1
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Klar PB, Waterman DG, Gruene T, Mullick D, Song Y, Gilchrist JB, Owen CD, Wen W, Biran I, Houben L, Regev-Rudzki N, Dzikowski R, Marom N, Palatinus L, Zhang P, Leiserowitz L, Elbaum M. Cryo-tomography and 3D Electron Diffraction Reveal the Polar Habit and Chiral Structure of the Malaria Pigment Crystal Hemozoin. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:1504-1514. [PMID: 39220700 PMCID: PMC11363319 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.4c00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Detoxification of heme in Plasmodium depends on its crystallization into hemozoin. This pathway is a major target of antimalarial drugs. The crystalline structure of hemozoin was established by X-ray powder diffraction using a synthetic analog, β-hematin. Here, we apply emerging methods of in situ cryo-electron tomography and 3D electron diffraction to obtain a definitive structure of hemozoin directly from ruptured parasite cells. Biogenic hemozoin crystals take a striking polar morphology. Like β-hematin, the unit cell contains a heme dimer, which may form four distinct stereoisomers: two centrosymmetric and two chiral enantiomers. Diffraction analysis, supported by density functional theory analysis, reveals a selective mixture in the hemozoin lattice of one centrosymmetric and one chiral dimer. Absolute configuration has been determined by morphological analysis and confirmed by a novel method of exit-wave reconstruction from a focal series. Atomic disorder appears on specific facets asymmetrically, and the polar morphology can be understood in light of water binding. Structural modeling of the heme detoxification protein suggests a function as a chiral agent to bias the dimer formation in favor of rapid growth of a single crystalline phase. The refined structure of hemozoin should serve as a guide to new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Benjamin Klar
- Faculty
of Geosciences and MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes, University of Bremen, Klagenfurter Str. 2, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- Institute
of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182
21 Prague 8, Czechia
| | - David Geoffrey Waterman
- STFC, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0FA, U.K.
- CCP4,
Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford
Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0FA, U.K.
| | - Tim Gruene
- Department
of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Debakshi Mullick
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann
Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yun Song
- Diamond
Light
Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, U.K.
| | | | - C. David Owen
- Diamond
Light
Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, U.K.
| | - Wen Wen
- Department
of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Idan Biran
- Department
of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Lothar Houben
- Department
of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute
of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Neta Regev-Rudzki
- Department
of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute
of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ron Dzikowski
- Department
of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research
Israel-Canada, and The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and
Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah
Medical School, Jerusalem 9112010, Israel
| | - Noa Marom
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie
Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Lukas Palatinus
- Institute
of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182
21 Prague 8, Czechia
| | - Peijun Zhang
- Diamond
Light
Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, U.K.
- Division
of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
| | - Leslie Leiserowitz
- Department
of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michael Elbaum
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann
Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
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2
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Birczyńska-Zych M, Czepiel J, Łabanowska M, Kucharska M, Kurdziel M, Biesiada G, Garlicki A, Wesełucha-Birczyńska A. Course of Plasmodium infection studied using 2D-COS on human erythrocytes. Malar J 2023; 22:188. [PMID: 37340440 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04611-5] [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: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The threat of malaria is still present in the world. Recognizing the type of parasite is important in determining a treatment plan. The golden routine involves microscopic diagnostics of Giemsa-stained thin blood smears, however, alternative methods are also constantly being sought, in order to gain an additional insight into the course of the disease. Spectroscopic methods, e.g., Raman spectroscopy, are becoming increasingly popular, due to the non-destructive nature of these techniques. METHODS The study included patients hospitalized for malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax, in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the University Hospital in Krakow, Poland, as well as healthy volunteers. The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of using Raman spectroscopy and 2D correlation (2D-COS) spectroscopy in understanding the structural changes in erythrocytes depending on the type of attacking parasite. EPR spectroscopy and two-trace two-dimensional (2T2D) correlation was also used to examine the specificity of paramagnetic centres found in the infected human blood. RESULTS Two-dimensional (2D) correlation spectroscopy facilitates the identification of the hidden relationship, allowing for the discrimination of Raman spectra obtained during the course of disease in human red blood cells, infected by P. falciparum or P. vivax. Synchronous cross-peaks indicate the processes taking place inside the erythrocyte during the export of the parasite protein towards the cell membrane. In contrast, moieties that generate asynchronous 2D cross-peaks are characteristic of the respective ligand-receptor domains. These changes observed during the course of the infection, have different dynamics for P. falciparum and P. vivax, as indicated by the asynchronous correlation cross-peaks. Two-trace two-dimensional (2T2D) spectroscopy, applied to EPR spectra of blood at the beginning of the infection, showed differences between P. falciparum and P. vivax. CONCLUSIONS A unique feature of 2D-COS is the ability to discriminate the collected Raman and EPR spectra. The changes observed during the course of a malaria infection have different dynamics for P. falciparum and P. vivax, indicated by the reverse sequence of events. For each type of parasite, a specific recycling process for iron was observed in the infected blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malwina Birczyńska-Zych
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University Hospital in Kraków, Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jacek Czepiel
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University Hospital in Kraków, Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Maria Łabanowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Martyna Kucharska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kurdziel
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Grażyna Biesiada
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University Hospital in Kraków, Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Aleksander Garlicki
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University Hospital in Kraków, Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
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3
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Domes R, Frosch T. Investigations on the Novel Antimalarial Ferroquine in Biomimetic Solutions Using Deep UV Resonance Raman Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory. Anal Chem 2023; 95:7630-7639. [PMID: 37141178 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c00539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Deep ultraviolet (DUV) resonance Raman experiments are performed, investigating the novel, promising antimalarial ferroquine (FQ). Two buffered aqueous solutions with pH values of 5.13 and 7.00 are used, simulating the acidic and neutral conditions inside a parasite's digestive vacuole and cytosol, respectively. To imitate the different polarities of the membranes and interior, the buffer's 1,4-dioxane content was increased. These experimental conditions should mimic the transport of the drug inside malaria-infected erythrocytes through parasitophorous membranes. Supporting density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the drug's micro-speciation were performed, which could be nicely assigned to shifts in the peak positions of resonantly enhanced high-wavenumber Raman signals at λexc = 257 nm. FQ is fully protonated in polar mixtures like the host interior and the parasite's cytoplasm or digestive vacuole (DV) and is only present as a free base in nonpolar ones, such as the host's and parasitophorous membranes. Additionally, the limit of detection (LoD) of FQ at vacuolic pH values was determined using DUV excitation wavelengths at 244 and 257 nm. By applying the resonant laser line at λexc = 257 nm, a minimal FQ concentration of 3.1 μM was detected, whereas the pre-resonant excitation wavelength 244 nm provides an LoD of 6.9 μM. These values were all up to one order of magnitude lower than the concentration found for the food vacuole of a parasitized erythrocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Domes
