PMC8533416 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes infect almost all forms of life. In the human context, parasites are one of the major causative factors for physical and intellectual growth retardation in the developing world. In the agricultural setting, parasites have a great economic impact through a reduction in livestock performance or control cost. The main method of controlling these devastating conditions is the use of anthelmintic drugs. Unfortunately, there are only a few anthelmintic drug classes available in the market and significant resistance has developed in most of the parasitic species of livestock. Therefore, development of new anthelmintics with different modes of action is critical for sustainable parasitic control in the future. The drug development pipeline is broadly limited to two types of molecules, namely synthetic compounds and natural plant products. Compared to synthetic compounds, natural products are highly diverse, and many have historically proven valuable in folk medicine to treat various gastrointestinal ailments. This review focus on the use of traditional knowledge-based plant extracts in the development of new therapeutic leads, the approaches used as screening techniques, and common bottlenecks and opportunities in plant-based anthelmintic drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K. L. T. Dilrukshi Jayawardene
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Enzo A. Palombo
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Peter R. Boag
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Nguyen LT, Zajíčková M, Mašátová E, Matoušková P, Skálová L. The ATP bioluminescence assay: a new application and optimization for viability testing in the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. Vet Res 2021; 52:124. [PMID: 34593042 PMCID: PMC8482649 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00980-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasitic gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus causes serious economic losses to agriculture due to infection and disease in small ruminant livestock. The development of new therapies requires appropriate viability testing, with methods nowadays relying on larval motility or development using procedures that involve microscopy. None of the existing biochemical methods, however, are performed in adults, the target stage of the anthelmintic compounds. Here we present a new test for the viability of H. contortus adults and exsheathed third-stage larvae which is based on a bioluminescent assay of ATP content normalized to total protein concentration measured using bicinchoninic acid. All the procedure steps were optimized to achieve maximal sensitivity and robustness. This novel method can be used as a complementary assay for the phenotypic screening of new compounds with potential antinematode activity in exsheathed third-stage larvae and in adult males. Additionally, it might be used for the detection of drug-resistant isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linh Thuy Nguyen
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Zajíčková
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Mašátová
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Matoušková
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Skálová
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Taki AC, Byrne JJ, Jabbar A, Lum KY, Hayes S, Addison RS, Ramage KS, Hofmann A, Ekins MG, Wang T, Chang BCH, Davis RA, Gasser RB. High Throughput Screening of the NatureBank 'Marine Collection' in a Haemonchus Bioassay Identifies Anthelmintic Activity in Extracts from a Range of Sponges from Australian Waters. Molecules 2021; 26:5846. [PMID: 34641389 PMCID: PMC8512444 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Widespread resistance in parasitic nematodes to most classes of anthelmintic drugs demands the discovery and development of novel compounds with distinct mechanisms of action to complement strategic or integrated parasite control programs. Products from nature-which assume a diverse 'chemical space'-have significant potential as a source of anthelmintic compounds. In the present study, we screened a collection of extracts (n = 7616) derived from marine invertebrates sampled from Australian waters in a high throughput bioassay for in vitro anti-parasitic activity against the barber's pole worm (Haemonchus contortus)-an economically important parasitic nematode of livestock animals. In this high throughput screen (HTS), we identified 58 active extracts that reduced larval motility by ≥70% (at 90 h), equating to an overall 'hit rate' of ~0.8%. Of these 58 extracts, 16 also inhibited larval development by ≥80% (at 168 h) and/or induced 'non-wild-type' (abnormal) larval phenotypes with reference to 'wild-type' (normal) larvae not exposed to extract (negative controls). Most active extracts (54 of 58) originated from sponges, three from chordates (tunicates) and one from a coral; these extracts represented 37 distinct species/taxa of 23 families. An analysis of samples by 1H NMR fingerprinting was utilised to dereplicate hits and to prioritise a set of 29 sponge samples for future chemical investigation. Overall, these results indicate that a range of sponge species from Australian waters represents a rich source of natural compounds with nematocidal or nematostatic properties. Our plan now is to focus on in-depth chemical investigations of the sample set prioritised herein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aya C. Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (A.J.); (A.H.); (T.W.); (B.C.H.C.)
| | - Joseph J. Byrne
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (A.J.); (A.H.); (T.W.); (B.C.H.C.)
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (A.J.); (A.H.); (T.W.); (B.C.H.C.)
| | - Kah Yean Lum
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (K.Y.L.); (S.H.); (R.S.A.); (K.S.R.); (M.G.E.); (R.A.D.)
| | - Sasha Hayes
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (K.Y.L.); (S.H.); (R.S.A.); (K.S.R.); (M.G.E.); (R.A.D.)
| | - Russell S. Addison
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (K.Y.L.); (S.H.); (R.S.A.); (K.S.R.); (M.G.E.); (R.A.D.)
| | - Kelsey S. Ramage
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (K.Y.L.); (S.H.); (R.S.A.); (K.S.R.); (M.G.E.); (R.A.D.)
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (A.J.); (A.H.); (T.W.); (B.C.H.C.)
| | - Merrick G. Ekins
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (K.Y.L.); (S.H.); (R.S.A.); (K.S.R.); (M.G.E.); (R.A.D.)
- Queensland Museum, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (A.J.); (A.H.); (T.W.); (B.C.H.C.)
| | - Bill C. H. Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (A.J.); (A.H.); (T.W.); (B.C.H.C.)
| | - Rohan A. Davis
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (K.Y.L.); (S.H.); (R.S.A.); (K.S.R.); (M.G.E.); (R.A.D.)
