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Bras G, Satala D, Juszczak M, Kulig K, Wronowska E, Bednarek A, Zawrotniak M, Rapala-Kozik M, Karkowska-Kuleta J. Secreted Aspartic Proteinases: Key Factors in Candida Infections and Host-Pathogen Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4775. [PMID: 38731993 PMCID: PMC11084781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular proteases are key factors contributing to the virulence of pathogenic fungi from the genus Candida. Their proteolytic activities are crucial for extracting nutrients from the external environment, degrading host defenses, and destabilizing the internal balance of the human organism. Currently, the enzymes most frequently described in this context are secreted aspartic proteases (Saps). This review comprehensively explores the multifaceted roles of Saps, highlighting their importance in biofilm formation, tissue invasion through the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins and components of the coagulation cascade, modulation of host immune responses via impairment of neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage functions, and their contribution to antifungal resistance. Additionally, the diagnostic challenges associated with Candida infections and the potential of Saps as biomarkers were discussed. Furthermore, we examined the prospects of developing vaccines based on Saps and the use of protease inhibitors as adjunctive therapies for candidiasis. Given the complex biology of Saps and their central role in Candida pathogenicity, a multidisciplinary approach may pave the way for innovative diagnostic strategies and open new opportunities for innovative clinical interventions against candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazyna Bras
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Dorota Satala
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Magdalena Juszczak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Kamila Kulig
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Ewelina Wronowska
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Aneta Bednarek
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Zawrotniak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
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Santos ALS, Braga-Silva LA, Gonçalves DS, Ramos LS, Oliveira SSC, Souza LOP, Oliveira VS, Lins RD, Pinto MR, Muñoz JE, Taborda CP, Branquinha MH. Repositioning Lopinavir, an HIV Protease Inhibitor, as a Promising Antifungal Drug: Lessons Learned from Candida albicans-In Silico, In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7060424. [PMID: 34071195 PMCID: PMC8229492 DOI: 10.3390/jof7060424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The repurposing strategy was applied herein to evaluate the effects of lopinavir, an aspartic protease inhibitor currently used in the treatment of HIV-infected individuals, on the globally widespread opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida albicans by using in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches in order to decipher its targets on fungal cells and its antifungal mechanisms of action. Secreted aspartic proteases (Saps) are the obviously main target of lopinavir. To confirm this hypothesis, molecular docking assays revealed that lopinavir bound to the Sap2 catalytic site of C. albicans as well as inhibited the Sap hydrolytic activity in a typically dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of Saps culminated in the inability of C. albicans yeasts to assimilate the unique nitrogen source (albumin) available in the culture medium, culminating with fungal growth inhibition (IC50 = 39.8 µM). The antifungal action of lopinavir was corroborated by distinct microscopy analyses, which evidenced drastic and irreversible changes in the morphology that justified the fungal death. Furthermore, our results revealed that lopinavir was able to (i) arrest the yeasts-into-hyphae transformation, (ii) disturb the synthesis of neutral lipids, including ergosterol, (iii) modulate the surface-located molecules, such as Saps and mannose-, sialic acid- and N-acetylglucosamine-containing glycoconjugates, (iv) diminish the secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, such as Saps and esterase, (v) negatively influence the biofilm formation on polystyrene surface, (vi) block the in vitro adhesion to epithelial cells, (vii) contain the in vivo infection in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice and (viii) reduce the Sap production by yeasts recovered from kidneys of infected animals. Conclusively, the exposed results highlight that lopinavir may be used as a promising repurposing drug against C. albicans infection as well as may be used as a lead compound for the development of novel antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- André L. S. Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (L.A.B.-S.); (D.S.G.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.O.P.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
- Correspondence: (A.L.S.S.); (M.H.B.); Tel.: +55-21-3938-0366 (A.L.S.S.)
| | - Lys A. Braga-Silva
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (L.A.B.-S.); (D.S.G.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.O.P.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Diego S. Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (L.A.B.-S.); (D.S.G.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.O.P.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Lívia S. Ramos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (L.A.B.-S.); (D.S.G.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.O.P.S.)
| | - Simone S. C. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (L.A.B.-S.); (D.S.G.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.O.P.S.)
| | - Lucieri O. P. Souza
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (L.A.B.-S.); (D.S.G.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.O.P.S.)
| | - Vanessa S. Oliveira
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife 50740-465, Brazil; (V.S.O.); (R.D.L.)
| | - Roberto D. Lins
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife 50740-465, Brazil; (V.S.O.); (R.D.L.)
| | - Marcia R. Pinto
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói 24210-130, Brazil;
| | - Julian E. Muñoz
- MICROS Group, Medicine Traslacional Institute, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia;
| | - Carlos P. Taborda
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-060, Brazil;
- Laboratório de Micologia Médica—LIM53/IMTSP, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Marta H. Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (L.A.B.-S.); (D.S.G.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.O.P.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.L.S.S.); (M.H.B.); Tel.: +55-21-3938-0366 (A.L.S.S.)
