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Reed EK, Smith KA. Using our understanding of interactions between helminth metabolism and host immunity to target worm survival. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:549-561. [PMID: 38853079 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.05.006] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Helminths can adapt to environmental conditions in the host, utilising anaerobic processes like fermentation and malate dismutation to produce energy from carbohydrate. Although targeting carbohydrate metabolism is an established therapeutic strategy to combat helminth infection, questions remain over the metabolic pathways they employ as adults to survive and evade host immunity. Helminths also use amino acid, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and cholesterol metabolism, a possible strategy favouring the production of immunomodulatory compounds that may influence survival in the host. Here, we discuss the significance of these differing metabolic pathways and whether targeting of helminth metabolic pathways may allow for the development of novel anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella K Reed
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Tashibu A, Inaoka DK, Sakamoto K, Murakami K, Zannatul F, Kita K, Ichikawa-Seki M. Fumarate respiration of Fasciola flukes as a potential drug target. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1302114. [PMID: 38332950 PMCID: PMC10850294 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1302114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Fascioliasis is a neglected tropical zoonotic disease caused by liver flukes belonging to the genus Fasciola. The emergence of resistance to triclabendazole, the only World Health Organization-recommended drug for this disease, highlights the need for the development of new drugs. Helminths possess an anaerobic mitochondrial respiratory chain (fumarate respiration) which is considered a potential drug target. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of fumarate respiration in Fasciola flukes. We analyzed the properties of the respiratory chain of Fasciola flukes in both adults and newly excysted juveniles (NEJs). Fasciola flukes travel and mature through the stomach, bowel, and abdominal cavity to the liver, where oxygen levels gradually decline. High fumarate reductase activity was observed in the mitochondrial fraction of adult Fasciola flukes. Furthermore, rhodoquinone-10 (RQ10 Em'= -63 mV), a low-potential electron mediator used in fumarate respiration was found to be predominant in adults. In contrast, the activity of oxygen respiration was low in adults. Rotenone, atpenin A5, and ascochlorin, typical inhibitors of mitochondrial enzymes in complexes I, II, and III, respectively, inhibit the activity of each enzyme in the adult mitochondrial fraction. These inhibitors were then used for in vitro viability tests of NEJs. Under aerobic conditions, NEJs were killed by rotenone or ascochlorin, which inhibit aerobic respiration (complex I-III), whereas atpenin A5, which inhibits complex II involved in fumarate respiration, did not affect NEJs. Moreover, ubiquinone-10 (UQ10 Em'= +110 mV), which is used in oxidative respiration, was detected in NEJs, in addition to RQ10. In contrast, under anaerobic conditions, rotenone and atpenin A5, which inhibit fumarate respiration (complex I-II), were crucial for NEJs. These findings demonstrate that NEJs have active hybrid respiration, in which they can properly use both oxygen and fumarate respiration, depending on oxygen availability. Thus, fumarate respiration is a promising drug target for Fasciola flukes, because it plays an essential role in both adults and NEJs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tashibu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Daniel Ken Inaoka
- Department of Molecular Infection Dynamics, Shionogi Global Infectious Diseases Division, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kimitoshi Sakamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Kenji Murakami
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Ferdoush Zannatul
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Kita
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Host-Defense Biochemistry, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Madoka Ichikawa-Seki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
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Jiang H, Wang X, Guo L, Tan X, Gui X, Liao Z, Li Z, Chen X, Wu X. Effect of sunitinib against Echinococcus multilocularis through inhibition of VEGFA-induced angiogenesis. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:407. [PMID: 37936208 PMCID: PMC10631006 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05999-4] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a lethal zoonosis caused by the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. The disease is difficult to treat, and an effective therapeutic drug is urgently needed. Echinococcus multilocularis-associated angiogenesis is required by the parasite for growth and metastasis; however, whether antiangiogenic therapy is effective for treating AE is unclear. METHODS The in vivo efficacy of sunitinib malate (SU11248) was evaluated in mice by secondary infection with E. multilocularis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to evaluate treatment effects on serum IL-4 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) levels after SU11248 treatment. Gross morphological observations and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate the impact of SU11248 on angiogenesis and the expression of pro-angiogenic factors VEGFA and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in the metacestode tissues. Furthermore, the anthelmintic effects of SU11248 were tested on E. multilocularis metacestodes in vitro. The effect of SU11248 on the expression of VEGFA, VEGFR2, and phosphorylated VEGFR2 (p-VEGFR2) in liver cells infected with protoscoleces in vitro was detected by western blotting, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The influence of SU11248 on endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) proliferation and migration was determined using CCK8 and transwell assays. RESULTS In vivo, SU11248 treatment markedly reduced neovascular lesion formation and substantially inhibited E. multilocularis metacestode growth in mice. Further, it exhibited high anti-hydatid activity as efficiently as albendazole (ABZ), and the treatment resulted in reduced protoscolex development. In addition, VEGFA, VEGFR2, and p-VEGFR2 expression was significantly decreased in the metacestode tissues after SU11248 treatment. However, no effect of SU11248 on serum IL-4 levels was observed. In vitro, SU11248 exhibited some anthelmintic effects and damaged the cellular structure in the germinal layer of metacestodes at concentrations below those generally considered acceptable for treatment (0.12-0.5 μM). Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and ELISA showed that in co-cultured systems, only p-VEGFR2 levels tended to decrease with increasing SU11248 concentrations. Furthermore, SU11248 was less toxic to Reuber rat hepatoma (RH) cells and metacestodes than to EPCs, and 0.1 μM SU11248 completely inhibited EPC migration to the supernatants of liver cell and protoscolex co-cultures. CONCLUSIONS SU11248 is a potential candidate drug for the treatment of AE, which predominantly inhibits parasite-induced angiogenesis. Host-targeted anti-angiogenesis treatment strategies constitute a new avenue for the treatment of AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijiao Jiang
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Lijiao Guo
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiaowu Tan
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xianwei Gui
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Zhenyu Liao
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Jintang First People's Hospital West China Hospital Sichuan University Jintang Hospital, Chengdu, 610400, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiwei Li
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xueling Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Xiangwei Wu
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China.
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Enkai S, Kouguchi H, Inaoka DK, Shiba T, Hidaka M, Matsuyama H, Sakura T, Yagi K, Kita K. Killing Two Birds with One Stone: Discovery of Dual Inhibitors of Oxygen and Fumarate Respiration in Zoonotic Parasite, Echinococcus multilocularis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0142822. [PMID: 36840588 PMCID: PMC10019194 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01428-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascofuranone (AF), a meroterpenoid isolated from various filamentous fungi, including Acremonium egyptiacum, has been reported as a potential lead candidate for drug development against parasites and cancer. In this study, we demonstrated that AF and its derivatives are potent anthelminthic agents, particularly against Echinococcus multilocularis, which is the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis. We measured the inhibitory activities of AF and its derivatives on the mitochondrial aerobic and anaerobic respiratory systems of E. multilocularis larvae. Several derivatives inhibited complex II (succinate:quinone reductase [SQR]; IC50 = 0.037 to 0.135 μM) and also complex I to III (NADH:cytochrome c reductase; IC50 = 0.008 to 0.401 μM), but not complex I (NADH:quinone reductase), indicating that mitochondrial complexes II and III are the targets. In particular, complex II inhibition in the anaerobic pathway was notable because E. multilocularis employs NADH:fumarate reductase (fumarate respiration), in addition to NADH oxidase (oxygen respiration), resulting in complete shutdown of ATP synthesis by oxidative phosphorylation. A structure-activity relationship study of E. multilocularis complex II revealed that the functional groups of AF are essential for inhibition. Binding mode prediction of AF derivatives to complex II indicated potential hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions between AF derivatives and amino acid residues within the quinone binding site. Ex vivo culture assays revealed that AF derivatives progressively reduced the viability of protoscoleces under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. These findings confirm that AF and its derivatives are the first dual inhibitors of fumarate and oxygen respiration in E. multilocularis and are potential lead compounds in the development of anti-echinococcal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigehiro Enkai
- Department of Pediatrics, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kouguchi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido Institute of Public Health, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Daniel Ken Inaoka
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Molecular Infection Dynamics, Shionogi Global Infectious Diseases Division, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoo Shiba
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masahito Hidaka
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido Institute of Public Health, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Matsuyama
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido Institute of Public Health, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takaya Sakura
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Molecular Infection Dynamics, Shionogi Global Infectious Diseases Division, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kinpei Yagi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido Institute of Public Health, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Kita
