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Ye J, Kan CH, Zheng Y, Tsang TF, Chu AJ, Chan KH, Yang X, Ma C. Sulfonamidyl derivatives of sigmacidin: Protein-protein interaction inhibitors targeting bacterial RNA polymerase and sigma factor interaction exhibiting antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:106983. [PMID: 38016396 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
RNA polymerase is an essential enzyme involved in bacterial transcription, playing a crucial role in RNA synthesis. However, it requires the association with sigma factors to initiate this process. In our previous work, we utilized a structure-based drug discovery approach to create benzoyl and benzyl benzoic acid compounds. These compounds were designed based on the amino acid residues within the key binding site of sigma factors, which are crucial for their interaction with RNA polymerase. By inhibiting bacterial transcription, these compounds exhibited notable antimicrobial activity, and we coined them as sigmacidins to highlight their resemblance to sigma factors and the benzoic acid structure. In this study, we further modified the compound scaffolds and developed a series of sulfonamidyl benzoic acid derivatives. These derivatives displayed potent antimicrobial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) as low as 1 µg/mL, demonstrating their efficacy against bacteria. Furthermore, these compounds demonstrated low cytotoxicity, indicating their potential as safe antimicrobial agents. To ascertain their mechanism of action in interfering with bacterial transcription, we conducted biochemical and cellular assays. Overall, this study showcases the effectiveness of sulfonamidyl benzoic acid derivatives as antimicrobial agents by targeting protein-protein interactions involving RNA polymerase and sigma factors. Their strong antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity implicate their potential in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiqing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cheuk Hei Kan
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yingbo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Tsz Fung Tsang
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Adrian Jun Chu
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - King Hong Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Cong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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2
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Arseniev A, Panfilov M, Pobegalov G, Potyseva A, Pavlinova P, Yakunina M, Lee J, Borukhov S, Severinov K, Khodorkovskii M. Single-molecule studies reveal the off-pathway elemental pause state as a target of streptolydigin inhibition of RNA polymerase and its dramatic enhancement by Gre factors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.05.542125. [PMID: 37333075 PMCID: PMC10274647 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.05.542125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic streptolydigin (Stl) inhibits bacterial transcription by blocking the trigger loop folding in the active center of RNA polymerase (RNAP), which is essential for catalysis. We use acoustic force spectroscopy to characterize the dynamics of transcription elongation in ternary elongation complexes of RNAP (ECs) in the presence of Stl at a single-molecule level. We found that Stl induces long-lived stochastic pauses while the instantaneous velocity of transcription between the pauses is unaffected. Stl enhances the short-lived pauses associated with an off-pathway elemental paused state of the RNAP nucleotide addition cycle. Unexpectedly, we found that transcript cleavage factors GreA and GreB, which were thought to be Stl competitors, do not alleviate the streptolydigin-induced pausing; instead, they synergistically increase transcription inhibition by Stl. This is the first known instance of a transcriptional factor enhancing antibiotic activity. We propose a structural model of the EC-Gre-Stl complex that explains the observed Stl activities and provides insight into possible cooperative action of secondary channel factors and other antibiotics binding at the Stl-pocket. These results offer a new strategy for high-throughput screening for prospective antibacterial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatolii Arseniev
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Mikhail Panfilov
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Georgii Pobegalov
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alina Potyseva
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Polina Pavlinova
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maria Yakunina
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Jookyung Lee
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ 08084-1489, USA
| | - Sergei Borukhov
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ 08084-1489, USA
| | - Konstantin Severinov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, United States
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3
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Ye J, Yang X, Ma C. Ligand-Based Drug Design of Novel Antimicrobials against Staphylococcus aureus by Targeting Bacterial Transcription. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010339. [PMID: 36613782 PMCID: PMC9820117 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a common human commensal pathogen that causes a wide range of infectious diseases. Due to the generation of antimicrobial resistance, the pathogen becomes resistant to more and more antibiotics, resulting in methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and even multidrug-resistant S. aureus (MDRSA), namely 'superbugs'. This situation highlights the urgent need for novel antimicrobials. Bacterial transcription, which is responsible for bacterial RNA synthesis, is a valid but underutilized target for developing antimicrobials. Previously, we reported a novel class of antimicrobials, coined nusbiarylins, that inhibited bacterial transcription by interrupting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between two transcription factors NusB and NusE. In this work, we developed a ligand-based workflow based on the chemical structures of nusbiarylins and their activity against S. aureus. The ligand-based models-including the pharmacophore model, 3D QSAR, AutoQSAR, and ADME/T calculation-were integrated and used in the following virtual screening of the ChemDiv PPI database. As a result, four compounds, including J098-0498, 1067-0401, M013-0558, and F186-026, were identified as potential antimicrobials against S. aureus, with predicted pMIC values ranging from 3.8 to 4.2. The docking study showed that these molecules bound to NusB tightly with the binding free energy ranging from -58 to -66 kcal/mol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiqing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Correspondence: (X.Y.); (C.M.)
