1
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Silvester E, Szoor B, Ivens A, Awuah-Mensah G, Gadelha C, Wickstead B, Matthews KR. A conserved trypanosomatid differentiation regulator controls substrate attachment and morphological development in Trypanosoma congolense. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011889. [PMID: 38408115 PMCID: PMC10919850 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatid parasites undergo developmental regulation to adapt to the different environments encountered during their life cycle. In Trypanosoma brucei, a genome wide selectional screen previously identified a regulator of the protein family ESAG9, which is highly expressed in stumpy forms, a morphologically distinct bloodstream stage adapted for tsetse transmission. This regulator, TbREG9.1, has an orthologue in Trypanosoma congolense, despite the absence of a stumpy morphotype in that parasite species, which is an important cause of livestock trypanosomosis. RNAi mediated gene silencing of TcREG9.1 in Trypanosoma congolense caused a loss of attachment of the parasites to a surface substrate in vitro, a key feature of the biology of these parasites that is distinct from T. brucei. This detachment was phenocopied by treatment of the parasites with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, which also promotes detachment in the insect trypanosomatid Crithidia fasciculata. RNAseq analysis revealed that TcREG9.1 silencing caused the upregulation of mRNAs for several classes of surface molecules, including transferrin receptor-like molecules, immunoreactive proteins in experimental bovine infections, and molecules related to those associated with stumpy development in T. brucei. Depletion of TcREG9.1 in vivo also generated an enhanced level of parasites in the blood circulation consistent with reduced parasite attachment to the microvasculature. The morphological progression to insect forms of the parasite was also perturbed. We propose a model whereby TcREG9.1 acts as a regulator of attachment and development, with detached parasites being adapted for transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Silvester
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth laboratories, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Balazs Szoor
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth laboratories, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alasdair Ivens
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth laboratories, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Georgina Awuah-Mensah
- Medical School, Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Catarina Gadelha
- Medical School, Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Bill Wickstead
- Medical School, Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Keith R. Matthews
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth laboratories, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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2
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Zheng Y, van den Kerkhof M, van der Meer T, Gul S, Kuzikov M, Ellinger B, de Esch IJP, Siderius M, Matheeussen A, Maes L, Sterk GJ, Caljon G, Leurs R. Discovery of 5-Phenylpyrazolopyrimidinone Analogs as Potent Antitrypanosomal Agents with In Vivo Efficacy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10252-10264. [PMID: 37471520 PMCID: PMC10424178 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), caused by Trypanosoma brucei, is one of the neglected tropical diseases with a continuing need for new medication. We here describe the discovery of 5-phenylpyrazolopyrimidinone analogs as a novel series of phenotypic antitrypanosomal agents. The most potent compound, 30 (NPD-2975), has an in vitro IC50 of 70 nM against T. b. brucei with no apparent toxicity against human MRC-5 lung fibroblasts. Showing good physicochemical properties, low toxicity potential, acceptable metabolic stability, and other pharmacokinetic features, 30 was further evaluated in an acute mouse model of T. b. brucei infection. After oral dosing at 50 mg/kg twice per day for five consecutive days, all infected mice were cured. Given its good drug-like properties and high in vivo antitrypanosomal potential, the 5-phenylpyrazolopyrimidinone analog 30 represents a promising lead for future drug development to treat HAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Amsterdam
Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal
Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Magali van den Kerkhof
- Laboratory
of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tiffany van der Meer
- Amsterdam
Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal
Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sheraz Gul
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer
Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Kuzikov
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer
Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Ellinger
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer
Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Iwan J. P. de Esch
- Amsterdam
Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal
Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Siderius
- Amsterdam
Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal
Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - An Matheeussen
- Laboratory
of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory
of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Geert Jan Sterk
- Amsterdam
Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal
Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory
of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Rob Leurs
- Amsterdam
Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal
Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Jamabo M, Mahlalela M, Edkins AL, Boshoff A. Tackling Sleeping Sickness: Current and Promising Therapeutics and Treatment Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12529. [PMID: 37569903 PMCID: PMC10420020 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the extracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, and targeted for eradication by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the lengthening of the proposed time frame for eliminating human African trypanosomiasis as control programs were interrupted. Armed with extensive antigenic variation and the depletion of the B cell population during an infectious cycle, attempts to develop a vaccine have remained unachievable. With the absence of a vaccine, control of the disease has relied heavily on intensive screening measures and the use of drugs. The chemotherapeutics previously available for disease management were plagued by issues such as toxicity, resistance, and difficulty in administration. The approval of the latest and first oral drug, fexinidazole, is a major chemotherapeutic achievement for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis in the past few decades. Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, while poor compliance and resistance remain outstanding challenges. Drug discovery is on-going, and herein we review the recent advances in anti-trypanosomal drug discovery, including novel potential drug targets. The numerous challenges associated with disease eradication will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miebaka Jamabo
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa; (M.J.); (M.M.)
| | - Maduma Mahlalela
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa; (M.J.); (M.M.)
| | - Adrienne L. Edkins
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Biotechnology Research Centre (BioBRU), Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa;
| | - Aileen Boshoff
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa; (M.J.); (M.M.)
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4
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Bachmaier S, Gould MK, Polatoglou E, Omelianczyk R, Brennand AE, Aloraini MA, Munday JC, Horn D, Boshart M, de Koning HP. Novel kinetoplastid-specific cAMP binding proteins identified by RNAi screening for cAMP resistance in Trypanosoma brucei. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1204707. [PMID: 37475965 PMCID: PMC10354285 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1204707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic AMP signalling in trypanosomes differs from most eukaryotes due to absence of known cAMP effectors and cAMP independence of PKA. We have previously identified four genes from a genome-wide RNAi screen for resistance to the cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor NPD-001. The genes were named cAMP Response Protein (CARP) 1 through 4. Here, we report an additional six CARP candidate genes from the original sample, after deep sequencing of the RNA interference target pool retrieved after NPD-001 selection (RIT-seq). The resistance phenotypes were confirmed by individual RNAi knockdown. Highest level of resistance to NPD-001, approximately 17-fold, was seen for knockdown of CARP7 (Tb927.7.4510). CARP1 and CARP11 contain predicted cyclic AMP binding domains and bind cAMP as evidenced by capture and competition on immobilised cAMP. CARP orthologues are strongly enriched in kinetoplastid species, and CARP3 and CARP11 are unique to Trypanosoma. Localization data and/or domain architecture of all CARPs predict association with the T. brucei flagellum. This suggests a crucial role of cAMP in flagellar function, in line with the cell division phenotype caused by high cAMP and the known role of the flagellum for cytokinesis. The CARP collection is a resource for discovery of unusual cAMP pathways and flagellar biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Bachmaier
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Ludwig-Maximillians University Munich (LMU), Martinsried, Germany
| | - Matthew K. Gould
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Ludwig-Maximillians University Munich (LMU), Martinsried, Germany
| | - Eleni Polatoglou
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Ludwig-Maximillians University Munich (LMU), Martinsried, Germany
| | - Radoslaw Omelianczyk
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Ludwig-Maximillians University Munich (LMU), Martinsried, Germany
| | - Ana E. Brennand
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Ludwig-Maximillians University Munich (LMU), Martinsried, Germany
| | - Maha A. Aloraini
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jane C. Munday
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David Horn
- The Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Boshart
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Ludwig-Maximillians University Munich (LMU), Martinsried, Germany
| | - Harry P. de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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5
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Zheng Y, Schroeder S, Kanev GK, Botros SS, William S, Sabra ANA, Maes L, Caljon G, Gil C, Martinez A, Salado IG, Augustyns K, Edink E, Sijm M, de Heuvel E, de Esch IJP, van der Meer T, Siderius M, Sterk GJ, Brown D, Leurs R. To Target or Not to Target Schistosoma mansoni Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase 4A? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076817. [PMID: 37047792 PMCID: PMC10095301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease with high morbidity. Recently, the Schistosoma mansoni phosphodiesterase SmPDE4A was suggested as a putative new drug target. To support SmPDE4A targeted drug discovery, we cloned, isolated, and biochemically characterized the full-length and catalytic domains of SmPDE4A. The enzymatically active catalytic domain was crystallized in the apo-form (PDB code: 6FG5) and in the cAMP- and AMP-bound states (PDB code: 6EZU). The SmPDE4A catalytic domain resembles human PDE4 more than parasite PDEs because it lacks the parasite PDE-specific P-pocket. Purified SmPDE4A proteins (full-length and catalytic domain) were used to profile an in-house library of PDE inhibitors (PDE4NPD toolbox). This screening identified tetrahydrophthalazinones and benzamides as potential hits. The PDE inhibitor NPD-0001 was the most active tetrahydrophthalazinone, whereas the approved human PDE4 inhibitors roflumilast and piclamilast were the most potent benzamides. As a follow-up, 83 benzamide analogs were prepared, but the inhibitory potency of the initial hits was not improved. Finally, NPD-0001 and roflumilast were evaluated in an in vitro anti-S. mansoni assay. Unfortunately, both SmPDE4A inhibitors were not effective in worm killing and only weakly affected the egg-laying at high micromolar concentrations. Consequently, the results with these SmPDE4A inhibitors strongly suggest that SmPDE4A is not a suitable target for anti-schistosomiasis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Georgi K Kanev
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanaa S Botros
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Samia William
- Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Abdel-Nasser A Sabra
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Carmen Gil
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas (CIB-CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Martinez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas (CIB-CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene G Salado
- Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Koen Augustyns
- Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ewald Edink
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Sijm
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erik de Heuvel
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iwan J P de Esch
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tiffany van der Meer
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Siderius
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Jan Sterk
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David Brown
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Rob Leurs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Ungogo MA, Aldfer MM, Natto MJ, Zhuang H, Chisholm R, Walsh K, McGee M, Ilbeigi K, Asseri JI, Burchmore RJS, Caljon G, Van Calenbergh S, De Koning HP. Cloning and Characterization of Trypanosoma congolense and T. vivax Nucleoside Transporters Reveal the Potential of P1-Type Carriers for the Discovery of Broad-Spectrum Nucleoside-Based Therapeutics against Animal African Trypanosomiasis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043144. [PMID: 36834557 PMCID: PMC9960827 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT), caused predominantly by Trypanosoma brucei brucei, T. vivax and T. congolense, is a fatal livestock disease throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Treatment options are very limited and threatened by resistance. Tubercidin (7-deazaadenosine) analogs have shown activity against individual parasites but viable chemotherapy must be active against all three species. Divergence in sensitivity to nucleoside antimetabolites could be caused by differences in nucleoside transporters. Having previously characterized the T. brucei nucleoside carriers, we here report the functional expression and characterization of the main adenosine transporters of T. vivax (TvxNT3) and T. congolense (TcoAT1/NT10), in a Leishmania mexicana cell line ('SUPKO') lacking adenosine uptake. Both carriers were similar to the T. brucei P1-type transporters and bind adenosine mostly through interactions with N3, N7 and 3'-OH. Expression of TvxNT3 and TcoAT1 sensitized SUPKO cells to various 7-substituted tubercidins and other nucleoside analogs although tubercidin itself is a poor substrate for P1-type transporters. Individual nucleoside EC50s were similar for T. b. brucei, T. congolense, T. evansi and T. equiperdum but correlated less well with T. vivax. However, multiple nucleosides including 7-halogentubercidines displayed pEC50>7 for all species and, based on transporter and anti-parasite SAR analyses, we conclude that nucleoside chemotherapy for AAT is viable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzuq A. Ungogo
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810107, Kaduna State, Nigeria
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Mustafa M. Aldfer
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Manal J. Natto
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Hainan Zhuang
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Robyn Chisholm
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Katy Walsh
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - MarieClaire McGee
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Kayhan Ilbeigi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jamal Ibrahim Asseri
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Richard J. S. Burchmore
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Serge Van Calenbergh
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Harry P. De Koning
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Correspondence:
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7
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A multi-adenylate cyclase regulator at the flagellar tip controls African trypanosome transmission. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5445. [PMID: 36114198 PMCID: PMC9481589 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33108-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling from ciliary microdomains controls developmental processes in metazoans. Trypanosome transmission requires development and migration in the tsetse vector alimentary tract. Flagellar cAMP signaling has been linked to parasite social motility (SoMo) in vitro, yet uncovering control of directed migration in fly organs is challenging. Here we show that the composition of an adenylate cyclase (AC) complex in the flagellar tip microdomain is essential for tsetse salivary gland (SG) colonization and SoMo. Cyclic AMP response protein 3 (CARP3) binds and regulates multiple AC isoforms. CARP3 tip localization depends on the cytoskeletal protein FLAM8. Re-localization of CARP3 away from the tip microdomain is sufficient to abolish SoMo and fly SG colonization. Since intrinsic development is normal in carp3 and flam8 knock-out parasites, AC complex-mediated tip signaling specifically controls parasite migration and thereby transmission. Participation of several developmentally regulated receptor-type AC isoforms may indicate the complexity of the in vivo signals perceived. Trypanosomes can sense signal molecules and coordinate their movement in response to such signals, a phenomenon termed social motility (SoMo). Here, Bachmaier et al show that cyclic AMP response protein 3 (CARP3) localization to the flagellar tip and its interaction with a number of different adenylate cyclases is essential for migration to tsetse fly salivary glands and for SoMo, therewith linking SoMo and cAMP signaling to trypanosome transmission.
