1
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Arbon D, Mach J, Čadková A, Sipkova A, Stursa J, Klanicová K, Machado M, Ganter M, Levytska V, Sojka D, Truksa J, Werner L, Sutak R. Chelation of Mitochondrial Iron as an Antiparasitic Strategy. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:676-687. [PMID: 38287902 PMCID: PMC10862539 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00529] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Iron, as an essential micronutrient, plays a crucial role in host-pathogen interactions. In order to limit the growth of the pathogen, a common strategy of innate immunity includes withdrawing available iron to interfere with the cellular processes of the microorganism. Against that, unicellular parasites have developed powerful strategies to scavenge iron, despite the effort of the host. Iron-sequestering compounds, such as the approved and potent chelator deferoxamine (DFO), are considered a viable option for therapeutic intervention. Since iron is heavily utilized in the mitochondrion, targeting iron chelators in this organelle could constitute an effective therapeutic strategy. This work presents mitochondrially targeted DFO, mitoDFO, as a candidate against a range of unicellular parasites with promising in vitro efficiency. Intracellular Leishmania infection can be cleared by this compound, and experimentation with Trypanosoma brucei 427 elucidates its possible mode of action. The compound not only affects iron homeostasis but also alters the physiochemical properties of the inner mitochondrial membrane, resulting in a loss of function. Furthermore, investigating the virulence factors of pathogenic yeasts confirms that mitoDFO is a viable candidate for therapeutic intervention against a wide spectrum of microbe-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Arbon
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty
of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Mach
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty
of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Aneta Čadková
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty
of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Sipkova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty
of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Stursa
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
- Laboratory
of Clinical Pathophysiology, Diabetes Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Videnska 1958/9, 140 21 Prague, Czech
Republic
| | - Kristýna Klanicová
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 128 00, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Machado
- Graduate
Program in Areas of Basic and Applied Biology, Instituto de Ciências
Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade
do Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
- Centre for
Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Heidelberg
University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Markus Ganter
- Centre for
Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Heidelberg
University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Viktoriya Levytska
- Institute
of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy
of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branišovská 1160/31, České Budějovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Sojka
- Institute
of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy
of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branišovská 1160/31, České Budějovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Truksa
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Werner
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
- Laboratory
of Clinical Pathophysiology, Diabetes Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Videnska 1958/9, 140 21 Prague, Czech
Republic
| | - Robert Sutak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty
of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
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2
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Francesconi V, Rizzo M, Schenone S, Carbone A, Tonelli M. State-of-the-art Review on the Antiparasitic Activity of Benzimidazolebased Derivatives: Facing Malaria, Leishmaniasis, and Trypanosomiasis. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:1955-1982. [PMID: 37718524 PMCID: PMC11071657 DOI: 10.2174/0929867331666230915093928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Protozoan parasites represent a significant risk for public health worldwide, afflicting particularly people in more vulnerable categories and cause large morbidity and heavy economic impact. Traditional drugs are limited by their toxicity, low efficacy, route of administration, and cost, reflecting their low priority in global health management. Moreover, the drug resistance phenomenon threatens the positive therapy outcome. This scenario claims the need of addressing more adequate therapies. Among the diverse strategies implemented, the medicinal chemistry efforts have also focused their attention on the benzimidazole nucleus as a promising pharmacophore for the generation of new drug candidates. Hence, the present review provides a global insight into recent progress in benzimidazole-based derivatives drug discovery against important protozoan diseases, such as malaria, leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis. The more relevant chemical features and structure-activity relationship studies of these molecules are discussed for the purpose of paving the way towards the development of more viable drugs for the treatment of these parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Francesconi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genoa, 16132, Italy
| | - Marco Rizzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genoa, 16132, Italy
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genoa, 16132, Italy
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genoa, 16132, Italy
| | - Michele Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genoa, 16132, Italy
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3
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dos Santos FS, de Freitas RP, de Freitas CS, Mendonça DVC, Lage DP, Tavares GDSV, Machado AS, Martins VT, Costa AV, de Queiroz VT, de Oliveira MB, de Oliveira FM, Antinarelli LMR, Coimbra ES, Pilau EJ, da Silva GP, Coelho EAF, Teixeira RR. Synthesis of 1,2,3-Triazole-Containing Methoxylated Cinnamides and Their Antileishmanial Activity against the Leishmania braziliensis Species. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1113. [PMID: 37631028 PMCID: PMC10459042 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a group of infectious diseases caused by protozoan parasites that belong to the genus Leishmania. Currently, there is no human vaccine, and the available treatments are associated with toxicity, high cost, and the emergence of resistant strains. These factors highlight the need to identify new antileishmanial candidates. In this study, we synthesized twenty-four methoxylated cinnamides containing 1,2,3-triazole fragments and evaluated their antileishmanial activity against the Leishmania braziliensis species, which is the main etiological agent responsible for American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL). The cinnamides were synthetically prepared using nucleophilic acyl substitution and copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions. The compounds were characterized using infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques. We performed preliminary studies to evaluate the biological activity of these compounds against L. braziliensis promastigotes and axenic amastigotes. Compound 28, N-((1-(7-(diethylamino)-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-yl) methyl)-3,4-dimethoxy cinnamide, demonstrated relevant antileishmanial activity with low toxicity in murine cells. The selectivity index values for this compound were superior compared with data obtained using amphotericin B. Furthermore, this cinnamide derivative reduced the infection percentage and number of recovered amastigotes in L. braziliensis-infected macrophages. It also induced an increase in reactive oxygen species production, depolarization of the mitochondrial potential, and disruption of the parasite membrane. Taken together, these findings suggest that this synthetic compound holds potential as an antileishmanial candidate and should be considered for future studies in the treatment of ATL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabíola Suelen dos Santos
- Laboratório de Síntese Orgânica (LABSINTO), Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (F.S.d.S.); (R.P.d.F.)
| | - Rossimiriam Pereira de Freitas
- Laboratório de Síntese Orgânica (LABSINTO), Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (F.S.d.S.); (R.P.d.F.)
| | - Camila Simões de Freitas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (D.V.C.M.); (D.P.L.); (G.d.S.V.T.); (A.S.M.); (V.T.M.); (E.A.F.C.)
| | - Débora Vasconcelos Costa Mendonça
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (D.V.C.M.); (D.P.L.); (G.d.S.V.T.); (A.S.M.); (V.T.M.); (E.A.F.C.)
| | - Daniela Pagliara Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (D.V.C.M.); (D.P.L.); (G.d.S.V.T.); (A.S.M.); (V.T.M.); (E.A.F.C.)
| | - Grasiele de Sousa Vieira Tavares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (D.V.C.M.); (D.P.L.); (G.d.S.V.T.); (A.S.M.); (V.T.M.); (E.A.F.C.)
| | - Amanda Sanchez Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (D.V.C.M.); (D.P.L.); (G.d.S.V.T.); (A.S.M.); (V.T.M.); (E.A.F.C.)
| | - Vivian Tamieti Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (D.V.C.M.); (D.P.L.); (G.d.S.V.T.); (A.S.M.); (V.T.M.); (E.A.F.C.)
| | - Adilson Vidal Costa
- Grupo de Estudo Aplicado em Produtos Naturais e Síntese Orgânica (GEAPS), Departamento de Química e Física, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre 29500-000, Espírito Santo, Brazil; (A.V.C.); (V.T.d.Q.); (M.B.d.O.)
| | - Vagner Tebaldi de Queiroz
- Grupo de Estudo Aplicado em Produtos Naturais e Síntese Orgânica (GEAPS), Departamento de Química e Física, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre 29500-000, Espírito Santo, Brazil; (A.V.C.); (V.T.d.Q.); (M.B.d.O.)
| | - Mariana Belizario de Oliveira
- Grupo de Estudo Aplicado em Produtos Naturais e Síntese Orgânica (GEAPS), Departamento de Química e Física, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre 29500-000, Espírito Santo, Brazil; (A.V.C.); (V.T.d.Q.); (M.B.d.O.)
| | | | - Luciana Maria Ribeiro Antinarelli
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (L.M.R.A.); (E.S.C.)
| | - Elaine Soares Coimbra
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (L.M.R.A.); (E.S.C.)
| | - Eduardo Jorge Pilau
- Centro de Ciências Exatas, Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, Brazil; (E.J.P.); (G.P.d.S.)
| | - Geovane Perez da Silva
- Centro de Ciências Exatas, Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, Brazil; (E.J.P.); (G.P.d.S.)
| | - Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (D.V.C.M.); (D.P.L.); (G.d.S.V.T.); (A.S.M.); (V.T.M.); (E.A.F.C.)
| | - Róbson Ricardo Teixeira
- Grupo de Síntese e Pesquisa de Compostos Bioativos (GSPCB), Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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4
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Ali V, Behera S, Nawaz A, Equbal A, Pandey K. Unique thiol metabolism in trypanosomatids: Redox homeostasis and drug resistance. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2022; 117:75-155. [PMID: 35878950 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosomatids are mainly responsible for heterogeneous parasitic diseases: Leishmaniasis, Sleeping sickness, and Chagas disease and control of these diseases implicates serious challenges due to the emergence of drug resistance. Redox-active biomolecules are the endogenous substances in organisms, which play important role in the regulation of redox homeostasis. The redox-active substances like glutathione, trypanothione, cysteine, cysteine persulfides, etc., and other inorganic intermediates (hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide) are very useful as defence mechanism. In the present review, the suitability of trypanothione and other essential thiol molecules of trypanosomatids as drug targets are described in Leishmania and Trypanosoma. We have explored the role of tryparedoxin, tryparedoxin peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutaredoxins in the anti-oxidant mechanism and drug resistance. Up-regulation of some proteins in trypanothione metabolism helps the parasites in survival against drug pressure (sodium stibogluconate, Amphotericin B, etc.) and oxidative stress. These molecules accept electrons from the reduced trypanothione and donate their electrons to other proteins, and these proteins reduce toxic molecules, neutralize reactive oxygen, or nitrogen species; and help parasites to cope with oxidative stress. Thus, a better understanding of the role of these molecules in drug resistance and redox homeostasis will help to target metabolic pathway proteins to combat Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahab Ali
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry, ICMR-Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, India.
