1
|
Hao Y, Wang R, Ni T, Monk BC, Tyndall JDA, Bao J, Wang M, Chi X, Yu S, Jin Y, Zhang D, Yan L, Xie F. Synthesis and antifungal evaluation of novel triazole derivatives bearing a pyrazole-methoxyl moiety. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 275:116637. [PMID: 38959728 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Life-threatening invasive fungal infections pose a serious threat to human health. A series of novel triazole derivatives bearing a pyrazole-methoxyl moiety were designed and synthesized in an effort to obtain antifungals with potent, broad-spectrum activity that are less susceptible to resistance. Most of these compounds exhibited moderate to excellent in vitro antifungal activities against Candida albicans SC5314 and 10,231, Cryptococcus neoformans 32,609, Candida glabrata 537 and Candida parapsilosis 22,019 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of ≤0.125 μg/mL to 0.5 μg/mL. Use of recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains showed compounds 7 and 10 overcame the overexpression and resistant-related mutations in ERG11 of S. cerevisae and several pathogenic Candida spp. Despite being substrates of the C. albicans and Candida auris Cdr1 drug efflux pumps, compounds 7 and 10 showed moderate potency against five fluconazole (FCZ)-resistant fungi with MIC values from 2.0 μg/mL to 16.0 μg/mL. Growth kinetics confirmed compounds 7 and 10 had much stronger fungistatic activity than FCZ. For C. albicans, compounds 7 and 10 inhibited the yeast-to-hyphae transition, biofilm formation and destroyed mature biofilm more effectively than FCZ. Preliminary mechanism of action studies showed compounds 7 and 10 blocked the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway at Erg11, ultimately leading to cell membrane disruption. Further investigation of these novel triazole derivatives is also warranted by their predicted ADMET properties and low cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Hao
- School of Pharmacy, The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), Naval Medical University, No.325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ruina Wang
- School of Pharmacy, The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), Naval Medical University, No.325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Tingjunhong Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Brian C Monk
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Joel D A Tyndall
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Junhe Bao
- School of Pharmacy, The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), Naval Medical University, No.325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Mengyuan Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No.103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Xiaochen Chi
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No.103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Shichong Yu
- School of Pharmacy, The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), Naval Medical University, No.325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yongsheng Jin
- School of Pharmacy, The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), Naval Medical University, No.325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Dazhi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), Naval Medical University, No.325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China; Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Lan Yan
- School of Pharmacy, The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), Naval Medical University, No.325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Fei Xie
- School of Pharmacy, The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), Naval Medical University, No.325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li H, Zhao P, Li S, Guo J, Hao D. Trial and error: New insights into recombinant expression of membrane-bound insect cytochromes P450 in Escherichia coli systems. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 273:133183. [PMID: 38897522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Insect cytochromes P450 (CYP450s) are key enzymes responsible for a wide array of oxidative transformations of both endogenous and exogenous substrates. However, there is currently no a universal guideline established for heterologous expression of membrane-bound CYP450s, which hampers their downstream biochemical and structural studies. In this study, we conducted large-scale screening of protein overexpression in Escherichia coli using 71 insect CYP450 sequences and optimized the expression of a difficult-to-express CYP450 (CYP6HX3) using eight different optimizations, including selection of host strains and expression vectors, alternative of leader signal peptides, and N-terminal modifications. We confirmed that 1) Only insect CYP450s belonging to the CYP347 family could be expressed with N-terminal fusion of ompA2+ signal peptide in E. coli expression system. 2) E. coli Lemo 21 (DE3) effectively improved the expression of CYP6HX3 in the plasma membrane. 3) A brick-red appearance occurred frequently in the expressed thallus or membrane proteins, but this phenomenon could not necessarily indicate successful overexpression of target CYP450s. These findings provide new insights into the recombinant expression of insect CYP450s in E. coli systems and will facilitate the theoretical approaches for functional expression and production of eukaryotic CYP450s.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China; College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Peiyuan Zhao
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China; College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Shouyin Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China; College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Jinyan Guo
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China; College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Dejun Hao
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China; College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Engle K, Kumar G. Tackling multi-drug resistant fungi by efflux pump inhibitors. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 226:116400. [PMID: 38945275 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116400] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant fungi is of grave concern, and its infections are responsible for significant deaths among immunocompromised patients. The treatment of fungal infections primarily relies on a clinical class of antibiotics, including azoles, polyenes, echinocandins, polyketides, and a nucleotide analogue. However, the incidence of fungal infections is increasing as the treatment for human and plant fungal infections overlaps with antifungal drugs. The need for new antifungal agents acting on different targets than known targets is undeniable. Also, the pace at which loss of fungal susceptibility to antibiotics cannot be undermined. There are several modes by which fungi can develop resistance to antibiotics, including reduced drug uptake, drug target alteration, and a reduction in the cellular concentration of the drug due to active extrusions and biofilm formation. The efflux pump's overexpression in the fungi primarily reduced the antibiotic's concentration to a sub-lethal concentration, thus responsible for developing resistant fungus strains. Several strategies are used to check antibiotic resistance in multi-drug resistant fungi, including synthesizing antibiotic analogs and giving antibiotics in combination therapies. Among them, the efflux pump protein inhibitors are considered potential adjuvants to antibiotics and can block the efflux of antibiotics by inhibiting efflux pump protein transporters. Moreover, it can sensitize the antifungal drugs to multi-drug resistant fungi with overexpressed efflux pump proteins. This review discusses the natural lead molecules, repurposable drugs, and formulation strategies to overcome the efflux pump activity in the fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Engle
- Department of Natural Products, Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Balanagar 500037, India
| | - Gautam Kumar
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan 333031, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Levshin IB, Simonov AY, Panov AA, Grammatikova NE, Alexandrov AI, Ghazy ESMO, Ivlev VA, Agaphonov MO, Mantsyzov AB, Polshakov VI. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of a Series of New Hybrid Amide Derivatives of Triazole and Thiazolidine-2,4-dione. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:723. [PMID: 38931390 PMCID: PMC11206592 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A series of hybrid compounds with triazole and thiazolidine nuclei connected by a linker has been synthesized and extensively studied. Various synthetic methods for the target compounds have been tested. A microbiological assessment of the obtained compounds was carried out on strains of pathogenic fungi C. albicans, C. non-albicans, multidrug-resistant C. auris, Rhizopus arrhizus, Aspergillus spp. and some dermatophytes and other yeasts. The lowest obtained MIC values for target compounds lie between 0.003 µg/mL and 0.5 µg/mL and therefore the compounds are not inferior or several times better than commercial azole drugs. The length of the acylpiperazine linker has a limited effect on antifungal activity. Some bioisosteric analogues were tested in microbiological analysis, but turned out to be weaker than the leader in activity. The highest activity was demonstrated by a compound with para-chlorobenzylidene substituent in the thiazolidine fragment. Molecular modelling was used to predict binding modes of synthesized molecules and rationalize experimentally observed SAR. The leader compound is twice more effective in inhibiting the formation of germ tubes by Candida albicans yeast cells compared to voriconazole. An increased level of Pdr5, an azoles drug efflux pump was observed, but the increase is lower than that caused by azoles. The results can be useful for further development of more powerful and safe antifungal agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor B. Levshin
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya Street, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (I.B.L.); (A.Y.S.); (N.E.G.)
| | - Alexander Yu. Simonov
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya Street, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (I.B.L.); (A.Y.S.); (N.E.G.)
| | - Alexey A. Panov
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya Street, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (I.B.L.); (A.Y.S.); (N.E.G.)
| | - Natalia E. Grammatikova
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya Street, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (I.B.L.); (A.Y.S.); (N.E.G.)
| | - Alexander I. Alexandrov
- Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Federal Research Center of Biotechnology of the RAS, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.A.); (E.S.M.O.G.); (M.O.A.)
- Institute of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 17198 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Eslam S. M. O. Ghazy
- Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Federal Research Center of Biotechnology of the RAS, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.A.); (E.S.M.O.G.); (M.O.A.)
- Institute of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 17198 Moscow, Russia;
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31111, Egypt
| | - Vasiliy A. Ivlev
- Institute of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 17198 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Michael O. Agaphonov
- Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Federal Research Center of Biotechnology of the RAS, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.A.); (E.S.M.O.G.); (M.O.A.)
| | - Alexey B. Mantsyzov
- Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 27/1 Lomonosovsky Ave., 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.B.M.); (V.I.P.)
| | - Vladimir I. Polshakov
- Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 27/1 Lomonosovsky Ave., 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.B.M.); (V.I.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ghorbel D, Amouri I, Khemekhem N, Neji S, Trabelsi H, Elloumi M, Sellami H, Makni F, Ayadi A, Hadrich I. Investigation of Azole Resistance Involving cyp51A and cyp51B Genes in Clinical Aspergillus flavus Isolates. Pol J Microbiol 2024; 73:131-142. [PMID: 38700908 PMCID: PMC11192525 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2024-001] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate azole resistance mechanisms in Aspergillus flavus, which involve cyp51A and cyp51B genes. Real-time Reverse Transcriptase qPCR method was applied to determine the overexpression of cyp51A and cyp51B genes for 34 A. flavus isolates. PCR sequencing of these two genes was used to detect the presence of gene mutations. Susceptibility test found sensitivity to voriconazole (VOR) in all strains. 14.7% and 8.8% of isolates were resistant to itraconazole (IT) and posaconazole (POS), respectively, with a cross-resistance in 5.8%. For the double resistant isolates (IT/POS), the expression of cyp51A was up to 17-fold higher. PCR sequencing showed the presence of 2 mutations in cyp51A: a synonymous point mutation (P61P) in eight isolates, which did not affect the structure of CYP51A protein, and another non synonymous mutation (G206L) for only the TN-33 strain (cross IT/POS resistance) causing an amino acid change in the protein sequence. However, we noted in cyp51B the presence of the only non-synonymous mutation (L177G) causing a change in amino acids in the protein sequence for the TN-31 strain, which exhibits IT/POS cross-resistance. A short single intron of 67 bp was identified in the cyp51A gene, whereas three short introns of 54, 53, and 160 bp were identified in the cyp51B gene. According to the models provided by PatchDock software, the presence of non-synonymous mutations did not affect the interaction of CYP51A and CYP51B proteins with antifungals. In our study, the overexpression of the cyp51A and cyp51B genes is the primary mechanism responsible for resistance in A. flavus collection. Nevertheless, other resistance mechanisms can be involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dhoha Ghorbel
- 1Fungi and Parasitic Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Imen Amouri
- 1Fungi and Parasitic Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Nahed Khemekhem
- 1Fungi and Parasitic Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Sourour Neji
- 1Fungi and Parasitic Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Houaida Trabelsi
- 1Fungi and Parasitic Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Moez Elloumi
- 3Haematology Department, UH Hedi Chaker, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Hayet Sellami
- 1Fungi and Parasitic Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Fattouma Makni
- 1Fungi and Parasitic Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Ali Ayadi
- 1Fungi and Parasitic Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Ines Hadrich
- 1Fungi and Parasitic Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- 2Faculty of Science, University of Gabes, Gabes, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Conway TP, Simonicova L, Moye-Rowley WS. Overlapping coactivator function is required for transcriptional activation by the Candida glabrata Pdr1 transcription factor. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.24.595833. [PMID: 38853834 PMCID: PMC11160619 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.24.595833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Azole resistance in the pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata is a serious clinical complication and increasing in frequency. The majority of resistant organisms have been found to contain a substitution mutation in the Zn2Cys6 zinc cluster-containing transcription factor Pdr1. These mutations typically lead to this factor driving high, constitutive expression of target genes like the ATP-binding cassette transporter-encoding gene CDR1 . Overexpression of Cdr1 is required for the observed elevated fluconazole resistance exhibited by strains containing one of these hyperactive PDR1 alleles. While the identity of hyperactive PDR1 alleles has been extensively documented, the mechanisms underlying how these gain-of-function (GOF) forms of Pdr1 lead to elevated target gene transcription are not well understood. We have used a tandem affinity purification (TAP)-tagged form of Pdr1 to identify coactivator proteins that biochemically purify with the wild-type and two different GOF forms of Pdr1. Three coactivator proteins were found to associate with Pdr1: the SWI/SNF complex Snf2 chromatin remodeling protein and two different components of the SAGA complex, Spt7 and Ngg1. We found that deletion mutants lacking either SNF2 or SPT7 exhibited growth defects, even in the absence of fluconazole challenge. To overcome these issues, we employed a conditional degradation system to acutely deplete these coactivators and determined that loss of either coactivator complex, SWI/SNF or SAGA, caused defects in Pdr1-dependent transcription. A double degron strain that could be depleted for both SWI/SNF and SAGA exhibited a profound defect in PDR1 autoregulation, revealing that these complexes work together to ensure high level Pdr1-dependent gene transcription.