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8
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Zheng Y, Müller J, Kunz S, Siderius M, Maes L, Caljon G, Müller N, Hemphill A, Sterk GJ, Leurs R. 3-nitroimidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine as a novel scaffold for antiparasitics with sub-nanomolar anti-Giardia lamblia activity. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 19:47-55. [PMID: 35716585 PMCID: PMC9213561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.05.004] [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: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As there is a continuous need for novel anti-infectives, the present study aimed to fuse two modes of action into a novel 3-nitroimidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine scaffold to improve antiparasitic efficacy. For this purpose, we combined known structural elements of phosphodiesterase inhibitors, a target recently proposed for Trypanosoma brucei and Giardia lamblia, with a nitroimidazole scaffold to generate nitrosative stress. The compounds were evaluated in vitro against a panel of protozoal parasites, namely Giardia lamblia, Trypanosoma brucei, T. cruzi, Leishmania infantum and Plasmodium falciparum and for cytotoxicity on MRC-5 cells. Interestingly, selective sub-nanomolar activity was obtained against G. lamblia, and by testing several analogues with and without the nitro group, it was shown that the presence of a nitro group, but not PDE inhibition, is responsible for the low IC50 values of these novel compounds. Adding the favourable drug-like properties (low molecular weight, cLogP (1.2–4.1) and low polar surface area), the key compounds from the 3-nitroimidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine series can be considered as valuable hits for further anti-giardiasis drug exploration and development. Analogues fusing a nitroimidazole moiety and a PDE inhibitor scaffold were prepared. These compounds were tested in vitro against a panel of protozoal parasites. Against Giardia lamblia, sub-nanomolar IC50 values were determined. PDE inhibition provided no significant contribution to the anti-Giardia potency. High potency with drug-like properties warrants further study of this hit series.
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9
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Soeiro MDNC. Perspectives for a new drug candidate for Chagas disease therapy. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e220004. [PMID: 35293439 PMCID: PMC8923671 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), a neglected tropical illness caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, affects more than 6 million people mostly in poor areas of Latin America. CD has two phases: an acute, short phase mainly oligosymptomatic followed to the chronic phase, a long-lasting stage that may trigger cardiac and/or digestive disorders and death. Only two old drugs are available and both present low efficacy in the chronic stage, display side effects and are inactive against parasite strains naturally resistant to these nitroderivatives. These shortcomings justify the search for novel therapeutic options considering the target product profile for CD that will be presently reviewed besides briefly revisiting the data on phosphodiesterase inhibitors upon T. cruzi.
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10
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De Araújo JS, da Silva PB, Batista MM, Peres RB, Cardoso-Santos C, Kalejaiye TD, Munday JC, De Heuvel E, Sterk GJ, Augustyns K, Salado IG, Matheeussen A, De Esch I, De Koning HP, Leurs R, Maes L, Soeiro MDNC. Evaluation of phthalazinone phosphodiesterase inhibitors with improved activity and selectivity against Trypanosoma cruzi. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:958-967. [PMID: 31860098 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas' disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, needs urgent alternative therapeutic options as the treatments currently available display severe limitations, mainly related to efficacy and toxicity. OBJECTIVES As phosphodiesterases (PDEs) have been claimed as novel targets against T. cruzi, our aim was to evaluate the biological aspects of 12 new phthalazinone PDE inhibitors against different T. cruzi strains and parasite forms relevant for human infection. METHODS In vitro trypanocidal activity of the inhibitors was assessed alone and in combination with benznidazole. Their effects on parasite ultrastructural and cAMP levels were determined. PDE mRNA levels from the different T. cruzi forms were measured by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. RESULTS Five TcrPDEs were found to be expressed in all parasite stages. Four compounds displayed strong effects against intracellular amastigotes. Against bloodstream trypomastigotes (BTs), three were at least as potent as benznidazole. In vitro combination therapy with one of the most active inhibitors on both parasite forms (NPD-040) plus benznidazole demonstrated a quite synergistic profile (xΣ FICI = 0.58) against intracellular amastigotes but no interaction (xΣ FICI = 1.27) when BTs were assayed. BTs treated with NPD-040 presented disrupted Golgi apparatus, a swollen flagellar pocket and signs of autophagy. cAMP measurements of untreated parasites showed that amastigotes have higher ability to efflux this second messenger than BTs. NPD-001 and NPD-040 increase the intracellular cAMP content in both BTs and amastigotes, which is also released into the extracellular milieu. CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate the potential of PDE inhibitors as anti-T. cruzi drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcos Meuser Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raiza Brandão Peres
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Camila Cardoso-Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Titilola D Kalejaiye
- Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jane C Munday
- Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Erik De Heuvel
- Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines & Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Jan Sterk
- Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines & Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Koen Augustyns
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Irene G Salado
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - An Matheeussen
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Iwan De Esch
- Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines & Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harry P De Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rob Leurs
- Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines & Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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11
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Walsh B, Hill KL. Right place, right time: Environmental sensing and signal transduction directs cellular differentiation and motility in Trypanosoma brucei. Mol Microbiol 2021; 115:930-941. [PMID: 33434370 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei and other African trypanosomes are vector-borne parasites that cause substantial human suffering across sub-Saharan Africa. The T. brucei life cycle is punctuated by numerous developmental stages, each occurring in a specific environmental niche and characterized by a unique morphology, metabolism, surface protein coat, and gene expression profile. The environmental cues and signaling pathways that drive transitions between these stages remain incompletely understood. Recent studies have started to fill this gap in knowledge. Likewise, several new studies have expanded our understanding of parasite movement through specific tissues and the parasite's ability to alter movement in response to external cues. Life cycle stage differentiation and motility are intimately integrated phenomena, as parasites must be at the right place (i.e., within a specific environmental milieu) at the right time (i.e., when they are appropriately staged and preadapted for perceiving and responding to signals) in order to complete their life cycle. In this review, we highlight some of the recent work that has transformed our understanding of signaling events that control parasite differentiation and motility. Increased knowledge of T. brucei environmental sensing and signal transduction advances our understanding of parasite biology and may direct prospective chemotherapeutic and transmission blockade strategies that are critical to eradication efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna Walsh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kent L Hill
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,California NanoSystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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12
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Tetrahydrophthalazinone Inhibitor of Phosphodiesterase with In Vitro Activity against Intracellular Trypanosomatids. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.00960-20. [PMID: 33361300 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00960-20] [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: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The phosphodiesterase inhibitor tetrahydrophthalazinone NPD-008 was explored by phenotypic in vitro screening, target validation, and ultrastructural approaches against Trypanosoma cruzi NPD-008 displayed activity against different forms and strains of T. cruzi (50% effective concentration [EC50], 6.6 to 39.5 μM). NPD-008 increased cAMP levels of T. cruzi and its combination with benznidazole gave synergistic interaction. It was also moderately active against intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania infantum, confirming a potential activity profile as an antitrypanosomatid drug candidate.
