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Colcerasa A, Friedrich F, Melesina J, Moser P, Vogelmann A, Tzortzoglou P, Neuwirt E, Sum M, Robaa D, Zhang L, Ramos-Morales E, Romier C, Einsle O, Metzger E, Schüle R, Groß O, Sippl W, Jung M. Structure-Activity Studies of 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles for the Inhibition of the NAD +-Dependent Lysine Deacylase Sirtuin 2. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10076-10095. [PMID: 38847803 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The NAD+-dependent lysine deacylase sirtuin 2 (Sirt2) is involved in multiple pathological conditions such as cancer. Targeting Sirt2 has thus received an increased interest for therapeutic purposes. Furthermore, the orthologue from Schistosoma mansoni (SmSirt2) has been considered for the potential treatment of the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis. We previously identified a 1,2,4-oxadiazole-based scaffold from the screening of the "Kinetobox" library as a dual inhibitor of human Sirt2 (hSirt2) and SmSirt2. Herein, we describe the structure-activity studies on 1,2,4-oxadiazole-based analogues, which are potent inhibitors of human Sirt2 deacetylation. As proposed by docking studies, a substrate-competitive and cofactor-noncompetitive binding mode of inhibition could be determined in vitro via binding assays and kinetic analysis and further confirmed by a crystal structure of an oxadiazole inhibitor in complex with hSirt2. Optimized analogues reduced cell viability and inhibited prostate cancer cell migration, in correlation with Sirt2 deacetylase inhibition both in vitro and in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Colcerasa
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Florian Friedrich
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Jelena Melesina
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Straße 4, Halle/Saale 06120, Germany
| | - Patrick Moser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Anja Vogelmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- CIBSS─Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Pavlos Tzortzoglou
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Emilia Neuwirt
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Breisacher Straße 113, Freiburg 79106, Germany
| | - Manuela Sum
- Department of Urology and Center for Clinical Research, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Breisacher Straße 66, Freiburg 79106, Germany
| | - Dina Robaa
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Straße 4, Halle/Saale 06120, Germany
| | - Lin Zhang
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 21, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Ramos-Morales
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7104, Inserm UMR-S 1258, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, Illkirch F-67400, France
| | - Christophe Romier
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7104, Inserm UMR-S 1258, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, Illkirch F-67400, France
| | - Oliver Einsle
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 21, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Eric Metzger
- Department of Urology and Center for Clinical Research, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Breisacher Straße 66, Freiburg 79106, Germany
| | - Roland Schüle
- Department of Urology and Center for Clinical Research, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Breisacher Straße 66, Freiburg 79106, Germany
- CIBSS─Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Olaf Groß
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Breisacher Straße 113, Freiburg 79106, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Straße 4, Halle/Saale 06120, Germany
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- CIBSS─Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg 79104, Germany
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2
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Rossi S, Tudino V, Carullo G, Butini S, Campiani G, Gemma S. Metalloenzyme Inhibitors against Zoonotic Infections: Focus on Leishmania and Schistosoma. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1520-1535. [PMID: 38669567 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00163] [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] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The term "zoonosis" denotes diseases transmissible among vertebrate animals and humans. These diseases constitute a significant public health challenge, comprising 61% of human pathogens and causing an estimated 2.7 million deaths annually. Zoonoses not only affect human health but also impact animal welfare and economic stability, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis are two important neglected tropical diseases with a high prevalence in tropical and subtropical areas, imposing significant burdens on affected regions. Schistosomiasis, particularly rampant in sub-Saharan Africa, lacks alternative treatments to praziquantel, prompting concerns regarding parasite resistance. Similarly, leishmaniasis poses challenges with unsatisfactory treatments, urging the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Effective prevention demands a One Health approach, integrating diverse disciplines to enhance diagnostics and develop safer drugs. Metalloenzymes, involved in parasite biology and critical in different biological pathways, emerged in the last few years as useful drug targets for the treatment of human diseases. Herein we have reviewed recent reports on the discovery of inhibitors of metalloenzymes associated with zoonotic diseases like histone deacetylases (HDACs), carbonic anhydrase (CA), arginase, and heme-dependent enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rossi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Valeria Tudino
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Bioinformatics Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-7346, Iran
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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3
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Di Bello E, Noce B, Fioravanti R, Zwergel C, Valente S, Rotili D, Fianco G, Trisciuoglio D, Mourão MM, Sales P, Lamotte S, Prina E, Späth GF, Häberli C, Keiser J, Mai A. Effects of Structurally Different HDAC Inhibitors against Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania, and Schistosoma mansoni. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1356-1366. [PMID: 35732073 PMCID: PMC9274761 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
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Neglected tropical
diseases (NTDs), including trypanosomiasis,
leishmaniasis, and schistosomiasis, result in a significant burden
in terms of morbidity and mortality worldwide every year. Current
antiparasitic drugs suffer from several limitations such as toxicity,
no efficacy toward all of the forms of the parasites’ life
cycle, and/or induction of resistance. Histone-modifying enzymes play
a crucial role in parasite growth and survival; thus, the use of epigenetic
drugs has been suggested as a strategy for the treatment of NTDs.
We tested structurally different HDACi 1–9, chosen from our in-house library or newly synthesized,
against Trypanosoma cruzi,
Leishmania spp, and Schistosoma mansoni. Among them, 4 emerged as the most potent against all
of the tested parasites, but it was too toxic against host cells,
hampering further studies. The retinoic 2′-aminoanilide 8 was less potent than 4 in all parasitic assays,
but as its toxicity is considerably lower, it could be the starting
structure for further development. In T. cruzi, compound 3 exhibited a single-digit micromolar inhibition of parasite
growth combined with moderate toxicity. In S. mansoni, 4’s close analogs 17–20 were tested in new transformed schistosomula (NTS) and
adult worms displaying high death induction against both parasite
forms. Among them, 17 and 19 exhibited very
low toxicity in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, thus
being promising compounds for further optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Di Bello
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Noce
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Fioravanti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Fianco
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), Via degli Apuli 4, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Trisciuoglio
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), Via degli Apuli 4, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina M Mourão
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, 30190-002 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Policarpo Sales
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, 30190-002 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Suzanne Lamotte
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, 25-28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Eric Prina
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, 25-28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gerald F Späth
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, 25-28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4002 Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Peterspl. 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4002 Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Peterspl. 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.,Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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4
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Padalino G, El-Sakkary N, Liu LJ, Liu C, Harte DSG, Barnes RE, Sayers E, Forde-Thomas J, Whiteland H, Bassetto M, Ferla S, Johnson G, Jones AT, Caffrey CR, Chalmers I, Brancale A, Hoffmann KF. Anti-schistosomal activities of quinoxaline-containing compounds: From hit identification to lead optimisation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113823. [PMID: 34536671 PMCID: PMC8626775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease of poverty that is caused by infection with blood fluke species contained within the genus Schistosoma. For the last 40 years, control of schistosomiasis in endemic regions has predominantly been facilitated by administration of a single drug, praziquantel. Due to limitations in this mono-chemotherapeutic approach for sustaining schistosomiasis control into the future, alternative anti-schistosomal compounds are increasingly being sought by the drug discovery community. Herein, we describe a multi-pronged, integrated strategy that led to the identification and further exploration of the quinoxaline core as a promising anti-schistosomal scaffold. Firstly, phenotypic screening of commercially available small molecules resulted in the identification of a moderately active hit compound against Schistosoma mansoni (1, EC50 = 4.59 μM on schistosomula). Secondary exploration of the chemical space around compound 1 led to the identification of a quinoxaline-core containing, non-genotoxic lead (compound 22). Compound 22 demonstrated substantially improved activities on both intra-mammalian (EC50 = 0.44 μM, 0.20 μM and 84.7 nM, on schistosomula, juvenile and adult worms, respectively) and intra-molluscan (sporocyst) S. mansoni lifecycle stages. Further medicinal chemistry optimisation of compound 22, resulting in the generation of 20 additional analogues, improved our understanding of the structure-activity relationship and resulted in considerable improvements in both anti-schistosome potency and selectivity (e.g. compound 30; EC50 = 2.59 nM on adult worms; selectivity index compared to the HepG2 cell line = 348). Some derivatives of compound 22 (e.g. 31 and 33) also demonstrated significant activity against the two other medically important species, Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma japonicum. Further optimisation of this class of anti-schistosomal is ongoing and could lead to the development of an urgently needed alternative to praziquantel for assisting in schistosomiasis elimination strategies. Lead compound 22 was identified with EC50 of 0.44 µM and 84.7 nM for schistosomula and adult worms. 20 analogues of the lead compound 22 were synthesised. Compounds 25, 30 and 32 showed the best selectivity profile. Compounds 31 and 33 are the most active on three medically important schistosome species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Padalino
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lawrence J Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Danielle S G Harte
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel E Barnes
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Sayers
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Josephine Forde-Thomas
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Whiteland
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Marcella Bassetto
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Salvatore Ferla
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - George Johnson
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Arwyn T Jones
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Iain Chalmers
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Karl F Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom.
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5
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Ghazy E, Heimburg T, Lancelot J, Zeyen P, Schmidtkunz K, Truhn A, Darwish S, Simoben CV, Shaik TB, Erdmann F, Schmidt M, Robaa D, Romier C, Jung M, Pierce R, Sippl W. Synthesis, structure-activity relationships, cocrystallization and cellular characterization of novel smHDAC8 inhibitors for the treatment of schistosomiasis. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 225:113745. [PMID: 34392190 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major neglected parasitic disease that affects more than 265 million people worldwide and for which the control strategy consists of mass treatment with the only available drug, praziquantel. In this study, we chemically optimized our previously reported benzhydroxamate-based inhibitors of Schistosoma mansoni histone deacetylase 8 (smHDAC8). Crystallographic analysis provided insights into the inhibition mode of smHDAC8 activity by the highly potent inhibitor 5o. Structure-based optimization of the novel inhibitors was carried out using the available crystal structures as well as docking studies on smHDAC8. The compounds were evaluated in screens for inhibitory activity against schistosome and human HDACs (hHDAC). The in vitro and docking results were used for detailed structure activity relationships. The synthesized compounds were further investigated for their lethality against the schistosome larval stage using a fluorescence-based assay. The most promising inhibitor 5o showed significant dose-dependent killing of the schistosome larvae and markedly impaired egg laying of adult worm pairs maintained in culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Ghazy
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Tino Heimburg
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Julien Lancelot
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017- CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Patrik Zeyen
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Karin Schmidtkunz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anne Truhn
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Salma Darwish
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Conrad V Simoben
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Tajith B Shaik
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, 67404, Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Frank Erdmann
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Matthias Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Dina Robaa
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Christophe Romier
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, 67404, Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Raymond Pierce
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017- CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany.