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Medina Marrero R, Marrero-Ponce Y, Barigye SJ, Echeverría Díaz Y, Acevedo-Barrios R, Casañola-Martín GM, García Bernal M, Torrens F, Pérez-Giménez F. QuBiLs-MAS method in early drug discovery and rational drug identification of antifungal agents. SAR AND QSAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 26:943-58. [PMID: 26567876 DOI: 10.1080/1062936x.2015.1104517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The QuBiLs-MAS approach is used for the in silico modelling of the antifungal activity of organic molecules. To this effect, non-stochastic (NS) and simple-stochastic (SS) atom-based quadratic indices are used to codify chemical information for a comprehensive dataset of 2478 compounds having a great structural variability, with 1087 of them being antifungal agents, covering the broadest antifungal mechanisms of action known so far. The NS and SS index-based antifungal activity classification models obtained using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) yield correct classification percentages of 90.73% and 92.47%, respectively, for the training set. Additionally, these models are able to correctly classify 92.16% and 87.56% of 706 compounds in an external test set. A comparison of the statistical parameters of the QuBiLs-MAS LDA-based models with those for models reported in the literature reveals comparable to superior performance, although the latter were built over much smaller and less diverse datasets, representing fewer mechanisms of action. It may therefore be inferred that the QuBiLs-MAS method constitutes a valuable tool useful in the design and/or selection of new and broad spectrum agents against life-threatening fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Medina Marrero
- a Computer-Aided Molecular 'Biosilico' Discovery and Bioinformatic Research International Network (CAMD-BIR-IN) , Cartagena de Indias , Bolivar , Colombia
- b Department of Microbiology , Chemical Bioactive Center, Central University of Las Villas , Villa Clara , Cuba
| | - Y Marrero-Ponce
- a Computer-Aided Molecular 'Biosilico' Discovery and Bioinformatic Research International Network (CAMD-BIR-IN) , Cartagena de Indias , Bolivar , Colombia
- c Grupo de Investigación en Estudios Químicos y Biológicos, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas , Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar , Cartagena de Indias , Bolívar , Colombia
- d Unidad de Investigación de Diseño de Fármacos y Conectividad Molecular, Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Farmacia , Universitat de València , Valencia , Spain
- h Grupo de Investigación Microbiología y Ambiente (GIMA) . Programa de Bacteriología, Facultad Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de San Buenaventura , Calle Real de Ternera, 130010, Cartagena (Bolivar) , Colombia
| | - S J Barigye
- a Computer-Aided Molecular 'Biosilico' Discovery and Bioinformatic Research International Network (CAMD-BIR-IN) , Cartagena de Indias , Bolivar , Colombia
- e Departamento de Química , Universidade Federal de Lavras , Lavras , MG , Brazil
| | - Y Echeverría Díaz
- a Computer-Aided Molecular 'Biosilico' Discovery and Bioinformatic Research International Network (CAMD-BIR-IN) , Cartagena de Indias , Bolivar , Colombia
| | - R Acevedo-Barrios
- c Grupo de Investigación en Estudios Químicos y Biológicos, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas , Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar , Cartagena de Indias , Bolívar , Colombia
| | - G M Casañola-Martín
- a Computer-Aided Molecular 'Biosilico' Discovery and Bioinformatic Research International Network (CAMD-BIR-IN) , Cartagena de Indias , Bolivar , Colombia
- d Unidad de Investigación de Diseño de Fármacos y Conectividad Molecular, Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Farmacia , Universitat de València , Valencia , Spain
- f Facultad de Ingeniería Ambiental , Universidad Estatal Amazónica , Puyo , Ecuador
| | - M García Bernal
- b Department of Microbiology , Chemical Bioactive Center, Central University of Las Villas , Villa Clara , Cuba
| | - F Torrens
- g Institut Universitari de Ciència Molecular, Universitat de València , Valencia , Spain
| | - F Pérez-Giménez
