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Chao-Pellicer J, Arberas-Jiménez I, Sifaoui I, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Flucofuron as a Promising Therapeutic Agent against Brain-Eating Amoeba. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2063-2073. [PMID: 38757533 PMCID: PMC11184546 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00062] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare and fulminant neurodegenerative disease caused by the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri. Currently, there is a lack of standardized protocols for therapeutic action. In response to the critical need for effective therapeutic agents, we explored the Global Health Priority Box, a collection of 240 compounds provided by the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV). From this pool, flucofuron emerged as a promising candidate, exhibiting high efficacy against trophozoites of both N. fowleri strains (ATCC 30808 IC50 : 2.58 ± 0.64 μM and ATCC 30215 IC50: 2.47 ± 0.38 μM), being even active against the resistant cyst stage (IC50: 0.88 ± 0.07 μM). Moreover, flucofuron induced diverse metabolic events that suggest the triggering of apoptotic cell death. This study highlights the potential of repurposing medications for treating challenging diseases, such as PAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Chao-Pellicer
- Instituto
Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de
Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez,
S/N, 38203 San Cristóbal
de La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento
de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva
y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense
y Parasitología, Universidad de La
Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas
(CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos
III, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñigo Arberas-Jiménez
- Instituto
Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de
Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez,
S/N, 38203 San Cristóbal
de La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento
de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva
y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense
y Parasitología, Universidad de La
Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto
Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de
Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez,
S/N, 38203 San Cristóbal
de La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento
de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva
y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense
y Parasitología, Universidad de La
Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas
(CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos
III, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - José E. Piñero
- Instituto
Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de
Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez,
S/N, 38203 San Cristóbal
de La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento
de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva
y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense
y Parasitología, Universidad de La
Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas
(CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos
III, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto
Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de
Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez,
S/N, 38203 San Cristóbal
de La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento
de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva
y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense
y Parasitología, Universidad de La
Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas
(CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos
III, 28220 Madrid, Spain
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2
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Chong NF, Van de Wouw AP, Idnurm A. The ilv2 gene, encoding acetolactate synthase for branched chain amino acid biosynthesis, is required for plant pathogenicity by Leptosphaeria maculans. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:682. [PMID: 38796647 PMCID: PMC11127833 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09620-4] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Control of blackleg disease of canola caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans relies on strategies such as the inhibition of growth with fungicides. However, other chemicals are used during canola cultivation, including fertilizers and herbicides. There is widespread use of herbicides that target the acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme involved in branched chain amino acid synthesis and low levels of these amino acids within leaves of Brassica species. In L. maculans the ilv2 gene encodes ALS and thus ALS-inhibiting herbicides may inadvertently impact the fungus. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, the impact of a commercial herbicide targeting ALS and mutation of the homologous ilv2 gene in L. maculans was explored. Exposure to herbicide had limited impact on growth in vitro but reduced lesion sizes in plant disease experiments. Furthermore, the mutation of the ilv2 gene via CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing rendered the fungus non-pathogenic. CONCLUSION Herbicide applications can influence disease outcome, but likely to a minor extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas F Chong
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Angela P Van de Wouw
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Alexander Idnurm
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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3
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Zhao Y, Huang C, Zeng R, Chen P, Xu K, Huang X, Wang X. AflaILVB/G/I and AflaILVD are involved in mycelial production, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and fungal virulence in Aspergillus flavus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1372779. [PMID: 38596652 PMCID: PMC11003189 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1372779] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs) are produced by fungi such as Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus and are one of the most toxic mycotoxins found in agricultural products and food. Aflatoxin contamination, which requires the control of A. flavus, remains problematic because of the lack of effective strategies and the exploration of new compounds that can inhibit A. flavus growth and mycotoxin production is urgently required to alleviate potential deleterious effects. Acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) and dihydroxy acid dehydratase are important enzymes in the biosynthetic pathways of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including isoleucine, leucine, and valine. Enzymes involved in BCAA biosynthesis are present in bacteria, plants, and fungi, but not in mammals, and are therefore, attractive targets for antimicrobial and herbicide development. In this study, we characterized AflaILVB/G/I and AflaILVD, which encode the catalytic and regulatory subunits of AHAS and dihydroxy acid dehydratase, from the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus flavus. The AflaILVB/G/I and AflaILVD deletion mutant grew slower and produced smaller colonies than the wild-type strain when grown on glucose minimal medium, potato dextrose agar, and yeast extract medium for three days at 28°C, and disruption of AflaILVB/G/I caused a significant reduction in conidia production when grown on all kinds of media. Cellular stress assays determined that all strains were sensitive to H2O2. Importantly, the pathogenicity and aflatoxin production were affected when AflaILVB/G/I and AflaILVD were knocked out, particularly AflaILVB/G/I. A series of genes that encoded enzymes involved in aflatoxin synthesis were downregulated, meaning that the knockout of AflaILVB/G/I influenced aflatoxin synthesis in A. flavus strain WT. Collectively, our results demonstrate the potential value of antifungals targeting AflaILVB/G/I in A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yarong Zhao
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-product of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chulan Huang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-product of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Zeng
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-product of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peirong Chen
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-product of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaihang Xu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-product of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Huang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-product of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-product of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, China
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Sun XW, Liu Y, Wang X, Li HR, Lin X, Tang JY, Xu Q, Agnew-Francis KA, Fraser JA, Sun ZJ, Guddat LW, Wang JG. Structure-activity relationships of bensulfuron methyl and its derivatives as novel agents against drug-resistant Candida auris. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14364. [PMID: 37806947 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14364] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
With the emergence of the human pathogen Candida auris as a threat to human health, there is a strong demand to identify effective medicines to prevent the harm caused by such drug-tolerant human fungi. Herein, a series of 33 new derivatives of bensulfuron methyl (BSM) were synthesized and characterized by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, and HRMS. Among the target compounds, 8a possessed the best Ki value of 1.015 μM against C. auris acetohydroxyacid synthase (CauAHAS) and an MIC value of 6.25 μM against CBS10913, a clinically isolated strain of C. auris. Taken together the structures of BSM and the synthesized compounds, it was found that methoxy groups at both meta-position of pyrimidine ring are likely to provide desirable antifungal activities. Quantum calculations and molecular dockings were performed to understand the structure-activity relationships. The present study has hence provided some interesting clues for the discovery of novel antibiotics with this distinct mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Wen Sun
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yixuan Liu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Xiaofang Wang
- Newish Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Hao-Ran Li
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Lin
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jin-Yin Tang
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qing Xu
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kylie A Agnew-Francis
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - James A Fraser
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Zhi-Juan Sun
- Newish Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Luke W Guddat
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jian-Guo Wang
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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5
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Duke SO, Pan Z, Bajsa-Hirschel J, Tamang P, Hammerschmidt R, Lorsbach BA, Sparks TC. Molecular Targets of Herbicides and Fungicides─Are There Useful Overlaps for Fungicide Discovery? JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:20532-20548. [PMID: 38100716 PMCID: PMC10755756 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c07166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
New fungicide modes of action are needed for fungicide resistance management strategies. Several commercial herbicide targets found in fungi that are not utilized by commercial fungicides are discussed as possible fungicide molecular targets. These are acetyl CoA carboxylase, acetolactate synthase, 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase, glutamine synthase, phytoene desaturase, protoporphyrinogen oxidase, long-chain fatty acid synthase, dihydropteroate synthase, hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase, and Ser/Thr protein phosphatase. Some of the inhibitors of these herbicide targets appear to be either good fungicides or good leads for new fungicides. For example, some acetolactate synthase and dihydropteroate inhibitors are excellent fungicides. There is evidence that some herbicides have indirect benefits to certain crops due to their effects on fungal crop pathogens. Using a pesticide with both herbicide and fungicide activities based on the same molecular target could reduce the total amount of pesticide used. The limitations of such a product are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen O. Duke