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13
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de Heuvel E, Kooistra AJ, Edink E, van Klaveren S, Stuijt J, van der Meer T, Sadek P, Mabille D, Caljon G, Maes L, Siderius M, de Esch IJP, Sterk GJ, Leurs R. Discovery of Diaryl Ether Substituted Tetrahydrophthalazinones as TbrPDEB1 Inhibitors Following Structure-Based Virtual Screening. Front Chem 2021; 8:608030. [PMID: 33553105 PMCID: PMC7859335 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.608030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Several members of the 3′,5′-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) family play an essential role in cellular processes, which has labeled them as interesting targets for various diseases. The parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei, causative agent of human African trypanosomiasis, contains several cyclic AMP specific PDEs from which TbrPDEB1 is validated as a drug target. The recent discovery of selective TbrPDEB1 inhibitors has increased their potential for a novel treatment for this disease. Compounds characterized by a rigid biphenyl tetrahydrophthalazinone core structure were used as starting point for the exploration of novel TbrPDEB1 inhibitors. Using a virtual screening campaign and structure-guided design, diaryl ether substituted phthalazinones were identified as novel TbrPDEB1 inhibitors with IC50 values around 1 μM against T. brucei. This study provides important structure-activity relationship (SAR) information for the future design of effective parasite-specific PDE inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik de Heuvel
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Albert J Kooistra
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ewald Edink
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sjors van Klaveren
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey Stuijt
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tiffany van der Meer
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Payman Sadek
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Marco Siderius
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Iwan J P de Esch
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Geert Jan Sterk
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rob Leurs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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14
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Discovery of Amoebicidal Compounds by Combining Computational and Experimental Approaches. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.01749-20. [PMID: 33229426 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01749-20] [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: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic and opportunistic free-living amoebae such as Acanthamoeba spp. can cause keratitis (Acanthamoeba keratitis [AK]), which may ultimately lead to permanent visual impairment or blindness. Acanthamoeba can also cause rare but usually fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). Current therapeutic options for AK require a lengthy treatment with nonspecific drugs that are often associated with adverse effects. Recent developments in the field led us to target cAMP pathways, specifically phosphodiesterase. Guided by computational tools, we targeted the Acanthamoeba phosphodiesterase RegA. Computational studies led to the construction and validation of a homology model followed by a virtual screening protocol guided by induced-fit docking and chemical scaffold analysis using our medicinal and biological chemistry (MBC) chemical library. Subsequently, 18 virtual screening hits were prioritized for further testing in vitro against Acanthamoeba castellanii, identifying amoebicidal hits containing piperidine and urea imidazole cores. Promising activities were confirmed in the resistant cyst form of the amoeba and in additional clinical Acanthamoeba strains, increasing their therapeutic potential. Mechanism-of-action studies revealed that these compounds produce apoptosis through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated mitochondrial damage. These chemical families show promise for further optimization to produce effective antiacanthamoebal drugs.
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15
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Durante IM, Butenko A, Rašková V, Charyyeva A, Svobodová M, Yurchenko V, Hashimi H, Lukeš J. Large-Scale Phylogenetic Analysis of Trypanosomatid Adenylate Cyclases Reveals Associations with Extracellular Lifestyle and Host-Pathogen Interplay. Genome Biol Evol 2020; 12:2403-2416. [PMID: 33104188 PMCID: PMC7719234 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor adenylate cyclases (RACs) on the surface of trypanosomatids are important players in the host–parasite interface. They detect still unidentified environmental signals that affect the parasites’ responses to host immune challenge, coordination of social motility, and regulation of cell division. A lesser known class of oxygen-sensing adenylate cyclases (OACs) related to RACs has been lost in trypanosomes and expanded mostly in Leishmania species and related insect-dwelling trypanosomatids. In this work, we have undertaken a large-scale phylogenetic analysis of both classes of adenylate cyclases (ACs) in trypanosomatids and the free-living Bodo saltans. We observe that the expanded RAC repertoire in trypanosomatids with a two-host life cycle is not only associated with an extracellular lifestyle within the vertebrate host, but also with a complex path through the insect vector involving several life cycle stages. In Trypanosoma brucei, RACs are split into two major clades, which significantly differ in their expression profiles in the mammalian host and the insect vector. RACs of the closely related Trypanosoma congolense are intermingled within these two clades, supporting early RAC diversification. Subspecies of T. brucei that have lost the capacity to infect insects exhibit high numbers of pseudogenized RACs, suggesting many of these proteins have become redundant upon the acquisition of a single-host life cycle. OACs appear to be an innovation occurring after the expansion of RACs in trypanosomatids. Endosymbiont-harboring trypanosomatids exhibit a diversification of OACs, whereas these proteins are pseudogenized in Leishmania subgenus Viannia. This analysis sheds light on how ACs have evolved to allow diverse trypanosomatids to occupy multifarious niches and assume various lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Miguel Durante
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia
| | - Anzhelika Butenko
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia.,Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Vendula Rašková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia.,Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia
| | - Arzuv Charyyeva
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Michaela Svobodová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Czechia.,Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Hassan Hashimi
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia.,Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia.,Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia
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16
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de Araújo JS, França da Silva C, Batista DDGJ, Nefertiti A, Fiuza LFDA, Fonseca-Berzal CR, Bernardino da Silva P, Batista MM, Sijm M, Kalejaiye TD, de Koning HP, Maes L, Sterk GJ, Leurs R, Soeiro MDNC. Efficacy of Novel Pyrazolone Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors in Experimental Mouse Models of Trypanosoma cruzi. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:e00414-20. [PMID: 32601163 PMCID: PMC7449165 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00414-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrazolones are heterocyclic compounds with interesting biological properties. Some derivatives inhibit phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and thereby increase the cellular concentration of cyclic AMP (cAMP), which plays a vital role in the control of metabolism in eukaryotic cells, including the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease (CD), a major neglected tropical disease. In vitro phenotypic screening identified a 4-bromophenyl-dihydropyrazole dimer as an anti-T. cruzi hit and 17 novel pyrazolone analogues with variations on the phenyl ring were investigated in a panel of phenotypic laboratory models. Potent activity against the intracellular forms (Tulahuen and Y strains) was obtained with 50% effective concentration (EC50) values within the 0.17 to 3.3 μM range. Although most were not active against bloodstream trypomastigotes, an altered morphology and loss of infectivity were observed. Pretreatment of the mammalian host cells with pyrazolones did not interfere with infection and proliferation, showing that the drug activity was not the result of changes to host cell metabolism. The pyrazolone NPD-227 increased the intracellular cAMP levels and was able to sterilize T. cruzi-infected cell cultures. Thus, due to its high potency and selectivity in vitro, and its additive interaction with benznidazole (Bz), NPD-227 was next assessed in the acute mouse model. Oral dosing for 5 days of NPD-227 at 10 mg/kg + Bz at 10 mg/kg not only reduced parasitemia (>87%) but also protected against mortality (>83% survival), hence demonstrating superiority to the monotherapy schemes. These data support these pyrazolone molecules as potential novel therapeutic alternatives for Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianna Siciliano de Araújo
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiane França da Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Denise da Gama Jaén Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Aline Nefertiti
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Cristina Rosa Fonseca-Berzal
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrícia Bernardino da Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos Meuser Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maarten Sijm
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Titilola D Kalejaiye
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Geert Jan Sterk
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Leurs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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17
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Munday JC, Kunz S, Kalejaiye TD, Siderius M, Schroeder S, Paape D, Alghamdi AH, Abbasi Z, Huang SX, Donachie AM, William S, Sabra AN, Sterk GJ, Botros SS, Brown DG, Hoffman CS, Leurs R, de Koning HP. Cloning and functional complementation of ten Schistosoma mansoni phosphodiesterases expressed in the mammalian host stages. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008447. [PMID: 32730343 PMCID: PMC7430754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Only a single drug against schistosomiasis is currently available and new drug development is urgently required but very few drug targets have been validated and characterised. However, regulatory systems including cyclic nucleotide metabolism are emerging as primary candidates for drug discovery. Here, we report the cloning of ten cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) genes of S. mansoni, out of a total of 11 identified in its genome. We classify these PDEs by homology to human PDEs. Male worms displayed higher expression levels for all PDEs, in mature and juvenile worms, and schistosomula. Several functional complementation approaches were used to characterise these genes. We constructed a Trypanosoma brucei cell line in which expression of a cAMP-degrading PDE complements the deletion of TbrPDEB1/B2. Inhibitor screens of these cells expressing only either SmPDE4A, TbrPDEB1 or TbrPDEB2, identified highly potent inhibitors of the S. mansoni enzyme that elevated the cellular cAMP concentration. We further expressed most of the cloned SmPDEs in two pde1Δ/pde2Δ strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and some also in a specialised strain of Schizosacharomyces pombe. Five PDEs, SmPDE1, SmPDE4A, SmPDE8, SmPDE9A and SmPDE11 successfully complemented the S. cerevisiae strains, and SmPDE7var also complemented to a lesser degree, in liquid culture. SmPDE4A, SmPDE8 and SmPDE11 were further assessed in S. pombe for hydrolysis of cAMP and cGMP; SmPDE11 displayed considerable preferrence for cGMP over cAMP. These results and tools enable the pursuit of a rigorous drug discovery program based on inhibitors of S. mansoni PDEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane C. Munday
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Kunz
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Titilola D. Kalejaiye
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Siderius
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Daniel Paape
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ali H. Alghamdi
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Zainab Abbasi
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sheng Xiang Huang
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Anne-Marie Donachie
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Samia William
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Egypt
| | - Abdel Nasser Sabra
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Egypt
| | - Geert Jan Sterk
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanaa S. Botros
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Egypt
| | - David G. Brown
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Charles S. Hoffman
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rob Leurs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harry P. de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
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18
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Salado IG, Singh AK, Moreno-Cinos C, Sakaine G, Siderius M, Van der Veken P, Matheeussen A, van der Meer T, Sadek P, Gul S, Maes L, Sterk GJ, Leurs R, Brown D, Augustyns K. Lead Optimization of Phthalazinone Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors as Novel Antitrypanosomal Compounds. J Med Chem 2020; 63:3485-3507. [PMID: 32196340 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis is causing thousands of deaths every year in the rural areas of Africa. In this manuscript we describe the optimization of a family of phtalazinone derivatives. Phosphodiesterases have emerged as attractive molecular targets for a novel treatment for a variety of neglected parasitic diseases. Compound 1 resulted in being a potent TbrPDEB1 inhibitor with interesting activity against T. brucei in a phenotypic screen. Derivative 1 was studied in an acute in vivo mouse disease model but unfortunately showed no efficacy due to low metabolic stability. We report structural modifications to achieve compounds with an improved metabolic stability while maintaining high potency against TbrPDEB1 and T. brucei. Compound 14 presented a good microsomal stability in mouse and human microsomes and provides a good starting point for future efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene G Salado
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Abhimanyu K Singh
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos Moreno-Cinos
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guna Sakaine
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marco Siderius
- Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines & Systems, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter Van der Veken
