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Stevens A, Kashyap S, Crofut EH, Wang SE, Muratore KA, Johnson PJ, Zhou ZH. Structures of Native Doublet Microtubules from Trichomonas vaginalis Reveal Parasite-Specific Proteins as Potential Drug Targets. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.11.598142. [PMID: 38915691 PMCID: PMC11195118 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.11.598142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Doublet microtubules (DMTs) are flagellar components required for the protist Trichomonas vaginalis ( Tv ) to swim through the human genitourinary tract to cause trichomoniasis, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease. Lack of DMT structures has prevented structure-guided drug design to manage Tv infection. Here, we determined the cryo-EM structure of native Tv- DMTs, identifying 29 unique proteins, including 18 microtubule inner proteins and 9 microtubule outer proteins. While the A-tubule is simplistic compared to DMTs of other organisms, the B-tubule features specialized, parasite-specific proteins, like Tv FAP40 and Tv FAP35 that form filaments near the inner and outer junctions, respectively, to stabilize DMTs and enable Tv locomotion. Notably, a small molecule, assigned as IP6, is coordinated within a pocket of Tv FAP40 and has characteristics of a drug molecule. This first atomic model of the Tv -DMT highlights the diversity of eukaryotic motility machinery and provides a structural framework to inform the rational design of therapeutics.
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Carvalho-de-Araújo AD, Carvalho-Kelly LF, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Anaerobic energy metabolism in human microaerophile parasites. Exp Parasitol 2023; 247:108492. [PMID: 36841468 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108492] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Mucosal-associated parasites, such as Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Trichomonas vaginalis, have significant clinical relevance. The pathologies associated with infection by these parasites are among those with the highest incidence of gastroenteritis (giardiasis and amoebiasis) and sexually transmitted infections (trichomoniasis). The treatment of these diseases is based on drugs that act on the anaerobic metabolism of these parasites, such as nitroimidazole and benzimidazole derivatives. One interesting feature of parasites is their ability to produce ATP under anaerobic conditions. Due to the absence of enzymes capable of producing ATP under anaerobic conditions in the vertebrate host, they have become interesting therapeutic targets. This review discusses anaerobic energy metabolism in mucosal-associated parasites, focusing on the anaerobic metabolism of pyruvate, the importance of these enzymes as therapeutic targets, and the importance of treating their infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayra Diandra Carvalho-de-Araújo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS, Bloco H, 2 andar, sala 13. Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil; Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fernando Carvalho-Kelly
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS, Bloco H, 2 andar, sala 13. Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS, Bloco H, 2 andar, sala 13. Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência a Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INCTBEB), Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Oxidative damage by 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione and its silver and copper complexes lead to apoptotic-like death in Trichomonas vaginalis. Res Microbiol 2022; 174:104015. [PMID: 36566772 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2022.104015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Trichomoniasis is a neglected, parasitic, sexually transmitted infection. Resistance to the only approved drugs is increasing worldwide, leaving millions of people without alternative medications. Thus, the search for new therapeutic options against this infection is necessary. Previously, our group reported that 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phendione) and its silver(I) and copper(II) complexes (abbreviated as Ag-phendione and Cu-phendione, respectively) presented activity against the amitochondriate parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, with Cu-phendione being the most effective (IC50 = 0.84 μM). Methods: qRT-PCR, SEM, flow cytometry. The current study on the effects of Cu-phendione on the antioxidant metabolism of T. vaginalis by qRT-PCR revealed that the complex causes a decrease in the relative expression of mRNA of NADH oxidase, flavin reductase, superoxide dismutase, peroxiredoxin, iron-sulfur flavoprotein, rubrerythrin and osmotically inducible proteins. In contrast, the mRNA expression of flavodiiron protein was increased. Detoxification-related enzymes were downregulated, impairing oxygen metabolism in trophozoites and triggering a subsequent accumulation of the superoxide anion. Although no DNA fragmentation was observed, the treatment of parasites with Cu-phendione led to a significant reduction in cell size and a concomitant increase in granularity. The complex promoted phosphatidylserine exposure at the plasma membrane (as judged by Annexin V binding) and propidium iodide was unable to passively permeate the parasites. All of these outcomes are classical hallmarks of cell death by apoptosis. In essence, the trichomonacidal effect of Cu-phendione operates through redox homeostasis imbalance, which is a mode of action that is quite distinct from that caused by metronidazole.
