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Ribeiro JM, Rodrigues-Alves ML, Oliveira E, Guimarães PPG, Maria Murta Santi A, Teixeira-Carvalho A, Murta SMF, Peruhype-Magalhães V, Souza-Fagundes EM. Pamidronate, a promising repositioning drug to treat leishmaniasis, displays antileishmanial and immunomodulatory potential. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:108952. [PMID: 35716482 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease caused by Leishmania infantum (L. infantum). Currently, there are no vaccines and/or prophylactic therapies against VL, and the recentpharmacological approaches come from the drug repositioning strategy. Here, we evaluated the anticancer drug pamidronate (PAM) to identify a new therapeutic option for the treatment of human VL. We assessed its in vitro antileishmanial activity against the promastigote and amastigote forms of L. infantum by evaluating cell cytotoxicity. The antileishmanial and immunomodulatory activities were assessed using human peripheral blood leukocytes ex vivo. PAM induced the formation of vacuoles in the cytoplasm of the promastigotes and alterations in the morphology of the kinetoplast and mitochondria in vitro, which indicates anti-promastigote activity. PAM also reduced the number of infected macrophages and intracellular amastigotes in a concentration-dependent manner, with cell viability above 70%. In ex vivo, PAM reduced the internalized forms of L. infantum in the classical monocyte subpopulation. Furthermore, it enhanced IL-12 and decreased IL-10 and TGF-β by monocytes and neutrophils. Increased IFN-γ and TNF levels for CD8- and CD8+ T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes, respectively, were observed after the treatment with PAM, as well as a reduction in IL-10 by the lymphocyte subpopulations evaluated. Taken together, our results suggest that PAM may be eligible as a potential therapeutic alternative for drug repurposing to treat human visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana M Ribeiro
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marina L Rodrigues-Alves
- Grupo Integrado de Pesquisa em Biomarcadores, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Edward Oliveira
- Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pedro P G Guimarães
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Murta Santi
- Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andrea Teixeira-Carvalho
- Grupo Integrado de Pesquisa em Biomarcadores, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Silvane M F Murta
- Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Peruhype-Magalhães
- Grupo Integrado de Pesquisa em Biomarcadores, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Elaine M Souza-Fagundes
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Sakyi PO, Amewu RK, Devine RNOA, Bienibuor AK, Miller WA, Kwofie SK. Unravelling the myth surrounding sterol biosynthesis as plausible target for drug design against leishmaniasis. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:1152-1171. [PMID: 34790000 PMCID: PMC8556451 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01390-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mortality rate of leishmaniasis is increasing at an alarming rate and is currently second to malaria amongst the other neglected tropical diseases. Unfortunately, many governments and key stakeholders are not investing enough in the development of new therapeutic interventions. The available treatment options targeting different pathways of the parasite have seen inefficiencies, drug resistance, and toxic side effects coupled with longer treatment durations. Numerous studies to understand the biochemistry of leishmaniasis and its pathogenesis have identified druggable targets including ornithine decarboxylase, trypanothione reductase, and pteridine reductase, which are relevant for the survival and growth of the parasites. Another plausible target is the sterol biosynthetic pathway; however, this has not been fully investigated. Sterol biosynthesis is essential for the survival of the Leishmania species because its inhibition could lead to the death of the parasites. This review seeks to evaluate how critical the enzymes involved in sterol biosynthetic pathway are to the survival of the leishmania parasite. The review also highlights both synthetic and natural product compounds with their IC50 values against selected enzymes. Finally, recent advancements in drug design strategies targeting the sterol biosynthesis pathway of Leishmania are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O. Sakyi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, PMB LG 56, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Sciences, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Box 214, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Richard K. Amewu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, PMB LG 56, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Robert N. O. A. Devine
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Sciences, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Box 214, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Alfred K. Bienibuor
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Sciences, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Box 214, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Whelton A. Miller