- National
Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University 38667, United States
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Natural
Products Utilization Research Unit, United
States Department of Agriculture, University 38667, United States
| | - Joanna Bajsa-Hirschel
- Natural
Products Utilization Research Unit, United
States Department of Agriculture, University 38667, United States
| | - Prabin Tamang
- Natural
Products Utilization Research Unit, United
States Department of Agriculture, University 38667, United States
| | - Raymond Hammerschmidt
- Department
of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Beth A. Lorsbach
- Nufarm, 4020 Aerial Center Parkway, Morrisville, North Carolina 27560, United States
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6
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Steyer JT, Todd RB. Branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis in fungi. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:865-876. [PMID: 37455545 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20230003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)-isoleucine, leucine, and valine-are synthesized by fungi. These amino acids are important components of proteins and secondary metabolites. The biochemical pathway for BCAA biosynthesis is well-characterized in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The biosynthesis of these three amino acids is interconnected. Different precursors are metabolized in multiple steps through shared enzymes to produce isoleucine and valine, and the valine biosynthesis pathway branches before the penultimate step to a series of leucine biosynthesis-specific steps to produce leucine. Recent efforts have made advances toward characterization of the BCAA biosynthesis pathway in several fungi, revealing diversity in gene duplication and functional divergence in the genes for these enzymatic steps in different fungi. The BCAA biosynthesis pathway is regulated by the transcription factor LEU3 in S. cerevisiae, and LeuB in Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus fumigatus, and the activity of these transcription factors is modulated by the leucine biosynthesis pathway intermediate α-isopropylmalate. Herein, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the BCAA pathway and its regulation, focusing on filamentous ascomycete fungi and comparison with the well-established process in yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel T Steyer
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan KS, 66506, U.S.A
| | - Richard B Todd
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan KS, 66506, U.S.A
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Liu B, Wang W, Qiu J, Huang X, Qiu S, Bao Y, Xu S, Ruan L, Ran T, He J. Crystal structures of herbicide-detoxifying esterase reveal a lid loop affecting substrate binding and activity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4343. [PMID: 37468532 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40103-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
SulE, an esterase, which detoxifies a variety of sulfonylurea herbicides through de-esterification, provides an attractive approach to remove environmental sulfonylurea herbicides and develop herbicide-tolerant crops. Here, we determined the crystal structures of SulE and an activity improved mutant P44R. Structural analysis revealed that SulE is a dimer with spacious binding pocket accommodating the large sulfonylureas substrate. Particularly, SulE contains a protruding β hairpin with a lid loop covering the active site of the other subunit of the dimer. The lid loop participates in substrate recognition and binding. P44R mutation altered the lid loop flexibility, resulting in the sulfonylurea heterocyclic ring repositioning to a relative stable conformation thus leading to dramatically increased activity. Our work provides important insights into the molecular mechanism of SulE, and establish a solid foundation for further improving the enzyme activity to various sulfonylurea herbicides through rational design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Weiwu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jiguo Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Shenshen Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yixuan Bao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Siqiong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Luyao Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Tingting Ran
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| | - Jian He
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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Ropero-Pérez C, Bolós B, Giner-Llorca M, Locascio A, Garrigues S, Gandía M, Manzanares P, Marcos JF. Transcriptomic Profile of Penicillium digitatum Reveals Novel Aspects of the Mode of Action of the Antifungal Protein AfpB. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0484622. [PMID: 37022187 PMCID: PMC10269557 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04846-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antifungal proteins (AFPs) from filamentous fungi are promising biomolecules to control fungal pathogens. Understanding their biological role and mode of action is essential for their future application. AfpB from the citrus fruit pathogen Penicillium digitatum is highly active against fungal phytopathogens, including its native fungus. Our previous data showed that AfpB acts through a multitargeted three-stage process: interaction with the outer mannosylated cell wall, energy-dependent cell internalization, and intracellular actions that result in cell death. Here, we extend these findings by characterizing the functional role of AfpB and its interaction with P. digitatum through transcriptomic studies. For this, we compared the transcriptomic response of AfpB-treated P. digitatum wild type, a ΔafpB mutant, and an AfpB-overproducing strain. Transcriptomic data suggest a multifaceted role for AfpB. Data from the ΔafpB mutant suggested that the afpB gene contributes to the overall homeostasis of the cell. Additionally, these data showed that AfpB represses toxin-encoding genes, and they suggest a link to apoptotic processes. Gene expression and knockout mutants confirmed that genes coding for acetolactate synthase (ALS) and acetolactate decarboxylase (ALD), which belong to the acetoin biosynthetic pathway, contribute to the inhibitory activity of AfpB. Moreover, a gene encoding a previously uncharacterized extracellular tandem repeat peptide (TRP) protein showed high induction in the presence of AfpB, whereas its TRP monomer enhanced AfpB activity. Overall, our study offers a rich source of information to further advance in the characterization of the multifaceted mode of action of AFPs. IMPORTANCE Fungal infections threaten human health worldwide and have a negative impact on food security, damaging crop production and causing animal diseases. At present, only a few classes of fungicides are available due to the complexity of targeting fungi without affecting plant, animal, or human hosts. Moreover, the intensive use of fungicides in agriculture has led to the development of resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop antifungal biomolecules with new modes of action to fight human-, animal-, and plant-pathogenic fungi. Fungal antifungal proteins (AFPs) offer great potential as new biofungicides to control deleterious fungi. However, current knowledge about their killing mechanism is still limited, which hampers their potential applicability. AfpB from P. digitatum is a promising molecule with potent and specific fungicidal activity. This study further characterizes its mode of action, opening avenues for the development of new antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Ropero-Pérez
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Begoña Bolós
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Moisés Giner-Llorca
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonella Locascio
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Garrigues
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mónica Gandía
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paloma Manzanares
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose F. Marcos
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
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9
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Cruz R, Wuest WM. Beyond Ergosterol: Strategies for Combatting Antifungal Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida auris. Tetrahedron 2023; 133:133268. [PMID: 36938356 PMCID: PMC10022592 DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2023.133268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida auris are historically problematic fungal pathogens responsible for systemic infections and high mortality rates, especially in immunocompromised populations. The three antifungal classes that comprise our present day armamentarium have facilitated efficacious treatment of these fungal infections in past decades, but their potency has steadily declined over the years as resistance to these compounds has accumulated. Importantly, pan-resistant strains of Candida auris have been observed in clinical settings, leaving affected patients with no treatment options and a death sentence. Many compounds in the ongoing antifungal drug discovery pipeline, similar to those within our aforementioned trinity, are predicated on the binding or inhibition of ergosterol. Recurring accounts of resistance to antifungals targeting this pathway suggest optimization of ergosterol-dependent antifungals is likely not the best solution for the long-term. This review aims to present several natural products with novel or underexplored biological targets, as well as similarly underutilized drug discovery strategies to inspire future biological investigations and medicinal chemistry campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Cruz
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Dr. Atlanta GA 30322
| | - William M Wuest
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Dr. Atlanta GA 30322
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10
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Novel Sulfonylurea Derivatives as Potential Antimicrobial Agents: Chemical Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Computational Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020323. [PMID: 36830234 PMCID: PMC9951967 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020323] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a worldwide health threat and has already tormented humanity during its long history, creating an urgent need for the development of new classes of antibacterial agents. In this study, twenty-one novel sulfonylurea derivatives containing phenyl-5-vinyl and pyrimidinyl-4-aryl moieties were designed and synthesized, among which, nine compounds exhibited inhibitory potencies against Gram-positive bacterial strains: MRSA (Chaoyang clinical isolates), S. aureus ATCC6538, vancomycin-resistant Enterococci-309 (VRE-309), and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633. Especially, 9i and 9q demonstrated inhibitory activities against the four bacterial strains with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.78-1.56 μg/mL, and quite a few of other MRSA clinical strains with MICs of 0.78 μg/mL, superior to those of the positive controls vancomycin (MIC of 1 μg/mL) and methicillin (MIC of >200 μg/mL). This is the very first time that sulfonylurea derivatives have been identified as promising inhibitors against different MRSA clinical isolates. In addition, all the MIC values of the synthesized compounds against Candida albicans were greater than 100 μg/mL. Since the reported anti-Candida activities of sulfonylureas were due to acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) inhibition, the molecular target against MRSA for the target sulfonylureas was thought to be a different mode of action. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were finally performed to understand the structure-activity relationships, based on which, significant differences were observed between their HOMO maps for compounds with strong antibacterial activities and weak anti-MRSA effects. The present results hence provide valuable guidance for the discovery of novel agents to treat bacterial infections, especially against MRSA.
