Synthesis of antimicrobial natural products targeting FtsZ: (+/-)-dichamanetin and (+/-)-2' ''-hydroxy-5' '-benzylisouvarinol-B

Total Synthesis and Antibacterial Evaluation of Lupinifolin and Its Natural Analogues

In this study, lupinifolin (1) and its natural analogues, mundulin (2), minimiorin (3), khonklonginol H (4), flemichin D (5), and eriosemaone A (27), were obtained by chemical synthesis for the first time. Key steps involved an electrocyclization to build the linear pyran rings and a Claisen/Cope rearrangement to install the 8-prenyl substituents. All compounds were assessed for their in vitro antimicrobial activities against clinically relevant human pathogens, including one Gram-negative bacterial strain (E. coli ATCC 25922) and four Gram-positive bacterial strains (S. aureus ATCC 29213, E. faecalis ATCC 29212, MRSA21-5, and VRE ATCC 51299). The result indicated that eriosemaone A (27) was the most potent one against Gram-positive bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations in the range of 0.25-0.5 μg/mL. Mechanistic studies indicated that 27 has good membrane-targeting ability to bacterial inner membranes and can bind to phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin in bacterial membranes, thereby disrupting the bacterial cell membranes and causing bacterial death.

The convergent evolution of influenza A virus: Implications, therapeutic strategies and what we need to know

Influenza virus infection, more commonly known as the 'cold flu', is an etiological agent that gives rise to recurrent annual flu and many pandemics. Dated back to the 1918- Spanish Flu, the influenza infection has caused the loss of many human lives and significantly impacted the economy and daily lives. Influenza virus can be classified into four different genera: influenza A-D, with the former two, influenza A and B, relevant to humans. The capacity of antigenic drift and shift in Influenza A has given rise to many novel variants, rendering vaccines and antiviral therapies useless. In light of the emergence of a novel betacoronavirus, the SARS-CoV-2, unravelling the underpinning mechanisms that support the recurrent influenza epidemics and pandemics is essential. Given the symptom similarities between influenza and covid infection, it is crucial to reiterate what we know about the influenza infection. This review aims to describe the origin and evolution of influenza infection. Apart from that, the risk factors entail the implication of co-infections, especially regarding the COVID-19 pandemic is further discussed. In addition, antiviral strategies, including the potential of drug repositioning, are discussed in this context. The diagnostic approach is also critically discussed in an effort to understand better and prepare for upcoming variants and potential influenza pandemics in the future. Lastly, this review encapsulates the challenges in curbing the influenza spread and provides insights for future directions in influenza management.

Filamentous temperature sensitive mutant Z: a putative target to combat antibacterial resistance

In the pre-antibiotic era, common bacterial infections accounted for high mortality and morbidity. Moreover, the discovery of penicillin in 1928 marked the beginning of an antibiotic revolution, and this antibiotic era witnessed the discovery of many novel antibiotics, a golden era. However, the misuse or overuse of these antibiotics, natural resistance that existed even before the antibiotics were discovered, genetic variations in bacteria, natural selection, and acquisition of resistance from one species to another consistently increased the resistance to the existing antibacterial targets. Antibacterial resistance (ABR) is now becoming an ever-increasing concern jeopardizing global health. Henceforth, there is an urgent unmet need to discover novel compounds to combat ABR, which act through untapped pathways/mechanisms. Filamentous Temperature Sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ) is one such unique target, a tubulin homolog involved in developing a cytoskeletal framework for the cytokinetic ring. Additionally, its pivotal role in bacterial cell division and the lack of homologous structural protein in mammals makes it a potential antibacterial target for developing novel molecules. Approximately 2176 X-crystal structures of FtsZ were available, which initiated the research efforts to develop novel antibacterial agents. The literature has reported several natural, semisynthetic, peptides, and synthetic molecules as FtsZ inhibitors. This review provides valuable insights into the basic crystal structure of FtsZ, its inhibitors, and their inhibitory activities. This review also describes the available in vitro detection and quantification methods of FtsZ-drug complexes and the various approaches for determining drugs targeting FtsZ polymerization.

Models versus pathogens: how conserved is the FtsZ in bacteria?

Combating anti-microbial resistance by developing alternative strategies is the need of the hour. Cell division, particularly FtsZ, is being extensively studied for its potential as an alternative target for anti-bacterial therapy. Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli are the two well-studied models for research on FtsZ, the leader protein of the cell division machinery. As representatives of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, respectively, these organisms have provided an extensive outlook into the process of cell division in rod-shaped bacteria. However, research on other shapes of bacteria, like cocci and ovococci, lags behind that of model rods. Even though most regions of FtsZ show sequence and structural conservation throughout bacteria, the differences in FtsZ functioning and interacting partners establish several different modes of division in different bacteria. In this review, we compare the features of FtsZ and cell division in the model rods B. subtilis and E. coli and the four pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Reviewing several recent articles on these pathogenic bacteria, we have highlighted the functioning of FtsZ, the unique roles of FtsZ-associated proteins, and the cell division processes in them. Further, we provide a detailed look at the anti-FtsZ compounds discovered and their target bacteria, emphasizing the need for elucidation of the anti-FtsZ mechanism of action in different bacteria. Current challenges and opportunities in the ongoing journey of identifying potent anti-FtsZ drugs have also been described.