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153 USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153 USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, IL 19104 USA
| | - Samuel K. Kwofie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic & Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, PMB LG 77, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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3
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Maheshwari S, Kim YS, Aripirala S, Murphy M, Amzel LM, Gabelli SB. Identifying Structural Determinants of Product Specificity in Leishmania major Farnesyl Diphosphate Synthase. Biochemistry 2020; 59:2751-2759. [PMID: 32584028 PMCID: PMC8049779 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) is an isoprenoid chain elongation enzyme that catalyzes the sequential condensation of dimethylallyl diphosphate (C5) with isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP; C5) and the resulting geranyl diphosphate (GPP; C10) with another molecule of IPP, eventually producing farnesyl diphosphate (FPP; C15), which is a precursor for the biosynthesis of a vast majority of isoprenoids. Previous studies of FPPS have highlighted the importance of the structure around the hydrophobic chain elongation path in determining product specificity. To investigate what structural features define the final chain length of the product in FPPS from Leishmania major, we designed and expressed six mutants of LmFPPS by replacing small amino acids around the binding pocket with bulky residues. Using enzymatic assays, binding kinetics, and crystallographic studies, we analyzed the effects of these mutations on the activity and product specificity of FPPS. Our results revealed that replacement of Thr-164 with tryptophan and phenylalanine completely abolished the activity of FPPS. Intriguingly, the T164Y substitution displayed dual product specificity and produced a mixture GPP and FPP as final products, with an activity for FPP synthesis that was lower than that of the wild-type enzyme. These data indicate that Thr-164 is a potential regulator of product specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Maheshwari
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yu Seon Kim
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Srinivas Aripirala
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - L. Mario Amzel
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sandra B. Gabelli
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA
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Branco Santos JC, de Melo JA, Maheshwari S, de Medeiros WMTQ, de Freitas Oliveira JW, Moreno CJ, Mario Amzel L, Gabelli SB, Sousa Silva M. Bisphosphonate-Based Molecules as Potential New Antiparasitic Drugs. Molecules 2020; 25:E2602. [PMID: 32503272 PMCID: PMC7321420 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25112602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases such as Chagas disease and leishmaniasis affect millions of people around the world. Both diseases affect various parts of the globe and drugs traditionally used in therapy against these diseases have limitations, especially with regard to low efficacy and high toxicity. In this context, the class of bisphosphonate-based compounds has made significant advances regarding the chemical synthesis process as well as the pharmacological properties attributed to these compounds. Among this spectrum of pharmacological activity, bisphosphonate compounds with antiparasitic activity stand out, especially in the treatment of Chagas disease and leishmaniasis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp., respectively. Some bisphosphonate compounds can inhibit the mevalonate pathway, an essential metabolic pathway, by interfering with the synthesis of ergosterol, a sterol responsible for the growth and viability of these parasites. Therefore, this review aims to present the information about the importance of these compounds as antiparasitic agents and as potential new drugs to treat Chagas disease and leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joice Castelo Branco Santos
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
| | - Jonathas Alves de Melo
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
| | - Sweta Maheshwari
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.M.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Wendy Marina Toscano Queiroz de Medeiros
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
| | - Johny Wysllas de Freitas Oliveira
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Jassica Moreno
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
| | - L. Mario Amzel
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.M.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Sandra B. Gabelli
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.M.); (L.M.A.)
- Department of Medicine and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Marcelo Sousa Silva
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, New University of Lisbon, 1800-166 Lisbon, Portugal
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5
