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Rua AJ, Mitchell W, Claypool SM, Alder NN, Alexandrescu AT. Perturbations in mitochondrial metabolism associated with defective cardiolipin biosynthesis: An in-organello real-time NMR study. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.18.599628. [PMID: 38948727 PMCID: PMC11212973 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.18.599628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria are central to cellular metabolism; hence, their dysfunction contributes to a wide array of human diseases including cancer, cardiopathy, neurodegeneration, and heritable pathologies such as Barth syndrome. Cardiolipin, the signature phospholipid of the mitochondrion promotes proper cristae morphology, bioenergetic functions, and directly affects metabolic reactions carried out in mitochondrial membranes. To match tissue-specific metabolic demands, cardiolipin typically undergoes an acyl tail remodeling process with the final step carried out by the phospholipid-lysophospholipid transacylase tafazzin. Mutations in the tafazzin gene are the primary cause of Barth syndrome. Here, we investigated how defects in cardiolipin biosynthesis and remodeling impact metabolic flux through the tricarboxylic acid cycle and associated pathways in yeast. Nuclear magnetic resonance was used to monitor in real-time the metabolic fate of 13C3-pyruvate in isolated mitochondria from three isogenic yeast strains. We compared mitochondria from a wild-type strain to mitochondria from a Δtaz1 strain that lacks tafazzin and contains lower amounts of unremodeled cardiolipin, and mitochondria from a Δcrd1 strain that lacks cardiolipin synthase and cannot synthesize cardiolipin. We found that the 13C-label from the pyruvate substrate was distributed through about twelve metabolites. Several of the identified metabolites were specific to yeast pathways, including branched chain amino acids and fusel alcohol synthesis. Most metabolites showed similar kinetics amongst the different strains but mevalonate and α-ketoglutarate, as well as the NAD+/NADH couple measured in separate nuclear magnetic resonance experiments, showed pronounced differences. Taken together, the results show that cardiolipin remodeling influences pyruvate metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle flux, and the levels of mitochondrial nucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J. Rua
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Wayne Mitchell
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Steven M. Claypool
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Mitochondrial Phospholipid Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Nathan N. Alder
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Andrei T. Alexandrescu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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Novák LVF, Treitli SC, Pyrih J, Hałakuc P, Pipaliya SV, Vacek V, Brzoň O, Soukal P, Eme L, Dacks JB, Karnkowska A, Eliáš M, Hampl V. Genomics of Preaxostyla Flagellates Illuminates the Path Towards the Loss of Mitochondria. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011050. [PMID: 38060519 PMCID: PMC10703272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The notion that mitochondria cannot be lost was shattered with the report of an oxymonad Monocercomonoides exilis, the first eukaryote arguably without any mitochondrion. Yet, questions remain about whether this extends beyond the single species and how this transition took place. The Oxymonadida is a group of gut endobionts taxonomically housed in the Preaxostyla which also contains free-living flagellates of the genera Trimastix and Paratrimastix. The latter two taxa harbour conspicuous mitochondrion-related organelles (MROs). Here we report high-quality genome and transcriptome assemblies of two Preaxostyla representatives, the free-living Paratrimastix pyriformis and the oxymonad Blattamonas nauphoetae. We performed thorough comparisons among all available genomic and transcriptomic data of Preaxostyla to further decipher the evolutionary changes towards amitochondriality, endobiosis, and unstacked Golgi. Our results provide insights into the metabolic and endomembrane evolution, but most strikingly the data confirm the complete loss of mitochondria for all three oxymonad species investigated (M. exilis, B. nauphoetae, and Streblomastix strix), suggesting the amitochondriate status is common to a large part if not the whole group of Oxymonadida. This observation moves this unique loss to 100 MYA when oxymonad lineage diversified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukáš V. F. Novák
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Université de Bretagne Occidentale, CNRS, Unité Biologie et Ecologie des Ecosystèmes Marins Profonds BEEP, IUEM, Plouzané, France
| | - Sebastian C. Treitli
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
- RG Insect Gut Microbiology and Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jan Pyrih
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Paweł Hałakuc
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Shweta V. Pipaliya
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vojtěch Vacek
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Brzoň
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Soukal
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Eme
- Ecology, Systematics, and Evolution Unit, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Orsay, France
| | - Joel B. Dacks
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Anna Karnkowska
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Eliáš
- University of Ostrava, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology and Ecology, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Hampl
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
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Porta EOJ, Kalesh K, Steel PG. Navigating drug repurposing for Chagas disease: advances, challenges, and opportunities. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1233253. [PMID: 37576826 PMCID: PMC10416112 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1233253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a vector-borne illness caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). It poses a significant public health burden, particularly in the poorest regions of Latin America. Currently, there is no available vaccine, and chemotherapy has been the traditional treatment for Chagas disease. However, the treatment options are limited to just two outdated medicines, nifurtimox and benznidazole, which have serious side effects and low efficacy, especially during the chronic phase of the disease. Collectively, this has led the World Health Organization to classify it as a neglected disease. To address this problem, new drug regimens are urgently needed. Drug repurposing, which involves the use of existing drugs already approved for the treatment of other diseases, represents an increasingly important option. This approach offers potential cost reduction in new drug discovery processes and can address pharmaceutical bottlenecks in the development of drugs for Chagas disease. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-art of drug repurposing approaches, including combination therapy with existing drugs, to overcome the formidable challenges associated with treating Chagas disease. Organized by original therapeutic area, we describe significant recent advances, as well as the challenges in this field. In particular, we identify candidates that exhibit potential for heightened efficacy and reduced toxicity profiles with the ultimate objective of accelerating the development of new, safe, and effective treatments for Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karunakaran Kalesh
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
- National Horizons Centre, Darlington, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick G. Steel
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
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Araujo-Lima CF, de Cassia Castro Carvalho R, Rosario SL, Leite DI, Aguiar ACC, de Souza Santos LV, de Araujo JS, Salomão K, Kaiser CR, Krettli AU, Bastos MM, Aiub CAF, de Nazaré Correia Soeiro M, Boechat N, Felzenszwalb I. Antiplasmodial, Trypanocidal, and Genotoxicity In Vitro Assessment of New Hybrid α,α-Difluorophenylacetamide-statin Derivatives. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:782. [PMID: 37375730 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins present a plethora of pleiotropic effects including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial responses. A,α-difluorophenylacetamides, analogs of diclofenac, are potent pre-clinical anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs. Molecular hybridization based on the combination of pharmacophoric moieties has emerged as a strategy for the development of new candidates aiming to obtain multitarget ligands. METHODS Considering the anti-inflammatory activity of phenylacetamides and the potential microbicidal action of statins against obligate intracellular parasites, the objective of this work was to synthesize eight new hybrid compounds of α,α-difluorophenylacetamides with the moiety of statins and assess their phenotypic activity against in vitro models of Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosoma cruzi infection besides exploring their genotoxicity safety profile. RESULTS None of the sodium salt compounds presented antiparasitic activity and two acetated compounds displayed mild anti-P. falciparum effect. Against T. cruzi, the acetate halogenated hybrids showed moderate effect against both parasite forms relevant for human infection. Despite the considerable trypanosomicidal activity, the brominated compound revealed a genotoxic profile impairing future in vivo testing. CONCLUSIONS However, the chlorinated derivative was the most promising compound with chemical and biological profitable characteristics, without presenting genotoxicity in vitro, being eligible for further in vivo experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Fernando Araujo-Lima
