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Milli G, Pellegrini A, Listro R, Fasolini M, Pagano K, Ragona L, Pietrocola G, Linciano P, Collina S. New LsrK Ligands as AI-2 Quorum Sensing Interfering Compounds against Biofilm Formation. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39384180 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a critical global health crisis. An innovative strategy to deal with AMR is to interfere with biofilm formation and bacterial quorum sensing (QS). In this study, newly designed autoinducer-2 (AI-2)-inspired compounds in targeting biofilm-associated infections were evaluated for their ability to inhibit biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The most effective compounds, 5d, 5e, and 7b, exhibited potent antibiofilm activity with minimal inhibitory concentrations in the low microgram per mL range. Detailed biological assays confirmed that the antibiofilm activity was primarily driven through AI-2 QS inhibition rather than direct antimicrobial effects. The combination of different spectroscopic techniques, such as differential scanning fluorimetry, intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, circular dichroism, and nuclear magnetic resonance, elucidated the binding between the compounds and the LsrK enzyme, a key player in AI-2 mediated QS. Our findings highlight the potential of these novel QS inhibitors as promising therapeutic agents against biofilm-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Milli
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Angelica Pellegrini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 3/b, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Roberta Listro
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Marina Fasolini
- Nerviano Medical Sciences s.r.l., Viale Pasteur 10, Nerviano, Milano 20014, Italy
| | - Katiuscia Pagano
- NMR Laboratory, Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", CNR, via Alfonso Corti, 12, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Laura Ragona
- NMR Laboratory, Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", CNR, via Alfonso Corti, 12, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Giampiero Pietrocola
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 3/b, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Simona Collina
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, Pavia 27100, Italy
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2
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Hetta HF, Ramadan YN, Rashed ZI, Alharbi AA, Alsharef S, Alkindy TT, Alkhamali A, Albalawi AS, Battah B, Donadu MG. Quorum Sensing Inhibitors: An Alternative Strategy to Win the Battle against Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Bacteria. Molecules 2024; 29:3466. [PMID: 39124871 PMCID: PMC11313800 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29153466] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a major problem and a major global health concern. In total, there are 16 million deaths yearly from infectious diseases, and at least 65% of infectious diseases are caused by microbial communities that proliferate through the formation of biofilms. Antibiotic overuse has resulted in the evolution of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microbial strains. As a result, there is now much more interest in non-antibiotic therapies for bacterial infections. Among these revolutionary, non-traditional medications is quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs). Bacterial cell-to-cell communication is known as quorum sensing (QS), and it is mediated by tiny diffusible signaling molecules known as autoinducers (AIs). QS is dependent on the density of the bacterial population. QS is used by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria to control a wide range of processes; in both scenarios, QS entails the synthesis, identification, and reaction to signaling chemicals, also known as auto-inducers. Since the usual processes regulated by QS are the expression of virulence factors and the creation of biofilms, QS is being investigated as an alternative solution to antibiotic resistance. Consequently, the use of QS-inhibiting agents, such as QSIs and quorum quenching (QQ) enzymes, to interfere with QS seems like a good strategy to prevent bacterial infections. This review sheds light on QS inhibition strategy and mechanisms and discusses how using this approach can aid in winning the battle against resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helal F. Hetta
- Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.A.); (S.A.); (T.T.A.)
| | - Yasmin N. Ramadan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt; (Y.N.R.); (Z.I.R.)
| | - Zainab I. Rashed
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt; (Y.N.R.); (Z.I.R.)
| | - Ahmad A. Alharbi
- Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.A.); (S.A.); (T.T.A.)
| | - Shomokh Alsharef
- Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.A.); (S.A.); (T.T.A.)
| | - Tala T. Alkindy
- Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.A.); (S.A.); (T.T.A.)
| | - Alanoud Alkhamali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (A.S.A.)
| | - Abdullah S. Albalawi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (A.S.A.)
