1
|
Galano-Frutos JJ, Maity R, Iguarbe V, Aínsa JA, Velázquez-Campoy A, Schaible UE, Mamat U, Sancho J. L-Thyroxine and L-thyroxine-based antimicrobials against Streptococcus pneumoniae and other Gram-positive bacteria. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27982. [PMID: 38689973 PMCID: PMC11059415 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives The rise of antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp) poses a significant global health threat, urging the quest for novel antimicrobial solutions. We have discovered that the human hormone l-thyroxine has antibacterial properties. In order to explore its drugability we perform here the characterization of a series of l-thyroxine analogues and describe the structural determinants influencing their antibacterial efficacy. Method We performed a high-throughput screening of a library of compounds approved for use in humans, complemented with ITC assays on purified Sp-flavodoxin, to pinpoint molecules binding to this protein. Antimicrobial in vitro susceptibility assays of the hit compound (l-thyroxine) as well as of 13 l-thyroxine analogues were done against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Toxicity of compounds on HepG2 cells was also assessed. A combined structure-activity and computational docking analysis was carried out to uncover functional groups crucial for the antimicrobial potency of these compounds. Results Human l-thyroxine binds to Sp-flavodoxin, forming a 1:1 complex of low micromolar Kd. While l-thyroxine specifically inhibited Sp growth, some derivatives displayed activity against other Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, while remaining inactive against Gram-negative pathogens. Neither l-thyroxine nor some selected derivatives exhibited toxicity to HepG2 cells. Conclusions l-thyroxine derivatives targeting bacterial flavodoxins represent a new and promising class of antimicrobials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan José Galano-Frutos
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Technologies "Giulio Natta" (SCITEC) - CNR, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Ritwik Maity
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Verónica Iguarbe
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - José Antonio Aínsa
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
- Departamento de Microbiología, Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias–CIBERES, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Adrián Velázquez-Campoy
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza 50009, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Ulrich E. Schaible
- Cellular Microbiology, Priority Research Area Infections, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, & Leibniz Research Alliance INFECTIONS, Borstel, Germany
- Biochemical Microbiology & Immunochemistry, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Borstel Germany
| | - Uwe Mamat
- Cellular Microbiology, Priority Research Area Infections, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, & Leibniz Research Alliance INFECTIONS, Borstel, Germany
| | - Javier Sancho
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Beyria L, Gourbeyre O, Salillas S, Mahía A, Díaz de Villegas MD, Aínsa JA, Sancho J, Bousquet-Mélou A, Ferran AA. Antimicrobial combinations against Helicobacter pylori including benzoxadiazol-based flavodoxin inhibitors: in vitro characterization. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0262323. [PMID: 38084974 PMCID: PMC10783109 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02623-23] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The antimicrobial resistance of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) currently poses a threat to available treatment regimens. Developing antimicrobial drugs targeting new bacterial targets is crucial, and one such class of drugs includes Hp-flavodoxin (Hp-fld) inhibitors that target an essential metabolic pathway in Hp. Our study demonstrated that combining these new drugs with conventional antibiotics used for Hp infection treatment prevented the regrowth observed with drugs used alone. Hp-fld inhibitors show promise as new drugs to be incorporated into the treatment of Hp infection, potentially reducing the development of resistance and shortening the treatment duration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilha Beyria
- INTHERES, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Sandra Salillas
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alejandro Mahía
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Dolores Díaz de Villegas
- CSIC—Departamento de Química Orgánica, Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (ISQCH), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José Antonio Aínsa
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Microbiología, Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias–CIBERES, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Sancho
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Aude A. Ferran
- INTHERES, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lewis JP, Gui Q. Iron Deficiency Modulates Metabolic Landscape of Bacteroidetes Promoting Its Resilience during Inflammation. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0473322. [PMID: 37314331 PMCID: PMC10434189 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04733-22] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria have to persist under low iron conditions in order to adapt to the nutritional immunity of a host. Since the knowledge of iron stimulon of Bacteroidetes is sparse, we examined oral (Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia) and gut (Bacteroides thataiotaomicron) representatives for their ability to adapt to iron deplete and iron replete conditions. Our transcriptomics and comparative genomics analysis show that many iron-regulated mechanisms are conserved within the phylum. They include genes upregulated in low iron, as follows: fldA (flavodoxin), hmu (hemin uptake operon), and loci encoding ABC transporters. Downregulated genes were frd (ferredoxin), rbr (rubrerythrin), sdh (succinate dehydrogenase/fumarate reductase), vor (oxoglutarate oxidoreductase/dehydrogenase), and pfor (pyruvate:ferredoxin/flavodoxin oxidoreductase). Some genus-specific mechanisms, such as the sus of B. thetaiotaomicron coding for carbohydrate metabolism and the xusABC coding for xenosiderophore utilization were also identified. While all bacteria tested in our study had the nrfAH operon coding for nitrite reduction and were able to reduce nitrite levels present in culture media, the expression of the operon was iron dependent only in B. thetaiotaomicron. It is noteworthy that we identified a significant overlap between regulated genes found in our study and the B. thetaiotaomicron colitis study (W. Zhu, M. G. Winter, L. Spiga, E. R. Hughes et al., Cell Host Microbe 27:376-388, 2020, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2020.01.010). Many of those commonly regulated genes were also iron regulated in the oral bacterial genera. Overall, this work points to iron being the master regulator enabling bacterial persistence in the host and paves the way for a more generalized investigation of the molecular mechanisms of iron homeostasis in Bacteroidetes. IMPORTANCE Bacteroidetes are an important group of anaerobic bacteria abundant both in the oral and gut microbiomes. Although iron is a required nutrient for most living organisms, the molecular mechanisms of adaptation to the changing levels of iron are not well known in this group of bacteria. We defined the iron stimulon of Bacteroidetes by examination of the transcriptomic response of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia (both belong to the oral microbiome) and Bacteroidetes thetaiotaomicron (belongs to the gut microbiome). Our results indicate that many of the iron-regulated operons are shared among the three genera. Furthermore, using bioinformatics analysis, we identified a significant overlap between our in vitro studies and transcriptomic data derived from a colitis study, thus underscoring the biological significance of our work. Defining the iron-dependent stimulon of Bacteroidetes can help to identify the molecular mechanisms of iron-dependent regulation as well as better understand the persistence of the anaerobes in the human host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janina P. Lewis
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Qin Gui
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rivero M, Boneta S, Novo N, Velázquez-Campoy A, Polo V, Medina M. Riboflavin kinase and pyridoxine 5′-phosphate oxidase complex formation envisages transient interactions for FMN cofactor delivery. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1167348. [PMID: 37056721 PMCID: PMC10086132 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1167348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzymes catalysing sequential reactions have developed different mechanisms to control the transport and flux of reactants and intermediates along metabolic pathways, which usually involve direct transfer of metabolites from an enzyme to the next one in a cascade reaction. Despite the fact that metabolite or substrate channelling has been widely studied for reactant molecules, such information is seldom available for cofactors in general, and for flavins in particular. Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN) act as cofactors in flavoproteins and flavoenzymes involved in a wide range of physiologically relevant processes in all type of organisms. Homo sapiens riboflavin kinase (RFK) catalyses the biosynthesis of the flavin mononucleotide cofactor, and might directly interplay with its flavin client apo-proteins prior to the cofactor transfer. Non-etheless, none of such complexes has been characterized at molecular or atomic level so far. Here, we particularly evaluate the interaction of riboflavin kinase with one of its potential FMN clients, pyridoxine-5′-phosphate oxidase (PNPOx). The interaction capacity of both proteins is assessed by using isothermal titration calorimetry, a methodology that allows to determine dissociation constants for interaction in the micromolar range (in agreement with the expected transient nature of the interaction). Moreover, we show that; i) both proteins become thermally stabilized upon mutual interaction, ii) the tightly bound FMN product can be transferred from RFK to the apo-form of PNPOx producing an efficient enzyme, and iii) the presence of the apo-form of PNPOx slightly enhances RFK catalytic efficiency. Finally, we also show a computational study to predict likely RFK-PNPOx binding modes that can envisage coupling between the FMN binding cavities of both proteins for the potential transfer of FMN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maribel Rivero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sergio Boneta
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Nerea Novo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adrián Velázquez-Campoy
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
- Group of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Computational Biology “GBsC” (BIFI, Unizar) Joint Unit to CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Victor Polo
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Química Física, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Milagros Medina
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Group of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Computational Biology “GBsC” (BIFI, Unizar) Joint Unit to CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
- *Correspondence: Milagros Medina,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alaofi AL, Shahid M, Raish M, Ansari MA, Syed R, Kalam MA. Identification of Doxorubicin as Repurposing Inhibitory Drug for MERS-CoV PLpro. Molecules 2022; 27:7553. [PMID: 36364379 PMCID: PMC9654812 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), belonging to the betacoronavirus genus can cause severe respiratory illnesses, accompanied by pneumonia, multiorgan failure, and ultimately death. CoVs have the ability to transgress species barriers and spread swiftly into new host species, with human-to-human transmission causing epidemic diseases. Despite the severe public health threat of MERS-CoV, there are currently no vaccines or drugs available for its treatment. MERS-CoV papain-like protease (PLpro) is a key enzyme that plays an important role in its replication. In the present study, we evaluated the inhibitory activities of doxorubicin (DOX) against the recombinant MERS-CoV PLpro by employing protease inhibition assays. Hydrolysis of fluorogenic peptide from the Z-RLRGG-AMC-peptide bond in the presence of DOX showed an IC50 value of 1.67 μM at 30 min. Subsequently, we confirmed the interaction between DOX and MERS-CoV PLpro by thermal shift assay (TSA), and DOX increased ΔTm by ~20 °C, clearly indicating a coherent interaction between the MERS-CoV PL protease and DOX. The binding site of DOX on MERS-CoV PLpro was assessed using docking techniques and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. DOX bound to the thumb region of the catalytic domain of the MERS-CoV PLpro. MD simulation results showed flexible BL2 loops, as well as other potential residues, such as R231, R233, and G276 of MERS-CoV PLpro. Development of drug repurposing is a remarkable opportunity to quickly examine the efficacy of different aspects of treating various diseases. Protease inhibitors have been found to be effective against MERS-CoV to date, and numerous candidates are currently undergoing clinical trials to prove this. Our effort follows a in similar direction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed L. Alaofi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- College of Pharmacy Building 23, Pharmaceutics Department, King Saud University, Ground Floor, Office AA 79, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mudassar Shahid
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Raish
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad Ansari
