1
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Tulloch LB, Tinti M, Wall RJ, Weidt SK, Corpas-Lopez V, Dey G, Smith TK, Fairlamb AH, Barrett MP, Wyllie S. Sterol 14-alpha demethylase (CYP51) activity in Leishmania donovani is likely dependent upon cytochrome P450 reductase 1. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012382. [PMID: 38991025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Liposomal amphotericin B is an important frontline drug for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis, a neglected disease of poverty. The mechanism of action of amphotericin B (AmB) is thought to involve interaction with ergosterol and other ergostane sterols, resulting in disruption of the integrity and key functions of the plasma membrane. Emergence of clinically refractory isolates of L. donovani and L. infantum is an ongoing issue and knowledge of potential resistance mechanisms can help to alleviate this problem. Here we report the characterisation of four independently selected L. donovani clones that are resistant to AmB. Whole genome sequencing revealed that in three of the moderately resistant clones, resistance was due solely to the deletion of a gene encoding C24-sterol methyltransferase (SMT1). The fourth, hyper-resistant resistant clone (>60-fold) was found to have a 24 bp deletion in both alleles of a gene encoding a putative cytochrome P450 reductase (P450R1). Metabolic profiling indicated these parasites were virtually devoid of ergosterol (0.2% versus 18% of total sterols in wild-type) and had a marked accumulation of 14-methylfecosterol (75% versus 0.1% of total sterols in wild-type) and other 14-alpha methylcholestanes. These are substrates for sterol 14-alpha demethylase (CYP51) suggesting that this enzyme may be a bona fide P450R specifically involved in electron transfer from NADPH to CYP51 during catalysis. Deletion of P450R1 in wild-type cells phenocopied the metabolic changes observed in our AmB hyper-resistant clone as well as in CYP51 nulls. Likewise, addition of a wild type P450R1 gene restored sterol profiles to wild type. Our studies indicate that P450R1 is essential for L. donovani amastigote viability, thus loss of this gene is unlikely to be a driver of clinical resistance. Nevertheless, investigating the mechanisms underpinning AmB resistance in these cells provided insights that refine our understanding of the L. donovani sterol biosynthetic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay B Tulloch
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Tinti
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Wall
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan K Weidt
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Victoriano Corpas-Lopez
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Gourav Dey
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Terry K Smith
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Alan H Fairlamb
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P Barrett
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Wyllie
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, United Kingdom
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2
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Zhang H, Li Y, Liu Y. An updated review of the pharmacological effects and potential mechanisms of hederagenin and its derivatives. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1374264. [PMID: 38962311 PMCID: PMC11220241 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1374264] [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: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hederagenin (HG) is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid that can be isolated from various medicinal herbs. By modifying the structure of HG, multiple derivatives with superior biological activities and safety profiles have been designed and synthesized. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that HG and its derivatives display multiple pharmacological activities against cancers, inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, metabolic diseases, fibrotic diseases, cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and depression. Previous studies have confirmed that HG and its derivatives combat cancer by exerting cytotoxicity, inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, modulating autophagy, and reversing chemotherapy resistance in cancer cells, and the action targets involved mainly include STAT3, Aurora B, KIF7, PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, Nrf2/ARE, Drp1, and P-gp. In addition, HG and its derivatives antagonize inflammation through inhibiting the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators by regulating inflammation-related pathways and targets, such as NF-κB, MAPK, JAK2/STAT3, Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1, and LncRNA A33/Axin2/β-catenin. Moreover, anti-pathogen, anti-metabolic disorder, anti-fibrosis, neuroprotection, and anti-depression mechanisms of HG and its derivatives have been partially elucidated. The diverse pharmacological properties of HG and its derivatives hold significant implications for future research and development of new drugs derived from HG, which can lead to improved effectiveness and safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huize Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Li
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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3
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Rossi S, Tudino V, Carullo G, Butini S, Campiani G, Gemma S. Metalloenzyme Inhibitors against Zoonotic Infections: Focus on Leishmania and Schistosoma. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1520-1535. [PMID: 38669567 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00163] [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] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The term "zoonosis" denotes diseases transmissible among vertebrate animals and humans. These diseases constitute a significant public health challenge, comprising 61% of human pathogens and causing an estimated 2.7 million deaths annually. Zoonoses not only affect human health but also impact animal welfare and economic stability, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis are two important neglected tropical diseases with a high prevalence in tropical and subtropical areas, imposing significant burdens on affected regions. Schistosomiasis, particularly rampant in sub-Saharan Africa, lacks alternative treatments to praziquantel, prompting concerns regarding parasite resistance. Similarly, leishmaniasis poses challenges with unsatisfactory treatments, urging the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Effective prevention demands a One Health approach, integrating diverse disciplines to enhance diagnostics and develop safer drugs. Metalloenzymes, involved in parasite biology and critical in different biological pathways, emerged in the last few years as useful drug targets for the treatment of human diseases. Herein we have reviewed recent reports on the discovery of inhibitors of metalloenzymes associated with zoonotic diseases like histone deacetylases (HDACs), carbonic anhydrase (CA), arginase, and heme-dependent enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rossi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Valeria Tudino
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Bioinformatics Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-7346, Iran
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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4
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Marín M, López M, Gallego-Yerga L, Álvarez R, Peláez R. Experimental structure based drug design (SBDD) applications for anti-leishmanial drugs: A paradigm shift? Med Res Rev 2024; 44:1055-1120. [PMID: 38142308 DOI: 10.1002/med.22005] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a group of neglected tropical diseases caused by at least 20 species of Leishmania protozoa, which are spread by the bite of infected sandflies. There are three main forms of the disease: cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL, the most common), visceral leishmaniasis (VL, also known as kala-azar, the most serious), and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. One billion people live in areas endemic to leishmaniasis, with an annual estimation of 30,000 new cases of VL and more than 1 million of CL. New treatments for leishmaniasis are an urgent need, as the existing ones are inefficient, toxic, and/or expensive. We have revised the experimental structure-based drug design (SBDD) efforts applied to the discovery of new drugs against leishmaniasis. We have grouped the explored targets according to the metabolic pathways they belong to, and the key achieved advances are highlighted and evaluated. In most cases, SBDD studies follow high-throughput screening campaigns and are secondary to pharmacokinetic optimization, due to the majoritarian belief that there are few validated targets for SBDD in leishmaniasis. However, some SBDD strategies have significantly contributed to new drug candidates against leishmaniasis and a bigger number holds promise for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Marín
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marta López
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Laura Gallego-Yerga
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Raquel Álvarez
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rafael Peláez
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
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5
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Seyed N, Taheri T, Rafati S. Live attenuated-nonpathogenic Leishmania and DNA structures as promising vaccine platforms against leishmaniasis: innovations can make waves. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1326369. [PMID: 38633699 PMCID: PMC11021776 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1326369] [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: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by the protozoan parasite of Leishmania genus and is a complex disease affecting mostly tropical regions of the world. Unfortunately, despite the extensive effort made, there is no vaccine available for human use. Undoubtedly, a comprehensive understanding of the host-vector-parasite interaction is substantial for developing an effective prophylactic vaccine. Recently the role of sandfly saliva on disease progression has been uncovered which can make a substantial contribution in vaccine design. In this review we try to focus on the strategies that most probably meet the prerequisites of vaccine development (based on the current understandings) including live attenuated/non-pathogenic and subunit DNA vaccines. Innovative approaches such as reverse genetics, CRISP/R-Cas9 and antibiotic-free selection are now available to promisingly compensate for intrinsic drawbacks associated with these platforms. Our main goal is to call more attention toward the prerequisites of effective vaccine development while controlling the disease outspread is a substantial need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Seyed
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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6
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de Araújo SA, Silva CMP, Costa CS, Ferreira CSC, Ribeiro HS, da Silva Lima A, Quintino da Rocha C, Calabrese KDS, Abreu-Silva AL, Almeida-Souza F. Leishmanicidal and immunomodulatory activity of Terminalia catappa in Leishmania amazonensisin vitro infection. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24622. [PMID: 38312642 PMCID: PMC10835263 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24622] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniases are infectious-parasitic diseases that impact public health around the world. Antileishmanial drugs presented toxicity and increase in parasitic resistance. Studies with natural products show an alternative to this effect, and several metabolites have demonstrated potential in the treatment of various diseases. Terminalia catappa is a plant species with promising pharmaceutical properties. The objective of this work was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of extracts and fractions of T. catappa on Leishmania amazonensis and investigate the immunomodulatory mechanisms associated with its action. In anti-Leishmania assays, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited activity against promastigotes (IC50 86.07 ± 1.09 μg/mL) and low cytotoxicity (CC50 517.70 ± 1.68 μg/mL). The ethyl acetate fraction also inhibited the intracellular parasite (IC50 25.74 ± 1.08 μg/mL) with a selectivity index of 20.11. Treatment with T. catappa ethyl acetate fraction did not alter nitrite production by peritoneal macrophages stimulated with L. amazonensis, although there was a decrease in unstimulated macrophages treated at 50 μg/mL (p = 0.0048). The T. catappa ethyl acetate fraction at 100 μg/mL increased TNF-α levels (p = 0.0238) and downregulated HO-1 (p = 0.0030) and ferritin (p = 0.0002) gene expression in L. amazonensis-stimulated macrophages. Additionally, the total flavonoid and ellagic acid content for ethyl acetate fraction was 13.41 ± 1.86 mg QE/g and 79.25 mg/g, respectively. In conclusion, the T. catappa ethyl acetate fraction showed leishmanicidal activity against different forms of L. amazonensis and displayed immunomodulatory mechanisms, including TNF-α production and expression of pro and antioxidant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Alves de Araújo
- Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, 65080-805, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Aldilene da Silva Lima
- Laboratório de Química dos Produtos Naturais, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, 65080-805, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Quintino da Rocha
- Laboratório de Química dos Produtos Naturais, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, 65080-805, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Kátia da Silva Calabrese
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, 21041-250, Brazil
| | - Ana Lucia Abreu-Silva
- Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, 65080-805, Brazil
- Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, 65055-310, Brazil
- Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, 65055-310, Brazil
| | - Fernando Almeida-Souza
- Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, 65055-310, Brazil
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, 21041-250, Brazil
- Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, 65055-310, Brazil
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Perin LR, Parreira LA, Barcelos ECS, Santos MFC, Menini L, Gomes DDO, Careta FDP. In vitro effect of alpha-bisabolol and its synthetic derivatives on macrophages, promastigotes, and amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania infantum. Nat Prod Res 2023:1-6. [PMID: 38013219 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2288232] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis are public health problems in Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. The treatment has a high cost and toxicity. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the leishmanicidal activity of alpha-bisabolol and its three synthetic derivatives, P1, P2, and P3, on the promastigotes and amastigotes Leishmania infantum and L. amazonensis forms. Alpha-bisabolol showed the lowest IC50 with 3.43 for L. amazonensis promastigotes, while P1 was the most toxic for L. infantum with an IC50 of 9.10. The derivative P3 was better for the amastigote form, with an IC50 of 3.39 for L. amazonensis. All the compounds effectively decreased the intracellular load of amastigote and its ability to turn promastigote again. Thus, alpha-bisabolol and its three synthetic derivatives were effective in their leishmanicidal activity. Therefore, it can be an option for developing new treatments against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Reisen Perin
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre, Brasil
| | - Luciana Alves Parreira
- Departamento de Química e Física, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre, Brasil
| | | | | | - Luciano Menini
- Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo/Campus de Alegre, Alegre, Brasil
| | - Daniel de Oliveira Gomes
- Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas/Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brasil
