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Zoltner M, Horn D, Field MC. Pass the boron: benzoxaboroles as antiparasite drugs. Trends Parasitol 2024:S1471-4922(24)00179-X. [PMID: 39107181 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.07.003] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
The development of new drug modalities has been facilitated recently by the introduction of boron as a component of organic compounds, and specifically within a benzoxaborale scaffold. This has enabled exploration of new chemical space and the development of effective compounds targeting a broad range of morbidities, including infections by protozoa, fungi, worms, and bacteria. Most notable is the recent demonstration of a single oral dose cure using acoziborole against African trypanosomiasis. Common and species-/structure-specific interactions between benzoxaboroles and parasite species have emerged and provide vital insights into the mechanisms of cidality, as well as potential challenges in terms of resistance and/or side effects. Here, we discuss the literature specific to benzoxaborole studies in parasitic protists and consider unanswered questions concerning this important new drug class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Zoltner
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - David Horn
- Biological Chemistry & Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Mark C Field
- Biological Chemistry & Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK; Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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2
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Waldron-Young E, Wijitrmektong W, Choi R, Whitman GR, Hulverson MA, Charania R, Keelaghan A, Li L, Srinual S, Nikhar S, McNamara CW, Love MS, Huerta L, Bakowski MA, Hu M, Van Voorhis WC, Mead JR, Cuny GD. Pyridopyrimidinones as a new chemotype of calcium dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1) inhibitors for Cryptosporidium. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2024; 260:111637. [PMID: 38901801 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2024.111637] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The protozoan protein kinase calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. A focused screen of known kinase inhibitors identified a pyridopyrimidinone as a new chemotype of Cryptosporidium parvum (Cp) CDPK1 inhibitors. Structural comparison of CpCDPK1 to two representative human kinases, RIPK2 and Src, revealed differences in the positioning of the αC-helix that was used in the design of a potent pyridopyrimidinone-based CpCDPK1 inhibitor 7 (a.k.a. UH15-16, IC50 = 10 nM), which blocked the growth of three C. parvum strains (EC50 = 12-40 nM) as well as C. hominis (EC50 = 85 nM) in HCT-8 host cells. Pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution analyses indicated that 7 had low systemic exposure after oral administration, but high gastrointestinal concentration, as well as good Caco-2 cell permeability. Finally, 7 demonstrated partial efficacy in an IL-12 knock-out mouse model of acute cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Waldron-Young
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Wissarut Wijitrmektong
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Ryan Choi
- Department of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
| | - Grant R Whitman
- Department of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
| | - Matthew A Hulverson
- Department of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
| | - Raheela Charania
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University and Children's Healthcare Organization of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States; Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, United States
| | - Aidan Keelaghan
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University and Children's Healthcare Organization of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States; Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, United States
| | - Li Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Songpol Srinual
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Sameer Nikhar
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Case W McNamara
- Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines, A division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Melissa S Love
- Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines, A division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Lauren Huerta
- Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines, A division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Malina A Bakowski
- Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines, A division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Ming Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Wesley C Van Voorhis
- Department of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
| | - Jan R Mead
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University and Children's Healthcare Organization of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States; Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, United States
| | - Gregory D Cuny
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States.
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3
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Zhao G, Dong H, Dai L, Xie H, Sun H, Zhang J, Wang Q, Xu C, Yin K. Proteomics analysis of Toxoplasma gondii merozoites reveals regulatory proteins involved in sexual reproduction. Microb Pathog 2024; 186:106484. [PMID: 38052278 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106484] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction plays a crucial role in the transmission and life cycle of toxoplasmosis. The merozoites are the only developmental stage capable of differentiation into male and female gametes, thereby initiating sexual reproduction to form oocysts that are excreted into the environment. Hence, our study aimed to perform proteomic analyses of T. gondii Pru strain merozoites, a pre-sexual developmental stage in cat IECs, and tachyzoites, an asexual developmental stage, using the tandem mass tag (TMT) method in order to identify the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of merozoites. Proteins functions were subjected to cluster analysis, and DEPs were validated through the qPCR method. The results showed that a total of 106 proteins were identified, out of which 85 proteins had quantitative data. Among these, 15 proteins were differentially expressed within merozoites, with four exhibiting up-regulation and being closely associated with the material and energy metabolism as well as the cell division of T. gondii. Two novel DEPs, namely S8GHL5 and A0A125YP41, were identified, and their homologous family members have been demonstrated to play regulatory roles in oocyte maturation and spermatogenesis in other species. Therefore, they may potentially exhibit regulatory functions during the differentiation of micro- and macro-gametophytes at the initiation stage of sexual reproduction in T. gondii. In conclusion, our results showed that the metabolic and divisional activities in the merozoites surpass those in the tachyzoites, thereby providing structural, material, and energetic support for gametophytes development. The discovery of two novel DEPs associated with sexual reproduction represents a significant advancement in understanding Toxoplasma sexual reproduction initiation and oocyst formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Zhao
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Hongjie Dong
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Lisha Dai
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Huanhuan Xie
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Hang Sun
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Junmei Zhang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Qi Wang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Chao Xu
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Kun Yin
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
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Swale C, Hakimi MA. 3'-end mRNA processing within apicomplexan parasites, a patchwork of classic, and unexpected players. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1783. [PMID: 36994829 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1783] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The 3'-end processing of mRNA is a co-transcriptional process that leads to the formation of a poly-adenosine tail on the mRNA and directly controls termination of the RNA polymerase II juggernaut. This process involves a megadalton complex composed of cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factors (CPSFs) that are able to recognize cis-sequence elements on nascent mRNA to then carry out cleavage and polyadenylation reactions. Recent structural and biochemical studies have defined the roles played by different subunits of the complex and provided a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of this machinery in yeast or metazoans. More recently, the discovery of small molecule inhibitors of CPSF function in Apicomplexa has stimulated interest in studying the specificities of this ancient eukaryotic machinery in these organisms. Although its function is conserved in Apicomplexa, the CPSF complex integrates a novel reader of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A). This feature, inherited from the plant kingdom, bridges m6A metabolism directly to 3'-end processing and by extension, to transcription termination. In this review, we will examine convergence and divergence of CPSF within the apicomplexan parasites and explore the potential of small molecule inhibition of this machinery within these organisms. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > 3' End Processing RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Swale
- Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Mohamed-Ali Hakimi
- Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
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5
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Hanna JC, Corpas-Lopez V, Seizova S, Colon BL, Bacchetti R, Hall GMJ, Sands EM, Robinson L, Baragaña B, Wyllie S, Pawlowic MC. Mode of action studies confirm on-target engagement of lysyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitor and lead to new selection marker for Cryptosporidium. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1236814. [PMID: 37600947 PMCID: PMC10436570 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1236814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cryptosporidiosis is a leading cause of diarrheal-associated morbidity and mortality, predominantly affecting children under 5 years old in low-and-middle-income countries. There is no effective treatment and no vaccine. New therapeutics are emerging from drug discovery efforts. It is critical that mode of action studies are performed alongside drug discovery to ensure the best clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, technology to identify and validate drug targets for Cryptosporidium is severely lacking. Methods We used C. parvum lysyl-tRNA synthetase (CpKRS) and DDD01510706 as a target-compound pair to develop both chemical and genetic tools for mode of action studies for Cryptosporidium. We adapted thermal proteome profiling (TPP) for Cryptosporidium, an unbiased approach for target identification. Results Using TPP we identified the molecular target of DDD01510706 and confirm that it is CpKRS. Genetic tools confirm that CpKRS is expressed throughout the life cycle and that this target is essential for parasite survival. Parasites genetically modified to over-express CpKRS or parasites with a mutation at the compound-binding site are resistant to treatment with DDD01510706. We leveraged these mutations to generate a second drug selection marker for genetic modification of Cryptosporidium, KRSR. This second selection marker is interchangeable with the original selection marker, NeoR, and expands the range of reverse genetic approaches available to study parasite biology. Due to the sexual nature of the Cryptosporidium life cycle, parental strains containing different drug selection markers can be crossed in vivo. Discussion Selection with both drug markers produces highly efficient genetic crosses (>99% hybrid progeny), paving the way for forward genetics approaches in Cryptosporidium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack C. Hanna
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Victor Corpas-Lopez
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Simona Seizova
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Beatrice L. Colon
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Ross Bacchetti
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Grant M. J. Hall
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Emma M. Sands
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Robinson
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Beatriz Baragaña
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Wyllie
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Mattie C. Pawlowic
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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Lee S, Love MS, Modukuri R, Chatterjee AK, Huerta L, Lawson AP, McNamara CW, Mead JR, Hedstrom L, Cuny GD. Structure-activity relationship of BMS906024 derivatives for Cryptosporidium parvum growth inhibition. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 90:129328. [PMID: 37196868 PMCID: PMC10290938 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BMS906024, a γ-secretase inhibitor that blocks Notch signaling, was previously shown to inhibit Cryptosporidium parvum growth in vitro. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of BMS906024 reported herein demonstrates the importance of the stereochemistry of the C-3 benzodiazepine and the succinyl β-substituent. However, concomitant removal of the succinyl α-substituent and switching the primary amide with secondary amides was tolerated. For example, 32 (SH287) inhibited C. parvum growth in HCT-8 host cells with an EC50 = 6.4 nM and an EC90 = 16 nM; however, blocking C. parvum growth with BMS906024 derivatives was correlative with inhibition of Notch signaling, highlighting that additional SAR analysis will be needed to separate these two activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungheon Lee
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Health Building 2, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Melissa S Love
- Calibr, a Division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Ramkumar Modukuri
- Calibr, a Division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Arnab K Chatterjee
- Calibr, a Division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Lauren Huerta
- Calibr, a Division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Ann P Lawson
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, 415 South St., Waltham, MA 02454, USA
| | - Case W McNamara
- Calibr, a Division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jan R Mead
- Atlanta VA Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Lizbeth Hedstrom
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, 415 South St., Waltham, MA 02454, USA; Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South St., Waltham, MA 02454, USA
| | - Gregory D Cuny
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Health Building 2, Houston, TX 77204, USA.