| | - Sachidananda Behera
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry, ICMR-Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Afreen Nawaz
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry, ICMR-Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Asif Equbal
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry, ICMR-Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, India; Department of Botany, Araria College, Purnea University, Purnia, Bihar, India
| | - Krishna Pandey
- Department of Clinical Medicine, ICMR-Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, India
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5
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Docampo R, Vercesi AE. Mitochondrial Ca 2+ and Reactive Oxygen Species in Trypanosomatids. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 36:969-983. [PMID: 34218689 PMCID: PMC9125514 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Millions of people are infected with trypanosomatids and new therapeutic approaches are needed. Trypanosomatids possess one mitochondrion per cell and its study has led to discoveries of general biological interest. These mitochondria, as in their animal counterparts, generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and have evolved enzymatic and nonenzymatic defenses against them. Mitochondrial calcium ion (Ca2+) overload leads to generation of ROS and its study could lead to relevant information on the biology of trypanosomatids and to novel drug targets. Recent Advances: Mitochondrial Ca2+ is normally involved in maintaining the bioenergetics of trypanosomes, but when Ca2+ overload occurs, it is associated with cell death. Trypanosomes lack key players in the mechanism of cell death described in mammalian cells, although mitochondrial Ca2+ overload results in collapse of their membrane potential, production of ROS, and cytochrome c release. They are also very resistant to mitochondrial permeability transition, and cell death after mitochondrial Ca2+ overload depends on generation of ROS. Critical Issues: In this review, we consider the mechanisms of mitochondrial oxidant generation and removal and the involvement of Ca2+ in trypanosome cell death. Future Directions: More studies are required to determine the reactions involved in generation of ROS by the mitochondria of trypanosomatids, their enzymatic and nonenzymatic defenses against ROS, and the occurrence and composition of a mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 969-983.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Docampo
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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In-Depth Quantitative Proteomics Characterization of In Vitro Selected Miltefosine Resistance in Leishmania infantum. Proteomes 2022; 10:proteomes10020010. [PMID: 35466238 PMCID: PMC9036279 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes10020010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected disease caused by Leishmania parasites. Although significant morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical regions of the world are associated with VL, the low investment for developing new treatment measures is chronic. Moreover, resistance and treatment failure are increasing for the main medications, but the emergence of resistance phenotypes is poorly understood at the protein level. Here, we analyzed the development of resistance to miltefosine upon experimental selection in a L. infantum strain. Time to miltefosine resistance emergence was ~six months and label-free quantitative mass-spectrometry-based proteomics analyses revealed that this process involves a remodeling of components of the membrane and mitochondrion, with significant increase in oxidative phosphorylation complexes, particularly on complex IV and ATP synthase, accompanied by increased energy metabolism mainly dependent on β-oxidation of fatty acids. Proteins canonically involved in ROS detoxification did not contribute to the resistant process whereas sterol biosynthesis enzymes could have a role in this development. Furthermore, changes in the abundance of proteins known to be involved in miltefosine resistance such as ABC transporters and phospholipid transport ATPase were detected. Together, our data show a more complete picture of the elements that make up the miltefosine resistance phenotype in L. infantum.
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7
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das Chagas Almeida A, Meinel RS, Leal YL, Silva TP, Glanzmann N, Mendonça DVC, Perin L, Cunha-Júnior EF, Coelho EAF, Melo RCN, da Silva AD, Coimbra ES. Functionalized 1,2,3-triazolium salts as potential agents against visceral leishmaniasis. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1389-1406. [PMID: 35169883 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07431-9] [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: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe clinical form of leishmaniasis, being fatal if untreated. In search of a more effective treatment for VL, one of the main strategies is the development and screening of new antileishmanial compounds. Here, we reported the synthesis of seven new acetyl functionalized 1,2,3-triazolium salts, together with four 1,2,3-triazole precursors, and investigated their effect against different strains of L. infantum from dogs and humans. The 1,2,3-triazolium salts exhibited better activity than the 1,2,3-triazole derivatives with IC50 range from 0.12 to 8.66 μM and, among them, compound 5 showed significant activity against promastigotes (IC50 from 4.55 to 5.28 μM) and intracellular amastigotes (IC50 from 5.36 to 7.92 μM), with the best selective index (SI ~ 6-9) and reduced toxicity. Our findings, using biochemical and ultrastructural approaches, demonstrated that compound 5 targets the mitochondrion of L. infantum promastigotes, leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increase of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial alteration. Moreover, quantitative transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that compound 5 induces the reduction of promastigote size and cytoplasmic vacuolization. Interestingly, the effect of compound 5 was not associated with apoptosis or necrosis of the parasites but, instead, seems to be mediated through a pathway involving autophagy, with a clear detection of autophagic vacuoles in the cytoplasm by using both a fluorescent marker and TEM. As for the in vivo studies, compound 5 showed activity in a mouse model of VL at 20 mg/kg, reducing the parasite load in both spleen and liver (59.80% and 26.88%, respectively). Finally, this compound did not induce hepatoxicity or nephrotoxicity and was able to normalize the altered biochemical parameters in the infected mice. Thus, our findings support the use of 1,2,3-triazolium salts as potential agents against visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayla das Chagas Almeida
- Núcleo de Pesquisas Em Parasitologia, Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, I.C.B., Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raíssa Soares Meinel
- SINTBIOMOL, Departamento de Química, I.C.E., Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Yasmim Lopes Leal
- SINTBIOMOL, Departamento de Química, I.C.E., Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thiago P Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Nícolas Glanzmann
- SINTBIOMOL, Departamento de Química, I.C.E., Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Débora Vasconcelos Costa Mendonça
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luísa Perin
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Edézio Ferreira Cunha-Júnior
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Unidade Integrada de Pesquisa Em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Campus UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A F Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rossana C N Melo
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adilson David da Silva
- SINTBIOMOL, Departamento de Química, I.C.E., Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elaine Soares Coimbra
- Núcleo de Pesquisas Em Parasitologia, Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, I.C.B., Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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8
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Nitric Oxide Resistance in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Involves Regulation of Glucose Consumption, Glutathione Metabolism and Abundance of Pentose Phosphate Pathway Enzymes. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020277. [PMID: 35204161 PMCID: PMC8868067 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis production of cytokines, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide (NO) by host macrophages normally lead to parasite death. However, some Leishmania braziliensis strains exhibit natural NO resistance. NO-resistant strains cause more lesions and are frequently more resistant to antimonial treatment than NO-susceptible ones, suggesting that NO-resistant parasites are endowed with specific mechanisms of survival and persistence. To tests this, we analyzed the effect of pro- and antioxidant molecules on the infectivity in vitro of L. braziliensis strains exhibiting polar phenotypes of resistance or susceptibility to NO. In addition, we conducted a comprehensive quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis of those parasites. NO-resistant parasites were more infective to peritoneal macrophages, even in the presence of high levels of reactive species. Principal component analysis of protein concentration values clearly differentiated NO-resistant from NO-susceptible parasites, suggesting that there are natural intrinsic differences at molecular level among those strains. Upon NO exposure, NO-resistant parasites rapidly modulated their proteome, increasing their total protein content and glutathione (GSH) metabolism. Furthermore, NO-resistant parasites showed increased glucose analogue uptake, and increased abundance of phosphotransferase and G6PDH after nitrosative challenge, which can contribute to NADPH pool maintenance and fuel the reducing conditions for the recovery of GSH upon NO exposure. Thus, increased glucose consumption and GSH-mediated redox capability may explain the natural resistance of L. braziliensis against NO.
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Pedra-Rezende Y, Bombaça ACS, Menna-Barreto/ RFS. Is the mitochondrion a promising drug target in trypanosomatids? Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e210379. [PMID: 35195164 PMCID: PMC8862782 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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da Rosa R, Dambrós BP, Höehr de Moraes M, Grand L, Jacolot M, Popowycz F, Steindel M, Schenkel EP, Campos Bernardes LS. Natural-product-inspired design and synthesis of two series of compounds active against Trypanosoma cruzi: Insights into structure-activity relationship, toxicity, and mechanism of action. Bioorg Chem 2021; 119:105492. [PMID: 34838333 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105492] [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: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Chemical scaffolds of natural products have historically been sources of inspiration for the development of novel molecules of biological relevance, including hit and lead compounds. To identify new compounds active against Trypanosoma cruzi, we designed and synthesized 46 synthetic derivatives based on the structure of two classes of natural products: tetrahydrofuran lignans (Series 1) and oxazole alkaloids (Series 2). Compounds were screened in vitro using a cellular model of T. cruzi infection. In the first series of compounds, 11 derivatives of hit compound 5 (EC50 = 1.1 µM) were found to be active; the most potent (7, 8, and 13) had EC50 values of 5.1-34.2 µM. In the second series, 17 analogs were found active at 50 µM; the most potent compounds (47, 49, 59, and 63) showed EC50 values of 24.2-49.1 µM. Active compounds were assessed for selectivity, hemocompatibility, synergistic potential, effects on mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibitory effect on trypanothione reductase. All active compounds showed low toxicity against uninfected THP-1 cells and human erythrocytes. The potency of compounds 5 and 8 increased steadily in combination with benznidazole, indicating a synergistic effect. Furthermore, compounds 8, 47, 49, 59, and 63 inhibited parasitic mitochondria in a dose-dependent manner. Although increased reactive oxygen species levels might lead to mitochondrial effects, the results indicate that the mechanism of action of the compounds is not dependent on trypanothione reductase inhibition. In silico calculation of chemical descriptors and principal component analysis showed that the active compounds share common chemical features with other trypanocidal molecules and are predicted to have a good ADMET profile. Overall, the results suggest that the compounds are important candidates to be further studied for their potential against T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael da Rosa
- Laboratório de Química Farmacêutica Medicinal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmácia, CCS, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Campus Universitário, 88040900, Florianópolis, Brasil; Université de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, CPE Lyon, UMR 5246, ICBMS. 1 rue Victor Grignard, 69621, Villeurbanne Cedex, France.
