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Preliminary Structure-Activity Relationship Study of the MMV Pathogen Box Compound MMV675968 (2,4-Diaminoquinazoline) Unveils Novel Inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei brucei. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196574. [PMID: 36235118 PMCID: PMC9571290 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
New drugs are urgently needed for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). In line with our quest for novel inhibitors of trypanosomes, a small library of analogs of the antitrypanosomal hit (MMV675968) available at MMV as solid materials was screened for antitrypanosomal activity. In silico exploration of two potent antitrypanosomal structural analogs (7-MMV1578647 and 10-MMV1578445) as inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) was achieved, together with elucidation of other antitrypanosomal modes of action. In addition, they were assessed in vitro for tentative inhibition of DHFR in a crude trypanosome extract. Their ADMET properties were also predicted using dedicated software. Overall, the two diaminoquinazoline analogs displayed approximately 40-fold and 60-fold more potency and selectivity in vitro than the parent hit, respectively (MMV1578445 (10): IC50 = 0.045 µM, SI = 1737; MMV1578467 (7): IC50 = 0.06 µM; SI = 412). Analogs 7 and 10 were also strong binders of the DHFR enzyme in silico, in all their accessible protonation states, and interacted with key DHFR ligand recognition residues Val32, Asp54, and Ile160. They also exhibited significant activity against trypanosome protein isolate. MMV1578445 (10) portrayed fast and irreversible trypanosome growth arrest between 4–72 h at IC99. Analogs 7 and 10 induced in vitro ferric iron reduction and DNA fragmentation or apoptosis induction, respectively. The two potent analogs endowed with predicted suitable physicochemical and ADMET properties are good candidates for further deciphering their potential as starting points for new drug development for HAT.
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Temporal and Wash-Out Studies Identify Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box Compounds with Fast-Acting Activity against Both Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071287. [PMID: 35889006 PMCID: PMC9317670 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071287] [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: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi is endemic to 21 countries in the Americas, effects approximately 6 million people and on average results in 12,000 deaths annually. Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is caused by the Trypanosoma brucei sub-species, endemic to 36 countries within sub-Saharan Africa. Treatment regimens for these parasitic diseases are complicated and not effective against all disease stages; thus, there is a need to find improved treatments. To identify new molecules for the drug discovery pipelines for these diseases, we have utilised in vitro assays to identify compounds with selective activity against both T. cruzi and T.b. brucei from the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) Pathogen Box compound collection. To prioritise these molecules for further investigation, temporal and wash off assays were utilised to identify the speed of action and cidality of compounds. For translational relevance, compounds were tested against clinically relevant T.b. brucei subspecies. Compounds with activity against T. cruzi cytochrome P450 (TcCYP51) have not previously been successful in clinical trials for chronic Chagas disease; thus, to deprioritise compounds with this activity, they were tested against recombinant TcCYP51. Compounds with biological profiles warranting progression offer important tools for drug and target development against kinetoplastids.
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Bharti H, Singal A, Saini M, Cheema PS, Raza M, Kundu S, Nag A. Repurposing the Pathogen Box compounds for identification of potent anti-malarials against blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum with PfUCHL3 inhibitory activity. Sci Rep 2022; 12:918. [PMID: 35042884 PMCID: PMC8766476 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04619-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria has endured as a global epidemic since ages and its eradication poses an immense challenge due to the complex life cycle of the causative pathogen and its tolerance to a myriad of therapeutics. PfUCHL3, a member of the ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase (UCH) family of deubiquitinases (DUBs) is cardinal for parasite survival and emerges as a promising therapeutic target. In this quest, we employed a combination of computational and experimental approaches to identify PfUCHL3 inhibitors as novel anti-malarials. The Pathogen Box library was screened against the crystal structure of PfUCHL3 (PDB ID: 2WE6) and its human ortholog (PDB ID: 1XD3). Fifty molecules with better comparative score, bioavailability and druglikeliness were subjected to in-vitro enzyme inhibition assay and among them only two compounds effectively inhibited PfUCHL3 activity at micro molar concentrations. Both MMV676603 and MMV688704 exhibited anti-plasmodial activity by altering the parasite phenotype at late stages of the asexual life cycle and inducing the accumulation of polyubiquitinated substrates. In addition, both the compounds were non-toxic and portrayed high selectivity window for the parasite over mammalian cells. This is the first comprehensive study to demonstrate the anti-malarial efficacy of PfUCHL3 inhibitors and opens new avenues to exploit UCH family of DUBs as a promising target for the development of next generation anti-malaria therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Bharti
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Aakriti Singal
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Manisha Saini
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Pradeep Singh Cheema
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Mohsin Raza
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Suman Kundu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Alo Nag
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India.
