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Fernández-Rubio C, Rubio-Hernández M, Alcolea V, Burguete-Mikeo A, Nguewa PA, Pérez-Silanes S. Promising aryl selenoate derivatives as antileishmanial agents and their effects on gene expression. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0155923. [PMID: 38497616 PMCID: PMC10994822 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01559-23] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis remains one of the main public health problems worldwide, with special incidence in the poorest populations. Selenium and its derivatives can be potent therapeutic options against protozoan parasites. In this work, 17 aryl selenoates were synthesized and screened against three species of Leishmania (Leishmania major, Leishmania amazonensis, and Leishmania infantum). Initial screening in promastigotes showed L. infantum species was more sensitive to selenoderivatives than the others. The lead Se-(2-selenocyanatoethyl) thiophene-2-carboselenoate (16) showed a half-maximal effective concentration of 3.07 µM and a selectivity index > 32.57 against L. infantum promastigotes. It was also the most effective of all 17 compounds, decreasing the infection ratio by 90% in L. infantum-infected macrophages with amastigotes at 10 µM. This aryl selenoate did not produce a hemolytic effect on human red blood cells at the studied doses (10-100 µM). Furthermore, the gene expression of infected murine macrophages related to cell death, the cell cycle, and the selenoprotein synthesis pathway in amastigotes was altered, while no changes were observed in their murine homologs, supporting the specificity of Compound 16 against the parasite. Therefore, this work reveals the possible benefits of selenoate derivatives for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Fernández-Rubio
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), Navarra, Spain
| | - Mercedes Rubio-Hernández
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Verónica Alcolea
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aroia Burguete-Mikeo
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), Navarra, Spain
| | - Paul A. Nguewa
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), Navarra, Spain
| | - Silvia Pérez-Silanes
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), Pamplona, Spain
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2
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Huang B, Xiao Y, Zhang Y. Asgard archaeal selenoproteome reveals a roadmap for the archaea-to-eukaryote transition of selenocysteine incorporation machinery. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae111. [PMID: 38896033 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Selenocysteine (Sec) is encoded by the UGA codon that normally functions as a stop signal and is specifically incorporated into selenoproteins via a unique recoding mechanism. The translational recoding of UGA as Sec is directed by an unusual RNA structure, the SECIS element. Although archaea and eukaryotes adopt similar Sec encoding machinery, the SECIS elements have no similarities to each other with regard to sequence and structure. We analyzed >400 Asgard archaeal genomes to examine the occurrence of both Sec encoding system and selenoproteins in this archaeal superphylum, the closest prokaryotic relatives of eukaryotes. A comprehensive map of Sec utilization trait has been generated, providing the most detailed understanding of the use of this nonstandard amino acid in Asgard archaea so far. By characterizing the selenoproteomes of all organisms, several selenoprotein-rich phyla and species were identified. Most Asgard archaeal selenoprotein genes possess eukaryotic SECIS-like structures with varying degrees of diversity. Moreover, euryarchaeal SECIS elements might originate from Asgard archaeal SECIS elements via lateral gene transfer, indicating a complex and dynamic scenario of the evolution of SECIS element within archaea. Finally, a roadmap for the transition of eukaryotic SECIS elements from archaea was proposed, and selenophosphate synthetase may serve as a potential intermediate for the generation of ancestral eukaryotic SECIS element. Our results offer new insights into a deeper understanding of the evolution of Sec insertion machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biyan Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Ecology, Brain Disease and Big Data Research Institute, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Ecology, Brain Disease and Big Data Research Institute, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Ecology, Brain Disease and Big Data Research Institute, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
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3
