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Koirala M, Merindol N, Karimzadegan V, Gélinas SE, Liyanage NS, Lamichhane B, Tobón MCG, Lagüe P, Desgagné-Penix I. Kinetic and in silico structural characterization of norbelladine O-methyltransferase of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids biosynthesis. J Biol Chem 2024:107649. [PMID: 39122011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107649] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) are a diverse group of alkaloids exclusively reported from the Amaryllidaceae plant family. In planta, their biosynthesis is still not fully characterized, however, a labeling study established 4'-O-methylnorbelladine as the key intermediate compound of the pathway. Previous reports have characterized O-methyltransferases from several Amaryllidaceae species. Nevertheless, the formation of the different O-methylnorbelladine derivatives (3'-O-methylnorbelladine, 4'-O-methylnorbelladine, and 3'4'-O-dimethylnorbelladine), the role, and the preferred substrates of O-methyltransferases are not clearly understood. In this study, we performed the biochemical characterization of an O-methyltransferase candidate from Narcissus papyraceus (NpOMT) in vitro and in vivo, following biotransformation of norbelladine in Nicotiana benthamiana having transient expression of NpOMT. Docking analysis was further used to investigate substrate preferences, as well as key interacting residues of NpOMT. Our study shows that NpOMT methylates norbelladine preferentially at the 4'-OH position in vitro and in planta. Interestingly, NpOMT also catalyzed the synthesis of 3',4'-O-dimethylnorbelladine from norbelladine and 4'-O-methylnorbelladine during in vitro enzymatic assay. Furthermore, we show that NpOMT methylates 3,4-dihydroxybenzylaldehyde and caffeic acid in a non-regiospecific manner to produce meta/para monomethylated products. This study reveals a novel catalytic potential of an Amaryllidaceae O-methyltransferase and its ability to regioselectively methylate norbelladine in the heterologous host Nicotiana benthamiana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Koirala
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Natacha Merindol
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Vahid Karimzadegan
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Sarah-Eve Gélinas
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Nuwan Sameera Liyanage
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Basanta Lamichhane
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Maria Camila García Tobón
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Patrick Lagüe
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics, Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Isabel Desgagné-Penix
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada; Plant Biology Research Group, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada.
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Shrestha B, Yang S, Griffith L, Ma J, Wang F, Liu H, Zhao Q, Du Y, Zhang J, Chang J, Guo JT. Discovery of hepatitis B virus subviral particle biogenesis inhibitors from a bioactive compound library. Antiviral Res 2024; 228:105955. [PMID: 38964614 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
High levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood of chronic HBV carriers are considered to drive the exhaustion of antigen-specific T and B lymphocytes and thus responsible for the persistence of infection. Accordingly, therapeutic elimination of HBsAg may facilitate the activation of adaptive antiviral immune responses against HBV and achieve a functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. We discovered recently that an amphipathic alpha helix spanning W156 to R169 of HBV small envelope (S) protein plays an essential role in the morphogenesis of subviral particles (SVPs) and metabolism of S protein. We thus hypothesized that pharmacological disruption of SVP morphogenesis may induce intracellular degradation of S protein and reduce HBsAg secretion. To identify inhibitors of SVP biogenesis, we screened 4417 bioactive compounds with a HepG2-derived cell line expressing HBV S protein and efficiently secreting small spherical SVPs. The screen identified 24 compounds that reduced intracellular SVPs and secreted HBsAg in a concentration-dependent manner. However, 18 of those compounds inhibited the secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg in HBV replicon transfected HepG2 cells at similar efficiency, suggesting each of those compounds may disrupt a common cellular function required for the synthesis and/or secretion of these viral proteins. Interestingly, lycorine more efficiently inhibited the secretion of HBsAg in HepG2 cells transfected with HBV replicons, HepG2.2.15 cells and HBV infected - HepG2 cells expressing sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP). The structure activity relationship and antiviral mechanism of lycorine against HBV have been determined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sisi Yang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Julia Ma
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Fuxuan Wang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Hui Liu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Qiong Zhao
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Yanming Du
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA.
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Sokhna S, Mérindol N, Presset M, Seck I, Girard MP, Ka S, Ndoye SF, Ba AL, Samb I, Berthoux L, Le Gall E, Desgagné-Penix I, Seck M. Potential of several triazene derivatives against DENGUE viruses. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 101:129646. [PMID: 38331225 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129646] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Dengue fever is an infectious disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV), an RNA Flavivirus transmitted by the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus widespread in tropical, subtropical and also temperate regions. Symptoms range from a simple cold to a severe, life-threatening haemorrhagic fever. According to the WHO, it affects around 390 million people per year. No antiviral treatment for DENV is available, and the Dengvaxia vaccine is only intended for people over 9 years of age who have contracted dengue one time in the past, and shows serotype-specific effectiveness. There is therefore a crying need to discover new molecules with antiviral power against flaviviruses. The present study was carried out to evaluate the anti-DENV activities and cytotoxicity of triazenes obtained by diazocopulation. Some triazenes were highly cytotoxic (16, and 25) to hepatocarcinoma Huh7 cells, whereas others displayed strong anti-DENV potential. The antiviral activity ranged from EC50 = 7.82 µM to 48.12 µM in cellulo, with a selectivity index (CC50/EC50) greater than 9 for two of the compounds (10, and 20). In conclusion, these new triazenes could serve as a lead to develop and optimize drugs against DENV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seynabou Sokhna
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et Thérapeutique, Faculté de Médecine, de Pharmacie et d'Odontologie de l'Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, BP 5005 Dakar-Fann, Sénégal; UMR 7182, ICMPE, Institut de Chimie et des Matériaux Paris Est, Thiais, France; Equipe de recherche chimie organique et thérapeutique (ECOT) de l'Université Alioune Diop de Bambey. BP 30 Région de Diourbel, Sénégal.