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11
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Drug repurposing strategy II: from approved drugs to agri-fungicide leads. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2023; 76:131-182. [PMID: 36707717 PMCID: PMC9880955 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-023-00594-2] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Epidemic diseases of crops caused by fungi deeply affected the course of human history and processed a major restriction on social and economic development. However, with the enormous misuse of existing antimicrobial drugs, an increasing number of fungi have developed serious resistance to them, making the diseases caused by pathogenic fungi even more challenging to control. Drug repurposing is an attractive alternative, it requires less time and investment in the drug development process than traditional R&D strategies. In this work, we screened 600 existing commercially available drugs, some of which had previously unknown activity against pathogenic fungi. From the primary screen at a fixed concentration of 100 μg/mL, 120, 162, 167, 85, 102, and 82 drugs were found to be effective against Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea, Phytophthora capsici, Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium oxysporum, respectively. They were divided into nine groups lead compounds, including quinoline alkaloids, benzimidazoles/carbamate esters, azoles, isothiazoles, pyrimidines, pyridines, piperidines/piperazines, ionic liquids and miscellaneous group, and simple structure-activity relationship analysis was carried out. Comparison with fungicides to identify the most promising drugs or lead structures for the development of new antifungal agents in agriculture.
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12
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Sel S, Tunç T, Ortaakarsu AB, Mamaş S, Karacan N, Karacan MS. Acetohydroxyacid Synthase (AHAS) Inhibitor‐Based Commercial Sulfonylurea Herbicides as Glutathione Reductase Inhibitors: in Vitro and in Silico Studies. ChemistrySelect 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202202235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sedat Sel
- İstanbul University Pharmacy Faculty Analytic Chemistry 34116, Beyazıt İstanbul Turkey
| | - Turgay Tunç
- Department of Chemistry Engineering Faculty of Engineering University of Kırşehir Ahi Evran Kırsehir 40100 Turkey
| | | | - Serhat Mamaş
- Gazi University Science Faculty Chemistry Department 06500 Ankara Turkey
| | - Nurcan Karacan
- Gazi University Science Faculty Chemistry Department 06500 Ankara Turkey
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13
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Yang X, Huang Q, Xu J, Gao Z, Jiang X, Wu Y, Ye W, Liang Y. Transcriptome reveals BCAAs biosynthesis pathway is influenced by lovastatin and can act as a potential control target in Phytophthora sojae. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:3585-3595. [PMID: 36000236 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Lovastatin has been indicated to impair growth and development of Phytophthora sojae. Therefore, this study was performed to understand the inhibitory mechanism of lovastatin and investigate the metabolic pathway potentially serviced as a new control target for this plant pathogen. METHODS AND RESULTS Whole transcriptome analysis of lovastatin-treated P. sojae was performed by RNA-sequencing. The results revealed that 84 genes were upregulated and 58 were downregulated with more than four-fold changes under treatment. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis indicated that the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) biosynthesis pathway was abundantly enriched. All enzymes in the BCAAs biosynthesis pathway were identified in the P. sojae genome. Moreover, the study found that the herbicide flumetsulam targeting acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) of the BCAAs biosynthesis pathway could effectively inhibit mycelial growth of P. sojae. CONCLUSIONS Lovastatin treatment significantly influences the BCAAs biosynthesis pathway in P. sojae. Moreover, the herbicide flumetsulam targets AHAS and inhibits growth of P. sojae. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY The present study revealed that BCAAs biosynthesis pathway was influenced by lovastatin treatment and its key enzyme AHAS was identified as a potential new control target, which provides clues for exploring more oomycides to control plant diseases caused by P. sojae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Qifeng Huang
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jitao Xu
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhen Gao
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuanhua Wu
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Wenwu Ye
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Liang
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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14
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Tu J, Liu N, Huang Y, Yang W, Sheng C. Small molecules for combating multidrug-resistant superbug Candida auris infections. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:4056-4074. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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15
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Shang MH, Zhang K, Zhang JS, Niu CW, Li YH, Song FH, Wang JG. Chemical synthesis, biological activities, and molecular simulations of novel sulfonylurea compounds bearing ortho-alkoxy substitutions. Chem Biol Drug Des 2022; 100:487-501. [PMID: 35792871 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14114] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A series of 51 novel sulfonylurea compounds with ortho-alkoxy substituent at phenyl ring were chemically synthesized and spectroscopically characterized. The biological activities of the target compounds were evaluated using the enzyme inhibition against acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS; EC 2.2.1.6) from fungal or plant source, as well as cell-based antifungal assay and greenhouse pot herbicidal assay. Among the target compounds, 6e showed desirable antifungal activity against Candida albicans standard isolate sc5314 with minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 0.39 mg/L (0.98 μM) after 24 h, and 6a demonstrated promising pre-emergence herbicidal activity against Echinochloacrus-galli at 30 g/ha dosage. Representative compounds 6a, 6e, and 6i showed no cell cytotoxicity even at 40 mg/L concentration. Theoretical DFT calculations indicated HOMO maps should be considered to understand the structure-activity relationships. The present study has hence provided useful information for further discovery of novel antifungal agents or selective herbicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hao Shang
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, National Pesticide Engineering Research Center, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Shuang Zhang
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, National Pesticide Engineering Research Center, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Cong-Wei Niu
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, National Pesticide Engineering Research Center, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yong-Hong Li
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, National Pesticide Engineering Research Center, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fu-Hang Song
- School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Guo Wang
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, National Pesticide Engineering Research Center, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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16
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Meng F, Mi P, Yu Z, Wei W, Gao L, Ren J, Li Z, Dai H. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 5‑substituted sulfonylureas as novel antifungal agents targeting acetohydroxyacid synthase. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.132756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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17
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OUP accepted manuscript. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6526320. [PMID: 35142862 PMCID: PMC8929677 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging, multi drug resistant fungal pathogen that has caused infectious outbreaks in over 45 countries since its first isolation over a decade ago, leading to in-hospital crude mortality rates as high as 72%. The fungus is also acclimated to disinfection procedures and persists for weeks in nosocomial ecosystems. Alarmingly, the outbreaks of C. auris infections in Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients have also been reported. The pathogenicity, drug resistance and global spread of C. auris have led to an urgent exploration of novel, candidate antifungal agents for C. auris therapeutics. This narrative review codifies the emerging data on the following new/emerging antifungal compounds and strategies: antimicrobial peptides, combinational therapy, immunotherapy, metals and nano particles, natural compounds, and repurposed drugs. Encouragingly, a vast majority of these exhibit excellent anti- C. auris properties, with promising drugs now in the pipeline in various stages of development. Nevertheless, further research on the modes of action, toxicity, and the dosage of the new formulations are warranted. Studies are needed with representation from all five C. auris clades, so as to produce data of grater relevance, and broader significance and validity.