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (A.J.); (A.H.); (T.W.); (B.C.H.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Aksenov AV, Arutiunov NA, Kirilov NK, Aksenov DA, Grishin IY, Aksenov NA, Wang H, Du L, Betancourt T, Pelly SC, Kornienko A, Rubin M. [3 + 2]-Annulation of pyridinium ylides with 1-chloro-2-nitrostyrenes unveils a tubulin polymerization inhibitor. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:7234-7245. [PMID: 34387294 PMCID: PMC8439629 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob01141c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Indolizines and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines were prepared via [3 + 2]-cycloaddition of pyridinium ylides to 1-chloro-2-nitrostyrenes. The synthesized molecules were evaluated for antiproliferative activities against a BE(2)-C neuroblastoma cell line with several compounds decreasing the viability of cancer cells. Indolizine 9db showed higher potency than that of all-trans-retinoic acid, an approved cancer drug. Mechanistically, it was found to inhibit tubulin polymerization and it is thus proposed that the discovered chemistry can be exploited for the development of novel microtubule-targeting anticancer agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V Aksenov
- Department of Chemistry, North Caucasus Federal University, 1a Pushkin St., Stavropol 355009, Russia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Noack S, Harrington J, Carithers DS, Kaminsky R, Selzer PM. Heartworm disease - Overview, intervention, and industry perspective. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2021; 16:65-89. [PMID: 34030109 PMCID: PMC8163879 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis, also known as heartworm, is a major parasitic threat for dogs and cats around the world. Because of its impact on the health and welfare of companion animals, heartworm disease is of huge veterinary and economic importance especially in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Within the animal health market many different heartworm preventive products are available, all of which contain active components of the same drug class, the macrocyclic lactones. In addition to compliance issues, such as under-dosing or irregular treatment intervals, the occurrence of drug-resistant heartworms within the populations in the Mississippi River areas adds to the failure of preventive treatments. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the disease, summarize the current disease control measures and highlight potential new avenues and best practices for treatment and prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Noack
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Binger Str. 173, 55216, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - John Harrington
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 1730 Olympic Drive, 30601, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Douglas S Carithers
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 3239 Satellite Blvd, 30096, Duluth, GA, USA
| | - Ronald Kaminsky
- paraC Consulting, Altenstein 13, 79685, Häg-Ehrsberg, Germany
| | - Paul M Selzer
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Binger Str. 173, 55216, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Stadler B, Nowell CJ, Whittaker MR, Arnhold S, Pilatz A, Wagenlehner FM, Exintaris B, Middendorff R. Physiological and pharmacological impact of oxytocin on epididymal propulsion during the ejaculatory process in rodents and men. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21639. [PMID: 34041782 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100435r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
During the emission phase of ejaculation, the sperm is driven from the cauda epididymidis, where it is stored, through the vas deferens by strong contractions. These contractions are thought of as being mainly induced by the sympathetic nervous system and the neurotransmitter noradrenaline. In the present study, we investigated the effect of oxytocin (suggested to exert effects during ejaculation as well) on defined segments of the rat and human epididymis using live imaging. Our results indicate that it is the very last part of the epididymis, segment 19 (S19) in rat and likewise segment 9 in human, which responds in a uniquely strong and rapid manner to oxytocin (similar to noradrenaline). Because of the complex nature of this contractile response, we developed an imaging analysis method, which allowed us to quantify multidirectional contractions and to display them using heat maps. The reaction of S19 to oxytocin was concentration-dependent and could be inhibited by pretreatment with oxytocin antagonists (atosiban and cligosiban), but not with an arginine vasopressin 1A antagonist (SR49059). In both rat and human tissue, pretreatment with the alpha-1 adrenoreceptor antagonist tamsulosin inhibited the response to noradrenaline, whereas the effect of oxytocin was unimpaired. Our data (from men and rodents) strongly suggest that the hormone oxytocin is involved in the ejaculatory process. Thus, oxytocin-based medications might be a promising non-adrenergic treatment option for ejaculatory disorders. Additionally, we propose that S19 could be an advantageous model (detecting very low concentrations of oxytocin) to test the bioactivity of new oxytocin agonists and oxytocin antagonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrix Stadler
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.,Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cameron J Nowell
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael R Whittaker
- Drug Discovery Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stefan Arnhold
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Florian M Wagenlehner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Betty Exintaris
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Taki AC, Byrne JJ, Wang T, Sleebs BE, Nguyen N, Hall RS, Korhonen PK, Chang BC, Jackson P, Jabbar A, Gasser RB. High-Throughput Phenotypic Assay to Screen for Anthelmintic Activity on Haemonchus contortus. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070616. [PMID: 34206910 PMCID: PMC8308562 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic worms cause very significant diseases in animals and humans worldwide, and their control is critical to enhance health, well-being and productivity. Due to widespread drug resistance in many parasitic worms of animals globally, there is a major, continuing demand for the discovery and development of anthelmintic drugs for use to control these worms. Here, we established a practical, cost-effective and semi-automated high throughput screening (HTS) assay, which relies on the measurement of motility of larvae of the barber’s pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) using infrared light-interference. Using this assay, we screened 80,500 small molecules and achieved a hit rate of 0.05%. We identified three small molecules that reproducibly inhibited larval motility and/or development (IC50 values of ~4 to 41 µM). Future work will critically assess the potential of selected hits as candidates for subsequent optimisation or repurposing against parasitic nematodes. This HTS assay has a major advantage over most previous assays in that it achieves a ≥ 10-times higher throughput (i.e., 10,000 compounds per week), and is thus suited to the screening of libraries of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of compounds for subsequent hit-to-lead optimisation or effective repurposing and development. The current assay should be adaptable to many socioeconomically important parasitic nematodes, including those that cause neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This aspect is of relevance, given the goals of the World Health Organization (WHO) Roadmap for NTDs 2021–2030, to develop more effective drugs and drug combinations to improve patient outcomes and circumvent the ineffectiveness of some current anthelmintic drugs and possible drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aya C. Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Joseph J. Byrne