| | - Cong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Correspondence: (X.Y.); (C.M.)
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4
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Qiu Y, Chu AJ, Tsang TF, Zheng Y, Lam NM, Li KSL, Ip M, Yang X, Ma C. Synthesis and biological evaluation of nusbiarylin derivatives as bacterial rRNA synthesis inhibitor with potent antimicrobial activity against MRSA and VRSA. Bioorg Chem 2022; 124:105863. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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5
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Kirsch SH, Haeckl FPJ, Müller R. Beyond the approved: target sites and inhibitors of bacterial RNA polymerase from bacteria and fungi. Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:1226-1263. [PMID: 35507039 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00067e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2016 to 2022RNA polymerase (RNAP) is the central enzyme in bacterial gene expression representing an attractive and validated target for antibiotics. Two well-known and clinically approved classes of natural product RNAP inhibitors are the rifamycins and the fidaxomycins. Rifampicin (Rif), a semi-synthetic derivative of rifamycin, plays a crucial role as a first line antibiotic in the treatment of tuberculosis and a broad range of bacterial infections. However, more and more pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis develop resistance, not only against Rif and other RNAP inhibitors. To overcome this problem, novel RNAP inhibitors exhibiting different target sites are urgently needed. This review includes recent developments published between 2016 and today. Particular focus is placed on novel findings concerning already known bacterial RNAP inhibitors, the characterization and development of new compounds isolated from bacteria and fungi, and providing brief insights into promising new synthetic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne H Kirsch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany. .,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - F P Jake Haeckl
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany. .,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany. .,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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6
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QSAR, Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of Sigmacidins as Antimicrobials against Streptococci. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084085. [PMID: 35456906 PMCID: PMC9025105 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococci are a family of bacterial species significantly affecting human health. In addition, environmental Streptococci represent one of the major causes of diverse livestock diseases. Due to antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent need for novel antimicrobial agent discovery against Streptococci. We discovered a class of benzoic acid derivatives named sigmacidins inhibiting the bacterial RNA polymerase-σ factor interaction and demonstrating excellent antimicrobial activity against Streptococci. In this work, a combinational computer approach was applied to gain insight into the structural basis and mechanism of action of sigmacidins as antimicrobials against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Both two- and three-dimensional quantitative structure-active relationships (2D and 3D QSAR) of sigmacidins displayed good predictive ability. Moreover, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies disclosed possible contacts between the inhibitors and the protein. The results obtained in this study provided understanding and new directions to the further optimizations of sigmacidins as novel antimicrobials.
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7
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Wenholz DS, Miller M, Dawson C, Bhadbhade M, Black DS, Griffith R, Dinh H, Cain A, Lewis P, Kumar N. Inhibitors of bacterial RNA polymerase transcription complex. Bioorg Chem 2021; 118:105481. [PMID: 34801947 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A series of hybrid compounds that incorporated anthranilic acid with activated 1H-indoles through a glyoxylamide linker were designed to target bacterial RNA polymerase holoenzyme formation using computational docking. Synthesis, in vitro transcription inhibition assays, and biological testing of the hybrids identified a range of potent anti-transcription inhibitors with activity against a range of pathogenic bacteria with MICs as low as 3.1 μM. A structure activity relationship study identified the key structural components necessary for inhibition of both bacterial growth and transcription. Correlation of in vitro transcription inhibition activity with in vivo mechanism of action was established using fluorescence microscopy and resistance passaging using Gram-positive bacteria showed no resistance development over 30 days. Furthermore, no toxicity was observed from the compounds in a wax moth larvae model, establishing a platform for the development of a series of new antibacterial drugs with an established mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Wenholz
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2502, Australia
| | - Michael Miller
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Catherine Dawson
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Mohan Bhadbhade
- Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - David StC Black
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2502, Australia
| | - Renate Griffith
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2502, Australia
| | - Hue Dinh
- Department of Biological Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Amy Cain
- Department of Biological Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Peter Lewis
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Naresh Kumar
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2502, Australia.