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Host-Defense Biochemistry, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Data on the combined effect of atovaquone, mefloquine, and 3-bromopyruvic acid against Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces. Data Brief 2022; 45:108707. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.108707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Chaudhry S, Zurbriggen R, Preza M, Kämpfer T, Kaethner M, Memedovski R, Scorrano N, Hemphill A, Doggett JS, Lundström-Stadelmann B. Dual inhibition of the Echinococcus multilocularis energy metabolism. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:981664. [PMID: 35990276 PMCID: PMC9388906 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.981664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis is caused by the metacestode stage of the zoonotic parasite Echinococcus multilocularis. Current chemotherapeutic treatment options rely on benzimidazoles, which have limited curative capabilities and can cause severe side effects. Thus, novel treatment options are urgently needed. In search for novel targetable pathways we focused on the mitochondrial energy metabolism of E. multilocularis. The parasite relies hereby on two pathways: The classical oxidative phosphorylation including the electron transfer chain (ETC), and the anaerobic malate dismutation (MD). We screened 13 endochin-like quinolones (ELQs) in vitro for their activities against two isolates of E. multilocularis metacestodes and isolated germinal layer cells by the phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) assay and the CellTiter Glo assay. For the five most active ELQs (ELQ-121, ELQ-136, ELQ-271, ELQ-400, and ELQ-437), EC50 values against metacestodes were assessed by PGI assay, and IC50 values against mammalian cells were measured by Alamar Blue assay. Further, the gene sequence of the proposed target, the mitochondrial cytochrome b, was analyzed. This allowed for a limited structure activity relationship study of ELQs against E. multilocularis, including analyses of the inhibition of the two functional sites of the cytochrome b. By applying the Seahorse XFp Extracellular Flux Analyzer, oxygen consumption assays showed that ELQ-400 inhibits the E. multilocularis cytochrome bc1 complex under normoxic conditions. When tested under anaerobic conditions, ELQ-400 was hardly active against E. multilocularis metacestodes. These results were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. ELQ-400 treatment increased levels of parasite-released succinate, the final electron acceptor of the MD. This suggests that the parasite switched to MD for energy generation. Therefore, MD was inhibited with quinazoline, which did not induce damage to metacestodes under anaerobic conditions. However, it reduced the production of succinate compared to control treated parasites (i.e., inhibited the MD). The combination treatment with quinazoline strongly improved the activity of the bc1 inhibitor ELQ-400 against E. multilocularis metacestodes under anaerobic conditions. We conclude that simultaneous targeting of the ETC and the MD of E. multilocularis is a possible novel treatment approach for alveolar echinococcosis, and possibly also other foodborne diseases inflicted by platyhelminths, which cause substantial economic losses in livestock industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Chaudhry
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Zurbriggen
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matías Preza
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Kämpfer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marc Kaethner
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roman Memedovski
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Scorrano
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joseph Stone Doggett
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
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Evolutionary Adaptations of Parasitic Flatworms to Different Oxygen Tensions. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061102. [PMID: 35739999 PMCID: PMC9220675 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061102] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During the evolution of the Earth, the increase in the atmospheric concentration of oxygen gave rise to the development of organisms with aerobic metabolism, which utilized this molecule as the ultimate electron acceptor, whereas other organisms maintained an anaerobic metabolism. Platyhelminthes exhibit both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism depending on the availability of oxygen in their environment and/or due to differential oxygen tensions during certain stages of their life cycle. As these organisms do not have a circulatory system, gas exchange occurs by the passive diffusion through their body wall. Consequently, the flatworms developed several adaptations related to the oxygen gradient that is established between the aerobic tegument and the cellular parenchyma that is mostly anaerobic. Because of the aerobic metabolism, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is produced in abundance. Catalase usually scavenges H2O2 in mammals; however, this enzyme is absent in parasitic platyhelminths. Thus, the architecture of the antioxidant systems is different, depending primarily on the superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and peroxiredoxin enzymes represented mainly in the tegument. Here, we discuss the adaptations that parasitic flatworms have developed to be able to transit from the different metabolic conditions to those they are exposed to during their life cycle.
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Structure-Based Bioisosterism Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and In Silico Studies of Benzamide Analogs as Potential Anthelmintics. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27092659. [PMID: 35566007 PMCID: PMC9102753 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A recent screen of 67,012 compounds identified a new family of compounds with excellent nematicidal activity: the ortho-substituted benzamide families Wact-11 and Wact-12. These compounds are active against Caenorhabditis elegans and parasitic nematodes by selectively inhibiting nematode complex II, and they display low toxicity in mammalian cells and vertebrate organisms. Although a big number of benzamides were tested against C. elegans in high-throughput screens, bioisosteres of the amide moiety were not represented in the chemical space examined. We thus identified an opportunity for the design, synthesis and evaluation of novel compounds, using bioisosteric replacements of the amide group present in benzamides. The compound Wact-11 was used as the reference scaffold to prepare a set of bioisosteres to be evaluated against C. elegans. Eight types of amide replacement were selected, including ester, thioamide, selenoamide, sulfonamide, alkyl thio- and oxo-amides, urea and triazole. The results allowed us to perform a structure-activity relationship, highlighting the relevance of the amide group for nematicide activity. Experimental evidence was complemented with in silico structural studies over a C. elegans complex II model as a molecular target of benzamides. Importantly, compound Wact-11 was active against the flatworm Echinococcus granulosus, suggesting a previously unreported pan-anthelmintic potential for benzamides.
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Stryiński R, Mateos J, Carrera M, Jastrzębski JP, Bogacka I, Łopieńska-Biernat E. Tandem Mass Tagging (TMT) Reveals Tissue-Specific Proteome of L4 Larvae of Anisakis simplex s. s.: Enzymes of Energy and/or Carbohydrate Metabolism as Potential Drug Targets in Anisakiasis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084336. [PMID: 35457153 PMCID: PMC9027741 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Anisakis simplex s. s. is a parasitic nematode of marine mammals and causative agent of anisakiasis in humans. The cuticle and intestine of the larvae are the tissues most responsible for direct and indirect contact, respectively, of the parasite with the host. At the L4 larval stage, tissues, such as the cuticle and intestine, are fully developed and functional, in contrast to the L3 stage. As such, this work provides for the first time the tissue-specific proteome of A. simplex s. s. larvae in the L4 stage. Statistical analysis (FC ≥ 2; p-value ≤ 0.01) showed that 107 proteins were differentially regulated (DRPs) between the cuticle and the rest of the larval body. In the comparison between the intestine and the rest of the larval body at the L4 stage, 123 proteins were identified as DRPs. Comparison of the individual tissues examined revealed a total of 272 DRPs, with 133 proteins more abundant in the cuticle and 139 proteins more abundant in the intestine. Detailed functional analysis of the identified proteins was performed using bioinformatics tools. Glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle were the most enriched metabolic pathways by cuticular and intestinal proteins, respectively, in the L4 stage of A. simplex s. s. The presence of two proteins, folliculin (FLCN) and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH), was confirmed by Western blot, and their tertiary structure was predicted and compared with other species. In addition, host–pathogen interactions were identified, and potential new allergens were predicted. The result of this manuscript shows the largest number of protein identifications to our knowledge using proteomics tools for different tissues of L4 larvae of A. simplex s. s. The identified tissue-specific proteins could serve as targets for new drugs against anisakiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Stryiński
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (M.C.); (E.Ł.-B.)
| | - Jesús Mateos
- Clinical Pharmacology Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, 15-706 A Coruña, Spain;
| | - Mónica Carrera
- Department of Food Technology, Marine Research Institute (IIM), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 36-208 Vigo, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (M.C.); (E.Ł.-B.)
| | - Jan Paweł Jastrzębski
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Iwona Bogacka
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Elżbieta Łopieńska-Biernat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (M.C.); (E.Ł.-B.)
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Effect of Senna plant on the mitochondrial activity of Hymenolepis diminuta. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:139-151. [PMID: 35299916 PMCID: PMC8901855 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01415-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The peculiarity of energy metabolism in helminths is the ability to undergo transition from aerobic to anaerobic under low oxygen tension. during its adult stage. Fumarate reductase and succinate dehydrogenase of mitochondria are the two enzymes responsible during this transition and adaptation to this hypoxic environment. Earlier we had reported that three species of Senna plant, S. alata, S. alexandrina and S. occidentalis altered the morphology, ionic concentration and neurotransmission of the cestode parasite Hymenolepis diminuta. The present study aimed at exploring the mechanism of leaf extracts of the three plant species of Senna on the mitochondrial activity of the parasite that chiefly involve the NADH-fumarate reductase system which is the terminal step in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase succinate pathway. The structure of mitochondria was observed through electron microsopy and its density was detected through confocal microscopy, spectroflourimetry and spectrophotometry, while enzyme activities were assayed through native gel and spectrophotometric assays. Praziquantel was tested on the parasites as a reference drug to compare its effects with that of the plant extracts. The mitochondria architecture was altered, and enzymes activity decraeased by 60% in all three plant species of Senna treated parasites which suggested that these three Senna species posses potent chemotherapeutic properties. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-021-01415-9.