| | - Natacha Mérindol
- Département de chimie, biochimie et physique, UQTR, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.
| | - Marc Presset
- UMR 7182, ICMPE, Institut de Chimie et des Matériaux Paris Est, Thiais, France.
| | - Insa Seck
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et Thérapeutique, Faculté de Médecine, de Pharmacie et d'Odontologie de l'Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, BP 5005 Dakar-Fann, Sénégal; Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination Organique (LCCO), Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal.
| | - Marie-Pierre Girard
- Département de chimie, biochimie et physique, UQTR, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada; Département de biologie médicale, UQTR, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.
| | - Seydou Ka
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et Thérapeutique, Faculté de Médecine, de Pharmacie et d'Odontologie de l'Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, BP 5005 Dakar-Fann, Sénégal; Département de chimie, biochimie et physique, UQTR, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.
| | - Samba Fama Ndoye
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et Thérapeutique, Faculté de Médecine, de Pharmacie et d'Odontologie de l'Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, BP 5005 Dakar-Fann, Sénégal; Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination Organique (LCCO), Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal.
| | - Aïcha Lalla Ba
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et Thérapeutique, Faculté de Médecine, de Pharmacie et d'Odontologie de l'Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, BP 5005 Dakar-Fann, Sénégal; Université Amadou Mahtar MBOW, BP 45927 Dakar Nafa VDN, Sénégal, Dakar-Fann, Sénégal.
| | - Issa Samb
- Equipe de recherche chimie organique et thérapeutique (ECOT) de l'Université Alioune Diop de Bambey. BP 30 Région de Diourbel, Sénégal.
| | - Lionel Berthoux
- Département de biologie médicale, UQTR, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.
| | - Erwan Le Gall
- UMR 7182, ICMPE, Institut de Chimie et des Matériaux Paris Est, Thiais, France.
| | | | - Matar Seck
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et Thérapeutique, Faculté de Médecine, de Pharmacie et d'Odontologie de l'Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, BP 5005 Dakar-Fann, Sénégal.
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Koirala M, Cristine Goncalves Dos Santos K, Gélinas SE, Ricard S, Karimzadegan V, Lamichhane B, Sameera Liyanage N, Merindol N, Desgagné-Penix I. Auxin and light-mediated regulation of growth, morphogenesis, and alkaloid biosynthesis in Crinum x powellii 'Album' callus. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2023; 216:113883. [PMID: 37820888 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Crinum x powellii 'Album' belongs to the Amaryllidaceae medicinal plant family that produces a range of structurally diverse alkaloids with potential therapeutic properties. The optimal conditions for in vitro tissue growth, morphogenesis, and alkaloid biosynthesis remain unclear. Auxin and light play critical roles in regulating plant growth, development, and alkaloid biosynthesis in several Amaryllidaceae plants. Here, we have succeeded in showing, for the first time, that the combination of auxin and light significantly influence C. x powellii "Album" in vitro tissue growth, survival, and morphogenesis compared to individual treatments. Furthermore, this combination also upregulates the expression of alkaloid biosynthetic genes and led to an increase in the content of certain alkaloids, suggesting a positive impact on the defense and therapeutic potential of the calli. Our findings provide insights into the regulation of genes involved in alkaloid biosynthesis in C. x powellii "Album" callus and underline the potential of auxin and light as tools for enhancing their production in plants. This study provides a foundation for further exploration of C. x powellii "Album" calli as a sustainable source of bioactive alkaloids for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. Furthermore, this study paves the way to the discovery of the biosynthetic pathway of specialized metabolites from C. x powellii "Album", such as cherylline and lycorine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Koirala
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | | | - Sarah-Eve Gélinas
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Simon Ricard
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Vahid Karimzadegan
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Basanta Lamichhane
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Nuwan Sameera Liyanage
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Natacha Merindol
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Isabel Desgagné-Penix
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada; Plant Biology Research Group, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada.