Drug Discovery and Development on Pma1, Where Are We Now? A Critical Review from 1995 to 2022

Plasma membrane H⁺ -ATPase (Pma1) is an enzyme uniquely found in plants and fungi. The enzyme controls the nutrient uptake of plants and fungi via an electrochemical gradient processes, which is essential for their survival. Inhibiting Pma1, therefore, constitutes an alternative antifungal target void of toxicity to humans. From a medicinal chemistry point of view, this review provides a first summary of the recent drug design, synthesis, evaluation, and discovery of molecules targeting Pma1 for 25 years from 1995 to 2022.

Synthesis, antiplasmodial activity and in silico molecular docking study of pinocembrin and its analogs

BACKGROUND

Malaria remains the major health problem responsible for many mortality and morbidity in developing countries. Because of the development of resistance by Plasmodium species, searching effective antimalarial agents becomes increasingly important. Pinocembrin is a flavanone previously isolated as the most active antiplasmodial compound from the leaves of Dodonaea angustifolia. For a better understanding of the antiplasmodial activity, the synthesis of pinocembrin and a great number of analogs was undertaken.

METHODS

Chalcones 5a-r were synthesized via Claisen-Schmidt condensation using 2,4-dibenzyloxy-6-hydroxyacetophenone and aromatic aldehydes as substrates under basic conditions. Cyclization of compounds 5a-r to the corresponding dibenzylated pinocembrin analogs 6a-r was achieved using NaOAc in EtOH under reflux. Catalytic hydrogenation using 10% Pd/C as catalyst in an H-Cube Pro was used for debenzylation to deliver 7a-l. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized using various physical and spectroscopic methods, including mp, UV, IR, NMR, MS and HRMS. The synthesized dibenzylated flavanones 6a-d, 6i and 7a were evaluated for their in vivo antiplasmodial activities against Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Molecular docking simulation and drug likeness properties of compounds 7a-l were assessed using AutoDock Vina and SwissADME, respectively.

RESULTS

A series of chalcones 5a-r has been synthesized in yields ranging from 46 to 98%. Treatment of the chalcones 5a-r with NaOAc refluxing in EtOH afforded the dibenzylated pinocembrin analogs 6a-r with yields up to 54%. Deprotection of the dibenzylated pinocembrin analogs delivered the products 7a-l in yields ranging from 78 to 94%. The dibenzylated analogs of pinocembrin displayed percent inhibition of parastaemia in the range between 17.4 and 87.2% at 30 mg/kg body weight. The parastaemia inhibition of 87.2 and 55.6% was obtained on treatment of the infected mice with pinocembrin (7a) and 4'-chloro-5,7-dibenzylpinocembrin (6e), respectively. The mean survival times of those infected mice treated with these two compounds were beyond 14 days indicating that the samples suppressed P. berghei and reduced the overall pathogenic effect of the parasite. The molecular docking analysis of the chloro derivatives of pinocembrin revealed that compounds 7a-l show docking affinities ranging from - 8.1 to - 8.4 kcal/mol while it was -7.2 kcal/mol for chloroquine.

CONCLUSION

Pinocembrin (7a) and 4'-chloro-5,7-dibenzyloxyflavanone (6e) displayed good antiplasmodial activity. The in silico docking simulation against P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase revealed that pinocembrin (7a) and its chloro analogs 7a-l showed better binding affinity compared with chloroquine that was used as a standard drug. This is in agreement with the drug-like properties of compounds 7a-l which fulfill Lipinski's rule of five with zero violations. Therefore, pinocembrin and its chloro analogs could serve as lead compounds for further antiplasmodial drug development.

Filamentous Thermosensitive Mutant Z: An Appealing Target for Emerging Pathogens and a Trek on Its Natural Inhibitors

Simple Summary

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing issue worldwide that must be addressed swiftly. It is driven by spontaneous evolution, bacterial mutation, and the dissemination of resistant genes via horizontal gene transfer. Researchers are working on many novel targets, which can become a pathway to inhibit harmful bacteria. Filamentous Thermosensitive mutant-Z (Fts-Z) is one such bacterial target that has gained popularity amongst scientists due to its conserved nature in bacteria and absence in eukaryotes. The aim of this work was to review the Fts-Z mechanism of action along with current studies on natural inhibitors for Fts-Z.

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a major emerging issue in the health care sector, as highlighted by the WHO. Filamentous Thermosensitive mutant Z (Fts-Z) is gaining significant attention in the scientific community as a potential anti-bacterial target for fighting antibiotic resistance among several pathogenic bacteria. The Fts-Z plays a key role in bacterial cell division by allowing Z ring formation. Several in vitro and in silico experiments have demonstrated that inhibition of Fts-Z can lead to filamentous growth of the cells, and finally, cell death occurs. Many natural compounds that have successfully inhibited Fts-Z are also studied. This review article intended to highlight the structural–functional aspect of Fts-Z that leads to Z-ring formation and its contribution to the biochemistry and physiology of cells. The current trend of natural inhibitors of Fts-Z protein is also covered.

Analogues of Natural Chalcones as Efficient Inhibitors of AKR1C3

Naturally occurring substances are valuable resources for drug development. In this respect, chalcones are known to be antiproliferative agents against prostate cancer cell lines through various mechanisms or targets. Based on the literature and preliminary results, we aimed to study and optimise the efficiency of a series of chalcones to inhibit androgen-converting AKR1C3, known to promote prostate cancer. A total of 12 chalcones with different substitution patterns were synthesised. Structure-activity relationships associated with these modifications on AKR1C3 inhibition were analysed by performing enzymatic assays and docking simulations. In addition, the selectivity and cytotoxicity of the compounds were assessed. In enzymatic assays, C-6' hydroxylated derivatives were more active than C-6' methoxylated derivatives. In contrast, C-4 methylation increased activity over C-4 hydroxylation. Docking results supported these findings with the most active compounds fitting nicely in the binding site and exhibiting strong interactions with key amino acid residues. The most effective inhibitors were not cytotoxic for HEK293T cells and selective for 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases not primarily involved in steroid hormone metabolism. Nevertheless, they inhibited several enzymes of the steroid metabolism pathways. Favourable substitutions that enhanced AKR1C3 inhibition of chalcones were identified. This study paves the way to further develop compounds from this series or related flavonoids with improved inhibitory activity against AKR1C3.

