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Pérez-Soto M, Ramos-Soriano J, Peñalver P, Belmonte-Reche E, O'Hagan MP, Cucchiarini A, Mergny JL, Galán MC, López López MC, Thomas MDC, Morales JC. DNA G-quadruplexes in the genome of Trypanosoma cruzi as potential therapeutic targets for Chagas disease: Dithienylethene ligands as effective antiparasitic agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116641. [PMID: 38971047 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and affects over 7 million people worldwide. The two actual treatments, Benznidazole (Bzn) and Nifurtimox, cause serious side effects due to their high toxicity leading to treatment abandonment by the patients. In this work, we propose DNA G-quadruplexes (G4) as potential therapeutic targets for this infectious disease. We have found 174 PQS per 100,000 nucleotides in the genome of T. cruzi and confirmed G4 formation of three frequent motifs. We synthesized a family of 14 quadruplex ligands based in the dithienylethene (DTE) scaffold and demonstrated their binding to these identified G4 sequences. Several DTE derivatives exhibited micromolar activity against epimastigotes of four different strains of T. cruzi, in the same concentration range as Bzn. Compounds L3 and L4 presented remarkable activity against trypomastigotes, the active form in blood, of T. cruzi SOL strain (IC50 = 1.5-3.3 μM, SI = 25-40.9), being around 40 times more active than Bzn and displaying much better selectivity indexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Pérez-Soto
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, PTS Granada, Avenida Del Conocimiento, 17, Armilla, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Pablo Peñalver
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, PTS Granada, Avenida Del Conocimiento, 17, Armilla, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Efres Belmonte-Reche
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer/University of Granada / Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Av. de La Ilustración, 114, 18016 Granada, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA, Hospital Virgen de Las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Michael P O'Hagan
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Cucchiarini
- Laboratoire d'optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, Inserm U1182, CNRS UMR7645, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d'optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, Inserm U1182, CNRS UMR7645, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - M Carmen Galán
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom.
| | - Manuel Carlos López López
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, PTS Granada, Avenida Del Conocimiento, 17, Armilla, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - María Del Carmen Thomas
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, PTS Granada, Avenida Del Conocimiento, 17, Armilla, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Juan Carlos Morales
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, PTS Granada, Avenida Del Conocimiento, 17, Armilla, 18016 Granada, Spain.
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Lorca M, Muscia GC, Pérez-Benavente S, Bautista JM, Acosta A, González C, Sabadini G, Mella J, Asís SE, Mellado M. 2D/3D-QSAR Model Development Based on a Quinoline Pharmacophoric Core for the Inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum: An In Silico Approach with Experimental Validation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:889. [PMID: 39065740 PMCID: PMC11279914 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070889] [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: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium spp. parasites, with widespread drug resistance to most antimalarial drugs. We report the development of two 3D-QSAR models based on comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), comparative molecular similarity index analysis (CoMSIA), and a 2D-QSAR model, using a database of 349 compounds with activity against the P. falciparum 3D7 strain. The models were validated internally and externally, complying with all metrics (q2 > 0.5, r2test > 0.6, r2m > 0.5, etc.). The final models have shown the following statistical values: r2test CoMFA = 0.878, r2test CoMSIA = 0.876, and r2test 2D-QSAR = 0.845. The models were experimentally tested through the synthesis and biological evaluation of ten quinoline derivatives against P. falciparum 3D7. The CoMSIA and 2D-QSAR models outperformed CoMFA in terms of better predictive capacity (MAE = 0.7006, 0.4849, and 1.2803, respectively). The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of three selected quinoline derivatives were similar to chloroquine. Finally, the compounds showed low cytotoxicity (IC50 > 100 µM) on human HepG2 cells. These results suggest that the QSAR models accurately predict the toxicological profile, correlating well with experimental in vivo data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Lorca
- Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile; (M.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Gisela C. Muscia
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAB Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1113, Argentina;
| | - Susana Pérez-Benavente
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.P.-B.); (J.M.B.)
| | - José M. Bautista
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.P.-B.); (J.M.B.)
| | - Alison Acosta
- Universidad Andres Bello, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Viña del Mar 2531015, Chile;
| | - Cesar González
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Av. España 1680, Valparaíso 2390123, Chile;
| | - Gianfranco Sabadini
- Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile; (M.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Jaime Mella
- Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile; (M.L.); (G.S.)