| | - Bibiana Paula Dambrós
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, CCB, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Campus Universitário, 88040900, Florianópolis, Brasil
| | - Milene Höehr de Moraes
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, CCB, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Campus Universitário, 88040900, Florianópolis, Brasil
| | - Lucie Grand
- Université de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, CPE Lyon, UMR 5246, ICBMS. 1 rue Victor Grignard, 69621, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Maïwenn Jacolot
- Université de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, CPE Lyon, UMR 5246, ICBMS. 1 rue Victor Grignard, 69621, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Florence Popowycz
- Université de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, CPE Lyon, UMR 5246, ICBMS. 1 rue Victor Grignard, 69621, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Mario Steindel
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, CCB, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Campus Universitário, 88040900, Florianópolis, Brasil
| | - Eloir Paulo Schenkel
- Laboratório de Química Farmacêutica Medicinal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmácia, CCS, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Campus Universitário, 88040900, Florianópolis, Brasil
| | - Lílian Sibelle Campos Bernardes
- Laboratório de Química Farmacêutica Medicinal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmácia, CCS, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Campus Universitário, 88040900, Florianópolis, Brasil.
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Dantas-Pereira L, Cunha-Junior EF, Andrade-Neto VV, Bower JF, Jardim GAM, da Silva Júnior EN, Torres-Santos EC, Menna-Barreto RFS. Naphthoquinones and Derivatives for Chemotherapy: Perspectives and Limitations of their Anti-trypanosomatids Activities. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:1807-1824. [PMID: 33167829 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666201109111802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, Sleeping sickness and Leishmaniasis, caused by trypanosomatids Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania spp., respectively, are considered neglected tropical diseases, and they especially affect impoverished populations in the developing world. The available chemotherapies are very limited, and a search for alternatives is still necessary. In folk medicine, natural naphthoquinones have been employed for the treatment of a great variety of illnesses, including parasitic infections. This review is focused on the anti-trypanosomatid activity and mechanistic analysis of naphthoquinones and derivatives. Among all the series of derivatives tested in vitro, naphthoquinone-derived 1,2,3-triazoles were very active on T. cruzi infective forms in blood bank conditions, as well as in amastigotes of Leishmania spp. naphthoquinones containing a CF3 on a phenyl amine ring inhibited T. brucei proliferation in the nanomolar range, and naphthopterocarpanquinones stood out for their activity on a range of Leishmania species. Some of these compounds showed a promising selectivity index (SI) (30 to 1900), supporting further analysis in animal models. Indeed, high toxicity to the host and inactivation by blood components are crucial obstacles to be overcome to use naphthoquinones and/or their derivatives for chemotherapy. Multidisciplinary initiatives embracing medicinal chemistry, bioinformatics, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology need to be encouraged to allow the optimization of these compounds. Large scale automated tests are pivotal for the efficiency of the screening step, and subsequent evaluation of both the mechanism of action in vitro and pharmacokinetics in vivo is essential for the development of a novel, specific and safe derivative, minimizing adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luíza Dantas-Pereira
- Laboratorio de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Edézio F Cunha-Junior
- Laboratorio de Bioquimica de Tripanosomatideos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Valter V Andrade-Neto
- Laboratorio de Bioquimica de Tripanosomatideos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - John F Bower
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Guilherme A M Jardim
- Departamento de Quimica, Instituto de Ciencias Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Eufrânio N da Silva Júnior
- Departamento de Quimica, Instituto de Ciencias Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Eduardo C Torres-Santos
- Laboratorio de Bioquimica de Tripanosomatideos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rubem F S Menna-Barreto
- Laboratorio de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Dias GG, Paz ERS, Nunes MP, Carvalho RL, Rodrigues MO, Rodembusch FS, da Silva Júnior EN. Imidazoles and Oxazoles from Lapachones and Phenanthrene-9,10-dione: A Journey through their Synthesis, Biological Studies, and Optical Applications. CHEM REC 2021; 21:2702-2738. [PMID: 34170622 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202100138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Diverse structural frameworks are found in natural compounds and are well known for their chemical and biological properties; such compounds include the imidazoles and oxazoles. Researchers worldwide are continually working on the development of methods for synthesizing new molecules bearing these basic moiety and evaluating their properties and applications. To expand the knowledge related to azoles, this review summarizes important examples of imidazole and oxazole derivatives from 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds, such as lapachones and phenanthrene-9,10-diones, not only regarding their synthesis and biological applications but also their photophysical properties and uses. The data concerning the latter are particularly scarce in the literature, which leads to underestimation of the potential applications that can be envisaged for these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleiston G Dias
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Esther R S Paz
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Mateus P Nunes
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Renato L Carvalho
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marieli O Rodrigues
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fabiano S Rodembusch
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Eufrânio N da Silva Júnior
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Londero VS, Costa-Silva TA, Antar GM, Baitello JB, de Oliveira LVF, Camilo FF, Batista ANL, Batista JM, Tempone AG, Lago JHG. Antitrypanosomal Lactones from Nectandra barbellata. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:1489-1497. [PMID: 33857368 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Twigs of Nectandra barbellata were extracted using a solution of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (BMImBr) in H2O, assisted by microwave (MAE). After successive chromatographic steps, one sesquiterpene, costic acid, and three new related lactones, (R)-3(7)-Z-3-hexadec-21-enylidene-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-one (1), (R)-3(7)-Z-3-hexadecylidene-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-one (2), and (R)-3(7)-Z-3-docosylidene-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-one (3), were isolated. After structural elucidation using IR, UV, HRESIMS, NMR, ECD, and VCD, compounds 1-3 were tested against trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. The mechanism of action of bioactive isolated compounds was studied using different fluorescent-based approaches to investigate alterations of the plasma membrane, permeability/electric potential (ΔΨp), reactive oxygen species levels, mitochondria (electric membrane potential, ΔΨm/ATP levels), Ca2+ levels, and pH of the acidocalcisomes. In addition, in silico studies predicted no resemblance to pan assay interference compounds (PAINS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius S Londero
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Thais A Costa-Silva
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, São Paulo 09210-170, Brazil
| | - Guilherme M Antar
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - João B Baitello
- Dasonomy Division, Instituto Florestal, São Paulo 02377-000, Brazil
| | - Larissa V F de Oliveira
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Camilo
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Andrea N L Batista
- Institute of Chemistry, Fluminense Federal University, Rio de Janeiro 24220-900, Brazil
| | - Joao M Batista
- Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 12231-280, Brazil
| | - Andre G Tempone
- Centre for Parasitology and Mycology, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
| | - Joao Henrique G Lago
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, São Paulo 09210-170, Brazil
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Tambjamines and Prodiginines: Biocidal Activity against Trypanosoma cruzi. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050705. [PMID: 34065993 PMCID: PMC8151848 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to explore new therapeutic options against Chagas disease by the in vitro analysis of the biocidal activities of several tambjamine and prodiginine derivatives, against the Trypanosoma cruzi CLB strain (DTU TcVI). The compounds were initially screened against epimastigotes. The five more active compounds were assayed in intracellular forms. The tambjamine MM3 and both synthetic and natural prodigiosins displayed the highest trypanocidal profiles, with IC50 values of 4.52, 0.46, and 0.54 µM for epimastigotes and 1.9, 0.57, and 0.1 µM for trypomastigotes/amastigotes, respectively. Moreover, the combination treatment of these molecules with benznidazole showed no synergism. Finally, oxygen consumption inhibition determinations performed using high-resolution respirometry, revealed a potent effect of prodigiosin on parasite respiration (73% of inhibition at ½ IC50), suggesting that its mode of action involves the mitochondria. Moreover, its promising selectivity index (50) pointed out an interesting trypanocidal potential and highlighted the value of prodigiosin as a new candidate to fight Chagas disease.