Natural chalcones elicit formation of specialized pro-resolving mediators and related 15-lipoxygenase products in human macrophages

Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) comprise lipid mediators (LMs) produced from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) via stereoselective oxygenation particularly involving 12/15-lipoxygenases (LOXs). In contrast to pro-inflammatory LMs such as leukotrienes formed by 5-LOX and prostaglandins formed by cyclooxygenases, the SPMs have anti-inflammatory and inflammation-resolving properties. Although glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that block prostaglandin production are still prime therapeutics for inflammation-related diseases despite severe side effects, novel concepts focus on SPMs as immunoresolvents for anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapy. Here, we studied the natural chalcone MF-14 and the corresponding dihydrochalcone MF-15 from Melodorum fruticosum, for modulating the biosynthesis of LM including leukotrienes, prostaglandins, SPM and their 12/15-LOX-derived precursors in human monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) M1- and M2-like phenotypes. In MDM challenged with Staphylococcus aureus-derived exotoxins both compounds (10 µM) significantly suppressed 5-LOX product formation but increased the biosynthesis of 12/15-LOX products, especially in M2-MDM. Intriguingly, in resting M2-MDM, MF-14 and MF-15 strikingly evoked generation of 12/15-LOX products and of SPMs from liberated PUFAs, along with translocation of 15-LOX-1 to membranous compartments. Enhanced 12/15-LOX product formation by the chalcones was evident also when exogenous PUFAs were supplied, excluding increased substrate supply as sole underlying mechanism. Rather, MF-14 and MF-15 stimulate the activity of 15-LOX-1, supported by experiments with HEK293 cells transfected with either 5-LOX, 15-LOX-1 or 15-LOX-2. Together, the natural chalcone MF-14 and the dihydrochalcone MF-15 favorably modulate LM biosynthesis in human macrophages by suppressing pro-inflammatory leukotrienes but stimulating formation of SPMs by differential interference with 5-LOX and 15-LOX-1.

Targeting the Achilles Heel of FtsZ: The Interdomain Cleft

Widespread antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens is a serious threat to public health. Thus, identification of new targets and development of new antibacterial agents are urgently needed. Although cell division is a major driver of bacterial colonization and pathogenesis, its targeting with antibacterial compounds is still in its infancy. FtsZ, a bacterial cytoskeletal homolog of eukaryotic tubulin, plays a highly conserved and foundational role in cell division and has been the primary focus of research on small molecule cell division inhibitors. FtsZ contains two drug-binding pockets: the GTP binding site situated at the interface between polymeric subunits, and the inter-domain cleft (IDC), located between the N-terminal and C-terminal segments of the core globular domain of FtsZ. The majority of anti-FtsZ molecules bind to the IDC. Compounds that bind instead to the GTP binding site are much less useful as potential antimicrobial therapeutics because they are often cytotoxic to mammalian cells, due to the high sequence similarity between the GTP binding sites of FtsZ and tubulin. Fortunately, the IDC has much less sequence and structural similarity with tubulin, making it a better potential target for drugs that are less toxic to humans. Over the last decade, a large number of natural and synthetic IDC inhibitors have been identified. Here we outline the molecular structure of IDC in detail and discuss how it has become a crucial target for broad spectrum and species-specific antibacterial agents. We also outline the drugs that bind to the IDC and their modes of action.

Ethnobotany and the Role of Plant Natural Products in Antibiotic Drug Discovery

The crisis of antibiotic resistance necessitates creative and innovative approaches, from chemical identification and analysis to the assessment of bioactivity. Plant natural products (NPs) represent a promising source of antibacterial lead compounds that could help fill the drug discovery pipeline in response to the growing antibiotic resistance crisis. The major strength of plant NPs lies in their rich and unique chemodiversity, their worldwide distribution and ease of access, their various antibacterial modes of action, and the proven clinical effectiveness of plant extracts from which they are isolated. While many studies have tried to summarize NPs with antibacterial activities, a comprehensive review with rigorous selection criteria has never been performed. In this work, the literature from 2012 to 2019 was systematically reviewed to highlight plant-derived compounds with antibacterial activity by focusing on their growth inhibitory activity. A total of 459 compounds are included in this Review, of which 50.8% are phenolic derivatives, 26.6% are terpenoids, 5.7% are alkaloids, and 17% are classified as other metabolites. A selection of 183 compounds is further discussed regarding their antibacterial activity, biosynthesis, structure-activity relationship, mechanism of action, and potential as antibiotics. Emerging trends in the field of antibacterial drug discovery from plants are also discussed. This Review brings to the forefront key findings on the antibacterial potential of plant NPs for consideration in future antibiotic discovery and development efforts.

Total Synthesis of Novel Skeleton Flavan-Alkaloids

The first total synthesis of novel skeleton natural compounds kinkeloids A and B, a group of newly discovered flavan alkaloids isolated from the African plant Combretum micranthum, are described in this study. The key and final step are achieved by Mannich reaction, through which the piperidine moiety couples to the flavan moiety. The identities of synthesized kinkeloids were further confirmed through a comparison with the ones in the plant leaves extract using LC/MS.