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert-Einstein Strasse 9, 07751 Jena, Germany
| | - Torsten Frosch
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert-Einstein Strasse 9, 07751 Jena, Germany
- Biophotonics and Biomedical Engineering Group, Technical University Darmstadt, Merckstrasse 25, 64283 Darmstadt, Germany
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4
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Mullick D, Rechav K, Leiserowitz L, Regev-Rudzki N, Dzikowski R, Elbaum M. Diffraction contrast in cryo-scanning transmission electron tomography reveals the boundary of hemozoin crystals in situ. Faraday Discuss 2022; 240:127-141. [PMID: 35938388 DOI: 10.1039/d2fd00088a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a potentially fatal infectious disease caused by the obligate intracellular parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The parasite infects human red blood cells (RBC) and derives nutrition by catabolism of hemoglobin. As amino acids are assimilated from the protein component, the toxic heme is released. Molecular heme is detoxified by rapid sequestration to physiologically insoluble hemozoin crystals within the parasite's digestive vacuole (DV). Common antimalarial drugs interfere with this crystallization process, leaving the parasites vulnerable to the by-product of their own metabolism. A fundamental debate with important implications on drug mechanism regards the chemical environment of crystallization in situ, whether aqueous or lipid. This issue had been addressed previously by cryogenic soft X-ray tomography. We employ cryo-scanning transmission electron tomography (CSTET) to probe parasite cells throughout the life cycle in a fully hydrated, vitrified state at higher resolution. During the acquisition of CSTET data, Bragg diffraction from the hemozoin provides a uniquely clear view of the crystal boundary at nanometer resolution. No intermediate medium, such as a lipid coating or shroud, could be detected surrounding the crystals. The present study describes a unique application of CSTET in the study of malaria. The findings can be extended to evaluate new drug candidates affecting hemozoin crystal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debakshi Mullick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Physics, Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Katya Rechav
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Leslie Leiserowitz
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Neta Regev-Rudzki
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ron Dzikowski
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, and The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michael Elbaum
- Department of Chemical and Biological Physics, Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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5
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Suhail M. The Target Determination and the Mechanism of Action of Chiral-Antimalarial Drugs: A Docking Approach. JOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL BIOPHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1142/s2737416521500290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Due to an undecided target and the prescription of chiral-aminoquinolines (chloroquine, primaquine and quinacrine) in the racemic form, the mechanism of action as well as the reason of causing side effects become unclear. Based on computationally evaluated literature data, the things determined theoretically were (i) the target of aminoquinolines during antimalarial activity, (ii) the mechanism of action of chiral-aminoquinolines and (iii) biologically active enantiomers of aminoquinolines. For the presented study, the enantiomeric binding affinities of aminoquinolines with all the targets claimed by other scientists were calculated, and then used in interpretation with the help of many investigations done/observed by others. The results were very interesting based on which, a new and acceptable mechanism of action of chiral-aminoquinolines during malaria curing step, is given for the first time. The current docking study not only resolves the questionable point about a definite target of aminoquinolines but also makes the mechanism of action understandable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd. Suhail
- Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
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6
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Masamba P, Kappo AP. Immunological and Biochemical Interplay between Cytokines, Oxidative Stress and Schistosomiasis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137216. [PMID: 34281269 PMCID: PMC8268096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The host–parasite schistosome relationship relies heavily on the interplay between the strategies imposed by the schistosome worm and the defense mechanisms the host uses to counter the line of attack of the parasite. The ultimate goal of the schistosome parasite entails five important steps: evade elimination tactics, survive within the human host, develop into adult forms, propagate in large numbers, and transmit from one host to the next. The aim of the parasitized host on the other hand is either to cure or limit infection. Therefore, it is a battle between two conflicting aspirations. From the host’s standpoint, infection accompanies a plethora of immunological consequences; some are set in place to defend the host, while most end up promoting chronic disease, which ultimately crosses paths with oxidative stress and cancer. Understanding these networks provides attractive opportunities for anti-schistosome therapeutic development. Hence, this review discusses the mechanisms by which schistosomes modulate the human immune response with ultimate links to oxidative stress and genetic instability.
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7
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Brandão-Bezerra L, de Carvalho Martins JSC, de Oliveira RMF, Lopes-Torres EJ, Neves RH, Corrêa CL, Machado-Silva JR. Long-term ethanol intake causes morphological changes in Schistosoma mansoni adult worms in mice. Exp Parasitol 2019; 203:30-35. [PMID: 31150655 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni adult worms are extensively challenged by reactive oxygen species from intrinsic sources. However, the effects of extrinsic sources such as ethanol have not been looked at in schistosomes. We examined adult worms recovered from ethanol-consuming mice by light (LM), confocal (CM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to address this question. Schistosomiasis-infected mice were orally gavaged with 18% (v/v) ethanol from 35 to 63 days post-infection, when they were euthanized. CM examination revealed reduced germ cells density (-36%, p = 0.0001) and sperm density (-58%, p = 0.0001) in testicular lobes, and immature cells in seminal vesicle compared to unexposed control worms. Female worms showed reduced density of vitellin glands (-71%, p = 0.0001), maturation of oocytes (-7%, p = 0.0071) and reduced spermatozoa density (-23%, p = 0.0002) within the seminal receptacle. SEM revealed remarkable damages in male's tegument, including tubercles flattening, tegumental peeling and erosive lesions. Given that lipids are present in reproductive system and tegument, our results suggest that phenotypic changes are due to ethanol-induced lipid peroxidation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report revealing the biological action of ethanol intake on adult schistosomes in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Brandão-Bezerra
- Romero Lascasas Porto Laboratory of Helminthology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Santa Cruz de Carvalho Martins
- Romero Lascasas Porto Laboratory of Helminthology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Brazil
| | - Regina Maria Figueiredo de Oliveira
- Romero Lascasas Porto Laboratory of Helminthology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Brazil
| | - Eduardo José Lopes-Torres
- Romero Lascasas Porto Laboratory of Helminthology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Brazil
| | - Renata Heisler Neves
- Romero Lascasas Porto Laboratory of Helminthology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Brazil
| | - Christiane Leal Corrêa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratories, School of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Brazil; Medicine School, Estácio de Sá University, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Machado-Silva
- Romero Lascasas Porto Laboratory of Helminthology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Brazil.
