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Gookin JL, Papich MG, Meier EK, Enders J, Stauffer SH, Wassack EE, Davidson GS. Auranofin is lethal against feline Tritrichomonas foetus in vitro but ineffective in cats with naturally occurring infection. Vet Parasitol 2024; 331:110295. [PMID: 39222580 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110295] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Protozoal diarrhea caused by Tritrichomonas foetus (blagburni) is a prevalent, lifelong, and globally distributed burden in domestic cats. Treatment is limited to the use of 5-nitroimidazoles and treatment failure is common. The repurposed gold salt compound auranofin has killing activity against diverse protozoa in vitro but evidence of efficacy in naturally occurring protozoal infections is lacking. This exploratory study investigated the efficacy and safety of auranofin for treatment of cats with naturally occurring, 5-nitroimidazole-resistant, T. foetus infection. The minimum lethal concentration (MLC) of auranofin against 5 isolates of feline T. foetus was determined under aerobic conditions in vitro. Healthy cats and cats with T. foetus infection were treated with immediate release auranofin (range, 0.5-3 mg/cat for 7 days) or guar gum-coated auranofin capsules (0.5 or 3 mg/cat for 7 days). Adverse effects were monitored by clinical signs and clinicopathologic testing. Efficacy was determined by fecal consistency score, bowel movement frequency, and single-tube nested PCR of feces for T. foetus rDNA. Fecal samples were assayed for concentrations of auranofin, known and predicted metabolites of auranofin, gold containing molecules, and total gold content using HPLC, LC-MS, ion mobility-MS, and ICP-MS, respectively. Auranofin was effective at killing isolates of feline T. foetus at MLC ≥ 1 μg/ml. Treatment of cats with T. foetus infection with either immediate release auranofin or a colon-targeted guar gum-coated tablet of auranofin did not eradicate infection. Treatment failure occurred despite fecal concentrations of gold that met or exceeded the equivalent MLC of auranofin. Neither auranofin, known or predicted metabolites of auranofin, nor any gold-containing molecules >100 Da could be detected in fecal samples of treated cats. Adverse effects associated with auranofin treatment were common but minor. These studies identify that in vitro susceptibility test results of auranofin may not translate to treatment effectiveness in vivo even when achieving gold concentrations equivalent to the MLC of auranofin in the target environment. These studies further establish the absence of any predicted or unpredicted gold containing metabolites in feces after oral administration of auranofin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody L Gookin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
| | - Mark G Papich
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
| | - Elisa K Meier
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jeffrey Enders
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
| | - Stephen H Stauffer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Erica E Wassack
- Veterinary Hospital Pharmacy, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States; Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States.
| | - Gigi S Davidson
- Veterinary Hospital Pharmacy, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
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2
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Coscione F, Zineddu S, Vitali V, Fondi M, Messori L, Perrin E. The Many Lives of Auranofin: How an Old Anti-Rheumatic Agent May Become a Promising Antimicrobial Drug. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:652. [PMID: 39061334 PMCID: PMC11274207 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13070652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Auranofin (AF) is a gold-based compound with a well-known pharmacological and toxicological profile, currently used in the treatment of some severe forms of rheumatoid arthritis. Over the last twenty years, AF has also been repurposed as antiviral, antitumor, and antibacterial drug. In this review we focused on the antibacterial properties of AF, specifically researching the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of AF in both mono- and diderm bacteria reported so far in literature. AF proves to be highly effective against monoderm bacteria, while diderm are far less susceptible, probably due to the outer membrane barrier. We also reported the current mechanistic hypotheses concerning the antimicrobial properties of AF, although a conclusive description of its antibacterial mode of action is not yet available. Even if its mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated yet and further studies are required to optimize its delivery strategy, AF deserves additional investigation because of its unique mode of action and high efficacy against a wide range of pathogens, which could lead to potential applications in fighting antimicrobial resistance and improving therapeutic outcomes in infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Coscione
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (F.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Stefano Zineddu
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (S.Z.); (V.V.)
| | - Valentina Vitali
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (S.Z.); (V.V.)
| | - Marco Fondi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (F.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (S.Z.); (V.V.)
| | - Elena Perrin
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (F.C.); (M.F.)
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3
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Ekloh W, Asafu-Adjaye A, Tawiah-Mensah CNL, Ayivi-Tosuh SM, Quartey NKA, Aiduenu AF, Gayi BK, Koudonu JAM, Basing LA, Yamoah JAA, Dofuor AK, Osei JHN. A comprehensive exploration of schistosomiasis: Global impact, molecular characterization, drug discovery, artificial intelligence and future prospects. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33070. [PMID: 38988508 PMCID: PMC11234110 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, one of the neglected tropical diseases which affects both humans and animals, is caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma. The disease is caused by several species of Schistosoma which affect several organs such as urethra, liver, bladder, intestines, skin and bile ducts. The life cycle of the disease involves an intermediate host (snail) and a mammalian host. It affects people who are in close proximity to water bodies where the intermediate host is abundant. Common clinical manifestations of the disease at various stages include fever, chills, headache, cough, dysuria, hyperplasia and hydronephrosis. To date, most of the control strategies are dependent on effective diagnosis, chemotherapy and public health education on the biology of the vectors and parasites. Microscopy (Kato-Katz) is considered the golden standard for the detection of the parasite, while praziquantel is the drug of choice for the mass treatment of the disease since no vaccines have yet been developed. Most of the previous reviews on schistosomiasis have concentrated on epidemiology, life cycle, diagnosis, control and treatment. Thus, a comprehensive review that is in tune with modern developments is needed. Here, we extend this domain to cover historical perspectives, global impact, symptoms and detection, biochemical and molecular characterization, gene therapy, current drugs and vaccine status. We also discuss the prospects of using plants as potential and alternative sources of novel anti-schistosomal agents. Furthermore, we highlight advanced molecular techniques, imaging and artificial intelligence that may be useful in the future detection and treatment of the disease. Overall, the proper detection of schistosomiasis using state-of-the-art tools and techniques, as well as development of vaccines or new anti-schistosomal drugs may aid in the elimination of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Ekloh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Andy Asafu-Adjaye
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Christopher Nii Laryea Tawiah-Mensah
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Naa Kwarley-Aba Quartey
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Albert Fynn Aiduenu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Blessing Kwabena Gayi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Laud Anthony Basing
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jennifer Afua Afrifa Yamoah
- Animal Health Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Animal Research Institute, Adenta-Frafraha, Accra, Ghana
| | - Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Joseph Harold Nyarko Osei
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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4
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Caña-Bozada VH, García-Gasca A, Martínez-Brown JM, Morales-Serna FN. Evaluation of bromocriptine and plumbagin against the monogenean Rhabdosynochus viridisi: Computational drug repositioning and in vitro approaches. Exp Parasitol 2024; 261:108748. [PMID: 38593863 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108748] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Monogeneans are parasitic platyhelminths that can harm the health of farmed fish. Few treatments are available against monogeneans, and the incentive to develop new antiparasitic agents is similar or even lower than the incentive for neglected parasitic diseases in humans. Considering that searching for and developing new antimonogenean compounds may require enormous investments of time, money, and animal sacrifice, the use of a computer-guided drug repositioning approach is a reasonable alternative. Under this context, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of plumbagin and bromocriptine against adults and eggs of the monogenean Rhabdosynochus viridisi (Diplectanidae). Plumbagin is a phytochemical compound that has recently emerged as a potent antimonogenean; however, further investigation is required to determine its effects on different monogenean species. Bromocriptine was selected through a computational approach that included molecular docking analyses of 77 receptors of monogeneans (putative drug targets) and 77 ligands (putative inhibitors). In vitro experiments showed that bromocriptine does not exhibit mortality at concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/L whereas plumbagin at 2 and 10 mg/L caused 100% monogenean mortality after 3 h and 30 min, respectively. The most effective concentration of plumbagin (10 mg/L) did not completely inhibit egg hatching. These findings underscore plumbagin as a highly effective agent against adult monogeneans and highlight the need for research to evaluate its effect(s) on fish. Although computational drug repositioning is useful for selecting candidates for experimental testing, it does not guarantee success due to the complexity of biological interactions, as observed here with bromocriptine. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the various compounds proposed by this method.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juan M Martínez-Brown
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, 82112, Mexico
| | - F Neptalí Morales-Serna
- Instituto de Ciencias Del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán, 82040, Sinaloa, Mexico
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5
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Smith MM, Moran GR. Building on a theme: The redox hierarchy of pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductases. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 755:109966. [PMID: 38537870 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/24/2024]
Abstract
Flavin disulfide reductases (FDRs) are FAD-dependent enzymes that transmit electrons from NAD(P)H to reduce specific oxidant substrate disulfides. These enzymes have been studied extensively, most particularly the paradigm examples: glutathione reductase and thioredoxin reductase. The common, though not universal, traits of the family include a tyrosine- or phenylalanine-gated binding pocket for NAD(P) nicotinamides adjacent to the FAD isoalloxazine re-face, and a disulfide stacked against the si-face of the isoalloxazine whose dithiol form is activated for subsequent exchange reactions by a nearby histidine acting as a base. This arrangement promotes transduction of the reducing equivalents for disulfide exchange relay reactions. From an observational standpoint the proximal parallel stacking of three redox moieties induces up to three opportunities for unique charge transfer interactions (NAD(P)H FAD, NAD(P)+•FADH2, and FAD•thiolate). In transient state, the charge transfer transitions provide discrete signals to assign reaction sequences. This review summarizes the lineage of observations for the FDR enzymes that have been extensively studied. Where applicable and in order to chart a consistent interpretation of the record, only data derived from studies that used anaerobic methods are cited. These data reveal a recurring theme for catalysis that is elaborated with specific additional functionalities for each oxidant substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison M Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1068 W Sheridan Rd, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60660, United States
| | - Graham R Moran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1068 W Sheridan Rd, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60660, United States.