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Huang DC, He Z, Guo D, Deng F, Bian Q, Zhang H, Ali AS, Zhang MZ, Zhang WH, Gu YC. Discovery of Novel Benzoxaborole-Containing Streptochlorin Derivatives as Potential Antifungal Agents. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:6226-6235. [PMID: 37053087 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Streptochlorin is a kind of indole alkaloid derived from marine microorganisms. It is a promising lead compound due to its potent bioactivity in preventing many phytopathogens, as shown in our previous study. To explore the potential applications of this natural product, a series of novel benzoxaborole-containing streptochlorin derivatives were designed and synthesized through a one-step and catalyst-free reaction in water at room temperature. All target compounds were first screened for their antifungal profiles in vitro against six common phytopathogenic fungi. The results of bioassay revealed that most of the designed compounds exhibited more significant antifungal activities against Botrytis cinrea, Gibberella zeae, Rhizoctorzia solani, Colletotrichum lagenarium, and alternaria leaf spot under the concentration of 50 μg/mL, and this is highlighted by compounds 4i and 5f, which demonstrated impressive antifungal effects against G. zeae and R. solani, with their corresponding EC50 values 0.2983 and 0.2657 μg/mL, which are obviously better than positive control flutriafol and boscalid (5.2606 and 1.2048 μg/mL, respectively). Scanning electron microscopy on the hyphae morphology showed that compound 5b might cause mycelial abnormalities of G. zeae. 3D-QSAR studies of CoMFA and CoMSIA were carried out on 29 target compounds with antifungal activity against B. cinrea. The analysis results indicated that introducing appropriate electronegative groups at the 5-position of benzoxaborole and the 4,5-positions of the indole ring could effectively improve the anti-B. cinrea activity. Moreover, compound 5b showed good antifungal activities in vivo against Phytophthora capsici. Molecular docking was further explored to ascertain the practical value of the active compound as a potential inhibitor of LeuRS. The abovementioned results indicate that the designed benzoxaborole-containing streptochlorin derivatives could be further studied as template molecules of novel antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai-Chuan Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pesticide Science, College of Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhuo He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pesticide Science, College of Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Dale Guo
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Fang Deng
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Qiang Bian
- National Pesticide Engineering Research Center (Tianjin), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Abdallah S Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Ming-Zhi Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pesticide Science, College of Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Wei-Hua Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pesticide Science, College of Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yu-Cheng Gu
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 6EY, U.K
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The 4-Aminomethylphenoxy-Benzoxaborole AN3057 as a Potential Treatment Option for Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0150622. [PMID: 36688657 PMCID: PMC9933681 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01506-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare but fatal central nervous system (CNS) disease caused by the "brain-eating amoeba" Naegleria fowleri. A major obstacle is the requirement for drugs with the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, which are used in extremely high doses, cause severe side effects, and are usually ineffective. We discovered that the 4-aminomethylphenoxy-benzoxaborole AN3057 exhibits nanomolar potency against N. fowleri, and experimental treatment of infected mice significantly prolonged survival and demonstrated a 28% relapse-free cure rate.
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9
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Hoffmann G, Le Gorrec M, Mestdach E, Cusack S, Salmon L, Jensen MR, Palencia A. Adenosine-Dependent Activation Mechanism of Prodrugs Targeting an Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:800-810. [PMID: 36599057 PMCID: PMC9853866 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c04808] [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] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Prodrugs have little or no pharmacological activity and are converted to active drugs in the body by enzymes, metabolic reactions, or through human-controlled actions. However, prodrugs promoting their chemical bioconversion without any of these processes have not been reported before. Here, we present an enzyme-independent prodrug activation mechanism by boron-based compounds (benzoxaboroles) targeting leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS), including an antibiotic that recently has completed phase II clinical trials to cure tuberculosis. We combine nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography with isothermal titration calorimetry to show that these benzoxaboroles do not bind directly to their drug target LeuRS, instead they are prodrugs that activate their bioconversion by forming a highly specific and reversible LeuRS inhibition adduct with ATP, AMP, or the terminal adenosine of the tRNALeu. We demonstrate how the oxaborole group of the prodrugs cyclizes with the adenosine ribose at physiological concentrations to form the active molecule. This bioconversion mechanism explains the remarkably good druglike properties of benzoxaboroles showing efficacy against radically different human pathogens and fully explains the mechanism of action of these compounds. Thus, this adenosine-dependent activation mechanism represents a novel concept in prodrug chemistry that can be applied to improve the solubility, permeability and metabolic stability of challenging drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Hoffmann
- Institute
for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Structural Biology of Novel Targets
in Human Diseases, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble
Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Madalen Le Gorrec
- Institute
for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Structural Biology of Novel Targets
in Human Diseases, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble
Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Emeline Mestdach
- Centre
de Résonance Magnétique Nucléaire à Très
Hauts Champs, (CRMN), UMR 5082, CNRS, ENS Lyon, UCBL, Université
de Lyon, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Stephen Cusack
- European
Molecular Biology Laboratory, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Loïc Salmon
- Centre
de Résonance Magnétique Nucléaire à Très
Hauts Champs, (CRMN), UMR 5082, CNRS, ENS Lyon, UCBL, Université
de Lyon, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | | | - Andrés Palencia
- Institute
for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Structural Biology of Novel Targets
in Human Diseases, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble
Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France,
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10
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Gill J, Sharma A. Exploration of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases from eukaryotic parasites for drug development. J Biol Chem 2022; 299:102860. [PMID: 36596362 PMCID: PMC9978631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases result in considerable human morbidity and mortality. The continuous emergence and spread of new drug-resistant parasite strains is an obstacle to controlling and eliminating many parasitic diseases. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) are ubiquitous enzymes essential for protein synthesis. The design and development of diverse small molecule, drug-like inhibitors against parasite-encoded and expressed aaRSs have validated this enzyme family as druggable. In this work, we have compiled the progress to date towards establishing the druggability of aaRSs in terms of their biochemical characterization, validation as targets, inhibitor development, and structural interpretation from parasites responsible for malaria (Plasmodium), lymphatic filariasis (Brugia,Wuchereria bancrofti), giardiasis (Giardia), toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii), leishmaniasis (Leishmania), cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium), and trypanosomiasis (Trypanosoma). This work thus provides a robust framework for the systematic dissection of aaRSs from these pathogens and will facilitate the cross-usage of potential inhibitors to jump-start anti-parasite drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmita Gill
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India; Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India.
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Preliminary Structure-Activity Relationship Study of the MMV Pathogen Box Compound MMV675968 (2,4-Diaminoquinazoline) Unveils Novel Inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei brucei. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196574. [PMID: 36235118 PMCID: PMC9571290 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
New drugs are urgently needed for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). In line with our quest for novel inhibitors of trypanosomes, a small library of analogs of the antitrypanosomal hit (MMV675968) available at MMV as solid materials was screened for antitrypanosomal activity. In silico exploration of two potent antitrypanosomal structural analogs (7-MMV1578647 and 10-MMV1578445) as inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) was achieved, together with elucidation of other antitrypanosomal modes of action. In addition, they were assessed in vitro for tentative inhibition of DHFR in a crude trypanosome extract. Their ADMET properties were also predicted using dedicated software. Overall, the two diaminoquinazoline analogs displayed approximately 40-fold and 60-fold more potency and selectivity in vitro than the parent hit, respectively (MMV1578445 (10): IC50 = 0.045 µM, SI = 1737; MMV1578467 (7): IC50 = 0.06 µM; SI = 412). Analogs 7 and 10 were also strong binders of the DHFR enzyme in silico, in all their accessible protonation states, and interacted with key DHFR ligand recognition residues Val32, Asp54, and Ile160. They also exhibited significant activity against trypanosome protein isolate. MMV1578445 (10) portrayed fast and irreversible trypanosome growth arrest between 4–72 h at IC99. Analogs 7 and 10 induced in vitro ferric iron reduction and DNA fragmentation or apoptosis induction, respectively. The two potent analogs endowed with predicted suitable physicochemical and ADMET properties are good candidates for further deciphering their potential as starting points for new drug development for HAT.
