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Mukherjee A, Ghosh KK, Chakrabortty S, Gulyás B, Padmanabhan P, Ball WB. Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species in Infection and Immunity. Biomolecules 2024; 14:670. [PMID: 38927073 PMCID: PMC11202257 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060670] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contain at least one oxygen atom and one or more unpaired electrons and include singlet oxygen, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical, hydroperoxyl radical, and free nitrogen radicals. Intracellular ROS can be formed as a consequence of several factors, including ultra-violet (UV) radiation, electron leakage during aerobic respiration, inflammatory responses mediated by macrophages, and other external stimuli or stress. The enhanced production of ROS is termed oxidative stress and this leads to cellular damage, such as protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, and base modifications. This damage may manifest in various pathological states, including ageing, cancer, neurological diseases, and metabolic disorders like diabetes. On the other hand, the optimum levels of ROS have been implicated in the regulation of many important physiological processes. For example, the ROS generated in the mitochondria (mitochondrial ROS or mt-ROS), as a byproduct of the electron transport chain (ETC), participate in a plethora of physiological functions, which include ageing, cell growth, cell proliferation, and immune response and regulation. In this current review, we will focus on the mechanisms by which mt-ROS regulate different pathways of host immune responses in the context of infection by bacteria, protozoan parasites, viruses, and fungi. We will also discuss how these pathogens, in turn, modulate mt-ROS to evade host immunity. We will conclude by briefly giving an overview of the potential therapeutic approaches involving mt-ROS in infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunima Mukherjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University AP Andhra Pradesh, Guntur 522502, Andhra Pradesh, India;
| | - Krishna Kanta Ghosh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; (K.K.G.); (B.G.)
| | - Sabyasachi Chakrabortty
- Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University AP Andhra Pradesh, Guntur 522502, Andhra Pradesh, India;
| | - Balázs Gulyás
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; (K.K.G.); (B.G.)
- Cognitive Neuroimaging Centre, 59 Nanyang Drive, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Parasuraman Padmanabhan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; (K.K.G.); (B.G.)
- Cognitive Neuroimaging Centre, 59 Nanyang Drive, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Writoban Basu Ball
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University AP Andhra Pradesh, Guntur 522502, Andhra Pradesh, India;
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Malak N, Niaz S, Miranda-Miranda E, Cossío-Bayúgar R, Duque JE, Amaro-Estrada I, Nasreen N, Khan A, Kulisz J, Zając Z. Current perspectives and difficulties in the design of acaricides and repellents from plant-derived compounds for tick control. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024; 93:1-16. [PMID: 38491268 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-024-00901-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases have gained increasing attention in recent years due to their impact on public health and significant losses in livestock production. The use of synthetic compounds for tick control is becoming problematic, mainly due to the resistance to commercially available products as well as their toxicity. Therefore, new alternative control methods are required. For this purpose, plant-derived extracts may be considered as effective repellents and/or acaricides. The present literature review focuses on studies evaluating the acaricidal and repellent activity of plant-derived extracts and plant secondary metabolites. We also noted recent advances in protein-ligand-docking simulation to examine the possible toxic effect of natural chemical compounds on ticks. In conclusion, plant-derived repellents/acaricides can be effective against ticks, especially in rural areas and livestock farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nosheen Malak
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Toru Road, Sheikh Maltoon Town, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Sadaf Niaz
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Toru Road, Sheikh Maltoon Town, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Estefan Miranda-Miranda
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla No.8534, Jiutepec, 62550, México, Morelos
| | - Raquel Cossío-Bayúgar
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla No.8534, Jiutepec, 62550, México, Morelos
| | - Jonny Edward Duque
- Centro de Investigaciones en Enfermedades Tropicales - CINTROP, Facultad de Salud. Escuela de Medicina, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Guatiguará Technology and Research Park, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Km 2 Vía El Refugio, Piedecuesta, Santander, Colombia
| | - Itzel Amaro-Estrada
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla No.8534, Jiutepec, 62550, México, Morelos
| | - Nasreen Nasreen
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Toru Road, Sheikh Maltoon Town, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Toru Road, Sheikh Maltoon Town, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan.
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| | - Joanna Kulisz
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11st, Lublin, 20-080, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Zając
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11st, Lublin, 20-080, Poland.
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Vijayasurya, Gupta S, Shah S, Pappachan A. Drug repurposing for parasitic protozoan diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 207:23-58. [PMID: 38942539 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Protozoan parasites are major hazards to human health, society, and the economy, especially in equatorial regions of the globe. Parasitic diseases, including leishmaniasis, malaria, and others, contribute towards majority of morbidity and mortality. Around 1.1 million people die from these diseases annually. The lack of licensed vaccinations worsens the worldwide impact of these diseases, highlighting the importance of safe and effective medications for their prevention and treatment. However, the appearance of drug resistance in parasites continuously affects the availability of medications. The demand for novel drugs motivates global antiparasitic drug discovery research, necessitating the implementation of many innovative ways to maintain a continuous supply of promising molecules. Drug repurposing has come out as a compelling tool for drug development, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to standard de novo approaches. A thorough examination of drug repositioning candidates revealed that certain drugs may not benefit significantly from their original indications. Still, they may exhibit more pronounced effects in other disorders. Furthermore, certain medications can produce a synergistic effect, resulting in enhanced therapeutic effectiveness when given together. In this chapter, we outline the approaches employed in drug repurposing (sometimes referred to as drug repositioning), propose novel strategies to overcome these hurdles and fully exploit the promise of drug repurposing. We highlight a few major human protozoan diseases and a range of exemplary drugs repurposed for various protozoan infections, providing excellent outcomes for each disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijayasurya
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Swadha Gupta
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Smit Shah
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Anju Pappachan
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
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Cardillo NM, Lacy PA, Villarino NF, Doggett JS, Riscoe MK, Bastos RG, Laughery JM, Ueti MW, Suarez CE. Comparative efficacy of buparvaquone and imidocarb in inhibiting the in vitro growth of Babesia bovis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1407548. [PMID: 38751779 PMCID: PMC11094231 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1407548] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction B. bovis is an apicomplexan parasite responsible for bovine babesiosis, a tick-borne disease with a worldwide impact. The disease remains inefficiently controlled, and few effective drugs, including imidocarb dipropionate (ID), are currently available in endemic areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether buparvaquone (BPQ), a drug currently used to treat cattle infected with the Babesia-related Theileria spp. parasites, could be active against Babesia parasites. Herein, we compared the effect of ID and BPQ on B. bovis growth in vitro erythrocyte culture. Methods We compared the effect of ID and BPQ on the culture-adapted Texas T2Bo strain of B. bovis. In vitro cultured parasites were incubated with ID and BPQ at two starting parasitemia levels (PPE), 0.2% and 1%. In vitro cultured parasites were treated with ID or BPQ at concentrations ranging from 10 to 300 nM, during 4 consecutive days. Parasitemia levels were daily evaluated using microscopic examination. Data was compared using the independent Student's t-test. Results and discussion Both ID and BPQ significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) the growth of B. bovis, regardless of the initial parasitemia used. At 1% parasitemia, BPQ had lower calculated inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50: 50.01) values than ID (IC50: 117.3). No parasites were found in wells with 0.2% starting parasitemia, treated previously with 50 nM of BPQ or ID, after 2 days of culture without drugs. At 1% parasitemia, no parasite survival was detected at 150 nM of BPQ or 300 nM of ID, suggesting that both drugs acted as babesiacidals. Conclusion Overall, the data suggests that BPQ is effective against B. bovis and shows a residual effect that seems superior to ID, which is currently the first-line drug for treating bovine babesiosis globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia M. Cardillo