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5
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More DA, Ghotekar GS, Muthukrishnan M. BF 3 ⋅Et 2 O-Catalyzed Selective C-4 Alkylation of Isoquinolin-1(2H)-ones Employing p-Quinone Methides. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202300546. [PMID: 37449661 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202300546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The direct C-4 alkylation of isoquinolin-1(2H)-one moiety is a challenging transformation in organic synthesis. Here we present a practical and efficient synthesis of C-4 alkylated isoquinolin-1(2H)-ones through conjugate addition of isoquinolin-1(2H)-ones to p-quinone methides for the first time. The process is facilitated by Lewis acid catalysis and this operationally straightforward, mild, metal-free and one-pot transformation provides a wide range of C-4 alkylated isoquinolin-1(2H)-ones at ambient temperature in good to excellent yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devidas A More
- Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411 008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Ganesh S Ghotekar
- Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411 008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - M Muthukrishnan
- Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411 008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
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6
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Majhi BB, Gélinas SE, Mérindol N, Ricard S, Desgagné-Penix I. Characterization of norbelladine synthase and noroxomaritidine/norcraugsodine reductase reveals a novel catalytic route for the biosynthesis of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids including the Alzheimer's drug galanthamine. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1231809. [PMID: 37711303 PMCID: PMC10499049 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1231809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) are a large group of plant specialized metabolites with diverse pharmacological properties. Norbelladine is the entry compound in AAs biosynthesis and is produced from the condensation of tyramine and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (3,4-DHBA). There are two reported enzymes capable of catalyzing this reaction in-vitro, both with low yield. The first one, norbelladine synthase (NBS), was shown to condense tyramine and 3,4-DHBA, while noroxomaritidine/norcraugsodine reductase (NR), catalyzes a reduction reaction to produce norbelladine. To clarify the mechanisms involved in this controversial step, both NBS and NR homologs were identified from the transcriptome of Narcissus papyraceus and Leucojum aestivum, cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Enzymatic assays performed with tyramine and 3,4-DHBA with each enzyme separately or combined, suggested that NBS and NR function together for the condensation of tyramine and 3,4-DHBA into norcraugsodine and further reduction into norbelladine. Using molecular homology modeling and docking studies, we predicted models for the binding of tyramine and 3,4-DHBA to NBS, and of the intermediate norcraugsodine to NR. Moreover, we show that NBS and NR physically interact in yeast and in-planta, that both localize to the cytoplasm and nucleus and are expressed at high levels in bulbs, confirming their colocalization and co-expression thus their ability to work together in the same catalytic route. Finally, their co-expression in yeast led to the production of norbelladine. In all, our study establishes that both NBS and NR participate in the biosynthesis of norbelladine by catalyzing the first key steps associated in the biosynthesis of the Alzheimer's drug galanthamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Bhusan Majhi
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah-Eve Gélinas
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Natacha Mérindol
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Simon Ricard
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Isabel Desgagné-Penix
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, QC, Canada
- Plant Biology Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, QC, Canada
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7
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Pereira RS, Santos FCP, Campana PRV, Costa VV, de Pádua RM, Souza DG, Teixeira MM, Braga FC. Natural Products and Derivatives as Potential Zika virus Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051211. [PMID: 37243296 DOI: 10.3390/v15051211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus whose infection in humans can lead to severe outcomes. This article reviews studies reporting the anti-ZIKV activity of natural products (NPs) and derivatives published from 1997 to 2022, which were carried out with NPs obtained from plants (82.4%) or semisynthetic/synthetic derivatives, fungi (3.1%), bacteria (7.6%), animals (1.2%) and marine organisms (1.9%) along with miscellaneous compounds (3.8%). Classes of NPs reported to present anti-ZIKV activity include polyphenols, triterpenes, alkaloids, and steroids, among others. The highest values of the selectivity index, the ratio between cytotoxicity and antiviral activity (SI = CC50/EC50), were reported for epigallocatechin gallate (SI ≥ 25,000) and anisomycin (SI ≥ 11,900) obtained from Streptomyces bacteria, dolastane (SI = 1246) isolated from the marine seaweed Canistrocarpus cervicorni, and the flavonol myricetin (SI ≥ 862). NPs mostly act at the stages of viral adsorption and internalization in addition to presenting virucidal effect. The data demonstrate the potential of NPs for developing new anti-ZIKV agents and highlight the lack of studies addressing their molecular mechanisms of action and pre-clinical studies of efficacy and safety in animal models. To the best of our knowledge, none of the active compounds has been submitted to clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosângela Santos Pereira
- Department of Pharmaceutical Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Françoise Camila Pereira Santos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Vivian Vasconcelos Costa
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Maia de Pádua
- Department of Pharmaceutical Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Daniele G Souza
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernão Castro Braga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
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Mehta N, Meng Y, Zare R, Kamenetsky-Goldstein R, Sattely E. A developmental gradient reveals biosynthetic pathways to eukaryotic toxins in monocot geophytes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.12.540595. [PMID: 37214939 PMCID: PMC10197729 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.12.540595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Numerous eukaryotic toxins that accumulate in geophytic plants are valuable in the clinic, yet their biosynthetic pathways have remained elusive. A lead example is the >150 Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AmAs) including galantamine, an FDA-approved treatment for Alzheimer's disease. We show that while AmAs accumulate to high levels in many tissues in daffodils, biosynthesis is localized to nascent, growing tissue at the base of leaves. A similar trend is found for the production of steroidal alkaloids (e.g. cyclopamine) in corn lily. This model of active biosynthesis enabled elucidation of a complete set of biosynthetic genes for the production of AmAs. Taken together, our work sheds light on the developmental and enzymatic logic of diverse alkaloid biosynthesis in daffodil. More broadly, it suggests a paradigm for biosynthesis regulation in monocot geophytes where plants are protected from herbivory through active charging of newly formed cells with eukaryotic toxins that persist as aboveground tissue develops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj Mehta
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yifan Meng
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Richard Zare
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Sattely
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- HHMI, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
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9