Collapse
|
7
|
Hartuis S, Ourliac-Garnier I, Robert E, Albassier M, Duchesne L, Beaufils C, Kuhn J, Le Pape P, Morio F. Precise genome editing underlines the distinct contributions of mutations in ERG11, ERG3, MRR1, and TAC1 genes to antifungal resistance in Candida parapsilosis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024:e0002224. [PMID: 38624217 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00022-24] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis has recently emerged as a major threat due to the worldwide emergence of fluconazole-resistant strains causing clonal outbreaks in hospitals and poses a therapeutic challenge due to the limited antifungal armamentarium. Here, we used precise genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9 to gain further insights into the contribution of mutations in ERG11, ERG3, MRR1, and TAC1 genes and the influence of allelic dosage to antifungal resistance in C. parapsilosis. Seven of the most common amino acid substitutions previously reported in fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates (including Y132F in ERG11) were engineered in two fluconazole-susceptible C. parapsilosis lineages (ATCC 22019 and STZ5). Each mutant was then challenged in vitro against a large array of antifungals, with a focus on azoles. Any possible change in virulence was also assessed in a Galleria mellonella model. We successfully generated a total of 19 different mutants, using CRISPR-Cas9. Except for R398I (ERG11), all remaining amino acid substitutions conferred reduced susceptibility to fluconazole. However, the impact on fluconazole in vitro susceptibility varied greatly according to the engineered mutation, the stronger impact being noted for G583R acting as a gain-of-function mutation in MRR1. Cross-resistance with newer azoles, non-medical azoles, but also non-azole antifungals such as flucytosine, was occasionally noted. Posaconazole and isavuconazole remained the most active in vitro. Except for G583R, no fitness cost was associated with the acquisition of fluconazole resistance. We highlight the distinct contributions of amino acid substitutions in ERG11, ERG3, MRR1, and TAC1 genes to antifungal resistance in C. parapsilosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Hartuis
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l'Immunité, Nantes, France
| | | | - Estelle Robert
- Nantes Université, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l'Immunité, Nantes, France
| | - Marjorie Albassier
- Nantes Université, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l'Immunité, Nantes, France
| | - Léa Duchesne
- Department Public Health, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Clara Beaufils
- Nantes Université, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l'Immunité, Nantes, France
| | - Joséphine Kuhn
- Nantes Université, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l'Immunité, Nantes, France
| | - Patrice Le Pape
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l'Immunité, Nantes, France
| | - Florent Morio
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l'Immunité, Nantes, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nandhagopal M, Mala R, Somarathinam K, Dhakshinamurthy D, Narayanasamy M, Vijayan P, Shankar MM. Anti-fungal effects of novel N-(tert-butyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-amine derivative and it's in-vitro, in-silico, and mode of action against Candida spp. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:186. [PMID: 38509398 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03780-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Imidazoles are a category of azole antifungals that encompass compounds such as ketoconazole, miconazole, esomeprazole, and clotrimazole. In contrast, the triazoles group, which includes fluconazole, voriconazole, and itraconazole, also plays a significant role. The rise of antibiotic resistance in fungal pathogens has evolved into a substantial global public health concern. In this study, two newly synthesized imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivative (Probe I and Probe II) molecules were investigated for its antimicrobial potency against of a panel of bacterial (Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria) and fungal pathogens. Among the different types of pathogens, we found that Probe II showed excellent antifungal activity against fungal pathogens, based on the preliminary screening the potent molecule further investigated against multidrug-resistance Candida sp. (n = 10) and compared with commercial molecules. In addition, in-silico molecular docking, its dynamics, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) were analyzed. In this study, the small molecule (Probe II) displayed potent activity only against the Candida spp. including several multidrug-resistant Candida spp. Probe II exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration ranges from 4 to 16 µg/mL and minimum fungicidal concentration in the range 4‒32 µg/mL as the lowest concentration enough to eliminate the Candida spp. The selected molecules inhibit the formation of yeast to mold as well as ergosterol formation by the computational simulation against Sterol 14-alpha demethylase (CYP51) and inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis by in-vitro model show that the Probe II completely inhibits the formation of ergosterol in yeast cells at 2× MIC. The ADMET analysis Probe II could be moderately toxic to the human being, though the in-vitro toxicity studies will help to understand the real-time toxic level. The novel compound Probe II, which was synthesized during the study, shows promise for development into a new generation of drug treatments aimed at addressing the emerging drug resistance in Candida sp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manivannan Nandhagopal
- Bio-Control and Microbial Product Lab, Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, India.
| | - Ramanjaneyulu Mala
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai, 600020, India
| | - Kanagasabai Somarathinam
- Centre for Advanced Studies in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Divya Dhakshinamurthy
- Department of Chemistry, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr, Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Avadi, Chennai, 600062, India
| | - Mathivanan Narayanasamy
- Biocontrol and Microbial Metabolites Lab, Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Priyadharshni Vijayan
- Biocontrol and Microbial Metabolites Lab, Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Manimuthu Mani Shankar
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mesquida A, Alcoceba E, Padilla E, Ramírez A, Merino P, González-Romo F, De Carolis E, Sanguinetti M, Mantecón-Vallejo MDLÁ, Muñoz-Algarra M, Durán-Valle T, Pérez-Ayala A, Gómez-García-de-la-Pedrosa E, Del Carmen Martínez-Jiménez M, Sánchez-Castellano MÁ, Quiles-Melero I, Cuétara MS, Sánchez-García A, Muñoz P, Escribano P, Guinea J. Fluconazole-resistant Candida parapsilosis genotypes from hospitals located in five Spanish cities and one in Italy: Description of azole-resistance profiles associated with the Y132F ERG11p substitution. Mycoses 2024; 67:e13706. [PMID: 38438313 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fluconazole-resistant Candida parapsilosis is a matter of concern. OBJECTIVES To describe fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis genotypes circulating across hospitals in Spain and Rome and to study their azole-resistance profile associated with ERG11p substitutions. PATIENTS/METHODS We selected fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis isolates (n = 528 from 2019 to 2023; MIC ≥8 mg/L according to EUCAST) from patients admitted to 13 hospitals located in five Spanish cities and Rome. Additionally, we tested voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole, amphotericin B, micafungin, anidulafungin and ibrexafungerp susceptibility. RESULTS Of the 53 genotypes found, 49 harboured the Y132F substitution, five of which were dominating city-specific genotypes involving almost half the isolates. Another genotype involved isolates harbouring the G458S substitution. Finally, we found two genotypes with the wild-type ERG11 gene sequence and one with the R398I substitution. All isolates were fully susceptible/wild-type to amphotericin B, anidulafungin, micafungin and ibrexafungerp. The azole-resistance patterns found were: voriconazole-resistant (74.1%) or voriconazole-intermediate (25.2%), posaconazole-resistant (10%) and isavuconazole non-wild-type (47.5%). Fluconazole-resistant and voriconazole non-wild-type isolates were likely to harbour substitution Y132F if posaconazole was wild type; however, if posaconazole was non-wild type, substitution G458S was indicated if isavuconazole MIC was >0.125 mg/L or substitution Y132F if isavuconazole MIC was ≤0.125 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS We detected a recent clonal spread of fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis across some cities in Spain, mostly driven by dominating city-specific genotypes, which involved a large number of isolates harbouring the Y132F ERG11p substitution. Isolates harbouring substitution Y132F can be suspected because they are non-susceptible to voriconazole and rarely posaconazole-resistant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aina Mesquida
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Alcoceba
- Clinical Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | | | - Aída Ramírez
- Clinical Microbiology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paloma Merino
- Clinical Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando González-Romo
- Clinical Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena De Carolis
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - María Muñoz-Algarra
- Clinical Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Teresa Durán-Valle
- Clinical Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario de Móstoles, Móstoles, Spain
| | - Ana Pérez-Ayala
- Clinical Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elia Gómez-García-de-la-Pedrosa
- Clinical Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - María Soledad Cuétara
- Clinical Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Leganés, Spain
| | - Aída Sánchez-García
- Laboratorio Central de la CAM-UR Salud-Hospital Infanta Sofía, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Muñoz
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias-CIBERES (CB06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Escribano
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences - HM Hospitals, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Guinea
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias-CIBERES (CB06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences - HM Hospitals, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Asgaonkar KD, Chitre TS, Patil SM, Shevate KS, Sagar AK, Ghate DD, Shah PA. Green Chemistry and In silico Techniques for Synthesis of Novel Pyranopyrazole and Pyrazolo-pyrano-pyrimidine Derivatives as Promising Antifungal Agents. RECENT ADVANCES IN ANTI-INFECTIVE DRUG DISCOVERY 2024; 19:216-231. [PMID: 38317465 DOI: 10.2174/0127724344269458231124123935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Every year Invasive Fungal Infections (IFI) are globally affecting millions of people. Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger have been reported as the most infectious and mortality-inducing fungal strains among all pathogenic fungi. AIMS & OBJECTIVES To tackle this problem in the current study Pyranopyrazoles and Pyrazolopyrano- pyrimidine derivatives were developed using molecular hybridization, green chemistry and one-pot multicomponent reaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the present work, New Chemical entities (NCE's) were developed on the basis of Structure activity relationship. All designed NCE's were screened for ADMET studies using the QikProp module of Schrodinger software. NCE's with zero violations were further docked on the crystal structure of 14α demethylase, cytochrome P450 and thymidine synthase (PDB ID: 5V5Z, 7SHI, 1BID). Selected molecules were synthesized using green chemistry techniques and evaluated for in vitro antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Designed NCE's (B1-12 and C1-11) showed favorable results in ADMET studies. In the docking study six compounds from series-B and five molecules from series- C showed good dock score and binding interaction when compared with the standard drugs. Compounds B-3 and C-4 showed the highest zone of inhibition activity against Candida albicans, where as B-1 and C-3 had shown highest zone of inhibition activity against Aspergillus niger. CONCLUSION Bicyclic ring (series B) showed better activity as compare to fused tricyclic ring (series C).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani Dhirendra Asgaonkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Society's College of Pharmacy, Pune 411001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Trupti Sameer Chitre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Society's College of Pharmacy, Pune 411001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shital Manoj Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Society's College of Pharmacy, Pune 411001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Krishna Sambhajirao Shevate
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Society's College of Pharmacy, Pune 411001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ashwini Kishan Sagar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Society's College of Pharmacy, Pune 411001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Dipti Dattatray Ghate
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Society's College of Pharmacy, Pune 411001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Parth Anil Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Society's College of Pharmacy, Pune 411001, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
de Lima Silva MG, de Lima LF, Alencar Fonseca VJ, Santos da Silva LY, Calixto Donelardy AC, de Almeida RS, de Morais Oliveira-Tintino CD, Pereira Bezerra Martins AOB, Ribeiro-Filho J, Bezerra Morais-Braga MF, Tintino SR, Alencar de Menezes IR. Enhancing the Antifungal Efficacy of Fluconazole with a Diterpene: Abietic Acid as a Promising Adjuvant to Combat Antifungal Resistance in Candida spp. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1565. [PMID: 37998767 PMCID: PMC10668680 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12111565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing antifungal resistance rates against conventional drugs reveal the urgent need to search for new therapeutic alternatives. In this context, natural bioactive compounds have a critical role in antifungal drug development. Since evidence demonstrates that abietic acid, a diterpene found in Pinus species, has significant antimicrobial properties, this study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of abietic acid against Candida spp and its ability to potentiate the activity of fluconazole. Abietic acid was tested both individually and in combination with fluconazole against Candida albicans (CA INCQS 40006), Candida krusei (CK INCQS 40095), and Candida tropicalis (CT INCQS 40042). The microdilution method was used to determine the IC50 and the cell viability curve. Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was determined by subculture in a solid medium. The plasma membrane permeability was measured using a fluorescent SYTOX Green probe. While the IC50 of the drugs alone ranged between 1065 and 3255 μg/mL, the IC50 resulting from the combination of abietic acid and fluconazole ranged between 7563 and 160.1 μg/mL. Whether used in combination with fluconazole or isolated, abietic acid exhibited Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) values exceeding 1024 μg/mL against Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis. However, it was observed that the antifungal effect of fluconazole was enhanced when used in combination with abietic acid against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. These findings suggest that while abietic acid alone has limited inherent antifungal activity, it can enhance the effectiveness of fluconazole, thereby reducing antifungal resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gabriely de Lima Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry (LFQM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (M.G.d.L.S.); (L.Y.S.d.S.); (A.C.C.D.); (A.O.B.P.B.M.)