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
- Estación Experimental INTA Paraná Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Parana, Argentina
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Paul A. Lacy
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Nicolas F. Villarino
- Program in Individualized Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, United States
| | - J. Stone Doggett
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Michael K. Riscoe
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Reginaldo G. Bastos
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Jacob M. Laughery
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Massaro W. Ueti
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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Sureshan M, Prabhu D, Rajamanikandan S, Saraboji K. Discovery of potent inhibitors targeting Glutathione S-transferase of Wuchereria bancrofti: a step toward the development of effective anti-filariasis drugs. Mol Divers 2024; 28:765-785. [PMID: 36797509 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10617-7] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of the major health problems for the human kind in developing countries including India. LF is caused by three major nematodes namely Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. The recent statistics of World Health Organization (WHO) showed that 51 million people were affected and 863 million people from 47 countries around worldwide remain threatened by LF. Among them, 90% of the filarial infection was caused by the nematode W. bancrofti. Approved drugs were available for the treatment of LF but many of them developed drug resistance and no longer effective in all stages of the infection. In the current research work, we explored the Glutathione S-transferase (GST) of W. bancrofti, the key enzyme responsible for detoxification that catalyzes the conjugation of reduced GSH (glutathione) to xenobiotic compounds. Initially, we analyzed the stability of the WbGST through 200 ns MD simulation and further structure-based virtual screening approach was applied by targeting the substrate binding site to identify the potential leads from small molecule collection. The in silico ADMET profiles for the top-ranked hits were predicted and the predicted non-toxic lead molecules showed the highest docking score in the range of - 12.72 kcal/mol to - 11.97 kcal/mol. The cross docking of the identified hits with human GST revealed the potential binding specificity of the hits toward WbGST. Through WbGST-lead complex simulation, the lead molecules were observed to be stable and also intactly bound within the binding site of WbGST. Based on the computational results, the five predicted non-toxic molecules were selected for the in vitro assay. The molecules showed significant percentage of inhibition against the filarial worm Setaria digitata which is the commonly used model organism to evaluate the filarial activity. In addition, the molecules also showed better IC50 than the standard drug ivermectin. The identified lead molecules will lay a significant insight for the development of new drugs with higher specificity and lesser toxicity to control and treat filarial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthusamy Sureshan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biomolecular Crystallography Lab, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, 613401, India
| | - Dhamodharan Prabhu
- Research and Development Wing, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, 600 044, India
| | - Sundarraj Rajamanikandan
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Drug Discovery, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, 641021, India
| | - Kadhirvel Saraboji
- Department of Computational Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India.
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Müller J, Hemphill A. In vitro screening technologies for the discovery and development of novel drugs against Toxoplasma gondii. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:97-109. [PMID: 37921660 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2276349] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasmosis constitutes a challenge for public health, animal production and welfare. Since more than 60 years, only a limited panel of drugs has been in use for clinical applications. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors describe the methodology and the results of library screening approaches to identify inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii and related strains. The authors then provide the reader with their expert perspectives for the future. EXPERT OPINION Various library screening projects, in particular those using reporter strains, have led to the identification of numerous compounds with good efficacy and specificity in vitro. However, only few compounds are effective in suitable animal models such as rodents. Whereas no novel compound has cleared the hurdle to applications in humans, the few compounds with known indication and application profiles in human patients are of interest for further investigations. Taken together, drug repurposing as well as high-throughput screening of novel compound libraries may shorten the way to novel drugs against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Deng B, Vanagas L, Alonso AM, Angel SO. Proteomics Applications in Toxoplasma gondii: Unveiling the Host-Parasite Interactions and Therapeutic Target Discovery. Pathogens 2023; 13:33. [PMID: 38251340 PMCID: PMC10821451 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010033] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite with the ability to infect various warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans, is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. This infection poses significant risks, leading to severe complications in immunocompromised individuals and potentially affecting the fetus through congenital transmission. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular interactions between T. gondii and its host is pivotal for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. This review emphasizes the crucial role of proteomics in T. gondii research, with a specific focus on host-parasite interactions, post-translational modifications (PTMs), PTM crosstalk, and ongoing efforts in drug discovery. Additionally, we provide an overview of recent advancements in proteomics techniques, encompassing interactome sample preparation methods such as BioID (BirA*-mediated proximity-dependent biotin identification), APEX (ascorbate peroxidase-mediated proximity labeling), and Y2H (yeast two hybrid), as well as various proteomics approaches, including single-cell analysis, DIA (data-independent acquisition), targeted, top-down, and plasma proteomics. Furthermore, we discuss bioinformatics and the integration of proteomics with other omics technologies, highlighting its potential in unraveling the intricate mechanisms of T. gondii pathogenesis and identifying novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Deng
- Department of Biology and VBRN Proteomics Facility, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Laura Vanagas
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús 7130, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; (L.V.); (S.O.A.); (A.M.A.)
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM), 25 de Mayo y Francia. C.P., San Martín 1650, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andres M. Alonso
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús 7130, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; (L.V.); (S.O.A.); (A.M.A.)
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM), 25 de Mayo y Francia. C.P., San Martín 1650, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sergio O. Angel
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús 7130, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; (L.V.); (S.O.A.); (A.M.A.)
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM), 25 de Mayo y Francia. C.P., San Martín 1650, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Pal C. Redox modulating small molecules having antimalarial efficacy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115927. [PMID: 37992998 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115927] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The search for effective antimalarial agents remains a critical priority because malaria is widely spread and drug-resistant strains are becoming more prevalent. In this review, a variety of small molecules capable of modulating redox processes were showcased for their potential as antimalarial agents. The compounds were designed to target the redox balance of Plasmodium parasites, which has a pivotal function in their ability to survive and multiply within the host organism. A thorough screening method was utilized to assess the effectiveness of these compounds against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the malaria-causing parasite. The results revealed that several of the tested compounds exhibited significant effectiveness against malaria, displaying IC50 values at a low micromolar range. Furthermore, these compounds displayed promising selectivity for the parasite, as they exhibited low cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells. Thorough mechanistic studies were undertaken to clarify how the active compounds exert their mode of action. The findings revealed that these compounds disrupted the parasites' redox balance, causing oxidative stress and interfering with essential cellular functions. Additionally, the compounds showed synergistic effects when combined with existing antimalarial drugs, suggesting their potential for combination therapies to combat drug resistance. Overall, this study highlights the potential of redox-modulating small molecules as effective antimalarial agents. The identified compounds demonstrate promising antimalarial activity, and their mechanism of action offers insights into targeting the redox balance of Plasmodium parasites. Further optimization and preclinical studies are warranted to determine their efficacy, safety, and potential for clinical development as novel antimalarial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay Pal
- Department of Chemistry, Gobardanga Hindu College, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal 743273, India.