- d Unidad de Investigación de Diseño de Fármacos y Conectividad Molecular, Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Farmacia , Universitat de València , Valencia , Spain
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Triangular gold nanoparticles conjugated with peptide ligands: A new class of inhibitor for Candida albicans secreted aspartyl proteinase. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 90:349-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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5
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Bicyclic peptidomimetics targeting secreted aspartic protease 2 (SAP2) from Candida albicans reveal a constrained inhibitory chemotype. Bioorg Med Chem 2012; 20:7206-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Calugi C, Guarna A, Trabocchi A. Insight into the structural similarity between HIV protease and secreted aspartic protease-2 and binding mode analysis of HIV-Candida albicans inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2012; 28:936-43. [PMID: 22803674 DOI: 10.3109/14756366.2012.696245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of the structural similarity between Candida albicans Sap2 and HIV-1 aspartic proteases by molecular modeling gave insight into the common requirements for inhibition of both targets. Structure superimposition of Sap2 and HIV-1 protease confirmed the similarity between their active sites and flap regions. HIV-1 protease inhibitors herein investigated can fit the active site of Sap2, adopting very similar ligand-backbone conformations. In particular, key anchoring sites consisting of Gly85 in Sap2 and Ile50 in HIV-1 protease, both belonging to their corresponding flap regions, were found as elements of a similar binding-mode interaction. The knowledge of the molecular basis for binding to both Sap2 and HIV-1 proteases may ultimately lead to the development of single inhibitor acting on both targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Calugi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence , Florence , Italy
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Identification of novel potential β-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidase inhibitors by virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulation and MM-PBSA calculations. Int J Mol Sci 2012; 13:4545-4563. [PMID: 22605995 PMCID: PMC3344231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms13044545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chitinolytic β-N-acetyl-d-hexosaminidases, as a class of chitin hydrolysis enzyme in insects, are a potential species-specific target for developing environmentally-friendly pesticides. Until now, pesticides targeting chitinolytic β-N-acetyl-d-hexosaminidase have not been developed. This study demonstrates a combination of different theoretical methods for investigating the key structural features of this enzyme responsible for pesticide inhibition, thus allowing for the discovery of novel small molecule inhibitors. Firstly, based on the currently reported crystal structure of this protein (OfHex1.pdb), we conducted a pre-screening of a drug-like compound database with 8 × 106 compounds by using the expanded pesticide-likeness criteria, followed by docking-based screening, obtaining 5 top-ranked compounds with favorable docking conformation into OfHex1. Secondly, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations are performed for the five complexes and demonstrate that one main hydrophobic pocket formed by residues Trp424, Trp448 and Trp524, which is significant for stabilization of the ligand–receptor complex, and key residues Asp477 and Trp490, are respectively responsible for forming hydrogen-bonding and π–π stacking interactions with the ligands. Finally, the molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) analysis indicates that van der Waals interactions are the main driving force for the inhibitor binding that agrees with the fact that the binding pocket of OfHex1 is mainly composed of hydrophobic residues. These results suggest that screening the ZINC database can maximize the identification of potential OfHex1 inhibitors and the computational protocol will be valuable for screening potential inhibitors of the binding mode, which is useful for the future rational design of novel, potent OfHex1-specific pesticides.