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - An Matheeussen
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tiffany van der Meer
- Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines & Systems, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Payman Sadek
- Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines & Systems, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sheraz Gul
- Fraunhofer-IME SP, Schnackenburgallee 114, Hamburg 22525, Germany
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Geert-Jan Sterk
- Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines & Systems, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Leurs
- Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines & Systems, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David Brown
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, United Kingdom
| | - Koen Augustyns
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
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19
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Sternlieb T, Schoijet AC, Alonso GD. Intracellular cyclic AMP levels modulate differential adaptive responses on epimastigotes and cell culture trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. Acta Trop 2020; 202:105273. [PMID: 31734265 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Among the many environmental challenges the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi has to overcome to complete its life cycle through different hosts, oxidative stress plays a central role. Different stages of this parasite encounter distinct sources of oxidative stress, such as the oxidative burst of the immune system, or the Heme released from hemoglobin degradation in the triatomine's midgut. Also, the redox status of the surroundings functions as a signal to the parasite, triggering processes coupled to differentiation or proliferation. Intracellular second messengers, like cAMP, are responsible for the transduction of environmental queues and initiating cellular processes accordingly. In trypanosomatids cAMP is involved in a variety of processes, including proliferation, differentiation, osmoregulation and quorum sensing. Trypanosomatid phosphodiesterases (PDE) show atypical pharmacological properties and some have been involved in key processes for the survival of the parasites, which validates them as attractive therapeutic targets. Our work here shows that cAMP modulates different processes according to parasite stage. Epimastigotes become more resistant to oxidative stress when pre-treated with cAMP analogs, while in trypomastigotes an increase in intracellular cAMP doesn't seem to aid in this response, although it does increase the number of amastigotes obtained 48 h after infection, compared to the control group. Also, we show that TcrPDEA1, a functionally enigmatic phosphodiesterase with very high Km, is involved in the epimastigotes response to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Sternlieb
- Laboratorio de señalización y mecanismos adaptativos en tripanosomátidos, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres"; Vuelta de Obligado 2490 (C1428ADN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandra C Schoijet
- Laboratorio de señalización y mecanismos adaptativos en tripanosomátidos, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres"; Vuelta de Obligado 2490 (C1428ADN), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo D Alonso
- Laboratorio de señalización y mecanismos adaptativos en tripanosomátidos, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres"; Vuelta de Obligado 2490 (C1428ADN), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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20
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Botros SS, El-Lakkany NM, Seif el-Din SH, William S, Sabra AN, Hammam OA, de Koning HP. The phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor roflumilast impacts Schistosoma mansoni ovipositing in vitro but displays only modest antischistosomal activity in vivo. Exp Parasitol 2020; 208:107793. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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21
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Schoijet AC, Sternlieb T, Alonso GD. Signal Transduction Pathways as Therapeutic Target for Chagas Disease. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:6572-6589. [PMID: 31218950 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190620093029] [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: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosomatids are a group of flagellated unicellular eukaryotes, causing serious human diseases including Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi), sleeping sickness (Trypanosoma brucei spp.) and Leishmaniasis (Leishmania spp.). The second messenger cAMP is involved in numerous and fundamental processes in these parasites including differentiation between stages, proliferation, osmoregulation, oxidative stress and quorum sensing. Interestingly, its signaling pathway is quite different from that of mammals, including structurally different adenylyl cyclases, the shortage of orthologous effector proteins and the absence of G-protein-coupled-receptors, among others. These characteristics make the proteins involved in these transduction pathways good candidates for therapeutic targets. However, the identification of new unknown druggable targets involves extensive research time and is economically very expensive, making difficult the transition from basic research to the clinical phase. Trypanosomatid PDEs have characteristic binding pockets that allow for a differential inhibition from their human orthologs. Modification in the approved drugs for human to convert them into trypanocidal treatments could lead to more effective therapies, shorter lab time and lower costs. In view of the fact that kinetoplastid PDEs are highly conserved with their mammalian counterparts, and since there are already numerous drugs on the market against human PDEs, the drug repositioning approach is highly promising. The development of new technologies, higher government and industrial involvement and more scientists committed to basic investigation, are the key to ultimately find an effective treatment and cure for the neglected tropical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Cecilia Schoijet
- Laboratorio de Senalizacion y Mecanismos Adaptativos en Tripanosomatidos, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingenieria Genetica y Biologia Molecular "Dr. Hector N. Torres"; Vuelta de Obligado 2490 (C1428ADN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tamara Sternlieb
- Laboratorio de Senalizacion y Mecanismos Adaptativos en Tripanosomatidos, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingenieria Genetica y Biologia Molecular "Dr. Hector N. Torres"; Vuelta de Obligado 2490 (C1428ADN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Daniel Alonso
- Laboratorio de Senalizacion y Mecanismos Adaptativos en Tripanosomatidos, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingenieria Genetica y Biologia Molecular "Dr. Hector N. Torres"; Vuelta de Obligado 2490 (C1428ADN), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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22
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Hammarton TC. Who Needs a Contractile Actomyosin Ring? The Plethora of Alternative Ways to Divide a Protozoan Parasite. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:397. [PMID: 31824870 PMCID: PMC6881465 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokinesis, or the division of the cytoplasm, following the end of mitosis or meiosis, is accomplished in animal cells, fungi, and amoebae, by the constriction of an actomyosin contractile ring, comprising filamentous actin, myosin II, and associated proteins. However, despite this being the best-studied mode of cytokinesis, it is restricted to the Opisthokonta and Amoebozoa, since members of other evolutionary supergroups lack myosin II and must, therefore, employ different mechanisms. In particular, parasitic protozoa, many of which cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans and animals as well as considerable economic losses, employ a wide diversity of mechanisms to divide, few, if any, of which involve myosin II. In some cases, cell division is not only myosin II-independent, but actin-independent too. Mechanisms employed range from primitive mechanical cell rupture (cytofission), to motility- and/or microtubule remodeling-dependent mechanisms, to budding involving the constriction of divergent contractile rings, to hijacking host cell division machinery, with some species able to utilize multiple mechanisms. Here, I review current knowledge of cytokinesis mechanisms and their molecular control in mammalian-infective parasitic protozoa from the Excavata, Alveolata, and Amoebozoa supergroups, highlighting their often-underappreciated diversity and complexity. Billions of people and animals across the world are at risk from these pathogens, for which vaccines and/or optimal treatments are often not available. Exploiting the divergent cell division machinery in these parasites may provide new avenues for the treatment of protozoal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tansy C Hammarton
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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23
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de Heuvel E, Singh AK, Boronat P, Kooistra AJ, van der Meer T, Sadek P, Blaazer AR, Shaner NC, Bindels DS, Caljon G, Maes L, Sterk GJ, Siderius M, Oberholzer M, de Esch IJ, Brown DG, Leurs R. Alkynamide phthalazinones as a new class of TbrPDEB1 inhibitors (Part 2). Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:4013-4029. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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24
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Discovery of novel Schistosoma mansoni PDE4A inhibitors as potential agents against schistosomiasis. Future Med Chem 2019; 11:1703-1720. [PMID: 31370708 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Due to the urgent need for effective drugs to treat schistosomiasis that act through a known molecular mechanism of action, we focused on a target-based approach with the aim to discover inhibitors of a cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase from Schistosoma mansoni (SmPDE4A). Materials & methods: To discover new inhibitors of SmPDE4A homology models of the enzyme structure were constructed based on known human and protozoan homologs. The best two models were selected for subsequent virtual screening of our in-house chemical library. Results & conclusion: A total of 25 library compounds were selected for experimental confirmation as SmPDE4A inhibitors and after dose-response experiments, three top hits were identified. The results presented validate the virtual screening approach to identify new inhibitors for clinically relevant phosphodiesterases.
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25
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Alkynamide phthalazinones as a new class of TbrPDEB1 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:3998-4012. [PMID: 31327675 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Several 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) have been validated as good drug targets for a large variety of diseases. Trypanosoma brucei PDEB1 (TbrPDEB1) has been designated as a promising drug target for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis. Recently, the first class of selective nanomolar TbrPDEB1 inhibitors was obtained by targeting the parasite specific P-pocket. However, these biphenyl-substituted tetrahydrophthalazinone-based inhibitors did not show potent cellular activity against Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei) parasites, leaving room for further optimization. Herein, we report the discovery of a new class of potent TbrPDEB1 inhibitors that display improved activities against T. brucei parasites. Exploring different linkers between the reported tetrahydrophthalazinone core scaffold and the amide tail group resulted in the discovery of alkynamide phthalazinones as new TbrPDEB1 inhibitors, which exhibit submicromolar activities versus T. brucei parasites and no cytotoxicity to human MRC-5 cells. Elucidation of the crystal structure of alkynamide 8b (NPD-048) bound to the catalytic domain of TbrPDEB1 shows a bidentate interaction with the key-residue Gln874 and good directionality towards the P-pocket. Incubation of trypanosomes with alkynamide 8b results in an increase of intracellular cAMP, validating a PDE-mediated effect in vitro and providing a new interesting compound series for further studies towards selective TbrPDEB1 inhibitors with potent phenotypic activity.
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26
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Botros SS, William S, Sabra ANA, El-Lakkany NM, Seif El-Din SH, García-Rubia A, Sebastián-Pérez V, Blaazer AR, de Heuvel E, Sijm M, Zheng Y, Salado IG, Munday JC, Maes L, de Esch IJP, Sterk GJ, Augustyns K, Leurs R, Gil C, De Koning HP. Screening of a PDE-focused library identifies imidazoles with in vitro and in vivo antischistosomal activity. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2019; 9:35-43. [PMID: 30669086 PMCID: PMC6350229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
We report the evaluation of 265 compounds from a PDE-focused library for their antischistosomal activity, assessed in vitro using Schistosoma mansoni. Of the tested compounds, 171 (64%) displayed selective in vitro activity, with 16 causing worm hypermotility/spastic contractions and 41 inducing various degrees of worm killing at 100 μM, with the surviving worms displaying sluggish movement, worm unpairing and complete absence of eggs. The compounds that did not affect worm viability (n = 72) induced a complete cessation of ovipositing. 82% of the compounds had an impact on male worms whereas female worms were barely affected. In vivo evaluation in S. mansoni-infected mice with the in vitro 'hit' NPD-0274 at 20 mg/kg/day orally for 5 days resulted in worm burden reductions of 29% and intestinal tissue egg load reduction of 35% at 10 days post-treatment. Combination of praziquantel (PZQ) at 10 mg/kg/day for 5 days with NPD-0274 or NPD-0298 resulted in significantly higher worm killing than PZQ alone, as well as a reduction in intestinal tissue egg load, disappearance of immature eggs and an increase in the number of dead eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaa S Botros
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Samia William
- Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Abdel-Nasser A Sabra
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Naglaa M El-Lakkany
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Sayed H Seif El-Din
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | | | | | - Antoni R Blaazer
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | - Erik de Heuvel
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Sijm
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | - Yang Zheng
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | | | - Jane C Munday
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | | | - Iwan J P de Esch
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | - Geert J Sterk
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | | | - Rob Leurs
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | - Carmen Gil
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Harry P De Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK.