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8
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Gupta P, Mehrotra S, Sharma A, Chugh M, Pandey R, Kaushik A, Khurana S, Srivastava N, Srivastava T, Deshmukh A, Panda A, Aggarwal P, Bhavesh NS, Bhatnagar RK, Mohmmed A, Gupta D, Malhotra P. Exploring Heme and Hemoglobin Binding Regions of Plasmodium Heme Detoxification Protein for New Antimalarial Discovery. J Med Chem 2017; 60:8298-8308. [PMID: 28949547 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Hemoglobin degradation/hemozoin formation, essential steps in the Plasmodium life cycle, are targets of existing antimalarials. The pathway still offers vast possibilities to be explored for new antimalarial discoveries. Here, we characterize heme detoxification protein, PfHDP, a major protein involved in hemozoin formation, as a novel drug target. Using in silico and biochemical approaches, we identified two heme binding sites and a hemoglobin binding site in PfHDP. Treatment of Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 parasites with peptide corresponding to the hemoglobin binding domain in PfHDP resulted in food vacuole abnormalities similar to that seen with a cysteine protease inhibitor, E-64 (I-1). Screening of compounds that bound the modeled PfHDP structure in the heme/hemoglobin-binding pockets from Maybridge Screening Collection identified a compound, ML-2, that inhibited parasite growth in a dose-dependent manner, thus paving the way for testing its potential as a new drug candidate. These results provide functional insights into the role of PfHDP in Hz formation and further suggest that PfHDP could be an important drug target to combat malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Gupta
- Malaria Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sonali Mehrotra
- Malaria Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Anil Sharma
- Malaria Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Monika Chugh
- Malaria Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Rajan Pandey
- Translational Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Abhinav Kaushik
- Translational Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sachin Khurana
- Malaria Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Neha Srivastava
- Malaria Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Tarushikha Srivastava
- Malaria Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Arunaditya Deshmukh
- Malaria Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India.,Centre for Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University Rohtak , Haryana 123401, India
| | - Ashutosh Panda
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences , New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Priyanka Aggarwal
- Transcriptional Regulation Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Neel Sarovar Bhavesh
- Transcriptional Regulation Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Raj K Bhatnagar
- Insect Resistance Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Asif Mohmmed
- Parasite Cell Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Dinesh Gupta
- Translational Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Pawan Malhotra
- Malaria Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
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9
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Dilanian RA, Streltsov V, Coughlan HD, Quiney HM, Martin AV, Klonis N, Dogovski C, Boutet S, Messerschmidt M, Williams GJ, Williams S, Phillips NW, Nugent KA, Tilley L, Abbey B. Nanocrystallography measurements of early stage synthetic malaria pigment. J Appl Crystallogr 2017; 50:1533-1540. [PMID: 29021736 PMCID: PMC5627683 DOI: 10.1107/s1600576717012663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent availability of extremely intense, femtosecond X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) sources has spurred the development of serial femtosecond nanocrystallography (SFX). Here, SFX is used to analyze nanoscale crystals of β-hematin, the synthetic form of hemozoin which is a waste by-product of the malaria parasite. This analysis reveals significant differences in β-hematin data collected during SFX and synchrotron crystallography experiments. To interpret these differences two possibilities are considered: structural differences between the nanocrystal and larger crystalline forms of β-hematin, and radiation damage. Simulation studies show that structural inhomogeneity appears at present to provide a better fit to the experimental data. If confirmed, these observations will have implications for designing compounds that inhibit hemozoin formation and suggest that, for some systems at least, additional information may be gained by comparing structures obtained from nanocrystals and macroscopic crystals of the same molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben A. Dilanian
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | | | - Hannah D. Coughlan
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- CSIRO Manufacturing Flagship, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Harry M. Quiney
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew V. Martin
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Nectarios Klonis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Con Dogovski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Sébastien Boutet
- LiNAC Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | | | - Garth J. Williams
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, PO Box 5000, Upton, NY 11973-5000, USA
| | - Sophie Williams
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Nicholas W. Phillips
- CSIRO, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Keith A. Nugent
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Brian Abbey
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
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10
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Olafson KN, Nguyen TQ, Vekilov PG, Rimer JD. Deconstructing Quinoline-Class Antimalarials to Identify Fundamental Physicochemical Properties of Beta-Hematin Crystal Growth Inhibitors. Chemistry 2017; 23:13638-13647. [PMID: 28833627 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201702251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
A versatile approach to control crystallization involves the use of modifiers, which are additives that interact with crystal surfaces and alter their growth rates. Elucidating a modifier's binding specificity to anisotropic crystal surfaces is a ubiquitous challenge that is critical to their design. In this study, we select hematin, a byproduct of malaria parasites, as a model system to examine the complementarity of modifiers (i.e., antimalarial drugs) to β-hematin crystal surfaces. We divide two antimalarials, chloroquine and amodiaquine, into segments consisting of a quinoline base, common to both drugs, and side chains that differentiate their modes of action. Using a combination of scanning probe microscopy, bulk crystallization, and analytical techniques, we show that the base and side chain work synergistically to reduce the rate of hematin crystallization. In contrast to general observations that modifiers retain their function upon segmentation, we show that the constituents do not act as modifiers. A systematic study of quinoline isomers and analogues shows how subtle rearrangement and removal of functional moieties can create effective constituents from previously ineffective modifiers, along with tuning their inhibitory modes of action. These findings highlight the importance of specific functional moieties in drug compounds, leading to an improved understanding of modifier-crystal interactions that could prove to be applicable to the design of new antimalarials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy N Olafson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, 4726 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Tam Q Nguyen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, 4726 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Peter G Vekilov
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, 4726 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, 3585 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rimer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, 4726 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, 3585 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, TX 77204, USA
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11
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Electron tomography characterization of hemoglobin uptake in Plasmodium chabaudi reveals a stage-dependent mechanism for food vacuole morphogenesis. J Struct Biol 2016; 194:171-9. [PMID: 26882843 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2016.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the course of their intraerythrocytic development, malaria parasites incorporate and degrade massive amounts of the host cell cytoplasm. This mechanism is essential for parasite development and represents a physiological step used as target for many antimalarial drugs; nevertheless, the fine mechanisms underlying these processes in Plasmodium species are still under discussion. Here, we studied the events of hemoglobin uptake and hemozoin nucleation in the different stages of the intraerythrocytic cycle of the murine malaria parasite Plasmodium chabaudi using transmission electron tomography of cryofixed and freeze-substituted cells. The results showed that hemoglobin uptake in P. chabaudi starts at the early ring stage and is present in all developmental stages, including the schizont stage. Hemozoin nucleation occurs near the membrane of small food vacuoles. At the trophozoite stage, food vacuoles are found closely localized to cytostomal tubes and mitochondria, whereas in the schizont stage, we observed a large food vacuole located in the central portion of the parasite. Taken together, these results provide new insights into the mechanisms of hemoglobin uptake and degradation in rodent malaria parasites.
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12
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Tempera C, Franco R, Caro C, André V, Eaton P, Burke P, Hänscheid T. Characterization and optimization of the haemozoin-like crystal (HLC) assay to determine Hz inhibiting effects of anti-malarial compounds. Malar J 2015; 14:403. [PMID: 26458401 PMCID: PMC4603294 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0913-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The haem-haemozoin biocrystallization pathway is an attractive target where several efficacious and safe anti-malarial drugs act. Consequently, in vitro haemozoin (Hz) inhibition assays have been developed to identify novel compounds. However, results may differ between assays and often require complex methods or sophisticated infrastructure. The recently reported growth of haemozoin-like crystals (HLC) appears to be a simple alternative although the endproduct is structurally different to Hz. This study set out to characterize this assay in depth, optimize it, and assess its performance. Methods The HLC assay was used as previously described but a range of different growth conditions were examined. Obtained HLCs were investigated and compared to synthetic (sHz) and natural haemozoin (nHz) using scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy (RS). Interactions of HLC with quinolines was analysed using RS. Inhibitory effects of currently used anti-malarial drugs under four final growth conditions were established. Results HLC growth requires Mycoplasma Broth Base, Tween 80, pancreatin, and lysed blood or haemin. HLCs are similar to nHz and sHz in terms of solubility, macroscopic and microscopic appearance although PXRD, FTIR and RS confirm that the haem aggregates of HLCs are structurally different. RS reveals that CQ seems to interact with HLCs in similar ways as with Hz. Inhibition of quinoline drugs ranged from 62.5 µM (chloroquine, amodiaquine, piperaquine) to 500 µM in mefloquine. Conclusions The HLC assay provides data on inhibiting properties of compounds. Even if the end-product is not structurally identical to Hz, the inhibitory effects appear consistent with those obtained with sHz assays, as illustrated by the results obtained for quinolines. The assay is simple, inexpensive, robust, reproducible and can be performed under basic laboratory conditions with a simple visual positive/negative read-out. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-015-0913-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Tempera
- Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Ricardo Franco
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Carlos Caro
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Vânia André
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Peter Eaton
- , Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, REQUIMTE/UCIBIO, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Peter Burke
- STERIS Corporation, 5960 Heisley Road, Mentor, OH, 44060, USA.
| | - Thomas Hänscheid
- Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Microbiologia, Lisbon, Portugal.