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Brad E. Sleebs
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
- Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Nghi Nguyen
- Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ross S. Hall
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Pasi K. Korhonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Bill C.H. Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Paul Jackson
- Johnson & Johnson, Global Public Health, Janssen Research and Development, San Diego, CA 92121, USA;
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Jasmer DP, Rosa BA, Mitreva M. Cell Death and Transcriptional Responses Induced in Larvae of the Nematode Haemonchus contortus by Toxins/Toxicants with Broad Phylogenetic Efficacy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:598. [PMID: 34206464 PMCID: PMC8308827 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishing methods to investigate treatments that induce cell death in parasitic nematodes will promote experimental approaches to elucidate mechanisms and to identify prospective anthelmintics capable of inducing this outcome. Here, we extended recent progress on a method to monitor cell death and to identify small molecule inhibitors in Ascaris suum to Haemonchus contortus, a phylogenetically distant parasitic nematode of significance for both human and agricultural animal health. We utilized a diverse group of small molecule inhibitors referred to as nematode intestinal toxins/toxicants (NITs) coupled with motility, cytological and cell death assays to resolve gross effects on motility and individual cells and organ systems of two H. contortus larval stages in culture. Early transcriptional response evaluation identified NIT-responsive genes and pathways. The scope of death among cells in larvae varied among NITs but shared patterns with A. suum, despite the approach having some limitations due to characteristics of H. contortus larvae. Gene response patterns varied among NITs tested and provided information on the cell targets and pathways affected. Experimental NIT assays provide tools capable of inducing cell death in larval stages of parasitic nematodes, and can resolve many individual cells and organ systems in which cell death can be induced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas P. Jasmer
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
| | - Bruce A. Rosa
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Three Small Molecule Entities (MPK18, MPK334 and YAK308) with Activity against Haemonchus contortus In Vitro. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092819. [PMID: 34068691 PMCID: PMC8126080 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to widespread multi-drug resistance in parasitic nematodes of livestock animals, there is an urgent need to discover new anthelmintics with distinct mechanisms of action. Extending previous work, here we screened a panel of 245 chemically-diverse small molecules for anti-parasitic activity against Haemonchus contortus—an economically important parasitic nematode of livestock. This panel was screened in vitro against exsheathed third-stage larvae (xL3) of H. contortus using an established phenotypic assay, and the potency of select compounds to inhibit larval motility and development assessed in dose-response assays. Of the 245 compounds screened, three—designated MPK18, MPK334 and YAK308—induced non-wildtype larval phenotypes and repeatedly inhibited xL3-motility, with IC50 values of 45.2 µM, 17.1 µM and 52.7 µM, respectively; two also inhibited larval development, with IC50 values of 12.3 µM (MPK334) and 6.5 µM (YAK308), and none of the three was toxic to human liver cells (HepG2). These findings suggest that these compounds deserve further evaluation as nematocidal candidates. Future work should focus on structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies of these chemical scaffolds, and assess the in vitro and in vivo efficacies and safety of optimised compounds against adults of H. contortus.
Collapse
|
35
|
Chemical characterization and in vitro anthelmintic activity of Citrus bergamia Risso and Citrus X paradisii Macfad essential oil against Haemonchus contortus Kirby isolate. Acta Trop 2021; 217:105869. [PMID: 33631121 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Haemonchus contortus, a blood-sucking parasite of small ruminants, produces very important economic losses in the productive sector. This abomasum parasite has become resistant to most commercial drugs worldwide, and alternatives to fight this problem are urgently needed. Essential oils (EO) are a complex mixture of volatile secondary metabolites, composed mainly by terpenoids and phenolic compounds, from plants that have several pharmacological properties, including anthelmintic activity. Particularly, citrus peel is a source of cold-pressed EO, where limonene is its major component, and can be used as an additional food component for ruminants. The aim of the present work was to determine the in vitro anthelmintic activity of EO from Citrus bergamia (EOB), C. x paradisii (EOG) and limonene against the benzimidazole-susceptible Kirby isolate of H. contortus, using the egg hatch test (EHT) and the exsheathed third stage larval motility test (XLMT) using a WMicroTracker equipment. Albendazole (ABZ) and monepantel (MON) were used as positive controls. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) in XLMT were 8.77 and 13.88 µg/ml for EOB and EOG respectively, after an incubation of 72 h. An interesting observation on XLMT resulted when the positive controls were tested on the same plate, but in different well of the EOB. The volatile components of the EO significantly influenced (P < 0.05) the percentage of larval motility, reducing values from 66.9 to 19.6% for ABZ, and from 72.8 to 33.7% for MON, when comparing the activity of positive controls in a control plate without EO. The in vitro anthelmintic activity of EOB and EOG shows that they could be interesting candidates for nematode control. It is still necessary additional studies against the adult stage of H. contortus in efficacy trials in infected animals to validate their anthelmintic activity.
