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Nishiyama K, Aihara Y, Suzuki T, Takahashi K, Kinoshita T, Dohmae N, Sato A, Hagihara S. Discovery of a Plant 14-3-3 Inhibitor Possessing Isoform Selectivity and In Planta Activity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400218. [PMID: 38658314 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic modulators of plant 14-3-3s are promising chemical tools both for understanding the 14-3-3-related signaling pathways and controlling plant physiology. Herein, we describe a novel small-molecule inhibitor for 14-3-3 proteins of Arabidopsis thaliana. The inhibitor was identified from unexpected products in a stock solution in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) of an in-house chemical library. Mass spectroscopy, mutant-based analyses, fluorescence polarization assays, and thermal shift assays revealed that the inhibitor covalently binds to an allosteric site of 14-3-3 with isoform selectivity. Moreover, infiltration of the inhibitor to Arabidopsis leaves suppressed the stomatal aperture. The inhibitor should provide new insight into the design of potent and isoform-selective 14-3-3 modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Nishiyama
- Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako City, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yusuke Aihara
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Honcho 4-1-8, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Takehiro Suzuki
- Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako City, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Koji Takahashi
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
| | - Toshinori Kinoshita
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
| | - Naoshi Dohmae
- Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako City, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Ayato Sato
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
| | - Shinya Hagihara
- Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako City, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
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2
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Francesconi V, Rizzo M, Schenone S, Carbone A, Tonelli M. State-of-the-art Review on the Antiparasitic Activity of Benzimidazolebased Derivatives: Facing Malaria, Leishmaniasis, and Trypanosomiasis. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:1955-1982. [PMID: 37718524 PMCID: PMC11071657 DOI: 10.2174/0929867331666230915093928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Protozoan parasites represent a significant risk for public health worldwide, afflicting particularly people in more vulnerable categories and cause large morbidity and heavy economic impact. Traditional drugs are limited by their toxicity, low efficacy, route of administration, and cost, reflecting their low priority in global health management. Moreover, the drug resistance phenomenon threatens the positive therapy outcome. This scenario claims the need of addressing more adequate therapies. Among the diverse strategies implemented, the medicinal chemistry efforts have also focused their attention on the benzimidazole nucleus as a promising pharmacophore for the generation of new drug candidates. Hence, the present review provides a global insight into recent progress in benzimidazole-based derivatives drug discovery against important protozoan diseases, such as malaria, leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis. The more relevant chemical features and structure-activity relationship studies of these molecules are discussed for the purpose of paving the way towards the development of more viable drugs for the treatment of these parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Francesconi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genoa, 16132, Italy
| | - Marco Rizzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genoa, 16132, Italy
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genoa, 16132, Italy
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genoa, 16132, Italy
| | - Michele Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genoa, 16132, Italy
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3
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Chen C, Su J, Lu M, Xu L, Yan R, Li X, Song X. Protective efficacy of multiepitope vaccines constructed from common antigens of Eimeria species in chickens. Vet Res 2023; 54:119. [PMID: 38093398 PMCID: PMC10720236 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-023-01253-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical avian coccidiosis is typically caused by coinfection with several Eimeria species. Recombinant protein and DNA vaccines have shown promise in controlling coccidiosis. On this basis, DNA vaccines that encode multiple epitopes from different Eimeria species may provide broad protection against coinfections. In this study, we designed a fusion gene fragment, 14EGT, that contained concentrated T-cell epitopes from four common antigens of Eimeria species (14-3-3, elongation factor 2, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and transhydrogenase). The multiepitope DNA vaccine pVAX1-14EGT and recombinant protein vaccine pET-32a-14EGT (r14EGT) were then created based on the 14EGT fragment. Subsequently, cellular and humoral immune responses were measured in vaccinated chickens. Vaccination-challenge trials were also conducted, where the birds were vaccinated with the 14EGT preparations and later exposed to single or multiple Eimeria species to evaluate the protective