- Department of Phamacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rabbani Syed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Abul Kalam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jimenez-Alesanco A, Eckhard U, Asencio Del Rio M, Vega S, Guevara T, Velazquez-Campoy A, Gomis-Rüth FX, Abian O. Repositioning small molecule drugs as allosteric inhibitors of the BFT-3 toxin from enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis. Protein Sci 2022; 31:e4427. [PMID: 36173175 PMCID: PMC9514063 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Bacteroides fragilis is an abundant commensal component of the healthy human colon. However, under dysbiotic conditions, enterotoxigenic B. fragilis (ETBF) may arise and elicit diarrhea, anaerobic bacteremia, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer. Most worrisome, ETBF is resistant to many disparate antibiotics. ETBF's only recognized specific virulence factor is a zinc‐dependent metallopeptidase (MP) called B. fragilis toxin (BFT) or fragilysin, which damages the intestinal mucosa and triggers disease‐related signaling mechanisms. Thus, therapeutic targeting of BFT is expected to limit ETBF pathogenicity and improve the prognosis for patients. We focused on one of the naturally occurring BFT isoforms, BFT‐3, and managed to repurpose several approved drugs as BFT‐3 inhibitors through a combination of biophysical, biochemical, structural, and cellular techniques. In contrast to canonical MP inhibitors, which target the active site of mature enzymes, these effectors bind to a distal allosteric site in the proBFT‐3 zymogen structure, which stabilizes a partially unstructured, zinc‐free enzyme conformation by shifting a zinc‐dependent disorder‐to‐order equilibrium. This yields proBTF‐3 incompetent for autoactivation, thus ablating hydrolytic activity of the mature toxin. Additionally, a similar destabilizing effect is observed for the activated protease according to biophysical and biochemical data. Our strategy paves a novel way for the development of highly specific inhibitors of ETBF‐mediated enteropathogenic conditions. PDB Code(s): 7PND, 7POL, 7POO, 7POQ and 7POU;
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Jimenez-Alesanco
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ulrich Eckhard
- Proteolysis Laboratory, Department of Structural Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB), Higher Scientific Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Asencio Del Rio
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sonia Vega
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Tibisay Guevara
- Proteolysis Laboratory, Department of Structural Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB), Higher Scientific Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Adrian Velazquez-Campoy
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesc Xavier Gomis-Rüth
- Proteolysis Laboratory, Department of Structural Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB), Higher Scientific Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Olga Abian
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Minjárez-Sáenz M, Martínez-Júlvez M, Yruela I, Medina M. Mining the Flavoproteome of Brucella ovis, the Brucellosis Causing Agent in Ovis aries. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0229421. [PMID: 35315701 PMCID: PMC9045290 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02294-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Flavoproteins are a diverse class of proteins that are mostly enzymes and contain as cofactors flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and/or flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which enable them to participate in a wide range of physiological reactions. We have compiled 78 potential proteins building the flavoproteome of Brucella ovis (B. ovis), the causative agent of ovine brucellosis. The curated list of flavoproteins here reported is based on (i) the analysis of sequence, structure and function of homologous proteins, and their classification according to their structural domains, clans, and expected enzymatic functions; (ii) the constructed phylogenetic trees of enzyme functional classes using 19 Brucella strains and 26 pathogenic and/or biotechnological relevant alphaproteobacteria together with B. ovis; and (iii) the evaluation of the genetic context for each entry. Candidates account for ∼2.7% of the B. ovis proteome, and 75% of them use FAD as cofactor. Only 55% of these flavoproteins belong to the core proteome of Brucella and contribute to B. ovis processes involved in maintenance activities, survival and response to stress, virulence, and/or infectivity. Several of the predicted flavoproteins are highly divergent in Brucella genus from revised proteins and for them it is difficult to envisage a clear function. This might indicate modified catalytic activities or even divergent processes and mechanisms still not identified. We have also detected the lack of some functional flavoenzymes in B. ovis, which might contribute to it being nonzoonotic. Finally, potentiality of B. ovis flavoproteome as the source of antimicrobial targets or biocatalyst is discussed. IMPORTANCE Some microorganisms depend heavily on flavin-dependent activities, but others maintain them at a minimum. Knowledge about flavoprotein content and functions in different microorganisms will help to identify their metabolic requirements, as well as to benefit either industry or health. Currently, most flavoproteins from the sheep pathogen Brucella ovis are only automatically annotated in databases, and only two have been experimentally studied. Indeed, certain homologues with unknown function are not characterized, and they might relate to still not identified mechanisms or processes. Our research has identified 78 members that comprise its flavoproteome, 76 of them flavoenzymes, which mainly relate to bacteria survival, virulence, and/or infectivity. The list of flavoproteins here presented allows us to better understand the peculiarities of Brucella ovis and can be applied as a tool to search for candidates as new biocatalyst or antimicrobial targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha Minjárez-Sáenz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta Martínez-Júlvez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Group of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Computational Biology “GBsC” (BIFI, Unizar) Joint Unit to CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Yruela
- Estación Experimental de Aula Dei, CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
- Group of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Computational Biology “GBsC” (BIFI, Unizar) Joint Unit to CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Milagros Medina
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Group of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Computational Biology “GBsC” (BIFI, Unizar) Joint Unit to CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mahía A, Peña-Díaz S, Navarro S, José Galano-Frutos J, Pallarés I, Pujols J, Díaz-de-Villegas MD, Gálvez JA, Ventura S, Sancho J. Design, synthesis and structure-activity evaluation of novel 2-pyridone-based inhibitors of α-synuclein aggregation with potentially improved BBB permeability. Bioorg Chem 2021; 117:105472. [PMID: 34775206 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative human disorder, continues to be symptomatic. Development of drugs able to stop or at least slowdown PD progression would benefit several million people worldwide. SynuClean-D is a low molecular weight 2-pyridone-based promising drug candidate that inhibits the aggregation of α-synuclein in human cultured cells and prevents degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of PD. Improving SynuClean-D pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties, performing structure/activity studies and testing its efficacy in mammalian models of PD requires the use of gr-amounts of the compound. However, not enough compound is on sale, and no synthetic route has been reported until now, which hampers the molecule progress towards clinical trials. To circumvent those problems, we describe here an efficient and economical route that enables the synthesis of SynuClean-D with good yields as well as the synthesis of SynuClean-D derivatives. Structure-activity comparison of the new compounds with SynuClean-D reveals the functional groups of the molecule that can be disposed of without activity loss and those that are crucial to interfere with α-synuclein aggregation. Several of the derivatives obtained retain the parent's compound excellent in vitro anti-aggregative activity, without compromising its low toxicity. Computational predictions and preliminary testing indicate that the blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability of SynuClean-D is low. Importantly, several of the newly designed and obtained active derivatives are predicted to display good BBB permeability. The synthetic route developed here will facilitate their synthesis for BBB permeability determination and for efficacy testing in mammalian models of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Mahía
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Samuel Peña-Díaz
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Susanna Navarro
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Juan José Galano-Frutos
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Irantzu Pallarés
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordi Pujols
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - María D Díaz-de-Villegas
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (ISQCH), CSIC-University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José A Gálvez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (ISQCH), CSIC-University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Salvador Ventura
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; ICREA, 08010 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Javier Sancho
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Salillas S, Galano-Frutos JJ, Mahía A, Maity R, Conde-Giménez M, Anoz-Carbonell E, Berlamont H, Velazquez-Campoy A, Touati E, Mamat U, Schaible UE, Gálvez JA, Díaz-de-Villegas MD, Haesebrouck F, Aínsa JA, Sancho J. Selective Targeting of Human and Animal Pathogens of the Helicobacter Genus by Flavodoxin Inhibitors: Efficacy, Synergy, Resistance and Mechanistic Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810137. [PMID: 34576300 PMCID: PMC8467567 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria constitute a global health concern. Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium that infects about half of the human population and is a major cause of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Increasing resistance to triple and quadruple H. pylori eradication therapies poses great challenges and urges the development of novel, ideally narrow spectrum, antimicrobials targeting H. pylori. Here, we describe the antimicrobial spectrum of a family of nitrobenzoxadiazol-based antimicrobials initially discovered as inhibitors of flavodoxin: an essential H. pylori protein. Two groups of inhibitors are described. One group is formed by narrow-spectrum compounds, highly specific for H. pylori, but ineffective against enterohepatic Helicobacter species and other Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria. The second group includes extended-spectrum antimicrobials additionally targeting Gram-positive bacteria, the Gram-negative Campylobacter jejuni, and most Helicobacter species, but not affecting other Gram-negative pathogens. To identify the binding site of the inhibitors in the flavodoxin structure, several H. pylori-flavodoxin variants have been engineered and tested using isothermal titration calorimetry. An initial study of the inhibitors capacity to generate resistances and of their synergism with antimicrobials commonly used in H. pylori eradication therapies is described. The narrow-spectrum inhibitors, which are expected to affect the microbiota less dramatically than current antimicrobial drugs, offer an opportunity to develop new and specific H. pylori eradication combinations to deal with AMR in H. pylori. On the other hand, the extended-spectrum inhibitors constitute a new family of promising antimicrobials, with a potential use against AMR Gram-positive bacterial pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Salillas
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.S.); (J.J.G.-F.); (A.M.); (R.M.); (M.C.-G.); (E.A.-C.); (A.V.-C.); (J.A.A.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Faculty of Science, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Juan José Galano-Frutos
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.S.); (J.J.G.-F.); (A.M.); (R.M.); (M.C.-G.); (E.A.-C.); (A.V.-C.); (J.A.A.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Faculty of Science, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alejandro Mahía
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.S.); (J.J.G.-F.); (A.M.); (R.M.); (M.C.-G.); (E.A.-C.); (A.V.-C.); (J.A.A.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Faculty of Science, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ritwik Maity
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.S.); (J.J.G.-F.); (A.M.); (R.M.); (M.C.-G.); (E.A.-C.); (A.V.-C.); (J.A.A.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Faculty of Science, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Conde-Giménez
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.S.); (J.J.G.-F.); (A.M.); (R.M.); (M.C.-G.); (E.A.-C.); (A.V.-C.); (J.A.A.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Faculty of Science, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ernesto Anoz-Carbonell
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.S.); (J.J.G.-F.); (A.M.); (R.M.); (M.C.-G.); (E.A.-C.); (A.V.-C.); (J.A.A.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Faculty of Science, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Microbiología, Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Helena Berlamont
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (H.B.); (F.H.)
