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González JEH, Salas-Sarduy E, Alvarez LH, Valiente PA, Arni RK, Pascutti PG. Three Decades of Targeting Falcipains to Develop Antiplasmodial Agents: What have we Learned and What can be Done Next? Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2234-2263. [PMID: 37711130 DOI: 10.2174/0929867331666230913165219] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a devastating infectious disease that affects large swathes of human populations across the planet's tropical regions. It is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, with Plasmodium falciparum being responsible for the most lethal form of the disease. During the intraerythrocytic stage in the human hosts, malaria parasites multiply and degrade hemoglobin (Hb) using a battery of proteases, which include two cysteine proteases, falcipains 2 and 3 (FP-2 and FP-3). Due to their role as major hemoglobinases, FP-2 and FP-3 have been targeted in studies aiming to discover new antimalarials and numerous inhibitors with activity against these enzymes, and parasites in culture have been identified. Nonetheless, cross-inhibition of human cysteine cathepsins remains a serious hurdle to overcome for these compounds to be used clinically. In this article, we have reviewed key functional and structural properties of FP-2/3 and described different compound series reported as inhibitors of these proteases during decades of active research in the field. Special attention is also paid to the wide range of computer-aided drug design (CADD) techniques successfully applied to discover new active compounds. Finally, we provide guidelines that, in our understanding, will help advance the rational discovery of new FP-2/3 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Enrique Hernández González
- Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation, IBILCE/UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UZA II, University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Emir Salas-Sarduy
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas Dr. Rodolfo Ugalde, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, CONICET, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnología (EByN), Universidad de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Pedro Alberto Valiente
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Pedro Geraldo Pascutti
- Laboratório de Modelagem e Dinâmica Molecular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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2
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Motta G, Juliano L, Chagas JR. Human plasma kallikrein: roles in coagulation, fibrinolysis, inflammation pathways, and beyond. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1188816. [PMID: 37711466 PMCID: PMC10499198 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1188816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Human plasma kallikrein (PKa) is obtained by activating its precursor, prekallikrein (PK), historically named the Fletcher factor. Human PKa and tissue kallikreins are serine proteases from the same family, having high- and low-molecular weight kininogens (HKs and LKs) as substrates, releasing bradykinin (Bk) and Lys-bradykinin (Lys-Bk), respectively. This review presents a brief history of human PKa with details and recent observations of its evolution among the vertebrate coagulation proteins, including the relations with Factor XI. We explored the role of Factor XII in activating the plasma kallikrein-kinin system (KKS), the mechanism of activity and control in the KKS, and the function of HK on contact activation proteins on cell membranes. The role of human PKa in cell biology regarding the contact system and KSS, particularly the endothelial cells, and neutrophils, in inflammatory processes and infectious diseases, was also approached. We examined the natural plasma protein inhibitors, including a detailed survey of human PKa inhibitors' development and their potential market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guacyara Motta
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Juliano
- Departamento de Biofisica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jair Ribeiro Chagas
- Departamento de Biofisica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Pinheiro ADS, Kazura JW, Pinheiro AA, Schmaier AH. Is there a role for bradykinin in cerebral malaria pathogenesis? Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1184896. [PMID: 37637466 PMCID: PMC10448822 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1184896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a parasitic disease of global health significance and a leading cause of death in children living in endemic regions. Although various Plasmodium species are responsible for the disease, Plasmodium falciparum infection accounts for most severe cases of the disease in humans. The mechanisms of cerebral malaria pathogenesis have been studied extensively in humans and animal malaria models; however, it is far from being fully understood. Recent discoveries indicate a potential role of bradykinin and the kallikrein kinin system in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria. The aim of this review is to highlight how bradykinin is formed in cerebral malaria and how it may impact cerebral blood-brain barrier function. Areas of interest in this context include Plasmodium parasite enzymes that directly generate bradykinin from plasma protein precursors, cytoadhesion of P. falciparum infected red blood cells to brain endothelial cells, and endothelial cell blood-brain barrier disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro de Sa Pinheiro