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Gaona-López C, Martínez-Vázquez AV, Villalobos-Rocha JC, Juárez-Rendón KJ, Rivera G. Analysis of Giardia lamblia Nucleolus as Drug Target: A Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1168. [PMID: 37631082 PMCID: PMC10457859 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) is the main causative agent of diarrhea worldwide, affecting children and adults alike; in the former, it can be lethal, and in the latter a strong cause of morbidity. Despite being considered a predominant disease in low-income and developing countries, current migratory flows have caused an increase in giardiasis cases in high-income countries. Currently, there is a wide variety of chemotherapeutic treatments to combat this parasitosis, most of which have potentially serious side effects, such as genotoxic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic. The necessity to create novel treatments and discover new therapeutic targets to fight against this illness is evident. The current review centers around the controversial nucleolus of G. lamblia, providing a historical perspective that traces its apparent absence to the present evidence supporting its existence as a subnuclear compartment in this organism. Additionally, possible examples of ncRNAs and proteins ubiquitous to the nucleolus that can be used as targets of different therapeutic strategies are discussed. Finally, some examples of drugs under research that could be effective against G. lamblia are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gaona-López
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | | | - Juan Carlos Villalobos-Rocha
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico;
| | - Karina Janett Juárez-Rendón
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico; (A.V.M.-V.); (K.J.J.-R.)
| | - Gildardo Rivera
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
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Müller J, Hemphill A. Toxoplasma gondii infection: novel emerging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:293-304. [PMID: 37212443 PMCID: PMC10330558 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2217353] [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: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasmosis constitutes a challenge for public health, animal production, and welfare. So far, only a limited panel of drugs has been marketed for clinical applications. In addition to classical screening, the investigation of unique targets of the parasite may lead to the identification of novel drugs. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors describe the methodology to identify novel drug targets in Toxoplasma gondii and review the literature with a focus on the last two decades. EXPERT OPINION Over the last two decades, the investigation of essential proteins of T. gondii as potential drug targets has fostered the hope of identifying novel compounds for the treatment of toxoplasmosis. Despite good efficacies in vitro, only a few classes of these compounds are effective in suitable rodent models, and none has cleared the hurdle to applications in humans. This shows that target-based drug discovery is in no way better than classical screening approaches. In both cases, off-target effects and adverse side effects in the hosts must be considered. Proteomics-driven analyses of parasite- and host-derived proteins that physically bind drug candidates may constitute a suitable tool to characterize drug targets, irrespectively of the drug discovery methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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de Korne CM, van Lieshout L, van Leeuwen FWB, Roestenberg M. Imaging as a (pre)clinical tool in parasitology. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:212-226. [PMID: 36641293 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.12.008] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Imaging of parasites is central to diagnosis of many parasitic diseases and has thus far played an important role in the development of antiparasitic strategies. The development of novel imaging technologies has revolutionized medicine in fields other than parasitology and has also opened up new avenues for the visualization of parasites. Here we review the role imaging technology has played so far in parasitology and how it may spur further advancement. We point out possibilities to improve current microscopy-based diagnostic methods and how to extend them with radiological imaging modalities. We also highlight in vivo tracking of parasites as a readout for efficacy of new antiparasitic strategies and as a source of fundamental insights for rational design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarize Maria de Korne
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands; Interventional Molecular Imaging laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fijs Willem Bernhard van Leeuwen
- Interventional Molecular Imaging laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Meta Roestenberg
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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12
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Residue Depletion of Imidocarb in Bovine Tissues by UPLC-MS/MS. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010104. [PMID: 36611713 PMCID: PMC9818006 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010104] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the residue depletion of imidocarb (IMD) in bovine tissues, and the drug withdrawal time of IMD was determined. Twenty-five clinically healthy cattle (body weight 300 kg ± 15 kg) were randomly divided into five groups of five cattle each. The cattle were treated subcutaneously injecting a single dose of a generic IMD formulation, at the recommended dosage of 3.0 mg/kg. The five groups of cattle were slaughtered respectively at 96, 160, 198, 213, and 228 days after IMD administration. Samples from the liver, kidney, muscle, fat, and injection site were collected from each animal. After subtilis proteinase was used to digest the tissue, the content of IMD in the samples was analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS method. In conclusion, the method validation results showed that the method meets the criteria, and the longest withdrawal time of 224 days for the liver can be selected as the conclusive withdrawal time to guarantee consumer safety.
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13
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Almeida-Silva J, Menezes DS, Fernandes JMP, Almeida MC, Vasco-Dos-Santos DR, Saraiva RM, Viçosa AL, Perez SAC, Andrade SG, Suarez-Fontes AM, Vannier-Santos MA. The repositioned drugs disulfiram/diethyldithiocarbamate combined to benznidazole: Searching for Chagas disease selective therapy, preventing toxicity and drug resistance. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:926699. [PMID: 35967878 PMCID: PMC9372510 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.926699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) affects at least 6 million people in 21 South American countries besides several thousand in other nations all over the world. It is estimated that at least 14,000 people die every year of CD. Since vaccines are not available, chemotherapy remains of pivotal relevance. About 30% of the treated patients cannot complete the therapy because of severe adverse reactions. Thus, the search for novel drugs is required. Here we tested the benznidazole (BZ) combination with the repositioned drug disulfiram (DSF) and its derivative diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC) upon Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro and in vivo. DETC-BZ combination was synergistic diminishing epimastigote proliferation and enhancing selective indexes up to over 10-fold. DETC was effective upon amastigotes of the BZ- partially resistant Y and the BZ-resistant Colombiana strains. The combination reduced proliferation even using low concentrations (e.g., 2.5 µM). Scanning electron microscopy revealed membrane discontinuities and cell body volume reduction. Transmission electron microscopy revealed remarkable enlargement of endoplasmic reticulum cisternae besides, dilated mitochondria with decreased electron density and disorganized kinetoplast DNA. At advanced stages, the cytoplasm vacuolation apparently impaired compartmentation. The fluorescent probe H2-DCFDA indicates the increased production of reactive oxygen species associated with enhanced lipid peroxidation in parasites incubated with DETC. The biochemical measurement indicates the downmodulation of thiol expression. DETC inhibited superoxide dismutase activity on parasites was more pronounced than in infected mice. In order to approach the DETC effects on intracellular infection, peritoneal macrophages were infected with Colombiana trypomastigotes. DETC addition diminished parasite numbers and the DETC-BZ combination was effective, despite the low concentrations used. In the murine infection, the combination significantly enhanced animal survival, decreasing parasitemia over BZ. Histopathology revealed that low doses of BZ-treated animals presented myocardial amastigote, not observed in combination-treated animals. The picrosirius collagen staining showed reduced myocardial fibrosis. Aminotransferase de aspartate, Aminotransferase de alanine, Creatine kinase, and urea plasma levels demonstrated that the combination was non-toxic. As DSF and DETC can reduce the toxicity of other drugs and resistance phenotypes, such a combination may be safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Almeida-Silva
- Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Diego Silva Menezes
- Parasite Biology Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Juan Mateus Pereira Fernandes
- Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Márcio Cerqueira Almeida
- Parasite Biology Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Deyvison Rhuan Vasco-Dos-Santos
- Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Roberto Magalhães Saraiva
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Chagas Disease, Evandro Chagas Infectious Disease Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Lifsitch Viçosa
- Experimental Pharmacotechnics Laboratory, Department of Galenic Innovation, Institute of Drug Technology - Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sandra Aurora Chavez Perez
- Project Management Technical Assistance, Institute of Drug Technology - Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sônia Gumes Andrade
- Experimental Chagas Disease Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Ana Márcia Suarez-Fontes
- Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcos André Vannier-Santos
- Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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14
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Pöhner I, Quotadamo A, Panecka-Hofman J, Luciani R, Santucci M, Linciano P, Landi G, Di Pisa F, Dello Iacono L, Pozzi C, Mangani S, Gul S, Witt G, Ellinger B, Kuzikov M, Santarem N, Cordeiro-da-Silva A, Costi MP, Venturelli A, Wade RC. Multitarget, Selective Compound Design Yields Potent Inhibitors of a Kinetoplastid Pteridine Reductase 1. J Med Chem 2022; 65:9011-9033. [PMID: 35675511 PMCID: PMC9289884 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00232] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The optimization
of compounds with multiple targets is a difficult
multidimensional problem in the drug discovery cycle. Here, we present
a systematic, multidisciplinary approach to the development of selective
antiparasitic compounds. Computational fragment-based design of novel
pteridine derivatives along with iterations of crystallographic structure
determination allowed for the derivation of a structure–activity
relationship for multitarget inhibition. The approach yielded compounds
showing apparent picomolar inhibition of T. brucei pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1), nanomolar inhibition of L.