| | - Luciene Ferreira de Lima
- Laboratory of Applied Mycology of Cariri (LMAC), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (L.F.d.L.); (V.J.A.F.); (M.F.B.M.-B.)
| | - Victor Juno Alencar Fonseca
- Laboratory of Applied Mycology of Cariri (LMAC), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (L.F.d.L.); (V.J.A.F.); (M.F.B.M.-B.)
| | - Lucas Yure Santos da Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry (LFQM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (M.G.d.L.S.); (L.Y.S.d.S.); (A.C.C.D.); (A.O.B.P.B.M.)
| | - Ana Cecília Calixto Donelardy
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry (LFQM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (M.G.d.L.S.); (L.Y.S.d.S.); (A.C.C.D.); (A.O.B.P.B.M.)
| | - Ray Silva de Almeida
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology (LMBM), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (R.S.d.A.); (C.D.d.M.O.-T.)
| | | | - Anita Oliveira Brito Pereira Bezerra Martins
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry (LFQM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (M.G.d.L.S.); (L.Y.S.d.S.); (A.C.C.D.); (A.O.B.P.B.M.)
| | - Jaime Ribeiro-Filho
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Fiocruz Ceará, Eusébio 61773-270, Ceará, Brazil;
| | - Maria Flaviana Bezerra Morais-Braga
- Laboratory of Applied Mycology of Cariri (LMAC), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (L.F.d.L.); (V.J.A.F.); (M.F.B.M.-B.)
| | - Saulo Relison Tintino
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology (LMBM), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (R.S.d.A.); (C.D.d.M.O.-T.)
| | - Irwin Rose Alencar de Menezes
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry (LFQM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (M.G.d.L.S.); (L.Y.S.d.S.); (A.C.C.D.); (A.O.B.P.B.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Choy HL, Gaylord EA, Doering TL. Ergosterol distribution controls surface structure formation and fungal pathogenicity. mBio 2023; 14:e0135323. [PMID: 37409809 PMCID: PMC10470819 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01353-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ergosterol, the major sterol in fungal membranes, is critical for defining membrane fluidity and regulating cellular processes. Although ergosterol synthesis has been well defined in model yeast, little is known about sterol organization in the context of fungal pathogenesis. We identified a retrograde sterol transporter, Ysp2, in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. We found that the lack of Ysp2 under host-mimicking conditions leads to abnormal accumulation of ergosterol at the plasma membrane, invagination of the plasma membrane, and malformation of the cell wall, which can be functionally rescued by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis with the antifungal drug fluconazole. We also observed that cells lacking Ysp2 mislocalize the cell surface protein Pma1 and have abnormally thin and permeable capsules. As a result of perturbed ergosterol distribution and its consequences, ysp2∆ cells cannot survive in physiologically relevant environments such as host phagocytes and are dramatically attenuated in virulence. These findings expand our knowledge of cryptococcal biology and underscore the importance of sterol homeostasis in fungal pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that kills over 100,000 people worldwide each year. Only three drugs are available to treat cryptococcosis, and these are variously limited by toxicity, availability, cost, and resistance. Ergosterol is the most abundant sterol in fungi and a key component in modulating membrane behavior. Two of the drugs used for cryptococcal infection, amphotericin B and fluconazole, target this lipid and its synthesis, highlighting its importance as a therapeutic target. We discovered a cryptococcal ergosterol transporter, Ysp2, and demonstrated its key roles in multiple aspects of cryptococcal biology and pathogenesis. These studies demonstrate the role of ergosterol homeostasis in C. neoformans virulence, deepen our understanding of a pathway with proven therapeutic importance, and open a new area of study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hau Lam Choy
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Gaylord
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tamara L. Doering
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sun M, Lyu L, Zheng Q. Active Binding Modes of Caffeine with Cytochrome P450 1A2 Determine Its Metabolite Profiles. Chem Res Toxicol 2023; 36:1313-1320. [PMID: 37468477 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.3c00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Caffeine is a very common kind of nervous stimulant, and it is primarily metabolized by Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) in the human body. Over the years, determining the interactions between caffeine and CYP1A2 has been a tough issue. The active binding modes and the catalytic regioselectivity of the metabolism between CYP1A2 and caffeine remain unclear. Here, to investigate the interactions between CYP1A2 and caffeine, we constructed the all-sequence CYP1A2-caffeine-membrane system using a multiple template approach. According to our simulation results, four active binding modes between CYP1A2 and caffeine that correspond to the four metabolic sites of caffeine are determined. What is more, a pre-reaction state for the CYP1A2-catalyzed reaction at caffeine's N3 site is identified. A more preponderant active binding mode might be the reason why the N3 site of caffeine becomes the primary metabolic site. Our findings could enhance our knowledge of the interactions between CYP1A2 and caffeine and help us better understand the regioselectivity of the metabolism between CYP1A2 and caffeine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minzhang Sun
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130023, China
| | - Lingshan Lyu
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130023, China
| | - Qingchuan Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130023, China
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130023, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhu G, Chen S, Zhang Y, Lu L. Mitochondrial Membrane-Associated Protein Mba1 Confers Antifungal Resistance by Affecting the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Aspergillus fumigatus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0022523. [PMID: 37428039 PMCID: PMC10433838 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00225-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Azole resistance in the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus is becoming a major threat to global health. To date, mutations in the azole target-encoding cyp51A gene have been implicated in conferring azole resistance, but a steady increase in the number of A. fumigatus isolates with azole resistance resulting from non-cyp51A mutations has been recognized. Previous studies have revealed that some isolates with non-cyp51A mutation-induced azole resistance are related to mitochondrial dysfunction. However, knowledge of the molecular mechanism underlying the involvement of non-cyp51A mutations is limited. In this study, using next-generation sequencing, we found that nine independent azole-resistant isolates without cyp51A mutations had normal mitochondrial membrane potential. Among these isolates, a mutation in a mitochondrial ribosome-binding protein, Mba1, conferred multidrug resistance to azoles, terbinafine, and amphotericin B but not caspofungin. Molecular characterization verified that the TIM44 domain of Mba1 was crucial for drug resistance and that the N terminus of Mba1 played a major role in growth. Deletion of mba1 had no effect on Cyp51A expression but decreased the fungal cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, which contributed to mba1-mediated drug resistance. The findings in this study suggest that some non-cyp51A proteins drive drug resistance mechanisms that result from reduced ROS production induced by antifungals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoxing Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Toepfer S, Lackner M, Keniya MV, Zenz LM, Friemert M, Bracher F, Monk BC. Clorgyline Analogs Synergize with Azoles against Drug Efflux in Candida auris. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:663. [PMID: 37367600 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Concern about the global emergence of multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens led us to explore the use of combination therapy to combat azole resistance in Candida auris. Clorgyline had previously been shown to be a multi-target inhibitor of Cdr1 and Mdr1 efflux pumps of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. A screen for antifungal sensitizers among synthetic analogs of Clorgyline detected interactions with the C. auris efflux pump azole substrates Posaconazole and Voriconazole. Of six Clorgyline analogs, M19 and M25 were identified as potential sensitizers of azole resistance. M19 and M25 were found to act synergistically with azoles against resistant C. auris clade I isolates and recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains overexpressing C. auris efflux pumps. Nile Red assays with the recombinant strains showed M19 and M25 inhibited the activity of Cdr1 and Mdr1 efflux pumps that are known to play key roles in azole resistance in C. auris clades I, III, and IV. While Clorgyline, M19 and M25 uncoupled the Oligomycin-sensitive ATPase activity of Cdr1 from C. albicans and C. auris, their mode of action is yet to be fully elucidated. The experimental combinations described herein provides a starting point to combat azole resistance dominated by overexpression of CauCdr1 in C. auris clades I and IV and CauMdr1 in C. auris clade III.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Toepfer
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Michaela Lackner
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mikhail V Keniya
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
| | - Lisa-Maria Zenz
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marianne Friemert
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Bracher
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Brian C Monk
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Remines M, Schoonover M, Knox Z, Kenwright K, Hoffert KM, Coric A, Mead J, Ampfer J, Seye S, Strome ED. Profiling The Compendium Of Changes In Saccharomyces cerevisiae Due To Mutations That Alter Availability Of The Main Methyl Donor S-Adenosylmethionine. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.09.544294. [PMID: 37333147 PMCID: PMC10274911 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.09.544294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The SAM1 and SAM2 genes encode for S-AdenosylMethionine (AdoMet) synthetase enzymes, with AdoMet serving as the main methyl donor. We have previously shown that independent deletion of these genes alters chromosome stability and AdoMet concentrations in opposite ways in S. cerevisiae. To characterize other changes occurring in these mutants, we grew wildtype, sam1∆/sam1∆, and sam2∆/sam2∆ strains in 15 different Phenotypic Microarray plates with different components, equal to 1440 wells, and measured for growth variations. RNA-Sequencing was also carried out on these strains and differential gene expression determined for each mutant. In this study, we explore how the phenotypic growth differences are linked to the altered gene expression, and thereby predict the mechanisms by which loss of the SAM genes and subsequent AdoMet level changes, impact S. cerevisiae pathways and processes. We present six stories, discussing changes in sensitivity or resistance to azoles, cisplatin, oxidative stress, arginine biosynthesis perturbations, DNA synthesis inhibitors, and tamoxifen, to demonstrate the power of this novel methodology to broadly profile changes due to gene mutations. The large number of conditions that result in altered growth, as well as the large number of differentially expressed genes with wide-ranging functionality, speaks to the broad array of impacts that altering methyl donor abundance can impart, even when the conditions tested were not specifically selected as targeting known methyl involving pathways. Our findings demonstrate that some cellular changes are directly related to AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases and AdoMet availability, some are directly linked to the methyl cycle and its role is production of several important cellular components, and others reveal impacts of SAM gene mutations on previously unconnected pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- McKayla Remines
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Makailyn Schoonover
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Zoey Knox
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Kailee Kenwright
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Kellyn M. Hoffert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Amila Coric
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - James Mead
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Joseph Ampfer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Serigne Seye
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Erin D. Strome
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Xie F, Hao Y, Li L, Wang R, Bao J, Chi X, Monk BC, Wang T, Yu S, Jin Y, Zhang D, Ni T, Yan L. Novel antifungal triazoles with alkynyl-methoxyl side chains: Design, synthesis, and biological activity evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115506. [PMID: 37216811 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115506] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Previous work led to the rational design, synthesis and testing of novel antifungal triazole analogues bearing alkynyl-methoxyl side chains. Tests of in vitro antifungal activity showed Candida albicans SC5314 and Candida glabrata 537 gave MIC values of ≤0.125 μg/mL for most of the compounds. Among these, compounds 16, 18, and 29 displayed broad-spectrum antifungal activity against seven human pathogenic fungal species, two fluconazole-resistant C. albicans isolates and two multi-drug resistant Candida auris isolates. Moreover, 0.5 μg/mL of 16, 18, and 29 was more effective than 2 μg/mL of fluconazole at inhibiting fungal growth of the strains tested. The most active compound (16) completely inhibited the growth of C. albicans SC5314 at 16 μg/mL for 24 h, affected biofilm formation and destroyed the mature biofilm at 64 μg/mL. Several Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, overexpressing recombinant Cyp51s or drug efflux pumps, indicated 16, 18, and 29 targeted Cyp51 without being significantly affected by a common active site mutation, but were susceptible to target overexpression and efflux by both MFS and ABC transporters. GC-MS analysis demonstrated that 16, 18, and 29 interfered with the C. albicans ergosterol biosynthesis pathway by inhibition at Cyp51. Molecular docking studies elucidated the binding modes of 18 with Cyp51. The compounds showed low cytotoxicity, low hemolytic activity and favorable ADMT properties. Importantly, compound 16 showed potent in vivo antifungal efficacy in the G. mellonella infection model. Taken together, this study presents more effective, broad-spectrum, low toxicity triazole analogues that can contribute to the development of novel antifungal agents and help overcome antifungal resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xie
- Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yumeng Hao
- Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Liping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Ruina Wang
- Center of New Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Junhe Bao
- Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xiaochen Chi
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Brian C Monk
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Shichong Yu
- Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yongsheng Jin
- Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Dazhi Zhang
- Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Tingjunhong Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Lan Yan
- Center of New Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Noel D, Hallsworth JE, Gelhaye E, Darnet S, Sormani R, Morel-Rouhier M. Modes-of-action of antifungal compounds: Stressors and (target-site-specific) toxins, toxicants, or Toxin-stressors. Microb Biotechnol 2023. [PMID: 37191200 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi and antifungal compounds are relevant to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. However, the modes-of-action of antifungals-whether they are naturally occurring substances or anthropogenic fungicides-are often unknown or are misallocated in terms of their mechanistic category. Here, we consider the most effective approaches to identifying whether antifungal substances are cellular stressors, toxins/toxicants (that are target-site-specific), or have a hybrid mode-of-action as Toxin-stressors (that induce cellular stress yet are target-site-specific). This newly described 'toxin-stressor' category includes some photosensitisers that target the cell membrane and, once activated by light or ultraviolet radiation, cause oxidative damage. We provide a glossary of terms and a diagrammatic representation of diverse types of stressors, toxic substances, and Toxin-stressors, a classification that is pertinent to inhibitory substances not only for fungi but for all types of cellular life. A decision-tree approach can also be used to help differentiate toxic substances from cellular stressors (Curr Opin Biotechnol 2015 33: 228-259). For compounds that target specific sites in the cell, we evaluate the relative merits of using metabolite analyses, chemical genetics, chemoproteomics, transcriptomics, and the target-based drug-discovery approach (based on that used in pharmaceutical research), focusing on both ascomycete models and the less-studied basidiomycete fungi. Chemical genetic methods to elucidate modes-of-action currently have limited application for fungi where molecular tools are not yet available; we discuss ways to circumvent this bottleneck. We also discuss ecologically commonplace scenarios in which multiple substances act to limit the functionality of the fungal cell and a number of as-yet-unresolved questions about the modes-of-action of antifungal compounds pertaining to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - John E Hallsworth
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Eric Gelhaye
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, IAM, Nancy, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Campos Péret VA, Reis RCFM, Braga SFP, Benedetti MD, Caldas IS, Carvalho DT, Santana LFDA, Johann S, Souza TBD. New miconazole-based azoles derived from eugenol show activity against Candida spp. and Cryptococcus gattii by inhibiting the fungal ergosterol biosynthesis. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115436. [PMID: 37146343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
This work describes the design, synthesis and antifungal activity of new imidazoles and 1,2,4-triazoles derived from eugenol and dihydroeugenol. These new compounds were fully characterized by spectroscopy/spectrometric analyses and the imidazoles 9, 10, 13 e 14 showed relevant antifungal activity against Candida sp. and Cryptococcus gattii in the range of 4.6-75.3 μM. Although no compound has shown a broad spectrum of antifungal activity against all evaluated strains, some azoles were more active than either reference drugs employed against specific strains. Eugenol-imidazole 13 was the most promising azole (MIC: 4.6 μM) against Candida albicans being 32 times more potent than miconazole (MIC: 150.2 μM) with no relevant cytotoxicity (selectivity index >28). Notably, dihydroeugenol-imidazole 14 was twice as potent (MIC: 36.4 μM) as miconazole (MIC: 74.9 μM) and more than 5 times more active than fluconazole (MIC: 209.0 μM) against alarming multi-resistant Candida auris. Furthermore, in vitro assays showed that most active compounds 10 and 13 altered the fungal ergosterol biosynthesis, reducing its content as fluconazole does, suggesting the enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) as a possible target for these new compounds. Docking studies with CYP51 revealed an interaction between the imidazole ring of the active substances with the heme group, as well as insertion of the chlorinated ring into a hydrophobic cavity at the binding site, consistent with the behavior observed with control drugs miconazole and fluconazole. The increase of azoles-resistant isolates of Candida species and the impact that C. auris has had on hospitals around the world reinforces the importance of discovery of azoles 9, 10, 13 e 14 as new bioactive compounds for further chemical optimization to afford new clinically antifungal agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ivo Santana Caldas
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences - Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Diogo Teixeira Carvalho
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty - Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe de Andrade Santana
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Susana Johann
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gao T, Zhao Y, Zhang L, Wang H. Secondary and Topological Structural Merge Prediction of Alpha-Helical Transmembrane Proteins Using a Hybrid Model Based on Hidden Markov and Long Short-Term Memory Neural Networks. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065720. [PMID: 36982795 PMCID: PMC10057634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-helical transmembrane proteins (αTMPs) play essential roles in drug targeting and disease treatments. Due to the challenges of using experimental methods to determine their structure, αTMPs have far fewer known structures than soluble proteins. The topology of transmembrane proteins (TMPs) can determine the spatial conformation relative to the membrane, while the secondary structure helps to identify their functional domain. They are highly correlated on αTMPs sequences, and achieving a merge prediction is instructive for further understanding the structure and function of αTMPs. In this study, we implemented a hybrid model combining Deep Learning Neural Networks (DNNs) with a Class Hidden Markov Model (CHMM), namely HDNNtopss. DNNs extract rich contextual features through stacked attention-enhanced Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) networks and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), and CHMM captures state-associative temporal features. The hybrid model not only reasonably considers the probability of the state path but also has a fitting and feature-extraction capability for deep learning, which enables flexible prediction and makes the resulting sequence more biologically meaningful. It outperforms current advanced merge-prediction methods with a Q4 of 0.779 and an MCC of 0.673 on the independent test dataset, which have practical, solid significance. In comparison to advanced prediction methods for topological and secondary structures, it achieves the highest topology prediction with a Q2 of 0.884, which has a strong comprehensive performance. At the same time, we implemented a joint training method, Co-HDNNtopss, and achieved a good performance to provide an important reference for similar hybrid-model training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Gao
- School of Information Science and Technology, Institute of Computational Biology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (T.G.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yutong Zhao
- School of Information Science and Technology, Institute of Computational Biology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (T.G.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, China;
| | - Han Wang
- School of Information Science and Technology, Institute of Computational Biology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (T.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
A Small Molecule Inhibitor of Erg251 Makes Fluconazole Fungicidal by Inhibiting the Synthesis of the 14α-Methylsterols. mBio 2023; 14:e0263922. [PMID: 36475771 PMCID: PMC9973333 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02639-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluconazole (FLC) is widely used to prevent and treat invasive fungal infections. However, FLC is a fungistatic agent, allowing clinical FLC-susceptible isolates to tolerate FLC. Making FLC fungicidal in combination with adjuvants is a promising strategy to avoid FLC resistance and eliminate the persistence and recurrence of fungal infections. Here, we identify a new small molecule compound, CZ66, that can make FLC fungicidal. The mechanism of action of CZ66 is targeting the C-4 sterol methyl oxidase, encoded by the ERG251 gene, resulting in decreased content of sterols with the 14α-methyl group and ultimately eliminating FLC tolerance of Candida albicans. CZ66 most likely interacts with Erg251 through residues Glu195, Gly206, and Arg241. Establishing Erg251 as a synergistic lethal target protein of FLC should direct research to identify specific small molecule inhibitors of 14α-methylsterol synthesis and open the way to abolishing fungal FLC tolerance. IMPORTANCE Fluconazole (FLC) tolerance increases the frequency of acquired FLC resistance, and a high FLC tolerance level is associated with persistent candidemia. Multiple functional proteins, such as calcineurin, heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), and ADP ribosylation factor, are essential for the survival of C. albicans exposed to FLC, but how these factors increase the fungicidal activity of FLC remains to be determined. In this study, we found that 14α-methylsterols replace ergosterol to allow C. albicans to survive FLC, but Erg251 inactivated by CZ66 results in loss of 14α-methylsterol synthesis and cell death of C. albicans treated with FLC. Establishing Erg251 as a synergistic lethal target protein of FLC should direct research to identify specific small molecule inhibitors of 14α-methylsterol synthesis and open the way to abolishing fungal FLC tolerance.
Collapse
|
22
|
Choy HL, Gaylord EA, Doering TL. Ergosterol distribution controls surface structure formation and fungal pathogenicity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.17.528979. [PMID: 36824733 PMCID: PMC9949117 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.17.528979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Ergosterol, the major sterol in fungal membranes, is critical for defining membrane fluidity and regulating cellular processes. Although ergosterol synthesis has been well defined in model yeast, little is known about sterol organization in the context of fungal pathogenesis. We identified a retrograde sterol transporter, Ysp2, in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans . We found that the lack of Ysp2 under host-mimicking conditions leads to abnormal accumulation of ergosterol at the plasma membrane, invagination of the plasma membrane, and malformation of the cell wall, which can be functionally rescued by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis with the antifungal drug fluconazole. We also observed that cells lacking Ysp2 mislocalize the cell surface protein Pma1 and have thinner and more permeable capsules. As a result of perturbed ergosterol distribution and its consequences, ysp2 Î" cells cannot survive in physiologically-rele-vant environments such as host phagocytes and are dramatically attenuated in virulence. These findings expand our knowledge of cryptococcal biology and underscore the importance of sterol homeostasis in fungal pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that kills over 100,000 people worldwide each year. Only three drugs are available to treat cryptococcosis, and these are variously limited by toxicity, availability, cost, and resistance. Ergosterol is the most abundant sterol in fungi and a key component in modulating membrane behavior. Two of the drugs used for cryptococcal infection, amphotericin B and fluconazole, target this lipid and its synthesis, highlighting its importance as a therapeutic target. We discovered a cryptococcal ergosterol transporter, Ysp2, and demonstrated its key roles in multiple aspects of cryptococcal biology and pathogenesis. These studies demonstrate the role of ergosterol homeostasis in C. neoformans virulence, deepen our understanding of a pathway with proven therapeutic importance, and open a new area of study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hau Lam Choy
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Gaylord
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tamara L. Doering
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Controlling antifungal activity with light: Optical regulation of fungal ergosterol biosynthetic pathway with photo-responsive CYP51 inhibitors. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023. [PMID: 37521860 PMCID: PMC10372832 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) have been associated with high mortality, highlighting the urgent need for developing novel antifungal strategies. Herein the first light-responsive antifungal agents were designed by optical control of fungal ergosterol biosynthesis pathway with photocaged triazole lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) inhibitors. The photocaged triazoles completely shielded the CYP51 inhibition. The content of ergosterol in fungi before photoactivation and after photoactivation was 4.4% and 83.7%, respectively. Importantly, the shielded antifungal activity (MIC80 ≥ 64 μg/mL) could be efficiently recovered (MIC80 = 0.5-8 μg/mL) by light irradiation. The new chemical tools enable optical control of fungal growth arrest, morphological conversion and biofilm formation. The ability for high-precision antifungal treatment was validated by in vivo models. The light-activated compound A1 was comparable to fluconazole in prolonging survival in Galleria mellonella larvae with a median survival of 14 days and reducing fungal burden in the mouse skin infection model. Overall, this study paves the way for precise regulation of antifungal therapy with improved efficacy and safety.