Total Synthesis of Gastrodinol via Photocatalytic 6π Electrocyclization

The first total synthesis of gastrodinol, an unprecedented poly-p-cresol-substituted natural product with a rearranged and reconstructed C ring moiety, is reported. Our synthesis features a convergent fragment approach. The Sonogashira coupling reaction forges the two segments together to furnish the conjugated ene-yne. Photocatalytic 6π electrocyclization followed by spontaneous aromatization is used to construct the tetrasubstituted B ring at the late stage. Further study shows that gastrodinol exhibits significant cytotoxic activity against five human cancer cell lines in vitro (IC₅₀ 2.5-3.8 μM).

A key bacterial cytoskeletal cell division protein FtsZ as a novel therapeutic antibacterial drug target

Nowadays, the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains initiates the urgent need for the elucidation of the new drug targets for the discovery of antimicrobial drugs. Filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ), a eukaryotic tubulin homolog, is a GTP-dependent prokaryotic cytoskeletal protein and is conserved among most bacterial strains. In vitro studies revealed that FtsZ self-assembles into dynamic protofilaments or bundles and forms a dynamic Z-ring at the center of the cell in vivo, leading to septation and consequent cell division. Speculations on the ability of FtsZ in the blockage of cell division make FtsZ a highly attractive target for developing novel antibiotics. Researchers have been working on synthetic molecules and natural products as inhibitors of FtsZ. Accumulating data suggest that FtsZ may provide the platform for the development of novel antibiotics. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the properties of FtsZ protein and bacterial cell division, as well as in the development of FtsZ inhibitors.

Antimicrobial Terpenoids as a Potential Substitute in Overcoming Antimicrobial Resistance

There was a golden era where everyone thought that microbes can no longer establish threat to humans but the time has come where microbes are proposing strong resistance against the majority of antimicrobials. Over the years, the inappropriate use and easy availability of antimicrobials have made antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to emerge as the world's third leading cause of death. Microorganisms over the time span have acquired resistance through various mechanisms such as efflux pump, transfer through plasmids causing mutation, changing antimicrobial site of action, or modifying the antimicrobial which will lead to become AMR as the main cause of death worldwide by 2030. In order to overcome the emerging resistance against majority of antimicrobials, there is a need to uncover drugs from plants because they have proved to be effective antimicrobials due to the presence of secondary metabolites such as terpenoids. Terpenoids abundant in nature are produced in response to microbial attack have huge potential against various microorganisms through diverse mechanisms such as membrane disruption, anti-quorum sensing, inhibition of protein synthesis and ATP. New approaches like combination therapy of terpenoids and antimicrobials have increased the potency of treatment against various multidrug resistant microorganisms by showing synergism to each other.

FtsZ inhibitors as a new genera of antibacterial agents

The continuous emergence and rapid spread of a multidrug-resistant strain of bacterial pathogens have demanded the discovery and development of new antibacterial agents. A highly conserved prokaryotic cell division protein FtsZ is considered as a promising target by inhibiting bacterial cytokinesis. Inhibition of FtsZ assembly restrains the cell-division complex known as divisome, which results in filamentation, leading to lysis of the cell. This review focuses on details relating to the structure, function, and influence of FtsZ in bacterial cytokinesis. It also summarizes on the recent perspective of the known natural and synthetic inhibitors directly acting on FtsZ protein, with prominent antibacterial activities. A series of benzamides, trisubstituted benzimidazoles, isoquinolene, guanine nucleotides, zantrins, carbonylpyridine, 4 and 5-Substituted 1-phenyl naphthalenes, sulindac, vanillin analogues were studied here and recognized as FtsZ inhibitors that act either by disturbing FtsZ polymerization and/or GTPase activity. Doxorubicin, from a U.S. FDA, approved drug library displayed strong interaction with FtsZ. Several of the molecules discussed, include the prodrugs of benzamide based compound PC190723 (TXA-709 and TXA707). These molecules have exhibited the most prominent antibacterial activity against several strains of Staphylococcus aureus with minimal toxicity and good pharmacokinetics properties. The evidence of research reports and patent documentations on FtsZ protein has disclosed distinct support in the field of antibacterial drug discovery. The pressing need and interest shall facilitate the discovery of novel clinical molecules targeting FtsZ in the upcoming days.

Mycopyranone: a 8,8'-binaphthopyranone with potent anti-MRSA activity from the fungus Phialemoniopsis sp

A new 8,8'-binaphthopyranone (mycopyranone, 1) was isolated from a solid fermentation of Phialemoniopsis sp. (fungal strain MSX61662), and the structure was elucidated via analysis of the NMR and HRESIMS data. The axial chirality of 1 was determined to be M by ECD. The central chirality at C-4/C-4' was assigned through a modified Mosher's method, while the absolute configuration at C-3/C-3' was deduced based on analysis of the 3 J H-3-H-4 values and NOESY correlations. Compound 1 was evaluated for its antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus SA1199 and a clinically relevant methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain (MRSA USA300 LAC strain AH1263). Compound 1 inhibited the growth of both strains in a concentration dependent manner with IC50 values in the low μM range. Molecular docking indicated that compound 1 binds to the FtsZ (tubulin-like) protein in the same pocket as viriditoxin (2), suggesting that 1 targets bacterial cell division.