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Sookai S, Akerman MP, Munro OQ. Chiral Au(III) chelates exhibit unique NCI-60 cytotoxicity profiles and interactions with human serum albumin. Dalton Trans 2024; 53:5089-5104. [PMID: 38375922 DOI: 10.1039/d3dt04024k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Au(III) bis(pyrrolide-imine) chelates are emerging as a class of versatile, efficacious metallodrug candidates. Here, we synthesised two enantiopure chiral ligands H2L1 and H2L2 (tetradentate cyclohexane-1,2-diamine-bridged bis(pyrrole-imine) derivatives). Metallation of the ligands with Au(III) afforded the chiral cationic complexes AuL1 and AuL2. The in vitro cytotoxicities of AuL1 and AuL2 determined in the NCI-60 single-dose drug screen were 56.5% and 89.1%, respectively. AuL1 was subsequently selected for a five-dose NCI-60 screen, attaining GI50, IC50, and LC50 values of 4.7, 9.3 and 39.8 μM, respectively. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the NCI-60 data indicated that the profile for AuL1 was similar to that of vinblastine sulfate, a microtubule-targeting vinca alkaloid. Reactions of AuL1 with glutathione (GSH) in vitro confirmed its susceptibility to reduction, Au(III) → Au(I), by intracellular thiols. Because human serum albumin (HSA) is responsible for transporting clinically deployed and investigational drugs, we studied the uptake of AuL1 and AuL2 by HSA to delineate how chirality impacts their protein-binding affinity. Steady-state fluorescence quenching data acquired on the native protein and data from site-specific probes showed that the compounds bind at sites close enough to Trp-214 (subdomain IIA) of HSA to quench the fluorophore. The bimolecular quenching rate constants, Kq, were ca. 102 times higher than the maximum diffusion-controlled collision constant of a biomolecule in water (1010 M-1 s-1), confirming that static fluorescence quenching was the dominant mechanism. The Stern-Volmer constants, KSV, were ∼104 M-1 at 37 °C, while the affinity constants, Ka (37 °C), measured ∼2.1 × 104 M-1 (AuL1) and ∼1.2 × 104 M-1 (AuL2) for enthalpy-driven ligand uptake targeting Sudlow's site I. Although far- and near-UV CD spectroscopy indicated that both complexes minimally perturb the secondary and tertiary structure of HSA, substantial shifts in the CD spectra were recorded for both protein-bound ligands. This study highlights the role of chirality in determining the cytotoxicity profiles and protein binding behaviour of enantiomeric Au(III) chelates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheldon Sookai
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, PO WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Matthew P Akerman
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa
| | - Orde Q Munro
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, PO WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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Ma CI, Tirtorahardjo JA, Schweizer SS, Zhang J, Fang Z, Xing L, Xu M, Herman DA, Kleinman MT, McCullough BS, Barrios AM, Andrade RM. Gold(I) ion and the phosphine ligand are necessary for the anti- Toxoplasma gondii activity of auranofin. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0296823. [PMID: 38206030 PMCID: PMC10845965 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02968-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Auranofin, an FDA-approved drug for rheumatoid arthritis, has emerged as a promising antiparasitic medication in recent years. The gold(I) ion in auranofin is postulated to be responsible for its antiparasitic activity. Notably, aurothiomalate and aurothioglucose also contain gold(I), and, like auranofin, they were previously used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Whether they have antiparasitic activity remains to be elucidated. Herein, we demonstrated that auranofin and similar derivatives, but not aurothiomalate and aurothioglucose, inhibited the growth of Toxoplasma gondii in vitro. We found that auranofin affected the T. gondii biological cycle (lytic cycle) by inhibiting T. gondii's invasion and triggering its egress from the host cell. However, auranofin could not prevent parasite replication once T. gondii resided within the host. Auranofin treatment induced apoptosis in T. gondii parasites, as demonstrated by its reduced size and elevated phosphatidylserine externalization (PS). Notably, the gold from auranofin enters the cytoplasm of T. gondii, as demonstrated by scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).IMPORTANCEToxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a devastating disease affecting the brain and the eyes, frequently affecting immunocompromised individuals. Approximately 60 million people in the United States are already infected with T. gondii, representing a population at-risk of developing toxoplasmosis. Recent advances in treating cancer, autoimmune diseases, and organ transplants have contributed to this at-risk population's exponential growth. Paradoxically, treatments for toxoplasmosis have remained the same for more than 60 years, relying on medications well-known for their bone marrow toxicity and allergic reactions. Discovering new therapies is a priority, and repurposing FDA-approved drugs is an alternative approach to speed up drug discovery. Herein, we report the effect of auranofin, an FDA-approved drug, on the biological cycle of T. gondii and how both the phosphine ligand and the gold molecule determine the anti-parasitic activity of auranofin and other gold compounds. Our studies would contribute to the pipeline of candidate anti-T. gondii agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. I. Ma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - J. A. Tirtorahardjo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - S. S. Schweizer
- School of Biological Sciences; University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - J. Zhang
- School of Biological Sciences; University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Z. Fang
- School of Biological Sciences; University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - L. Xing
- Irvine Materials Research Institute; University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - M. Xu
- Irvine Materials Research Institute; University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - D. A. Herman
- Department of Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - M. T. Kleinman
- Department of Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - B. S. McCullough
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - A. M. Barrios
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - R. M. Andrade
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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8
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de Souza Neto LR, Montoya BO, Brandão-Neto J, Verma A, Bowyer S, Moreira-Filho JT, Dantas RF, Neves BJ, Andrade CH, von Delft F, Owens RJ, Furnham N, Silva-Jr FP. Fragment library screening by X-ray crystallography and binding site analysis on thioredoxin glutathione reductase of Schistosoma mansoni. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1582. [PMID: 38238498 PMCID: PMC10796382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52018-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma, which infect more than 200 million people. Praziquantel (PZQ) has been the main drug for controlling schistosomiasis for over four decades, but despite that it is ineffective against juvenile worms and size and taste issues with its pharmaceutical forms impose challenges for treating school-aged children. It is also important to note that PZQ resistant strains can be generated in laboratory conditions and observed in the field, hence its extensive use in mass drug administration programs raises concerns about resistance, highlighting the need to search for new schistosomicidal drugs. Schistosomes survival relies on the redox enzyme thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR), a validated target for the development of new anti-schistosomal drugs. Here we report a high-throughput fragment screening campaign of 768 compounds against S. mansoni TGR (SmTGR) using X-ray crystallography. We observed 49 binding events involving 35 distinct molecular fragments which were found to be distributed across 16 binding sites. Most sites are described for the first time within SmTGR, a noteworthy exception being the "doorstop pocket" near the NADPH binding site. We have compared results from hotspots and pocket druggability analysis of SmTGR with the experimental binding sites found in this work, with our results indicating only limited coincidence between experimental and computational results. Finally, we discuss that binding sites at the doorstop/NADPH binding site and in the SmTGR dimer interface, should be prioritized for developing SmTGR inhibitors as new antischistosomal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauro Ribeiro de Souza Neto
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bogar Omar Montoya
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Brandão-Neto
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
| | - Anil Verma
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sebastian Bowyer
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - José Teófilo Moreira-Filho
- LabMol - Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rafael Ferreira Dantas
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno Junior Neves
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Carolina Horta Andrade
- LabMol - Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- CRAFT - Center for Research and Advancement of Fragments and Molecular Targets, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Frank von Delft
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Raymond J Owens
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Structural Biology, Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell, UK.
| | - Nicholas Furnham
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Floriano Paes Silva-Jr
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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9
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Atia AF, Abou-Hussien NM, Sweed DM, Sweed E, Abo-Khalil NA. Auranofin attenuates Schistosoma mansoni egg-induced liver granuloma and fibrosis in mice. J Helminthol 2023; 97:e95. [PMID: 38053397 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000792] [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] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a serious tropical disease. Despite extensive research into the etiology of liver fibrosis, effective therapeutic options remain limited. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of auranofin in treating hepatic granuloma and fibrogenesis produced by Schistosoma (S.) mansoni eggs. Auranofin is a gold complex that contains thioglucose tetraacetate and triethylphosphine. Eighty BALB/c male mice were divided into four groups (n=20/group): negative control (GI), positive control (GII), and early (GIII) and late (GIV) treatment groups with oral auranofin according to beginning of treatment 4th week and 6th week post-infection. Mice were infected subcutaneously in a dose of 60±10 cercariae/mouse. Worm counts, egg loads, and oogram patterns were determined. Biochemical, histological, and immunostaining of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), and smooth muscle actin (SMA) were assessed. GIII showed a significant decrease in the total S. mansoni worm burden and ova/gram in liver tissue (with reduction percent of 63.07% and 78.26%, respectively). Schistosomal oogram patterns, immature and mature ova, also showed a significant decrease. The reduction in granuloma number and size was 40.63% and 48.66%, respectively, in GIII, whereas in GIV, the reduction percent was 76.63% and 67.08%. In addition, the degree of fibrosis was significantly diminished in both treated groups. GIV showed significant reduction in IL-1β and SMA expression and increase in SIRT3 expression. These findings reveal how auranofin suppresses the development of liver fibrosis. Therefore, it is crucial to take another look at auranofin as a prospective medication for the treatment of S. mansoni egg-induced hepatic granuloma and consequent fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Atia
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - N M Abou-Hussien
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - D M Sweed
- Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - E Sweed
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - N A Abo-Khalil
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
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10
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Petukhova VZ, Aboagye SY, Ardini M, Lullo RP, Fata F, Byrne ME, Gabriele F, Martin LM, Harding LNM, Gone V, Dangi B, Lantvit DD, Nikolic D, Ippoliti R, Effantin G, Ling WL, Johnson JJ, Thatcher GRJ, Angelucci F, Williams DL, Petukhov PA. Non-covalent inhibitors of thioredoxin glutathione reductase with schistosomicidal activity in vivo. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3737. [PMID: 37349300 PMCID: PMC10287695 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39444-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Only praziquantel is available for treating schistosomiasis, a disease affecting more than 200 million people. Praziquantel-resistant worms have been selected for in the lab and low cure rates from mass drug administration programs suggest that resistance is evolving in the field. Thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR) is essential for schistosome survival and a validated drug target. TGR inhibitors identified to date are irreversible and/or covalent inhibitors with unacceptable off-target effects. In this work, we identify noncovalent TGR inhibitors with efficacy against schistosome infections in mice, meeting the criteria for lead progression indicated by WHO. Comparisons with previous in vivo studies with praziquantel suggests that these inhibitors outperform the drug of choice for schistosomiasis against juvenile worms.