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8
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Ye J, Chu AJ, Lin L, Chan ST, Harper R, Xiao M, Artsimovitch I, Zuo Z, Ma C, Yang X. Benzyl and benzoyl benzoic acid inhibitors of bacterial RNA polymerase-sigma factor interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 208:112671. [PMID: 32920341 PMCID: PMC7680358 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Transcription is an essential biological process in bacteria requiring a core enzyme, RNA polymerase (RNAP). Bacterial RNAP is catalytically active but requires sigma (σ) factors for transcription of natural DNA templates. σ factor binds to RNAP to form a holoenzyme which specifically recognizes a promoter, melts the DNA duplex, and commences RNA synthesis. Inhibiting the binding of σ to RNAP is expected to inhibit bacterial transcription and growth. We previously identified a triaryl hit compound that mimics σ at its major binding site of RNAP, thereby inhibiting the RNAP holoenzyme formation. In this study, we modified this scaffold to provide a series of benzyl and benzoyl benzoic acid derivatives possessing improved antimicrobial activity. A representative compound demonstrated excellent activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis with minimum inhibitory concentrations reduced to 0.5 μg/mL, matching that of vancomycin. The molecular mechanism of inhibition was confirmed using biochemical and cellular assays. Low cytotoxicity and metabolic stability of compounds demonstrated the potential for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiqing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Adrian Jun Chu
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shu Ting Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rachel Harper
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Min Xiao
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Irina Artsimovitch
- Department of Microbiology and the Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Zhong Zuo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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9
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Iwasaki RS, Batey RT. SPRINT: a Cas13a-based platform for detection of small molecules. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:e101. [PMID: 32797156 PMCID: PMC7515716 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent efforts in biological engineering have made detection of nucleic acids in samples more rapid, inexpensive and sensitive using CRISPR-based approaches. We expand one of these Cas13a-based methods to detect small molecules in a one-batch assay. Using SHERLOCK-based profiling of in vitrotranscription (SPRINT), in vitro transcribed RNA sequence-specifically triggers the RNase activity of Cas13a. This event activates its non-specific RNase activity, which enables cleavage of an RNA oligonucleotide labeled with a quencher/fluorophore pair and thereby de-quenches the fluorophore. This fluorogenic output can be measured to assess transcriptional output. The use of riboswitches or proteins to regulate transcription via specific effector molecules is leveraged as a coupled assay that transforms effector concentration into fluorescence intensity. In this way, we quantified eight different compounds, including cofactors, nucleotides, metabolites of amino acids, tetracycline and monatomic ions in samples. In this manner, hundreds of reactions can be easily quantified in a few hours. This increased throughput also enables detailed characterization of transcriptional regulators, synthetic compounds that inhibit transcription, or other coupled enzymatic reactions. These SPRINT reactions are easily adaptable to portable formats and could therefore be used for the detection of analytes in the field or at point-of-care situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman S Iwasaki
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA
| | - Robert T Batey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA
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10
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Ye J, Chu AJ, Harper R, Chan ST, Shek TL, Zhang Y, Ip M, Sambir M, Artsimovitch I, Zuo Z, Yang X, Ma C. Discovery of Antibacterials That Inhibit Bacterial RNA Polymerase Interactions with Sigma Factors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:7695-7720. [PMID: 32633513 PMCID: PMC8091929 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Formation of a bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) holoenzyme by a catalytic core RNAP and a sigma (σ) initiation factor is essential for bacterial viability. As the primary binding site for the housekeeping σ factors, the RNAP clamp helix domain represents an attractive target for novel antimicrobial agent discovery. Previously, we designed a pharmacophore model based on the essential amino acids of the clamp helix, such as R278, R281, and I291 (Escherichia coli numbering), and identified hit compounds with antimicrobial activity that interfered with the core-σ interactions. In this work, we rationally designed and synthesized a class of triaryl derivatives of one hit compound and succeeded in drastically improving the antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, with the minimum inhibitory concentration reduced from 256 to 1 μg/mL. Additional characterization of antimicrobial activity, inhibition of transcription, in vitro pharmacological properties, and cytotoxicity of the optimized compounds demonstrated their potential for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiqing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Adrian Jun Chu
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Rachel Harper
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu Ting Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Tsun Lam Shek
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Yufeng Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Margaret Ip
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Mariya Sambir
- Department of Microbiology and the Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Irina Artsimovitch