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Fustaino V, Gimmelli R, Guidi A, Lentini S, Saccoccia F, Petrella G, Cicero DO, Ruberti G. Comparative metabolic profiling by 1H-NMR spectroscopy analysis reveals the adaptation of S. mansoni from its host to in vitro culture conditions: a pilot study with ex vivo and GSH-supplemented medium-cultured parasites. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1191-1198. [PMID: 35024953 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07426-6] [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: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms (blood fluke) of the genus Schistosoma. Parasites acquire most nutrients for their development and sustainment within the definitive host either by ingestion into the gut or across the body surface. Over the years, the best conditions for long-term maintenance of parasites in vitro have been thoroughly established. In our hands, 1H-NMR spectroscopy represents a powerful tool to characterize the metabolic changes in S. mansoni in response to culturing condition perturbations. In order to compare the metabolic fingerprint of ex vivo and parasites cultured in vitro with or without the supplement of reduced glutathione, we conducted a pilot study applying the 1H-NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics. We obtained new insight into specific metabolic pathways modulated under these different experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Fustaino
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Roberto Gimmelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Alessandra Guidi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Sara Lentini
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvio Saccoccia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome), Italy.
| | - Greta Petrella
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniel Oscar Cicero
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
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Loos JA, Coccimiglio M, Nicolao MC, Rodrigues CR, Cumino AC. Metformin improves the therapeutic efficacy of low-dose albendazole against experimental alveolar echinococcosis. Parasitology 2022; 149:138-144. [PMID: 35184788 PMCID: PMC11010535 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001633] [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: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a severe disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. Its chemotherapeutic treatment is based on benzimidazoles, which are rarely curative and cause several adverse effects. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative and safer chemotherapeutic strategies against AE. It has previously been shown that metformin (Met) exhibits considerable in vivo activity on an early-infection model of AE when administered at 50 mg kg−1 day−1 for 8 weeks. Here, the challenge is heightened by a 2-fold increase in parasite inoculum or by starting the treatment 6 weeks post-infection. In both cases, only the combination of Met (100 mg kg−1 day−1) together with a sub-optimal dose of albendazole (ABZ) (5 mg kg−1 day−1) led to a significant reduction in parasite weight compared to the untreated group. Coincidentally, drug combination showed the highest level of damage in E. multilocularis metacestodes. Likewise, Met alone or combined with ABZ led to a decrease in parasite glucose availability, which was evidenced as a lower intracystic glucose concentration. Therefore, the results demonstrate that combination therapy with Met and ABZ offers an alternative to improve the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of the high-dose ABZ monotherapy currently employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Loos
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Magalí Coccimiglio
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - María Celeste Nicolao
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Christian Rodriguez Rodrigues
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Andrea C. Cumino
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
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13
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Kamenetzky L, Maldonado LL, Cucher MA. Cestodes in the genomic era. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:1077-1089. [PMID: 34665308 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07346-x] [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: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The first cestode genomes were obtained by an international consortium led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute that included representative institutions from countries where the sequenced parasites have been studied for decades, in part because they are etiological agents of endemic diseases (Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Canada, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, USA, Japan, and China). After this, several complete genomes were obtained reaching 16 species to date. Cestode genomes have smaller relative size compared to other animals including free-living flatworms. Moreover, the features genome size and repeat content seem to differ in the two analyzed orders. Cyclophyllidean species have smaller genomes and with fewer repetitive content than Diphyllobothriidean species. On average, cestode genomes have 13,753 genes with 6 exons per gene and 41% GC content. More than 5,000 shared cestode proteins were accurately annotated by the integration of gene predictions and transcriptome evidence being more than 40% of these proteins of unknown function. Several gene losses and reduction of gene families were found and could be related to the extreme parasitic lifestyle of these species. The application of cutting-edge sequencing technology allowed the characterization of the terminal sequences of chromosomes that possess unique characteristics. Here, we review the current status of knowledge of complete cestode genomes and place it within a comparative genomics perspective. Multidisciplinary work together with the implementation of new technologies will provide valuable information that can certainly improve our chances to finally eradicate or at least control diseases caused by cestodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kamenetzky
- iB3, Instituto de Biociencias, Departamento de Fisiología Y Biología Molecular Y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Biotecnología y Biología traslacional, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Lucas L Maldonado
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Institute of Research On Microbiology and Medical Parasitology (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela A Cucher
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Institute of Research On Microbiology and Medical Parasitology (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Syntheses and Structure-Activity Relationships of N-Phenethyl-Quinazolin-4-yl-Amines as Potent Inhibitors of Cytochrome bd Oxidase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. APPLIED SCIENCES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:9092. [PMID: 36698770 PMCID: PMC9873234 DOI: 10.3390/app11199092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The development of cytochrome bd oxidase (cyt-bd) inhibitors are needed for comprehensive termination of energy production in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to treat tuberculosis infections. Herein, we report on the structure-activity-relationships (SAR) of 22 new N-phenethyl-quinazolin-4-yl-amines that target cyt-bd. Our focused set of compounds was synthesized and screened against three mycobacterial strains: Mycobacterium bovis BCG, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and the clinical isolate Mycobacterium tuberculosis N0145 with and without the cytochrome bcc:aa 3 inhibitor Q203 in an ATP depletion assay. Two compounds, 12a and 19a, were more active against all three strains than the naturally derived cyt-bd inhibitor aurachin D.
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Mitochondria as a potential target for the development of prophylactic and therapeutic drugs against Schistosoma mansoni infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0041821. [PMID: 34339272 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00418-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergence of parasites resistant to praziquantel, the only therapeutic agent, and its ineffectiveness as a prophylactic agent (inactive against the migratory/juvenile Schistosoma mansoni), makes the development of new antischistosomal drugs urgent. The parasite's mitochondrion is an attractive target for drug development because this organelle is essential for survival throughout the parasite's life cycle. We investigated the effects of 116 compounds against Schistosoma mansoni cercariae motility that have been reported to affect mitochondria-related processes in other organisms. Next, eight compounds plus two controls (mefloquine and praziquantel) were selected and assayed against motility of schistosomula (in vitro) and adults (ex vivo). Prophylactic and therapeutic assays were performed using infected mouse models. Inhibition of oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was assayed using Seahorse XFe24 Analyzer. All selected compounds showed excellent prophylactic activity, reducing the worm burden in the lungs to less than 15% that obtained in the vehicle control. Notably, ascofuranone showed the highest activity with a 98% reduction of the worm burden, suggesting the potential for development of ascofuranone as a prophylactic agent. The worm burden of infected mice with S. mansoni at the adult stage was reduced by more than 50% in mice treated with mefloquine, nitazoxanide, amiodarone, ascofuranone, pyrvinium pamoate, or plumbagin. Moreover, adult mitochondrial OCR was severely inhibited by ascofuranone, atovaquone, and nitazoxanide, while pyrvinium pamoate inhibited both mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial OCRs. These results demonstrate that the mitochondria of S. mansoni are feasible target for drug development.
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In vivo efficacy of combination therapy with albendazole and atovaquone against primary hydatid cysts in mice. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 40:1815-1820. [PMID: 33770336 PMCID: PMC8346398 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-021-04230-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis. Chemotherapy for AE involves albendazole (ABZ), which has shown insufficient efficacy. More effective chemotherapy for AE is needed. Previously, we have demonstrated that atovaquone (ATV), an antimalarial, inhibits mitochondrial complex III of E. multilocularis and restricts the development of larval cysts in in vivo experiments. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the efficacy of ABZ and ATV combination therapy on E. multilocularis in culture and in vivo experiments. Protoscoleces were treated with 50 μM ABZ and/or ATV in the medium; the duration of parasite elimination was determined under aerobic and anaerobic culture. In the in vivo experiment, the effects of ABZ and ATV combination treatment in BALB/c mice infected orally with eggs from the feces of an adult-stage E. multilocularis-infected dog were compared with those of standard oral ABZ therapy. In the culture assay, the duration of elimination associated with ABZ and ATV combination treatment was shorter than that associated with ATV alone under aerobic conditions. Protoscolex viability progressively reduced owing to the combination treatment under anaerobic conditions; however, either drug used singly did not exhibit antiparasitic effects under hypoxia. Furthermore, compared with ABZ alone, the combination treatment significantly reduced the growth of the primary cyst in the liver of mice infected orally with parasite eggs (P = .011). ATV enhances the effect of ABZ in the treatment of AE in mice.
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Antiparasitic Effects of Selected Isoflavones on Flatworms. Helminthologia 2021; 58:1-16. [PMID: 33664614 PMCID: PMC7912234 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2021-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants have been successfully used in the ethno medicine for a wide range of diseases since ancient times. The research on natural products has allowed the discovery of biologically relevant compounds inspired by plant secondary metabolites, what contributed to the development of many chemotherapeutic drugs. Flavonoids represent a group of therapeutically very effective plant secondary metabolites and selected molecules were shown to exert also antiparasitic activity. This work summarizes the recent knowledge generated within past three decades about potential parasitocidal activities of several flavonoids with different chemical structures, particularly on medically important flatworms such as Schistosoma spp., Fasciola spp., Echinococcus spp., Raillietina spp., and model cestode Mesocestoides vogae. Here we focus on curcumin, genistein, quercetin and silymarin complex of flavonolignans. All of them possess a whole spectrum of biological activities on eukaryotic cells which have multi-therapeutic effects in various diseases. In vitro they can induce profound alterations in the tegumental architecture and its functions as well as their activity can significantly modulate or damage worm´s metabolism directly by interaction with enzymes or signaling molecules in dose-dependent manner. Moreover, they seem to differentially regulate the RNA activity in numbers of worm´s genes. This review suggests that examined flavonoids and their derivates are promising molecules for antiparasitic drug research. Due to lack of toxicity, isoflavons could be used directly for therapy, or as adjuvant therapy for diseases caused by medically important cestodes and trematodes.
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Effect of the anti-parasitic compounds pyrvinium pamoate and artemisinin in enzymatic and culture assays: Data on the search for new anti-echinococcal drugs. Data Brief 2020; 34:106629. [PMID: 33364269 PMCID: PMC7753922 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.106629] [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: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The dataset presented herein is related to a previous research article titled "Mitochondrial Complex III in Larval Stage of Echinococcus multilocularis as a Potential Chemotherapeutic Target and in vivo Efficacy of Atovaquone Against Primary Hydatid Cysts" [1]. In this report, data were collected by screening drugs for echinococcosis. We investigated the inhibitory activities of artemisinin and pyrvinium pamoate against the mitochondrial respiratory enzymes in E. multilocularis protoscoleces. Artemisinin did not inhibit mitochondrial complexes I, II, and III. However, pyrvinium pamoate inhibited complex I at 11 μM, although complexes II and III were not inhibited. In the culture assay, E. multilocularis protoscoleces were treated with atovaquone (ATV), rotenone, praziquantel, artemisinin, and pyrvinium pamoate at a final concentration of 50 µM in different culture media. The viability of protoscoleces was compared under aerobic and anaerobic conditions via culture experiments. The survival days of E. multilocularis protoscoleces were evaluated in the drug-treated group compared with those in the non-treated group. The results of these culture assays revealed that praziquantel and artemisinin did not eliminate the protoscoleces under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. However, a stronger elimination ability was observed with the co-administration of praziquantel or artemisinin with ATV than with ATV alone under aerobic conditions. Pyrvinium pamoate completely killed protoscoleces at 5 and 7 days under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively. Pyrvinium pamoate behaved identically to rotenone, the complex I inhibitor, in the culture treatment assay. The data serve as a reference for the development of novel anti-echinococcal drugs.