| | - Adrian Velazquez-Campoy
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.S.); (J.J.G.-F.); (A.M.); (R.M.); (M.C.-G.); (E.A.-C.); (A.V.-C.); (J.A.A.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Faculty of Science, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- ARAID Foundation, Government of Aragon, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eliette Touati
- Unit of Helicobacter Pathogenesis, CNRS UMR2001, Department of Microbiology, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75724 Paris, France;
| | - Uwe Mamat
- Cellular Microbiology, Program Area Infections, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, 23845 Borstel, Germany; (U.M.); (U.E.S.)
| | - Ulrich E. Schaible
- Cellular Microbiology, Program Area Infections, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, 23845 Borstel, Germany; (U.M.); (U.E.S.)
| | - José A. Gálvez
- Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (ISQCH), CSIC—Departamento de Química Orgánica, Faculty of Science, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.A.G.); (M.D.D.-d.-V.)
| | - María D. Díaz-de-Villegas
- Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (ISQCH), CSIC—Departamento de Química Orgánica, Faculty of Science, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.A.G.); (M.D.D.-d.-V.)
| | - Freddy Haesebrouck
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (H.B.); (F.H.)
| | - José A. Aínsa
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.S.); (J.J.G.-F.); (A.M.); (R.M.); (M.C.-G.); (E.A.-C.); (A.V.-C.); (J.A.A.)
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Microbiología, Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias—CIBERES, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Sancho
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.S.); (J.J.G.-F.); (A.M.); (R.M.); (M.C.-G.); (E.A.-C.); (A.V.-C.); (J.A.A.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Faculty of Science, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sub-Micromolar Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro by Natural Compounds. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14090892. [PMID: 34577592 PMCID: PMC8465303 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibiting the main protease 3CLpro is the most common strategy in the search for antiviral drugs to fight the infection from SARS-CoV-2. We report that the natural compound eugenol is able to hamper in vitro the enzymatic activity of 3CLpro, the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, with an inhibition constant in the sub-micromolar range (Ki = 0.81 μM). Two phenylpropene analogs were also tested: the same effect was observed for estragole with a lower potency (Ki = 4.1 μM), whereas anethole was less active. The binding efficiency index of these compounds is remarkably favorable due also to their small molecular mass (MW < 165 Da). We envision that nanomolar inhibition of 3CLpro is widely accessible within the chemical space of simple natural compounds.
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Incorporation of heterocycles into drug molecules can enhance physical properties and biological activity. A variety of heterocyclic groups is available to medicinal chemists, many of which have been reviewed in detail elsewhere. Oxadiazoles are a class of heterocycle containing one oxygen and two nitrogen atoms, available in three isomeric forms. While the 1,2,4- and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles have seen widespread application in medicinal chemistry, 1,2,5-oxadiazoles (furazans) are less common. This Review provides a summary of the application of furazan-containing molecules in medicinal chemistry and drug development programs from analysis of both patent and academic literature. Emphasis is placed on programs that reached clinical or preclinical stages of development. The examples provided herein describe the pharmacology and biological activity of furazan derivatives with comparative data provided where possible for other heterocyclic groups and pharmacophores commonly used in medicinal chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Donald F Weaver
- Department of Fundamental Neurobiology, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H2, Canada
| | - Mark A Reed
- Treventis Corporation, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada.,Department of Fundamental Neurobiology, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abian O, Ortega-Alarcon D, Jimenez-Alesanco A, Ceballos-Laita L, Vega S, Reyburn HT, Rizzuti B, Velazquez-Campoy A. Structural stability of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro and identification of quercetin as an inhibitor by experimental screening. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:1693-1703. [PMID: 32745548 PMCID: PMC7395220 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.07.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The global health emergency generated by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has prompted the search for preventive and therapeutic treatments for its pathogen, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There are many potential targets for drug discovery and development to tackle this disease. One of these targets is the main protease, Mpro or 3CLpro, which is highly conserved among coronaviruses. 3CLpro is an essential player in the viral replication cycle, processing the large viral polyproteins and rendering the individual proteins functional. We report a biophysical characterization of the structural stability and the catalytic activity of 3CLpro from SARS-CoV-2, from which a suitable experimental in vitro molecular screening procedure has been designed. By screening of a small chemical library consisting of about 150 compounds, the natural product quercetin was identified as reasonably potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro (Ki ~ 7 μM). Quercetin could be shown to interact with 3CLpro using biophysical techniques and bind to the active site in molecular simulations. Quercetin, with well-known pharmacokinetic and ADMET properties, can be considered as a good candidate for further optimization and development, or repositioned for COVID-19 therapeutic treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Abian
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragon), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - David Ortega-Alarcon
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Jimenez-Alesanco
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Ceballos-Laita
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragon), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sonia Vega
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Hugh T Reyburn
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB), CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- CNR-NANOTEC, Licryl-UOS Cosenza and CEMIF.Cal, Department of Physics, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Adrian Velazquez-Campoy
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragon), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Fundación ARAID, Gobierno de Aragón, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Roszczenko-Jasińska P, Wojtyś MI, Jagusztyn-Krynicka EK. Helicobacter pylori treatment in the post-antibiotics era-searching for new drug targets. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:9891-9905. [PMID: 33052519 PMCID: PMC7666284 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10945-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Helicobacter pylori, a member of Epsilonproteobacteria, is a Gram-negative microaerophilic bacterium that colonizes gastric mucosa of about 50% of the human population. Although most infections caused by H. pylori are asymptomatic, the microorganism is strongly associated with serious diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and gastric cancer, and it is classified as a group I carcinogen. The prevalence of H. pylori infections varies worldwide. The H. pylori genotype, host gene polymorphisms, and environmental factors determine the type of induced disease. Currently, the most common therapy to treat H. pylori is the first line clarithromycin–based triple therapy or a quadruple therapy replacing clarithromycin with new antibiotics. Despite the enormous recent effort to introduce new therapeutic regimens to combat this pathogen, treatment for H. pylori still fails in more than 20% of patients, mainly due to the increased prevalence of antibiotic resistant strains. In this review we present recent progress aimed at designing new anti-H. pylori strategies to combat this pathogen. Some novel therapeutic regimens will potentially be used as an extra constituent of antibiotic therapy, and others may replace current antibiotic treatments. Key points • Attempts to improve eradication rate of H. pylori infection. • Searching for new drug targets in anti-Helicobacter therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Roszczenko-Jasińska
- Department of Bacterial Genetics, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Univeristy of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Marta Ilona Wojtyś
- Department of Bacterial Genetics, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Univeristy of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warszawa, Poland.,Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, Univeristy of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Elżbieta K Jagusztyn-Krynicka
- Department of Bacterial Genetics, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Univeristy of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warszawa, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
González A, Casado J, Chueca E, Salillas S, Velázquez-Campoy A, Sancho J, Lanas Á. Small Molecule Inhibitors of the Response Regulator ArsR Exhibit Bactericidal Activity against Helicobacter pylori. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E503. [PMID: 32244717 PMCID: PMC7232201 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8040503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is considered the most prevalent bacterial pathogen in humans. The increasing antibiotic resistance evolved by this microorganism has raised alarm bells worldwide due to the significant reduction in the eradication rates of traditional standard therapies. A major challenge in this antibiotic resistance crisis is the identification of novel microbial targets whose inhibitors can overcome the currently circulating resistome. In the present study, we have validated the use of the essential response regulator ArsR as a novel and promising therapeutic target against H. pylori infections. A high-throughput screening of a repurposing chemical library using a fluorescence-based thermal shift assay identified several ArsR binders. At least four of these low-molecular weight compounds noticeably inhibited the DNA binding activity of ArsR and showed bactericidal effects against antibiotic-resistant strains of H. pylori. Among the ArsR inhibitors, a human secondary bile acid, lithocholic acid, quickly destroyed H. pylori cells and exhibited partial synergistic action in combination with clarithromycin or levofloxacin, while the antimicrobial effect of this compound against representative members of the normal human microbiota such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis appeared irrelevant. Our results enhance the battery of novel therapeutic tools against refractory infections caused by multidrug-resistant H. pylori strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés González
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), San Juan Bosco 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquilor (Edif. I+D), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Casado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Eduardo Chueca
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), San Juan Bosco 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Salillas
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquilor (Edif. I+D), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adrián Velázquez-Campoy
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), San Juan Bosco 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquilor (Edif. I+D), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Agencia Aragonesa para la Investigación y el Desarrollo (ARAID), Government of Aragon, Ranillas 1-D, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Sancho
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), San Juan Bosco 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquilor (Edif. I+D), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ángel Lanas
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), San Juan Bosco 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Digestive Diseases Service, University Clinic Hospital Lozano Blesa, San Juan Bosco 15, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Psychiatry and Dermatology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Flavodoxins as Novel Therapeutic Targets against Helicobacter pylori and Other Gastric Pathogens. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051881. [PMID: 32164177 PMCID: PMC7084853 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Flavodoxins are small soluble electron transfer proteins widely present in bacteria and absent in vertebrates. Flavodoxins participate in different metabolic pathways and, in some bacteria, they have been shown to be essential proteins representing promising therapeutic targets to fight bacterial infections. Using purified flavodoxin and chemical libraries, leads can be identified that block flavodoxin function and act as bactericidal molecules, as it has been demonstrated for Helicobacter pylori (Hp), the most prevalent human gastric pathogen. Increasing antimicrobial resistance by this bacterium has led current therapies to lose effectiveness, so alternative treatments are urgently required. Here, we summarize, with a focus on flavodoxin, opportunities for pharmacological intervention offered by the potential protein targets described for this bacterium and provide information on other gastrointestinal pathogens and also on bacteria from the gut microbiota that contain flavodoxin. The process of discovery and development of novel antimicrobials specific for Hp flavodoxin that is being carried out in our group is explained, as it can be extrapolated to the discovery of inhibitors specific for other gastric pathogens. The high specificity for Hp of the antimicrobials developed may be of help to reduce damage to the gut microbiota and to slow down the development of resistant Hp mutants.