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6
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Morawietz CM, Houhou H, Puckelwaldt O, Hehr L, Dreisbach D, Mokosch A, Roeb E, Roderfeld M, Spengler B, Haeberlein S. Targeting Kinases in Fasciola hepatica: Anthelminthic Effects and Tissue Distribution of Selected Kinase Inhibitors. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:611270. [PMID: 33409299 PMCID: PMC7779637 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.611270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases have been discussed as promising druggable targets in various parasitic helminths. New drugs are also needed for control of fascioliasis, a food-borne trematode infection and worldwide spread zoonosis, caused by the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica and related species. In this study, we intended to move protein kinases more into the spotlight of Fasciola drug research and characterized the fasciolicidal activity of two small-molecule inhibitors from human cancer research: the Abelson tyrosine kinase (ABL-TK) inhibitor imatinib and the polo-like 1 (PLK1) inhibitor BI2536. BI2536 reduced viability of 4-week-old immature flukes in vitro, while adult worms showed a blockade of egg production. Together with a significantly higher transcriptional expression of PLK1 in adult compared to immature worms, this argues for a role of PLK1 in fluke reproduction. Both fluke stages expressed ABL1-TK transcripts at similar high levels and were affected by imatinib. To study the uptake kinetic and tissue distribution of imatinib in F. hepatica, we applied matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) for the first time in this parasite. Drug imaging revealed the accumulation of imatinib in different fluke tissues from 20 min to 12 h of exposure. Furthermore, we show that imatinib is metabolized to N-desmethyl imatinib by F. hepatica, a bioactive metabolite also found in humans. Besides the vitellarium, gastrodermal tissue showed strong signal intensities. In situ hybridization demonstrated the gastrodermal presence of abl1 transcripts. Finally, we assessed transcriptional changes of physiologically important genes in imatinib-treated flukes. Moderately increased transcript levels of a gene encoding a multidrug resistance protein were detected, which may reflect an attempt to defend against imatinib. Increased expression levels of the cell cycle dependently expressed histone h2b and of two genes encoding superoxide dismutases (SODs) were also observed. In summary, our pilot study demonstrated cross-stage activity of imatinib but not BI2536 against immature and adult F. hepatica in vitro; a fast incorporation of imatinib within minutes, probably via the oral route; and imatinib-induced expression changes of physiologically relevant genes. We conclude that kinases are worth analyzing in more detail to evaluate the potential as therapeutic targets in F. hepatica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin M Morawietz
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hicham Houhou
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Oliver Puckelwaldt
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Laura Hehr
- Department of Gastroenterology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Domenic Dreisbach
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Annika Mokosch
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Elke Roeb
- Department of Gastroenterology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Roderfeld
- Department of Gastroenterology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Spengler
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Simone Haeberlein
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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7
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Borba JVVB, Silva AC, Lima MNN, Mendonca SS, Furnham N, Costa FTM, Andrade CH. Chemogenomics and bioinformatics approaches for prioritizing kinases as drug targets for neglected tropical diseases. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020; 124:187-223. [PMID: 33632465 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of twenty-one diseases classified by the World Health Organization that prevail in regions with tropical and subtropical climate and affect more than one billion people. There is an urgent need to develop new and safer drugs for these diseases. Protein kinases are a potential class of targets for developing new drugs against NTDs, since they play crucial role in many biological processes, such as signaling pathways, regulating cellular communication, division, metabolism and death. Bioinformatics is a field that aims to organize large amounts of biological data as well as develop and use tools for understanding and analyze them in order to produce meaningful information in a biological manner. In combination with chemogenomics, which analyzes chemical-biological interactions to screen ligands against selected targets families, these approaches can be used to stablish a rational strategy for prioritizing new drug targets for NTDs. Here, we describe how bioinformatics and chemogenomics tools can help to identify protein kinases and their potential inhibitors for the development of new drugs for NTDs. We present a review of bioinformatics tools and techniques that can be used to define an organisms kinome for drug prioritization, drug and target repurposing, multi-quinase inhibition approachs and selectivity profiling. We also present some successful examples of the application of such approaches in recent case studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Villa Verde Bastos Borba
- LabMol-Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Laboratory of Tropical Diseases-Prof. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Arthur Carvalho Silva
- LabMol-Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Marilia Nunes Nascimento Lima
- LabMol-Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Silva Mendonca
- LabMol-Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Nicholas Furnham
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fabio Trindade Maranhão Costa
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases-Prof. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Carolina Horta Andrade
- LabMol-Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
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8
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Histone deacetylases inhibitors as new potential drugs against Leishmania braziliensis, the main causative agent of new world tegumentary leishmaniasis. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 180:114191. [PMID: 32777278 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Leishmania braziliensis is a major causative agent of the neglected tropical diseases Cutaneous and Mucocutaneous Leishmaniases in the New World. There are no vaccines to prevent the infection and the treatment relies on few drugs that often display high toxicity and costs. Thus, chemotherapeutic alternatives are required. Histone Deacetylases (HDACs) are epigenetic enzymes involved in the control of chromatin structure. In this work, we tested an in-house library of 78 hydroxamic acid derivatives as putative inhibitors of L. braziliensis HDACs (HDACi). The compounds were evaluated in relation to the toxicity to the host cell macrophage and to the leishmanicidal effect against L. braziliensis during in vitro infection. Eight HDACi showed significant leishmanicidal effects and the top 5 compounds showed effective concentrations (EC50) in the range of 4.38 to 10.21 μM and selectivity indexes (SI) from of 6 to 21.7. Analyses by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) indicated induction of apoptotic cell death of L. braziliensis amastigotes with a necrotic phenotype. An altered chromatin condensation pattern and cellular disorganization of intracellular amastigotes was also observed. A tight connection between the mitochondrion and nuclear protrusions, presumably of endoplasmic reticulum origin, was found in parasites but not in the host cell. In flow cytometry (FC) analyses, HDACi promoted parasite cell cycle arrest in the G2-M phase and no changes were found in macrophages. In addition, the direct effect of HDACi against the promastigotes showed apoptosis as the main mechanism of cell death. The FC results corroborate the TEM analyses indicating that the HDACi lead to changes in the cell cycle and induction of apoptosis of L. braziliensis. The production of nitric oxide by the infected macrophages was not altered after treatment with the top 5 compounds. Taken together, our results evidenced new HDACi as promising agents for the development of new treatments for American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis caused by L. braziliensis.
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Targeting histone acetylation/deacetylation in parasites: an update (2017–2020). Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 57:65-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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10
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Santos SS, de Araújo RV, Giarolla J, Seoud OE, Ferreira EI. Searching for drugs for Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis: a review. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2020; 55:105906. [PMID: 31987883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.105906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis are neglected diseases (NDs) and are a considerable global challenge. Despite the huge number of people infected, NDs do not create interest from pharmaceutical companies because the associated revenue is generally low. Most of the research on these diseases has been conducted in academic institutions. The chemotherapeutic armamentarium for NDs is scarce and inefficient and better drugs are needed. Researchers have found some promising potential drug candidates using medicinal chemistry and computational approaches. Most of these compounds are synthetic but some are from natural sources or are semi-synthetic. Drug repurposing or repositioning has also been greatly stimulated for NDs. This review considers some potential drug candidates and provides details of their design, discovery and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Silva Santos
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Renan Vinicius de Araújo
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Jeanine Giarolla
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Omar El Seoud
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Igne Ferreira
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil.