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - James W. Kazura
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ana Acacia Pinheiro
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Alvin H. Schmaier
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Chauke E, Pelle R, Coetzer THT. A single exon-encoded Theileria parva strain Muguga cysteine protease (ThpCP): Molecular modelling and characterisation. Biochimie 2023; 206:24-35. [PMID: 36198333 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.09.018] [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: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The tick-transmitted apicomplexan Theileria parva causes East Coast fever, a bovine disease of great economic and veterinary importance in Africa. Papain-like cysteine proteases play important roles in protozoan parasite host cell entry and egress, nutrition and host immune evasion. This study reports the identification and characterisation of a T. parva strain Muguga cathepsin L-like (C1A subfamily) cysteine protease (ThpCP). Molecular modelling confirmed the papain-like fold of ThpCP, hydrophobic character of the S2 substrate binding pocket and non-covalent interaction between the pro- and catalytic domains preceding low pH autoactivation. ThpCP was recombinantly expressed in a protease deficient E. coli (Rosetta (DE3)pLysS strain) expression host as a 46 kDa proenzyme. Following Ni-chelate affinity chromatography and acidification, the 27 kDa mature ThpCP was purified by cation-exchange chromatography. Purified ThpCP hydrolysed typical cathepsin L substrates N-α-benzyloxycarbonyl (Z)-Phe-Arg-7-amino-4-methyl-coumarin (AMC) (kcat/Km = 4.49 × 105 s-1M-1) and Z-Leu-Arg-AMC (kcat/Km = 4.20 × 105 s-1M-1), but showed no activity against the cathepsin B-selective substrate Z-Arg-Arg-AMC. Recombinant ThpCP was active over a broad pH range from pH 4.5 to 7.5, thereby showing potential activity in the acidic parasite food vacuole and close to neutral pH of the host lymphocyte cytoplasm. Recombinant ThpCP was inhibited by the cysteine protease inhibitors E64, iodoacetate, leupeptin, chymostatin, Z-Phe-Ala-diazomethylketone (DMK) and Z-Phe-Phe-DMK and hydrolysed bovine proteins: haemoglobin, immunoglobulin G, serum albumin and fibrinogen as well as goat IgG at pH 6 and 7. Functional expression and characterisation of Theileria cysteine proteases should enable high throughput screening of cysteine protease inhibitor libraries against these proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ephraim Chauke
- Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg Campus), Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa
| | - Roger Pelle
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa, International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, P.O. Box, 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Theresa H T Coetzer
- Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg Campus), Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa.
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Kinetic characterization of a novel cysteine peptidase from the protozoan Babesia bovis, a potential target for drug design. Biochimie 2020; 179:127-134. [PMID: 32946988 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
C1A cysteine peptidases have been shown to play an important role during apicomplexan invasion and egress of host red blood cells (RBCs) and therefore have been exploited as targets for drug development, in which peptidase specificity is deterministic. Babesia bovis genome is currently available and from the 17 putative cysteine peptidases annotated four belong to the C1A subfamily. In this study, we describe the biochemical characterization of a C1A cysteine peptidase, named here BbCp (B. bovis cysteine peptidase) and evaluate its possible participation in the parasite asexual cycle in host RBCs. The recombinant protein was obtained in bacterial inclusion bodies and after a refolding process, presented typical kinetic features of the cysteine peptidase family, enhanced activity in the presence of a reducing agent, optimum pH between 6.5 and 7.0 and was inhibited by cystatins from R. microplus. Moreover, rBbCp substrate specificity evaluation using a peptide phage display library showed a preference for Val > Leu > Phe. Finally, antibodies anti-rBbCp were able to interfere with B. bovis growth in vitro, which highlights the BbCp as a potential target for drug design.
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Dagnino APA, Campos MM, Silva RBM. Kinins and Their Receptors in Infectious Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13090215. [PMID: 32867272 PMCID: PMC7558425 DOI: 10.3390/ph13090215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Kinins and their receptors have been implicated in a series of pathological alterations, representing attractive pharmacological targets for several diseases. The present review article aims to discuss the role of the kinin system in infectious diseases. Literature data provides compelling evidence about the participation of kinins in infections caused by diverse agents, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and helminth-related ills. It is tempting to propose that modulation of kinin actions and production might be an adjuvant strategy for management of infection-related complications.