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, LBC Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Mutagênese Ambiental, LabMut Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, IBRAG-UERJ, Rio de Janeiro 22050-020, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Molecular e Celular, Instituto Biomédico-UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro 20211-030, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rita de Cassia Castro Carvalho
- Departamento de Síntese de Fármacos, Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos, Farmanguinhos-FIOCRUZ, Rua Sizenando Nabuco 100, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, PGQu, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sandra Loureiro Rosario
- Departamento de Síntese de Fármacos, Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos, Farmanguinhos-FIOCRUZ, Rua Sizenando Nabuco 100, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | - Debora Inacio Leite
- Departamento de Síntese de Fármacos, Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos, Farmanguinhos-FIOCRUZ, Rua Sizenando Nabuco 100, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, ICB-UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Anna Caroline Campos Aguiar
- Laboratório de Malária, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, CPqRR-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, MG, Brazil
| | - Lizandra Vitoria de Souza Santos
- Laboratório de Mutagênese Ambiental, LabMut Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, IBRAG-UERJ, Rio de Janeiro 22050-020, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Kelly Salomão
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, LBC Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos Roland Kaiser
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, PGQu, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antoniana Ursine Krettli
- Laboratório de Malária, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, CPqRR-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, MG, Brazil
| | - Monica Macedo Bastos
- Departamento de Síntese de Fármacos, Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos, Farmanguinhos-FIOCRUZ, Rua Sizenando Nabuco 100, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | - Claudia Alessandra Fortes Aiub
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Molecular e Celular, Instituto Biomédico-UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro 20211-030, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Nubia Boechat
- Departamento de Síntese de Fármacos, Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos, Farmanguinhos-FIOCRUZ, Rua Sizenando Nabuco 100, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | - Israel Felzenszwalb
- Laboratório de Mutagênese Ambiental, LabMut Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, IBRAG-UERJ, Rio de Janeiro 22050-020, RJ, Brazil
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Jin Q, Li G, Qin K, Shang Y, Yan H, Liu H, Zeng B, Hu Z. The expression pattern, subcellular localization and function of three sterol 14α-demethylases in Aspergillus oryzae. Front Genet 2023; 14:1009746. [PMID: 36755574 PMCID: PMC9899854 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1009746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sterol 14α-demethylase catalyzes lanosterol hydroxylation, which is one of the key reactions in the biosynthetic pathway of sterols. There is only one sterol 14α-demethylases gene named Erg11 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome. In this study, three sterol 14α-demethylases genes named AoErg11A, AoErg11B and AoErg11C were identified in Aspergillus oryzae genome through bioinformatics analysis. The function of these three genes were studied by yeast complementation, and the expression pattern/subcellular localization of these genes/proteins were detected. The results showed that the three AoErg11s were expressed differently at different growth times and under different abiotic stresses. All of the three proteins were located in endoplasmic reticulum. The AoErg11s could not restore the temperature-sensitive phenotype of S. cerevisiae erg11 mutant. Overexpression of the three AoErg11s affected both growth and sporulation, which may be due to the effect of AoErg11s on ergosterol content. Therefore, this study revealed the functions of three AoErg11s and their effects on the growth and ergosterol biosynthesis of A. oryzae, which may contribute to the further understanding of the ergosterol biosynthesis and regulation mechanism in this important filamentous fungus, A. oryzae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Jin
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ganghua Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Edible Wild Plants Conservation and Utilization, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, China
| | - Kunhai Qin
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yitong Shang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huanhuan Yan
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hongliang Liu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Zhihong Hu, ; Bin Zeng,
| | - Zhihong Hu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China,*Correspondence: Zhihong Hu, ; Bin Zeng,
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Pérez-Moreno G, Sánchez-Carrasco P, Ruiz-Pérez LM, Johansson NG, Müller S, Baragaña B, Hampton SE, Gilbert IH, Kaiser M, Sarkar S, Pandurangan T, Kumar V, González-Pacanowska D. Validation of Plasmodium falciparum dUTPase as the target of 5'-tritylated deoxyuridine analogues with anti-malarial activity. Malar J 2019; 18:392. [PMID: 31796083 PMCID: PMC6889535 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-3025-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria remains as a major global problem, being one of the infectious diseases that engender highest mortality across the world. Due to the appearance of resistance and the lack of an effective vaccine, the search of novel anti-malarials is required. Deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nucleotido-hydrolase (dUTPase) is responsible for the hydrolysis of dUTP to dUMP within the parasite and has been proposed as an essential step in pyrimidine metabolism by providing dUMP for thymidylate biosynthesis. In this work, efforts to validate dUTPase as a drug target in Plasmodium falciparum are reported. Methods To investigate the role of PfdUTPase in cell survival different strategies to generate knockout mutants were used. For validation of PfdUTPase as the intracellular target of four inhibitors of the enzyme, mutants overexpressing PfdUTPase and HsdUTPase were created and the IC50 for each cell line with each compound was determined. The effect of these compounds on dUTP and dTTP levels from P. falciparum was measured using a DNA polymerase assay. Detailed localization studies by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy and live cell imaging were also performed using a cell line overexpressing a Pfdut-GFP fusion protein. Results Different attempts of disruption of the dut gene of P. falciparum were unsuccessful while a 3′ replacement construct could recombine correctly in the locus suggesting that the enzyme is essential. The four 5′-tritylated deoxyuridine analogues described are potent inhibitors of the P. falciparum dUTPase and exhibit antiplasmodial activity. Overexpression of the Plasmodium and human enzymes conferred resistance against selective compounds, providing chemical validation of the target and confirming that indeed dUTPase inhibition is involved in anti-malarial activity. In addition, incubation with these inhibitors was associated with a depletion of the dTTP pool corroborating the central role of dUTPase in dTTP synthesis. PfdUTPase is mainly localized in the cytosol. Conclusion These results strongly confirm the pivotal and essential role of dUTPase in pyrimidine biosynthesis of P. falciparum intraerythrocytic stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiomar Pérez-Moreno
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Avenida del Conocimiento, s/n 18016-Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Paula Sánchez-Carrasco
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Avenida del Conocimiento, s/n 18016-Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ruiz-Pérez
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Avenida del Conocimiento, s/n 18016-Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Sylke Müller
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Beatriz Baragaña
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Shahienaz Emma Hampton
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Ian Hugh Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Marcel Kaiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sandipan Sarkar
- Syngene International Ltd, Biocon Park, SEZ, Bommasandra Industrial Area - Phase-IV Bommasandra-Jigani Link Road, Bangalore, 560 099, India
| | - Thiyagamurthy Pandurangan
- Syngene International Ltd, Biocon Park, SEZ, Bommasandra Industrial Area - Phase-IV Bommasandra-Jigani Link Road, Bangalore, 560 099, India
| | - Vijeesh Kumar
- Syngene International Ltd, Biocon Park, SEZ, Bommasandra Industrial Area - Phase-IV Bommasandra-Jigani Link Road, Bangalore, 560 099, India
| | - Dolores González-Pacanowska
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Avenida del Conocimiento, s/n 18016-Armilla, Granada, Spain.
