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İnak E, De Rouck S, Demirci B, Dermauw W, Geibel S, Van Leeuwen T. A novel target-site mutation (H146Q) outside the ubiquinone binding site of succinate dehydrogenase confers high levels of resistance to cyflumetofen and pyflubumide in Tetranychus urticae. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 170:104127. [PMID: 38657708 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial electron transfer inhibitors at complex II (METI-II), also referred to as succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI), represent a recently developed class of acaricides encompassing cyflumetofen, cyenopyrafen, pyflubumide and cyetpyrafen. Despite their novelty, resistance has already developed in the target pest, Tetranychus urticae. In this study a new mutation, H146Q in a highly conserved region of subunit B of complex II, was identified in a T. urticae population resistant to all METI-IIs. In contrast to previously described mutations, H146Q is located outside the ubiquinone binding site of complex II. Marker-assisted backcrossing of this mutation in a susceptible genetic background validated its association with resistance to cyflumetofen and pyflubumide, but not cyenopyrafen or cyetpyrafen. Biochemical assays and the construction of inhibition curves with isolated mitochondria corroborated this selectivity. In addition, phenotypic effects of H146Q, together with the previously described H258L, were further examined via CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Although both mutations were successfully introduced into a susceptible T. urticae population, the H146Q gene editing event was only recovered in individuals already harboring the I260V mutation, known to confer resistance towards cyflumetofen. The combination of H146Q + I260V conferred high resistance levels to all METI-II acaricides with LC50 values over 5000 mg a.i./L for cyflumetofen and pyflubumide. Similarly, the introduction of H258L via gene editing resulted in high resistance levels to all tested acaricides, with extreme LC50 values (>5000 mg a.i./L) for cyenopyrafen and cyetpyrafen, but lower resistance levels for pyflubumide and cyflumetofen. Together, these findings indicate that different mutations result in a different cross-resistance spectrum, probably also reflecting subtle differences in the binding mode of complex II acaricides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre İnak
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara University, 06135, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sander De Rouck
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Berke Demirci
- Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ankara University, 06110, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Wannes Dermauw
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sven Geibel
- Bayer AG, Crop Science Division, Alfred-Nobel-Straße 50, 40789, Monheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Van Leeuwen
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Risi G, Liu M, Vairoletti F, Quinn RJ, Salinas G. A Screening of 10,240 NatureBank Fractions Identifies Nematicidal Activity in Agelasine-Containing Extracts from Sponges. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:1532-1539. [PMID: 38853528 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c01212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Nematode infections affect a fifth of the human population, livestock, and crops worldwide, imposing a burden to global public health and economies, particularly in developing nations. Resistance to commercial anthelmintics has increased over the years in livestock infections and driven the pursuit for new drugs. We herein present a rapid, cost-effective, and automated assay for nematicide discovery using the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to screen a highly diverse natural product library enriched in bioactive molecules. Screening of 10,240 fractions obtained from extracts of various biological sources allowed the identification of 7 promising hit fractions, all from marine sponges. These fractions were further assayed for nematicidal activity against the sheep nematode parasite Haemonchus contortus and for innocuity in zebrafish. The most active extracts against parasites and innocuous toward vertebrates belong to two chemotypes. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealed that the most abundant compound in one chemotype is halaminol A, an aminoalcohol previously identified in a small screen against H. contortus. Terpene-nucleotide hybrids known as agelasines predominate in the other chemotype. This study reinforces the power of C. elegans for nematicide discovery from large collections and the potential of the chemical diversity derived from marine invertebrate biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gastón Risi
- Worm Biology Lab, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Miaomiao Liu
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
| | - Franco Vairoletti
- Worm Biology Lab, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, 11200 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ronald J Quinn
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
| | - Gustavo Salinas
- Worm Biology Lab, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, 11200 Montevideo, Uruguay
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3
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Abd-Elgawad MMM. Upgrading Strategies for Managing Nematode Pests on Profitable Crops. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1558. [PMID: 38891366 PMCID: PMC11174438 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) reduce the high profitability of many crops and degrade their quantitative and qualitative yields globally. Traditional nematicides and other nematode control methods are being used against PPNs. However, stakeholders are searching for more sustainable and effective alternatives with limited side effects on the environment and mankind to face increased food demand, unfavorable climate change, and using unhealthy nematicides. This review focuses on upgrading the pre-procedures of PPN control as well as novel measures for their effective and durable management strategies on economically important crops. Sound and effective sampling, extraction, identification, and counting methods of PPNs and their related microorganisms, in addition to perfecting designation of nematode-host susceptibility/resistance, form the bases for these strategies. Therefore, their related frontiers should be expanded to synthesize innovative integrated solutions for these strategies. The latter involve supplanting unsafe nematicides with a new generation of safe and reliable chemical nematicidal and bionematicidal alternatives. For better efficacy, nematicidal materials and techniques should be further developed via computer-aided nematicide design. Bioinformatics devices can reinforce the potential of safe and effective biocontrol agents (BCAs) and their active components. They can delineate the interactions of bionematicides with their targeted PPN species and tackle complex diseases. Also, the functional plan of nematicides based on a blueprint of the intended goals should be further explored. Such goals can currently engage succinate dehydrogenase, acetylcholinesterase, and chitin deacetylase. Nonetheless, other biochemical compounds as novel targets for nematicides should be earnestly sought. Commonly used nematicides should be further tested for synergistic or additive function and be optimized via novel sequential, dual-purpose, and co-application of agricultural inputs, especially in integrated pest management schemes. Future directions and research priorities should address this novelty. Meanwhile, emerging bioactivated nematicides that offer reliability and nematode selectivity should be advanced for their favorable large-scale synthesis. Recent technological means should intervene to prevail over nematicide-related limitations. Nanoencapsulation can challenge production costs, effectiveness, and manufacturing defects of some nematicides. Recent progress in studying molecular plant-nematode interaction mechanisms can be further exploited for novel PPN control given related topics such as interfering RNA techniques, RNA-Seq in BCA development, and targeted genome editing. A few recent materials/techniques for control of PPNs in durable agroecosystems via decision support tools and decision support systems are addressed. The capability and effectiveness of nematicide operation harmony should be optimized via employing proper cooperative mechanisms among all partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahfouz M M Abd-Elgawad
- Plant Pathology Department, Agricultural and Biological Research Institute, National Research Centre, El-Behooth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
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Hellinga JR, Krücken J, Schulenburg H, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Use of Viscous medium to study anthelmintic drug action in Caenorhabditis elegans. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12756. [PMID: 38830930 PMCID: PMC11148144 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63090-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans is an appealing tool for experimental evolution and for working with antiparasitic drugs, from understanding the molecular mechanisms of drug action and resistance to uncover new drug targets. We present a new methodology for studying the impact of antiparasitic drugs in C. elegans. Viscous medium was initially designed for C. elegans maintenance during long-term evolution experiments. Viscous medium provides a less structured environment than the standard nematode growth media agar, yet the bacteria food source remains suspended. Further, the Viscous medium offers the worm population enough support to move freely, mate, and reproduce at a rate comparable to standard agar cultures. Here, the Viscous medium was adapted for use in antiparasitic research. We observed a similar sensitivity of C. elegans to anthelmintic drugs as in standard liquid media and statistical difference to the standard agar media through a larval development assay. Using Viscous medium in C. elegans studies will considerably improve antiparasitic resistance research, and this medium could be used in studies aimed at understanding long-term multigenerational drug activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline R Hellinga
- Institute für Parasitologie und Tropenveterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert von Ostertag Str. 7, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute für Parasitologie und Tropenveterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert von Ostertag Str. 7, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hinrich Schulenburg
- Zoologisches Institut, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute für Parasitologie und Tropenveterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert von Ostertag Str. 7, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
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Davie T, Serrat X, Imhof L, Snider J, Štagljar I, Keiser J, Hirano H, Watanabe N, Osada H, Fraser AG. Identification of a family of species-selective complex I inhibitors as potential anthelmintics. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3367. [PMID: 38719808 PMCID: PMC11079024 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47331-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are major pathogens infecting over a billion people. There are few classes of anthelmintics and there is an urgent need for new drugs. Many STHs use an unusual form of anaerobic metabolism to survive the hypoxic conditions of the host gut. This requires rhodoquinone (RQ), a quinone electron carrier. RQ is not made or used by vertebrate hosts making it an excellent therapeutic target. Here we screen 480 structural families of natural products to find compounds that kill Caenorhabditis elegans specifically when they require RQ-dependent metabolism. We identify several classes of compounds including a family of species-selective inhibitors of mitochondrial respiratory complex I. These identified complex I inhibitors have a benzimidazole core and we determine key structural requirements for activity by screening 1,280 related compounds. Finally, we show several of these compounds kill adult STHs. We suggest these species-selective complex I inhibitors are potential anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Davie
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xènia Serrat
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lea Imhof
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4000, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jamie Snider
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Igor Štagljar
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences, Meštrovićevo Šetalište 45, HR-21000, Split, Croatia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4000, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hiroyuki Hirano
- Chemical Resource Development Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Nobumoto Watanabe
- Chemical Resource Development Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Osada
- Chemical Resource Development Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
- Institute of Microbial Chemistry (BIKAKEN), 3-14-23 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 141-0021, Japan
| | - Andrew G Fraser
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Turani O, Castro MJ, Vazzana J, Mendioroz P, Volpe MA, Gerbino DC, Bouzat C. Potent Anthelmintic Activity of Chalcones Synthesized by an Effective Green Approach. ChemMedChem 2024:e202400071. [PMID: 38573571 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
There is currently an urgent need for new anthelmintic agents due to increasing resistance to the limited available drugs. The chalcone scaffold is a privileged structure for developing new drugs and has been shown to exhibit potential antiparasitic properties. We synthesized a series of chalcones via Claisen-Schmidt condensation, introducing a novel recoverable catalyst derived from biochar obtained from the pyrolysis of tree pruning waste. Employing microwave irradiation and a green solvent, this approach demonstrated significantly reduced reaction times and excellent compatibility with various functional groups. The result was the generation of a library of functionalized chalcones, exhibiting exclusive (E)-selectivity and high to excellent yields. The chalcone derivatives were evaluated on the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The chalcone scaffold, along with two derivatives incorporating a methoxy substituent in either ring, caused a concentration-dependent decrease of worm motility, revealing potent anthelmintic activity and spastic paralysis not mediated by the nematode levamisole-sensitive nicotinic receptor. The combination of both methoxy groups in the chalcone scaffold resulted in a less potent compound causing worm hypermotility at the short term, indicating a distinct molecular mechanism. Through the identification of promising drug candidates, this work addresses the demand for new anthelmintic drugs while promoting sustainable chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Turani
- INIBIBB (CONICET-UNS), Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Camino La Carrindanga km 7, 8000, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - M Julia Castro
- INQUISUR (CONICET-UNS), Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Avenida Alem 1253, 8000, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Juliana Vazzana
- INQUISUR (CONICET-UNS), Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Avenida Alem 1253, 8000, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Pamela Mendioroz
- INQUISUR (CONICET-UNS), Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Avenida Alem 1253, 8000, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - María A Volpe
- PLAPIQUI (CONICET-CCTBB), Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Darío C Gerbino
- INQUISUR (CONICET-UNS), Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Avenida Alem 1253, 8000, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Bouzat
- INIBIBB (CONICET-UNS), Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Camino La Carrindanga km 7, 8000, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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Bilal B, Azim MK. Nematicidal activity of paucimannose-type glycoconjugates from acacia honey. Exp Parasitol 2024; 259:108707. [PMID: 38336095 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Natural honey contains glycoconjugates as minor components. We characterized acacia honey glycoconjugates with molecular masses in the range of 2-5 kDa. The glycoconjugates were separated by RP-HPLC into three peaks (termed RP-2-5 k-I, RP-2-5 k-II, and RP-2-5 k-III) which demonstrated paralyzing effects on the model nematode C. elegans (ED50 of 50 ng glycoconjugates/μL). To examine molecular mechanisms underlying the nematicidal effects of honey glycoconjugates, expressional analyses of genes that are essential for the growth, development, reproduction, and movement of C. elegans were carried out. Quantitative PCR-based assays showed that these molecules moderately regulate the expression of genes involved in the citric acid cycle (mdh-1 and idhg-1) and cytoskeleton (act-1 and act-2). MALDI-ToF-MS/MS analysis of RP-HPLC peaks revealed the presence of paucimannose-like N-glycans which are known to play important roles in invertebrates e.g., worms and flies. These findings provided novel information regarding the structure and nematicidal function of honey glycoconjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Bilal
- Department of Biosciences, Mohammad Ali Jinnah University, Karachi, Pakistan; H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - M Kamran Azim
- Department of Biosciences, Mohammad Ali Jinnah University, Karachi, Pakistan.