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8
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Basu S, Pawlowic MC, Hsu FF, Thomas G, Zhang K. Ethanolaminephosphate cytidylyltransferase is essential for survival, lipid homeostasis and stress tolerance in Leishmania major. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011112. [PMID: 37506172 PMCID: PMC10411802 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycerophospholipids including phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) are vital components of biological membranes. Trypanosomatid parasites of the genus Leishmania can acquire PE and PC via de novo synthesis and the uptake/remodeling of host lipids. In this study, we investigated the ethanolaminephosphate cytidylyltransferase (EPCT) in Leishmania major, which is the causative agent for cutaneous leishmaniasis. EPCT is a key enzyme in the ethanolamine branch of the Kennedy pathway which is responsible for the de novo synthesis of PE. Our results demonstrate that L. major EPCT is a cytosolic protein capable of catalyzing the formation of CDP-ethanolamine from ethanolamine-phosphate and cytidine triphosphate. Genetic manipulation experiments indicate that EPCT is essential in both the promastigote and amastigote stages of L. major as the chromosomal null mutants cannot survive without the episomal expression of EPCT. This differs from our previous findings on the choline branch of the Kennedy pathway (responsible for PC synthesis) which is required only in promastigotes but not amastigotes. While episomal EPCT expression does not affect promastigote proliferation under normal conditions, it leads to reduced production of ethanolamine plasmalogen or plasmenylethanolamine, the dominant PE subtype in Leishmania. In addition, parasites with episomal EPCT exhibit heightened sensitivity to acidic pH and starvation stress, and significant reduction in virulence. In summary, our investigation demonstrates that proper regulation of EPCT expression is crucial for PE synthesis, stress response, and survival of Leishmania parasites throughout their life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somrita Basu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mattie C. Pawlowic
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research (WCAIR), Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Fong-Fu Hsu
- Mass Spectrometry Resource, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Lipid Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Geoff Thomas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
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9
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Leroux M, Luquain-Costaz C, Lawton P, Azzouz-Maache S, Delton I. Fatty Acid Composition and Metabolism in Leishmania Parasite Species: Potential Biomarkers or Drug Targets for Leishmaniasis? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054702. [PMID: 36902138 PMCID: PMC10003364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054702] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids have received growing interest in Leishmania biology with the characterization of the enzymes allowing the complete fatty acid synthesis of this trypanosomatid parasite. This review presents a comparative analysis of the fatty acid profiles of the major classes of lipids and phospholipids in different species of Leishmania with cutaneous or visceral tropism. Specificities relating to the parasite forms, resistance to antileishmanial drugs, and host/parasite interactions are described as well as comparisons with other trypanosomatids. Emphasis is placed on polyunsaturated fatty acids and their metabolic and functional specificities, in particular, their conversion into oxygenated metabolites that are inflammatory mediators able to modulate metacyclogenesis and parasite infectivity. The impact of lipid status on the development of leishmaniasis and the potential of fatty acids as therapeutic targets or candidates for nutritional interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Leroux
- CNRS 5007, LAGEPP, Université of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Céline Luquain-Costaz
- CNRS 5007, LAGEPP, Université of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Department of Biosciences, INSA Lyon, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Philippe Lawton
- CNRS 5007, LAGEPP, Université of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Samira Azzouz-Maache
- CNRS 5007, LAGEPP, Université of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Isabelle Delton
- CNRS 5007, LAGEPP, Université of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Department of Biosciences, INSA Lyon, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Correspondence:
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10
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Gupta D, Singh PK, Yadav PK, Narender T, Patil UK, Jain SK, Chourasia MK. Emerging strategies and challenges of molecular therapeutics in antileishmanial drug development. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 115:109649. [PMID: 36603357 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109649] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Molecular therapy refers to targeted therapies based on molecules which have been intelligently directed towards specific biomolecular structures and include small molecule drugs, monoclonal antibodies, proteins and peptides, DNA or RNA-based strategies, targeted chemotherapy and nanomedicines. Molecular therapy is emerging as the most effective strategy to combat the present challenges of life-threatening visceral leishmaniasis, where the successful human vaccine is currently unavailable. Moreover, current chemotherapy-based strategies are associated with the issues of ineffective targeting, unavoidable toxicities, invasive therapies, prolonged treatment, high treatment costs and the development of drug-resistant strains. Thus, the rational approach to antileishmanial drug development primarily demands critical exploration and exploitation of biochemical differences between host and parasite biology, immunocharacteristics of parasite homing, and host-parasite interactions at the molecular/cellular level. Following this, the novel technology-based designing and development of host and/or parasite-targeted therapeutics having leishmanicidal and immunomodulatory activity is utmost essential to improve treatment efficacy. Thus, the present review is focused on immunological and molecular checkpoint targets in host-pathogen interaction, and molecular therapeutic prospects for Leishmania intervention, and the challenges ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Sagar 470003, M.P., India; Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, U.P., India
| | - Pankaj K Singh
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, U.P., India; Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Pavan K Yadav
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, U.P., India
| | - Tadigoppula Narender
- Division of Medicinal and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, U.P., India
| | - Umesh K Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Sagar 470003, M.P., India
| | - Sanjay K Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Sagar 470003, M.P., India
| | - Manish K Chourasia
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, U.P., India.
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Basu S, Pawlowic M, Hsu FF, Thomas G, Zhang K. Ethanolaminephosphate cytidyltransferase is essential for survival, lipid homeostasis and stress tolerance in Leishmania major. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.10.523530. [PMID: 36712124 PMCID: PMC9882048 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.10.523530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Glycerophospholipids including phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) are vital components of biological membranes. Trypanosomatid parasites of the genus Leishmania can acquire PE and PC via de novo synthesis and the uptake/remodeling of host lipids. In this study, we investigated the ethanolaminephosphate cytidyltransferase (EPCT) in Leishmania major , which is the causative agent for cutaneous leishmaniasis. EPCT is a key enzyme in the ethanolamine branch of the Kennedy pathway which is responsible for the de novo synthesis of PE. Our results demonstrate that L. major EPCT is a cytosolic protein capable of catalyzing the formation of CDP-ethanolamine from ethanolamine-phosphate and cytidine triphosphate. Genetic manipulation experiments indicate that EPCT is essential in both the promastigote and amastigote stages of L. major as the chromosomal null mutants cannot survive without the episomal expression of EPCT. This differs from our previous findings on the choline branch of the Kennedy pathway (responsible for PC synthesis) which is required only in promastigotes but not amastigotes. While episomal EPCT expression does not affect promastigote proliferation under normal conditions, it leads to reduced production of ethanolamine plasmalogen or plasmenylethanolamine, the dominant PE subtype in Leishmania . In addition, parasites with epsiomal EPCT exhibit heightened sensitivity to acidic pH and starvation stress, and significant reduction in virulence. In summary, our investigation demonstrates that proper regulation of EPCT expression is crucial for PE synthesis, stress response, and survival of Leishmania parasites throughout their life cycle. AUTHOR SUMMARY In nature, Leishmania parasites alternate between fast replicating, extracellular promastigotes in sand fly gut and slow growing, intracellular amastigotes in macrophages. Previous studies suggest that promastigotes acquire most of their lipids via de novo synthesis whereas amastigotes rely on the uptake and remodeling of host lipids. Here we investigated the function of ethanolaminephosphate cytidyltransferase (EPCT) which catalyzes a key step in the de novo synthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in Leishmania major . Results showed that EPCT is indispensable for both promastigotes and amastigotes, indicating that de novo PE synthesis is still needed at certain capacity for the intracellular form of Leishmania parasites. In addition, elevated EPCT expression alters overall PE synthesis and compromises parasite’s tolerance to adverse conditions and is deleterious to the growth of intracellular amastigotes. These findings provide new insight into how Leishmania acquire essential phospholipids and how disturbance of lipid metabolism can impact parasite fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somrita Basu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Mattie Pawlowic
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research (WCAIR), Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Fong-Fu Hsu
- Mass Spectrometry Resource, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Lipid Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660S. Euclid Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Geoff Thomas
- 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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12
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Kavouris JA, McCall LI, Giardini MA, De Muylder G, Thomas D, Garcia-Pérez A, Cantizani J, Cotillo I, Fiandor JM, McKerrow JH, De Oliveira CI, Siqueira-Neto JL, González S, Brown LE, Schaus SE. Discovery of pyrazolopyrrolidinones as potent, broad-spectrum inhibitors of Leishmania infection. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2023; 3:1011124. [PMID: 36818551 PMCID: PMC9937549 DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.1011124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that affects more than 1 million people worldwide annually, predominantly in resource-limited settings. The challenge in compound development is to exhibit potent activity against the intracellular stage of the parasite (the stage present in the mammalian host) without harming the infected host cells. We have identified a compound series (pyrazolopyrrolidinones) active against the intracellular parasites of Leishmania donovani and L. major; the causative agents of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Old World, respectively. Methods In this study, we performed medicinal chemistry on a newly discovered antileishmanial chemotype, with over 100 analogs tested. Studies included assessments of antileishmanial potency, toxicity towards host cells, and in vitro ADME screening of key drug properties. Results and discussion Members of the series showed high potency against the deadliest form, visceral leishmaniasis (approximate EC50 ≥ 0.01 μM without harming the host macrophage up to 10.0 μM). In comparison, the most efficient monotherapy treatment for visceral leishmaniasis is amphotericin B, which presents similar activity in the same assay (EC50 = 0.2 μM) while being cytotoxic to the host cell at 5.0 μM. Continued development of this compound series with the Discovery Partnership with Academia (DPAc) program at the GlaxoSmithKline Diseases of the Developing World (GSK DDW) laboratories found that the compounds passed all of GSK's criteria to be defined as a potential lead drug series for leishmaniasis. Conclusion Here, we describe preliminary structure-activity relationships for antileishmanial pyrazolopyrrolidinones, and our progress towards the identification of candidates for future in vivo assays in models of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Kavouris
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Miriam A. Giardini
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Geraldine De Muylder
- Department of Pathology, Sandler Center for Drug Discovery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Diane Thomas
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Adolfo Garcia-Pérez
- Global Health Medicines R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Cantizani
- Global Health Medicines R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Cotillo
- Global Health Medicines R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M. Fiandor
- Global Health Medicines R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America.,Department of Pathology, Sandler Center for Drug Discovery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Camila I. De Oliveira
- HUPES, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT) -Salvador, Brazil; Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia (iii-INCT), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jair L. Siqueira-Neto
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America.,Department of Pathology, Sandler Center for Drug Discovery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Silvia González
- Global Health Medicines R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lauren E. Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Scott E. Schaus
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.,Correspondence: Scott E. Schaus,
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13
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Guhe V, Ingale P, Tambekar A, Singh S. Systems biology of autophagy in leishmanial infection and its diverse role in precision medicine. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1113249. [PMID: 37152895 PMCID: PMC10160387 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1113249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a contentious issue in leishmaniasis and is emerging as a promising therapeutic regimen. Published research on the impact of autophagic regulation on Leishmania survival is inconclusive, despite numerous pieces of evidence that Leishmania spp. triggers autophagy in a variety of cell types. The mechanistic approach is poorly understood in the Leishmania parasite as autophagy is significant in both Leishmania and the host. Herein, this review discusses the autophagy proteins that are being investigated as potential therapeutic targets, the connection between autophagy and lipid metabolism, and microRNAs that regulate autophagy and lipid metabolism. It also highlights the use of systems biology to develop novel autophagy-dependent therapeutics for leishmaniasis by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), mathematical modeling, network analysis, and other computational methods. Additionally, we have shown many databases for autophagy and metabolism in Leishmania parasites that suggest potential therapeutic targets for intricate signaling in the autophagy system. In a nutshell, the detailed understanding of the dynamics of autophagy in conjunction with lipids and miRNAs unfolds larger dimensions for future research.