Collapse
|
24
|
Functional Expression of Recombinant Candida auris Proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Enables Azole Susceptibility Evaluation and Drug Discovery. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020168. [PMID: 36836283 PMCID: PMC9960696 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris infections are difficult to treat due to acquired drug resistance against one or multiple antifungal drug classes. The most prominent resistance mechanisms in C. auris are overexpression and point mutations in Erg11, and the overexpression of efflux pump genes CDR1 and MDR1. We report the establishment of a novel platform for molecular analysis and drug screening based on acquired azole-resistance mechanisms found in C. auris. Constitutive functional overexpression of wild-type C. auris Erg11, Erg11 with amino acid substitutions Y132F or K143R and the recombinant efflux pumps Cdr1 and Mdr1 has been achieved in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Phenotypes were evaluated for standard azoles and the tetrazole VT-1161. Overexpression of CauErg11 Y132F, CauErg11 K143R, and CauMdr1 conferred resistance exclusively to the short-tailed azoles Fluconazole and Voriconazole. Strains overexpressing the Cdr1 protein were pan-azole resistant. While CauErg11 Y132F increased VT-1161 resistance, K143R had no impact. Type II binding spectra showed tight azole binding to the affinity-purified recombinant CauErg11 protein. The Nile Red assay confirmed the efflux functions of CauMdr1 and CauCdr1, which were specifically inhibited by MCC1189 and Beauvericin, respectively. CauCdr1 exhibited ATPase activity that was inhibited by Oligomycin. The S. cerevisiae overexpression platform enables evaluation of the interaction of existing and novel azole drugs with their primary target CauErg11 and their susceptibility to drug efflux.
Collapse
|
25
|
Slavin YN, Bach H. Mechanisms of Antifungal Properties of Metal Nanoparticles. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:nano12244470. [PMID: 36558323 PMCID: PMC9781740 DOI: 10.3390/nano12244470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The appearance of resistant species of fungi to the existent antimycotics is challenging for the scientific community. One emergent technology is the application of nanotechnology to develop novel antifungal agents. Metal nanoparticles (NPs) have shown promising results as an alternative to classical antimycotics. This review summarizes and discusses the antifungal mechanisms of metal NPs, including combinations with other antimycotics, covering the period from 2005 to 2022. These mechanisms include but are not limited to the generation of toxic oxygen species and their cellular target, the effect of the cell wall damage and the hyphae and spores, and the mechanisms of defense implied by the fungal cell. Lastly, a description of the impact of NPs on the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles is discussed.
Collapse
|
26
|
Ruma YN, Keniya MV, Monk BC. Exploring Cryptococcus neoformans CYP51 and Its Cognate Reductase as a Drug Target. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8121256. [PMID: 36547589 PMCID: PMC9785471 DOI: 10.3390/jof8121256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus remains a leading cause of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised people. Resistance to azole drugs has imposed a further challenge to the effective treatment of such infections. In this study, the functional expression of full-length hexahistidine-tagged Cryptococcus neoformans CYP51 (CnCYP51-6×His), with or without its cognate hexahistidine-tagged NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CnCPR-6×His), in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae host system has been used to characterise these enzymes. The heterologous expression of CnCYP51-6×His complemented deletion of the host CYP51 and conferred increased susceptibility to both short-tailed and long-tailed azole drugs. In addition, co-expression of CnCPR-6×His decreased susceptibility 2- to 4-fold for short-tailed but not long-tailed azoles. Type 2 binding of azoles to CnCYP51-6×His and assay of NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase activity confirmed that the heterologously expressed CnCYP51 and CnCPR are functional. The constructs have potential as screening tools and use in structure-directed antifungal discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen N. Ruma
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Mikhail V. Keniya
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
| | - Brian C. Monk
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ashmawy NS, El-labbad EM, Hamoda AM, El-Keblawy AA, El-Shorbagi ANA, Mosa KA, Soliman SSM. The Anti-Candida Activity of Tephrosia apollinea Is More Superiorly Attributed to a Novel Steroidal Compound with Selective Targeting. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11162120. [PMID: 36015423 PMCID: PMC9415581 DOI: 10.3390/plants11162120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tephrosia is widely distributed throughout tropical, subtropical, and arid regions. This genus is known for several biological activities, including its anti-Candida activity, which is mainly attributed to prenylated flavonoids. The biological activities of most Tephrosia species have been studied, except T. apollinea. This study was conducted to investigate the underlying anti-Candida activity of T. apollinea, wildly grown in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The T. apollinea plant was collected, dried, and the leaves were separated. The leaves were ground and extracted. The dried extract was subjected to successive chromatography to identify unique phytochemicals with a special pharmacological activity. The activity of the compound was validated by homology modeling and molecular docking studies. A novel steroidal compound (ergosta-6, 8(14), 22, 24(28)-tetraen-3-one) was isolated and named TNS. In silico target identification of TNS revealed a high structural similarity with the Candida 14-α-demethylase enzyme substrate. The compound exhibited a significant anti-Candida activity, specifically against the multi-drug-resistant Candida auris at MIC50, 16 times less than the previously reported prenylated flavonoids and 5 times less than the methanol extract of the plant. These findings were supported by homology modeling and molecular docking studies. TNS may represent a new class of Candida 14-α-demethylase inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa S. Ashmawy
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, El-Abaseya, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Eman M. El-labbad
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, El-Abaseya, Cairo 11566, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman P.O. Box 4184, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: (E.M.E.-l.); (S.S.M.S.); Tel.: +971-65057472 (S.S.M.S.)
| | - Alshaimaa M. Hamoda
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Ali A. El-Keblawy
- Department of Applied Biology, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdel-Nasser A. El-Shorbagi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kareem A. Mosa
- Department of Applied Biology, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Sameh S. M. Soliman
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: (E.M.E.-l.); (S.S.M.S.); Tel.: +971-65057472 (S.S.M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Borrego-Muñoz P, Becerra LD, Ospina F, Coy-Barrera E, Quiroga D. Synthesis ( Z) vs ( E) Selectivity, Antifungal Activity against Fusarium oxysporum, and Structure-Based Virtual Screening of Novel Schiff Bases Derived from l-Tryptophan. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:24714-24726. [PMID: 35874194 PMCID: PMC9301946 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Schiff bases are widely used molecules due to their potential biological activity. In this manuscript, we presented the synthesis and NMR study of new enamine Schiff bases derived from l-tryptophan, showing that the Z-form of the enamine is the main tautomeric form for aliphatic precursors. The DFT-B3LYP methodology at the 6-311+G**(d,p) level suggested that the tautomeric imine forms are less stable than the corresponding enamine forms. Their isomerism depends on the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds and steric factors associated with the starting carbonyl precursors. The in vitro biological activity tests against Fusarium oxysporum revealed that acetylacetone derivatives are the most active agents (IC50 < 0.9 mM); however, the antifungal activity could be disfavored by bulky groups on ester and enamine moieties. Finally, the structure-based virtual screening through molecular docking and MM-GBSA rescoring revealed that Schiff bases 3e, 3g, and 3j behave putatively as binders for target proteins involved in the life processes of F. oxysporum. In this sense, molecular dynamics analysis showed that the ligand-protein complexes have good stability with root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) values within the allowed range. Therefore, the present study paves the way for designing new antifungal compounds based on l-tryptophan-derived Schiff bases.
Collapse
|
29
|
Odiba AS, Durojaye OA, Ezeonu IM, Mgbeahuruike AC, Nwanguma BC. A New Variant of Mutational and Polymorphic Signatures in the ERG11 Gene of Fluconazole-Resistant Candida albicans. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:3111-3133. [PMID: 35747333 PMCID: PMC9213107 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s360973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Resistance to antifungal drugs for treating Candida infections remains a major concern globally despite the range of medications available. Most of these drugs target key proteins essential to the life cycle of the organism. An enzyme essential for fungal cell membrane integrity, lanosterol 14–α demethylase (CYP51), is encoded by the ERG11 gene in Candida species. This enzyme is the target of azole–based drugs. The organism has, however, devised molecular adaptations to evade the activity of these drugs. Materials and Methods Classical methods were employed to characterize clinical isolates sampled from women and dogs of reproductive age. For fluconazole efficacy studies, CLSI guidelines on drug susceptibility testing were used. To understand the susceptibility pattern, various molecular and structural analytic approaches, including sequencing, in silico site-directed mutagenesis, and protein-ligand profiling, were applied to the ERG11 gene and CYP51 protein sequences. Several platforms, comprising Clustal Omega, Pymol plugin manager, Pymol molecular visualizer, Chimera–curated Dynameomics rotamer library, protein–ligand interaction profiler, Charmm36 force field, GROMACS, Geneious, and Mega7, were employed for this analysis. Results The following Candida species distribution was obtained: 37.84% C. albicans, 8.12% C. glabrata, 10.81% C. krusei, 5.41% C. tropicalis, and 37.84% of other unidentified Candida species. Two codons in the nucleotide sequence of the wild-type (CTC and CCA) coding for LEU–370 and PRO–375, respectively, were mutated to L370S and P375H in the resistant strain. The mutation stabilized the protein at the expense of the heme moiety. We found that the susceptible isolate from dogs (Can–iso–029/dog) is closely related to the most resistant isolate from humans. Conclusion Taken together, our results showed new mutations in the heme-binding pocket of caCYP51 that explain the resistance to fluconazole exhibited by the Candida isolates. So far, the L370S and P375H resistance-linked mutations have not been previously reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arome Solomon Odiba
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria
| | - Olanrewaju Ayodeji Durojaye
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Coal City University, Emene, Enugu State, Nigeria.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, People's Republic of China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Membraneless Organelle and Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Ifeoma Maureen Ezeonu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria
| | - Anthony Christian Mgbeahuruike
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria
| | - Bennett Chima Nwanguma
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Stevenson EM, Gaze WH, Gow NAR, Hart A, Schmidt W, Usher J, Warris A, Wilkinson H, Murray AK. Antifungal Exposure and Resistance Development: Defining Minimal Selective Antifungal Concentrations and Testing Methodologies. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:918717. [PMID: 37746188 PMCID: PMC10512330 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.918717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
This scoping review aims to summarise the current understanding of selection for antifungal resistance (AFR) and to compare and contrast this with selection for antibacterial resistance, which has received more research attention. AFR is an emerging global threat to human health, associated with high mortality rates, absence of effective surveillance systems and with few alternative treatment options available. Clinical AFR is well documented, with additional settings increasingly being recognised to play a role in the evolution and spread of AFR. The environment, for example, harbours diverse fungal communities that are regularly exposed to antifungal micropollutants, potentially increasing AFR selection risk. The direct application of effect concentrations of azole fungicides to agricultural crops and the incomplete removal of pharmaceutical antifungals in wastewater treatment systems are of particular concern. Currently, environmental risk assessment (ERA) guidelines do not require assessment of antifungal agents in terms of their ability to drive AFR development, and there are no established experimental tools to determine antifungal selective concentrations. Without data to interpret the selective risk of antifungals, our ability to effectively inform safe environmental thresholds is severely limited. In this review, potential methods to generate antifungal selective concentration data are proposed, informed by approaches used to determine antibacterial minimal selective concentrations. Such data can be considered in the development of regulatory guidelines that aim to reduce selection for AFR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Stevenson
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Cornwall, United Kingdom
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter Medical School, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - William H. Gaze
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Cornwall, United Kingdom
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter Medical School, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - Neil A. R. Gow
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Alwyn Hart
- Chief Scientist’s Group, Environment Agency, Horizon House, Bristol, England, United Kingdom
| | - Wiebke Schmidt
- Chief Scientist’s Group, Environment Agency, Horizon House, Bristol, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Usher
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Adilia Warris
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Wilkinson
- Chief Scientist’s Group, Environment Agency, Horizon House, Bristol, England, United Kingdom
| | - Aimee K. Murray
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Cornwall, United Kingdom
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter Medical School, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bioassay’s Directed Isolation-Structure Elucidation and Molecular Docking of Triterpenes from Persea duthiei against Biologically Important Microbial Proteins. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3839271. [PMID: 35668783 PMCID: PMC9166971 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3839271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The research work presented in this study is mainly concerned with the bioactivity-directed phytochemical and biological evaluation of Persea duthiei. Persea duthiei is a typical medicinal plant used to treat a variety of ailments such as asthma, edema, and bronchitis. Ethyl acetate, n-hexane, n-butanol, and compounds that are soluble in water were used to examine the antibacterial as well as antifungal capacities of the plant. The antibacterial activity of the soluble parts of ethyl acetate and n-hexane against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Bacillus subtilis was high, even though there was no activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Likewise, the n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions were found to have substantial efficacy against several fungal strains such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigates, Fusarium solani, and Aspergillus niger, but not against Candida glabrata. Among the studied fractions, the ethyl acetate soluble fraction had potent antibacterial activity against all of the tested species. This fraction was submitted to phytochemical analysis utilizing various chromatographic methods for the extraction of various pure components. As a consequence, four compounds were isolated, and their structures were elucidated using various spectroscopic methods such as IR, EIMS, HR-EIMS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, NOESY, COSY, HMBC, and HMQC. Urs-12-en-3β-ol (α-amyrine) (1), Urs-12-ene-2α-3β-diol (chamaedrydiol) (2), 3β-hydroxyurs-12-en-28-aldehyde (ursolic aldehyde) (3), and 12-oleanex-3β-ol (β-amyrine) (4) were extracted. Compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4 were examined for antibacterial and antifungal activity and found to have zones of inhibition ranging from 0 to 11 mm against tested bacteria strains and percent inhibition ranging from 0 to 25 percent against fungus strains. Compounds 1 and 4 showed strong efficacy against the investigated fungal species, with a 25% inhibition rate. In the case of antibacterial activity, compounds 4 and 1 showed potent activity with zones of inhibition of 11 mm and 10 mm, respectively. Compounds 2 and 3 were observed to have nonsignificant antimicrobial activity. However, docking studies reflected the complex formation of compound 1 with beta-hydroxyacyl-ACP dehydratase HadAB and S. aureus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase and compound 2 with topoisomerase II DNA gyrase complex, and they were reported to have antibacterial properties. Similarly, compound 4 was discovered to be well compatible with the lanosterol 14-demethylase (fungal enzyme) and is thus regarded as having antifungal capabilities. Chimera software was used to identify the binding pockets of these complexes. These results indicated that Persea duthiei is a valuable source of medicinal compounds for medication development.