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18
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Low YS, Garcia MD, Lonhienne T, Fraser JA, Schenk G, Guddat LW. Triazolopyrimidine herbicides are potent inhibitors of Aspergillus fumigatus acetohydroxyacid synthase and potential antifungal drug leads. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21055. [PMID: 34702838 PMCID: PMC8548585 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00349-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a fungal pathogen whose effects can be debilitating and potentially fatal in immunocompromised patients. Current drug treatment options for this infectious disease are limited to just a few choices (e.g. voriconazole and amphotericin B) and these themselves have limitations due to potentially adverse side effects. Furthermore, the likelihood of the development of resistance to these current drugs is ever present. Thus, new treatment options are needed for this infection. A new potential antifungal drug target is acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS; EC 2.2.1.6), the first enzyme in the branched chain amino acid biosynthesis pathway, and a target for many commercial herbicides. In this study, we have expressed, purified and characterised the catalytic subunit of AHAS from A. fumigatus and determined the inhibition constants for several known herbicides. The most potent of these, penoxsulam and metosulam, have Ki values of 1.8 ± 0.9 nM and 1.4 ± 0.2 nM, respectively. Molecular modelling shows that these compounds are likely to bind into the herbicide binding pocket in a mode similar to Candida albicans AHAS. We have also shown that these two compounds inhibit A. fumigatus growth at a concentration of 25 µg/mL. Thus, AHAS inhibitors are promising leads for the development of new anti-aspergillosis therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S Low
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - M D Garcia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - T Lonhienne
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - J A Fraser
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - G Schenk
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - L W Guddat
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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19
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Functional Analysis of Keto-Acid Reductoisomerase ILVC in the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium robertsii. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090737. [PMID: 34575775 PMCID: PMC8471054 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ketol-acid reductoisomerase (ILVC) is the second enzyme in the branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) biosynthesis, which regulates many physiological activities in a variety of organisms from bacteria to fungi and plants. In this work, function mechanisms of ILVC in Metarhizium robertsii Metchnikoff (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) were explored with site-directed mutagenesis, reductase activity assays and transcriptomics analysis. The reductase activity assays showed that ILVC from phytopathogenic fungi exhibited significantly higher activities than those from entomopathogenic fungi but lower than those from yeast. Site-directed mutagenesis and enzymatic activities of MrILVC with different active-site mutants (Arg-113, Ser-118, Asp-152, Asp-260, and Glu-264) confirmed that active sites of MrILVC are conserved with plant and bacterial ILVCs. Deleting MrilvC causes the complete failures of vegetative growth and conidial germination, feeding with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) recovers the fungal growth but not conidial germination, while both characteristics are restored when supplemented with yeast extract. Compared to ΔMrilvC cultured in czapek agar (CZA), plenty of genes involved in the biosynthesis of antibiotics and amino acids were up- or down-regulated in the wild type or ΔMrilvC feeding with either BCAAs or yeast extract. Further analysis showed some genes, such as catalase A, participate in mycelial growth and conidial germination was down-regulated in ΔMrilvC from CZA, revealing that MrILVC might control the fungal development by gene regulation and BCAAs or yeast extract could play partial roles of MrILVC. This study will advance our understanding of ILVC function mechanisms in fungi.
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20
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Lowes DJ, Miao J, Al-waqfi RA, Avad KA, Hevener KE, Peters BM. Identification of Dual-Target Compounds with Antifungal and Anti-NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:2522-2535. [PMID: 34260210 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Invasive and superficial infections caused by the Candida species result in significant global morbidity and mortality. As the pathogenicity of these organisms is intimately intertwined with host immune response, therapies to target both the fungus and host inflammation may be warranted. Structural similarities exist between established inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome and those of fungal acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS). Therefore, we leveraged this information to conduct an in silico molecular docking screen to find novel polypharmacologic inhibitors of these targets that resulted in the identification of 12 candidate molecules. Of these, compound 10 significantly attenuated activation of the NLPR3 inflammasome by LPS + ATP, while also demonstrating growth inhibitory activity against C. albicans that was alleviated in the presence of exogenous branched chain amino acids, consistent with targeting of fungal AHAS. SAR studies delineated an essential molecular scaffold required for dual activity. Ultimately, 10 and its analog 10a resulted in IC50 (IL-1β release) and MIC50 (fungal growth) values with low μM potency against several Candida species. Collectively, this work demonstrates promising potential of dual-target approaches for improved management of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Lowes
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Jian Miao
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Rand A Al-waqfi
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Kristiana A. Avad
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
- Doctor of Pharmacy Program, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Kirk E Hevener
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Brian M Peters
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
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21
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Li JH, Li RH, Wang Y, Li SX, Wu YP, Zhang J, Zhu YG, Xie BJ. Synthesis, herbicidal activity, enzyme activity, and molecular docking of novel aniline thiourea. PHOSPHORUS SULFUR 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/10426507.2021.1901702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jia hui Li
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Ran hong Li
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Sui xin Li
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Yun peng Wu
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Yong gang Zhu
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Bei jie Xie
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
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22
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Duplication and Functional Divergence of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Biosynthesis Genes in Aspergillus nidulans. mBio 2021; 12:e0076821. [PMID: 34154419 PMCID: PMC8262921 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00768-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi, bacteria, and plants, but not animals, synthesize the branched-chain amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. While branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) biosynthesis has been well characterized in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, it is incompletely understood in filamentous fungi. The three BCAAs share several early biosynthesis steps before divergence into specific pathways. In Aspergillus nidulans, the genes for the first two dedicated steps in leucine biosynthesis have been characterized, but the final two have not. We used sequence searches of the A. nidulans genome to identify two genes encoding β-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the penultimate step of leucine biosynthesis, and six genes encoding BCAA aminotransferase, which catalyzes the final step in biosynthesis of all three BCAA. We have used combinations of gene knockouts to determine the relative contribution of each of these genes to BCAA biosynthesis. While both β-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase genes act in leucine biosynthesis, the two most highly expressed BCAA aminotransferases are responsible for BCAA biosynthesis. We have also characterized the expression of leucine biosynthesis genes using reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR and found regulation in response to leucine availability is mediated through the Zn(II)2Cys6 transcription factor LeuB. IMPORTANCE Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) biosynthesis is important for pathogenic fungi to successfully cause disease in human and plant hosts. The enzymes for their production are absent from humans and, therefore, provide potential antifungal targets. While BCAA biosynthesis is well characterized in yeasts, it is poorly understood in filamentous fungal pathogens. Developing a thorough understanding of both the genes encoding the metabolic enzymes for BCAA biosynthesis and how their expression is regulated will inform target selection for antifungal drug development.