- Department of Microbiology and the Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Zhong Zuo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
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11
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Tsang TF, Qiu Y, Lin L, Ye J, Ma C, Yang X. Simple Method for Studying in Vitro Protein-Protein Interactions Based on Protein Complementation and Its Application in Drug Screening Targeting Bacterial Transcription. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:521-527. [PMID: 30834747 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) underpin essential cellular processes of all organisms and are increasingly considered as drug targets. A number of techniques have been established to study PPIs; however, development of a simple and cost-effective method for in vitro high throughput screening of PPI inhibitors is still in demand or desirable. We report herein a simple method based on protein complementation for the in vitro study of PPIs, as well as screening of inhibitors against the PPI of interest. We have validated this system utilizing bacterial transcription factors NusB and NusE. Three derivatives of an inhibitor targeting the NusB-NusE interaction were synthesized and characterized with the system, which showed specific inhibition and antimicrobial activities. We have further confirmed the system with the RNA polymerase-σ interaction and an inhibitor. This system is expected to be suitable for more extensive high throughput screening of large chemical libraries. Additionally, our vector system can be easily adapted to study other PPI pairs, followed by inhibitor screening for hit identification in the application of early stage drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz Fung Tsang
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Yangyi Qiu
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, 18 Yue Xing 1st Road, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 11 Yuk Choi Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Jiqing Ye
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, 18 Yue Xing 1st Road, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 11 Yuk Choi Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Cong Ma
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, 18 Yue Xing 1st Road, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 11 Yuk Choi Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Shatin, Hong Kong
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12
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Protein‐protein interactions as antibiotic targets: A medicinal chemistry perspective. Med Res Rev 2018; 40:469-494. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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13
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Yang X, Luo MJ, Yeung ACM, Lewis PJ, Chan PKS, Ip M, Ma C. First-In-Class Inhibitor of Ribosomal RNA Synthesis with Antimicrobial Activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Biochemistry 2017; 56:5049-5052. [PMID: 28782938 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We report the discovery of the first bacterial ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis inhibitor that has specific antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A pharmacophore model was constructed on the basis of the protein-protein interaction between essential bacterial rRNA transcription factors NusB and NusE and employed for an in silico screen to identify potential leads. One compound, (E)-2-{[(3-ethynylphenyl)imino]methyl}-4-nitrophenol (MC4), demonstrated antimicrobial activity against a panel of S. aureus strains, including MRSA, without significant toxicity to mammalian cells. MC4 resulted in a decrease in the rRNA level in bacteria, and the target specificity of MC4 was confirmed at the molecular level. Results obtained from this work validated the bacterial rRNA transcription machinery as a novel antimicrobial target. This approach may be extended to other factors in rRNA transcription, and MC4 could be applied as a chemical probe to dissect the relationship among MRSA infection, MRSA growth rate, and rRNA synthesis, in addition to its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yang
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital , Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ming Jing Luo
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital , Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Apple C M Yeung
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital , Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Peter J Lewis
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Paul K S Chan
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital , Shatin, Hong Kong.,Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Margaret Ip
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital , Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Cong Ma
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and State Key Laboratory of Chirosciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Hung Hom, Hong Kong.,The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute , Shenzhen, China
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14
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Cossar PJ, Ma C, Gordon CP, Ambrus JI, Lewis PJ, McCluskey A. Identification and validation of small molecule modulators of the NusB-NusE interaction. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:162-167. [PMID: 27964882 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.11.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Formation of highly possessive antitermination complexes is crucial for the efficient transcription of stable RNA in all bacteria. A key step in the formation of these complexes is the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between N-utilisation substances (Nus) B and E and thus this PPI offers a novel target for a new antibiotic class. A pharmacophore developed via a secondary structure epitope approach was utilised to perform an in silico screen of the mini-Maybridge library (56,000 compounds) which identified 25 hits of which five compounds were synthetically tractable leads. Here we report the synthesis of these five leads and their biological evaluation as potential inhibitors of the NusB-NusE PPI. Two chemically diverse scaffolds were identified to be low micro molar potent PPI inhibitors, with compound (4,6-bis(2',4',3.4 tetramethoxyphenyl))pyrimidine-2-sulphonamido-N-4-acetamide 1 and N,N'-[1,4-butanediylbis(oxy-4,1-phenylene)]bis(N-ethyl)urea 3 exhibiting IC50 values of 6.1μM and 19.8μM, respectively. These inhibitors were also shown to be moderate inhibitors of Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Cossar