| | - Basem Battah
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Antioch Syrian Private University, Maaret Siadnaya 22734, Syria
| | - Matthew G. Donadu
- Hospital Pharmacy, Giovanni Paolo II Hospital, ASL Gallura, 07026 Olbia, Italy;
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, Scuola di Specializzazione in Farmacia Ospedaliera, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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3
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D’Aquila P, De Rose E, Sena G, Scorza A, Cretella B, Passarino G, Bellizzi D. Quorum Quenching Approaches against Bacterial-Biofilm-Induced Antibiotic Resistance. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:619. [PMID: 39061301 PMCID: PMC11273524 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13070619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
With the widespread phenomenon of antibiotic resistance and the diffusion of multiple drug-resistant bacterial strains, enormous efforts are being conducted to identify suitable alternative agents against pathogenic microorganisms. Since an association between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance phenotype has been observed, a promising strategy pursued in recent years focuses on controlling and preventing this formation by targeting and inhibiting the Quorum Sensing (QS) system, whose central role in biofilm has been extensively demonstrated. Therefore, the research and development of Quorum Quenching (QQ) compounds, which inhibit QS, has gradually attracted the attention of researchers and has become a new strategy for controlling harmful microorganisms. Among these, a number of both natural and synthetic compounds have been progressively identified as able to interrupt the intercellular communication within a microbial community and the adhesion to a surface, thus disintegrating mature/preformed biofilms. This review describes the role played by QS in the formation of bacterial biofilms and then focuses on the mechanisms of different natural and synthetic QS inhibitors (QSIs) exhibiting promising antibiofilm ability against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens and on their applications as biocontrol strategies in various fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia D’Aquila
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (P.D.); (E.D.R.); (G.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Elisabetta De Rose
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (P.D.); (E.D.R.); (G.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Giada Sena
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (P.D.); (E.D.R.); (G.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Angelo Scorza
- Villa Ermelinda, Progetto Terza Età, 88842 Cutro, Italy; (A.S.); (B.C.)
| | | | - Giuseppe Passarino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (P.D.); (E.D.R.); (G.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Dina Bellizzi
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (P.D.); (E.D.R.); (G.S.); (G.P.)
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Higuera-Ciapara I, Benitez-Vindiola M, Figueroa-Yañez LJ, Martínez-Benavidez E. Polyphenols and CRISPR as Quorum Quenching Agents in Antibiotic-Resistant Foodborne Human Pathogens ( Salmonella Typhimurium, Campylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli 0157:H7). Foods 2024; 13:584. [PMID: 38397561 PMCID: PMC10888066 DOI: 10.3390/foods13040584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance in foodborne pathogens is an increasing threat to global human health. Among the most prevalent antibiotic-resistant bacteria are Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Campylobacter jejuni and E. coli 0157:H7. Control of these and other pathogens requires innovative approaches, i.e., discovering new molecules that will inactivate them, or render them less virulent without inducing resistance. Recently, several polyphenol molecules have been shown to possess such characteristics. Also, the use of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) approaches has recently been proposed for such purpose. This review summarizes the main findings regarding the application of both approaches to control the above-mentioned foodborne pathogens by relying on Quorum Sensing interference (Quorum Quenching) mechanisms and highlights the avenues needed for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marieva Benitez-Vindiola
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), México City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Luis J. Figueroa-Yañez
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Guadalajara 44270, Jalisco, Mexico; (L.J.F.-Y.); (E.M.-B.)
| | - Evelin Martínez-Benavidez
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Guadalajara 44270, Jalisco, Mexico; (L.J.F.-Y.); (E.M.-B.)