efficacy of the vaccines. According to the results, vaccination with 14EGT preparations effectively increased the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and the levels of Th1 and Th2 hallmark cytokines. The levels of serum IgG antibodies were also significantly increased. Animal vaccination trials revealed alleviated enteric lesions, weight loss, and oocyst output compared to those of the control groups. The preparations were found to be moderately effective against single Eimeria species, with the anticoccidial index (ACI) ranging from 160 to 180. However, after challenge with multiple Eimeria species, the protection provided by the 14EGT preparations was not satisfactory, with ACI values of 142.18 and 146.41. Collectively, the results suggest that a multiepitope vaccine that encodes the T-cell epitopes of common antigens derived from Eimeria parasites could be a potential and effective strategy to control avian coccidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Junzhi Su
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Mingmin Lu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Lixin Xu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Ruofeng Yan
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiaokai Song
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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Ballesteros-Casallas A, Quiroga C, Ortiz C, Benítez D, Denis PA, Figueroa D, Salas CO, Bertrand J, Tapia RA, Sánchez P, Miscione GP, Comini MA, Paulino M. Mode of action of p-quinone derivatives with trypanocidal activity studied by experimental and in silico models. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:114926. [PMID: 36508970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Quinones are attractive pharmacological scaffolds for developing new agents for the treatment of different transmissible and non-transmissible human diseases due to their capacity to alter the cell redox homeostasis. The bioactivity and potential mode of action of 19 p-quinone derivatives fused to different aromatic rings (carbo or heterocycles) and harboring distinct substituents were investigated in infective Trypanosoma brucei brucei. All the compounds, except for a furanequinone (EC50=38 μM), proved to be similarly or even more potent (EC50 = 0.5-5.5 μM) than the clinical drug nifurtimox (EC50 = 5.3 μM). Three furanequinones and one thiazolequinone displayed a higher selectivity than nifurtimox. Two of these selective hits resulted potent inhibitors of T. cruzi proliferation (EC50=0.8-1.1 μM) but proved inactive against Leishmania infantum amastigotes. Most of the p-quinones induced a rapid and marked intracellular oxidation in T. b. brucei. DFT calculations on the oxidized quinone (Q), semiquinone (Q•-) and hydroquinone (QH2) suggest that all quinones have negative ΔG for the formation of Q•-. Qualitative and quantitative structure-activity relationship analyses in two or three dimensions of different electronic and biophysical descriptors of quinones and their corresponding bioactivities (killing potency and oxidative capacity) were performed. Charge distribution over the quinone ring carbons of Q and Q.- and the frontier orbitals energies of SUMO (Q.-) and LUMO (Q) correlate with their oxidative and trypanocidal activity. QSAR analysis also highlighted that both bromine substitution in the p-quinone ring and a bulky phenyl group attached to the furane and thiazole rings (which generates a negative charge due to the π electron system polarized by the nearby heteroatoms) are favorable for activity. By combining experimental and in silico procedures, this study disclosed important information about p-quinones that may help to rationally tune their electronic properties and biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Ballesteros-Casallas
- COBO, Computational Bio-Organic Chemistry, Chemistry Department, Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1 18A-12, Bogotá, 111711, Colombia; Bioinformatics Center, DETEMA Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Universidad de la República, General Flores 2124, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay
| | - Cristina Quiroga
- Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay
| | - Cecilia Ortiz
- Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay
| | - Diego Benítez
- Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay
| | - Pablo A Denis
- Computational Nanotechnology, DETEMA Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Universidad de la República, General Flores 2124, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay
| | - David Figueroa
- COBO, Computational Bio-Organic Chemistry, Chemistry Department, Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1 18A-12, Bogotá, 111711, Colombia
| | - Cristian O Salas
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, 6094411, Chile
| | - Jeanluc Bertrand
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, 6094411, Chile
| | - Ricardo A Tapia
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, 6094411, Chile
| | - Patricio Sánchez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, 6094411, Chile
| | - Gian Pietro Miscione
- COBO, Computational Bio-Organic Chemistry, Chemistry Department, Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1 18A-12, Bogotá, 111711, Colombia.
| | - Marcelo A Comini
- Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay.
| | - Margot Paulino
- Bioinformatics Center, DETEMA Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Universidad de la República, General Flores 2124, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay.