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13
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Gildenhuys J, Sammy CJ, Müller R, Streltsov VA, le Roex T, Kuter D, de Villiers KA. Alkoxide coordination of iron(III) protoporphyrin IX by antimalarial quinoline methanols: a key interaction observed in the solid-state and solution. Dalton Trans 2015; 44:16767-77. [PMID: 26335948 DOI: 10.1039/c5dt02671g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The quinoline methanol antimalarial drug mefloquine is a structural analogue of the Cinchona alkaloids, quinine and quinidine. We have elucidated the single crystal X-ray diffraction structure of the complexes formed between racemic erythro mefloquine and ferriprotoporphyrin IX (Fe(iii)PPIX) and show that alkoxide coordination is a key interaction in the solid-state. Mass spectrometry confirms the existence of coordination complexes of quinine, quinidine and mefloquine to Fe(iii)PPIX in acetonitrile. The length of the iron(iii)-O bond in the quinine and quinidine complexes as determined by Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy unequivocally confirms that coordination of the quinoline methanol compounds to Fe(iii)PPIX occurs in non-aqueous aprotic solution via their benzylic alkoxide functional group. UV-visible spectrophotometric titrations of the low-spin bis-pyridyl-Fe(iii)PPIX complex with each of the quinoline methanol compounds results in the displacement of a single pyridine molecule and subsequent formation of a six-coordinate pyridine-Fe(iii)PPIX-drug complex. We propose that formation of the drug-Fe(iii)PPIX coordination complexes is favoured in a non-aqueous environment, such as that found in lipid bodies or membranes in the malaria parasite, and that their existence may contribute to the mechanism of haemozoin inhibition or other toxicity effects that lead ultimately to parasite death. In either case, coordination is a key interaction to be considered in the design of novel antimalarial drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johandie Gildenhuys
- Stellenbosch University, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
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14
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Slocik JM, Drummy LF, Dickerson MB, Crouse CA, Spowart JE, Naik RR. Bioinspired High-Performance Energetic Materials Using Heme-Containing Crystals. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2015; 11:3539-3544. [PMID: 25940859 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201403659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic hemozoin crystals (β-hematin) are assembled with aluminium nanoparticles (nAl) to create a nanomaterial composite that is highly energetic and reactive. The results here demonstrate that hemozoin rapidly oxidizes the nAl fuel to release large amounts of energy (+12.5 ± 2.4 kJ g(-1) ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Slocik
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Lawrence F Drummy
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Matthew B Dickerson
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433, USA
| | | | - Jonathan E Spowart
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Rajesh R Naik
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433, USA
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15
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Wani WA, Jameel E, Baig U, Mumtazuddin S, Hun LT. Ferroquine and its derivatives: new generation of antimalarial agents. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 101:534-51. [PMID: 26188909 PMCID: PMC7115395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Malaria has been teasing human populations from a long time. Presently, several classes of antimalarial drugs are available in market, but the issues of toxicity, lower efficacy and the resistance by malarial parasites have decreased their overall therapeutic indices. Thus, the search for new promising antimalarials continues, however, the battle against malaria is far from over. Ferroquine is a derivative of chloroquine with antimalarial properties. It is the most successful of the chloroquine derivatives. Not only ferroquine, but also its derivatives have shown promising potential as antimalarials of clinical interest. Presently, much research is dedicated to the development of ferroquine derivatives as safe alternatives to antimalarial chemotherapy. The present article describes the structural, chemical and biological features of ferroquine. Several classes of ferroquine derivatives including hydroxyferroquines, trioxaferroquines, chloroquine-bridged ferrocenophanes, thiosemicarbazone derivatives, ferrocene dual conjugates, 4-N-substituted derivatives, and others have been discussed. Besides, the mechanism of action of ferroquine has been discussed. A careful observation has been made into pharmacologically significant ferroquine derivatives with better or equal therapeutic effects to that of chloroquine and ferroquine. A brief discussion of the toxicities of ferroquine derivatives has been made. Finally, efforts have been made to discuss the current challenges and future perspectives of ferroquine-based antimalarial drug development. Structural, chemical and biological features of ferroquine have been discussed. Several classes of ferroquine derivatives have been reviewed. Mechanism of action of ferroquine has been described. Challenges in ferroquine-based antimalarial drug development have been highlighted. Perspectives in ferroquine-based antimalarial drug development have been outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem A Wani
- Institute of Bioproduct Development, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM, Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
| | - Ehtesham Jameel
- University Department of Chemistry, B. R. Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, 842001, Bihar, India
| | - Umair Baig
- Center of Excellence for Scientific Research Collaboration with MIT, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Mumtazuddin
- University Department of Chemistry, B. R. Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, 842001, Bihar, India
| | - Lee Ting Hun
- Institute of Bioproduct Development, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM, Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
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16
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Ulrich P, Gipson GR, Clark MA, Tripathi A, Sullivan DJ, Cerami C. In vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity of amphiphilic naphthothiazolium salts with amine-bearing side chains. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 91:824-32. [PMID: 25184829 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of emerging resistance to existing drugs, new chemical classes of antimalarial drugs are urgently needed. We have rationally designed a library of compounds that were predicted to accumulate in the digestive vacuole and then decrystallize hemozoin by breaking the iron carboxylate bond in hemozoin. We report the synthesis of 16 naphthothiazolium salts with amine-bearing side chains and their activities against the erythrocytic stage of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. KSWI-855, the compound with the highest efficacy against the asexual stages of P. falciparum in vitro, also had in vitro activity against P. falciparum gametocytes and in vivo activity against P. berghei in a murine malaria model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ulrich
- The Kenneth S. Warren Institute, Ossining, New York; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Johns Hopkins Malaria Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gregory R Gipson
- The Kenneth S. Warren Institute, Ossining, New York; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Johns Hopkins Malaria Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Martha A Clark
- The Kenneth S. Warren Institute, Ossining, New York; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Johns Hopkins Malaria Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Abhai Tripathi
- The Kenneth S. Warren Institute, Ossining, New York; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Johns Hopkins Malaria Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David J Sullivan
- The Kenneth S. Warren Institute, Ossining, New York; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Johns Hopkins Malaria Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carla Cerami