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Grants
- R33 AI127635 NIAID NIH HHS
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (Division of Intramural Research of the NIAID)
- Oncomelania hupensis subsp. hupensis, Chinese strain, infected with S. japonicum, Chinese strain, and Biomphalaria glabrata, strain NMRI, infected with S. mansoni, strain NMRI, were provided by the NIAID Schistosomiasis Resource Center for distribution through BEI Resources, NIAID, NIH. We are grateful to Dr. Guy Schoehn (Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Structurale, Grenoble, France), Prof. Beatrice Vallone (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy) and Dr. Linda C. Montemiglio (IBPM, National Research Council, Italy) for helpful discussions of the cryo-EM studies. We acknowledge the Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste (Italy) for support in X-ray data collections and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility for provision of microscope time on CM01. The study was funded in part by US NIH/NIAID R33AI127635 to F.A., P.A.P., G.R.T. and D.L.W. This work benefited from access to Research Resources Centre and UICentre at University of Illinois at Chicago and used the platforms of the Grenoble Instruct-ERIC center (ISBG; UAR 3518 CNRS-CEA-UGA-EMBL) within the Grenoble Partnership for Structural Biology (PSB), supported by FRISBI (ANR-10-INBS-0005-02) and GRAL, financed within the University Grenoble Alpes graduate school (Ecoles Universitaires de Recherche) CBH-EUR-GS (ANR-17-EURE-0003). The IBS Electron Microscope facility is supported by the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Region, the Fonds Feder, the Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale and GIS-IBiSA. The IBS acknowledges integration into the Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble (IRIG, CEA). M.A. has been supported by MIUR - Ministero dell'Istruzione Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (Ministry of Education, University and Research) under the national project FSE/FESR - PON Ricerca e Innovazione 2014-2020 (N° AIM1887574, CUP: E18H19000350007). We acknowledge OpenEye/Cadence for providing us with an academic license for the software used in these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Z Petukhova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sammy Y Aboagye
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matteo Ardini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rachel P Lullo
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francesca Fata
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Margaret E Byrne
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Federica Gabriele
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Lucy M Martin
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Luke N M Harding
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vamshikrishna Gone
- UICentre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bikash Dangi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel D Lantvit
- UICentre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dejan Nikolic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rodolfo Ippoliti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Grégory Effantin
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, F-38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Wai Li Ling
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, F-38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Jeremy J Johnson
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gregory R J Thatcher
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Francesco Angelucci
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - David L Williams
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Pavel A Petukhov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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11
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Mertens RT, Gukathasan S, Arojojoye AS, Olelewe C, Awuah SG. Next Generation Gold Drugs and Probes: Chemistry and Biomedical Applications. Chem Rev 2023; 123:6612-6667. [PMID: 37071737 PMCID: PMC10317554 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
The gold drugs, gold sodium thiomalate (Myocrisin), aurothioglucose (Solganal), and the orally administered auranofin (Ridaura), are utilized in modern medicine for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis including rheumatoid and juvenile arthritis; however, new gold agents have been slow to enter the clinic. Repurposing of auranofin in different disease indications such as cancer, parasitic, and microbial infections in the clinic has provided impetus for the development of new gold complexes for biomedical applications based on unique mechanistic insights differentiated from auranofin. Various chemical methods for the preparation of physiologically stable gold complexes and associated mechanisms have been explored in biomedicine such as therapeutics or chemical probes. In this Review, we discuss the chemistry of next generation gold drugs, which encompasses oxidation states, geometry, ligands, coordination, and organometallic compounds for infectious diseases, cancer, inflammation, and as tools for chemical biology via gold-protein interactions. We will focus on the development of gold agents in biomedicine within the past decade. The Review provides readers with an accessible overview of the utility, development, and mechanism of action of gold-based small molecules to establish context and basis for the thriving resurgence of gold in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Tyler Mertens
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Sailajah Gukathasan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Adedamola S Arojojoye
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Chibuzor Olelewe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Samuel G Awuah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
- University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
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12
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Berneburg I, Stumpf M, Velten AS, Rahlfs S, Przyborski J, Becker K, Fritz-Wolf K. Structure of Leishmania donovani 6-Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenase and Inhibition by Phosphine Gold(I) Complexes: A Potential Approach to Leishmaniasis Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108615. [PMID: 37239962 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
As unicellular parasites are highly dependent on NADPH as a source for reducing equivalents, the main NADPH-producing enzymes glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) of the pentose phosphate pathway are considered promising antitrypanosomatid drug targets. Here we present the biochemical characterization and crystal structure of Leishmania donovani 6PGD (Ld6PGD) in complex with NADP(H). Most interestingly, a previously unknown conformation of NADPH is visible in this structure. In addition, we identified auranofin and other gold(I)-containing compounds as efficient Ld6PGD inhibitors, although it has so far been assumed that trypanothione reductase is the sole target of auranofin in Kinetoplastida. Interestingly, 6PGD from Plasmodium falciparum is also inhibited at lower micromolar concentrations, whereas human 6PGD is not. Mode-of-inhibition studies indicate that auranofin competes with 6PG for its binding site followed by a rapid irreversible inhibition. By analogy with other enzymes, this suggests that the gold moiety is responsible for the observed inhibition. Taken together, we identified gold(I)-containing compounds as an interesting class of inhibitors against 6PGDs from Leishmania and possibly from other protozoan parasites. Together with the three-dimensional crystal structure, this provides a valid basis for further drug discovery approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabell Berneburg
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Michaela Stumpf
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Ann-Sophie Velten
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Rahlfs
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Jude Przyborski
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Katja Becker
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Karin Fritz-Wolf
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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13
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Vallières C, Golinelli-Cohen MP, Guittet O, Lepoivre M, Huang ME, Vernis L. Redox-Based Strategies against Infections by Eukaryotic Pathogens. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040778. [PMID: 37107536 PMCID: PMC10138290 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040778] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Redox homeostasis is an equilibrium between reducing and oxidizing reactions within cells. It is an essential, dynamic process, which allows proper cellular reactions and regulates biological responses. Unbalanced redox homeostasis is the hallmark of many diseases, including cancer or inflammatory responses, and can eventually lead to cell death. Specifically, disrupting redox balance, essentially by increasing pro-oxidative molecules and favouring hyperoxidation, is a smart strategy to eliminate cells and has been used for cancer treatment, for example. Selectivity between cancer and normal cells thus appears crucial to avoid toxicity as much as possible. Redox-based approaches are also employed in the case of infectious diseases to tackle the pathogens specifically, with limited impacts on host cells. In this review, we focus on recent advances in redox-based strategies to fight eukaryotic pathogens, especially fungi and eukaryotic parasites. We report molecules recently described for causing or being associated with compromising redox homeostasis in pathogens and discuss therapeutic possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Vallières
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Golinelli-Cohen
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Olivier Guittet
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Michel Lepoivre
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Meng-Er Huang
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Laurence Vernis
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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14
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Sharma B, Shukla S, Rattan R, Fatima M, Goel M, Bhat M, Dutta S, Ranjan RK, Sharma M. Antimicrobial Agents Based on Metal Complexes: Present Situation and Future Prospects. Int J Biomater 2022; 2022:6819080. [PMID: 36531969 PMCID: PMC9754840 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6819080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise in antimicrobial resistance is a cause of serious concern since the ages. Therefore, a dire need to explore new antimicrobial entities that can combat against the increasing threat of antibiotic resistance is realized. Studies have shown that the activity of the strongest antibiotics has reduced drastically against many microbes such as microfungi and bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative). A ray of hope, however, was witnessed in early 1940s with the development of new drug discovery and use of metal complexes as antibiotics. Many new metal-based drugs were developed from the metal complexes which are potentially active against a number of ailments such as cancer, malaria, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this review is an attempt to describe the present scenario and future development of metal complexes as antibiotics against wide array of microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharti Sharma
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir 185234, India
| | - Sudeep Shukla
- Environment Pollution Analysis Lab, Bhiwadi, Alwar, Rajasthan 301019, India
| | - Rohit Rattan
- WWF-India Field Office, ITI Road, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir 185132, India
| | - Musarrat Fatima
- Department of Botany, BGSB University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir 185234, India
| | - Mayurika Goel
- TERI Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre, Sustainable Agriculture Program, The Energy and Resource Institute, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Mamta Bhat
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir 185234, India
| | - Shruti Dutta
- Amity School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Amity University Haryana, Haryana, India
| | | | - Mamta Sharma
- Aditi Mahavidyalaya, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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15
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A Broad Spectrum Antiparasitic Activity of Organotin (IV) Derivatives and Its Untargeted Proteomic Profiling Using Leishmania donovani. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121424. [PMID: 36558759 PMCID: PMC9785441 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121424] [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: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Metals have been used in medicine since ancient times for the treatment of different ailments with various elements such as iron, gold and arsenic. Metal complexes have also been reported to show antibiotic and antiparasitic activity. In this context, we tested the antiparasitic potential of 10 organotin (IV) derivatives from 4-(4-methoxyphenylamino)-4 oxobutanoic acid (MS26) against seven eukaryotic pathogens of medical importance: Leishmania donovani, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Naegleria fowleri and Schistosoma mansoni. Among the compounds with and without antiparasitic activity, compound MS26Et3 stood out with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 0.21 and 0.19 µM against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of L. donovani, respectively, 0.24 µM against intracellular amastigotes of T. cruzi, 0.09 µM against T. brucei, 1.4 µM against N. fowleri and impaired adult S. mansoni viability at 1.25 µM. In terms of host/pathogen selectivity, MS26Et3 demonstrated relatively mild cytotoxicity toward host cells with a 50% viability concentration of 4.87 µM against B10R cells (mouse monocyte cell line), 2.79 µM against C2C12 cells (mouse myoblast cell line) and 1.24 µM against HEK923 cells (human embryonic kidney cell line). The selectivity index supports this molecule as a therapeutic starting point for a broad spectrum antiparasitic alternative. Proteomic analysis of host cells infected with L. donovani after exposure to MS26Et3 showed a reduced expression of Rab7, which may affect the fusion of the endosome with the lysosome, and, consequently, impairing the differentiation of L. donovani to the amastigote form. Future studies to investigate the molecular target(s) and mechanism of action of MS26Et3 will support its chemical optimization.