major PTR1, and selective submicromolar inhibition of parasite
dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) versus human DHFR. Moreover, by combining
design for polypharmacology with a property-based on-parasite optimization,
we found three compounds that exhibited micromolar EC50 values against T. brucei brucei while retaining
their target inhibition. Our results provide a basis for the further
development of pteridine-based compounds, and we expect our multitarget
approach to be generally applicable to the design and optimization
of anti-infective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Pöhner
- Molecular and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), D-69118 Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antonio Quotadamo
- Tydock Pharma srl, Strada Gherbella 294/B, 41126 Modena, Italy.,Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Joanna Panecka-Hofman
- Molecular and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), D-69118 Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rosaria Luciani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Matteo Santucci
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giacomo Landi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Flavio Di Pisa
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Lucia Dello Iacono
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Pozzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Mangani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Sheraz Gul
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Discovery Research ScreeningPort, Schnackenburgallee 114, D-22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gesa Witt
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Discovery Research ScreeningPort, Schnackenburgallee 114, D-22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Ellinger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Discovery Research ScreeningPort, Schnackenburgallee 114, D-22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Kuzikov
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Discovery Research ScreeningPort, Schnackenburgallee 114, D-22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nuno Santarem
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria P Costi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Alberto Venturelli
- Tydock Pharma srl, Strada Gherbella 294/B, 41126 Modena, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Rebecca C Wade
- Molecular and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), D-69118 Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg University, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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In silico Methods for Identification of Potential Therapeutic Targets. Interdiscip Sci 2022; 14:285-310. [PMID: 34826045 PMCID: PMC8616973 DOI: 10.1007/s12539-021-00491-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAt the initial stage of drug discovery, identifying novel targets with maximal efficacy and minimal side effects can improve the success rate and portfolio value of drug discovery projects while simultaneously reducing cycle time and cost. However, harnessing the full potential of big data to narrow the range of plausible targets through existing computational methods remains a key issue in this field. This paper reviews two categories of in silico methods—comparative genomics and network-based methods—for finding potential therapeutic targets among cellular functions based on understanding their related biological processes. In addition to describing the principles, databases, software, and applications, we discuss some recent studies and prospects of the methods. While comparative genomics is mostly applied to infectious diseases, network-based methods can be applied to infectious and non-infectious diseases. Nonetheless, the methods often complement each other in their advantages and disadvantages. The information reported here guides toward improving the application of big data-driven computational methods for therapeutic target discovery.
Graphical abstract
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16
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Antil N, Kumar M, Behera SK, Arefian M, Kotimoole CN, Rex DAB, Prasad TSK. Unraveling Toxoplasma gondii GT1 Strain Virulence and New Protein-Coding Genes with Proteogenomic Analyses. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2021; 25:591-604. [PMID: 34468217 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2021.0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most widespread parasites of great relevance to planetary health. It infects approximately one-third of the world population. T. gondii establishes itself in warm-blooded animals and causes adverse health outcomes, particularly in immunocompromised patients. T. gondii is also widely used as a model organism to study other related apicomplexan parasites, which requires a deeper understanding of its molecular biology. Type I strains (GT1 and RH) of T. gondii are considered the most virulent forms. The whole-genome sequencing of T. gondii annotated 8460 predicted gene models in the parasite. To this end, the proteogenomics technology allows harnessing of mass spectrometry (MS)-derived proteomic data to unravel new protein-coding genes, not to mention validation and correction of the existing gene models. In this study using the proteogenomic approach, we report the identification of 31 novel protein-coding genes while reannotating 88 existing gene models. Notably, the genome annotations were corrected for genes, such as SAG5C, GRA6, ROP4, ROP5, and ROP26. The associated proteins are known to play important roles in host-parasite interactions, particularly in relation to parasite virulence, suppression of host immune response, and distinctively pertinent for the survival of the parasite inside the host system. These new findings offer new insights, informing planetary health broadly and the knowledge base on T. gondii virulence specifically. The proteogenomics approach also provides a concrete example to study related apicomplexan organisms of relevance to planetary health, and so as to develop new diagnostics and therapeutics against toxoplasmosis and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelam Antil
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, India.,Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Center, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India.,Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Behera
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Center, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Mohammad Arefian
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Center, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Chinmaya Narayana Kotimoole
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Center, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Devasahayam Arokia Balaya Rex
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Center, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
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17
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Memariani H, Memariani M. Melittin as a promising anti-protozoan peptide: current knowledge and future prospects. AMB Express 2021; 11:69. [PMID: 33983454 PMCID: PMC8119515 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-021-01229-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and sleeping sickness still levy a heavy toll on human lives. Deplorably, only few classes of anti-protozoan drugs have thus far been developed. The problem is further compounded by their intrinsic toxicity, emergence of drug resistance, and the lack of licensed vaccines. Thus, there is a genuine exigency to develop novel anti-protozoan medications. Over the past years, melittin, the major constituent in the venom of European honeybee Apis mellifera, has gathered the attention of researchers due to its potential therapeutic applications. Insofar as we are aware, there has been no review pertinent to anti-protozoan properties of melittin. The present review outlines the current knowledge about anti-protozoan effects of melittin and its underlying mechanisms. The peptide has proven to be efficacious in killing different protozoan parasites such as Leishmania, Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, and Trypanosoma in vitro. Apart from direct membrane-disruptive activity, melittin is capable of destabilizing calcium homeostasis, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, disorganizing kinetoplast DNA, instigating apoptotic cell death, and induction of autophagy in protozoan pathogens. Emerging evidence suggests that melittin is a promising candidate for future vaccine adjuvants. Transmission-blocking activity of melittin against vector-borne pathogens underscores its potential utility for both transgenic and paratransgenic manipulations. Nevertheless, future research should focus upon investigating anti-microbial activities of melittin, alone or in combination with the current anti-protozoan medications, against a far broader spectrum of protozoan parasites as well as pre-clinical testing of the peptide in animal models.
