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Al Khoury C, Thoumi S, Tokajian S, Sinno A, Nemer G, El Beyrouthy M, Rahy K. ABC transporter inhibition by beauvericin partially overcomes drug resistance in Leishmania tropica. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0136823. [PMID: 38572959 PMCID: PMC11064568 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01368-23] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease infecting the world's poorest populations. Miltefosine (ML) remains the primary oral drug against the cutaneous form of leishmaniasis. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are key players in the xenobiotic efflux, and their inhibition could enhance the therapeutic index. In this study, the ability of beauvericin (BEA) to overcome ABC transporter-mediated resistance of Leishmania tropica to ML was assessed. In addition, the transcription profile of genes involved in resistance acquisition to ML was inspected. Finally, we explored the efflux mechanism of the drug and inhibitor. The efficacy of ML against all developmental stages of L. tropica in the presence or absence of BEA was evaluated using an absolute quantification assay. The expression of resistance genes was evaluated, comparing susceptible and resistant strains. Finally, the mechanisms governing the interaction between the ABC transporter and its ligands were elucidated using molecular docking and dynamic simulation. Relative quantification showed that the expression of the ABCG sub-family is mostly modulated by ML. In this study, we used BEA to impede resistance of Leishmania tropica. The IC50 values, following BEA treatment, were significantly reduced from 30.83, 48.17, and 16.83 µM using ML to 8.14, 11.1, and 7.18 µM when using a combinatorial treatment (ML + BEA) against promastigotes, axenic amastigotes, and intracellular amastigotes, respectively. We also demonstrated a favorable BEA-binding enthalpy to L. tropica ABC transporter compared to ML. Our study revealed that BEA partially reverses the resistance development of L. tropica to ML by blocking the alternate ATP hydrolysis cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charbel Al Khoury
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sergio Thoumi
- Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sima Tokajian
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Aia Sinno
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Nemer
- Division of Genomics and Translational Biomedicine, College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mark El Beyrouthy
- Department of Agriculture and Food Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Kelven Rahy
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
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2
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Ferreira BA, Coser EM, de la Roca S, Aoki JI, Branco N, Soares GHC, Lima MIS, Coelho AC. Amphotericin B resistance in Leishmania amazonensis: In vitro and in vivo characterization of a Brazilian clinical isolate. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012175. [PMID: 38768213 PMCID: PMC11142706 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012175] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, Leishmania amazonensis is the etiological agent of cutaneous and diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis. The state of Maranhão in the Northeast of Brazil is prevalent for these clinical forms of the disease and also has high rates of HIV infection. Here, we characterized the drug susceptibility of a L. amazonensis clinical isolate from a 46-year-old man with diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis coinfected with HIV from this endemic area. This patient underwent several therapeutic regimens with meglumine antimoniate, liposomal amphotericin B, and pentamidine, without success. In vitro susceptibility assays against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes demonstrated that this isolate had low susceptibility to amphotericin B, when compared with the reference strain of this species that is considered susceptible to antileishmanial drugs. Additionally, we investigated whether the low in vitro susceptibility would affect the in vivo response to amphotericin B treatment. The drug was effective in reducing the lesion size and parasite burden in mice infected with the reference strain, whereas those infected with the clinical isolate and a resistant line (generated experimentally by stepwise selection) were refractory to amphotericin B treatment. To evaluate whether the isolate was intrinsically resistant to amphotericin B in animals, infected mice were treated with other drugs that had not been used in the treatment of the patient (miltefosine, paromomycin, and a combination of both). Our findings demonstrated that all drug schemes were able to reduce lesion size and parasite burden in animals infected with the clinical isolate, confirming the amphotericin B-resistance phenotype. These findings indicate that the treatment failure observed in the patient may be associated with amphotericin B resistance, and demonstrate the potential emergence of amphotericin B-resistant L. amazonensis isolates in an area of Brazil endemic for cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca A. Ferreira
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth M. Coser
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Stephane de la Roca
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Juliana I. Aoki
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Nilson Branco
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. C. Soares
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayara I. S. Lima
- Departamento de Biologia, Programas de Pós Graduação em Saúde e Ambiente e Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
| | - Adriano C. Coelho
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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Santamaría-Aguirre J, Jacho D, Méndez MA, Poveda A, Carrión J, Fanarraga ML. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Enhancing the Leishmanicidal Activity of Delamanid. Pharmaceutics 2023; 16:41. [PMID: 38258053 PMCID: PMC10818933 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a zoonotic parasitic disease transmitted by infected sandflies, impacts nearly 1 million people yearly and is endemic in many countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Mediterranean; despite this, it remains a neglected disease with limited effective treatments, particularly in impoverished communities with limited access to healthcare. This study aims to repurpose approved drugs for an affordable leishmaniasis treatment. After the screening of potential drug candidates by reviewing databases and utilizing molecular docking analysis, delamanid was chosen to be incorporated into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNPs). Both in cellulo and in vivo tests confirmed the successful payload release within macrophages and through the epidermis following topical application on murine skin. The evaluation of macrophages infected with L. infantum amastigotes showed that the encapsulated delamanid exhibited greater leishmanicidal activity compared with the free drug. The process of encapsulating delamanid in SLNPs, as demonstrated in this study, places a strong emphasis on employing minimal technology, ensuring energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reproducibility. It enables consistent, low-cost production of nanomedicines, even on a small scale, offering a promising step toward more accessible and effective leishmaniasis treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Santamaría-Aguirre
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Grupo de Nanomedicina, Instituto Valdecilla—IDIVAL, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Zoonosis y Salud Pública (GIBCIZ), Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas (FCQ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Daniela Jacho
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas (FCQ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Miguel A. Méndez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Instituto de Simulación Computacional (ISC-USFQ), Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito 170157, Ecuador
| | - Ana Poveda
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Zoonosis y Salud Pública (GIBCIZ), Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas (FCQ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Javier Carrión
- Grupo ICPVet, Departamento Sanidad Animal, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica L. Fanarraga
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Grupo de Nanomedicina, Instituto Valdecilla—IDIVAL, 39011 Santander, Spain
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4
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Mano C, Kongkaew A, Tippawangkosol P, Junkum A, Siriyasatien P, Jariyapan N. In vitro susceptibility to miltefosine of amphotericin B-resistant Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3027-3035. [PMID: 37796293 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07992-3] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis is a newly described species that causes human visceral, disseminated, and mucocutaneous leishmaniases. Amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmpB) is the first-line drug for the treatment of leishmaniasis in Thailand; however, several relapse cases of leishmaniasis caused by L. martiniquensis have been documented. In this study, in vitro susceptibility to AmpB and miltefosine (MIL) of wild-type (before treatment, LSCM1) and two AmpB-resistant L. martiniquensis strains (an in vitro-induced AmpB-resistant strain, AmpBRP2i, and a relapse strain, LSCM1-6) were determined. Results reveal that the IC50 value and resistance index against both drugs of promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of the AmpBRP2i and LSCM1-6 strains were statistically significantly higher than those of the LSCM1 strain suggesting that cross-resistance with MIL occurred in both AmpB-resistant strains. The results of this study advocate further investigation into mechanisms that involve the complex nature of AmpB/MIL resistance in L. martiniquensis and development of effective methods for the identification of the AmpB-resistant parasites to help delivery of appropriate treatments for patients and for epidemiological surveys to survey the potential spread of drug-resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chonlada Mano
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Aphisek Kongkaew
- Animal House Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Pongsri Tippawangkosol
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Anuluck Junkum
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Narissara Jariyapan
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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Potvin JÉ, Fani F, Queffeulou M, Gazanion É, Leprohon P, Ouellette M. Increased copy number of the target gene squalene monooxygenase as the main resistance mechanism to terbinafine in Leishmania infantum. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2023; 23:37-43. [PMID: 37703646 PMCID: PMC10502319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
We use here two genomic screens in an attempt to understand the mode of action and resistance mechanism of terbinafine, an antifungal contemplated as a potential drug against the parasite Leishmania. One screen consisted in in vitro drug evolution where 5 independent mutants were selected step-by-step for terbinafine resistance. Sequencing of the genome of the 5 mutants revealed no single nucleotide polymorphisms related to the resistance phenotype. However, the ERG1 gene was found amplified as part of a linear amplicon, and transfection of ERG1 fully recapitulated the terbinafine resistance phenotype of the mutants. The second screen, Cos-seq, consisted in selecting a gene overexpression library with terbinafine followed by the sequencing of the enriched cosmids. This screen identified two cosmids derived from loci on chromosomes 13 and 29 encoding the squalene monooxygenase (ERG1) and the C8 sterol isomerase (ERG2), respectively. Transfection of the ERG1-cosmid, but not the ERG2-cosmid, produced resistance to terbinafine. Our screens suggest that ERG1 is the main, if not only, target for terbinafine in Leishmania and amplification of its gene is the main resistance mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade-Éva Potvin
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Fani
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Marine Queffeulou
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Élodie Gazanion
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Philippe Leprohon
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Marc Ouellette
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada.