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Feng M, Jin Y, Yang S, Joachim AM, Ning Y, Mori-Quiroz LM, Fromm J, Perera C, Zhang K, Werbovetz KA, Wang MZ. Sterol profiling of Leishmania parasites using a new HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry-based method and antifungal azoles as chemical probes reveals a key intermediate sterol that supports a branched ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 20:27-42. [PMID: 35994895 PMCID: PMC9418051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by Leishmania protozoan parasites. Current chemotherapeutic options against the deadly disease have significant limitations. The ergosterol biosynthetic pathway has been identified as a drug target in Leishmania. However, remarkable differences in the efficacy of antifungal azoles that inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis have been reported for the treatment of leishmaniasis. To better understand the sterol biosynthetic pathway in Leishmania and elucidate the mechanism underlying the differential efficacy of antifungal azoles, we developed a new LC-MS/MS method to study sterol profiles in promastigotes of three Leishmania species, including two L. donovani, one L. major and one L. tarentolae strains. A combination of distinct precursor ion masses and LC retention times allowed for specific detection of sixteen intermediate sterols between lanosterol and ergosterol using the newly developed LC-MS/MS method. Although both posaconazole and fluconazole are known inhibitors of fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51), only posaconazole led to a substantial accumulation of lanosterol in azole-treated L. donovani promastigotes. Furthermore, a key intermediate sterol accumulated by 40- and 7-fold when these parasites were treated with posaconazole and fluconazole, respectively, which was determined as 4α,14α-dimethylzymosterol by high resolution mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The identification of 4α,14α-dimethylzymosterol supports a branched ergosterol biosynthetic pathway in Leishmania, where lanosterol C4- and C14-demethylation reactions occur in parallel rather than sequentially. Our results suggest that selective inhibition of leishmanial CYP51 is insufficient to effectively prevent parasite growth and dual inhibitors of both CYP51 and the unknown sterol C4-demethylase may be required for optimal antiparasitic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Yiru Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Sihyung Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Arline M Joachim
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yu Ning
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Luis M Mori-Quiroz
- Synthetic Chemical Biology Core Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Jacob Fromm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Chamani Perera
- Synthetic Chemical Biology Core Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Karl A Werbovetz
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael Zhuo Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
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15
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Mordvinov V, Pakharukova M. Xenobiotic-Metabolizing Enzymes in Trematodes. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123039. [PMID: 36551794 PMCID: PMC9775572 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123039] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Trematode infections occur worldwide causing considerable deterioration of human health and placing a substantial financial burden on the livestock industry. The hundreds of millions of people afflicted with trematode infections rely entirely on only two drugs (praziquantel and triclabendazole) for treatment. An understanding of anthelmintic biotransformation pathways in parasites should clarify factors that can modulate therapeutic potency of anthelmintics currently in use and may lead to the discovery of synergistic compounds for combination treatments. Despite the pronounced epidemiological significance of trematodes, there is still no adequate understanding of the functionality of their metabolic systems, including xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. The review is focused on the structure and functional significance of the xenobiotic-metabolizing system in trematodes. Knowledge in this field can solve practical problems related to the search for new targets for antiparasitic therapy based on a focused action on certain elements of the parasite's metabolic system. Knowledge of the functionality of this system is required to understand the adaptation of the biochemical processes of parasites residing in the host and mechanisms of drug resistance development, as well as to select a promising molecular target for the discovery and development of new anthelmintic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viatcheslav Mordvinov
- Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Pathological Processes, Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, 10 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Maria Pakharukova
- Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Pathological Processes, Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, 10 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 2 Pirogov Str., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(913)-394-6669
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16
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Heme-deficient metabolism and impaired cellular differentiation as an evolutionary trade-off for human infectivity in Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7075. [PMID: 36400774 PMCID: PMC9674590 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34501-4] [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: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to African trypanosomes in humans relies in part on the high affinity targeting of a trypanosome lytic factor 1 (TLF1) to a trypanosome haptoglobin-hemoglobin receptor (HpHbR). While TLF1 avoidance by the inactivation of HpHbR contributes to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense human infectivity, the evolutionary trade-off of this adaptation is unknown, as the physiological function of the receptor remains to be elucidated. Here we show that uptake of hemoglobin via HpHbR constitutes the sole heme import pathway in the trypanosome bloodstream stage. T. b. gambiense strains carrying the inactivating mutation in HpHbR, as well as genetically engineered T. b. brucei HpHbR knock-out lines show only trace levels of intracellular heme and lack hemoprotein-based enzymatic activities, thereby providing an uncommon example of aerobic parasitic proliferation in the absence of heme. We further show that HpHbR facilitates the developmental progression from proliferating long slender forms to cell cycle-arrested stumpy forms in T. b. brucei. Accordingly, T. b. gambiense was found to be poorly competent for slender-to-stumpy differentiation unless a functional HpHbR receptor derived from T. b. brucei was genetically restored. Altogether, we identify heme-deficient metabolism and disrupted cellular differentiation as two distinct HpHbR-dependent evolutionary trade-offs for T. b. gambiense human infectivity.
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17
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Alpizar-Sosa EA, Ithnin NRB, Wei W, Pountain AW, Weidt SK, Donachie AM, Ritchie R, Dickie EA, Burchmore RJS, Denny PW, Barrett MP. Amphotericin B resistance in Leishmania mexicana: Alterations to sterol metabolism and oxidative stress response. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010779. [PMID: 36170238 PMCID: PMC9581426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphotericin B is increasingly used in treatment of leishmaniasis. Here, fourteen independent lines of Leishmania mexicana and one L. infantum line were selected for resistance to either amphotericin B or the related polyene antimicrobial, nystatin. Sterol profiling revealed that, in each resistant line, the predominant wild-type sterol, ergosta-5,7,24-trienol, was replaced by other sterol intermediates. Broadly, two different profiles emerged among the resistant lines. Whole genome sequencing then showed that these distinct profiles were due either to mutations in the sterol methyl transferase (C24SMT) gene locus or the sterol C5 desaturase (C5DS) gene. In three lines an additional deletion of the miltefosine transporter gene was found. Differences in sensitivity to amphotericin B were apparent, depending on whether cells were grown in HOMEM, supplemented with foetal bovine serum, or a serum free defined medium (DM). Metabolomic analysis after exposure to AmB showed that a large increase in glucose flux via the pentose phosphate pathway preceded cell death in cells sustained in HOMEM but not DM, indicating the oxidative stress was more significantly induced under HOMEM conditions. Several of the lines were tested for their ability to infect macrophages and replicate as amastigote forms, alongside their ability to establish infections in mice. While several AmB resistant lines showed reduced virulence, at least two lines displayed heightened virulence in mice whilst retaining their resistance phenotype, emphasising the risks of resistance emerging to this critical drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edubiel A. Alpizar-Sosa
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Nur Raihana Binti Ithnin
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wenbin Wei
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew W. Pountain
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute for Computational Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Stefan K. Weidt
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anne M. Donachie
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Ritchie
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emily A. Dickie
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. S. Burchmore
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul W. Denny
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P. Barrett
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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18
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Okundaye B, Biyani N, Moitra S, Zhang K. The Golgi-localized sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphatase is indispensable for Leishmania major. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16064. [PMID: 36163400 PMCID: PMC9513092 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20249-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphatase (SPP) catalyzes the dephosphorylation of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) into sphingosine, the reverse reaction of sphingosine kinase. In mammals, S1P acts as a potent bioactive molecule regulating cell proliferation, migration, and immunity. In Leishmania, S1P production is crucial for the synthesis of ethanolamine and choline phospholipids, and cell survival under stress conditions. To better understand the roles of S1P, we characterized a SPP ortholog in Leishmania major which displays activity towards S1P but not structurally related lipids such as ceramide-1-phosphate or lysophosphatidic acid. While this enzyme is found in the endoplasmic reticulum in mammalian cells, L. major SPP is localized at the Golgi apparatus. Importantly, chromosomal SPP alleles cannot be deleted from L. major even with the addition of a complementing episome, suggesting that endogenously expressed SPP is essential. Finally, SPP overexpression in L. major leads to a slower growth rate and heightened sensitivity to brefeldin A and sodium orthovanadate. Together, these results suggest that the equilibrium between S1P and sphingosine is vital for the function of Golgi apparatus in Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Okundaye
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
- The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Neha Biyani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
- Lantern Pharma Inc., 1920 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX, 75201, USA
| | - Samrat Moitra
- 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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19
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Silva-Silva JV, Moreira RF, Watanabe LA, de Souza CDSF, Hardoim DDJ, Taniwaki NN, Bertho AL, Teixeira KF, Cenci AR, Doring TH, Júnior JWDC, de Oliveira AS, Marinho PSB, Calabrese KDS, Marinho AMDR, Almeida-Souza F. Monomethylsulochrin isolated from biomass extract of Aspergillus sp. against Leishmania amazonensis: In vitro biological evaluation and molecular docking. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:974910. [PMID: 36093206 PMCID: PMC9452909 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.974910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis represents a serious world health problem, with 1 billion people being exposed to infection and a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations with a potentially fatal outcome. Based on the limitations observed in the treatment of leishmaniasis, such as high cost, significant adverse effects, and the potential for drug resistance, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the leishmanicidal activity of the compounds pseurotin A and monomethylsulochrin isolated from the biomass extract of Aspergillus sp. The chromatographic profiles of the extract were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode-array UV-Vis detector (HPLC-DAD-UV), and the molecular identification of the pseurotin A and monomethylsulochrin were carried out by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in tandem (LC-ESI-MS-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Antileishmanial activity was assayed against promastigote and intracellular amastigote of Leishmania amazonensis. As a control, cytotoxicity assays were performed in non-infected BALB/c peritoneal macrophages. Ultrastructural alterations in parasites were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were determined by flow cytometry. Only monomethylsulochrin inhibited the promastigote growth (IC50 18.04 ± 1.11 µM), with cytotoxicity to peritoneal macrophages (CC50 5.09 91.63 ± 1.28 µM). Activity against intracellular amastigote forms (IC50 5.09 ± 1.06 µM) revealed an increase in antileishmanial activity when compared with promastigotes. In addition to a statistically significant reduction in the evaluated infection parameters, monomethylsulochrin altered the ultrastructure of the promastigote forms with atypical vacuoles, electron-dense corpuscles in the cytoplasm, changes at the mitochondria outer membrane and abnormal disposition around the kinetoplast. It was showed that monomethylsulochrin leads to a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential (25.9%, p = 0.0286). Molecular modeling studies revealed that monomethylsulochrin can act as inhibitor of sterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51), a therapeutic target for human trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis. Assessed for its drug likeness, monomethylsulochrin follows the Lipinski Rule of five and Ghose, Veber, Egan, and Muegge criteria. Furthermore, monomethylsulochrin can be used as a reference in the development of novel and therapeutically useful antileishmanial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Victor Silva-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and Protozoology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Physics of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Daiana de Jesus Hardoim