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Dantas-Pereira L, Cunha-Junior EF, Andrade-Neto VV, Bower JF, Jardim GAM, da Silva Júnior EN, Torres-Santos EC, Menna-Barreto RFS. Naphthoquinones and Derivatives for Chemotherapy: Perspectives and Limitations of their Anti-trypanosomatids Activities. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:1807-1824. [PMID: 33167829 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666201109111802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, Sleeping sickness and Leishmaniasis, caused by trypanosomatids Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania spp., respectively, are considered neglected tropical diseases, and they especially affect impoverished populations in the developing world. The available chemotherapies are very limited, and a search for alternatives is still necessary. In folk medicine, natural naphthoquinones have been employed for the treatment of a great variety of illnesses, including parasitic infections. This review is focused on the anti-trypanosomatid activity and mechanistic analysis of naphthoquinones and derivatives. Among all the series of derivatives tested in vitro, naphthoquinone-derived 1,2,3-triazoles were very active on T. cruzi infective forms in blood bank conditions, as well as in amastigotes of Leishmania spp. naphthoquinones containing a CF3 on a phenyl amine ring inhibited T. brucei proliferation in the nanomolar range, and naphthopterocarpanquinones stood out for their activity on a range of Leishmania species. Some of these compounds showed a promising selectivity index (SI) (30 to 1900), supporting further analysis in animal models. Indeed, high toxicity to the host and inactivation by blood components are crucial obstacles to be overcome to use naphthoquinones and/or their derivatives for chemotherapy. Multidisciplinary initiatives embracing medicinal chemistry, bioinformatics, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology need to be encouraged to allow the optimization of these compounds. Large scale automated tests are pivotal for the efficiency of the screening step, and subsequent evaluation of both the mechanism of action in vitro and pharmacokinetics in vivo is essential for the development of a novel, specific and safe derivative, minimizing adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luíza Dantas-Pereira
- Laboratorio de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Edézio F Cunha-Junior
- Laboratorio de Bioquimica de Tripanosomatideos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Valter V Andrade-Neto
- Laboratorio de Bioquimica de Tripanosomatideos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - John F Bower
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Guilherme A M Jardim
- Departamento de Quimica, Instituto de Ciencias Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Eufrânio N da Silva Júnior
- Departamento de Quimica, Instituto de Ciencias Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Eduardo C Torres-Santos
- Laboratorio de Bioquimica de Tripanosomatideos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rubem F S Menna-Barreto
- Laboratorio de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Silva LR, Guimarães AS, do Nascimento J, do Santos Nascimento IJ, da Silva EB, McKerrow JH, Cardoso SH, da Silva-Júnior EF. Computer-aided design of 1,4-naphthoquinone-based inhibitors targeting cruzain and rhodesain cysteine proteases. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 41:116213. [PMID: 33992862 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease and Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) are caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and T. brucei parasites, respectively. Cruzain (CRZ) and Rhodesain (RhD) are cysteine proteases that share 70% of identity and play vital functions in these parasites. These macromolecules represent promising targets for designing new inhibitors. In this context, 26 CRZ and 5 RhD 3D-structures were evaluated by molecular redocking to identify the most accurate one to be utilized as a target. Posteriorly, a virtual screening of a library containing 120 small natural and nature-based compounds was performed on both of them. In total, 14 naphthoquinone-based analogs were identified, synthesized, and biologically evaluated. In total, five compounds were active against RhD, being three of them also active on CRZ. A derivative of 1,4-naphthoquinonepyridin-2-ylsulfonamide was found to be the most active molecule, exhibiting IC50 values of 6.3 and 1.8 µM for CRZ and RhD, respectively. Dynamic simulations at 100 ns demonstrated good stability and do not alter the targets' structures. MM-PBSA calculations revealed that it presents a higher affinity for RhD (-25.3 Kcal mol-1) than CRZ, in which van der Waals interactions were more relevant. A mechanistic hypothesis (via C3-Michael-addition reaction) involving a covalent mode of inhibition for this compound towards RhD was investigated by covalent molecular docking and DFT B3LYP/6-31 + G* calculations, exhibiting a low activation energy (ΔG‡) and providing a stable product (ΔG), with values of 7.78 and - 39.72 Kcal mol-1, respectively; similar to data found in the literature. Nevertheless, a reversibility assay by dilution revealed that JN-11 is a time-dependent and reversible inhibitor. Finally, this study applies modern computer-aided techniques to identify promising inhibitors from a well-known chemical class of natural products. Then, this work could inspire other future studies in the field, being useful for designing potent naphthoquinones as RhD inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Rocha Silva
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Synthesis, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus Arapiraca, Manoel Severino Barbosa Avenue, Arapiraca 57309-005, Brazil
| | - Ari Souza Guimarães
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Synthesis, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus Arapiraca, Manoel Severino Barbosa Avenue, Arapiraca 57309-005, Brazil
| | - Jadiely do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Synthesis, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus Arapiraca, Manoel Severino Barbosa Avenue, Arapiraca 57309-005, Brazil
| | - Igor José do Santos Nascimento
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Elany Barbosa da Silva
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - James H McKerrow
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sílvia Helena Cardoso
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Synthesis, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus Arapiraca, Manoel Severino Barbosa Avenue, Arapiraca 57309-005, Brazil
| | - Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Júnior
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil.