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Shanley HT, Taki AC, Byrne JJ, Nguyen N, Wells TNC, Jabbar A, Sleebs BE, Gasser RB. A phenotypic screen of the Global Health Priority Box identifies an insecticide with anthelmintic activity. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:131. [PMID: 38486232 PMCID: PMC10938758 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06183-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection with parasitic nematodes (helminths), particularly those of the order Strongylida (such as Haemonchus contortus), can cause significant and burdensome diseases in humans and animals. Widespread drug (anthelmintic) resistance in livestock parasites, the absence of vaccines against most of these nematodes, and a lack of new and effective chemical entities on the commercial market demands the discovery of new anthelmintics. In the present study, we searched the Global Health Priority Box (Medicines for Malaria Venture) for new candidates for anthelmintic development. METHODS We employed a whole-organism, motility-based phenotypic screening assay to identify compounds from the Global Health Priority Box with activity against larvae of the model parasite H. contortus, and the free-living comparator nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Hit compounds were further validated via dose-response assays, with lead candidates then assessed for nematocidal activity against H. contortus adult worms, and additionally, for cytotoxic and mitotoxic effects on human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. RESULTS The primary screen against H. contortus and C. elegans revealed or reidentified 16 hit compounds; further validation established MMV1794206, otherwise known as 'flufenerim', as a significant inhibitor of H. contortus larval motility (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 18 μM) and development (IC50 = 1.2 μM), H. contortus adult female motility (100% after 12 h of incubation) and C. elegans larval motility (IC50 = 0.22 μM). Further testing on a mammalian cell line (human hepatoma HepG2 cells), however, identified flufenerim to be both cytotoxic (half-maximal cytotoxic concentration [CC50] < 0.7 μM) and mitotoxic (half-maximal mitotoxic concentration [MC50] < 0.7 μM). CONCLUSIONS The in vitro efficacy of MMV1794206 against the most pathogenic stages of H. contortus, as well as the free-living C. elegans, suggests the potential for development as a broad-spectrum anthelmintic compound; however, the high toxicity towards mammalian cells presents a significant hindrance. Further work should seek to establish the protein-drug interactions of MMV1794206 in a nematode model, to unravel the mechanism of action, in addition to an advanced structure-activity relationship investigation to optimise anthelmintic activity and eliminate mammalian cell toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison T Shanley
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Aya C Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Joseph J Byrne
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Nghi Nguyen
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Tim N C Wells
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Brad E Sleebs
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Shanley HT, Taki AC, Nguyen N, Wang T, Byrne JJ, Ang CS, Leeming MG, Nie S, Williamson N, Zheng Y, Young ND, Korhonen PK, Hofmann A, Wells TNC, Jabbar A, Sleebs BE, Gasser RB. Structure activity relationship and target prediction for ABX464 analogues in Caenorhabditis elegans. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 98:117540. [PMID: 38134663 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Global challenges with treatment failures and/or widespread resistance in parasitic worms against commercially available anthelmintics lend impetus to the development of new anthelmintics with novel mechanism(s) of action. The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an important model organism used for drug discovery, including the screening and structure-activity investigation of new compounds, and target deconvolution. Previously, we conducted a whole-organism phenotypic screen of the 'Pandemic Response Box' (from Medicines for Malaria Venture, MMV) and identified a hit compound, called ABX464, with activity against C. elegans and a related, parasitic nematode, Haemonchus contortus. Here, we tested a series of 44 synthesized analogues to explore the pharmacophore of activity on C. elegans and revealed five compounds whose potency was similar or greater than that of ABX464, but which were not toxic to human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. Subsequently, we employed thermal proteome profiling (TPP), protein structure prediction and an in silico-docking algorithm to predict ABX464-target candidates. Taken together, the findings from this study contribute significantly to the early-stage drug discovery of a new nematocide based on ABX464. Future work is aimed at validating the ABX464-protein interactions identified here, and at assessing ABX464 and associated analogues against a panel of parasitic nematodes, towards developing a new anthelmintic with a mechanism of action that is distinct from any of the compounds currently-available commercially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison T Shanley
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Aya C Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Nghi Nguyen
- Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Joseph J Byrne
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Michael G Leeming
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Shuai Nie
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Nicholas Williamson
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Yuanting Zheng
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Neil D Young
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Pasi K Korhonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; National Reference Centre for Authentic Food, Max Rubner-Institut, 95326 Kulmbach, Germany
| | - Tim N C Wells
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 1215 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Brad E Sleebs
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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10
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Kamal M, Mukherjee S, Joshi B, Sindhu ZUD, Wangchuk P, Haider S, Ahmed N, Talukder MH, Geary TG, Yadav AK. Model nematodes as a practical innovation to promote high throughput screening of natural products for anthelmintics discovery in South Asia: Current challenges, proposed practical and conceptual solutions. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2023; 256:111594. [PMID: 37730126 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2023.111594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in animals recorded globally, and the threat of resistance in human helminths, the need for novel anthelmintic drugs is greater than ever. Most research aimed at discovering novel anthelmintic leads relies on high throughput screening (HTS) of large libraries of synthetic small molecules in industrial and academic settings in developed countries, even though it is the tropical countries that are most plagued by helminth infections. Tropical countries, however, have the advantage of possessing a rich flora that may yield natural products (NP) with promising anthelmintic activity. Focusing on South Asia, which produces one of the world's highest research outputs in NP and NP-based anthelmintic discovery, we find that limited basic research and funding, a lack of awareness of the utility of model organisms, poor industry-academia partnerships and lack of technological innovations greatly limit anthelmintics research in the region. Here we propose that utilizing model organisms including the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, that can potentially allow rapid target identification of novel anthelmintics, and Oscheius tipulae, a closely related, free-living nematode which is found abundantly in soil in hotter temperatures, could be a much-needed innovation that can enable cost-effective and efficient HTS of NPs for discovering compounds with anthelmintic/antiparasitic potential in South Asia and other tropical regions that historically have devoted limited funding for such research. Additionally, increased collaborations at the national, regional and international level between parasitologists and pharmacologists/ethnobotanists, setting up government-industry-academia partnerships to fund academic research, creating a centralized, regional collection of plant extracts or purified NPs as a dereplication strategy and HTS library, and holding regional C. elegans/O. tipulae-based anthelmintics workshops and conferences to share knowledge and resources regarding model organisms may collectively promote and foster a NP-based anthelmintics landscape in South Asia and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muntasir Kamal
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Suprabhat Mukherjee
- Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol 713340, West Bengal, India
| | - Bishnu Joshi
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zia-Ud-Din Sindhu
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Phurpa Wangchuk
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, QLD 4878, Australia
| | | | - Nurnabi Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | | | - Timothy G Geary
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University-Belfast, Belfast, NI, UK
| | - Arun K Yadav
- Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, India
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11
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Kamal M, Tokmakjian L, Knox J, Han D, Moshiri H, Magomedova L, Nguyen KCQ, Zheng H, Burns AR, Cooke B, Lacoste J, Yeo M, Hall DH, Cummins CL, Roy PJ. PGP-14 establishes a polar lipid permeability barrier within the C. elegans pharyngeal cuticle. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011008. [PMID: 37930961 PMCID: PMC10653525 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The cuticles of ecdysozoan animals are barriers to material loss and xenobiotic insult. Key to this barrier is lipid content, the establishment of which is poorly understood. Here, we show that the p-glycoprotein PGP-14 functions coincidently with the sphingomyelin synthase SMS-5 to establish a polar lipid barrier within the pharyngeal cuticle of the nematode C. elegans. We show that PGP-14 and SMS-5 are coincidentally expressed in the epithelium that surrounds the anterior pharyngeal cuticle where PGP-14 localizes to the apical membrane. pgp-14 and sms-5 also peak in expression at the time of new cuticle synthesis. Loss of PGP-14 and SMS-5 dramatically reduces pharyngeal cuticle staining by Nile Red, a key marker of polar lipids, and coincidently alters the nematode's response to a wide-range of xenobiotics. We infer that PGP-14 exports polar lipids into the developing pharyngeal cuticle in an SMS-5-dependent manner to safeguard the nematode from environmental insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muntasir Kamal
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Levon Tokmakjian
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Knox
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Duhyun Han
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Houtan Moshiri
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lilia Magomedova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ken CQ Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew R. Burns
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brittany Cooke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Lacoste
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - May Yeo
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David H. Hall
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Carolyn L. Cummins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter J. Roy
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Heydari F, Rodriguez-Crespo D, Wicky C. The New Nematicide Cyclobutrifluram Targets the Mitochondrial Succinate Dehydrogenase Complex in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Dev Biol 2023; 11:39. [PMID: 37873747 PMCID: PMC10594496 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11040039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, agriculture around the world is challenged by parasitic nematode infections. Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) can cause significant damage and crop loss and are a threat to food security. For a long time, the management of PPN infection has relied on nematicides that impact not only parasitic nematodes but also other organisms. More recently, new nematicides have been developed that appear to specifically target PPN. Cyclobutrifluram belongs to this new category of nematicides. Using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism, we show here that cyclobutrifluram strongly impacts the survival and fertility rates of the worm by decreasing the number of germ cells. Furthermore, using a genetic approach, we demonstrate that cyclobutrifluram functions by inhibiting the mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) complex. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a strong response to cyclobutrifluram exposure. Among the deregulated genes, we found genes coding for detoxifying proteins, such as cytochrome P450s and UDP-glucuronosyl transferases (UGTs). Overall, our study contributes to the understanding of the molecular mode of action of cyclobutrifluram, to the finding of new approaches against nematicide resistance, and to the discovery of novel nematicides. Furthermore, this study confirms that C. elegans is a suitable model organism to study the mode of action of nematicides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chantal Wicky
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (F.H.); (D.R.-C.)