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Cheng P, Wang C, Zhang L, Fei C, Liu Y, Wang M, Zhang K, Wang X, Gu F, Xue F. Label-free quantitative proteomic analysis of ethanamizuril-resistant versus -sensitive strains of Eimeria tenella. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:319. [PMID: 36076292 PMCID: PMC9454127 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05412-6] [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: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian coccidiosis is an important parasitic disease that has serious adverse effects on the global poultry industry. The extensive use of anticoccidial drugs has resulted in an increase in drug resistance. Ethanamizuril (EZL) is a novel triazine with high anticoccidial activity. Methods We compared oocyst production and sporulation between EZL-sensitive (S) and EZL-resistant Eimeria tenella strains (R10 and R200) and used label-free quantitative proteomics to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between these strains. Results We generated two EZL-resistant E. tenella strains: strain R10, which was induced using a constant dose of 10 mg EZL/kg poultry feed, and strain R200, which was generated by gradually increasing the EZL dosage to 200 mg EZL/kg poultry feed. With an increase in resistance, the total oocyst output decreased, but the percentage of sporulation did not change significantly. We identified a total of 7511 peptides and 1282 proteins, and found 152 DEPs in the R10 strain versus the S strain, 426 DEPs in the R200 strain versus the S strain and 494 DEPs in the R200 strain versus the R10 strain. When compared with the S strain, 86 DEPs were found to have consistent trends in both resistant strains. The DEPs were primarily involved in ATP and GTP binding, invasion, and membrane components. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses of the DEPs suggested that they are involved in transcription and translation processes. Protein–protein interaction network analysis of the 86 DEPs showed that 10 proteins were hubs in the functional interaction network (≥ 8 edges) and five of them were ribosomal proteins. Conclusions The results of the present study indicate that the resistance mechanisms of E. tenella against EZL might be related to the transcriptional and translational processes, especially in the factors that inhibit the growth of parasites. The DEPs found in this study provide new insights into the resistance mechanisms of E. tenella against EZL. Further research on these potential targets holds promise for new chemotherapeutic approaches for controlling E. tenella infections. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05412-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Chenzhong Fei
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yingchun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Mi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Keyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Feng Gu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Feiqun Xue
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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13
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Santos HLC, Rebello KM. An Overview of Mucosa-Associated Protozoa: Challenges in Chemotherapy and Future Perspectives. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:860442. [PMID: 35548465 PMCID: PMC9084232 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.860442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic infections caused by protozoans that infect the mucosal surfaces are widely neglected worldwide. Collectively, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp. and Trichomonas vaginalis infect more than a billion people in the world, being a public health problem mainly in developing countries. However, the exact incidence and prevalence data depend on the population examined. These parasites ultimately cause pathologies that culminate in liver abscesses, malabsorption syndrome, vaginitis, and urethritis, respectively. Despite this, the antimicrobial agents currently used to treat these diseases are limited and often associated with adverse side effects and refractory cases due to the development of resistant parasites. The paucity of drug treatments, absence of vaccines and increasing problems of drug resistance are major concerns for their control and eradication. Herein, potential candidates are reviewed with the overall aim of determining the knowledge gaps and suggest future perspectives for research. This review focuses on this public health problem and focuses on the progress of drug repositioning as a potential strategy for the treatment of mucosal parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Lucia Carneiro Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Manickam Y, Malhotra N, Mishra S, Babbar P, Dusane A, Laleu B, Bellini V, Hakimi MA, Bougdour A, Sharma A. Double drugging of prolyl-tRNA synthetase provides a new paradigm for anti-infective drug development. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010363. [PMID: 35333915 PMCID: PMC9004777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii and in immunocompromised patients it may lead to seizures, encephalitis or death. The conserved enzyme prolyl-tRNA synthetase (PRS) is a validated druggable target in Toxoplasma gondii but the traditional ‘single target–single drug’ approach has its caveats. Here, we describe two potent inhibitors namely halofuginone (HFG) and a novel ATP mimetic (L95) that bind to Toxoplasma gondii PRS simultaneously at different neighbouring sites to cover all three of the enzyme substrate subsites. HFG and L95 act as one triple-site inhibitor in tandem and form an unusual ternary complex wherein HFG occupies the 3’-end of tRNA and the L-proline (L-pro) binding sites while L95 occupies the ATP pocket. These inhibitors exhibit nanomolar IC50 and EC50 values independently, and when given together reveal an additive mode of action in parasite inhibition assays. This work validates a novel approach and lays a structural framework for further drug development based on simultaneous targeting of multiple pockets to inhibit druggable proteins. Among infectious diseases, parasitic diseases are a major cause of death and morbidity. Toxoplasmosis is caused by an infection of the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In immunocompromised patients Toxoplasmosis may lead to seizures, encephalitis or death. Novel therapeutics for human parasites are constantly needed. In recent years, the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRS) enzyme family has been validated as a drug target for several parasitic infections. The Toxoplasma gondii prolyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitor halofuginone (HFG) has been validated earlier but here we show that an ATP-mimic called L95 is a potent inhibitor and can bind to the target enzyme in the presence of HFG. Thus, the two inhibitors described in this study simultaneously occupy all three natural substrate (ATP, L-amino acid and 3’-end of tRNA) binding pockets and thereby inhibit the enzyme leading to parasite death. This unprecedented double drugging of a pathogen enzyme may delay resistance mutation generation and this approach opens the path to multi-drugging of validated parasite proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogavel Manickam
- Molecular Medicine–Structural Parasitology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Nipun Malhotra
- Molecular Medicine–Structural Parasitology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Siddhartha Mishra
- Molecular Medicine–Structural Parasitology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Palak Babbar
- Molecular Medicine–Structural Parasitology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Abhishek Dusane
- Molecular Medicine–Structural Parasitology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Benoît Laleu
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), International Center Cointrin (ICC), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Valeria Bellini
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Mohamed-Ali Hakimi
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Alexandre Bougdour
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- * E-mail: (AB); (AS)
| | - Amit Sharma
- Molecular Medicine–Structural Parasitology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
- * E-mail: (AB); (AS)
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15
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Perner J, Kucera M, Frantova H, Urbanova V, Kopacek P, Sima R. Lyme disease transmission by severely impaired ticks. Open Biol 2022; 12:210244. [PMID: 35167765 PMCID: PMC8846998 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that impairing protein synthesis using drugs targeted against tRNA amino acid synthetases presents a promising strategy for the treatment of a wide variety of parasitic diseases, including malaria and toxoplasmosis. This is the first study evaluating tRNA synthetases as potential drug targets in ticks. RNAi knock-down of all tested tRNA synthetases had a strong deleterious phenotype on Ixodes ricinus feeding. Our data indicate that tRNA synthetases represent attractive, anti-tick targets warranting the design of selective inhibitors. Further, we tested whether these severely impaired ticks were capable of transmitting Borrelia afzelii spirochaetes. Interestingly, biologically handicapped I. ricinus nymphs transmitted B. afzelii in a manner quantitatively sufficient to develop a systemic infection in mice. These data suggest that initial blood-feeding, despite the incapability of ticks to fully feed and salivate, is sufficient for activating B. afzelii from a dormant to an infectious mode, enabling transmission and dissemination in host tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Perner
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Matej Kucera
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Frantova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Urbanova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kopacek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Sima
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic
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16
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Vinayak S, Jumani RS, Miller P, Hasan MM, McLeod BI, Tandel J, Stebbins EE, Teixeira JE, Borrel J, Gonse A, Zhang M, Yu X, Wernimont A, Walpole C, Eckley S, Love MS, McNamara CW, Sharma M, Sharma A, Scherer CA, Kato N, Schreiber SL, Melillo B, Striepen B, Huston CD, Comer E. Bicyclic azetidines kill the diarrheal pathogen Cryptosporidium in mice by inhibiting parasite phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/563/eaba8412. [PMID: 32998973 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aba8412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite and a leading cause of diarrheal disease and mortality in young children. Currently, there are no fully effective treatments available to cure infection with this diarrheal pathogen. In this study, we report a broad drug repositioning effort that led to the identification of bicyclic azetidines as a new anticryptosporidial series. Members of this series blocked growth in in vitro culture of three Cryptosporidium parvum isolates with EC50 's in 1% serum of <0.4 to 96 nM, had comparable potencies against Cryptosporidium hominis and C. parvum, and was effective in three of four highly susceptible immunosuppressed mice with once-daily dosing administered for 4 days beginning 2 weeks after infection. Comprehensive genetic, biochemical, and chemical studies demonstrated inhibition of C. parvum phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (CpPheRS) as the mode of action of this new lead series. Introduction of mutations directly into the C. parvum pheRS gene by CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing resulted in parasites showing high degrees of compound resistance. In vitro, bicyclic azetidines potently inhibited the aminoacylation activity of recombinant ChPheRS. Medicinal chemistry optimization led to the identification of an optimal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile for this series. Collectively, these data demonstrate that bicyclic azetidines are a promising series for anticryptosporidial drug development and establish a broad framework to enable target-based drug discovery for this infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumiti Vinayak
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Rajiv S Jumani
- Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Peter Miller
- Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Muhammad M Hasan
- Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Briana I McLeod
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jayesh Tandel
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Erin E Stebbins
- Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Jose E Teixeira
- Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Julien Borrel
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Arthur Gonse
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Mingliang Zhang
- International Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Tianjin 300457, P.R. China
| | - Xianshui Yu
- International Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Tianjin 300457, P.R. China
| | - Amy Wernimont
- Structural Genomics Consortium, MaRS Building, South Tower, 101 College Street, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Chris Walpole
- Structural Genomics Consortium, MaRS Building, South Tower, 101 College Street, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | | | - Melissa S Love
- Calibr, a division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Case W McNamara
- Calibr, a division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Manmohan Sharma
- Structural Parasitology, Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110070, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Structural Parasitology, Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110070, India
| | - Christina A Scherer
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Nobutaka Kato
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Stuart L Schreiber
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Bruno Melillo
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Boris Striepen
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Christopher D Huston
- Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
| | - Eamon Comer
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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Coghi PS, Zhu Y, Xie H, Hosmane NS, Zhang Y. Organoboron Compounds: Effective Antibacterial and Antiparasitic Agents. Molecules 2021; 26:3309. [PMID: 34072937 PMCID: PMC8199504 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113309] [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: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique electron deficiency and coordination property of boron led to a wide range of applications in chemistry, energy research, materials science and the life sciences. The use of boron-containing compounds as pharmaceutical agents has a long history, and recent developments have produced encouraging strides. Boron agents have been used for both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In radiotherapy, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) has been investigated to treat various types of tumors, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) of brain, head and neck tumors, etc. Boron agents playing essential roles in such treatments and other well-established areas have been discussed elsewhere. Organoboron compounds used to treat various diseases besides tumor treatments through BNCT technology have also marked an important milestone. Following the clinical introduction of bortezomib as an anti-cancer agent, benzoxaborole drugs, tavaborole and crisaborole, have been approved for clinical use in the treatments of onychomycosis and atopic dermatitis. Some heterocyclic organoboron compounds represent potentially promising candidates for anti-infective drugs. This review highlights the clinical applications and perspectives of organoboron compounds with the natural boron atoms in disease treatments without neutron irradiation. The main topic focuses on the therapeutic applications of organoboron compounds in the diseases of tuberculosis and antifungal activity, malaria, neglected tropical diseases and cryptosporidiosis and toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Saul Coghi
- School of Pharmacy Macau, University of Science and Technology, Taipa Macau 999078, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa Macau 999078, China
| | - Yinghuai Zhu
- The State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development (NO. 2015DQ780357), Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., Ltd., Dongguan 523871, China;
| | - Hongming Xie
- The State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development (NO. 2015DQ780357), Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., Ltd., Dongguan 523871, China;
| | - Narayan S. Hosmane
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - Yingjun Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development (NO. 2015DQ780357), Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., Ltd., Dongguan 523871, China;
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18
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Tevyashova AN, Chudinov MV. Progress in the medicinal chemistry of organoboron compounds. RUSSIAN CHEMICAL REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.1070/rcr4977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The review aims to draw attention to the latest advances in the organoboron chemistry and therapeutic use of organoboron compounds. The synthetic strategies towards boron-containing compounds with proven in vitro and/or in vivo biological activities, including derivatives of boronic acids, benzoxaboroles, benzoxaborines and benzodiazaborines, are summarized. Approaches to the synthesis of hybrid structures containing an organoboron moiety as one of the pharmacophores are considered, and the effect of this modification on the pharmacological activity of the initial molecules is analyzed. On the basis of analysis of the published data, the most promising areas of research in the field of organoboron compounds are identified, including the latest methods of synthesis, modification and design of effective therapeutic agents.