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Henriquez-Figuereo A, Alcon M, Moreno E, Sanmartín C, Espuelas S, Lucio HD, Jiménez-Ruiz A, Plano D. Next generation of selenocyanate and diselenides with upgraded leishmanicidal activity. Bioorg Chem 2023; 138:106624. [PMID: 37295238 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106624] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, leishmaniasis is still treated with outdated drugs that present several obstacles related to their high toxicity, long duration, parenteral administration, high costs and drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent demand for safer and more effective novel drugs. Previous studies indicated that selenium compounds are promising derivatives for innovative therapy in leishmaniasis treatment. With this background, a new library of 20 selenocyanate and diselenide derivatives were designed based on structural features present in the leishmanicidal drug miltefosine. Compounds were initially screened against promastigotes of L. major and L. infantum and their cytotoxicity was evaluated in THP-1 cells. Compounds B8 and B9 were the most potent and less cytotoxic and were further screened for the intracellular back transformation assay. The results obtained revealed that B8 and B9 showed EC50 values of 7.7 µM and 5.7 µM, respectively, in L. major amastigotes, while they presented values of 6.0 µM and 7.4 µM, respectively, against L. infantum amastigotes. Furthermore, they exerted high selectivity (60 < SI > 70) towards bone marrow-derived macrophages. Finally, these compounds exhibited higher TryR inhibitory activity than mepacrine (IC50 7.6 and 9.2 µM, respectively), and induced nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in macrophages. These results suggest that the compounds B8 and B9 could not only exert a direct leishmanicidal activity against the parasite but also present an indirect action by activating the microbicidal arsenal of the macrophage. Overall, these new generation of diselenides could constitute promising leishmanicidal drug candidates for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreina Henriquez-Figuereo
- University of Navarra, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Pamplona, Spain; Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, ISTUN, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alcon
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Moreno
- University of Navarra, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Pamplona, Spain; Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, ISTUN, Pamplona, Spain; IdisNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Carmen Sanmartín
- University of Navarra, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Pamplona, Spain; Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, ISTUN, Pamplona, Spain; IdisNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Socorro Espuelas
- University of Navarra, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Pamplona, Spain; Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, ISTUN, Pamplona, Spain; IdisNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Héctor de Lucio
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Jiménez-Ruiz
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Plano
- University of Navarra, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Pamplona, Spain; Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, ISTUN, Pamplona, Spain; IdisNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
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4
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Henriquez-Figuereo A, Morán-Serradilla C, Angulo-Elizari E, Sanmartín C, Plano D. Small molecules containing chalcogen elements (S, Se, Te) as new warhead to fight neglected tropical diseases. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:115002. [PMID: 36493616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115002] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) encompass a group of infectious diseases with a protozoan etiology, high incidence, and prevalence in developing countries. As a result, economic factors constitute one of the main obstacles to their management. Endemic countries have high levels of poverty, deprivation and marginalization which affect patients and limit their access to proper medical care. As a matter of fact, statistics remain uncollected in some affected areas due to non-reporting cases. World Health Organization and other organizations proposed a plan for the eradication and control of the vector, although many of these plans were halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite of the available drugs to treat these pathologies, it exists a lack of effectiveness against several parasite strains. Treatment protocols for diseases such as American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), leishmaniasis, and human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) have not achieved the desired results. Unfortunately, these drugs present limitations such as side effects, toxicity, teratogenicity, renal, and hepatic impairment, as well as high costs that have hindered the control and eradication of these diseases. This review focuses on the analysis of a collection of scientific shreds of evidence with the aim of identifying novel chalcogen-derived molecules with biological activity against Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and HAT. Compounds illustrated in each figure share the distinction of containing at least one chalcogen element. Sulfur (S), selenium (Se), and tellurium (Te) have been grouped and analyzed in accordance with their design strategy, chemical synthesis process and biological activity. After an exhaustive revision of the related literature on S, Se, and Te compounds, 183 compounds presenting excellent biological performance were gathered against the different causative agents of CD, leishmaniasis and HAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreina Henriquez-Figuereo
- University of Navarra, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain; Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Cristina Morán-Serradilla