Collapse
|
32
|
Brankiewicz W, Okońska J, Serbakowska K, Lica J, Drab M, Ptaszyńska N, Łęgowska A, Rolka K, Szweda P. New Peptide Based Fluconazole Conjugates with Expanded Molecular Targets. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040693. [PMID: 35456526 PMCID: PMC9026428 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections of Candida spp. etiology are frequently treated with azole drugs. Among azoles, the most widely used in the clinical scenario remains fluconazole (FLC). Promising results in treatment of dangerous, systemic Candida infections demonstrate the advantages of combined therapies carried out with combinations of at least two different antifungal agents. Here, we report five conjugates composed of covalently linked FLC and cell penetrating or antimicrobial peptide: TP10-7-NH2, TP10-NH2, LFcinB(2-11)-NH2, LFcinB[Nle1,11]-NH2, and HLopt2-NH2, with aspects of design, chemical synthesis and their biological activities. Two of these compounds, namely FLCpOH-TP10-NH2 and FLCpOH-TP10-7-NH2, exhibit high activity against reference strains and fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates of C. albicans, including strains overproducing drug transporters. Moreover, both of them demonstrate higher fungicidal effects compared to fluconazole. Analysis performed with fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy as well as flow cytometry indicated the cell membrane as a molecular target of synthesized conjugates. An important advantage of FLCpOH-TP10-NH2 and FLCpOH-TP10-7-NH2 is their low cytotoxicity. The IC90 value for the human cells after 72 h treatment was comparable to the MIC50 value after 24 h treatment for most strains of C. albicans. In reported conjugates, FLC was linked to the peptide by its hydroxyl group. It is worth noting that conjugation of FLC by the nitrogen atom of the triazole ring led to practically inactive compounds. Two compounds produced by us and reported herein appear to be potential candidates for novel antifungal agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wioletta Brankiewicz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (W.B.); (K.S.)
| | - Joanna Okońska
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.O.); (J.L.); (A.Ł.); (K.R.)
| | - Katarzyna Serbakowska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (W.B.); (K.S.)
| | - Jan Lica
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.O.); (J.L.); (A.Ł.); (K.R.)
| | - Marek Drab
- Unit of Nanostructural Bio-Interactions, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Weigla-Street, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Natalia Ptaszyńska
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.O.); (J.L.); (A.Ł.); (K.R.)
- Correspondence: (N.P.); (P.S.); Tel.: +48-58-523-5092 (N.P.); +48-58-347-2440 (P.S.); Fax: +48-58-523-5012 (N.P.)
| | - Anna Łęgowska
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.O.); (J.L.); (A.Ł.); (K.R.)
| | - Krzysztof Rolka
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.O.); (J.L.); (A.Ł.); (K.R.)
| | - Piotr Szweda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (W.B.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: (N.P.); (P.S.); Tel.: +48-58-523-5092 (N.P.); +48-58-347-2440 (P.S.); Fax: +48-58-523-5012 (N.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Chiguils-Pérez Y, Rodríguez-Hurtado AI, Pérez-Picaso L, Ramírez-Marroquín OA, Martínez-Pascual R, Hernández-Núñez E, Viñas-Bravo O, López-Torres A. Synthesis and Antifungal Activity of New Valine-Azole Hybrids. RUSS J GEN CHEM+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1070363222020268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
34
|
Sun H, Cai X, Yan B, Bai H, Meng D, Mo X, He S, Su G, Jiang C. Multi-Omics Analysis of Lipid Metabolism for a Marine Probiotic Meyerozyma guilliermondii GXDK6 Under High NaCl Stress. Front Genet 2022; 12:798535. [PMID: 35096014 PMCID: PMC8792971 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.798535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating microbial lipid regulation contributes to understanding the lipid-dependent signal transduction process of cells and helps to improve the sensitivity of microorganisms to environmental factors by interfering with lipid metabolism, thus beneficial for constructing advanced cell factories of novel molecular drugs. Integrated omics technology was used to systematically reveal the lipid metabolism mechanism of a marine Meyerozyma guilliermondii GXDK6 under high NaCl stress and test the sensitivity of GXDK6 to antibiotics when its lipid metabolism transformed. The omics data showed that when GXDK6 perceived 10% NaCl stress, the expression of AYR1 and NADPH-dependent 1-acyldihydroxyacetone phosphate reductase was inhibited, which weaken the budding and proliferation of cell membranes. This finding was further validated by decreased 64.39% of OD600 under 10% NaCl stress when compared with salt-free stress. In addition, salt stress promoted a large intracellular accumulation of glycerol, which was also verified by exogenous addition of glycerol. Moreover, NaCl stress remarkably inhibited the expression of drug target proteins (such as lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase), thereby increasing sensitivity to fluconazole. This study provided new insights into the molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism in Meyerozyma guilliermondii strain and contributed to developing new methods to improve the effectiveness of killing fungi with lower antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xinghua Cai
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Bing Yan
- Guangxi Key Lab of Mangrove Conservation and Utilization, Guangxi Mangrove Research Center, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Beihai, China
| | - Huashan Bai
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Duotao Meng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xueyan Mo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Sheng He
- Guangxi Birth Defects Prevention and Control Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Guijiao Su
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Chengjian Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Lab of Mangrove Conservation and Utilization, Guangxi Mangrove Research Center, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Beihai, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Characterisation of Candida parapsilosis CYP51 as a Drug Target Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as Host. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8010069. [PMID: 35050009 PMCID: PMC8781857 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The fungal cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) is required for the biosynthesis of fungal-specific ergosterol and is the target of azole antifungal drugs. Despite proven success as a clinical target for azole antifungals, there is an urgent need to develop next-generation antifungals that target CYP51 to overcome the resistance of pathogenic fungi to existing azole drugs, toxic adverse reactions and drug interactions due to human drug-metabolizing CYPs. Candida parapsilosis is a readily transmitted opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes candidiasis in health care environments. In this study, we have characterised wild type C. parapsilosis CYP51 and its clinically significant, resistance-causing point mutation Y132F by expressing these enzymes in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae host system. In some cases, the enzymes were co-expressed with their cognate NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). Constitutive expression of CpCYP51 Y132F conferred a 10- to 12-fold resistance to fluconazole and voriconazole, reduced to ~6-fold resistance for the tetrazoles VT-1161 and VT-1129, but did not confer resistance to the long-tailed triazoles. Susceptibilities were unchanged in the case of CpCPR co-expression. Type II binding spectra showed tight triazole and tetrazole binding by affinity-purified recombinant CpCYP51. We report the X-ray crystal structure of ScCYP51 in complex with VT-1129 obtained at a resolution of 2.1 Å. Structural analysis of azole—enzyme interactions and functional studies of recombinant CYP51 from C. parapsilosis have improved understanding of their susceptibility to azole drugs and will help advance structure-directed antifungal discovery.
Collapse
|
36
|
Azole-resistant alleles of
ERG11
in
Candida glabrata
trigger activation of the Pdr1 and Upc2A transcription factors. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0209821. [DOI: 10.1128/aac.02098-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoles, the most commonly used antifungal drugs, specifically inhibit the fungal lanosterol α-14 demethylase enzyme, which is referred to as Erg11. Inhibition of Erg11 ultimately leads to a reduction in ergosterol production, an essential fungal membrane sterol. Many
Candida
species, such as
Candida albicans
, develop mutations in this enzyme which reduces the azole binding affinity and results in increased resistance.
Candida glabrata
is also a pathogenic yeast that has low intrinsic susceptibility to azole drugs and easily develops elevated resistance. In
C. glabrata
, these azole resistant mutations typically cause hyperactivity of the Pdr1 transcription factor and rarely lie within the
ERG11
gene. Here, we generated
C. glabrata
ERG11
mutations that were analogous to azole resistance alleles from
C. albicans
ERG11
. Three different Erg11 forms (Y141H, S410F, and the corresponding double mutant (DM)) conferred azole resistance in
C. glabrata
with the DM Erg11 form causing the strongest phenotype. The DM Erg11 also induced cross-resistance to amphotericin B and caspofungin. Resistance caused by the DM allele of
ERG11
imposed a fitness cost that was not observed with hyperactive
PDR1
alleles. Crucially, the presence of the DM
ERG11
allele was sufficient to activate the Pdr1 transcription factor in the absence of azole drugs. Our data indicate that azole resistance linked to changes in
ERG11
activity can involve cellular effects beyond an alteration in this key azole target enzyme. Understanding the physiology linking ergosterol biosynthesis with Pdr1-mediated regulation of azole resistance is crucial for ensuring the continued efficacy of azole drugs against
C. glabrata
.