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Rhodoquinone in bacteria and animals: Two distinct pathways for biosynthesis of this key electron transporter used in anaerobic bioenergetics. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2020; 1861:148278. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2020.148278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Metformin Suppresses Development of the Echinococcus multilocularis Larval Stage by Targeting the TOR Pathway. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01808-19. [PMID: 32540980 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01808-19] [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: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a severe disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis Current chemotherapeutic treatment options based on benzimidazoles are of limited effectiveness, which underlines the need to find new antiechinococcosis drugs. Metformin is an antihyperglycemic and antiproliferative agent that shows activity against the related parasite Echinococcus granulosus Hence, we assessed the in vitro and in vivo effects of the drug on E. multilocularis Metformin exerted significant dose-dependent killing effects on in vitro cultured parasite stem cells and protoscoleces and significantly reduced the dedifferentiation of protoscoleces into metacestodes. Likewise, oral administration of metformin (50 mg/kg of body weight/day for 8 weeks) was effective in achieving a significant reduction of parasite weight in a secondary murine AE model. Our results revealed mitochondrial membrane depolarization, activation of Em-AMPK, suppression of Em-TOR, and overexpression of Em-Atg8 in the germinal layer of metformin-treated metacestode vesicles. The opposite effects on the level of active Em-TOR in response to exogenous insulin and rapamycin suggest that Em-TOR is part of the parasite's insulin signaling pathway. Finally, the presence of the key lysosomal pathway components, through which metformin reportedly acts, was confirmed in the parasite by in silico assays. Taken together, these results introduce metformin as a promising candidate for AE treatment. Although our study highlights the importance of those direct mechanisms by which metformin reduces parasite viability, it does not necessarily preclude any additional systemic effects of the drug that might reduce parasite growth in vivo.
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21
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Mochizuki K, Inaoka DK, Mazet M, Shiba T, Fukuda K, Kurasawa H, Millerioux Y, Boshart M, Balogun EO, Harada S, Hirayama K, Bringaud F, Kita K. The ASCT/SCS cycle fuels mitochondrial ATP and acetate production in Trypanosoma brucei. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2020; 1861:148283. [PMID: 32763239 PMCID: PMC7402102 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2020.148283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Acetate:succinate CoA transferase (ASCT) is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the production of acetate and succinyl-CoA, which is coupled to ATP production with succinyl-CoA synthetase (SCS) in a process called the ASCT/SCS cycle. This cycle has been studied in Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei), a pathogen of African sleeping sickness, and is involved in (i) ATP and (ii) acetate production and proceeds independent of oxygen and an electrochemical gradient. Interestingly, knockout of ASCT in procyclic form (PCF) of T. brucei cause oligomycin A-hypersensitivity phenotype indicating that ASCT/SCS cycle complements the deficiency of ATP synthase activity. In bloodstream form (BSF) of T. brucei, ATP synthase works in reverse to maintain the electrochemical gradient by hydrolyzing ATP. However, no information has been available on the source of ATP, although ASCT/SCS cycle could be a potential candidate. Regarding mitochondrial acetate production, which is essential for fatty acid biosynthesis and growth of T. brucei, ASCT or acetyl-CoA hydrolase (ACH) are known to be its source. Despite the importance of this cycle, direct evidence of its function is lacking, and there are no comprehensive biochemical or structural biology studies reported so far. Here, we show that in vitro–reconstituted ASCT/SCS cycle is highly specific towards acetyl-CoA and has a higher kcat than that of yeast and bacterial ATP synthases. Our results provide the first biochemical basis for (i) rescue of ATP synthase-deficient phenotype by ASCT/SCS cycle in PCF and (ii) a potential source of ATP for the reverse reaction of ATP synthase in BSF. First biochemical and structural characterization of mitochondrial ASCT/SCS cycle It is essential for mitochondrial acetate/ATP production and T. brucei BSF growth. TbASCT/SCS cycle shows higher kcat than that of yeast and bacterial ATP synthases. Detailed comparative biochemical analysis between ASCT and human SCOT Active site residue and X-CoA binding site determined by site-directed mutagenesis
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Affiliation(s)
- Kota Mochizuki
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Japan; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Japan
| | - Daniel Ken Inaoka
- Department of Molecular Infection Dynamics, Shionogi Global Infectious Diseases Division, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Japan; School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Japan; Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Muriel Mazet
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité (MFP), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR-5234, France
| | - Tomoo Shiba
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Japan.
| | - Keisuke Fukuda
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Japan
| | - Hana Kurasawa
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Japan
| | - Yoann Millerioux
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité (MFP), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR-5234, France
| | - Michael Boshart
- Fakultät für Biologie, Genetik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Emmanuel O Balogun
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan; Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria
| | - Shigeharu Harada
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Japan
| | - Kenji Hirayama
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Japan
| | - Frédéric Bringaud
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité (MFP), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR-5234, France
| | - Kiyoshi Kita
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Japan; Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan; Department of Host - Defense Biochemistry, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Japan
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Lundström-Stadelmann B, Rufener R, Hemphill A. Drug repurposing applied: Activity of the anti-malarial mefloquine against Echinococcus multilocularis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2020; 13:121-129. [PMID: 32636148 PMCID: PMC7389337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The current chemotherapeutical treatment against alveolar echinococcosis relies exclusively on benzimidazoles, which are not parasiticidal and can induce severe toxicity. There are no alternative treatment options. To identify novel drugs with activity against Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes, researchers have studied potentially interesting drug targets (e.g. the parasite's energy metabolism), and/or adopted drug repurposing approaches by undertaking whole organism screenings. We here focus on drug screening approaches, which utilize an in vitro screening cascade that includes assessment of the drug-induced physical damage of metacestodes, the impact on metacestode viability and the viability of isolated parasite stem cells, structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of compound derivatives, and the mode of action. Finally, once in vitro data are indicative for a therapeutic window, the efficacy of selected compounds is assessed in experimentally infected mice. Using this screening cascade, we found that the anti-malarial mefloquine was active against E. multilocularis metacestodes in vitro and in vivo. To shed more light into the mode of action of mefloquine, SAR analysis on mefloquine analogues was performed. E. multilocularis ferritin was identified as a mefloquine-binding protein, but its precise role as a drug target remains to be elucidated. In mice that were infected either intraperitoneally with metacestodes or orally with eggs, oral treatment with mefloquine led to a significant reduction of parasite growth compared to the standard treatment with albendazole. However, mefloquine was not acting parasiticidally. Assessment of mefloquine plasma concentrations in treated mice showed that levels were reached which are close to serum concentrations that are achieved in humans during long-term malaria prophylaxis. Mefloquine might be applied in human AE patients as a salvage treatment. Future studies should focus on other repurposed anti-infective compounds (MMV665807, niclosamide, atovaquone), which showed stronger in vitro activity against E. multilocularis than mefloquine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Längggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Reto Rufener
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Längggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Längggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
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Metabolic effects of anthelminthic drugs in the larval stage of the cestode Taenia crassiceps, cysticercosis experimental model - A review. Acta Trop 2020; 206:105448. [PMID: 32194066 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Taenia crassiceps is an experimental model used for cysticercosis studies and has suffered metabolic analyzes regarding the effect of anthelminthic drugs. The metabolic analyses are useful tools to determine the drugs mode of action and the parasite`s survival mechanisms. The energetic pathways are good candidates for this kind of approach as they are essential for the parasite`s survival and adaptation to the environment. In this review we discuss the anthelminthic drugs mode of action and its metabolic impact on Taenia crassiceps cysticerci.
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Qin Y, Ren Y, Yi C, Chileshe N, Chen Y, Zheng L, Dai X, Dong Y, Cui Y. Effect of Wortmannilactone F on Trichinella spiralis Enteral in Mice. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:205-211. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhua Qin
- Department of Parasitology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yixin Ren
- Department of Parasitology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Cen Yi
- Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Nawila Chileshe
- 2017 International Education College, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yufeng Chen
- Department of Microorganism Examination, Dalian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dalian, China
| | - Lili Zheng
- Department of Parasitology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaodong Dai
- Department of Parasitology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuesheng Dong
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Yu Cui
- Department of Parasitology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Picanço GDA, Lima NF, Alves DSMM, Fraga CM, Costa TL, Junior RDSL, Castillo R, Hernández-Campos A, Ambrosio J, Vinaud MC. Partial inhibition of the tricarboxylic acid cycle in Taenia crassiceps cysticerci after the in vitro exposure to a benzimidazole derivative (RCB15). Acta Trop 2020; 202:105254. [PMID: 31689380 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105254] [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: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The benzimidazole derivative, 6-chloro-5-(2,3-dichlorophenoxy)-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-benzimidazole (RCB15), has a similar mode of action and efficacy as albendazole, a commonly used anthelminthic drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate its influence on the tricarboxylic acid cycle in Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. The parasites were cultured in supplemented RPMI medium containing albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO) or RCB15, for 24 h. Then, frozen in liquid nitrogen for organic metabolites extraction. Samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and organic acids of the tricarboxylic acid cycle were detected. It was possible to observe changes in the concentrations of all acids involved in this metabolic pathway, with the exception of α-ketoglutarate, which was not detected in the control group neither in most of the treated groups. It indicates that the parasite presented a partial inhibition of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The significant increase in the concentration of citrate, oxaloacetate and succinate in the RCB15 treated groups may indicate an activation of the fumarate reductase pathway, leading to metabolic distress. Therefore RCB15 may be considered an alternative for the treatment of tissue parasitic diseases, since it induced changes in the main metabolic pathway of the parasite.