- University of Navarra, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Angulo-Elizari
- University of Navarra, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carmen Sanmartín
- University of Navarra, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain; Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Daniel Plano
- University of Navarra, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain; Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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5
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Selenium and protozoan parasitic infections: selenocompounds and selenoproteins potential. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:49-62. [PMID: 34993638 PMCID: PMC8735723 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07400-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The current drug treatments against protozoan parasitic diseases including Chagas, malaria, leishmaniasis, and toxoplasmosis represent good examples of drug resistance mechanisms and have shown diverse side effects. Therefore, the identification of novel therapeutic strategies and drug compounds against such life-threatening diseases is urgent. According to the successful usage of selenium (Se) compounds-based therapy against some diseases, this therapeutic strategy has been recently further underlined against these parasitic diseases by targeting different parasite´s essential pathways. On the other hand, due to the important functions played by parasite selenoproteins in their biology (such as modulating the host immune response), they can be also considered as a novel therapeutic strategy by designing specific inhibitors against these important proteins. In addition, the immunomodulatory potentiality of these compounds to trigger T helper type 1 (Th1) cells and cytokine-mediated immune response for the substantial induction of proinflammatory cytokines, thus, Se, selenoproteins, and parasite selenoproteins could be further investigated to find possible vaccine antigens. Herein, we collect and present the results of some studies regarding Se-based therapy against protozoan parasitic diseases and highlight relevant information and some viewpoints that might be insightful to advance toward more effective studies in the future.
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6
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Tavares KCS, Casagrande Dambrós MG, Antunes ASL, Danziato PM, Stoco PH, Schlindwein AD, Moreira RS, Miletti LC. Selenocysteine in Trypanosoma evansi: Identification of the Genes selb, selc, seld, pstk, seltryp and the Selenophosphate Synthetase Protein. ACTA PROTOZOOL 2021. [DOI: 10.4467/16890027ap.21.003.14063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Selenoproteins have been described in all three domains of life and their function has been mainly associated with oxidative stress defense. Canonical elements required for selenoprotein production have been identified in members of the kinetoplastid group supporting the existence of a complete selenocysteine synthesis pathway in these organisms. Currently, nothing is known regarding the selenocysteine pathway in Trypanosoma evansi. In this study, we identified the expression of the elements selB, selC, selD, PSTK and selTRYP at the mRNA level in T. evansi. All translated proteins (selD, PSTK, selTRYP and selB) have the domains predicted and higher identity with Trypanosoma brucei. gambiense. The selenophosphate synthetase protein was localized in the cytoplasm. Our results support the existence of an active selenocysteine pathway in T. evansi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaio Cesar Simiano Tavares
- Laboratório de Hemoparasitas e Vetores Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias (CAV), Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC).; Experimental Biology Center (NUBEX), Universidade de Fortaleza
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Renato Simões Moreira
- Laboratório de Hemoparasitas e Vetores Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias (CAV), Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC); Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina (IFSC)
| | - Luiz Claudio Miletti
- Laboratório de Hemoparasitas e Vetores Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias (CAV), Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC)
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7
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Durante IM, Butenko A, Rašková V, Charyyeva A, Svobodová M, Yurchenko V, Hashimi H, Lukeš J. Large-Scale Phylogenetic Analysis of Trypanosomatid Adenylate Cyclases Reveals Associations with Extracellular Lifestyle and Host-Pathogen Interplay. Genome Biol Evol 2020; 12:2403-2416. [PMID: 33104188 PMCID: PMC7719234 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor adenylate cyclases (RACs) on the surface of trypanosomatids are important players in the host–parasite interface. They detect still unidentified environmental signals that affect the parasites’ responses to host immune challenge, coordination of social motility, and regulation of cell division. A lesser known class of oxygen-sensing adenylate cyclases (OACs) related to RACs has been lost in trypanosomes and expanded mostly in Leishmania species and related insect-dwelling trypanosomatids. In this work, we have undertaken a large-scale