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5
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Higuera-Ciapara I, Benitez-Vindiola M, Figueroa-Yañez LJ, Martínez-Benavidez E. Polyphenols and CRISPR as Quorum Quenching Agents in Antibiotic-Resistant Foodborne Human Pathogens (Salmonella Typhimurium, Campylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli 0157:H7). Foods 2024; 13:584. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3390/foods13040584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance in foodborne pathogens is an increasing threat to global human health. Among the most prevalent antibiotic-resistant bacteria are Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Campylobacter jejuni and E. coli 0157:H7. Control of these and other pathogens requires innovative approaches, i.e., discovering new molecules that will inactivate them, or render them less virulent without inducing resistance. Recently, several polyphenol molecules have been shown to possess such characteristics. Also, the use of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) approaches has recently been proposed for such purpose. This review summarizes the main findings regarding the application of both approaches to control the above-mentioned foodborne pathogens by relying on Quorum Sensing interference (Quorum Quenching) mechanisms and highlights the avenues needed for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luis J. Figueroa-Yañez
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Guadalajara 44270, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Evelin Martínez-Benavidez
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Guadalajara 44270, Jalisco, Mexico
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6
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Su L, Qin S, Yu X, Chen Y, Wang L, Dong W, Xie Z, Zhang H. NiCo LDH nanozymes with selective antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria for wound healing. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:7675-7683. [PMID: 37482808 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00957b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial infections have been a major threat to human health. Especially, Gram-negative (G-) bacterial infections have been an increasing problem worldwide. The overuse of antibiotics leads to an emergence of drug resistance, and thus the development of novel antimicrobial agents is important, particularly against G- bacteria. Nanozymes use reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill bacteria, reducing the risk of bacterial resistance and providing new opportunities to meet the challenges of strain selectivity. Here, we synthesized NiCo layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanozymes, which exhibit selective antibacterial activity based on their peroxide-like (POD-like) activity. To obtain the highest antibacterial activity, the POD-like activity of NiCo LDH nanozyme was further optimized by tuning the ratio of nickel and cobalt, and Ni4Co6 LDHs showed the highest POD activity and antibacterial activity. More importantly, Ni4Co6 LDHs can achieve selective sterilization of G- bacteria due to their electrostatic adsorption and hydrophilic interactions with the bacterial cell wall. Animal experiments further indicated that the healing of G- bacteria-infected wounds was effectively promoted without damaging their normal biological tissues. In conclusion, we provide a selective antibacterial agent through a simple strategy, which provides a new direction for the application of nanozymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Su
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, P. R. China
| | - Sainan Qin
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, P. R. China
| | - Xinai Yu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, P. R. China
| | - Yifei Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, P. R. China
| | - Liang Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, P. R. China
| | - Wenpei Dong
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, P. R. China
| | - Zhongjian Xie
- Institute of Pediatrics, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518038, Guangdong, P. R. China
- Shenzhen International Institute for Biomedical Research, Shenzhen 518116, Guangdong, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Phosphorene and Optoelectronics, International Collaborative Laboratory of 2D Materials for Optoelectronics Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
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7
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Shi Q, Wen H, Xu Y, Zhao X, Zhang J, Li Y, Meng Q, Yu F, Xiao J, Li X. Virtual screening-based discovery of AI-2 quorum sensing inhibitors that interact with an allosteric hydrophobic site of LsrK and their functional evaluation. Front Chem 2023; 11:1185224. [PMID: 37292175 PMCID: PMC10244669 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1185224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Quorum sensing (QS) is a bacterial intracellular and intercellular communication system that regulates virulence factor production, biofilm formation, and antibiotic sensitivity. Quorum-sensing inhibitors (QSIs) are a novel class of antibiotics that can effectively combat antibiotic resistance. Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) is a universal signaling molecule that mediates inter- and intraspecies QS systems among different bacteria. Furthermore, LsrK plays an important role in regulating the activity and stability of the intracellular AI-2 signaling pathway. Thus, LsrK is considered an important target for the development of QSIs. Methods: We designed a workflow integrating molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, virtual screening, LsrK inhibition assays, cell-based AI-2-mediated QS interference assays, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based protein affinity assays to screen for potential LsrK kinase inhibitors. Results: MD simulation results of the LsrK/ATP complex revealed hydrogen bonds and salt bridge formation among four key residues, namely, Lys 431, Tyr 341, Arg 319, and Arg 322, which are critical for the binding of ATP to LsrK. Furthermore, MD simulation results indicated that the ATP-binding site has an allosteric pocket that can become larger and be occupied by small molecule compounds. Based on these MD simulation results, a constraint of forming at least one hydrogen bond with Arg 319, Arg 322, Lys 431, or Tyr 341 residues was introduced when