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Nair JJ, van Staden J. Antiviral Effects of the Plant Family Amaryllidaceae. Nat Prod Commun 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x231162781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In spite of the significant progress in modern medicine, viruses continue to be a formidable challenge to human health. The use of plants for the remediation of viral-borne diseases stretches back to the very dawn of mankind. Among bulbous plants, the Amaryllidaceae is one of the most popular families exploited in the traditional remediation of infectious diseases. Methods This account details the findings from a literature search carried out on the antiviral properties of the Amaryllidaceae. The keyword engaged in the search was “antiviral” in combination with the words “Amaryllidaceae,” “Amaryllidaceae specie,” and “Amaryllidaceae alkaloid.” Results Thirty-six taxa from 13 countries, notably in Africa and parts of Asia, have been cited as traditional remedies for viral diseases. Alcoholic bulb extracts of 18 species were evaluated against 23 different pathogens from 13 viral families. A wide range of activities was observed, with the whole-plant methanol extract of Zephyranthes candida seen to be the most striking (IC50 0.0019 µg/mL against poliovirus). The active principles in the main were isoquinoline alkaloids, of which lycorine impressed against the Avian influenza virus (strain H5N1). The mechanisms underlying the antiviral effects were seen to be related to the inhibition of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis as well as inhibitory effects toward reverse transcriptase and protease enzymes. Conclusion Amaryllidaceae provides a richly diverse platform for antiviral drug research. Such endeavors have been fortified by the significant amounts of information emerging from indigenous knowledge systems. Ongoing studies will continue to target the active entities, particularly from taxa with verifiable ethnomedicinal backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerald J Nair
- Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Scottsville, South Africa
| | - Johannes van Staden
- Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Scottsville, South Africa
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Sow AA, Pahmeier F, Ayotte Y, Anton A, Mazeaud C, Charpentier T, Angelo L, Woo S, Cerikan B, Falzarano D, Abrahamyan L, Lamarre A, Labonté P, Cortese M, Bartenschlager R, LaPlante SR, Chatel-Chaix L. N-Phenylpyridine-3-Carboxamide and 6-Acetyl-1H-Indazole Inhibit the RNA Replication Step of the Dengue Virus Life Cycle. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0133122. [PMID: 36700643 PMCID: PMC9933715 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01331-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is a Flavivirus that causes the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral disease. Clinical manifestation of DENV infection ranges from asymptomatic to severe symptoms that can lead to death. Unfortunately, no antiviral treatments against DENV are currently available. In order to identify novel DENV inhibitors, we screened a library of 1,604 chemically diversified fragment-based compounds using DENV reporter viruses that allowed quantification of viral replication in infected cells. Following a validation screening, the two best inhibitor candidates were N-phenylpyridine-3-carboxamide (NPP3C) and 6-acetyl-1H-indazole (6A1HI). The half maximal effective concentration of NPP3C and 6A1H1 against DENV were 7.1 μM and 6.5 μM, respectively. 6A1H1 decreased infectious DENV particle production up to 1,000-fold without any cytotoxicity at the used concentrations. While 6A1HI was DENV-specific, NPP3C also inhibited the replication of other flaviviruses such as West Nile virus and Zika virus. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies with 151 analogues revealed key structural elements of NPP3C and 6A1HI required for their antiviral activity. Time-of-drug-addition experiments identified a postentry step as a target of these compounds. Consistently, using a DENV subgenomic replicon, we demonstrated that these compounds specifically impede the viral RNA replication step and exhibit a high genetic barrier-to-resistance. In contrast, viral RNA translation and the de novo biogenesis of DENV replication organelles were not affected. Overall, our data unveil NPP3C and 6A1H1 as novel DENV inhibitors. The information revealed by our SAR studies will help chemically optimize NPP3C and 6A1H1 in order to improve their anti-flaviviral potency and to challenge them in in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aïssatou Aïcha Sow
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Felix Pahmeier
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research (CIID), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yann Ayotte
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anaïs Anton
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Clément Mazeaud
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tania Charpentier
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Léna Angelo
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Simon Woo
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Berati Cerikan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research (CIID), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Darryl Falzarano
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Levon Abrahamyan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alain Lamarre
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Patrick Labonté
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mirko Cortese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research (CIID), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research (CIID), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg partner site, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steven R. LaPlante
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laurent Chatel-Chaix
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- Center of Excellence in Orphan Diseases Research-Foundation Courtois, Quebec, Canada
- Réseau Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec, Quebec, Canada
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Faisal S, Badshah SL, Kubra B, Emwas AH, Jaremko M. Alkaloids as potential antivirals. A comprehensive review. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2023; 13:4. [PMID: 36598588 PMCID: PMC9812014 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-022-00366-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Alkaloids are a diverse group of natural phytochemicals. These phytochemicals in plants provide them protection against pests, and herbivorous organisms and also control their development. Numerous of these alkaloids have a variety of biological effects, and some have even been developed into medications with different medicinal properties. This review aims to provide a broad overview of the numerous naturally occurring alkaloids (isolated from both terrestrial and aquatic species) along with synthetically produced alkaloid compounds having prominent antiviral properties. Previous reviews on this subject have focused on the biological actions of both natural and synthetic alkaloids, but they have not gone into comprehensive detail about their antiviral properties. We reviewed here several antiviral alkaloids that have been described in the literature in different investigational environments i.e. (in-vivo, in-ovo, in-vitro, and in-silico), and found that these alkaloid compounds have significant antiviral properties against several infectious viruses. These alkaloids repressed and targeted various important stages of viral infection at non-toxic doses while some of the alkaloids reported here also exhibited comparable inhibitory activities to commercially used drugs. Overall, these anti-viral effects of alkaloids point to a high degree of specificity, implying that they could serve as effective and safe antiviral medicines if further pursued in medicinal and pharmacological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Faisal
- Department of Chemistry, Islamia College University Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan
| | - Syed Lal Badshah
- Department of Chemistry, Islamia College University Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan.