- Centro de Investigacion, Desarrollo e Innovacion de Productos Bioactivos (CInBIO), Universidad de Valparaiso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
| | - Silvia E. Asís
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAB Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1113, Argentina;
| | - Marco Mellado
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Central de Chile, Santiago 8330507, Chile
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Monti L, Di Antonio M. G-Quadruplexes as Key Transcriptional Regulators in Neglected Trypanosomatid Parasites. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300265. [PMID: 37146230 PMCID: PMC10946822 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic acid secondary structures that have been linked to the functional regulation of eukaryotic organisms. G4s have been extensively characterised in humans and emerging evidence suggests that they might also be biologically relevant for human pathogens. This indicates that G4s might represent a novel class of therapeutic targets for tackling infectious diseases. Bioinformatic studies revealed a high prevalence of putative quadruplex-forming sequences (PQSs) in the genome of protozoans, which highlights their potential roles in regulating vital processes of these parasites, including DNA transcription and replication. In this work, we focus on the neglected trypanosomatid parasites, Trypanosoma and Leishmania spp., which cause debilitating and deadly diseases across the poorest populations worldwide. We review three examples where G4-formation might be key to modulate transcriptional activity in trypanosomatids, providing an overview of experimental approaches that can be used to exploit the regulatory roles and relevance of these structures to fight parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Monti
- Chemistry Department, Imperial College LondonMolecular Sciences Research Hub82 Wood LaneW12 0BZLondonUK
| | - Marco Di Antonio
- Chemistry Department, Imperial College LondonMolecular Sciences Research Hub82 Wood LaneW12 0BZLondonUK
- The Francis Crick Institute1 Midland RoadNW1 1ATLondonUK
- The Institute of Chemical BiologyMolecular Sciences Research Hub82 Wood LaneW12 0BZLondonUK
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Wu S, Jiang L, Lei L, Fu C, Huang J, Hu Y, Dong Y, Chen J, Zeng Q. Crosstalk between G-quadruplex and ROS. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:37. [PMID: 36653351 PMCID: PMC9849334 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05562-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to single nucleic acid base damage, DNA strand breakage, inter- and intra-strand cross-linking of nucleic acids, and protein-DNA cross-linking involved in the pathogenesis of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging. G-quadruplex (G4) is a stacked nucleic acid structure that is ubiquitous across regulatory regions of multiple genes. Abnormal formation and destruction of G4s due to multiple factors, including cations, helicases, transcription factors (TFs), G4-binding proteins, and epigenetic modifications, affect gene replication, transcription, translation, and epigenetic regulation. Due to the lower redox potential of G-rich sequences and unique structural characteristics, G4s are highly susceptible to oxidative damage. Additionally, the formation, stability, and biological regulatory role of G4s are affected by ROS. G4s are involved in regulating gene transcription, translation, and telomere length maintenance, and are therefore key players in age-related degeneration. Furthermore, G4s also mediate the antioxidant process by forming stress granules and activating Nrf2, which is suggestive of their involvement in developing ROS-related diseases. In this review, we have summarized the crosstalk between ROS and G4s, and the possible regulatory mechanisms through which G4s play roles in aging and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songjiang Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Ling Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Li Lei
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Chuhan Fu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jinhua Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yibo Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yumeng Dong
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Qinghai Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
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5
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Guillon J, Cohen A, Boudot C, Monic S, Savrimoutou S, Moreau S, Albenque-Rubio S, Lafon-Schmaltz C, Dassonville-Klimpt A, Mergny JL, Ronga L, Bernabeu de Maria M, Lamarche J, Lago CD, Largy E, Gabelica V, Moukha S, Dozolme P, Agnamey P, Azas N, Mullié C, Courtioux B, Sonnet P. Design, Synthesis, and Antiprotozoal Evaluation of New Promising 2,9- Bis[(substituted-aminomethyl)]-4,7-phenyl-1,10-phenanthroline Derivatives, a Potential Alternative Scaffold to Drug Efflux. Pathogens 2022; 11:1339. [PMID: 36422591 PMCID: PMC9699089 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of novel 2,9-bis[(substituted-aminomethyl)]-4,7-phenyl-1,10-phenanthroline derivatives was designed, synthesized, and evaluated in vitro against three protozoan parasites (Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania donovani and Trypanosoma brucei brucei). Pharmacological results showed antiprotozoal activity with IC50 values in the sub and μM range. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity of these original molecules was assessed with human HepG2 cells. The substituted diphenylphenanthroline 1l was identified as the most potent antimalarial derivative with a ratio of cytotoxic to antiparasitic activities of 505.7 against the P. falciparum CQ-resistant strain W2. Against the promastigote forms of L. donovani, the phenanthrolines 1h, 1j, 1n and 1o were the most active with IC50 from 2.52 to 4.50 μM. The phenanthroline derivative 1o was also identified as the most potent trypanosomal candidate with a selectivity index (SI) of 91 on T. brucei brucei strain. FRET melting and native mass spectrometry experiments evidenced that the nitrogen heterocyclic derivatives bind the telomeric G-quadruplexes of P. falciparum and Trypanosoma. Moreover, as the telomeres of the parasites P. falciparum and Trypanosoma could be considered to be possible targets of this kind of nitrogen heterocyclic derivatives, their potential ability to stabilize the parasitic telomeric G-quadruplexes have been determined through the FRET melting assay and by native mass spectrometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Guillon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Anita Cohen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Aix-Marseille, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, F-13005 Marseille, France
| | - Clotilde Boudot
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, University of Limoges, INSERM U1094, F-87025 Limoges, France
| | - Sarah Monic
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Solène Savrimoutou
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Stéphane Moreau
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Sandra Albenque-Rubio
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Camille Lafon-Schmaltz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Alexandra Dassonville-Klimpt
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Agents Infectieux, Résistance et Chimiothérapie (AGIR), UR 4294, UFR de Pharmacie, University of Picardie Jules Verne, F-80037Amiens, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d’Optique et Biosciences, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, F- 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Luisa Ronga
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, F-64012 Pau, France
| | | | - Jeremy Lamarche
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, F-64012 Pau, France
| | - Cristina Dal Lago
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, IECB, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Eric Largy
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, IECB, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Valérie Gabelica
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, IECB, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Serge Moukha
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux (CRCTB), UMR U1045 INSERM, PTIB-Hôpital Xavier Arnozan, F-33600 Pessac, France
- INRAE Bordeaux Aquitaine, F- 33140 Villenave-d’Ornon, France
| | - Pascale Dozolme
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux (CRCTB), UMR U1045 INSERM, PTIB-Hôpital Xavier Arnozan, F-33600 Pessac, France
- INRAE Bordeaux Aquitaine, F- 33140 Villenave-d’Ornon, France
| | - Patrice Agnamey
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Agents Infectieux, Résistance et Chimiothérapie (AGIR), UR 4294, UFR de Pharmacie, University of Picardie Jules Verne, F-80037Amiens, France
| | - Nadine Azas
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Aix-Marseille, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, F-13005 Marseille, France
| | - Catherine Mullié
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Agents Infectieux, Résistance et Chimiothérapie (AGIR), UR 4294, UFR de Pharmacie, University of Picardie Jules Verne, F-80037Amiens, France
| | - Bertrand Courtioux
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, University of Limoges, INSERM U1094, F-87025 Limoges, France
| | - Pascal Sonnet
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Agents Infectieux, Résistance et Chimiothérapie (AGIR), UR 4294, UFR de Pharmacie, University of Picardie Jules Verne, F-80037Amiens, France
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Ibrahim ZY, Uzairu A, Shallangwa GA, Abechi SE, Isyaku S. Virtual screening and molecular dynamic simulations of the antimalarial derivatives of 2-anilino 4-amino substituted quinazolines docked against a Pf-DHODH protein target. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2022; 23:119. [PMID: 37521844 PMCID: PMC9364290 DOI: 10.1186/s43042-022-00329-2] [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: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The processes of drug development and validation are too expensive to be subjected to experimental trial and errors. Hence, the use of the insilico approach becomes imperative. To this effect, the drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties of the ten (10) previously designed derivatives of 2-anilino 4-amino substituted quinazolines were carried out. Their predicted ligand binding interactions were also carried out by docking them against the Plasmodium falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (Pf-DHODH) protein target, and the stability of the complex was determined through dynamic simulations. The drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic characteristics were estimated using the online SwissADME software, while the Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD) software was used for molecular docking. And the dynamic simulation was performed