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Trabocchi A, Mannino C, Machetti F, De Bernardis F, Arancia S, Cauda R, Cassone A, Guarna A. Identification of Inhibitors of Drug-Resistant Candida albicans Strains from a Library of Bicyclic Peptidomimetic Compounds. J Med Chem 2010; 53:2502-9. [DOI: 10.1021/jm901734u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Trabocchi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Polo Scientifico e Tecnologico, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudia Mannino
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Polo Scientifico e Tecnologico, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Machetti
- ICCOM- CNR, c/o Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Polo Scientifico e Tecnologico, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Flavia De Bernardis
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic, and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Arancia
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic, and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Cauda
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Cassone
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic, and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Guarna
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Polo Scientifico e Tecnologico, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
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Falkensammer B, Pleyer L, Ressler S, Berg A, Borg-von Zepelin M, Nagl M, Lass-Flörl C, Speth C, Dierich MP, Würzner R. Basidiomycete metabolites attenuate virulence properties of Candida albicans in vitro. Mycoses 2008; 51:505-14. [PMID: 18422912 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2008.01515.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Secreted aspartic proteases (Saps) represent an important virulence factor facilitating fungal adherence. Several protease inhibitors (PIs), including HIV PIs, have been shown to reduce Candida adhesion. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether or not the recently discovered PIs Aureoquinone and Laccaridiones A and B, isolated from Basidiomycete cultures, or Bestatin, act as Sap-inhibitors and/or inhibitors of fungal adhesion. Drug effects on candidial Sap-production were determined by Sap-ELISA. Control tubes, in the absence of drug, served as positive controls, while tubes excluding both drug and proteinase induction medium were used as negative controls. Aureoquinone as well as Laccaridiones A and B, but not Bestatin, significantly inhibited Candida albicans adhesion to both epithelial and endothelial cells in a dose dependent manner and also reduced Sap-release (effects were not because of a direct interaction of the Basidiomycete metabolites with secreted Saps). Laccaridione B was consistently found to be the most effective PI tested. Interestingly, these drugs are neither fungistatic nor fungicidal at the concentrations applied. Laccaridione B may represent a promising novel type of antimycotic drug--targeting virulence factors without killing the yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Falkensammer
- Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Social Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
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Degel B, Staib P, Rohrer S, Scheiber J, Martina E, Büchold C, Baumann K, Morschhäuser J, Schirmeister T. Cis-Configured Aziridines Are New Pseudo-Irreversible Dual-Mode Inhibitors ofCandida albicans Secreted Aspartic Protease 2. ChemMedChem 2008; 3:302-15. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.200700101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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11
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Pauli A. Anticandidal low molecular compounds from higher plants with special reference to compounds from essential oils. Med Res Rev 2006; 26:223-68. [PMID: 16331694 DOI: 10.1002/med.20050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The most active low molecular weight compounds from higher plants against Candida species are compiled from a database of antimicrobials (Amicbase) to find out new hints on their mechanism of action. The selected compounds possess strong inhibitory activities in vitro against Candida species either in the agar diffusion test, bioautography, agar dilution test, serial dilution test, or activity in the vapour phase. The test conditions are listed thoroughly and aspects of the different methods and recent developments in the testing of anticandidal drugs are discussed. The anticandidal spectra of drugs, antiseptics, and disinfectants licensed on the major markets are given for comparison of activities with compounds from natural sources. So far known mechanisms of action are described and some new structure-activity relationships are deduced from relationships between biological activities and chemical and physical parameters. Main specific targets of natural anticandidals are the ergosterol pathway, respiratory chain, and chitin biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pauli
- ReviewScience, 90513 Zirndorf, Germany.
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Abstract
Comparative analyses of fungal genomes and molecular research on genes associated with fungal viability and virulence has led to the identification of many putative targets for novel antifungal agents. So far the rational approach to antifungal discovery, in which compounds are optimized against an individual target then progressed to efficacy against intact fungi and ultimately to infected humans has delivered no new agents. However, the approach continues to hold promise for the future. This review critically assesses the molecular target-based approach to antifungal discovery, outlines problems and pitfalls inherent in the genomics and target discovery strategies and describes the status of heavily investigated examples of target-based research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank C Odds
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK.
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Ruge E, Korting HC, Borelli C. Current state of three-dimensional characterisation of antifungal targets and its use for molecular modelling in drug design. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2005; 26:427-41. [PMID: 16289513 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2005.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The alarming rise in life-threatening systemic fungal infections due to the emergence of drug-resistant fungal strains had produced an increased demand for new antimycotics, especially those targeting novel antifungal structures. Drug discovery has developed from screening natural products and chemical synthesis to a modern approach, namely structure-based drug design. Whilst many antifungal agents currently in use were discovered more than 30 years ago, characterisation of various drug targets has only been achieved recently, contributing immensely to understanding the structure-activity relationships of antifungals and their targets. Three-dimensional characterisation has become a well established tool for modern antifungal drug research and should play an important role in investigations for new antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ruge
- Department of Dermatology, University of Munich, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337 Munich, Germany.