| | - Bibi Kubra
- Department of Chemistry, Islamia College University Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan
| | - Abdul-Hamid Emwas
- Core Labs, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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12
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Nair JJ, van Staden J. Antiviral alkaloid principles of the plant family Amaryllidaceae. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154480. [PMID: 36240608 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral-borne diseases are amongst the oldest diseases known to mankind. They are responsible for some of the most ravaging effects wrought on human health and well-being. The use of plants against these ailments is entrenched in both traditional and secular medicine around the globe. Their natural abundance and chemical diversity have also boosted their appeal in drug discovery. AIM The plant family Amaryllidaceae is distinguished for its alkaloid principles, some of which are of considerable interest in the clinical arena. This account is the outcome of a literature review undertaken to establish the applicability of these substances as antiviral agents. METHODS The survey utilized the search engines Google Scholar, PubMed, SciFinder, Scopus and Web of Science engaging the word 'antiviral' in conjunction with 'Amaryllidaceae' and 'Amaryllidaceae alkaloid'. The search returned over five hundred hits, of which around eighty were of relevance to the theme of the text. RESULTS Over eighty isoquinoline alkaloids have been screened against nearly fifty pathogens from fourteen viral families, the majority of which were RNA viruses. Potent activities were reported in some instances, such as that of trans-dihydronarciclasine against Yellow fever virus (IC50 0.003 μg/ml), with minimal effects being manifested on host cells. There were also promising results obtained from in vivo studies, in most cases without lethal effects on test subjects. Structure-activity relationship studies afforded useful insight to the antiviral pharmacophore, with the phenanthridone alkaloid nucleus shown to be the most enabling. Although the mechanistic basis to these activities pertained mostly to inhibition of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, evidence was also forthcoming about the inhibitory action of some of the alkaloids against viral neuraminidase, protease and reverse transcriptase. In silico methods of analysis have offered further perspectives of how some of the alkaloids interact at the active sites of their targets. CONCLUSION The Amaryllidaceae offers a viable platform for plant-based antiviral drug discovery. Its cause is strengthened not only by its wide proliferation and exploitation of its members in alternative forms of medicine, but also by its rich chemical diversity which has already spawned useful antiviral drug leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerald J Nair
- Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa
| | - Johannes van Staden
- Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa.
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13
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Bioactivity and In Silico Studies of Isoquinoline and Related Alkaloids as Promising Antiviral Agents: An Insight. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010017. [PMID: 36671402 PMCID: PMC9856122 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are widely recognized as the primary cause of infectious diseases around the world. The ongoing global pandemic due to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 further added fuel to the fire. The development of therapeutics becomes very difficult as viruses can mutate their genome to become more complex and resistant. Medicinal plants and phytocompounds could be alternative options. Isoquinoline and their related alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds that interfere with multiple pathways including nuclear factor-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase, and inhibition of Ca2+-mediated fusion. These pathways play a crucial role in viral replication. Thus, the major goal of this study is to comprehend the function of various isoquinoline and related alkaloids in viral infections by examining their potential mechanisms of action, structure-activity relationships (SAR), in silico (particularly for SARS-CoV-2), in vitro and in vivo studies. The current advancements in isoquinoline and related alkaloids as discussed in the present review could facilitate an in-depth understanding of their role in the drug discovery process.
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14
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Di Lecce R, Mérindol N, Pérez MG, Karimzadegan V, Berthoux L, Boari A, Zidorn C, Vurro M, Surico G, Desgagné-Penix I, Evidente A. Biochemical Analyses of Bioactive Extracts from Plants Native to Lampedusa, Sicily Minor Island. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3447. [PMID: 36559555 PMCID: PMC9788634 DOI: 10.3390/plants11243447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Major threats to the human lifespan include cancer, infectious diseases, diabetes, mental degenerative conditions and also reduced agricultural productivity due to climate changes, together with new and more devastating plant diseases. From all of this, the need arises to find new biopesticides and new medicines. Plants and microorganisms are the most important sources for isolating new metabolites. Lampedusa Island host a rich contingent of endemic species and subspecies. Seven plant species spontaneously growing in Lampedusa, i.e., Atriplex halimus L. (Ap), Daucus lopadusanus Tineo (Dl), Echinops spinosus Fiori (Es) Glaucium flavum Crantz (Gf) Hypericum aegypticum L: (Ha), Periploca angustifolia Labill (Pa), and Prasium majus L. (Pm) were collected, assessed for their metabolite content, and evaluated for potential applications in agriculture and medicine. The HPLC-MS analysis of n-hexane (HE) and CH2Cl2 (MC) extracts and the residual aqueous phases (WR) showed the presence of several metabolites in both organic extracts. Crude HE and MC extracts from Dl and He significantly inhibited butyrylcholinesterase, as did WR from the extraction of Dl and