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Insights about the structure of farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) and the activity of bisphosphonates on the proliferation and ultrastructure of Leishmania and Giardia. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:168. [PMID: 32248823 PMCID: PMC7132869 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04019-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The enzyme farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) is positioned in the intersection of different sterol biosynthesis pathways such as those producing isoprenoids, dolichols and ergosterol. FPPS is ubiquitous in eukaryotes and is inhibited by nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BP). N-BP activity and the mechanisms of cell death as well as damage to the ultrastructure due to N-BP has not yet been investigated in Leishmania infantum and Giardia. Thus, we evaluated the effect of N-BP on cell viability and ultrastructure and then performed structural modelling and phylogenetic analysis on the FPPS enzymes of Leishmania and Giardia. Methods We performed multiple sequence alignment with MAFFT, phylogenetic analysis with MEGA7, and 3D structural modelling for FPPS with Modeller 9.18 and on I-Tasser server. We performed concentration curves with N-BP in Leishmania promastigotes and Giardia trophozoites to estimate the IC50via the MTS/PMS viability method. The ultrastructure was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, and the mechanism of cell death by flow cytometry. Results The nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate risedronate had stronger anti-proliferative activity in Leishmania compared to other N-BPs with an IC50 of 13.8 µM, followed by ibandronate and alendronate with IC50 values of 85.1 µM and 112.2 µM, respectively. The effect of N-BPs was much lower on trophozoites of Giardia than Leishmania (IC50 of 311 µM for risedronate). Giardia treated with N-BP displayed concentric membranes around the nucleus and nuclear pyknosis. Leishmania had mitochondrial swelling, myelin figures, double membranes, and plasma membrane blebbing. The same population labelled with annexin-V and 7-AAD had a loss of membrane potential (TMRE), indicative of apoptosis. Multiple sequence alignments and structural alignments of FPPS proteins showed that Giardia and Leishmania FPPS display low amino acid identity but possess the conserved aspartate-rich motifs. Conclusions Giardia and Leishmania FPPS enzymes are phylogenetically distant but display conserved protein signatures. The N-BPs effect on FPPS was more pronounced in Leishmania than Giardia. This might be due to general differences in metabolism and differences in the FPPS catalytic site.![]()
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Verdaguer IB, Zafra CA, Crispim M, Sussmann RA, Kimura EA, Katzin AM. Prenylquinones in Human Parasitic Protozoa: Biosynthesis, Physiological Functions, and Potential as Chemotherapeutic Targets. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24203721. [PMID: 31623105 PMCID: PMC6832408 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24203721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human parasitic protozoa cause a large number of diseases worldwide and, for some of these diseases, there are no effective treatments to date, and drug resistance has been observed. For these reasons, the discovery of new etiological treatments is necessary. In this sense, parasitic metabolic pathways that are absent in vertebrate hosts would be interesting research candidates for the identification of new drug targets. Most likely due to the protozoa variability, uncertain phylogenetic origin, endosymbiotic events, and evolutionary pressure for adaptation to adverse environments, a surprising variety of prenylquinones can be found within these organisms. These compounds are involved in essential metabolic reactions in organisms, for example, prevention of lipoperoxidation, participation in the mitochondrial respiratory chain or as enzymatic cofactors. This review will describe several prenylquinones that have been previously characterized in human pathogenic protozoa. Among all existing prenylquinones, this review is focused on ubiquinone, menaquinone, tocopherols, chlorobiumquinone, and thermoplasmaquinone. This review will also discuss the biosynthesis of prenylquinones, starting from the isoprenic side chains to the aromatic head group precursors. The isoprenic side chain biosynthesis maybe come from mevalonate or non-mevalonate pathways as well as leucine dependent pathways for isoprenoid biosynthesis. Finally, the isoprenic chains elongation and prenylquinone aromatic precursors origins from amino acid degradation or the shikimate pathway is reviewed. The phylogenetic distribution and what is known about the biological functions of these compounds among species will be described, as will the therapeutic strategies associated with prenylquinone metabolism in protozoan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignasi B. Verdaguer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (I.B.V.); (C.A.Z.); (M.C.); (E.A.K.)
| | - Camila A. Zafra
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (I.B.V.); (C.A.Z.); (M.C.); (E.A.K.)
| | - Marcell Crispim
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (I.B.V.); (C.A.Z.); (M.C.); (E.A.K.)
| | - Rodrigo A.C. Sussmann
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (I.B.V.); (C.A.Z.); (M.C.); (E.A.K.)
- Centro de Formação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia, Porto Seguro 45810-000 Bahia, Brazil
| | - Emília A. Kimura
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (I.B.V.); (C.A.Z.); (M.C.); (E.A.K.)