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Radhakrishnan A, Brown CM, Guy CS, Cooper C, Pacheco-Gomez R, Stansfeld PJ, Fullam E. Interrogation of the Pathogen Box reveals small molecule ligands against the mycobacterial trehalose transporter LpqY-SugABC. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:1225-1233. [PMID: 36320433 PMCID: PMC9579956 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00104g] [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: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, claims ∼1.5 million lives annually. Effective chemotherapy is essential to control TB, however the emergence of drug-resistant strains of TB have seriously threatened global attempts to control and eradicate this deadly pathogen. Trehalose recycling via the LpqY-SugABC importer is essential for the virulence and survival of Mtb and inhibiting or hijacking this transport system is an attractive approach for the development of novel anti-tubercular and diagnostic agents. Therefore, we interrogated the drug-like compounds in the open-source Medicines for Malaria Pathogen Box and successfully identified seven compounds from the TB, kinetoplastids and reference compound disease sets that recognise LpqY. The molecules have diverse chemical scaffolds, are not specific trehalose analogues, and may be used as novel templates to facilitate the development of therapeutics that kill Mtb with a novel mechanism of action via the mycobacterial trehalose LpqY-SugABC transport system. Interrogation of the Pathogen Box identified diverse chemical scaffolds against the mycobacterial trehalose transporter.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chelsea M. Brown
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Collette S. Guy
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Charlotte Cooper
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Raul Pacheco-Gomez
- Malvern Panalytical Ltd, Enigma Business Park, Grovewood Road, Malvern, WR14 1XZ, UK
| | - Phillip J. Stansfeld
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Elizabeth Fullam
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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Tadele M, Abay SM, Asaga P, Makonnen E, Hailu A. In vitro growth inhibitory activity of Medicines for Malaria Venture pathogen box compounds against Leishmania aethiopica. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 22:71. [PMID: 34784983 PMCID: PMC8594108 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-021-00538-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Leishmania aethiopica (L. aethiopica) is responsible for different forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Ethiopia. Treatment heavily depends on limited drugs, together with drawbacks like toxicity and microbial resistance. The current research aimed to investigate in vitro growth inhibitory activity of Medicines for Malaria Ventures - Pathogen Box (MMV - PB) compounds against L. aethiopica clinical isolate. Methodology Four hundred MMV – PB compounds were screened against L. aethiopica using resazurin based colourimetric assay. Compounds with > 70% inhibition were further tested using macrophage based intracellular amastigote assay. Cytotoxic and hemolytic activity of candidate hits were assessed on THP1- cells and sheep red blood cells (RBCs), respectively. In vitro drug interaction study was also conducted for the most potent hit using the combination index method. Results At the test concentration of 1 μM, twenty-three compounds showed > 50% inhibition of promastigotes parasite growth, of which 11 compounds showed > 70% inhibition. The 50% growth inhibition (IC50) of the 11 compounds was ranged from 0.024 to 0.483 μM in anti-promastigote assay and from 0.064 to 0.899 μM in intracellular amastigote assay. Candidate compounds demonstrated good safety on sheep RBCs and THP-1 cell lines. MMV688415 demonstrated a slight hemolytic activity on sheep RBC (5.3% at 25 μM) and THP-1 cell line (CC20 = 25 μM) while MMV690102 inhibited half of THP-1 cells at 36.5 μM (selectivity index = 478). No synergistic activity was observed from the combinations of MMV690102 and amphotericin B (CI > 1), and MMV690102 and Pentamidine (CI > 1) at lower and higher combination points. Conclusion The present study identified a panel of compounds that can be used as a novel starting point for lead optimization. MMV690102 appears to be the most potent inhibitor against L. aethiopica promastigotes and amastigotes. Future works should investigate the antileishmanial mechanism of action and in vivo antileishmanial activities of identified hits. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40360-021-00538-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markos Tadele
- Animal Health Research Program, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holetta, Ethiopia.