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Ritler D, Rufener R, Li JV, Kämpfer U, Müller J, Bühr C, Schürch S, Lundström-Stadelmann B. In vitro metabolomic footprint of the Echinococcus multilocularis metacestode. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19438. [PMID: 31857639 PMCID: PMC6923418 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56073-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a zoonotic disease that is deadly if left untreated. AE is caused by the larval metacestode stage of the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis. Better knowledge on the host-parasite interface could yield novel targets for improvement of the treatment against AE. We analyzed culture media incubated with in vitro grown E. multilocularis metacestodes by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to identify the unknown metabolic footprint of the parasite. Moreover, we quantitatively analyzed all amino acids, acetate, glucose, lactate, and succinate in time-course experiments using liquid chromatography and enzymatic assays. The E. multilocularis metacestodes consumed glucose and, surprisingly, threonine and produced succinate, acetate, and alanine as major fermentation products. The metabolic composition of vesicle fluid (VF) from in vitro grown E. multilocularis metacestodes was different from parasite-incubated culture medium with respect to the abundance, but not the spectrum, of metabolites, and some metabolites, in particular amino acids, accumulated in the VF. Overall, this study presents the first characterization of the in vitro metabolic footprint of E. multilocularis metacestodes and VF composition, and it provides the basis for analyses of potentially targetable pathways for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Ritler
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto Rufener
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jia V Li
- Division of Systems and Digestive Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Urs Kämpfer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Bühr
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Schürch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Enkai S, Inaoka DK, Kouguchi H, Irie T, Yagi K, Kita K. Mitochondrial complex III in larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis as a potential chemotherapeutic target and in vivo efficacy of atovaquone against primary hydatid cysts. Parasitol Int 2019; 75:102004. [PMID: 31678356 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.102004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Echinococcus multilocularis employs aerobic and anaerobic respiration pathways for its survival in the specialized environment of the host. Under anaerobic conditions, fumarate respiration has been identified as a promising target for drug development against E. multilocularis larvae, although the relevance of oxidative phosphorylation in its survival remains unclear. Here, we focused on the inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome bc1 complex (complex III) and evaluated aerobic respiratory activity using mitochondrial fractions from E. multilocularis protoscoleces. An enzymatic assay revealed that the mitochondrial fractions possessed NADH-cytochrome c reductase (mitochondrial complexes I and III) and succinate-cytochrome c reductase (mitochondrial complexes II and III) activities in the aerobic pathway. Enzymatic analysis showed that atovaquone, a commercially available anti-malarial drug, inhibited mitochondrial complex III at 1.5 nM (IC50). In addition, culture experiments revealed the ability of atovaquone to kill protoscoleces under aerobic conditions, but not under anaerobic conditions, indicating that protoscoleces altered their respiration system to oxidative phosphorylation or fumarate respiration depending on the oxygen supply. Furthermore, combined administration of atovaquone with atpenin A5, a quinone binding site inhibitor of complex II, completely killed protoscoleces in the culture. Thus, inhibition of both complex II and complex III was essential for strong antiparasitic effect on E. multilocularis. Additionally, we demonstrated that oral administration of atovaquone significantly reduced primary alveolar hydatid cyst development in the mouse liver, compared with the untreated control, indicating that complex III is a promising target for development of anti-echinococcal drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigehiro Enkai
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan.
| | - Daniel Ken Inaoka
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; Department of Host-Defense Biochemistry, Institute of tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kouguchi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido Institute of Public Health, N19 W12, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0819, Japan
| | - Takao Irie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido Institute of Public Health, N19 W12, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0819, Japan
| | - Kinpei Yagi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido Institute of Public Health, N19 W12, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0819, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Kita
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; Department of Host-Defense Biochemistry, Institute of tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
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Otero L, Martínez-Rosales C, Barrera E, Pantano S, Salinas G. Complex I and II Subunit Gene Duplications Provide Increased Fitness to Worms. Front Genet 2019; 10:1043. [PMID: 31781156 PMCID: PMC6859908 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminths use an alternative mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) under hypoxic conditions, such as those found in the gastrointestinal tract. In this alternative ETC, fumarate is the final electron acceptor and rhodoquinone (RQ) serves as an electron carrier. RQ receives electrons from reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide through complex I and donates electrons to fumarate through complex II. In this latter reaction, complex II functions in the opposite direction to the conventional ETC (i.e., as fumarate reductase instead of succinate dehydrogenase). Studies in Ascaris suum indicate that this is possible due to changes in complex II, involving alternative succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) subunits SDHA and SDHD, derived from duplicated genes. We analyzed helminth genomes and found that distinct lineages have different gene duplications of complex II subunits (SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD). Similarly, we found lineage-specific duplications in genes encoding complex I subunits that interact with quinones (NDUF2 and NDUF7). The phylogenetic analysis of ETC subunits revealed a complex history with independent evolutionary events involving gene duplications and losses. Our results indicated that there is not a common evolutionary event related to ETC subunit genes linked to RQ. The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans uses RQ and has two genes encoding SDHA (sdha-1 and sdha-2) and two genes encoding NDUF2 (nduf2-1 and nduf2-2). sdha-1 and nduf2-1 are essential genes and have a similar expression pattern during C. elegans lifecycle. Using knockout strains, we found that sdha-2 and nduf2-2 are not essential, even in hypoxia. Yet, sdha-2 and nduf2-2 expression is increased in the early embryo and in dauer larvae, stages where there is low oxygen tension. Strikingly, sdha-1 and sdha-2 as well as nduf2-1 and nduf2-2 showed inverted expression profiles during the C. elegans life cycle. Finally, we found that sdha-2 and nduf2-2 knockout mutant strain progeny is affected. Our results indicate that different complex I and II subunit gene duplications provide increased fitness to worms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Otero
- Laboratorio de Biología de Gusanos, Unidad Mixta Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República–Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cecilia Martínez-Rosales
- Laboratorio de Biología de Gusanos, Unidad Mixta Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República–Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Exequiel Barrera
- Laboratorio de Simulaciones Biomoleculares, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sergio Pantano
- Laboratorio de Simulaciones Biomoleculares, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gustavo Salinas
- Laboratorio de Biología de Gusanos, Unidad Mixta Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República–Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Lundström-Stadelmann B, Rufener R, Ritler D, Zurbriggen R, Hemphill A. The importance of being parasiticidal… an update on drug development for the treatment of alveolar echinococcosis. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00040. [PMID: 32095613 PMCID: PMC7034016 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The lethal disease alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the metacestode stage of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. Current chemotherapeutical treatment of AE relies on albendazole and mebendazole, with the caveat that these compounds are not parasiticidal. Drugs have to be taken for a prolonged period of time, often life-long, which can cause adverse effects and reduces the patients' quality of life. In some individuals, benzimidazoles are inactive or cause toxicity, leading to treatment discontinuation. Alternatives to benzimidazoles are urgently needed. Over the recent years, in vivo and in vitro models for low-to-medium throughput drug discovery against AE have been set in place. In vitro drug tests include the phosphoglucose-isomerase (PGI) assay to measure physical damage induced to metacestodes, and viability assays to assess parasiticidal activity against metacestodes and stem cells. In vitro models are also employed for studies on mechanisms of action. In vivo models are thus far based on rodents, mainly mice, and benefits could be gained in future by comparative approaches in naturally infected dogs or captive monkeys. For the identification of novel drugs against AE, a rare disease with a low expected market return, drug-repurposing is the most promising strategy. A variety of chemically synthesized compounds as well as natural products have been analyzed with respect to in vitro and/or in vivo activities against AE. We here review and discuss the most active of these compounds including anti-infective compounds (benzimidazoles, nitazoxanide, amphotericin B, itraconazole, clarithromycin, DB1127, and buparvaquone), the anti-infective anti-malarials (artemisinin, ozonids, mefloquine, and MMV665807) and anti-cancer drugs (isoflavones, 2-methoxyestradiol, methotrexate, navelbine, vincristine, kinase inhibitors, metallo-organic ruthenium complexes, bortezomib, and taxanes). Taking into account the efficacy as well as the potential availability for patients, the most promising candidates are new formulations of benzimidazoles and mefloquine. Future drug-repurposing approaches should also target the energy metabolism of E. multilocularis, in particular the understudied malate dismutation pathway, as this offers an essential target in the parasite, which is not present in mammals. Benzimidazoles are used to treat AE, but new drugs are needed. New drugs against AE can be identified by drug repurposing. Drugs against other infectious diseases and cancer can be repurposed against AE. Most promising are new formulations of benzimidazoles and mefloquine. Future approaches should include targeting the energy metabolism of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto Rufener
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dominic Ritler
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Zurbriggen
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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30
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Novel Characteristics of Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain from Eimeria tenella. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10010029. [PMID: 30626105 PMCID: PMC6356742 DOI: 10.3390/genes10010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Eimeria tenella is an intracellular apicomplexan parasite, which infects cecal epithelial cells from chickens and causes hemorrhagic diarrhea and eventual death. We have previously reported the comparative RNA sequence analysis of the E. tenella sporozoite stage between virulent and precocious strains and showed that the expression of several genes involved in mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC), such as type II NADH dehydrogenase (NDH-2), complex II (succinate:quinone oxidoreductase), malate:quinone oxidoreductase (MQO), and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH), were upregulated in virulent strain. To study E. tenella mitochondrial ETC in detail, we developed a reproducible method for preparation of mitochondria-rich fraction from sporozoites, which maintained high specific activities of dehydrogenases, such as NDH-2 followed by G3PDH, MQO, complex II, and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH). Of particular importance, we showed that E. tenella sporozoite mitochondria possess an intrinsic ability to perform fumarate respiration (via complex II) in addition to the classical oxygen respiration (via complexes III and IV). Further analysis by high-resolution clear native electrophoresis, activity staining, and nano-liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (nano-LC-MS/MS) provided evidence of a mitochondrial complex II-III-IV supercomplex. Our analysis suggests that complex II from E. tenella has biochemical features distinct to known orthologues and is a potential target for the development of new anticoccidian drugs.