Collapse
|
36
|
Knox J, Joly N, Linossi EM, Carmona-Negrón JA, Jura N, Pintard L, Zuercher W, Roy PJ. A survey of the kinome pharmacopeia reveals multiple scaffolds and targets for the development of novel anthelmintics. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9161. [PMID: 33911106 PMCID: PMC8080662 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88150-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Over one billion people are currently infected with a parasitic nematode. Symptoms can include anemia, malnutrition, developmental delay, and in severe cases, death. Resistance is emerging to the anthelmintics currently used to treat nematode infection, prompting the need to develop new anthelmintics. Towards this end, we identified a set of kinases that may be targeted in a nematode-selective manner. We first screened 2040 inhibitors of vertebrate kinases for those that impair the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. By determining whether the terminal phenotype induced by each kinase inhibitor matched that of the predicted target mutant in C. elegans, we identified 17 druggable nematode kinase targets. Of these, we found that nematode EGFR, MEK1, and PLK1 kinases have diverged from vertebrates within their drug-binding pocket. For each of these targets, we identified small molecule scaffolds that may be further modified to develop nematode-selective inhibitors. Nematode EGFR, MEK1, and PLK1 therefore represent key targets for the development of new anthelmintic medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Knox
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Nicolas Joly
- Programme Équipe Labellisée Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Institut Jacques Monod, UMR7592, Université de Paris, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Edmond M Linossi
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - José A Carmona-Negrón
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Natalia Jura
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Lionel Pintard
- Programme Équipe Labellisée Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Institut Jacques Monod, UMR7592, Université de Paris, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - William Zuercher
- School of Pharmacy, UNC Eshelman, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Peter J Roy
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada. .,The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada. .,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Norman EO, Tuohey H, Pizzi D, Saidah M, Bell R, Brkljača R, White JM, Gasser RB, Taki AC, Urban S. Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Activity of the Australian Carnivorous Plant, Drosera magna. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:964-971. [PMID: 33631073 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Phytochemical profiling was undertaken on the crude extracts of Drosera magna to determine the nature of the chemical constituents present. In total, three new flavonol diglycosides (1-3), one new flavan-3-ol glycoside (4), and 12 previously reported compounds of the flavonol (5, 9), flavan-3-ol (15), flavanone (8), 1,4-napthoquinone (6, 7, 13, 14), 2,3-dehydroxynapthalene-1,4-dione (10-12), and phenolic acid (16) structure classes were isolated and identified. Compounds 1-9, 13, 17, and 18 were assessed for antimicrobial activity, with compounds 6, 7, 8, and 9 showing significant activity. Compounds 1, 2, and 6 were also evaluated for anthelmintic activity against larval forms of Hemonchus contortus, with compound 6 being active.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Owen Norman
- School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476 Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - Hayden Tuohey
- School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476 Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - David Pizzi
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Milane Saidah
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, iSm2, Marseille 13397, France
| | - Rachael Bell
- School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476 Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - Robert Brkljača
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Jonathan M White
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Aya C Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Sylvia Urban
- School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476 Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Lin Y, Ong YC, Keller S, Karges J, Bouchene R, Manoury E, Blacque O, Müller J, Anghel N, Hemphill A, Häberli C, Taki AC, Gasser RB, Cariou K, Keiser J, Gasser G. Synthesis, characterization and antiparasitic activity of organometallic derivatives of the anthelmintic drug albendazole. Dalton Trans 2021; 49:6616-6626. [PMID: 32347259 DOI: 10.1039/d0dt01107j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Helminthiases, a group of neglected tropical diseases, affect more than one billion people mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Moreover, major intestinal protozoa have a significant impact on global public health. Albendazole (ABZ) is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, drug resistance is emerging due to its widespread use. In order to tackle this problem, taking into account the spectacular results obtained with ferroquine, an organometallic derivatization of the antimalarial drug chloroquine, we have prepared, in this study, a series of new ferrocenyl and ruthenocenyl derivatives of the organic drug ABZ and assessed their activity against different helminths and protozoans, namely Trichuris muris, Heligmosomoides polygygrus, Schistosoma mansoni, Giardia lamblia, Haemonchus contortus and Toxoplasma gondii. The ferrocene-containing ABZ analogue 2d exhibited over 70% activity against T. muris adults in vitro at 200 μM and no toxicity to mammalian cells (IC50 >100 μM). H. polygyrus adults were not affected by any of the derivatives tested. Against T. gondii, the ferrocene-containing ABZ analogues 1a and 2d showed better in vitro activity than ABZ and low toxicity to the host cells. The activity of the analogous ruthenocenyl compound 2b against S. mansoni and T. gondii in vitro might be attributed to its toxicity towards the host cells rather than a specific antiparasitic activity. These results demonstrate that the derivatives show a species specific in vitro activity and the choice of the organometallic moieties attached to the organic drug is playing a very important role. Two of our organometallic compounds, namely 1b and 2d, were tested in T. muris infected mice. At a 400 mg kg-1 dose, the compounds showed moderate worm burden reductions but low worm expulsion rates. Overall, this work, which is one of the first studies reporting the potential of organometallic compounds on a very broad range of parasitic helminths and protozoan, is a clear confirmation of the potential of organometallic complexes against parasites of medical and veterinary importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Yih Ching Ong
- Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Sarah Keller
- Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Johannes Karges
- Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Rafika Bouchene
- CNRS, LCC (Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination), Université de Toulouse, UPS, INPT, 205 Route de Narbonne, BP 44099, 31077 Toulouse, France and Département Sciences de la Matière, Faculté des Sciences Exactes, Université Larbi Ben M'hidi, BP 358, Route de Constantine, 04000 Oum El Bouaghi, Algeria
| | - Eric Manoury
- CNRS, LCC (Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination), Université de Toulouse, UPS, INPT, 205 Route de Narbonne, BP 44099, 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Blacque
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstr. 57, Basel, Switzerland. and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aya C Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Kevin Cariou
- Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstr. 57, Basel, Switzerland. and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Gasser
- Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, 75005 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Herath HMPD, Taki AC, Sleebs BE, Hofmann A, Nguyen N, Preston S, Davis RA, Jabbar A, Gasser RB. Advances in the discovery and development of anthelmintics by harnessing natural product scaffolds. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2021; 111:203-251. [PMID: 33482975 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Widespread resistance to currently-used anthelmintics represents a major obstacle to controlling parasitic nematodes of livestock animals. Given the reliance on anthelmintics in many control regimens, there is a need for the continued discovery and development of new nematocides. Enabling such a focus are: (i) the major chemical diversity of natural products; (ii) the availability of curated, drug-like extract-, fraction- and/or compound-libraries from natural sources; (iii) the utility and practicality of well-established whole-worm bioassays for Haemonchus contortus-an important parasitic nematodes of livestock-to screen natural product libraries; and (iv) the availability of advanced chromatographic (HPLC), spectroscopic (NMR) and spectrometric (MS) techniques for bioassay-guided fractionation and structural elucidation. This context provides a sound basis for the identification and characterisation of anthelmintic candidates from natural sources. This chapter provides a background on the importance and impact of helminth infections/diseases, parasite control and aspects of drug discovery, and reviews recent work focused on (i) screening well-defined compound libraries to establish the methods needed for large-scale screening of natural extract libraries; (ii) discovering plant and marine extracts with nematocidal or nematostatic activity, and purifying bioactive compounds and assessing their potential for further development; and (iii) synthesising analogues of selected purified natural compounds for the identification of possible 'lead' candidates. The chapter describes some lessons learned from this work and proposes future areas of focus for drug discovery. Collectively, the findings from this recent work show potential for selected natural product scaffolds as candidates for future development. Developing such candidates via future chemical optimisation, efficacy and safety evaluations, broad spectrum activity assessments, and target identification represents an exciting prospect and, if successful, could pave the way to subsequent pre-clinical and clinical evaluations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H M P Dilrukshi Herath
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aya C Taki
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brad E Sleebs
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nghi Nguyen
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Preston
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rohan A Davis
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Doyle SR, Tracey A, Laing R, Holroyd N, Bartley D, Bazant W, Beasley H, Beech R, Britton C, Brooks K, Chaudhry U, Maitland K, Martinelli A, Noonan JD, Paulini M, Quail MA, Redman E, Rodgers FH, Sallé G, Shabbir MZ, Sankaranarayanan G, Wit J, Howe KL, Sargison N, Devaney E, Berriman M, Gilleard JS, Cotton JA. Genomic and transcriptomic variation defines the chromosome-scale assembly of Haemonchus contortus, a model gastrointestinal worm. Commun Biol 2020; 3:656. [PMID: 33168940 PMCID: PMC7652881 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01377-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemonchus contortus is a globally distributed and economically important gastrointestinal pathogen of small ruminants and has become a key nematode model for studying anthelmintic resistance and other parasite-specific traits among a wider group of parasites including major human pathogens. Here, we report using PacBio long-read and OpGen and 10X Genomics long-molecule methods to generate a highly contiguous 283.4 Mbp chromosome-scale genome assembly including a resolved sex chromosome for the MHco3(ISE).N1 isolate. We show a remarkable pattern of conservation of chromosome content with Caenorhabditis elegans, but almost no conservation of gene order. Short and long-read transcriptome sequencing allowed us to define coordinated transcriptional regulation throughout the parasite's life cycle and refine our understanding of cis- and trans-splicing. Finally, we provide a comprehensive picture of chromosome-wide genetic diversity both within a single isolate and globally. These data provide a high-quality comparison for understanding the evolution and genomics of Caenorhabditis and other nematodes and extend the experimental tractability of this model parasitic nematode in understanding helminth biology, drug discovery and vaccine development, as well as important adaptive traits such as drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Doyle
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK.
| | - Alan Tracey
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Roz Laing
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Nancy Holroyd
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - David Bartley
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Wojtek Bazant
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Helen Beasley
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Robin Beech
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X3V9, Canada
| | - Collette Britton
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Karen Brooks
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Umer Chaudhry
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Kirsty Maitland
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Axel Martinelli
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Jennifer D Noonan
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X3V9, Canada
| | - Michael Paulini
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Michael A Quail
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Elizabeth Redman
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Faye H Rodgers
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Guillaume Sallé
- INRAE - U. Tours, UMR 1282 ISP Infectiologie et Santé Publique, Centre de recherche Val de Loire, Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | - Janneke Wit
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kevin L Howe
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Neil Sargison
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Eileen Devaney
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - John S Gilleard
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - James A Cotton
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Korhonen PK, Gasser RB, Ma G, Wang T, Stroehlein AJ, Young ND, Ang CS, Fernando DD, Lu HC, Taylor S, Reynolds SL, Mofiz E, Najaraj SH, Gowda H, Madugundu A, Renuse S, Holt D, Pandey A, Papenfuss AT, Fischer K. High-quality nuclear genome for Sarcoptes scabiei-A critical resource for a neglected parasite. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008720. [PMID: 33001992 PMCID: PMC7591027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei is an economically highly significant parasite of the skin of humans and animals worldwide. In humans, this mite causes a neglected tropical disease (NTD), called scabies. This disease results in major morbidity, disability, stigma and poverty globally and is often associated with secondary bacterial infections. Currently, anti-scabies treatments are not sufficiently effective, resistance to them is emerging and no vaccine is available. Here, we report the first high-quality genome and transcriptomic data for S. scabiei. The genome is 56.6 Mb in size, has a a repeat content of 10.6% and codes for 9,174 proteins. We explored key molecules involved in development, reproduction, host-parasite interactions, immunity and disease. The enhanced 'omic data sets for S. scabiei represent comprehensive and critical resources for genetic, functional genomic, metabolomic, phylogenetic, ecological and/or epidemiological investigations, and will underpin the design and development of new treatments, vaccines and/or diagnostic tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pasi K. Korhonen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas J. Stroehlein