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Duschak VG. Major Kinds of Drug Targets in Chagas Disease or American Trypanosomiasis. Curr Drug Targets 2019; 20:1203-1216. [PMID: 31020939 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190423160804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
American Trypanosomiasis, a parasitic infection commonly named Chagas disease, affects millions of people all over Latin American countries. Presently, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that the number of international infected individuals extends to 7 to 8 million, assuming that more than 10,000 deaths occur annually. The transmission of the etiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, through people migrating to non-endemic world nations makes it an emergent disease. The best promising targets for trypanocidal drugs may be classified into three main groups: Group I includes the main molecular targets that are considered among specific enzymes involved in the essential processes for parasite survival, principally Cruzipain, the major antigenic parasite cysteine proteinase. Group II involves biological pathways and their key specific enzymes, such as Sterol biosynthesis pathway, among others, specific antioxidant defense mechanisms, and bioenergetics ones. Group III includes the atypical organelles /structures present in the parasite relevant clinical forms, which are absent or considerably different from those present in mammals and biological processes related to them. These can be considered potential targets to develop drugs with extra effectiveness and fewer secondary effects than the currently used therapeutics. An improved distinction between the host and the parasite targets will help fight against this neglected disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilma G Duschak
- National Council of Scientific and Technical Reasearch (CONICET) Researcher, Area of Protein Biochemistry and Parasite Glycobiology, Research Department, National Institute of Parasitology (INP), "Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben", ANLIS-Malbran, National Health Secretary, Av. Paseo Colon 568, Lab 506, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires (1063), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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8
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Balanco JMF, Sussmann RAC, Verdaguer IB, Gabriel HB, Kimura EA, Katzin AM. Tocopherol biosynthesis in Leishmania ( L.) amazonensis promastigotes. FEBS Open Bio 2019; 9:743-754. [PMID: 30984548 PMCID: PMC6443866 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by a trypanosomatid protozoan of the genus Leishmania. Most drugs used to treat leishmaniasis are highly toxic, and the emergence of drug‐resistant strains has been observed. Therefore, new therapeutic targets against leishmaniasis are required. Several isoprenoid compounds, including dolichols or ubiquinones, have been shown to be important for cell viability and proliferation in various trypanosomatid species. Here, we detected the biosynthesis of tocopherol in Leishmania (L.) amazonensis promastigotes in vitro through metabolic labelling with [1‐(n)‐3H]‐phytol. Subsequently, we confirmed the presence of vitamin E in the parasite by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Treatment with usnic acid or nitisinone, inhibitors of precursors of vitamin E synthesis, inhibited growth of the parasite in a concentration‐dependent manner. This study provides the first evidence of tocopherol biosynthesis in a trypanosomatid and suggests that inhibitors of the enzyme 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase may be suitable for use as antileishmanial compounds. Database The amino acid sequence of a conserved hypothetical protein [Leishmania mexicana MHOM/GT/2001/U1103] has been deposited in GenBank (CBZ28005.1)
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Affiliation(s)
- José Mário F Balanco
- Department of Parasitology Institute of Biomedical Sciences University of São Paulo Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A C Sussmann
- Department of Parasitology Institute of Biomedical Sciences University of São Paulo Brazil
| | - Ignasi B Verdaguer
- Department of Parasitology Institute of Biomedical Sciences University of São Paulo Brazil
| | - Heloisa B Gabriel
- Department of Parasitology Institute of Biomedical Sciences University of São Paulo Brazil
| | - Emilia A Kimura
- Department of Parasitology Institute of Biomedical Sciences University of São Paulo Brazil
| | - Alejandro M Katzin
- Department of Parasitology Institute of Biomedical Sciences University of São Paulo Brazil
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Duarte DP, Ferreira ÉR, Lima FM, Batista F, De Groote M, Horjales E, Miletti LC, Bahia D. Molecular Characterization of Trypanosoma evansi Mevalonate Kinase (TeMVK). Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:223. [PMID: 30042928 PMCID: PMC6048237 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mevalonate pathway is an essential part of isoprenoid biosynthesis leading to production of a diverse class of >30,000 biomolecules including cholesterol, heme, and all steroid hormones. In trypanosomatids, the mevalonate pathway also generates dolichols, which play an essential role in construction of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) molecules that anchor variable surface proteins (VSGs) to the plasma membrane. Isoprenoid biosynthesis involves one of the most highly regulated enzymes in nature, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), which catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonic acid. The enzyme mevalonate kinase (MVK) subsequently converts mevalonic acid to 5-phosphomevalonic acid. Trypanosoma evansi is a flagellate protozoan parasite that causes the disease "Surra" in domesticated large mammals, with great economic impact. T. evansi has only a trypomastigote bloodstream form and requires constant modification of the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat for protection against the host immune system. We identified MVK of T. evansi (termed TeMVK) and performed a preliminary characterization at molecular, biochemical, and cellular levels. TeMVK from parasite extract displayed molecular weight ~36 kDa, colocalized with aldolase (a glycosomal marker enzyme) in glycosomes, and is structurally similar to Leishmania major MVK. Interestingly, the active form of TeMVK is the tetrameric oligomer form, in contrast to other MVKs in which the dimeric form is active. Despite lacking organized mitochondria, T. evansi synthesizes both HMGCR transcripts and protein. Both MVK and HMGCR are expressed in T. evansi during the course of infection in animals, and therefore are potential targets for therapeutic drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P. Duarte
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Hemoparasitas e Vetores-Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, Brazil
| | - Éden R. Ferreira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabio M. Lima
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centro Universitário São Camilo, Avenida Nazaré, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Franciane Batista
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Hemoparasitas e Vetores-Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, Brazil
| | - Michel De Groote
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Horjales
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Luiz C. Miletti
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Hemoparasitas e Vetores-Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, Brazil
| | - Diana Bahia
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Millerioux Y, Mazet M, Bouyssou G, Allmann S, Kiema TR, Bertiaux E, Fouillen L, Thapa C, Biran M, Plazolles N, Dittrich-Domergue F, Crouzols A, Wierenga RK, Rotureau B, Moreau P, Bringaud F. De novo biosynthesis of sterols and fatty acids in the Trypanosoma brucei procyclic form: Carbon source preferences and metabolic flux redistributions. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007116. [PMID: 29813135 PMCID: PMC5993337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