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27
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Nucleoside analogue activators of cyclic AMP-independent protein kinase A of Trypanosoma. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1421. [PMID: 30926779 PMCID: PMC6440977 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09338-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase A (PKA), the main effector of cAMP in eukaryotes, is a paradigm for the mechanisms of ligand-dependent and allosteric regulation in signalling. Here we report the orthologous but cAMP-independent PKA of the protozoan Trypanosoma and identify 7-deaza-nucleosides as potent activators (EC50 ≥ 6.5 nM) and high affinity ligands (KD ≥ 8 nM). A co-crystal structure of trypanosome PKA with 7-cyano-7-deazainosine and molecular docking show how substitution of key amino acids in both CNB domains of the regulatory subunit and its unique C-terminal αD helix account for this ligand swap between trypanosome PKA and canonical cAMP-dependent PKAs. We propose nucleoside-related endogenous activators of Trypanosoma brucei PKA (TbPKA). The existence of eukaryotic CNB domains not associated with binding of cyclic nucleotides suggests that orphan CNB domains in other eukaryotes may bind undiscovered signalling molecules. Phosphoproteome analysis validates 7-cyano-7-deazainosine as powerful cell-permeable inducer to explore cAMP-independent PKA signalling in medically important neglected pathogens.
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28
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Imidazole Derivatives as Promising Agents for the Treatment of Chagas Disease. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.02156-18. [PMID: 30670432 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02156-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 100 years after being first described, Chagas disease remains endemic in 21 Latin American countries and has spread to other continents. Indeed, this disease, which is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is no longer just a problem for the American continents but has become a global health threat. Current therapies, i.e., nifurtimox and benznidazole (Bz), are far from being adequate, due to their undesirable effects and their lack of efficacy in the chronic phases of the disease. In this work, we present an in-depth phenotypic evaluation in T. cruzi of a new class of imidazole compounds, which were discovered in a previous phenotypic screen against different trypanosomatids and were designed as potential inhibitors of cAMP phosphodiesterases (PDEs). The confirmation of several activities similar or superior to that of Bz prompted a synthesis program of hit optimization and extended structure-activity relationship aimed at improving drug-like properties such as aqueous solubility, which resulted in additional hits with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values similar to that of Bz. The cellular effects of one representative hit, compound 9, on bloodstream trypomastigotes were further investigated. Transmission electron microscopy revealed cellular changes, after just 2 h of incubation with the IC50 concentration, that were consistent with induced autophagy and osmotic stress, mechanisms previously linked to cAMP signaling. Compound 9 induced highly significant increases in both cellular and medium cAMP levels, confirming that inhibition of T. cruzi PDE(s) is part of its mechanism of action. The potent and selective activity of this imidazole-based PDE inhibitor class against T. cruzi constitutes a successful repurposing of research into inhibitors of mammalian PDEs.
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29
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Giordani F, Khalaf AI, Gillingwater K, Munday JC, de Koning HP, Suckling CJ, Barrett MP, Scott FJ. Novel Minor Groove Binders Cure Animal African Trypanosomiasis in an in Vivo Mouse Model. J Med Chem 2019; 62:3021-3035. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Abedawn I. Khalaf
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, WestCHEM, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K
| | - Kirsten Gillingwater
- Parasite Chemotherapy, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel 4051, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel 4001, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Colin J. Suckling
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, WestCHEM, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K
| | | | - Fraser J. Scott
- Department of Biological and Geographical Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, U.K
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30
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Veale CGL. Unpacking the Pathogen Box-An Open Source Tool for Fighting Neglected Tropical Disease. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:386-453. [PMID: 30614200 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Pathogen Box is a 400-strong collection of drug-like compounds, selected for their potential against several of the world's most important neglected tropical diseases, including trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, filariasis, schistosomiasis, dengue virus and trichuriasis, in addition to malaria and tuberculosis. This library represents an ensemble of numerous successful drug discovery programmes from around the globe, aimed at providing a powerful resource to stimulate open source drug discovery for diseases threatening the most vulnerable communities in the world. This review seeks to provide an in-depth analysis of the literature pertaining to the compounds in the Pathogen Box, including structure-activity relationship highlights, mechanisms of action, related compounds with reported activity against different diseases, and, where appropriate, discussion on the known and putative targets of compounds, thereby providing context and increasing the accessibility of the Pathogen Box to the drug discovery community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton G L Veale
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Pietermaritzburg Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa
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31
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Baker CH, Welburn SC. The Long Wait for a New Drug for Human African Trypanosomiasis. Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:818-827. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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32
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Sebastián-Pérez V, Hendrickx S, Munday JC, Kalejaiye T, Martínez A, Campillo NE, de Koning H, Caljon G, Maes L, Gil C. Cyclic Nucleotide-Specific Phosphodiesterases as Potential Drug Targets for Anti-Leishmania Therapy. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:e00603-18. [PMID: 30104270 PMCID: PMC6153811 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00603-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The available treatments for leishmaniasis are less than optimal due to inadequate efficacy, toxic side effects, and the emergence of resistant strains, clearly endorsing the urgent need for discovery and development of novel drug candidates. Ideally, these should act via an alternative mechanism of action to avoid cross-resistance with the current drugs. As cyclic nucleotide-specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs) of Leishmania major have been postulated as putative drug targets, a series of potential inhibitors of Leishmania PDEs were explored. Several displayed potent and selective in vitro activity against L. infantum intracellular amastigotes. One imidazole derivative, compound 35, was shown to reduce the parasite loads in vivo and to increase the cellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) level at in a dose-dependent manner at just 2× and 5× the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50), indicating a correlation between antileishmanial activity and increased cellular cAMP levels. Docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations pointed to imidazole 35 exerting its activity through PDE inhibition. This study establishes for the first time that inhibition of cAMP PDEs can potentially be exploited for new antileishmanial chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jane C Munday
- Institute of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Titilola Kalejaiye
- Institute of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB, CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Harry de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Carmen Gil
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB, CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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33
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Blaazer AR, Singh AK, de Heuvel E, Edink E, Orrling KM, Veerman JJN, van den Bergh T, Jansen C, Balasubramaniam E, Mooij WJ, Custers H, Sijm M, Tagoe DNA, Kalejaiye TD, Munday JC, Tenor H, Matheeussen A, Wijtmans M, Siderius M, de Graaf C, Maes L, de Koning HP, Bailey DS, Sterk GJ, de Esch IJP, Brown DG, Leurs R. Targeting a Subpocket in Trypanosoma brucei Phosphodiesterase B1 (TbrPDEB1) Enables the Structure-Based Discovery of Selective Inhibitors with Trypanocidal Activity. J Med Chem 2018; 61:3870-3888. [PMID: 29672041 PMCID: PMC5949723 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Several trypanosomatid
cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs)
possess a unique, parasite-specific cavity near the ligand-binding
region that is referred to as the P-pocket. One of these enzymes, Trypanosoma brucei PDE B1 (TbrPDEB1), is considered a drug
target for the treatment of African sleeping sickness. Here, we elucidate
the molecular determinants of inhibitor binding and reveal that the
P-pocket is amenable to directed design. By iterative cycles of design,
synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation and by elucidating the structures
of inhibitor-bound TbrPDEB1, hPDE4B, and hPDE4D complexes, we have
developed 4a,5,8,8a-tetrahydrophthalazinones as the first selective
TbrPDEB1 inhibitor series. Two of these, 8 (NPD-008)
and 9 (NPD-039), were potent (Ki = 100 nM) TbrPDEB1 inhibitors with antitrypanosomal effects
(IC50 = 5.5 and 6.7 μM, respectively). Treatment
of parasites with 8 caused an increase in intracellular
cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and severe disruption
of T. brucei cellular organization, chemically validating
trypanosomal PDEs as therapeutic targets in trypanosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni R Blaazer
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , 1081 HZ Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Abhimanyu K Singh
- School of Biosciences , University of Kent , Canterbury CT2 7NJ , U.K
| | - Erik de Heuvel
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , 1081 HZ Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Ewald Edink
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , 1081 HZ Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Kristina M Orrling
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , 1081 HZ Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Chimed Jansen
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , 1081 HZ Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | | | - Wouter J Mooij
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , 1081 HZ Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Hans Custers
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , 1081 HZ Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Sijm
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , 1081 HZ Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Daniel N A Tagoe
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation , University of Glasgow , Glasgow G12 8TA , U.K
| | - Titilola D Kalejaiye
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation , University of Glasgow , Glasgow G12 8TA , U.K
| | - Jane C Munday
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation , University of Glasgow , Glasgow G12 8TA , U.K
| | | | - An Matheeussen
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene , University of Antwerp , 2610 Wilrijk , Belgium
| | - Maikel Wijtmans
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , 1081 HZ Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Marco Siderius
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , 1081 HZ Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Chris de Graaf
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , 1081 HZ Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene , University of Antwerp , 2610 Wilrijk , Belgium
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation , University of Glasgow , Glasgow G12 8TA , U.K
| | | | - Geert Jan Sterk
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , 1081 HZ Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Iwan J P de Esch
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , 1081 HZ Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - David G Brown
- School of Biosciences , University of Kent , Canterbury CT2 7NJ , U.K
| | - Rob Leurs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , 1081 HZ Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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The single cyclic nucleotide-specific phosphodiesterase of the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia represents a potential drug target. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005891. [PMID: 28915270 PMCID: PMC5617230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Giardiasis is an intestinal infection correlated with poverty and poor drinking water quality, and treatment options are limited. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Giardia infections afflict nearly 33% of people in developing countries, and 2% of the adult population in the developed world. This study describes the single cyclic nucleotide-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) of G. lamblia and assesses PDE inhibitors as a new generation of anti-giardial drugs. Methods An extensive search of the Giardia genome database identified a single gene coding for a class I PDE, GlPDE. The predicted protein sequence was analyzed in-silico to characterize its domain structure and catalytic domain. Enzymatic activity of GlPDE was established by complementation of a PDE-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, and enzyme kinetics were characterized in soluble yeast lysates. The potency of known PDE inhibitors was tested against the activity of recombinant GlPDE expressed in yeast and against proliferating Giardia trophozoites. Finally, the localization of epitope-tagged and ectopically expressed GlPDE in Giardia cells was investigated. Results Giardia encodes a class I PDE. Catalytically important residues are fully conserved between GlPDE and human PDEs, but sequence differences between their catalytic domains suggest that designing Giardia-specific inhibitors is feasible. Recombinant GlPDE hydrolyzes cAMP with a Km of 408 μM, and cGMP is not accepted as a substrate. A number of drugs exhibit a high degree of correlation between their potency against the recombinant enzyme and their inhibition of trophozoite proliferation in culture. Epitope-tagged GlPDE localizes as dots in a pattern reminiscent of mitosomes and to the perinuclear region in Giardia. Conclusions Our data strongly suggest that inhibition of G. lamblia PDE activity leads to a profound inhibition of parasite proliferation and that GlPDE is a promising target for developing novel anti-giardial drugs. Cellular signaling by the cyclic nucleotides cAMP and cGMP is ubiquitously found in organisms from human to unicellular parasites. Cyclic nucleotide-specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are pivotal regulators of these signaling processes and these enzymes represent important drug targets for a variety of diseases. Eleven PDE families are distinguished in humans and selective inhibition of a single human PDE family without targeting others is feasible. In parasites, interference in the signaling mechanism by PDE inhibition may be fatal. The diarrhea-causing parasite Giardia lamblia contains only one single PDE, named GlPDE. GlPDE activity is highly impaired by a range of PDE inhibitors, which also suppress parasite proliferation in vitro. Thus, there is a good agreement between PDE inhibition and parasite drug susceptibility. We demonstrate molecular differences between human PDEs and GlPDE that can be exploited for the development of GlPDE-selective inhibitors. Finally, our data may suggest localization of GlPDE to mitosome organelles, which are absent in human cells and thus are in the focus as possible targets for the treatment of giardiasis. This may add to the notion that GlPDE represents a potential target for the development of novel anti-giardial drugs.