Collapse
|
16
|
González A, Casado J, Chueca E, Salillas S, Velázquez-Campoy A, Espinosa Angarica V, Bénejat L, Guignard J, Giese A, Sancho J, Lehours P, Lanas Á. Repurposing Dihydropyridines for Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:pharmaceutics11120681. [PMID: 31847484 PMCID: PMC6969910 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11120681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a major cause of the increasing failures in the current eradication therapies against Helicobacter pylori. In this scenario, repurposing drugs could be a valuable strategy to fast-track novel antimicrobial agents. In the present study, we analyzed the inhibitory capability of 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) antihypertensive drugs on the essential function of the H. pylori response regulator HsrA and investigated both the in vitro antimicrobial activities and the in vivo efficacy of DHP treatments against H. pylori. Six different commercially available and highly prescribed DHP drugs-namely, Nifedipine, Nicardipine, Nisoldipine, Nimodipine, Nitrendipine, and Lercanidipine-noticeably inhibited the DNA binding activity of HsrA and exhibited potent bactericidal activities against both metronidazole- and clarithromycin-resistant strains of H. pylori, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range of 4 to 32 mg/L. The dynamics of the decline in the bacterial counts at 2 × MIC appeared to be correlated with the lipophilicity of the drugs, suggesting different translocation efficiencies of DHPs across the bacterial membrane. Oral treatments with 100 mg/kg/day of marketed formulations of Nimodipine or Nitrendipine in combination with omeprazole significantly reduced the H. pylori gastric colonization in mice. The results presented here support a novel therapeutic solution for treatment of antibiotic-resistant H. pylori infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés González
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), San Juan Bosco 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquilor (Edif. I+D), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-976-762807
| | - Javier Casado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Eduardo Chueca
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), San Juan Bosco 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Salillas
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquilor (Edif. I+D), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adrián Velázquez-Campoy
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquilor (Edif. I+D), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- ARAID Foundation, Government of Aragon, Ranillas 1-D, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Vladimir Espinosa Angarica
- Cancer Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, #12-01, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Lucie Bénejat
- UMR1053 Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology, INSERM, Université Bordeaux, BaRITOn, 33000 Bordeaux, France
- French National Reference Center for Campylobacters & Helicobacters, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Jérome Guignard
- UMR1053 Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology, INSERM, Université Bordeaux, BaRITOn, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Alban Giese
- UMR1053 Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology, INSERM, Université Bordeaux, BaRITOn, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Javier Sancho
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), San Juan Bosco 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquilor (Edif. I+D), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Philippe Lehours
- UMR1053 Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology, INSERM, Université Bordeaux, BaRITOn, 33000 Bordeaux, France
- French National Reference Center for Campylobacters & Helicobacters, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Ángel Lanas
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), San Juan Bosco 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Digestive Diseases Service, University Clinic Hospital Lozano Blesa; San Juan Bosco 15, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Psychiatry and Dermatology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
González A, Salillas S, Velázquez-Campoy A, Espinosa Angarica V, Fillat MF, Sancho J, Lanas Á. Identifying potential novel drugs against Helicobacter pylori by targeting the essential response regulator HsrA. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11294. [PMID: 31383920 PMCID: PMC6683298 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47746-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing antibiotic resistance evolved by Helicobacter pylori has alarmingly reduced the eradication rates of first-line therapies. To overcome the current circulating resistome, we selected a novel potential therapeutic target in order to identify new candidate drugs for treating H. pylori infection. We screened 1120 FDA-approved drugs for molecules that bind to the essential response regulator HsrA and potentially inhibit its biological function. Seven natural flavonoids were identified as HsrA binders. All of these compounds noticeably inhibited the in vitro DNA binding activity of HsrA, but only four of them, apigenin, chrysin, kaempferol and hesperetin, exhibited high bactericidal activities against H. pylori. Chrysin showed the most potent bactericidal activity and the most synergistic effect in combination with clarithromycin or metronidazole. Flavonoid binding to HsrA occurs preferably at its C-terminal effector domain, interacting with amino acid residues specifically involved in forming the helix-turn-helix DNA binding motif. Our results validate the use of HsrA as a novel and effective therapeutic target in H. pylori infection and provide molecular evidence of a novel antibacterial mechanism of some natural flavonoids against H. pylori. The results further support the valuable potential of natural flavonoids as candidate drugs for novel antibacterial strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés González
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), San Juan Bosco 13, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems, Mariano Esquillor (Edif. I + D), 50018, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Sandra Salillas
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems, Mariano Esquillor (Edif. I + D), 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adrián Velázquez-Campoy
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems, Mariano Esquillor (Edif. I + D), 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBERehd, Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- ARAID Foundation, Ranillas 1-D, 500018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Vladimir Espinosa Angarica
- Cancer Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, #12-01, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - María F Fillat
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems, Mariano Esquillor (Edif. I + D), 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Sancho
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), San Juan Bosco 13, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems, Mariano Esquillor (Edif. I + D), 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ángel Lanas
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), San Juan Bosco 13, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBERehd, Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Psychiatry and Dermatology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Digestive Diseases Service, University Clinic Hospital Lozano Blesa, San Juan Bosco 15, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Villanueva R, Romero-Tamayo S, Laplaza R, Martínez-Olivan J, Velázquez-Campoy A, Sancho J, Ferreira P, Medina M. Redox- and Ligand Binding-Dependent Conformational Ensembles in the Human Apoptosis-Inducing Factor Regulate Its Pro-Life and Cell Death Functions. Antioxid Redox Signal 2019; 30:2013-2029. [PMID: 30450916 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2018.7658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Aims: The human apoptosis-inducing factor (hAIF) supports OXPHOS biogenesis and programmed cell death, with missense mutations producing neurodegenerative phenotypes. hAIF senses the redox environment of cellular compartments, stabilizing a charge transfer complex (CTC) dimer that modulates the protein interaction network. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the subcellular pH, CTC formation, and pathogenic mutations effects on hAIF stability, and a thermal denaturation high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to discover AIF binders. Results: Apoptotic hAIFΔ1-101 is not stable at intermembrane mitochondrial space (IMS) pH, but the 77-101 residues confer stability to the mitochondrial isoform. hAIF and its CTC populate different conformational ensembles with redox switch to the CTC producing a less stable and compact protein. The pathogenic G308E, ΔR201, and E493V mutations modulate hAIF stability; particularly, ΔR201 causes a population shift to a less stable conformation that remodels active site structure and dynamics. We have identified new molecules that modulate the hAIF reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)/oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) association/dissociation equilibrium and regulate its catalytic efficiency. Innovation: Biophysical methods allow evaluating the regulation of hAIF functional ensembles and to develop an HTS assay to discover small molecules that might modulate hAIF stability and activities. Conclusions: The mitochondrial soluble 54-77 portion stabilizes hAIF at the IMS pH. NADH-redox-linked conformation changes course with strong NAD+ binding and protein dimerization, but they produce a negative impact in overall hAIF stability. Loss of functionality in the R201 deletion is due to distortion of the active site architecture. We report molecules that may serve as leads in the development of hAIF bioactive compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Villanueva
- 1 Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (GBsC-CSIC and BIFI-IQFR Joint Units), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Silvia Romero-Tamayo
- 1 Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (GBsC-CSIC and BIFI-IQFR Joint Units), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ruben Laplaza
- 1 Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (GBsC-CSIC and BIFI-IQFR Joint Units), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,2 Departamento de Química Física, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Juan Martínez-Olivan
- 1 Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (GBsC-CSIC and BIFI-IQFR Joint Units), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adrián Velázquez-Campoy
- 1 Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (GBsC-CSIC and BIFI-IQFR Joint Units), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,3 Fundación ARAID, Diputación General de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain.,4 Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain.,5 Biomedical Research Networking Centre for Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Sancho
- 1 Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (GBsC-CSIC and BIFI-IQFR Joint Units), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,4 Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Patricia Ferreira
- 1 Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (GBsC-CSIC and BIFI-IQFR Joint Units), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Milagros Medina
- 1 Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (GBsC-CSIC and BIFI-IQFR Joint Units), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Salillas S, Alías M, Michel V, Mahía A, Lucía A, Rodrigues L, Bueno J, Galano-Frutos JJ, De Reuse H, Velázquez-Campoy A, Carrodeguas JA, Sostres C, Castillo J, Aínsa JA, Díaz-de-Villegas MD, Lanas Á, Touati E, Sancho J. Design, Synthesis, and Efficacy Testing of Nitroethylene- and 7-Nitrobenzoxadiazol-Based Flavodoxin Inhibitors against Helicobacter pylori Drug-Resistant Clinical Strains and in Helicobacter pylori-Infected Mice. J Med Chem 2019; 62:6102-6115. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Salillas
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Miriam Alías
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
| | - Valérie Michel
- Helicobacter Pathogenesis Unit, Department of Microbiology, CNRS ERL6002, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, Paris 75724, France
| | - Alejandro Mahía
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Lucía
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Liliana Rodrigues
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | | | - Juan José Galano-Frutos
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Hilde De Reuse
- Helicobacter Pathogenesis Unit, Department of Microbiology, CNRS ERL6002, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, Paris 75724, France
| | - Adrián Velázquez-Campoy
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza 50009, Spain
- Fundación ARAID, Gobierno de Aragón, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - José Alberto Carrodeguas
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Carlos Sostres
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | | | - José Antonio Aínsa