for the duration of 100 ns to verify the stability of the docked complex, with the aid of a Schrödinger program, Desmond. Results The designed derivatives were all found to pass the Lipinski test of drug likeness, while the pharmacokinetic studies result that the skin permeability and molar refractivity values of the derivatives are both within the limits. In addition, except for derivative C-01, most of the derivatives have strong gastrointestinal absorptions and lack Pgp substrate. Furthermore, no derivative inhibited CYP1A2, CYP2C9, or CYP2C19. The docking studies show the better binding affinities between the ligands and Pf-DHODH than those between the atovaquone or chloroquine standards. The derivative C-02, {5-((6,7-dimethoxy-4-((3-nitrobenzyl)amino)quinazolin-2-yl)amino)-2-fluorobenzaldehyde} was found to be the most stable derivative, with a re-rank docking score of - 173.528 kcal/mol and interaction energy of - 225.112 kcal/mol. The dynamic simulation analysis shows that the derivative C-02 forms a stable complex with the protein target over the simulation time. Conclusions The ability of these ligands to form hydrogen bonds, as well as various other interactions, was cited as a factor responsible for their better binding affinity. These findings could aid further the development of enhanced antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakari Ya’u Ibrahim
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B 1045, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Adamu Uzairu
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B 1045, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Gideon Adamu Shallangwa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B 1045, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Stephen Eyije Abechi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B 1045, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Sulaiman Isyaku
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B 1045, Zaria, Nigeria
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7
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Brioschi MBC, Coser EM, Coelho AC, Gadelha FR, Miguel DC. Models for cytotoxicity screening of antileishmanial drugs: what has been done so far? Int J Antimicrob Agents 2022; 60:106612. [PMID: 35691601 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2022.106612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A growing number of studies have demonstrated the in vitro potential of an impressive number of antileishmanial candidates in the past years. However, the lack of uniformity regarding the choice of cell types for cytotoxicity assays may lead to uncomparable and inconclusive data. In vitro assays relying solely on non-phagocytic cell models may not represent a realistic result as the effect of an antileishmanial agent should ideally be presented based on its cytotoxicity profile against reticuloendothelial system cells. In the present review, we have assembled studies published in the scientific literature from 2015 to 2021 that explored leishmanicidal candidates, emphasising the main host cell models used for cytotoxicity assays. The pros and cons of different host cell types as well as primary cells and cell lines are discussed in order to draw attention to the need to establish standardised protocols for preclinical testing when assessing new antileishmanial candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana B C Brioschi
- Department of Animal Biology-Parasitology Section, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth M Coser
- Department of Animal Biology-Parasitology Section, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriano C Coelho
- Department of Animal Biology-Parasitology Section, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda R Gadelha
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danilo C Miguel
- Department of Animal Biology-Parasitology Section, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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8
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El Rhabori S, El Aissouq A, Chtita S, Khalil F. QSAR, molecular docking and ADMET studies of quinoline, isoquinoline and quinazoline derivatives against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Struct Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11224-022-01988-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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9
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Cantara A, Luo Y, Dobrovolná M, Bohalova N, Fojta M, Verga D, Guittat L, Cucchiarini A, Savrimoutou S, Häberli C, Guillon J, Keiser J, Brázda V, Mergny JL. G-quadruplexes in helminth parasites. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:2719-2735. [PMID: 35234933 PMCID: PMC8934627 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic helminths infecting humans are highly prevalent infecting ∼2 billion people worldwide, causing inflammatory responses, malnutrition and anemia that are the primary cause of morbidity. In addition, helminth infections of cattle have a significant economic impact on livestock production, milk yield and fertility. The etiological agents of helminth infections are mainly Nematodes (roundworms) and Platyhelminths (flatworms). G-quadruplexes (G4) are unusual nucleic acid structures formed by G-rich sequences that can be recognized by specific G4 ligands. Here we used the G4Hunter Web Tool to identify and compare potential G4 sequences (PQS) in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of various helminths to identify G4 ligand targets. PQS are nonrandomly distributed in these genomes and often located in the proximity of genes. Unexpectedly, a Nematode, Ascaris lumbricoides, was found to be highly enriched in stable PQS. This species can tolerate high-stability G4 structures, which are not counter selected at all, in stark contrast to most other species. We experimentally confirmed G4 formation for sequences found in four different parasitic helminths. Small molecules able to selectively recognize G4 were found to bind to Schistosoma mansoni G4 motifs. Two of these ligands demonstrated potent activity both against larval and adult stages of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Cantara