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Santeliz S, Caicedo P, Giraldo E, Alvarez C, Yustiz MD, Rodríguez-Bonfante C, Bonfante-Rodríguez R, Bonfante-Cabarcas R. Dipyridamole potentiated the trypanocidal effect of nifurtimox and improved the cardiac function in NMRI mice with acute chagasic myocarditis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2017; 112:596-608. [PMID: 28902285 PMCID: PMC5572445 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760160499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As chronic Chagas disease does not have a definitive treatment, the development of alternative therapeutic protocols is a priority. Dipyridamole (DPY) is an alternative to counteract the pathophysiological phenomena involved in Chagas cardiomyopathy. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of DPY associated with nifurtimox (Nfx) in epimastigote axenic cultures and in mice with acute Chagas disease. METHODS NMRI adult male mice were divided into nine groups: three healthy and six Trypanosoma cruzi-infected groups. Mice received vehicle, Nfx or DPY, alone or combined. The doses assayed were Nfx 10 and 40 mg/kg and DPY 30 mg/kg. The treatment efficacy was evaluated by clinical, electrocardiographic, parasitological, biochemical and histopathological methods. FINDINGS In vitro, DPY and Nfx had a trypanocidal effect with IC50 values of 372 ± 52 and 21.53 ± 2.13 µM, respectively; DPY potentiated the Nfx effect. In vivo, Nfx (40 mg/kg) with or without DPY had a therapeutic effect, which was reflected in the 84-92% survival rate and elimination of parasitaemia and heart tissue amastigotes. Nfx (10 mg/kg) had a subtherapeutic effect with no survival and persistence of amastigotes, inflammation and fibrosis in heart tissue; adding DPY increased the survival rate to 85%, and all tested parameters were significantly improved. MAIN CONCLUSION DPY has a trypanocidal effect in vitro and enhances the Nfx therapeutic effect in an in vivo murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Santeliz
- Decanato de Ciencias Veterinarias, Unidad de Biomedicina, Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía, Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, Venezuela
| | - Peter Caicedo
- Decanato de Ciencias de la Salud, Unidad de Bioquímica, Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, Venezuela
| | - Elidiosmar Giraldo
- Decanato de Ciencias de la Salud, Unidad de Bioquímica, Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, Venezuela
| | - Carmen Alvarez
- Decanato de Ciencias Veterinarias, Unidad de Biomedicina, Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía, Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, Venezuela
| | - María-Daniela Yustiz
- Decanato de Ciencias de la Salud, Unidad de Bioquímica, Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, Venezuela
| | - Claudina Rodríguez-Bonfante
- Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Unidad de Parasitología Médica, Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela
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Long T, Rojo-Arreola L, Shi D, El-Sakkary N, Jarnagin K, Rock F, Meewan M, Rascón AA, Lin L, Cunningham KA, Lemieux GA, Podust L, Abagyan R, Ashrafi K, McKerrow JH, Caffrey CR. Phenotypic, chemical and functional characterization of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) as a potential anthelmintic drug target. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005680. [PMID: 28704396 PMCID: PMC5526615 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reliance on just one drug to treat the prevalent tropical disease, schistosomiasis, spurs the search for new drugs and drug targets. Inhibitors of human cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (huPDEs), including PDE4, are under development as novel drugs to treat a range of chronic indications including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Alzheimer's disease. One class of huPDE4 inhibitors that has yielded marketed drugs is the benzoxaboroles (Anacor Pharmaceuticals). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A phenotypic screen involving Schistosoma mansoni and 1,085 benzoxaboroles identified a subset of huPDE4 inhibitors that induced parasite hypermotility and degeneration. To uncover the putative schistosome PDE4 target, we characterized four PDE4 sequences (SmPDE4A-D) in the parasite's genome and transcriptome, and cloned and recombinantly expressed the catalytic domain of SmPDE4A. Among a set of benzoxaboroles and catechol inhibitors that differentially inhibit huPDE4, a relationship between the inhibition of SmPDE4A, and parasite hypermotility and degeneration, was measured. To validate SmPDE4A as the benzoxaborole molecular target, we first generated Caenorhabditis elegans lines that express a cDNA for smpde4a on a pde4(ce268) mutant (hypermotile) background: the smpde4a transgene restored mutant worm motility to that of the wild type. We then showed that benzoxaborole inhibitors of SmPDE4A that induce hypermotility in the schistosome also elicit a hypermotile response in the C. elegans lines that express the smpde4a transgene, thereby confirming SmPDE4A as the relevant target. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The orthogonal chemical, biological and genetic strategies employed identify SmPDE4A's contribution to parasite motility and degeneration, and its potential as a drug target. Transgenic C. elegans is highlighted as a potential screening tool to optimize small molecule chemistries to flatworm molecular drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thavy Long
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Liliana Rojo-Arreola
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Da Shi
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Kurt Jarnagin
- Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Fernando Rock
- Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Maliwan Meewan
- Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Alberto A. Rascón
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Katherine A. Cunningham
- Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - George A. Lemieux
- Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Larissa Podust
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Ruben Abagyan
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Kaveh Ashrafi
- Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ebiloma GU, Igoli JO, Katsoulis E, Donachie AM, Eze A, Gray AI, de Koning HP. Bioassay-guided isolation of active principles from Nigerian medicinal plants identifies new trypanocides with low toxicity and no cross-resistance to diamidines and arsenicals. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 202:256-264. [PMID: 28336470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Leaves from the plant species studied herein are traditionally used in northern Nigeria against various protozoan infections. However, none of these herbal preparations have been standardized, nor have their toxicity to mammalian cells been investigated. In search of improved and non-toxic active antiprotozoal principles that are not cross-resistant with current anti-parasitics, we here report the results of the in vitro screening of extracts from seven selected medicinal plant species (Centrosema pubescens, Moringa oleifera, Tridax procumbens, Polyalthia longifolia, Newbouldia laevis, Eucalyptus maculate, Jathropha tanjorensis), used traditionally to treat kinetoplastid infections in Nigeria, and the isolation of their bioactive principles. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the efficacies of medicinal plant extracts, and of compounds isolated therefrom, against kinetoplastid parasites, assess cross-resistance to existing chemotherapy, and assay their toxicity against mammalian cells in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS Plants were extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. Active principles were isolated by bioassay-led fractionation, testing for trypanocidal activity, and identified using NMR and mass spectrometry. EC50 values for their activity against wild-type and multi-drug resistant Trypanosoma brucei were obtained using the viability indicator dye resazurin. RESULTS Seven medicinal plants were evaluated for activity against selected kinetoplastid parasites. The result shows that crude extracts and isolated active compounds from Polyalthia longifolia and Eucalyptus maculata, in particular, display promising activity against drug-sensitive and multi-drug resistant Trypanosoma brucei. The EC50 value of a clerodane (16α-hydroxy-cleroda-3,13(14)-Z-dien-15,16-olide) isolated from Polyalthia longifolia was as low as 0.38µg/mL, while a triterpenoid (3β,13β-dihydroxy-urs-11-en-28-oic acid) isolated from Eucalyptus maculata displayed an EC50 of 1.58µg/mL. None of the isolated compounds displayed toxicity towards Human Embryonic Kidney cells at concentrations up to 400µg/mL. In addition, the isolated compounds were active against Leishmania mexicana, as well as against T. congolense. CONCLUSION We have isolated a clerodane compound from Polyalthia longifolia that shows low toxicity, no cross-resistance with current treatments, and promising activity against both human-infective and veterinary Trypanosoma species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godwin Unekwuojo Ebiloma
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kogi State University, Nigeria
| | - John Ogbaji Igoli
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelos Katsoulis
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anne-Marie Donachie
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anthonius Eze
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Health sciences, University of Nigeria, Nigeria
| | - Alexander Ian Gray
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.
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Field MC, Horn D, Fairlamb AH, Ferguson MAJ, Gray DW, Read KD, De Rycker M, Torrie LS, Wyatt PG, Wyllie S, Gilbert IH. Anti-trypanosomatid drug discovery: an ongoing challenge and a continuing need. Nat Rev Microbiol 2017; 15:217-231. [PMID: 28239154 PMCID: PMC5582623 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro.2016.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The WHO recognizes human African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease and the leishmaniases as neglected tropical diseases. These diseases are caused by parasitic trypanosomatids and range in severity from mild and self-curing to near invariably fatal. Public health advances have substantially decreased the effect of these diseases in recent decades but alone will not eliminate them. In this Review, we discuss why new drugs against trypanosomatids are required, approaches that are under investigation to develop new drugs and why the drug discovery pipeline remains essentially unfilled. In addition, we consider the important challenges to drug discovery strategies and the new technologies that can address them. The combination of new drugs, new technologies and public health initiatives is essential for the management, and hopefully eventual elimination, of trypanosomatid diseases from the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Field
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - David Horn
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Alan H Fairlamb
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Michael A J Ferguson
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - David W Gray
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Kevin D Read
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Manu De Rycker
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Leah S Torrie
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Paul G Wyatt
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Susan Wyllie
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Ian H Gilbert
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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Abstract
Pathogenic animal trypanosomes affecting livestock have represented a major constraint to agricultural development in Africa for centuries, and their negative economic impact is increasing in South America and Asia. Chemotherapy and chemoprophylaxis represent the main means of control. However, research into new trypanocides has remained inadequate for decades, leading to a situation where the few compounds available are losing efficacy due to the emergence of drug-resistant parasites. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current options available for the treatment and prophylaxis of the animal trypanosomiases, with a special focus on the problem of resistance. The key issues surrounding the main economically important animal trypanosome species and the diseases they cause are also presented. As new investment becomes available to develop improved tools to control the animal trypanosomiases, we stress that efforts should be directed towards a better understanding of the biology of the relevant parasite species and strains, to identify new drug targets and interrogate resistance mechanisms.