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Nicolau LAD, Magalhães PJC, Vale ML. What would Sérgio Ferreira say to your physician in this war against COVID-19: How about kallikrein/kinin system? Med Hypotheses 2020; 143:109886. [PMID: 32504925 PMCID: PMC7261103 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease with fast spreading all over the world caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus which can culminate in a severe acute respiratory syndrome by the injury caused in the lungs. However, other organs can be also damaged. SARS-CoV-2 enter into the host cells using the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as receptor, like its ancestor SARS-CoV. ACE2 is then downregulated in lung tissues with augmented serum levels of ACE2 in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Interestingly, ACE2+ organs reveal the symptomatic repercussions, which are signals of the infection such as dry cough, shortness of breath, heart failure, liver and kidney damage, anosmia or hyposmia, and diarrhea. ACE2 exerts a chief role in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) by converting angiotensin II to angiotensin-(1-7) that activates Mas receptor, inhibits ACE1, and modulates bradykinin (BK) receptor sensitivity, especially the BK type 2 receptor (BKB2R). ACE2 also hydrolizes des-Arg9-bradykinin (DABK), an active BK metabolite, agonist at BK type 1 receptors (BKB1R), which is upregulated by inflammation. In this opinion article, we conjecture a dialogue by the figure of Sérgio Ferreira which brought together basic science of classical pharmacology and clinical repercussions in COVID-19, then we propose that in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection: i) downregulation of ACE2 impairs the angiotensin II and DABK inactivation; ii) BK and its metabolite DABK seems to be in elevated levels in tissues by interferences in kallikrein/kinin system; iii) BK1 receptor contributes to the outbreak and maintenance of the inflammatory response; iv) kallikrein/kinin system crosstalks to RAS and coagulation system, linking inflammation to thrombosis and organ injury. We hypothesize that targeting the kallikrein/kinin system and BKB1R pathway may be beneficial in SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially on early stages. This route of inference should be experimentally verified by SARS-CoV-2 infected mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A D Nicolau
- Biotechnology and Biodiversity Center Research, Federal University of Parnaíba Delta, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Pedro J C Magalhães
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Mariana L Vale
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.
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Hernández González JE, Hernández Alvarez L, Pascutti PG, Leite VBP. Prediction of Noncompetitive Inhibitor Binding Mode Reveals Promising Site for Allosteric Modulation of Falcipain-2. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:7327-7342. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b05021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Enrique Hernández González
- Departamento de Física, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Rua Cristóvão Colombo,
2265, Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, CEP 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Lilian Hernández Alvarez
- Departamento de Física, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Rua Cristóvão Colombo,
2265, Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, CEP 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Pedro Geraldo Pascutti
- Laboratório de Dinâmica e Modelagem Molecular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ave. Carlos
Chagas Filho, 373, CCS-Bloco D sala 30, Cidade Universitária
Ilha de Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Vitor B. P. Leite
- Departamento de Física, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Rua Cristóvão Colombo,
2265, Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, CEP 15054-000, Brazil
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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Cianni L, Feldmann CW, Gilberg E, Gütschow M, Juliano L, Leitão A, Bajorath J, Montanari CA. Can Cysteine Protease Cross-Class Inhibitors Achieve Selectivity? J Med Chem 2019; 62:10497-10525. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Cianni
- Medicinal Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Life Science Informatics, B-IT, LIMES Program Unit Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Endenicher Allee 19c, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Wolfgang Feldmann
- Department of Life Science Informatics, B-IT, LIMES Program Unit Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Endenicher Allee 19c, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Erik Gilberg
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Life Science Informatics, B-IT, LIMES Program Unit Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Endenicher Allee 19c, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Luiz Juliano
- A. C. Camargo Cancer Center and São Paulo Medical School of Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Professor Antônio Prudente, 211, 01509-010 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrei Leitão
- Medicinal Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Jürgen Bajorath
- Department of Life Science Informatics, B-IT, LIMES Program Unit Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Endenicher Allee 19c, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Carlos A. Montanari