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Neil D. Young
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Bio21 Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deepani D. Fernando
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hieng C. Lu
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sara Taylor
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Simone L. Reynolds
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ehtesham Mofiz
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shivashankar H. Najaraj
- Faculty of Health, School—Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Harsha Gowda
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anil Madugundu
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Bangalore, India
- Center for Individualized Medicine and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Deborah Holt
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
- College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Akhilesh Pandey
- Center for Individualized Medicine and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Anthony T. Papenfuss
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katja Fischer
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Medeiros MLS, Alves RRV, Oliveira BF, Napoleão TH, Paiva PMG, Coelho LCBB, Bezerra ACDS, Silva MDC. In vitro effects of Moringa oleifera seed lectins on Haemonchus contortus in larval and adult stages. Exp Parasitol 2020; 218:108004. [PMID: 32961172 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.108004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Haemonchus contortus is a hematophagous parasite causing damage to the production of ruminant animals throughout the world. This study evaluated the in vitro effect of proteins from Moringa oleifera (WSMoL - Water Soluble M. oleifera Lectin and cMoL - coagulant M. oleifera Lectin) on the motility of infective larvae and adult male and female worms of H. contortus. The specific activity of total proteases and the morphology of the worms exposed to the lectins were observed. Both lectins inhibited motility of all parasite stages tested. WSMoL and cMoL at 500 μg mL-1 interfered in the motility of larvae. Values of 11.1% and 8.1% were the lowest motility indices of larvae with sheath, and 30.6% and 16.4% were the lowest motility indices of exsheathed larvae treated with WSMoL and cMoL, respectively. In 1 mg mL-1 solutions of WSMoL and of cMoL, the motility index of adult male worms was 23.3% (p < 0.001) and 20% (p < 0.001), while the motility index of adult female worms was 63.3% (p > 0.05) and 26.6% (p < 0.001), respectively. Greater proteolytic activity was detected in extracts obtained from adult worms, male and female, after incubation with the lectins. Morphological changes caused by the lectins were revealed by changes in the crests of the cuticle, in the longitudinal striations and at the vulva.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mário L S Medeiros
- Departamento de Ciências Biomédicas, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Rua Atirador Miguel Antônio da Silva Neto, S/n, Aeroporto, 59607-360, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
| | - Robson R V Alves
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Morais Rego S/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Benny F Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Morais Rego S/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Thiago H Napoleão
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Morais Rego S/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Patrícia M G Paiva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Morais Rego S/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Luana C B B Coelho
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Morais Rego S/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Ana C D S Bezerra
- Departamento de Biociências, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Av. Francisco Mota 572, Costa e Silva, 59625-900, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Michele D C Silva
- Departamento de Biociências, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Av. Francisco Mota 572, Costa e Silva, 59625-900, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Natural Compounds from the Marine Brown Alga Caulocystis cephalornithos with Potent In Vitro-Activity against the Parasitic Nematode Haemonchus contortus. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070550. [PMID: 32659883 PMCID: PMC7400099 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Eight secondary metabolites (1 to 8) were isolated from a marine sponge, a marine alga and three terrestrial plants collected in Australia and subsequently chemically characterised. Here, these natural product-derived compounds were screened for in vitro-anthelmintic activity against the larvae and adult stages of Haemonchus contortus (barber's pole worm)-a highly pathogenic parasitic nematode of ruminants. Using an optimised, whole-organism screening system, compounds were tested on exsheathed third-stage larvae (xL3s) and fourth-stage larvae (L4s). Anthelmintic activity was initially evaluated on these stages based on the inhibition of motility, development and/or changes in morphology (phenotype). We identified two compounds, 6-undecylsalicylic acid (3) and 6-tridecylsalicylic acid (4) isolated from the marine brown alga, Caulocystis cephalornithos, with inhibitory effects on xL3 and L4 motility and larval development, and the induction of a "skinny-straight" phenotype. Subsequent testing showed that these two compounds had an acute nematocidal effect (within 1-12 h) on adult males and females of H. contortus. Ultrastructural analysis of adult worms treated with compound 4 revealed significant damage to subcuticular musculature and associated tissues and cellular organelles including mitochondria. In conclusion, the present study has discovered two algal compounds possessing acute anthelmintic effects and with potential for hit-to-lead progression. Future work should focus on undertaking a structure-activity relationship study and on elucidating the mode(s) of action of optimised compounds.
Collapse
|
44
|
Lum KY, Taki AC, Gasser RB, Tietjen I, Ekins MG, White JM, Addison RS, Hayes S, St John J, Davis RA. Comatulins A-E, Taurine-Conjugated Anthraquinones from the Australian Crinoid Comatula rotalaria. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2020; 83:1971-1979. [PMID: 32478519 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Chemical investigations of two specimens of the Australian crinoid Comatula rotalaria afforded five new taurine-conjugated anthraquinones, comatulins A-E (1-5), together with 11 known marine natural products (6-16). The chemical structures of all the compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic and spectrometric data analysis. The first X-ray crystal structure of a crinoid-derived acyl anthraquinone, rhodocomatulin 5,7-dimethyl ether (8), is reported here. Compounds 1, 2, 6-13, and two additional naphthopyrone derivatives, 17 and 18, were evaluated for their ability to inhibit HIV-1 replication in vitro; none of the compounds were active at 100 μM. Furthermore, compounds 1, 2, 6-10, 14, 15, 17, and 18 were screened for nematocidal activity against exsheathed third-stage larvae of Hemonchus contortus, a highly pathogenic parasite nematode of ruminants. Compound 17, known as 6-methoxycomaparvin 5,8-dimethyl ether, showed an inhibitory effect on larval motility (IC50 = 30 μM) and development (IC50 = 31 μM) and induced the eviscerated (Evi) phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kah Yean Lum
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Aya C Taki
- Department of Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ian Tietjen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Merrick G Ekins
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
- Biodiversity and Geosciences, Queensland Museum, South Brisbane BC, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Jonathan M White
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Russell S Addison
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Sasha Hayes