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16
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Evaluation of Auranofin Loading within Ferritin Nanocages. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214162. [PMID: 36430642 PMCID: PMC9695178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Auranofin (AF), a gold(I) compound that is currently used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and is in clinical trials for its promising anticancer activity, was encapsulated within the human H-chain and the horse spleen ferritin nanocages using the alkaline disassembly/reassembly protocol. The aim of the work was to highlight possible differences in their drug loading capacity and efficacy. The drug-loaded ferritins were characterized via UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy to assess AF encapsulation and to define the exact amount of gold atoms trapped in the Ft cavity. The crystal structures allowed us to define the nature of AF interaction with both ferritins and to identify the gold binding sites. Moreover, the biological characterization let us to obtain preliminary information on the cytotoxic effect of AF when bound to the human H-chain.
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17
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Zhang J, Li Y, Fang R, Wei W, Wang Y, Jin J, Yang F, Chen J. Organometallic gold(I) and gold(III) complexes for lung cancer treatment. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:979951. [PMID: 36176441 PMCID: PMC9513137 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.979951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal compounds, especially gold complexes, have recently gained increasing attention as possible lung cancer therapeutics. Some gold complexes display not only excellent activity in cisplatin-sensitive lung cancer but also in cisplatin-resistant lung cancer, revealing promising prospects in the development of novel treatments for lung cancer. This review summarizes examples of anticancer gold(I) and gold (III) complexes for lung cancer treatment, including mechanisms of action and approaches adopted to improve their efficiency. Several excellent examples of gold complexes against lung cancer are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juzheng Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Yanping Li
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Ronghao Fang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Jiamin Jin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Feng Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Yang, mailto:, Jian Chen, mailto:
| | - Jian Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Yang, mailto:, Jian Chen, mailto:
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18
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Gencheva R, Cheng Q, Arnér ESJ. Thioredoxin reductase selenoproteins from different organisms as potential drug targets for treatment of human diseases. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 190:320-338. [PMID: 35987423 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Human thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is a selenoprotein with a central role in cellular redox homeostasis, utilizing a highly reactive and solvent-exposed selenocysteine (Sec) residue in its active site. Pharmacological modulation of TrxR can be obtained with several classes of small compounds showing different mechanisms of action, but most often dependent upon interactions with its Sec residue. The clinical implications of TrxR modulation as mediated by small compounds have been studied in diverse diseases, from rheumatoid arthritis and ischemia to cancer and parasitic infections. The possible involvement of TrxR in these diseases was in some cases serendipitously discovered, by finding that existing clinically used drugs are also TrxR inhibitors. Inhibiting isoforms of human TrxR is, however, not the only strategy for human disease treatment, as some pathogenic parasites also depend upon Sec-containing TrxR variants, including S. mansoni, B. malayi or O. volvulus. Inhibiting parasite TrxR has been shown to selectively kill parasites and can thus become a promising treatment strategy, especially in the context of quickly emerging resistance towards other drugs. Here we have summarized the basis for the targeting of selenoprotein TrxR variants with small molecules for therapeutic purposes in different human disease contexts. We discuss how Sec engagement appears to be an indispensable part of treatment efficacy and how some therapeutically promising compounds have been evaluated in preclinical or clinical studies. Several research questions remain before a wider application of selenoprotein TrxR inhibition as a first-line treatment strategy might be developed. These include further mechanistic studies of downstream effects that may mediate treatment efficacy, identification of isoform-specific enzyme inhibition patterns for some given therapeutic compounds, and the further elucidation of cell-specific effects in disease contexts such as in the tumor microenvironment or in host-parasite interactions, and which of these effects may be dependent upon the specific targeting of Sec in distinct TrxR isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radosveta Gencheva
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Qing Cheng
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Elias S J Arnér
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden; Department of Selenoprotein Research, National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122, Budapest, Hungary.
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19
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Wang J, Tian H, Li T, Sun Y, Zhou Z, Shi T. Mass spectral and theoretical investigations of N-C α bond cleavages in the disulfide-containing peptide TTCPYCKK and its analogues. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2022; 36:e9315. [PMID: 35411976 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE For disulfide-containing peptides, mass spectrometric analyses are rarely comparably studied between their dithiol and disulfide forms. Persulfide ions afforded from peptides with a disulfide ring are from either an unusual N-Cα bond cleavage or a canonical peptide bond cleavage; their isomeric structures are, however, not identified just from peaks of mass spectra. METHODS Isomeric structures of [C3 P4 X5 |C6 M ], [C3 MA P4 X5 |C6 MB ] and [P4 X5 C6 |C3 M ] were identified from a series of the X5 substituted dicysteine octapeptides using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for both their dithiol and disulfide forms. Formation mechanisms of different persulfide ions were investigated systematically by theoretical methods. Moreover, electrostatic potential-mapped molecular van der Waals surfaces were used to determine the stabilities of the intermediates, which gave a further evaluation of favored bond cleavage. RESULTS Mass spectral analyses indicated that the fragmented ions changed largely when an intramolecular disulfide bond was formed. New types of disulfide-containing fragmented ions [C3 P4 X5 |C6 M ] or [C3 MA P4 X5 |C6 MB ] were thus proposed. Energy analysis showed that the N-Cα cleavage was not competitive energetically with that of the amide bond for Y5 and its phosphorylated analogue. However, the N-Cα cleavage products dominated for the S5 - and T5 -containing peptides. Stabilities of the intermediates were found to be related with the electrostatic potential-mapped molecular van der Waals surfaces. CONCLUSIONS Persulfide ions containing more residues than previously found were proposed not only from b7 ions but also from y6 ions. In addition, a new kind of phosphorylated analogue, [C3 P4 p Y5 |C6 M ], is reported in this work. Our study provides convincing results for separating isomeric structures in the cases of N-Cα cleavages, which greatly assists in the structural identification of disulfide-containing peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhu Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongwu Tian
- National Engineering Technology Center of Chirality Pharmaceuticals, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd, Linyi, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tiejian Li
- National Engineering Technology Center of Chirality Pharmaceuticals, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd, Linyi, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ying Sun
- National Engineering Technology Center of Chirality Pharmaceuticals, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd, Linyi, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zongyi Zhou
- National Engineering Technology Center of Chirality Pharmaceuticals, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd, Linyi, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tiesheng Shi
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, Shandong Province, China
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20
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Non-Antibiotic Drug Repositioning as an Alternative Antimicrobial Approach. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060816. [PMID: 35740222 PMCID: PMC9220406 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide scenario of antibiotic resistance and the falling number of funds for the development of novel antibiotics have led research efforts toward the study of specific cost-effective strategies aimed at discovering drugs against microbial infections. Among the potential options, drug repositioning, which has already exhibited satisfactory results in other medical fields, came out as the most promising. It consists of finding new uses for previously approved medicines and, over the years, many “repurposed drugs” displayed some encouraging in vitro and in vivo results beyond their initial application. The principal theoretical justification for reusing already existing drugs is that they have known mechanisms of action and manageable side effects. Reuse of old drugs is now considered an interesting approach to overcome the drawbacks of conventional antibiotics. The purpose of this review is to offer the reader a panoramic view of the updated studies concerning the repositioning process of different classes of non-antibiotic drugs in the antimicrobial field. Several research works reported the ability of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants, antipsychotics, and statins to counteract the growth of harmful microorganisms, demonstrating an interesting winning mode to fight infectious diseases caused by antimicrobial resistant bacteria.
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21
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A Hybrid of Amodiaquine and Primaquine Linked by Gold(I) Is a Multistage Antimalarial Agent Targeting Heme Detoxification and Thiol Redox Homeostasis. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061251. [PMID: 35745823 PMCID: PMC9229949 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hybrid-based drugs linked through a transition metal constitute an emerging concept for Plasmodium intervention. To advance the drug design concept and enhance the therapeutic potential of this class of drugs, we developed a novel hybrid composed of quinolinic ligands amodiaquine (AQ) and primaquine (PQ) linked by gold(I), named [AuAQPQ]PF6. This compound demonstrated potent and efficacious antiplasmodial activity against multiple stages of the Plasmodium life cycle. The source of this activity was thoroughly investigated by comparing parasite susceptibility to the hybrid's components, the annotation of structure-activity relationships and studies of the mechanism of action. The activity of [AuAQPQ]PF6 for the parasite's asexual blood stages was influenced by the presence of AQ, while its activity against gametocytes and pre-erythrocytic parasites was influenced by both quinolinic components. Moreover, the coordination of ligands to gold(I) was found to be essential for the enhancement of potency, as suggested by the observation that a combination of quinolinic ligands does not reproduce the antimalarial potency and efficacy as observed for the metallic hybrid. Our results indicate that this gold(I) hybrid compound presents a dual mechanism of action by inhibiting the beta-hematin formation and enzymatic activity of thioredoxin reductases. Overall, our findings support the potential of transition metals as a dual chemical linker and an antiplasmodial payload for the development of hybrid-based drugs.