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6
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Nguyen AMT, Shalev-Benami M, Rosa-Teijeiro C, Ibarra-Meneses AV, Yonath A, Bashan A, Jaffe CL, Olivier M, Fernandez-Prada C, Lubell WD. Systematic Exploration of Functional Group Relevance for Anti-Leishmanial Activity of Anisomycin. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2541. [PMID: 37760981 PMCID: PMC10526209 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Assessment of structure-activity relationships for anti-protozoan activity revealed a strategy for preparing potent anisomycin derivatives with reduced host toxicity. Thirteen anisomycin analogs were synthesized by modifying the alcohol, amine, and aromatic functional groups. Examination of anti-protozoal activity against various strains of Leishmania and cytotoxicity against leucocytes with comparison against the parent natural product demonstrated typical losses of activity with modifications of the alcohol, amine, and aromatic meta-positions. On the other hand, the para-phenol moiety of anisomycin proved an effective location for introducing substituents without significant loss of anti-protozoan potency. An entry point for differentiating activity against Leishmania versus host has been uncovered by this systematic study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Moran Shalev-Benami
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (M.S.-B.); (A.Y.); (A.B.)
| | - Chloé Rosa-Teijeiro
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; (C.R.-T.); (A.V.I.-M.); (C.F.-P.)
- The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Ana Victoria Ibarra-Meneses
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; (C.R.-T.); (A.V.I.-M.); (C.F.-P.)
- The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Ada Yonath
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (M.S.-B.); (A.Y.); (A.B.)
| | - Anat Bashan
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (M.S.-B.); (A.Y.); (A.B.)
| | - Charles L. Jaffe
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Kuvin Center for the Study of Tropical & Infectious Diseases, Institute for Medical Research (IMRIC), Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel;
| | - Martin Olivier
- Departments of Medicine, and of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; (C.R.-T.); (A.V.I.-M.); (C.F.-P.)
- The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - William D. Lubell
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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Cabral FV, Cerone M, Persheyev S, Lian C, Samuel IDW, Ribeiro MS, Smith TK. New insights in photodynamic inactivation of Leishmania amazonensis: A focus on lipidomics and resistance. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289492. [PMID: 37713373 PMCID: PMC10503701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289492] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug resistance in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has become a major problem over the past decades. The spread of resistant phenotypes has been attributed to the wide misuse of current antileishmanial chemotherapy, which is a serious threat to global health. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been shown to be effective against a wide spectrum of drug-resistant pathogens. Due to its multi-target approach and immediate effects, it may be an attractive strategy for treatment of drug-resistant Leishmania species. In this study, we sought to evaluate the activity of PDT in vitro using the photosensitizer 1,9-dimethyl methylene blue (DMMB), against promastigotes of two Leishmania amazonensis strains: the wild-type (WT) and a lab induced miltefosine-resistant (MFR) strain. The underlying mechanisms of DMMB-PDT action upon the parasites was focused on the changes in the lipid metabolism of both strains, which was conducted by a quantitative lipidomics analysis. We also assessed the production of ROS, mitochondrial labeling and lipid droplets accumulation after DMMB-PDT. Our results show that DMMB-PDT produced high levels of ROS, promoting mitochondrial membrane depolarization due to the loss of membrane potential. In addition, both untreated strains revealed some differences in the lipid content, in which MFR parasites showed increased levels of phosphatidylcholine, hence suggesting this could also be related to their mechanism of resistance to miltefosine. Moreover, the oxidative stress and consequent lipid peroxidation led to significant phospholipid alterations, thereby resulting in cellular dysfunction and parasite death. Thus, our results demonstrated that DMMB-mediated PDT is effective to kill L. amazonensis MFR strain and should be further studied as a potential strategy to overcome antileishmanial drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda V. Cabral
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN/CNEN), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michela Cerone
- Schools of Biology & Chemistry, BSRC, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom
| | - Saydulla Persheyev
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Cheng Lian
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Ifor D. W. Samuel
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Martha S. Ribeiro
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN/CNEN), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Terry K. Smith
- Schools of Biology & Chemistry, BSRC, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom
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8
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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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9
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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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10
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Alpizar-Sosa EA, Kumordzi Y, Wei W, Whitfield PD, Barrett MP, Denny PW. Genome deletions to overcome the directed loss of gene function in Leishmania. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:988688. [PMID: 36211960 PMCID: PMC9539739 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.988688] [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: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the global reach of the Neglected Tropical Disease leishmaniasis increasing, coupled with a tiny armory of therapeutics which all have problems with resistance, cost, toxicity and/or administration, the validation of new drug targets in the causative insect vector borne protozoa Leishmania spp is more important than ever. Before the introduction of CRISPR Cas9 technology in 2015 genetic validation of new targets was carried out largely by targeted gene knockout through homologous recombination, with the majority of genes targeted (~70%) deemed non-essential. In this study we exploit the ready availability of whole genome sequencing technology to reanalyze one of these historic cell lines, a L. major knockout in the catalytic subunit of serine palmitoyltransferase (LCB2), which causes a complete loss of sphingolipid biosynthesis but remains viable and infective. This revealed a number of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, but also the complete loss of several coding regions including a gene encoding a putative ABC3A orthologue, a putative sterol transporter. Hypothesizing that the loss of such a transporter may have facilitated the directed knockout of the catalytic subunit of LCB2 and the complete loss of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis, we re-examined LCB2 in a L. mexicana line engineered for straightforward CRISPR Cas9 directed manipulation. Strikingly, LCB2 could not be knocked out indicating essentiality. However, simultaneous deletion of LCB2 and the putative ABC3A was possible. This indicated that the loss of the putative ABC3A facilitated the loss of sphingolipid biosynthesis in Leishmania, and suggested that we should re-examine the many other Leishmania knockout lines where genes were deemed non-essential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasmine Kumordzi
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Wenbin Wei
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Phillip D. Whitfield
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P. Barrett
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul W. Denny
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Paul W. Denny,
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11