The bibliography includes 246 references.
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Krishnan A, Soldati-Favre D. Amino Acid Metabolism in Apicomplexan Parasites. Metabolites 2021; 11:61. [PMID: 33498308 PMCID: PMC7909243 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11020061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Obligate intracellular pathogens have coevolved with their host, leading to clever strategies to access nutrients, to combat the host's immune response, and to establish a safe niche for intracellular replication. The host, on the other hand, has also developed ways to restrict the replication of invaders by limiting access to nutrients required for pathogen survival. In this review, we describe the recent advancements in both computational methods and high-throughput -omics techniques that have been used to study and interrogate metabolic functions in the context of intracellular parasitism. Specifically, we cover the current knowledge on the presence of amino acid biosynthesis and uptake within the Apicomplexa phylum, focusing on human-infecting pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum. Given the complex multi-host lifecycle of these pathogens, we hypothesize that amino acids are made, rather than acquired, depending on the host niche. We summarize the stage specificities of enzymes revealed through transcriptomics data, the relevance of amino acids for parasite pathogenesis in vivo, and the role of their transporters. Targeting one or more of these pathways may lead to a deeper understanding of the specific contributions of biosynthesis versus acquisition of amino acids and to design better intervention strategies against the apicomplexan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Krishnan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
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20
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Deciphering the interaction of benzoxaborole inhibitor AN2690 with connective polypeptide 1 (CP1) editing domain of Leishmania donovani leucyl-tRNA synthetase. J Biosci 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-020-00031-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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21
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Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARSs) have been considered very attractive drug-targets for decades. This interest probably emerged with the identification of differences in AARSs between prokaryotic and eukaryotic species, which provided a rationale for the development of antimicrobials targeting bacterial AARSs with minimal effect on the homologous human AARSs. Today we know that AARSs are not only attractive, but also valid drug targets as they are housekeeping proteins that: (i) play a fundamental role in protein translation by charging the corresponding amino acid to its cognate tRNA and preventing mistranslation mistakes [1], a critical process during fast growing conditions of microbes; and (ii) present significant differences between microbes and humans that can be used for drug development [2]. Together with the vast amount of available data on both pathogenic and mammalian AARSs, it is expected that, in the future, the numerous reported inhibitors of AARSs will provide the basis to develop new therapeutics for the treatment of human diseases. In this chapter, a detailed summary on the state-of-the-art in drug discovery and drug development for each aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lukarska
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Structural Biology of Novel Drug Targets in Human Diseases, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Andrés Palencia
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Structural Biology of Novel Drug Targets in Human Diseases, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.
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Liu RJ, Long T, Li H, Zhao J, Li J, Wang M, Palencia A, Lin J, Cusack S, Wang ED. Molecular basis of the multifaceted functions of human leucyl-tRNA synthetase in protein synthesis and beyond. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:4946-4959. [PMID: 32232361 PMCID: PMC7229842 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytosolic leucyl-tRNA synthetase (hcLRS) is an essential and multifunctional enzyme. Its canonical function is to catalyze the covalent ligation of leucine to tRNALeu, and it may also hydrolyze mischarged tRNAs through an editing mechanism. Together with eight other aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AaRSs) and three auxiliary proteins, it forms a large multi-synthetase complex (MSC). Beyond its role in translation, hcLRS has an important moonlight function as a leucine sensor in the rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway. Since this pathway is active in cancer development, hcLRS is a potential target for anti-tumor drug development. Moreover, LRS from pathogenic microbes are proven drug targets for developing antibiotics, which however should not inhibit hcLRS. Here we present the crystal structure of hcLRS at a 2.5 Å resolution, the first complete structure of a eukaryotic LRS, and analyze the binding of various compounds that target different sites of hcLRS. We also deduce the assembly mechanism of hcLRS into the MSC through reconstitution of the entire mega complex in vitro. Overall, our study provides the molecular basis for understanding both the multifaceted functions of hcLRS and for drug development targeting these functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Juan Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, P.R. China
| | - Tao Long
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
| | - JingHua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jing Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, P.R. China
| | - MingZhu Wang
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, P.R. China
| | - Andrés Palencia
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Structural Biology of Novel Drug Targets in Human Diseases, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, University Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - JinZhong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Stephen Cusack
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, 38042, Grenoble, Cedex 9, France
| | - En-Duo Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
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Swale C, Bougdour A, Gnahoui-David A, Tottey J, Georgeault S, Laurent F, Palencia A, Hakimi MA. Metal-captured inhibition of pre-mRNA processing activity by CPSF3 controls Cryptosporidium infection. Sci Transl Med 2020; 11:11/517/eaax7161. [PMID: 31694928 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aax7161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an intestinal pathogen that causes severe but self-limiting diarrhea in healthy humans, yet it can turn into a life-threatening, unrelenting infection in immunocompromised patients and young children. Severe diarrhea is recognized as the leading cause of mortality for children below 5 years of age in developing countries. The only approved treatment against cryptosporidiosis, nitazoxanide, has limited efficacy in the most vulnerable patient populations, including malnourished children, and is ineffective in immunocompromised individuals. Here, we investigate inhibition of the parasitic cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor 3 (CPSF3) as a strategy to control Cryptosporidium infection. We show that the oxaborole AN3661 selectively blocked Cryptosporidium growth in human HCT-8 cells, and oral treatment with AN3661 reduced intestinal parasite burden in both immunocompromised and neonatal mouse models of infection with greater efficacy than nitazoxanide. Furthermore, we present crystal structures of recombinantly produced Cryptosporidium CPSF3, revealing a mechanism of action whereby the mRNA processing activity of this enzyme is efficiently blocked by the binding of the oxaborole group at the metal-dependent catalytic center. Our data provide insights that may help accelerate the development of next-generation anti-Cryptosporidium therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Swale
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, University Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Alexandre Bougdour
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, University Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Audrey Gnahoui-David
- INRA, Université François Rabelais de Tours, Centre Val de Loire, UMR1282 ISP, Laboratoire Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Julie Tottey
- INRA, Université François Rabelais de Tours, Centre Val de Loire, UMR1282 ISP, Laboratoire Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Sonia Georgeault
- Plateforme des Microscopies, Université et CHRU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Fabrice Laurent
- INRA, Université François Rabelais de Tours, Centre Val de Loire, UMR1282 ISP, Laboratoire Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
| | - Andrés Palencia
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, University Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France. .,Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Structural Biology of Novel Drug Targets in Human Diseases, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, University Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Mohamed-Ali Hakimi
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, University Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France.