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7
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Targeting NAD-dependent dehydrogenases in drug discovery against infectious diseases and cancer. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 48:693-707. [PMID: 32311017 DOI: 10.1042/bst20191261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dehydrogenases are oxidoreductase enzymes that play a variety of fundamental functions in the living organisms and have primary roles in pathogen survival and infection processes as well as in cancer development. We review here a sub-set of NAD-dependent dehydrogenases involved in human diseases and the recent advancements in drug development targeting pathogen-associated NAD-dependent dehydrogenases. We focus also on the molecular aspects of the inhibition process listing the structures of the most relevant molecules targeting this enzyme family. Our aim is to review the most impacting findings regarding the discovery of novel inhibitory compounds targeting the selected NAD-dependent dehydrogenases involved in cancer and infectious diseases.
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8
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Optimization of 1,4-Naphthoquinone Hit Compound: A Computational, Phenotypic, and In Vivo Screening against Trypanosoma cruzi. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26020423. [PMID: 33467422 PMCID: PMC7829778 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) still represents a serious public health problem in Latin America, even after more than 100 years of its discovery. Clinical treatments (nifurtimox and benznidazole) are considered inadequate, especially because of undesirable side effects and low efficacy in the chronic stages of the disease, highlighting the urgency for discovering new effective and safe drugs. A small library of compounds (1a–i and 2a–j) was designed based on the structural optimization of a Hit compound derived from 1,4-naphthoquinones (C2) previously identified. The biological activity, structure-activity relationship (SAR), and the in silico physicochemical profiles of the naphthoquinone derivatives were analyzed. Most modifications resulted in increased trypanocidal activity but some substitutions also increased toxicity. The data reinforce the importance of the chlorine atom in the thiophenol benzene ring for trypanocidal activity, highlighting 1g, which exhibit a drug-likeness profile, as a promising compound against Trypanosoma cruzi. SAR analysis also revealed 1g as cliff generator in the structure-activity similarity map (SAS maps). However, compounds C2 and 1g were unable to reduce parasite load, and did not prevent mouse mortality in T. cruzi acute infection. Phenotypic screening and computational analysis have provided relevant information to advance the optimization and design of new 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives with a better pharmacological profile.
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9
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Galbiati A, Zana A, Conti P. Covalent inhibitors of GAPDH: From unspecific warheads to selective compounds. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112740. [PMID: 32898762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Targeting glycolysis is an attractive approach for the treatment of a wide range of pathologies, such as various tumors and parasitic infections. Due to its pivotal role in the glycolysis, Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) represents a rate-limiting enzyme in those cells that mostly, or exclusively rely on this pathway for energy production. In this context, GAPDH inhibition can be a valuable approach for the development of anticancer and antiparasitic drugs. In addition to its glycolytic role, GAPDH possesses several moonlight functions, whose deregulation is involved in some pathological conditions. Covalent modification on different amino acids of GAPDH, in particular on cysteine residues, can lead to a modulation of the enzyme activity. The selectivity towards specific cysteine residues is essential to achieve a specific phenotypic effect. In this work we report an extensive overview of the latest advances on the numerous compounds able to inhibit GAPDH through the covalent binding to cysteine residues, ranging from endogenous metabolites and xenobiotics, which may serve as pharmacological tools to actual drug-like compounds with promising therapeutic perspectives. Furthermore, we focused on the potentialities of the different warheads, shedding light on the possibility to exploit a combination of a finely tuned electrophilic group with a well-designed recognition moiety. These findings can provide useful information for the rational design of novel covalent inhibitors of GAPDH, with the final goal to expand the current treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Galbiati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Aureliano Zana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Conti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
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10