The Search for Anticancer Agents from Tropical Plants

Many of the clinically used anticancer agents in Western medicine are derived from secondary metabolites found in terrestrial microbes, marine organisms, and higher plants, with additional compounds of this type being currently in clinical trials. If plants are taken specifically, it is generally agreed that the prospects of encountering enhanced small organic-molecule chemical diversity are better if tropical rather than temperate species are investigated in drug discovery efforts. Plant collection in tropical source countries requires considerable preparation and organization to conduct in a responsible manner that abides by the provisions of the 1992 Rio Convention of Biological Diversity and the 2010 Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources. Correct taxonomic identifications and enhanced procedures for processing and documenting plant samples when collected in often difficult terrain are required. Phytochemical aspects of the work involve solvent fractionation, known compound dereplication, preliminary in vitro testing, and prioritization, leading to "activity-guided fractionation", compound structure determination, and analog development. Further evaluation of lead compounds requires solubility, formulation, preliminary pharmacokinetics, and in vivo testing in suitable models. Covering the work of the authors carried out in two sequential multidisciplinary, multi-institutional research projects, examples of very promising compounds discovered from plants acquired from Africa, Southeast Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean region, and with potential anticancer activity will be mentioned. These include plant secondary metabolites of the diphyllin lignan, cyclopenta[b]benzofuran, triterpenoid, and tropane alkaloid types.

Syntheses of benzophenone-xanthone hybrid polyketides and their antibacterial activities

Muchimangins are benzophenone-xanthone hybrid polyketides produced by Securidaca longepedunculata. However, their biological activities have not been fully investigated, since they are minor constituents in this plant. To evaluate the possibility of muchimangins as antibacterial agent candidates, five muchimangin analogs were synthesized from 2,4,5-trimethoxydiphenyl methanol and the corresponding xanthones, by utilizing p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate for the Brønsted acid-catalysis. The antibacterial assays against Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, and Gram-negative bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, revealed that the muchimangin analogs (±)-1,3,6,8-tetrahydroxy-4-(phenyl-(2',4',5'-trimethoxyphenyl)methyl)-xanthone (1), (±)-1,3,6-trihydroxy-4-(phenyl-(2',4',5'-trimethoxyphenyl)methyl)-xanthone (2), and (±)-1,3-dihydroxy-4-(phenyl-(2',4',5'-trimethoxyphenyl)methyl)-xanthone (3) showed significant activities against S. aureus, with MIC values of 10.0, 10.0, and 25.0μM, respectively. Analogs (±)-1 and (±)-2 also exhibited antibacterial activities against B. subtilis, with MIC values of 50.0 and 12.5μM, respectively. Furthermore, (+)-3 enhanced the antibacterial activity against S. aureus, with a MIC value of 10μM.

FtsZ inhibition and redox modulation with one chemical scaffold: Potential use of dihydroquinolines against mycobacteria

The dual effect of FtsZ inhibition and oxidative stress by a group of 1,2-dihydroquinolines that culminate in bactericidal effect on mycobacterium strains is demonstrated. They inhibited the non-pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis mc(2) 155 with MIC as low as 0.9 μg/mL and induced filamentation. Detailed studies revealed their ability to inhibit polymerization and GTPase activity of MtbFtsZ (Mycobacterial filamentous temperature sensitive Z) with an IC50 value of ∼40 μM. In addition to such target specific effects, these compounds exerted a global cellular effect by causing redox-imbalance that was evident from overproduction of ROS in treated cells. Such multi-targeting effect with one chemical scaffold has considerable significance in this era of emerging drug resistance and could offer promise in the development of new therapeutic agents against tuberculosis.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone derivatives as antimicrobial agents

A series of 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone derivatives were efficiently synthesized. Their antimicrobial efficacy on Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria and yeast were evaluated. Among these compounds, most of the halogenated derivatives exhibited the best antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The cytotoxicities of these compounds were low as evaluated on HepG2 cells using a cell viability assay. This study suggests that halogenated flavanones might represent promising pharmacological candidates for further drug development.

Iodine-catalysed regioselective thiolation of flavonoids using sulfonyl hydrazides as sulfenylation reagents

Iodine-catalysed regioselective sulfenylation of flavonoids including flavone, flavonol, dihydroflavone, isoflavone and aurone derivatives by sulfonyl hydrazides was developed.

Fungal plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase inhibitory activity of o-hydroxybenzylated flavanones and chalcones from Uvaria chamae P. Beauv

In our ongoing efforts of finding natural fungicides to fight food and feed spoilage during production and storage, the antifungal potential of Ghanaian Uvaria chamae P. Beauv. was investigated, with emphasis on plant metabolites targeting the fungal plasma membrane (PM) H(+)-ATPase. Ethyl acetate extract of U. chamae was subjected to high-resolution fungal PM H(+)-ATPase inhibition screening followed by structural elucidation by high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry-solid-phase extraction-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HPLC-HRMS-SPE-NMR). This led to identification of a series of uncommon o-hydroxybenzylated flavanones and chalcones, i.e., chamanetin (8), isochamanetin (9), isouvaretin (10), uvaretin (11), dichamanetin (12), and diuvaretin (15). Preparative-scale isolation of the active metabolites allowed determination of IC50 values for inhibition of the PM H(+)-ATPase, and growth inhibition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans. These revealed a strong correlation between o-hydroxybenzyl substituents and PM H(+)-ATPase activity, with dichamanetin being the most potent compound, but showing moderate activity in the fungal growth inhibition assays.