| | - Alejandro M. Katzin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (I.B.V.); (C.A.Z.); (M.C.); (E.A.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3091-7330; Fax: +5511-3091-7417
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Mukherjee S, Basu S, Zhang K. Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase is essential for the promastigote and amastigote stages in Leishmania major. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2019; 230:8-15. [PMID: 30926449 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Isoprenoid synthesis provides a diverse class of biomolecules including sterols, dolichols, ubiquinones and prenyl groups. The enzyme farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) catalyzes the formation of farnesyl pyrophosphate, a key intermediate for the biosynthesis of all isoprenoids. In Leishmania, FPPS is considered the main target of nitrogen containing bisphosphonates, yet the essentiality of this enzyme remains untested. Using a facilitated knockout approach, we carried out the genetic analysis of FPPS in Leishmania major. Our data indicated that chromosomal null mutants for FPPS could only be generated in presence of an episomally expressed FPPS. Long-term retention of the episome by the chromosomal FPPS-null mutants in culture and in infected BALB/c mice suggests that FPPS is indispensable. In addition, applying negative selection pressure failed to induce the loss of ectopic FPPS in the chromosomal FPPS-null mutants, although it led to significant growth delay in culture and in mice. Together, our findings have confirmed the essentiality of FPPS in both promastigotes and amastigotes in L. major and thus validate its potential as a drug target for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Mukherjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Somrita Basu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
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8
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de Mattos Oliveira L, Araújo JSC, Bacelar Costa Junior D, Santana IB, Duarte AA, Leite FHA, Benevides RG, Coelho Dos Santos Junior M. Pharmacophore modeling, docking and molecular dynamics to identify Leishmania major farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase inhibitors. J Mol Model 2018; 24:314. [PMID: 30327889 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-018-3838-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania spp. and is considered the second most important protozoa in the world due to the number of cases and mortality. Despite its importance in terms of public health, the treatment of patients is limited and has mostly low levels of efficacy and safety. Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) acts in the early stages of isoprenoid synthesis, and is important for maintaining the integrity of the lipid bilayer of the parasite that causes the disease. The aim of this work was to identify one potential inhibitor of the FPPS of Leishmania major through virtual screening by pharmacophore modeling and docking. A total of 85,000 compounds from a natural products database (ZINC15) was submitted for virtual hierarchical screening, and the top ranked molecule in both methods was analyzed by intermolecular interaction profile and 20 ns molecular dynamics simulations. These results showed a promising compound from natural products that mimic the major interactions present in the substrate/inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa de Mattos Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil.,Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Departamento de Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - Janay Stefany Carneiro Araújo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil.,Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Departamento de Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - David Bacelar Costa Junior
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil.,Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Departamento de Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - Isis Bugia Santana
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Departamento de Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - Angelo Amâncio Duarte
- Laboratório de Computação de Alto Desempenho, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - Franco Henrique Andrade Leite
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil.,Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Departamento de Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - Raquel Guimarães Benevides
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - Manoelito Coelho Dos Santos Junior
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil. .,Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Departamento de Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil. .,Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil.
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9
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Jardim A, Hardie DB, Boitz J, Borchers CH. Proteomic Profiling of Leishmania donovani Promastigote Subcellular Organelles. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:1194-1215. [PMID: 29332401 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To facilitate a greater understanding of the biological processes in the medically important Leishmania donovani parasite, a combination of differential and density-gradient ultracentrifugation techniques were used to achieve a comprehensive subcellular fractionation of the promastigote stage. An in-depth label-free proteomic LC-MS/MS analysis of the density gradients resulted in the identification of ∼50% of the Leishmania proteome (3883 proteins detected), which included ∼645 integral membrane proteins and 1737 uncharacterized proteins. Clustering and subcellular localization of proteins was based on a subset of training Leishmania proteins with known subcellular localizations that had been determined using biochemical, confocal microscopy, or immunoelectron microscopy approaches. This subcellular map will be a valuable resource that will help dissect the cell biology and metabolic processes associated with specific organelles of Leishmania and related kinetoplastids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Jardim
- Institute of Parasitology, Macdonald Campus, McGill University , 21111 Lakeshore Road, Saine-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Darryl B Hardie
- University of Victoria -Genome British Columbia Proteomics Centre , #3101-4464 Markham Street, Vancouver Island Technology Park, Victoria, British Columbia V8Z7X8, Canada
| | - Jan Boitz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Christoph H Borchers
- University of Victoria -Genome British Columbia Proteomics Centre , #3101-4464 Markham Street, Vancouver Island Technology Park, Victoria, British Columbia V8Z7X8, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina , 120 Mason Farm Road, Campus Box 7260 Third Floor, Genetic Medicine Building, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria , Petch Building, Room 270d, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada.,Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University , 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada.,Proteomics Centre, Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University , 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