Pa. HE and MC extracts showed a significant toxicity towards hepatocarcinoma Huh7, while Dl, Ha and Er HE extracts were the most potently cytotoxic to ileocecal colorectal adenocarcinoma HCT-8 cell lines. Most extracts showed antiviral activity. At the lowest concentration tested (1.56 μg/mL), Dl, Gf and Ap MC extracts inhibited betacoronavirus HCoV-OC43 infection by> 2 fold, while the n-hexane extract of Pm was the most potent. In addition, at 1.56 μg/mL, potent inhibition (>10 fold) of dengue virus was detected for Dl, Er, and Pm HE extracts, while Pa and Ap MC extracts dampened infections to undetectable levels. Regarding to phytotoxicity, MC extracts from Er, Ap and Pm were more effective in inhibiting tomato rootlet elongation; the same first two extracts also inhibited seed cress germination while its radicle elongation, due to high sensitivity, was affected by all the extracts. Es and Gf MC extracts also inhibited seed germination of Phelipanche ramosa. Thus, we have uncovered that many of these Lampedusa plants displayed promising biopesticide, antiviral, and biological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Di Lecce
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Natacha Mérindol
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
| | - Mayra Galarza Pérez
- Pharmazeutisches Institut, Abteilung Pharmazeutische Biologie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Gutenbergstraße 76, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Vahid Karimzadegan
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
| | - Lionel Berthoux
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
| | - Angela Boari
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Via Amendola 122/O, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Christian Zidorn
- Pharmazeutisches Institut, Abteilung Pharmazeutische Biologie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Gutenbergstraße 76, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Maurizio Vurro
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Via Amendola 122/O, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Surico
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment, and Forestry (DAGRI), Section of Agricultural Microbiology, Plant Pathology and Enthomology, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Isabel Desgagné-Penix
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
| | - Antonio Evidente
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Via Amendola 122/O, 70125 Bari, Italy
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15
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Yang C, Xie W, Zhang H, Xie W, Tian T, Qin Z. Recent two-year advances in anti-dengue small-molecule inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114753. [PMID: 36167010 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114753] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Dengue is an acute tropical infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes, which has posed a major challenge to global public health. Unfortunately, there is a lack of clinically proven dengue-specific drugs for its prevention and treatment. As the pathogenesis of dengue has not been fully elucidated, the development of specific drugs is seriously hindered. This article briefly describes the pathogenesis of dengue fever, the molecular characteristics, and epidemiology of dengue virus, and focuses on the potential small-molecule inhibitors of dengue virus, including on-target and multi-targeted inhibitors, which have been reported in the past two years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macao University of Science and Technology, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Wansheng Xie
- Hainan Center for Drug and Medical Device Evaluation and Service, Hainan Provincial Drug Administration, Haikou, Hainan, 570206, China
| | - Heqian Zhang
- Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519087, China
| | - Wenjian Xie
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
| | - Tiantian Tian
- Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519087, China.
| | - Zhiwei Qin
- Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519087, China.
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16
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Chemical Synthesis and Biological Activities of Amaryllidaceae Alkaloid Norbelladine Derivatives and Precursors. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175621. [PMID: 36080382 PMCID: PMC9457815 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) are a structurally diverse family of alkaloids recognized for their many therapeutic properties, such as antiviral, anti-cholinesterase, and anticancer properties. Norbelladine and its derivatives, whose biological properties are poorly studied, are key intermediates required for the biosynthesis of all ~650 reported AAs. To gain insight into their therapeutic potential, we synthesized a series of O-methylated norbelladine-type alkaloids and evaluated their cytotoxic effects on two types of cancer cell lines, their antiviral effects against the dengue virus (DENV) and the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1), and their anti-Alzheimer’s disease (anti-cholinesterase and -prolyl oligopeptidase) properties. In monocytic leukemia cells, norcraugsodine was highly cytotoxic (CC50 = 27.0 μM), while norbelladine was the most cytotoxic to hepatocarcinoma cells (CC50 = 72.6 μM). HIV-1 infection was impaired only at cytotoxic concentrations of the compounds. The 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (selectivity index (SI) = 7.2), 3′,4′-O-dimethylnorbelladine (SI = 4.8), 4′-O-methylnorbelladine (SI > 4.9), 3′-O-methylnorbelladine (SI > 4.5), and norcraugsodine (SI = 3.2) reduced the number of DENV-infected cells with EC50 values ranging from 24.1 to 44.9 μM. The O-methylation of norcraugsodine abolished its anti-DENV potential. Norbelladine and its O-methylated forms also displayed butyrylcholinesterase-inhibition properties (IC50 values ranging from 26.1 to 91.6 μM). Altogether, the results provided hints of the structure−activity relationship of norbelladine-type alkaloids, which is important knowledge for the development of new inhibitors of DENV and butyrylcholinesterase.