phylogenetic analysis of both classes of adenylate cyclases (ACs) in trypanosomatids and the free-living Bodo saltans. We observe that the expanded RAC repertoire in trypanosomatids with a two-host life cycle is not only associated with an extracellular lifestyle within the vertebrate host, but also with a complex path through the insect vector involving several life cycle stages. In Trypanosoma brucei, RACs are split into two major clades, which significantly differ in their expression profiles in the mammalian host and the insect vector. RACs of the closely related Trypanosoma congolense are intermingled within these two clades, supporting early RAC diversification. Subspecies of T. brucei that have lost the capacity to infect insects exhibit high numbers of pseudogenized RACs, suggesting many of these proteins have become redundant upon the acquisition of a single-host life cycle. OACs appear to be an innovation occurring after the expansion of RACs in trypanosomatids. Endosymbiont-harboring trypanosomatids exhibit a diversification of OACs, whereas these proteins are pseudogenized in Leishmania subgenus Viannia. This analysis sheds light on how ACs have evolved to allow diverse trypanosomatids to occupy multifarious niches and assume various lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Miguel Durante
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia
| | - Anzhelika Butenko
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia.,Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Vendula Rašková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia.,Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia
| | - Arzuv Charyyeva
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Michaela Svobodová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Czechia.,Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Hassan Hashimi
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia.,Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia.,Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia
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8
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da Silva MTA, Silva IRE, Faim LM, Bellini NK, Pereira ML, Lima AL, de Jesus TCL, Costa FC, Watanabe TF, Pereira HD, Valentini SR, Zanelli CF, Borges JC, Dias MVB, da Cunha JPC, Mittra B, Andrews NW, Thiemann OH. Trypanosomatid selenophosphate synthetase structure, function and interaction with selenocysteine lyase. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008091. [PMID: 33017394 PMCID: PMC7595633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotes from the Excavata superphylum have been used as models to study the evolution of cellular molecular processes. Strikingly, human parasites of the Trypanosomatidae family (T. brucei, T. cruzi and L. major) conserve the complex machinery responsible for selenocysteine biosynthesis and incorporation in selenoproteins (SELENOK/SelK, SELENOT/SelT and SELENOTryp/SelTryp), although these proteins do not seem to be essential for parasite viability under laboratory controlled conditions. Selenophosphate synthetase (SEPHS/SPS) plays an indispensable role in selenium metabolism, being responsible for catalyzing the formation of selenophosphate, the biological selenium donor for selenocysteine synthesis. We solved the crystal structure of the L. major selenophosphate synthetase and confirmed that its dimeric organization is functionally important throughout the domains of life. We also demonstrated its interaction with selenocysteine lyase (SCLY) and showed that it is not present in other stable assemblies involved in the selenocysteine pathway, namely the phosphoseryl-tRNASec kinase (PSTK)-Sec-tRNASec synthase (SEPSECS) complex and the tRNASec-specific elongation factor (eEFSec) complex. Endoplasmic reticulum stress with dithiothreitol (DTT) or tunicamycin upon selenophosphate synthetase ablation in procyclic T. brucei cells led to a growth defect. On the other hand, only DTT presented a negative effect in bloodstream T. brucei expressing selenophosphate synthetase-RNAi. Furthermore, selenoprotein T (SELENOT) was dispensable for both forms of the parasite. Together, our data suggest a role for the T. brucei selenophosphate synthetase in the regulation of the parasite’s ER stress response. Selenium is both a toxic compound and a micronutrient. As a micronutrient, it participates in the synthesis of specific proteins, selenoproteins, as the amino acid selenocysteine. The synthesis of selenocysteine is present in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans. The protist parasites of the Trypanosomatidae family, that cause major tropical diseases, conserve the complex machinery responsible for selenocysteine biosynthesis and incorporation in selenoproteins. However, this pathway has been considered dispensable for the parasitic protist cells. This has intrigued us, and lead to question that if maintained in the cell it should be under selective pressure and therefore be necessary. Also, extensive and dynamic protein-protein interactions must happen to deliver selenium-containing intermediates along the pathway in order to warrant efficient usage of biological selenium in the cell. In this study we have investigated the molecular interactions of different proteins involved in selenocysteine synthesis and its putative involvement in the endoplasmic reticulum redox homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Túlio Alves da Silva