- The Kenneth S. Warren Institute, Ossining, New York; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Johns Hopkins Malaria Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
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17
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An atomic scale mechanism for the antimalarial action of chloroquine from density functional theory calculations. TRANSIT METAL CHEM 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11243-014-9868-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Tyberghein A, Deroost K, Schwarzer E, Arese P, Van den Steen PE. Immunopathological effects of malaria pigment or hemozoin and other crystals. Biofactors 2014; 40:59-78. [PMID: 23907956 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Blood-stage malaria parasites produce insoluble hemozoin (Hz) crystals that are released in the blood circulation upon schizont rupture. In general, endogenous crystal formation or inhalation of crystalline materials is often associated with pathology. As the immune system responds differently to crystalline particles than to soluble molecules, in this review, the properties, immunological recognition, and pathogenic responses of Hz are discussed, and compared with two other major pathogenic crystals, monosodium urate (MSU) and asbestos. Because of the size and shape of MSU crystals and asbestos fibers, phagolysosomal formation is inefficient and often results in leakage of lysosomal content in the cell cytoplasm and/or in the extracellular environment with subsequent cell damage and cell death. Phagolysosomal formation after Hz ingestion is normal, but Hz remains stored inside these cells for months or even longer without any detectable degradation. Nonetheless, the different types of crystals are recognized by similar immune receptors, involving Toll-like receptors, the inflammasome, antibodies, and/or complement factors, and through similar signaling cascades, they activate both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune responses that contribute to inflammation-associated pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Tyberghein
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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19
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Kapishnikov S, Weiner A, Shimoni E, Schneider G, Elbaum M, Leiserowitz L. Digestive vacuole membrane in Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes: relevance to templated nucleation of hemozoin. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2013; 29:14595-14602. [PMID: 24237179 DOI: 10.1021/la402545c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Crystallization of the malaria pigment hemozoin sequesters the toxic heme byproduct of hemoglobin digestion in Plasmodium -infected red blood cells (RBCs). Recently, we applied electron and X-ray imaging and diffraction methods to elucidate this process. We observed crystals oriented with their {100} faces at the inner membrane surface of the digestive vacuole (DV) of Plasmodium falciparum in parasitized RBCs. Modeling of the soft X-ray tomographic (SXT) images of a trophozoite-stage parasite indicated a 4-16 nm DV membrane thickness, suggesting a possible role for lipid multilayers. Here, we reanalyzed the trophozoite SXT images quantitatively via X-ray absorption to map the DV membrane thickness. Making use of the chemical structure and crystal density of the lipid, we found, predominantly, a bilayer 4.2 nm thick, and the remainder was interpreted as patches ∼8 nm thick. Image analysis of electron micrographs also yielded a 4-5 nm DV membrane thickness. The DV lipid membrane is thus mainly a bilayer, so induced hemozoin nucleation occurs primarily via the inner of the membrane's two leaflets. We argue that such a leaflet embodying mono- and di-acyl lipids with appropriate OH or NH bearing head groups may catalyse hemozoin nucleation by stereochemical and lattice match to the {100} crystal face, involving a two-dimensional nucleation aggregate of ∼100 molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Kapishnikov
- Department of Materials and Interfaces, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot 76100, Israel
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20
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Sullivan DJ. Plasmodium drug targets outside the genetic control of the parasite. Curr Pharm Des 2013; 19:282-289. [PMID: 22973888 PMCID: PMC4263254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/02/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Drug development often seeks to find "magic bullets" which target microbiologic proteins while not affecting host proteins. Paul Ehrlich tested methylene blue as an antimalarial but this dye was not superior to quinine. Many successful antimalarial therapies are "magic shotguns" which target many Plasmodium pathways with little interference in host metabolism. Two malaria drug classes, the 8- aminoquinolines and the artemisinins interact with cytochrome P450s and host iron protoporphyrin IX or iron, respectively, to generate toxic metabolites and/or radicals, which kill the parasite by interference with many proteins. The non 8-amino antimalarial quinolines like quinine or piperaquine bind heme to inhibit the process of heme crystallization, which results in multiple enzyme inhibition and membrane dysfunction. The quinolines and artemisinins are rapidly parasiticidal in contrast to metal chelators, which have a slower parasite clearance rate with higher drug concentrations. Iron chelators interfere with the artemisinins but otherwise represent a strategy of targeting multiple enzymes containing iron. Interest has been revived in antineoplastic drugs that target DNA metabolism as antimalarials. Specific drug targeting or investigation of the innate immunity directed to the more permeable trophozoite or schizont infected erythrocyte membrane has been under explored. Novel drug classes in the antimalarial development pipeline which either target multiple proteins or unchangeable cellular targets will slow the pace of drug resistance acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Sullivan
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA.
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21
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Orjih AU. Hemozoin accumulation in Garnham bodies of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:2353-9. [PMID: 22926648 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3090-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Garnham bodies are curious objects exclusive in erythrocytes containing sexual forms (gametocytes) of Plasmodium falciparum. Although the name is familiar, only a few photographs of Garnham bodies (G-bodies) have been published. Considering that other objects in malaria-infected erythrocytes, such as Schuffner's dots of Plasmodium vivax and Maurer's clefts of P. falciparum, have been found to have some functions, it has become necessary to pay closer attention to G-bodies. The present study presents previously unknown features of G-bodies and suggests a protective role for them. Wild isolates of P. falciparum were encouraged to grow in vitro under conditions that promote gametocytogenesis. Thin and thick smears of the cells were stained with Giemsa stain and examined under a light microscope. Production of G-bodies was detected in two isolates both in immature and mature gametocytes. Sometimes, the objects are found both at the top and below the parasite, contrary to previous suggestion of it being only on one side. They are highly diverse in morphology, including those that are shaped like m or S. Hemozoin accumulation was detected in some of the bodies, indicating direct opening into the cystoplasm of the parasite. It is possible that hemozoin was first produced in the parasite's food vacuole before being transported to G-bodies. Alternatively, hemoglobin transport vesicles could first accumulate in G-bodies where metabolically released ferriprotoporphyrin IX (FP) could be polymerized; but this would need acidic environment comparable to that in food vacuole. Electron microscopy has revealed that G-bodies consist of membranous whorls and it has been demonstrated experimentally that both infected and uninfected membranes promote β-hematin formation. Whatever the mechanism, storing hemozoin in G-bodies outside the cytoplasm of the parasite could provide intraerythrocytic sexual forms of P. falciparum additional protection against FP toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustine U Orjih
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kuwait University, PO Box 31740, Sulaibikhat 90805, Kuwait.