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11
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Monaldi D, Rotili D, Lancelot J, Marek M, Wössner N, Lucidi A, Tomaselli D, Ramos-Morales E, Romier C, Pierce RJ, Mai A, Jung M. Structure–Reactivity Relationships on Substrates and Inhibitors of the Lysine Deacylase Sirtuin 2 from Schistosoma mansoni (SmSirt2). J Med Chem 2019; 62:8733-8759. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daria Monaldi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dante Rotili
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Julien Lancelot
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019—UMR 8204—CIIL—Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Martin Marek
- Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg (UDS), CNRS, INSERM, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Nathalie Wössner
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alessia Lucidi
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Tomaselli
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elizabeth Ramos-Morales
- Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg (UDS), CNRS, INSERM, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Christophe Romier
- Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg (UDS), CNRS, INSERM, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Raymond J. Pierce
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019—UMR 8204—CIIL—Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Antonello Mai
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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12
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Caffrey CR, El‐Sakkary N, Mäder P, Krieg R, Becker K, Schlitzer M, Drewry DH, Vennerstrom JL, Grevelding CG. Drug Discovery and Development for Schistosomiasis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/9783527808656.ch8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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13
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Sánchez-Sánchez R, Vázquez P, Ferre I, Ortega-Mora LM. Treatment of Toxoplasmosis and Neosporosis in Farm Ruminants: State of Knowledge and Future Trends. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 18:1304-1323. [PMID: 30277158 PMCID: PMC6340160 DOI: 10.2174/1568026618666181002113617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are closely related protozoan diseases that lead to important economic impacts in farm ruminants. Toxoplasma gondii infection mainly causes reproductive failure in small ruminants and is a widespread zoonosis, whereas Neospora caninum infection is one of the most important causes of abortion in cattle worldwide. Vaccination has been considered the most economic measure for controlling these diseases. However, despite vaccine development efforts, only a live-attenuated T. gondii vaccine has been licensed for veterinary use, and no promising vaccines against ne-osporosis have been developed; therefore, vaccine development remains a key goal. Additionally, drug therapy could be a valuable strategy for disease control in farm ruminants, as several drugs that limit T. gondii and N. caninum proliferation and dissemination have been evaluated. This approach may also be relevant to performing an initial drug screening for potential human therapy for zoonotic parasites. Treat-ments can be applied against infections in adult ruminants to minimize the outcomes of a primo-infection or the reactivation of a chronic infection during gestation or in newborn ruminants to avoid infection chronification. In this review, the current status of drug development against toxoplasmosis and neosporo-sis in farm ruminants is presented, and in an effort to promote additional treatment options, prospective drugs that have shown efficacy in vitro and in laboratory animal models of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are examined
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Vázquez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Gouveia MJ, Brindley PJ, Rinaldi G, Gärtner F, Correia da Costa JM, Vale N. Combination Anthelmintic/Antioxidant Activity Against Schistosoma Mansoni. Biomolecules 2019; 9:E54. [PMID: 30764562 PMCID: PMC6406910 DOI: 10.3390/biom9020054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major neglected tropical disease. Treatment for schistosomiasis with praziquantel (PZQ), which is effective against the parasite, by itself is not capable to counteract infection-associated disease lesions including hepatic fibrosis. There is a pressing need for novel therapies. Due to their biological properties, antioxidant biomolecules might be useful in treating and reverting associated pathological sequelae. Here, we investigated a novel therapy approach based on a combination of anthelmintic drugs with antioxidant biomolecules. We used a host-parasite model involving Bioamphalaria glabrata and newly transformed schistosomula (NTS) of Schistosoma mansoni. For in vitro drug screening assays, was selected several antioxidants and evaluated not only antischistosomal activity but also ability to enhance activity of the anthelmintic drugs praziquantel (PZQ) and artesunate (AS). The morphological alterations induced by compounds alone/combined were assessed on daily basis using an inverted and automated microscope to quantify NTS viability by a fluorometric-based method. The findings indicated that not only do some antioxidants improve antischistosomal activity of the two anthelmintics, but they exhibit activity per se, leading to high mortality of NTS post-exposure. The combination index (CI) of PZQ + Mel (CI = 0.80), PZQ + Resv (CI = 0.74), AS + Resv (CI = 0.34), AS + NAC (CI = 0.89), VDT + Flav (CI = 1.03) and VDT + Resv (CI = 1.06) reveal that they display moderate to strong synergism. The combination of compounds with discrete mechanisms of action might provide a valuable adjunct to contribution for treatment of schistosomiasis-associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Gouveia
- Center for the Study in Animal Science, University of Porto, (CECA/ICETA), Rua de D. Manuel II, Apt 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Drug Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paul J Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
| | - Fátima Gärtner
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- University of Porto, i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| | - José Manuel Correia da Costa
- Center for the Study in Animal Science, University of Porto, (CECA/ICETA), Rua de D. Manuel II, Apt 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, INSA-National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Nuno Vale
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Drug Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- University of Porto, i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
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Aruleba RT, Adekiya TA, Oyinloye BE, Masamba P, Mbatha LS, Pretorius A, Kappo AP. PZQ Therapy: How Close are we in the Development of Effective Alternative Anti-schistosomal Drugs? Infect Disord Drug Targets 2019; 19:337-349. [PMID: 30599112 PMCID: PMC7046992 DOI: 10.2174/1871526519666181231153139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Today schistosomiasis, caused mainly by the three major schistosome species (S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. japonicum), has for many decades and still continues to be on a rapid and swift rise globally, claiming thousands of lives every year and leaving 800 million people at the risk of infection. Due to the high prevalence of this disease and the steady increase in the infection rates, praziquantel (PZQ) remains the only effective drug against this acute disease although it has no effect on the juvenile schistosome parasite. However, no significant approaches have been made in recent years in the discovery of new or alternative drugs and unfortunately, resistance to this drug has been reported in some parts of the world. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a new drug for this debilitating disease. In this review, a brief history of past, present, and new promising anti-schistosomal drugs is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Taiwo Aruleba
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
| | - Tayo Alex Adekiya
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
| | - Babatunji Emmanuel Oyinloye
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry, Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti 360001, Nigeria
| | - Priscilla Masamba
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
| | - Londiwe Simphiwe Mbatha
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
| | - Ashley Pretorius
- Bioinformatics Research Group (BRG), DST/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Abidemi Paul Kappo
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
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Computationally-guided drug repurposing enables the discovery of kinase targets and inhibitors as new schistosomicidal agents. PLoS Comput Biol 2018; 14:e1006515. [PMID: 30346968 PMCID: PMC6211772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of novel therapeutics is urgently required for diseases where existing treatments are failing due to the emergence of resistance. This is particularly pertinent for parasitic infections of the tropics and sub-tropics, referred to collectively as neglected tropical diseases, where the commercial incentives to develop new drugs are weak. One such disease is schistosomiasis, a highly prevalent acute and chronic condition caused by a parasitic helminth infection, with three species of the genus Schistosoma infecting humans. Currently, a single 40-year old drug, praziquantel, is available to treat all infective species, but its use in mass drug administration is leading to signs of drug-resistance emerging. To meet the challenge of developing new therapeutics against this disease, we developed an innovative computational drug repurposing pipeline supported by phenotypic screening. The approach highlighted several protein kinases as interesting new biological targets for schistosomiasis as they play an essential role in many parasite’s biological processes. Focusing on this target class, we also report the first elucidation of the kinome of Schistosoma japonicum, as well as updated kinomes of S. mansoni and S. haematobium. In comparison with the human kinome, we explored these kinomes to identify potential targets of existing inhibitors which are unique to Schistosoma species, allowing us to identify novel targets and suggest approved drugs that might inhibit them. These include previously suggested schistosomicidal agents such as bosutinib, dasatinib, and imatinib as well as new inhibitors such as vandetanib, saracatinib, tideglusib, alvocidib, dinaciclib, and 22 newly identified targets such as CHK1, CDC2, WEE, PAKA, MEK1. Additionally, the primary and secondary targets in Schistosoma of those approved drugs are also suggested, allowing for the development of novel therapeutics against this important yet neglected disease. The rise of resistance through the intensive use of drugs targeted to treat specific infectious diseases means that new therapeutics are continually required. Diseases common in the tropics and sub-tropics, classified as neglected tropical diseases, suffer from a lack of new drug treatments due to the difficulty in developing new drugs and the lack of market incentive. One such disease is schistosomiasis, a major human helminth disease caused by worms from the genus Schistosoma. It is currently treated by a 40-year old drug, praziquantel, but its widespread use has led to signs of drug-resistance emerging, with no alternative effective treatments available. To meet this challenge, we have developed an innovative computational drug repurposing pipeline supported by experimental phenotypic screening. Protein kinases emerged from our pipeline as interesting new biological targets. Given that many human kinase inhibitors have been successfully applied specially in cancer therapy and kinases have conserved structures and functions, we also undertook a detailed analysis of the kinases present in all infective Schistosoma species and human host. This allowed identification of new Schistosoma-specific kinase targets and suggest approved drugs to be used for treating schistosomiasis as well as opening new avenues to treat this neglected disease.
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Pasche V, Laleu B, Keiser J. Screening a repurposing library, the Medicines for Malaria Venture Stasis Box, against Schistosoma mansoni. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:298. [PMID: 29764454 PMCID: PMC5952519 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2855-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The development of new treatments against schistosomiasis is imperative but lacks commercial interest. Drug repurposing represents a suitable strategy to identify potential treatments, which have already unblocked several essential steps along the drug development path, hence reducing costs and timelines. Promoting this approach, the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) recently distributed a drug repurposing library of 400 advanced lead candidates (Stasis Box). Methods All 400 compounds were initially tested in vitro against the larval stage of Schistosoma mansoni at 10 μM. Hits progressed to screening on adult worms and were further characterised for IC50, cytotoxicity and selectivity. Ten lead compounds were tested in mice harbouring a chronic S. mansoni infection. Results Eleven of the 37 compounds active on the larval stage were also highly active on adult worms in vitro (IC50 = 2.0–7.5 μM). IC50 values on adult S. mansoni decreased substantially in the presence of albumin (7.5–123.5 μM). Toxicity to L6 and MRC cells was moderate. A moderate worm burden reduction of 51.6% was observed for MMV690534, while the other 9 compounds showed low activity. None of the in vivo results were statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions Phenotypic screening of advanced lead compounds is a simple and resource-low method to identify novel anthelminthics. None of the promising hits of the Stasis Box identified in vitro against S. mansoni yielded acceptable worm burden reductions in vivo, which might be due to the high plasma protein binding. Since the in vitro hits interfere with different drug targets, they might provide a starting point for target based screening and structure-activity relationship studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérian Pasche
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benoît Laleu
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), PO Box 1826, 20, Route de Pré-Bois, 1215, Geneva 15, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland.