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17
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Muema JM, Bargul JL, Obonyo MA, Njeru SN, Matoke-Muhia D, Mutunga JM. Contemporary exploitation of natural products for arthropod-borne pathogen transmission-blocking interventions. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:298. [PMID: 36002857 PMCID: PMC9404607 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05367-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
An integrated approach to innovatively counter the transmission of various arthropod-borne diseases to humans would benefit from strategies that sustainably limit onward passage of infective life cycle stages of pathogens and parasites to the insect vectors and vice versa. Aiming to accelerate the impetus towards a disease-free world amid the challenges posed by climate change, discovery, mindful exploitation and integration of active natural products in design of pathogen transmission-blocking interventions is of high priority. Herein, we provide a review of natural compounds endowed with blockade potential against transmissible forms of human pathogens reported in the last 2 decades from 2000 to 2021. Finally, we propose various translational strategies that can exploit these pathogen transmission-blocking natural products into design of novel and sustainable disease control interventions. In summary, tapping these compounds will potentially aid in integrated combat mission to reduce disease transmission trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson M Muema
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O. Box 62000, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya.
| | - Joel L Bargul
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O. Box 62000, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya.,International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Meshack A Obonyo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, 20115, Kenya
| | - Sospeter N Njeru
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research (CTMDR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P.O. Box 54840, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya
| | - Damaris Matoke-Muhia
- Centre for Biotechnology Research Development (CBRD), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P.O. Box 54840, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya
| | - James M Mutunga
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mount Kenya University (MKU), P.O. Box 54, Thika, 01000, Kenya.,School of Engineering Design, Technology and Professional Programs, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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18
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The Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Tulbaghia, Allium, Crinum and Cyrtanthus: ‘Talented’ Taxa from the Amaryllidaceae. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144475. [PMID: 35889346 PMCID: PMC9316996 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amaryllidaceae is a significant source of bioactive phytochemicals with a strong propensity to develop new drugs. The genera Allium, Tulbaghia, Cyrtanthus and Crinum biosynthesize novel alkaloids and other phytochemicals with traditional and pharmacological uses. Amaryllidaceae biomolecules exhibit multiple pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects. Traditionally, natural products from Amaryllidaceae are utilized to treat non-communicable and infectious human diseases. Galanthamine, a drug from this family, is clinically relevant in treating the neurocognitive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, which underscores the importance of the Amaryllidaceae alkaloids. Although Amaryllidaceae provide a plethora of biologically active compounds, there is tardiness in their development into clinically pliable medicines. Other genera, including Cyrtanthus and Tulbaghia, have received little attention as potential sources of promising drug candidates. Given the reciprocal relationship of the increasing burden of human diseases and limited availability of medicinal therapies, more rapid drug discovery and development are desirable. To expedite clinically relevant drug development, we present here evidence on bioactive compounds from the genera Allium, Tulgbaghia, Cyrtanthus and Crinum and describe their traditional and pharmacological applications.
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19
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Biotechnological Approaches to Optimize the Production of Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070893. [PMID: 35883449 PMCID: PMC9313318 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) are plant specialized metabolites with therapeutic properties exclusively produced by the Amaryllidaceae plant family. The two most studied representatives of the family are galanthamine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used as a treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, and lycorine, displaying potent in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic and antiviral properties. Unfortunately, the variable level of AAs’ production in planta restricts most of the pharmaceutical applications. Several biotechnological alternatives, such as in vitro culture or synthetic biology, are being developed to enhance the production and fulfil the increasing demand for these AAs plant-derived drugs. In this review, current biotechnological approaches to produce different types of bioactive AAs are discussed.
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20
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Masi M, Di Lecce R, Mérindol N, Girard MP, Berthoux L, Desgagné-Penix I, Calabrò V, Evidente A. Cytotoxicity and Antiviral Properties of Alkaloids Isolated from Pancratium maritimum. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14040262. [PMID: 35448871 PMCID: PMC9029599 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14040262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ten Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) were isolated for the first time from Pancratium maritimum collected in Calabria region, Italy. They belong to different subgroups of this family and were identified as lycorine, which is the main alkaloid, 9-O-demethyllycorine, haemanthidine, haemanthamine, 11-hydroxyvittatine, homolycorine, pancracine, obliquine, tazettine and vittatine. Haemanthidine was isolated as a scalar mixture of two 6-epimers, as already known also for other 6-hydroxycrinine alkaloids, but for the first time they were separated as 6,11-O,O′-di-p-bromobenzoyl esters. The evaluation of the cytotoxic and antiviral potentials of all isolated compounds was undertaken. Lycorine and haemanthidine showed cytotoxic activity on Hacat cells and A431 and AGS cancer cells while, pancracine exhibited selective cytotoxicity against A431 cells. We uncovered that in addition to lycorine and haemanthidine, haemanthamine and pancracine also possess antiretroviral abilities, inhibiting pseudotyped human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)−1 with EC50 of 25.3 µM and 18.5 µM respectively. Strikingly, all the AAs isolated from P. maritimum were able to impede dengue virus (DENV) replication (EC50 ranged from 0.34−73.59 µM) at low to non-cytotoxic concentrations (CC50 ranged from 6.25 µM to >100 µM). Haemanthamine (EC50 = 337 nM), pancracine (EC50 = 357 nM) and haemanthidine (EC50 = 476 nM) were the most potent anti-DENV inhibitors. Thus, this study uncovered new antiviral properties of P. maritimum isolated alkaloids, a significant finding that could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies to fight viral infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Masi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (M.M.); (R.D.L.)
| | - Roberta Di Lecce
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (M.M.); (R.D.L.)
| | - Natacha Mérindol
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada; (N.M.); (M.-P.G.); (I.D.-P.)
| | - Marie-Pierre Girard
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada; (N.M.); (M.-P.G.); (I.D.-P.)
| | - Lionel Berthoux
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada;
| | - Isabel Desgagné-Penix
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada; (N.M.); (M.-P.G.); (I.D.-P.)