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Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is an anaerobic/microaerophilic protist parasite which causes trichomoniasis, one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. T. vaginalis not only is important as a human pathogen but also is of great biological interest because of its peculiar cell biology and metabolism, in earlier times fostering the erroneous notion that this microorganism is at the root of eukaryotic evolution. This review summarizes the major advances in the last five years in the T. vaginalis field with regard to genetics, molecular biology, ecology, and pathogenicity of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Leitsch
- Department of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Verma S, Ravichandiran V, Ranjan N, Flora SJS. Recent Advances in Therapeutic Applications of Bisbenzimidazoles. Med Chem 2021; 16:454-486. [PMID: 31038072 DOI: 10.2174/1573406415666190416120801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Nitrogen-containing heterocycles are one of the most common structural motifs in approximately 80% of the marketed drugs. Of these, benzimidazoles analogues are known to elicit a wide spectrum of pharmaceutical activities such as anticancer, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral, antifungal as well as chemosensor effect. Based on the benzimidazole core fused heterocyclic compounds, crescent-shaped bisbenzimidazoles were developed which provided an early breakthrough in the sequence-specific DNA recognition. Over the years, a number of functional variations in the bisbenzimidazole core have led to the emergence of their unique properties and established them as versatile ligands against several classes of pathogens. The present review provides an overview of diverse pharmacological activities of the bisbenzimidazole analogues in the past decade with a brief account of its development through the years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Verma
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, ITI Compound, Raebareli, 229010, India.,National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Vishnuvardh Ravichandiran
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Nihar Ranjan
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, ITI Compound, Raebareli, 229010, India
| | - Swaran J S Flora
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, ITI Compound, Raebareli, 229010, India
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Rigo GV, Tasca T. Vaginitis: Review on Drug Resistance. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 21:1672-1686. [PMID: 32753007 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200804112340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Female genital tract infections have a high incidence among different age groups and represent an important impact on public health. Among them, vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vulva and/or vagina due to the presence of pathogens that cause trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis. Several discomforts are associated with these infections, as well as pregnancy complications and the facilitation of HIV transmission and acquisition. The increasing resistance of microorganisms to drugs used in therapy is remarkable, since women report the recurrence of these infections and associated comorbidities. Different resistant mechanisms already described for the drugs used in the therapy against Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida spp., and Gardnerella vaginalis, as well as aspects related to pathogenesis and treatment, are discussed in this review. This study aims to contribute to drug design, avoiding therapy ineffectiveness due to drug resistance. Effective alternative therapies to treat vaginitis will reduce the recurrence of infections and, consequently, the high costs generated in the health system, improving women's well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziela Vargas Rigo
- Research Group on Trichomonas, Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Tiana Tasca
- Research Group on Trichomonas, Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Küng E, Fürnkranz U, Walochnik J. Chemotherapeutic options for the treatment of human trichomoniasis. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2018; 53:116-127. [PMID: 30612993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2018.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease worldwide. The infection may be associated with severe complications, including infertility, preterm labour, cancer and an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Treatment remains almost exclusively based on 5-nitroimidazoles, but resistance is on the rise. This article provides an overview of clinically evaluated systemic and topical treatment options for human trichomoniasis and summarises the current state of knowledge on various herbal, semisynthetic and synthetic compounds evaluated for their anti-Trichomonas efficacy in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Küng
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Centre for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Fürnkranz
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Centre for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Centre for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Bala V, Chhonker YS. Recent developments in anti-Trichomonas research: An update review. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 143:232-243. [PMID: 29175675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is a major non-viral sexually-transmitted infection resulted into serious obstetrical and gynecological troubles. The increasing resistance to nitroimidazole therapy and recurrence makes it crucial to develop new drugs against trichomoniasis. Over the past few years, a large number of research articles highlighting the synthetic and natural product research to combat Trichomonas vaginalis have been published. Electronic databases were searched to collect all data from the year 2006 through June 2017 for anti-Trichomonas activity potential of synthetic and natural products. This review article put together the synthetic and natural product research to find out an effective metronidazole alternative to cure trichomoniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veenu Bala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, 313001, India.
| | - Yashpal S Chhonker
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, USA.
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