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22
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Orjih AU, Mathew TC, Cherian PT. Erythrocyte membranes convert monomeric ferriprotoporphyrin IX to β-hematin in acidic environment at malarial fever temperature. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2012; 237:884-93. [PMID: 22890028 DOI: 10.1258/ebm.2012.012013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemozoin production makes it possible for intraerythrocytic malaria parasites to digest massive quantities of hemoglobin but still avoid potential ferriprotoporphyrin IX (FP) toxicity, which they cannot decompose further. Some antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine, work by inhibiting this production, forcing the parasite to starve to death. As part of the efforts to identify possible biological mechanisms of FP polymerization, we have used normal human erythrocyte membranes as a model, to promote β-hematin (β-h) synthesis. Hemin in 35% aqueous dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was reacted with isolated erythrocyte membranes and incubated overnight in sodium acetate buffer, pH 4.8, at 41°C. Infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy showed that β-h was produced. Hemin in 10% was less effective as the substrate than when it was in 35% DMSO. A high malarial temperature seemed to be necessary, because FP polymerization was less at 37°C than at 41°C. Production was partially inhibited by chloroquine. These observations are of interest because other investigators have reported that membrane lipids mediated FP polymerization, but whole membranes were ineffective. On the other hand, our hypothesis is that the transport vesicles (TV) in malaria parasites could provide the receptor for FP and the lipids that promote hemozoin formation. Erythrocyte membranes may not be directly involved, but Plasmodium species transport hemoglobin in membrane-bound TV into food vacuoles, where hemoglobin catabolism is completed and hemozoin crystals are stored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustine U Orjih
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Arabian Gulf.
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23
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Oriented nucleation of hemozoin at the digestive vacuole membrane in Plasmodium falciparum. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:11188-93. [PMID: 22745164 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1118120109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Heme detoxification is a critical step in the life cycle of malaria-causing parasites, achieved by crystallization into physiologically insoluble hemozoin. The mode of nucleation has profound implications for understanding the mechanism of action of antimalarial drugs that inhibit hemozoin growth. Several lines of evidence point to involvement of acylglycerol lipids in the nucleation process. Hemozoin crystals have been reported to form within lipid nanospheres; alternatively, it has been found in vitro that they are nucleated at an acylglycerol lipid-water interface. We have applied cryogenic soft X-ray tomography and three-dimensional electron microscopy to address the location and orientation of hemozoin crystals within the digestive vacuole (DV), as a signature of their nucleation and growth processes. Cryogenic soft X-ray tomography in the "water window" is particularly advantageous because contrast generation is based inherently on atomic absorption. We find that hemozoin nucleation occurs at the DV inner membrane, with crystallization occurring in the aqueous rather than lipid phase. The crystal morphology indicates a common {100} orientation facing the membrane as expected of templated nucleation. This is consistent with conclusions reached by X-ray fluorescence and diffraction in a companion work. Uniform dark spheres observed in the parasite were identified as hemoglobin transport vesicles. Their analysis supports a model of hemozoin nucleation primarily in the DV. Modeling of the contrast at the DV membrane indicates a 4-nm thickness with patches about three times thicker, possibly implicated in the nucleation.
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de Villiers KA, Gildenhuys J, le Roex T. Iron(III) protoporphyrin IX complexes of the antimalarial Cinchona alkaloids quinine and quinidine. ACS Chem Biol 2012; 7:666-71. [PMID: 22276975 DOI: 10.1021/cb200528z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The antimalarial properties of the Cinchona alkaloids quinine and quinidine have been known for decades. Surprisingly, 9-epiquinine and 9-epiquinidine are almost inactive. A lack of definitive structural information has precluded a clear understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and biological activity. In the current study, we have determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction the structures of the complexes formed between quinine and quinidine and iron(III) protoporphyrin IX (Fe(III)PPIX). Coordination of the alkaloid to the Fe(III) center is a key feature of both complexes, and further stability is provided by an intramolecular hydrogen bond formed between a propionate side chain of Fe(III)PPIX and the protonated quinuclidine nitrogen atom of either alkaloid. These interactions are believed to be responsible for inhibiting the incorporation of Fe(III)PPIX into crystalline hemozoin during its in vivo detoxification. It is also possible to rationalize the greater activity of quinidine compared to that of quinine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A. de Villiers
- Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch
7602, South Africa
| | - Johandie Gildenhuys
- Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch
7602, South Africa
| | - Tanya le Roex
- Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch
7602, South Africa
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25
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Portela J, Boissier J, Gourbal B, Pradines V, Collière V, Coslédan F, Meunier B, Robert A. Antischistosomal activity of trioxaquines: in vivo efficacy and mechanism of action on Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1474. [PMID: 22348155 PMCID: PMC3279339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is among the most neglected tropical diseases, since its mode of spreading tends to limit the contamination to people who are in contact with contaminated waters in endemic countries. Here we report the in vitro and in vivo anti-schistosomal activities of trioxaquines. These hybrid molecules are highly active on the larval forms of the worms and exhibit different modes of action, not only the alkylation of heme. The synergy observed with praziquantel on infected mice is in favor of the development of these trioxaquines as potential anti-schistosomal agents. Schistosomiasis is a tropical disease affecting more than 200 million people throughout the sub-tropical and tropical world. The treatment and control of schistosomiasis rely on the use of a single drug, the praziquantel and no vaccine is available. However, schistosome species with low sensitivity or resistance to praziquantel have been identified in several countries. It is an urgent need to develop new drugs against this parasite. In this context, our study reports the activity the trioxaquine PA1259. PA1259 is an hybrid drug containing two pharmacophores within a single molecule: a trioxane and an aminoquinoline. Initially developed against malaria, the trioxaquines target the heme a disposal product resulting from the digestion of the hemoglobin. The first action of the trioxaquine is an alkylation of the heme with the trioxane entity, and the second action is stacking with the heme due to the aminoquinoline moiety. In this study we show that this new drug is active in vitro against all schistosome stages (cercariae, schistosomule and adult). The PA1259 is also active in vivo and shows synergistic action in association with praziquantel. This opens the route to an efficient bitherapy of a highly neglected disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Portela
- Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- CNRS, UMR 5244, Écologie et Évolution des Interactions, Perpignan, France
| | - Jérôme Boissier
- Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- CNRS, UMR 5244, Écologie et Évolution des Interactions, Perpignan, France
- * E-mail: (JB); (AR)
| | - Benjamin Gourbal
- Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- CNRS, UMR 5244, Écologie et Évolution des Interactions, Perpignan, France
| | | | | | | | - Bernard Meunier
- Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS, Toulouse, France
- Palumed, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Anne Robert
- Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS, Toulouse, France
- * E-mail: (JB); (AR)
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Biot C, Castro W, Botté CY, Navarro M. The therapeutic potential of metal-based antimalarial agents: Implications for the mechanism of action. Dalton Trans 2012; 41:6335-49. [DOI: 10.1039/c2dt12247b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Prato M, D'Alessandro S, Van den Steen PE, Opdenakker G, Arese P, Taramelli D, Basilico N. Natural haemozoin modulates matrix metalloproteinases and induces morphological changes in human microvascular endothelium. Cell Microbiol 2011; 13:1275-85. [PMID: 21707906 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2011.01620.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Severe malaria, including cerebral malaria (CM), is characterized by the sequestration of parasitized erythrocytes in the microvessels after cytoadherence to endothelial cells. Products of parasite origin, such as haemozoin (HZ), contribute to the pathogenesis of severe malaria by interfering with host inflammatory response. In human monocytes, HZ enhanced the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a protease involved in neuroinflammation. Here the effects of HZ on the regulation of MMPs by the human microvascular endothelial cell line HMEC-1 were investigated. Cells treated with natural (n)HZ appeared elongated instead of polygonal, and formed microtubule-like vessels on synthetic basement membrane. nHZ enhanced total gelatinolytic activity by inducing proMMP-9 and MMP-9 without affecting basal MMP-2. The level of the endogenous tissue inhibitor of MMP-9 (TIMP-1) was not altered by nHZ, while TIMP-2, the MMP-2 inhibitor, was enhanced. Additionally, nHZ induced MMP-1 and MMP-3, two enzymes sequentially involved in collagenolysis and proMMP-9 proteolytic activation. Lipid-free HZ did not reproduce nHZ effects. Present data suggest that the lipid moiety of HZ alters the MMP/TIMP balances and promotes the proteolytic activation of proMMP-9 in HMEC-1, thereby enhancing total gelatinolytic activity, cell activation and inflammation. These findings might help understanding the mechanisms of blood brain barrier damage during CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Prato
- Dipartimento di Genetica, Biologia e Biochimica, Università di Torino, Torino, Italy.