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Ibarra-Meneses AV, Corbeil A, Wagner V, Beaudry F, do Monte-Neto RL, Fernandez-Prada C. Exploring direct and indirect targets of current antileishmanial drugs using a novel thermal proteomics profiling approach. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:954144. [PMID: 35992178 PMCID: PMC9381709 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.954144] [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: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), caused by Leishmania infantum, is an oft-fatal neglected tropical disease. In the absence of an effective vaccine, the control of leishmaniasis relies exclusively on chemotherapy. Due to the lack of established molecular/genetic markers denoting parasite resistance, clinical treatment failure is often used as an indicator. Antimony-based drugs have been the standard antileishmanial treatment for more than seven decades, leading to major drug resistance in certain regions. Likewise, drug resistance to miltefosine and amphotericin B continues to spread at alarming rates. In consequence, innovative approaches are needed to accelerate the identification of antimicrobial drug targets and resistance mechanisms. To this end, we have implemented a novel approach based on thermal proteome profiling (TPP) to further characterize the mode of action of antileishmanials antimony, miltefosine and amphotericin B, as well as to better understand the mechanisms of drug resistance deployed by Leishmania. Proteins become more resistant to heat-induced denaturation when complexed with a ligand. In this way, we used multiplexed quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to monitor the melting profile of thousands of expressed soluble proteins in WT, antimony-resistant, miltefosine-resistant, and amphotericin B-resistant L. infantum parasites, in the presence (or absence) of the above-mentioned drugs. Bioinformatics analyses were performed, including data normalization, melting profile fitting, and identification of proteins that underwent changes (fold change > 4) caused by complexation with a drug. With this unique approach, we were able to narrow down the regions of the L. infantum proteome that interact with antimony, miltefosine, and amphotericin B; validating previously-identified and unveiling novel drug targets. Moreover, analyses revealed candidate proteins potentially involved in drug resistance. Interestingly, we detected thermal proximity coaggregation for several proteins belonging to the same metabolic pathway (i.e., tryparedoxin peroxidase and aspartate aminotransferase in proteins exposed to antimony), highlighting the importance of these pathways. Collectively, our results could serve as a jumping-off point for the future development of innovative diagnostic tools for the detection and evaluation of antimicrobial-resistant Leishmania populations, as well as open the door for new on-target therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Victoria Ibarra-Meneses
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Audrey Corbeil
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Victoria Wagner
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Francis Beaudry
- Département de Biomédecine, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche sur le cerveau et l’apprentissage (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Rubens L. do Monte-Neto
- Biotechnology Applied to Pathogens (BAP) - Instituto René Rachou – Fundação Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Christopher Fernandez-Prada,
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12
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Bhattacharya A, Fernandez-Prada C, Alonso GD, Biswas A. Editorial: Signaling in stress sensing and resistance in parasitic protozoa. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:962047. [PMID: 35967874 PMCID: PMC9372558 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.962047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arijit Bhattacharya
- Deptartment of Biological Sciences, Adamas University, Kolkata, India
- *Correspondence: Arijit Bhattacharya, ; Christopher Fernandez-Prada, christopher.fernandez.prada @ umontreal.ca; Guillermo Daniel Alonso, ; Arunima Biswas,
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Arijit Bhattacharya, ; Christopher Fernandez-Prada, christopher.fernandez.prada @ umontreal.ca; Guillermo Daniel Alonso, ; Arunima Biswas,
| | - Guillermo Daniel Alonso
- CONICET Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular Dr. Héctor N. Torres (INGEBI), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Arijit Bhattacharya, ; Christopher Fernandez-Prada, christopher.fernandez.prada @ umontreal.ca; Guillermo Daniel Alonso, ; Arunima Biswas,
| | - Arunima Biswas
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Deptartment of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, India
- *Correspondence: Arijit Bhattacharya, ; Christopher Fernandez-Prada, christopher.fernandez.prada @ umontreal.ca; Guillermo Daniel Alonso, ; Arunima Biswas,
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13
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Douanne N, Dong G, Amin A, Bernardo L, Blanchette M, Langlais D, Olivier M, Fernandez-Prada C. Leishmania parasites exchange drug-resistance genes through extracellular vesicles. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111121. [PMID: 35858561 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania are eukaryotic parasites that have retained the ability to produce extracellular vesicles (EVs) through evolution. To date, it has been unclear if different DNA entities could be associated with Leishmania EVs and whether these could constitute a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Herein, we investigate the DNA content of EVs derived from drug-resistant parasites, as well as the EVs' potential to act as shuttles for DNA transfer. Next-generation sequencing and PCR assays confirm the enrichment of amplicons carrying drug-resistance genes associated with EVs. Transfer assays of drug-resistant EVs highlight a significant impact on the phenotype of recipient parasites induced by the expression of the transferred DNA. Recipient parasites display an enhanced growth and better control of oxidative stress. We provide evidence that eukaryotic EVs function as efficient mediators in HGT, thereby facilitating the transmission of drug-resistance genes and increasing the fitness of cells when encountering stressful environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noélie Douanne
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 626 CIMIA Sicotte Street, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - George Dong
- IDIGH, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 2155 Guy Street, Montreal, QC H3H 2L9, Canada
| | - Atia Amin
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University Genome Centre, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Lorena Bernardo
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 626 CIMIA Sicotte Street, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Mathieu Blanchette
- School of Computer Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada
| | - David Langlais
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University Genome Centre, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Olivier
- IDIGH, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 2155 Guy Street, Montreal, QC H3H 2L9, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 626 CIMIA Sicotte Street, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Simvastatin Resistance of Leishmania amazonensis Induces Sterol Remodeling and Cross-Resistance to Sterol Pathway and Serine Protease Inhibitors. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020398. [PMID: 35208853 PMCID: PMC8877030 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The sterol biosynthesis pathway of Leishmania spp. is used as a pharmacological target; however, available information about the mechanisms of the regulation and remodeling of sterol-related genes is scarce. The present study investigated compensatory mechanisms of the sterol biosynthesis pathway using an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase (simvastatin) and by developing drug-resistant parasites to evaluate the impact on sterol remodeling, cross-resistance, and gene expression. Simvastatin-resistant L. amazonensis parasites (LaSimR) underwent reprogramming of sterol metabolism manifested as an increase in cholestane- and stigmastane-based sterols and a decrease in ergostane-based sterols. The levels of the transcripts of sterol 24-C-methyltransferase (SMT), sterol C14-α-demethylase (C14DM), and protease subtilisin (SUB) were increased in LaSimR. LaSimR was cross-resistance to ketoconazole (a C14DM inhibitor) and remained sensitive to terbinafine (an inhibitor of squalene monooxygenase). Sensitivity of the LaSimR mutant to other antileishmanial drugs unrelated to the sterol biosynthesis pathway, such as trivalent antimony and pentamidine, was similar to that of the wild-type strain; however, LaSimR was cross-resistant to miltefosine, general serine protease inhibitor N-p-tosyl-l-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone (TPCK), subtilisin-specific inhibitor 4-[(diethylamino)methyl]-N-[2-(2-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-N-(3R)-3-pyrrolidinyl-benzamide dihydrochloride (PF-429242), and tunicamycin. The findings on the regulation of the sterol pathway can support the development of drugs and protease inhibitors targeting this route in parasites.