Synthesis of the diaryl ether cores common to chrysophaentins A, E and F

The synthesis of the diaryl ether subunits of the marine natural products chrysophaentin A, E and F is described. These natural prodcuts feature tetrasubstituted benzene rings with complex substitution patterns. The central strategy involves an SNAr reaction between a complex phenol and a polysubstituted fluoronitrobenzene. Subseqent attempts to construct the unusual E-chloroalkene linkage through several different approaches are also disclosed.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of novel 4-bromo-1H-indazole derivatives as FtsZ inhibitors

A series of novel 4-bromo-1H-indazole derivatives as filamentous temperature-sensitive protein Z (FtsZ) inhibitors were designed, synthesized, and assayed for their in vitro antibacterial activity against various phenotypes of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and their cell division inhibitory activity. The results indicated that this series showed better antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pyogenes than the other tested strains. Among them, compounds 12 and 18 exhibited 256-fold and 256-fold more potent activity than 3-methoxybenzamide (3-MBA) against penicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and compound 18 showed 64-fold better activity than 3-MBA but 4-fold weaker activity than ciprofloxacin in the inhibition of S. aureus ATCC29213. Particularly, compound 9 presented the best activity (4 µg/mL) against S. pyogenes PS, being 32-fold, 32-fold, and 2-fold more active than 3-MBA, curcumin, and ciprofloxacin, respectively, but it was four times less active than oxacillin sodium. In addition, some synthesized compounds displayed moderate inhibition of cell division against S. aureus ATCC25923, Escherichia coli ATCC25922, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853, sharing a minimum cell division concentration of 128 µg/mL.

Drug discovery targeting cell division proteins, microtubules and FtsZ

Eukaryotic cell division or cytokinesis has been a major target for anticancer drug discovery. After the huge success of paclitaxel and docetaxel, microtubule-stabilizing agents (MSAs) appear to have gained a premier status in the discovery of next-generation anticancer agents. However, the drug resistance caused by MDR, point mutations, and overexpression of tubulin subtypes, etc., is a serious issue associated with these agents. Accordingly, the discovery and development of new-generation MSAs that can obviate various drug resistances has a significant meaning. In sharp contrast, prokaryotic cell division has been largely unexploited for the discovery and development of antibacterial drugs. However, recent studies on the mechanism of bacterial cytokinesis revealed that the most abundant and highly conserved cell division protein, FtsZ, would be an excellent new target for the drug discovery of next-generation antibacterial agents that can circumvent drug-resistances to the commonly used drugs for tuberculosis, MRSA and other infections. This review describes an account of our research on these two fronts in drug discovery, targeting eukaryotic as well as prokaryotic cell division.

Antibiotics and bacterial resistance in the 21st century

Dangerous, antibiotic resistant bacteria have been observed with increasing frequency over the past several decades. In this review the factors that have been linked to this phenomenon are addressed. Profiles of bacterial species that are deemed to be particularly concerning at the present time are illustrated. Factors including economic impact, intrinsic and acquired drug resistance, morbidity and mortality rates, and means of infection are taken into account. Synchronously with the waxing of bacterial resistance there has been waning antibiotic development. The approaches that scientists are employing in the pursuit of new antibacterial agents are briefly described. The standings of established antibiotic classes as well as potentially emerging classes are assessed with an emphasis on molecules that have been clinically approved or are in advanced stages of development. Historical perspectives, mechanisms of action and resistance, spectrum of activity, and preeminent members of each class are discussed.

Bacterial cell division proteins as antibiotic targets

Proteins involved in bacterial cell division often do not have a counterpart in eukaryotic cells and they are essential for the survival of the bacteria. The genetic accessibility of many bacterial species in combination with the Green Fluorescence Protein revolution to study localization of proteins and the availability of crystal structures has increased our knowledge on bacterial cell division considerably in this century. Consequently, bacterial cell division proteins are more and more recognized as potential new antibiotic targets. An international effort to find small molecules that inhibit the cell division initiating protein FtsZ has yielded many compounds of which some are promising as leads for preclinical use. The essential transglycosylase activity of peptidoglycan synthases has recently become accessible to inhibitor screening. Enzymatic assays for and structural information on essential integral membrane proteins such as MraY and FtsW involved in lipid II (the peptidoglycan building block precursor) biosynthesis have put these proteins on the list of potential new targets. This review summarises and discusses the results and approaches to the development of lead compounds that inhibit bacterial cell division.

Antibacterial activity of quinoxalines, quinazolines, and 1,5-naphthyridines

Several phenyl substituted naphthalenes and isoquinolines have been identified as antibacterial agents that inhibit FtsZ-Zing formation. In the present study we evaluated the antibacterial of several phenyl substituted quinoxalines, quinazolines and 1,5-naphthyridines against methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcusaureus and vancomycin-sensitive and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcusfaecalis. Some of the more active compounds against S. aureus were evaluated for their effect on FtsZ protein polymerization. Further studies were also performed to assess their relative bactericidal and bacteriostatic activities. The notable differences observed between nonquaternized and quaternized quinoxaline derivatives suggest that differing mechanisms of action are associated with their antibacterial properties.

Identification of a new class of FtsZ inhibitors by structure-based design and in vitro screening

The Filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ), an essential GTPase in bacterial cell division, is highly conserved among Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and thus considered an attractive target to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. In this study, a new class of FtsZ inhibitors bearing the pyrimidine-quinuclidine scaffold was identified from structure-based virtual screening of natural product libraries. Iterative rounds of in silico studies and biological evaluation established the preliminary structure-activity relationships of the new compounds. Potent FtsZ inhibitors with low micromolar IC₅₀ and antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli were found. These findings support the use of virtual screening and structure-based design for the rational development of new antibacterial agents with innovative mechanisms of action.