performing virtual screening using Glide's virtual screening workflow (VSW). In the meantime, compounds with hydrophobic group likely to interact with the allosteric hydrophobic pocket are preferred when performing visual inspection. Seventy-four compounds were selected for the wet laboratory assays based on virtual screening and the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties of these compounds. LsrK inhibition assays revealed 12 compounds inhibiting LsrK by more than 60% at a 200 μM concentration; four of these (Y205-6768, D135-0149, 3284-1358, and N025-0038) had IC50 values below 50 μM and were confirmed as ATP-competitive inhibitors. Six of these 12 LsrK inhibitors exhibited high AI-2 QS inhibition, of which, Y205-6768 had the highest activity with IC50 = 11.28 ± 0.70 μM. The SPR assay verified that compounds Y205-6768 and N025-0038 specifically bound to LsrK. MD simulation analysis of the docking complexes of the four active compounds with LsrK further confirmed the importance of forming hydrogen bonds and salt bridges with key basic amino acid residues including Lys 431, Tyr 341, Arg 319, and Arg 322 and filling the allosteric hydrophobic pocket next to the purine-binding site of LsrK. Discussion: Our study clarified for the first time that there is an allosteric site near the ATP-binding site of Lsrk and that it enriches the structure-activity relationship information of Lsrk inhibitors. The four identified compounds showed novel structures, low molecular weights, high activities, and novel LsrK binding modes, rendering them suitable for further optimization for effective AI-2 QSIs. Our work provides a valuable reference for the discovery of QSIs that do not inhibit bacterial growth, thereby avoiding the emergence of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Shi
- School of Petrochemical Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun, China
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Strategic Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Huiqi Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yijie Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Strategic Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Qionglai Medical Center Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Ye Li
- The No 968 Hospital of PLA, Jinzhou, China
| | - Qingbin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Yu
- School of Petrochemical Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun, China
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Strategic Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Junhai Xiao
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Strategic Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Xingzhou Li
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Strategic Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
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Xu Y, Zeng C, Wen H, Shi Q, Zhao X, Meng Q, Li X, Xiao J. Discovery of AI-2 Quorum Sensing Inhibitors Targeting the LsrK/HPr Protein-Protein Interaction Site by Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Virtual Screening, and Bioassay Evaluation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050737. [PMID: 37242520 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication mechanism that regulates bacterial pathogenicity, biofilm formation, and antibiotic sensitivity. Among the identified quorum sensing, AI-2 QS exists in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and is responsible for interspecies communication. Recent studies have highlighted the connection between the phosphotransferase system (PTS) and AI-2 QS, with this link being associated with protein-protein interaction (PPI) between HPr and LsrK. Here, we first discovered several AI-2 QSIs targeting the LsrK/HPr PPI site through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, virtual screening, and bioassay evaluation. Of the 62 compounds purchased, eight compounds demonstrated significant inhibition in LsrK-based assays and AI-2 QS interference assays. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis confirmed that the hit compound 4171-0375 specifically bound to the LsrK-N protein (HPr binding domain, KD = 2.51 × 10-5 M), and therefore the LsrK/HPr PPI site. The structure-activity relationships (SARs) emphasized the importance of hydrophobic interactions with the hydrophobic pocket and hydrogen bonds or salt bridges with key residues of LsrK for LsrK/HPr PPI inhibitors. These new AI-2 QSIs, especially 4171-0375, exhibited novel structures, significant LsrK inhibition, and were suitable for structural modification to search for more effective AI-2 QSIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Chunlan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Huiqi Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Qianqian Shi
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Qingbin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xingzhou Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Junhai Xiao
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
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Structural Insights into the Ligand–LsrK Kinase Binding Mode: A Step Forward in the Discovery of Novel Antimicrobial Agents. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062542. [PMID: 36985513 PMCID: PMC10056567 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
LsrK is a bacterial kinase that triggers the quorum sensing, and it represents a druggable target for the identification of new agents for fighting antimicrobial resistance. Herein, we exploited tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy (TFS) as a suitable technique for the identification of potential LsrK ligands from an in-house library of chemicals comprising synthetic compounds as well as secondary metabolites. Three secondary metabolites (Hib-ester, Hib-carbaldehyde and (R)-ASME) showed effective binding to LsrK, with KD values in the sub-micromolar range. The conformational changes were confirmed via circular dichroism and molecular docking results further validated the findings and displayed the specific mode of interaction. The activity of the identified compounds on the biofilm formation by some Staphylococcus spp. was investigated. Hib-carbaldehyde and (R)-ASME were able to reduce the production of biofilm, with (R)-ASME resulting in the most effective compound with an EC50 of 14 mg/well. The successful application of TFS highlights its usefulness in searching for promising LsrK inhibitor candidates with inhibitor efficacy against biofilm formation.