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and Protozoology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Alvaro Luiz Bertho
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Kerolain Faoro Teixeira
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | - Arthur Ribeiro Cenci
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | - Thiago Henrique Doring
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | - José Wilmo da Cruz Júnior
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | - Aldo Sena de Oliveira
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | | | - Kátia da Silva Calabrese
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and Protozoology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Kátia da Silva Calabrese, ; Andrey Moacir do Rosario Marinho,
| | - Andrey Moacir do Rosario Marinho
- Post-graduate Program in Chemistry, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Kátia da Silva Calabrese, ; Andrey Moacir do Rosario Marinho,
| | - Fernando Almeida-Souza
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and Protozoology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Post-Graduate in Animal Sciences, State University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
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20
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Dumoulin PC, Vollrath J, Won MM, Wang JX, Burleigh BA. Endogenous Sterol Synthesis Is Dispensable for Trypanosoma cruzi Epimastigote Growth but Not Stress Tolerance. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:937910. [PMID: 35783434 PMCID: PMC9248972 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.937910] [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: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to scavenging exogenous cholesterol, the parasitic kinetoplastid Trypanosoma cruzi can endogenously synthesize sterols. Similar to fungal species, T. cruzi synthesizes ergostane type sterols and is sensitive to a class of azole inhibitors of ergosterol biosynthesis that target the enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51). In the related kinetoplastid parasite Leishmania donovani, CYP51 is essential, yet in Leishmania major, the cognate enzyme is dispensable for growth; but not heat resistance. The essentiality of CYP51 and the specific role of ergostane-type sterol products in T. cruzi has not been established. To better understand the importance of this pathway, we have disrupted the CYP51 gene in T. cruzi epimastigotes (ΔCYP51). Disruption of CYP51 leads to accumulation of 14-methylated sterols and a concurrent absence of the final sterol product ergosterol. While ΔCYP51 epimastigotes have slowed proliferation compared to wild type parasites, the enzyme is not required for growth; however, ΔCYP51 epimastigotes exhibit sensitivity to elevated temperature, an elevated mitochondrial membrane potential and fail to establish growth as intracellular amastigotes in vitro. Further genetic disruption of squalene epoxidase (ΔSQLE) results in the absence of all endogenous sterols and sterol auxotrophy, yet failed to rescue tolerance to stress in ΔCYP51 parasites, suggesting the loss of ergosterol and not accumulation of 14-methylated sterols modulates stress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C. Dumoulin
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Peter C. Dumoulin, ;
| | - Joshua Vollrath
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Madalyn M. Won
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jennifer X. Wang
- Harvard Center for Mass Spectrometry, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Barbara A. Burleigh
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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21
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Unraveling the Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses, and Biological and Pharmacological Activities of Thymus algeriensis Boiss. & Reut. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6487430. [PMID: 35663202 PMCID: PMC9159826 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6487430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Growing concern for public health has increased the need to change the paradigm towards a healthcare system that advocates holistic practices while reducing adverse effects. Herbal therapy is becoming an integral part of the therapeutic arsenal, and several successful plant-derived compounds/molecules are being introduced into the market. The medicinal plants belonging to the genus Thymus are among the most important species within the Lamiaceae family. One of them is Thymus algeriensis which is mainly distributed in the Mediterranean region. For a long time, this species has been used in traditional medicine to treat several disorders and diseases including inflammation, diabetes, rheumatism, digestive, and respiratory affections. This review describes the traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and biological and pharmacological activities of T. algeriensis extracts. Data were obtained using electronic databases such as SciFindern, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science. Several plant-based extracts and a broad spectrum of identified secondary metabolites were highlighted and discussed with respective activities and modes of action. T. algeriensis represents a promising natural resource for the pharmaceutical industry mainly for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Considering these findings, more research is needed to transmute the conventional uses of T. algeriensis into scientifically sound information. Moreover, extensive preclinical, clinical, toxicological, and pharmacokinetic trials on this species and its derivatives compounds are required to underpin the mechanisms of action and ensure its biosafety and efficiency. This comprehensive review provides a scientific basis for future investigations on the use of T. algeriensis and derived compounds in health maintenance and promotion and disease prevention.
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22
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Kant V, Kumar P, Ranjan R, Kumar P, Mandal D, Vijayakumar S. In silico screening, molecular dynamic simulations, and in vitro activity of selected natural compounds as an inhibitor of Leishmania donovani 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2093-2109. [PMID: 35536513 PMCID: PMC9085559 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07532-5] [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: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In Leishmania sp., the enzymes of de novo cysteine biosynthesis pathway require sulfide. Other organisms utilize sulfide through the sulfide reduction pathway, but Leishmania lacks the gene that encodes these enzymes. Hence, the major source of sulfide for Leishmania is believed to be from the action of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST) on 3-mercapto-pyruvate (3MP). There has been no effort reported in the past to screen inhibitors against L. donovani 3MST (Ld3MST). As a result, this study examines natural compounds that are potent against Ld3MST and validates it by in vitro activity and cytotoxicity tests. Initially, a library of ~ 5000 natural compounds was subjected to molecular docking approach for screening, and the best hit was validated using a long-term molecular dynamic simulation (MD). Among the docking results, quercetine-3-rutinoside (Rutin) was deemed the best hit. The results of the MD indicated that Rutin was highly capable of interacting with the varied active site segments, possibly blocking substrate access. Additionally, promastigotes and amastigotes were tested for Rutin activity and the IC50 was found to be 40.95 and 90.09 μM, respectively. Similarly, the cytotoxicity assay revealed that Rutin was not toxic even at a concentration of 819.00 μM to THP-1 cell lines. Additionally, the Ld3MST was cloned, purified, and evaluated for enzyme activity in the presence of Rutin. Reduction in the enzyme activity (~ 85%) was observed in the presence of ~ 40 μM Rutin. Thus, this study suggests that Rutin may act as a potent inhibitor of Ld3MST. With further in vivo investigations, Rutin could be a small molecule of choice for combating leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Kant
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Bihar, India
| | - Pawan Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Bihar, India
| | - Ravi Ranjan
- Division of Bioinformatics, ICMR-Rajendra Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Prakash Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Bihar, India
| | - Debabrata Mandal
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Bihar, India.
| | - Saravanan Vijayakumar
- Division of Bioinformatics, ICMR-Rajendra Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India.
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In-Depth Quantitative Proteomics Characterization of In Vitro Selected Miltefosine Resistance in Leishmania infantum. Proteomes 2022; 10:proteomes10020010. [PMID: 35466238 PMCID: PMC9036279 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes10020010] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected disease caused by Leishmania parasites. Although significant morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical regions of the world are associated with VL, the low investment for developing new treatment measures is chronic. Moreover, resistance and treatment failure are increasing for the main medications, but the emergence of resistance phenotypes is poorly understood at the protein level. Here, we analyzed the development of resistance to miltefosine upon experimental selection in a L. infantum strain. Time to miltefosine resistance emergence was ~six months and label-free quantitative mass-spectrometry-based proteomics analyses revealed that this process involves a remodeling of components of the membrane and mitochondrion, with significant increase in oxidative phosphorylation complexes, particularly on complex IV and ATP synthase, accompanied by increased energy metabolism mainly dependent on β-oxidation of fatty acids. Proteins canonically involved in ROS detoxification did not contribute to the resistant process whereas sterol biosynthesis enzymes could have a role in this development. Furthermore, changes in the abundance of proteins known to be involved in miltefosine resistance such as ABC transporters and phospholipid transport ATPase were detected. Together, our data show a more complete picture of the elements that make up the miltefosine resistance phenotype in L. infantum.
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Repurposing Lansoprazole and Posaconazole to treat leishmaniasis: Integration of in vitro testing, pharmacological corroboration, and mechanisms of action. J Food Drug Anal 2022; 30:128-149. [PMID: 35647721 PMCID: PMC9931003 DOI: 10.38212/2224-6614.3394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis remains a serious public health problem in many tropical regions of the world. Among neglected tropical diseases, the mortality rate of leishmaniasis is second only to malaria. All currently approved therapeutics have toxic side effects and face rapidly increasing resistance. To identify existing drugs with antileishmanial activity and predict the mechanism of action, we designed a drug-discovery pipeline utilizing both in-silico and in-vitro methods. First, we screened compounds from the Selleckchem Bio-Active Compound Library containing ~1622 FDA-approved drugs and narrowed these down to 96 candidates based on data mining for possible anti-parasitic properties. Next, we completed preliminary in-vitro testing of compounds against Leishmania amastigotes and selected the most promising active compounds, Lansoprazole and Posaconazole. We identified possible Leishmania drug targets of Lansoprazole and Posaconazole using several available servers. Our in-silico screen identified likely Lansoprazole targets as the closely related calcium-transporting ATPases (LdBPK_352080.1, LdBPK_040010.1, and LdBPK_170660.1), and the Posaconazole target as lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (LdBPK_111100.1). Further validation showed LdBPK_352080.1 to be the most plausible target based on induced-fit docking followed by long (100ns) MD simulations to confirm the stability of the docked complexes. We present a likely ion channel-based mechanism of action of Lansoprazole against Leishmania calcium-transporting ATPases, which are essential for parasite metabolism and infectivity. The LdBPK_111100.1 interaction with Posaconazole is very similar to the known fungal orthologue. Herein, we present two novel anti-leishmanial agents, Posaconazole and Lansoprazole, already approved by the FDA for different indications and propose plausible mechanisms of action for their antileishmanial activity.