De novo biosynthesis of lipids is essential for Trypanosoma brucei, a protist responsible for the sleeping sickness. Here, we demonstrate that the ketogenic carbon sources, threonine, acetate and glucose, are precursors for both fatty acid and sterol synthesis, while leucine only contributes to sterol production in the tsetse fly midgut stage of the parasite. Degradation of these carbon sources into lipids was investigated using a combination of reverse genetics and analysis of radio-labelled precursors incorporation into lipids. For instance, (i) deletion of the gene encoding isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase, involved in the leucine degradation pathway, abolished leucine incorporation into sterols, and (ii) RNAi-mediated down-regulation of the SCP2-thiolase gene expression abolished incorporation of the three ketogenic carbon sources into sterols. The SCP2-thiolase is part of a unidirectional two-step bridge between the fatty acid precursor, acetyl-CoA, and the precursor of the mevalonate pathway leading to sterol biosynthesis, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA. Metabolic flux through this bridge is increased either in the isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase null mutant or when the degradation of the ketogenic carbon sources is affected. We also observed a preference for fatty acids synthesis from ketogenic carbon sources, since blocking acetyl-CoA production from both glucose and threonine abolished acetate incorporation into sterols, while incorporation of acetate into fatty acids was increased. Interestingly, the growth of the isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase null mutant, but not that of the parental cells, is interrupted in the absence of ketogenic carbon sources, including lipids, which demonstrates the essential role of the mevalonate pathway. We concluded that procyclic trypanosomes have a strong preference for fatty acid versus sterol biosynthesis from ketogenic carbon sources, and as a consequence, that leucine is likely to be the main source, if not the only one, used by trypanosomes in the infected insect vector digestive tract to feed the mevalonate pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoann Millerioux
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité (MFP), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR-5234, Bordeaux, France
- Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques (RMSB), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR-5536, Bordeaux, France
| | - Muriel Mazet
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité (MFP), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR-5234, Bordeaux, France
- Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques (RMSB), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR-5536, Bordeaux, France
| | - Guillaume Bouyssou
- Membrane Biogenesis Laboratory, CNRS-University of Bordeaux, UMR-5200, INRA Bordeaux Aquitaine, Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Stefan Allmann
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité (MFP), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR-5234, Bordeaux, France
- Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques (RMSB), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR-5536, Bordeaux, France
| | - Tiila-Riikka Kiema
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Eloïse Bertiaux
- Trypanosome Transmission Group, Trypanosome Cell Biology Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, INSERM U1201, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Laetitia Fouillen
- Membrane Biogenesis Laboratory, CNRS-University of Bordeaux, UMR-5200, INRA Bordeaux Aquitaine, Villenave d'Ornon, France
- Metabolome Facility of Bordeaux, Functional Genomics Center, Villenave d'Ornon
| | - Chandan Thapa
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marc Biran
- Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques (RMSB), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR-5536, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nicolas Plazolles
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité (MFP), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR-5234, Bordeaux, France
| | - Franziska Dittrich-Domergue
- Membrane Biogenesis Laboratory, CNRS-University of Bordeaux, UMR-5200, INRA Bordeaux Aquitaine, Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Aline Crouzols
- Trypanosome Transmission Group, Trypanosome Cell Biology Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, INSERM U1201, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Rik K. Wierenga
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Brice Rotureau
- Trypanosome Transmission Group, Trypanosome Cell Biology Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, INSERM U1201, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Moreau
- Membrane Biogenesis Laboratory, CNRS-University of Bordeaux, UMR-5200, INRA Bordeaux Aquitaine, Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Frédéric Bringaud
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité (MFP), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR-5234, Bordeaux, France
- Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques (RMSB), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR-5536, Bordeaux, France
- * E-mail:
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Jardim A, Hardie DB, Boitz J, Borchers CH. Proteomic Profiling of Leishmania donovani Promastigote Subcellular Organelles. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:1194-1215. [PMID: 29332401 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To facilitate a greater understanding of the biological processes in the medically important Leishmania donovani parasite, a combination of differential and density-gradient ultracentrifugation techniques were used to achieve a comprehensive subcellular fractionation of the promastigote stage. An in-depth label-free proteomic LC-MS/MS analysis of the density gradients resulted in the identification of ∼50% of the Leishmania proteome (3883 proteins detected), which included ∼645 integral membrane proteins and 1737 uncharacterized proteins. Clustering and subcellular localization of proteins was based on a subset of training Leishmania proteins with known subcellular localizations that had been determined using biochemical, confocal microscopy, or immunoelectron microscopy approaches. This subcellular map will be a valuable resource that will help dissect the cell biology and metabolic processes associated with specific organelles of Leishmania and related kinetoplastids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Jardim
- Institute of Parasitology, Macdonald Campus, McGill University , 21111 Lakeshore Road, Saine-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Darryl B Hardie
- University of Victoria -Genome British Columbia Proteomics Centre , #3101-4464 Markham Street, Vancouver Island Technology Park, Victoria, British Columbia V8Z7X8, Canada
| | - Jan Boitz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Christoph H Borchers
- University of Victoria -Genome British Columbia Proteomics Centre , #3101-4464 Markham Street, Vancouver Island Technology Park, Victoria, British Columbia V8Z7X8, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina , 120 Mason Farm Road, Campus Box 7260 Third Floor, Genetic Medicine Building, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria , Petch Building, Room 270d, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada.,Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University , 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada.,Proteomics Centre, Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University , 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
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Sánchez-Valdéz FJ, Pérez Brandán C, Ferreira A, Basombrío MÁ. Gene-deleted live-attenuated Trypanosoma cruzi parasites as vaccines to protect against Chagas disease. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 14:681-97. [PMID: 25496192 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.989989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This illness is now becoming global, mainly due to congenital transmission, and so far, there are no prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines available to either prevent or treat Chagas disease. Therefore, different approaches aimed at identifying new protective immunogens are urgently needed. Live vaccines are likely to be more efficient in inducing protection, but safety issues linked with their use have been raised. The development of improved protozoan genetic manipulation tools and genomic and biological information has helped to increase the safety of live vaccines. These advances have generated a renewed interest in the use of genetically attenuated parasites as vaccines against Chagas disease. This review discusses the protective capacity of genetically attenuated parasite vaccines and the challenges and perspectives for the development of an effective whole-parasite Chagas disease vaccine.