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18
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Mensa-Wilmot K. How Physiologic Targets Can Be Distinguished from Drug-Binding Proteins. Mol Pharmacol 2021; 100:1-6. [PMID: 33941662 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In clinical trials, some drugs owe their effectiveness to off-target activity. This and other observations raise a possibility that many studies identifying targets of drugs are incomplete. If off-target proteins are pharmacologically important, it will be worthwhile to identify them early in the development process to gain a better understanding of the molecular basis of drug action. Herein, we outline a multidisciplinary strategy for systematic identification of physiologic targets of drugs in cells. A drug-binding protein whose genetic disruption yields very similar molecular effects as treatment of cells with the drug may be defined as a physiologic target of the drug. For a drug developed with a rational approach, it is desirable to verify experimentally that a protein used for hit optimization in vitro remains the sole polypeptide recognized by the drug in a cell. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A body of evidence indicates that inactivation of many drug-binding proteins may not cause the pharmacological effects triggered by the drugs. A multidisciplinary cell-based approach can be of great value in identifying the physiologic targets of drugs, including those developed with target-based strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kojo Mensa-Wilmot
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia, and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
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19
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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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20
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Cerqueira APM, Santana IB, Araújo JSC, Lima HG, Batatinha MJM, Branco A, Santos Junior MCD, Botura MB. Homology modeling, docking, molecular dynamics and in vitro studies to identify Rhipicephalus microplus acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:6787-6797. [PMID: 33645442 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1889666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus microplus is an important ectoparasite of cattle, causing considerable economical losses. Resistance to chemical acaricides has stimulated the search for new antiparasitic drugs, including natural products as an eco-friendly alternative of control. Flavonoids represent a class of natural compounds with many biological activities, such as enzyme inhibitors. Acetylcholinesterase is an essential enzyme for tick survival that stands out as an important target for the development of acaricides. This work aimed to predict this 3D structure by homology modeling and use the model to identify compound with inhibitory activity. The model of R. microplus AChE1 (RmAChE1) was constructed using MODELLER program. The optimization and molecular dynamic investigation were performed in GROMACS program. The model developed was used, by molecular docking, to evaluate the anticholinesterase activity of flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, diosmin, naringin and hesperidin) and an acaricide synthetic (eserine). Additionally, in vitro inhibition of AChE and larval immersion tests were performed. The model of RmAChE1 showed to be sterically and energetically acceptable. In molecular dynamics simulations, the 3D structure remains stable with Root Mean Square Deviation = 3.58 Å and Root Mean Square Fluctuation = 1.43 Å. In molecular docking analyses, only eserine and quercetin show affinity energy to the RmAChE (Gridscore: -52.17 and -39.44 kcal/mol, respectively). Among the flavonoids, quercetin exhibited the best in vitro inhibition of AChE activity (15.8%) and mortality of larvae tick (30.2%). The use of in silico and in vitro techniques has shown that quercetin showed promising anti-tick activity and structural requirements to interact with RmAChE1. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Ponce Morais Cerqueira
- Departamento de Biologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil
| | - Isis Bugia Santana
- Departamento de Biologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil
| | - Janay Stefany Carneiro Araújo
- Departamento de Biologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil
| | - Hélimar Gonçalves Lima
- Laboratório de Toxicologia, Hospital de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Ondina, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Maria José Moreira Batatinha
- Laboratório de Toxicologia, Hospital de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Ondina, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Alexsandro Branco
- Departamento de Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Borges Botura
- Departamento de Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil
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21
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Ghartey-Kwansah G, Yin Q, Li Z, Gumpper K, Sun Y, Yang R, Wang D, Jones O, Zhou X, Wang L, Bryant J, Ma J, Boampong JN, Xu X. Calcium-dependent Protein Kinases in Malaria Parasite Development and Infection. Cell Transplant 2021; 29:963689719884888. [PMID: 32180432 PMCID: PMC7444236 DOI: 10.1177/0963689719884888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites have challenged researchers for nearly a century. A major challenge to developing efficient treatments and vaccines is the parasite's ability to change its cellular and molecular makeup to develop intracellular and extracellular niches in its hosts. Ca2+ signaling is an important messenger for the egress of the malaria parasite from the infected erythrocyte, gametogenesis, ookinete motility in the mosquito, and sporozoite invasion of mammalian hepatocytes. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) have crucial functions in calcium signaling at various stages of the parasite's life cycle; this therefore makes them attractive drug targets against malaria. Here, we summarize the functions of the various CDPK isoforms in relation to the malaria life cycle by emphasizing the molecular mechanism of developmental progression within host tissues. We also discuss the current development of anti-malarial drugs, such as how specific bumped kinase inhibitors (BKIs) for parasite CDPKs have been shown to reduce infection in Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Plasmodium falciparum. Our suggested combinations of BKIs, artemisinin derivatives with peroxide bridge, and inhibitors on the Ca(2+)-ATPase PfATP6 as a potential target should be inspected further as a treatment against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Ghartey-Kwansah
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shaanxi Normal University College of Life Sciences, Xi'an, China.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.,Authors contributed equally to this article
| | - Qinan Yin
- Clinical Center of National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Authors contributed equally to this article
| | - Zhongguang Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shaanxi Normal University College of Life Sciences, Xi'an, China.,Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.,Authors contributed equally to this article
| | - Kristyn Gumpper
- Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.,Authors contributed equally to this article
| | - Yuting Sun
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shaanxi Normal University College of Life Sciences, Xi'an, China
| | - Rong Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shaanxi Normal University College of Life Sciences, Xi'an, China
| | - Dan Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shaanxi Normal University College of Life Sciences, Xi'an, China
| | - Odell Jones
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Animal Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xin Zhou
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shaanxi Normal University College of Life Sciences, Xi'an, China.,Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Liyang Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shaanxi Normal University College of Life Sciences, Xi'an, China.,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Bryant
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jianjie Ma
- Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Johnson Nyarko Boampong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Xuehong Xu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shaanxi Normal University College of Life Sciences, Xi'an, China
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An Overview of the Synthesis and Antimicrobial, Antiprotozoal, and Antitumor Activity of Thiazole and Bisthiazole Derivatives. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26030624. [PMID: 33504100 PMCID: PMC7865802 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thiazole, a five-membered heteroaromatic ring, is an important scaffold of a large number of synthetic compounds. Its diverse pharmacological activity is reflected in many clinically approved thiazole-containing molecules, with an extensive range of biological activities, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antihelmintic, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory effects. Due to its significance in the field of medicinal chemistry, numerous biologically active thiazole and bisthiazole derivatives have been reported in the scientific literature. The current review provides an overview of different methods for the synthesis of thiazole and bisthiazole derivatives and describes various compounds bearing a thiazole and bisthiazole moiety possessing antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, and antitumor activity, encouraging further research on the discovery of thiazole-containing drugs.