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Barbosa H, Costa-Silva TA, Alves Conserva GA, Araujo AJ, Lordello ALL, Antar GM, Amaral M, Soares MG, Tempone AG, Lago JHG. Aporphine Alkaloids from Ocotea puberula with Anti-Trypanosoma Cruzi Potential - Activity of Dicentrine-β-N-Oxide in the Plasma Membrane Electric Potentials. Chem Biodivers 2021; 18:e2001022. [PMID: 33635585 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202001022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
One new aporphine, dicentrine-β-N-oxide (1), together with five related known alkaloids dehydrodicentrine (2), predicentrine (3), N-methyllaurotetanine (4), cassythicine (5), and dicentrine (6) were isolated from the leaves of Ocotea puberula (Lauraceae). Antiprotozoal activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated in vitro against trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. Among the tested compounds, alkaloid 1 exhibited higher potential with EC50 value of 18.2 μM and reduced toxicity against NCTC cells (CC50 >200 μM - SI>11.0), similar to positive control benznidazole (EC50 of 17.7 μM and SI=10.7). Considering the promising results of dicentrine-β-N-oxide (1) against trypomastigotes, the mechanism of parasite death caused by this alkaloid was investigated. As observed, this compound reached the plasma membrane electric potential directly after 2 h of incubation and triggered mitochondrial depolarization, which probably leads to trypomastigote death. Therefore, dicentrine-β-N-oxide (1), reported for the first time in this work, can contribute to future works for the development of new trypanocidal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Barbosa
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, 09210-580, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais A Costa-Silva
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, 09210-580, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
| | - Geanne A Alves Conserva
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, 09210-580, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
| | - Adelson J Araujo
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Paraná, 81531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Ana Luísa L Lordello
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Paraná, 81531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Guilherme M Antar
- Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maiara Amaral
- Center for Parasitology and Mycology, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, 01246-902, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marisi G Soares
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Andre G Tempone
- Center for Parasitology and Mycology, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, 01246-902, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - João Henrique G Lago
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, 09210-580, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
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Pedra-Rezende Y, Fernandes MC, Mesquita-Rodrigues C, Stiebler R, Bombaça ACS, Pinho N, Cuervo P, De Castro SL, Menna-Barreto RFS. Starvation and pH stress conditions induced mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS production and autophagy in Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1867:166028. [PMID: 33248274 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected illness endemic in Latin America that mainly affects rural populations. The etiological agent of Chagas disease is the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which has three different parasite stages and a dixenous life cycle that includes colonization of the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. During its life cycle, T. cruzi is subjected to stress conditions, including variations in nutrient availability and pH, which impact parasite survival and differentiation. The plasticity of mitochondrial function in trypanosomatids has been defined as mitochondrial activity related to substrate availability. Thus, mitochondrial remodeling and autophagy, which is a constitutive cellular process of turnover and recycling of cellular components, may constitute a response to the nutritional and pH stress in the host. To assess these processes, epimastigotes were subjected to acidic, alkaline, and nutritional stress conditions, and mitochondrial function and its influence on the autophagic process were evaluated. Our data demonstrated that the three stress conditions affected the mitochondrial structure, inducing organelle swelling and impaired oxidative phosphorylation. Stressed epimastigotes produced increased ROS levels and overexpressed antioxidant enzymes. The stress conditions resulted in an increase in the number of autophagosomes and exacerbated the expression of different autophagy-related genes (Atgs). A correlation between mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagic phenotypes was also observed. After 24 h, acid stress and nutritional deprivation induced metacyclogenesis phenotypes (mitochondrial remodeling and autophagy). On the other hand, alkaline stress was transient due to insect blood feeding and culminated in an increase in autophagic flux as a survival mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Pedra-Rezende
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Michelle C Fernandes
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Diretoria de Extensão, Fundação Centro de Educação a Distância do Cecierj Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Camila Mesquita-Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renata Stiebler
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina S Bombaça
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Pinho
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmanioses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia Cuervo
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmanioses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Solange L De Castro
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rubem F S Menna-Barreto
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Morais LS, Dusi RG, Demarque DP, Silva RL, Albernaz LC, Báo SN, Merten C, Antinarelli LMR, Coimbra ES, Espindola LS. Antileishmanial compounds from Connarus suberosus: Metabolomics, isolation and mechanism of action. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241855. [PMID: 33156835 PMCID: PMC7647111 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a disease impacting public health worldwide due to its high incidence, morbidity and mortality. Available treatments are costly, lengthy and toxic, not to mention the problem of parasite resistance. The development of alternative treatments is warranted and natural products demonstrate promising activity. This study investigated the activity of Connarus suberosus extracts and compounds against Leishmania species. Several C. suberosus extracts were tested against L. amazonensis promastigotes. Active and inactive extracts were analyzed by UHPLC-MS and data evaluated using a metabolomics platform, revealing an unknown neoflavonoid (connarin, 3), isolated together with the pterocarpans: hemileiocarpin (1) and leiocarpin (2). The aforementioned compounds (1-3), together with the benzoquinones: rapanone (4), embelin (5) and suberonone (6) previously isolated by our group from the same species, were tested against: (i) L. amazonensis and L. infantum promastigotes, and (ii) L. amazonensis intracellular amastigotes, with the most active compound (3) also tested against L. infantum amastigotes. Cytotoxicity against murine peritoneal macrophages was also investigated. Compounds 2 and 3 presented an IC50 33.8 μM and 11.4 μM for L. amazonensis promastigotes; and 44.3 μM and 13.3 μM for L. infantum promastigotes, respectively. For L. amazonensis amastigotes, the IC50 of 2 was 20.4 μM with a selectivity index (SI) of 5.7, while the IC50 of 3 was 2.9 μM with an SI of 6.3. For L. infantum amastigotes, the IC50 of 3 was 7.7 μM. Compounds 2 and 3 presented activity comparable with the miltefosine positive control, with compound 3 found to be 2-4 times more active than the positive control, depending on the Leishmania species and form. The extracts and isolated compounds showed moderate toxicity against macrophages. Compounds 2 and 3 altered the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and neutral lipid body accumulation, while 2 also impacted plasma membrane permeabilization, culminating in cellular disorder and parasite death. Transmission electron microscopy of L. amazonensis promastigotes treated with compound 3 confirmed the presence of lipid bodies. Leiocarpin (2) and connarin (3) demonstrated antileishmanial activity. This study provides knowledge of natural products with antileishmanial activity, paving the way for prototype development to fight this neglected tropical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lais S. Morais
- Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Renata G. Dusi
- Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Daniel P. Demarque
- Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Fakultät für Chemie und Biochemie, Organische Chemie II, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Raquel L. Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Lorena C. Albernaz
- Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Sônia N. Báo
- Laboratório de Microscopia e Microanálise, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Christian Merten
- Fakultät für Chemie und Biochemie, Organische Chemie II, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Luciana M. R. Antinarelli
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, I.C.B., Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elaine S. Coimbra
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, I.C.B., Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Laila S. Espindola
- Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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18
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Umehara E, Costa Silva TA, Mendes VM, Guadagnin RC, Sartorelli P, Tempone AG, Lago JHG. Differential lethal action of C17:2 and C17:0 anacardic acid derivatives in Trypanosoma cruzi – A mechanistic study. Bioorg Chem 2020; 102:104068. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Mukherjee S, Moitra S, Xu W, Hernandez V, Zhang K. Sterol 14-α-demethylase is vital for mitochondrial functions and stress tolerance in Leishmania major. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008810. [PMID: 32817704 PMCID: PMC7462297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterol 14-α-demethylase (C14DM) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of sterols and the primary target of azoles. In Leishmania major, genetic or chemical inactivation of C14DM leads to accumulation of 14-methylated sterol intermediates and profound plasma membrane abnormalities including increased fluidity and failure to maintain ordered membrane microdomains. These defects likely contribute to the hypersensitivity to heat and severely reduced virulence displayed by the C14DM-null mutants (c14dm‾). In addition to plasma membrane, sterols are present in intracellular organelles. In this study, we investigated the impact of C14DM ablation on mitochondria. Our results demonstrate that c14dm‾ mutants have significantly higher mitochondrial membrane potential than wild type parasites. Such high potential leads to the buildup of reactive oxygen species in the mitochondria, especially under nutrient-limiting conditions. Consistent with these mitochondrial alterations, c14dm‾ mutants show impairment in respiration and are heavily dependent on glucose uptake and glycolysis to generate energy. Consequently, these mutants are extremely sensitive to glucose deprivation and such vulnerability can be rescued through the supplementation of glucose or glycerol. In addition, the accumulation of oxidants may also contribute to the heat sensitivity exhibited by c14dm‾. Finally, genetic or chemical ablation of C14DM causes increased susceptibility to pentamidine, an antimicrobial agent with activity against trypanosomatids. In summary, our investigation reveals that alteration of sterol synthesis can negatively affect multiple cellular processes in Leishmania parasites and make them vulnerable to clinically relevant stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Mukherjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Samrat Moitra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Veronica Hernandez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Assolini JP, Tomiotto-Pellissier F, da Silva Bortoleti BT, Gonçalves MD, Sahd CS, Carloto ACM, Feuser PE, Cordeiro AP, Borghi SM, Verri WA, Sayer C, Hermes de Araújo PH, Costa IN, Conchon-Costa I, Miranda-Sapla MM, Pavanelli WR. Diethyldithiocarbamate encapsulation reduces toxicity and promotes leishmanicidal effect through apoptosis-like mechanism in promastigote and ROS production by macrophage. J Drug Target 2020; 28:1110-1123. [DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2020.1783669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- João Paulo Assolini
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Tomiotto-Pellissier
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Postgraduate Program, Carlos Chagas Institute (ICC), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Bruna Taciane da Silva Bortoleti
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Postgraduate Program, Carlos Chagas Institute (ICC), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Manoela Daiele Gonçalves