- Medicinal Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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Musyoka TM, Njuguna JN, Tastan Bishop Ö. Comparing sequence and structure of falcipains and human homologs at prodomain and catalytic active site for malarial peptide based inhibitor design. Malar J 2019; 18:159. [PMID: 31053072 PMCID: PMC6500056 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2790-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falcipains are major cysteine proteases of Plasmodium falciparum involved in haemoglobin degradation and remain attractive anti-malarial drug targets. Several inhibitors against these proteases have been identified, yet none of them has been approved for malaria treatment. Other Plasmodium species also possess highly homologous proteins to falcipains. For selective therapeutic targeting, identification of sequence and structure differences with homologous human cathepsins is necessary. The substrate processing activity of these proteins is tightly controlled via a prodomain segment occluding the active site which is chopped under low pH conditions exposing the catalytic site. Current work characterizes these proteases to identify residues mediating the prodomain regulatory function for the design of peptide based anti-malarial inhibitors. METHODS Sequence and structure variations between prodomain regions of plasmodial proteins and human cathepsins were determined using in silico approaches. Additionally, evolutionary clustering of these proteins was evaluated using phylogenetic analysis. High quality partial zymogen protein structures were modelled using homology modelling and residue interaction analysis performed between the prodomain segment and mature domain to identify key interacting residues between these two domains. The resulting information was used to determine short peptide sequences which could mimic the inherent regulatory function of the prodomain regions. Through flexible docking, the binding affinity of proposed peptides on the proteins studied was evaluated. RESULTS Sequence, evolutionary and motif analyses showed important differences between plasmodial and human proteins. Residue interaction analysis identified important residues crucial for maintaining prodomain integrity across the different proteins as well as the pro-segment responsible for inhibitory mechanism. Binding affinity of suggested peptides was highly dependent on their residue composition and length. CONCLUSIONS Despite the conserved structural and catalytic mechanism between human cathepsins and plasmodial proteases, current work revealed significant differences between the two protein groups which may provide valuable information for selective anti-malarial inhibitor development. Part of this study aimed to design peptide inhibitors based on endogenous inhibitory portions of protease prodomains as a novel aspect. Even though peptide inhibitors may not be practical solutions to malaria at this stage, the approach followed and results offer a promising means to find new malarial inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thommas Mutemi Musyoka
- Research Unit in Bioinformatics (RUBi), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
| | - Joyce Njoki Njuguna
- Research Unit in Bioinformatics (RUBi), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
| | - Özlem Tastan Bishop
- Research Unit in Bioinformatics (RUBi), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa.
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Identification of (4-(9H-fluoren-9-yl) piperazin-1-yl) methanone derivatives as falcipain 2 inhibitors active against Plasmodium falciparum cultures. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1862:2911-2923. [PMID: 30253205 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falcipain 2 (FP-2) is the hemoglobin-degrading cysteine protease of Plasmodium falciparum most extensively targeted to develop novel antimalarials. However, no commercial antimalarial drugs based on FP-2 inhibition are available yet due to the low selectivity of most FP-2 inhibitors against the human cysteine proteases. METHODS A structure-based virtual screening (SVBS) using Maybridge HitFinder™ compound database was conducted to identify potential FP-2 inhibitors. In vitro enzymatic and cell-growth inhibition assays were performed for the top-scoring compounds. Docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and free energy calculations were employed to study the interaction of the best hits with FP-2 and other related enzymes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Two hits based on 4-(9H-fluoren-9-yl) piperazin-1-yl) methanone scaffold, HTS07940 and HTS08262, were identified as inhibitors of FP-2 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 64 μM and 14.7 μM, respectively) without a detectable inhibition against the human off-target cathepsin K (hCatK). HTS07940 and HTS08262 inhibited the growth of the multidrug-resistant P. falciparum strain FCR3 in culture (half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) = 2.91 μM and 34 μM, respectively) and exhibited only moderate cytotoxicity against HeLa cells (Half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) = 133 μM and 350 μM, respectively). Free energy calculations reproduced the experimental affinities of the hits for FP-2 and explained the selectivity with respect to hCatK. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE To the best of our knowledge, HTS07940 stands among the most selective FP-2 inhibitors identified by SBVS reported so far, displaying moderate antiplasmodial activity and low cytotoxicity against human cells. Hence, this compound constitutes a promising lead for the design of more potent and selective FP-2 inhibitors.