| | - Solomon M Abay
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Peter Asaga
- Institute of Human Virology, University Freiburg Medical Centre, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eyasu Makonnen
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Asrat Hailu
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Angula KT, Legoabe LJ, Swart T, Hoppe HC, Beteck RM. Synthesis and in vitro antitrypanosomal evaluation of novel 6-heteroarylidene-substituted quinolone derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 227:113913. [PMID: 34656043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis is a vector-borne tropical disease of African origin. Presently, due to human migration and climate change, the disease might present global health and economic burdens as current chemotherapy of trypanosomiasis remains a challenge due to limited existing drugs, which are of poor efficacy, cause severe adverse events and are very costly. Recently, Beteck and co-workers identified a small library of 1,3,6-substituted non-fluoroquinolones that showed moderate to weak trypanocidal activity without cytotoxic effects. The current study further explored SARs of the quinolone scaffold in search for more potent trypanocidal agents. Fifteen novel quinolone derivatives bearing a heteroarylidene moiety at positon-6 and varied chemical entities at positions -1 and -3 of the quinolone scaffold were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for antitrypanosomal activity. The compounds exhibit exceptionally good antitrypanosomal activity with IC50 values in the low-micromolar to sub-micromolar range (0.08-15.26 μM), with compound 6d being the most active having an IC50 value of 80 nM against T.b. brucei. Compounds in this study generally have molecular weight less than 600Da, ClogP value of 2-4 and a BBB score of 1-5, hence they could be potentially effective against both stages of trypanosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia T Angula
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen), North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - Lesetja J Legoabe
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen), North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - Tarryn Swart
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda, 6140, South Africa
| | - Heinrich C Hoppe
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda, 6140, South Africa; Centre for Chemico- and Biomedical Research, Rhodes University, Makhanda, 6140, South Africa
| | - Richard M Beteck
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen), North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
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Silva DG, Feijens P, Hendrickx R, Matheeussen A, Grey L, Caljon G, Maes L, Emery FS, Junker A. Development of Novel Isoindolone-Based Compounds against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. ChemistryOpen 2021; 10:922-927. [PMID: 34553828 PMCID: PMC8459400 DOI: 10.1002/open.202100180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study identified the isoindolone ring as a scaffold for novel agents against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and explored the structure-activity relationships of various aromatic ring substitutions. The compounds were evaluated in an integrated in vitro screen. Eight compounds exhibited selective activity against T. b. rhodesiense (IC50 <2.2 μm) with no detectable side activity against T. cruzi and Leishmania infantum. Compound 20 showed low nanomolar potency against T. b. rhodesiense (IC50 =40 nm) and no toxicity against MRC-5 and PMM cell lines and may be regarded as a new lead template for agents against T. b. rhodesiense. The isoindolone-based compounds have the potential to progress into lead optimization in view of their highly selective in vitro potency, absence of cytotoxicity and acceptable metabolic stability. However, the solubility of the compounds represents a limiting factor that should be addressed to improve the physicochemical properties that are required to proceed further in the development of in vivo-active derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Silva
- QHeteM - Laboratório de Química Heterocíclica e MedicinalSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão PretoUniversity of São PauloRibeirão PretoSão Paulo14040-903Brazil
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging (EIMI)Westphalian Wilhelms-University Münster48149MünsterGermany
| | - Pim‐Bart Feijens
- Laboratory of MicrobiologyParasitology and Hygiene (LMPH)University of AntwerpUniversiteitsplein 1Wilrijk B2610Belgium
| | - Rik Hendrickx
- Laboratory of MicrobiologyParasitology and Hygiene (LMPH)University of AntwerpUniversiteitsplein 1Wilrijk B2610Belgium
| | - An Matheeussen
- Laboratory of MicrobiologyParasitology and Hygiene (LMPH)University of AntwerpUniversiteitsplein 1Wilrijk B2610Belgium
| | - Lucie Grey
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal ChemistryWestphalian Wilhelms-University Münster48149MünsterGermany
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of MicrobiologyParasitology and Hygiene (LMPH)University of AntwerpUniversiteitsplein 1Wilrijk B2610Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of MicrobiologyParasitology and Hygiene (LMPH)University of AntwerpUniversiteitsplein 1Wilrijk B2610Belgium
| | - Flavio S. Emery
- QHeteM - Laboratório de Química Heterocíclica e MedicinalSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão PretoUniversity of São PauloRibeirão PretoSão Paulo14040-903Brazil
| | - Anna Junker
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging (EIMI)Westphalian Wilhelms-University Münster48149MünsterGermany