- Chemistry, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Cong Ma
- Biology, Centre for Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Christopher P Gordon
- Chemistry, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Joseph I Ambrus
- Chemistry, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Peter J Lewis
- Biology, Centre for Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Adam McCluskey
- Chemistry, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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15
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Lee J, Borukhov S. Bacterial RNA Polymerase-DNA Interaction-The Driving Force of Gene Expression and the Target for Drug Action. Front Mol Biosci 2016; 3:73. [PMID: 27882317 PMCID: PMC5101437 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2016.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-dependent multisubunit RNA polymerase (RNAP) is the key enzyme of gene expression and a target of regulation in all kingdoms of life. It is a complex multifunctional molecular machine which, unlike other DNA-binding proteins, engages in extensive and dynamic interactions (both specific and nonspecific) with DNA, and maintains them over a distance. These interactions are controlled by DNA sequences, DNA topology, and a host of regulatory factors. Here, we summarize key recent structural and biochemical studies that elucidate the fine details of RNAP-DNA interactions during initiation. The findings of these studies help unravel the molecular mechanisms of promoter recognition and open complex formation, initiation of transcript synthesis and promoter escape. We also discuss most current advances in the studies of drugs that specifically target RNAP-DNA interactions during transcription initiation and elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jookyung Lee
- Department of Cell Biology, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Sergei Borukhov
- Department of Cell Biology, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Stratford, NJ, USA
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16
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Bacterial Transcription as a Target for Antibacterial Drug Development. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2016; 80:139-60. [PMID: 26764017 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00055-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription, the first step of gene expression, is carried out by the enzyme RNA polymerase (RNAP) and is regulated through interaction with a series of protein transcription factors. RNAP and its associated transcription factors are highly conserved across the bacterial domain and represent excellent targets for broad-spectrum antibacterial agent discovery. Despite the numerous antibiotics on the market, there are only two series currently approved that target transcription. The determination of the three-dimensional structures of RNAP and transcription complexes at high resolution over the last 15 years has led to renewed interest in targeting this essential process for antibiotic development by utilizing rational structure-based approaches. In this review, we describe the inhibition of the bacterial transcription process with respect to structural studies of RNAP, highlight recent progress toward the discovery of novel transcription inhibitors, and suggest additional potential antibacterial targets for rational drug design.
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17
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Ma C, Yang X, Lewis PJ. Bacterial Transcription Inhibitor of RNA Polymerase Holoenzyme Formation by Structure-Based Drug Design: From in Silico Screening to Validation. ACS Infect Dis 2016; 2:39-46. [PMID: 27622946 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.5b00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial transcription is a proven target for antibacterial research. However, most of the known inhibitors targeting transcription are from natural extracts or are hits from screens where the binding site remains unidentified. Using an RNA polymerase holoenzyme homology structure from the model Gram-positive organism Bacillus subtilis, we created a pharmacophore model and used it for in silico screening of a publicly available library for compounds able to inhibit holoenzyme formation. The hits demonstrated specific affinity to bacterial RNA polymerase and excellent activity using in vitro assays and showed no binding to the equivalent structure from human RNA polymerase II. The target specificity in live cells and antibacterial activity was demonstrated in microscopy and growth inhibition experiments. This is the first example of targeted inhibitor development for a bacterial RNA polymerase, outlining a complete discovery process from virtual screening to biochemical validation. This approach could serve as an appropriate platform for the future identification of inhibitors of bacterial transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Ma
- School of Environmental and Life
Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Xiao Yang
- School of Environmental and Life
Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Peter J. Lewis
- School of Environmental and Life
Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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18
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Molecular scribes in the spotlight: Methods for illuminating Bacterial and Archaeal transcription. Methods 2015; 86:1-3. [PMID: 26192471 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2015.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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