- Department of Chemical, Center of Exact Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Claudia Stoeglehner Sahd
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Emilio Feuser
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Arthur Poester Cordeiro
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Sergio Marques Borghi
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Waldiceu Aparecido Verri
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Claudia Sayer
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | | | - Idessania Nazareth Costa
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Ivete Conchon-Costa
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Wander Rogério Pavanelli
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Postgraduate Program, Carlos Chagas Institute (ICC), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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21
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Bogacz M, Dirdjaja N, Wimmer B, Habich C, Krauth-Siegel RL. The mitochondrial peroxiredoxin displays distinct roles in different developmental stages of African trypanosomes. Redox Biol 2020; 34:101547. [PMID: 32388269 PMCID: PMC7218024 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydroperoxide reduction in African trypanosomes relies on 2-Cys-peroxiredoxins (Prxs) and glutathione peroxidase-type enzymes (Pxs) which both obtain their reducing equivalents from the trypanothione/tryparedoxin couple and thus act as tryparedoxin peroxidases. While the cytosolic forms of the peroxidases are essential, the mitochondrial mPrx and Px III appear dispensable in bloodstream Trypanosoma brucei. This led to the suggestion that in this developmental stage which is characterized by a mitochondrion that lacks an active respiratory chain, only one of the two peroxidases might be required. Here we show that bloodstream cells in which the Px III gene is deleted and mPrx is down-regulated by RNA interference, proliferate as the parental cells indicating that both mitochondrial peroxidases are dispensable. However, when we raised the culture temperature to 39 °C, mPrx-depleted cells died indicating that under conditions mimicking a fever situation in the mammalian host, the protein becomes essential. In contrast, depletion of mPrx in insect stage procyclic T. brucei causes a proliferation defect under standard conditions at 27 °C, in the absence of any stress. In the absence of mPrx, a tryparedoxin-coupled roGFP2 biosensor expressed in the mitochondrial matrix is unable to respond to antimycin A treatment. Thus mPrx reduces mitochondrial H2O2 with the generation of trypanothione disulfide and acts as peroxidase. However, mPrx-depleted procyclic cells neither display any alteration in the cytosolic or mitochondrial trypanothione redox state nor increased sensitivity towards exogenous oxidative stressors suggesting that the peroxidase activity is not the crucial physiological function. After prolonged mPrx-depletion, the cells almost stop proliferation and display a highly elongated shape and diminished MitoTracker Red staining. In contrast to the situation in the mammalian bloodstream T. brucei and Leishmania, mPrx appears to play a constitutive role for the morphology, mitochondrial function and proliferation of the insect stage of African trypanosomes. In bloodstream T. brucei, both mitochondrial tryparedoxin peroxidases are dispensable. Heat-stressed bloodstream cells require the mitochondrial peroxiredoxin (mPrx). In procyclic (PC) T. brucei, mPrx plays a constitutive role for proliferation. Lack of mPrx affects the structure and mitochondrial membrane potential of PC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bogacz
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Natalie Dirdjaja
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Wimmer
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carina Habich
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - R Luise Krauth-Siegel
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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22
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Morais TR, Conserva GAA, Varela MT, Costa-Silva TA, Thevenard F, Ponci V, Fortuna A, Falcão AC, Tempone AG, Fernandes JPS, Lago JHG. Improving the drug-likeness of inspiring natural products - evaluation of the antiparasitic activity against Trypanosoma cruzi through semi-synthetic and simplified analogues of licarin A. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5467. [PMID: 32214193 PMCID: PMC7096397 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62352-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neolignan licarin A (1) was isolated from leaves of Nectandra oppositifolia (Lauraceae) and displayed activity against trypomastigote forms of the etiologic agent of American trypanosomiasis, Trypanosoma cruzi. Aiming for the establishment of SAR, five different compounds (1a - 1e) were prepared and tested against T. cruzi. The 2-allyl derivative of licarin A (1d) exhibited higher activity against trypomastigotes of T. cruzi (IC50 = 5.0 μM and SI = 9.0), while its heterocyclic derivative 1e displayed IC50 of 10.5 μM and reduced toxicity against NCTC cells (SI > 19.0). However, these compounds presented limited oral bioavailability estimation (<85%, Papp <1.0 × 10-6 cm/s) in parallel artificial membrane permeability assays (PAMPA) due to excessive lipophilicity. Based on these results, different simplified structures of licarin A were designed: vanillin (2), vanillyl alcohol (3), isoeugenol (4), and eugenol (5), as well as its corresponding methyl (a), acetyl (b), O-allyl (c), and C-allyl (d) analogues. Vanillin (2) and its acetyl derivative (2b) displayed expressive activity against intracellular amastigotes of T. cruzi with IC50 values of 5.5 and 5.6 μM, respectively, and reduced toxicity against NCTC cells (CC50 > 200 μM). In addition, these simplified analogues showed a better permeability profile (Papp > 1.0 × 10-6 cm/s) on PAMPA models, resulting in improved drug-likeness. Vanillyl alcohol acetyl derivative (3b) and isoeugenol methyl derivative (4a) displayed activity against the extracellular forms of T. cruzi (trypomastigotes) with IC50 values of 5.1 and 8.8 μM respectively. Based on these results, compounds with higher selectivity index against extracellular forms of the parasite (1d, 1e, 3d, and 4a) were selected for a mechanism of action study. After a short incubation period (1 h) all compounds increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of trypomastigotes, suggesting cellular oxidative stress. The ATP levels were increased after two hours of incubation, possibly involving a high energy expenditure of the parasite to control the homeostasis. Except for compound 4a, all compounds induced hyperpolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, demonstrating a mitochondrial imbalance. Considering the unique mitochondria apparatus of T. cruzi and the lethal alterations induced by structurally based on licarin A, these compounds are interesting hits for future drug discovery studies in Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago R Morais
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Geanne A Alves Conserva
- Center of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Paulo, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Marina T Varela
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Thais A Costa-Silva
- Center of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Paulo, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Thevenard
- Center of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Paulo, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Vitor Ponci
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Ana Fortuna
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Coimbra, 3000-370, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBIT/ICNAS - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-370, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Amílcar C Falcão
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Coimbra, 3000-370, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBIT/ICNAS - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-370, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andre G Tempone
- Centre for Parasitology and Mycology, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil
| | - João Paulo S Fernandes
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, 09972-270, Brazil.
| | - João Henrique G Lago
- Center of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Paulo, 09210-580, Brazil.
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23
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Ebersoll S, Bogacz M, Günter LM, Dick TP, Krauth-Siegel RL. A tryparedoxin-coupled biosensor reveals a mitochondrial trypanothione metabolism in trypanosomes. eLife 2020; 9:53227. [PMID: 32003744 PMCID: PMC7046469 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomes have a trypanothione redox metabolism that provides the reducing equivalents for numerous essential processes, most being mediated by tryparedoxin (Tpx). While the biosynthesis and reduction of trypanothione are cytosolic, the molecular basis of the thiol redox homeostasis in the single mitochondrion of these parasites has remained largely unknown. Here we expressed Tpx-roGFP2, roGFP2-hGrx1 or roGFP2 in either the cytosol or mitochondrion of Trypanosoma brucei. We show that the novel Tpx-roGFP2 is a superior probe for the trypanothione redox couple and that the mitochondrial matrix harbors a trypanothione system. Inhibition of trypanothione biosynthesis by the anti-trypanosomal drug Eflornithine impairs the ability of the cytosol and mitochondrion to cope with exogenous oxidative stresses, indicating a direct link between both thiol systems. Tpx depletion abolishes the cytosolic, but only partially affects the mitochondrial sensor response to H2O2. This strongly suggests that the mitochondrion harbors some Tpx and, another, as yet unidentified, oxidoreductase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Bogacz
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lina M Günter
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias P Dick
- Division of Redox Regulation, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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24
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Paes MC, Saraiva FMS, Nogueira NP, Vieira CSD, Dias FA, Rossini A, Coelho VL, Pane A, Sang F, Alcocer M. Gene expression profiling of Trypanosoma cruzi in the presence of heme points to glycosomal metabolic adaptation of epimastigotes inside the vector. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0007945. [PMID: 31895927 PMCID: PMC6959606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, and is transmitted by triatomine insects during its blood meal. Proliferative epimastigotes forms thrive inside the insects in the presence of heme (iron protoporphyrin IX), an abundant product of blood digestion, however little is known about the metabolic outcome of this signaling molecule in the parasite. Trypanosomatids exhibit unusual gene transcription employing a polycistronic transcription mechanism through trans-splicing that regulates its life cycle. Using the Deep Seq transcriptome sequencing we characterized the heme induced transcriptome of epimastigotes and determined that most of the upregulated genes were related to glucose metabolism inside the glycosomes. These results were supported by the upregulation of glycosomal isoforms of PEPCK and fumarate reductase of heme-treated parasites, implying that the fermentation process was favored. Moreover, the downregulation of mitochondrial gene enzymes in the presence of heme also supported the hypothesis that heme shifts the parasite glycosomal glucose metabolism towards aerobic fermentation. These results are examples of the environmental metabolic plasticity inside the vector supporting ATP production, promoting epimastigotes proliferation and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia C. Paes
- Laboratório de Interação Tripanossomatídeos e Vetores—Departamento de Bioquímica, IBRAG–UERJ–Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia—Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM)–Brazil
- * E-mail: (MCP); (MA)
| | - Francis M. S. Saraiva
- Laboratório de Interação Tripanossomatídeos e Vetores—Departamento de Bioquímica, IBRAG–UERJ–Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Natália P. Nogueira
- Laboratório de Interação Tripanossomatídeos e Vetores—Departamento de Bioquímica, IBRAG–UERJ–Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia—Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM)–Brazil
| | - Carolina S. D. Vieira
- Laboratório de Interação Tripanossomatídeos e Vetores—Departamento de Bioquímica, IBRAG–UERJ–Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Felipe A. Dias
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia—Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM)–Brazil
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Rossini
- Laboratório de Toxicologia e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica, IBRAG- UERJ- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vitor Lima Coelho
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Attilio Pane
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fei Sang
- Deep Seq, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Marcos Alcocer