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Jesumoroti OJ, Beteck RM, Legoabe LJ. In-vitro Anti-trypanosomal and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of 3-methyl-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-2(1H)-one Derivatives. Drug Res (Stuttg) 2021; 71:335-340. [PMID: 33535253 DOI: 10.1055/a-1349-1256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Sleeping sickness, caused by trypanosomes, is a debilitating, neglected tropical disease wherein current treatments suffer from several drawbacks such as toxicity, low activity, and poor pharmacokinetic properties, and hence the need for alternative treatment is apparent. To this effect, we screened in vitro a library of 2-quinazolinone derivatives for antitrypanosomal activity against T.b. brucei and cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. Seven compounds having no overt cytotoxicity against HeLa cells exhibited antitrypanosomal activity in the range of 0.093-45 µM were identified. The activity data suggests that the antitrypanosomal activity of this compound class is amenable to substituents at N1 and C6 positions. Compound 14: having a molecular weight of 238Da, ClogP value of 1 and a total polar surface area of 49 was identified as the most active, exhibiting an IC50 value of 0.093 µM Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omobolanle J Jesumoroti
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Richard M Beteck
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Lesetja J Legoabe
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Ullah I, Gahalawat S, Booshehri LM, Niederstrasser H, Majumdar S, Leija C, Bradford JM, Hu B, Ready JM, Wetzel DM. An Antiparasitic Compound from the Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box Promotes Leishmania Tubulin Polymerization. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:2057-2072. [PMID: 32686409 PMCID: PMC8059355 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The few frontline antileishmanial drugs are poorly effective and toxic. To search for new drugs for this neglected tropical disease, we tested the activity of compounds in the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) "Pathogen Box" against Leishmania amazonensis axenic amastigotes. Screening yielded six discovery antileishmanial compounds with EC50 values from 50 to 480 nM. Concentration-response assays demonstrated that the best hit, MMV676477, had mid-nanomolar cytocidal potency against intracellular Leishmania amastigotes, Trypanosoma brucei, and Plasmodium falciparum, suggesting broad antiparasitic activity. We explored structure-activity relationships (SAR) within a small group of MMV676477 analogs and observed a wide potency range (20-5000 nM) against axenic Leishmania amastigotes. Compared to MMV676477, our most potent analog, SW41, had ∼5-fold improved antileishmanial potency. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that MMV676477 selectively disrupts Leishmania tubulin dynamics. Morphological studies indicated that MMV676477 and analogs affected L. amazonensis during cell division. Differential centrifugation showed that MMV676477 promoted partitioning of cellular tubulin toward the polymeric form in parasites. Turbidity assays with purified Leishmania and porcine tubulin demonstrated that MMV676477 promoted leishmanial tubulin polymerization in a concentration-dependent manner. Analogs' antiparasitic activity correlated with their ability to facilitate purified Leishmania tubulin polymerization. Chemical cross-linking demonstrated binding of the MMV676477 scaffold to purified Leishmania tubulin, and competition studies established a correlation between binding and antileishmanial activity. Our studies demonstrate that MMV676477 is a potent antiparasitic compound that preferentially promotes Leishmania microtubule polymerization. Due to its selectivity for and broad-spectrum activity against multiple parasites, this scaffold shows promise for antiparasitic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Ullah
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Suraksha Gahalawat
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Laela M. Booshehri
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Hanspeter Niederstrasser
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Shreoshi Majumdar
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Christopher Leija
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - James M. Bradford
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Joseph M. Ready
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Dawn M. Wetzel
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
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Coelho RA, Joffe LS, Alves GM, Figueiredo-Carvalho MHG, Brito-Santos F, Amaral ACF, Rodrigues ML, Almeida-Paes R. A screening of the MMV Pathogen Box® reveals new potential antifungal drugs against the etiologic agents of chromoblastomycosis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229630. [PMID: 32401759 PMCID: PMC7219733 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a chronic subcutaneous mycosis caused by traumatic implantation of many species of black fungi. Due to the refractoriness of some cases and common recurrence of CBM, a more effective and less time-consuming treatment is mandatory. The aim of this study was to identify compounds with in vitro antifungal activity in the Pathogen Box® compound collection against different CBM agents. Synergism of these compounds with drugs currently used to treat CBM was also assessed. An initial screening of the drugs present in this collection at 1 μM was performed with a Fonsecaea pedrosoi clinical strain according to the EUCAST protocol. The