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25
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Dean DA, Haffner JJ, Katemauswa M, McCall LI. Chemical Cartography Approaches to Study Trypanosomatid Infection. J Vis Exp 2022:10.3791/63255. [PMID: 35129167 PMCID: PMC8875367 DOI: 10.3791/63255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogen tropism and disease tropism refer to the tissue locations selectively colonized or damaged by pathogens, leading to localized disease symptoms. Human-infective trypanosomatid parasites include Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease; Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of sleeping sickness; and Leishmania species, causative agents of leishmaniasis. Jointly, they affect 20 million people across the globe. These parasites show specific tropism: heart, esophagus, colon for T. cruzi, adipose tissue, pancreas, skin, circulatory system and central nervous system for T. brucei, skin for dermotropic Leishmania strains, and liver, spleen, and bone marrow for viscerotropic Leishmania strains. A spatial perspective is therefore essential to understand trypanosomatid disease pathogenesis. Chemical cartography generates 3D visualizations of small molecule abundance generated via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, in comparison to microbiological and immunological parameters. This protocol demonstrates how chemical cartography can be applied to study pathogenic processes during trypanosomatid infection, beginning from systematic tissue sampling and metabolite extraction, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry data acquisition, and concluding with the generation of 3D maps of metabolite distribution. This method can be used for multiple research questions, such as nutrient requirements for tissue colonization by T. cruzi, T. brucei, or Leishmania, immunometabolism at sites of infection, and the relationship between local tissue metabolic perturbation and clinical disease symptoms, leading to comprehensive insight into trypanosomatid disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danya A Dean
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman; Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman
| | - Jacob J Haffner
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman; Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman
| | | | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman; Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman; Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman;
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In vitro selection of ketoconazole-pentamidine-resistant Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis strains. Exp Parasitol 2021; 233:108206. [PMID: 34973293 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108206] [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: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The use of ketoconazole (KTZ) plus pentamidine (PMD) could be an interesting treatment option for New World cutaneous leishmaniasis. The aim of this work was to generate KTZ- and PMD-resistant strains and to determine some characteristics of the selection process and the resulting parasites. Resistance to one or two drugs was selected on promastigotes by progressively increasing drug concentrations for eleven months. The resistance levels (IC50) to one or two drugs (synergism assay) were determined using a colorimetric resazurin methodology. The stability of the resistance phenotype (without drug pressure or after mouse passage), cross resistance with paromomycin and miltefosine, and resistance transference to intracellular amastigotes were determined. In addition, some parasite attributes compared with WT, such as growth kinetics, amastigogenesis, THP-1 cells, and mouse infection, were determined. Promastigotes resistant to KTZ or PMD were obtained three times earlier than the combined KTZ + PMD-resistant strains. Resistant parasites (promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes) were three to twelve times less susceptible to KTZ and PMD than WT parasites. The resistance phenotype on parasites was unstable, and no cross resistance was observed. Similar parasite fitness related to our evaluated characteristics was observed except for in vivo infection, where a delay of the onset of cutaneous lesions was observed after KTZ + PMD-resistant parasite infection. CONCLUSION: Combined treatment with KTZ and PMD delayed the onset of parasite resistance and was more effective in vitro than each drug separately for WT and all resistant strains. Parasites resistant to KTZ and PMD acquired similar in vitro behaviour to WT parasites, were less virulent to mice and maintained their resistance phenotype on intracellular amastigotes but not without drug pressure or after mouse infection.
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Ramu D, Singh S. Potential molecular targets of Leishmania pathways in developing novel antileishmanials. Future Microbiol 2021; 17:41-57. [PMID: 34877877 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2021-0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The illness known as leishmaniasis has not become a household name like malaria, although it stands as the second-largest parasitic disease, surpassed only by malaria. As no licensed vaccine is available, treatment for leishmaniasis mostly relies on chemotherapy. Inefficiency and drug resistance are the major impediments in current therapeutics. In this scenario, identification of novel molecular drug candidates is indispensable to develop robust antileishmanials. The exploration of structure-based drugs to target enzymes/molecules of Leishmania which differ structurally/functionally from their equivalents in mammalian hosts not only helps in developing a new class of antileishmanials, but also paves the way to understand Leishmania biology. This review provides a comprehensive overview on possible drug candidates relating to various Leishmania molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandugudumula Ramu
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, 201314, India
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
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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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29
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Potency and preclinical evidence of synergy of oral azole drugs and miltefosine in an ex vivo model of Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 66:e0142521. [PMID: 34694879 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01425-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Failure of treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with antimonial drugs and miltefosine is frequent. Use of oral combination therapy represents an attractive strategy to increase efficacy of treatment and reduce the risk of drug resistance. We evaluated the potency of posaconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and fluconazole, and the potential synergy of those demonstrating the highest potency, in combination with miltefosine (HePC), against infection with Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis. Synergistic activity was determined by isobolograms and calculation of Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI), based on parasite quantification using an ex vivo model of human PBMCs infected with a luciferase-transfected, antimony and miltefosine sensitive line of L. panamensis. The drug combination and concentrations that displayed synergy were then evaluated for anti-leishmanial effect in 10 clinical strains of L. panamensis by qRT-PCR of Leishmania 7SLRNA. High potency was substantiated for posaconazole and itraconazole against sensitive as well as HePC and antimony resistant lines of L. panamensis, whereas fluconazole and voriconazole displayed low potency. HePC combined with posaconazole (Poz) demonstrated evidence of synergy at free drug concentrations achieved in plasma during treatment (2 μM HePC + 4 μM Poz). FICI, based on 70% and 90% reduction of infection, was 0.5 for the sensitive line. Combination of 2 μM HePC + 4 μM Poz effected significantly greater reduction of infection by clinical strains of L. panamensis than individual drugs. Orally administrable miltefosine/posaconazole combinations demonstrated synergistic anti-leishmanial capacity ex vivo against L. panamensis, supporting their potential as a novel therapeutic strategy to improve efficacy, and effectiveness of treatment.
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30
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Almeida FS, Sousa GLS, Rocha JC, Ribeiro FF, de Oliveira MR, de Lima Grisi TCS, Araújo DAM, de C Nobre MS, Castro RN, Amaral IPG, Keesen TSL, de Moura RO. In vitro anti-Leishmania activity and molecular docking of spiro-acridine compounds as potential multitarget agents against Leishmania infantum. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 49:128289. [PMID: 34311084 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease with several limitations regarding treatment schemes. This work reports the anti-Leishmania activity of spiroacridine compounds against the promastigote (IC50 = 1.1 to 6.0 µg / mL) and amastigote forms of the best compounds (EC50 = 4.9 and 0.9 µg / mL) inLeishmania (L.) infantumand proposes an in-silico study with possible selective therapeutic targets for L. infantum. The substituted dimethyl-amine compound (AMTAC 11) showed the best leishmanicidal activity in vitro, and was found to interact with TryRandLdTopoI. comparisons with standard inhibitors were performed, and its main interactions were elucidated. Based on the biological assessment and the structure-activity relationship study, the spiroacridine compounds appear to be promisinganti-leishmaniachemotherapeutic agents to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda S Almeida
- Programa de Doutorado em Biotecnologia, Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB 58051-900, Brazil; Laboratório de Imunologia das Doenças Infeciosas, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB 58051-900, Brazil
| | - Gleyton L S Sousa
- Programa de Doutorado em Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Juliana C Rocha
- Laboratório de Imunologia das Doenças Infeciosas, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB 58051-900, Brazil
| | - Frederico F Ribeiro
- Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB 58059-900, Brazil
| | - Márcia Rosa de Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Joao Pessoa, Paraíba CEP 58059-900, Brazil
| | | | - Demetrius A M Araújo
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB 58059-900, Brazil
| | - Michelangela S de C Nobre
- Programa de Doutorado em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Rosane N Castro
- Programa de Doutorado em Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Ian P G Amaral
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB 58059-900, Brazil
| | - Tatjana S L Keesen
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB 58059-900, Brazil; Laboratório de Imunologia das Doenças Infeciosas, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB 58051-900, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Olímpio de Moura
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB 58429-500, Brazil.
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31
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Shafi MT, Bamra T, Das S, Kumar A, Abhishek K, Kumar M, Kumar V, Kumar A, Mukherjee R, Sen A, Das P. Mevalonate kinase of Leishmania donovani protects parasite against oxidative stress by modulating ergosterol biosynthesis. Microbiol Res 2021; 251:126837. [PMID: 34375804 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2021.126837] [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: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis comprises of a wide variety of diseases, caused by protozoan parasite belonging to the genus Leishmania. Leishmania parasites undergo different types of stress during their lifetime and have developed strategies to overcome this damage. Identifying the mechanistic approach used by the parasite in dealing with the stress is of immense importance for unfolding the survival strategy adopted by the parasite. Mevalonate kinase (MVK) is an important regulatory factor in the mevalonate pathway in both bacteria and eukaryotes. In this study, we explored the role of Leishmania donovani mevalonate kinase (LdMVK) in parasite survival under stress condition. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and menadione, the two known oxidants were used to carry out the experiments. The MVK expression was found to be up regulated ∼2.1 fold and ∼2.3 fold under oxidative stress condition and under the effect of anti-Leishmania drug, AmBisome respectively. The cell viability declined under the effect of MVK inhibitor viz: vanadyl sulfate (VS). The level of intracellular ROS was also found to be increased under the effect of MVK inhibitor. To confirm the findings, LdMVK over expression (LdMVK OE) and LdMVK knockdown (LdMVK KD) parasites were generated. The level of ergosterol, an important component of plasma membrane in L. donovani, was observed and found to be reduced by nearly 60 % in LdMVK KD parasite and increased by nearly 30 % in LdMVK OE parasites as compared to wild type. However, the ergosterol content was found to be elevated under oxidative stress. Furthermore, LdMVK was also found to be associated with maintaining the plasma membrane integrity and also in preventing the peroxidation of cellular lipids when exposed to oxidative stress. The above data clearly suggests that MVK has a vital role in protecting the parasite from oxidative stress. These findings may also explore the contribution of LdMVK in drug unresponsiveness which may help in future rational drug designing for leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Taj Shafi
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, Bihar, 800 007, India
| | - Tanvir Bamra
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, Bihar, 800 007, India
| | - Sushmita Das
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Phulwarisharif, Patna, Bihar, 801 507, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, ICMR- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, Bihar, 800 007, India
| | - Kumar Abhishek
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, Bihar, 800 007, India
| | - Manjay Kumar
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, Bihar, 800 007, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, Bihar, 800 007, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, Bihar, 800 007, India
| | - Rimi Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, Bihar, 800 007, India
| | - Abhik Sen
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, Bihar, 800 007, India
| | - Pradeep Das
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, Bihar, 800 007, India; Department of Microbiology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sheikhpura, Patna, Bihar, 800 014, India.