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (MCP); (MA)
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25
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Bombaça ACS, Brunoro GVF, Dias-Lopes G, Ennes-Vidal V, Carvalho PC, Perales J, d'Avila-Levy CM, Valente RH, Menna-Barreto RFS. Glycolytic profile shift and antioxidant triggering in symbiont-free and H 2O 2-resistant Strigomonas culicis. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 146:392-401. [PMID: 31760093 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During their life cycle, trypanosomatids are exposed to stress conditions and adapt their energy and antioxidant metabolism to colonize their hosts. Strigomonas culicis is a monoxenous protist found in invertebrates with an endosymbiotic bacterium that completes essential biosynthetic pathways for the trypanosomatid. Our research group previously generated a wild-type H2O2-resistant (WTR) strain that showed improved mitochondrial metabolism and antioxidant defenses, which led to higher rates of Aedes aegypti infection. Here, we assess the biological contribution of the S. culicis endosymbiont and reactive oxygen species (ROS) resistance to oxidative and energy metabolism processes. Using high-throughput proteomics, several proteins involved in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, the pentose phosphate pathway and glutathione metabolism were identified. The results suggest that ROS resistance decreases glucose consumption and indicate that the metabolic products from gluconeogenesis are key to supplying the protist with high-energy and reducing intermediates. Our hypothesis was confirmed by biochemical assays showing opposite profiles for glucose uptake and hexokinase and pyruvate kinase activity levels in the WTR and aposymbiotic strains, while the enzyme glucose-6P 1-dehydrogenase was more active in both strains. Regarding the antioxidant system, ascorbate peroxidase has an important role in H2O2 resistance and may be responsible for the high infection rates previously described for A. aegypti. In conclusion, our data indicate that the energy-related and antioxidant metabolic processes of S. culicis are modulated in response to oxidative stress conditions, providing new perspectives on the biology of the trypanosomatid-insect interaction as well as on the possible impact of resistant parasites in accidental human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Geovane Dias-Lopes
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endemic Diseases, IOC, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vitor Ennes-Vidal
- Laboratory of Integrated Studies in Protozoology, IOC, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paulo Costa Carvalho
- Laboratory for Structural and Computational Proteomics, ICC, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Jonas Perales
- Laboratory of Toxinology, IOC, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Claudia Masini d'Avila-Levy
- Laboratory of Integrated Studies in Protozoology, IOC, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Richard Hemmi Valente
- Laboratory of Toxinology, IOC, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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26
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Meinel RS, Almeida ADC, Stroppa PHF, Glanzmann N, Coimbra ES, da Silva AD. Novel functionalized 1,2,3-triazole derivatives exhibit antileishmanial activity, increase in total and mitochondrial-ROS and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential of Leishmania amazonensis. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 315:108850. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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27
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Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of costic acid isolated from Nectandra barbellata (Lauraceae) is associated with alterations in plasma membrane electric and mitochondrial membrane potentials. Bioorg Chem 2020; 95:103510. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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28
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Brito CCB, da Silva HVC, Brondani DJ, de Faria AR, Ximenes RM, da Silva IM, de Albuquerque JFC, Castilho MS. Synthesis and biological evaluation of thiazole derivatives as LbSOD inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2019; 34:333-342. [PMID: 30734600 PMCID: PMC6327998 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2018.1550752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is considered as one of the major neglected tropical diseases due to its magnitude and wide geographic distribution. Leishmania braziliensis, responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis, is the most prevalent species in Brazil. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) belongs to the antioxidant pathway of the parasites and human host. Despite the differences between SOD of Leishmania braziliensis and human make this enzyme a promising target for drug development efforts. No medicinal chemistry effort has been made to identify LbSOD inhibitors. Herein, we show that thermal shift assays (TSA) and fluorescent protein-labeled assays (FPLA) can be employed as primary and secondary screens to achieve this goal. Moreover, we show that thiazole derivatives bind to LbSOD with micromolar affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila C. Bitencourt Brito
- Programa de pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rafael Matos Ximenes
- Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcelo Santos Castilho
- Programa de pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
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29
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Horáková E, Faktorová D, Kraeva N, Kaur B, Van Den Abbeele J, Yurchenko V, Lukeš J. Catalase compromises the development of the insect and mammalian stages of Trypanosoma brucei. FEBS J 2019; 287:964-977. [PMID: 31593329 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Catalase is a widespread heme-containing enzyme, which converts hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) to water and molecular oxygen, thereby protecting cells from the toxic effects of H2 O2 . Trypanosoma brucei is an aerobic protist, which conspicuously lacks this potent enzyme, present in virtually all organisms exposed to oxidative stress. To uncover the reasons for its absence in T. brucei, we overexpressed different catalases in procyclic and bloodstream stages of the parasite. The heterologous enzymes originated from the related insect-confined trypanosomatid Crithidia fasciculata and the human. While the trypanosomatid enzyme (cCAT) operates at low temperatures, its human homolog (hCAT) is adapted to the warm-blooded environment. Despite the presence of peroxisomal targeting signal in hCAT, both human and C. fasciculata catalases localized to the cytosol of T. brucei. Even though cCAT was efficiently expressed in both life cycle stages, the enzyme was active in the procyclic stage, increasing cell's resistance to the H2 O2 stress, yet its activity was suppressed in the cultured bloodstream stage. Surprisingly, following the expression of hCAT, the ability to establish the T. brucei infection in the tsetse fly midgut was compromised. In the mouse model, hCAT attenuated parasitemia and, consequently, increased the host's survival. Hence, we suggest that the activity of catalase in T. brucei is beneficial in vitro, yet it becomes detrimental for parasite's proliferation in both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts, leading to an inability to carry this, otherwise omnipresent, enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Horáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Drahomíra Faktorová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Natalia Kraeva
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Binnypreet Kaur
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Jan Van Den Abbeele
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic.,Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
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Currier RB, Ulrich K, Leroux AE, Dirdjaja N, Deambrosi M, Bonilla M, Ahmed YL, Adrian L, Antelmann H, Jakob U, Comini MA, Krauth-Siegel RL. An essential thioredoxin-type protein of Trypanosoma brucei acts as redox-regulated mitochondrial chaperone. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1008065. [PMID: 31557263 PMCID: PMC6783113 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Most known thioredoxin-type proteins (Trx) participate in redox pathways, using two highly conserved cysteine residues to catalyze thiol-disulfide exchange reactions. Here we demonstrate that the so far unexplored Trx2 from African trypanosomes (Trypanosoma brucei) lacks protein disulfide reductase activity but functions as an effective temperature-activated and redox-regulated chaperone. Immunofluorescence microscopy and fractionated cell lysis revealed that Trx2 is located in the mitochondrion of the parasite. RNA-interference and gene knock-out approaches showed that depletion of Trx2 impairs growth of both mammalian bloodstream and insect stage procyclic parasites. Procyclic cells lacking Trx2 stop proliferation under standard culture conditions at 27°C and are unable to survive prolonged exposure to 37°C, indicating that Trx2 plays a vital role that becomes augmented under heat stress. Moreover, we found that Trx2 contributes to the in vivo infectivity of T. brucei. Remarkably, a Trx2 version, in which all five cysteines were replaced by serine residues, complements for the wildtype protein in conditional knock-out cells and confers parasite infectivity in the mouse model. Characterization of the recombinant protein revealed that Trx2 can coordinate an iron sulfur cluster and is highly sensitive towards spontaneous oxidation. Moreover, we discovered that both wildtype and mutant Trx2 protect other proteins against thermal aggregation and preserve their ability to refold upon return to non-stress conditions. Activation of the chaperone function of Trx2 appears to be triggered by temperature-mediated structural changes and inhibited by oxidative disulfide bond formation. Our studies indicate that Trx2 acts as a novel chaperone in the unique single mitochondrion of T. brucei and reveal a new perspective regarding the physiological function of thioredoxin-type proteins in trypanosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel B. Currier
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Ulrich
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | | | - Natalie Dirdjaja
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matías Deambrosi
- Group Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mariana Bonilla
- Group Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Laboratorio de Fisicoquímica Biológica, Instituto de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Lorenz Adrian
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research–UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- Fachgebiet Geobiotechnologie, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Haike Antelmann
- Institut für Biologie-Mikrobiologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ursula Jakob
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Marcelo A. Comini
- Group Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Conserved motifs in nuclear genes encoding predicted mitochondrial proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215160. [PMID: 30964924 PMCID: PMC6456187 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite that causes Chagas’ disease, exhibits peculiar biological features. Among them, the presence of a unique mitochondrion is remarkable. Even though the mitochondrial DNA constitutes up to 25% of total cellular DNA, the structure and functionality of the mitochondrion are dependent on the expression of the nuclear genome. As in other eukaryotes, specific peptide signals have been proposed to drive the mitochondrial localization of a subset of trypanosomatid proteins. However, there are mitochondrial proteins encoded in the nuclear genome that lack of a peptide signal. In other eukaryotes, alternative protein targeting to subcellular organelles via mRNA localization has also been recognized and specific mRNA localization towards the mitochondria has been described. With the aim of seeking for mitochondrial localization signals in T. cruzi, we developed a strategy to build a comprehensive database of nuclear genes encoding predicted mitochondrial proteins (MiNT) in the TriTryps (T. cruzi, T. brucei and L. major). We found that approximately 15% of their nuclear genome encodes mitochondrial products. In T. cruzi the MiNT database reaches 1438 genes and a conserved peptide signal, M(L/F) R (R/S) SS, named TryM-TaPe is found in 60% of these genes, suggesting that the canonical mRNA guidance mechanism is present. In addition, the search for compositional signals in the transcripts of T. cruzi MiNT genes produce a list, being worth to note a conserved non-translated element represented by the consensus sequence DARRVSG. Taking into account its reported interaction with the T. brucei TRRM3 protein which is enriched in the mitochondrial membrane fraction, we here suggest a putative zip code role for this element. Globally, here we provide an inventory of the mitochondrial proteins in T. cruzi and give evidence for the existence of both peptide and mRNA signals specific to nuclear encoded mitochondrial proteins.