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Chiappetta G, Gamberi T, Faienza F, Limaj X, Rizza S, Messori L, Filomeni G, Modesti A, Vinh J. Redox proteome analysis of auranofin exposed ovarian cancer cells (A2780). Redox Biol 2022; 52:102294. [PMID: 35358852 PMCID: PMC8966199 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of Auranofin (AF) on protein expression and protein oxidation in A2780 cancer cells were investigated through a strategy based on simultaneous expression proteomics and redox proteomics determinations. Bioinformatics analysis of the proteomics data supports the view that the most critical cellular changes elicited by AF treatment consist of thioredoxin reductase inhibition, alteration of the cell redox state, impairment of the mitochondrial functions, metabolic changes associated with conversion to a glycolytic phenotype, induction of ER stress. The occurrence of the above cellular changes was extensively validated by performing direct biochemical assays. Our data are consistent with the concept that AF produces its effects through a multitarget mechanism that mainly affects the redox metabolism and the mitochondrial functions and results into severe ER stress. Results are discussed in the context of the current mechanistic knowledge existing on AF. Redox proteomics allows to underline cell adaptation mechanisms in response to Auranofin treatment in ovarian cancer cells. BRCA1 is one of the major candidates of the ovarian cancer cell adaptation to Auranofin treatment. Auranofin alters the oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial protein import machinery. TRAP1 C501 modulates Auranofin toxicity. Auranofin induces severe stress of the endoplasmic reticulum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Chiappetta
- Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Group, SMBP, PDC CNRS UMR, 8249, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Tania Gamberi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | - Fiorella Faienza
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Xhesika Limaj
- Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Group, SMBP, PDC CNRS UMR, 8249, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Salvatore Rizza
- Redox Signaling and Oxidative Stress Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Luigi Messori
- Metmed Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via della lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Filomeni
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Redox Signaling and Oxidative Stress Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alessandra Modesti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Joelle Vinh
- Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Group, SMBP, PDC CNRS UMR, 8249, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005, Paris, France
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23
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Fata F, Gencheva R, Cheng Q, Lullo R, Ardini M, Silvestri I, Gabriele F, Ippoliti R, Bulman CA, Sakanari JA, Williams DL, Arnér ESJ, Angelucci F. Biochemical and structural characterizations of thioredoxin reductase selenoproteins of the parasitic filarial nematodes Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus. Redox Biol 2022; 51:102278. [PMID: 35276442 PMCID: PMC8914392 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzymes in the thiol redox systems of microbial pathogens are promising targets for drug development. In this study we characterized the thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) selenoproteins from Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus, filarial nematode parasites and causative agents of lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, respectively. The two filarial enzymes showed similar turnover numbers and affinities for different thioredoxin (Trx) proteins, but with a clear preference for the autologous Trx. Human TrxR1 (hTrxR1) had a high and similar specific activity versus the human and filarial Trxs, suggesting that, in vivo, hTrxR1 could possibly be the reducing agent of parasite Trxs once they are released into the host. Both filarial TrxRs were efficiently inhibited by auranofin and by a recently described inhibitor of human TrxR1 (TRi-1), but not as efficiently by the alternative compound TRi-2. The enzyme from B. malayi was structurally characterized also in complex with NADPH and auranofin, producing the first crystallographic structure of a nematode TrxR. The protein represents an unusual fusion of a mammalian-type TrxR protein architecture with an N-terminal glutaredoxin-like (Grx) domain lacking typical Grx motifs. Unlike thioredoxin glutathione reductases (TGRs) found in platyhelminths and mammals, which are also Grx-TrxR domain fusion proteins, the TrxRs from the filarial nematodes lacked glutathione disulfide reductase and Grx activities. The structural determinations revealed that the Grx domain of TrxR from B. malayi contains a cysteine (C22), conserved in TrxRs from clade IIIc nematodes, that directly interacts with the C-terminal cysteine-selenocysteine motif of the homo-dimeric subunit. Interestingly, despite this finding we found that altering C22 by mutation to serine did not affect enzyme catalysis. Thus, although the function of the Grx domain in these filarial TrxRs remains to be determined, the results obtained provide insights on key properties of this important family of selenoprotein flavoenzymes that are potential drug targets for treatment of filariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fata
- Dept. of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, 67100, Italy
| | - Radosveta Gencheva
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Qing Cheng
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Rachel Lullo
- Dept. of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matteo Ardini
- Dept. of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, 67100, Italy
| | - Ilaria Silvestri
- Dept. of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, 67100, Italy
| | - Federica Gabriele
- Dept. of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, 67100, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Ippoliti
- Dept. of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, 67100, Italy
| | - Christina A Bulman
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Judy A Sakanari
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David L Williams
- Dept. of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elias S J Arnér
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden; Department of Selenoprotein Research, National Institute of Oncology, 1122, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Francesco Angelucci
- Dept. of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, 67100, Italy.
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24
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Niu W, Du Z, Zhang C, Xu D, Li J, Sun M, Wu L, Yao H, Zhao L, Gao X. Broken electron transfer pathway in enzyme: Gold clusters inhibiting TrxR1/Trx via cell studies and theory simulations. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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25
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Tolbatov I, Marrone A. Selenocysteine of thioredoxin reductase as the primary target for the antitumor metallodrugs: A computational point of view. J Organomet Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2022.122330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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26
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27
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Delavari M, Olya MM, Arbabi M, Rasti S, Hooshyar H, Salimian M. Antileishmanial activity of auranofin against Leishmania major in vitro. INTERNATIONAL ARCHIVES OF HEALTH SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/iahs.iahs_77_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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28
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Selenium and protozoan parasitic infections: selenocompounds and selenoproteins potential. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:49-62. [PMID: 34993638 PMCID: PMC8735723 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07400-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The current drug treatments against protozoan parasitic diseases including Chagas, malaria, leishmaniasis, and toxoplasmosis represent good examples of drug resistance mechanisms and have shown diverse side effects. Therefore, the identification of novel therapeutic strategies and drug compounds against such life-threatening diseases is urgent. According to the successful usage of selenium (Se) compounds-based therapy against some diseases, this therapeutic strategy has been recently further underlined against these parasitic diseases by targeting different parasite´s essential pathways. On the other hand, due to the important functions played by parasite selenoproteins in their biology (such as modulating the host immune response), they can be also considered as a novel therapeutic strategy by designing specific inhibitors against these important proteins. In addition, the immunomodulatory potentiality of these compounds to trigger T helper type 1 (Th1) cells and cytokine-mediated immune response for the substantial induction of proinflammatory cytokines, thus, Se, selenoproteins, and parasite selenoproteins could be further investigated to find possible vaccine antigens. Herein, we collect and present the results of some studies regarding Se-based therapy against protozoan parasitic diseases and highlight relevant information and some viewpoints that might be insightful to advance toward more effective studies in the future.
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29
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Tolbatov I, Marrone A, Coletti C, Re N. Computational Studies of Au(I) and Au(III) Anticancer MetalLodrugs: A Survey. Molecules 2021; 26:7600. [PMID: 34946684 PMCID: PMC8707411 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the growing hardware capabilities and the enhancing efficacy of computational methodologies, computational chemistry approaches have constantly become more important in the development of novel anticancer metallodrugs. Besides traditional Pt-based drugs, inorganic and organometallic complexes of other transition metals are showing increasing potential in the treatment of cancer. Among them, Au(I)- and Au(III)-based compounds are promising candidates due to the strong affinity of Au(I) cations to cysteine and selenocysteine side chains of the protein residues and to Au(III) complexes being more labile and prone to the reduction to either Au(I) or Au(0) in the physiological milieu. A correct prediction of metal complexes' properties and of their bonding interactions with potential ligands requires QM computations, usually at the ab initio or DFT level. However, MM, MD, and docking approaches can also give useful information on their binding site on large biomolecular targets, such as proteins or DNA, provided a careful parametrization of the metal force field is employed. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent computational studies of Au(I) and Au(III) antitumor compounds and of their interactions with biomolecular targets, such as sulfur- and selenium-containing enzymes, like glutathione reductases, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, cysteine protease, thioredoxin reductase and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iogann Tolbatov
- Institut de Chimie Moleculaire de l’Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Avenue Alain Savary 9, 21078 Dijon, France;
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Cecilia Coletti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Nazzareno Re
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.M.); (C.C.)
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30
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Padalino G, El-Sakkary N, Liu LJ, Liu C, Harte DSG, Barnes RE, Sayers E, Forde-Thomas J, Whiteland H, Bassetto M, Ferla S, Johnson G, Jones AT, Caffrey CR, Chalmers I, Brancale A, Hoffmann KF. Anti-schistosomal activities of quinoxaline-containing compounds: From hit identification to lead optimisation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113823. [PMID: 34536671 PMCID: PMC8626775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease of poverty that is caused by infection with blood fluke species contained within the genus Schistosoma. For the last 40 years, control of schistosomiasis in endemic regions has predominantly been facilitated by administration of a single drug, praziquantel. Due to limitations in this mono-chemotherapeutic approach for sustaining schistosomiasis control into the future, alternative anti-schistosomal compounds are increasingly being sought by the drug discovery community. Herein, we describe a multi-pronged, integrated strategy that led to the identification and further exploration of the quinoxaline core as a promising anti-schistosomal scaffold. Firstly, phenotypic screening of commercially available small molecules resulted in the identification of a moderately active hit compound against Schistosoma mansoni (1, EC50 = 4.59 μM on schistosomula). Secondary exploration of the chemical space around compound 1 led to the identification of a quinoxaline-core containing, non-genotoxic lead (compound 22). Compound 22 demonstrated substantially improved activities on both intra-mammalian (EC50 = 0.44 μM, 0.20 μM and 84.7 nM, on schistosomula, juvenile and adult worms, respectively) and intra-molluscan (sporocyst) S. mansoni lifecycle stages. Further medicinal chemistry optimisation of compound 22, resulting in the generation of 20 additional analogues, improved our understanding of the structure-activity relationship and resulted in considerable improvements in both anti-schistosome potency and selectivity (e.g. compound 30; EC50 = 2.59 nM on adult worms; selectivity index compared to the HepG2 cell line = 348). Some derivatives of compound 22 (e.g. 31 and 33) also demonstrated significant activity against the two other medically important species, Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma japonicum. Further optimisation of this class of anti-schistosomal is ongoing and could lead to the development of an urgently needed alternative to praziquantel for assisting in schistosomiasis elimination strategies. Lead compound 22 was identified with EC50 of 0.44 µM and 84.7 nM for schistosomula and adult worms. 20 analogues of the lead compound 22 were synthesised. Compounds 25, 30 and 32 showed the best selectivity profile. Compounds 31 and 33 are the most active on three medically important schistosome species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Padalino
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lawrence J Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Danielle S G Harte
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel E Barnes
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Sayers
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Josephine Forde-Thomas
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Whiteland
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Marcella Bassetto
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Salvatore Ferla
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - George Johnson
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Arwyn T Jones
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Iain Chalmers
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Karl F Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom.
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31
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Auranofin: Past to Present, and repurposing. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108272. [PMID: 34731781 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Auranofin (AF), a gold compound, has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for more than 40 years; however, its mechanism of action remains unknown. We revealed that AF inhibited the induction of proinflammatory proteins and their mRNAs by the inflammatory stimulants, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, and their upstream regulator, NF-κB. AF also activated the proteins peroxyredoxin-1, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, and NF-E2-related factor 2, and inhibited thioredoxin reductase, all of which are involved in oxidative or electrophilic stress under physiological conditions. Although the cell membrane was previously considered to be permeable to AF because of its hydrophobicity, the mechanisms responsible for transporting AF into and out of cells as well as its effects on the uptake and excretion of other drugs have not yet been elucidated. Antibodies for cytokines have recently been employed in the treatment of RA, which has had an impact on the use of AF. Trials to repurpose AF as a risk-controlled agent to treat cancers or infectious diseases, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2/coronavirus disease 2019, are ongoing. Novel gold compounds are also under development as anti-cancer and anti-infection agents.