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - James St John
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Rohan A Davis
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Partridge FA, Forman R, Bataille CJR, Wynne GM, Nick M, Russell AJ, Else KJ, Sattelle DB. Anthelmintic drug discovery: target identification, screening methods and the role of open science. Beilstein J Org Chem 2020; 16:1203-1224. [PMID: 32550933 PMCID: PMC7277699 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.16.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminths, including cestodes, nematodes and trematodes, are a huge global health burden, infecting hundreds of millions of people. In many cases, existing drugs such as benzimidazoles, diethylcarbamazine, ivermectin and praziquantel are insufficiently efficacious, contraindicated in some populations, or at risk of the development of resistance, thereby impeding progress towards World Health Organization goals to control or eliminate these neglected tropical diseases. However, there has been limited recent progress in developing new drugs for these diseases due to lack of commercial attractiveness, leading to the introduction of novel, more efficient models for drug innovation that attempt to reduce the cost of research and development. Open science aims to achieve this by encouraging collaboration and the sharing of data and resources between organisations. In this review we discuss how open science has been applied to anthelmintic drug discovery. Open resources, including genomic information from many parasites, are enabling the identification of targets for new antiparasitic agents. Phenotypic screening remains important, and there has been much progress in open-source systems for compound screening with parasites, including motility assays but also high content assays with more detailed investigation of helminth physiology. Distributed open science compound screening programs, such as the Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box, have been successful at facilitating screening in diverse assays against many different parasite pathogens and models. Of the compounds identified so far in these screens, tolfenpyrad, a repurposed insecticide, shows significant promise and there has been much progress in creating more potent and selective derivatives. This work exemplifies how open science approaches can catalyse drug discovery against neglected diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederick A Partridge
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Forman
- The Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Carole J R Bataille
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA United Kingdom
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA United Kingdom
| | - Marina Nick
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn J Else
- The Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - David B Sattelle
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Synthetic Kavalactone Analogues with Increased Potency and Selective Anthelmintic Activity against Larvae of Haemonchus contortus In Vitro. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25082004. [PMID: 32344703 PMCID: PMC7221733 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25082004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Kava extract, an aqueous rhizome emulsion of the plant Piper methysticum, has been used for centuries by Pacific Islanders as a ceremonial beverage, and has been sold as an anxiolytic agent for some decades. Kavalactones are a major constituent of kava extract. In a previous investigation, we had identified three kavalactones that inhibit larval development of Haemonchus contortus in an in vitro-bioassay. In the present study, we synthesized two kavalactones, desmethoxyyangonin and yangonin, as well as 17 analogues thereof, and evaluated their anthelmintic activities using the same bioassay as employed previously. Structure activity relationship (SAR) studies showed that a 4-substituent on the pendant aryl ring was required for activity. In particular, compounds with 4-trifluoromethoxy, 4-difluoromethoxy, 4-phenoxy, and 4-N-morpholine substitutions had anthelmintic activities (IC50 values in the range of 1.9 to 8.9 µM) that were greater than either of the parent natural products-desmethoxyyangonin (IC50 of 37.1 µM) and yangonin (IC50 of 15.0 µM). The synthesized analogues did not exhibit toxicity on HepG2 human hepatoma cells in vitro at concentrations of up to 40 µM. These findings confirm the previously-identified kavalactone scaffold as a promising chemotype for new anthelmintics and provide a basis for a detailed SAR investigation focused on developing a novel anthelmintic agent.
Collapse
|
47
|
Li FF, Gasser RB, Liu F, Shan JN, Di WD, He L, Zhou CX, Wang CQ, Fang R, Hu M. Identification and characterization of an R-Smad homologue (Hco-DAF-8) from Haemonchus contortus. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:164. [PMID: 32245505 PMCID: PMC7119156 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04034-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Smad proteins are essential cellular mediators within the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. They directly transmit incoming signals from the cell surface receptors to the nucleus. In spite of their functional importance, almost nothing is known about Smad proteins in parasitic nematodes including Haemonchus contortus, an important blood-sucking nematode of small ruminants. Methods Based on genomic and transcriptome data for H. contortus and using bioinformatics methods, a Smad homologue (called Hco-daf-8) was inferred from H. contortus and the structural characteristics of this gene and its encoded protein Hco-DAF-8 established. Using real-time PCR and immunofluorescence assays, temporal transcriptional and spatial expression profiles of Hco-daf-8 were studied. Gene rescue in Caenorhabditis elegans was then applied to assess the function of Hco-daf-8 and a specific inhibitor of human Smad3 (called SIS3) was employed to evaluate the roles of Hco-DAF-8 in H. contortus development. Results The features of Hco-DAF-8 (502 amino acids), including conserved R-Smad domains and residues of the L3-loop that determine pathway specificity, are consistent with a TGF-β type I receptor-activated R-Smad. The Hco-daf-8 gene was transcribed in all developmental stages of H. contortus studied, with a higher level of transcription in the fourth-stage larval (L4) females and the highest level in adult males. Hco-DAF-8 was expressed in the platymyarian muscular cells, intestine and reproductive system of adult stages. Gene rescue experiments showed that Hco-daf-8 was able to partially rescue gene function in a daf-8 deficient mutant strain of C. elegans, leading to a resumption of normal development. In H. contortus, SIS3 was shown to affect H. contortus development from the exsheathed third-stage larvae (L3s) to L4s in vitro. Conclusions These findings suggest that Hco-DAF-8, encoded by the gene Hco-daf-8, is an important cellular mediator of H. contortus development via the TGF-β signalling pathway. They provide a basis for future explorations of Hco-DAF-8 and associated pathways in H. contortus and other important parasitic nematodes.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Robin B Gasser
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,Melbourne Veterinary School, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Jia-Nan Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Wen-Da Di