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | | | - Ángel Lanas
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Eliette Touati
- Helicobacter Pathogenesis Unit, Department of Microbiology, CNRS ERL6002, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, Paris 75724, France
| | - Javier Sancho
- Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI)-Joint Units: BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) and GBsC-CSIC, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mothersole RG, Macdonald M, Kolesnikov M, Murphy MEP, Wolthers KR. Structural insight into the high reduction potentials observed for Fusobacterium nucleatum flavodoxin. Protein Sci 2019; 28:1460-1472. [PMID: 31116469 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3661] [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: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Flavodoxins are small flavin mononucleotide (FMN)-containing proteins that mediate a variety of electron transfer processes. The primary sequence of flavodoxin from Fusobacterium nucleatum, a pathogenic oral bacterium, is marked with a number of distinct features including a glycine to lysine (K13) substitution in the highly conserved phosphate-binding loop (T/S-X-T-G-X-T), variation in the aromatic residues that sandwich the FMN cofactor, and a more even distribution of acidic and basic residues. The Eox/sq (oxidized/semiquinone; -43 mV) and Esq/hq (semiquinone/hydroquinone; -256 mV) are the highest recorded reduction potentials of known long-chain flavodoxins. These more electropositive values are a consequence of the apoprotein binding to the FMN hydroquinone anion with ~70-fold greater affinity compared to the oxidized form of the cofactor. Inspection of the FnFld crystal structure revealed the absence of a hydrogen bond between the protein and the oxidized FMN N5 atom, which likely accounts for the more electropositive Eox/sq . The more electropositive Esq/hq is likely attributed to only one negatively charged group positioned within 12 Å of the FMN N1. We show that natural substitutions of highly conserved residues partially account for these more electropositive reduction potentials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Mothersole
- Department of Chemistry, University at the British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Marta Macdonald
- Department of Chemistry, University at the British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Maxim Kolesnikov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at the British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Michael E P Murphy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at the British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Kirsten R Wolthers
- Department of Chemistry, University at the British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
A pyrene-inhibitor fluorescent probe with large Stokes shift for the staining of Aβ 1-42, α-synuclein, and amylin amyloid fibrils as well as amyloid-containing Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Anal Bioanal Chem 2018; 411:251-265. [PMID: 30411148 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-1433-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils formed by a variety of peptides are biological markers of different human diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and type II diabetes, and are structural constituents of bacterial biofilms. Novel fluorescent probes offering improved sensitivity or specificity toward that diversity of amyloid fibrils or providing alternative spectral windows are needed to improve the detection or the identification of amyloid structures. One potential source for such new probes is offered by molecules known to interact with fibrils, such as the inhibitors of amyloid aggregation found in drug discovery projects. Here we show the feasibility of the approach by designing, synthesizing, and testing several pyrene-based fluorescent derivatives of a previously discovered inhibitor of the aggregation of the Aβ1-42 peptide. All the derivatives tested retain the interaction with the amyloid architecture and allow its staining. The most soluble derivative, N-acetyl-2-(2-methyl-4-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-benzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d][1,3]oxazin-7-yl)-N-(pyren-1-ylmethyl)acetamide (compound 1D), stains similarly well amyloid fibrils formed by Aβ1-42, α-synuclein, or amylin, provides a sensitivity only slightly lower than that of thioflavin T, displays a large Stokes shift, allows efficient excitation in the UV spectral region, and is not cytotoxic. Compound 1D can also stain amyloid fibrils formed by staphylococcal peptides present in biofilm matrices and can be used to distinguish, by direct staining, Staphylococcus aureus biofilms containing amyloid-forming phenol-soluble modulins from those lacking them. Graphical abstract ᅟ.
Collapse
|
22
|
González A, Fillat MF. Overexpression, immunodetection, and site-directed mutagenesis of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 flavodoxin: A comprehensive laboratory practice on molecular biology. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 46:493-501. [PMID: 30066985 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant protein expression and site-directed mutagenesis of target genes have demonstrated an increasing importance in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, and medicine. By using the flavodoxin of the model cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 as a laboratory tool, we designed a comprehensive laboratory practice encompassing several well-established molecular biology techniques and procedures in order to fulfill two main objectives: (1) overexpression and immunodetection of Anabaena flavodoxin in recombinant Escherichia coli cell extracts, and (2) site-directed mutagenesis of the Anabaena flavodoxin gene isiB. This lab practice provides undergraduate students the possibility to perform by themselves several essential techniques in the field. With the aid of professors, students are stimulated to think, to interpret, and to discuss the results based on what they had learned in previous theoretical courses. © 2018 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(5):493-501, 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés González
- Aragon Institute for Health Research, San Juan Bosco 13, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza. Pedro Cerbuna 12, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems. Mariano Esquillor (Edificio I+D), Zaragoza 50018, Spain
| | - María F Fillat
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza. Pedro Cerbuna 12, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems. Mariano Esquillor (Edificio I+D), Zaragoza 50018, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Reens AL, Crooks AL, Su CC, Nagy TA, Reens DL, Podoll JD, Edwards ME, Yu EW, Detweiler CS. A cell-based infection assay identifies efflux pump modulators that reduce bacterial intracellular load. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007115. [PMID: 29879224 PMCID: PMC6007937 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial efflux pumps transport small molecules from the cytoplasm or periplasm outside the cell. Efflux pump activity is typically increased in multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens; chemicals that inhibit efflux pumps may have potential for antibiotic development. Using an in-cell screen, we identified three efflux pump modulators (EPMs) from a drug diversity library. The screening platform uses macrophages infected with the human Gram-negative pathogen Salmonella enterica (Salmonella) to identify small molecules that prevent bacterial replication or survival within the host environment. A secondary screen for hit compounds that increase the accumulation of an efflux pump substrate, Hoechst 33342, identified three small molecules with activity comparable to the known efflux pump inhibitor PAβN (Phe-Arg β-naphthylamide). The three putative EPMs demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Salmonella within primary and cell culture macrophages and within a human epithelial cell line. Unlike traditional antibiotics, the three compounds did not inhibit bacterial growth in standard microbiological media. The three compounds prevented energy-dependent efflux pump activity in Salmonella and bound the AcrB subunit of the AcrAB-TolC efflux system with KDs in the micromolar range. Moreover, the EPMs display antibacterial synergy with antimicrobial peptides, a class of host innate immune defense molecules present in body fluids and cells. The EPMs also had synergistic activity with antibiotics exported by AcrAB-TolC in broth and in macrophages and inhibited efflux pump activity in MDR Gram-negative ESKAPE clinical isolates. Thus, an in-cell screening approach identified EPMs that synergize with innate immunity to kill bacteria and have potential for development as adjuvants to antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail L. Reens
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - Amy L. Crooks
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - Chih-Chia Su
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve, Cleveland OH, United States of America
| | - Toni A. Nagy
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - David L. Reens
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
- JILA, National Institutes of Standards and Technology and University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - Jessica D. Podoll
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - Madeline E. Edwards
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - Edward W. Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve, Cleveland OH, United States of America
| | - Corrella S. Detweiler
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Debraekeleer A, Remaut H. Future perspective for potentialHelicobacter pylorieradication therapies. Future Microbiol 2018; 13:671-687. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2017-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ayla Debraekeleer
- Department of Structural & Molecular Microbiology, VIB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Han Remaut
- Department of Structural & Molecular Microbiology, VIB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Martínez-Júlvez M, Goñi G, Pérez-Amigot D, Laplaza R, Ionescu IA, Petrocelli S, Tondo ML, Sancho J, Orellano EG, Medina M. Identification of Inhibitors Targeting Ferredoxin-NADP⁺ Reductase from the Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri Phytopathogenic Bacteria. Molecules 2017; 23:molecules23010029. [PMID: 29295539 PMCID: PMC5943930 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferredoxin-NADP(H) reductases (FNRs) deliver NADPH or low potential one-electron donors to redox-based metabolism in plastids and bacteria. Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) is a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for citrus canker disease that affects commercial citrus crops worldwide. The Xcc fpr gene encodes a bacterial type FNR (XccFPR) that contributes to the bacterial response to oxidative stress conditions, usually found during plant colonization. Therefore, XccFPR is relevant for the pathogen survival and its inhibition might represent a strategy to treat citrus canker. Because of mechanistic and structural differences from plastidic FNRs, XccFPR is also a potential antibacterial target. We have optimized an activity-based high-throughput screening (HTS) assay that identifies XccFPR inhibitors. We selected 43 hits from a chemical library and narrowed them down to the four most promising inhibitors. The antimicrobial effect of these compounds was evaluated on Xcc cultures, finding one with antimicrobial properties. Based on the functional groups of this compound and their geometric arrangement, we identified another three XccFPR inhibitors. Inhibition mechanisms and constants were determined for these four XccFPR inhibitors. Their specificity was also evaluated by studying their effect on the plastidic Anabaena PCC 7119 FNR, finding differences that can become interesting tools to discover Xcc antimicrobials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Martínez-Júlvez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, and Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI-IQFR and CBsC-CSIC Joint Units), Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Guillermina Goñi
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, and Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI-IQFR and CBsC-CSIC Joint Units), Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Daniel Pérez-Amigot
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, and Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI-IQFR and CBsC-CSIC Joint Units), Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Rubén Laplaza
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, and Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI-IQFR and CBsC-CSIC Joint Units), Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
- Departamento de Química Física, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Irina Alexandra Ionescu
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, and Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI-IQFR and CBsC-CSIC Joint Units), Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Silvana Petrocelli
- Molecular Biology Division, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario 2000, Argentina.