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10
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Bai YB, Shi MY, Wang WW, Wu LY, Bai YT, Li B, Zhou XZ, Zhang JY. Novel quorum sensing inhibitor Echinatin as an antibacterial synergist against Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1003692. [PMID: 36386683 PMCID: PMC9663819 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1003692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A new antibacterial strategy based on inhibiting bacterial quorum sensing (QS) has emerged as a promising method of attenuating bacterial pathogenicity and preventing bacterial resistance to antibiotics. In this study, we screened Echinatin (Ech) with high-efficiency anti-QS from 13 flavonoids through the AI-2 bioluminescence assay. Additionally, crystal violet (CV) staining combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to evaluate the effect of anti-biofilm against Escherichia coli (E. coli). Further, the antibacterial synergistic effect of Ech and marketed antibiotics were measured by broth dilution and Alamar Blue Assay. It was found that Ech interfered with the phenotype of QS, including biofilm formation, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, and motility, without affecting bacterial growth and metabolic activity. Moreover, qRT-PCR exhibited that Ech significantly reduced the expression of QS-regulated genes (luxS, pfs, lsrB, lsrK, lsrR, flhC, flhD, fliC, csgD, and stx2). More important, Ech with currently marketed colistin antibiotics (including colistin B and colistin E) showed significantly synergistically increased antibacterial activity in overcoming antibiotic resistance of E. coli. In summary, these results suggested the potent anti-QS and novel antibacterial synergist candidate of Ech for treating E. coli infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Bin Bai
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China,Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Meng-Yan Shi
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China,Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei-Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China,Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ling-Yu Wu
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China,Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yu-Ting Bai
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China,Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bing Li
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China,Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xu-Zheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China,Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ji-Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China,Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China,*Correspondence: Ji-Yu Zhang,
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11
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Raju DV, Nagarajan A, Pandit S, Nag M, Lahiri D, Upadhye V. Effect of bacterial quorum sensing and mechanism of antimicrobial resistance. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2022.102409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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Abstract
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics threatens our progress in healthcare, modern medicine, food production and ultimately life expectancy. Antibiotic resistance is a global concern, which spreads rapidly across borders and continents due to rapid travel of people, animals and goods. Derivatives of metabolically stable pyrazole nucleus are known for their wide range of pharmacological properties, including antibacterial activities. This review highlights recent reports of pyrazole derivatives targeting different bacterial strains focusing on the drug-resistant variants. Pyrazole derivatives target different metabolic pathways of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
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13
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Evaluation of Substituted Pyrazole-Based Kinase Inhibitors in One Decade (2011-2020): Current Status and Future Prospects. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27010330. [PMID: 35011562 PMCID: PMC8747022 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrazole has been recognized as a pharmacologically important privileged scaffold whose derivatives produce almost all types of pharmacological activities and have attracted much attention in the last decades. Of the various pyrazole derivatives reported as potential therapeutic agents, this article focuses on pyrazole-based kinase inhibitors. Pyrazole-possessing kinase inhibitors play a crucial role in various disease areas, especially in many cancer types such as lymphoma, breast cancer, melanoma, cervical cancer, and others in addition to inflammation and neurodegenerative disorders. In this article, we reviewed the structural and biological characteristics of the pyrazole derivatives recently reported as kinase inhibitors and classified them according to their target kinases in a chronological order. We reviewed the reports including pyrazole derivatives as kinase inhibitors published during the past decade (2011-2020).