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Caffrey CR, Placha L, Barinka C, Hradilek M, Dostál J, Sajid M, McKerrow JH, Majer P, Konvalinka J, Vondrásek J. Homology modeling and SAR analysis of Schistosoma japonicum cathepsin D (SjCD) with statin inhibitors identify a unique active site steric barrier with potential for the design of specific inhibitors. Biol Chem 2005; 386:339-49. [PMID: 15899696 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2005.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Proteases that digest the blood-meal of the parasitic fluke Schistosoma are potential targets for therapy of schistosomiasis, a disease of chronic morbidity in humans. We generated a three-dimensional model of the cathepsin D target protease of Schistosoma japonicum (SjCD) utilizing the crystal structure of human cathepsin D (huCD) in complex with pepstatin as template. A homology model was also generated for the related secreted aspartic protease 2 (SAP2) of the pathogenic yeast, Candida albicans. An initial panel of seven statin inhibitors, originally designed for huCD [Majer et al., Protein Sci. 6 (1997), pp. 1458–1466], was tested against the two pathogen proteases. One inhibitor showed poor reactivity with SjCD. Examination of the SjCD active-site cleft revealed that the poor inhibition was due to a unique steric barrier situated between the S2 and S4 subsites. An in silico screen of 20 potential statin scaffolds with the SjCD model and incorporating the steric barrier constraint was performed. Four inhibitors (SJ1–SJ4) were eventually synthesized and tested with SjCD, bovine CD and SAP2. Of these, SJ2 and SJ3 proved moderately more specific for SjCD over bovine CD, with IC50 values of 15 and 60 nM, respectively. The unique steric barrier identified here provides a structural focus for further development of more specific SjCD inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor R Caffrey
- Sandler Center for Basic Research in Parasitic Diseases, University of California at San Francisco, Box 0511, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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15
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da Cunha EFF, de Castro Ramalho T, Bicca de Alencastro R, Maia ER. Interactions of 5-deazapteridine derivatives with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and with human dihydrofolate reductases. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2005; 22:119-30. [PMID: 15317473 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2004.10506988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
There are major differences between the structures of human dihydrofolate reductase (hDHFR) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis dihydrofolate reductase (mtDHFR). These differences may allow us to design more selective mtDHFR inhibitors. In this paper we study the reactions of six different compounds derived from 5-deazapteridine with human and bacterial enzymes. Results suggest that the addition of hydrophobic groups to the aminophenyl ring would increase mtDHFR-inhibitor affinity and selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine F F da Cunha
- Instituto de Quimica da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro--UFRJ, Departamento de Quimica Organica, Centro de Tecnologia-Bl A-Sala 609, Ilha do Fundao, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21949-900 - RJ--Brazil.
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16
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Tossi A, Benedetti F, Norbedo S, Skrbec D, Berti F, Romeo D. Small hydroxyethylene-based peptidomimetics inhibiting both HIV-1 and C. albicans aspartic proteases. Bioorg Med Chem 2004; 11:4719-27. [PMID: 14556787 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2003.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We have extended a highly flexible method for rapidly assembling aspartic protease inhibitors to produce symmetric and asymmetric monohydroxyethylene peptidomimetics. This method is based on the prior synthesis of the central non-cleavable peptide-bond isostere [NH(2)-P(1)psiP1'-NH(2); psi=hydroxyethylene isostere, HNCH(Bz)CHOHCH(2)CH(Bz)NH], with the possibility of accurately controlling its stereochemistry (S,S,S or S,R,S), and subsequently adding appropriate flanking units, chosen from commercially available amino acids, aromatic carboxylic acids, or phenoxyacetic acid (Poa) derivatives. The method was used to make asymmetric inhibitors of general formula Kyn-Xaa-PhepsiPhe-dmPoa, (Kyn=kynurenic acid, Xaa=Val, Thr or D-thienylglycine, M(r)=716-754) and symmetric inhibitors of formula xPoa-PhepsiPhe-xPoa (xPoa=Poa or dimethyl-, hydroxy-, formyl- or acetyl-Poa, M(r)=553-609), with logP(o/w) values ranging from 4.1 to 7.6. Inhibition of HIV-PR did not depend on the stereochemistry of the hydroxyl group, while it depended markedly on the substituents present on the Poa residues, with dmPoa being preferred over Poa or its more hydrophilic derivatives. Conversely, inhibition of Candida albicans Sap2 was higher for the S,S,S epimers, and Poa or its hydrophilic derivatives were preferred over dmPoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tossi
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
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Current awareness on yeast. Yeast 2002; 19:805-12. [PMID: 12112235 DOI: 10.1002/yea.825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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