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Veerman J, van den Bergh T, Orrling KM, Jansen C, Cos P, Maes L, Chatelain E, Ioset JR, Edink EE, Tenor H, Seebeck T, de Esch I, Leurs R, Sterk GJ. Synthesis and evaluation of analogs of the phenylpyridazinone NPD-001 as potent trypanosomal TbrPDEB1 phosphodiesterase inhibitors and in vitro trypanocidals. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:1573-81. [PMID: 26935942 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosomal phosphodiesterases B1 and B2 (TbrPDEB1 and TbrPDEB2) play an important role in the life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei, the causative parasite of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as African sleeping sickness. Knock down of both enzymes leads to cell cycle arrest and is lethal to the parasite. Recently, we reported the phenylpyridazinone, NPD-001, with low nanomolar IC50 values on both TbrPDEB1 (IC50: 4nM) and TbrPDEB2 (IC50: 3nM) (J. Infect. Dis.2012, 206, 229). In this study, we now report on the first structure activity relationships of a series of phenylpyridazinone analogs as TbrPDEB1 inhibitors. A selection of compounds was also shown to be anti-parasitic. Importantly, a good correlation between TbrPDEB1 IC50 and EC50 against the whole parasite was observed. Preliminary analysis of the SAR of selected compounds on TbrPDEB1 and human PDEs shows large differences which shows the potential for obtaining parasite selective PDE inhibitors. The results of these studies support the pharmacological validation of the Trypanosome PDEB family as novel therapeutic approach for HAT and provide as well valuable information for the design of potent TbrPDEB1 inhibitors that could be used for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Veerman
- Mercachem, PO Box 6747, 6503 GE Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kristina M Orrling
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines & Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chimed Jansen
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines & Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Eric Chatelain
- DNDi (Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative), 15 Chemin Louis Dunant, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Robert Ioset
- DNDi (Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative), 15 Chemin Louis Dunant, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ewald E Edink
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines & Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hermann Tenor
- Takeda, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International GmbH, Thurgauerstrasse 130, 8152 Glattpark-Opfikon, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Seebeck
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Iwan de Esch
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines & Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Leurs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines & Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Jan Sterk
- Mercachem, PO Box 6747, 6503 GE Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines & Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Sano S, Kamura M, Nakamura A, Kitaike S, Nakao M. Asymmetric Synthesis of cis-4a,5,8,8a-Tetrahydrophthalazin-1(2H)-one Derivatives Based on Organocatalytic Alcoholysis of Cyclic Dicarboxylic Anhydride. HETEROCYCLES 2016. [DOI: 10.3987/com-15-s(t)17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Saada EA, DeMarco SF, Shimogawa MM, Hill KL. "With a Little Help from My Friends"-Social Motility in Trypanosoma brucei. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1005272. [PMID: 26679190 PMCID: PMC4683075 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Edwin A. Saada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Stephanie F. DeMarco
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Michelle M. Shimogawa
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Kent L. Hill
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Tagoe DNA, Kalejaiye TD, de Koning HP. The ever unfolding story of cAMP signaling in trypanosomatids: vive la difference! Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:185. [PMID: 26441645 PMCID: PMC4561360 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinetoplastids are unicellular, eukaryotic, flagellated protozoans containing the eponymous kinetoplast. Within this order, the family of trypanosomatids are responsible for some of the most serious human diseases, including Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi), sleeping sickness (Trypanosoma brucei spp.), and leishmaniasis (Leishmania spp). Although cAMP is produced during the life cycle stages of these parasites, its signaling pathways are very different from those of mammals. The absence of G-protein-coupled receptors, the presence of structurally different adenylyl cyclases, the paucity of known cAMP effector proteins and the stringent need for regulation of cAMP in the small kinetoplastid cells all suggest a significantly different biochemical pathway and likely cell biology. However, each of the main kinetoplastid parasites express four class 1-type cyclic nucleotide-specific phosphodiesterases (PDEA-D), which have highly similar catalytic domains to that of human PDEs. To date, only TbrPDEB, expressed as two slightly different isoforms TbrPDEB1 and B2, has been found to be essential when ablated. Although the genomes contain reasonably well conserved genes for catalytic and regulatory domains of protein kinase A, these have been shown to have varied structural and functional roles in the different species. Recent discovery of a role of cAMP/AMP metabolism in a quorum-sensing signaling pathway in T. brucei, and the identification of downstream cAMP Response Proteins (CARPs) whose expression levels correlate with sensitivity to PDE inhibitors, suggests a complex signaling cascade. The interplay between the roles of these novel CARPs and the quorum-sensing signaling pathway on cell division and differentiation makes for intriguing cell biology and a new paradigm in cAMP signal transduction, as well as potential targets for trypanosomatid-specific cAMP pathway-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel N A Tagoe
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow , Glasgow, UK ; Institute of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow , Glasgow, UK ; Department of Laboratory Technology, Division of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Cape Coast , Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Titilola D Kalejaiye
- Institute of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow , Glasgow, UK
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow , Glasgow, UK
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Makin L, Gluenz E. cAMP signalling in trypanosomatids: role in pathogenesis and as a drug target. Trends Parasitol 2015; 31:373-9. [PMID: 26004537 PMCID: PMC4534343 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei adenylate cyclases are implicated in modulation of host immune response and social motility. First effectors downstream of cAMP signalling were identified in Trypanosoma cruzi and T. brucei. Crystal structures reveal a unique pocket in trypanosomatid phosphodiesterases. Trypanosomatid phosphodiesterase inhibitors are promising drug candidates.
Despite recent research linking cAMP signalling to virulence in trypanosomatids and detailed studies of trypanosomatid adenylyl cyclases (ACs) and phosphodiesterases (PDEs) since their discoveries 40 years ago, downstream components of the pathway and their biological functions have remained remarkably elusive. However, in recent years, significant discoveries have been made: a role for parasite ACs has been proposed in cytokinesis, evasion of the host immune response, and social motility. cAMP phosphodiesterases PDEB1 and PDEB2 were found to be essential for survival and virulence of Trypanosoma brucei and, in Trypanosoma cruzi, PDEC2 was shown to be required for normal osmoregulation. As we discuss here, these breakthroughs have led to an ongoing surge in the development of PDE inhibitors as lead compounds for trypanocidal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Makin
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Eva Gluenz
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Amata E, Bland ND, Campbell RK, Pollastri MP. Evaluation of pyrrolidine and pyrazolone derivatives as inhibitors of trypanosomal phosphodiesterase B1 (TbrPDEB1). Tetrahedron Lett 2015; 56:2832-2835. [PMID: 25977593 DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2015.04.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a parasitic disease, caused by the protozoan pathogen Trypanosoma brucei, which affects thousands every year and which is in need of new therapeutics. Herein we report the synthesis and assessment of a series of pyrrolidine and pyrazolone derivatives of human phosphodiesterase 4 (hPDE4) inhibitors for the assessment of their activity against the trypanosomal phosphodiesterase TbrPDEB1. The synthesized compounds showed weak potency against TbrPDEB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Amata
- Northeastern University Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, 417 Egan Research Center, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nicholas D Bland
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Robert K Campbell
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Michael P Pollastri
- Northeastern University Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, 417 Egan Research Center, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Abstract
UNLABELLED The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei engages in surface-induced social behavior, termed social motility, characterized by single cells assembling into multicellular groups that coordinate their movements in response to extracellular signals. Social motility requires sensing and responding to extracellular signals, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here we report that T. brucei social motility depends on cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling systems in the parasite's flagellum (synonymous with cilium). Pharmacological inhibition of cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) completely blocks social motility without impacting the viability or motility of individual cells. Using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based sensor to monitor cAMP dynamics in live cells, we demonstrate that this block in social motility correlates with an increase in intracellular cAMP levels. RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of the flagellar PDEB1 phenocopies pharmacological PDE inhibition, demonstrating that PDEB1 is required for social motility. Using parasites expressing distinct fluorescent proteins to monitor individuals in a genetically heterogeneous community, we found that the social motility defect of PDEB1 knockdowns is complemented by wild-type parasites in trans. Therefore, PDEB1 knockdown cells are competent for social motility but appear to lack a necessary factor that can be provided by wild-type cells. The combined data demonstrate that the role of cyclic nucleotides in regulating microbial social behavior extends to African trypanosomes and provide an example of transcomplementation in parasitic protozoa. IMPORTANCE In bacteria, studies of cell-cell communication and social behavior have profoundly influenced our understanding of microbial physiology, signaling, and pathogenesis. In contrast, mechanisms underlying social behavior in protozoan parasites are mostly unknown. Here we show that social behavior in the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei is governed by cyclic-AMP signaling systems in the flagellum, with intriguing parallels to signaling systems that control bacterial social behavior. We also generated a T. brucei social behavior mutant and found that the mutant phenotype is complemented by wild-type cells grown in the same culture. Our findings open new avenues for dissecting social behavior and signaling in protozoan parasites and illustrate the capacity of these organisms to influence each other's behavior in mixed communities.
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Kim T, Folcher M, Charpin-El Hamri G, Fussenegger M. A synthetic cGMP-sensitive gene switch providing Viagra(®)-controlled gene expression in mammalian cells and mice. Metab Eng 2015; 29:169-179. [PMID: 25843350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2015.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a universal second messenger that is synthesized from guanosine triphosphate (GTP) by guanylyl cyclases (GCs) and hydrolyzed into guanosine monophosphate (GMP) by phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Small-molecule drugs that induce high cGMP levels in specialized tissues by boosting GC activity or inhibiting PDE activity have become the predominant treatment strategy for a wide range of medical conditions, including congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis-based claudication and erectile dysfunction. By fusing the cGMP receptor protein (CRP) of Rhodospirillum centenum to the Herpes simplex-derived transactivation domain VP16, we created a novel synthetic mammalian cGMP-sensing transcription factor (GTA) that activates synthetic promoters (PGTA) containing newly identified GTA-specific operator sites in a concentration-dependent manner. In cell lines expressing endogenous natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A) (HeLa), GTA/PGTA-driven transgene expression was induced by B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP; Nesiritide(®)) in a concentration-dependent manner, which activated NPR-A׳s intracellular GC domain and triggered a corresponding cGMP surge. Ectopic expression of NPR-A in NPR-A-negative cell lines (HEK-293T) produced high cGMP levels and mediated maximum GTA/PGTA-driven transgene expression, which was suppressed by co-expression of PDEs (PDE-3A, PDE-5A and PDE-9A) and was re-triggered by the corresponding PDE inhibitor drugs (Pletal(®), Perfan(®), Primacor(®) (PDE-3A), Viagra(®), Levitra(®), Cialis(®) (PDE-5A) and BAY73-6691 (PDE-9A)). Mice implanted with microencapsulated designer cells co-expressing the GTA/PGTA device with NPR-A and PDE-5A showed control of blood SEAP levels through administration of sildenafil (Viagra(®)). Designer cells engineered for PDE inhibitor-modulated transgene expression may provide a cell-based PDE-targeting drug discovery platform and enable drug-adjusted gene- and cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeuk Kim
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Folcher
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland; Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland.