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13
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Cao Y, Ikram AU, Chen J, Sun Z, Chen J. The marksman: Bioactivated nematicides selectively kill plant-parasitic nematodes. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 65:2239-2241. [PMID: 37477524 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes destroy crops and have a major impact on the food supply, but using chemicals to control them poses a risk to other animals and people. Selectivins kill nematodes but have little effect on other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Cao
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Aziz Ul Ikram
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Jianping Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Zongtao Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Jian Chen
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
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14
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Zwirchmayr J, Cruz CD, Grienke U, Tammela P, Rollinger JM. Biochemometry identifies ostruthin as pluripotent antimicrobial and anthelmintic agent from masterwort. iScience 2023; 26:107523. [PMID: 37636068 PMCID: PMC10457539 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The root extract of Peucedanum ostruthium (PO-E) was identified as a promising antibacterial source from a screening of 158 extracts against Staphylococcus aureus. It has also recently been shown to significantly decrease the survival of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We used the biochemometric approach ELINA to investigate the phytochemical characteristics of the multicomponent mixture PO-E to identify the anti-infective constituent(s) targeting S. aureus and C. elegans.1H NMR spectra of PO-E-derived microfractions were correlated with their respective bioactivity data. Heterocovariance analyses unambiguously identified ostruthin as an anti-staphylococcal constituent, which potently also inhibited Enterococcus spp.. ELINA demonstrated that anthelmintic activity was due to a combinatorial effect of ostruthin and isoimperatorin. A C. elegans-based survival and motility assay confirmed that isoimperatorin, imperatorin, and verapamil modulated the susceptibility of ostruthin. The combinatorial effect of these natural products was shown in larvae studies to be related to the function of the nematodes' efflux pump.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Zwirchmayr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Cristina D. Cruz
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ulrike Grienke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Päivi Tammela
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Judith M. Rollinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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15
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Coghlan A, Partridge FA, Duque-Correa MA, Rinaldi G, Clare S, Seymour L, Brandt C, Mkandawire TT, McCarthy C, Holroyd N, Nick M, Brown AE, Tonitiwong S, Sattelle DB, Berriman M. A drug repurposing screen for whipworms informed by comparative genomics. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011205. [PMID: 37669291 PMCID: PMC10503962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of millions of people worldwide are infected with the whipworm Trichuris trichiura. Novel treatments are urgently needed as current drugs, such as albendazole, have relatively low efficacy. We have investigated whether drugs approved for other human diseases could be repurposed as novel anti-whipworm drugs. In a previous comparative genomics analysis, we identified 409 drugs approved for human use that we predicted to target parasitic worm proteins. Here we tested these ex vivo by assessing motility of adult worms of Trichuris muris, the murine whipworm, an established model for human whipworm research. We identified 14 compounds with EC50 values of ≤50 μM against T. muris ex vivo, and selected nine for testing in vivo. However, the best worm burden reduction seen in mice was just 19%. The high number of ex vivo hits against T. muris shows that we were successful at predicting parasite proteins that could be targeted by approved drugs. In contrast, the low efficacy of these compounds in mice suggest challenges due to their chemical properties (e.g. lipophilicity, polarity, molecular weight) and pharmacokinetics (e.g. absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) that may (i) promote absorption by the host gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing availability to the worms embedded in the large intestine, and/or (ii) restrict drug uptake by the worms. This indicates that identifying structural analogues that have reduced absorption by the host, and increased uptake by worms, may be necessary for successful drug development against whipworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avril Coghlan
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Frederick A. Partridge
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Simon Clare
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Seymour
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Nancy Holroyd
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marina Nick
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Hernando G, Turani O, Rodriguez Araujo N, Bouzat C. The diverse family of Cys-loop receptors in Caenorhabditis elegans: insights from electrophysiological studies. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:733-750. [PMID: 37681094 PMCID: PMC10480131 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01080-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cys-loop receptors integrate a large family of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels that mediate fast ionotropic responses in vertebrates and invertebrates. Their vital role in converting neurotransmitter recognition into an electrical impulse makes these receptors essential for a great variety of physiological processes. In vertebrates, the Cys-loop receptor family includes the cation-selective channels, nicotinic acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptors, and the anion-selective channels, GABAA and glycine receptors, whereas in invertebrates, the repertoire is significantly larger. The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has the largest known Cys-loop receptor family as well as unique receptors that are absent in vertebrates and constitute attractive targets for anthelmintic drugs. Given the large number and variety of Cys-loop receptor subunits and the multiple possible ways of subunit assembly, C. elegans offers a large diversity of receptors although only a limited number of them have been characterized to date. C. elegans has emerged as a powerful model for the study of the nervous system and human diseases as well as a model for antiparasitic drug discovery. This nematode has also shown promise in the pharmaceutical industry search for new therapeutic compounds. C. elegans is therefore a powerful model organism to explore the biology and pharmacology of Cys-loop receptors and their potential as targets for novel therapeutic interventions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of what is known about the function of C. elegans Cys-loop receptors from an electrophysiological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermina Hernando
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Ornella Turani
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Noelia Rodriguez Araujo
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Bouzat
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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17
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Bajpai A, Jackson MA, Huang YH, Yap K, Du Q, Chau TCY, Craik DJ, Gilding EK. Nematicidal Activity of Cyclotides: Toxicity Against Caenorhabditis elegans. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2023; 86:1222-1229. [PMID: 37099442 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c01124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Cyclotides are a unique family of stable and cyclic mini-proteins found in plants that have nematicidal and anthelmintic activities. They are distributed across the Rubiaceae, Violaceae, Fabaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Solanaceae plant families, where they are posited to act as protective agents against pests. In this study, we tested the nematicidal properties of extracts from four major cyclotide-producing plants, Oldenlandia affinis, Clitoria ternatea, Viola odorata, and Hybanthus enneaspermus, against the free-living model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We evaluated the nematicidal activity of the cyclotides kalata B1, cycloviolacin O2, and hyen D present in these extracts and found them to be active against the larvae of C. elegans. Both the plant extracts and isolated cyclotides exerted dose-dependent toxicity on the first-stage larvae of C. elegans. Isolated cyclotides caused death or damage upon interacting with the worms' mouth, pharynx, and midgut or membrane. Cycloviolacin O2 and hyen D produced bubble-like structures around the C. elegans membrane, termed blebs, implicating membrane disruption causing toxicity and death. All tested cyclotides lost their toxicity when the hydrophobic patches present on them were disrupted via a single-point mutation. The present results provide a facile assay design to measure and explore the nematicidal activities of plant extracts and purified cyclotides on C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Bajpai
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mark A Jackson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Kuok Yap
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Qingdan Du
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Tevin Chui-Ying Chau
- ACRF Cancer Biology Imaging Facility, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Edward K Gilding
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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18
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Parasitic nematodes activate chemicals that can kill them. Nature 2023:10.1038/d41586-023-01498-9. [PMID: 37225798 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-01498-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
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19
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Burns AR, Baker RJ, Kitner M, Knox J, Cooke B, Volpatti JR, Vaidya AS, Puumala E, Palmeira BM, Redman EM, Snider J, Marwah S, Chung SW, MacDonald MH, Tiefenbach J, Hu C, Xiao Q, Finney CAM, Krause HM, MacParland SA, Stagljar I, Gilleard JS, Cowen LE, Meyer SLF, Cutler SR, Dowling JJ, Lautens M, Zasada I, Roy PJ. Selective control of parasitic nematodes using bioactivated nematicides. Nature 2023:10.1038/s41586-023-06105-5. [PMID: 37225985 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06105-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes are a major threat to global food security, particularly as the world amasses 10 billion people amid limited arable land1-4. Most traditional nematicides have been banned owing to poor nematode selectivity, leaving farmers with inadequate means of pest control4-12. Here we use the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to identify a family of selective imidazothiazole nematicides, called selectivins, that undergo cytochrome-p450-mediated bioactivation in nematodes. At low parts-per-million concentrations, selectivins perform comparably well with commercial nematicides to control root infection by Meloidogyne incognita, a highly destructive plant-parasitic nematode. Tests against numerous phylogenetically diverse non-target systems demonstrate that selectivins are more nematode-selective than most marketed nematicides. Selectivins are first-in-class bioactivated nematode controls that provide efficacy and nematode selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Burns
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Rachel J Baker
- Davenport Research Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Megan Kitner
- USDA-ARS Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Jessica Knox
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brittany Cooke
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan R Volpatti
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurology and Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aditya S Vaidya
- Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Emily Puumala
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bruna M Palmeira
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elizabeth M Redman
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jamie Snider
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sagar Marwah
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sai W Chung
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret H MacDonald
- USDA-ARS Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Jens Tiefenbach
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chun Hu
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qi Xiao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Host Parasite Interactions Program, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Constance A M Finney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Host Parasite Interactions Program, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Henry M Krause
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sonya A MacParland
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Igor Stagljar
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences, Split, Croatia
| | - John S Gilleard
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Leah E Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan L F Meyer
- USDA-ARS Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Sean R Cutler
- Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - James J Dowling
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurology and Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Lautens
- Davenport Research Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Inga Zasada
- USDA-ARS Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Peter J Roy
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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20
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Aderibigbe SA, Idowu SO, Olaniyi AA. Isotonic, aqueous-based media as simple and suitable test media for short-term Haemonchus placei adult worm motility assay. Exp Parasitol 2023; 249:108516. [PMID: 36967034 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108516] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