compounds with activity against this fungus were also tested against other seven etiologic agents of CBM (Cladophialophora carrionii, Phialophora verrucosa, Exophiala jeanselmei, Exophiala dermatitidis, Fonsecaea monophora, Fonsecaea nubica, and Rhinocladiella similis) at concentrations ranging from 0.039 to 10 μM. The analysis of potential synergism of these compounds with itraconazole and terbinafine was performed by the checkerboard method. Eight compounds inhibited more than 60% of the F. pedrosoi growth: difenoconazole, bitertanol, iodoquinol, azoxystrobin, MMV688179, MMV021013, trifloxystrobin, and auranofin. Iodoquinol produced the lowest MIC values (1.25-2.5 μM) and MMV688179 showed MICs that were higher than all compounds tested (5 - >10 μM). When auranofin and itraconazole were tested in combination, a synergistic interaction (FICI = 0.37) was observed against the C. carrionii isolate. Toxicity analysis revealed that MMV021013 showed high selectivity indices (SI ≥ 10) against the fungi tested. In summary, auranofin, iodoquinol, and MMV021013 were identified as promising compounds to be tested in CBM models of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena Alves Coelho
- Mycology Laboratory at the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luna Sobrino Joffe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Gabriela Machado Alves
- Mycology Laboratory at the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Fábio Brito-Santos
- Mycology Laboratory at the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Marcio L. Rodrigues
- Carlos Chagas Institute, Fiocruz, Paraná, Brazil
- Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Mycology Laboratory at the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Veale CGL, Müller R. Recent Highlights in Anti-infective Medicinal Chemistry from South Africa. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:809-826. [PMID: 32149446 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Global advancements in biological technologies have vastly increased the variety of and accessibility to bioassay platforms, while simultaneously improving our understanding of druggable chemical space. In the South African context, this has resulted in a rapid expansion in the number of medicinal chemistry programmes currently operating, particularly on university campuses. Furthermore, the modern medicinal chemist has the advantage of being able to incorporate data from numerous related disciplines into the medicinal chemistry process, allowing for informed molecular design to play a far greater role than previously possible. Accordingly, this review focusses on recent highlights in drug-discovery programmes, in which South African medicinal chemistry groups have played a substantive role in the design and optimisation of biologically active compounds which contribute to the search for promising agents for infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton G L Veale
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Pietermaritzburg Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa
| | - Ronel Müller
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Pietermaritzburg Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa
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Zulu AI, Oderinlo OO, Kruger C, Isaacs M, Hoppe HC, Smith VJ, Veale CGL, Khanye SD. Synthesis, Structure and In Vitro Anti-Trypanosomal Activity of Non-Toxic Arylpyrrole-Based Chalcone Derivatives. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25071668. [PMID: 32260364 PMCID: PMC7181280 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With an intention of identifying chalcone derivatives exhibiting anti-protozoal activity, a cohort of relatively unexplored arylpyrrole-based chalcone derivatives were synthesized in moderate to good yields. The resultant compounds were evaluated in vitro for their potential activity against a cultured Trypanosoma brucei brucei 427 strain. Several compounds displayed mostly modest in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity with compounds 10e and 10h emerging as active candidates with IC50 values of 4.09 and 5.11 µM, respectively. More importantly, a concomitant assessment of their activity against a human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cell line revealed that these compounds are non-toxic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayanda I. Zulu
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; (A.I.Z.); (O.O.O.); (C.K.); (V.J.S.)
| | - Ogunyemi O. Oderinlo
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; (A.I.Z.); (O.O.O.); (C.K.); (V.J.S.)
| | - Cuan Kruger
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; (A.I.Z.); (O.O.O.); (C.K.); (V.J.S.)
| | - Michelle Isaacs
- Centre for Chemico and Biomedicinal Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; (M.I.); (H.C.H.)
| | - Heinrich C. Hoppe
- Centre for Chemico and Biomedicinal Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; (M.I.); (H.C.H.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
| | - Vincent J. Smith
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; (A.I.Z.); (O.O.O.); (C.K.); (V.J.S.)
- Centre for Chemico and Biomedicinal Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; (M.I.); (H.C.H.)
| | - Clinton G. L. Veale
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Pietermaritzburg Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa;
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
| | - Setshaba D. Khanye
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; (A.I.Z.); (O.O.O.); (C.K.); (V.J.S.)
- Centre for Chemico and Biomedicinal Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; (M.I.); (H.C.H.)