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Anghel N, Winzer PA, Imhof D, Müller J, Langa X, Rieder J, Barrett LK, Vidadala RSR, Huang W, Choi R, Hulverson MA, Whitman GR, Arnold SL, Van Voorhis WC, Ojo KK, Maly DJ, Fan E, Hemphill A. Comparative assessment of the effects of bumped kinase inhibitors on early zebrafish embryo development and pregnancy in mice. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2020; 56:106099. [PMID: 32707170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.106099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Bumped kinase inhibitors (BKIs) are effective against a variety of apicomplexan parasites. Fifteen BKIs with promising in vitro efficacy against Neospora caninum tachyzoites, low cytotoxicity in mammalian cells, and no toxic effects in non-pregnant BALB/c mice were assessed in pregnant mice. Drugs were emulsified in corn oil and were applied by gavage for 5 days. Five BKIs did not affect pregnancy, five BKIs exhibited ~15-35% neonatal mortality and five compounds caused strong effects (infertility, abortion, stillbirth and pup mortality). Additionally, the impact of these compounds on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo development was assessed by exposing freshly fertilised eggs to 0.2-50 μM of BKIs and microscopic monitoring of embryo development in a blinded manner for 4 days. We propose an algorithm that includes quantification of malformations and embryo deaths, and established a scoring system that allows the calculation of an impact score (Si) indicating at which concentrations BKIs visibly affect zebrafish embryo development. Comparison of the two models showed that for nine compounds no clear correlation between Si and pregnancy outcome was observed. However, the three BKIs affecting zebrafish embryos only at high concentrations (≥40 μM) did not impair mouse pregnancy at all, and the three compounds that inhibited zebrafish embryo development already at 0.2 μM showed detrimental effects in the pregnancy model. Thus, the zebrafish embryo development test has limited predictive value to foresee pregnancy outcome in BKI-treated mice. We conclude that maternal health-related factors such as cardiovascular, pharmacokinetic and/or bioavailability properties also contribute to BKI-pregnancy effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pablo A Winzer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Xavier Langa
- Department of Developmental Biology and Regeneration, Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 2, CH-3000 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Rieder
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lynn K Barrett
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Wenlin Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ryan Choi
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Mathew A Hulverson
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Grant R Whitman
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Samuel L Arnold
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Wesley C Van Voorhis
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kayode K Ojo
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Dustin J Maly
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Erkang Fan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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Lundström-Stadelmann B, Rufener R, Hemphill A. Drug repurposing applied: Activity of the anti-malarial mefloquine against Echinococcus multilocularis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2020; 13:121-129. [PMID: 32636148 PMCID: PMC7389337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The current chemotherapeutical treatment against alveolar echinococcosis relies exclusively on benzimidazoles, which are not parasiticidal and can induce severe toxicity. There are no alternative treatment options. To identify novel drugs with activity against Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes, researchers have studied potentially interesting drug targets (e.g. the parasite's energy metabolism), and/or adopted drug repurposing approaches by undertaking whole organism screenings. We here focus on drug screening approaches, which utilize an in vitro screening cascade that includes assessment of the drug-induced physical damage of metacestodes, the impact on metacestode viability and the viability of isolated parasite stem cells, structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of compound derivatives, and the mode of action. Finally, once in vitro data are indicative for a therapeutic window, the efficacy of selected compounds is assessed in experimentally infected mice. Using this screening cascade, we found that the anti-malarial mefloquine was active against E. multilocularis metacestodes in vitro and in vivo. To shed more light into the mode of action of mefloquine, SAR analysis on mefloquine analogues was performed. E. multilocularis ferritin was identified as a mefloquine-binding protein, but its precise role as a drug target remains to be elucidated. In mice that were infected either intraperitoneally with metacestodes or orally with eggs, oral treatment with mefloquine led to a significant reduction of parasite growth compared to the standard treatment with albendazole. However, mefloquine was not acting parasiticidally. Assessment of mefloquine plasma concentrations in treated mice showed that levels were reached which are close to serum concentrations that are achieved in humans during long-term malaria prophylaxis. Mefloquine might be applied in human AE patients as a salvage treatment. Future studies should focus on other repurposed anti-infective compounds (MMV665807, niclosamide, atovaquone), which showed stronger in vitro activity against E. multilocularis than mefloquine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Längggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Reto Rufener
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Längggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Längggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
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Hartigan A, Kosakyan A, Pecková H, Eszterbauer E, Holzer AS. Transcriptome of Sphaerospora molnari (Cnidaria, Myxosporea) blood stages provides proteolytic arsenal as potential therapeutic targets against sphaerosporosis in common carp. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:404. [PMID: 32546190 PMCID: PMC7296530 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6705-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Parasites employ proteases to evade host immune systems, feed and replicate and are often the target of anti-parasite strategies to disrupt these interactions. Myxozoans are obligate cnidarian parasites, alternating between invertebrate and fish hosts. Their genes are highly divergent from other metazoans, and available genomic and transcriptomic datasets are limited. Some myxozoans are important aquaculture pathogens such as Sphaerospora molnari replicating in the blood of farmed carp before reaching the gills for sporogenesis and transmission. Proliferative stages cause a massive systemic lymphocyte response and the disruption of the gill epithelia by spore-forming stages leads to respiratory problems and mortalities. In the absence of a S. molnari genome, we utilized a de novo approach to assemble the first transcriptome of proliferative myxozoan stages to identify S. molnari proteases that are upregulated during the first stages of infection when the parasite multiplies massively, rather than in late spore-forming plasmodia. Furthermore, a subset of orthologs was used to characterize 3D structures and putative druggable targets. Results An assembled and host filtered transcriptome containing 9436 proteins, mapping to 29,560 contigs was mined for protease virulence factors and revealed that cysteine proteases were most common (38%), at a higher percentage than other myxozoans or cnidarians (25–30%). Two cathepsin Ls that were found upregulated in spore-forming stages with a presenilin like aspartic protease and a dipeptidyl peptidase. We also identified downregulated proteases in the spore-forming development when compared with proliferative stages including an astacin metallopeptidase and lipases (qPCR). In total, 235 transcripts were identified as putative proteases using a MEROPS database. In silico analysis of highly transcribed cathepsins revealed potential drug targets within this data set that should be prioritised for development. Conclusions In silico surveys for proteins are essential in drug discovery and understanding host-parasite interactions in non-model systems. The present study of S. molnari’s protease arsenal reveals previously unknown proteases potentially used for host exploitation and immune evasion. The pioneering dataset serves as a model for myxozoan virulence research, which is of particular importance as myxozoan diseases have recently been shown to emerge and expand geographically, due to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlie Hartigan
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czechia.
| | - Anush Kosakyan
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Hana Pecková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Edit Eszterbauer
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Astrid S Holzer
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czechia
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O’Connor RM, Nepveux V FJ, Abenoja J, Bowden G, Reis P, Beaushaw J, Bone Relat RM, Driskell I, Gimenez F, Riggs MW, Schaefer DA, Schmidt EW, Lin Z, Distel DL, Clardy J, Ramadhar TR, Allred DR, Fritz HM, Rathod P, Chery L, White J. A symbiotic bacterium of shipworms produces a compound with broad spectrum anti-apicomplexan activity. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008600. [PMID: 32453775 PMCID: PMC7274485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites cause severe disease in both humans and their domesticated animals. Since these parasites readily develop drug resistance, development of new, effective drugs to treat infection caused by these parasites is an ongoing challenge for the medical and veterinary communities. We hypothesized that invertebrate-bacterial symbioses might be a rich source of anti-apicomplexan compounds because invertebrates are susceptible to infections with gregarines, parasites that are ancestral to all apicomplexans. We chose to explore the therapeutic potential of shipworm symbiotic bacteria as they are bona fide symbionts, are easily grown in axenic culture and have genomes rich in secondary metabolite loci [1,2]. Two strains of the shipworm symbiotic bacterium, Teredinibacter turnerae, were screened for activity against Toxoplasma gondii and one strain, T7901, exhibited activity against intracellular stages of the parasite. Bioassay-guided fractionation identified tartrolon E (trtE) as the source of the activity. TrtE has an EC50 of 3 nM against T. gondii, acts directly on the parasite itself and kills the parasites after two hours of treatment. TrtE exhibits nanomolar to picomolar level activity against Cryptosporidium, Plasmodium, Babesia, Theileria, and Sarcocystis; parasites representing all branches of the apicomplexan phylogenetic tree. The compound also proved effective against Cryptosporidium parvum infection in neonatal mice, indicating that trtE may be a potential lead compound for preclinical development. Identification of a promising new compound after such limited screening strongly encourages further mining of invertebrate symbionts for new anti-parasitic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta M. O’Connor
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Felix J. Nepveux V