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Cerone M, Uliassi E, Prati F, Ebiloma GU, Lemgruber L, Bergamini C, Watson DG, de A M Ferreira T, Roth Cardoso GSH, Soares Romeiro LA, de Koning HP, Bolognesi ML. Discovery of Sustainable Drugs for Neglected Tropical Diseases: Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL)-Based Hybrids Target Mitochondrial Function and ATP Production in Trypanosoma brucei. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:621-635. [PMID: 30664325 PMCID: PMC6686156 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In the search for effective and sustainable drugs for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), we developed hybrid compounds by merging the structural features of quinone 4 (2‐phenoxynaphthalene‐1,4‐dione) with those of phenolic constituents from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). CNSL is a waste product from cashew nut processing factories, with great potential as a source of drug precursors. The synthesized compounds were tested against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, including three multidrug‐resistant strains, T. congolense, and a human cell line. The most potent activity was found against T. b. brucei, the causative agent of HAT. Shorter‐chain derivatives 20 (2‐(3‐(8‐hydroxyoctyl)phenoxy)‐5‐methoxynaphthalene‐1,4‐dione) and 22 (5‐hydroxy‐2‐(3‐(8‐hydroxyoctyl)phenoxy)naphthalene‐1,4‐dione) were more active than 4, displaying rapid micromolar trypanocidal activity, and no human cytotoxicity. Preliminary studies probing their mode of action on trypanosomes showed ATP depletion, followed by mitochondrial membrane depolarization and mitochondrion ultrastructural damage. This was accompanied by reactive oxygen species production. We envisage that such compounds, obtained from a renewable and inexpensive material, might be promising bio‐based sustainable hits for anti‐trypanosomatid drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Cerone
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy.,Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, GBRC, University Place, G12 8AT, Glasgow, UK
| | - Elisa Uliassi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Prati
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Godwin U Ebiloma
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, GBRC, University Place, G12 8AT, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B. 1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria
| | - Leandro Lemgruber
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, GBRC, University Place, G12 8AT, Glasgow, UK.,Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, GBRC, University Place, G12 8AT, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christian Bergamini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - David G Watson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 16 Richmond Street, G1 1XQ, Glasgow, UK
| | - Thais de A M Ferreira
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Simões Heyn Roth Cardoso
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Luiz A Soares Romeiro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, GBRC, University Place, G12 8AT, Glasgow, UK
| | - Maria Laura Bolognesi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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Bombaça ACS, Viana PG, Santos ACC, Silva TL, Rodrigues ABM, Guimarães ACR, Goulart MOF, da Silva Júnior EN, Menna-Barreto RFS. Mitochondrial disfunction and ROS production are essential for anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of β-lapachone-derived naphthoimidazoles. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 130:408-418. [PMID: 30445126 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by the hemoflagellate protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi and is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases, especially in Latin American countries, where there is an association between low-income populations and mortality. The nitroderivatives used in current chemotherapy are far from ideal and present severe limitations, justifying the continuous search for alternative drugs. Since the1990s, our group has been investigating the trypanocidal activity of natural naphthoquinones and their derivatives, and three naphthoimidazoles (N1, N2 and N3) derived from β-lapachone were found to be most effective in vitro. Analysis of their mechanism of action via cellular, molecular and proteomic approaches indicates that the parasite mitochondrion contains one of the primary targets of these compounds, trypanothione synthetase (involved in trypanothione production), which is overexpressed after treatment with these compounds. Here, we further evaluated the participation of the mitochondria and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the anti-T. cruzi action of naphthoimidazoles. Preincubation of epimastigotes and trypomastigotes with antioxidants (α-tocopherol and urate) strongly protected the parasites from the trypanocidal effect of naphthoimidazoles, decreasing the ROS levels produced and reverting the mitochondrial swelling phenotype. The addition of pro-oxidants (menadione and H2O2) before the treatment induced an increase in parasite lysis. Despite the O2 uptake and mitochondrial complex activity being strongly reduced by N1, N2 and N3, urate partially restored the mitochondrial metabolism only in N1-treated parasites. In parallel, MitoTEMPO, a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant, protected the functionality of the mitochondria in N2- and N3-treated parasites. In addition, the trypanothione reductase activity was remarkably increased after treatment with N1 and N3, and molecular docking demonstrated that these two compounds were positioned in pockets of this enzyme. Based on our findings, the direct impairment of the mitochondrial electron transport chain by N2 and N3 led to an oxidative misbalance, which exacerbated ROS generation and led to parasite death. Although other mechanisms cannot be discounted, mainly in N1-treated parasites, further investigations are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina S Bombaça
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paula G Viana
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatozoonoses em Animais Domésticos, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Augusto C C Santos
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thaissa L Silva
- Instituto de Química e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Aline Beatriz M Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina R Guimarães
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marilia O F Goulart
- Instituto de Química e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Eufrânio N da Silva Júnior
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rubem F S Menna-Barreto
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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In vitro leishmanicidal effects of the anti-fungal drug natamycin are mediated through disruption of calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Apoptosis 2018; 23:420-435. [DOI: 10.1007/s10495-018-1468-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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35
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Miranda N, Volpato H, da Silva Rodrigues JH, Caetano W, Ueda-Nakamura T, de Oliveira Silva S, Nakamura CV. The photodynamic action of pheophorbide a induces cell death through oxidative stress in Leishmania amazonensis. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2017; 174:342-354. [PMID: 28821011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by hemoflagellate protozoa, affecting millions of people worldwide. The difficulties of treating patients with this parasitosis include the limited efficacy and many side effects of the currently available drugs. Therefore, the search for new compounds with leishmanicidal action is necessary. Photodynamic therapy has been studied in the medical field because of its selectivity, utilizing a combination of visible light, a photosensitizer compound, and singlet oxygen to reach the area of treatment. The continued search for selective alternative treatments and effective targets that impact the parasite and not the host are fundamentally important for the development of new drugs. Pheophorbide a is a photosensitizer that may be promising for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The present study evaluated the in vitro biological effects of pheophorbide a and its possible mechanisms of action in causing cell death in L. amazonensis. Pheophorbide a was active against promastigote and amastigote forms of the parasite. After treatment, we observed ultrastructural alterations in this protozoan. We also observed changes in promastigote macromolecules and organelles, such as loss of mitochondrial membrane potential [∆Ψm], lipid peroxidation, an increase in lipid droplets, DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine exposure, an increase in caspase-like activity, oxidative imbalance, and a decrease in antioxidant defense systems. These findings suggest that cell death occurred through apoptosis. The mechanism of cell death in intracellular amastigotes appeared to involve autophagy, in which we clearly observed an increase in reactive oxygen species, a compromised ∆Ψm, and an increase in the number of autophagic vacuoles. The present study contributes to the development of new photosensitizers against L. amazonensis. We also elucidated the mechanism of action of pheophorbide a, mainly in intracellular amastigotes, which is the most clinically relevant form of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathielle Miranda
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Hélito Volpato
- Post-Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Biological Concentration Area, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Jean Henrique da Silva Rodrigues
- Post-Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Biological Concentration Area, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Wilker Caetano
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Tânia Ueda-Nakamura
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Sueli de Oliveira Silva
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Celso Vataru Nakamura
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Biological Concentration Area, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
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36
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Molecular mechanisms of thermal resistance of the insect trypanosomatid Crithidia thermophila. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174165. [PMID: 28328988 PMCID: PMC5362078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present work, we investigated molecular mechanisms governing thermal resistance of a monoxenous trypanosomatid Crithidia luciliae thermophila, which we reclassified as a separate species C. thermophila. We analyzed morphology, growth kinetics, and transcriptomic profiles of flagellates cultivated at low (23°C) and elevated (34°C) temperature. When maintained at high temperature, they grew significantly faster, became shorter, with genes involved in sugar metabolism and mitochondrial stress protection significantly upregulated. Comparison with another thermoresistant monoxenous trypanosomatid, Leptomonas seymouri, revealed dramatic differences in transcription profiles of the two species with only few genes showing the same expression pattern. This disparity illustrates differences in the biology of these two parasites and distinct mechanisms of their thermotolerance, a prerequisite for living in warm-blooded vertebrates.
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37
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Kraeva N, Horáková E, Kostygov AY, Kořený L, Butenko A, Yurchenko V, Lukeš J. Catalase in Leishmaniinae: With me or against me? INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 50:121-127. [PMID: 27381333 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.06.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The catalase gene is a virtually ubiquitous component of the eukaryotic genomes. It is also present in the monoxenous (i.e. parasitizing solely insects) trypanosomatids of the subfamily Leishmaniinae, which have acquired the enzyme by horizontal gene transfer from a bacterium. However, as shown here, the catalase gene was secondarily lost from the genomes of all Leishmania sequenced so far. Due to the potentially key regulatory role of hydrogen peroxide in the inter-stagial transformation of Leishmania spp., this loss seems to be a necessary prerequisite for the emergence of a complex life cycle of these important human pathogens. Hence, in this group of protists, the advantages of keeping catalase were uniquely outweighed by its disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya Kraeva
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Horáková
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Alexei Y Kostygov
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic; Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Luděk Kořený
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, United Kingdom
| | - Anzhelika Butenko
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic; Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Institute of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic.
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1Z8, Canada.