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14
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Lamin A, Kaksonen AH, Cole IS, Chen XB. Quorum sensing inhibitors applications: a new prospect for mitigation of microbiologically influenced corrosion. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 145:108050. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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15
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Qin Y, Xu L, Teng Y, Wang Y, Ma P. Discovery of novel antibacterial agents: Recent developments in D-alanyl-D-alanine ligase inhibitors. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 98:305-322. [PMID: 34047462 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial infections can cause serious problems that threaten public health over a long period of time. Moreover, the continuous emergence of drug-resistant bacteria necessitates the development of novel antibacterial agents. D-alanyl-D-alanine ligase (Ddl) is an indispensable adenosine triphosphate-dependent bacterial enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of peptidoglycan precursor, which catalyzes the ligation of two D-alanine molecules into one D-alanyl-D-alanine dipeptide. This dipeptide is an essential component of the intracellular peptidoglycan precursor, uridine diphospho-N-acetylmuramic acid (UDP-MurNAc)-pentapeptide, that maintains the integrity of the bacterial cell wall by cross-linking the peptidoglycan chain, and is crucial for the survival of pathogens. Consequently, Ddl is expected to be a promising target for the development of antibacterial agents. In this review, we present a brief introduction regarding the structure and function of Ddl, as well as an overview of the various Ddl inhibitors currently being used as antibacterial agents, specifically highlighting their inhibitory activities, structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhui Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Linlin Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Taian City Central Hospital, Taian, China
| | - Yuetai Teng
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Vocational College of Nursing, Jinan, China
| | - Yinhu Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Peizhi Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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16
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Medarametla P, Kronenberger T, Laitinen T, Poso A. Structural Characterization of LsrK as a Quorum Sensing Target and a Comparison between X-ray and Homology Models. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:1346-1353. [PMID: 33683884 PMCID: PMC8028047 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c01233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Quorum sensing is
being investigated as an alternative therapeutic
strategy in antibacterial drug discovery programs aimed at combatting
bacterial resistance. LsrK is an autoinducer-2 kinase (belongs to
the sugar kinase family), playing a key role in the phosphorylation
of the autoinducer-2 (AI-2) signaling molecules involved in quorum
sensing. Inhibiting LsrK could result in reduced pathogenicity by
interfering with quorum sensing signaling. Previously, we have generated
homology models to employ in structure-based virtual screening and
successfully identified the first class of LsrK inhibitors. While
conducting these studies, the crystal structure of LsrK was released,
providing us with an opportunity to evaluate the reliability and quality
of our models. A comparative structural analysis of the crystal structure
and homology models revealed consistencies among them in the overall
structural fold and binding site. Furthermore, the binding characteristics
and conformational changes of LsrK have been investigated using molecular
dynamics to inspect whether LsrK undergoes similar conformational
changes as that of sugar kinases. These studies revealed the flexibility
of the LsrK C-terminal domain (Domain II) attributing to the conformational
changes in LsrK resulting in open and closed states during the phosphorylation.
Further, simulations provided us with insights into the flexibility
of a loop in Domain I that can influence the ligand accessibility
to the LsrK binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanthi Medarametla
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Thales Kronenberger
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Oncology and Pneumonology, Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Straße 10, DE 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tuomo Laitinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Antti Poso
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Oncology and Pneumonology, Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Straße 10, DE 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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17
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Linciano P, Cavalloro V, Martino E, Kirchmair J, Listro R, Rossi D, Collina S. Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance with Small Molecules Targeting LsrK: Challenges and Opportunities. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15243-15257. [PMID: 33152241 PMCID: PMC8016206 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat with severe health and economic consequences. The available antibiotics are losing efficacy, and the hunt for alternative strategies is a priority. Quorum sensing (QS) controls biofilm and virulence factors production. Thus, the quenching of QS to prevent pathogenicity and to increase bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics is an appealing therapeutic strategy. The phosphorylation of autoinducer-2 (a mediator in QS) by LsrK is a crucial step in triggering the QS cascade. Thus, LsrK represents a valuable target in fighting AMR. Few LsrK inhibitors have been reported so far, allowing ample room for further exploration. This perspective aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current knowledge about the structural and biological properties of LsrK and the state-of-the-art technology for LsrK inhibitor design. We elaborate on the challenges in developing novel LsrK inhibitors and point out promising avenues for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Linciano
- Department
of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Valeria Cavalloro
- Department
of Earth and Environmental Science, University
of Pavia, Via Sant’Epifanio 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Martino
- Department
of Earth and Environmental Science, University
of Pavia, Via Sant’Epifanio 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Johannes Kirchmair
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Roberta Listro
- Department
of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department
of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Collina
- Department
of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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18
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Majik MS, Gawas UB, Mandrekar VK. Next generation quorum sensing inhibitors: Accounts on structure activity relationship studies and biological activities. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115728. [PMID: 33065436 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial resistance is a growing threat which represents major scourge throughout the world. The suitable way to control the present critical situation of antimicrobial resistance would be to develop entirely novel strategies to fight antibiotic resistant pathogens such as quorum sensing (QS) inhibitors or its combination with antibiotics. Anti QS agents can eliminate the QS signals and put the barrier in bio-film formation, consequently, bacterial virulence will be reduced without causing drug-resistance to the pathogens. Among the various anti QS agents identified, especially those of natural origin, furanones or acylatedhomoserine lactones (AHLs) are most popular. Semi-synthetic and synthetic inhibitors have shown greatest potential and have inspired chemists to design synthetically modified QS inhibitors with lactone moiety. This review focuses on anti QS agents (bio-film inhibitors) of both natural and synthetic origins. Further, the synthesis, structure activity relationship and anti QS activity covering literature from 2015 till March 2020 has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh S Majik
- Department of Chemistry, Dnyanprassarak Mandal's College and Research Centre, Assagao, Goa 403 507, India; Department of Chemistry, Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola, Marcela, Goa 403 107, India
| | - Umesh B Gawas
- Department of Chemistry, Dnyanprassarak Mandal's College and Research Centre, Assagao, Goa 403 507, India
| | - Vinod K Mandrekar
- Department of Chemistry, St. Xavier's College, Mapusa, Goa 403 507, India.