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18
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Stroehlein AJ, Young ND, Gasser RB. Advances in kinome research of parasitic worms - implications for fundamental research and applied biotechnological outcomes. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:915-934. [PMID: 29477756 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinases are enzymes that play essential roles in the regulation of many cellular processes. Despite expansions in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics and bioinformatics, there is limited information on the kinase complements (kinomes) of most eukaryotic organisms, including parasitic worms that cause serious diseases of humans and animals. The biological uniqueness of these worms and the draft status of their genomes pose challenges for the identification and classification of protein kinases using established tools. In this article, we provide an account of kinase biology, the roles of kinases in diseases and their importance as drug targets, and drug discovery efforts in key socioeconomically important parasitic worms. In this context, we summarise methods and resources commonly used for the curation, identification, classification and functional annotation of protein kinase sequences from draft genomes; review recent advances made in the characterisation of the worm kinomes; and discuss the implications of these advances for investigating kinase signalling and developing small-molecule inhibitors as new anti-parasitic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas J Stroehlein
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Neil D Young
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Sobhy MMK, Mahmoud SS, El-Sayed SH, Rizk EMA, Raafat A, Negm MSI. Impact of treatment with a Protein Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (Genistein) on acute and chronic experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection. Exp Parasitol 2018; 185:115-123. [PMID: 29331278 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis mansoni is considered one of the most common fibrotic diseases resulting from inflammation and deposition of fibrous tissue around parasitic eggs trapped in the liver, causing morbidity and mortality. Chemotherapy against schistosomiasis is largely dependent on Praziquantel (PZQ). Yet, the huge administration of it in endemic areas and its incompetence towards the immature stages have raised serious alarms against the development of drug resistance. Few drugs are directed to reverse schistosomal liver fibrosis, particularly at the chronic and advanced stages of the disease. Recently, protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors have been identified as potent anti-schistosomal and anti-fibrotic drugs against schistosomes, that may suppress and reverse Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) induced liver fibrosis. The present study was designed to assess the anti-schistosomal and antifibrotic activity of Genistein, a PTK inhibitor, in comparison to PZQ, on both acute and chronic S. mansoni-infected mice using different parasitological, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Genistein showed a significant reduction (P < .05) in total worm burden, tissue egg load, mean hepatic granulomas diameter and numbers, percentage of collagen and expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β 1) in the examined hepatocytes with elevation in percentage of degenerated ova, in comparison to the control groups, in both acute and chronic stages of infection. The best results were obtained when Genistein was combined with PZQ. Therefore, it was concluded that Genistein showed a promising anti-schistosomal and anti-fibrotic properties which could make it one of the new potential targets in chemotherapy against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shaimaa Helmy El-Sayed
- Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt; Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Enas Mohamed Ali Rizk
- Medical Parasitology Department, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Amira Raafat
- Medical Parasitology Department, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
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Signalling pathways in schistosomes: novel targets for control interventions against schistosomiasis. Emerg Top Life Sci 2017; 1:633-639. [PMID: 33525854 DOI: 10.1042/etls20170093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been accumulating evidence showing that signalling pathways are involved in extensive biological and physiological processes in the human blood fluke schistosomes, playing essential roles in environmental sensing, host penetration, growth, development, maturation, embryogenesis, tissue self-renewal and survival. Owing to the likelihood of resistance developing against praziquantel, the only drug currently available that is effective against all the human schistosome species, there is an urgent requirement for an alternative treatment, arguing for continuing research into novel or repurposed anti-schistosomal drugs. An increasing number of anticancer drugs are being developed which block abnormal signalling pathways, a feature that has stimulated interest in developing novel interventions against human schistosomiasis by targeting key cell signalling components. In this review, we discuss the functional characterization of signal transduction pathways in schistosomes and consider current challenges and future perspectives in this important area of research.
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Kinases: Molecular Stage Directors for Schistosome Development and Differentiation. Trends Parasitol 2017; 34:246-260. [PMID: 29276074 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Understanding schistosome biology is still a challenging mission. The reproductive biology of this parasitic trematode is closely associated with the pathologic consequences of schistosomiasis, the devastating infectious disease caused by members of the family Schistosomatidae worldwide. Recent studies of signaling mechanisms confirmed the prominent roles of protein kinases (PKs) in directing schistosome biology, and first evidence was obtained for an additional contribution of kinases with substrates different from proteins (non-PKs). This review provides an overview of the Schistosoma mansoni kinome in the context of male-female interaction and summarizes recent studies of kinases controlling development and differentiation. Due to their importance for schistosome biology, kinases represent Achilles' heels and are therefore of high value also for translational research.
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22
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Stenzel K, Chakrabarti A, Melesina J, Hansen FK, Lancelot J, Herkenhöhner S, Lungerich B, Marek M, Romier C, Pierce RJ, Sippl W, Jung M, Kurz T. Isophthalic Acid-Based HDAC Inhibitors as Potent Inhibitors of HDAC8 fromSchistosoma mansoni. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201700096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Stenzel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Heinrich-Heine-University; Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Alokta Chakrabarti
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg; Freiburg Germany
| | - Jelena Melesina
- Institute of Pharmacy; Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - Finn K. Hansen
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Heinrich-Heine-University; Düsseldorf Germany
- Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry; Institute of Pharmacy; Leipzig University; Leipzig Germany
| | - Julien Lancelot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille; U1019 UMR 8204CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille; Lille France
| | - Simon Herkenhöhner
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Heinrich-Heine-University; Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Beate Lungerich
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Heinrich-Heine-University; Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Martin Marek
- IGBMC; Université de Strasbourg; Illkirch France
| | | | - Raymond. J. Pierce
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille; U1019 UMR 8204CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille; Lille France
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy; Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg; Freiburg Germany
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Heinrich-Heine-University; Düsseldorf Germany
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Murungi EK, Kariithi HM. Genome-Wide Identification and Evolutionary Analysis of Sarcocystis neurona Protein Kinases. Pathogens 2017; 6:pathogens6010012. [PMID: 28335576 PMCID: PMC5371900 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens6010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Sarcocystis neurona causes equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), a degenerative neurological disease of horses. Due to its host range expansion, S. neurona is an emerging threat that requires close monitoring. In apicomplexans, protein kinases (PKs) have been implicated in a myriad of critical functions, such as host cell invasion, cell cycle progression and host immune response evasion. Here, we used various bioinformatics methods to define the kinome of S. neurona and phylogenetic relatedness of its PKs to other apicomplexans. We identified 97 putative PKs clustering within the various eukaryotic kinase groups. Although containing the universally-conserved PKA (AGC group), S. neurona kinome was devoid of PKB and PKC. Moreover, the kinome contains the six-conserved apicomplexan CDPKs (CAMK group). Several OPK atypical kinases, including ROPKs 19A, 27, 30, 33, 35 and 37 were identified. Notably, S. neurona is devoid of the virulence-associated ROPKs 5, 6, 18 and 38, as well as the Alpha and RIO kinases. Two out of the three S. neurona CK1 enzymes had high sequence similarities to Toxoplasma gondii TgCK1-α and TgCK1-β and the Plasmodium PfCK1. Further experimental studies on the S. neurona putative PKs identified in this study are required to validate the functional roles of the PKs and to understand their involvement in mechanisms that regulate various cellular processes and host-parasite interactions. Given the essentiality of apicomplexan PKs in the survival of apicomplexans, the current study offers a platform for future development of novel therapeutics for EPM, for instance via application of PK inhibitors to block parasite invasion and development in their host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin K Murungi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, 20115 Njoro, Kenya.
| | - Henry M Kariithi
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, P.O. Box 57811, Kaptagat Rd, Loresho, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya.
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Buro C, Burmeister C, Quack T, Grevelding CG. Identification and first characterization of SmEps8, a potential interaction partner of SmTK3 and SER transcribed in the gonads of Schistosoma mansoni. Exp Parasitol 2016; 180:55-63. [PMID: 28017636 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In eukaryotes the roles of protein kinases (PKs) regulating important biological processes such as growth and differentiation are well known. Molecular, biochemical, and physiological analyses trying to unravel principles of schistosome development have substantiated the importance for PKs also in this parasite. Amongst others the role of SmTK3 was studied, one of the first cellular PKs characterized from Schistosoma mansoni. Its function was demonstrated in mitogenic and differentiation processes in the gonads. Furthermore, first insights were obtained for the downstream part of a signal transduction cascade SmTK3 is involved in, which includes the diaphanous homolog SmDia. Here we attempted to further unravel the SmTK3 signaling cascade by searching for upstream interaction partners. Using yeast three-hybrid (Y3H) analyses we detected the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway substrate 8 of S. mansoni (SmEps8) as the most interesting candidate. By detailed interaction analyses we showed a contribution of the Src homology (SH) domains SH2 and SH3 of SmTK3 to binding, with a clear bias towards SH2. Compared to full-length SmEps8, binding was enhanced when only its 5' part including the phosphotyrosine binding domain (PTB) was used for interaction analyses including the SH2 domain of SmTK3, although phosphorylation seemed not to play a decisive role for binding. RT-PCR analyses and in situ hybridization experiments demonstrated similar transcription patterns of SmTK3 and SmEPS8, which co-localize in the reproductive organs. Furthermore, first evidence was obtained for SmEps8 interaction and colocalization with SER, one of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) homologs detected in S. mansoni. The results of this study provide first evidence for a SER-SmEps8-SmTK3-SmDia signal transduction pathway controlling differentiation processes in the gonads of S. mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Buro
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - C Burmeister
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - T Quack
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - C G Grevelding
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany.