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10
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Gabriel HB, de Azevedo MF, Palmisano G, Wunderlich G, Kimura EA, Katzin AM, Alves JMP. Single-target high-throughput transcription analyses reveal high levels of alternative splicing present in the FPPS/GGPPS from Plasmodium falciparum. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18429. [PMID: 26688062 PMCID: PMC4685265 DOI: 10.1038/srep18429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a tropical disease with significant morbidity and mortality. A better understanding of the metabolism of its most important etiological agent, Plasmodium falciparum, is paramount to the development of better treatment and other mitigation measures. Farnesyldiphosphate synthase/geranylgeranyldiphosphate synthase (FPPS/GGPPS) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of isoprenic chains present in many essential structures. In P. falciparum, as well as a handful of other organisms, FPPS/GGPPS has been shown to be a bifunctional enzyme. By genetic tagging and microscopy, we observed a changing localization of FPPS/GGPPS in blood stage parasites. Given the great importance of alternative splicing and other transcriptional phenomena in gene regulation and the generation of protein diversity, we have investigated the processing of the FPPS/GGPPS transcript in P. falciparum by high-throughput sequencing methods in four time-points along the intraerythrocytic cycle of P. falciparum. We have identified levels of transcript diversity an order of magnitude higher than previously observed in this organism, as well as a few stage-specific splicing events. Our data suggest that alternative splicing in P. falciparum is an important feature for gene regulation and the generation of protein diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heloisa B Gabriel
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mauro F de Azevedo
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gerhard Wunderlich
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emília A Kimura
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alejandro M Katzin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João M P Alves
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Aripirala S, Gonzalez-Pacanowska D, Oldfield E, Kaiser M, Amzel LM, Gabelli SB. Structural and thermodynamic basis of the inhibition of Leishmania major farnesyl diphosphate synthase by nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA. SECTION D, BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2014; 70:802-10. [PMID: 24598749 PMCID: PMC3949514 DOI: 10.1107/s1399004713033221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 12/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) is an essential enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of sterols (cholesterol in humans and ergosterol in yeasts, fungi and trypanosomatid parasites) as well as in protein prenylation. It is inhibited by bisphosphonates, a class of drugs used in humans to treat diverse bone-related diseases. The development of bisphosphonates as antiparasitic compounds targeting ergosterol biosynthesis has become an important route for therapeutic intervention. Here, the X-ray crystallographic structures of complexes of FPPS from Leishmania major (the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis) with three bisphosphonates determined at resolutions of 1.8, 1.9 and 2.3 Å are reported. Two of the inhibitors, 1-(2-hydroxy-2,2-diphosphonoethyl)-3-phenylpyridinium (300B) and 3-butyl-1-(2,2-diphosphonoethyl)pyridinium (476A), co-crystallize with the homoallylic substrate isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and three Ca(2+) ions. A third inhibitor, 3-fluoro-1-(2-hydroxy-2,2-diphosphonoethyl)pyridinium (46I), was found to bind two Mg(2+) ions but not IPP. Calorimetric studies showed that binding of the inhibitors is entropically driven. Comparison of the structures of L. major FPPS (LmFPPS) and human FPPS provides new information for the design of bisphosphonates that will be more specific for inhibition of LmFPPS. The asymmetric structure of the LmFPPS-46I homodimer indicates that binding of the allylic substrate to both monomers of the dimer results in an asymmetric dimer with one open and one closed homoallylic site. It is proposed that IPP first binds to the open site, which then closes, opening the site on the other monomer, which closes after binding the second IPP, leading to the symmetric fully occupied FPPS dimer observed in other structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Aripirala
- Institute for Multiscale Modeling of Biological Interactions and Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, 725 North Wolfe Street WBSB 605, Baltimore, MD 21210, USA
| | | | - Eric Oldfield
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Marcel Kaiser
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - L. Mario Amzel
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street WBSB 604, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sandra B. Gabelli
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street WBSB 604, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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12
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Proline modulates the effect of bisphosphonate on calcium levels and adenosine triphosphate production in cell lines derived from bovine Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces. J Helminthol 2013; 88:459-67. [PMID: 23742745 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x13000436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Bisphosphonates have been proposed as pharmacological agents against parasite and cancer cell growth. The effect of these compounds on helminthic cell viability and acellular compartment morphology, however, has not yet been studied. The effects of different types of bisphosphonates, namely etidronate (EHDP), pamidronate (APD), alendronate (ABP), ibandronate (IB) and olpadronate (OPD), and their interaction with amiloride, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (D3) and proline were evaluated on a cell line derived from bovine Echinococcus granulousus protoscoleces (EGPE) that forms cystic colonies in agarose. The EGPE cell line allowed testing the effect of bisphosphonates alone and in association with other compounds that could modulate calcium apposition/deposition, and were useful in measuring the impact of these compounds on cell growth, cystic colony formation and calcium storage. Decreased cell growth and cystic colony formation were found with EHDP, IB and OPD, and increased calcium storage with EHDP only. Calcium storage in EGPE cells appeared to be sensitive to the effect of amiloride, D3 and proline. Proline decreased calcium storage and increased colony formation. Changes in calcium storage may be associated with degenerative changes of the cysts, as shown in the in vitro colony model and linked to an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) decrease. In conclusion, bisphosphonates could be suitable tempering drugs to treat cestode infections.