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31
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Hrčková G, Kubašková TM, Benada O, Kofroňová O, Tumová L, Biedermann D. Differential Effects of the Flavonolignans Silybin, Silychristin and 2,3-Dehydrosilybin on Mesocestoides vogae Larvae (Cestoda) under Hypoxic and Aerobic In Vitro Conditions. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23112999. [PMID: 30453549 PMCID: PMC6278466 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23112999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesocestoides vogae larvae represent a suitable model for evaluating the larvicidal potential of various compounds. In this study we investigated the in vitro effects of three natural flavonolignans—silybin (SB), 2,3-dehydrosilybin (DHSB) and silychristin (SCH)—on M. vogae larvae at concentrations of 5 and 50 μM under aerobic and hypoxic conditions for 72 h. With both kinds of treatment, the viability and motility of larvae remained unchanged, metabolic activity, neutral red uptake and concentrations of neutral lipids were reduced, in contrast with a significantly elevated glucose content. Incubation conditions modified the effects of individual FLs depending on their concentration. Under both sets of conditions, SB and SCH suppressed metabolic activity, the concentration of glucose, lipids and partially motility more at 50 μM, but neutral red uptake was elevated. DHSB exerted larvicidal activity and affected motility and neutral lipid concentrations differently depending on the cultivation conditions, whereas it decreased glucose concentration. DHSB at the 50 μM concentration caused irreversible morphological alterations along with damage to the microvillus surface of larvae, which was accompanied by unregulated neutral red uptake. In conclusion, SB and SCH suppressed mitochondrial functions and energy stores, inducing a physiological misbalance, whereas DHSB exhibited a direct larvicidal effect due to damage to the tegument and complete disruption of larval physiology and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Hrčková
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, SK 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Terézia Mačák Kubašková
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, SK 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Oldřich Benada
- Laboratory of Molecular Structure Characterization, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Olga Kofroňová
- Laboratory of Molecular Structure Characterization, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Lenka Tumová
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, CZ 501 65 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - David Biedermann
- Laboratory of Biotransformation, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic.
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Miyazaki Y, Inaoka DK, Shiba T, Saimoto H, Sakura T, Amalia E, Kido Y, Sakai C, Nakamura M, Moore AL, Harada S, Kita K. Selective Cytotoxicity of Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase Inhibitors to Human Cancer Cells Under Hypoxia and Nutrient-Deprived Conditions. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:997. [PMID: 30233375 PMCID: PMC6131557 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (HsDHODH) is a key enzyme of pyrimidine de novo biosynthesis pathway. It is located on the mitochondrial inner membrane and contributes to the respiratory chain by shuttling electrons to the ubiquinone pool. We have discovered ascofuranone (1), a natural compound produced by Acremonium sclerotigenum, and its derivatives are a potent class of HsDHODH inhibitors. We conducted a structure–activity relationship study and have identified functional groups of 1 that are essential for the inhibition of HsDHODH enzymatic activity. Furthermore, the binding mode of 1 and its derivatives to HsDHODH was demonstrated by co-crystallographic analysis and we show that these inhibitors bind at the ubiquinone binding site. In addition, the cytotoxicities of 1 and its potent derivatives 7, 8, and 9 were studied using human cultured cancer cells. Interestingly, they showed selective and strong cytotoxicity to cancer cells cultured under microenvironment (hypoxia and nutrient-deprived) conditions. The selectivity ratio of 8 under this microenvironment show the most potent inhibition which was over 1000-fold higher compared to that under normal culture condition. Our studies suggest that under microenvironment conditions, cancer cells heavily depend on the pyrimidine de novo biosynthesis pathway. We also provide the first evidence that 1 and its derivatives are potential lead candidates for drug development which target the HsDHODH of cancer cells living under a tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Miyazaki
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daniel K Inaoka
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Host-Defense Biochemistry, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomoo Shiba
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Saimoto
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Takaya Sakura
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Eri Amalia
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasutoshi Kido
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Chika Sakai
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mari Nakamura
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Anthony L Moore
- Biochemistry and Medicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Shigeharu Harada
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Kita
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Host-Defense Biochemistry, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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33
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Liu WC, Ren YX, Hao AY, Yu S, Shi X, Zhang XQ, Xing Y, Xiu ZL, Cui Y, Dong YS. The activities of wortmannilactones against helminth electron transport chain enzymes, structure-activity relationships, and the effect on Trichinella spiralis infected mice. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2018; 71:731-740. [DOI: 10.1038/s41429-018-0061-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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34
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Hartuti ED, Inaoka DK, Komatsuya K, Miyazaki Y, Miller RJ, Xinying W, Sadikin M, Prabandari EE, Waluyo D, Kuroda M, Amalia E, Matsuo Y, Nugroho NB, Saimoto H, Pramisandi A, Watanabe YI, Mori M, Shiomi K, Balogun EO, Shiba T, Harada S, Nozaki T, Kita K. Biochemical studies of membrane bound Plasmodium falciparum mitochondrial L-malate:quinone oxidoreductase, a potential drug target. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2017; 1859:191-200. [PMID: 29269266 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum is an apicomplexan parasite that causes the most severe malaria in humans. Due to a lack of effective vaccines and emerging of drug resistance parasites, development of drugs with novel mechanisms of action and few side effects are imperative. To this end, ideal drug targets are those essential to parasite viability as well as absent in their mammalian hosts. The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) of P. falciparum is one source of such potential targets because enzymes, such as L-malate:quinone oxidoreductase (PfMQO), in this pathway are absent humans. PfMQO catalyzes the oxidation of L-malate to oxaloacetate and the simultaneous reduction of ubiquinone to ubiquinol. It is a membrane protein, involved in three pathways (ETC, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the fumarate cycle) and has been shown to be essential for parasite survival, at least, in the intra-erythrocytic asexual stage. These findings indicate that PfMQO would be a valuable drug target for development of antimalarial with novel mechanism of action. Up to this point in time, difficulty in producing active recombinant mitochondrial MQO has hampered biochemical characterization and targeted drug discovery with MQO. Here we report for the first time recombinant PfMQO overexpressed in bacterial membrane and the first biochemical study. Furthermore, about 113 compounds, consisting of ubiquinone binding site inhibitors and antiparasitic agents, were screened resulting in the discovery of ferulenol as a potent PfMQO inhibitor. Finally, ferulenol was shown to inhibit parasite growth and showed strong synergism in combination with atovaquone, a well-described anti-malarial and bc1 complex inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endah Dwi Hartuti
- Master program of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Indonesia; Biotech Center, Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Daniel Ken Inaoka
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Keisuke Komatsuya
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Miyazaki
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Russell J Miller
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wang Xinying
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Mohamad Sadikin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Danang Waluyo
- Biotech Center, Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Marie Kuroda
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eri Amalia
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Matsuo
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Nuki B Nugroho
- Biotech Center, Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Hiroyuki Saimoto
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Amila Pramisandi
- Biotech Center, Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology, Jakarta, Indonesia; Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoh-Ichi Watanabe
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mihoko Mori
- Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuro Shiomi
- Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Tomoo Shiba
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shigeharu Harada
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Kita
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Preston S, Korhonen PK, Mouchiroud L, Cornaglia M, McGee SL, Young ND, Davis RA, Crawford S, Nowell C, Ansell BRE, Fisher GM, Andrews KT, Chang BCH, Gijs MAM, Sternberg PW, Auwerx J, Baell J, Hofmann A, Jabbar A, Gasser RB. Deguelin exerts potent nematocidal activity
via
the mitochondrial respiratory chain. FASEB J 2017; 31:4515-4532. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700288r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Preston
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Faculty of Science and TechnologyFederation UniversityBallaratVictoriaAustralia
| | - Pasi K. Korhonen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Laurent Mouchiroud
- Laboratory of Integrative and Systems PhysiologyÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Matteo Cornaglia
- Laboratory of MicrosystemsÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Sean L. McGee
- Metabolic Research UnitMetabolic Reprogramming LaboratorySchool of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin UniversityWaurn PondsVictoriaAustralia
| | - Neil D. Young
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Rohan A. Davis
- Griffith Institute for Drug DiscoveryGriffith UniversityNathanQueenslandAustralia
| | - Simon Crawford
- School of Biosciences, University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Cameron Nowell
- Drug Discovery BiologyMonash University Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash UniversityParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Brendan R. E. Ansell
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Gillian M. Fisher
- Griffith Institute for Drug DiscoveryGriffith UniversityNathanQueenslandAustralia
| | - Katherine T. Andrews
- Griffith Institute for Drug DiscoveryGriffith UniversityNathanQueenslandAustralia
| | - Bill C. H. Chang
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Yourgene BioscienceTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Martin A. M. Gijs