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Santi AMM, Murta SMF. Impact of Genetic Diversity and Genome Plasticity of Leishmania spp. in Treatment and the Search for Novel Chemotherapeutic Targets. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:826287. [PMID: 35141175 PMCID: PMC8819175 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.826287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is one of the major public health concerns in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. The absence of vaccines for human use and the lack of effective vector control programs make chemotherapy the main strategy to control all forms of the disease. However, the high toxicity of available drugs, limited choice of therapeutic agents, and occurrence of drug-resistant parasite strains are the main challenges related to chemotherapy. Currently, only a small number of drugs are available for leishmaniasis treatment, including pentavalent antimonials (SbV), amphotericin B and its formulations, miltefosine, paromomycin sulphate, and pentamidine isethionate. In addition to drug toxicity, therapeutic failure of leishmaniasis is a serious concern. The occurrence of drug-resistant parasites is one of the causes of therapeutic failure and is closely related to the diversity of parasites in this genus. Owing to the enormous plasticity of the genome, resistance can occur by altering different metabolic pathways, demonstrating that resistance mechanisms are multifactorial and extremely complex. Genetic variability and genome plasticity cause not only the available drugs to have limitations, but also make the search for new drugs challenging. Here, we examined the biological characteristics of parasites that hinder drug discovery.
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16
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Decreased glutamate transport in acivicin resistant Leishmania tarentolae. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0010046. [PMID: 34914690 PMCID: PMC8718007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of drug resistance in the protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania have been helpful in revealing biochemical pathways as potential drug targets. The chlorinated glutamine analogue acivicin has shown good activity against Leishmania cells and was shown to target several enzymes containing amidotransferase domains. We selected a Leishmania tarentolae clone for acivicin resistance. The genome of this resistant strain was sequenced and the gene coding for the amidotransferase domain-containing GMP synthase was found to be amplified. Episomal expression of this gene in wild-type L. tarentolae revealed a modest role in acivicin resistance. The most prominent defect observed in the resistant mutant was reduced uptake of glutamate, and through competition experiments we determined that glutamate and acivicin, but not glutamine, share the same transporter. Several amino acid transporters (AATs) were either deleted or mutated in the resistant cells. Some contributed to the acivicin resistance phenotype although none corresponded to the main glutamate transporter. Through sequence analysis one AAT on chromosome 22 corresponded to the main glutamate transporter. Episomal expression of the gene coding for this transporter in the resistant mutant restored glutamate transport and acivicin susceptibility. Its genetic knockout led to reduced glutamate transport and acivicin resistance. We propose that acivicin binds covalently to this transporter and as such leads to decreased transport of glutamate and acivicin thus leading to acivicin resistance. Studies of drug resistance in the protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania have been helpful in revealing biochemical pathways as potential drug targets. Here we report on the characterization at the genomics and metabolomics levels of a L. tarentolae strain made resistant to acivicin, an analogue of glutamine with activity against this parasite. We found that resistance to acivicin is accompanied by a reduced uptake and intracellular levels of glutamate and that both are expected to share the same transporter. Through gene overexpression and disruption studies we identified the main amino acid transporter responsible for glutamate uptake.
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Rosa-Teijeiro C, Wagner V, Corbeil A, d'Annessa I, Leprohon P, do Monte-Neto RL, Fernandez-Prada C. Three different mutations in the DNA topoisomerase 1B in Leishmania infantum contribute to resistance to antitumor drug topotecan. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:438. [PMID: 34454601 PMCID: PMC8399852 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04947-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The evolution of drug resistance is one of the biggest challenges in leishmaniasis and has prompted the need for new antileishmanial drugs. Repurposing of approved drugs is a faster and very attractive strategy that is gaining supporters worldwide. Different anticancer topoisomerase 1B (TOP1B) inhibitors have shown strong antileishmanial activity and promising selective indices, supporting the potential repurposing of these drugs. However, cancer cells and Leishmania share the ability to become rapidly resistant. The aim of this study was to complete a whole-genome exploration of the effects caused by exposure to topotecan in order to highlight the potential mechanisms deployed by Leishmania to favor its survival in the presence of a TOP1B inhibitor. Methods We used a combination of stepwise drug resistance selection, whole-genome sequencing, functional validation, and theoretical approaches to explore the propensity of and potential mechanisms deployed by three independent clones of L. infantum to resist the action of TOP1B inhibitor topotecan. Results We demonstrated that L. infantum is capable of becoming resistant to high concentrations of topotecan without impaired growth ability. No gene deletions or amplifications were identified from the next-generation sequencing data in any of the three resistant lines, ruling out the overexpression of efflux pumps as the preferred mechanism of topotecan resistance. We identified three different mutations in the large subunit of the leishmanial TOP1B (Top1BF187Y, Top1BG191A, and Top1BW232R). Overexpression of these mutated alleles in the wild-type background led to high levels of resistance to topotecan. Computational molecular dynamics simulations, in both covalent and non-covalent complexes, showed that these mutations have an effect on the arrangement of the catalytic pentad and on the interaction of these residues with surrounding amino acids and DNA. This altered architecture of the binding pocket results in decreased persistence of topotecan in the ternary complex. Conclusions This work helps elucidate the previously unclear potential mechanisms of topotecan resistance in Leishmania by mutations in the large subunit of TOP1B and provides a valuable clue for the design of improved inhibitors to combat resistance in both leishmaniasis and cancer. Our data highlights the importance of including drug resistance evaluation in drug discovery cascades. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04947-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Rosa-Teijeiro
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.,The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Victoria Wagner
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.,The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Audrey Corbeil
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.,The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Ilda d'Annessa
- Medtronic EMEA, Study and Scientific Solutions, Milan, Italy
| | - Philippe Leprohon
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | | | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada. .,The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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18
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Morelle C, Mukherjee A, Zhang J, Fani F, Khandelwal A, Gingras H, Trottier J, Barbier O, Leprohon P, Burke MD, Ouellette M. Well-Tolerated Amphotericin B Derivatives That Effectively Treat Visceral Leishmaniasis. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:2472-2482. [PMID: 34282886 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00245] [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: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy against the neglected tropical disease visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is suboptimal with only four licensed drugs. Amphotericin B (AmB), despite its toxicity, remained a second line drug for a long time. However, the demonstration that liposomal AmB is highly effective against VL propelled it, despite its cost, to a first line drug in many countries. While several ongoing efforts are aiming at finding cheaper and stable AmB-formulations, an alternative strategy is the development of less-toxic AmB derivatives. We show here that two less-toxic AmB derivatives with the carboxylate at position 16 of AmB derivatized to a methyl urea (AmB-MU) or amino urea (AmB-AU) are active in vitro against Leishmania donovani, both as free-living parasites as well as their intracellular form. Both less-toxic derivatives, similarly to AmB, target the ergosterol pathway of L. donovani. While the AmB-AU derivative showed female-specific liver toxicity in vivo, the AmB-MU derivative was well-tolerated and more effective than AmB against experimental VL. These studies are an important step for improving AmB-based therapy against a prevalent parasitic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle Morelle
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2,Canada
| | - Angana Mukherjee
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2,Canada
| | - Jiabao Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Arnold and Mabel Beckman Institute, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Fereshteh Fani
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2,Canada
| | - Anuj Khandelwal
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Arnold and Mabel Beckman Institute, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Hélène Gingras
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2,Canada
| | - Jocelyn Trottier
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Endocrinology-Nephrology Axis, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2,Canada
| | - Olivier Barbier
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Endocrinology-Nephrology Axis, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2,Canada
| | - Philippe Leprohon
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2,Canada
| | - Martin D. Burke
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Arnold and Mabel Beckman Institute, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Marc Ouellette
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2,Canada
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Santi AMM, Silva PA, Santos IFM, Murta SMF. Downregulation of FeSOD-A expression in Leishmania infantum alters trivalent antimony and miltefosine susceptibility. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:366. [PMID: 34266485 PMCID: PMC8281622 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04838-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Superoxide dismutase (SOD), a central component of the antioxidant defence system of most organisms, removes excess superoxide anions by converting them to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. As iron (Fe) SOD is absent in the human host, this enzyme is a promising molecular target for drug development against trypanosomatids. Results We obtained Leishmania infantum mutant clones with lower FeSOD-A expression and investigated their phenotypes. Our attempts to delete this enzyme-coding gene using three different methodologies (conventional allelic replacement or two different CRISPR/methods) failed, as FeSOD-A gene copies were probably retained by aneuploidy or gene amplification. Promastigote forms of WT and mutant parasites were used in quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analyses, and these parasite forms were also used to assess drug susceptibility. RT-qPCR and western blot analyses revealed that FeSOD-A transcript and protein levels were lower in FeSOD-A−/−/+L. infantum mutant clones than in the wild-type (WT) parasite. The decrease in FeSOD-A expression in L. infantum did not interfere with the parasite growth or susceptibility to amphotericin B. Surprisingly, FeSOD-A−/−/+L. infantum mutant clones were 1.5- to 2.0-fold more resistant to trivalent antimony and 2.4- to 2.7-fold more resistant to miltefosine. To investigate whether the decrease in FeSOD-A expression was compensated by other enzymes, the transcript levels of five FeSODs and six enzymes from the antioxidant defence system were assessed by RT-qPCR. The transcript level of the enzyme ascorbate peroxidase increased in both the FeSOD-A−/−/+ mutants tested. The FeSOD-A−/−/+ mutant parasites were 1.4- to 1.75-fold less tolerant to oxidative stress generated by menadione. Infection analysis using THP-1 macrophages showed that 72 h post-infection, the number of infected macrophages and their intracellular multiplication rate were lower in the FeSOD-A−/−/+ mutant clones than in the WT parasite. Conclusions The unsuccessful attempts to delete FeSOD-A suggest that this gene is essential in L. infantum. This enzyme plays an important role in the defence against oxidative stress and infectivity in THP-1 macrophages. FeSOD-A-deficient L. infantum parasites deregulate their metabolic pathways related to antimony and miltefosine resistance. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04838-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Murta Santi
- Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos (GFP), Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Avenida Augusto de Lima 1715, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP: 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Paula Alves Silva
- Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos (GFP), Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Avenida Augusto de Lima 1715, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP: 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Isabella Fernandes Martins Santos
- Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos (GFP), Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Avenida Augusto de Lima 1715, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP: 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Silvane Maria Fonseca Murta
- Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos (GFP), Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Avenida Augusto de Lima 1715, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP: 30190-002, Brazil.