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Zhang K. Balancing de novo synthesis and salvage of lipids by Leishmania amastigotes. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 63:98-103. [PMID: 34311265 PMCID: PMC8463422 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania parasites replicate as flagellated, extracellular promastigotes in the sand fly vector and then differentiate into non-flagellated, intracellular amastigotes in the vertebrate host. Promastigotes rely on de novo synthesis to produce the majority of their lipids including glycerophospholipids, sterols and sphingolipids. In contrast, amastigotes acquire most of their lipids from the host although they retain some capacity for de novo synthesis. The switch from de novo synthesis to salvage reflects the transition of Leishmania from fast-replicating promastigotes to slow-growing, metabolically quiescent amastigotes. Future studies will reveal the uptake and remodeling of host lipids by amastigotes at the cellular and molecular levels. Blocking the lipid transfer from host to parasites may present a novel strategy to control Leishmania growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
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33
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Navarro M, Justo RMS, Delgado GYS, Visbal G. Metallodrugs for the Treatment of Trypanosomatid Diseases: Recent Advances and New Insights. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:1763-1789. [PMID: 33185155 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666201113104633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosomatid parasites are responsible for many Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). NTDs are a group of illnesses that prevail in low-income populations, such as in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The three major human diseases caused by trypanosomatids are African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. There are known drugs for the treatment of these diseases that are used extensively and are affordable; however, the use of these medicines is limited by several drawbacks such as the development of chemo-resistance, side effects such as cardiotoxicity, low selectivity, and others. Therefore, there is a need to develop new chemotherapeutic against these tropical parasitic diseases. Metal-based drugs against NTDs have been discussed over the years as alternative ways to overcome the difficulties presented by approved antiparasitic agents. The study of late transition metal-based drugs as chemotherapeutics is an exciting research field in chemistry, biology, and medicine due to the ability to develop multitarget antiparasitic agents. The evaluation of the late transition metal complexes for the treatment of trypanosomatid diseases is provided here, as well as some insights about their mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maribel Navarro
- Departamento de Quimica, Instituto de Ciencias Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M S Justo
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Giset Y Sánchez Delgado
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Gonzalo Visbal
- Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia (INMETRO), Brazil
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Unexpected Role of Sterol Synthesis in RNA Stability and Translation in Leishmania. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060696. [PMID: 34205466 PMCID: PMC8235615 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060696] [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: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania parasites are trypanosomatid protozoans that cause leishmaniasis affecting millions of people worldwide. Sterols are important components of the plasma and organellar membranes. They also serve as precursors for the synthesis of signaling molecules. Unlike animals, Leishmania does not synthesize cholesterol but makes ergostane-based sterols instead. C-14-demethylase is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of sterols and an important drug target. In Leishmania parasites, the inactivation of C-14-demethylase leads to multiple defects, including increased plasma membrane fluidity, mitochondrion dysfunction, hypersensitivity to stress and reduced virulence. In this study, we revealed a novel role for sterol synthesis in the maintenance of RNA stability and translation. Sterol alteration in C-14-demethylase knockout mutant leads to increased RNA degradation, reduced translation and impaired heat shock response. Thus, sterol biosynthesis in Leishmania plays an unexpected role in global gene regulation.
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Peixoto JF, Oliveira ADS, Monteiro PQ, Gonçalves-Oliveira LF, Andrade-Neto VV, Ferreira VF, Souza-Silva F, Alves CR. In Silico Insights into the Mechanism of Action of Epoxy-α-Lapachone and Epoxymethyl-Lawsone in Leishmania spp. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123537. [PMID: 34200517 PMCID: PMC8229338 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Epoxy-α-lapachone (Lap) and Epoxymethyl-lawsone (Law) are oxiranes derived from Lapachol and have been shown to be promising drugs for Leishmaniases treatment. Although, it is known the action spectrum of both compounds affect the Leishmania spp. multiplication, there are gaps in the molecular binding details of target enzymes related to the parasite’s physiology. Molecular docking assays simulations were performed using DockThor server to predict the preferred orientation of both compounds to form stable complexes with key enzymes of metabolic pathway, electron transport chain, and lipids metabolism of Leishmania spp. This study showed the hit rates of both compounds interacting with lanosterol C-14 demethylase (−8.4 kcal/mol to −7.4 kcal/mol), cytochrome c (−10.2 kcal/mol to −8.8 kcal/mol), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (−8.5 kcal/mol to −7.5 kcal/mol) according to Leishmania spp. and assessed compounds. The set of molecular evidence reinforces the potential of both compounds as multi-target drugs for interrupt the network interactions between parasite enzymes, which can lead to a better efficacy of drugs for the treatment of leishmaniases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Figueiredo Peixoto
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (J.F.P.); (A.d.S.O.); or (P.Q.M.); (L.F.G.-O.)
| | - Adriane da Silva Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (J.F.P.); (A.d.S.O.); or (P.Q.M.); (L.F.G.-O.)
| | - Patrícia Queiroz Monteiro
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (J.F.P.); (A.d.S.O.); or (P.Q.M.); (L.F.G.-O.)
| | - Luiz Filipe Gonçalves-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (J.F.P.); (A.d.S.O.); or (P.Q.M.); (L.F.G.-O.)
| | - Valter Viana Andrade-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanossomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Vitor Francisco Ferreira
- Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói 24241-002, Brazil;
| | - Franklin Souza-Silva
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Iguaçu, Avenida Abílio Augusto Távora, 2134, Dom Rodrigo, Nova Iguaçu CEP 26260-045, Brazil
- Correspondence: (F.S.-S.); (C.R.A.)
| | - Carlos Roberto Alves
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (J.F.P.); (A.d.S.O.); or (P.Q.M.); (L.F.G.-O.)
- Correspondence: (F.S.-S.); (C.R.A.)
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36
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Wadanambi PM, Mannapperuma U. Computational study to discover potent phytochemical inhibitors against drug target, squalene synthase from Leishmania donovani. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07178. [PMID: 34141935 PMCID: PMC8188062 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07178] [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: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The parasite, Leishmania donovani is responsible for lethal visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in humans. There is a need to investigate novel medicines as antileishmanial drugs, as medication currently introduced for leishmaniasis may cause resistance, serious side-effects, chemical instability and high cost. Therefore, this computational study was designed to explore potential phytochemical inhibitors against Leishmania donovani squalene synthase (LdSQS) enzyme, a drug target. MAIN METHODS Multiple sequence alignment was carried to detect conserved regions across squalene synthases from different Leishmania spp. Their evolutionary relationships were studied by generating phylogenetic tree. Homology modeling method was used to build a three dimensional model of the protein. The validated model was explored by docking simulation with the phytochemicals of interest to identify the most potent inhibitors. Two reported inhibitors were used as references in the virtual screening. The top hit compounds (binding energy less than -9 kcal/mol) were further subjected to intermolecular interaction analysis, pharmacophore modeling, pharmacokinetic and toxicity prediction. KEY FINDINGS Seven phytochemicals displayed binding energies less than -9 kcal/mol hence demonstrating ability to be strongly bound to the active site of LdSQS to inhibit the enzymatic activity. Ancistrotanzanine B demonstrated the lowest binding affinity of -9.83 kcal/mol superior to reported inhibitors in literature. Conserved two aspartate rich regions and two signatory motifs were found in the L. donovani squalene synthase by multiple sequence alignment. In addition, study of pharmacophore modeling confirmed that top hit phytochemicals and the reported inhibitor (E5700) share common chemical features for their biochemical interaction with LdSQS. Among seven phytochemicals, 3-O-methyldiplacol showed admissible physicochemical, pharmacokinetic and toxicity predictions compared to the reported inhibitors. All seven phytochemicals satisfied in silico prediction criteria for oral bioavailability. SIGNIFICANCE Based on the current study, these hits can be further structurally optimized and validated under laboratory conditions to develop antileishmanial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Uthpali Mannapperuma
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Parab AR, Thomas D, Lostracco-Johnson S, Siqueira-Neto JL, McKerrow JH, Dorrestein PC, McCall LI. Dysregulation of Glycerophosphocholines in the Cutaneous Lesion Caused by Leishmania major in Experimental Murine Models. Pathogens 2021; 10:593. [PMID: 34068119 PMCID: PMC8152770 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common disease form caused by a Leishmania parasite infection and considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD), affecting 700,000 to 1.2 million new cases per year in the world. Leishmania major is one of several different species of the Leishmania genus that can cause CL. Current CL treatments are limited by adverse effects and rising resistance. Studying disease metabolism at the site of infection can provide knowledge of new targets for host-targeted drug development. In this study, tissue samples were collected from mice infected in the ear or footpad with L. major and analyzed by untargeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Significant differences in overall metabolite profiles were noted in the ear at the site of the lesion. Interestingly, lesion-adjacent, macroscopically healthy sites also showed alterations in specific metabolites, including selected glycerophosphocholines (PCs). Host-derived PCs in the lower m/z range (m/z 200-799) showed an increase with infection in the ear at the lesion site, while those in the higher m/z range (m/z 800-899) were decreased with infection at the lesion site. Overall, our results expanded our understanding of the mechanisms of CL pathogenesis through host metabolism and may lead to new curative measures against infection with Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adwaita R. Parab
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA;
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Diane Thomas
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (D.T.); (S.L.-J.); (J.L.S.-N.); (J.H.M.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Sharon Lostracco-Johnson
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (D.T.); (S.L.-J.); (J.L.S.-N.); (J.H.M.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Jair L. Siqueira-Neto
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (D.T.); (S.L.-J.); (J.L.S.-N.); (J.H.M.); (P.C.D.)
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (D.T.); (S.L.-J.); (J.L.S.-N.); (J.H.M.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Pieter C. Dorrestein
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (D.T.); (S.L.-J.); (J.L.S.-N.); (J.H.M.); (P.C.D.)