- Laboratory of MicrosystemsÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Paul W. Sternberg
- Division of Biology and Biological EngineeringCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Johan Auwerx
- Laboratory of Integrative and Systems PhysiologyÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Jonathan Baell
- Medicinal ChemistryMonash University Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash UniversityParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Griffith Institute for Drug DiscoveryGriffith UniversityNathanQueenslandAustralia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
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36
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Abstract
EBOLA hemorrhagic fever, a typical emerging infectious disease, began in December 2013 in the southern part of Guinea, and killed more than 11000 people by the end of June, 2015. In addition to emerging/re-emerging diseases and the 3 major infectious diseases i.e. HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have recently become important tropical diseases of the poor. It is remarkable that Japan succeeded in the eradication of malaria and other tropical diseases, which include lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis. However, despite these achievements, it is important to sustain our efforts when we consider global health. This review highlights the significance of elimination and/or control of NTDs, and then introduces the current situation of drug development activities in Japan, which are aimed towards combating tropical infectious diseases. They include studies on a novel drug target, the "mitochondrial NADH-fumarate reductase system (Fumarate respiration)" composed of complex I, rhodoquinone and complex II, which plays an important role in the anaerobic energy metabolism of many helminths such as Ascaris suum. An additional interesting finding highlighted herein is that ascofuranone, a recently developed anti-African trypanosome drug, shows specific inhibition of fumarate respiration in Echinococcus multilocularis mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Kita
- Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
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37
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The Open Form Inducer Approach for Structure-Based Drug Design. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167078. [PMID: 27893848 PMCID: PMC5125662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many open form (OF) structures of drug targets were obtained a posteriori by analysis of co-crystals with inhibitors. Therefore, obtaining the OF structure of a drug target a priori will accelerate development of potent inhibitors. In addition to its small active site, Trypanosoma cruzi dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (TcDHODH) is fully functional in its monomeric form, making drug design approaches targeting the active site and protein-protein interactions unrealistic. Therefore, a novel a priori approach was developed to determination the TcDHODH active site in OF. This approach consists of generating an "OF inducer" (predicted in silico) to bind the target and cause steric repulsion with flexible regions proximal to the active site that force it open. We provide the first proof-of-concept of this approach by predicting and crystallizing TcDHODH in complex with an OF inducer, thereby obtaining the OF a priori with its subsequent use in designing potent and selective inhibitors. Fourteen co-crystal structures of TcDHODH with the designed inhibitors are presented herein. This approach has potential to encourage drug design against diseases where the molecular targets are such difficult proteins possessing small AS volume. This approach can be extended to study open/close conformation of proteins in general, the identification of allosteric pockets and inhibitors for other drug targets where conventional drug design approaches are not applicable, as well as the effective exploitation of the increasing number of protein structures deposited in Protein Data Bank.
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38
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Zieliński ŁP, Smith AC, Smith AG, Robinson AJ. Metabolic flexibility of mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders predicted by computer modelling. Mitochondrion 2016; 31:45-55. [PMID: 27697518 PMCID: PMC5115619 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction causes a variety of life-threatening diseases affecting about 1 in 4300 adults. These diseases are genetically heterogeneous, but have the same outcome; reduced activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes causing decreased ATP production and potentially toxic accumulation of metabolites. Severity and tissue specificity of these effects varies between patients by unknown mechanisms and treatment options are limited. So far most research has focused on the complexes themselves, and the impact on overall cellular metabolism is largely unclear. To illustrate how computer modelling can be used to better understand the potential impact of these disorders and inspire new research directions and treatments, we simulated them using a computer model of human cardiomyocyte mitochondrial metabolism containing over 300 characterised reactions and transport steps with experimental parameters taken from the literature. Overall, simulations were consistent with patient symptoms, supporting their biological and medical significance. These simulations predicted: complex I deficiencies could be compensated using multiple pathways; complex II deficiencies had less metabolic flexibility due to impacting both the TCA cycle and the respiratory chain; and complex III and IV deficiencies caused greatest decreases in ATP production with metabolic consequences that parallel hypoxia. Our study demonstrates how results from computer models can be compared to a clinical phenotype and used as a tool for hypothesis generation for subsequent experimental testing. These simulations can enhance understanding of dysfunctional mitochondrial metabolism and suggest new avenues for research into treatment of mitochondrial disease and other areas of mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz P Zieliński
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK; University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK
| | - Anthony C Smith
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Alexander G Smith
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Alan J Robinson
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK.
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39
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Enhanced succinic acid productivity by expression of mgtCB gene in Escherichia coli mutant. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 43:505-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s10295-015-1720-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
In this study, a novel engineering Escherichia coli strain (CBMG111) with the expression of mgtCB gene was constructed for the enhanced fermentative production of succinic acid by utilizing the synergetic effect of mgtC gene to improve the growth of strains at the environment of low Mg2+ concentration and mgtB to enhance the transport of Mg2+ into cells. After the effect of the expression of the individual genes (mgtA, mgtB, mgtC) on the growth of E. coli was clarified, the fermentative production of succinic acid by CBMG111 was studied with the low-price mixture of Mg(OH)2 and NH3·H2O as the alkaline neutralizer and the biomass hydrolysates as the carbon sources, which demonstrated that the expression of mgtCB gene can significantly increase the productivity of succinic acid (2.97 g L−1 h−1) compared with that by using the engineering strain with the overexpression of mgtA gene.
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40
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Current topics on inhibitors of respiratory complex I. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2015; 1857:884-91. [PMID: 26625959 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There are a variety of chemicals which regulate the functions of bacterial and mitochondrial complex I. Some of them, such as rotenone and piericidin A, have been indispensable molecular tools in mechanistic studies on complex I. A large amount of experimental data characterizing the actions of complex I inhibitors has been accumulated so far. Recent X-ray crystallographic structural models of entire complex I may be helpful to carefully interpret this data. We herein focused on recent hot topics on complex I inhibitors and the subjects closely connected to these inhibitors, which may provide useful information not only on the structural and functional aspects of complex I, but also on drug design targeting this enzyme. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Respiratory complex I, edited by Volker Zickermann and Ulrich Brandt.
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41
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Shiobara Y, Harada C, Shiota T, Sakamoto K, Kita K, Tanaka S, Tabata K, Sekie K, Yamamoto Y, Sugiyama T. Knockdown of the coenzyme Q synthesis gene Smed-dlp1 affects planarian regeneration and tissue homeostasis. Redox Biol 2015; 6:599-606. [PMID: 26516985 PMCID: PMC4635435 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The freshwater planarian is a model organism used to study tissue regeneration that occupies an important position among multicellular organisms. Planarian genomic databases have led to the identification of genes that are required for regeneration, with implications for their roles in its underlying mechanism. Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a fundamental lipophilic molecule that is synthesized and expressed in every cell of every organism. Furthermore, CoQ levels affect development, life span, disease and aging in nematodes and mice. Because CoQ can be ingested in food, it has been used in preventive nutrition. In this study, we investigated the role of CoQ in planarian regeneration. Planarians synthesize both CoQ9 and rhodoquinone 9 (RQ9). Knockdown of Smed-dlp1, a trans-prenyltransferase gene that encodes an enzyme that synthesizes the CoQ side chain, led to a decrease in CoQ9 and RQ9 levels. However, ATP levels did not consistently decrease in these animals. Knockdown animals exhibited tissue regression and curling. The number of mitotic cells decreased in Smed-dlp1 (RNAi) animals. These results suggested a failure in physiological cell turnover and stem cell function. Accordingly, regenerating planarians died from lysis or exhibited delayed regeneration. Interestingly, the observed phenotypes were partially rescued by ingesting food supplemented with α-tocopherol. Taken together, our results suggest that oxidative stress induced by reduced CoQ9 levels affects planarian regeneration and tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Shiobara
- Graduate School of Bionics, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan
| | - Chiaki Harada
- Graduate School of Bionics, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan
| | - Takeshi Shiota
- Graduate School of Bionics, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan
| | - Kimitoshi Sakamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, Aomori 036-8561, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Kita
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Saeko Tanaka
- Graduate School of Bionics, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan
| | - Kenta Tabata
- Graduate School of Bionics, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan
| | - Kiyoteru Sekie
- Graduate School of Bionics, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan
| | - Yorihiro Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Bionics, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan
| | - Tomoyasu Sugiyama
- Graduate School of Bionics, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan.