The solvating power of test media used in anthelmintic assays is critical to the validity of assay results, especially when evaluating plant extracts. High solutes in media lowers its solvating power, altering the range of concentrations available for investigation and assay performance. To identify simplified, well-tolerated media for adult Haemonchus placei with improved solvating power, we investigated the impact of varying solutions of pH (2.5-8.5), salinity (19-154 mM), and normal saline (NS) incorporating dissolution enhancers (acetone, propylene glycol, DMSO and Tween-80; 10-40% v/v) on the nematode over 3 h at room temperature. The performance of identified media, NS and 20% Tween-80 in NS, were evaluated by preparing sample extracts (acetone extract Sarcocephalus latifolius, AESL20&10; and chloroform extract Vernonia amygdalina, CEVA20&10) stock solutions (20 and 10 mg/mL) in them, assessed their apparent dissolution, and each highest stock solution that dissolves the extracts evaluated for anthelmintic activity against H. placei. We found isotonicity to be the critical-to-worm survival factor as H. placei survived 100% in pH solutions 3.5-8.5, and saline solutions 39-154 mM. The dissolution enhancers, at 40%, gave no survival. At 30% and 20%, only Tween-80 gave 92.5% and 100% survival, respectively. At 10%, Tween-80, acetone, DMSO and propylene glycol gave 100%, 100%, 87.5% and 0% survival, respectively. In 20% Tween-80 in NS, AESL20&10 and CEVA20&10 dissolved, furnishing wider concentration range (20-0 mg/mL); whereas only AESL10 dissolved in NS (narrower concentration range, 10-0 mg/mL). The LC50s (mg/mL) of 7.67 (AESL10, NS) and 7.48 (AESL20, Tween-80 in NS) were not significantly different (p > 0.05), while CEVA20 (Tween-80 in NS) gave 2.67. Our findings show that NS and 20% Tween-80 in NS, as isotonic, aqueous-based media, are suitable, and well-tolerated as test media for adult H. placei in a short-term motility assay. Up to 30% Tween-80 could be used to enhance dissolution where necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Segun A Aderibigbe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Sunday O Idowu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Ajibola A Olaniyi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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21
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Oka Y. Attraction of second-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne species to fluopyram. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023. [PMID: 36905608 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several benzenoid aromatic compounds were found to attract second-stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne species in previous studies. Here, the attraction of Meloidogyne J2 to the nematicides fluopyram and fluensulfone, with and without aromatic attractants, was evaluated on agar plates and in sand. RESULTS Fluensulfone mixed with 2-methoxybenzaldehyde, carvacrol, trans-cinnamic acid, and 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde, attracted Meloidogyne javanica J2 on an agar plate, whereas fluensulfone alone did not. In contrast, fluopyram alone attracted J2 of M. javanica, Meloidogyne hapla, and Meloidogyne marylandi, although higher numbers of M. javanica J2 were attracted to the nematicide with the aromatic compounds. Trap tubes loaded with 1 and 2 μg fluopyram attracted M. javanica, Meloidogyne incognita, M. hapla, and M. marylandi J2 in the sand. Fluopyram-treated tubes attracted 4.4-6.3 times higher numbers of M. javanica and M. marylandi J2 than fluensulfone. Potassium nitrate (KNO3 ), a Meloidogyne J2 repellent, did not abolish fluopyram's attractiveness to M. marylandi. These results indicate that high numbers of Meloidogyne J2 near fluopyram on an agar plate or in sand are caused by the attractiveness of the nematicide and not by the accumulation of dead J2 after their random encounter with the nematicide. CONCLUSION Aromatic attractants have the potential to attract Meloidogyne J2 to nematicides; however, fluopyram itself was attractive to Meloidogyne J2. The attractiveness of fluopyram to Meloidogyne J2 might contribute to its high control efficacy, and elucidation of the attraction mechanism could be useful for nematode-control strategies. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Oka
- Nematology Unit, Gilat Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Mobile Post Negev 8528000, Israel
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22
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Mengarda AC, Silva TC, Silva AS, Roquini DB, Fernandes JPS, de Moraes J. Toward anthelmintic drug candidates for toxocariasis: Challenges and recent developments. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 251:115268. [PMID: 36921525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115268] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Infections caused by parasitic helminths rank among the most prevalent infections of humans and animals. Toxocariasis, caused by nematodes of the genus Toxocara, is one of the most widespread and economically important zoonotic parasitic infections that humans share with dogs and cats. Despite the completion of the Toxocara canis draft genome project, which has been an important step towards advancing the understanding of this parasite and the search for drug targets, the treatment of toxocariasis has been dependent on a limited set of drugs, necessitating the search for novel anthelmintic agents, specially against Toxocara larvae in tissues. Given that research, development, and innovation are crucial to finding appropriate solutions in the fight against helminthiasis, this paper reviews the progress made in the discovery of anthelmintic drug candidates for toxocariasis. The main compounds reported in the recent years regards on analogues of albendazole, reactive quinone derivatives and natural produts and its analogues. Nanoparticles and formulations were also reviewed. The in vitro and/or in vivo anthelmintic properties of such alternatives are herein discussed as well as the opportunities and challenges for treatment of human toxocariasis. The performed review clarify that the scarcity of validated molecular targets and limited chemical space explored are the main bottlenecks for advancing in the field of anti-Toxocara agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Mengarda
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Praça Tereza Cristina 229, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Tais C Silva
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Praça Tereza Cristina 229, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Aline S Silva
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Praça Tereza Cristina 229, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Daniel B Roquini
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Praça Tereza Cristina 229, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
| | - João Paulo S Fernandes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, campus Diadema, Rua São Nicolau 210, 09913-030, Diadema, SP, Brazil.
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Praça Tereza Cristina 229, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
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23
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Goel V, Sharma S, Chakroborty NK, Singla LD, Choudhury D. Targeting the nervous system of the parasitic worm, Haemonchus contortus with quercetin. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13699. [PMID: 36852031 PMCID: PMC9957779 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13699] [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: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of infection, limited choice of drugs, and emerging resistance against contemporary medications lead to a pressing need to develop new anthelmintic drugs and drug targets. However, little understanding of worms' physiology has substantially delayed the process. Here, we are reporting the tissue morphology of Haemonchus contortus, intestinal parasitic helminths found in small ruminants, and targeting its nervous system with quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid. Quercetin showed anthelmintic activity against all of the developmental stages of H. contortus. Further, histological analysis demonstrated damage to various body parts, including isthmus, brut, pseudocoele, and other organs. Mechanistic studies revealed the generation of oxidative stress and alterations in the activities of the stress response enzymes, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Moreover, the time-dependent imaging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated due to quercetin treatment disclosed neuropils as the primary targets of quercetin in adult worms, which eventually lead to the paralysis and death of the worms. Thus, this work demonstrates that the nervous system of the parasitic helminth, H. contortus, is a novel target of the drug quercetin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanshita Goel
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, 147004, Punjab, India
| | - Sunidhi Sharma
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, 147004, Punjab, India
| | - Neloy Kumar Chakroborty
- Thapar School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, 147004, Punjab, India
| | - Lachhman Das Singla
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab 141001, India
| | - Diptiman Choudhury
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, 147004, Punjab, India.,Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology-Virginia Tech Center of Excellence in Emerging Materials, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, 147004, Punjab, India
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24
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Multivariate chemogenomic screening prioritizes new macrofilaricidal leads. Commun Biol 2023; 6:44. [PMID: 36639423 PMCID: PMC9839782 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04435-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of direct acting macrofilaricides for the treatment of human filariases is hampered by limitations in screening throughput imposed by the parasite life cycle. In vitro adult screens typically assess single phenotypes without prior enrichment for chemicals with antifilarial potential. We developed a multivariate screen that identified dozens of compounds with submicromolar macrofilaricidal activity, achieving a hit rate of >50% by leveraging abundantly accessible microfilariae. Adult assays were multiplexed to thoroughly characterize compound activity across relevant parasite fitness traits, including neuromuscular control, fecundity, metabolism, and viability. Seventeen compounds from a diverse chemogenomic library elicited strong effects on at least one adult trait, with differential potency against microfilariae and adults. Our screen identified five compounds with high potency against adults but low potency or slow-acting microfilaricidal effects, at least one of which acts through a novel mechanism. We show that the use of microfilariae in a primary screen outperforms model nematode developmental assays and virtual screening of protein structures inferred with deep learning. These data provide new leads for drug development, and the high-content and multiplex assays set a new foundation for antifilarial discovery.
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25
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Prenylated Benzophenones from Vismia Guianensis Reduced Nematode Growth and Chemotaxis. J Nematol 2023; 54:20220054. [PMID: 36742267 PMCID: PMC9871599 DOI: 10.2478/jofnem-2022-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Biopesticides are generally considered a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional pesticides. Plant metabolites display a range of pest specific activity ranging from antimicrobial to larvicidal and nematocidal. We herein describe the evaluation of a Guyanese collection of Vismia guianensis (Clusiaceae) for anthelmintic activity. The bioassay-guided evaluation of the hexane extract yielded the new prenylated benzophenone 8,9-epoxyvismiaphenone F (1). The final structures were elucidated based on spectral analysis and comparison to the known metabolite. To evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of these compounds, Caenorhabditis elegans were exposed to the compounds via a ring assay model. Post-exposure, the numbers of live C. elegans in the compound (middle), bacteria ring were recorded for 3 d, as well as the total number of live worms for each plate. Compound 1 reduced C. elegans' overall growth and reproduction, suggesting that these prenylated benzophenones may hold some promise as natural pesticides.
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26
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Bioassay-Guided Isolation of Anthelmintic Components from Semen pharbitidis, and the Mechanism of Action of Pharbitin. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415739. [PMID: 36555386 PMCID: PMC9779150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic helminths continue to pose problems in human and veterinary medicine, as well as in agriculture. Semen pharbitidis, the seeds of Pharbitis nil (Linn.) Choisy (Convolvulaceae), is a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal botanical preparation widely used for treating intestinal parasites in China owing to its desirable efficacy. However, the anthelmintic compounds in Semen pharbitidis and their mechanism of action have not been investigated yet. This study aimed to identify the compounds active against helminths from Semen pharbitidis, and to establish the mechanism of action of these active compounds. Bioassay-guided fractionation was used to identify the anthelmintic compounds from Semen pharbitidis. The anthelmintic assay was performed by monitoring Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) motility with a WMicrotracker instrument. Active compounds were identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Several (analogues of) fragments of the anthelmintic compounds were purchased and tested to explore the structure-activity relationship, and to find more potent compounds. A panel of C. elegans mutant strains resistant to major currently used anthelmintic drugs was used to explore the mechanism of action of the active compounds. The bioassay-guided isolation from an ethanol extract of Semen pharbitidis led to a group of glycosides, namely pharbitin (IC50: 41.0 ± 9.4 μg/mL). Hit expansion for pharbitin fragments yielded two potent analogues: 2-bromohexadecanoic acid (IC50: 1.6 ± 0.7 μM) and myristoleic acid (IC50: 35.2 ± 7.6 μM). One drug-resistant mutant ZZ37 unc-63 (x37) demonstrated a ~17-fold increased resistance to pharbitin compared with wild-type worms. Collectively, we provide further experimental scientific evidence to support the traditional use of Semen pharbitidis for the treatment of intestinal parasites. The anthelmintic activity of Semen pharbitidis is due to pharbitin, whose target could be UNC-63 in C. elegans.