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25
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Cowan N, Raimondo A, Keiser J. Approved oncology drugs lack in vivo activity against Trichuris muris despite in vitro activity. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:4443-4446. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5225-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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26
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Marek M, Shaik TB, Jung M, Sippl W, Pierce RJ, Romier C. Combattre les maladies négligées en ciblant sélectivement leurs enzymes épigénétiques : le cas de la désacétylase 8 (HDAC8) deSchistosoma mansoni. Biol Aujourdhui 2016; 210:311-320. [PMID: 28327287 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2017001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin structure in eukaryotes and its modulation by epigenetic mechanisms enable the regulation of the different nuclear processes. Perturbation of epigenetic mechanisms can thus affect the proper functioning of cells, and numerous diseases have been linked to the deregulation of the activity of epigenetic effectors in human. The reversibility of epigenetic mechanisms has allowed the development of "Epigenetic drugs" or "Epidrugs". In a chemical biology approach, we have made use of the importance of eukaryotic epigenetic mechanisms to find drug leads that specifically affect pathogens responsible for neglected diseases. Our work on histone deacetylase 8 from Schistosoma mansoni (smHDAC8) has enabled us to design drug leads that show stronger selectivity for the pathogen enzyme than for its human homologs. Specifically, we have used a structure-based approach to understand the structural specificities of the smHDAC8 enzyme compared to the human enzymes, notably human HDAC8. The structure of smHDAC8 in complex with various pan-HDAC drugs led to the design of inhibitors that make use of all the structural specificities of this enzyme and that can be stabilized in the smHDAC8 catalytic pocket through a pathogen-specific clamp. Collectively, our results provide the proof of concept that epigenetic enzymes from pathogens can be targeted to develop anti-pathogenic epidrugs in the fight against neglected diseases. Our results also provide information that can be used to develop epidrugs to fight human diseases, including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Marek
- Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg (UDS), CNRS, INSERM, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Tajith B Shaik
- Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg (UDS), CNRS, INSERM, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Raymond J Pierce
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Christophe Romier
- Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg (UDS), CNRS, INSERM, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
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27
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Stroehlein AJ, Young ND, Jex AR, Sternberg PW, Tan P, Boag PR, Hofmann A, Gasser RB. Defining the Schistosoma haematobium kinome enables the prediction of essential kinases as anti-schistosome drug targets. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17759. [PMID: 26635209 PMCID: PMC4669435 DOI: 10.1038/srep17759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium causes urogenital schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that affects more than 110 million people. Treating this disease by targeted or mass administration with a single chemical, praziquantel, carries the risk that drug resistance will develop in this pathogen. Therefore, there is an imperative to search for new drug targets in S. haematobium and other schistosomes. In this regard, protein kinases have potential, given their essential roles in biological processes and as targets for drugs already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in humans. In this context, we defined here the kinome of S. haematobium using a refined bioinformatic pipeline. We classified, curated and annotated predicted kinases, and assessed the developmental transcription profiles of kinase genes. Then, we prioritised a panel of kinases as potential drug targets and inferred chemicals that bind to them using an integrated bioinformatic pipeline. Most kinases of S. haematobium are very similar to those of its congener, S. mansoni, offering the prospect of designing chemicals that kill both species. Overall, this study provides a global insight into the kinome of S. haematobium and should assist the repurposing or discovery of drugs against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas J. Stroehlein
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Neil D. Young
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron R. Jex
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul W. Sternberg
- HHMI, Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Patrick Tan
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Republic of Singapore
| | - Peter R. Boag
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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28
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Ressurreição M, Kirk RS, Rollinson D, Emery AM, Page NM, Walker AJ. Sensory Protein Kinase Signaling in Schistosoma mansoni Cercariae: Host Location and Invasion. J Infect Dis 2015; 212:1787-97. [PMID: 26401028 PMCID: PMC4633769 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni cercariae display specific behavioral responses to abiotic/biotic stimuli enabling them to locate and infect the definitive human host. Here we report the effect of such stimulants on signaling pathways of cercariae in relation to host finding and invasion. Cercariae exposed to various light/temperature regimens displayed modulated protein kinase C (PKC), extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) activities, with distinct responses at 37°C and intense light/dark, when compared to 24°C under normal light. Kinase activities were localized to regions including the oral sensory papillae, acetabular ducts, tegument, acetabular glands, and nervous system. Furthermore, linoleic acid modulated PKC and ERK activities concurrent with the temporal release of acetabular gland components. Attenuation of PKC, ERK, and p38 MAPK activities significantly reduced gland component release, particularly in response to linoleic acid, demonstrating the importance of these signaling pathways to host penetration mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Ressurreição
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames
| | - Ruth S Kirk
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames
| | - David Rollinson
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan M Emery
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel M Page
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames
| | - Anthony J Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames
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29
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Cowan N, Keiser J. Repurposing of anticancer drugs: in vitro and in vivo activities against Schistosoma mansoni. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:417. [PMID: 26265386 PMCID: PMC4533769 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1023-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug discovery for the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis has a high priority. Anticancer drugs, especially protein kinase inhibitors, might serve as a starting point for drug discovery owing to the importance of protein kinases in helminth growth and development. Furthermore, the Schistosoma mansoni genome encodes several genes for targets of drugs marketed for human use, including several anticancer drugs. METHODS In this study, we screened the approved oncology drug set of the National Cancer Institute's Developmental Therapeutic Program for antischistosomal activity. Drugs were tested in vitro against the larval and adult stage of S. mansoni. IC50 values and albumin binding were determined for active compounds. Lead compounds were tested in the chronic S. mansoni mouse model. RESULTS Eleven of the 114 compounds tested revealed IC50 values ≤ 10 μM against both S. mansoni stages. Five of these lost activity against adult S. mansoni in the presence of serum albumin. Of 6 compounds studied in vivo, the highest activity was observed from two kinase inhibitors trametinib, and vandetanib, which reduced worm burden by 63.6 and 48.1% respectively, after a single oral dose of 400 mg/kg body weight. CONCLUSION Our study has confirmed that oncology drugs possess antischistosomal activity. There is space for further investigation, including elucidation of the mechanisms of action of schistosome-active cancer drugs, application of different treatment courses, and structure-activity relationship studies for improving drug potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Cowan
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland.
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30
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Eissa MM, Barakat AMA, Amer EI, Younis LK. Could miltefosine be used as a therapy for toxoplasmosis? Exp Parasitol 2015; 157:12-22. [PMID: 26112396 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic protozoal disease affecting more than a billion people worldwide. The shortfalls of the current treatment options necessitate the development of non-toxic and well-tolerated, efficient alternatives especially against the cyst form. The current study was undertaken to investigate, for the first time, the potential potency of miltefosine against Toxoplasma gondii infection in acute and chronic experimental toxoplasmosis. Results showed that there is no evidence of anti-parasitic activity of miltefosine against T. gondii tachyzoites in acute experimental toxoplasmosis. However, anti-parasitic activity of miltefosine against T. gondii cyst stage in chronic experimental toxoplasmosis could not be excluded as demonstrated by significant reduction in brain cyst burden. Moreover, considerable morphological changes in the cysts were revealed by light and electron microscopy study and also by amelioration of pathological changes in the brain. Future studies should focus on enhancement of anti-toxoplasma activity of miltefosine against chronic toxoplasmosis using formulation based nanotechnology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study highlighting efficacy of miltefosine against chronic toxoplasmosis, thus, increasing the list of diseases that can be targeted by this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha M Eissa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Eglal I Amer
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Layla K Younis
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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31
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HDAC8: a multifaceted target for therapeutic interventions. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2015; 36:481-92. [PMID: 26013035 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2015.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) is a class I histone deacetylase implicated as a therapeutic target in various diseases, including cancer, X-linked intellectual disability, and parasitic infections. It is a structurally well-characterized enzyme that also deacetylates nonhistone proteins. In cancer, HDAC8 is a major 'epigenetic player' that is linked to deregulated expression or interaction with transcription factors critical to tumorigenesis. In the parasite Schistosoma mansoni and in viral infections, HDAC8 is a novel target to subdue infection. The current challenge remains in the development of potent selective inhibitors that would specifically target HDAC8 with fewer adverse effects compared with pan-HDAC inhibitors. Here, we review HDAC8 as a drug target and discuss inhibitors with respect to their structural features and therapeutic interventions.
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32
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Guidi A, Mansour NR, Paveley RA, Carruthers IM, Besnard J, Hopkins AL, Gilbert IH, Bickle QD. Application of RNAi to Genomic Drug Target Validation in Schistosomes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003801. [PMID: 25992548 PMCID: PMC4438872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Concerns over the possibility of resistance developing to praziquantel (PZQ), has stimulated efforts to develop new drugs for schistosomiasis. In addition to the development of improved whole organism screens, the success of RNA interference (RNAi) in schistosomes offers great promise for the identification of potential drug targets to initiate drug discovery. In this study we set out to contribute to RNAi based validation of putative drug targets. Initially a list of 24 target candidates was compiled based on the identification of putative essential genes in schistosomes orthologous of C. elegans essential genes. Knockdown of Calmodulin (Smp_026560.2) (Sm-Calm), that topped this list, produced a phenotype characterised by waves of contraction in adult worms but no phenotype in schistosomula. Knockdown of the atypical Protein Kinase C (Smp_096310) (Sm-aPKC) resulted in loss of viability in both schistosomula and adults and led us to focus our attention on other kinase genes that were identified in the above list and through whole organism screening of known kinase inhibitor sets followed by chemogenomic evaluation. RNAi knockdown of these kinase genes failed to affect adult worm viability but, like Sm-aPKC, knockdown of Polo-like kinase 1, Sm-PLK1 (Smp_009600) and p38-MAPK, Sm-MAPK p38 (Smp_133020) resulted in an increased mortality of schistosomula after 2-3 weeks, an effect more marked in the presence of human red blood cells (hRBC). For Sm-PLK-1 the same effects were seen with the specific inhibitor, BI2536, which also affected viable egg production in adult worms. For Sm-PLK-1 and Sm-aPKC the in vitro effects were reflected in lower recoveries in vivo. We conclude that the use of RNAi combined with culture with hRBC is a reliable method for evaluating genes important for larval development. However, in view of the slow manifestation of the effects of Sm-aPKC knockdown in adults and the lack of effects of Sm-PLK-1 and Sm-MAPK p38 on adult viability, these kinases may not represent suitable drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Guidi
- Department of Infection and Immunity, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nuha R. Mansour
- Department of Infection and Immunity, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ross A. Paveley
- Department of Infection and Immunity, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian M. Carruthers
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jérémy Besnard
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew L. Hopkins
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Ian H. Gilbert
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Quentin D. Bickle
- Department of Infection and Immunity, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Repurposing apoptosis-inducing cancer drugs to treat schistosomiasis. Future Med Chem 2015; 7:707-11. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc.14.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Drugging the schistosome zinc-dependent HDACs: current progress and future perspectives. Future Med Chem 2015; 7:783-800. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc.15.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes, like many eukaryotic pathogens, typically display morphologically distinct stages during their life cycles. Epigenetic mechanisms underlie the pathogens’ morphological transformations, and the targeting of epigenetics-driven cellular programs therefore represents an Achilles’ heel of parasites. To speed up the search for new antiparasitic agents, drugs validated for other diseases can be rationally optimized into antiparasitic therapeutics. Specifically, zinc-dependent histone deacetylases (HDACs) are the most explored targets for epigenetic therapies, notably for anticancer treatments. This review focuses on the development of drug-leads inhibiting HDACs from schistosomes. More precisely, current progress on Schistosoma mansoni HDAC8 (smHDAC8) provided a proof of concept that targeting epigenetic enzymes is a valid approach to treat diseases caused by schistosomes, and possibly other eukaryotic pathogens.