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Melnikov SV, Stevens DL, Fu X, Kwok HS, Zhang JT, Shen Y, Sabina J, Lee K, Lee H, Söll D. Exploiting evolutionary trade-offs for posttreatment management of drug-resistant populations. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:17924-17931. [PMID: 32661175 PMCID: PMC7395499 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2003132117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance frequently evolves through fitness trade-offs in which the genetic alterations that confer resistance to a drug can also cause growth defects in resistant cells. Here, through experimental evolution in a microfluidics-based turbidostat, we demonstrate that antibiotic-resistant cells can be efficiently inhibited by amplifying the fitness costs associated with drug-resistance evolution. Using tavaborole-resistant Escherichia coli as a model, we show that genetic mutations in leucyl-tRNA synthetase (that underlie tavaborole resistance) make resistant cells intolerant to norvaline, a chemical analog of leucine that is mistakenly used by tavaborole-resistant cells for protein synthesis. We then show that tavaborole-sensitive cells quickly outcompete tavaborole-resistant cells in the presence of norvaline due to the amplified cost of the molecular defect of tavaborole resistance. This finding illustrates that understanding molecular mechanisms of drug resistance allows us to effectively amplify even small evolutionary vulnerabilities of resistant cells to potentially enhance or enable adaptive therapies by accelerating posttreatment competition between resistant and susceptible cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey V Melnikov
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520;
| | - David L Stevens
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Xian Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, 518120 Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, 518083 Shenzhen, China
- China National Genebank, BGI-Shenzhen, 518120 Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Si Kwok
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Jin-Tao Zhang
- BGI-Shenzhen, 518083 Shenzhen, China
- China National Genebank, BGI-Shenzhen, 518120 Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Shen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, 518120 Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, 518083 Shenzhen, China
- China National Genebank, BGI-Shenzhen, 518120 Shenzhen, China
| | | | | | | | - Dieter Söll
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520;
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
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25
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Wang B, Castellanos-Gonzalez A, White AC. Novel drug targets for treatment of cryptosporidiosis. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:915-922. [PMID: 32552166 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1785432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Cryptosporidium species are protozoan parasites that are important causes of diarrheal disease including waterborne outbreaks, childhood diarrhea in resource-poor countries, and diarrhea in compromised hosts worldwide. Recent studies highlight the importance of cryptosporidiosis in childhood diarrhea, malnutrition, and death in resource-poor countries. Despite this, only a single drug, nitazoxanide, has demonstrated efficacy in human cryptosporidiosis and its efficacy is limited in malnourished children and patients with HIV. Areas covered In this review, we highlight work on potential targets for chemotherapy and review progress on drug development. A number of new targets have been identified for chemotherapy and progress has been made at developing drugs for these targets. Targets include parasite kinases, nucleic acid synthesis and processing, proteases, and lipid metabolism. Other groups have performed high-throughput screening to identify potential drugs. Several compounds have advanced to large animal studies. Expert opinion Development of drugs for cryptosporidiosis has been plagued by a lack of success. Barriers have included poor correlations between in vitro activity and clinical success as well as frequent unanticipated adverse effects. Without a clear pathway forward, it is wise to maintain a diverse development pipeline. Drug developers should also realize that success will likely require a sustained, methodical effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beilin Wang
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - A Clinton White
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, TX, USA
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Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are essential enzymes for protein synthesis with evolutionarily conserved enzymatic mechanisms. Despite their similarity across organisms, scientists have been able to generate effective anti-infective agents based on the structural differences in the catalytic clefts of ARSs from pathogens and humans. However, recent genomic, proteomic and functionomic advances have unveiled unexpected disease-associated mutations and altered expression, secretion and interactions in human ARSs, revealing hidden biological functions beyond their catalytic roles in protein synthesis. These studies have also brought to light their potential as a rich and unexplored source for new therapeutic targets and agents through multiple avenues, including direct targeting of the catalytic sites, controlling disease-associated protein-protein interactions and developing novel biologics from the secreted ARS proteins or their parts. This Review addresses the emerging biology and therapeutic applications of human ARSs in diseases including autoimmune and rare diseases, and cancer.
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27
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Sindhe KMV, Wu W, Legac J, Zhang YK, Easom EE, Cooper RA, Plattner JJ, Freund YR, DeRisi JL, Rosenthal PJ. Plasmodium falciparum Resistance to a Lead Benzoxaborole Due to Blocked Compound Activation and Altered Ubiquitination or Sumoylation. mBio 2020; 11:e02640-19. [PMID: 31992618 PMCID: PMC6989105 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02640-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
New antimalarial drugs are needed. The benzoxaborole AN13762 showed excellent activity against cultured Plasmodium falciparum, against fresh Ugandan P. falciparum isolates, and in murine malaria models. To gain mechanistic insights, we selected in vitro for P. falciparum isolates resistant to AN13762. In all of 11 independent selections with 100 to 200 nM AN13762, the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) increased from 18-118 nM to 180-890 nM, and whole-genome sequencing of resistant parasites demonstrated mutations in prodrug activation and resistance esterase (PfPARE). The introduction of PfPARE mutations led to a similar level of resistance, and recombinant PfPARE hydrolyzed AN13762 to the benzoxaborole AN10248, which has activity similar to that of AN13762 but for which selection of resistance was not readily achieved. Parasites further selected with micromolar concentrations of AN13762 developed higher-level resistance (IC50, 1.9 to 5.0 μM), and sequencing revealed additional mutations in any of 5 genes, 4 of which were associated with ubiquitination/sumoylation enzyme cascades; the introduction of one of these mutations, in SUMO-activating enzyme subunit 2, led to a similar level of resistance. The other gene mutated in highly resistant parasites encodes the P. falciparum cleavage and specificity factor homolog PfCPSF3, previously identified as the antimalarial target of another benzoxaborole. Parasites selected for resistance to AN13762 were cross-resistant with a close analog, AN13956, but not with standard antimalarials, AN10248, or other benzoxaboroles known to have different P. falciparum targets. Thus, AN13762 appears to have a novel mechanism of antimalarial action and multiple mechanisms of resistance, including loss of function of PfPARE preventing activation to AN10248, followed by alterations in ubiquitination/sumoylation pathways or PfCPSF3.IMPORTANCE Benzoxaboroles are under study as potential new drugs to treat malaria. One benzoxaborole, AN13762, has potent activity and promising features, but its mechanisms of action and resistance are unknown. To gain insights into these mechanisms, we cultured malaria parasites with nonlethal concentrations of AN13762 and generated parasites with varied levels of resistance. Parasites with low-level resistance had mutations in PfPARE, which processes AN13762 into an active metabolite; PfPARE mutations prevented this processing. Parasites with high-level resistance had mutations in any of a number of enzymes, mostly those involved in stress responses. Parasites selected for AN13762 resistance were not resistant to other antimalarials, suggesting novel mechanisms of action and resistance for AN13762, a valuable feature for a new class of antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirthana M V Sindhe
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Wesley Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jenny Legac
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Eric E Easom
- Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Roland A Cooper
- Dominican University of California, San Rafael, California, USA
| | | | | | - Joseph L DeRisi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Philip J Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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28
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Li XY, Liu LL, Zhang M, Zhang LF, Wang XY, Wang M, Zhang KY, Liu YC, Wang CM, Xue FQ, Fei CZ. Proteomic analysis of the second-generation merozoites of Eimeria tenella under nitromezuril and ethanamizuril stress. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:592. [PMID: 31852494 PMCID: PMC6921512 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3841-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eimeria tenella is a highly pathogenic coccidian that causes avian coccidiosis. Both nitromezuril (NZL) and ethanamizuril (EZL) are novel triazine compounds with high anticoccidial activity, but the mechanisms of their action are still unclear. This study explored the response of E. tenella to NZL and EZL by the study of changes in protein composition of the second-generation merozoites. Methods Label-free quantification (LFQ) proteomics of the second-generation merozoites of E. tenella following NZL and EZL treatment were studied by LC-MS/MS to explore the mechanisms of action. The identified proteins were annotated and analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks analysis. Results A total of 1430 proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS, of which 375 were considered as differential proteins in response to drug treatment (DPs). There were 26 only found in the NZL treatment group (N-group), 63 exclusive to the EZL treatment group (E-group), and 80 proteins were present in both drug groups. In addition, among the DPs, the abundant proteins with significantly altered expression in response to drug treatment (SDPs) were found compared with the C-group, of which 49 were upregulated and 51 were downregulated in the N-group, and 66 upregulated and 79 downregulated in the E-group. Many upregulated proteins after drug treatment were involved in transcription and protein metabolism, and surface antigen proteins (SAGs) were among the largest proportion of the downregulated SDPs. Results showed the top two enriched GO terms and the top one enriched pathway treated with EZL and NZL were related, which indicated that these two compounds had similar modes of action. Conclusions LFQ proteomic analysis is a feasible method for screening drug-related proteins. Drug treatment affected transcription and protein metabolism, and SAGs were also affected significantly. This study provided new insights into the effects of triazine anticoccidials against E. tenella.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Fang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Mi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke-Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Chun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Mei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei-Qun Xue
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chen-Zhong Fei
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China.
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29
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Roles of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in immune regulation and immune diseases. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:901. [PMID: 31780718 PMCID: PMC6883034 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2145-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) play a vital role in protein synthesis by linking amino acids to their cognate transfer RNAs (tRNAs). This typical function has been well recognized over the past few decades. However, accumulating evidence reveals that ARSs are involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes apart from translation. Strikingly, certain ARSs are closely related to different types of immune responses. In this review, we address the infection and immune responses induced by pathogen ARSs, as well as the potential anti-infective compounds that target pathogen ARSs. Meanwhile, we describe the functional mechanisms of ARSs in the development of immune cells. In addition, we focus on the roles of ARSs in certain immune diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and tumor immunity. Although our knowledge of ARSs in the immunological context is still in its infancy, research in this field may provide new ideas for the treatment of immune-related diseases.