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27
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Essential Oils as Novel Anthelmintic Drug Candidates. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238327. [PMID: 36500419 PMCID: PMC9735941 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Helminths, with an estimated 1.5 billion annual global infections, are one of the major health challenges worldwide. The current strategy of the World Health Organization to prevent helminth infection includes increasing hygienic awareness, providing better sanitation and preventative anthelmintic drug therapy in vulnerable populations. Nowadays, anthelmintic drugs are used heavily in livestock, both in case of infection and as a preventative measure. However, this has led to the development of resistance against several of the most common drugs, such as levamisole, ivermectin and thiabendazole. As many as 70% of the livestock in developed countries now has helminths that are drug resistant, and multiple resistance is common. Because of this, novel anthelmintics are urgently needed to help combat large-scale production losses. Prior to this review, no comprehensive review of the anthelmintic effects of essential oils and their components existed. Multiple review articles have been published on the uses of a single plant and its extracts that only briefly touch upon their anthelmintic activity. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of essential oils and their components as anthelmintic treatment against a wider variety of helminths.
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28
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Qiao X, Zhang X, Zhou Z, Guo L, Wu W, Ma S, Zhang X, Montell C, Huang J. An insecticide target in mechanoreceptor neurons. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq3132. [PMID: 36417522 PMCID: PMC9683716 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq3132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hundreds of neurotoxic insecticides are currently in use. However, only a few direct targets have been identified. Here, using Drosophila and the insecticide flonicamid, we identified nicotinamidase (Naam) as a previous unidentified molecular target for an insecticide. Naam is expressed in chordotonal stretch-receptor neurons, and inhibition of Naam by a metabolite of flonicamid, TFNA-AM (4-trifluoromethylnicotinamide), induces accumulation of substrate nicotinamide and greatly inhibits negative geotaxis. Engineered flies harboring a point mutation in the active site show insecticide resistance and defects in gravity sensing. Bees are resistant to flonicamid because of a gene duplication, resulting in the generation of a TFNA-AM-insensitive Naam. Our results, in combination with the absence of genes encoding Naam in vertebrate genomes, suggest that TFNA-AM and potential species-specific Naam inhibitors could be developed as novel insecticides, anthelmintics, and antimicrobials for agriculture and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomu Qiao
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhendong Zhou
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weiping Wu
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Suhan Ma
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xinzhong Zhang
- Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310008, China
| | - Craig Montell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and the Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Jia Huang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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29
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Greiffer L, Liebau E, Herrmann FC, Spiegler V. Condensed tannins act as anthelmintics by increasing the rigidity of the nematode cuticle. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18850. [PMID: 36344622 PMCID: PMC9640668 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23566-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tannins and tanniferous plant extracts have been discussed as sustainable means for helminth control in the past two decades in response to a dramatic increase of resistances towards standard anthelmintics. While their bioactivities have been broadly investigated in vitro and in vivo, less is known about their mode of action in nematodes, apart from their protein binding properties. In the current study we therefore investigated the impact of a phytochemically well characterized plant extract from Combretum mucronatum, known to contain procyanidins as the active compounds, on the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. By different microscopic techniques, the cuticle was identified as the main binding site for tannins, whereas underlying tissues did not seem to be affected. In addition to disruptions of the cuticle structure, molting defects occurred at all larval stages. Finally, an increased rigidity of the nematodes' cuticle due to binding of tannins was confirmed by force spectroscopic measurements. This could be a key finding to explain several anthelmintic activities reported for tannins, especially impairment of molting or exsheathment as well as locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Greiffer
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Eva Liebau
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Institute of Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Fabian C. Herrmann
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Verena Spiegler
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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30
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Cadd LC, Crooks B, Marks NJ, Maule AG, Mousley A, Atkinson LE. The Strongyloides bioassay toolbox: A unique opportunity to accelerate functional biology for nematode parasites. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2022; 252:111526. [PMID: 36240960 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111526] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans is a uniquely powerful tool to aid understanding of fundamental nematode biology. While C. elegans boasts an unrivalled array of functional genomics tools and phenotype bioassays the inherent differences between free-living and parasitic nematodes underscores the need to develop these approaches in tractable parasite models. Advances in functional genomics approaches, including RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, in the parasitic nematodes Strongyloides ratti and Strongyloides stercoralis provide a unique and timely opportunity to probe basic parasite biology and reveal novel anthelmintic targets in species that are both experimentally and therapeutically relevant pathogens. While Strongyloides functional genomics tools have progressed rapidly, the complementary range of bioassays required to elucidate phenotypic outcomes post-functional genomics remain more limited in scope. To adequately support the exploitation of functional genomic pipelines for studies of gene function in Strongyloides a comprehensive set of species- and parasite-specific quantitative bioassays are required to assess nematode behaviours post-genetic manipulation. Here we review the scope of the current Strongyloides bioassay toolbox, how established Strongyloides bioassays have advanced knowledge of parasite biology, opportunities for Strongyloides bioassay development and, the need for investment in tractable model parasite platforms such as Strongyloides to drive the discovery of novel targets for parasite control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke C Cadd
- Microbes & Pathogen Biology, The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Bethany Crooks
- Microbes & Pathogen Biology, The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Nikki J Marks
- Microbes & Pathogen Biology, The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Aaron G Maule
- Microbes & Pathogen Biology, The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Angela Mousley
- Microbes & Pathogen Biology, The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Louise E Atkinson
- Microbes & Pathogen Biology, The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK.
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31
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Suárez G, Alcántara I, Salinas G. Caenorhabditis elegans as a valuable model for the study of anthelmintic pharmacodynamics and drug-drug interactions: The case of ivermectin and eprinomectin. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:984905. [PMID: 36339613 PMCID: PMC9627147 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.984905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans is a free-living nematode that has been validated for anthelmintic drug screening. However, this model has not been used to address anthelmintic dose-response-time and drug-drug interactions through matrix array methodology. Eprinomectin (EPM) and Ivermectin (IVM) are macrocyclic lactones widely used as anthelmintics. Despite being very similar, EPM and IVM are combined in commercial formulations or mixed by farmers, under the assumption that the combination would increase their efficacy. However, there is no data reported on the pharmacological evaluation of the combination of both drugs. In this study, we assessed the pharmacodynamics and drug-drug interactions of these two anthelmintic drugs. Since the action of these drugs causes worm paralysis, we used an infrared motility assay to measure EPM and IVM effects on worm movement over time. The results showed that EPM was slightly more potent than IVM, that drug potency increased with drug time exposure, and that once paralyzed, worms did not recover. Different EPM/IVM concentration ratios were used and synergy and combination sensitivity scores were determined at different exposure times, applying Highest Single Agent (HSA), Loewe additivity, Bliss and Zero Interaction Potency (ZIP) models. The results clearly indicate that there is neither synergy nor antagonism between both macrocyclic lactones. This study shows that it is more relevant to prioritize the exposure time of each individual drug than to combine them to improve their effects. The results highlight the utility of C. elegans to address pharmacodynamics studies, particularly for drug-drug interactions. Models in vitro can be integrated to facilitate preclinical and clinical translational studies and help researchers to understand drug-drug interactions and achieve rational therapeutic regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Suárez
- Unidad de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Departamento Hospital y Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Gonzalo Suárez, ; Gustavo Salinas,
| | - Ignacio Alcántara
- Unidad de Bioestadística, Departamento de Salud Pública Veterinaria, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gustavo Salinas
- Worm Biology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Gonzalo Suárez, ; Gustavo Salinas,
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Zhang W, Liu H, Fu G, Li Y, Ji X, Zhang S, Wei M, Qiao K. Exposure to fluopimomide at sublethal doses causes oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans regulated by insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1-like signaling pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:2529-2539. [PMID: 35833599 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fluopimomide is an innovative pesticide, widely used for agricultural pest management; however, little is known about its effect on non-target organisms. This study was designed to assess the potential risk of fluopimomide and the molecular mechanisms using Caenorhabditis elegans, a common model animal. The oxidative stress-related indicators were analyzed in C. elegans after exposure to fluopimomide for 24 h at three sublethal doses (0.2, 1.0, and 5.0 mg/L). The results demonstrated that sublethal exposure to fluopimomide adversely affected the nematodes growth, locomotive behaviors, reproduction, and lifespan, accompanying with enhanced of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipid and lipofuscin accumulation, and malondialdehyde content. In addition, exposure to fluopimomide significantly inhibited antioxidant systems including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione in the nematodes. Moreover, the expression of oxidative stress-related genes of sod-3, hsp-16.1, gst-4, ctl-2, daf-16, and daf-2 were significantly down-regulated, while the expression of skn-1 was significantly up-regulated. Further evidence revealed that daf-16 and skn-1 mutant strains of C. elegans significantly decreased ROS production upon fluopimomide exposure compared with the wild-type nematodes. Overall, our findings indicated that exposure to fluopimomide at sublethal doses caused oxidative damage, mainly associated with insulin/IGF-1-like signaling pathway in C. elegans. This is the first report of potential toxic effects of fluopimomide even at low concentrations, providing a new insight into the mechanisms of toxicity to C. elegans by fluopimomide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Toxicology & Application Technique, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Toxicology & Application Technique, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghan Fu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Toxicology & Application Technique, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Li
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Toxicology & Application Technique, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxue Ji
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Toxicology & Application Technique, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Shouan Zhang
- Tropical Research and Education Center, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, IFAS, Homestead, Florida, USA
| | - Min Wei
- College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Kang Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Toxicology & Application Technique, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, People's Republic of China
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High-throughput small molecule screen identifies inhibitors of microsporidia invasion and proliferation in C. elegans. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5653. [PMID: 36163337 PMCID: PMC9513054 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33400-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a diverse group of fungal-related obligate intracellular parasites that infect most animal phyla. Despite the emerging threat that microsporidia represent to humans and agricultural animals, few reliable treatment options exist. Here, we develop a high-throughput screening method for the identification of chemical inhibitors of microsporidia infection, using liquid cultures of Caenorhabditis elegans infected with the microsporidia species Nematocida parisii. We screen a collection of 2560 FDA-approved compounds and natural products, and identify 11 candidate microsporidia inhibitors. Five compounds prevent microsporidia infection by inhibiting spore firing, whereas one compound, dexrazoxane, slows infection progression. The compounds have in vitro activity against several other microsporidia species, including those known to infect humans. Together, our results highlight the effectiveness of C. elegans as a model host for drug discovery against intracellular pathogens, and provide a scalable high-throughput system for the identification and characterization of microsporidia inhibitors.