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Influence of N-Methylation and Conformation on Almiramide Anti-Leishmanial Activity. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123606. [PMID: 34204673 PMCID: PMC8231256 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The almiramide N-methylated lipopeptides exhibit promising activity against trypanosomatid parasites. A structure–activity relationship study has been performed to examine the influences of N-methylation and conformation on activity against various strains of leishmaniasis protozoan and on cytotoxicity. The synthesis and biological analysis of twenty-five analogs demonstrated that derivatives with a single methyl group on either the first or fifth residue amide nitrogen exhibited greater activity than the permethylated peptides and relatively high potency against resistant strains. Replacement of amino amide residues in the peptide, by turn inducing α amino γ lactam (Agl) and N-aminoimidazalone (Nai) counterparts, reduced typically anti-parasitic activity; however, peptide amides possessing Agl residues at the second residue retained significant potency in the unmethylated and permethylated series. Systematic study of the effects of methylation and turn geometry on anti-parasitic activity indicated the relevance of an extended conformer about the central residues, and conformational mobility by tertiary amide isomerization and turn geometry at the extremities of the active peptides.
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21
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Dong G, Wagner V, Minguez-Menendez A, Fernandez-Prada C, Olivier M. Extracellular vesicles and leishmaniasis: Current knowledge and promising avenues for future development. Mol Immunol 2021; 135:73-83. [PMID: 33873096 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small, membrane-bound "delivery trucks" that are present in the extracellular environment, including biological fluids. EVs are capable of inducing changes in the physiological status of neighboring cells through the transfer of key macromolecules, and are thought to play a role in a number of pathological processes. Leishmaniasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania, is an important example. The biology of Leishmania EVs has been studied in detail, and findings point to their role in exacerbation of disease and potential involvement in the perpetuation of drug resistance. Furthermore, the use of EVs for development of vaccines has been explored, as well as their potential use in a number of fields as biomarkers of disease and drug resistance. Here we discuss the latest findings on EVs, with a particular focus on Leishmania, as well as potential avenues for their future development and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Dong
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health Program (IDIGH), The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Victoria Wagner
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, QC, Canada; The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, QC, Canada; The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Martin Olivier
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health Program (IDIGH), The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada; Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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22
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Mina JGM, Charlton RL, Alpizar-Sosa E, Escrivani DO, Brown C, Alqaisi A, Borsodi MPG, Figueiredo CP, de Lima EV, Dickie EA, Wei W, Coutinho-Silva R, Merritt A, Smith TK, Barrett MP, Rossi-Bergmann B, Denny PW, Steel PG. Antileishmanial Chemotherapy through Clemastine Fumarate Mediated Inhibition of the Leishmania Inositol Phosphorylceramide Synthase. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:47-63. [PMID: 33291887 PMCID: PMC7802075 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Current chemotherapeutics for leishmaniasis have multiple deficiencies, and there is a need for new safe, efficacious, and affordable medicines. This study describes a successful drug repurposing approach that identifies the over-the-counter antihistamine, clemastine fumarate, as a potential antileishmanial drug candidate. The screening for inhibitors of the sphingolipid synthase (inositol phosphorylceramide synthase, IPCS) afforded, following secondary screening against Leishmania major (Lmj) promastigotes, 16 active compounds. Further refinement through the dose response against LmjIPCS and intramacrophage L. major amastigotes identified clemastine fumarate with good activity and selectivity with respect to the host macrophage. On target engagement was supported by diminished sensitivity in a sphingolipid-deficient L. major mutant (ΔLmjLCB2) and altered phospholipid and sphingolipid profiles upon treatment with clemastine fumarate. The drug also induced an enhanced host cell response to infection indicative of polypharmacology. The activity was sustained across a panel of Old and New World Leishmania species, displaying an in vivo activity equivalent to the currently used drug, glucantime, in a mouse model of L. amazonensis infection. Overall, these data validate IPCS as an antileishmanial drug target and indicate that clemastine fumarate is a candidate for repurposing for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G. M. Mina
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Durham, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca L. Charlton
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Durham, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Edubiel Alpizar-Sosa
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology and Glasgow Polyomics, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas O. Escrivani
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Durham, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Christopher Brown
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Durham, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Amjed Alqaisi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad 10071, Iraq
| | - Maria Paula G. Borsodi
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudia P. Figueiredo
- School of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21944-590 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emanuelle V. de Lima
- School of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21944-590 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emily A. Dickie
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology and Glasgow Polyomics, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Wenbin Wei
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Robson Coutinho-Silva
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andy Merritt
- LifeArc, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage SG1 2FX, United Kingdom
| | - Terry K. Smith
- BSRC, Schools of Biology and Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P. Barrett
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology and Glasgow Polyomics, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Bartira Rossi-Bergmann
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paul W. Denny
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick G. Steel
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Durham, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
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23
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Andrade JM, Gonçalves LO, Liarte DB, Lima DA, Guimarães FG, de Melo Resende D, Santi AMM, de Oliveira LM, Velloso JPL, Delfino RG, Pescher P, Späth GF, Ruiz JC, Murta SMF. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of antimony resistant and susceptible Leishmania infantum lines. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:600. [PMID: 33256787 PMCID: PMC7706067 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04486-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One of the major challenges to leishmaniasis treatment is the emergence of parasites resistant to antimony. To study differentially expressed genes associated with drug resistance, we performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis between wild-type and potassium antimonyl tartrate (SbIII)-resistant Leishmania infantum lines using high-throughput RNA sequencing. Methods All the cDNA libraries were constructed from promastigote forms of each line, sequenced and analyzed using STAR for mapping the reads against the reference genome (L. infantum JPCM5) and DESeq2 for differential expression statistical analyses. All the genes were functionally annotated using sequence similarity search. Results The analytical pipeline considering an adjusted p-value < 0.05 and fold change > 2.0 identified 933 transcripts differentially expressed (DE) between wild-type and SbIII-resistant L. infantum lines. Out of 933 DE transcripts, 504 presented functional annotation and 429 were assigned as hypothetical proteins. A total of 837 transcripts were upregulated and 96 were downregulated in the SbIII-resistant L. infantum line. Using this DE dataset, the proteins were further grouped in functional classes according to the gene ontology database. The functional enrichment analysis for biological processes showed that the upregulated transcripts in the SbIII-resistant line are associated with protein phosphorylation, microtubule-based movement, ubiquitination, host–parasite interaction, cellular process and other categories. The downregulated transcripts in the SbIII-resistant line are assigned in the GO categories: ribonucleoprotein complex, ribosome biogenesis, rRNA processing, nucleosome assembly and translation. Conclusions The transcriptomic profile of L. infantum showed a robust set of genes from different metabolic pathways associated with the antimony resistance phenotype in this parasite. Our results address the complex and multifactorial antimony resistance mechanisms in Leishmania, identifying several candidate genes that may be further evaluated as molecular targets for chemotherapy of leishmaniasis.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Juvana Moreira Andrade
- Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Leilane Oliveira Gonçalves
- Grupo Informática de Biossistemas, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Computacional e Sistemas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Davi Alvarenga Lima
- Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Grupo Informática de Biossistemas, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela de Melo Resende
- Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Grupo Informática de Biossistemas, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Murta Santi
- Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luciana Marcia de Oliveira
- Unité Biologie des ARN des Pathogènes Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Renato Guimarães Delfino
- Grupo Informática de Biossistemas, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Pascale Pescher
- Unité de Parasitologie moléculaire et Signalisation, Département de Parasitologie et Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Gerald F Späth
- Unité de Parasitologie moléculaire et Signalisation, Département de Parasitologie et Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Jeronimo Conceição Ruiz
- Grupo Informática de Biossistemas, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. .,Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Computacional e Sistemas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Wagner V, Douanne N, Fernandez-Prada C. Leishmania infantum infection in a dog imported from Morocco. THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2020; 61:963-965. [PMID: 32879521 PMCID: PMC7424924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A mixed breed dog rescued from Morocco was presented at a Quebec veterinary practice for facial lesions. Leishmaniosis, an exotic disease caused by the zoonotic protozoan Leishmania infantum, was suspected. Genomic DNA extraction from blood samples and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to confirm L. infantum parasitemia. Parasites were successfully cultured from lesion biopsies, and dose-response assays demonstrated susceptibility to miltefosine, a drug that requires importation from Europe. Twenty-eight days of treatment led to the disappearance of lesions, but relapse occurred several months later (consistent with persistent parasitemia on post-treatment analysis). Further treatment would require importation of drugs and significant delays, offering a poor prognosis. Key clinical message: Diagnosis of tropical diseases in Canada will likely become more common in the near future. Having proper diagnostic tools, effective drugs, and stricter control of animal importation are essential to preventing the spread of these dangerous and frequently zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Wagner
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie and Groupe de recherche sur les maladies infectieuses des animaux de production "GREMIP," Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec J2S 2M2
| | - Noélie Douanne
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie and Groupe de recherche sur les maladies infectieuses des animaux de production "GREMIP," Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec J2S 2M2
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie and Groupe de recherche sur les maladies infectieuses des animaux de production "GREMIP," Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec J2S 2M2
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Douanne N, Dong G, Douanne M, Olivier M, Fernandez-Prada C. Unravelling the proteomic signature of extracellular vesicles released by drug-resistant Leishmania infantum parasites. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008439. [PMID: 32628683 PMCID: PMC7365475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis constitutes the 9th largest disease burden among all infectious diseases. Control of this disease is based on a short list of chemotherapeutic agents headed by pentavalent antimonials, followed by miltefosine and amphotericin B; drugs that are far from ideal due to host toxicity, elevated cost, limited access, and high rates of drug resistance. Knowing that the composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) can vary according to the state of their parental cell, we hypothesized that EVs released by drug-resistant Leishmania infantum parasites could contain unique and differently enriched proteins depending on the drug-resistance mechanisms involved in the survival of their parental cell line. To assess this possibility, we studied EV production, size, morphology, and protein content of three well-characterized drug-resistant L. infantum cell lines and a wild-type strain. Our results are the first to demonstrate that drug-resistance mechanisms can induce changes in the morphology, size, and distribution of L. infantum EVs. In addition, we identified L. infantum’s core EV proteome. This proteome is highly conserved among strains, with the exception of a handful of proteins that are enriched differently depending on the drug responsible for induction of antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, we obtained the first snapshot of proteins enriched in EVs released by antimony-, miltefosine- and amphotericin-resistant parasites. These include several virulence factors, transcription factors, as well as proteins encoded by drug-resistance genes. This detailed study of L. infantum EVs sheds new light on the potential roles of EVs in Leishmania biology, particularly with respect to the parasite’s survival in stressful conditions. This work outlines a crucial first step towards the discovery of EV-based profiles capable of predicting response to antileishmanial agents. Visceral leishmaniasis is a life-threatening disease caused by Leishmania infantum parasites, which are transmitted by sand flies. In the absence of vaccines, current control of this disease is based on chemotherapy, which is comprised of a very limited arsenal threatened by the emergence and spread of drug-resistant strains. In the shadow of growing concern and treatment failure due to resistance, the characterization of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by drug-resistant L. infantum parasites could shed some light on the complex nature of drug resistance in Leishmania and increase our understanding of the biology of the parasite. EVs are vesicles secreted by all eukaryotic cells whose contents (proteins, DNA/RNAs, lipids) vary as a function of their cellular origin. Our results demonstrate for the first time that EVs released by drug-resistant parasites are enriched in unique protein markers that reflect the drug-resistance mechanisms involved in the survival of parental cells. These unique proteins included several virulence and transcription factors, as well as drug-resistance genes; this offers a potential benefit for drug-resistant parasites in terms of parasite-to-parasite communication and host-parasite interactions. Collectively, our initial results could serve as a jumping-off point for the future development of novel EV-based diagnostic tools for the detection and appraisal of antimicrobial-resistant Leishmania populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noélie Douanne
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - George Dong
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mélanie Douanne
- Department of Biology, Health and Ecology, “Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes”, Paris, France
| | - Martin Olivier
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- * E-mail: (MO); (CFP)
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- * E-mail: (MO); (CFP)
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Bhattacharya A, Corbeil A, do Monte-Neto RL, Fernandez-Prada C. Of Drugs and Trypanosomatids: New Tools and Knowledge to Reduce Bottlenecks in Drug Discovery. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11070722. [PMID: 32610603 PMCID: PMC7397081 DOI: 10.3390/genes11070722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis (Leishmania species), sleeping sickness (Trypanosoma brucei), and Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) are devastating and globally spread diseases caused by trypanosomatid parasites. At present, drugs for treating trypanosomatid diseases are far from ideal due to host toxicity, elevated cost, limited access, and increasing rates of drug resistance. Technological advances in parasitology, chemistry, and genomics have unlocked new possibilities for novel drug concepts and compound screening technologies that were previously inaccessible. In this perspective, we discuss current models used in drug-discovery cascades targeting trypanosomatids (from in vitro to in vivo approaches), their use and limitations in a biological context, as well as different examples of recently discovered lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijit Bhattacharya
- Department of Microbiology, Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 126, India;
| | - Audrey Corbeil
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
| | | | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-450-773-8521 (ext. 32802)
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Van den Kerkhof M, Sterckx YGJ, Leprohon P, Maes L, Caljon G. Experimental Strategies to Explore Drug Action and Resistance in Kinetoplastid Parasites. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E950. [PMID: 32599761 PMCID: PMC7356981 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinetoplastids are the causative agents of leishmaniasis, human African trypanosomiasis, and American trypanosomiasis. They are responsible for high mortality and morbidity in (sub)tropical regions. Adequate treatment options are limited and have several drawbacks, such as toxicity, need for parenteral administration, and occurrence of treatment failure and drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgency for the development of new drugs. Phenotypic screening already allowed the identification of promising new chemical entities with anti-kinetoplastid activity potential, but knowledge on their mode-of-action (MoA) is lacking due to the generally applied whole-cell based approach. However, identification of the drug target is essential to steer further drug discovery and development. Multiple complementary techniques have indeed been used for MoA elucidation. In this review, the different 'omics' approaches employed to define the MoA or mode-of-resistance of current reference drugs and some new anti-kinetoplastid compounds are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Van den Kerkhof
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (M.V.d.K.); (L.M.)