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Jäger AV, De Gaudenzi JG, Mild JG, Mc Cormack B, Pantano S, Altschuler DL, Edreira MM. Identification of novel cyclic nucleotide binding proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2015; 198:104-12. [PMID: 25724722 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic AMP has been implicated as second messenger in a wide range of cellular processes. In the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, cAMP is involved in the development of the parasite's life cycle. While cAMP effectors have been widely studied in other eukaryotic cells, little is known about cAMP's mechanism of action in T. cruzi. To date, only a cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) has been cloned and characterised in this parasite; however experimental evidence indicates the existence of cAMP-dependent, PKA-independent events. In order to identify new cAMP binding proteins as potential cAMP effectors, we carried out in silico studies using the predicted T. cruzi proteome. Using a combination of search methods 27 proteins with putative cNMP binding domains (CBDs) were identified. Phylogenetic analysis of the CBDs presented a homogeneous distribution, with sequences segregated into two main branches: one containing kinases-like proteins and the other gathering hypothetical proteins with different function or no other known. Comparative modelling of the strongest candidates provides support for the hypothesis that these proteins may give rise to structurally viable cyclic nucleotide binding domains. Pull-down and nucleotide displacement assays strongly suggest that TcCLB.508523.80 could bind cAMP and eventually be a new putative PKA-independent cAMP effector in T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana V Jäger
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas-Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, UNSAM-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Javier G De Gaudenzi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas-Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, UNSAM-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jesica G Mild
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; IQUIBICEN-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bárbara Mc Cormack
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Daniel L Altschuler
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Martin M Edreira
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; IQUIBICEN-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Alkhaldi AAM, Creek DJ, Ibrahim H, Kim DH, Quashie NB, Burgess KE, Changtam C, Barrett MP, Suksamrarn A, de Koning HP. Potent trypanocidal curcumin analogs bearing a monoenone linker motif act on trypanosoma brucei by forming an adduct with trypanothione. Mol Pharmacol 2014; 87:451-64. [PMID: 25527638 DOI: 10.1124/mol.114.096016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported that curcumin analogs with a C7 linker bearing a C4-C5 olefinic linker with a single keto group at C3 (enone linker) display midnanomolar activity against the bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei. However, no clear indication of their mechanism of action or superior antiparasitic activity relative to analogs with the original di-ketone curcumin linker was apparent. To further investigate their utility as antiparasitic agents, we compare the cellular effects of curcumin and the enone linker lead compound 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)hept-4-en-3-one (AS-HK014) here. An AS-HK014-resitant line, trypanosomes adapted to AS-HK014 (TA014), was developed by in vitro exposure to the drug. Metabolomic analysis revealed that exposure to AS-HK014, but not curcumin, rapidly depleted glutathione and trypanothione in the wild-type line, although almost all other metabolites were unchanged relative to control. In TA014 cells, thiol levels were similar to untreated wild-type cells and not significantly depleted by AS-HK014. Adducts of AS-HK014 with both glutathione and trypanothione were identified in AS-HK014-exposed wild-type cells and reproduced by chemical reaction. However, adduct accumulation in sensitive cells was much lower than in resistant cells. TA014 cells did not exhibit any changes in sequence or protein levels of glutathione synthetase and γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase relative to wild-type cells. We conclude that monoenone curcuminoids have a different mode of action than curcumin, rapidly and specifically depleting thiol levels in trypanosomes by forming an adduct. This adduct may ultimately be responsible for the highly potent trypanocidal and antiparasitic activity of the monoenone curcuminoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulsalam A M Alkhaldi
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.A.M.A, D.J.C., H.I., D.-H.K., N.B.Q., K.E.B., M.P.B., H.P.K.); Department of Biology, College of Science, Aljouf University, Skaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (A.A.M.A); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia (D.J.C.); Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Sebha University, Libya (H.I.); Centre for Analytical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (D.-H.K.); Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana (N.B.Q.); Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samutprakarn, Thailand (C.C.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (M.P.B.); and Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand (A.S.)
| | - Darren J Creek
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.A.M.A, D.J.C., H.I., D.-H.K., N.B.Q., K.E.B., M.P.B., H.P.K.); Department of Biology, College of Science, Aljouf University, Skaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (A.A.M.A); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia (D.J.C.); Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Sebha University, Libya (H.I.); Centre for Analytical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (D.-H.K.); Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana (N.B.Q.); Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samutprakarn, Thailand (C.C.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (M.P.B.); and Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand (A.S.)
| | - Hasan Ibrahim
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.A.M.A, D.J.C., H.I., D.-H.K., N.B.Q., K.E.B., M.P.B., H.P.K.); Department of Biology, College of Science, Aljouf University, Skaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (A.A.M.A); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia (D.J.C.); Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Sebha University, Libya (H.I.); Centre for Analytical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (D.-H.K.); Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana (N.B.Q.); Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samutprakarn, Thailand (C.C.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (M.P.B.); and Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand (A.S.)
| | - Dong-Hyun Kim
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.A.M.A, D.J.C., H.I., D.-H.K., N.B.Q., K.E.B., M.P.B., H.P.K.); Department of Biology, College of Science, Aljouf University, Skaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (A.A.M.A); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia (D.J.C.); Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Sebha University, Libya (H.I.); Centre for Analytical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (D.-H.K.); Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana (N.B.Q.); Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samutprakarn, Thailand (C.C.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (M.P.B.); and Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand (A.S.)
| | - Neils B Quashie
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.A.M.A, D.J.C., H.I., D.-H.K., N.B.Q., K.E.B., M.P.B., H.P.K.); Department of Biology, College of Science, Aljouf University, Skaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (A.A.M.A); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia (D.J.C.); Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Sebha University, Libya (H.I.); Centre for Analytical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (D.-H.K.); Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana (N.B.Q.); Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samutprakarn, Thailand (C.C.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (M.P.B.); and Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand (A.S.)
| | - Karl E Burgess
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.A.M.A, D.J.C., H.I., D.-H.K., N.B.Q., K.E.B., M.P.B., H.P.K.); Department of Biology, College of Science, Aljouf University, Skaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (A.A.M.A); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia (D.J.C.); Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Sebha University, Libya (H.I.); Centre for Analytical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (D.-H.K.); Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana (N.B.Q.); Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samutprakarn, Thailand (C.C.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (M.P.B.); and Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand (A.S.)
| | - Chatchawan Changtam
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.A.M.A, D.J.C., H.I., D.-H.K., N.B.Q., K.E.B., M.P.B., H.P.K.); Department of Biology, College of Science, Aljouf University, Skaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (A.A.M.A); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia (D.J.C.); Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Sebha University, Libya (H.I.); Centre for Analytical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (D.-H.K.); Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana (N.B.Q.); Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samutprakarn, Thailand (C.C.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (M.P.B.); and Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand (A.S.)
| | - Michael P Barrett
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.A.M.A, D.J.C., H.I., D.-H.K., N.B.Q., K.E.B., M.P.B., H.P.K.); Department of Biology, College of Science, Aljouf University, Skaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (A.A.M.A); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia (D.J.C.); Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Sebha University, Libya (H.I.); Centre for Analytical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (D.-H.K.); Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana (N.B.Q.); Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samutprakarn, Thailand (C.C.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (M.P.B.); and Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand (A.S.)
| | - Apichart Suksamrarn
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.A.M.A, D.J.C., H.I., D.-H.K., N.B.Q., K.E.B., M.P.B., H.P.K.); Department of Biology, College of Science, Aljouf University, Skaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (A.A.M.A); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia (D.J.C.); Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Sebha University, Libya (H.I.); Centre for Analytical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (D.-H.K.); Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana (N.B.Q.); Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samutprakarn, Thailand (C.C.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (M.P.B.); and Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand (A.S.)
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.A.M.A, D.J.C., H.I., D.-H.K., N.B.Q., K.E.B., M.P.B., H.P.K.); Department of Biology, College of Science, Aljouf University, Skaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (A.A.M.A); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia (D.J.C.); Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Sebha University, Libya (H.I.); Centre for Analytical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (D.-H.K.); Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana (N.B.Q.); Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samutprakarn, Thailand (C.C.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (M.P.B.); and Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand (A.S.)
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Insect stage-specific adenylate cyclases regulate social motility in African trypanosomes. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2014; 14:104-12. [PMID: 25416239 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00217-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sophisticated systems for cell-cell communication enable unicellular microbes to act as multicellular entities capable of group-level behaviors that are not evident in individuals. These group behaviors influence microbe physiology, and the underlying signaling pathways are considered potential drug targets in microbial pathogens. Trypanosoma brucei is a protozoan parasite that causes substantial human suffering and economic hardship in some of the most impoverished regions of the world. T. brucei lives on host tissue surfaces during transmission through its tsetse fly vector, and cultivation on surfaces causes the parasites to assemble into multicellular communities in which individual cells coordinate their movements in response to external signals. This behavior is termed "social motility," based on its similarities with surface-induced social motility in bacteria, and it demonstrates that trypanosomes are capable of group-level behavior. Mechanisms governing T. brucei social motility are unknown. Here we report that a subset of receptor-type adenylate cyclases (ACs) in the trypanosome flagellum regulate social motility. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of adenylate cyclase 6 (AC6), or dual knockdown of AC1 and AC2, causes a hypersocial phenotype but has no discernible effect on individual cells in suspension culture. Mutation of the AC6 catalytic domain phenocopies AC6 knockdown, demonstrating that loss of adenylate cyclase activity is responsible for the phenotype. Notably, knockdown of other ACs did not affect social motility, indicating segregation of AC functions. These studies reveal interesting parallels in systems that control social behavior in trypanosomes and bacteria and provide insight into a feature of parasite biology that may be exploited for novel intervention strategies.
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