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Doerig C, Grevelding CG. Targeting kinases in Plasmodium and Schistosoma: Same goals, different challenges. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2015; 1854:1637-43. [PMID: 25770683 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
With respect to parasite-induced infectious diseases of worldwide importance, members of the genera Plasmodium and Schistosoma are top pathogens. Nearly half a billion people suffer from malaria caused by Plasmodium spp. and schistosomiasis (bilharzia) induced by Schistosoma spp. Resistance against essentially all drugs used for malaria treatment has been reported. For schistosomiasis justified fear of upcoming resistance is discussed against the background of only one widely used drug for treatment. Research of the recent decade has demonstrated that essential steps of the biology of these and other parasites are controlled by kinases, which represent attractive targets for new-generation antiparasitic compounds. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Inhibitors of Protein Kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Doerig
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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Morel M, Vanderstraete M, Cailliau K, Lescuyer A, Lancelot J, Dissous C. Compound library screening identified Akt/PKB kinase pathway inhibitors as potential key molecules for the development of new chemotherapeutics against schistosomiasis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:256-66. [PMID: 25516836 PMCID: PMC4266776 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of PK inhibitors affects schistosome viability and reproduction. Structure and activity of the Akt/PKB protein are highly conserved in Schistosoma mansoni. Commercial Akt inhibitors are active on the recombinant SmAkt protein. Akt pathway inhibitors have schistosomicidal activity in vitro. SmAkt can be considered as a potential target for the control of schistosomiasis.
Protein kinases (PKs) are one of the largest protein families in most eukaryotic organisms. These enzymes are involved in the control of cell proliferation, differentiation and metabolism and a large number of the anticancer drugs currently used are directed against PKs. The structure and function of PKs are well conserved throughout evolution. In schistosome parasites, PKs were shown to be involved in essential functions at every stage of the parasite life cycle, making these enzymes promising anti-parasite drug targets. In this study, we tested a panel of commercial inhibitors for various PKs and analyzed their effects on pairing and egg production by schistosomes as well as their toxicity towards schistosomula larvae. Results obtained confirmed the deleterious effect of PK targeting on Schistosoma mansoni physiology and the important function of different tyrosine and serine/threonine kinases in the biology and reproduction of this parasite. They also indicated for the first time that the Protein kinase B (also called Akt) which is a major downstream target of many receptor tyrosine kinases and a central player at the crossroads of signal transduction pathways activated in response to growth factors and insulin, can constitute a novel target for anti-schistosome chemotherapy. Structural and functional studies have shown that SmAkt is a conserved kinase and that its activity can be inhibited by commercially available Akt inhibitors. In treated adult worms, Akt/PKB kinase pathway inhibitors induced profound alterations in pairing and egg laying and they also greatly affected the viability of schistosomula larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Morel
- CIIL - Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Mathieu Vanderstraete
- CIIL - Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Katia Cailliau
- Laboratoire de Régulation des Signaux de Division, Université Lille 1 Sciences et Technology, EA 4479, IFR 147, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Arlette Lescuyer
- Laboratoire de Régulation des Signaux de Division, Université Lille 1 Sciences et Technology, EA 4479, IFR 147, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Julien Lancelot
- CIIL - Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Colette Dissous
- CIIL - Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
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Cabezas-Cruz A, Lancelot J, Caby S, Oliveira G, Pierce RJ. Epigenetic control of gene function in schistosomes: a source of therapeutic targets? Front Genet 2014; 5:317. [PMID: 25309576 PMCID: PMC4159997 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the epigenetic regulation of gene expression has revolutionized both our understanding of how genomes function and approaches to the therapy of numerous pathologies. Schistosomes are metazoan parasites and as such utilize most, if not all the epigenetic mechanisms in play in their vertebrate hosts: histone variants, histone tail modifications, non-coding RNA and, perhaps, DNA methylation. Moreover, we are acquiring an increasing understanding of the ways in which these mechanisms come into play during the complex schistosome developmental program. In turn, interest in the actors involved in epigenetic mechanisms, particularly the enzymes that carry out epigenetic modifications of histones or nucleic acid, as therapeutic targets has been stimulated by the finding that their inhibitors exert profound effects, not only on survival, but also on the reproductive function of Schistosoma mansoni. Here, we review our current knowledge, and what we can infer, about the role of epigenetic mechanisms in schistosome development, differentiation and survival. We will consider which epigenetic actors can be targeted for drug discovery and what strategies can be employed to develop potent, selective inhibitors as drugs to cure schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1019 – Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 8204, Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université de LilleLille, France
| | - Julien Lancelot
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1019 – Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 8204, Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université de LilleLille, France
| | - Stéphanie Caby
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1019 – Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 8204, Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université de LilleLille, France
| | - Guilherme Oliveira
- Genomics and Computational Biology Group, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Center for Excellence in Bioinformatics, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, National Institute of Science and Technology in Tropical DiseasesBelo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Raymond J. Pierce
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1019 – Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 8204, Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université de LilleLille, France
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Beckmann S, Long T, Scheld C, Geyer R, Caffrey CR, Grevelding CG. Serum albumin and α-1 acid glycoprotein impede the killing of Schistosoma mansoni by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Imatinib. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:287-95. [PMID: 25516839 PMCID: PMC4266805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The Abl tyrosine-kinase inhibitor Imatinib is toxic to S. mansoni in vitro but not in vivo in rodents. Blood components like serum albumin and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) negated Imatinib’s toxicity in vitro. Erythromycin partially restored the toxicity of Imatinib in vitro. High levels of AGP upon infection make rodents poor models for examining some small molecule inhibitors.
In the search for new drugs and drug targets to treat the flatworm disease schistosomiasis, protein kinases (PKs) have come under particular scrutiny because of their essential roles in developmental and physiological processes in schistosome parasites. In this context the application of the anti-cancer Abl tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor Imatinib (Gleevec/Glivec; STI-571) to adult Schistosoma mansoni in vitro has indicated negative effects on diverse physiological processes including survival. Motivated by these in vitro findings, we performed in vivo experiments in rodent models of S. mansoni infection. Unexpectedly, Imatinib had no effect on worm burden or egg-production. We found that the blood components serum albumin (SA) and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP or orosomucoid) negated Imatinib’s deleterious effects on adult S. mansoni and schistosomula (post-infective larvae) in vitro. This negative effect was partially reversed by erythromycin. AGP synthesis can increase as a consequence of inflammatory processes or infection; in addition upon infection AGP levels are 6–8 times higher in mice compared to humans. Therefore, mice and probably other rodents are poor infection models for measuring the effects of Imatinib in vivo. Accordingly, we suggest the routine evaluation of the ability of AGP and SA to block in vitro anti-schistosomal effects of small molecules like Imatinib prior to laborious and expensive animal experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Beckmann
- BFS, Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thavy Long
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and the Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christina Scheld
- BFS, Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rudolf Geyer
- Institute for Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and the Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Panic G, Duthaler U, Speich B, Keiser J. Repurposing drugs for the treatment and control of helminth infections. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:185-200. [PMID: 25516827 PMCID: PMC4266803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Drug repurposing continues to be the central drug discovery strategy for helminths. Most repurposed drugs come from veterinary medicine and known drug classes. Only a handful of drugs have advanced clinically. More collaborations and funding are needed to advance discoveries to the market.
Helminth infections are responsible for a considerable public health burden, yet the current drug armamentarium is small. Given the high cost of drug discovery and development, the high failure rates and the long duration to develop novel treatments, drug repurposing circumvents these obstacles by finding new uses for compounds other than those they were initially intended to treat. In the present review, we summarize in vivo and clinical trial findings testing clinical candidates and marketed drugs against schistosomes, food-borne trematodes, soil-transmitted helminths, Strongyloides stercoralis, the major human filariases lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, taeniasis, neurocysticercosis and echinococcosis. While expanding the applications of broad-spectrum or veterinary anthelmintics continues to fuel alternative treatment options, antimalarials, antibiotics, antiprotozoals and anticancer agents appear to be producing fruitful results as well. The trematodes and nematodes continue to be most investigated, while cestodal drug discovery will need to be accelerated. The most clinically advanced drug candidates include the artemisinins and mefloquine against schistosomiasis, tribendimidine against liver flukes, oxantel pamoate against trichuriasis, and doxycycline against filariasis. Preclinical studies indicate a handful of promising future candidates, and are beginning to elucidate the broad-spectrum activity of some currently used anthelmintics. Challenges and opportunities are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jennifer Keiser
- Corresponding author. Address: Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland. Tel.: +41 61 284 8218; fax: +41 61 284 8105.