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32
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Mazzei L, Massai L, Cianci M, Messori L, Ciurli S. Medicinal Au(I) compounds targeting urease as prospective antimicrobial agents: unveiling the structural basis for enzyme inhibition. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:14444-14452. [PMID: 34585201 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt02488d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A few gold compounds were recently found to show antimicrobial properties in vitro, holding great promise for the discovery of new drugs to overcome antibiotic resistance. Here, the inhibition of the bacterial virulence factor urease by four Au(I)-compounds, namely Au(PEt3)Cl, Au(PEt3)Br, Au(PEt3)I and [Au(PEt3)2]Cl, obtained from the antiarthritic Au(I)-drug Auranofin and earlier reported to act as antimicrobials, is investigated. The three monophosphino Au(I) complexes showed IC50 values in the 30-100 nM range, while the diphosphino Au(I) complex, though being less active, still showed a IC50 value of 7 μM. The structural basis for this inhibition was provided by solving the crystal structures of urease co-crystallized with Au(PEt3)I and [Au(PEt3)2]Cl: at least two Au(I) ions bind the enzyme in a flap domain involved in the catalysis, thus obliterating enzyme activity. Peculiar changes observed in the two structures reveal implications for the mechanism of soft metal binding and enzyme inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mazzei
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Fanin 40, I-40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Michele Cianci
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, I-60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Stefano Ciurli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Fanin 40, I-40127 Bologna, Italy.
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33
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Repurposing auranofin for treatment of Experimental Cerebral Toxoplasmosis. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:827-836. [PMID: 33555553 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00337-z] [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: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSES Evaluate the effect of auranofin on the early and late stages of chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii avirulent ME49 strain. METHODS Swiss albino mice were orally inoculated with 10 cysts of Toxoplasma gondii, and orally treated with auranofin or septazole in daily doses of 20 mg/kg or 100 mg /kg, respectively, for 30 days. Treatment began either on the same day of infection and mice were sacrificed at the 60th day postinfection or the treatment started after 60 days of infection and mice were sacrificed at the 90th day postinfection. RESULTS Auranofin significantly reduced the brain cyst burden and inflammatory reaction at both stages of infection compared to the infected non-treated control. More remarkably, auranofin significant reduced the brain cyst burden in the late stage, while septazole failed. Hydrogen peroxide level was significantly increased in the brain homogenate of mice treated with auranofin only at the early stage of infection. Ultrastructral studies revealed that the anti-Toxoplasma effect of auranofin is achieved by changing the membrane permeability and inducing apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Thus, auranofin could be an alternative for the standard treatment regimen of toxoplasmosis and these results are considered another achievement for the drug against parasitic infection. Being a FDA-approved drug, it can be rapidly evaluated in clinical trials.
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34
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Shaulov Y, Sarid L, Trebicz-Geffen M, Ankri S. Entamoeba histolytica Adaption to Auranofin: A Phenotypic and Multi-Omics Characterization. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081240. [PMID: 34439488 PMCID: PMC8389260 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081240] [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] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Auranofin (AF), an antirheumatic agent, targets mammalian thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), an important enzyme controlling redox homeostasis. AF is also highly effective against a diversity of pathogenic bacteria and protozoan parasites. Here, we report on the resistance of the parasite Entamoeba histolytica to 2 µM of AF that was acquired by gradual exposure of the parasite to an increasing amount of the drug. AF-adapted E. histolytica trophozoites (AFAT) have impaired growth and cytopathic activity, and are more sensitive to oxidative stress (OS), nitrosative stress (NS), and metronidazole (MNZ) than wild type (WT) trophozoites. Integrated transcriptomics and redoxomics analyses showed that many upregulated genes in AFAT, including genes encoding for dehydrogenase and cytoskeletal proteins, have their product oxidized in wild type trophozoites exposed to AF (acute AF trophozoites) but not in AFAT. We also showed that the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidized proteins (OXs) in AFAT is lower than that in acute AF trophozoites. Overexpression of E. histolytica TrxR (EhTrxR) did not protect the parasite against AF, which suggests that EhTrxR is not central to the mechanism of adaptation to AF.
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Liang J, Sun D, Yang Y, Li M, Li H, Chen L. Discovery of metal-based complexes as promising antimicrobial agents. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113696. [PMID: 34274828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an intractable problem for the world. Metal ions are essential for the cell process and biological function in microorganisms. Many metal-based complexes with the potential for releasing ions are more likely to be absorbed for their higher lipid solubility. Hence, this review highlights the clinical potential of organometallic compounds for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria or fungi in recent five years. The common scaffolds, including antimicrobial peptides, N-heterocyclic carbenes, Schiff bases, photosensitive-grand-cycle skeleton structures, aliphatic amines-based ligands, and special metal-based complexes are summarized here. We also discuss their therapeutic targets and the risks that should be paid attention to in the future studies, aiming to provide information for researchers on metal-based complexes as antimicrobial agents and inspire the design and synthesis of new antimicrobial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Dejuan Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yueying Yang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Mingxue Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hua Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Lixia Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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Navarro M, Justo RMS, Delgado GYS, Visbal G. Metallodrugs for the Treatment of Trypanosomatid Diseases: Recent Advances and New Insights. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:1763-1789. [PMID: 33185155 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666201113104633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosomatid parasites are responsible for many Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). NTDs are a group of illnesses that prevail in low-income populations, such as in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The three major human diseases caused by trypanosomatids are African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. There are known drugs for the treatment of these diseases that are used extensively and are affordable; however, the use of these medicines is limited by several drawbacks such as the development of chemo-resistance, side effects such as cardiotoxicity, low selectivity, and others. Therefore, there is a need to develop new chemotherapeutic against these tropical parasitic diseases. Metal-based drugs against NTDs have been discussed over the years as alternative ways to overcome the difficulties presented by approved antiparasitic agents. The study of late transition metal-based drugs as chemotherapeutics is an exciting research field in chemistry, biology, and medicine due to the ability to develop multitarget antiparasitic agents. The evaluation of the late transition metal complexes for the treatment of trypanosomatid diseases is provided here, as well as some insights about their mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maribel Navarro
- Departamento de Quimica, Instituto de Ciencias Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M S Justo
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Giset Y Sánchez Delgado
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Gonzalo Visbal
- Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia (INMETRO), Brazil
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Abou-El-Naga IF, Gaafar MR, Gomaa MM, Khedr SI, Achy SXANXAE. Encephalitozoon intestinalis: A new target for auranofin in a mice model. Med Mycol 2021; 58:810-819. [PMID: 31868212 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that many approaches have been developed over years to find efficient and well-tolerated therapeutic regimens for microsporidiosis, the effectiveness of current drugs remains doubtful, and effective drugs against specific targets are still scarce. The present study is the first that was designed to evaluate the potency of auranofin, an anti-rheumatoid FDA approved drug, against intestinal Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Evaluation of the drug was achieved through counting of fecal and intestinal spores, studying the intestinal histopathological changes, measuring of intestinal hydrogen peroxide level, and post therapy follow-up of mice for 2 weeks for detection of relapse. Results showed that auranofin has promising anti-microsporidia potential. It showed a promising efficacy in mice experimentally infected with E. intestinalis. It has revealed an obvious reduction in fecal spore shedding and intestinal tissue spore load, amelioration of intestinal tissue pathological changes, and improvement of the local inflammatory infiltration without significant changes in hydrogen peroxide level. Interestingly, auranofin prevented the relapse of infection. Thus, considering the results of the present work, auranofin could be considered a therapeutic alternative for the gold standard drug 'albendazole' against the intestinal E. intestinalis infection especially in relapsing cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- I F Abou-El-Naga
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - M R Gaafar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - M M Gomaa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - S I Khedr
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
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Dorey A, Cwiklinski K, Rooney J, De Marco Verissimo C, López Corrales J, Jewhurst H, Fazekas B, Calvani NED, Hamon S, Gaughan S, Dalton JP, Lalor R. Autonomous Non Antioxidant Roles for Fasciola hepatica Secreted Thioredoxin-1 and Peroxiredoxin-1. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:667272. [PMID: 34026663 PMCID: PMC8131638 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.667272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Trematode parasites of the genus Fasciola are the cause of liver fluke disease (fasciolosis) in humans and their livestock. Infection of the host involves invasion through the intestinal wall followed by migration in the liver that results in extensive damage, before the parasite settles as a mature egg-laying adult in the bile ducts. Genomic and transcriptomic studies revealed that increased metabolic stress during the rapid growth and development of F. hepatica is balanced with the up-regulation of the thiol-independent antioxidant system. In this cascade system thioredoxin/glutathione reductase (TGR) reduces thioredoxin (Trx), which then reduces and activates peroxiredoxin (Prx), whose major function is to protect cells against the damaging hydrogen peroxide free radicals. F. hepatica expresses a single TGR, three Trx and three Prx genes; however, the transcriptional expression of Trx1 and Prx1 far out-weighs (>50-fold) other members of their family, and both are major components of the parasite secretome. While Prx1 possesses a leader signal peptide that directs its secretion through the classical pathway and explains why this enzyme is found freely soluble in the secretome, Trx1 lacks a leader peptide and is secreted via an alternative pathway that packages the majority of this enzyme into extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here we propose that F. hepatica Prx1 and Trx1 do not function as part of the parasite’s stress-inducible thiol-dependant cascade, but play autonomous roles in defence against the general anti-pathogen oxidative burst by innate immune cells, in the modulation of host immune responses and regulation of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Dorey
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Krystyna Cwiklinski
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - James Rooney
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Carolina De Marco Verissimo
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jesús López Corrales
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Heather Jewhurst
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Barbara Fazekas
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Nichola Eliza Davies Calvani