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jaypee Abenoja
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Gregory Bowden
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Patricia Reis
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Josiah Beaushaw
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Rachel M. Bone Relat
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Iwona Driskell
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Fernanda Gimenez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Michael W. Riggs
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Deborah A. Schaefer
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Eric W. Schmidt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Zhenjian Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Daniel L. Distel
- Ocean Genome Legacy Center, Northeastern University, Nahant, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jon Clardy
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Timothy R. Ramadhar
- Department of Chemistry, Howard University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - David R. Allred
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Heather M. Fritz
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Lab, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Pradipsinh Rathod
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Laura Chery
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - John White
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Wang Y, Chen YJ, Xiang C, Jiang GW, Xu YD, Yin LM, Zhou DD, Liu YY, Yang YQ. Discovery of potential asthma targets based on the clinical efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 252:112635. [PMID: 32004629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Standard therapy for asthma, a highly heterogeneous disease, is primarily based on bronchodilators and immunosuppressive drugs, which confer short-term symptomatic relief but not a cure. It is difficult to discover novel bronchodilators, although potential new targets are emerging. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas have been used to treat asthma for more than 2000 years, forming the basis for representative asthma treatments. AIM OF THE STUDY Based on the efficacy of TCM formulas, anti-asthmatic herbal compounds bind proteins are potential targets for asthma therapy. This analysis will provide new drug targets and discovery strategies for asthma therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A list of candidate herbs for asthma was selected from the classical formulas (CFs) of TCM for the treatment of wheezing or dyspnea recorded in Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases (TCDMD) and from modern herbal formulas identified in the SAPHRON TCM Database using the keywords "wheezing" or "dyspnea". Compounds in the selected herbs and compounds that directly bind target proteins were acquired by searching the Herbal Ingredients' Targets Database (HITD), TCM Data Bank (TCMDB) and TCM Integrated Database (TCMID). Therapeutic targets of conventional medicine (CM) for asthma were collected by searching Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), DrugBank and PubMed as supplements. Finally, the enriched gene ontology (GO) terms of the targets were obtained using the Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and protein-protein interactions (PPI) networks were constructed using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING). The effects of two selected TCM compounds, kaempferol and ginkgolide A, on cellular resistance in human airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) and pulmonary resistance in a mouse model were investigated. RESULTS The list of 32 candidate herbs for asthma was selected from 10 CFs for the treatment of wheezing or dyspnea recorded in TCDMD and 1037 modern herbal formulas obtained from the SAPHRON TCM Database. A total of 130 compounds from the 32 selected herbs and 68 herbal compounds directly bind target proteins were acquired from HITD and TCMDB. Eighty-eight therapeutic targets of CM for asthma were collected by searching TTD and PubMed as supplements. DAVID and STRING analyses showed targets of TCM formulas are primarily related to cytochrome P450 (CYP) family, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and ribosomal protein. Both TCM formulas and CM act on the same types of targets or signaling pathways, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), steroid hormone receptors (SHRs), and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. The proteins directly targeted by herbal compounds, TRPM8, TRPA1, TRPV3, CYP1B1, CYP2B6, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP1A1, PPARA, PPARD, NR1I2, MMP1, MMP2, ESR1, ESR2, RPLP0, RPLP1 and RPLP2, are potential targets for asthma therapy. In vitro results showed kaempferol (1 × 10-2 mM) and ginkgolide A (1 × 10-5 mM) significantly increased the cell index (P < 0.05 vs. histamine, n = 3) and therefore relaxed human ASMCs. In vivo results showed kaempferol (145 μg/kg) and ginkgolide A (205 μg/kg) significantly reduced pulmonary resistance (P < 0.05 vs. methacholine, n = 6). CONCLUSION Potential target discovery for asthma treatment based on the clinical effectiveness of TCM is a feasible strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- International Union Laboratory on Acupuncture Based Target Discovery, International Joint Laboratory on Acupuncture Neuro-immunology, Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yue Yang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Experiment Center for Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yan-Jiao Chen
- International Union Laboratory on Acupuncture Based Target Discovery, International Joint Laboratory on Acupuncture Neuro-immunology, Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yue Yang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Cheng Xiang
- International Union Laboratory on Acupuncture Based Target Discovery, International Joint Laboratory on Acupuncture Neuro-immunology, Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yue Yang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Guang-Wei Jiang
- International Union Laboratory on Acupuncture Based Target Discovery, International Joint Laboratory on Acupuncture Neuro-immunology, Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yue Yang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yu-Dong Xu
- International Union Laboratory on Acupuncture Based Target Discovery, International Joint Laboratory on Acupuncture Neuro-immunology, Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yue Yang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lei-Miao Yin
- International Union Laboratory on Acupuncture Based Target Discovery, International Joint Laboratory on Acupuncture Neuro-immunology, Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yue Yang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Dong-Dong Zhou
- International Union Laboratory on Acupuncture Based Target Discovery, International Joint Laboratory on Acupuncture Neuro-immunology, Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yue Yang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yan-Yan Liu
- International Union Laboratory on Acupuncture Based Target Discovery, International Joint Laboratory on Acupuncture Neuro-immunology, Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yue Yang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yong-Qing Yang
- International Union Laboratory on Acupuncture Based Target Discovery, International Joint Laboratory on Acupuncture Neuro-immunology, Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yue Yang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Gene Cloning, Recombinant Expression, Characterization, and Molecular Modeling of the Glycolytic Enzyme Triosephosphate Isomerase from Fusarium oxysporum. Microorganisms 2019; 8:microorganisms8010040. [PMID: 31878282 PMCID: PMC7022633 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) is a glycolysis enzyme, which catalyzes the reversible isomerization between dihydroxyactetone-3-phosphate (DHAP) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (GAP). In pathogenic organisms, TPI is essential to obtain the energy used to survive and infect. Fusarium oxisporum (Fox) is a fungus of biotechnological importance due to its pathogenicity in different organisms, that is why the relevance of also biochemically analyzing its TPI, being the first report of its kind in a Fusarium. Moreover, the kinetic characteristics or structural determinants related to its function remain unknown. Here, the Tpi gene from F. oxysporum was isolated, cloned, and overexpressed. The recombinant protein named FoxTPI was purified (97% purity) showing a molecular mass of 27 kDa, with optimal activity at pH 8.0 and and temperature of 37 °C. The values obtained for Km and Vmax using the substrate GAP were 0.47 ± 0.1 mM, and 5331 μmol min−1 mg−1, respectively. Furthemore, a protein structural modeling showed that FoxTPI has the classical topology of TPIs conserved in other organisms, including the catalytic residues conserved in the active site (Lys12, His94 and Glu164). Finally, when FoxTPI was analyzed with inhibitors, it was found that one of them inhibits its activity, which gives us the perspective of future studies and its potential use against this pathogen.
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Noack S, Chapman HD, Selzer PM. Anticoccidial drugs of the livestock industry. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2009-2026. [PMID: 31152233 PMCID: PMC6611755 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06343-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of a wide variety of animals caused by coccidian protozoa. The coccidia are responsible for major economic losses of the livestock industry. For example, the annual cost due to coccidiosis to the global poultry industry has been estimated to exceed US$ 3 billion annually. Currently available drugs for the control of this disease are either polyether ionophorous antibiotics that are derived from fermentation products, or synthetic compounds, produced by chemical synthesis. Unfortunately, no new drugs in either category have been approved for use for decades. Resistance has been documented for all those of the drugs currently employed and therefore the discovery of novel drugs with unique modes of action is imperative if chemotherapy is to remain the principal means to control this disease. This chapter aims to give an overview of the efficacy and mode of action of the current compounds used to control coccidiosis in livestock and provides a brief outlook of research needs for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Noack
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - H David Chapman
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Paul M Selzer
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany.