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Li He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Cai-Xian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chun-Qun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Rui Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Sepúlveda-Crespo D, Reguera RM, Rojo-Vázquez F, Balaña-Fouce R, Martínez-Valladares M. Drug discovery technologies: Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for anthelmintic therapeutics. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:1715-1753. [PMID: 32166776 DOI: 10.1002/med.21668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Helminthiasis is one of the gravest problems worldwide. There is a growing concern on less available anthelmintics and the emergence of resistance creating a major threat to human and livestock health resources. Novel and broad-spectrum anthelmintics are urgently needed. The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans could address this issue through automated high-throughput technologies for the screening of large chemical libraries. This review discusses the strong advantages and limitations for using C elegans as a screening method for anthelmintic drug discovery. C elegans is the best model available for the validation of novel effective drugs in treating most, if not all, helminth infections, and for the elucidation the mode of action of anthelmintic candidates. This review also focuses on available technologies in the discovery of anthelmintics published over the last 15 years with particular attention to high-throughput technologies over conventional screens. On the other hand, this review highlights how combinatorial and nanomedicine strategies could prolong the use of anthelmintics and control resistance problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sepúlveda-Crespo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Rosa M Reguera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Francisco Rojo-Vázquez
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Rafael Balaña-Fouce
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Jiao Y, Preston S, Hofmann A, Taki A, Baell J, Chang BCH, Jabbar A, Gasser RB. A perspective on the discovery of selected compounds with anthelmintic activity against the barber's pole worm-Where to from here? ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 108:1-45. [PMID: 32291083 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic roundworms (nematodes) cause substantial morbidity and mortality in animals worldwide. Anthelmintic treatment is central to controlling these worms, but widespread resistance to most of the commercially available anthelmintics for veterinary and agricultural use is compromising control, such that there is an urgency to discover new and effective drugs. The purpose of this article is to review information on parasitic nematodes, the treatment and control of parasitic nematode infections and aspects of discovering new anthelmintics in the context of anthelmintic resistance problems, and then to discuss some progress that our group has made in identifying selected compounds with activity against nematodes. The focus of our recent work has been on discovering new chemical entities and known drugs with anthelmintic activities against Haemonchus contortus as well as other socioeconomically important parasitic nematodes for subsequent development. Using whole worm-based phenotypic assays, we have been screening compound collections obtained via product-development-partnerships and/or collaborators, and active compounds have been assessed for their potential as anthelmintic candidates. Following the screening of 15,333 chemicals from five distinct compound collections against H. contortus, we have discovered one new chemical entity (designated SN00797439), two human kinase inhibitors (SNS-032 and AG-1295), 14 tetrahydroquinoxaline analogues, one insecticide (tolfenpyrad) and two tolfenpyrad (pyrazole-5-carboxamide) derivatives (a-15 and a-17) with anthelmintic activity in vitro. Some of these 20 'hit' compounds have selectivity against H. contortus in vitro when compared to particular human cell lines. In our opinion, some of these compounds could represent starting points for 'lead' development. Accordingly, the next research steps to be pursued include: (i) chemical optimisation of representative chemicals via structure-activity relationship (SAR) evaluations; (ii) assessment of the breadth of spectrum of anthelmintic activity on a range of other parasitic nematodes, such as strongyloids, ascaridoids, enoplids and filarioids; (iii) detailed investigations of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) of optimised chemicals with broad nematocidal or nematostatic activity; and (iv) establishment of the modes of action of lead candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaqing Jiao
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Preston
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Aya Taki
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan Baell
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Elucidating the molecular and developmental biology of parasitic nematodes: Moving to a multiomics paradigm. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 108:175-229. [PMID: 32291085 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In the past two decades, significant progress has been made in the sequencing, assembly, annotation and analyses of genomes and transcriptomes of parasitic worms of socioeconomic importance. This progress has somewhat improved our knowledge and understanding of these pathogens at the molecular level. However, compared with the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the areas of functional genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics of parasitic nematodes are still in their infancy, and there are major gaps in our knowledge and understanding of the molecular biology of parasitic nematodes. The information on signalling molecules, molecular pathways and microRNAs (miRNAs) that are known to be involved in developmental processes in C. elegans and the availability of some molecular resources (draft genomes, transcriptomes and some proteomes) for selected parasitic nematodes provide a basis to start exploring the developmental biology of parasitic nematodes. Indeed, some studies have identified molecules and pathways that might associate with developmental processes in related, parasitic nematodes, such as Haemonchus contortus (barber's pole worm). However, detailed information is often scant and 'omics resources are limited, preventing a proper integration of 'omic data sets and comprehensive analyses. Moreover, little is known about the functional roles of pheromones, hormones, signalling pathways and post-transcriptional/post-translational regulations in the development of key parasitic nematodes throughout their entire life cycles. Although C. elegans is an excellent model to assist molecular studies of parasitic nematodes, its use is limited when it comes to explorations of processes that are specific to parasitism within host animals. A deep understanding of parasitic nematodes, such as H. contortus, requires substantially enhanced resources and the use of integrative 'omics approaches for analyses. The improved genome and well-established in vitro larval culture system for H. contortus provide unprecedented opportunities for comprehensive studies of the transcriptomes (mRNA and miRNA), proteomes (somatic, excretory/secretory and phosphorylated proteins) and lipidomes (e.g., polar and neutral lipids) of this nematode. Such resources should enable in-depth explorations of its developmental biology at a level, not previously possible. The main aims of this review are (i) to provide a background on the development of nematodes, with a particular emphasis on the molecular aspects involved in the dauer formation and exit in C. elegans; (ii) to critically appraise the current state of knowledge of the developmental biology of parasitic nematodes and identify key knowledge gaps; (iii) to cover salient aspects of H. contortus, with a focus on the recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and lipidomics as well as in vitro culturing systems; (iv) to review recent advances in our knowledge and understanding of the molecular and developmental biology of H. contortus using an integrative multiomics approach, and discuss the implications of this approach for detailed explorations of signalling molecules, molecular processes and pathways likely associated with nematode development, adaptation and parasitism, and for the identification of novel intervention targets against these pathogens. Clearly, the multiomics approach established recently is readily applicable to exploring a wide range of interesting and socioeconomically significant parasitic worms (including also trematodes and cestodes) at the molecular level, and to elucidate host-parasite interactions and disease processes.
Collapse
|