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Abstract
The name human contact system is related to its mode of action, as "contact" with artificial negatively charged surfaces triggers its activation. Today, it is generally believed that the contact system is an inflammatory response mechanism not only against artificial material but also against misfolded proteins and foreign organisms. Upon activation, the contact system is involved in at least two distinct (patho)physiologic processes:i. the trigger of the intrinsic coagulation via factor XI and ii. the cleavage of high molecular weight kininogen with release of bradykinin and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Bradykinin is involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes, vascular permeability, and blood pressure. Due to the release of AMPs, the contact system is regarded as a branch of the innate immune defense against microorganisms. There is an increasing list of pathogens that interact with contact factors, in addition to bacteria also fungi and viruses bind and activate the system. In spite of that, pathogens have developed their own mechanisms to activate the contact system, resulting in manipulation of this host immune response. In this up-to-date review, we summarize present research on the interaction of pathogens with the human contact system, focusing particularly on bacterial and viral mechanisms that trigger inflammation via contact system activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Oehmcke-Hecht
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Juliane Köhler
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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13
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Verma G, Chashoo G, Ali A, Khan MF, Akhtar W, Ali I, Akhtar M, Alam MM, Shaquiquzzaman M. Synthesis of pyrazole acrylic acid based oxadiazole and amide derivatives as antimalarial and anticancer agents. Bioorg Chem 2018; 77:106-124. [PMID: 29353728 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Depravity of malaria in terms of morbidity and mortality in human beings makes it a major health issue in tropical and subtropical areas of the globe. Drug counterfeiting and non-adherence to the treatment regimen have significantly contributed to development and spread of multidrug resistance that has highlighted the need for development of novel and more efficient antimalarial drugs. Complexity associated with cancer disease and prevalence of diversified cell populations vindicates highly specific treatment options for treatment of cancer. Resistance to these anticancer agents has posed a great hindrance in successful treatment of cancer. Pondering this ongoing situation, it was speculated to develop novel compounds targeting malaria and cancer. Moving on the same aisle, we synthesized pyrazole acrylic acid based oxadiazole and amide derivatives using multi-step reaction pathways (6a-x; 6a'-h'). Schizont maturation inhibition assay was employed to determine antimalarial potential. Compound 6v emerged as the most potent antimalarial agent targeting falcipain-2 enzyme. Anticancer activity was done using sulforhodamine B assay. Compounds 6b' and 6g' demonstrated promising results against all the tested cell lines. Further, Microscopic view clearly indicated formation of apoptotic bodies, chromatin condensation, shrinkage of cells and bleb formation. Validation of the results was achieved using molecular docking studies. From the obtained results, it was observed that cyclization (oxadiazole) favored antimalarial activity while non-cyclized compounds (amides) emerged as better anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Verma
- Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Formerly Faculty of Pharmacy), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Gousia Chashoo
- Cancer Pharmacology Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Asif Ali
- Natural Product Chemistry Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Mohemmed Faraz Khan
- Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Formerly Faculty of Pharmacy), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Wasim Akhtar
- Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Formerly Faculty of Pharmacy), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Israr Ali
- Department of Flow Chemistry GP&T, R&D II, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Mymoona Akhtar
- Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Formerly Faculty of Pharmacy), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Mohammad Mumtaz Alam
- Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Formerly Faculty of Pharmacy), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Mohammad Shaquiquzzaman
- Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Formerly Faculty of Pharmacy), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
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14
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Hernández González JE, Hernández Alvarez L, Pascutti PG, Valiente PA. Predicting binding modes of reversible peptide-based inhibitors of falcipain-2 consistent with structure-activity relationships. Proteins 2017; 85:1666-1683. [DOI: 10.1002/prot.25322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Enrique Hernández González
- Departamento de Física; Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho; Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto São Paulo CEP 15054-000 Brazil
- Centro de Estudios de Proteínas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de La Habana; Calle 25 No. 455, entre J e I, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución La Habana CP 10400 Cuba
| | - Lilian Hernández Alvarez
- Departamento de Física; Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho; Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto São Paulo CEP 15054-000 Brazil
| | - Pedro Geraldo Pascutti
- Laboratório de Dinâmica e Modelagem Molecular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ave. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS-Bloco D sala 30, Cidade Universitária Ilha de Fundão; Rio de Janeiro CEP 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Pedro A. Valiente