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Ivan Rosa e Silva
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Lívia Maria Faim
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Natália Karla Bellini
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Murilo Leão Pereira
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Laura Lima
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Teresa Cristina Leandro de Jesus
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle and Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling—CeTICS, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Cristina Costa
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tatiana Faria Watanabe
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Humberto D'Muniz Pereira
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Júlio Cesar Borges
- São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Júlia Pinheiro Chagas da Cunha
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle and Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling—CeTICS, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bidyottam Mittra
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Norma W. Andrews
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Otavio Henrique Thiemann
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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9
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Garnica P, Etxebeste-Mitxeltorena M, Plano D, Moreno E, Espuelas S, Antonio Palop J, Jiménez-Ruiz A, Sanmartín C. Pre-clinical evidences of the antileishmanial effects of diselenides and selenocyanates. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127371. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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10
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Franco J, Scarone L, Comini MA. Novel distamycin analogues that block the cell cycle of African trypanosomes with high selectivity and potency. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 189:112043. [PMID: 31978782 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Polyamides-based compounds related to the Streptomycetal distamycin and netropsin are potent cytostatic molecules that bind to AT-rich regions of the minor groove of the DNA, hence interfering with DNA replication and transcription. Recently, derivatives belonging to this scaffold have been reported to halt the proliferation of deadly African trypanosomes by different and unrelated mechanisms. Here we describe the synthesis and preliminary characterization of the anti-trypanosomal mode of action of new potent and selective distamycin analogues. Two tri-heterocyclic derivatives containing a central N-methyl pyrrole ring (16 and 17) displayed high activity (EC50 < 20 nM) and selectivity (selectivity index >5000 with respect to mammalian macrophages) against the infective form of T. brucei. Both compounds caused cell cycle arrest by blocking the replication of the mitochondrial DNA but without affecting its integrity. This mode of action clearly differs from that reported for classical minor groove binder (MGB) drugs, which induce the degradation of the mitochondrial DNA. In line with this, in vitro assays suggest that 16 and 17 have a comparatively lower affinity for different template DNAs than the MGB drug diminazene. Therapeutic efficacy studies and stability assays suggest that the pharmacological properties of the hits should be optimized. The compounds can be rated as excellent scaffolds for the design of highly potent and selective anti-T. brucei agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Franco
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay; Group Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Laura Scarone
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Marcelo A Comini
- Group Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Currier RB, Ulrich K, Leroux AE, Dirdjaja N, Deambrosi M, Bonilla M, Ahmed YL, Adrian L, Antelmann H, Jakob U, Comini MA, Krauth-Siegel RL. An essential thioredoxin-type protein of Trypanosoma brucei acts as redox-regulated mitochondrial chaperone. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1008065. [PMID: 31557263 PMCID: PMC6783113 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Most known thioredoxin-type proteins (Trx) participate in redox pathways, using two highly conserved cysteine residues to catalyze thiol-disulfide exchange reactions. Here we demonstrate that the so far unexplored Trx2 from African trypanosomes (Trypanosoma brucei) lacks protein disulfide reductase activity but functions as an effective temperature-activated and redox-regulated chaperone. Immunofluorescence microscopy and fractionated cell lysis revealed that Trx2 is located in the mitochondrion of the parasite. RNA-interference and gene knock-out approaches showed that depletion of Trx2 impairs growth of both mammalian bloodstream and insect stage procyclic parasites. Procyclic cells lacking Trx2 stop proliferation under standard culture conditions at 27°C and are unable to survive prolonged exposure to 37°C, indicating that Trx2 plays a vital role that becomes augmented under heat stress. Moreover, we found that Trx2 contributes to the in vivo infectivity of T. brucei. Remarkably, a Trx2 version, in which all five cysteines were replaced by serine residues, complements for the wildtype protein in conditional knock-out cells and