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Yamashoji S, Al Mamun A, Bari L. Visual and simple determination of glucose-induced acidification by yeast cells: application to rapid cytotoxicity test. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03924. [PMID: 32420490 PMCID: PMC7218269 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study demonstrated that glucose-induced proton release from yeast cells was more sensitive to various inhibitors than cell proliferation. In this study the inhibition of glucose-induced proton release was determined on the basis of color change of pH indicator, methyl red, from pH 5 to pH6 at cell density of 2.5 × 107 cells/ml. When yeast cells were incubated with the inhibitors of glucose intake, glycolysis, and plasma membrane H + -ATPase for 1 h, these cytotoxic effects were observed by following the change in absorbance at 527 nm due to methyl red for 5 min. The cytotoxic effects of heavy metal ions, detergents and quinones were observed in the same manner. The above method was superior in sensitivity and measurement time to cell proliferation measurement that required 9 h. This visual cytotoxicity test (methyl red test) is expected to be useful as simple and rapid cytotoxicity test with yeast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiro Yamashoji
- Microbial Technology Laboratory, 9-50-514 Kaigandori, Tarumi-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo 655-0036, Japan
| | - Arafat Al Mamun
- Center for Advanced Research in Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
| | - Latiful Bari
- Center for Advanced Research in Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
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Cerone M, Uliassi E, Prati F, Ebiloma GU, Lemgruber L, Bergamini C, Watson DG, de A. M. Ferreira T, Roth Cardoso GSH, Soares Romeiro LA, de Koning HP, Bolognesi ML. Discovery of Sustainable Drugs for Neglected Tropical Diseases: Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL)-Based Hybrids Target Mitochondrial Function and ATP Production in Trypanosoma brucei. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:621-635. [PMID: 30664325 PMCID: PMC6686156 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In the search for effective and sustainable drugs for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), we developed hybrid compounds by merging the structural features of quinone 4 (2-phenoxynaphthalene-1,4-dione) with those of phenolic constituents from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). CNSL is a waste product from cashew nut processing factories, with great potential as a source of drug precursors. The synthesized compounds were tested against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, including three multidrug-resistant strains, T. congolense, and a human cell line. The most potent activity was found against T. b. brucei, the causative agent of HAT. Shorter-chain derivatives 20 (2-(3-(8-hydroxyoctyl)phenoxy)-5-methoxynaphthalene-1,4-dione) and 22 (5-hydroxy-2-(3-(8-hydroxyoctyl)phenoxy)naphthalene-1,4-dione) were more active than 4, displaying rapid micromolar trypanocidal activity, and no human cytotoxicity. Preliminary studies probing their mode of action on trypanosomes showed ATP depletion, followed by mitochondrial membrane depolarization and mitochondrion ultrastructural damage. This was accompanied by reactive oxygen species production. We envisage that such compounds, obtained from a renewable and inexpensive material, might be promising bio-based sustainable hits for anti-trypanosomatid drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Cerone
- Department of Pharmacy and BiotechnologyAlma Mater Studiorum – University of BolognaVia Belmeloro 640126BolognaItaly
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and InflammationUniversity of GlasgowGBRC, University PlaceG12 8ATGlasgowUK
| | - Elisa Uliassi
- Department of Pharmacy and BiotechnologyAlma Mater Studiorum – University of BolognaVia Belmeloro 640126BolognaItaly
| | - Federica Prati
- Department of Pharmacy and BiotechnologyAlma Mater Studiorum – University of BolognaVia Belmeloro 640126BolognaItaly
| | - Godwin U. Ebiloma
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and InflammationUniversity of GlasgowGBRC, University PlaceG12 8ATGlasgowUK
- Department of BiochemistryFaculty of Natural SciencesKogi State UniversityP.M.B. 1008AnyigbaKogi StateNigeria
| | - Leandro Lemgruber
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and InflammationUniversity of GlasgowGBRC, University PlaceG12 8ATGlasgowUK
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular ParasitologyInstitute of Infection, Immunity and InflammationUniversity of GlasgowGBRC, University PlaceG12 8ATGlasgowUK
| | - Christian Bergamini
- Department of Pharmacy and BiotechnologyAlma Mater Studiorum – University of BolognaVia Belmeloro 640126BolognaItaly
| | - David G. Watson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Strathclyde16 Richmond StreetG1 1XQGlasgowUK
| | - Thais de A. M. Ferreira
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Sciences FacultyUniversity of BrasíliaCampus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro70910-900BrasíliaDFBrazil
| | | | - Luiz A. Soares Romeiro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Sciences FacultyUniversity of BrasíliaCampus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro70910-900BrasíliaDFBrazil
| | - Harry P. de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and InflammationUniversity of GlasgowGBRC, University PlaceG12 8ATGlasgowUK
| | - Maria Laura Bolognesi
- Department of Pharmacy and BiotechnologyAlma Mater Studiorum – University of BolognaVia Belmeloro 640126BolognaItaly
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12