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19
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Structure-activity relationships of furanones, dihydropyrrolones and thiophenones as potential quorum sensing inhibitors. Future Med Chem 2020; 12:1925-1943. [PMID: 33094640 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since their initial isolation from the marine alga Delisea pulchra, bromofuranones have been investigated as potential inhibitors of quorum sensing (QS) in various bacterial strains. QS is an important mechanism by which bacteria co-ordinate their molecular response to the environment. QS is intrinsically linked to bacterial antibiotic resistance. Inspired by nature, chemists have developed a wide variety of synthetic analogs in an effort to elucidate the structure-activity relationships of these compounds, and to ultimately develop novel antimicrobial agents. In this work, we describe advances in this field while paying particular attention to apparent structure-activity relationships. This review is organized according to the main ring systems under investigation, namely furanones, dihydropyrrolones and thiophenones.
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20
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Zhao X, Yu Z, Ding T. Quorum-Sensing Regulation of Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E425. [PMID: 32192182 PMCID: PMC7143945 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8030425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing is a cell-to-cell communication system that exists widely in the microbiome and is related to cell density. The high-density colony population can generate a sufficient number of small molecule signals, activate a variety of downstream cellular processes including virulence and drug resistance mechanisms, tolerate antibiotics, and harm the host. This article gives a general introduction to the current research status of microbial quorum-sensing systems, focuses on the role of quorum-sensing systems in regulating microbial resistance mechanisms, such as drug efflux pump and microbial biofilm formation regulation, and discusses a new strategy for the treatment of drug-resistant bacteria proposed by using quorum quenching to prevent microbial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xihong Zhao
- Research Center for Environmental Ecology and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemistry Technology, School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China; (X.Z.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Zixuan Yu
- Research Center for Environmental Ecology and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemistry Technology, School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China; (X.Z.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Tian Ding
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro-Food Processing, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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21
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Breijyeh Z, Jubeh B, Karaman R. Resistance of Gram-Negative Bacteria to Current Antibacterial Agents and Approaches to Resolve It. Molecules 2020; 25:E1340. [PMID: 32187986 PMCID: PMC7144564 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 535] [Impact Index Per Article: 133.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance represents an enormous global health crisis and one of the most serious threats humans face today. Some bacterial strains have acquired resistance to nearly all antibiotics. Therefore, new antibacterial agents are crucially needed to overcome resistant bacteria. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published a list of antibiotic-resistant priority pathogens, pathogens which present a great threat to humans and to which new antibiotics are urgently needed the list is categorized according to the urgency of need for new antibiotics as critical, high, and medium priority, in order to guide and promote research and development of new antibiotics. The majority of the WHO list is Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Due to their distinctive structure, Gram-negative bacteria are more resistant than Gram-positive bacteria, and cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several strategies have been reported to fight and control resistant Gram-negative bacteria, like the development of antimicrobial auxiliary agents, structural modification of existing antibiotics, and research into and the study of chemical structures with new mechanisms of action and novel targets that resistant bacteria are sensitive to. Research efforts have been made to meet the urgent need for new treatments; some have succeeded to yield activity against resistant Gram-negative bacteria by deactivating the mechanism of resistance, like the action of the β-lactamase Inhibitor antibiotic adjuvants. Another promising trend was by referring to nature to develop naturally derived agents with antibacterial activity on novel targets, agents such as bacteriophages, DCAP(2-((3-(3,6-dichloro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropyl)amino)-2(hydroxymethyl)propane1,3-diol, Odilorhabdins (ODLs), peptidic benzimidazoles, quorum sensing (QS) inhibitors, and metal-based antibacterial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rafik Karaman
- Department of Bioorganic & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem P.O. Box 20002, Palestine; (Z.B.); (B.J.)