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23
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Xie L, Zang X, Cheng W, Zhang Z, Zhou J, Chen M, Tang Y. Harzianic Acid from Trichoderma afroharzianum Is a Natural Product Inhibitor of Acetohydroxyacid Synthase. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:10.1021/jacs.1c03988. [PMID: 34132537 PMCID: PMC8674378 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c03988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) is the first enzyme in the branched-chain amino acid biosynthetic pathway and is a validated target for herbicide and fungicide development. Here we report harzianic acid (HA, 1) produced by the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma afroharzianum t-22 (Tht22) as a natural product inhibitor of AHAS. The biosynthetic pathway of HA was elucidated with heterologous reconstitution. Guided by a putative self-resistance enzyme in the genome, HA was biochemically demonstrated to be a selective inhibitor of fungal AHAS, including those from phytopathogenic fungi. In addition, HA can inhibit a common resistant variant of AHAS in which the active site proline is mutated. Structural analysis of AHAS complexed with HA revealed the molecular basis of competitive inhibition, which differs from all known commercial AHAS inhibitors. The alternative binding mode also rationalizes the selectivity of HA, as well as effectiveness toward resistant mutants. A proposed role of HA biosynthesis by Tht22 in the rhizosphere is discussed based on the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linan Xie
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Biotechnology Research Institute, The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-organic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhuan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Jiahai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-organic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Mengbin Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Yi Tang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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24
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Molecular targets for antifungals in amino acid and protein biosynthetic pathways. Amino Acids 2021; 53:961-991. [PMID: 34081205 PMCID: PMC8241756 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Fungi cause death of over 1.5 million people every year, while cutaneous mycoses are among the most common infections in the world. Mycoses vary greatly in severity, there are long-term skin (ringworm), nail or hair infections (tinea capitis), recurrent like vaginal candidiasis or severe, life-threatening systemic, multiorgan infections. In the last few years, increasing importance is attached to the health and economic problems caused by fungal pathogens. There is a growing need for improvement of the availability of antifungal drugs, decreasing their prices and reducing side effects. Searching for novel approaches in this respect, amino acid and protein biosynthesis pathways appear to be competitive. The route that leads from amino acid biosynthesis to protein folding and its activation is rich in enzymes that are descriptive of fungi. Blocking the action of those enzymes often leads to avirulence or growth inhibition. In this review, we want to trace the principal processes of fungi vitality. We present the data of genes encoding enzymes involved in amino acid and protein biosynthesis, potential molecular targets in antifungal chemotherapy, and describe the impact of inhibitors on fungal organisms.
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25
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Liang YF, Long ZX, Zhang YJ, Luo CY, Yan LT, Gao WY, Li H. The chemical mechanisms of the enzymes in the branched-chain amino acids biosynthetic pathway and their applications. Biochimie 2021; 184:72-87. [PMID: 33607240 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
l-Valine, l-isoleucine, and l-leucine are three key proteinogenic amino acids, and they are also the essential amino acids required for mammalian growth, possessing important and to some extent, special physiological and biological functions. Because of the branched structures in their carbon chains, they are also named as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). This review will highlight the advance in studies of the enzymes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of BCAAs, concentrating on their chemical mechanisms and applications in screening herbicides and antibacterial agents. The uses of some of these enzymes in lab scale organic synthesis are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fei Liang
- College of Life Sciences, National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Zi-Xian Long
- College of Life Sciences, National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Ya-Jian Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Cai-Yun Luo
- College of Life Sciences, National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Le-Tian Yan
- College of Life Sciences, National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Wen-Yun Gao
- College of Life Sciences, National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
| | - Heng Li
- College of Life Sciences, National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
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26
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Li JH, Wang Y, Wu YP, Li RH, Liang S, Zhang J, Zhu YG, Xie BJ. Synthesis, herbicidal activity study and molecular docking of novel pyrimidine thiourea. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 172:104766. [PMID: 33518053 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2020.104766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
According to the pharmacophore binding strategy and principle of bioelectronic isobaric, used the sulfonylurea bridge as the parent structure, a series of novel thiourea compounds containing aromatic-substituted pyrimidines were designed and synthesized. The preliminary herbicidal activity tests showed that some compounds had good herbicidal activity against Digitaria adscendens, Amaranthus retroflexus, especially for compound 4d and 4f. The results showed that compound 4d had an inhibition rate of 81.5% on the root growth of Brassica napus L. at the concentration of 100 mg L-1, and compound 4f had an inhibition rate of 81% on the root growth of Digitaria adscendens at the concentration of 100 mg L-1. Compounds 4d and 4f had higher comparative activity on Echinochloa crus-galli than the commercial herbicide bensulfuron-methyl. The preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) was also summarized. We also tested the in vivo AHAS enzyme activity inhibition experiment of 14 compounds at 100 mg L-1, and the results showed that they all have inhibitory activity on the enzyme, with the highest inhibition rate reaching 44.4% (compound 4d). Based on the results of molecular docking to yeast acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS), the possible herbicidal activity mechanism of these compounds was evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hui Li
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China.