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Protein targets of thiazolidinone derivatives in Toxoplasma gondii and insights into their binding to ROP18. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:856. [PMID: 30497375 PMCID: PMC6267824 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5223-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thiazolidinone derivatives show inhibitory activity (IC50) against the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, as well as high selectivity with high therapeutic index. To disclose the target proteins of the thiazolidinone core in this parasite, we explored in silico the active sites of different T. gondii proteins and estimated the binding-free energy of reported thiazolidinone molecules with inhibitory effect on invasion and replication of the parasite inside host cells. This enabled us to describe some of the most suitable structural characteristics to design a compound derived from the thiazolidinone core. Results The best binding affinity was observed in the active site of kinase proteins, we selected the active site of the T. gondii ROP18 kinase, because it is an important factor for the virulence and survival of the parasite. We present the possible effect of a derivative of thiazolidinone core in the active site of T. gondii ROP18 and described some characteristics of substituent groups that could improve the affinity and specificity of compounds derived from the thiazolidinone core against T. gondii. Conclusions The results of our study suggest that compounds derived from the thiazolidinone core have a preference for protein kinases of T. gondii, being promising compounds for the development of new drugs with potential anti-toxoplasmosis activity. Our findings highlight the importance of use computational studies for the understanding of the action mechanism of compounds with biological activity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5223-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Anghel N, Balmer V, Müller J, Winzer P, Aguado-Martinez A, Roozbehani M, Pou S, Nilsen A, Riscoe M, Doggett JS, Hemphill A. Endochin-Like Quinolones Exhibit Promising Efficacy Against Neospora Caninum in vitro and in Experimentally Infected Pregnant Mice. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:285. [PMID: 30510935 PMCID: PMC6252379 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on the efficacy of selected endochin-like quinolones (ELQs) against N. caninum tachyzoites grown in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF), and in a pregnant BALB/c mouse model. Fourteen ELQs were screened against transgenic N. caninum tachyzoites expressing β-galactosidase (Nc-βgal). Drugs were added concomitantly to infection and the values for 50% proliferation inhibition (IC50) were determined after 3 days. Three compounds exhibited IC50 values below 0.1 nM, 3 ELQs had IC50s between 0.1 and 1 nM, for 7 compounds values between 1 and 10 nM were noted, and one compound had an IC50 of 22.4 nM. Two compounds, namely ELQ-316 and its prodrug ELQ-334 with IC50s of 0.66 and 3.33 nM, respectively, were previously shown to display promising activities against experimental toxoplasmosis and babesiosis caused by Babesia microti in mice, and were thus further studied. They were assessed in long-term treatment assays by exposure of infected HFF to ELQs at 0.5 μM concentration, starting 3 h after infection and lasting for up to 17 days followed by release of drug pressure. Results showed that the compounds substantially delayed parasite proliferation, but did not exert parasiticidal activities. TEM of drug treated parasites detected distinct alterations within the parasite mitochondria, but not in other parasite organelles. Assessment of safety of ELQ-334 in the pregnant mouse model showed that the compound did not interfere in fertility or pregnancy outcome. In N. caninum infected pregnant mice treated with ELQ-334 at 10 mg/kg/day for 5 days, neonatal mortality (within 2 days post partum) was found in 7 of 44 pups (15.9%), but no postnatal mortality was noted, and vertical transmission was reduced by 49% compared to the placebo group, which exhibited 100% vertical transmission, neonatal mortality in 15 of 34 pups (44%), and postnatal mortality for 18 of the residual 19 pups during the 4 weeks follow-up. These findings encourage more research on the use of ELQs for therapeutic options against N. caninum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Anghel
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vreni Balmer
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pablo Winzer
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Mona Roozbehani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sovitj Pou
- VA Portland Health Care System Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Aaron Nilsen
- VA Portland Health Care System Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Michael Riscoe
- VA Portland Health Care System Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, United States
| | - J Stone Doggett
- VA Portland Health Care System Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Denny PW. Microbial protein targets: towards understanding and intervention. Parasitology 2018; 145:111-115. [PMID: 29143719 PMCID: PMC5817423 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017002037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The rise of antimicrobial resistance, coupled with a lack of industrial focus on antimicrobial discovery over preceding decades, has brought the world to a crisis point. With both human and animal health set to decline due to increased disease burdens caused by near untreatable microbial pathogens, there is an urgent need to identify new antimicrobials. Central to this is the elucidation of new, robustly validated, drug targets. Informed by industrial practice and concerns, the use of both biological and chemical tools in validation is key. In parallel, repurposing approved drugs for use as antimicrobials may provide both new treatments and identify new targets, whilst improved understanding of pharmacology will help develop and progress good 'hits' with the required rapidity. In recognition of the need to increase research efforts in these areas, in 14-16 September 2017, the British Society for Parasitology (BSP) Autumn Symposium was hosted at Durham University with the title: Microbial Protein Targets: towards understanding and intervention. Staged in collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Chemistry Biology Interface Division (CBID), the core aim was to bring together leading researchers working across disciplines to imagine novel approaches towards combating infection and antimicrobial resistance. Sessions were held on: 'Anti-infective discovery, an overview'; 'Omic approaches to target validation'; 'Genetic approaches to target validation'; 'Drug target structure and drug discovery'; 'Fragment-based approaches to drug discovery'; and 'Chemical approaches to target validation'. Here, we introduce a series of review and primary research articles from selected contributors to the Symposium, giving an overview of progress in understanding antimicrobial targets and developing new drugs. The Symposium was organized by Paul Denny (Durham) for the BSP and Patrick Steel (Durham) for RSC CBID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Denny
- Department of Biosciences,Durham University,Lower Mountjoy, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE,UK
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Chatelain E, Ioset JR. Phenotypic screening approaches for Chagas disease drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2017; 13:141-153. [PMID: 29235363 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1417380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a global public health issue. Current treatments targeting the parasite are limited to two old nitroheterocyclic drugs with serious side effects. The need for new and safer drugs has prompted numerous drug discovery efforts to identify compounds suitable for parasitological cure in the last decade. Areas covered: Target-based drug discovery has been limited by the small number of well-validated targets - the latest example being the failure of azoles, T. cruzi CYP51 inhibitors, in proof-of-concept clinical trials; instead phenotypic-based drug discovery has become the main pillar of Chagas R&D. Rather than focusing on the technical features of these screening assays, the authors describe the different assays developed and available in the field, and provide a critical view on their values and limitations in the screening cascade for Chagas drug development. Expert opinion: The application of technological advances to the field of Chagas disease has led to a variety of phenotypic assays that have not only changed the disease discovery landscape but have also helped us to gain a better understanding of parasite/host interactions. Recent examples of target resolution from phenotypic hits will uncover new opportunities for drug discovery for Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Chatelain
- a Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), R&D Department , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Jean-Robert Ioset
- a Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), R&D Department , Geneva , Switzerland
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Müller J, Aguado-Martínez A, Ortega-Mora LM, Moreno-Gonzalo J, Ferre I, Hulverson MA, Choi R, McCloskey MC, Barrett LK, Maly DJ, Ojo KK, Van Voorhis W, Hemphill A. Development of a murine vertical transmission model for Toxoplasma gondii oocyst infection and studies on the efficacy of bumped kinase inhibitor (BKI)-1294 and the naphthoquinone buparvaquone against congenital toxoplasmosis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2017; 72:2334-2341. [PMID: 28486633 PMCID: PMC5890665 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkx134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Establishment of a mouse model for congenital toxoplasmosis based on oral infection with oocysts from Toxoplasma gondii ME49 and its application for investigating chemotherapeutic options against congenital toxoplasmosis. Methods CD1 mice were mated, orally infected with 5, 25, 100, 500 or 2000 oocysts and monitored for clinical signs and survival of dams and pups until 4 weeks post partum . The parasite burden in infected mice was quantified by real-time PCR in lungs, brains and, in the case of surviving pups, also in eyes. Seroconversion was assessed by ELISA. T. gondii cysts in brain were identified by immunofluorescence. In a second experiment, pregnant CD1 mice challenged with 20 oocysts/mouse were treated with buparvaquone or the calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 inhibitor bumped kinase inhibitor (BKI)-1294 and the outcome of infection was analysed. Results T. gondii DNA was detected in the brain of all infected animals, irrespective of the infection dose. Seroconversion occurred at 3 weeks post-infection. Most pups born to infected dams died within 1 week post partum , but a small fraction survived until the end of the experiment. T. gondii DNA was detected in the brain of all survivors and half of them exhibited ocular infection. Chemotherapy with both compounds led to dramatically increased numbers of surviving pups and reduced cerebral infection. Most efficient were treatments with BKI-1294, with 100% survivors and only 7% brain-positive pups. Conclusions BKI-1294 and buparvaquone exert excellent activities against transplacental transmission in pregnant mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adriana Aguado-Martínez
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luis-Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Moreno-Gonzalo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Matthew A. Hulverson
- Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ryan Choi
- Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Molly C. McCloskey
- Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lynn K. Barrett
- Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dustin J. Maly
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kayode K. Ojo
- Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wes Van Voorhis
- Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Jain V, Sharma A. Repurposing of Potent Drug Candidates for Multiparasite Targeting. Trends Parasitol 2017; 33:158-161. [PMID: 28081985 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Parasite-directed drug discovery efforts require sustained and substantial scientific resources. Many eukaryotic parasites share similarities in metabolic pathways and housekeeping genes, as evident from their underlying protein sequences. Their subsequent structural congruence within enzyme active sites can thus be leveraged for multiparasite targeting using similar or identical drug probes. This bodes well for delivering new anti-infectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitul Jain
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110067, India.
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