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Harrington S, Knox JJ, Burns AR, Choo KL, Au A, Kitner M, Haeberli C, Pyche J, D'Amata C, Kim YH, Volpatti JR, Guiliani M, Snider J, Wong V, Palmeira BM, Redman EM, Vaidya AS, Gilleard JS, Stagljar I, Cutler SR, Kulke D, Dowling JJ, Yip CM, Keiser J, Zasada I, Lautens M, Roy PJ. Egg-laying and locomotory screens with C. elegans yield a nematode-selective small molecule stimulator of neurotransmitter release. Commun Biol 2022; 5:865. [PMID: 36002479 PMCID: PMC9402605 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03819-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Nematode parasites of humans, livestock and crops dramatically impact human health and welfare. Alarmingly, parasitic nematodes of animals have rapidly evolved resistance to anthelmintic drugs, and traditional nematicides that protect crops are facing increasing restrictions because of poor phylogenetic selectivity. Here, we exploit multiple motor outputs of the model nematode C. elegans towards nematicide discovery. This work yielded multiple compounds that selectively kill and/or immobilize diverse nematode parasites. We focus on one compound that induces violent convulsions and paralysis that we call nementin. We find that nementin stimulates neuronal dense core vesicle release, which in turn enhances cholinergic signaling. Consequently, nementin synergistically enhances the potency of widely-used non-selective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, but in a nematode-selective manner. Nementin therefore has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of toxic AChE inhibitors that are used to control nematode infections and infestations. A C. elegans-based screening approach identifies nementin as a nematode-selective nematicide that can be used synergistically with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Harrington
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jessica J Knox
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrew R Burns
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ken-Loon Choo
- The Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aaron Au
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Megan Kitner
- USDA-ARS Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Cecile Haeberli
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss-Tropical and Public Health Institute, (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jacob Pyche
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cassandra D'Amata
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yong-Hyun Kim
- The Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jonathan R Volpatti
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maximillano Guiliani
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jamie Snider
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Victoria Wong
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Bruna M Palmeira
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions (HPI) Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Elizabeth M Redman
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions (HPI) Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Aditya S Vaidya
- Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.,Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - John S Gilleard
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions (HPI) Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Igor Stagljar
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences, Split, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Sean R Cutler
- Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.,Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Kulke
- Research Parasiticides, Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Monheim, Germany.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Global Innovation, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - James J Dowling
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christopher M Yip
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss-Tropical and Public Health Institute, (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Inga Zasada
- USDA-ARS Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Mark Lautens
- The Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Peter J Roy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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35
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Schleker ASS, Rist M, Matera C, Damijonaitis A, Collienne U, Matsuoka K, Habash SS, Twelker K, Gutbrod O, Saalwächter C, Windau M, Matthiesen S, Stefanovska T, Scharwey M, Marx MT, Geibel S, Grundler FMW. Mode of action of fluopyram in plant-parasitic nematodes. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11954. [PMID: 35831379 PMCID: PMC9279378 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15782-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) are responsible for severe yield losses in crop production. Management is challenging as effective and safe means are rare. Recently, it has been discovered that the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) inhibitor fluopyram is highly effective against PPN while accompanying an excellent safety profile. Here we show that fluopyram is a potent inhibitor of SDH in nematodes but not in mammals, insects and earthworm, explaining the selectivity on molecular level. As a consequence of SDH inhibition, fluopyram impairs ATP generation and causes paralysis in PPN and Caenorhabditis elegans. Interestingly, efficacy differences of fluopyram amongst PPN species can be observed. Permanent exposure to micromolar to nanomolar amounts of fluopyram prevents Meloidogyne spp. and Heterodera schachtii infection and their development at the root. Preincubation of Meloidogyne incognita J2 with fluopyram followed by a recovery period effectively reduces gall formation. However, the same procedure does not inhibit H. schachtii infection and development. Sequence comparison of sites relevant for ligand binding identified amino acid differences in SDHC which likely mediate selectivity, coincidently revealing a unique amino acid difference within SDHC conserved among Heterodera spp. Docking and C. elegans mutant studies suggest that this minute difference mediates altered sensitivity of H. schachtii towards fluopyram.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sylvia S Schleker
- Molecular Phytomedicine, University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Straße 13, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Marc Rist
- Research and Development, CropScience Division, Bayer AG, Alfred-Nobel-Str.50, 40789, Monheim am Rhein, Germany.
| | - Christiane Matera
- Molecular Phytomedicine, University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Straße 13, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Arunas Damijonaitis
- Research and Development, CropScience Division, Bayer AG, Alfred-Nobel-Str.50, 40789, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Ursel Collienne
- Research and Development, CropScience Division, Bayer AG, Alfred-Nobel-Str.50, 40789, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Koichi Matsuoka
- Molecular Phytomedicine, University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Straße 13, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Samer S Habash
- Molecular Phytomedicine, University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Straße 13, 53115, Bonn, Germany
- BASF Vegetable Seeds, Napoleonsweg 152, 6083 AB, Nunhem, The Netherlands
| | - Katja Twelker
- Research and Development, CropScience Division, Bayer AG, Alfred-Nobel-Str.50, 40789, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Oliver Gutbrod
- Research and Development, CropScience Division, Bayer AG, Alfred-Nobel-Str.50, 40789, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Corinna Saalwächter
- Research and Development, CropScience Division, Bayer AG, Alfred-Nobel-Str.50, 40789, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Maren Windau
- Research and Development, CropScience Division, Bayer AG, Alfred-Nobel-Str.50, 40789, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Svend Matthiesen
- Research and Development, CropScience Division, Bayer AG, Alfred-Nobel-Str.50, 40789, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Tatyana Stefanovska
- Department of Entomology, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyiv, 03041, Ukraine
| | - Melanie Scharwey
- Research and Development, CropScience Division, Bayer AG, Alfred-Nobel-Str.50, 40789, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Michael T Marx
- Research and Development, CropScience Division, Bayer AG, Alfred-Nobel-Str.50, 40789, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Sven Geibel
- Research and Development, CropScience Division, Bayer AG, Alfred-Nobel-Str.50, 40789, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Florian M W Grundler
- Molecular Phytomedicine, University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Straße 13, 53115, Bonn, Germany
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36
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Arampatzis AS, Tsave O, Kirchweger B, Zwirchmayr J, Papageorgiou VP, Rollinger JM, Assimopoulou AN. Expanding the Biological Properties of Alkannins and Shikonins: Their Impact on Adipogenesis and Life Expectancy in Nematodes. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:909285. [PMID: 35754463 PMCID: PMC9216188 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.909285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkannin, shikonin (A/S) and their derivatives are naturally occurring hydroxynaphthoquinones biosynthesized in some species of the Boraginaceae family. These natural compounds have been extensively investigated for their biological properties over the last 40 years, demonstrating a plethora of activities, such as wound healing, regenerative, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial and antioxidant. This study aims to extend the current knowledge by investigating the effects of various A/S compounds on two model systems, namely on 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The former constitutes an established in vitro model for investigating anti-obesity and insulin-mimetic properties, while the latter has been widely used as a model organism for studying fat accumulation, lifespan and the anthelmintic potential. A set of chemically well-defined A/S derivatives were screened for their effect on pre-adipocytes to assess cell toxicity, cell morphology, and cell differentiation. The differentiation of pre-adipocytes into mature adipocytes was examined upon treatment with A/S compounds in the presence/absence of insulin, aiming to establish a structure-activity relationship. The majority of A/S compounds induced cell proliferation at sub-micromolar concentrations. The ester derivatives exhibited higher IC50 values, and thus, proved to be less toxic to 3T3-L1 cells. The parent molecules, A and S tested at 1 μM resulted in a truncated differentiation with a reduced number of forming lipids, whereas compounds lacking the side chain hydroxyl group projected higher populations of mature adipocytes. In C. elegans mutant strain SS104, A/S enriched extracts were not able to inhibit the fat accumulation but resulted in a drastic shortage of survival. Thus, the set of A/S compounds were tested at 15 and 60 μg/ml in the wild-type strain N2 for their nematocidal activity, which is of relevance for the discovery of anthelmintic drugs. The most pronounced nematocidal activity was observed for naphthazarin and β,β-dimethyl-acryl-shikonin, followed by isovaleryl-shikonin. The latter 2 A/S esters were identified as the most abundant constituents in the mixture of A/S derivatives isolated from Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Tausch. Taken together, the findings show that the structural variations in the moiety of A/S compounds significantly impact the modulation of their biological activities in both model systems investigated in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios S Arampatzis
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Natural Products Research Centre of Excellence (NatPro-AUTH), Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation of AUTh (CIRI-AUTh), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Olga Tsave
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Natural Products Research Centre of Excellence (NatPro-AUTH), Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation of AUTh (CIRI-AUTh), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Benjamin Kirchweger
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Zwirchmayr
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vassilios P Papageorgiou
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Natural Products Research Centre of Excellence (NatPro-AUTH), Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation of AUTh (CIRI-AUTh), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Judith M Rollinger
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreana N Assimopoulou
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Natural Products Research Centre of Excellence (NatPro-AUTH), Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation of AUTh (CIRI-AUTh), Thessaloniki, Greece
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37
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Marchand A, Van Bree JWM, Taki AC, Moyat M, Turcatti G, Chambon M, Smith AAT, Doolan R, Gasser RB, Harris NL, Bouchery T. Novel High-Throughput Fluorescence-Based Assay for the Identification of Nematocidal Compounds That Target the Blood-Feeding Pathway. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060669. [PMID: 35745589 PMCID: PMC9231213 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Hookworm infections cause a neglected tropical disease (NTD) affecting ~740 million people worldwide, principally those living in disadvantaged communities. Infections can cause high morbidity due to their impact on nutrient uptake and their need to feed on host blood, resulting in a loss of iron and protein, which can lead to severe anaemia and impaired cognitive development in children. Currently, only one drug, albendazole is efficient to treat hookworm infection and the scientific community fears the rise of resistant strains. As part of on-going efforts to control hookworm infections and its associated morbidities, new drugs are urgently needed. We focused on targeting the blood-feeding pathway, which is essential to the parasite survival and reproduction, using the laboratory hookworm model Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (a nematode of rodents with a similar life cycle to hookworms). We established an in vitro-drug screening assay based on a fluorescent-based measurement of parasite viability during blood-feeding to identify novel therapeutic targets. A first screen of a library of 2654 natural compounds identified four that caused decreased worm viability in a blood-feeding-dependent manner. This new screening assay has significant potential to accelerate the discovery of new drugs against hookworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Marchand
- Laboratory of Intestinal Immunology, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (A.M.); (M.M.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Joyce W. M. Van Bree
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct (AMREP), Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Aya C. Taki
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (A.C.T.); (R.B.G.)
| | - Mati Moyat
- Laboratory of Intestinal Immunology, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (A.M.); (M.M.); (N.L.H.)