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Mishra S, Malhotra N, Kumari S, Sato M, Kikuchi H, Yogavel M, Sharma A. Conformational heterogeneity in apo and drug-bound structures of Toxoplasma gondii prolyl-tRNA synthetase. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2019; 75:714-724. [PMID: 31702585 PMCID: PMC6839821 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x19014808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolyl-tRNA synthetase (PRS) is a member of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase family that drives protein translation in cells. The apicomplexan PRSs are validated targets of febrifugine (FF) and its halogenated derivative halofuginone (HF). PRSs are of great interest for drug development against Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii. In this study, structures of apo and FF-bound T. gondii (TgPRS) are revealed and the dynamic nature of the conformational changes that occur upon FF binding is unraveled. In addition, this study highlights significant conformational plasticity within two different crystal structures of apo PRSs but not within drug-bound PRSs. The apo PRSs exist in multi-conformational states and manifest pseudo-dimeric structures. In contrast, when FF is bound the PRS dimer adopts a highly symmetrical architecture. It is shown that TgPRS does not display extant fold switching, in contrast to P. falciparum PRS, despite having over 65% sequence identity. Finally, structure-comparison analyses suggest the utility of r.m.s.d. per residue (r.m.s.d./res) as a robust tool to detect structural alterations even when the r.m.s.d. is low. Apo TgPRS reveals FF/HF-induced rigidity and this work has implications for drug-design studies that rely on the apo structures of target proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhartha Mishra
- Structural Parasitology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
| | - Nipun Malhotra
- Structural Parasitology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
| | - Shreya Kumari
- Structural Parasitology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
| | - Mizuki Sato
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Haruhisa Kikuchi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Manickam Yogavel
- Structural Parasitology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Structural Parasitology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
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31
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Larcher A, Nocentini A, Supuran CT, Winum JY, van der Lee A, Vasseur JJ, Laurencin D, Smietana M. Bis-benzoxaboroles: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation as Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:1205-1210. [PMID: 31413806 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of a series of compounds incorporating two or three benzoxaborole moieties is reported. Three different synthetic strategies were used to explore within this series as much chemical space as possible, all starting from the 6-aminobenzoxaborole reagent: amide coupling, imine bond formation, and squarate coupling. Eleven new compounds were isolated in pure form, and single crystals were obtained for two of them. These compounds were then evaluated as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors against the cytosolic hCA I and II and the transmembrane hCA IV, IX, and XII isoforms. While the benzoxaborole scaffold has been recently introduced as a new chemotype for carbonic anhydrase inhibition, these new multivalent derivatives exhibited superior inhibitory activity against the tumor-associated isoform hCA IX. In particular, compared to monovalent 6-aminobenzoxaborole (K I = 813 nM) and 6-carboxybenzoxaborole (K I = 400 nM), derivative 2h characterized by a glutamic acid structural core and two benzoxaborole moieties was found to be more potent (K I = 64 nM) and more selective over human hCA II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adèle Larcher
- Institut Charles Gerhardt de Montpellier (ICGM), Université de Montpellier, UMR 5253, CNRS, ENSCM, Place E. Bataillon, CC1701, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Université de Montpellier, UMR
5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Place E. Bataillon, CC 1704, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Alessio Nocentini
- NEUROFARBA Dept., University of Florence, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- NEUROFARBA Dept., University of Florence, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Jean-Yves Winum
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Université de Montpellier, UMR
5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Place E. Bataillon, CC 1704, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Arie van der Lee
- Institut Européen des Membranes, Université
de Montpellier, UMR 5632 CNRS ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, Cedex 05, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Vasseur
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Université de Montpellier, UMR
5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Place E. Bataillon, CC 1704, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Danielle Laurencin
- Institut Charles Gerhardt de Montpellier (ICGM), Université de Montpellier, UMR 5253, CNRS, ENSCM, Place E. Bataillon, CC1701, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Michael Smietana
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Université de Montpellier, UMR
5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Place E. Bataillon, CC 1704, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
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Zhang P, Ma S. Recent development of leucyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitors as antimicrobial agents. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:1329-1341. [PMID: 31534653 PMCID: PMC6727470 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00139e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) widely exist in organisms and mediate protein synthesis. Inhibiting these synthetases can lead to the termination of protein synthesis and subsequently achieve antibacterial and antiparasitic purposes. Moreover, the structures of aaRSs found in eukaryotes have considerable structural differences compared to those in prokaryotes, based on which it is possible to develop highly selective inhibitors. Leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) with unique synthesis and editing sites is one of 20 kinds of aaRSs. Many inhibitors targeting LeuRS have been designed and synthesized, some of which have entered clinical use. For example, the benzoxaborole compound AN2690 has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of onychomycosis. AN3365 is suspended in the phase II clinical trial due to the rapid development of AN3365 resistance, but it may be used in combination with other antibiotics. The aaRSs, especially LeuRS, are being considered as targets of new potential anti-infective drugs for the treatment of not only bacterial or fungal infections but also infections by trypanosomes and malaria parasites. This review mainly describes the development of LeuRS inhibitors, focusing on their mechanisms of action, structure-activity relationships (SARs), and in vitro and in vivo activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology , Ministry of Education , School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44, West Culture Road , Jinan 250012 , P. R. China . E mail:
| | - Shutao Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology , Ministry of Education , School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44, West Culture Road , Jinan 250012 , P. R. China . E mail:
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Si Y, Basak S, Li Y, Merino J, Iuliano JN, Walker SG, Tonge PJ. Antibacterial Activity and Mode of Action of a Sulfonamide-Based Class of Oxaborole Leucyl-tRNA-Synthetase Inhibitors. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:1231-1238. [PMID: 31007018 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Benzoxaboroles are a class of boron-containing compounds with a broad range of biological activities. A subset of benzoxaboroles have antimicrobial activity due primarily to their ability to inhibit leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) via the oxaborole tRNA-trapping mechanism, which involves the formation of a stable tRNALeu-benzoxaborole adduct in which the boron atom interacts with the 2'- and 3'-oxygen atoms of the terminal 3' tRNA adenosine. We sought to identify other antibacterial targets for this promising class of compounds by means of mode-of-action studies, and we selected a nitrophenyl sulfonamide based oxaborole (PT638) as a probe molecule because it had potent antibacterial activity (MIC of 0.4 μg/mL against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) but did not inhibit LeuRS (IC50 > 100 μM). Analogues of PT638 were synthesized to explore the importance of the sulfonamide linker and the impact of altering the functionalization of the phenyl ring. These structure-activity-relationship studies revealed that the nitro substituent was essential for activity. To identify the target for PT638, we raised resistant strains of S. aureus, and whole-genome sequencing revealed mutations in leuRS, suggesting that the target for this compound was indeed LeuRS, despite the lack of enzyme inhibition. Subsequent analysis of PT638 metabolism demonstrated that bacterial nitroreductases readily converted this compound into the amino analogue, which inhibited LeuRS with an IC50 of 3.0 ± 1.2 μM, demonstrating that PT638 is thus a prodrug.
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Fernandes GFS, Denny WA, Dos Santos JL. Boron in drug design: Recent advances in the development of new therapeutic agents. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 179:791-804. [PMID: 31288128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.06.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Advances in the field of boron chemistry have expanded the application of this element in Medicinal Chemistry. Boron-containing compounds represent a new class for medicinal chemists to use in their drug designs. Bortezomib (Velcade®), a dipeptide boronic acid approved by the FDA in 2003 for treatment of multiple myeloma, paved the way for the discovery of new boron-containing compounds. After its approval, two other boron-containing compounds have been approved, tavaborole (Kerydin®) for the treatment of onychomicosis and crisaborole (Eucrisa®) for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. A number of boron-containing compounds have been described and evaluated for a plethora of therapeutic applications. The present review is intended to highlight the recent advances related to boron-containing compounds and their therapeutic applications. Here, we focused only in those most biologically active compounds with proven in vitro and/or in vivo efficacy in the therapeutic area published in the last years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Felipe Santos Fernandes
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, 14800-903, Brazil; Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, 14800-060, Brazil; Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - William Alexander Denny
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Jean Leandro Dos Santos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, 14800-903, Brazil.
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Buckner FS, Ranade RM, Gillespie JR, Shibata S, Hulverson MA, Zhang Z, Huang W, Choi R, Verlinde CLMJ, Hol WGJ, Ochida A, Akao Y, Choy RKM, Van Voorhis WC, Arnold SLM, Jumani RS, Huston CD, Fan E. Optimization of Methionyl tRNA-Synthetase Inhibitors for Treatment of Cryptosporidium Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:e02061-18. [PMID: 30745384 PMCID: PMC6437504 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02061-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is one of the leading causes of moderate to severe diarrhea in children in low-resource settings. The therapeutic options for cryptosporidiosis are limited to one drug, nitazoxanide, which unfortunately has poor activity in the most needy populations of malnourished children and HIV-infected persons. We describe here the discovery and early optimization of a class of imidazopyridine-containing compounds with potential for treating Cryptosporidium infections. The compounds target the Cryptosporidium methionyl-tRNA synthetase (MetRS), an enzyme that is essential for protein synthesis. The most potent compounds inhibited the enzyme with Ki values in the low picomolar range. Cryptosporidium cells in culture were potently inhibited with 50% effective concentrations as low as 7 nM and >1,000-fold selectivity over mammalian cells. A parasite persistence assay indicates that the compounds act by a parasiticidal mechanism. Several compounds were demonstrated to control infection in two murine models of cryptosporidiosis without evidence of toxicity. Pharmacological and physicochemical characteristics of compounds were investigated to determine properties that were associated with higher efficacy. The results indicate that MetRS inhibitors are excellent candidates for development for anticryptosporidiosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ranae M Ranade
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - J Robert Gillespie
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sayaka Shibata
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Zhongsheng Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Wenlin Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ryan Choi
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Wim G J Hol
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - Robert K M Choy
- Drug Development Program, PATH, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Sam L M Arnold
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Rajiv S Jumani
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | | | - Erkang Fan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Francklyn CS, Mullen P. Progress and challenges in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase-based therapeutics. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:5365-5385. [PMID: 30670594 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev118.002956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are universal enzymes that catalyze the attachment of amino acids to the 3' ends of their cognate tRNAs. The resulting aminoacylated tRNAs are escorted to the ribosome where they enter protein synthesis. By specifically matching amino acids to defined anticodon sequences in tRNAs, ARSs are essential to the physical interpretation of the genetic code. In addition to their canonical role in protein synthesis, ARSs are also involved in RNA splicing, transcriptional regulation, translation, and other aspects of cellular homeostasis. Likewise, aminoacylated tRNAs serve as amino acid donors for biosynthetic processes distinct from protein synthesis, including lipid modification and antibiotic biosynthesis. Thanks to the wealth of details on ARS structures and functions and the growing appreciation of their additional roles regulating cellular homeostasis, opportunities for the development of clinically useful ARS inhibitors are emerging to manage microbial and parasite infections. Exploitation of these opportunities has been stimulated by the discovery of new inhibitor frameworks, the use of semi-synthetic approaches combining chemistry and genome engineering, and more powerful techniques for identifying leads from the screening of large chemical libraries. Here, we review the inhibition of ARSs by small molecules, including the various families of natural products, as well as inhibitors developed by either rational design or high-throughput screening as antibiotics and anti-parasitic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Francklyn
- From the Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405
| | - Patrick Mullen
- From the Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405
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Mirza Alizadeh A, Jazaeri S, Shemshadi B, Hashempour-Baltork F, Sarlak Z, Pilevar Z, Hosseini H. A review on inactivation methods of Toxoplasma gondii in foods. Pathog Glob Health 2018; 112:306-319. [PMID: 30346249 PMCID: PMC6381540 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2018.1514137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a widespread zoonotic protozoan which poses a great threat to human health and economic well-being worldwide. It is usually acquired by ingestion of water contaminated with oocysts from the feces of infected cats or by the ingestion of raw or undercooked foodstuff containing tissue cysts. The oocyst can contaminate irrigation water and fresh edible produce. It is estimated that approximately one-third of the human population worldwide harbor this parasite. Infection with T. gondii is an important cause of diseases of the central nervous system and the eye in immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and applicability of thermal (heating, cooking, freezing and low temperature), non-thermal (high pressure processing, ionizing irradiation and curing) and chemical and biochemical (disinfection, essential oils and biochemical methods such as enzymes, nanoparticles, antibiotics and immune response) treatments for the inactivation, inhabitation or to kill T. gondii in foodstuff intended for public consumption and under experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Mirza Alizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology/National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Jazaeri
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition Science, Food Science and Technology/National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahar Shemshadi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Garmsar Branch, Garmsar, Iran
| | - Fataneh Hashempour-Baltork
- Student Research Committee, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology/National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Sarlak
- Student Research Committee, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology/National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Pilevar
- Student Research Committee, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology/National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hedayat Hosseini
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition Science, Food Science and Technology/National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Leishmania donovani Parasites Are Inhibited by the Benzoxaborole AN2690 Targeting Leucyl-tRNA Synthetase. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.00079-18. [PMID: 29941647 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00079-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is an important public health threat in parts of India. It is caused by a protozoan parasite, Leishmania donovani Currently available drugs manifest severe side effects. Hence, there is a need to identify new drug targets and drugs. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, required for protein synthesis, are known drug targets for bacterial and fungal pathogens. The aim of the present study was to obtain essentiality data for Leishmania donovani leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LdLRS) by gene replacement. Gene replacement studies indicate that this enzyme plays an essential role in the viability of this pathogenic organism and appears to be indispensable for its survival in vitro The heterozygous mutant parasites demonstrated a growth deficit and reduced infectivity in mouse macrophages compared to the wild-type cells. We also report that Leishmania donovani recombinant LRS displayed aminoacylation activity and that the protein localized to both the cytosol and the mitochondrion. A broad-spectrum antifungal, 5-fluoro-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (AN2690), was found to inhibit parasite growth in both the promastigote and amastigote stages in vitro as well as in vivo in BALB/c mice. This compound exhibited low toxicity to mammalian cells. AN2690 was effective in inhibiting the aminoacylation activity of the recombinant LdLRS. We provide preliminary chemical validation of LdLRS as a drug target by showing that AN2690 is an inhibitor both of L. donovani LRS and of L. donovani cell growth.