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Tonin MD, Garden SJ, Jotani MM, Wardell JL, Tiekink ER. On the influence of small chemical changes upon the supramolecular association in substituted 2-(phenoxy)-1,4-naphthoquinones. Z KRIST-CRYST MATER 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/zkri-2018-2129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
X-ray crystallography reveals the common feature of the title compounds is a 1,4-naphthoquinone ring system with a substituted phenoxy residue adjacent to an oxo-group to give 1 (H), 2 (3-Br), 3 (3-CF3), 4 (4-CN) and 5 (4-NO2). To a first approximation the fused ring system along with the two oxo substituents is planar with the major difference between the molecules relating to the relative orientations of the pendant phenoxy residues: dihedral angles range from 56.56(4)° (3) to 87.52(10)° (2). The presence of intermolecular C–H···O interactions is the common feature of the supramolecular association in the crystals of 1–5. In each of 1 and 5, these extend in three-dimensions but, only to supramolecular dimers in 4, chains in 2 and layers in 3. Each crystal also features C=O···π interactions, pointing to the importance of these points of contact in this series di-oxocompounds. In 2, these, along with C–Br···π interactions lead to a three-dimensional architecture. For 3, the C=O···π and π···π interactions occur within the layers which stack without directional interactions between them. In 4, C–H···O and C=O···π interactions combine to give a supramolecular layer, which also stack without directional interactions in the inter-layer region. Further analysis of the molecular packing was conducted by a Hirshfeld surface analysis (HSA). This points to the significant role of H···H, C···H/H···C and O···H/H···O contacts in the packing of 1. Notably different roles for these contacts are found in the other crystals correlating with the participation of the respective substituents in the molecular packing. The HSA suggests the association between layers in 3 (weak F···F and H···F interactions) and 4 (weak H···N interactions) is contributed by the phenoxy-substituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlon D.L. Tonin
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Tecnologia, Bloco A, Cidade Universitária , 21941-909 Rio de Janeiro-RJ , Brazil
| | - Simon J. Garden
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Tecnologia, Bloco A, Cidade Universitária , 21941-909 Rio de Janeiro-RJ , Brazil
| | - Mukesh M. Jotani
- Department of Physics , Bhavan’s Sheth R. A. College of Science , Ahmedabad, 380001 Gujarat , India
| | - James L. Wardell
- Department of Chemistry , University of Aberdeen , Old Aberdeen AB24 3UE , Scotland
| | - Edward R.T. Tiekink
- Research Centre for Crystalline Materials, School of Science and Technology , Sunway University , 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan , Malaysia
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13
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Liu L, Huang X, Liu J, Li W, Ji Y, Tian D, Tian L, Yang X, Xu L, Yan R, Li X, Song X. Identification of common immunodominant antigens of Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria maxima by immunoproteomic analysis. Oncotarget 2018; 8:34935-34945. [PMID: 28432276 PMCID: PMC5471023 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical chicken coccidiosis is mostly caused by simultaneous infection of several Eimeria species, and host immunity against Eimeria is species-specific. It is urgent to identify common immunodominant antigen of Eimeria for developing multivalent anticoccidial vaccines. In this study, sporozoite proteins of Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria maxima were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE). Western bot analysis was performed on the yielded 2DE gel using antisera of E. tenella E. acervulina and E. maxima respectively. Next, the detected immunodominant spots were identified by comparing the data from MALDI-TOF-MS/MS with available databases. Finally, Eimeria common antigens were identified by comparing amino acid sequence between the three Eimeria species. The results showed that analysis by 2DE of sporozoite proteins detected 629, 626 and 632 protein spots from E. tenella, E. acervulina and E. maxima respectively. Western bot analysis revealed 50 (E. tenella), 64 (E. acervulina) and 57 (E. maxima) immunodominant spots from the sporozoite 2DE gels of the three Eimeria species. The immunodominant spots were identified as 33, 27 and 25 immunodominant antigens of E. tenella, E. acervulina and E. maxima respectively. Fifty-four immunodominant proteins were identified as 18 ortholog proteins among the three Eimeria species. Finally, 5 of the 18 ortholog proteins were identified as common immunodominant antigens including elongation factor 2 (EF-2), 14-3-3 protein, ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme domain-containing protein (UCE) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). In conclusion, our results not only provide Eimeria sporozoite immunodominant antigen map and additional immunodominant antigens, but also common immunodominant antigens for developing multivalent anticoccidial vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianrui Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xinmei Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.,Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Wenyu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yihong Ji