Enterococcal and streptococcal resistance to PC190723 and related compounds: molecular insights from a FtsZ mutational analysis

New antibiotics with novel mechanisms of action are urgently needed to overcome the growing bacterial resistance problem faced by clinicians today. PC190723 and related compounds represent a promising new class of antibacterial compounds that target the essential bacterial cell division protein FtsZ. While this family of compounds exhibits potent antistaphylococcal activity, they have poor activity against enterococci and streptococci. The studies described herein are aimed at investigating the molecular basis of the enterococcal and streptococcal resistance to this family of compounds. We show that the poor activity of the compounds against enterococci and streptococci correlates with a correspondingly weak impact of the compounds on the self-polymerization of the FtsZ proteins from those bacteria. In addition, computational and mutational studies identify two key FtsZ residues (E34 and R308) as being important determinants of enterococcal and streptococcal resistance to the PC190723-type class of compounds.

A novel quinoline derivative that inhibits mycobacterial FtsZ

High throughput phenotypic screening of large commercially available libraries through two NIH programs has produced thousands of potentially interesting hits for further development as antitubercular agents. Unfortunately, these screens do not supply target information, and further follow up target identification is required to allow optimal rational design and development of highly active and selective clinical candidates. Cheminformatic analysis of the quinoline and quinazoline hits from these HTS screens suggested a hypothesis that certain compounds in these two classes may target the mycobacterial tubulin homolog, FtsZ. In this brief communication, activity of a lead quinoline against the target FtsZ from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is confirmed as well as good in vitro whole cell antibacterial activity against Mtb H37Rv. The identification of a putative target of this highly tractable pharmacophore should help medicinal chemists interested in targeting FtsZ and cell division develop a rational design program to optimize this activity toward a novel drug candidate.

(E)-1-[2-Hy-droxy-4,6-bis-(meth-oxy-meth-oxy)phen-yl]-3-phenyl-prop-2-en-1-one

The title compound, C₁₉H₂₀O₆, consists of a tetra­substituted benzene ring with one substituent being an α,β-unsaturated cinnamoyl group, which forms an extended conjugated system in the mol­ecule. In addition, two meth­oxy­meth­oxy and one hy­droxy group are bonded to the central benzene ring. The dihedral angle between eh rings is 10.22 (10)°. An intra­molecular hydrogen bond is observed between the hy­droxy group and the carbonyl O atom. One of the meth­oxy­meth­oxy substituents is conformationally disordered over two sets of sites with site-occupation factors of 0.831 (3) and 0.169 (3).

Benzimidazole-based antibacterial agents against Francisella tularensis

Francisella tularensis is a highly virulent pathogenic bacterium. In order to identify novel potential antibacterial agents against F. tularensis, libraries of trisubstituted benzimidazoles were screened against F. tularensis LVS strain. In a preliminary screening assay, remarkably, 23 of 2,5,6- and 2,5,7-trisubstituted benzimidazoles showed excellent activity exhibiting greater than 90% growth inhibition at 1 μg/mL. Among those hits, 21 compounds showed MIC90 values in the range of 0.35-48.6 μg/mL after accurate MIC determination. In ex vivo efficacy assays, four of these compounds exhibited 2-3log reduction in colony forming units (CFU) per mL at concentrations of 10 and 50 μg/mL.

Substituted 1,6-diphenylnaphthalenes as FtsZ-targeting antibacterial agents

Bacterial cell division occurs in conjunction with the formation of a cytokinetic Z-ring structure comprised of FtsZ subunits. Agents that disrupt Z-ring formation have the potential, through this unique mechanism, to be effective against several of the newly emerging multidrug-resistant strains of infectious bacteria. Several 1-phenylbenzo[c]phenanthridines exhibit notable antibacterial activity. Based upon their structural similarity to these compounds, a distinct series of substituted 1,6-diphenylnaphthalenes were synthesized and evaluated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. In addition, the effect of select 1,6-diphenylnaphthalenes on the polymerization dynamics of S. aureus FtsZ and mammalian β-tubulin was also assessed. The presence of a basic functional group or a quaternary ammonium substituent on the 6-phenylnaphthalene was required for significant antibacterial activity. Diphenylnaphthalene derivatives that were active as antibiotics, did exert a pronounced effect on bacterial FtsZ polymerization and do not appear to cross-react with mammalian tubulin to any significant degree.

Antimicrobial activity of various 4- and 5-substituted 1-phenylnaphthalenes

Bacterial cell division occurs in conjunction with the formation of a cytokinetic Z-ring structure comprised of FtsZ subunits. Agents that can disrupt Z-ring formation have the potential, through this unique mechanism, to be effective against several of the newly emerging multi-drug resistant strains of infectious bacteria. 1- and 12-Aryl substituted benzo[c]phenanthridines have been identified as antibacterial agents that could exert their activity by disruption of Z-ring formation. Substituted 4- and 5-amino-1-phenylnaphthalenes represent substructures within the pharmacophore of these benzo[c]phenanthridines. Several 4- and 5-substituted 1-phenylnaphthalenes were synthesized and evaluated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. The impact of select compounds on the polymerization dynamics of S. aureus FtsZ was also assessed.