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13
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Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase: a key enzyme in isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway and potential molecular target for drug development. N Biotechnol 2013; 30:114-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2011] [Revised: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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14
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Shakya N, Bajpai P, Gupta S. Therapeutic switching in leishmania chemotherapy: a distinct approach towards unsatisfied treatment needs. J Parasit Dis 2011; 35:104-12. [PMID: 23024489 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-011-0040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Current drugs for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis are inadequate. No novel compound is in the pipeline. Since economic returns on developing a new drug for neglected disease, leishmaniasis is so low that therapeutic switching represents the only realistic strategy. It refers to "alternative drug use" discoveries which differ from the original intent of the drug. Amphotericin B, paromomycin, miltefosine and many other drugs are very successful examples of "new drugs from old". This article reviews the discovery, growth and current status of these drugs and concluded that the potential of this approach (therapeutic switching) may use in the development of new antileishmanials in future also.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishi Shakya
- Division of Parasitology, Central Drug Research Institute, Chattar Manzil Palace, M.G. Road, Lucknow, 226001 UP India
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15
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Ginger ML, McFadden GI, Michels PAM. Rewiring and regulation of cross-compartmentalized metabolism in protists. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2010; 365:831-45. [PMID: 20124348 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2009.0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastid acquisition, endosymbiotic associations, lateral gene transfer, organelle degeneracy or even organelle loss influence metabolic capabilities in many different protists. Thus, metabolic diversity is sculpted through the gain of new metabolic functions and moderation or loss of pathways that are often essential in the majority of eukaryotes. What is perhaps less apparent to the casual observer is that the sub-compartmentalization of ubiquitous pathways has been repeatedly remodelled during eukaryotic evolution, and the textbook pictures of intermediary metabolism established for animals, yeast and plants are not conserved in many protists. Moreover, metabolic remodelling can strongly influence the regulatory mechanisms that control carbon flux through the major metabolic pathways. Here, we provide an overview of how core metabolism has been reorganized in various unicellular eukaryotes, focusing in particular on one near universal catabolic pathway (glycolysis) and one ancient anabolic pathway (isoprenoid biosynthesis). For the example of isoprenoid biosynthesis, the compartmentalization of this process in protists often appears to have been influenced by plastid acquisition and loss, whereas for glycolysis several unexpected modes of compartmentalization have emerged. Significantly, the example of trypanosomatid glycolysis illustrates nicely how mathematical modelling and systems biology can be used to uncover or understand novel modes of pathway regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Ginger
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, School of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
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16
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Sterol Biosynthesis Pathway as Target for Anti-trypanosomatid Drugs. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2009; 2009:642502. [PMID: 19680554 PMCID: PMC2721973 DOI: 10.1155/2009/642502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 04/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterols are constituents of the cellular membranes that are essential for their normal structure and function. In mammalian cells, cholesterol is the main sterol found in the various membranes. However, other sterols predominate in eukaryotic microorganisms such as fungi and protozoa. It is now well established that an important metabolic pathway in fungi and in members of the Trypanosomatidae family is one that produces a special class of sterols, including ergosterol, and other 24-methyl sterols, which are required for parasitic growth and viability, but are absent from mammalian host cells. Currently, there are several drugs that interfere with sterol biosynthesis (SB) that are in use to treat diseases such as high cholesterol in humans and fungal infections. In this review, we analyze the effects of drugs such as (a) statins, which act on the mevalonate pathway by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, (b) bisphosphonates, which interfere with the isoprenoid pathway in the step catalyzed by farnesyl diphosphate synthase, (c) zaragozic acids and quinuclidines, inhibitors of squalene synthase (SQS), which catalyzes the first committed step in sterol biosynthesis, (d) allylamines, inhibitors of squalene epoxidase, (e) azoles, which inhibit C14α-demethylase, and (f) azasterols, which inhibit Δ24(25)-sterol methyltransferase (SMT). Inhibition of this last step appears to have high selectivity for fungi and trypanosomatids, since this enzyme is not found in mammalian cells. We review here the IC50 values of these various inhibitors, their effects on the growth of trypanosomatids (both in axenic cultures and in cell cultures), and their effects on protozoan structural organization (as evaluted by light and electron microscopy) and lipid composition. The results show that the mitochondrial membrane as well as the membrane lining the protozoan cell body and flagellum are the main targets. Probably as a consequence of these primary effects, other important changes take place in the organization of the kinetoplast DNA network and on the protozoan cell cycle. In addition, apoptosis-like and autophagic processes induced by several of the inhibitors tested led to parasite death.