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Induction of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in Leishmania donovani by orally active clerodane diterpene. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:5916-28. [PMID: 25070112 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02459-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was performed to investigate the mechanistic aspects of cell death induced by a clerodane diterpene (K-09) in Leishmania donovani promastigotes that was previously demonstrated to be safe and orally active against visceral leishmaniasis (VL). K-09 caused depolarization of the mitochondrion and the generation of reactive oxygen species, triggering an apoptotic response in L. donovani promastigotes. Mitochondrial dysfunction subsequently resulted in the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, impairing ATP production. Oxidative stress caused the depletion of reduced glutathione, while pretreatment with antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) was able to abrogate oxidative stress. However, NAC failed to restore the mitochondrial membrane potential or intracellular calcium homeostasis after K-09 treatment, suggesting that the generation of oxidative stress is a downstream event relative to the other events. Caspase-3/-7-like protease activity and genomic DNA fragmentation were observed. Electron microscopy studies revealed gross morphological alterations typical of apoptosis, including severe mitochondrial damage, pyknosis of the nucleus, structural disruption of the mitochondrion-kinetoplast complex, flagellar pocket alterations, and the displacement of organelles. Moreover, an increased number of lipid droplets was detected after K-09 treatment, which is suggestive of altered lipid metabolism. Our results indicate that K-09 induces mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress-mediated apoptotic cell death in L. donovani promastigotes, sharing many features with metazoan apoptosis. These mechanistic insights provide a basis for further investigation toward the development of K-09 as a potential drug candidate for VL.
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Dinesh N, Pallerla DSR, Kaur PK, Kishore Babu N, Singh S. Exploring Leishmania donovani 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) as a potential drug target by biochemical, biophysical and inhibition studies. Microb Pathog 2013; 66:14-23. [PMID: 24239940 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2013.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase (HMGR), an NADPH dependant enzyme catalyzes the synthesis of mevalonic acid from HMG-CoA required for isoprenoid biosynthesis. The HMGR gene from Leishmania donovani was cloned and expressed. Genome analysis of L. donovani revealed that HMGR gene having an open reading frame of 1305 bp encodes a putative protein of 434 amino acids. LdHMGR showed optimal activity at pH 7.2 and temperature 37 °C. Kinetic analysis of this enzyme revealed Km values of 35.7 ± 2.5 μM for (R,S)-HMG-CoA and 70 ± 7.9 μM for the cofactor NADPH. On tryptophan fluorescence quenching, the Stern Volmer constant (Ksv), binding constant (Ka) and protein:cofactor stoichiometry for interaction of NADPH cofactor with the enzyme were found to be 6.0 ± 0.7 M(-1), 0.17 μM and 0.72 respectively. Polyclonal anti-rat HMGR antibody detected a band of ∼45 kDa in all phases of promastigote growth. Biophysical analysis of the secondary structure of LdHMGR confirmed the presence of 25.7 ± 0.35% alpha helicity. Thermal denaturation studies showed extreme stability of the enzyme with 60% helical structure retained at 90 °C. Statins (simvastatin and atorvastatin) and non-statin (resveratrol) effectively inhibited the growth of L. donovani promastigotes as well as the catalytic activity of the recombinant LdHMGR. Atorvastatin was found to be most potent antileishmanial inhibitor with an IC50 value of 19.4 ± 3.07 μM and a very lower concentration of 315.5 ± 2.1 nM was enough to cause 50% recombinant LdHMGR enzyme inhibition suggesting direct interaction with the rate limiting enzyme of the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. Exogenous supplementation of ergosterol in case of atorvastatin and resveratrol treated cells caused complete reversal of growth inhibition whereas simvastatin was found to be ergosterol refractory. Cholesterol supplementation however, failed to overcome growth inhibition in all the cases. Overall our study emphasizes on exploring LdHMGR as a potential drug target for the development of novel antileishmanial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeradi Dinesh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Dheeraj Sree Ram Pallerla
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Preet Kamal Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Neerupudi Kishore Babu
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Sushma Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India.
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15
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Kessler RL, Soares MJ, Probst CM, Krieger MA. Trypanosoma cruzi response to sterol biosynthesis inhibitors: morphophysiological alterations leading to cell death. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55497. [PMID: 23383204 PMCID: PMC3561218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi displays similarities to fungi in terms of its sterol lipid biosynthesis, as ergosterol and other 24-alkylated sterols are its principal endogenous sterols. The sterol pathway is thus a potential drug target for the treatment of Chagas disease. We describe here a comparative study of the growth inhibition, ultrastructural and physiological changes leading to the death of T. cruzi cells following treatment with the sterol biosynthesis inhibitors (SBIs) ketoconazole and lovastatin. We first calculated the drug concentration inhibiting epimastigote growth by 50% (EC(50)/72 h) or killing all cells within 24 hours (EC(100)/24 h). Incubation with inhibitors at the EC(50)/72 h resulted in interesting morphological changes: intense proliferation of the inner mitochondrial membrane, which was corroborated by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy of the parasites stained with rhodamine 123, and strong swelling of the reservosomes, which was confirmed by acridine orange staining. These changes to the mitochondria and reservosomes may reflect the involvement of these organelles in ergosterol biosynthesis or the progressive autophagic process culminating in cell lysis after 6 to 7 days of treatment with SBIs at the EC(50)/72 h. By contrast, treatment with SBIs at the EC(100)/24 h resulted in rapid cell death with a necrotic phenotype: time-dependent cytosolic calcium overload, mitochondrial depolarization and reservosome membrane permeabilization (RMP), culminating in cell lysis after a few hours of drug exposure. We provide the first demonstration that RMP constitutes the "point of no return" in the cell death cascade, and propose a model for the necrotic cell death of T. cruzi. Thus, SBIs trigger cell death by different mechanisms, depending on the dose used, in T. cruzi. These findings shed new light on ergosterol biosynthesis and the mechanisms of programmed cell death in this ancient protozoan parasite.