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Morel M, Vanderstraete M, Hahnel S, Grevelding CG, Dissous C. Receptor tyrosine kinases and schistosome reproduction: new targets for chemotherapy. Front Genet 2014; 5:238. [PMID: 25101117 PMCID: PMC4102852 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosome parasites still represent a serious public health concern and a major economic problem in developing countries. Pathology of schistosomiasis is mainly due to massive egg production by these parasites and to inflammatory responses raised against the eggs which are trapped in host tissues. Tyrosine kinases (TKs) are key molecules that control cell differentiation and proliferation and they already represent important targets in cancer therapy. During recent years, it has been shown that receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) signaling was active in reproductive organs and that it could regulate sexual maturation of schistosomes and egg production. This opens interesting perspectives for the control of transmission and pathogenesis of schistosomiasis based on new therapies targeting schistosome RTKs. This review relates the numerous data showing the major roles of kinase signaling in schistosome reproduction. It describes the conserved and particular features of schistosome RTKs, their implication in gametogenesis and reproduction processes and summarizes recent works indicating that RTKs and their signaling partners are interesting chemotherapeutical targets in new programs of control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Morel
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, INSERM U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, University Lille Nord de France Lille Cedex, France
| | - Mathieu Vanderstraete
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, INSERM U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, University Lille Nord de France Lille Cedex, France
| | - Steffen Hahnel
- Biomedical Centre for Research Seltersberg, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen Giessen, Germany
| | - Christoph G Grevelding
- Biomedical Centre for Research Seltersberg, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen Giessen, Germany
| | - Colette Dissous
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, INSERM U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, University Lille Nord de France Lille Cedex, France
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Ressurreição M, De Saram P, Kirk RS, Rollinson D, Emery AM, Page NM, Davies AJ, Walker AJ. Protein kinase C and extracellular signal-regulated kinase regulate movement, attachment, pairing and egg release in Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2924. [PMID: 24921927 PMCID: PMC4055629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases C (PKCs) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are evolutionary conserved cell signalling enzymes that coordinate cell function. Here we have employed biochemical approaches using ‘smart’ antibodies and functional screening to unravel the importance of these enzymes to Schistosoma mansoni physiology. Various PKC and ERK isotypes were detected, and were differentially phosphorylated (activated) throughout the various S. mansoni life stages, suggesting isotype-specific roles and differences in signalling complexity during parasite development. Functional kinase mapping in adult worms revealed that activated PKC and ERK were particularly associated with the adult male tegument, musculature and oesophagus and occasionally with the oesophageal gland; other structures possessing detectable activated PKC and/or ERK included the Mehlis' gland, ootype, lumen of the vitellaria, seminal receptacle and excretory ducts. Pharmacological modulation of PKC and ERK activity in adult worms using GF109203X, U0126, or PMA, resulted in significant physiological disturbance commensurate with these proteins occupying a central position in signalling pathways associated with schistosome muscular activity, neuromuscular coordination, reproductive function, attachment and pairing. Increased activation of ERK and PKC was also detected in worms following praziquantel treatment, with increased signalling associated with the tegument and excretory system and activated ERK localizing to previously unseen structures, including the cephalic ganglia. These findings support roles for PKC and ERK in S. mansoni homeostasis, and identify these kinase groups as potential targets for chemotherapeutic treatments against human schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease of enormous public health significance. Parasitic blood flukes, also called schistosomes, cause human schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease and major public health problem in developing countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa. Sustainable control of schistosomiasis is difficult, mainly because the complex life cycle of the parasite involves a freshwater snail host, and the ability of the parasite to evade the immune response of the human host and to survive for many years. Little is yet known about the cellular mechanisms in schistosomes and how they regulate parasite homeostasis, development and behaviour. In this paper, the nature of intracellular signalling by protein kinases C (PKCs) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in schistosomes is studied and these proteins are found to be vital for the coordination of processes fundamental to parasite survival, such as muscular activity and reproductive function. Our results contribute to an understanding of molecular events regulating schistosome function and identify PKCs and ERKs as possible targets for the development of new chemotherapeutic treatments against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Ressurreição
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paulu De Saram
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth S. Kirk
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - David Rollinson
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan M. Emery
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel M. Page
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J. Davies
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Imatinib treatment causes substantial transcriptional changes in adult Schistosoma mansoni in vitro exhibiting pleiotropic effects. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2923. [PMID: 24921634 PMCID: PMC4055459 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosome parasites cause schistosomiasis, one of the most important infectious diseases worldwide. For decades Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug widely used for controlling schistosomiasis. The absence of a vaccine and fear of PZQ resistance have motivated the search for alternatives. Studies on protein kinases (PKs) demonstrated their importance for diverse physiological processes in schistosomes. Among others two Abl tyrosine kinases, SmAbl1 and SmAbl2, were identified in Schistosoma mansoni and shown to be transcribed in the gonads and the gastrodermis. SmAbl1 activity was blocked by Imatinib, a known Abl-TK inhibitor used in human cancer therapy (Gleevec/Glivec). Imatinib exhibited dramatic effects on the morphology and physiology of adult schistosomes in vitro causing the death of the parasites. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Here we show modeling data supporting the targeting of SmAbl1/2 by Imatinib. A biochemical assay confirmed that SmAbl2 activity is also inhibited by Imatinib. Microarray analyses and qRT-PCR experiments were done to unravel transcriptional processes influenced by Imatinib in adult schistosomes in vitro demonstrating a wide influence on worm physiology. Surface-, muscle-, gut and gonad-associated processes were affected as evidenced by the differential transcription of e.g. the gynecophoral canal protein gene GCP, paramyosin, titin, hemoglobinase, and cathepsins. Furthermore, transcript levels of VAL-7 and egg formation-associated genes such as tyrosinase 1, p14, and fs800-like were affected as well as those of signaling genes including a ribosomal protein S6 kinase and a glutamate receptor. Finally, a comparative in silico analysis of the obtained microarray data sets and previous data analyzing the effect of a TGFβR1 inhibitor on transcription provided first evidence for an association of TGFβ and Abl kinase signaling. Among others GCP and egg formation-associated genes were identified as common targets. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The data affirm broad negative effects of Imatinib on worm physiology substantiating the role of PKs as interesting targets.
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Vanderstraete M, Gouignard N, Cailliau K, Morel M, Hahnel S, Leutner S, Beckmann S, Grevelding CG, Dissous C. Venus kinase receptors control reproduction in the platyhelminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004138. [PMID: 24875530 PMCID: PMC4038586 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Venus Kinase Receptor (VKR) is a single transmembrane molecule composed of an intracellular tyrosine kinase domain close to that of insulin receptor and an extracellular Venus Flytrap (VFT) structure similar to the ligand binding domain of many class C G Protein Coupled Receptors. This receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) was first discovered in the platyhelminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni, then in a large variety of invertebrates. A single vkr gene is found in most genomes, except in S. mansoni in which two genes Smvkr1 and Smvkr2 exist. VKRs form a unique family of RTKs present only in invertebrates and their biological functions are still to be discovered. In this work, we show that SmVKRs are expressed in the reproductive organs of S. mansoni, particularly in the ovaries of female worms. By transcriptional analyses evidence was obtained that both SmVKRs fulfill different roles during oocyte maturation. Suppression of Smvkr expression by RNA interference induced spectacular morphological changes in female worms with a strong disorganization of the ovary, which was dominated by the presence of primary oocytes, and a defect of egg formation. Following expression in Xenopus oocytes, SmVKR1 and SmVKR2 receptors were shown to be activated by distinct ligands which are L-Arginine and calcium ions, respectively. Signalling analysis in Xenopus oocytes revealed the capacity of SmVKRs to activate the PI3K/Akt/p70S6K and Erk MAPK pathways involved in cellular growth and proliferation. Additionally, SmVKR1 induced phosphorylation of JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase). Activation of JNK by SmVKR1 was supported by the results of yeast two-hybrid experiments identifying several components of the JNK pathway as specific interacting partners of SmVKR1. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the functions of SmVKR in gametogenesis, and particularly in oogenesis and egg formation. By eliciting signalling pathways potentially involved in oocyte proliferation, growth and migration, these receptors control parasite reproduction and can therefore be considered as potential targets for anti-schistosome therapies. Schistosomiasis is a chronic, debilitating disease affecting more than 200 million people in the world caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. Pathology is mainly due to massive egg production by parasites and formation of granulomas around the eggs trapped in liver and different organs. Therefore, targeting the molecular processes responsible for gonad development or egg production in schistosomes appears as a valuable strategy to reduce pathogenesis and dissemination of schistosomiasis. In the present study, we investigated the importance of Venus Kinase Receptors (VKRs) which are unusual receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) with an extracellular Venus Flytrap (VFT) ligand-binding domain in the control of reproduction of schistosomes. SmVKRs are expressed in female ovaries of Schistosoma mansoni and the knock-down of their expression provoked dramatic alterations of the oocyte content in ovaries and reduction of egg formation. SmVKRs were also shown to activate different signalling pathways potentially involved in oocyte proliferation, growth and migration. Therefore our results demonstrate that VKRs are essential actors of oogenesis and egg formation in S. mansoni. Moreover, their presence in a large variety of invertebrate species including other helminth parasites and insect parasite vectors can open new perspectives in the control of various vector-borne infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Vanderstraete
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, University Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Nadège Gouignard
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, University Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Katia Cailliau
- EA 4479, IFR 147, Universite Lille 1 Sciences et Technologies, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Marion Morel
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, University Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Steffen Hahnel
- Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Silke Leutner
- Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Svenja Beckmann
- Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Colette Dissous
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, University Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
- * E-mail:
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Dissous C, Morel M, Vanderstraete M. Venus kinase receptors: prospects in signaling and biological functions of these invertebrate kinases. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:72. [PMID: 24860549 PMCID: PMC4026697 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Venus kinase receptors (VKRs) form a family of invertebrate receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) initially discovered in the parasitic platyhelminth Schistosoma mansoni. VKRs are single transmembrane receptors that contain an extracellular venus fly trap structure similar to the ligand-binding domain of G protein-coupled receptors of class C, and an intracellular tyrosine kinase domain close to that of insulin receptors. VKRs are found in a large variety of invertebrates from cnidarians to echinoderms and are highly expressed in larval stages and in gonads, suggesting a role of these proteins in embryonic and larval development as well as in reproduction. VKR gene silencing could demonstrate the function of these receptors in oogenesis as well as in spermatogenesis in S. mansoni. VKRs are activated by amino acids and are highly responsive to arginine. As many other RTKs, they form dimers when activated by ligands and induce intracellular pathways involved in protein synthesis and cellular growth, such as MAPK and PI3K/Akt/S6K pathways. VKRs are not present in vertebrates or in some invertebrate species. Questions remain open about the origin of this little-known RTK family in evolution and its role in emergence and specialization of Metazoa. What is the meaning of maintenance or loss of VKR in some phyla or species in terms of development and physiological functions? The presence of VKRs in invertebrates of economical and medical importance, such as pests, vectors of pathogens, and platyhelminth parasites, and the implication of these RTKs in gametogenesis and reproduction processes are valuable reasons to consider VKRs as interesting targets in new programs for eradication/control of pests and infectious diseases, with the main advantage in the case of parasite targeting that VKR counterparts are absent from the vertebrate host kinase panel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette Dissous