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17
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Intracellular location of the early steps of the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway in the trypanosomatids Leishmania major and Trypanosoma brucei. Int J Parasitol 2009; 39:307-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2008.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2008] [Revised: 07/31/2008] [Accepted: 08/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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18
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Ory B, Moriceau G, Trichet V, Blanchard F, Berreur M, Rédini F, Rogers M, Heymann D. Farnesyl diphosphate synthase is involved in the resistance to zoledronic acid of osteosarcoma cells. J Cell Mol Med 2008; 12:928-41. [PMID: 18494934 PMCID: PMC4401135 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2008.00141.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently demonstrated original anti-tumor effects of zoledronic acid (Zol) on osteosarcoma cell lines independently of their p53 and Rb status. The present study investigated the potential Zol-resistance acquired by osteosarcoma cells after prolonged treatment. After 12 weeks of culture in the presence of 1 μm Zol, the effects of high doses of Zol (10–100 μm) were compared between the untreated rat (OSRGA, ROS) and human (MG63, SAOS2) osteosarcoma cells and Zol-pretreated cells in terms of cell proliferation, cell cycle analysis, migration assay and cytoskeleton organization. Long-term treatment with 1 μm Zol reduced the sensitivity of osteosarcoma cells to high concentrations of Zol. Furthermore, the Zol-resistant cells were sensitive to conventional anti-cancer agents demonstrating that this resistance process is independent of the multidrug resistance phenotype. However, as similar experiments performed in the presence of clodronate and pamidronate evidenced that this drug resistance was restricted to the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, we then hypothesized that this resistance could be associated with a differential expression of farnesyl diphos-phate synthase (FPPS) also observed in human osteosarcoma samples. The transfection of Zol-resistant cells with FPPS siRNA strongly increased their sensitivity to Zol. This study demonstrates for the first time the induction of metabolic resistance after prolonged Zol treatment of osteosarcoma cells confirming the therapeutic potential of Zol for the treatment of bone malignant pathologies, but points out the importance of the treatment regimen may be important in terms of duration and dose to avoid the development of drug metabolic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ory
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, ERI 7, Nantes, France
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19
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Moreno SNJ, Li ZH. Anti-infectives targeting the isoprenoid pathway of Toxoplasma gondii. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2008; 12:253-63. [PMID: 18269336 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.12.3.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isoprenoids are an extensive group of natural products with diverse structures consisting of various numbers of five carbon isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) units. OBJECTIVE We review here what is known about the isoprenoid pathway in T. gondii. METHODS Recent primary literature is reviewed. RESULTS/CONCLUSION Genomic evidence points toward the presence of a 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate/2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (DOXP/MEP) pathway, similar to the one found in plants, which will produce isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP). The DOXP/MEP pathway has been validated as a target in the related Apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium. The DOXP/MEP pathway in Toxoplasma has not been characterized. Downstream in the pathway, the enzyme farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) has a central role in forming important intermediates since farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) is a precursor of critical molecules with fundamental biological function such as dolichols, heme a, cholesterol, farnesylated proteins and others. Strong evidence indicates that this enzyme is a valid target for drugs since bisphosphonates, which are specific FPPS inhibitors, inhibited parasite growth in vitro and in vivo. Our hypothesis is that the isoprenoid pathway constitutes a major novel target for the treatment of toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia N J Moreno
- University of Georgia, Department of Cellular Biology and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, 500 D. W. Brooks Dr, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA.