| | - Yun-Peng Wu
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Ran-Hong Li
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Shuang Liang
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Yong-Gang Zhu
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Bei-Jie Xie
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
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27
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Kandale A, Patel K, Hussein WM, Wun SJ, Zheng S, Tan L, West NP, Schenk G, Guddat LW, McGeary RP. Analogues of the Herbicide, N-Hydroxy- N-isopropyloxamate, Inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis Ketol-Acid Reductoisomerase and Their Prodrugs Are Promising Anti-TB Drug Leads. J Med Chem 2021; 64:1670-1684. [PMID: 33512163 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
New drugs to treat tuberculosis (TB) are urgently needed to combat the increase in resistance observed among the current first-line and second-line treatments. Here, we propose ketol-acid reductoisomerase (KARI) as a target for anti-TB drug discovery. Twenty-two analogues of IpOHA, an inhibitor of plant KARI, were evaluated as antimycobacterial agents. The strongest inhibitor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mt) KARI has a Ki value of 19.7 nM, fivefold more potent than IpOHA (Ki = 97.7 nM). This and four other potent analogues are slow- and tight-binding inhibitors of MtKARI. Three compounds were cocrystallized with Staphylococcus aureus KARI and yielded crystals that diffracted to 1.6-2.0 Å resolution. Prodrugs of these compounds possess antimycobacterial activity against H37Rv, a virulent strain of human TB, with the most active compound having an MIC90 of 2.32 ± 0.04 μM. This compound demonstrates a very favorable selectivity window and represents a highly promising lead as an anti-TB agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajit Kandale
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Khushboo Patel
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Waleed M Hussein
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Shun Jie Wun
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Shan Zheng
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Lendl Tan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Nicholas P West
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Gerhard Schenk
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Luke W Guddat
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Ross P McGeary
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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28
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Lin X, Kurz JL, Patel KM, Wun SJ, Hussein WM, Lonhienne T, West NP, McGeary RP, Schenk G, Guddat LW. Discovery of a Pyrimidinedione Derivative with Potent Inhibitory Activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Ketol-Acid Reductoisomerase. Chemistry 2021; 27:3130-3141. [PMID: 33215746 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202004665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
New drugs aimed at novel targets are urgently needed to combat the increasing rate of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). Herein, the National Cancer Institute Developmental Therapeutic Program (NCI-DTP) chemical library was screened against a promising new target, ketol-acid reductoisomerase (KARI), the second enzyme in the branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) biosynthesis pathway. From this library, 6-hydroxy-2-methylthiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine-5,7(4H,6H)-dione (NSC116565) was identified as a potent time-dependent inhibitor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mt) KARI with a Ki of 95.4 nm. Isothermal titration calorimetry studies showed that this inhibitor bound to MtKARI in the presence and absence of the cofactor, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), which was confirmed by crystal structures of the compound in complex with closely related Staphylococcus aureus KARI. It is also shown that NSC116565 inhibits the growth of H37Ra and H37Rv strains of Mt with MIC50 values of 2.93 and 6.06 μm, respectively. These results further validate KARI as a TB drug target and show that NSC116565 is a promising lead for anti-TB drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lin
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Julia L Kurz
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Khushboo M Patel
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Shun Jie Wun
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Waleed M Hussein
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.,Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ein Helwan, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt
| | - Thierry Lonhienne
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Nicholas P West
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Ross P McGeary
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Gerhard Schenk
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Luke W Guddat
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
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29
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Agnew-Francis KA, Tang Y, Lin X, Low YS, Wun SJ, Kuo A, Elias SMASI, Lonhienne T, Condon ND, Pimentel BNAS, Vergani CE, Smith MT, Fraser JA, Williams CM, Guddat LW. Herbicides That Target Acetohydroxyacid Synthase Are Potent Inhibitors of the Growth of Drug-Resistant Candida auris. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:2901-2912. [PMID: 32986949 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS, EC 2.2.1.6), the first enzyme in the branched chain amino acid biosynthesis pathway, is the target for more than 50 commercially available herbicides, and is a promising target for antimicrobial drug discovery. Herein, we have expressed and purified AHAS from Candida auris, a newly identified human invasive fungal pathogen. Thirteen AHAS inhibiting herbicides have Ki values of <2 μM for this enzyme, with the most potent having Ki values of <32 nM. Six of these compounds exhibited MIC50 values of <1 μM against C. auris (CBS10913 strain) grown in culture, with bensulfuron methyl (BSM) being fungicidal and the most potent (MIC50 of 0.090 μM) in defined minimal media. The MIC50 value increases to 0.90 μM in media enriched by the addition of branched-chain amino acids at the expected concentration in the blood serum. The sessile MIC50 for BSM is 0.6 μM. Thus, it is also an excellent inhibitor of the growth of C. auris biofilms. BSM is nontoxic in HEK-293 cells at concentrations >100 μM and thus possesses a therapeutic index of >100. These data suggest that targeting AHAS is a viable strategy for treating C. auris infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bruna N. A. S. Pimentel
- School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Rua Humaita, 1680, 14801-903 Araraquara, SP Brazil
| | - Carlos E. Vergani
- School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Rua Humaita, 1680, 14801-903 Araraquara, SP Brazil
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30
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Zhang P, MacTavish BS, Yang G, Chen M, Roh J, Newsome KR, Bruner SD, Ding Y. Cyanobacterial Dihydroxyacid Dehydratases Are a Promising Growth Inhibition Target. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:2281-2288. [PMID: 32786290 PMCID: PMC8162731 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Microbes are essential to the global ecosystem, but undesirable microbial growth causes issues ranging from food spoilage and infectious diseases to harmful cyanobacterial blooms. The use of chemicals to control microbial growth has achieved significant success, while specific roles for a majority of essential genes in growth control remain unexplored. Here, we show the growth inhibition of cyanobacterial species by targeting an essential enzyme for the biosynthesis of branched-chain amino acids. Specifically, we report the biochemical, genetic, and structural characterization of dihydroxyacid dehydratase from the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (SnDHAD). Our studies suggest that SnDHAD is an oxygen-stable enzyme containing a [2Fe-2S] cluster. Furthermore, we demonstrate that SnDHAD is selectively inhibited in vitro and in vivo by the natural product aspterric acid, which also inhibits the growth of representative bloom-forming Microcystis and Anabaena strains but has minimal effects on microbial pathogens with [4Fe-4S] containing DHADs. This study suggests DHADs as a promising target for the precise growth control of microbes and highlights the exploration of other untargeted essential genes for microbial management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States
| | - Brian S. MacTavish
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States
| | - Manyun Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States
| | - Jaehyeok Roh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States
| | - Kevin R. Newsome
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
| | - Steven D. Bruner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
| | - Yousong Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States
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31
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Lonhienne T, Low YS, Garcia MD, Croll T, Gao Y, Wang Q, Brillault L, Williams CM, Fraser JA, McGeary RP, West NP, Landsberg MJ, Rao Z, Schenk G, Guddat LW. Structures of fungal and plant acetohydroxyacid synthases. Nature 2020; 586:317-321. [PMID: 32640464 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2514-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS), also known as acetolactate synthase, is a flavin adenine dinucleotide-, thiamine diphosphate- and magnesium-dependent enzyme that catalyses the first step in the biosynthesis of branched-chain amino acids1. It is the target for more than 50 commercial herbicides2. AHAS requires both catalytic and regulatory subunits for maximal activity and functionality. Here we describe structures of the hexadecameric AHAS complexes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and dodecameric AHAS complexes of Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that the regulatory subunits of these AHAS complexes form a core to which the catalytic subunit dimers are attached, adopting the shape of a Maltese cross. The structures show how the catalytic and regulatory subunits communicate with each other to provide a pathway for activation and for feedback inhibition by branched-chain amino acids. We also show that the AHAS complex of Mycobacterium tuberculosis adopts a similar structure, thus demonstrating that the overall AHAS architecture is conserved across kingdoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Lonhienne
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Yu Shang Low
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mario D Garcia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tristan Croll
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yan Gao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lou Brillault
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Craig M Williams
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - James A Fraser
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ross P McGeary
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicholas P West
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael J Landsberg
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Zihe Rao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Laboratory of Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Gerhard Schenk
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Luke W Guddat
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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32
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Detecting Green Mold Pathogens on Lemons Using Hyperspectral Images. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10041209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Hyperspectral images in the spectral wavelength range of 500 nm to 650 nm are used to detect green mold pathogens, which are parasitic on the surface of lemons. The images reveal that the spectral range of 500 nm to 560 nm is appropriate for detecting the early stage of development of the pathogen in the lemon, because the spectral intensity is proportional to the infection degree. Within the range, it was found that the dominant spectral wavelengths of the fresh lemon and the green mold pathogen are 580 nm and 550 nm, respectively, with the 550 nm being the most sensitive in detecting the pathogen with spectral imaging. The spectral intensity ratio of the infected lemon to the fresh one in the spectral range of 500 nm to 560 nm increases with the increasing degree of the infection. Therefore, the ratio can be used to effectively estimate the degree of lemons infecting by the green mold pathogens. It also shows that the sudden decrease of the spectral intensity corresponding to the dominant spectral wavelength of the fresh lemon, together with the neighboring spectral wavelengths can be used to classify fresh and contaminated lemons. The spectral intensity ratio of discriminating the fresh lemon from the infected one is calculated as 1.15.