| | - María Laura Tondo
- Molecular Biology Division, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario 2000, Argentina.
| | - Javier Sancho
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, and Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI-IQFR and CBsC-CSIC Joint Units), Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Elena G Orellano
- Molecular Biology Division, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario 2000, Argentina.
| | - Milagros Medina
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, and Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI-IQFR and CBsC-CSIC Joint Units), Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
The rapidly declining prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and widespread use of potent anti-secretory drugs means peptic ulcer disease has become substantially less prevalent than it was two decades ago. Management has, however, become more challenging than ever because of the threat of increasing antimicrobial resistance worldwide and widespread use of complex anti-thrombotic therapy in the ageing population. Peptic ulcers not associated with H pylori infection or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are now also imposing substantial diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This Seminar aims to provide a balanced overview of the latest advances in the pathogenetic mechanisms of peptic ulcers, guidelines on therapies targeting H pylori infection, approaches to treatment of peptic ulcer complications associated with anti-inflammatory analgesics and anti-thrombotic agents, and the unmet needs in terms of our knowledge and management of this increasingly challenging condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angel Lanas
- Service of Digestive Diseases, University Clinic Hospital Lozano Blesa, University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragón, CIBEREHD, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Francis K L Chan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Houwman JA, van Mierlo CPM. Folding of proteins with a flavodoxin-like architecture. FEBS J 2017; 284:3145-3167. [PMID: 28380286 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The flavodoxin-like fold is a protein architecture that can be traced back to the universal ancestor of the three kingdoms of life. Many proteins share this α-β parallel topology and hence it is highly relevant to illuminate how they fold. Here, we review experiments and simulations concerning the folding of flavodoxins and CheY-like proteins, which share the flavodoxin-like fold. These polypeptides tend to temporarily misfold during unassisted folding to their functionally active forms. This susceptibility to frustration is caused by the more rapid formation of an α-helix compared to a β-sheet, particularly when a parallel β-sheet is involved. As a result, flavodoxin-like proteins form intermediates that are off-pathway to native protein and several of these species are molten globules (MGs). Experiments suggest that the off-pathway species are of helical nature and that flavodoxin-like proteins have a nonconserved transition state that determines the rate of productive folding. Folding of flavodoxin from Azotobacter vinelandii has been investigated extensively, enabling a schematic construction of its folding energy landscape. It is the only flavodoxin-like protein of which cotranslational folding has been probed. New insights that emphasize differences between in vivo and in vitro folding energy landscapes are emerging: the ribosome modulates MG formation in nascent apoflavodoxin and forces this polypeptide toward the native state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseline A Houwman
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Neira JL, Bintz J, Arruebo M, Rizzuti B, Bonacci T, Vega S, Lanas A, Velázquez-Campoy A, Iovanna JL, Abián O. Identification of a Drug Targeting an Intrinsically Disordered Protein Involved in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2017; 7:39732. [PMID: 28054562 PMCID: PMC5213423 DOI: 10.1038/srep39732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are prevalent in eukaryotes, performing signaling and regulatory functions. Often associated with human diseases, they constitute drug-development targets. NUPR1 is a multifunctional IDP, over-expressed and involved in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) development. By screening 1120 FDA-approved compounds, fifteen candidates were selected, and their interactions with NUPR1 were characterized by experimental and simulation techniques. The protein remained disordered upon binding to all fifteen candidates. These compounds were tested in PDAC-derived cell-based assays, and all induced cell-growth arrest and senescence, reduced cell migration, and decreased chemoresistance, mimicking NUPR1-deficiency. The most effective compound completely arrested tumor development in vivo on xenografted PDAC-derived cells in mice. Besides reporting the discovery of a compound targeting an intact IDP and specifically active against PDAC, our study proves the possibility to target the ‘fuzzy’ interface of a protein that remains disordered upon binding to its natural biological partners or to selected drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José L Neira
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Edificio Torregaitán, Avda. del Ferrocarril s/n, 03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain.,Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Unidad Asociada IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Mariano Esquillor s/n, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jennifer Bintz
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - María Arruebo
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), Av. San Juan Bosco 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IIS) Aragón, Av. San Juan Bosco, 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- CNR-NANOTEC, Licryl-UOS Cosenza and CEMIF.Cal, Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cubo 31 C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Thomas Bonacci
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Sonia Vega
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Unidad Asociada IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Mariano Esquillor s/n, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Angel Lanas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IIS) Aragón, Av. San Juan Bosco, 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain.,Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Clínico Universitario "Lozano Blesa", Av. San Juan Bosco, 15, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Perdro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adrián Velázquez-Campoy
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Unidad Asociada IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Mariano Esquillor s/n, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IIS) Aragón, Av. San Juan Bosco, 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.,Fundación ARAID, Diputación General de Aragón, C/María de Luna 11, Edificio CEEIARAGÓN, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Juan L Iovanna
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Olga Abián
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Unidad Asociada IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Mariano Esquillor s/n, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), Av. San Juan Bosco 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IIS) Aragón, Av. San Juan Bosco, 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Rodríguez-Cárdenas Á, Rojas AL, Conde-Giménez M, Velázquez-Campoy A, Hurtado-Guerrero R, Sancho J. Streptococcus pneumoniae TIGR4 Flavodoxin: Structural and Biophysical Characterization of a Novel Drug Target. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161020. [PMID: 27649488 PMCID: PMC5029806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp) strain TIGR4 is a virulent, encapsulated serotype that causes bacteremia, otitis media, meningitis and pneumonia. Increased bacterial resistance and limited efficacy of the available vaccine to some serotypes complicate the treatment of diseases associated to this microorganism. Flavodoxins are bacterial proteins involved in several important metabolic pathways. The Sp flavodoxin (Spfld) gene was recently reported to be essential for the establishment of meningitis in a rat model, which makes SpFld a potential drug target. To facilitate future pharmacological studies, we have cloned and expressed SpFld in E. coli and we have performed an extensive structural and biochemical characterization of both the apo form and its active complex with the FMN cofactor. SpFld is a short-chain flavodoxin containing 146 residues. Unlike the well-characterized long-chain apoflavodoxins, the Sp apoprotein displays a simple two-state thermal unfolding equilibrium and binds FMN with moderate affinity. The X-ray structures of the apo and holo forms of SpFld differ at the FMN binding site, where substantial rearrangement of residues at the 91-100 loop occurs to permit cofactor binding. This work will set up the basis for future studies aiming at discovering new potential drugs to treat S. pneumoniae diseases through the inhibition of SpFld.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Rodríguez-Cárdenas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Joint Unit IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Joint Unit EEAD-CSIC-BIFI, Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adriana L. Rojas
- Structural Biology Unit, CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - María Conde-Giménez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Joint Unit IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Joint Unit EEAD-CSIC-BIFI, Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adrián Velázquez-Campoy
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Joint Unit IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Joint Unit EEAD-CSIC-BIFI, Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundación ARAID, Government of Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ramón Hurtado-Guerrero
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Joint Unit IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Joint Unit EEAD-CSIC-BIFI, Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundación ARAID, Government of Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- * E-mail: (RHG); (JS)
| | - Javier Sancho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Joint Unit IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Joint Unit EEAD-CSIC-BIFI, Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- * E-mail: (RHG); (JS)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Galano-Frutos JJ, Morón MC, Sancho J. The mechanism of water/ion exchange at a protein surface: a weakly bound chloride in Helicobacter pylori apoflavodoxin. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2016; 17:28635-46. [PMID: 26443502 DOI: 10.1039/c5cp04504e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Binding/unbinding of small ligands, such as ions, to/from proteins influences biochemical processes such as protein folding, enzyme catalysis or protein/ligand recognition. We have investigated the mechanism of chloride/water exchange at a protein surface (that of the apoflavodoxin from Helicobacter pylori) using classical all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. They reveal a variety of chloride exit routes and residence times; the latter is related to specific coordination modes of the anion. The role of solvent molecules in the mechanism of chloride unbinding has been studied in detail. We see no temporary increase in chloride coordination along the release process. Instead, the coordination of new water molecules takes place in most cases after the chloride/protein atom release event has begun. Moreover, the distribution function of water entrance events into the first chloride solvation shell peaks after chloride protein atom dissociation events. All these observations together seem to indicate that water molecules simply fill the vacancies left by the previously coordinating protein residues. We thus propose a step-by-step dissociation pathway in which protein/chloride interactions gradually break down before new water molecules progressively fill the vacant positions left by protein atoms. As observed for other systems, water molecules associated with bound chloride or with protein atoms have longer residence times than those bound to the free anion. The implications of the exchange mechanism proposed for the binding of the FMN (Flavin Mononucleotide) protein cofactor are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan J Galano-Frutos