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct (AMREP), Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Gerardo Turcatti
- Biomolecular Screening Facility, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (G.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Marc Chambon
- Biomolecular Screening Facility, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (G.T.); (M.C.)
| | | | - Rory Doolan
- Hookworm Immuno-Biology Laboratory, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwill, Switzerland;
- Basel University, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (A.C.T.); (R.B.G.)
| | - Nicola Laraine Harris
- Laboratory of Intestinal Immunology, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (A.M.); (M.M.); (N.L.H.)
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct (AMREP), Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Tiffany Bouchery
- Laboratory of Intestinal Immunology, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (A.M.); (M.M.); (N.L.H.)
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct (AMREP), Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
- Hookworm Immuno-Biology Laboratory, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwill, Switzerland;
- Basel University, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
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Žofka M, Thuy Nguyen L, Mašátová E, Matoušková P. Image recognition based on deep learning in Haemonchus contortus motility assays. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2372-2380. [PMID: 35664223 PMCID: PMC9127531 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor efficacy of some anthelmintics and rising concerns about the widespread drug resistance have highlighted the need for new drug discovery. The parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus is an important model organism widely used for studies of drug resistance and drug screening with the current gold standard being the motility assay. We applied a deep learning approach Mask R-CNN for analysing motility videos containing varying rates of motile worms and compared it to other commonly used algorithms with different levels of complexity, namely the Wiggle Index and the Wide Field-of-View Nematode Tracking Platform. Mask R-CNN consistently outperformed the other algorithms in terms of the detection of worms as well as the precision of motility forecasts, having a mean absolute percentage error of 7.6% and a mean absolute error of 5.6% for the detection and motility forecasts, respectively. Using Mask R-CNN for motility assays confirmed the common problem with algorithms that use non-maximum suppression in detecting overlapping objects, which negatively impacts the overall precision. The use of intersect over union as a measure of the classification of motile / non-motile instances had an overall accuracy of 89%, indicating that it is a viable alternative to previously used methods based on movement characteristics, such as body bends. In comparison to the existing methods evaluated here, Mask R-CNN performed better and we anticipate that this method will broaden the number of possible approaches to video analysis of worm motility.
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Structure-Based Bioisosterism Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and In Silico Studies of Benzamide Analogs as Potential Anthelmintics. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27092659. [PMID: 35566007 PMCID: PMC9102753 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A recent screen of 67,012 compounds identified a new family of compounds with excellent nematicidal activity: the ortho-substituted benzamide families Wact-11 and Wact-12. These compounds are active against Caenorhabditis elegans and parasitic nematodes by selectively inhibiting nematode complex II, and they display low toxicity in mammalian cells and vertebrate organisms. Although a big number of benzamides were tested against C. elegans in high-throughput screens, bioisosteres of the amide moiety were not represented in the chemical space examined. We thus identified an opportunity for the design, synthesis and evaluation of novel compounds, using bioisosteric replacements of the amide group present in benzamides. The compound Wact-11 was used as the reference scaffold to prepare a set of bioisosteres to be evaluated against C. elegans. Eight types of amide replacement were selected, including ester, thioamide, selenoamide, sulfonamide, alkyl thio- and oxo-amides, urea and triazole. The results allowed us to perform a structure-activity relationship, highlighting the relevance of the amide group for nematicide activity. Experimental evidence was complemented with in silico structural studies over a C. elegans complex II model as a molecular target of benzamides. Importantly, compound Wact-11 was active against the flatworm Echinococcus granulosus, suggesting a previously unreported pan-anthelmintic potential for benzamides.
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Khadke SK, Lee JH, Kim YG, Raj V, Lee J. Appraisal of Cinnamaldehyde Analogs as Dual-Acting Antibiofilm and Anthelmintic Agents. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:818165. [PMID: 35369516 PMCID: PMC8966877 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.818165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cinnamaldehyde has a broad range of biological activities, which include antibiofilm and anthelmintic activities. The ever-growing problem of drug resistance and limited treatment options have created an urgent demand for natural molecules with antibiofilm and anthelmintic properties. Hence, we hypothesized that molecules with a scaffold structurally similar to that of cinnamaldehyde might act as dual inhibitors against fungal biofilms and helminths. In this regard, eleven cinnamaldehyde analogs were tested to determine their effects on fungal Candida albicans biofilm and nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. α-Methyl and trans-4-methyl cinnamaldehydes efficiently inhibited C. albicans biofilm formation (>90% inhibition at 50 μg/mL) with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ≥ 200 μg/mL and 4-bromo and 4-chloro cinnamaldehydes exhibited anthelmintic property at 20 μg/mL against C. elegans. α-Methyl and trans-4-methyl cinnamaldehydes inhibited hyphal growth and cell aggregation. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to determine the surface architecture of C. albicans biofilm and cuticle of C. elegans, and confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to determine biofilm characteristics. The perturbation in gene expression of C. albicans was investigated using qRT-PCR analysis and α-methyl and trans-4-methyl cinnamaldehydes exhibited down-regulation of ECE1, IFD6, RBT5, UCF1, and UME6 and up-regulation of CHT4 and YWP1. Additionally, molecular interaction of these two molecules with UCF1 and YWP1 were revealed by molecular docking simulation. Our observations collectively suggest α-methyl and trans-4-methyl cinnamaldehydes are potent biofilm inhibitors and that 4-bromo and 4-chloro cinnamaldehydes are anthelmintic agents. Efforts are required to determine the range of potential therapeutic applications of cinnamaldehyde analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Kiran Khadke
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Jin-Hyung Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Yong-Guy Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Vinit Raj
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Jintae Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
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Watson TT. Sensitivity of Meloidogyne enterolobii and M. incognita to fluorinated nematicides. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:1398-1406. [PMID: 34897953 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meloidogyne enterolobii (Yang and Eisenback) was recently introduced into Louisiana on contaminated sweetpotato planting material. Given the known variation in sensitivity to nematicides within the genus Meloidogyne, there is question as to whether fluorinated nematicides will be as efficacious toward M. enterolobii as they are with M. incognita (Chitwood). Using a series of in vitro and growth cabinet experiments, this study compared the sensitivity of M. enterolobii and M. incognita to four synthetic non-fumigant nematicides (fluopyram, fluensulfone, fluazaindolizine, and oxamyl). RESULTS Meloidogyne enterolobii had lower sensitivity to nematicides than M. incognita in the majority of the in vitro exposure assays. Similar levels of reduction in root infectivity were observed after nematicide exposure among both nematode species. Fluopyram showed high hatching inhibition for both Meloidogyne species at low concentrations [median effective concentration (EC50 ) values of 0.273 to 0.018 mg L-1 ], whereas fluensulfone showed high root penetration inhibition at low concentrations (EC50 values of 0.151 to 0.065 mg L-1 ) relative to that of other evaluated nematicides. For both Meloidogyne species, each of the four non-fumigant nematicides reduced root galling (58-96% reduction for M. enterolobii, 71-100% reduction for M. incognita) and egg production (63-99% reduction for M. enterolobii, 58-96% reduction for M. incognita) on sweetpotato when applied at the label recommended rate. CONCLUSION Fluorinated nematicides and oxamyl show capacity to suppress M. enterolobii on sweetpotato. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan T Watson
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
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Widaad A, Zulkipli IN, Petalcorin MIR. Anthelmintic Effect of Leucaena leucocephala Extract and Its Active Compound, Mimosine, on Vital Behavioral Activities in Caenorhabditis elegans. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27061875. [PMID: 35335240 PMCID: PMC8950933 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Helminth infections continue to be a neglected global threat in tropical regions, and there have been growing cases of anthelmintic resistance reported towards the existing anthelmintic drugs. Thus, the search for a novel anthelmintic agent has been increasing, especially those derived from plants. Leucaena leucocephala (LL) is a leguminous plant that is known to have several pharmacological activities, including anthelmintic activity. It is widely known to contain a toxic compound called mimosine, which we believed could be a potential lead candidate that could exert a potent anthelmintic effect. Hence, this study aimed to validate the presence of mimosine in LL extract and to investigate the anthelmintic effect of LL extract and mimosine on head thrashing, egg-laying, and pharyngeal pumping activities using the animal model Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Mimosine content in LL extract was confirmed through an HPLC analysis of spiking LL extract with different mimosine concentrations, whereby an increasing trend in peak heights was observed at a retention time of 0.9 min. LL extract and mimosine caused a significant dose-dependent increase in the percentage of worm mortality, which produced LC50s of 73 mg/mL and 6.39 mg/mL, respectively. Exposure of C. elegans to different concentrations of LL extract and mimosine significantly decreased the head thrashing, egg-laying, and mean pump amplitude of pharyngeal pumping activity. We speculated that these behavioral changes are due to the inhibitory effect of LL extract and mimosine on an L-type calcium channel called EGL-19. Our findings provide evidential support for the potential of LL extract and its active compound, mimosine, as novel anthelmintic candidates. However, the underlying mechanism of the anthelmintic action has yet to be elucidated.
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Aspergillus niger Culture Filtrate (ACF) Mediated Biocontrol of Enteric Pathogens in Wastewater. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14010119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Robust control of pathogens in sewage facilitates safe reuse of wastewater rich in valuable nutrients for potential valorization through biological means. Aspergillus niger is widely reported in bioremediation of wastewater but studies on control of enteric pathogens in sewage are very sparse. So, this study aimed at exploring the antibacterial and nematicidal activity of A. niger culture filtrate (ACF). Antibacterial activity of ACF on enteric pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella enterica, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella variicola) was determined by spectrophotometric growth analysis, resazurin based viability assay and biofilm formation assay. ACF showed inhibition against all enteric pathogens except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nematicidal studies on Caenorhabditis elegans showed 85% egg hatch inhibition and 52% mortality of L1 larvae. Sewage treatment with ACF at 1:1 (v/v) showed 2–3 log reduction in coliforms, Klebsiella, Shigella, Salmonella, S. aureus and Vibrio except Pseudomonas, indicating significant alteration of complex microbial dynamics in wastewater. Application of ACF can potentially be used as a robust biocontrol strategy against infectious microbes in wastewater and subsequent valorization by cultivating beneficial Pseudomonas.