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33
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Mendoza F, Medina FE, Jiménez VA, Jaña GA. Catalytic Role of Gln202 in the Carboligation Reaction Mechanism of Yeast AHAS: A QM/MM Study. J Chem Inf Model 2019; 60:915-922. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.9b00863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Mendoza
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello, Autopista Concepción-Talcahuano, 7100 Talcahuano, Chile
| | - Fabiola E. Medina
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello, Autopista Concepción-Talcahuano, 7100 Talcahuano, Chile
| | - Verónica A. Jiménez
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello, Autopista Concepción-Talcahuano, 7100 Talcahuano, Chile
| | - Gonzalo A. Jaña
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello, Autopista Concepción-Talcahuano, 7100 Talcahuano, Chile
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34
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Chen W, Li Y, Zhou Y, Ma Y, Li Z. Design, synthesis and SAR study of novel sulfonylurea derivatives containing arylpyrimidine moieties as potential anti-phytopathogenic fungal agents. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2019.04.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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35
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Jabłońska-Trypuć A, Wydro U, Serra-Majem L, Wołejko E, Butarewicz A. The Analysis of Bifenox and Dichlobenil Toxicity in Selected Microorganisms and Human Cancer Cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16214137. [PMID: 31717849 PMCID: PMC6862445 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bifenox and Dichlobenil belong to the commonly used in Poland in agriculture group of herbicides and their residues are often detected in the environment. They are poorly known regarding their possible carcinogenic and antibacterial effect at the cellular level. Therefore, we decided to study their activity in bacterial strains Aliivibrio fisheri, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans (yeast) and human cancer ZR-75-1 cells. Compounds under study exhibit stimulatory effect on analyzed bacterial strains. The study performed on mammalian cells better reflects the influence of environmental pollutants on human organism, therefore we evaluated the effect of herbicides on ZR-75-1 cells. Cells viability, apoptosis and selected oxidative stress parameters in ZR-75-1 cells were investigated. Both analyzed substances exhibit stimulatory effects on analyzed parameters, however they do not stimulate apoptosis which correlate positively with the induction of oxidative stress. Bifenox and Dichlobenil enhance oxidative stress parameters by the generation of high levels of ROS, which can lead to their adaptation and resistance to the standard treatment regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Jabłońska-Trypuć
- Division of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Białystok, Poland; (U.W.); (E.W.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Urszula Wydro
- Division of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Białystok, Poland; (U.W.); (E.W.); (A.B.)
| | - Lluis Serra-Majem
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain;
| | - Elżbieta Wołejko
- Division of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Białystok, Poland; (U.W.); (E.W.); (A.B.)
| | - Andrzej Butarewicz
- Division of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Białystok, Poland; (U.W.); (E.W.); (A.B.)
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36
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Xie Y, Zhang C, Wang Z, Wei C, Liao N, Wen X, Niu C, Yi L, Wang Z, Xi Z. Fluorogenic Assay for Acetohydroxyacid Synthase: Design and Applications. Anal Chem 2019; 91:13582-13590. [PMID: 31603309 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b02739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) exists in plants and many microorganisms (including gut flora) but not in mammals, making it an attractive drug target. Fluorescent-based methods should be practical for high-throughput screening of inhibitors. Herein, we describe the development of the first AHAS fluorogenic assay based on an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT)-based fluorescent probe. The assay is facile, sensitive, and continuous and can be applied toward various AHASs from different species, AHAS mutants, and crude cell lysates. The fluorogenic assay was successfully applied for (1) high-throughput screening of commerical herbicides toward different AHASs for choosing matching herbicides, (2) identification of a Soybean AHAS gene with broad-spectrum herbicide resistance, and (3) identification of selective inhibitors toward intestinal-bacterial AHASs. Among the AHAS inhibitors, an active agent was found for selective inhibition of obesity-associated Ruminococcus torques growth, implying the possibility of AHAS inhibitors for the ultimate goal toward antiobesity therapeutics. The fluorogenic assay opens the door for high-throughput programs in AHAS-related fields, and the design principle might be applied for development of fluorogenic assays of other synthases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghui Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, National Pesticide Engineering Research Center (Tianjin), College of Chemistry , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , P. R. China
| | - Changyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites and Beijing Key Lab of Bioprocess , Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT) , Beijing 100029 , P. R. China
| | - Zhihua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering , East China University of Science and Technology , 130 Meilong Road , Shanghai 200237 , P. R. China
| | - Chao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, National Pesticide Engineering Research Center (Tianjin), College of Chemistry , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , P. R. China
| | - Ningjing Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, National Pesticide Engineering Research Center (Tianjin), College of Chemistry , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , P. R. China
| | - Xin Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, National Pesticide Engineering Research Center (Tianjin), College of Chemistry , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , P. R. China
| | - Congwei Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, National Pesticide Engineering Research Center (Tianjin), College of Chemistry , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , P. R. China
| | - Long Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites and Beijing Key Lab of Bioprocess , Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT) , Beijing 100029 , P. R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , P. R. China
| | - Zejian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering , East China University of Science and Technology , 130 Meilong Road , Shanghai 200237 , P. R. China
| | - Zhen Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, National Pesticide Engineering Research Center (Tianjin), College of Chemistry , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , P. R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , P. R. China
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37
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Schoeters F, Van Dijck P. Protein-Protein Interactions in Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1792. [PMID: 31440220 PMCID: PMC6693483 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being one of the most important human fungal pathogens, Candida albicans has not been studied extensively at the level of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and data on PPIs are not readily available in online databases. In January 2018, the database called "Biological General Repository for Interaction Datasets (BioGRID)" that contains the most PPIs for C. albicans, only documented 188 physical or direct PPIs (release 3.4.156) while several more can be found in the literature. Other databases such as the String database, the Molecular INTeraction Database (MINT), and the Database for Interacting Proteins (DIP) database contain even fewer interactions or do not even include C. albicans as a searchable term. Because of the non-canonical codon usage of C. albicans where CUG is translated as serine rather than leucine, it is often problematic to use the yeast two-hybrid system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to study C. albicans PPIs. However, studying PPIs is crucial to gain a thorough understanding of the function of proteins, biological processes and pathways. PPIs can also be potential drug targets. To aid in creating PPI networks and updating the BioGRID, we performed an exhaustive literature search in order to provide, in an accessible format, a more extensive list of known PPIs in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floris Schoeters
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Van Dijck
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Silver RJ, Paczosa MK, McCabe AL, Balada-Llasat JM, Baleja JD, Mecsas J. Amino Acid Biosynthetic Pathways Are Required for Klebsiella pneumoniae Growth in Immunocompromised Lungs and Are Druggable Targets during Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:e02674-18. [PMID: 31109974 PMCID: PMC6658747 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02674-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae has rendered a large array of infections difficult to treat. In a high-throughput genetic screen of factors required for K. pneumoniae survival in the lung, amino acid biosynthesis genes were critical for infection in both immunosuppressed and wild-type (WT) mice. The limited pool of amino acids in the lung did not change during infection and was insufficient for K. pneumoniae to overcome attenuating mutations in aroA, hisA, leuA, leuB, serA, serB, trpE, and tyrA in WT and immunosuppressed mice. Deletion of aroA, which encodes 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase class I, resulted in the most severe attenuation. Treatment with the EPSP synthase-specific competitive inhibitor glyphosate decreased K. pneumoniae growth in the lungs. K. pneumoniae expressing two previously identified glyphosate-resistant mutations in EPSP synthase had significant colonization defects in lung infection. Selection and characterization of six spontaneously glyphosate-resistant mutants in K. pneumoniae yielded no mutations in aroA Strikingly, glyphosate treatment of mice lowered the bacterial burden of two of three spontaneous glyphosate-resistant mutants and further lowered the burden of the less-attenuated EPSP synthase catalytic mutant. Of 39 clinical isolate strains, 9 were resistant to glyphosate at levels comparable to those of selected resistant strains, and none appeared to be more highly resistant. These findings demonstrate amino acid biosynthetic pathways essential for K. pneumoniae infection are promising novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Silver