- INSERM U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Lille, France
| | - Marion Morel
- INSERM U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Lille, France
| | - Mathieu Vanderstraete
- INSERM U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Lille, France
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Rawi S, Youssef OAG, Metwally A, Badawy M, Al-Hazmi M. Parasitological evaluation of Ro 15-9268, a 9-acridanone-hydrazone derivative against Schistosoma mansoni in mice, and observations on changes in serum enzyme levels. Parasitol Res 2013; 113:437-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3673-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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“Omics” in the study of the major parasitic diseases malaria and schistosomiasis. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 19:258-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2012] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Buro C, Oliveira KC, Lu Z, Leutner S, Beckmann S, Dissous C, Cailliau K, Verjovski-Almeida S, Grevelding CG. Transcriptome analyses of inhibitor-treated schistosome females provide evidence for cooperating Src-kinase and TGFβ receptor pathways controlling mitosis and eggshell formation. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003448. [PMID: 23785292 PMCID: PMC3681755 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosome parasites cause schistosomiasis, one of the most prevalent parasitemias worldwide affecting humans and animals. Constant pairing of schistosomes is essential for female sexual maturation and egg production, which causes pathogenesis. Female maturation involves signaling pathways controlling mitosis and differentiation within the gonads. In vitro studies had shown before that a Src-specific inhibitor, Herbimycin A (Herb A), and a TGFβ receptor (TβR) inhibitor (TRIKI) have physiological effects such as suppressed mitoses and egg production in paired females. As one Herb A target, the gonad-specifically expressed Src kinase SmTK3 was identified. Here, we comparatively analyzed the transcriptome profiles of Herb A- and TRIKI-treated females identifying transcriptional targets of Src-kinase and TβRI pathways. After demonstrating that TRIKI inhibits the schistosome TGFβreceptor SmTβRI by kinase assays in Xenopus oocytes, couples were treated with Herb A, TRIKI, or both inhibitors simultaneously in vitro. RNA was isolated from females for microarray hybridizations and transcription analyses. The obtained data were evaluated by Gene Ontology (GO) and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), but also by manual classification and intersection analyses. Finally, extensive qPCR experiments were done to verify differential transcription of candidate genes under inhibitor influence but also to functionally reinforce specific physiological effects. A number of genes found to be differentially regulated are associated with mitosis and differentiation. Among these were calcium-associated genes and eggshell-forming genes. In situ hybridization confirmed transcription of genes coding for the calcium sensor hippocalcin, the calcium transporter ORAI-1, and the calcium-binding protein calmodulin-4 in the reproductive system pointing to a role of calcium in parasite reproduction. Functional qPCR results confirmed an inhibitor-influenced, varying dependence of the transcriptional activities of Smp14, Smp48, fs800, a predicted eggshell precursor protein and SmTYR1. The results show that eggshell-formation is regulated by at least two pathways cooperatively operating in a balanced manner to control egg production. As one of the most prevalent parasitic infections worldwide, schistosomiasis is caused by blood-flukes of the genus Schistosoma. Pathology coincides with egg production, which is started upon pairing of the dioeciously living adults. A constant pairing contact is required to induce mitoses and differentiation processes in the female leading to the development of the gonads. Although long known, the molecular processes controlling gonad development or egg-production in schistosomes or other platyhelminths are largely unknown. Using an established in vitro-culture system and specific, chemical inhibitors we have obtained first evidence in previous studies for the participation of signal transduction processes playing essential roles in controlling mitoses, differentiation and egg production. In the present study we applied combinatory inhibitor treatments combined with subsequent microarray and qPCR analyses and demonstrate for the first time that cooperating Src-Kinase- und TGFβ-signaling pathways control mitoses and egg formation processes. Besides direct evidence for managing transcription of eggshell-forming genes, new target molecules of these pathways were identified. Among these are calcium-associated genes providing a first hint towards a role of this ion for reproduction. Our finding shed first light on the signaling mechanisms controlling egg formation, which is important for life-cycling and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Buro
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katia C. Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Zhigang Lu
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Silke Leutner
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Svenja Beckmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Colette Dissous
- CIIL - Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Katia Cailliau
- Laboratoire de Régulation des Signaux de Division, Université Lille 1 Sciences et Technology, EA 4479, IFR 147, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
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Dual targeting of insulin and venus kinase Receptors of Schistosoma mansoni for novel anti-schistosome therapy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2226. [PMID: 23696913 PMCID: PMC3656120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chemotherapy of schistosomiasis relies on a single drug, Praziquantel (PZQ) and mass-use of this compound has led to emergence of resistant strains of Schistosoma mansoni, therefore pointing out the necessity to find alternative drugs. Through their essential functions in development and metabolism, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) could represent valuable drug targets for novel anti-schistosome chemotherapies. Taking advantage of the similarity between the catalytic domains of S. mansoni insulin receptors (SmIR1 and SmIR2) and Venus Kinase Receptors (SmVKR1 and SmVKR2), we studied the possibility to fight schistosomes by targeting simultaneously the four receptors with a single drug. Methodology/Principal Findings Several commercial RTK inhibitors were tested for their potential to inhibit the kinase activities of SmIR1, SmIR2, SmVKR1 and SmVKR2 intracellular domains (ICD) expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We measured the inhibitory effect of chemicals on meiosis resumption induced by the active ICD of the schistosome kinases in oocytes. The IR inhibitor, tyrphostin AG1024, was the most potent inhibitory compound towards SmIR and SmVKR kinases. In vitro studies then allowed us to show that AG1024 affected the viability of both schistosomula and adult worms of S. mansoni. At micromolar doses, AG1024 induced apoptosis and caused schistosomula death in a dose-dependent manner. In adult worms, AG1024 provoked alterations of reproductive organs, as observed by confocal laser scanner microscopy. With 5 µM AG1024, parasites were no more feeding and laying eggs, and they died within 48 h with 10 µM. Conclusion/Significance IRs and VKRs are essential in S. mansoni for key biological processes including glucose uptake, metabolism and reproduction. Our results demonstrate that inhibiting the kinase potential and function of these receptors by a single chemical compound AG1024 at low concentrations, leads to death of schistosomula and adult worms. Thus, AG1024 represents a valuable hit compound for further design of anti-kinase drugs applicable to anti-schistosome chemotherapy. Schistosomiasis is a chronic, debilitating disease that affects over 200 million people in the world. The pathology of schistosomiasis is caused mainly by host immune responses to parasite eggs and due to the formation of granulomas in liver and other tissues. There is no vaccine for schistosomiasis and treatment relies essentially on a single drug, Praziquantel. However, reduced susceptibility of schistosome isolates to Praziquantel has been reported, raising serious concerns about the need to develop new drugs against schistosomes. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) control many cellular and developmental processes and they are important targets in cancer therapy. In this paper, we have investigated the possibility to fight schistosomes by targeting with a single drug, insulin receptors (IRs) involved in parasite growth and metabolism and Venus Kinase Receptors (VKRs) which are unusual IR-like RTKs expressed in the parasite reproductive organs of Schistosoma mansoni. Diverse RTK inhibitors have been tested on kinase activities of these RTKs. The well-known IR inhibitor, tyrphostin AG1024, was demonstrated to be a potent inhibitor of both S. mansoni VKRs and IRs, able to induce in vitro death of larvae and adult worms at micromolar doses. AG1024 could represent a good hit compound for the development of novel drugs against schistosomes.
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Genomics of Loa loa, a Wolbachia-free filarial parasite of humans. Nat Genet 2013; 45:495-500. [PMID: 23525074 PMCID: PMC4238225 DOI: 10.1038/ng.2585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Loa loa, the African eyeworm, is a major filarial pathogen of humans. Unlike most filariae, Loa loa does not contain the obligate intracellular Wolbachia endosymbiont. We describe the 91.4 Mb genome of Loa loa, and the genome of the related filarial parasite Wuchereria bancrofti, and predict 14,907 Loa loa genes based on microfilarial RNA sequencing. By comparing these genomes to that of another filarial parasite, Brugia malayi, and to several other nematode genomes, we demonstrate synteny among filariae but not with non-parasitic nematodes. The Loa loa genome encodes many immunologically relevant genes, as well as protein kinases targeted by drugs currently approved for humans. Despite lacking Wolbachia, Loa loa shows no new metabolic synthesis or transport capabilities compared to other filariae. These results suggest that the role played by Wolbachia in filarial biology is more subtle than previously thought and reveal marked differences between parasitic and non-parasitic nematodes.
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Long T, Vanderstraete M, Cailliau K, Morel M, Lescuyer A, Gouignard N, Grevelding CG, Browaeys E, Dissous C. SmSak, the second Polo-like kinase of the helminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni: conserved and unexpected roles in meiosis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40045. [PMID: 22768216 PMCID: PMC3386946 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinases (Plks) are a family of conserved regulators of a variety of events throughout the cell cycle, expanded from one Plk in yeast to five Plks in mammals (Plk1-5). Plk1 is the best characterized member of the Plk family, homolog to the founding member Polo of Drosophila, and plays a major role in cell cycle progression by triggering G2/M transition. Plk4/Sak (for Snk (Serum-inducible kinase) akin kinase) is a unique member of the family, structurally distinct from other Plk members, with essential functions in centriole duplication. The genome of the trematode parasite Schistosoma mansoni contains only two Plk genes encoding SmPlk1 and SmSak. SmPlk1 has been shown already to be required for gametogenesis and parasite reproduction. In this work, in situ hybridization indicated that the structurally conserved Plk4 protein, SmSak, was largely expressed in schistosome female ovary and vitellarium. Expression of SmSak in Xenopus oocytes confirmed its Plk4 conserved function in centriole amplification. Moreover, analysis of the function of SmSak in meiosis progression of G2-blocked Xenopus oocytes indicated that, in contrast to SmPlk1, SmSak cannot induce G2/M transition in the absence of endogenous Plk1 (Plx1). Unexpectedly, meiosis progression was spontaneously observed in Plx1-depleted oocytes co-expressing SmSak and SmPlk1. Molecular interaction between SmSak and SmPlk1 was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation of both proteins. These data indicate that Plk1 and Plk4 proteins have the potential to interact and cross-activate in cells, thus attributing for the first time a potential role of Plk4 proteins in meiosis/mitosis entry. This unexpected role of SmSak in meiosis could be relevant to further consider the function of this novel Plk in schistosome reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thavy Long
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, University Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Mathieu Vanderstraete
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, University Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Katia Cailliau
- EA 4479, IFR 147, Universite Lille 1 Sciences et Technologies, Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
| | - Marion Morel
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, University Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Arlette Lescuyer
- EA 4479, IFR 147, Universite Lille 1 Sciences et Technologies, Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
| | - Nadege Gouignard
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, University Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - Edith Browaeys
- EA 4479, IFR 147, Universite Lille 1 Sciences et Technologies, Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
| | - Colette Dissous
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, University Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
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