Collapse
|
37
|
Xiao YC, Yu JL, Dai QQ, Li G, Li GB. Targeting Metalloenzymes by Boron-Containing Metal-Binding Pharmacophores. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17706-17727. [PMID: 34875836 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Metalloenzymes have critical roles in a wide range of biological processes and are directly involved in many human diseases; hence, they are considered as important targets for therapeutic intervention. The specific characteristics of metal ion(s)-containing active sites make exploitation of metal-binding pharmacophores (MBPs) critical to inhibitor development targeting metalloenzymes. This Perspective focuses on boron-containing MBPs, which display unique binding modes with metalloenzyme active sites, particularly via mimicking native substrates or tetrahedral transition states. The design concepts regarding boron-containing MBPs are highlighted through the case analyses on five distinct classes of clinically relevant nucleophilic metalloenzymes from medicinal chemistry perspectives. The challenges (e.g., selectivity) faced by some boron-containing MBPs and possible strategies (e.g., bioisosteres) for metalloenzyme inhibitor transformation are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- You-Cai Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jun-Lin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qing-Qing Dai
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Gen Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guo-Bo Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ibukun OJ, Mondal S, Kumar S, Haldar D. Supramolecular Microtubes by Self‐Assembly of a Co–Drug and Antifungal Activities against
Saccharomyces cerevisiae. ChemistrySelect 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202103811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Olamilekan Joseph Ibukun
- Department of Chemical Sciences Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata Mohanpur West Bengal 741246 India
| | - Sahabaj Mondal
- Department of Chemical Sciences Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata Mohanpur West Bengal 741246 India
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Chemical Sciences Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata Mohanpur West Bengal 741246 India
| | - Debasish Haldar
- Department of Chemical Sciences Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata Mohanpur West Bengal 741246 India
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Feliciano A, Gómez-García O, Escalante CH, Rodríguez-Hernández MA, Vargas-Fuentes M, Andrade-Pavón D, Villa-Tanaca L, Álvarez-Toledano C, Ramírez-Apan MT, Vázquez MA, Tamariz J, Delgado F. Three-Component Synthesis of 2-Amino-3-cyano-4 H-chromenes, In Silico Analysis of Their Pharmacological Profile, and In Vitro Anticancer and Antifungal Testing. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14111110. [PMID: 34832892 PMCID: PMC8623194 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromenes are compounds that may be useful for inhibiting topoisomerase and cytochrome, enzymes involved in the growth of cancer and fungal cells, respectively. The aim of this study was to synthesize a series of some novel 2-amino-3-cyano-4-aryl-6,7-methylendioxy-4H-chromenes 4a-o and 2-amino-3-cyano-5,7-dimethoxy-4-aryl-4H-chromenes 6a-h by a three-component reaction, and test these derivatives for anticancer and antifungal activity. Compounds 4a and 4b were more active than cisplatin (9) and topotecan (7) in SK-LU-1 cells, and more active than 9 in PC-3 cells. An evaluation was also made of the series of compounds 4 and 6 as potential antifungal agents against six Candida strains, finding their MIC50 to be less than or equal to that of fluconazole (8). Molecular docking studies are herein reported, for the interaction of 4 and 6 with topoisomerase IB and the active site of CYP51 of Candida spp. Compounds 4a-o and 6a-h interacted in a similar way as 7 with key amino acids of the active site of topoisomerase IB and showed better binding energy than 8 at the active site of CYP51. Hence, 4a-o and 6a-h are good candidates for further research, having demonstrated their dual inhibition of enzymes that participate in the growth of cancer and fungal cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Feliciano
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (A.F.); (C.H.E.); (M.A.R.-H.); (M.V.-F.); (J.T.)
- Departamento de Química, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta S/N, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico;
| | - Omar Gómez-García
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (A.F.); (C.H.E.); (M.A.R.-H.); (M.V.-F.); (J.T.)
- Correspondence: or (O.G.-G.); (F.D.)
| | - Carlos H. Escalante
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (A.F.); (C.H.E.); (M.A.R.-H.); (M.V.-F.); (J.T.)
| | - Mario A. Rodríguez-Hernández
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (A.F.); (C.H.E.); (M.A.R.-H.); (M.V.-F.); (J.T.)
| | - Mariana Vargas-Fuentes
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (A.F.); (C.H.E.); (M.A.R.-H.); (M.V.-F.); (J.T.)
| | - Dulce Andrade-Pavón
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Bacterias y Levaduras, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (D.A.-P.); (L.V.-T.)
- Departamento de Fisiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Wilfrido Massieu S/N, Mexico City 07738, Mexico
| | - Lourdes Villa-Tanaca
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Bacterias y Levaduras, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (D.A.-P.); (L.V.-T.)
| | - Cecilio Álvarez-Toledano
- Instituto de Química-UNAM, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, C.P., Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (C.Á.-T.); (M.T.R.-A.)
| | - María Teresa Ramírez-Apan
- Instituto de Química-UNAM, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, C.P., Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (C.Á.-T.); (M.T.R.-A.)
| | - Miguel A. Vázquez
- Departamento de Química, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta S/N, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico;
| | - Joaquín Tamariz
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (A.F.); (C.H.E.); (M.A.R.-H.); (M.V.-F.); (J.T.)
| | - Francisco Delgado
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (A.F.); (C.H.E.); (M.A.R.-H.); (M.V.-F.); (J.T.)
- Correspondence: or (O.G.-G.); (F.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
El-Hazek RM, Elkenawy NM, Zaher NH, El-Gazzar MG. Green synthesis of novel antifungal 1,2,4-triazoles effective against γ-irradiated Candida parapsilosis. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2021; 355:e2100287. [PMID: 34708424 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202100287] [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: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study reports the green synthesis of 11 novel 3-substituted-4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole derivatives using water as a readily available nontoxic solvent. Evaluation of their antimicrobial potential against several clinical pathogenic microorganisms was carried out. The newly synthesized cysteine derivative 6 showed promising antifungal activity against both γ-irradiated and nonirradiated Candida parapsilosis 216, with the lowest MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) value of 3.125 µg/ml, probably through inhibition of 14α-demethylase. In addition, compound 6 showed complete inhibition of gelatinase, a virulence enzyme of C. parapsilosis. Also, scanning electron microscopy was carried out. Interestingly, compound 6 acted as a dual agent as it also showed good antibacterial activity against strains of Gram-positive bacteria used in the study. The synthesized compounds showed no cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reham M El-Hazek
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nora M Elkenawy
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nashwa H Zaher
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa G El-Gazzar
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Azoles are the most commonly used clinical antifungal therapy and also play an important role in control of plant pathogens. Intrinsic resistance to the azole class of fungicides, which target lanosterol demethylase (CYP51), is observed in many fungal species; however, the mechanisms underpinning this phenomenon are unknown. In this study, 5 azole-resistant Penicillium isolates from patients attending the UK National Aspergillosis Centre that could not be morphologically identified to species level were analyzed by genome sequencing. The genomes and CYP51 paralogue structure from these isolates were compared with those of 46 representative fungal isolates to identify to species level and examine possible mechanisms of drug resistance. Analysis of CYP51 paralogues showed that azole-resistant isolates from this study (n = 2) and from public databases (n = 6) contained a new CYP51 paralogue, CYP51D, which was associated with azole resistance in 6/8 cases and never occurred in azole-sensitive species (46/46 tested). Furthermore, one isolate from this study and an azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatiaffinis isolate were shown to encode a CYP51A paralogue, CYP51A2. Introduction of CYP51A2 to the closely related but azole-sensitive Aspergillus fumigatus resulted in azole resistance. The identification of novel CYP51A and CYP51D paralogues in resistant fungi and the observation that resistance to azoles can be conferred by introducing a CYP51A paralogue from a resistant species into an azole-sensitive species are a potentially important new azole resistance mechanism.
Collapse
|
42
|
Structural Insights into the Azole Resistance of the Candida albicans Darlington Strain Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Lanosterol 14α-Demethylase as a Surrogate. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7110897. [PMID: 34829185 PMCID: PMC8621857 DOI: 10.3390/jof7110897] [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: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Target-based azole resistance in Candida albicans involves overexpression of the ERG11 gene encoding lanosterol 14α-demethylase (LDM), and/or the presence of single or multiple mutations in this enzyme. Overexpression of Candida albicans LDM (CaLDM) Y132H I471T by the Darlington strain strongly increased resistance to the short-tailed azoles fluconazole and voriconazole, and weakly increased resistance to the longer-tailed azoles VT-1161, itraconazole and posaconazole. We have used, as surrogates, structurally aligned mutations in recombinant hexahistidine-tagged full-length Saccharomyces cerevisiae LDM6×His (ScLDM6×His) to elucidate how differential susceptibility to azole drugs is conferred by LDM of the C. albicans Darlington strain. The mutations Y140H and I471T were introduced, either alone or in combination, into ScLDM6×His via overexpression of the recombinant enzyme from the PDR5 locus of an azole hypersensitive strain of S. cerevisiae. Phenotypes and high-resolution X-ray crystal structures were determined for the surrogate enzymes in complex with representative short-tailed (voriconazole) and long-tailed (itraconazole) triazoles. The preferential high-level resistance to short-tailed azoles conferred by the ScLDM Y140H I471T mutant required both mutations, despite the I471T mutation conferring only a slight increase in resistance. Crystal structures did not detect changes in the position/tilt of the heme co-factor of wild-type ScLDM, I471T and Y140H single mutants, or the Y140H I471T double-mutant. The mutant threonine sidechain in the Darlington strain CaLDM perturbs the environment of the neighboring C-helix, affects the electronic environment of the heme, and may, via differences in closure of the neck of the substrate entry channel, increase preferential competition between lanosterol and short-tailed azole drugs.
Collapse
|
43
|
Impact of Erg11 amino acid substitutions identified in Candida auris clade III isolates on triazole drug susceptibility. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 66:e0162421. [PMID: 34633842 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01624-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ERG11 sequencing of 28 Candida auris clade III isolates revealed the presence of concomitant V125A and F126L substitutions. Heterologous expression of Erg11-V125A/F126L in Saccharomyces cerevisiae led to reduced fluconazole and voriconazole susceptibilities. Generation of single substitution gene variants through site-directed mutagenesis uncovered that F126L primarily contributes to the elevated triazole MICs. A similar, yet diminished pattern of reduced susceptibility was observed with long-tailed triazoles posaconazole and itraconazole for V125A/F126L, F126L, Y132F, and K143R alleles.