- Graduate Program in Immunology, MERGE-ID Track, Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michelle K Paczosa
- Graduate Program in Immunology, MERGE-ID Track, Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anne L McCabe
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - James D Baleja
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joan Mecsas
- Graduate Program in Immunology, MERGE-ID Track, Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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39
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross T Barnard
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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40
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Liu X, Jiang Y, Zhang Y, Yu M, Jiang H, Xu J, Shi J. FgIlv3a is crucial in branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis, vegetative differentiation, and virulence in Fusarium graminearum. J Microbiol 2019; 57:694-703. [PMID: 31079334 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-019-9123-6] [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: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dihydroxyacid dehydratase (DHAD), encoded by ILV3, catalyses the third step in the biosynthetic pathway of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which include isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), and valine (Val). Enzymes involved in BCAA biosynthesis exist in bacteria, plants, and fungi but not in mammals and are therefore attractive targets for antimicrobial or herbicide development. In this study, three paralogous ILV3 genes (FgILV3A, FgILV3B, and FgILV3C) were identified in the genome of Fusarium graminearum, the causal agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB). Deletion of FgILV3A alone or combined with FgILV3B or FgILV3C indicated an important role for FgILV3A in BCAA biosynthesis. FgILV3A deletion mutants lost the ability to grow on medium lacking amino acids. Exogenous supplementation of 1 mM Ile and Val rescued the auxotrophy of ΔFgIlv3A, though 5 mM was required to recover the growth defects in ΔFgIlv3AB and ΔFgIlv3AC strains, indicating that FgIlv3b and FgIlv3c exhibit redundant but accessory roles with FgIlv3a in BCAA biosynthesis. The auxotrophy of ΔFgIlv3A resulted in pleiotropic defects in aerial hyphal growth, in conidial formation and germination, and in aurofusarin accumulation. In addition, the mutants showed reduced virulence and deoxynivalenol production. Overall, our study demonstrates that FgIlv3a is crucial for BCAA biosynthesis in F. graminearum and a candidate fungicide target for FHB management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology/Key Laboratory for Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory for Agro-product Safety Risk Evaluation (Nanjing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, P. R. China.,School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu Univeristy, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yichen Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology/Key Laboratory for Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory for Agro-product Safety Risk Evaluation (Nanjing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, P. R. China.,College of Food Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi, 860000, Tibet, P. R. China
| | - Yinghui Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology/Key Laboratory for Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory for Agro-product Safety Risk Evaluation (Nanjing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, P. R. China.,College of Life Science, Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Mingzheng Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology/Key Laboratory for Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory for Agro-product Safety Risk Evaluation (Nanjing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Hongjun Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology/Key Laboratory for Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory for Agro-product Safety Risk Evaluation (Nanjing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, P. R. China.,College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Jianhong Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology/Key Laboratory for Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory for Agro-product Safety Risk Evaluation (Nanjing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, P. R. China.,School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu Univeristy, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Jianrong Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology/Key Laboratory for Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory for Agro-product Safety Risk Evaluation (Nanjing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, P. R. China. .,School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu Univeristy, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
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Chemical synthesis, crystal structure, versatile evaluation of their biological activities and molecular simulations of novel pyrithiobac derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 167:472-484. [PMID: 30784880 PMCID: PMC7111276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Since pyrithiobac (PTB) is a successful commercial herbicide with very low toxicity against mammals, it is worth exploring its derivatives for an extensive study. Herein, a total of 35 novel compounds were chemically synthesized and single crystal of 6-6 was obtained to confirm the molecular structure of this family of compounds. The novel PTB derivatives were fully evaluated against various biological platforms. From the bioassay results, the best AHAS inhibitor 6-22 displayed weaker herbicidal activity but stronger anti-Candida activity than PTB did. For plant pathogenic fungi, 6-26 showed excellent activity at 50 mg/L dosage. Preliminary insecticidal activity and antiviral activity were also observed for some title compounds. Strikingly, 6-5 exhibited a promising inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV Mpro with IC50 of 4.471 μM and a low cellular cytotoxicity against mammalian 293 T cells. Based on the results of molecular modeling, HOMO-1 was considered to be a factor that affects AHAS inhibition and a possible binding mode of 6-5 with SARS-CoV Mpro was predicted. This is the first time that PTB derivatives have been studied as biological agents other than herbicides. The present research hence has suggested that more attentions should be paid to compounds belonging to this family to develop novel agrochemicals or medicines.
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Wu RJ, Ren T, Gao JY, Wang L, Yu Q, Yao Z, Song GQ, Ruan WB, Niu CW, Song FH, Zhang LX, Li M, Wang JG. Chemical preparation, biological evaluation and 3D-QSAR of ethoxysulfuron derivatives as novel antifungal agents targeting acetohydroxyacid synthase. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 162:348-363. [PMID: 30448420 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Accetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) is the first enzyme involved in the biosynthetic pathway of branched-chain amino acids. Earlier gene mutation of Candida albicans in a mouse model suggested that this enzyme is a promising target of antifungals. Recent studies have demonstrated that some commercial AHAS-inhibiting sulfonylurea herbicides exerted desirable antifungal activity. In this study, we have designed and synthesized 68 novel ethoxysulfulron (ES) derivatives and evaluated their inhibition constants (Ki) against C. albicans AHAS and cell based minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. The target compounds 5-1, 5-10, 5-22, 5-31 and 5-37 displayed stronger AHAS inhibitions than ES did. Compound 5-1 had the best Ki of 6.7 nM against fungal AHAS and MIC values of 2.5 mg/L against Candida albicans and Candica parapsilosis after 72 h. A suitable nematode model was established here and the antifungal activity of 5-1 was further evaluated in vivo. A possible binding mode was simulated via molecular docking and a comparative field analysis (CoMFA) model was constructed to understand the structure-activity relationship. The current study has indicated that some ES derivatives should be considered as promising hits to develop antifungal drugs with novel biological target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Jun Wu
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Tongtong Ren
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jie-Yu Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources and CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230009, China
| | - Li Wang
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Qilin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zheng Yao
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Guo-Qing Song
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wei-Bin Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Cong-Wei Niu
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Fu-Hang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources and CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Li-Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources and CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Mingchun Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Jian-Guo Wang
- State-Key Laboratory and Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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