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA;
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
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Rahman F, Tabrez S, Ali R, Akand SK, Zahid M, Alaidarous MA, Alsaweed M, Alshehri BM, Banawas S, Bin Dukhyil AA, Rub A. Virtual screening of natural compounds for potential inhibitors of Sterol C-24 methyltransferase of Leishmania donovani to overcome leishmaniasis. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:1216-1228. [PMID: 33955051 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by trypanosomatid parasite belonging to the genera Leishmania. Leishmaniasis is transmitted from one human to other through the bite of sandflies. It is endemic in around 98 countries including tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, Southern America, and the Mediterranean region. Sterol C-24 methyltransferase (LdSMT) of Leishmania donovani (L. donovani) mediates the transfer of CH3-group from S-adenosyl methionine to C-24 position of sterol side chain which makes the ergosterol different from cholesterol. Absence of ortholog in human made it potential druggable target. Here, we performed virtual screening of library of natural compounds against LdSMT to identify the potential inhibitor for it and to fight leishmaniasis. Gigantol, flavan-3-ol, and parthenolide showed the best binding affinity towards LdSMT. Further, based on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties and biological activity prediction, gigantol showed the best lead-likeness and drug-likeness properties. Therefore, we further elucidated its antileishmanial properties. We found that gigantol inhibited the growth and proliferation of promastigotes as well as intra-macrophagic amastigotes. Gigantol exerted its antileishmanial action through the induction of reactive oxygen species in dose-dependent manner. Our study, suggested the possible use of gigantol as antileishmanial drug after further validations to overcome leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazlur Rahman
- Department of Biotechnology, Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Shams Tabrez
- Department of Biotechnology, Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Rahat Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Sajjadul Kadir Akand
- Department of Biotechnology, Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Mariya Zahid
- Department of Biotechnology, Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammed A Alaidarous
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Vice Rector for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Health and Basic Sciences Research Center, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alsaweed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader Mohammed Alshehri
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Banawas
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Vice Rector for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Health and Basic Sciences Research Center, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul Aziz Bin Dukhyil
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdur Rub
- Department of Biotechnology, Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
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Tabrez S, Rahman F, Ali R, Akand SK, Alaidarous MA, Alshehri BM, Banawas S, Dukhyil AAB, Rub A. Targeting sterol alpha-14 demethylase of Leishmania donovani to fight against leishmaniasis. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:1037-1047. [PMID: 33817826 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania. It is endemic in more than 89 different countries worldwide. Sterol alpha-14 demethylase (LdSDM), a sterol biosynthetic pathway enzyme in Leishmania donovani, plays an essential role in parasite survival and proliferation. Here, we used a drug repurposing approach to virtually screen the library of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs against LdSDM to identify the potential lead-drug against leishmaniasis. Zafirlukast and avodart showed the best binding with LdSDM. Zafirlukast was tested for in vitro antileishmanial assay, but no significant effect on L. donovani promastigotes was observed even at higher concentrations. On the other hand, avodart profoundly inhibited parasite growth at relatively lower concentrations. Further, avodart showed a significant decrease in the number of intra-macrophagic amastigotes. Avodart-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the parasites in a dose-dependent manner. ROS induced by avodart led to the induction of apoptosis-like cell death in the parasites as observed through annexin V/PI staining. Here, for the first time, we reported the antileishmanial activity and its possible mechanism of action of FDA-approved drug, avodart, establishing a nice example of the drug-repurposing approach. Our study suggested the possible use of avodart as an effective antileishmanial agent after further detailed validations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shams Tabrez
- Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Fazlur Rahman
- Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Rahat Ali
- Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Sajjadul Kadir Akand
- Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammed A Alaidarous
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Health and Basic Sciences Research Center, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader Mohammed Alshehri
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Banawas
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Health and Basic Sciences Research Center, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Abdul Aziz Bin Dukhyil
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Health and Basic Sciences Research Center, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdur Rub
- Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), Delhi, New Delhi, India
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40
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Paradela LS, Wall RJ, Carvalho S, Chemi G, Corpas-Lopez V, Moynihan E, Bello D, Patterson S, Güther MLS, Fairlamb AH, Ferguson MAJ, Zuccotto F, Martin J, Gilbert IH, Wyllie S. Multiple unbiased approaches identify oxidosqualene cyclase as the molecular target of a promising anti-leishmanial. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:711-721.e8. [PMID: 33691122 PMCID: PMC8153249 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic screening identified a benzothiophene compound with activity against Leishmania donovani, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis. Using multiple orthogonal approaches, oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC), a key enzyme of sterol biosynthesis, was identified as the target of this racemic compound and its enantiomers. Whole genome sequencing and screening of a genome-wide overexpression library confirmed that OSC gene amplification is associated with resistance to compound 1. Introduction of an ectopic copy of the OSC gene into wild-type cells reduced susceptibility to these compounds confirming the role of this enzyme in resistance. Biochemical analyses demonstrated the accumulation of the substrate of OSC and depletion of its product in compound (S)-1-treated-promastigotes and cell-free membrane preparations, respectively. Thermal proteome profiling confirmed that compound (S)-1 binds directly to OSC. Finally, modeling and docking studies identified key interactions between compound (S)-1 and the LdOSC active site. Strategies to improve the potency for this promising anti-leishmanial are proposed. Genetics and chemo-proteomics identify the target of a promising anti-leishmanial Biochemical assays confirm the direct inhibition of oxidosqualene cyclase in cells Docking and modeling studies identify key interactions between compound and target Strategies to improve the potency of this benzothiophene are proposed
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana S Paradela
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Richard J Wall
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Sandra Carvalho
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Giulia Chemi
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Victoriano Corpas-Lopez
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Eoin Moynihan
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Davide Bello
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Stephen Patterson
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Maria Lucia S Güther
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Alan H Fairlamb
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Michael A J Ferguson
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Fabio Zuccotto
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Julio Martin
- Global Health R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Tres Cantos 28760, Spain
| | - Ian H Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Susan Wyllie
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK.
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Bahrami S, Oryan A, Bemani E. Efficacy of amiodarone and voriconazole combination therapy in cutaneous leishmaniasis in the mice experimentally infected with Leishmania major. J Infect Chemother 2021; 27:984-990. [PMID: 33637428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the present study was to evaluate in vitro and in vivo efficacy of combination therapy of amiodarone and voriconazole against Leishmania major and investigating immune and wound healing responses of cutaneous leishmaniasis to this combination therapy. METHODS For in vitro study, replication of L. major promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes were investigated in the presence and absence of amiodarone and voriconazole. Isobologram construction and calculation of the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration (FIC) were performed. After the appearance of ulcers on the base of tails of BALB/c mice, treatment was initiated by a combination of amiodarone at 40 mg/kg plus voriconazole at 30 mg/kg orally and glucantime at 60 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 28 consecutive days. RESULTS According to the concave isobologram and fractional inhibitory concentration <1, combination of amiodarone plus voriconazole had synergistic effects against L. major promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. There were less inflammatory cells, more fibroblasts and more collagen deposition in tissue sections in the mice treated with combined drugs compared to the vehicle and untreated mice. Increased glutathione peroxidase activity and decreased malondialdehyde, Interleukin-6, and Tumor necrosis factor-α levels were detected in the combination therapy group in comparison to the vehicle and untreated groups. CONCLUSIONS It seems a combination of amiodarone plus voriconazole can be a rational and promising therapeutic approach in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bahrami
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - A Oryan
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - E Bemani
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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Boniface PK, Sano CM, Elizabeth FI. Unveiling the Targets Involved in the Quest of Antileishmanial Leads Using In silico Methods. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 21:681-712. [PMID: 32003668 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200128112948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease associated with several clinical manifestations, including cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral forms. As currently available drugs have some limitations (toxicity, resistance, among others), the target-based identification has been an important approach to develop new leads against leishmaniasis. The present study aims to identify targets involved in the pharmacological action of potent antileishmanial compounds. METHODS The literature information regarding molecular interactions of antileishmanial compounds studied over the past half-decade is discussed. The information was obtained from databases such as Wiley, SciFinder, Science Direct, National Library of Medicine, American Chemical Society, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Scopus, Springer, Google Scholar, Web of Science, etc. Results: Numerous in vitro antileishmanial compounds showed affinity and selective interactions with enzymes such as arginase, pteridine reductase 1, trypanothione reductase, pyruvate kinase, among others, which are crucial for the survival and virulence of the Leishmania parasite. CONCLUSION The in-silico activity of small molecules (enzymes, proteins, among others) might be used as pharmacological tools to develop candidate compounds for the treatment of leishmaniasis. As some pharmacologically active compounds may act on more than one target, additional studies of the mechanism (s) of action of potent antileishmanial compounds might help to better understand their pharmacological action. Also, the optimization of promising antileishmanial compounds might improve their biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pone K Boniface
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cinthya M Sano
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ferreira I Elizabeth
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Holanda VN, Silva WVD, Nascimento PHD, Silva SRB, Cabral Filho PE, Assis SPDO, Silva CAD, Oliveira RND, Figueiredo RCBQD, Lima VLDM. Antileishmanial activity of 4-phenyl-1-[2-(phthalimido-2-yl)ethyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole (PT4) derivative on Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis: In silico ADMET, in vitro activity, docking and molecular dynamic simulations. Bioorg Chem 2020; 105:104437. [PMID: 33339081 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Organic compounds obtained by click chemistry reactions have demonstrated a broad spectrum of biological activities being widely applied for the development of molecules against pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), caused by intracellular protozoa parasite of genus Leishmania, comprises a complex of clinical manifestations that affect the skin and mucous membranes. The available drugs for the treatment are toxic and costly, with long periods of treatment, and the emergence of resistant strains has been reported. In this study we investigated the in vitro effects of a phthalimide-1,2,3-triazole derivative, the 4-Phenyl-1-[2-(phthalimido-2-yl)ethyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole (PT4) obtained by click chemistry, on mammalian cells and on L. amazonensis and L. braziliensis, the causative agents of CL in Brazil. In silico ADMET evaluation of PT4 showed that this molecule has good pharmacokinetic properties with no violation of Lipinski's rules. The in vitro assays showed that PT4 was more selective for both Leishmania species than to mammalian cells. This compound also presented low cytotoxicity to mammalian cells with CC50 > 500 μM. Treatment of promastigote forms with different concentrations of PT4 resulted in ultrastructural alterations, such as plasma membrane wrinkling, shortening of cell body, increased cell volume and cell rupture. The molecular dynamic simulations showed that PT4 interacts with Lanosterol 14 α-demethylase from Leishmania, an essential enzyme of lipid synthesis pathway in this parasite. Our results demonstrated PT4 was effective against both species of Leishmania. PT4 caused a decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and increased production of reactive oxygen species, which may lead to parasite death. Taken together, our results pointed PT4 as promissing therapeutic agent against CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanderlan Nogueira Holanda
- Laboratório de Lipídios e Aplicação de Biomoléculas em Doenças Prevalentes e Negligenciadas. Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Patógenos, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Departamento de Microbiologia, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Welson Vicente da Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Patógenos, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Departamento de Microbiologia, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique do Nascimento
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Patógenos, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Departamento de Microbiologia, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Ruschi Bergamachi Silva
- Instituto do Cérebro, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Av. Nascimento de Castro, 2155 - Morro Branco, 59056-450 Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Paulo Euzébio Cabral Filho
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Shalom Porto de Oliveira Assis
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Ambientais e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Pernambuco, Rua do Príncipe, 526, 50050-900 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - César Augusto da Silva
- Colegiado de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Avenida José de Sá Maniçoba, s/n - Campus Universitário, 56304-205 Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Nascimento de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Síntese de Compostos Bioativos, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n - Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Regina Celia Bressan Queiroz de Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Patógenos, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Departamento de Microbiologia, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Vera Lucia de Menezes Lima
- Laboratório de Lipídios e Aplicação de Biomoléculas em Doenças Prevalentes e Negligenciadas. Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil.