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Yu Luo
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France.,Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Michaela Dobrovolná
- Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Natalia Bohalova
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Fojta
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Verga
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Lionel Guittat
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France.,Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, UFR SMBH, Bobigny, France
| | - Anne Cucchiarini
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Solène Savrimoutou
- ARNA Laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Bordeaux, France
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jean Guillon
- ARNA Laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Václav Brázda
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jean Louis Mergny
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
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10
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Van de Walle T, Cools L, Mangelinckx S, D'hooghe M. Recent contributions of quinolines to antimalarial and anticancer drug discovery research. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113865. [PMID: 34655985 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Quinoline, a privileged scaffold in medicinal chemistry, has always been associated with a multitude of biological activities. Especially in antimalarial and anticancer research, quinoline played (and still plays) a central role, giving rise to the development of an array of quinoline-containing pharmaceuticals in these therapeutic areas. However, both diseases still affect millions of people every year, pointing to the necessity of new therapies. Quinolines have a long-standing history as antimalarial agents, but established quinoline-containing antimalarial drugs are now facing widespread resistance of the Plasmodium parasite. Nevertheless, as evidenced by a massive number of recent literature contributions, they are still of great value for future developments in this field. On the other hand, the number of currently approved anticancer drugs containing a quinoline scaffold are limited, but a strong increase and interest in quinoline compounds as potential anticancer agents can be seen in the last few years. In this review, a literature overview of recent contributions made by quinoline-containing compounds as potent antimalarial or anticancer agents is provided, covering publications between 2018 and 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Van de Walle
- SynBioC Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lore Cools
- SynBioC Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sven Mangelinckx
- SynBioC Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Matthias D'hooghe
- SynBioC Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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11
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In vitro study of the trypanocidal activity of anilinophenanthrolines against Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitol Int 2021; 83:102338. [PMID: 33766741 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102338] [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: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is present in Latin America, North America, Europe, and Asia, where between 6 and 7 million people are infected. This illness is transmitted mainly by the insect vector during blood feeding and by oral transmission. Chagas disease is treated with benznidazole and its effectiveness depends on which phase of the disease the treatment starts. Therefore, the identification of new compounds with anti-Chagas activities is important. Protozoan parasites present cysteine proteases, important for host cell infection and differentiation, which have been explored as valid targets against pathogenic parasites. In the present study, the effects of 10 new 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives were evaluated on T. cruzi. Three of them were effective against amastigotes (IC50 from 0.5 to 3 μM), epimastigotes (IC50 from 0.5 to at least 10 μM) and trypomastigotes (and LD50 from 1 to 10 μM), and they were not toxic to mammalian cells (CC50 ≥ 20 μM). These compounds also promoted the formation of autophagosomes, alter the level of heterochromatin condensation, caused the loss of kDNA topology, and the elongated cell body shape. Apart from ultrastructural alterations, an increased generation of ROS and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential were observed. Therefore, these drugs revealed potential trypanocidal effects and warrant further antiparasitic studies against Chagas disease.
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