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22
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Gatta V, Tomašič T, Ilaš J, Zidar N, Peterlin Mašič L, Barančoková M, Frlan R, Anderluh M, Kikelj D, Tammela P. A New Cell-Based AI-2-Mediated Quorum Sensing Interference Assay in Screening of LsrK-Targeted Inhibitors. Chembiochem 2020; 21:1918-1922. [PMID: 32026533 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS), a bacterial communication strategy, has been recognized as one of the control mechanisms of virulence in bacteria. Thus, targeting QS offers an interesting opportunity to impair bacterial pathogenicity and develop antivirulence agents. Aiming to enhance the discovery of QS inhibitors, we developed a bioreporter Escherichia coli JW5505 pET-Plsrlux and set up a cell-based assay for identifying inhibitors of autoinducer-2 (AI-2)-mediated QS. A comparative study on the performance of target- versus cell-based assays was performed, and 91 compounds selected with the potential to target the ATP binding pocket of LsrK, a key enzyme in AI-2 processing, were tested in an LsrK inhibition assay, providing 36 hits. The same set of compounds was tested by the AI-2-mediated QS interference assay, resulting in 24 active compounds. Among those, six were also found to be active against LsrK, whereas 18 might target other components of the pathway. Thus, this AI-2-mediated QS interference cell-based assay is an effective tool for complementing target-based assays, yet also stands as an independent assay for primary screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Gatta
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E (PO Box 56), 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tihomir Tomašič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Ilaš
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nace Zidar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lucija Peterlin Mašič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Michaela Barančoková
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rok Frlan
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Anderluh
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Danijel Kikelj
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Päivi Tammela
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E (PO Box 56), 00014, Helsinki, Finland
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23
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Regulatory Mechanisms of the LuxS/AI-2 System and Bacterial Resistance. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.01186-19. [PMID: 31383657 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01186-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The quorum-sensing (QS) system is an intercellular cell-cell communication mechanism that controls the expression of genes involved in a variety of cellular processes and that plays critical roles in the adaption and survival of bacteria in their environment. The LuxS/AI-2 QS system, which uses AI-2 (autoinducer-2) as a signal molecule, has been identified in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. As one of the important global regulatory networks in bacteria, it responds to fluctuations in the numbers of bacteria and regulates the expression of a number of genes, thus affecting cell behavior. We summarize here the known relationships between the LuxS/AI-2 system and drug resistance, discuss the inhibition of LuxS/AI-2 system as an approach to prevent bacterial resistance, and present new strategies for the treatment of drug-resistant pathogens.
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24
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Targeting Quorum Sensing: High-Throughput Screening to Identify Novel LsrK Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20123112. [PMID: 31242708 PMCID: PMC6627609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20123112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since quorum sensing (QS) is linked to the establishment of bacterial infection, its inactivation represents one of the newest strategies to fight bacterial pathogens. LsrK is a kinase playing a key role in the processing of autoinducer-2 (AI-2), a quorum-sensing mediator in gut enteric bacteria. Inhibition of LsrK might thus impair the quorum-sensing cascade and consequently reduce bacterial pathogenicity. Aiming for the development of a target-based assay for the discovery of LsrK inhibitors, we evaluated different assay set-ups based on ATP detection and optimized an automation-compatible method for the high-throughput screening of chemical libraries. The assay was then used to perform the screening of a 2000-compound library, which provided 12 active compounds with an IC50 ≤ 10 µM confirming the effectiveness and sensitivity of our assay. Follow-up studies on the positive hits led to the identification of two compounds, harpagoside and rosolic acid, active in a cell-based AI-2 QS interference assay, which are at the moment the most promising candidates for the development of a new class of antivirulence agents based on LsrK inhibition.
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