- Groupe de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
| | - Viola Calabrò
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Antonio Evidente
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (M.M.); (R.D.L.)
- Correspondence:
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21
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Biological Investigation of Amaryllidaceae Alkaloid Extracts from the Bulbs of Pancratium trianthum Collected in the Senegalese Flora. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237382. [PMID: 34885964 PMCID: PMC8659059 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237382] [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: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Amaryllidaceae plants are rich in alkaloids with biological properties. Pancratium trianthum is an Amaryllidaceae species widely used in African folk medicine to treat several diseases such as central nervous system disorders, tumors, and microbial infections, and it is used to heal wounds. The current investigation explored the biological properties of alkaloid extracts from bulbs of P. trianthum collected in the Senegalese flora. Alkaloid extracts were analyzed and identified by chromatography and mass spectrometry. Alkaloid extracts from P. trianthum displayed pleiotropic biological properties. Cytotoxic activity of the extracts was determined on hepatocarcinoma Huh7 cells and on acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells, while agar diffusion and microdilution assays were used to evaluate antibacterial activity. Antiviral activity was measured by infection of extract-treated cells with dengue virus (DENVGFP) and human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1GFP) reporter vectors. Cytotoxicity and viral inhibition were the most striking of P. trianthum’s extract activities. Importantly, non-cytotoxic concentrations were highly effective in completely preventing DENVGFP replication and in reducing pseudotyped HIV-1GFP infection levels. Our results show that P. trianthum is a rich source of molecules for the potential discovery of new treatments against various diseases. Herein, we provide scientific evidence to rationalize the traditional uses of P. trianthum for wound treatment as an anti-dermatosis and antiseptic agent.
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Masi M, Koirala M, Delicato A, Di Lecce R, Merindol N, Ka S, Seck M, Tuzi A, Desgagne-Penix I, Calabrò V, Evidente A. Isolation and Biological Characterization of Homoisoflavanoids and the Alkylamide N- p-Coumaroyltyramine from Crinum biflorum Rottb., an Amaryllidaceae Species Collected in Senegal. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1298. [PMID: 34572511 PMCID: PMC8466962 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Crinum biflorum Rottb. (syn. Crinum distichum) is an Amaryllidaceae plant used in African traditional medicine but very few studies have been performed on this species from a chemical and applicative point of view. Bulbs of C. biflorum, collected in Senegal, were extracted with ethanol by Soxhlet and the corresponding organic extract was purified using chromatographic methods. The pure compounds were chemically characterized by spectroscopic techniques (1D and 2D 1H and 13C NMR, HR MS and ECD) and X-ray analysis. Four homoisoflavonoids (1-4) and one alkylamide (5) were isolated and characterized as 5,6,7-trimethoxy-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)chroman-4-one (1), as 3-hydroxy-5,6,7-trimethoxy-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)chroman-4-one (2), as 3-hydroxy-5,6,7-trimethoxy-3-(4-methoxybenzyl)chroman-4-one (3) and as 5,6,7-trimethoxy-3-(4-methoxybenzyl)chroman-4-one (4), and the alkylamide as (E)-N-(4-hydroxyphenethyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acrylamide (5), commonly named N-p-coumaroyltyramine. The relative configuration of compound 1 was verified thanks to the X-ray analysis which also allowed us to confirm its racemic nature. The absolute configurations of compounds 2 and 3 were assigned by comparing their ECD spectra with those previously reported for urgineanins A and B. Flavanoids 1, 3 and 4 showed promising anticancer properties being cytotoxic at low micromolar concentrations towards HeLa and A431 human cancer cell lines. The N-p-coumaroyltyramine (5) was selectively toxic to A431 and HeLa cancer cells while it protected immortalized HaCaT cells against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. Compounds 1-4 also inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity with compound 3 being the most potent. The anti-amylase and the strong anti-glucosidase activity of compound 5 were confirmed. Our results show that C. biflorum produces compounds of therapeutic interest with anti-diabetic, anti-tumoral and anti-acetylcholinesterase properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Masi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Universita’ di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (R.D.L.); (A.T.); (A.E.)
| | - Manoj Koirala
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351, Boul. des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada; (M.K.); (N.M.); (S.K.); (I.D.-P.)
| | - Antonella Delicato
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Universita’ di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Roberta Di Lecce
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Universita’ di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (R.D.L.); (A.T.); (A.E.)
| | - Natacha Merindol
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351, Boul. des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada; (M.K.); (N.M.); (S.K.); (I.D.-P.)
| | - Seydou Ka
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351, Boul. des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada; (M.K.); (N.M.); (S.K.); (I.D.-P.)
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et Chimie Thérapeutique, Faculté de Médecine, de Pharmacie et d’Odontologie de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal;
| | - Matar Seck
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et Chimie Thérapeutique, Faculté de Médecine, de Pharmacie et d’Odontologie de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal;
| | - Angela Tuzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Universita’ di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (R.D.L.); (A.T.); (A.E.)
| | - Isabel Desgagne-Penix
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351, Boul. des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada; (M.K.); (N.M.); (S.K.); (I.D.-P.)
| | - Viola Calabrò
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Universita’ di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Antonio Evidente
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Universita’ di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (R.D.L.); (A.T.); (A.E.)
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