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-46-603-8397
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Tadele M, Abay SM, Makonnen E, Hailu A. Leishmania donovani Growth Inhibitors from Pathogen Box Compounds of Medicine for Malaria Venture. Drug Des Devel Ther 2020; 14:1307-1317. [PMID: 32280200 PMCID: PMC7130106 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s244903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leishmaniasis is a collective term used to describe various pathological conditions caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan of the genus Leishmania. It is one of the neglected diseases and has been given minimal attention by drug discovery and development stakeholders to narrow the safety and efficacy gaps of the drugs currently used to treat leishmaniasis. The challenge is further exacerbated by the emergence of drug resistance by the parasites. METHODS Aiming to look for potential anti-leishmanial hits and leads, we screened Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) Pathogen Box compounds against clinically isolated Leishmania donovani strain. In this medium-throughput primary screening assay, the compounds were screened against promastigotes, and then against amastigote stages. RESULTS From the total 400 compounds screened, 35 compounds showed >50% inhibitory activity on promastigotes in the initial screen (1 μM). Out of these compounds, nine showed >70% inhibition, with median inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranging from 12 to 491 nM using the anti-promastigote assay, and from 53 to 704 nM using the intracellular amastigote assay. Identified compounds demonstrated acceptable safety profiles on THP-1 cell lines and sheep red blood cells, and had appropriate physicochemical properties suitable for further drug development. Two compounds (MMV690102 and MMV688262) were identified as leads. The anti-tubercular agent MMV688262 (delamanid) showed a synergistic effect with amphotericin B, indicating the prospect of using this compound for combination therapy. CONCLUSION The current study indicates the presence of additional hits which may hold promise as starting points for anti-leishmanial drug discovery and in-depth structure-activity relationship studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markos Tadele
- Animal Health Research Program, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holetta, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon M Abay
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eyasu Makonnen
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Asrat Hailu
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Veale CGL, Laming D, Swart T, Chibale K, Hoppe HC. Exploring the Antiplasmodial 2-Aminopyridines as Potential Antitrypanosomal Agents. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:2034-2041. [PMID: 31670464 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Recently we reported the results of a screen of the Pathogen Box in which we identified 4-(2-amino-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl) pyridin-3-yl)-2-methoxyphenol (MMV010576, 1) as our priority antitrypanosomal hit. This compound had previously been identified as a potent and selective antiplasmodial agent, where a focused optimization campaign, resulted in a medium-sized library of compounds, with favorable drug-like properties, one of which (MMV048, 2, 5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-6'-(trifluoromethyl)-[3,3'-bipyridin]-2-amine) is currently undergoing clinical trials for malaria. Accordingly, we investigated this library, in order to elucidate structural activity relationship details of this class of compounds as inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei. Our study has identified several structural features important for antitrypanosomal activity, which are distinct from those required for antiplasmodial activity. Results from this study can be exploited to develop potent antitrypanosomal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton G L Veale
- School of Chemistry and Physics Pietermaritzburg Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa
| | | | - Tarryn Swart
- Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
| | - Kelly Chibale
- Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D) South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit Department of Chemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease & Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
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Mi-ichi F, Ishikawa T, Tam VK, Deloer S, Hamano S, Hamada T, Yoshida H. Characterization of Entamoeba histolytica adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS) kinase; validation as a target and provision of leads for the development of new drugs against amoebiasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007633. [PMID: 31425516 PMCID: PMC6715247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amoebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica infection, is a global public health problem. However, available drugs to treat amoebiasis are currently limited, and no effective vaccine exists. Therefore, development of new preventive measures against amoebiasis is urgently needed. Methodology/Principal findings Here, to develop new drugs against amoebiasis, we focused on E. histolytica adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate kinase (EhAPSK), an essential enzyme in Entamoeba sulfolipid metabolism. Fatty alcohol disulfates and cholesteryl sulfate, sulfolipids synthesized in Entamoeba, play important roles in trophozoite proliferation and cyst formation. These processes are closely associated with clinical manifestation and severe pathogenesis of amoebiasis and with disease transmission, respectively. We validated a combination approach of in silico molecular docking analysis and an in vitro enzyme activity assay for large scale screening. Docking simulation ranked the binding free energy between a homology modeling structure of EhAPSK and 400 compounds. The 400 compounds were also screened by a 96-well plate-based in vitro APSK activity assay. Among fifteen compounds identified as EhAPSK inhibitors