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Lepesheva GI, Villalta F, Waterman MR. Targeting Trypanosoma cruzi sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51). ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2011; 75:65-87. [PMID: 21820552 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385863-4.00004-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There are at least two obvious features that must be considered upon targeting specific metabolic pathways/enzymes for drug development: the pathway must be essential and the enzyme must allow the design of pharmacologically useful inhibitors. Here, we describe Trypanosoma cruzi sterol 14α-demethylase as a promising target for anti-Chagasic chemotherapy. The use of anti-fungal azoles, which block sterol biosynthesis and therefore membrane formation in fungi, against the protozoan parasite has turned out to be highly successful: a broad spectrum anti-fungal drug, the triazole compound posaconazole, is now entering phase II clinical trials for treatment of Chagas disease. This review summarizes comparative information on anti-fungal azoles and novel inhibitory scaffolds selective for Trypanosomatidae sterol 14α-demethylase through the lens of recent structure/functional characterization of the target enzyme. We believe our studies open wide opportunities for rational design of novel, pathogen-specific and therefore more potent and efficient anti-trypanosomal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina I Lepesheva
- Department of Biochemistry School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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17
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Gualdrón-López M, Brennand A, Hannaert V, Quiñones W, Cáceres AJ, Bringaud F, Concepción JL, Michels PAM. When, how and why glycolysis became compartmentalised in the Kinetoplastea. A new look at an ancient organelle. Int J Parasitol 2011; 42:1-20. [PMID: 22142562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2011.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A characteristic, well-studied feature of the pathogenic protists belonging to the family Trypanosomatidae is the compartmentalisation of the major part of the glycolytic pathway in peroxisome-like organelles, hence designated glycosomes. Such organelles containing glycolytic enzymes appear to be present in all members of the Kinetoplastea studied, and have recently also been detected in a representative of the Diplonemida, but they are absent from the Euglenida. Glycosomes therefore probably originated in a free-living, common ancestor of the Kinetoplastea and Diplonemida. The initial sequestering of glycolytic enzymes inside peroxisomes may have been the result of a minor mistargeting of proteins, as generally observed in eukaryotic cells, followed by preservation and its further expansion due to the selective advantage of this specific form of metabolic compartmentalisation. This selective advantage may have been a largely increased metabolic flexibility, allowing the organisms to adapt more readily and efficiently to different environmental conditions. Further evolution of glycosomes involved, in different taxonomic lineages, the acquisition of additional enzymes and pathways - often participating in core metabolic processes - as well as the loss of others. The acquisitions may have been promoted by the sharing of cofactors and crucial metabolites between different pathways, thus coupling different redox processes and catabolic and anabolic pathways within the organelle. A notable loss from the Trypanosomatidae concerned a major part of the typical peroxisomal H(2)O(2)-linked metabolism. We propose that the compartmentalisation of major parts of the enzyme repertoire involved in energy, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism has contributed to the multiple development of parasitism, and its elaboration to complicated life cycles involving consecutive different hosts, in the protists of the Kinetoplastea clade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melisa Gualdrón-López
- Research Unit for Tropical Diseases, de Duve Institute and Laboratory of Biochemistry, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, Postal Box B1.74.01, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
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18
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The characterization and evolutionary relationships of a trypanosomal thiolase. Int J Parasitol 2011; 41:1273-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2011.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Revised: 06/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Lepesheva GI, Hargrove TY, Anderson S, Kleshchenko Y, Furtak V, Wawrzak Z, Villalta F, Waterman MR. Structural insights into inhibition of sterol 14alpha-demethylase in the human pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:25582-90. [PMID: 20530488 PMCID: PMC2919122 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.133215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Revised: 06/07/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis), which threatens the lives of millions of people and remains incurable in its chronic stage. The antifungal drug posaconazole that blocks sterol biosynthesis in the parasite is the only compound entering clinical trials for the chronic form of this infection. Crystal structures of the drug target enzyme, Trypanosoma cruzi sterol 14alpha-demethylase (CYP51), complexed with posaconazole, another antifungal agent fluconazole and an experimental inhibitor, (R)-4'-chloro-N-(1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(1H-imid-azol-1-yl)ethyl)biphenyl-4-carboxamide (VNF), allow prediction of important chemical features that enhance the drug potencies. Combined with comparative analysis of inhibitor binding parameters, influence on the catalytic activity of the trypanosomal enzyme and its human counterpart, and their cellular effects at different stages of the Trypanosoma cruzi life cycle, the structural data provide a molecular background to CYP51 inhibition and azole resistance and enlighten the path for directed design of new, more potent and selective drugs to develop an efficient treatment for Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina I Lepesheva
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA.
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Collaborative actions in anti-trypanosomatid chemotherapy with partners from disease endemic areas. Trends Parasitol 2010; 26:395-403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2010.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2009] [Revised: 04/28/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Ginger ML, McFadden GI, Michels PAM. Rewiring and regulation of cross-compartmentalized metabolism in protists. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2010; 365:831-45. [PMID: 20124348 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2009.0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastid acquisition, endosymbiotic associations, lateral gene transfer, organelle degeneracy or even organelle loss influence metabolic capabilities in many different protists. Thus, metabolic diversity is sculpted through the gain of new metabolic functions and moderation or loss of pathways that are often essential in the majority of eukaryotes. What is perhaps less apparent to the casual observer is that the sub-compartmentalization of ubiquitous pathways has been repeatedly remodelled during eukaryotic evolution, and the textbook pictures of intermediary metabolism established for animals, yeast and plants are not conserved in many protists. Moreover, metabolic remodelling can strongly influence the regulatory mechanisms that control carbon flux through the major metabolic pathways. Here, we provide an overview of how core metabolism has been reorganized in various unicellular eukaryotes, focusing in particular on one near universal catabolic pathway (glycolysis) and one ancient anabolic pathway (isoprenoid biosynthesis). For the example of isoprenoid biosynthesis, the compartmentalization of this process in protists often appears to have been influenced by plastid acquisition and loss, whereas for glycolysis several unexpected modes of compartmentalization have emerged. Significantly, the example of trypanosomatid glycolysis illustrates nicely how mathematical modelling and systems biology can be used to uncover or understand novel modes of pathway regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Ginger
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, School of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
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22
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Lipid metabolism in Trypanosoma brucei. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2010; 172:66-79. [PMID: 20382188 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2010.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2010] [Revised: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei membranes consist of all major eukaryotic glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid classes. These are de novo synthesized from precursors obtained either from the host or from catabolised endocytosed lipids. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in the molecular and biochemical characterisation of several of these lipid biosynthetic pathways, using gene knockout or RNA interference strategies or by enzymatic characterization of individual reactions. Together with the completed genome, these studies have highlighted several possible differences between mammalian and trypanosome lipid biosynthesis that could be exploited for the development of drugs against the diseases caused by these parasites.