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Di Tian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Lu Tian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xinchao Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Lixin Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Ruofeng Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaokai Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Efficacy of 2-hydroxy-3-phenylsulfanylmethyl-[1,4]-naphthoquinone derivatives against different Trypanosoma cruzi discrete type units: Identification of a promising hit compound. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 144:572-581. [PMID: 29289882 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The limited efficacy of benznidazole (Bz) indicated by failures of current Phase II clinical trials emphasizes the urgent need to identify new drugs with improved safety and efficacy for treatment of Chagas disease (CD). Herein, we analyzed the efficacy of a series of 2-hydroxy-3-phenylsulfanylmethyl-[1,4]-naphthoquinones against different Trypanosoma cruzi discrete type units (DTUs) of relevant clinical forms of CD. Cytotoxic and trypanocidal effect of naphthoquinone derivatives were assessed in mammalian cells, trypomastigotes and intracellular amastigotes using, luminescent assays (CellTiter-Glo and T. cruzi Dm28c-luciferase) and/or counting with a light microscope. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and intracellular targets of promising compounds were assessed with 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) probe and ultrastructural analysis, respectively. ADMET properties were analyzed by in silico modeling. Most of the compounds showed low cytotoxic effect. Only two compounds (Compounds 2 and 11) had IC50 values lower than Bz, showing higher susceptibility of bloodstream trypomastigotes. Compound 2 exhibited greater efficacy against trypomastigotes from different T. cruzi DTUs, even better than Bz against Brazil and CL strains. Ultrastructural analysis revealed changes in intracellular compartments, suggesting autophagy as one possible mechanism of action. Oxidative stress, induced by Compound 2, resulted in elevated level of ROS, leading to parasite death. Compound 2 was also effective against intracellular amastigotes, showing high selectivity index. ADMET analysis predicted good oral bioavailability, reduced drug metabolism and no carcinogenic potential for Compound 2. The data highlight Compound 2 as a hit compound and stimulate further structural and pharmacological optimization to potentiate its trypanocidal activity and selectivity.
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15
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Tian L, Li W, Huang X, Tian D, Liu J, Yang X, Liu L, Yan R, Xu L, Li X, Song X. Protective Efficacy of Coccidial Common Antigen Glyceraldehyde 3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (GAPDH) against Challenge with Three Eimeria Species. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1245. [PMID: 28769877 PMCID: PMC5513941 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidiosis is an intestinal disorder of poultry and often caused by simultaneous infections of several Eimeria species. GAPDH is one of the immunogenic common antigens among Eimeria tenella, E. acervulina, and E. maxima identified in our previous study. The present study was performed to further evaluate its immunogenicity and protective efficacy. The genes of GAPDH cloned from E. acervulina and E. maxima were named as EaGAPDH and EmGAPDH, respectively. The immunogenicity of recombinant proteins of EaGAPDH and EmGAPDH were analyzed by Western blot. The transcription and expression of pVAX-EaGAPDH and pVAX-EmGAPDH in the injected muscles were detected by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. GAPDH-induced changes of T lymphocytes subpopulation, cytokines production, and antibody were determined using flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and ELISA, respectively. Finally, the protective efficacies of pVAX-EaGAPDH and pVAX-EmGAPDH were evaluated by vaccination and challenge experiments. The results revealed that the recombinant GAPDH proteins reacted with the corresponding chicken antisera. The EaGAPDH genes were successfully transcribed and expressed in the injected muscles. Vaccination with pVAX-EaGAPDH and pVAX-EmGAPDH significantly increased the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, the cytokines productions of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 et al., and IgG antibody levels compared to controls. The vaccination increased the weight gains, decreased the oocyst outputs, alleviate the enteric lesions compared to controls, and induced moderate anti-coccidial index (ACI). In conclusion, the coccidial common antigen of GAPDH induced significant humoral and cellular immune response and effective protection against E. tenella, E. acervulina, E. maxima, and mixed infection of the three Eimeria species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Wenyu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Xinmei Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China.,Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural SciencesNanjing, China
| | - Di Tian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Xinchao Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Lianrui Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Ruofeng Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Lixin Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Xiaokai Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
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