by the in vitro system, six were ranked by the in silico analysis as having high affinity toward EhAPSK. Furthermore, 2-(3-fluorophenoxy)-N-[4-(2-pyridyl)thiazol-2-yl]-acetamide, 3-phenyl-N-[4-(2-pyridyl)thiazol-2-yl]-imidazole-4-carboxamide, and auranofin, which were identified as EhAPSK inhibitors by both in silico and in vitro analyses, halted not only Entamoeba trophozoite proliferation but also cyst formation. These three compounds also dose-dependently impaired the synthesis of sulfolipids in E. histolytica. Conclusions/Significance Hence, the combined approach of in silico and in vitro-based EhAPSK analyses identified compounds that can be evaluated for their effects on Entamoeba. This can provide leads for the development of new anti-amoebic and amoebiasis transmission-blocking drugs. This strategy can also be applied to identify specific APSK inhibitors, which will benefit research into sulfur metabolism and the ubiquitous pathway terminally synthesizing essential sulfur-containing biomolecules. Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica that is an important health problem worldwide because of high morbidity and mortality rates. However, clinical options are inadequate; therefore, developing new preventive measures, such as anti-amoebic drugs, is urgently needed. In general, for the development of new drugs, the identification of appropriate leads and targets is a prerequisite. Here, to develop new drugs against amoebiasis, we focused on E. histolytica adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate kinase (EhAPSK), an essential enzyme in sulfur metabolism. An EhAPSK-based combination approach of computer-based in silico and laboratory-based in vitro analyses enabled us to screen 400 chemicals, from which we identified 15 that inhibit EhAPSK activity. Furthermore, among them, three compounds halted biological processes in Entamoeba that are closely associated with the clinical manifestation and pathogenesis of amoebiasis and with disease transmission. Hence, this study provides leads as well as a target for the development of new drugs against amoebiasis. This study also provides a basis to identify inhibitors for use in the study of sulfur metabolism, an important topic in general biochemistry and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumika Mi-ichi
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Immunoscience, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Nabeshima, Saga, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Takeshi Ishikawa
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Vo Kha Tam
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Immunoscience, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Nabeshima, Saga, Japan
| | - Sharmina Deloer
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Immunoscience, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Nabeshima, Saga, Japan
| | - Shinjiro Hamano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hamada
- Nagasaki Advanced Computing Center, Nagasaki University, Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yoshida
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Immunoscience, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Nabeshima, Saga, Japan
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Anti-Trypanosomal and Antimalarial Properties of Tetralone Derivatives and Structurally Related Benzocycloalkanones. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55050206. [PMID: 31137665 PMCID: PMC6572618 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55050206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Sleeping sickness and malaria alike are insect-borne protozoan diseases that share overlapping endemic areas in sub-Saharan Africa. The causative agent for malaria has developed resistance against all currently deployed anti-malarial agents. In the case of sleeping sickness, the currently deployed therapeutic options are limited in efficacy and activity spectra, and there are very few drug candidates in the development pipeline. Thus, there is a need to search for new drug molecules with a novel mode of actions. Materials and Methods: In the current study, an in vitro screening of a library of tetralone derivatives and related benzocycloalkanones was effected against T. b. brucei and P. falciparum. Results: Several hits with low micromolar activity (0.4–8 µM) against T. b. brucei were identified. Conclusions: The identified hits have a low molecular weight (<280 Da), a low total polar surface area (<50 Ų), and a defined structure activity relationship, which all make them potential starting points for further hit optimization studies.
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Veale CGL. Unpacking the Pathogen Box-An Open Source Tool for Fighting Neglected Tropical Disease. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:386-453. [PMID: 30614200 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Pathogen Box is a 400-strong collection of drug-like compounds, selected for their potential against several of the world's most important neglected tropical diseases, including trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, filariasis, schistosomiasis, dengue virus and trichuriasis, in addition to malaria and tuberculosis. This library represents an ensemble of numerous successful drug discovery programmes from around the globe, aimed at providing a powerful resource to stimulate open source drug discovery for diseases threatening the most vulnerable communities in the world. This review seeks to provide an in-depth analysis of the literature pertaining to the compounds in the Pathogen Box, including structure-activity relationship highlights, mechanisms of action, related compounds with reported activity against different diseases, and, where appropriate, discussion on the known and putative targets of compounds, thereby providing context and increasing the accessibility of the Pathogen Box to the drug discovery community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton G L Veale
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Pietermaritzburg Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa
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