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23
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Sterol Biosynthesis Pathway as Target for Anti-trypanosomatid Drugs. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2009; 2009:642502. [PMID: 19680554 PMCID: PMC2721973 DOI: 10.1155/2009/642502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 04/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterols are constituents of the cellular membranes that are essential for their normal structure and function. In mammalian cells, cholesterol is the main sterol found in the various membranes. However, other sterols predominate in eukaryotic microorganisms such as fungi and protozoa. It is now well established that an important metabolic pathway in fungi and in members of the Trypanosomatidae family is one that produces a special class of sterols, including ergosterol, and other 24-methyl sterols, which are required for parasitic growth and viability, but are absent from mammalian host cells. Currently, there are several drugs that interfere with sterol biosynthesis (SB) that are in use to treat diseases such as high cholesterol in humans and fungal infections. In this review, we analyze the effects of drugs such as (a) statins, which act on the mevalonate pathway by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, (b) bisphosphonates, which interfere with the isoprenoid pathway in the step catalyzed by farnesyl diphosphate synthase, (c) zaragozic acids and quinuclidines, inhibitors of squalene synthase (SQS), which catalyzes the first committed step in sterol biosynthesis, (d) allylamines, inhibitors of squalene epoxidase, (e) azoles, which inhibit C14α-demethylase, and (f) azasterols, which inhibit Δ24(25)-sterol methyltransferase (SMT). Inhibition of this last step appears to have high selectivity for fungi and trypanosomatids, since this enzyme is not found in mammalian cells. We review here the IC50 values of these various inhibitors, their effects on the growth of trypanosomatids (both in axenic cultures and in cell cultures), and their effects on protozoan structural organization (as evaluted by light and electron microscopy) and lipid composition. The results show that the mitochondrial membrane as well as the membrane lining the protozoan cell body and flagellum are the main targets. Probably as a consequence of these primary effects, other important changes take place in the organization of the kinetoplast DNA network and on the protozoan cell cycle. In addition, apoptosis-like and autophagic processes induced by several of the inhibitors tested led to parasite death.
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24
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Intracellular location of the early steps of the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway in the trypanosomatids Leishmania major and Trypanosoma brucei. Int J Parasitol 2009; 39:307-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2008.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2008] [Revised: 07/31/2008] [Accepted: 08/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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25
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Soeiro MNC, de Castro SL. Trypanosoma cruzitargets for new chemotherapeutic approaches. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2008; 13:105-21. [DOI: 10.1517/14728220802623881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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26
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Jiménez-Jiménez C, Carrero-Lérida J, Sealey-Cardona M, Ruiz Pérez LM, Urbina JA, González Pacanowska D. Delta24(25)-sterol methenyltransferase: intracellular localization and azasterol sensitivity in Leishmania major promastigotes overexpressing the enzyme. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2008; 160:52-9. [PMID: 18485498 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2008.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2007] [Revised: 03/19/2008] [Accepted: 03/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosomatids contain predominantly ergostane-based sterols, which differ from cholesterol, the main sterol in mammalian cells, in the presence of a methyl group in the 24 position. The methylation is initiated by S-adenosyl-L-methionine:Delta(24 (25))-sterol methenyltransferase, an enzyme present in protozoa, but absent in mammals. The importance of this enzyme is underscored by its potential as a drug target in the treatment of the leishmaniases. Here, we report studies concerning the intracellular distribution of sterol methenyltransferase in Leishmania major promastigotes and overexpressing cells using a specific antibody raised against highly purified recombinant protein. It was found by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy studies that in L. major wild-type cells sterol methenyltransferase was primarily associated to the endoplasmic reticulum. In addition to this location, the protein was incorporated into translucent vesicles presumably of the endocytic pathway. We also found in this study that cells overproducing the enzyme do not have increased resistance to the sterol methenyltransferase inhibitor 22, 26 azasterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Jiménez-Jiménez
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Avenida del Conocimiento, s/n 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain
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27
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Ferella M, Li ZH, Andersson B, Docampo R. Farnesyl diphosphate synthase localizes to the cytoplasm of Trypanosoma cruzi and T. brucei. Exp Parasitol 2008; 119:308-12. [PMID: 18406406 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2008] [Revised: 02/26/2008] [Accepted: 02/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) has previously been characterized in trypanosomes as an essential enzyme for their survival and as the target for bisphosphonates, drugs that are effective both in vitro and in vivo against these parasites. Enzymes from the isoprenoid pathway have been assigned to different compartments in eukaryotes, including trypanosomatids. We here report that FPPS localizes to the cytoplasm of both Trypanosoma cruzi and T. brucei, and is not present in other organelles such as the mitochondria and glycosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Ferella
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB), Karolinska Institutet, Berzelius väg 35, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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28
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Byres E, Alphey MS, Smith TK, Hunter WN. Crystal structures of Trypanosoma brucei and Staphylococcus aureus mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase inform on the determinants of specificity and reactivity. J Mol Biol 2007; 371:540-53. [PMID: 17583736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2007.05.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2007] [Revised: 05/24/2007] [Accepted: 05/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase (MDD) catalyzes the ATP-dependent decarboxylation of mevalonate 5-diphosphate (MDP) to form isopentenyl pyrophosphate, a ubiquitous precursor for isoprenoid biosynthesis. MDD is a poorly understood component of this important metabolic pathway. Complementation of a temperature-sensitive yeast mutant by the putative mdd genes of Trypanosoma brucei and Staphylococcus aureus provides proof-of-function. Crystal structures of MDD from T. brucei (TbMDD, at 1.8 A resolution) and S. aureus (SaMDD, in two distinct crystal forms, each diffracting to 2.3 A resolution) have been determined. Gel-filtration chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation experiments indicate that TbMDD is predominantly monomeric in solution while SaMDD is dimeric. The new crystal structures and comparison with that of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae enzyme (ScMDD) reveal the structural basis for this variance in quaternary structure. The presence of an ordered sulfate in the structure of TbMDD reveals for the first time details of a ligand binding in the MDD active site and, in conjunction with well-ordered water molecules, comparisons with the related enzyme mevalonate kinase, structural and biochemical data derived on ScMDD and SaMDD, allows us to model a ternary complex with MDP and ATP. This model facilitates discussion of the molecular determinants of substrate recognition and contributions made by specific residues to the enzyme mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Byres
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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29