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Idris OA, Wintola OA, Afolayan AJ. Anthelmintic potency of Rumex crispus L. extracts against Caenorhabditis elegans and non-targeted identification of the bioactive compounds. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:541-549. [PMID: 35002450 PMCID: PMC8716969 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.09.026] [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: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional healers and ethnoveterinary therapists use several medicinal plants, such as Rumex crispus L., to treat endoparasite infections. R. crispus has been established by researchers to be effective agasint a few parasitic worms. In this study, we evaluated the potency of R. crispus extracts on the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans and the bioactive compounds of the extracts were also identified. The solvent extracts of R. crispus were tested against C. elegans for up to 72 h. The effect of the extracts on C. elegans was examined using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). LM and SEM analysis showed damage on the body wall, reduced body and slight modifications of the nematode organs. The lethality test reveals a significant reduction in the viability of the nematode with the water extract of leaf (LF-WAE), among others, having the strongest potency against the nematode, with 83% lethality. Anlysis done with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra reveals various characteristic vibration bands and fingerprint bands at 3400–600 cm−1, identifying phenols, organic acids, aromatics, amines, among others in the plant. The compounds were identified with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), under the categories of flavonoids, steroidal alkaloids and proanthocyanidin. In conclusion, this study confirmed that R. crispus has anthelmintic potential, using standardised C. elegans models as a tool and suggests that there could be novel compounds yet to be explored in the studied plant that could be of great benefit to livestock and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladayo Amed Idris
- Medicinal Plants and Economic Development (MPED) Research Centre, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa.,Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, North West, South Africa
| | - Olubunmi Abosede Wintola
- Medicinal Plants and Economic Development (MPED) Research Centre, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa
| | - Anthony Jide Afolayan
- Medicinal Plants and Economic Development (MPED) Research Centre, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa
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Liu Y, Zhang W, Wang Y, Liu H, Zhang S, Ji X, Qiao K. Oxidative stress, intestinal damage, and cell apoptosis: Toxicity induced by fluopyram in Caenorhabditis elegans. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 286:131830. [PMID: 34388432 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Fluopyram, a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor fungicide and nematicide, has been used extensively for agricultural pest control and toxicologically affects non-target organisms. In the present study, Caenorhabditis elegans, a well-established model organism, was used to evaluate the toxic effect of fluopyram and the possible molecular mechanisms. C. elegans was exposed to fluopyram for 24 h at three sublethal concentrations (0.01, 0.05 and 0.25 mg/L) and the physiological, biochemical, and molecular indicators were examined. The results showed that sublethal exposure to fluopyram could cause damage to growth, locomotion behavior, feeding, lifespan and reproduction of the nematodes. Fluopyram exposure induced oxidative stress as indicated by increase of ROS production, lipofuscin and lipid accumulation, and MDA level in the nematodes. In contrast, exposure to fluopyram significantly decreased the activities of target enzyme SDH and antioxidant enzymes including SOD, CAT and GST. Moreover, the expression of genes associated with oxidative stress (e.g., gst-4, sod-3, fat-7, mev-1 and daf-16), intestinal damage (e.g., mtm-6, nhx-2, opt-2, pkc-3, par-6, act-5 and egl-8), and cell apoptosis (e.g., ced-13, ced-3, egl-38, efl-2, cep-1 and lgg-1) was significantly influenced after exposure to fluopyram. According to Pearson correlation analyses, significant correlation existed between 190 pairs of parameters, which indicated that fluopyram induced multiple toxic related effects in C. elegans. These findings suggest that oxidative stress, intestinal damage, and cell apoptosis may play major roles in toxicity of fluopyram in the nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Toxicology & Application Technique, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Weiping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Toxicology & Application Technique, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Toxicology & Application Technique, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Huimin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Toxicology & Application Technique, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Shouan Zhang
- Tropical Research and Education Center, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, IFAS, Homestead, FL, 33031, USA
| | - Xiaoxue Ji
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Toxicology & Application Technique, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Kang Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Toxicology & Application Technique, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China.
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Lubisch M, Moyzio S, Kaiser CS, Krafeld I, Leusder D, Scholz M, Hoepfner L, Hippler M, Liebau E, Kahl J. Using Caenorhabditis elegans to produce functional secretory proteins of parasitic nematodes. Acta Trop 2022; 225:106176. [PMID: 34627755 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The expression of antigens in their immunologically-active form remains a challenge, both in the analysis of regulatory pathways exploited by parasitic nematodes or in the development of vaccines. Despite the success of native proteins to induce protective immunity, recombinant proteins expressed in bacteria, yeast or insect cells offer only limited protective capacities, presumably due to incorrect folding or missing complex posttranslational modifications. The present study investigates the feasibility of using the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as an alternative expression system for proteins found in the secretome of parasitic nematodes. Exemplified by the expression of the extracellular superoxide dismutase from Haemonchus contortus (HcSODe) and the extracellular and glycosylated glutathione S-transferase from the filarial parasite Onchocerca volvulus (OvGST1), we continue our efforts to improve production and purification of recombinant proteins expressed in C. elegans. We demonstrate that sufficient quantities of functional proteins can be expressed in C. elegans for subsequent immunological and biochemical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Lubisch
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Sven Moyzio
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Charlotte Sophia Kaiser
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Isabel Krafeld
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Dustin Leusder
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Scholz
- Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Lara Hoepfner
- Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Hippler
- Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Eva Liebau
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany.
| | - Janina Kahl
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
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Vairoletti F, Baron A, Saiz C, Mahler G, Salinas G. Increased sensitivity of an infrared motility assay for nematicide discovery. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2021; 2021:10.17912/micropub.biology.000500. [PMID: 34870110 PMCID: PMC8633989 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes constitute a health problem for humans, livestock and crops, and cause huge economic losses to developing-country economies. Due to the spread of nematicide resistance, there is an urgent need for new drugs. C. elegans is now recognized as a cost-effective alternative for the screening of compound libraries with potential nematicidal activity, as parasitic organisms are hard to maintain under laboratory conditions. Here we describe an adaptation of a previously reported high throughput (HTP) infrared-based motility assay that leads to increased sensitivity. The modified assay uses L1 instead of L4 stage worms and matches the sensitivity reported by Burns et al. (2015) for the anthelmintic benzamides Wact11 and Wact11p. In addition, this method presents practical advantages over Burns et al. (2015) and other image-based protocols and provides a robust assay with a fast and simple readout ideal for HTP drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Vairoletti
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay,
Graduate Program in Chemistry, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Antonela Baron
- Phylumtech S.A. Belgrano 758, Sunchales, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Saiz
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Graciela Mahler
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gustavo Salinas
- Worm Biology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay,
Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Avda. Gral Flores 2124, Montevideo 11300, Uruguay,
Correspondence to: Gustavo Salinas ()
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Lautens MJ, Tan JH, Serrat X, Del Borrello S, Schertzberg MR, Fraser AG. Identification of enzymes that have helminth-specific active sites and are required for Rhodoquinone-dependent metabolism as targets for new anthelmintics. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009991. [PMID: 34843467 PMCID: PMC8659336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil transmitted helminths (STHs) are major human pathogens that infect over a billion people. Resistance to current anthelmintics is rising and new drugs are needed. Here we combine multiple approaches to find druggable targets in the anaerobic metabolic pathways STHs need to survive in their mammalian host. These require rhodoquinone (RQ), an electron carrier used by STHs and not their hosts. We identified 25 genes predicted to act in RQ-dependent metabolism including sensing hypoxia and RQ synthesis and found 9 are required. Since all 9 have mammalian orthologues, we used comparative genomics and structural modeling to identify those with active sites that differ between host and parasite. Together, we found 4 genes that are required for RQ-dependent metabolism and have different active sites. Finding these high confidence targets can open up in silico screens to identify species selective inhibitors of these enzymes as new anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot J. Lautens
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - June H. Tan
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xènia Serrat
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Andrew G. Fraser
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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A journey through 50 years of research relevant to the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in ruminant livestock and thoughts on future directions. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1133-1151. [PMID: 34774857 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This review article provides an historical perspective on some of the major research advances of relevance to ruminant livestock gastrointestinal nematode control over the last 50 years. Over this period, gastrointestinal nematode control has been dominated by the use of broad-spectrum anthelmintic drugs. Whilst this has provided unprecedented levels of successful control for many years, this approach has been gradually breaking down for more than two decades and is increasingly unsustainable which is due, at least in part, to the emergence of anthelmintic drug resistance and a number of other factors discussed in this article. We first cover the remarkable success story of the discovery and development of broad-spectrum anthelmintic drugs, the changing face of anthelmintic drug discovery research and the emergence of anthelmintic resistance. This is followed by a review of some of the major advances in the increasingly important area of non-pharmaceutical gastrointestinal nematode control including immunology and vaccine development, epidemiological modelling and some of the alternative control strategies such as breeding for host resistance, refugia-based methods and biological control. The last 50 years have witnessed remarkable innovation and success in research aiming to improve ruminant livestock gastrointestinal nematode control, particularly given the relatively small size of the research community and limited funding. In spite of this, the growing global demand for livestock products, together with the need to maximise production efficiencies, reduce environmental impacts and safeguard animal welfare - as well as specific challenges such as anthelmintic drug resistance and climate change- mean that gastrointestinal nematode researchers will need to be as innovative in the next 50 years as in the last.
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50
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Jayawardene KLTD, Palombo EA, Boag PR. Natural Products Are a Promising Source for Anthelmintic Drug Discovery. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1457. [PMID: 34680090 PMCID: PMC8533416 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes infect almost all forms of life. In the human context, parasites are one of the major causative factors for physical and intellectual growth retardation in the developing world. In the agricultural setting, parasites have a great economic impact through a reduction in livestock performance or control cost. The main method of controlling these devastating conditions is the use of anthelmintic drugs. Unfortunately, there are only a few anthelmintic drug classes available in the market and significant resistance has developed in most of the parasitic species of livestock. Therefore, development of new anthelmintics with different modes of action is critical for sustainable parasitic control in the future. The drug development pipeline is broadly limited to two types of molecules, namely synthetic compounds and natural plant products. Compared to synthetic compounds, natural products are highly diverse, and many have historically proven valuable in folk medicine to treat various gastrointestinal ailments. This review focus on the use of traditional knowledge-based plant extracts in the development of new therapeutic leads, the approaches used as screening techniques, and common bottlenecks and opportunities in plant-based anthelmintic drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. L. T. Dilrukshi Jayawardene
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Enzo A. Palombo
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Peter R. Boag
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
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