Collapse
|
44
|
Novel antimicrobial ciprofloxacin-pyridinium quaternary ammonium salts with improved physicochemical properties and DNA gyrase inhibitory activity. Med Chem Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-021-02798-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
45
|
Sitterlé E, Coste AT, Obadia T, Maufrais C, Chauvel M, Sertour N, Sanglard D, Puel A, D'Enfert C, Bougnoux ME. Large-scale genome mining allows identification of neutral polymorphisms and novel resistance mutations in genes involved in Candida albicans resistance to azoles and echinocandins. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:835-848. [PMID: 31923309 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genome of Candida albicans displays significant polymorphism. Point mutations in genes involved in resistance to antifungals may either confer phenotypic resistance or be devoid of phenotypic consequences. OBJECTIVES To catalogue polymorphisms in azole and echinocandin resistance genes occurring in susceptible strains in order to rapidly pinpoint relevant mutations in resistant strains. METHODS Genome sequences from 151 unrelated C. albicans strains susceptible to fluconazole and caspofungin were used to create a catalogue of non-synonymous polymorphisms in genes involved in resistance to azoles (ERG11, TAC1, MRR1 and UPC2) or echinocandins (FKS1). The potential of this catalogue to reveal putative resistance mutations was tested in 10 azole-resistant isolates, including 1 intermediate to caspofungin. Selected mutations were analysed by mutagenesis experiments or mutational prediction effect. RESULTS In the susceptible strains, we identified 126 amino acid substitutions constituting the catalogue of phenotypically neutral polymorphisms. By excluding these neutral substitutions, we identified 22 additional substitutions in the 10 resistant strains. Among these substitutions, 10 had already been associated with resistance. The remaining 12 were in Tac1p (n = 6), Upc2p (n = 2) and Erg11p (n = 4). Four out of the six homozygous substitutions in Tac1p (H263Y, A790V, H839Y and P971S) conferred increases in azole MICs, while no effects were observed for those in Upc2p. Additionally, two homozygous substitutions (Y64H and P236S) had a predicted conformation effect on Erg11p. CONCLUSIONS By establishing a catalogue of neutral polymorphisms occurring in genes involved in resistance to antifungal drugs, we provide a useful resource for rapid identification of mutations possibly responsible for phenotypic resistance in C. albicans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Sitterlé
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC2019 INRA, Paris, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Service de Microbiologie clinique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France
| | - Alix T Coste
- Institut de Microbiologie, Université de Lausanne et Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Obadia
- Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistique, Département Biologie Computationnelle, Institut Pasteur, USR 3756 CNRS, Paris, France.,Unité Malaria: parasites et hôtes, Département Parasites et Insectes Vecteurs, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Corinne Maufrais
- Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistique, Département Biologie Computationnelle, Institut Pasteur, USR 3756 CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Murielle Chauvel
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC2019 INRA, Paris, France
| | - Natacha Sertour
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC2019 INRA, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Sanglard
- Institut de Microbiologie, Université de Lausanne et Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne Puel
- Laboratoire de génétique humaine des maladies infectieuses, Necker, INSERM U1163, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Christophe D'Enfert
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC2019 INRA, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC2019 INRA, Paris, France.,Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Service de Microbiologie clinique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Emerging Prospects for Combating Fungal Infections by Targeting Phosphatidylinositol Transfer Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136754. [PMID: 34201733 PMCID: PMC8269425 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of fungal “superbugs” resistant to the limited cohort of anti-fungal agents available to clinicians is eroding our ability to effectively treat infections by these virulent pathogens. As the threat of fungal infection is escalating worldwide, this dwindling response capacity is fueling concerns of impending global health emergencies. These developments underscore the urgent need for new classes of anti-fungal drugs and, therefore, the identification of new targets. Phosphoinositide signaling does not immediately appear to offer attractive targets due to its evolutionary conservation across the Eukaryota. However, recent evidence argues otherwise. Herein, we discuss the evidence identifying Sec14-like phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs) as unexplored portals through which phosphoinositide signaling in virulent fungi can be chemically disrupted with exquisite selectivity. Recent identification of lead compounds that target fungal Sec14 proteins, derived from several distinct chemical scaffolds, reveals exciting inroads into the rational design of next generation Sec14 inhibitors. Development of appropriately refined next generation Sec14-directed inhibitors promises to expand the chemical weaponry available for deployment in the shifting field of engagement between fungal pathogens and their human hosts.
Collapse
|
47
|
James JE, Lamping E, Santhanam J, Cannon RD. PDR Transporter ABC1 Is Involved in the Innate Azole Resistance of the Human Fungal Pathogen Fusarium keratoplasticum. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:673206. [PMID: 34149660 PMCID: PMC8211738 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.673206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium keratoplasticum is arguably the most common Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) species associated with human infections. Invasive fusariosis is a life-threatening fungal infection that is difficult to treat with conventional azole antifungals. Azole drug resistance is often caused by the increased expression of pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters of the ABCG sub-family. Most investigations of Fusarium ABC transporters associated with azole antifungal drug resistance are limited to plant pathogens. Through the manual curation of the entire ABCG protein family of four FSSC species including the fully annotated genome of the plant pathogen Nectria haematococca we identified PDR transporters ABC1 and ABC2 as the efflux pump candidates most likely to be associated with the innate azole resistance phenotype of Fusarium keratoplasticum. An initial investigation of the transcriptional response of logarithmic phase F. keratoplasticum cells to 16 mg/L voriconazole confirmed strong upregulation (372-fold) of ABC1 while ABC2 mRNA levels were unaffected by voriconazole exposure over a 4 h time-period. Overexpression of F. keratoplasticum ABC1 and ABC2 in the genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae host ADΔΔ caused up to ∼1,024-fold increased resistance to a number of xenobiotics, including azole antifungals. Although ABC1 and ABC2 were only moderately (20% and 10%, respectively) expressed compared to the Candida albicans multidrug efflux pump CDR1, overexpression of F. keratoplasticum ABC1 caused even higher resistance levels to certain xenobiotics (e.g., rhodamine 6G and nigericin) than CDR1. Our investigations suggest an important role for ABC1 orthologues in the innate azole resistance phenotype of FSSC species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Elvin James
- Biomedical Science Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Erwin Lamping
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jacinta Santhanam
- Biomedical Science Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Richard David Cannon
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Arastehfar A, Kargar ML, Mohammadi SR, Roudbary M, Ghods N, Haghighi L, Daneshnia F, Tavakoli M, Jafarzadeh J, Hedayati MT, Wang H, Fang W, Carvalho A, Ilkit M, Perlin DS, Lass-Flörl C. A High Rate of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and Therapeutic Failure of Azole Derivatives Among Iranian Women. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:655069. [PMID: 33995315 PMCID: PMC8113757 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.655069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is one of the most prevalent fungal infections in humans, especially in developing countries; however, it is underestimated and regarded as an easy-to-treat condition. RVVC may be caused by dysbiosis of the microbiome and other host-, pathogen-, and antifungal drug-related factors. Although multiple studies on host-related factors affecting the outcome have been conducted, such studies on Candida-derived factors and their association with RVVC are lacking. Thus, fluconazole-tolerant (FLZT) isolates may cause fluconazole therapeutic failure (FTF), but this concept has not been assessed in the context of Candida-associated vaginitis. Iran is among the countries with the highest burden of RVVC; however, comprehensive studies detailing the clinical and microbiological features of this complication are scarce. Therefore, we conducted a 1-year prospective study with the aim to determine the RVVC burden among women referred to a gynecology hospital in Tehran, the association of the previous exposure to clotrimazole and fluconazole with the emergence of FLZT and fluconazole-resistant (FLZR) Candida isolates, and the relevance of these phenotypes to FTF. The results indicated that about 53% of the patients (43/81) experienced RVVC. Candida albicans and C. glabrata constituted approximately 90% of the yeast isolates (72 patients). Except for one FLZT C. tropicalis isolate, FLZR and FLZT phenotypes were detected exclusively in patients with RVVC; among them, 27.9% (12/43) harbored FLZR strains. C. albicans constituted 81.2% of FLZR (13/16) and 100% of the FLZT (13/13) isolates, respectively, and both phenotypes were likely responsible for FTF, which was also observed among patients with RVVC infected with fluconazole-susceptible isolates. Thus, FTF could be due to host-, drug-, and pathogen-related characteristics. Our study indicates that FLZT and FLZR isolates may arise following the exposure to over-the-counter (OTC) topical azole (clotrimazole) and that both phenotypes can cause FTF. Therefore, the widespread use of OTC azoles can influence fluconazole therapeutic success, highlighting the necessity of controlling the use of weak topical antifungals among Iranian women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Arastehfar
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, United States
| | - Melika Laal Kargar
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Roudbary
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nayereh Ghods
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ladan Haghighi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Daneshnia
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, United States
| | - Mahin Tavakoli
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jalal Jafarzadeh
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Hedayati
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Huiwei Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Shanghai Institute of Mycology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Fang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Shanghai Institute of Mycology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Macit Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey
| | - David S Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, United States
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Watanabe T, Ishikawa T, Sato H, Hirose N, Nonaka L, Matsumura K, Masubuchi A, Nishimura K, Masuda M. Characterization of Prototheca CYP51/ERG11 as a possible target for therapeutic drugs. Med Mycol 2021; 59:855-863. [PMID: 33838030 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prototheca spp. are achlorophyllous algae, ubiquitous in nature. An increasing number of human and animal cases of Prototheca infection (protothecosis) are reported, and antifungal azoles, which inhibit sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51/ERG11) involved in ergosterol biosynthesis, have empirically been used for the treatment of protothecosis. Although Prototheca, like fungi, has ergosterol in the cell membrane, efficacy of the antifungal azoles in the treatment of protothecosis is controversial. For investigating the interaction of azole drugs with Prototheca CYP51/ERG11, the CYP51/ERG11 genomic genes of four strains of P. wickerhamii and one strain each of P. cutis and P. miyajii were isolated and characterized in this study. Compared with the CYP51/ERG11 gene of chlorophyllous Auxenochlorella Protothecoides, it is possible that ProtothecaCYP51/ERG11 gene, whose exon-intron structure appeared to be species-specific, lost introns associated with the loss of photosynthetic activity. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences revealed that Prototheca CYP51/ERG11 and fungal CYP51/ERG11 are phylogenetically distant from each other although their overall structures are similar. Our basic in silico studies predicted that antifungal azoles could bind to the catalytic pocket of Prototheca CYP51/ERG11. It was also suggested that amino acid residues away from the catalytic pocket might affect the drug susceptibility. The results of this study may provide useful insights into the phylogenetic taxonomy of Prototheca spp. in relationship to the CYP51/ERG11 structure and development of novel therapeutic drugs for the treatment of protothecosis. LAY SUMMARY Cases of infection by microalgae of Prototheca species are increasing. However, effective treatment has not been established yet. In this study, gene and structure of Prototheca's CYP51/ERG11, an enzyme which might serve as a target for therapeutic drugs, were characterized for the first time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahisa Watanabe
- Department of Microbiology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan.,Hirara Clinic, Okinawa 906-0012, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishikawa
- Department of Microbiology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Sato
- Department of Microbiology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Hirose
- Department of Microbiology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan.,BD Japan, Co., Ltd., Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
| | - Lisa Nonaka
- Department of Microbiology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan.,Department of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Human Life Science, Shokei University, Kumamoto 862-8678, Japan
| | - Kaori Matsumura
- Department of Microbiology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Akira Masubuchi
- Department of Microbiology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Kazuko Nishimura
- Department of Microbiology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan.,First Laboratories, Co. Ltd., Kanagawa 211-0013, Japan
| | - Michiaki Masuda
- Department of Microbiology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Isolation, Structure Elucidation and In Silico Prediction of Potential Drug-Like Flavonoids from Onosma chitralicum Targeted towards Functionally Important Proteins of Drug-Resistant Bad Bugs. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26072048. [PMID: 33918531 PMCID: PMC8038373 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26072048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Admittedly, the disastrous emergence of drug resistance in prokaryotic and eukaryotic human pathogens has created an urgent need to develop novel chemotherapeutic agents. Onosma chitralicum is a source of traditional medicine with cooling, laxative, and anthelmintic effects. The objective of the current research was to analyze the biological potential of Onosma chitralicum, and to isolate and characterize the chemical constituents of the plant. The crude extracts of the plant prepared with different solvents, such as aqueous, hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol, were subjected to antimicrobial activities. Results corroborate that crude (methanol), EtoAc, and n-C6H14 fractions were more active against bacterial strains. Among these fractions, the EtoAc fraction was found more potent. The EtoAc fraction was the most active against the selected microbes, which was subjected to successive column chromatography, and the resultant compounds 1 to 7 were isolated. Different techniques, such as UV, IR, and NMR, were used to characterize the structures of the isolated compounds 1–7. All the isolated pure compounds (1–7) were tested for their antimicrobial potential. Compounds 1 (4′,8-dimethoxy-7-hydroxyisoflavone), 6 (5,3′,3-trihydroxy-7,4′-dimethoxyflavanone), and 7 (5′,7,8-trihydroxy-6,3′,4′-trimethoxyflavanone) were found to be more active against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhi. Compound 1 inhibited S. typhi and S. aureus to 10 ± 0.21 mm and 10 ± 0.45 mm, whereas compound 6 showed inhibition to 10 ± 0.77 mm and 9 ± 0.20 mm, respectively. Compound 7 inhibited S. aureus to 6 ± 0.36 mm. Compounds 6 and 7 showed significant antibacterial potential, and the structure–activity relationship also justifies their binding to the bacterial enzymes, i.e., beta-hydroxyacyl dehydratase (HadAB complex) and tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase. Both bacterial enzymes are potential drug targets. Further, the isolated compounds were found to be active against the tested fungal strains. Whereas docking identified compound 7, the best binder to the lanosterol 14α-demethylase (an essential fungal cell membrane synthesizing enzyme), reported as an antifungal fluconazole binding enzyme. Based on our isolation-linked preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) data, we conclude that O. chitralicum can be a good source of natural compounds for drug development against some potential enzyme targets.
Collapse
|