confers parasite infectivity in the mouse model. Characterization of the recombinant protein revealed that Trx2 can coordinate an iron sulfur cluster and is highly sensitive towards spontaneous oxidation. Moreover, we discovered that both wildtype and mutant Trx2 protect other proteins against thermal aggregation and preserve their ability to refold upon return to non-stress conditions. Activation of the chaperone function of Trx2 appears to be triggered by temperature-mediated structural changes and inhibited by oxidative disulfide bond formation. Our studies indicate that Trx2 acts as a novel chaperone in the unique single mitochondrion of T. brucei and reveal a new perspective regarding the physiological function of thioredoxin-type proteins in trypanosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel B. Currier
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Ulrich
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | | | - Natalie Dirdjaja
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matías Deambrosi
- Group Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mariana Bonilla
- Group Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Laboratorio de Fisicoquímica Biológica, Instituto de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Lorenz Adrian
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research–UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- Fachgebiet Geobiotechnologie, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Haike Antelmann
- Institut für Biologie-Mikrobiologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ursula Jakob
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Marcelo A. Comini
- Group Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Serrão VHB, Silva IR, da Silva MTA, Scortecci JF, de Freitas Fernandes A, Thiemann OH. The unique tRNASec and its role in selenocysteine biosynthesis. Amino Acids 2018; 50:1145-1167. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2595-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Manta B, Bonilla M, Fiestas L, Sturlese M, Salinas G, Bellanda M, Comini MA. Polyamine-Based Thiols in Trypanosomatids: Evolution, Protein Structural Adaptations, and Biological Functions. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 28:463-486. [PMID: 29048199 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Major pathogenic enterobacteria and protozoan parasites from the phylum Euglenozoa, such as trypanosomatids, are endowed with glutathione (GSH)-spermidine (Sp) derivatives that play important roles in signaling and metal and thiol-redox homeostasis. For some Euglenozoa lineages, the GSH-Sp conjugates represent the main redox cosubstrates around which entire new redox systems have evolved. Several proteins underwent molecular adaptations to synthesize and utilize the new polyamine-based thiols. Recent Advances: The genomes of closely related organisms have recently been sequenced, which allows mining and analysis of gene sequences that belong to these peculiar redox systems. Similarly, the three-dimensional structures of several of these proteins have been solved, which allows for comparison with their counterparts in classical redox systems that rely on GSH/glutaredoxin and thioredoxin. CRITICAL ISSUES The evolutionary and structural aspects related to the emergence and use of GSH-Sp conjugates in Euglenozoa are reviewed focusing on unique structural specializations that proteins developed to use N1,N8-bisglutathionylspermidine (trypanothione) as redox cosubstrate. An updated overview on the biochemical and biological significance of the major enzymatic activities is also provided. FUTURE DIRECTIONS A thiol-redox system strictly dependent on trypanothione is a feature unique to trypanosomatids. The physicochemical properties of the polyamine-GSH conjugates were a major driving force for structural adaptation of proteins that use these thiols as ligand and redox cofactor. In fact, the structural differences of indispensable components of this system can be exploited toward selective drug development. Future research should clarify whether additional cellular processes are regulated by the trypanothione system. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 463-486.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Manta
- 1 Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo , Montevideo, Uruguay .,2 Laboratorio de Fisicoquímica Biológica, Instituto de Química Biológica , Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mariana Bonilla
- 1 Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo , Montevideo, Uruguay .,2 Laboratorio de Fisicoquímica Biológica, Instituto de Química Biológica , Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Fiestas
- 1 Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo , Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mattia Sturlese
- 3 Department of Chemical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova , Padova, Italy
| | - Gustavo Salinas
- 4 Worm Biology Lab, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo , Montevideo, Uruguay .,5 Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República , Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Massimo Bellanda
- 3 Department of Chemical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova , Padova, Italy
| | - Marcelo A Comini
- 1 Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo , Montevideo, Uruguay
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