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42
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Structural Insights into the Molecular Design of Flutolanil Derivatives Targeted for Fumarate Respiration of Parasite Mitochondria. Int J Mol Sci 2015. [PMID: 26198225 PMCID: PMC4519900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160715287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies on the respiratory chain of Ascaris suum showed that the mitochondrial NADH-fumarate reductase system composed of complex I, rhodoquinone and complex II plays an important role in the anaerobic energy metabolism of adult A. suum. The system is the major pathway of energy metabolism for adaptation to a hypoxic environment not only in parasitic organisms, but also in some types of human cancer cells. Thus, enzymes of the pathway are potential targets for chemotherapy. We found that flutolanil is an excellent inhibitor for A. suum complex II (IC50 = 0.058 μM) but less effectively inhibits homologous porcine complex II (IC50 = 45.9 μM). In order to account for the specificity of flutolanil to A. suum complex II from the standpoint of structural biology, we determined the crystal structures of A. suum and porcine complex IIs binding flutolanil and its derivative compounds. The structures clearly demonstrated key interactions responsible for its high specificity to A. suum complex II and enabled us to find analogue compounds, which surpass flutolanil in both potency and specificity to A. suum complex II. Structures of complex IIs binding these compounds will be helpful to accelerate structure-based drug design targeted for complex IIs.
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43
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Loos JA, Cumino AC. In Vitro Anti-Echinococcal and Metabolic Effects of Metformin Involve Activation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase in Larval Stages of Echinococcus granulosus. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126009. [PMID: 25965910 PMCID: PMC4429119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin (Met) is a biguanide anti-hyperglycemic agent, which also exerts antiproliferative effects on cancer cells. This drug inhibits the complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain inducing a fall in the cell energy charge and leading 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. AMPK is a highly conserved heterotrimeric complex that coordinates metabolic and growth pathways in order to maintain energy homeostasis and cell survival, mainly under nutritional stress conditions, in a Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1)-dependent manner. This work describes for the first time, the in vitro anti-echinococcal effect of Met on Echinococcus granulosus larval stages, as well as the molecular characterization of AMPK (Eg-AMPK) in this parasite of clinical importance. The drug exerted a dose-dependent effect on the viability of both larval stages. Based on this, we proceeded with the identification of the genes encoding for the different subunits of Eg-AMPK. We cloned one gene coding for the catalytic subunit (Eg-ampkɑ) and two genes coding for the regulatory subunits (Eg-ampkβ and Eg-ampkγ), all of them constitutively transcribed in E. granulosus protoscoleces and metacestodes. Their deduced amino acid sequences show all the conserved functional domains, including key amino acids involved in catalytic activity and protein-protein interactions. In protoscoleces, the drug induced the activation of AMPK (Eg-AMPKɑ-P176), possibly as a consequence of cellular energy charge depletion evidenced by assays with the fluorescent indicator JC-1. Met also led to carbohydrate starvation, it increased glucogenolysis and homolactic fermentation, and decreased transcription of intermediary metabolism genes. By in toto immunolocalization assays, we detected Eg-AMPKɑ-P176 expression, both in the nucleus and the cytoplasm of cells as in the larval tegument, the posterior bladder and the calcareous corpuscles of control and Met-treated protoscoleces. Interestingly, expression of Eg-AMPKɑ was observed in the developmental structures during the de-differentiation process from protoscoleces to microcysts. Therefore, the Eg-AMPK expression during the asexual development of E. granulosus, as well as the in vitro synergic therapeutic effects observed in presence of Met plus albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO), suggest the importance of carrying out chemoprophylactic and clinical efficacy studies combining Met with conventional anti-echinococcal agents to test the potential use of this drug in hydatidosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Loos
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, (7600), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Andrea C. Cumino
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, (7600), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, (7600), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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44
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The genomes of four tapeworm species reveal adaptations to parasitism. Nature 2013; 496:57-63. [PMID: 23485966 PMCID: PMC3964345 DOI: 10.1038/nature12031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 511] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Tapeworms cause debilitating neglected diseases that can be deadly and often require surgery due to ineffective drugs. Here we present the first analysis of tapeworm genome sequences using the human-infective species Echinococcus multilocularis, E. granulosus, Taenia solium and the laboratory model Hymenolepis microstoma as examples. The 115-141 megabase genomes offer insights into the evolution of parasitism. Synteny is maintained with distantly related blood flukes but we find extreme losses of genes and pathways ubiquitous in other animals, including 34 homeobox families and several determinants of stem cell fate. Tapeworms have species-specific expansions of non-canonical heat shock proteins and families of known antigens; specialised detoxification pathways, and metabolism finely tuned to rely on nutrients scavenged from their hosts. We identify new potential drug targets, including those on which existing pharmaceuticals may act. The genomes provide a rich resource to underpin the development of urgently needed treatments and control.
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45
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Parkinson J, Wasmuth JD, Salinas G, Bizarro CV, Sanford C, Berriman M, Ferreira HB, Zaha A, Blaxter ML, Maizels RM, Fernández C. A transcriptomic analysis of Echinococcus granulosus larval stages: implications for parasite biology and host adaptation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1897. [PMID: 23209850 PMCID: PMC3510090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The cestode Echinococcus granulosus - the agent of cystic echinococcosis, a zoonosis affecting humans and domestic animals worldwide - is an excellent model for the study of host-parasite cross-talk that interfaces with two mammalian hosts. To develop the molecular analysis of these interactions, we carried out an EST survey of E. granulosus larval stages. We report the salient features of this study with a focus on genes reflecting physiological adaptations of different parasite stages. Methodology/Principal Findings We generated ∼10,000 ESTs from two sets of full-length enriched libraries (derived from oligo-capped and trans-spliced cDNAs) prepared with three parasite materials: hydatid cyst wall, larval worms (protoscoleces), and pepsin/H+-activated protoscoleces. The ESTs were clustered into 2700 distinct gene products. In the context of the biology of E. granulosus, our analyses reveal: (i) a diverse group of abundant long non-protein coding transcripts showing homology to a middle repetitive element (EgBRep) that could either be active molecular species or represent precursors of small RNAs (like piRNAs); (ii) an up-regulation of fermentative pathways in the tissue of the cyst wall; (iii) highly expressed thiol- and selenol-dependent antioxidant enzyme targets of thioredoxin glutathione reductase, the functional hub of redox metabolism in parasitic flatworms; (iv) candidate apomucins for the external layer of the tissue-dwelling hydatid cyst, a mucin-rich structure that is critical for survival in the intermediate host; (v) a set of tetraspanins, a protein family that appears to have expanded in the cestode lineage; and (vi) a set of platyhelminth-specific gene products that may offer targets for novel pan-platyhelminth drug development. Conclusions/Significance This survey has greatly increased the quality and the quantity of the molecular information on E. granulosus and constitutes a valuable resource for gene prediction on the parasite genome and for further genomic and proteomic analyses focused on cestodes and platyhelminths. Cestodes are a neglected group of platyhelminth parasites, despite causing chronic infections to humans and domestic animals worldwide. We used Echinococcus granulosus as a model to study the molecular basis of the host-parasite cross-talk during cestode infections. For this purpose, we carried out a survey of the genes expressed by parasite larval stages interfacing with definitive and intermediate hosts. Sequencing from several high quality cDNA libraries provided numerous insights into the expression of genes involved in important aspects of E. granulosus biology, e.g. its metabolism (energy production and antioxidant defences) and the synthesis of key parasite structures (notably, the one exposed to humans and livestock intermediate hosts). Our results also uncovered the existence of an intriguing set of abundant repeat-associated non-protein coding transcripts that may participate in the regulation of gene expression in all surveyed stages. The dataset now generated constitutes a valuable resource for gene prediction on the parasite genome and for further genomic and proteomic studies focused on cestodes and platyhelminths. In particular, the detailed characterization of a range of newly discovered genes will contribute to a better understanding of the biology of cestode infections and, therefore, to the development of products allowing their efficient control.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Parkinson
- Program in Molecular Structure and Function, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - James D. Wasmuth
- Program in Molecular Structure and Function, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gustavo Salinas
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cristiano V. Bizarro
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Cestódeos and Laboratorio de Genômica Estrutural e Funcional, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Chris Sanford
- Program in Molecular Structure and Function, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Parasite Genomics, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Henrique B. Ferreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Cestódeos and Laboratorio de Genômica Estrutural e Funcional, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Arnaldo Zaha
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Cestódeos and Laboratorio de Genômica Estrutural e Funcional, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mark L. Blaxter
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rick M. Maizels
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (RMM); (CF)
| | - Cecilia Fernández
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- * E-mail: (RMM); (CF)
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46
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The topological structure and function of Echinococcus granulosus lactate dehydrogenase, a tegumental transmembrane protein. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2012; 184:109-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2012.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2011] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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47
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Shimizu H, Osanai A, Sakamoto K, Inaoka DK, Shiba T, Harada S, Kita K. Crystal structure of mitochondrial quinol-fumarate reductase from the parasitic nematode Ascaris suum. J Biochem 2012; 151:589-92. [DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvs051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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48
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Sakai C, Tomitsuka E, Esumi H, Harada S, Kita K. Mitochondrial fumarate reductase as a target of chemotherapy: From parasites to cancer cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2012; 1820:643-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2011.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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49
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Calligari PA, Salgado GF, Pelupessy P, Lopes P, Ouazzani J, Bodenhausen G, Abergel D. Insights into internal dynamics of 6-phosphogluconolactonase from Trypanosoma brucei studied by nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular dynamics. Proteins 2012; 80:1196-210. [DOI: 10.1002/prot.24019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Revised: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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50
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Tomitsuka E, Kita K, Esumi H. The NADH-fumarate reductase system, a novel mitochondrial energy metabolism, is a new target for anticancer therapy in tumor microenvironments. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1201:44-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05620.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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