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Ferella M, Montalvetti A, Rohloff P, Miranda K, Fang J, Reina S, Kawamukai M, Búa J, Nilsson D, Pravia C, Katzin A, Cassera MB, Aslund L, Andersson B, Docampo R, Bontempi EJ. A solanesyl-diphosphate synthase localizes in glycosomes of Trypanosoma cruzi. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:39339-48. [PMID: 17062572 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m607451200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the cloning of a Trypanosoma cruzi gene encoding a solanesyl-diphosphate synthase, TcSPPS. The amino acid sequence (molecular mass approximately 39 kDa) is homologous to polyprenyl-diphosphate synthases from different organisms, showing the seven conserved motifs and the typical hydrophobic profile. TcSPPS preferred geranylgeranyl diphosphate as the allylic substrate. The final product, as determined by TLC, had nine isoprene units. This suggests that the parasite synthesizes mainly ubiquinone-9 (UQ-9), as described for Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania major. In fact, that was the length of the ubiquinone extracted from epimastigotes, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Expression of TcSPPS was able to complement an Escherichia coli ispB mutant. A punctuated pattern in the cytoplasm of the parasite was detected by immunofluorescence analysis with a specific polyclonal antibody against TcSPPS. An overlapping fluorescence pattern was observed using an antibody directed against the glycosomal marker pyruvate phosphate dikinase, suggesting that this step of the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway is located in the glycosomes. Co-localization in glycosomes was confirmed by immunogold electron microscopy and subcellular fractionation. Because UQ has a central role in energy production and in reoxidation of reduction equivalents, TcSPPS is promising as a new chemotherapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Ferella
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chabén, Av. Paseo Colón 568, Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires 1063, Argentina
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30
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Ortiz-Gómez A, Jiménez C, Estévez AM, Carrero-Lérida J, Ruiz-Pérez LM, González-Pacanowska D. Farnesyl diphosphate synthase is a cytosolic enzyme in Leishmania major promastigotes and its overexpression confers resistance to risedronate. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2006; 5:1057-64. [PMID: 16835450 PMCID: PMC1489282 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00034-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Farnesyl diphosphate synthase is the most likely molecular target of aminobisphosphonates (e.g., risedronate), a set of compounds that have been shown to have antiprotozoal activity both in vitro and in vivo. This protein, together with other enzymes involved in isoprenoid biosynthesis, is an attractive drug target, yet little is known about the compartmentalization of the biosynthetic pathway. Here we show the intracellular localization of the enzyme in wild-type Leishmania major promastigote cells and in transfectants overexpressing farnesyl diphosphate synthase by using purified antibodies generated towards a homogenous recombinant Leishmania major farnesyl diphosphate synthase protein. Indirect immunofluorescence, together with immunoelectron microscopy, indicated that the enzyme is mainly located in the cytoplasm of both wild-type cells and transfectants. Digitonin titration experiments also confirmed this observation. Hence, while the initial step of isoprenoid biosynthesis catalyzed by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase is located in the mitochondrion, synthesis of farnesyl diphosphate by farnesyl diphosphate synthase is a cytosolic process. Leishmania major promastigote transfectants overexpressing farnesyl diphosphate synthase were highly resistant to risedronate, and the degree of resistance correlated with the increase in enzyme activity. Likewise, when resistance was induced by stepwise selection with the drug, the resulting resistant promastigotes exhibited increased levels of farnesyl diphosphate synthase. The overproduction of protein under different conditions of exposure to risedronate further supports the hypothesis that this enzyme is the main target of aminobisphosphonates in Leishmania cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Ortiz-Gómez
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n, Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain
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31
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Lepesheva GI, Waterman MR. Sterol 14alpha-demethylase cytochrome P450 (CYP51), a P450 in all biological kingdoms. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2006; 1770:467-77. [PMID: 16963187 PMCID: PMC2324071 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2006.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2006] [Revised: 07/21/2006] [Accepted: 07/31/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The CYP51 family is an intriguing subject for fundamental P450 structure/function studies and is also an important clinical drug target. This review updates information on the variety of the CYP51 family members, including their physiological roles, natural substrates and substrate preferences, and catalytic properties in vitro. We present experimental support for the notion that specific conserved regions in the P450 sequences represent a CYP51 signature. Two possible roles of CYP51 in P450 evolution are discussed and the major approaches for CYP51 inhibition are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina I Lepesheva
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-0146, USA
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32
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Gagnon D, Foucher A, Girard I, Ouellette M. Stage specific gene expression and cellular localization of two isoforms of the serine hydroxymethyltransferase in the protozoan parasite Leishmania. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2006; 150:63-71. [PMID: 16876889 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2006.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2006] [Revised: 06/22/2006] [Accepted: 06/23/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) catalyses the reversible conversion of serine and tetrahydrofolate to glycine and methylene-tetrahydrofolate. The recent completion of the genome sequence of Leishmania major revealed the presence of two genes coding for two isoforms of this protein. In silico analysis showed that one isoform had an extension at its N-terminus and was predicted to localize to the mitochondrion. The situation is different in other kinetoplastid parasites with only one SHMT encoding gene in Trypanosoma cruzi and no SHMT encoding gene in Trypanosoma brucei. The two L. major SHMT genes were cloned in frame with the green fluorescent protein and the resulting fusion proteins showed differential localization: the short form (SHMT-S) was found in the cytosol while the long one (SHMT-L) was found in an organelle that has hallmarks of the parasite mitochondrion. Indeed, SHMT-L had a similar cellular fractionation pattern as the mitochondrial HSP60 as determined by digitonin fractionation. Both SHMT-S and SHMT-L genes were expressed preferentially in the amastigote stage of the parasite and the RNA levels of SHMT-L could be modulated by glycine, serine, and folate. Overexpression of SHMT-S increased resistance to the antifolate methotrexate and to a lower level to the inhibitor thiosemicarbazide in a rich folate containing medium. These findings suggest that folate metabolism is compartmentalised in Leishmania and that SHMT RNA levels are responsive to environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Gagnon
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de recherche du CHUL, Division de Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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33
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Abstract
Trypanosomes are the causative agents of Chagas' disease in Central and South America and sleeping sickness in sub-Saharan Africa. The current chemotherapy of the human trypanosomiases relies on only six drugs, five of which were developed > 30 years ago. In addition, these drugs display undesirable toxic side effects and the emergence of drug-resistant trypanosomes has been reported. Therefore, the development of new drugs in the treatment of Chagas' disease and sleeping sickness is urgently required. This article summarises the recent progress in identifying novel lead compounds for antitrypanosomal chemotherapy. Particular emphasis is placed on those agents showing promising, selective antitrypanosomal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dietmar Steverding
- School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 TJ7, UK.
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