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain. and Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI), Joint Unit BIFI-IQFR (CSIC). Edificio I + D, Mariano Esquillor, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M Carmen Morón
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Aragón (ICMA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain and Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Sancho
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain. and Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI), Joint Unit BIFI-IQFR (CSIC). Edificio I + D, Mariano Esquillor, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hidalgo J, Latorre P, Carrodeguas JA, Velázquez-Campoy A, Sancho J, López-Buesa P. Inhibition of Pig Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase Isoenzymes by 3-Mercaptopicolinic Acid and Novel Inhibitors. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159002. [PMID: 27391465 PMCID: PMC4938538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There exist two isoforms of cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C) in pig populations that differ in a single amino acid (Met139Leu). The isoenzymes have different kinetic properties, affecting more strongly the Km and Vmax of nucleotides. They are associated to different phenotypes modifying traits of considerable economic interest. In this work we use inhibitors of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity to search for further differences between these isoenzymes. On the one hand we have used the well-known inhibitor 3-mercaptopicolinic acid. Its inhibition patterns were the same for both isoenzymes: a three-fold decrease of the Ki values for GTP in 139Met and 139Leu (273 and 873 μM, respectively). On the other hand, through screening of a chemical library we have found two novel compounds with inhibitory effects of a similar magnitude to that of 3-mercaptopicolinic acid but with less solubility and specificity. One of these novel compounds, (N'1-({5-[1-methyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-thienyl}methylidene)-2,4-dichlorobenzene-1-carbohydrazide), exhibited significantly different inhibitory effects on either isoenzyme: it enhanced threefold the apparent Km value for GTP in 139Met, whereas in 139Leu, it reduced it from 99 to 69 μM. The finding of those significant differences in the binding of GTP reinforces the hypothesis that the Met139Leu substitution affects strongly the nucleotide binding site of PEPCK-C.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Hidalgo
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) Joint Unit, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pedro Latorre
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) Joint Unit, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José Alberto Carrodeguas
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) Joint Unit, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adrián Velázquez-Campoy
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) Joint Unit, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundación ARAID, Government of Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Sancho
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) Joint Unit, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pascual López-Buesa
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), BIFI-IQFR (CSIC) Joint Unit, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Benzbromarone, Quercetin, and Folic Acid Inhibit Amylin Aggregation. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17060964. [PMID: 27322259 PMCID: PMC4926496 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17060964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Amylin, or islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP), is a small hormone secreted by pancreatic β-cells that forms aggregates under insulin deficiency metabolic conditions, and it constitutes a pathological hallmark of type II diabetes mellitus. In type II diabetes patients, amylin is abnormally increased, self-assembled into amyloid aggregates, and ultimately contributes to the apoptotic death of β-cells by mechanisms that are not completely understood. We have screened a library of approved drugs in order to identify inhibitors of amylin aggregation that could be used as tools to investigate the role of amylin aggregation in type II diabetes or as therapeutics in order to reduce β-cell damage. Interestingly, three of the compounds analyzed-benzbromarone, quercetin, and folic acid-are able to slow down amylin fiber formation according to Thioflavin T binding, turbidimetry, and Transmission Electron Microscopy assays. In addition to the in vitro assays, we have tested the effect of these compounds in an amyloid toxicity cell culture model and we have found that one of them, quercetin, has the ability to partly protect cultured pancreatic insulinoma cells from the cytotoxic effect of amylin. Our data suggests that quercetin can contribute to reduce oxidative damage in pancreatic insulinoma β cells by modulating the aggregation propensity of amylin.
Collapse
|
33
|
On the link between conformational changes, ligand binding and heat capacity. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:868-878. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2015.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
34
|
Claveria-Gimeno R, Vega S, Grazu V, de la Fuente JM, Lanas A, Velazquez-Campoy A, Abian O. Rescuing compound bioactivity in a secondary cell-based screening by using γ-cyclodextrin as a molecular carrier. Int J Nanomedicine 2015; 10:2249-59. [PMID: 25834436 PMCID: PMC4371900 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s79480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro primary screening for identifying bioactive compounds (inhibitors, activators or pharmacological chaperones) against a protein target results in the discovery of lead compounds that must be tested in cell-based efficacy secondary screenings. Very often lead compounds do not succeed because of an apparent low potency in cell assays, despite an excellent performance in primary screening. Primary and secondary screenings differ significantly according to the conditions and challenges the compounds must overcome in order to interact with their intended target. Cellular internalization and intracellular metabolism are some of the difficulties the compounds must confront and different strategies can be envisaged for minimizing that problem. Using a novel screening procedure we have identified 15 compounds inhibiting the hepatitis C NS3 protease in an allosteric fashion. After characterizing biophysically the interaction with the target, some of the compounds were not able to inhibit viral replication in cell assays. In order to overcome this obstacle and potentially improve cellular internalization three of these compounds were complexed with γ-cyclodextrin. Two of them showed a five- and 16-fold activity increase, compared to their activity when delivered as free compounds in solution (while γ-cyclodextrin did not show antiviral activity by itself). The most remarkable result came from a third compound that showed no antiviral activity in cell assays when delivered free in solution, but its γ-cyclodextrin complex exhibited a 50% effective concentration of 5 μM. Thus, the antiviral activity of these compounds can be significantly improved, even completely rescued, using γ-cyclodextrin as carrier molecule.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Claveria-Gimeno
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain
- IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sonia Vega
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Valeria Grazu
- Instituto de Nanociencia de Aragon (INA), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jesús M de la Fuente
- Instituto de Nanociencia de Aragon (INA), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Aragón (ICMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute NanoBiomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Angel Lanas
- IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adrian Velazquez-Campoy
- IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundacion ARAID, Government of Aragon, Spain
| | - Olga Abian
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain
- IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Lugsanangarm K, Pianwanit S, Nueangaudom A, Kokpol S, Tanaka F, Nunthaboot N, Ogino K, Takagi R, Nakanishi T, Kitamura M, Taniguchi S, Chosrowjan H. Mechanism of photoinduced electron transfer from tyrosine to the excited flavin in the flavodoxin from Helicobacter pylori. A comparative study with the flavodoxin and flavin mononucleotide binding protein from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Miyazaki F). J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2013.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
36
|
Abian O, Vega S, Sancho J, Velazquez-Campoy A. Allosteric inhibitors of the NS3 protease from the hepatitis C virus. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69773. [PMID: 23936097 PMCID: PMC3728351 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) from the hepatitis C virus processes the non-structural region of the viral precursor polyprotein in infected hepatic cells. The NS3 protease activity has been considered a target for drug development since its identification two decades ago. Although specific inhibitors have been approved for clinical therapy very recently, resistance-associated mutations have already been reported for those drugs, compromising their long-term efficacy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new anti-HCV agents with low susceptibility to resistance-associated mutations. Regarding NS3 protease, two strategies have been followed: competitive inhibitors blocking the active site and allosteric inhibitors blocking the binding of the accessory viral protein NS4A. In this work we exploit the intrinsic Zn+2-regulated plasticity of the protease to identify a new type of allosteric inhibitors. In the absence of Zn+2, the NS3 protease adopts a partially-folded inactive conformation. We found ligands binding to the Zn+2-free NS3 protease, trap the inactive protein, and block the viral life cycle. The efficacy of these compounds has been confirmed in replicon cell assays. Importantly, direct calorimetric assays reveal a low impact of known resistance-associated mutations, and enzymatic assays provide a direct evidence of their inhibitory activity. They constitute new low molecular-weight scaffolds for further optimization and provide several advantages: 1) new inhibition mechanism simultaneously blocking substrate and cofactor interactions in a non-competitive fashion, appropriate for combination therapy; 2) low impact of known resistance-associated mutations; 3) inhibition of NS4A binding, thus blocking its several effects on NS3 protease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Abian
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- IIS Aragón, Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud, Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail: (OA); (AVC)
| | - Sonia Vega
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Sancho
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adrian Velazquez-Campoy
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundación ARAID, Government of Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