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20
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Jiménez-Jiménez C, Carrero-Lérida J, Sealey-Cardona M, Ruiz Pérez LM, Urbina JA, González Pacanowska D. Delta24(25)-sterol methenyltransferase: intracellular localization and azasterol sensitivity in Leishmania major promastigotes overexpressing the enzyme. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2008; 160:52-9. [PMID: 18485498 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2008.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2007] [Revised: 03/19/2008] [Accepted: 03/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosomatids contain predominantly ergostane-based sterols, which differ from cholesterol, the main sterol in mammalian cells, in the presence of a methyl group in the 24 position. The methylation is initiated by S-adenosyl-L-methionine:Delta(24 (25))-sterol methenyltransferase, an enzyme present in protozoa, but absent in mammals. The importance of this enzyme is underscored by its potential as a drug target in the treatment of the leishmaniases. Here, we report studies concerning the intracellular distribution of sterol methenyltransferase in Leishmania major promastigotes and overexpressing cells using a specific antibody raised against highly purified recombinant protein. It was found by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy studies that in L. major wild-type cells sterol methenyltransferase was primarily associated to the endoplasmic reticulum. In addition to this location, the protein was incorporated into translucent vesicles presumably of the endocytic pathway. We also found in this study that cells overproducing the enzyme do not have increased resistance to the sterol methenyltransferase inhibitor 22, 26 azasterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Jiménez-Jiménez
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Avenida del Conocimiento, s/n 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain
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21
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Ferella M, Li ZH, Andersson B, Docampo R. Farnesyl diphosphate synthase localizes to the cytoplasm of Trypanosoma cruzi and T. brucei. Exp Parasitol 2008; 119:308-12. [PMID: 18406406 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2008] [Revised: 02/26/2008] [Accepted: 02/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) has previously been characterized in trypanosomes as an essential enzyme for their survival and as the target for bisphosphonates, drugs that are effective both in vitro and in vivo against these parasites. Enzymes from the isoprenoid pathway have been assigned to different compartments in eukaryotes, including trypanosomatids. We here report that FPPS localizes to the cytoplasm of both Trypanosoma cruzi and T. brucei, and is not present in other organelles such as the mitochondria and glycosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Ferella
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB), Karolinska Institutet, Berzelius väg 35, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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22
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Ling Y, Li ZH, Miranda K, Oldfield E, Moreno SNJ. The farnesyl-diphosphate/geranylgeranyl-diphosphate synthase of Toxoplasma gondii is a bifunctional enzyme and a molecular target of bisphosphonates. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:30804-16. [PMID: 17724033 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m703178200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesyl-diphosphate synthase (FPPS) catalyzes the synthesis of farnesyl diphosphate, an important precursor of sterols, dolichols, ubiquinones, and prenylated proteins. We report the cloning and characterization of two Toxoplasma gondii farnesyl-diphosphate synthase (TgFPPS) homologs. A single genetic locus produces two transcripts, TgFPPS and TgFPPSi, by alternative splicing. Both isoforms were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, but only TgFPPS was active. The protein products predicted from the nucleotide sequences have 646 and 605 amino acids and apparent molecular masses of 69.5 and 64.5 kDa, respectively. Several conserved sequence motifs found in other prenyl-diphosphate synthases are present in both TgFPPSs. TgFPPS was also expressed in the baculovirus system and was biochemically characterized. In contrast to the FPPS of other eukaryotic organisms, TgFPPS is bifunctional, catalyzing the formation of both farnesyl diphosphate and geranylgeranyl diphosphate. TgFPPS localizes to the mitochondria, as determined by the co-localisation of the affinity-purified antibodies against the protein with MitoTracker, and in accord with the presence of an N-terminal mitochondria-targeting signal in the protein. This enzyme is an attractive target for drug development, because the order of inhibition of the enzyme by a number of bisphosphonates is the same as that for inhibition of parasite growth. In summary, we report the first bifunctional farnesyl-diphosphate/geranylgeranyl-diphosphate synthase identified in eukaryotes, which, together with previous results, establishes this enzyme as a valid target for the chemotherapy of toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ling
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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