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Siobhán Hamon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Siobhán Gaughan
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - John P Dalton
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Richard Lalor
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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Zhou XQ, Carbo-Bague I, Siegler MA, Hilgendorf J, Basu U, Ott I, Liu R, Zhang L, Ramu V, IJzerman AP, Bonnet S. Rollover Cyclometalation vs Nitrogen Coordination in Tetrapyridyl Anticancer Gold(III) Complexes: Effect on Protein Interaction and Toxicity. JACS AU 2021; 1:380-395. [PMID: 34056633 PMCID: PMC8154207 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.0c00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In this work, a pair of gold(III) complexes derived from the analogous tetrapyridyl ligands H2biqbpy1 and H2biqbpy2 was prepared: the rollover, bis-cyclometalated [Au(biqbpy1)Cl ([1]Cl) and its isomer [Au(biqbpy2)Cl ([2]Cl). In [1]+, two pyridyl rings coordinate to the metal via a Au-C bond (C∧N∧N∧C coordination) and the two noncoordinated amine bridges of the ligand remain protonated, while in [2]+ all four pyridyl rings of the ligand coordinate to the metal via a Au-N bond (N∧N∧N∧N coordination), but both amine bridges are deprotonated. As a result, both complexes are monocationic, which allowed comparison of the sole effect of cyclometalation on the chemistry, protein interaction, and anticancer properties of the gold(III) compounds. Due to their identical monocationic charge and similar molecular shape, both complexes [1]Cl and [2]Cl displaced reference radioligand [3H]dofetilide equally well from cell membranes expressing the Kv11.1 (hERG) potassium channel, and more so than the tetrapyridyl ligands H2biqbpy1 and H2biqbpy2. By contrast, cyclometalation rendered [1]Cl coordinatively stable in the presence of biological thiols, while [2]Cl was reduced by a millimolar concentration of glutathione into metastable Au(I) species releasing the free ligand H2biqbpy2 and TrxR-inhibiting Au+ ions. The redox stability of [1]Cl dramatically decreased its thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) inhibition properties, compared to [2]Cl. On the other hand, unlike [2]Cl, [1]Cl aggregated into nanoparticles in FCS-containing medium, which resulted in much more efficient gold cellular uptake. [1]Cl had much more selective anticancer properties than [2]Cl and cisplatin, as it was almost 10 times more cytotoxic to human cancer cells (A549, A431, A375, and MCF7) than to noncancerous cells (MRC5). Mechanistic studies highlight the strikingly different mode of action of the two compounds: while for [1]Cl high gold cellular uptake, nuclear DNA damage, and interaction with hERG may contribute to cell killing, for [2]Cl extracellular reduction released TrxR-inhibiting Au+ ions that were taken up in minute amounts in the cytosol, and a toxic tetrapyridyl ligand also capable of binding to hERG. These results demonstrate that bis-cyclometalation is an appealing method to improve the redox stability of Au(III) compounds and to develop gold-based cytotoxic compounds that do not rely on TrxR inhibition to kill cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Quan Zhou
- Leiden
Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Imma Carbo-Bague
- Leiden
Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department
of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Maxime A. Siegler
- Department
of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Jonathan Hilgendorf
- Leiden
Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Uttara Basu
- Institute
of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstrasse 55, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ingo Ott
- Institute
of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstrasse 55, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rongfang Liu
- Division
of Drug Discovery & Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Liyan Zhang
- Leiden
Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Vadde Ramu
- Leiden
Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan P. IJzerman
- Division
of Drug Discovery & Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvestre Bonnet
- Leiden
Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
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Felix L, Mylonakis E, Fuchs BB. Thioredoxin Reductase Is a Valid Target for Antimicrobial Therapeutic Development Against Gram-Positive Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:663481. [PMID: 33936021 PMCID: PMC8085250 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.663481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a drought of new antibacterial compounds that exploit novel targets. Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) from the Gram-positive bacterial antioxidant thioredoxin system has emerged from multiple screening efforts as a potential target for auranofin, ebselen, shikonin, and allicin. Auranofin serves as the most encouraging proof of concept drug, demonstrating TrxR inhibition can result in bactericidal effects and inhibit Gram-positive bacteria in both planktonic and biofilm states. Minimal inhibitory concentrations are on par or lower than gold standard medications, even among drug resistant isolates. Importantly, existing drug resistance mechanisms that challenge treatment of infections like Staphylococcus aureus do not confer resistance to TrxR targeting compounds. The observed inhibition by multiple compounds and inability to generate a bacterial genetic mutant demonstrate TrxR appears to play an essential role in Gram-positive bacteria. These findings suggest TrxR can be exploited further for drug development. Examining the interaction between TrxR and these proof of concept compounds illustrates that compounds representing a new antimicrobial class can be developed to directly interact and inhibit the validated target.
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Affiliation(s)
- LewisOscar Felix
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School and Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School and Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School and Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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Validation of a human-serum-based in vitro growth method for drug screening on juvenile development stages of Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009313. [PMID: 33784302 PMCID: PMC8034724 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis affects over 200 million people worldwide but only praziquantel is available for treatment and control. Drug discovery is often based on phenotypic drug screening, involving different parasite stages retrieved from infected mice. Aiming to reduce animal use, we validated an in vitro growth method for juvenile Schistosoma mansoni for the purpose of drug sensitivity assays. Methodology/Principal findings We compared inter–batch variability of serum, worm size and organ development, gender distribution, and drug sensitivity between in vitro and in vivo grown worms over different life stages. In vitro developed S. mansoni in Hybridoma medium supplemented with 20% human serum were similar in size as in vivo worms until 28 days of incubation (males 1.4 ± 0.2 mm, females 1.1 ± 0.5 mm long). qPCR analysis revealed similar gender distribution both on newly transformed schistosomula and worms grown for 21 days. Worms developed in vitro and in vivo were similarly sensitive to praziquantel from 7 to 35 days of development with the exception of 21 days of development, where a slightly lower activity was observed for the in vitro grown worms (IC50: 0.54 μM in vitro, 0.14 μM in vivo 72 hours post-incubation). The evaluation of five additional drugs revealed a similar sensitivity on worms developed for 21 days, with the exception of mefloquine, where we observed a 10-fold lower sensitivity on in vitro developed schistosomes when compared to in vivo grown (IC50: 4.43 μM in vitro, 0.48 μM in vivo). Conclusion A large number of juvenile S. mansoni worms can be grown in vitro, which show similar drug sensitivity, gender distribution, size and morphology as the worms recovered from rodents, supporting the use of this method in drug screening efforts. Schistosomiasis is a water-borne disease affecting over 200 million people worldwide and praziquantel is the only drug available for treatment. Although this drug is effective on all Schistosoma species on the adult stage of development, its activity is only partial against early infection stages. In addition, this has been the only drug in use for over 40 years, a situation that poses selective pressure towards resistant worms and highlights the urgent need of new drugs. The discovery and development of new drugs is often based on drug screenings, performed on worms collected from infected mammals. In line with animal welfare recommendations and aiming to increase throughput and reduce the assay costs, we validated a recently established in vitro method to grow juvenile S. mansoni as a drug screening tool. The in vitro established worms have similar gender distribution, size and drug sensitivity as worms collected from mice.
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Rosa LB, Aires RL, Oliveira LS, Fontes JV, Miguel DC, Abbehausen C. A "Golden Age" for the discovery of new antileishmanial agents: Current status of leishmanicidal gold complexes and prospective targets beyond the trypanothione system. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:1681-1695. [PMID: 33615725 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is one of the most neglected diseases worldwide and is considered a serious public health issue. The current therapeutic options have several disadvantages that make the search for new therapeutics urgent. Gold compounds are emerging as promising candidates based on encouraging in vitro and limited in vivo results for several AuI and AuIII complexes. The antiparasitic mechanisms of these molecules remain only partially understood. However, a few studies have proposed the trypanothione redox system as a target, similar to the mammalian thioredoxin system, pointed out as the main target for several gold compounds with significant antitumor activity. In this review, we present the current status of the investigation and design of gold compounds directed at treating leishmaniasis. In addition, we explore potential targets in Leishmania parasites beyond the trypanothione system, taking into account previous studies and structure modulation performed for gold-based compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia B Rosa
- Institute of Biology, University of Campinas UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Rochanna L Aires
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, PO Box 6154, 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil)
| | - Laiane S Oliveira
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, PO Box 6154, 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil)
| | - Josielle V Fontes
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, PO Box 6154, 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil)
| | - Danilo C Miguel
- Institute of Biology, University of Campinas UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Camilla Abbehausen
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, PO Box 6154, 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil)
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Ma CI, Tirtorahardjo JA, Jan S, Schweizer SS, Rosario SAC, Du Y, Zhang JJ, Morrissette NS, Andrade RM. Auranofin Resistance in Toxoplasma gondii Decreases the Accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species but Does Not Target Parasite Thioredoxin Reductase. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:618994. [PMID: 33816332 PMCID: PMC8017268 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.618994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Auranofin, a reprofiled FDA-approved drug originally designed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, has emerged as a promising anti-parasitic drug. It induces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in parasites, including Toxoplasma gondii. We generated auranofin resistant T. gondii lines through chemical mutagenesis to identify the molecular target of this drug. Resistant clones were confirmed with a competition assay using wild-type T. gondii expressing yellow fluorescence protein (YFP) as a reference strain. The predicted auranofin target, thioredoxin reductase, was not mutated in any of our resistant lines. Subsequent whole genomic sequencing analysis (WGS) did not reveal a consensus resistance locus, although many have point mutations in genes encoding redox-relevant proteins such as superoxide dismutase (TgSOD2) and ribonucleotide reductase. We investigated the SOD2 L201P mutation and found that it was not sufficient to confer resistance when introduced into wild-type parasites. Resistant clones accumulated less ROS than their wild type counterparts. Our results demonstrate that resistance to auranofin in T. gondii enhances its ability to abate oxidative stress through diverse mechanisms. This evidence supports a hypothesized mechanism of auranofin anti-parasitic activity as disruption of redox homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher I. Ma
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - James A. Tirtorahardjo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Sharon Jan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Sakura S. Schweizer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Shawn A. C. Rosario
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Yanmiao Du
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jerry J. Zhang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Naomi S. Morrissette