- * E-mail: (OA); (AVC)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Galano JJ, Alías M, Pérez R, Velázquez-Campoy A, Hoffman PS, Sancho J. Improved Flavodoxin Inhibitors with Potential Therapeutic Effects against Helicobacter pylori Infection. J Med Chem 2013; 56:6248-58. [DOI: 10.1021/jm400786q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan J. Galano
- Departamento
de Bioquímica
y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit BIFI-IQFR (CSIC), Edificio I + D, Mariano Esquillor, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Miriam Alías
- Departamento
de Bioquímica
y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit BIFI-IQFR (CSIC), Edificio I + D, Mariano Esquillor, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Reyes Pérez
- Departamento
de Bioquímica
y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit BIFI-IQFR (CSIC), Edificio I + D, Mariano Esquillor, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adrian Velázquez-Campoy
- Departamento
de Bioquímica
y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit BIFI-IQFR (CSIC), Edificio I + D, Mariano Esquillor, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundación ARAID, Gobierno de Aragon, Aragon, Spain
| | - Paul S. Hoffman
- Department of Medicine, Division
of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
22908, United States
| | - Javier Sancho
- Departamento
de Bioquímica
y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit BIFI-IQFR (CSIC), Edificio I + D, Mariano Esquillor, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
The stability of 2-state, 3-state and more-state proteins from simple spectroscopic techniques... plus the structure of the equilibrium intermediates at the same time. Arch Biochem Biophys 2013; 531:4-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2012.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
39
|
López LC, Dos-Reis S, Espargaró A, Carrodeguas JA, Maddelein ML, Ventura S, Sancho J. Discovery of Novel Inhibitors of Amyloid β-Peptide 1–42 Aggregation. J Med Chem 2012; 55:9521-30. [DOI: 10.1021/jm301186p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura C. López
- Departamento de Bioquímica
y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza,
Spain
- Joint Unit BIFI-IQFR,
CSIC,
Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, Mariano Esquillor, Edificio
I + D, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Suzana Dos-Reis
- CNRS, IPBS (Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale), 205 route
de Narbonne BP64182, F-31077 Toulouse, France
- UPS, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, F-31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Alba Espargaró
- Institut de Biotecnologia i
Biomedicina and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra,
Barcelona, Spain
| | - José A. Carrodeguas
- Departamento de Bioquímica
y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza,
Spain
- Joint Unit BIFI-IQFR,
CSIC,
Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, Mariano Esquillor, Edificio
I + D, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marie-Lise Maddelein
- CNRS, IPBS (Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale), 205 route
de Narbonne BP64182, F-31077 Toulouse, France
- UPS, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, F-31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Salvador Ventura
- Institut de Biotecnologia i
Biomedicina and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra,
Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Sancho
- Departamento de Bioquímica
y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza,
Spain
- Joint Unit BIFI-IQFR,
CSIC,
Biocomputation and Complex Systems Physics Institute (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, Mariano Esquillor, Edificio
I + D, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Structural analysis of hypothetical proteins from Helicobacter pylori: an approach to estimate functions of unknown or hypothetical proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2012; 13:7109-7137. [PMID: 22837682 PMCID: PMC3397514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms13067109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) have a unique ability to survive in extreme acidic environments and to colonize the gastric mucosa. It can cause diverse gastric diseases such as peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, gastric cancer, etc. Based on genomic research of H. pylori, over 1600 genes have been functionally identified so far. However, H. pylori possess some genes that are uncharacterized since: (i) the gene sequences are quite new; (ii) the function of genes have not been characterized in any other bacterial systems; and (iii) sometimes, the protein that is classified into a known protein based on the sequence homology shows some functional ambiguity, which raises questions about the function of the protein produced in H. pylori. Thus, there are still a lot of genes to be biologically or biochemically characterized to understand the whole picture of gene functions in the bacteria. In this regard, knowledge on the 3D structure of a protein, especially unknown or hypothetical protein, is frequently useful to elucidate the structure-function relationship of the uncharacterized gene product. That is, a structural comparison with known proteins provides valuable information to help predict the cellular functions of hypothetical proteins. Here, we show the 3D structures of some hypothetical proteins determined by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography as a part of the structural genomics of H. pylori. In addition, we show some successful approaches of elucidating the function of unknown proteins based on their structural information.
Collapse
|
41
|
Lugsanangarm K, Pianwanit S, Kokpol S, Tanaka F. Homology modelling and molecular dynamics simulations of wild type and mutated flavodoxins fromDesulfovibrio vulgaris(Miyazaki F): insight into FMN–apoprotein interactions. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2011. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2011.586348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
42
|
Ayuso-Tejedor S, Abián O, Velázquez-Campoy A, Sancho J. Mechanism of FMN Binding to the Apoflavodoxin from Helicobacter pylori. Biochemistry 2011; 50:8703-11. [PMID: 21910456 DOI: 10.1021/bi201025y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Flavodoxins are bacterial electron transport proteins whose redox competence is due to the presence of a tightly but noncovalently bound FMN molecule. While the thermodynamics of the complex are understood, the mechanism of association between the apoflavodoxin and the redox cofactor is not so clear. We investigate here the mechanism of FMN binding to the apoflavodoxin from Helicobacter pylori, an essential protein that is being used as a target to develop antimicrobials. This flavodoxin is structurally peculiar as it lacks the typical bulky residue interacting with the FMN re face but bears instead a small alanine. FMN binding is biphasic, regardless of the presence of phosphate molecules in solution, while riboflavin binding takes place in a single step, the rate constant of which coincides with the fast phase of FMN binding. A mutational study at the isoalloxazine and phosphate subsites for FMN binding clearly indicates that FMN association is always limited by interaction with the isoalloxazine subsite because mutating residues that interact with the phosphate moiety of FMN in the native complex hardly changes the observed rate constants and amplitudes. In contrast, replacing tyr92, which interacts with the isoalloxazine, greatly lowers the rate constants. Our analysis indicates that the two FMN binding phases observed are related neither with alternative or sequential interaction with the two binding subsites nor with the presence of bound phosphate. It is possible that they reflect the intrinsic conformational heterogeneity of the apoflavodoxin ensemble.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Ayuso-Tejedor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ayuso-Tejedor S, García-Fandiño R, Orozco M, Sancho J, Bernadó P. Structural analysis of an equilibrium folding intermediate in the apoflavodoxin native ensemble by small-angle X-ray scattering. J Mol Biol 2011; 406:604-19. [PMID: 21216251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2010.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2010] [Revised: 12/17/2010] [Accepted: 12/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intermediate conformations are crucial to our understanding of how proteins fold into their native structures and become functional. Conventional spectroscopic measurements of thermal denaturation transitions allow the detection of equilibrium intermediates but often provide little structural detail; thus, application of more informative techniques is required. Here we used small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to study the thermal denaturation of four variants of Anabaena PCC 7119 flavodoxin, including the wild-type apo and holo forms, and two mutants, E20K/E72K and F98N. Denaturation was monitored from changes in SAXS descriptors. Although the starting and final points of the denaturation were similar for the flavodoxin variants tested, substantial differences in the unfolding pathway were apparent between them. In agreement with calorimetric data, analysis of the SAXS data sets indicated a three-state unfolding equilibrium for wild-type apoflavodoxin, a two-state equilibrium for the F98N mutant, and increased thermostability of the E20K/E72K mutant and holoflavodoxin. Although the apoflavodoxin intermediate consistently appeared mixed with significant amounts of either native or unfolded conformations, its SAXS profile was derived from the deconvolution of the temperature-dependent SAXS data set. The apoflavodoxin thermal intermediate was structurally close to the native state but less compact, thereby indicating incipient unfolding. The residues that foster denaturation were explored by an ensemble of equilibrium ϕ-value restrained molecular dynamics. These simulations pointed to residues located in the cofactor and partner-protein recognition regions as the initial sites of denaturation and suggest a conformational adaptation as the mechanism of action in apoflavodoxin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ayuso-Tejedor
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Batinić-Haberle I, Rebouças JS, Spasojević I. Superoxide dismutase mimics: chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential. Antioxid Redox Signal 2010; 13:877-918. [PMID: 20095865 PMCID: PMC2935339 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2009.2876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 388] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress has become widely viewed as an underlying condition in a number of diseases, such as ischemia-reperfusion disorders, central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular conditions, cancer, and diabetes. Thus, natural and synthetic antioxidants have been actively sought. Superoxide dismutase is a first line of defense against oxidative stress under physiological and pathological conditions. Therefore, the development of therapeutics aimed at mimicking superoxide dismutase was a natural maneuver. Metalloporphyrins, as well as Mn cyclic polyamines, Mn salen derivatives and nitroxides were all originally developed as SOD mimics. The same thermodynamic and electrostatic properties that make them potent SOD mimics may allow them to reduce other reactive species such as peroxynitrite, peroxynitrite-derived CO(3)(*-), peroxyl radical, and less efficiently H(2)O(2). By doing so SOD mimics can decrease both primary and secondary oxidative events, the latter arising from the inhibition of cellular transcriptional activity. To better judge the therapeutic potential and the advantage of one over the other type of compound, comparative studies of different classes of drugs in the same cellular and/or animal models are needed. We here provide a comprehensive overview of the chemical properties and some in vivo effects observed with various classes of compounds with a special emphasis on porphyrin-based compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ines Batinić-Haberle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|