- Centro de Estudios de Proteínas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de La Habana; Calle 25 No. 455, entre J e I, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución La Habana CP 10400 Cuba
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15
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Schmaier AH. The contact activation and kallikrein/kinin systems: pathophysiologic and physiologic activities. J Thromb Haemost 2016; 14:28-39. [PMID: 26565070 DOI: 10.1111/jth.13194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The contact activation system (CAS) and kallikrein/kinin system (KKS) are older recognized biochemical pathways that include several proteins that skirt the fringes of the blood coagulation, fibrinolytic, complement and renin-angiotensin fields. These proteins initially were proposed as part of the hemostatic pathways because their deficiencies are associated with prolonged clinical assays. However, the absence of bleeding states with deficiencies of factor XII (FXII), prekallikrein (PK) and high-molecular-weight kininogen indicates that the CAS and KKS do not contribute to hemostasis. Since the discovery of the Hageman factor 60 years ago much has been learned about the biochemistry, cell biology and animal physiology of these proteins. The CAS is a pathophysiologic surface defense mechanism against foreign proteins, organisms and artificial materials. The KKS is an inflammatory response mechanism. Targeting their activation through FXIIa or plasma kallikrein inhibition when blood interacts with the artificial surfaces of modern interventional medicine or in acute attacks of hereditary angioedema restores vascular homeostasis. FXII/FXIIa and products that arise with PK deficiency also offer novel ways to reduce arterial and venous thrombosis without an effect on hemostasis. In summary, there is revived interest in the CAS and KKS due to better understanding of their activities. The new appreciation of these systems will lead to several new therapies for a variety of medical disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Schmaier
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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16
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Gomes MM, Budu A, Ventura PDS, Bagnaresi P, Cotrin SS, Cunha RLOR, Carmona AK, Juliano L, Gazarini ML. Specific calpain activity evaluation in Plasmodium parasites. Anal Biochem 2014; 468:22-7. [PMID: 25281458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In the intraerythrocytic trophozoite stages of Plasmodium falciparum, the calcium-dependent cysteine protease calpain (Pf-calpain) has an important role in the parasite calcium modulation and cell development. We established specific conditions to follow by confocal microscopy and spectrofluorimetry measurements the intracellular activity of Pf-calpain in live cells. The catalytic activity was measured using the fluorogenic Z-Phe-Arg-MCA (where Z is carbobenzoxy and MCA is 4-methylcoumaryl-7-amide). The calmodulin inhibitor calmidazolium and the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin were used for modifications in the cytosolic calcium concentrations that persisted in the absence of extracellular calcium. The observed calcium-dependent peptidase activity was greatly inhibited by specific cysteine protease inhibitor E-64 and by the selective calpain inhibitor ALLN (N-acetyl-l-leucyl-l-leucyl-l-norleucinal). Taken together, we observed that intracellular Pf-calpain can be selectively detected and is the main calcium-dependent protease in the intraerythrocytic stages of the parasite. The method described here can be helpful in cell metabolism studies and antimalarial drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayrim M Gomes
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Budu
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Piero Bagnaresi
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Simone S Cotrin
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo L O R Cunha
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriana K Carmona
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz Juliano
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos L Gazarini
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, SP, Brazil.
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17
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Omotuyi IO, Hamada T. Dynamical footprint of falcipain-2 catalytic triad in hemoglobin-β-bound state. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2014; 33:1027-36. [PMID: 24943200 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2014.924878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Falcipain-2 (FP-2) is a member of papain family of cysteine proteases and the major hemoglobinase of the hemoglobin detoxification and hemozoin polymerization complex localized in the food vacuole of the plasmodium species. FP-2 is currently gaining clinical significance as the drug target of choice in combating malaria epidemic. Here, a theoretical FP-2/hemoglobin complex has been proposed and the dynamical footprint and energetics of binding have been investigated using molecular and quantum mechanics approaches. The mapped interaction interface comprises residues 34-51 of hemoglobin and cysteine-42/histidine-174/glutamine-36/asparagine-173/204 and subsites S1, S1', and S3 of FP-2. In hemoglobin-bound FP-2, asparagine-173 preferentially partners histidine-174, while glutamine-36 is preferred in ligand-free state. Cysteine-42 exhibits dihedral switch from 110° to 30° in free and bound states, respectively, with exclusion of water from the binding core upon hemoglobin binding. Hemoglobin similarly exhibits high occupancy within .2 nm distance with charged amido acid-rich subsites S1 and S3 of FP-2 functioning in tandem to reduce conformational flexibility of hemoglobin and facilitate the formation of a stabilizing anti-parallel β-sheet between Leucine-172-valine-176 of FP-2 and phenylalanine-45-asparate-47 of hemoglobin and to overcome the + 1.13e + 5 eV activation energy required to optimize the FP-2/hemoglobin-β conformation that precedes hydrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I O Omotuyi
- a Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience , Nagasaki University , Nagasaki , Japan
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