| | - Yann G.-J. Sterckx
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry (LMB), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;
| | - Philippe Leprohon
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (M.V.d.K.); (L.M.)
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (M.V.d.K.); (L.M.)
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Eberhardt E, Bulté D, Van Bockstal L, Van den Kerkhof M, Cos P, Delputte P, Hendrickx S, Maes L, Caljon G. Miltefosine enhances the fitness of a non-virulent drug-resistant Leishmania infantum strain. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 74:395-406. [PMID: 30412253 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Miltefosine is currently the only oral drug for visceral leishmaniasis, and although deficiency in an aminophospholipid/miltefosine transporter (MT) is sufficient to elicit drug resistance, very few naturally miltefosine-resistant (MIL-R) strains have yet been isolated. This study aimed to make a detailed analysis of the impact of acquired miltefosine resistance and miltefosine treatment on in vivo infection. Methods Bioluminescent versions of a MIL-R strain and its syngeneic parental line were generated by integration of the red-shifted firefly luciferase PpyRE9. The fitness of both lines was compared in vitro (growth rate, metacyclogenesis and macrophage infectivity) and in BALB/c mice through non-invasive bioluminescence imaging under conditions with and without drug pressure. Results This study demonstrated a severe fitness loss of MT-deficient parasites, resulting in a complete inability to multiply and cause a typical visceral leishmaniasis infection pattern in BALB/c mice. The observed fitness loss could not be rescued by host immune suppression with cyclophosphamide, whereas episomal reconstitution with a wild-type MT restored parasite virulence, hence linking parasite fitness to MT mutation. Remarkably, in vivo miltefosine treatment or in vitro miltefosine pre-exposure significantly rescued MIL-R parasite virulence. The in vitro pre-exposed MIL-R promastigotes showed a longer and more slender morphology, suggesting an altered membrane composition. Conclusions The profound fitness loss of MT-deficient parasites most likely explains the low frequency of MIL-R clinical isolates. The observation that miltefosine can reverse this phenotype indicates a drug dependency of the MT-deficient parasites and emphasizes the importance of resistance profiling prior to miltefosine administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Eberhardt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dimitri Bulté
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Lieselotte Van Bockstal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Magali Van den Kerkhof
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Rocha VPC, Dacher M, Young SA, Kolokousi F, Efstathiou A, Späth GF, Soares MBP, Smirlis D. Leishmania dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase 1 (DYRK1) is required for sustaining Leishmania stationary phase phenotype. Mol Microbiol 2020; 113:983-1002. [PMID: 31975452 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Although the multiplicative and growth-arrested states play key roles in Leishmania development, the regulators of these transitions are largely unknown. In an attempt to gain a better understanding of these processes, we characterised one member of a family of protein kinases with dual specificity, LinDYRK1, which acts as a stasis regulator in other organisms. LinDYRK1 overexpressing parasites displayed a decrease in proliferation and in cell cycle re-entry of arrested cells. Parasites lacking LinDYRK1 displayed distinct fitness phenotypes in logarithmic and stationary growth phases. In logarithmic growth phase, LinDYRK1-/- parasites proliferated better than control lines, supporting a role of this kinase in stasis, while in stationary growth phase, LinDYRK1-/- parasites had important defects as they rounded up, accumulated vacuoles and lipid bodies and displayed subtle but consistent differences in lipid composition. Moreover, they expressed less metacyclic-enriched transcripts, displayed increased sensitivity to complement lysis and a significant reduction in survival within peritoneal macrophages. The distinct LinDYRK1-/- growth phase phenotypes were mirrored by the distinct LinDYRK1 localisations in logarithmic (mainly in flagellar pocket area and endosomes) and late stationary phase (mitochondrion). Overall, this work provides first evidence for the role of a DYRK family member in sustaining promastigote stationary phase phenotype and infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Pinto Costa Rocha
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil
- Centro de Biotecnologia e Terapia Celular, Hospital São Rafael, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Mariko Dacher
- Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur and INSERM U1201, Paris, France
| | - Simon Alan Young
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, The University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Foteini Kolokousi
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Microbiology Department, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonia Efstathiou
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Microbiology Department, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Gerald Frank Späth
- Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur and INSERM U1201, Paris, France
| | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil
- Centro de Biotecnologia e Terapia Celular, Hospital São Rafael, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Despina Smirlis
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Microbiology Department, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
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Douanne N, Wagner V, Roy G, Leprohon P, Ouellette M, Fernandez-Prada C. MRPA-independent mechanisms of antimony resistance in Leishmania infantum. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2020; 13:28-37. [PMID: 32413766 PMCID: PMC7225602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Control of both human and canine leishmaniasis is based on a very short list of chemotherapeutic agents, headed by antimonial derivatives (Sb). The utility of these molecules is severely threatened by high rates of drug resistance. The ABC transporter MRPA is one of the few key Sb resistance proteins described to date, whose role in detoxification has been thoroughly studied in Leishmania parasites. Nonetheless, its rapid amplification during drug selection complicates the discovery of other mechanisms potentially involved in Sb resistance. In this study, stepwise drug-resistance selection and next-generation sequencing were combined in the search for novel Sb-resistance mechanisms deployed by parasites when MRPA is abolished by targeted gene disruption. The gene mrpA is not essential in L. infantum, and its disruption leads to an Sb hypersensitive phenotype in both promastigotes and amastigotes. Five independent mrpA-/- mutants were selected for antimony resistance. These mutants displayed major changes in their ploidy, as well as extrachromosomal linear amplifications of the subtelomeric region of chromosome 23, which includes the genes coding for ABCC1 and ABCC2. Overexpression of ABCC2, but not of ABCC1, resulted in increased Sb tolerance in the mrpA-/- mutant. SNP analyses revealed three different heterozygous mutations in the gene coding for a serine acetyltransferase (SAT) involved in de novo cysteine synthesis in Leishmania. Overexpression of satQ390K, satG321R and satG325R variants led to a 2-3.2 -fold increase in Sb resistance in mrpA-/- parasites. Only satG321R and satG325R induced increased Sb resistance in wild-type parasites. These results reinforce and expand knowledge on the complex nature of Sb resistance in Leishmania parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noélie Douanne
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Victoria Wagner
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Gaetan Roy
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU Québec and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Philippe Leprohon
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU Québec and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Marc Ouellette
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU Québec and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Pountain AW, Barrett MP. Untargeted metabolomics to understand the basis of phenotypic differences in amphotericin B-resistant Leishmania parasites. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 4:176. [PMID: 32133420 PMCID: PMC7041363 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15452.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Protozoan
Leishmania parasites are responsible for a range of clinical infections that represent a substantial challenge for global health. Amphotericin B (AmB) is increasingly used to treat
Leishmania infection, so understanding the potential for resistance to this drug is an important priority. Previously we described four independently-derived AmB-resistant