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Chavez MA, White AC. Novel treatment strategies and drugs in development for cryptosporidiosis. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2018; 16:655-661. [PMID: 30003818 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2018.1500457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cryptosporidium is a protozoan pathogen that can cause diarrheal disease in healthy and immunosuppressed individuals, worldwide. Recent studies have highlighted the impact of cryptosporidiosis on children in resource-limited countries. Nitazoxanide is the only Food and Drug Administration approved treatment, but it is not consistently effective therapy for cryptosporidiosis in the most vulnerable populations. Areas covered: This review focused on recent published studies evaluating novel drugs and new compounds for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. Expert commentary: Combinations of approved drugs have demonstrated some activity. Broad screens have demonstrated activity against Cryptosporidium for a number of available drugs, including statins and clofazimine, and the latter has advanced into clinical trials. Cryptosporidium calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1) has been identified as an attractive target for treatment, and bumped kinase inhibitors have been developed which inhibit CDPK1 and are active against Cryptosporidium growth both in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of Plasmodium lipid kinase PI(4)K8 of Cryptosporidium by KDU731 greatly reduced oocyst shedding and improved diarrhea in calves with limited effects on the human PI(4)K. Another novel potent inhibitor MMV665917 was efficacious in mouse models with cidal activity against Cryptosporidium. Additional compounds have proved active in vitro. So far, only clofazimine has entered human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Chavez
- a Department of Internal Medicine , University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , Texas , USA
| | - A Clinton White
- b Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Internal Medicine , University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , Texas , USA
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Steketee PC, Vincent IM, Achcar F, Giordani F, Kim DH, Creek DJ, Freund Y, Jacobs R, Rattigan K, Horn D, Field MC, MacLeod A, Barrett MP. Benzoxaborole treatment perturbs S-adenosyl-L-methionine metabolism in Trypanosoma brucei. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006450. [PMID: 29758036 PMCID: PMC5976210 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei causes Human African Trypanosomiasis and Nagana in other mammals. These diseases present a major socio-economic burden to large areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Current therapies involve complex and toxic regimens, which can lead to fatal side-effects. In addition, there is emerging evidence for drug resistance. AN5568 (SCYX-7158) is a novel benzoxaborole class compound that has been selected as a lead compound for the treatment of HAT, and has demonstrated effective clearance of both early and late stage trypanosomiasis in vivo. The compound is currently awaiting phase III clinical trials and could lead to a novel oral therapeutic for the treatment of HAT. However, the mode of action of AN5568 in T. brucei is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the mode of action of AN5568 against T. brucei, using a combination of molecular and metabolomics-based approaches.Treatment of blood-stage trypanosomes with AN5568 led to significant perturbations in parasite metabolism. In particular, elevated levels of metabolites involved in the metabolism of S-adenosyl-L-methionine, an essential methyl group donor, were found. Further comparative metabolomic analyses using an S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferase inhibitor, sinefungin, showed the presence of several striking metabolic phenotypes common to both treatments. Furthermore, several metabolic changes in AN5568 treated parasites resemble those invoked in cells treated with a strong reducing agent, dithiothreitol, suggesting redox imbalances could be involved in the killing mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter C. Steketee
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Isabel M. Vincent
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Achcar
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Federica Giordani
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Dong-Hyun Kim
- Centre for Analytical Bioscience, Division of Molecular and Cellular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Darren J. Creek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drug Delivery Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yvonne Freund
- Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Robert Jacobs
- Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Kevin Rattigan
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David Horn
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Mark C. Field
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Annette MacLeod
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P. Barrett
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Manickam Y, Chaturvedi R, Babbar P, Malhotra N, Jain V, Sharma A. Drug targeting of one or more aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Drug Discov Today 2018; 23:1233-1240. [PMID: 29408369 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains a major infectious disease and, despite incidence reduction, it threatens resurgence in drug-resistant forms. Antimalarial drugs remain the mainstay of therapeutic options and hence there is a constant need to identify and validate new druggable targets. Plasmodium falciparum aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (Pf-aaRSs) drive protein translation and are potent targets for development of next-generation antimalarials. Here, we detail advances made in structural-biology-based investigations in Pf-aaRSs and discuss their distribution of druggable pockets. This review establishes a platform for systematic experimental dissection of malarial parasite aaRSs as a new focus for sustained drug development efforts against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogavel Manickam
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Rini Chaturvedi
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Palak Babbar
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Nipun Malhotra
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Vitul Jain
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi 110067, India; Present address: Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, The Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Amit Sharma
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi 110067, India.