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Rosa M. Andrade
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Debnath A. Drug discovery for primary amebic meningoencephalitis: from screen to identification of leads. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2021; 19:1099-1106. [PMID: 33496193 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1882302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Naegleria fowleri is responsible for primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) which has a fatality rate of >97%. Because of the rarity of the disease, pharmaceutical companies do not pursue new drug discovery for PAM. Yet, it is possible that the infection is underreported and finding a better drug would have an impact on people suffering from this deadly infection.Areas covered: This paper reports the efforts undertaken by different academic groups over the last 20 years to test different compounds against N. fowleri. The drug discovery research encompassed synthesis of new compounds, development and use of high-throughput screening methods and attempts to repurpose clinically developed or FDA-approved compounds for the treatment of PAM.Expert opinion: In absence of economic investment to develop new drugs for PAM, repurposing the FDA-approved drugs has been the best strategy so far to identify new leads against N. fowleri. Increasing use of high-throughput phenotypic screening has the potential to accelerate the identification of new leads, either in monotherapy or in combination treatment. Since phase II clinical trial is not possible for PAM, it is critical to demonstrate in vivo efficacy of a clinically safe compound to translate the discovery from lab to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Sánchez Delgado GY, Arvellos JFA, Paschoal DFS, Dos Santos HF. Role of the Enzymatic Environment in the Reactivity of the Au III-C^N^C Anticancer Complexes. Inorg Chem 2021; 60:3181-3195. [PMID: 33600154 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c03521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The action mechanism of anticancer gold(III) complexes is a multi-step process and depends on their redox stability. First, the gold(III) complex undergoes a ligand exchange reaction in the presence of cellular thiols, such as those available in the active site of the enzyme TrxR, and then, the AuIII → AuI reduction occurs. Most experimental and theoretical studies describe these processes under chemical conditions without considering the enzyme structure effect. In the present study, molecular models are proposed for the [AuIII(C^N^C)(SHCys-R)]+ adduct, with the [AuIII(C^N^C)]+ moiety bonded to the Cys498 residue in the C-terminal arm of the TrxR. This one represents the product of the first ligand exchange reaction. Overall, our results suggest that the exchange of the auxiliary ligand (for instance, Cl- to S-R) plays a primary role in increasing the reduction potential, with the enzyme structure having a small effect. The parent compound [AuIII(C^N^C)Cl] has E° = -1.20 V, which enlarges to -0.72 V for [AuIII(C^N^C)CH3SH]+ and to -0.65 V for the largest model studied, Au-trx. In addition to the effect of the enzyme structure on the redox stability, we also analyze the Au transfer to the enzyme using a small peptide model (a tetramer). This reaction is dependent on the Cys497 protonation state. Thermodynamics and kinetic analysis suggests that the C^N^C ligand substitution by Cys497 is an exergonic process, with an energy barrier estimated at 20.2 kcal mol-1. The complete transfer of the Au ion to the enzyme's active site would lead to a total loss of enzyme activity, generating oxidative damage and, consequently, cancer cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giset Y Sánchez Delgado
- NEQC: Núcleo de Estudos em Química Computacional, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário Martelos, 36.036-900 Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Júlio F A Arvellos
- NEQC: Núcleo de Estudos em Química Computacional, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário Martelos, 36.036-900 Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Diego F S Paschoal
- NQTCM: Núcleo de Química Teórica e Computacional de Macaé, Polo Ajuda, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus UFRJ-Macaé, 27.971-525 Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hélio F Dos Santos
- NEQC: Núcleo de Estudos em Química Computacional, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário Martelos, 36.036-900 Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Proetto MT, Alexander K, Melaimi M, Bertrand G, Gianneschi NC. Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino)Carbene (CAAC) Gold(I) Complexes as Chemotherapeutic Agents. Chemistry 2021; 27:3772-3778. [PMID: 33090571 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202004317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino)Carbenes (CAACs) have become forceful ligands for gold due to their ability to form very strong ligand-metal bonds. Inspired by the success of Auranofin and other gold complexes as antitumor agents, we have studied the cytotoxicity of bis- and mono-CAAC-gold complexes on different cancer cell lines: HeLa (cervical cancer), A549 (lung cancer), HT1080 (fibrosarcoma) and Caov-3 (ovarian cancer). Further investigations aimed at elucidating their mechanism of action are described. This includes quantification of affinities for TrxR, evaluation of their bioavailability and determination of associated cell death process. Moreover, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was used to study morphological changes upon exposure. Noticeably, a significant reduction in non-specific binding to serum proteins was observed with CAAC complexes when compared to Auranofin. These results confirm the potential of CAAC-gold complexes in biological environments, which may result in more specific drug-target interactions and decreased side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria T Proetto
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Pharmacology, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Il, 60208, USA
| | - Kelsey Alexander
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mohand Melaimi
- UCSD-CNRS Joint Research Laboratory (UMI 3555), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0358, USA
| | - Guy Bertrand
- UCSD-CNRS Joint Research Laboratory (UMI 3555), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0358, USA
| | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Pharmacology, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Il, 60208, USA
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Joardar N, Guevara-Flores A, Martínez-González JDJ, Sinha Babu SP. Thiol antioxidant thioredoxin reductase: A prospective biochemical crossroads between anticancer and antiparasitic treatments of the modern era. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 165:249-267. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.09.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Feng L, Pomel S, Latre de Late P, Taravaud A, Loiseau PM, Maes L, Cho-Ngwa F, Bulman CA, Fischer C, Sakanari JA, Ziniel PD, Williams DL, Davioud-Charvet E. Repurposing Auranofin and Evaluation of a New Gold(I) Compound for the Search of Treatment of Human and Cattle Parasitic Diseases: From Protozoa to Helminth Infections. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25215075. [PMID: 33139647 PMCID: PMC7663263 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25215075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neglected parasitic diseases remain a major public health issue worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Human parasite diversity is very large, ranging from protozoa to worms. In most cases, more effective and new drugs are urgently needed. Previous studies indicated that the gold(I) drug auranofin (Ridaura®) is effective against several parasites. Among new gold(I) complexes, the phosphole-containing gold(I) complex {1-phenyl-2,5-di(2-pyridyl)phosphole}AuCl (abbreviated as GoPI) is an irreversible inhibitor of both purified human glutathione and thioredoxin reductases. GoPI-sugar is a novel 1-thio-β-d-glucopyranose 2,3,4,6-tetraacetato-S-derivative that is a chimera of the structures of GoPI and auranofin, designed to improve stability and bioavailability of GoPI. These metal-ligand complexes are of particular interest because of their combined abilities to irreversibly target the essential dithiol/selenol catalytic pair of selenium-dependent thioredoxin reductase activity, and to kill cells from breast and brain tumors. In this work, screening of various parasites—protozoans, trematodes, and nematodes—was undertaken to determine the in vitro killing activity of GoPI-sugar compared to auranofin. GoPI-sugar was found to efficiently kill intramacrophagic Leishmania donovani amastigotes and adult filarial and trematode worms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Feng
- UMR 7042 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg-Université Haute-Alsace, Laboratoire d’Innovation Moléculaire et Applications (LIMA), Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Team, European School of Chemistry, Polymers and Materials (ECPM), 25, rue Becquerel, F-67087 Strasbourg, France;
| | - Sébastien Pomel
- BioCIS, Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France; (S.P.); (A.T.); (P.M.L.)
| | - Perle Latre de Late
- INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Laboratoire de Biologie Cellulaire Comparative des Apicomplexes, Cochin Institute, Faculté de Medecine, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France;
| | - Alexandre Taravaud
- BioCIS, Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France; (S.P.); (A.T.); (P.M.L.)
| | - Philippe M. Loiseau
- BioCIS, Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France; (S.P.); (A.T.); (P.M.L.)
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Fidelis Cho-Ngwa
- Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon;
| | - Christina A. Bulman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; (C.A.B.); (C.F.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Chelsea Fischer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; (C.A.B.); (C.F.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Judy A. Sakanari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; (C.A.B.); (C.F.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Peter D. Ziniel
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - David L. Williams
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Correspondence: (D.L.W.); (E.D.-C.)
| | - Elisabeth Davioud-Charvet
- UMR 7042 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg-Université Haute-Alsace, Laboratoire d’Innovation Moléculaire et Applications (LIMA), Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Team, European School of Chemistry, Polymers and Materials (ECPM), 25, rue Becquerel, F-67087 Strasbourg, France;
- Correspondence: (D.L.W.); (E.D.-C.)
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Resensitizing carbapenem- and colistin-resistant bacteria to antibiotics using auranofin. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5263. [PMID: 33067430 PMCID: PMC7568570 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18939-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Global emergence of Gram-negative bacteria carrying the plasmid-borne resistance genes, blaMBL and mcr, raises a significant challenge to the treatment of life-threatening infections by the antibiotics, carbapenem and colistin (COL). Here, we identify an antirheumatic drug, auranofin (AUR) as a dual inhibitor of metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) and mobilized colistin resistance (MCRs), two resistance enzymes that have distinct structures and substrates. We demonstrate that AUR irreversibly abrogates both enzyme activity via the displacement of Zn(II) cofactors from their active sites. We further show that AUR synergizes with antibiotics on killing a broad spectrum of carbapenem and/or COL resistant bacterial strains, and slows down the development of β-lactam and COL resistance. Combination of AUR and COL rescues all mice infected by Escherichia coli co-expressing MCR-1 and New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 5 (NDM-5). Our findings provide potential therapeutic strategy to combine AUR with antibiotics for combating superbugs co-producing MBLs and MCRs. Multi-drug resistant pathogens remain a serious public health threat. Here, Sun and colleagues identify a role for auranofin, which is normally used as a drug for rheumatoid arthritis, for reversing antibiotic resistance to carbapenem and colistin.
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Abstract
Traditional organic antimicrobials mainly act on specific biochemical processes such as replication, transcription and translation. However, the emergence and wide spread of microbial resistance is a growing threat for human beings. Therefore, it is highly necessary to design strategies for the development of new drugs in order to target multiple cellular processes that should improve their efficiency against several microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses or fungi. The present review is focused on recent advances and findings of new antimicrobial strategies based on metal complexes. Recent studies indicate that some metal ions cause different types of damages to microbial cells as a result of membrane degradation, protein dysfunction and oxidative stress. These unique modes of action, combined with the wide range of three-dimensional geometries that metal complexes can adopt, make them suitable for the development of new antimicrobial drugs.
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