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Abstract
A wide range of drug transport studies using intact infected red blood cells, isolated malarial parasites, heterologous expression systems, and purified protein, combined with elegant genetic experiments, have suggested that chloroquine transport by the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) is a key aspect of the molecular mechanism of quinoline antimalarial drug resistance. However, many questions remain. This short review summarizes data that have led to drug channel versus drug pump hypotheses for PfCRT and suggests ways in which recent contrasting interpretations might be reconciled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Roepe
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, United States.
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29
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Macedo CSD, Schwarz RT, Todeschini AR, Previato JO, Mendonça-Previato L. Overlooked post-translational modifications of proteins in Plasmodium falciparum: N- and O-glycosylation - A Review. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2010; 105:949-56. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762010000800001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2010] [Accepted: 11/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Abstract
This chapter summarizes recent developments in the design, synthesis, and structure–activity relationship studies of organometallic antimalarials. It begins with a general introduction to malaria and the biology of the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, with a focus on the heme detoxification system. Then, a number of metal complexes from the literature are reported for their antiplasmodial activity. The second half of the chapter deals with the serendipitous discovery of ferroquine, its mechanism(s) of action, and the failure to induce a resistance. Last, but not least, we suggest that the bioorganometallic approach offers the potential for the design of novel therapeutic agents.
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Déchamps S, Shastri S, Wengelnik K, Vial HJ. Glycerophospholipid acquisition in Plasmodium - a puzzling assembly of biosynthetic pathways. Int J Parasitol 2010; 40:1347-65. [PMID: 20600072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2010.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2010] [Revised: 05/24/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the Plasmodium life cycle, malaria parasites repeatedly undergo rapid cellular growth and prolific divisions, necessitating intense membrane neogenesis and, in particular, the acquisition of high amounts of phospholipids. At the intraerythrocytic stage, glycerophospholipids are the main parasite membrane constituents, which mostly originate from the Plasmodium-encoded enzymatic machinery. Several proteins and entire pathways have been characterized and their features reported, thereby generating a global view of glycerophospholipid synthesis across Plasmodium spp. The malaria parasite displays a panoply of pathways that are seldom found together in a single organism. The major glycerophospholipids are synthesized via ancestral prokaryotic CDP-diacylglycerol-dependent pathways and eukaryotic-type de novo pathways. The parasite exhibits additional reactions that bridge some of these routes and are otherwise restricted to some organisms, such as plants, while base-exchange mechanisms are largely unexplored in Plasmodium. Marked differences between Plasmodium spp. have also been reported in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis. Little is currently known about glycerophospholipid acquisition at non-erythrocytic stages, but recent data reveal that intrahepatocytic parasites, oocysts and sporozoites import various host lipids, and that de novo fatty acid synthesis is only crucial at the late liver stage. More studies on the different Plasmodium developmental stages are needed, to further assemble the different pieces of this glycerophospholipid synthesis puzzle, which contains highly promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Déchamps
- Dynamique des Interactions Membranaires Normales et Pathologiques, UMR 5235, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) - Universite Montpellier 2, cc 107, Place Eugene Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
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Pleeter P, Lekostaj JK, Roepe PD. Purified Plasmodium falciparum multi-drug resistance protein (PfMDR 1) binds a high affinity chloroquine analogue. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2010; 173:158-61. [PMID: 20546803 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2010.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2009] [Revised: 05/13/2010] [Accepted: 05/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We utilize the recent successful overexpression of recombinant Plasmodium falciparum multi-drug resistance transporter, purification and reconstitution of the protein, and a novel high affinity chloroquine analogue to probe hypothesized interaction between the transporter and quinoline drugs. Results suggest that PfMDR1 binding sites for chloroquine, mefloquine, and quinine overlap, that P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter has intrinsically higher affinity for chloroquine relative to P. falciparum multi-drug resistance transporter, and that there is an isoform specific competition between the two transporters for binding of quinoline antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perri Pleeter
- Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, 37th and O Streets, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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Diou J, Tardif MR, Barat C, Tremblay MJ. Malaria hemozoin modulates susceptibility of immature monocyte-derived dendritic cells to HIV-1 infection by inducing a mature-like phenotype. Cell Microbiol 2010; 12:615-25. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2009.01420.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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The lipid moiety of haemozoin (Malaria Pigment) and P. falciparum parasitised red blood cells bind synthetic and native endothelin-1. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010:854927. [PMID: 20204072 PMCID: PMC2829634 DOI: 10.1155/2010/854927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2009] [Revised: 11/08/2009] [Accepted: 12/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelin1 (ET-1) is a 21-amino acid peptide produced by the vascular endothelium under hypoxia, that acts locally as regulator of vascular tone and inflammation. The role of ET-1 in Plasmodium falciparum malaria is unknown, although tissue hypoxia is frequent as a result of the cytoadherence of parasitized red blood cell (pRBC) to the microvasculature. Here, we show that both synthetic and endothelial-derived ET-1 are removed by parasitized RBC (D10 and W2 strains, chloroquine sensitive, and resistant, resp.) and native haemozoin (HZ, malaria pigment), but not by normal RBC, delipidized HZ, or synthetic beta-haematin (BH). The effect is dose dependent, selective for ET-1, but not for its precursor, big ET-1, and not due to the proteolysis of ET-1. The results indicate that ET-1 binds to the lipids moiety of HZ and membranes of infected RBCs. These findings may help understanding the consequences of parasite sequestration in severe malaria.