3-Phenyl substituted 6,7-dimethoxyisoquinoline derivatives as FtsZ-targeting antibacterial agents

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has created an urgent need for antibiotics with a novel mechanism of action. The bacterial cell division protein FtsZ is an attractive target for the development of novel antibiotics. The benzo[c]phenanthridinium sanguinarine and the dibenzo[a,g]quinolizin-7-ium berberine are two structurally similar plant alkaloids that alter FtsZ function. The presence of a hydrophobic functionality at either the 1-position of 5-methylbenzo[c]phenanthridinium derivatives or the 2-position of dibenzo[a,g]quinolizin-7-ium derivatives is associated with significantly enhanced antibacterial activity. 3-Phenylisoquinoline represents a subunit within the ring-systems of both of these alkaloids. Several 3-phenylisoquinolines and 3-phenylisoquinolinium derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, including multidrug-resistant strains of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis (VRE). A number of derivatives were found to have activity against both MRSA and VRE. The binding of select compounds to S. aureus FtsZ (SaFtsZ) was demonstrated and characterized using fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, the compounds were shown to act as stabilizers of SaFtsZ polymers and concomitant inhibitors of SaFtsZ GTPase activity. Toxicological assessment of select compounds revealed minimal cross-reaction mammalian β-tubulin as well as little or no human cytotoxicity.

Comparison of small molecule inhibitors of the bacterial cell division protein FtsZ and identification of a reliable cross-species inhibitor

FtsZ is a guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) that mediates cytokinesis in bacteria. FtsZ is homologous in structure to eukaryotic tubulin and polymerizes in a similar head-to-tail fashion. The study of tubulin's function in eukaryotic cells has benefited greatly from specific and potent small molecule inhibitors, including colchicine and taxol. Although many small molecule inhibitors of FtsZ have been reported, none has emerged as a generally useful probe for modulating bacterial cell division. With the goal of establishing a useful and reliable small molecule inhibitor of FtsZ, a broad biochemical cross-comparison of reported FtsZ inhibitors was undertaken. Several of these molecules, including phenolic natural products, are unselective inhibitors that seem to derive their activity from the formation of microscopic colloids or aggregates. Other compounds, including the natural product viriditoxin and the drug development candidate PC190723, exhibit no inhibition of GTPase activity using protocols in this work or under published conditions. Of the compounds studied, only zantrin Z3 exhibits good levels of inhibition, maintains activity under conditions that disrupt small molecule aggregates, and provides a platform for exploration of structure-activity relationships (SAR). Preliminary SAR studies have identified slight modifications to the two side chains of this structure that modulate the inhibitory activity of zantrin Z3. Collectively, these studies will help focus future investigations toward the establishment of probes for FtsZ that fill the roles of colchicine and taxol in studies of tubulin.

An improved small-molecule inhibitor of FtsZ with superior in vitro potency, drug-like properties, and in vivo efficacy

The bacterial cell division protein FtsZ is an attractive target for small-molecule antibacterial drug discovery. Derivatives of 3-methoxybenzamide, including compound PC190723, have been reported to be potent and selective antistaphylococcal agents which exert their effects through the disruption of intracellular FtsZ function. Here, we report the further optimization of 3-methoxybenzamide derivatives towards a drug candidate. The in vitro and in vivo characterization of a more advanced lead compound, designated compound 1, is described. Compound 1 was potently antibacterial, with an average MIC of 0.12 μg/ml against all staphylococcal species, including methicillin- and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Compound 1 inhibited an S. aureus strain carrying the G196A mutation in FtsZ, which confers resistance to PC190723. Like PC190723, compound 1 acted on whole bacterial cells by blocking cytokinesis. No interactions between compound 1 and a diverse panel of antibiotics were measured in checkerboard experiments. Compound 1 displayed suitable in vitro pharmaceutical properties and a favorable in vivo pharmacokinetic profile following intravenous and oral administration, with a calculated bioavailability of 82.0% in mice. Compound 1 demonstrated efficacy in a murine model of systemic S. aureus infection and caused a significant decrease in the bacterial load in the thigh infection model. A greater reduction in the number of S. aureus cells recovered from infected thighs, equivalent to 3.68 log units, than in those recovered from controls was achieved using a succinate prodrug of compound 1, which was designated compound 2. In summary, optimized derivatives of 3-methoxybenzamide may yield a first-in-class FtsZ inhibitor for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant staphylococcal infections.

A bactericidal guanidinomethyl biaryl that alters the dynamics of bacterial FtsZ polymerization

The prevalence of multidrug resistance among clinically significant bacterial pathogens underscores a critical need for the development of new classes of antibiotics with novel mechanisms of action. Here we describe the synthesis and evaluation of a guanidinomethyl biaryl compound {1-((4'-(tert-butyl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-yl)methyl)guanidine} that targets the bacterial cell division protein FtsZ. In vitro studies with various bacterial FtsZ proteins reveal that the compound alters the dynamics of FtsZ self-polymerization via a stimulatory mechanism, while minimally impacting the polymerization of tubulin, the closest mammalian homologue of FtsZ. The FtsZ binding site of the compound is identified through a combination of computational and mutational approaches. The compound exhibits a broad spectrum of bactericidal activity, including activity against the multidrug-resistant pathogens methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), while also exhibiting a minimal potential to induce resistance. Taken together, our results highlight the compound as a promising new FtsZ-targeting bactericidal agent.

Antibacterial activity of substituted dibenzo[a,g]quinolizin-7-ium derivatives

Berberine is a substituted dibenzo[a,g]quinolizin-7-ium derivative whose modest antibiotic activity is derived from its disruptive impact on the function of the essential bacterial cell division protein FtsZ. The present study reveals that the presence of a biphenyl substituent at either the 2- or 12-position of structurally-related dibenzo[a,g]quinolizin-7-ium derivatives significantly enhances antibacterial potency versus Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Studies with purified S. aureus FtsZ demonstrate that both 2- and 12-biphenyl dibenzo[a,g]quinolizin-7-ium derivatives act as enhancers of FtsZ self-polymerization.