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38
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Opperdoes FR, Butenko A, Flegontov P, Yurchenko V, Lukeš J. Comparative Metabolism of Free-living Bodo saltans
and Parasitic Trypanosomatids. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2016; 63:657-78. [DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fred R. Opperdoes
- de Duve Institute; Université Catholique de Louvain; Brussels B-1200 Belgium
| | - Anzhelika Butenko
- Life Science Research Centre; Faculty of Science; University of Ostrava; Ostrava 710 00 Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Flegontov
- Life Science Research Centre; Faculty of Science; University of Ostrava; Ostrava 710 00 Czech Republic
- Biology Centre; Institute of Parasitology; Czech Academy of Sciences; České Budějovice (Budweis) 370 05 Czech Republic
- A.A. Kharkevich Institute for Information Transmission Problems; Russian Academy of Sciences; Moscow 127 051 Russia
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Life Science Research Centre; Faculty of Science; University of Ostrava; Ostrava 710 00 Czech Republic
- Biology Centre; Institute of Parasitology; Czech Academy of Sciences; České Budějovice (Budweis) 370 05 Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science; Institute of Environmental Technologies; University of Ostrava; Ostrava 710 00 Czech Republic
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Biology Centre; Institute of Parasitology; Czech Academy of Sciences; České Budějovice (Budweis) 370 05 Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science; University of South Bohemia; České Budějovice (Budweis) 370 05 Czech Republic
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research; Toronto ON M5G 1Z8 Canada
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39
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Mitochondrial Proteomics of Antimony and Miltefosine Resistant Leishmania infantum. Proteomes 2015; 3:328-346. [PMID: 28248274 PMCID: PMC5217391 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes3040328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimony (SbIII) and miltefosine (MIL) are important drugs for the treatment of Leishmania parasite infections. The mitochondrion is likely to play a central role in SbIII and MIL induced cell death in this parasite. Enriched mitochondrial samples from Leishmania promastigotes selected step by step for in vitro resistance to SbIII and MIL were subjected to differential proteomic analysis. A shared decrease in both mutants in the levels of pyruvate dehydrogenase, dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase was observed, as well as a differential abundance in two calcium-binding proteins and the unique dynamin-1-like protein of the parasite. Both mutants presented a shared increase in the succinyl-CoA:3-ketoacid-coenzyme A transferase and the abundance of numerous hypothetical proteins was also altered in both mutants. In general, the proteomic changes observed in the MIL mutant were less pronounced than in the SbIII mutant, probably due to the early appearance of a mutation in the miltefosine transporter abrogating the need for a strong mitochondrial adaptation. This study is the first analysis of the Leishmania mitochondrial proteome and offers powerful insights into the adaptations to this organelle during SbIII and MIL drug resistance.
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Schaffroth C, Bogacz M, Dirdjaja N, Nißen A, Krauth-Siegel RL. The cytosolic or the mitochondrial glutathione peroxidase-type tryparedoxin peroxidase is sufficient to protect procyclic Trypanosoma brucei from iron-mediated mitochondrial damage and lysis. Mol Microbiol 2015; 99:172-87. [PMID: 26374473 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
African trypanosomes express three virtually identical glutathione peroxidase (Px)-type enzymes that occur in the cytosol (Px I and II) and mitochondrion (Px III) and detoxify fatty acid-derived hydroperoxides. Selective deletion of the genes revealed that procyclic Trypanosoma brucei lacking either the cytosolic or mitochondrial enzyme proliferate nearly as wild-type parasites, whereas the knockout of the complete genomic locus is lethal. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analyses revealed that the Px I-III-deficient parasites lose their mitochondrial membrane potential, which is followed by a loss of the lysosomal signal but not the glycosomal one. Mitochondrial damage and cell lysis are prevented by Trolox, ubiquinone derivatives and the iron chelator deferoxamine, whereas starch-deferoxamine is inefficient. In glucose-rich medium, cell death is attenuated suggesting that oxidants generated by the respiratory chain contribute to the lethal phenotype. Thus, the Px-type peroxidases protect procyclic cells from an iron-mediated oxidative membrane damage that originates at the mitochondrion. This contrasts with the situation in bloodstream cells, where the lysosome is the primarily affected organelle. Strikingly, either the cytosolic or the mitochondrial form of the peroxidases is required and sufficient to protect the mitochondrion and prevent cell lysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Schaffroth
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marta Bogacz
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Natalie Dirdjaja
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amrei Nißen
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - R Luise Krauth-Siegel
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Fullerton M, Singha UK, Duncan M, Chaudhuri M. Down regulation of Tim50 in Trypanosoma brucei increases tolerance to oxidative stress. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2015; 199:9-18. [PMID: 25791316 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent for African trypanosomiasis, possesses a single mitochondrion that imports hundreds of proteins from the cytosol. However, the parasite only possesses a few homologs of the canonical protein translocases found in fungi and animals. We recently characterized a homolog of the translocase of the mitochondrial inner membrane, Tim50, in T. brucei. TbTim50 knockdown (KD) moderately reduced cell growth, decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibited import of proteins into mitochondria. In contrast to Tim50 KD, we show here that TbTim50 overexpression (OE) increased the mitochondrial membrane potential as well as increased the production of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, TbTim50 OE also inhibits cell growth. In addition, TbTim50 OE and KD cells showed different responses upon treatment with H2O2. Surprisingly, TbTim50 KD cells showed a greater tolerance to oxidative stress. Further analysis revealed that TbTim50 KD inhibits transition of cells from an early to late apoptotic stage upon exposure to increasing concentrations of H2O2. On the other hand TbTim50 OE caused cells to be in a pro-apoptotic stage and thus they underwent increased cell death upon H2O2 treatment. However, externally added H2O2 similarly increased the levels of cellular ROS and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential in both cell types, indicating that tolerance to ROS is mediated through induction of the stress-response pathway due to TbTim50 KD. Together, these results suggest that TbTim50 acts as a stress sensor and that down regulation of Tim50 could be a survival mechanism for T. brucei exposed to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Fullerton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ujjal K Singha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Minu Chaudhuri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Duarte M, Tomás AM. The mitochondrial complex I of trypanosomatids--an overview of current knowledge. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2014; 46:299-311. [PMID: 24961227 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-014-9556-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The contribution of trypanosomatid mitochondrial complex I for energy transduction has long been debated. Herein, we summarize current knowledge on the composition and relevance of this enzyme. Bioinformatic and proteomic analyses allowed the identification of many conserved and trypanosomatid-specific subunits of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, revealing a multifunctional enzyme capable of performing bioenergetic activities and possibly, also of functioning in fatty acid metabolism. A multimeric structure organized in 5 domains of more than 2 MDa is predicted, in contrast to the 1 MDa described for mammalian complex I. The relevance of mitochondrial complex I within the Trypanosomatidae family is quite diverse with its NADH oxidation activity being dispensable for both procyclic and bloodstream Trypanosoma brucei, whereas in Phytomonas serpens the enzyme is the only respiratory complex able to sustain membrane potential. Aside from complex I, trypanosomatid mitochondria contain a type II NADH dehydrogenase and a NADH-dependent fumarate reductase as alternative electron entry points into the respiratory chain and thus, some trypanosomatids may have bypassed the need for complex I. The involvement of each of these enzymes in the maintenance of the mitochondrial redox balance in trypanosomatids is still an open question and requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Duarte
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180, Porto, Portugal,
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The double-edged sword in pathogenic trypanosomatids: the pivotal role of mitochondria in oxidative stress and bioenergetics. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:614014. [PMID: 24800243 PMCID: PMC3988864 DOI: 10.1155/2014/614014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenic trypanosomatids Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania spp. are the causative agents of African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis, respectively. These diseases are considered to be neglected tropical illnesses that persist under conditions of poverty and are concentrated in impoverished populations in the developing world. Novel efficient and nontoxic drugs are urgently needed as substitutes for the currently limited chemotherapy. Trypanosomatids display a single mitochondrion with several peculiar features, such as the presence of different energetic and antioxidant enzymes and a specific arrangement of mitochondrial DNA (kinetoplast DNA). Due to mitochondrial differences between mammals and trypanosomatids, this organelle is an excellent candidate for drug intervention. Additionally, during trypanosomatids' life cycle, the shape and functional plasticity of their single mitochondrion undergo profound alterations, reflecting adaptation to different environments. In an uncoupling situation, the organelle produces high amounts of reactive oxygen species. However, these species role in parasite biology is still controversial, involving parasite death, cell signalling, or even proliferation. Novel perspectives on trypanosomatid-targeting chemotherapy could be developed based on better comprehension of mitochondrial oxidative regulation processes.
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Indazoles: a new top seed structure in the search of efficient drugs against Trypanosoma cruzi. Future Med Chem 2013; 5:1843-59. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc.13.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
For years, Chagas disease treatment has been limited to only two drugs of highly questionable and controversial use (Nifurtimox® and Benznidazole®). In the search of effective drugs, many efforts have been made, but only a few structures have emerged as actual candidates. Heading into this, the multitarget-directed approach appears as the best choice. In this framework, indazoles were shown to be potent Trypanosoma cruzi growth inhibitors, being able to lead both the formation of reactive oxygen species and the inhibition of trypanothione reductase. Herein, we discuss the main structural factors that rule the anti-T. cruzi properties of indazoles, and how they would be involved in the biological properties as well as in the action mechanisms, attempting to make parallels between the old paradigms and current evidences in order to outline what could be the next steps to follow in regard to the future drug design for Chagas disease treatment.
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Abstract
Parasite redox biology is vital for understanding parasite-host interactions and adaptations. Studies in this area are leading to discoveries regarding drug targets and drug leads to treat infections caused by protozoan and worm parasites for which there are few effective drugs. Parasite unique and nonredundant core redox enzymes are choke points of metabolism and pharmacological targets. This Forum revises this concept and proposes new drug targets. It also highlights recent studies using genetically manipulated and natural strains that reveal emerging regulatory functions of antioxidant enzymes in parasite differentiation, apoptosis, virulence, acute infection, and disease progression and outcome. The challenge ahead is to understand the redox changes linked to differentiation and drastic transitions between environments that take place during parasitic complex life cycles. The combined use of new tools and techniques, such as genetically-manipulated parasites, live imaging, redox sensors, and proteomics, allow the challenge to be undertaken. Some of these methodologies, for example, transgenic parasites encoding redox biosensors, can also be applied to drug high throughput screening and to assess the effect of currently known drugs that affect redox homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Salinas
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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