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Diou J, Tardif MR, Barat C, Tremblay MJ. Dendritic cells derived from hemozoin-loaded monocytes display a partial maturation phenotype that promotes HIV-1 trans-infection of CD4+ T cells and virus replication. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 184:2899-907. [PMID: 20147629 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0901513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Coinfection of HIV-1 patients with Plasmodium falciparum, the etiological agent of malaria, results in a raise of viral load and an acceleration of disease progression. The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether the malarial pigment hemozoin (HZ), a heme by-product of hemoglobin digestion by malaria parasites, can affect HIV-1 transmission by monocytes-derived dendritic cells (DCs) to CD4(+) T cells when HZ is initially internalized in monocytes before their differentiation in DCs. We demonstrate in this study that HZ treatment during the differentiation process induces an intermediate maturation phenotype when compared with immature and fully mature DCs. Furthermore, the DC-mediated transfer of HIV-1 is enhanced in presence of HZ, a phenomenon that may be linked with the capacity of HZ-loaded cells to interact and activate CD4(+) T cells. Altogether our findings suggest a new mechanism that could partially explain the increased HIV-1 virus production during a coinfection with P. falciparum. Understanding the multifaceted interactions between P. falciparum and HIV-1 is an important challenge that could lead to the development of new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Diou
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval and Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Ingestion of the malaria pigment hemozoin renders human macrophages less permissive to HIV-1 infection. Virology 2009; 395:56-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2009.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2009] [Revised: 07/02/2009] [Accepted: 09/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Hoang AN, Ncokazi KK, de Villiers KA, Wright DW, Egan TJ. Crystallization of synthetic haemozoin (beta-haematin) nucleated at the surface of lipid particles. Dalton Trans 2009; 39:1235-44. [PMID: 20104349 DOI: 10.1039/b914359a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of formation of haemozoin, a detoxification by-product of several blood-feeding organisms including malaria parasites, has been a subject of debate; however, recent studies suggest that neutral lipids may serve as a catalyst. In this study, a model system consisting of an emulsion of neutral lipid particles was employed to investigate the formation of beta-haematin, the synthetic counterpart of haemozoin, at the lipid-water interface. A solution of monoglyceride, either monostearoylglycerol (MSG) or monopalmitoylglycerol (MPG), dissolved in acetone and methanol was introduced to an aqueous surface. Fluorescence, confocal and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) imaging and dynamic light scattering analysis of samples obtained from beneath the surface confirmed the presence of homogeneous lipid particles existing in two major populations: one in the low micrometre size range and the other in the hundred nanometre range. The introduction of haem (Fe(iii)PPIX) to this lipid particle system under biomimetic conditions (37 degrees C, pH 4.8) produced beta-haematin with apparent first-order kinetics and an average half life of 0.5 min. TEM of monoglycerides (MSG or MPG) extruded through a 200 nm filter with haem produced beta-haematin crystals aligned and parallel to the lipid-water interface. These TEM data, together with a model system replacing the lipid with an aqueous organic solvent interface using either methyl laurate or docosane demonstrated that the OH and C[double bond, length as m-dash]O groups are apparently necessary for efficient nucleation. This suggests that beta-haematin crystallizes via epitaxial nucleation at the lipid-water interface through interaction of Fe(iii)PPIX with the polar head group. Once nucleated, the crystal grows parallel to the interface until growth is terminated by the curvature of the lipid particle. The hydrophobic nature of the mature crystal favours an interior transport resulting in crystals aligned parallel to the lipid-water interface and each other, strikingly similar to that seen in malaria parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh N Hoang
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Station B351822, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
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Alpha-glucosidase promotes hemozoin formation in a blood-sucking bug: an evolutionary history. PLoS One 2009; 4:e6966. [PMID: 19742319 PMCID: PMC2734994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0006966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2009] [Accepted: 07/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hematophagous insects digest large amounts of host hemoglobin and release heme inside their guts. In Rhodnius prolixus, hemoglobin-derived heme is detoxified by biomineralization, forming hemozoin (Hz). Recently, the involvement of the R. prolixus perimicrovillar membranes in Hz formation was demonstrated. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Hz formation activity of an alpha-glucosidase was investigated. Hz formation was inhibited by specific alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. Moreover, Hz formation was sensitive to inhibition by Diethypyrocarbonate, suggesting a critical role of histidine residues in enzyme activity. Additionally, a polyclonal antibody raised against a phytophagous insect alpha-glucosidase was able to inhibit Hz formation. The alpha-glucosidase inhibitors have had no effects when used 10 h after the start of reaction, suggesting that alpha-glucosidase should act in the nucleation step of Hz formation. Hz formation was seen to be dependent on the substrate-binding site of enzyme, in a way that maltose, an enzyme substrate, blocks such activity. dsRNA, constructed using the sequence of alpha-glucosidase gene, was injected into R. prolixus females' hemocoel. Gene silencing was accomplished by reduction of both alpha-glucosidase and Hz formation activities. Insects were fed on plasma or hemin-enriched plasma and gene expression and activity of alpha-glucosidase were higher in the plasma plus hemin-fed insects. The deduced amino acid sequence of alpha-glucosidase shows a high similarity to the insect alpha-glucosidases, with critical histidine and aspartic residues conserved among the enzymes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Herein the Hz formation is shown to be associated to an alpha-glucosidase, the biochemical marker from Hemipteran perimicrovillar membranes. Usually, these enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis of glycosidic bond. The results strongly suggest that alpha-glucosidase is responsible for Hz nucleation in the R. prolixus midgut, indicating that the plasticity of this enzyme may play an important role in conferring fitness to hemipteran hematophagy, for instance.
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Recent advances in the discovery of haem-targeting drugs for malaria and schistosomiasis. Molecules 2009; 14:2868-87. [PMID: 19701131 PMCID: PMC6254801 DOI: 10.3390/molecules14082868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2009] [Revised: 07/20/2009] [Accepted: 07/22/2009] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Haem is believed to be the target of some of the historically most important antimalarial drugs, most notably chloroquine. This target is almost ideal as haem is host-derived and the process targeted, haemozoin formation, is a physico-chemical process with no equivalent in the host. The result is that the target remains viable despite resistance to current drugs, which arises from mutations in parasite membrane transport proteins. Recent advances in high-throughput screening methods, together with a better understanding of the interaction of existing drugs with this target, have created new prospects for discovering novel haem-targeting chemotypes and for target-based structural design of new drugs. Finally, the discovery that Schistosoma mansoni also produces haemozoin suggests that new drugs of this type may be chemotherapeutic not only for malaria, but also for schistosomiasis. These recent developments in the literature are reviewed.
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Structure–activity relationships of 4-N-substituted ferroquine analogues: Time to re-evaluate the mechanism of action of ferroquine. J Organomet Chem 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2008.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Ferroquine, an ingenious antimalarial drug: thoughts on the mechanism of action. Molecules 2008; 13:2900-7. [PMID: 19020475 PMCID: PMC6245066 DOI: 10.3390/molecules13112900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2008] [Revised: 11/14/2008] [Accepted: 11/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferroquine (FQ or SR97193) is a novel antimalarial drug candidate, currently in development at Sanofi-Aventis. In contrast to conventional drugs, FQ is the first organometallic drug: a ferrocenyl group covalently flanked by a 4-aminoquinoline and a basic alkylamine. FQ is able to overcome the CQ resistance problem, an important limit to the control of Plasmodium falciparum, the principal causative agent of malaria. After fifteen years of effort, it is now possible to propose a multifactorial mechanism of action of FQ by its capacity to target lipids, to inhibit the formation of hemozoin and to generate reactive oxygen species.
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