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Grube CD, Roy H. A continuous assay for monitoring the synthetic and proofreading activities of multiple aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases for high-throughput drug discovery. RNA Biol 2017; 15:659-666. [PMID: 29168435 PMCID: PMC6103669 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2017.1397262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) catalyze the aminoacylation of tRNAs to produce the aminoacyl-tRNAs (aa-tRNAs) required by ribosomes for translation of the genetic message into proteins. To ensure the accuracy of tRNA aminoacylation, and consequently the fidelity of protein synthesis, some aaRSs exhibit a proofreading (editing) site, distinct from the aa-tRNA synthetic site. The aaRS editing site hydrolyzes misacylated products formed when a non-cognate amino acid is used during tRNA charging. Because aaRSs play a central role in protein biosynthesis and cellular life, these proteins represent longstanding targets for therapeutic drug development to combat infectious diseases. Most existing aaRS inhibitors target the synthetic site, and it is only recently that drugs targeting the proofreading site have been considered. In the present study, we developed a robust assay for the high-throughput screening of libraries of inhibitors targeting both the synthetic and the proofreading sites of up to four aaRSs simultaneously. Thus, this assay allows for screening of eight distinct enzyme active sites in a single experiment. aaRSs from several prominent human pathogens (i.e., Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Plasmodium falciparum, and Escherichia coli) were used for development of this assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Grube
- a Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine , University of Central Florida , Orlando , Florida , United States of America
| | - Hervé Roy
- a Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine , University of Central Florida , Orlando , Florida , United States of America
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Partridge FA, Brown AE, Buckingham SD, Willis NJ, Wynne GM, Forman R, Else KJ, Morrison AA, Matthews JB, Russell AJ, Lomas DA, Sattelle DB. An automated high-throughput system for phenotypic screening of chemical libraries on C. elegans and parasitic nematodes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2017; 8:8-21. [PMID: 29223747 PMCID: PMC5734697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes infect hundreds of millions of people and farmed livestock. Further, plant parasitic nematodes result in major crop damage. The pipeline of therapeutic compounds is limited and parasite resistance to the existing anthelmintic compounds is a global threat. We have developed an INVertebrate Automated Phenotyping Platform (INVAPP) for high-throughput, plate-based chemical screening, and an algorithm (Paragon) which allows screening for compounds that have an effect on motility and development of parasitic worms. We have validated its utility by determining the efficacy of a panel of known anthelmintics against model and parasitic nematodes: Caenorhabditis elegans, Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta, and Trichuris muris. We then applied the system to screen the Pathogen Box chemical library in a blinded fashion and identified compounds already known to have anthelmintic or anti-parasitic activity, including tolfenpyrad, auranofin, and mebendazole; and 14 compounds previously undescribed as anthelmintics, including benzoxaborole and isoxazole chemotypes. This system offers an effective, high-throughput system for the discovery of novel anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick A Partridge
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Anwen E Brown
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Steven D Buckingham
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Nicky J Willis
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Forman
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn J Else
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Alison A Morrison
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline B Matthews
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, United Kingdom
| | - David A Lomas
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
| | - David B Sattelle
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
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Palencia A, Bougdour A, Brenier-Pinchart MP, Touquet B, Bertini RL, Sensi C, Gay G, Vollaire J, Josserand V, Easom E, Freund YR, Pelloux H, Rosenthal PJ, Cusack S, Hakimi MA. Targeting Toxoplasma gondii CPSF3 as a new approach to control toxoplasmosis. EMBO Mol Med 2017; 9:385-394. [PMID: 28148555 PMCID: PMC5331205 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201607370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an important food and waterborne pathogen causing toxoplasmosis, a potentially severe disease in immunocompromised or congenitally infected humans. Available therapeutic agents are limited by suboptimal efficacy and frequent side effects that can lead to treatment discontinuation. Here we report that the benzoxaborole AN3661 had potent in vitro activity against T. gondii. Parasites selected to be resistant to AN3661 had mutations in TgCPSF3, which encodes a homologue of cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor subunit 3 (CPSF‐73 or CPSF3), an endonuclease involved in mRNA processing in eukaryotes. Point mutations in TgCPSF3 introduced into wild‐type parasites using the CRISPR/Cas9 system recapitulated the resistance phenotype. Importantly, mice infected with T. gondii and treated orally with AN3661 did not develop any apparent illness, while untreated controls had lethal infections. Therefore, TgCPSF3 is a promising novel target of T. gondii that provides an opportunity for the development of anti‐parasitic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Palencia
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Host-Pathogen Interactions & Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France .,European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Grenoble Outstation and Unit of Virus Host-Cell Interactions, University of Grenoble-EMBL-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Alexandre Bougdour
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Host-Pathogen Interactions & Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Brenier-Pinchart
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Host-Pathogen Interactions & Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Bastien Touquet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Host-Pathogen Interactions & Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Rose-Laurence Bertini
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Host-Pathogen Interactions & Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Cristina Sensi
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Grenoble Outstation and Unit of Virus Host-Cell Interactions, University of Grenoble-EMBL-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Gabrielle Gay
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Host-Pathogen Interactions & Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Julien Vollaire
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), OPTIMAL Small Animal Imaging Facility, Grenoble, France
| | - Véronique Josserand
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), OPTIMAL Small Animal Imaging Facility, Grenoble, France
| | - Eric Easom
- Anacor Pharmaceuticals Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | - Hervé Pelloux
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Host-Pathogen Interactions & Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Philip J Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephen Cusack
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Grenoble Outstation and Unit of Virus Host-Cell Interactions, University of Grenoble-EMBL-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Mohamed-Ali Hakimi
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Host-Pathogen Interactions & Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
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46
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Targeting Prolyl-tRNA Synthetase to Accelerate Drug Discovery against Malaria, Leishmaniasis, Toxoplasmosis, Cryptosporidiosis, and Coccidiosis. Structure 2017; 25:1495-1505.e6. [PMID: 28867614 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2017.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Developing anti-parasitic lead compounds that act on key vulnerabilities are necessary for new anti-infectives. Malaria, leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidiosis and coccidiosis together kill >500,000 humans annually. Their causative parasites Plasmodium, Leishmania, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium and Eimeria display high conservation in many housekeeping genes, suggesting that these parasites can be attacked by targeting invariant essential proteins. Here, we describe selective and potent inhibition of prolyl-tRNA synthetases (PRSs) from the above parasites using a series of quinazolinone-scaffold compounds. Our PRS-drug co-crystal structures reveal remarkable active site plasticity that accommodates diversely substituted compounds, an enzymatic feature that can be leveraged for refining drug-like properties of quinazolinones on a per parasite basis. A compound we termed In-5 exhibited a unique double conformation, enhanced drug-like properties, and cleared malaria in mice. It thus represents a new lead for optimization. Collectively, our data offer insights into the structure-guided optimization of quinazolinone-based compounds for drug development against multiple human eukaryotic pathogens.
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Jain V, Sharma A, Singh G, Yogavel M, Sharma A. Structure-Based Targeting of Orthologous Pathogen Proteins Accelerates Antiparasitic Drug Discovery. ACS Infect Dis 2017; 3:281-292. [PMID: 28195698 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.6b00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases caused by eukaryotic pathogens impose significant health and economic burden worldwide. The level of research funding available for many parasitic diseases is insufficient in relation to their adverse social and economic impact. In this article, we discuss that extant 3D structural data on protein-inhibitor complexes can be harnessed to accelerate drug discovery against many related pathogens. Assessment of sequence conservation within drug/inhibitor-binding residues in enzyme-inhibitor complexes can be leveraged to predict and validate both new lead compounds and their molecular targets in multiple parasitic diseases. Hence, structure-based targeting of orthologous pathogen proteins accelerates the discovery of new antiparasitic drugs. This approach offers significant benefits for jumpstarting the discovery of new lead compounds and their molecular targets in diverse human, livestock, and plant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitul Jain
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Arvind Sharma
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Gajinder Singh
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Manickam Yogavel
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110067, India
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A potent antimalarial benzoxaborole targets a Plasmodium falciparum cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor homologue. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14574. [PMID: 28262680 PMCID: PMC5343452 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzoxaboroles are effective against bacterial, fungal and protozoan pathogens. We report potent activity of the benzoxaborole AN3661 against Plasmodium falciparum laboratory-adapted strains (mean IC50 32 nM), Ugandan field isolates (mean ex vivo IC50 64 nM), and murine P. berghei and P. falciparum infections (day 4 ED90 0.34 and 0.57 mg kg−1, respectively). Multiple P. falciparum lines selected in vitro for resistance to AN3661 harboured point mutations in pfcpsf3, which encodes a homologue of mammalian cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor subunit 3 (CPSF-73 or CPSF3). CRISPR-Cas9-mediated introduction of pfcpsf3 mutations into parental lines recapitulated AN3661 resistance. PfCPSF3 homology models placed these mutations in the active site, where AN3661 is predicted to bind. Transcripts for three trophozoite-expressed genes were lost in AN3661-treated trophozoites, which was not observed in parasites selected or engineered for AN3661 resistance. Our results identify the pre-mRNA processing factor PfCPSF3 as a promising antimalarial drug target. Benzoxaboroles have been shown to be active against different pathogens. Here, the authors show that the benzoxaborole AN3661 inhibits Plasmodium falciparum in vitro and in mouse models, and identify a homologue of a mammalian cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor as a drug target.
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Montazeri M, Sharif M, Sarvi S, Mehrzadi S, Ahmadpour E, Daryani A. A Systematic Review of In vitro and In vivo Activities of Anti -Toxoplasma Drugs and Compounds (2006-2016). Front Microbiol 2017; 8:25. [PMID: 28163699 PMCID: PMC5247447 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The currently available anti-Toxoplasma agents have serious limitations. This systematic review was performed to evaluate drugs and new compounds used for the treatment of toxoplasmosis. Data was systematically collected from published papers on the efficacy of drugs/compounds used against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) globally during 2006-2016. The searched databases were PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, ISI Web of Science, EBSCO, and Scopus. One hundred and eighteen papers were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review, which were both in vitro and in vivo studies. Within this review, 80 clinically available drugs and a large number of new compounds with more than 39 mechanisms of action were evaluated. Interestingly, many of the drugs/compounds evaluated against T. gondii act on the apicoplast. Therefore, the apicoplast represents as a potential drug target for new chemotherapy. Based on the current findings, 49 drugs/compounds demonstrated in vitro half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of below 1 μM, but most of them were not evaluated further for in vivo effectiveness. However, the derivatives of the ciprofloxacin, endochin-like quinolones and 1-[4-(4-nitrophenoxy) phenyl] propane-1-one (NPPP) were significantly active against T. gondii tachyzoites both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, these compounds are promising candidates for future studies. Also, compound 32 (T. gondii calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 inhibitor), endochin-like quinolones, miltefosine, rolipram abolish, and guanabenz can be repurposed into an effective anti-parasitic with a unique ability to reduce brain tissue cysts (88.7, 88, 78, 74, and 69%, respectively). Additionally, no promising drugs are available for congenital toxoplasmosis. In conclusion, as current chemotherapy against toxoplasmosis is still not satisfactory, development of well-tolerated and safe specific immunoprophylaxis in relaxing the need of dependence on chemotherapeutics is a highly valuable goal for global disease control. However, with the increasing number of high-risk individuals, and absence of a proper vaccine, continued efforts are necessary for the development of novel treatment options against T. gondii. Some of the novel compounds reviewed here may represent good starting points for the discovery of effective new drugs. In further, bioinformatic and in silico studies are needed in order to identify new potential toxoplasmicidal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbobeh Montazeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
| | - Saeed Mehrzadi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences TehranIran
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical SciencesTabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
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50
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Jain V, Sharma A. Repurposing of Potent Drug Candidates for Multiparasite Targeting. Trends Parasitol 2017; 33:158-161. [PMID: 28081985 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Parasite-directed drug discovery efforts require sustained and substantial scientific resources. Many eukaryotic parasites share similarities in metabolic pathways and housekeeping genes, as evident from their underlying protein sequences. Their subsequent structural congruence within enzyme active sites can thus be leveraged for multiparasite targeting using similar or identical drug probes. This bodes well for delivering new anti-infectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitul Jain
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110067, India.
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