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Pitale DM, Kaur G, Baghel M, Kaur KJ, Shaha C. Halictine-2 antimicrobial peptide shows promising anti-parasitic activity against Leishmania spp. Exp Parasitol 2020; 218:107987. [PMID: 32891601 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Leishmania spp. causes leishmaniases, a group of diseases creating serious health problems in many parts of the world with significant resistance to existing drugs. Insect derived antimicrobial peptides are promising alternatives to conventional drugs against several human disease-causing pathogens because they do not generate resistance. Halictine-2, a novel antimicrobial peptide from the venom of eusocial honeybee, Halictus sexcinctus showed significant anti-leishmanial activity in vitro, towards two life forms of the dimorphic parasite, the free-swimming infective metacyclic promastigotes and the intracellular amastigotes responsible for the systemic infection. The anti-leishmanial activity of the native peptide (P5S) was significantly enhanced by serine to threonine substitution at position 5 (P5T). The peptide showed a propensity to form α-helices after substitution at position-5, conferring amphipathicity. Distinct pores observed on the promastigote membrane after P5T exposure suggested a mechanism of disruption of cellular integrity. Biochemical alterations in the promastigotes after P5T exposure included generation of increased oxygen radicals with mitochondrial Ca2+ release, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, reduction in total ATP content and increased mitochondrial mass, resulting in quick bioenergetic and chemiosmotic collapse leading to cell death characterized by DNA fragmentation. P5T was able to reduce intracellular amastigote burden in an in vitro model of Leishmania infection but did not alter the proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. The ability of the P5T peptide to kill the Leishmania parasite with negligible haemolytic activity towards mouse macrophages and human erythrocytes respectively, demonstrates its potential to be considered as a future antileishmanial drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durgesh Manohar Pitale
- Cell Death and Differentiation Research Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Gagandeep Kaur
- Structural Biology Unit, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Madhu Baghel
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Kanwal J Kaur
- Structural Biology Unit, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| | - Chandrima Shaha
- Cell Death and Differentiation Research Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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Mukherjee S, Moitra S, Xu W, Hernandez V, Zhang K. Sterol 14-α-demethylase is vital for mitochondrial functions and stress tolerance in Leishmania major. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008810. [PMID: 32817704 PMCID: PMC7462297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterol 14-α-demethylase (C14DM) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of sterols and the primary target of azoles. In Leishmania major, genetic or chemical inactivation of C14DM leads to accumulation of 14-methylated sterol intermediates and profound plasma membrane abnormalities including increased fluidity and failure to maintain ordered membrane microdomains. These defects likely contribute to the hypersensitivity to heat and severely reduced virulence displayed by the C14DM-null mutants (c14dm‾). In addition to plasma membrane, sterols are present in intracellular organelles. In this study, we investigated the impact of C14DM ablation on mitochondria. Our results demonstrate that c14dm‾ mutants have significantly higher mitochondrial membrane potential than wild type parasites. Such high potential leads to the buildup of reactive oxygen species in the mitochondria, especially under nutrient-limiting conditions. Consistent with these mitochondrial alterations, c14dm‾ mutants show impairment in respiration and are heavily dependent on glucose uptake and glycolysis to generate energy. Consequently, these mutants are extremely sensitive to glucose deprivation and such vulnerability can be rescued through the supplementation of glucose or glycerol. In addition, the accumulation of oxidants may also contribute to the heat sensitivity exhibited by c14dm‾. Finally, genetic or chemical ablation of C14DM causes increased susceptibility to pentamidine, an antimicrobial agent with activity against trypanosomatids. In summary, our investigation reveals that alteration of sterol synthesis can negatively affect multiple cellular processes in Leishmania parasites and make them vulnerable to clinically relevant stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Mukherjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Samrat Moitra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Veronica Hernandez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ahmed H, Curtis CR, Tur-Gracia S, Olatunji TO, Carter KC, Williams RAM. Drug combinations as effective anti-leishmanials against drug resistant Leishmania mexicana. RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:905-912. [PMID: 33479685 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00101e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania is a parasite that causes the disease leishmaniasis, and 700 000 to 1 million new cases occur each year. There are few drugs that treat the disease and drug resistance in the parasite limits the clinical utility of existing drugs. One way to combat drug resistance is to use combination therapy rather than monotherapy. In this study we have compared the effect of single and combination treatments with four different compounds, i.e. alkylphosphocholine analogues APC12 and APC14, miltefosine (MIL), ketoconazole (KTZ), and amphotericin B (AmpB), on the survival of Leishmania mexicana wild-type promastigotes and a cell line derived from the WT with induced resistance to APC12 (C12Rx). The combination treatment with APC14 and APC16 had a synergistic effect in killing the WT while the combination treatment with KTZ and APC12 or APC14 or APC12 and APC14 had a synergistic effect against C12Rx. More than 90% killing efficiency was obtained using APC12 alone at >1 mg ml-1 against the C12Rx strain; however, combinations with APC14 produced a similar killing efficiency using APC12 at 0.063-0.25 mg ml-1 and APC14 at 0.003-0.5 mg ml-1. These results show that combination therapy can negate induced drug resistance in L. mexicana and that the use of this type of screening system could accelerate the development of drug combinations for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humera Ahmed
- University of the West of Scotland Paisley Campus , UK .
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Lathosterol Oxidase (Sterol C-5 Desaturase) Deletion Confers Resistance to Amphotericin B and Sensitivity to Acidic Stress in Leishmania major. mSphere 2020; 5:5/4/e00380-20. [PMID: 32611698 PMCID: PMC7333571 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00380-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sterols are essential membrane components in eukaryotes, and sterol synthesis inhibitors can have potent effects against pathogenic fungi and trypanosomatids. Understanding the roles of sterols will facilitate the development of new drugs and counter drug resistance. LSO is required for the formation of the C-5–C-6 double bond in the sterol core structure in mammals, fungi, protozoans, plants, and algae. Functions of this C-5–C-6 double bond are not well understood. In this study, we generated and characterized a lathosterol oxidase-null mutant in Leishmania major. Our data suggest that LSO is vital for the structure and membrane-stabilizing functions of leishmanial sterols. In addition, our results imply that while mutations in lathosterol oxidase can confer resistance to amphotericin B, an important antifungal and antiprotozoal agent, the alteration in sterol structure leads to significant defects in stress response that could be exploited for drug development. Lathosterol oxidase (LSO) catalyzes the formation of the C-5–C-6 double bond in the synthesis of various types of sterols in mammals, fungi, plants, and protozoa. In Leishmania parasites, mutations in LSO or other sterol biosynthetic genes are associated with amphotericin B resistance. To investigate the biological roles of sterol C-5–C-6 desaturation, we generated an LSO-null mutant line (lso−) in Leishmania major, the causative agent for cutaneous leishmaniasis. lso− parasites lacked the ergostane-based sterols commonly found in wild-type L. major and instead accumulated equivalent sterol species without the C-5–C-6 double bond. These mutant parasites were replicative in culture and displayed heightened resistance to amphotericin B. However, they survived poorly after reaching the maximal density and were highly vulnerable to the membrane-disrupting detergent Triton X-100. In addition, lso− mutants showed defects in regulating intracellular pH and were hypersensitive to acidic conditions. They also had potential alterations in the carbohydrate composition of lipophosphoglycan, a membrane-bound virulence factor in Leishmania. All these defects in lso− were corrected upon the restoration of LSO expression. Together, these findings suggest that the C-5–C-6 double bond is vital for the structure of the sterol core, and while the loss of LSO can lead to amphotericin B resistance, it also makes Leishmania parasites vulnerable to biologically relevant stress. IMPORTANCE Sterols are essential membrane components in eukaryotes, and sterol synthesis inhibitors can have potent effects against pathogenic fungi and trypanosomatids. Understanding the roles of sterols will facilitate the development of new drugs and counter drug resistance. LSO is required for the formation of the C-5–C-6 double bond in the sterol core structure in mammals, fungi, protozoans, plants, and algae. Functions of this C-5–C-6 double bond are not well understood. In this study, we generated and characterized a lathosterol oxidase-null mutant in Leishmania major. Our data suggest that LSO is vital for the structure and membrane-stabilizing functions of leishmanial sterols. In addition, our results imply that while mutations in lathosterol oxidase can confer resistance to amphotericin B, an important antifungal and antiprotozoal agent, the alteration in sterol structure leads to significant defects in stress response that could be exploited for drug development.
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Raj S, Sasidharan S, Balaji SN, Saudagar P. An overview of biochemically characterized drug targets in metabolic pathways of Leishmania parasite. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2025-2037. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06736-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Yaraguppi DA, Deshpande SH, Bagewadi ZK, Muddapur U, Anand S, Patil SB. Identification of potent natural compounds in targeting Leishmania major CYP51 and GP63 proteins using a high-throughput computationally enhanced screening. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s43094-020-00038-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan forms called Leishmania which infect animals and humans. The drugs have been in use since half a century due to which there have been mutations in the microbe-facilitating drug resistance. So this provides a reason for searching for effective drugs for the disease. In the current work, an effort has been to find such drugs that act on disease-relevant receptors by similarity indexing method, molecular docking, and dynamics studies. The study focused on the rapid expansion of potential anti-leishmanial compounds that could function as novel natural compound structures for future drug
Results
Similarity indexing of existing drugs with natural compounds using Tanimoto clustering resulted in 4 compounds with similarity index of greater than 0.7 (70% similarity). The molecular docking of the resulted compounds was carried out with therapeutic targets CYP51 and GP63 proteins. N-methyltyrosyl-N-methyltyrosyl-leucyl-alanine from Streptomyces griseus showed higher binding affinity in comparison to inhibitor and other selected natural compounds. Simulation studies revealed that the binding configuration of the compound with targets was highly stable all through 10 ns of simulation time with intact hydrogen bonding.
Conclusions
The molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies for the selected natural bioactive compound N-methyltyrosyl-N-methyltyrosyl-leucyl-alanine from Streptomyces griseus showed better binding affinity with the selected therapeutics targets and can be further considered for in vitro and in vivo studies which may lead to a possible new drug for the treatment of Leishmaniasis.
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Scotti MT, Monteiro AFM, de Oliveira Viana J, Bezerra Mendonça Junior FJ, Ishiki HM, Tchouboun EN, De Araújo RSA, Scotti L. Recent Theoretical Studies Concerning Important Tropical Infections. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:795-834. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190711121418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) form a group of diseases that are strongly associated
with poverty, flourish in impoverished environments, and thrive best in tropical areas,
where they tend to present overlap. They comprise several diseases, and the symptoms
vary dramatically from disease to disease, often causing from extreme pain, and untold misery
that anchors populations to poverty, permanent disability, and death. They affect more than 1
billion people worldwide; mostly in poor populations living in tropical and subtropical climates.
In this review, several complementary in silico approaches are presented; including
identification of new therapeutic targets, novel mechanisms of activity, high-throughput
screening of small-molecule libraries, as well as in silico quantitative structure-activity relationship
and recent molecular docking studies. Current and active research against Sleeping
Sickness, American trypanosomiasis, Leishmaniasis and Schistosomiasis infections will hopefully
lead to safer, more effective, less costly and more widely available treatments against
these parasitic forms of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Tullius Scotti
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, Joao Pessoa - PB, Brazil
| | - Alex France Messias Monteiro
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, Joao Pessoa - PB, Brazil
| | - Jéssika de Oliveira Viana
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, Joao Pessoa - PB, Brazil
| | | | - Hamilton M. Ishiki
- University of Western Sao Paulo (Unoeste), Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Santos A. De Araújo
- Laboratory of Synthesis and Drug Delivery, Department of Biological Science, State University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Luciana Scotti
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, Joao Pessoa - PB, Brazil
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