L. mexicana lines that exhibited resistance-associated genetic lesions resulting in altered sterol content. However, substantial phenotypic variation between these lines, including differences in virulence attributes, were not fully explained by these changes. Methods: To identify alterations in cellular metabolism potentially related to phenotypic differences between wild-type and AmB-resistant lines, we extracted metabolites and performed untargeted metabolomics by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: We observed substantial differences in metabolite abundance between lines, arising in an apparently stochastic manner. Concerted remodeling of central carbon metabolism was not observed; however, in three lines, decreased abundance of several oligohexoses was observed. Given that the oligomannose mannogen is an important virulence factor in
Leishmania, this could relate to loss of virulence in these lines. Increased abundance of the reduced forms of the oxidative stress-protective thiols trypanothione and glutathione was also observed in multiple lines. Conclusions: This dataset will provide a useful resource for understanding the molecular basis of drug resistance in
Leishmania, and suggests a role for metabolic changes separate from the primary mechanism of drug resistance in determining the phenotypic profile of parasite lines subjected to experimental selection of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Pountain
- Wellcome Center for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Michael P Barrett
- Wellcome Center for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK.,Glasgow Polyomics, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
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Bhattacharya A, Sharma M, Pakkinathan C, Rosen BP, Leprohon P, Ouellette M. Genomewide Analysis of Mode of Action of the S-Adenosylmethionine Analogue Sinefungin in Leishmania infantum. mSystems 2019; 4:e00416-19. [PMID: 31615876 PMCID: PMC6794121 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00416-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To further our understanding of one-carbon metabolism in the protozoan parasite Leishmania, we conducted genomic screens to study how the parasite responded to sinefungin (SNF) selection. SNF is a structural analogue of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet), a key methyl group donor to a number of biomolecules. One screen consisted of sequencing SNF-resistant mutants generated by stepwise selection with gradually increasing drug concentrations. These studies demonstrated deletion of the AdoMet transporter (AdoMetT1) by intergenic recombination as a crucial loss-of-function marker for SNF resistance. The second screen consisted of Cos-seq, a gain-of-function cosmid-based genomewide functional screen with increasing SNF concentration coupled to next-generation sequencing. Cosmids enriched in that screen and sequenced led to the identification of (i) the AdoMet synthetase (METK) as the major SNF target, (ii) an mRNA [(guanine-N7)-methyltransferase (CMT1)], (iii) a leucine carboxyl methyltransferase (LCMT), (iv) two tryparedoxin genes, and (v) two protein phosphatase regulatory genes. Further functional exploration indicated that LCMT interacts with one phosphatase catalytic subunit (PP2AC) and that mutation of the C-terminal leucine residue of PP2AC affects sinefungin susceptibility. These holistic screens led to the identification of transporters, biosynthetic genes, RNA and protein methyltransferases, as well as phosphatases linked to AdoMet-mediated functions in Leishmania IMPORTANCE The two main cellular metabolic one-carbon donors are reduced folates and S-adenosylmethionine, whose biosynthetic pathways have proven highly effective in chemotherapeutic interventions in various cell types. Sinefungin, a nucleoside analogue of S-adenosylmethionine, was shown to have potent activity against the protozoan parasite Leishmania Here, we studied resistance to sinefungin using whole-genome approaches as a way to further our understanding of the role of S-adenosylmethionine in this parasite and to reveal novel potential drug targets. These approaches allowed the characterization of novel features related to S-adenosylmethionine function in Leishmania which could further help in the development of sinefungin-like compounds against this pathogenic parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijit Bhattacharya
- Division of Infectious Disease and Immunity, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Disease and Immunology, University Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mansi Sharma
- Division of Infectious Disease and Immunity, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Disease and Immunology, University Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Charles Pakkinathan
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Barry P Rosen
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Philippe Leprohon
- Division of Infectious Disease and Immunity, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Disease and Immunology, University Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marc Ouellette
- Division of Infectious Disease and Immunity, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Disease and Immunology, University Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
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Van Bockstal L, Sádlová J, Suau HA, Hendrickx S, Meneses C, Kamhawi S, Volf P, Maes L, Caljon G. Impaired development of a miltefosine-resistant Leishmania infantum strain in the sand fly vectors Phlebotomus perniciosus and Lutzomyia longipalpis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2019; 11:1-7. [PMID: 31525614 PMCID: PMC6804374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To gain insight into the propagation of miltefosine (MIL) resistance in visceral leishmaniasis, this laboratory study explored development of resistant parasites with a defective miltefosine transporter (MT) in sand flies. METHODS Infectivity, colonization of stomodeal valve and metacyclogenesis of a MIL-resistant (MIL-R) Leishmania infantum LEM3323 line with a defective MT were assessed in the natural sand fly vectors Phlebotomus perniciosus and Lutzomyia longipalpis. Given our recent description of partial drug dependency of the MT-deficient line, the impact of MIL pre-exposure on sand fly infectivity was explored as well. RESULTS A significant reduction in sand fly infection, stomodeal valve colonization and differentiation into metacyclics (determined by a lower flagellum/cell body length ratio) was observed in both vectors for MIL-R as compared to the isogenic parent MIL-susceptible line. Re-introduction of the wildtype MT gene into MIL-R tended to partially rescue the capacity to infect sand flies. Pre-exposure to MIL did not alter infectivity of the MIL-R line. CONCLUSION The MIL resistant L. infantum LEM3323 line is significantly hampered in its development and transmissibility potential in two sand fly vector species. Additional studies are warranted to evaluate whether this applies to other visceral Leishmania parasites with acquired MIL-resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieselotte Van Bockstal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jovana Sádlová
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Vinicna 7, CZ-12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Hamide Aslan Suau
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Claudio Meneses
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Shaden Kamhawi
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Vinicna 7, CZ-12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Wagner V, Minguez-Menendez A, Pena J, Fernández-Prada C. Innovative Solutions for the Control of Leishmaniases: Nanoscale Drug Delivery Systems. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 25:1582-1592. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190621154552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Leishmania are sandfly-transmitted protozoan parasites that harbour within the macrophages
of a mammalian host and cause leishmaniasis, a serious zoonotic disease that threatens the lives of millions
worldwide. Its numerous forms (cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral) are currently treated with a sparse
arsenal of drugs, specifically antimonials, amphotericin B, miltefosine, and paromomycin, for which drug resistance
and clinical failure are rampant. Medicine is presently trending towards nanotechnology to aid in the successful
delivery of drugs. Vehicles such as lipid-based nanocarriers, polymer-based nanoparticles, and metal ions
and oxides have been previously demonstrated to improve bioavailability of drugs and decrease toxicity for the
patient. These cutting-edge solutions can be combined with existing active molecules, as well as novel drugs or
plant extracts with promising antileishmanial activity.
Conclusion:
This review explores the current evidence for the treatment of leishmaniases using nanoscale drug
delivery systems (specifically lipid-, polymer- and metal-based systems) and encourages further development of
the aforementioned nanotechnologies for treatment of Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Wagner
- Departement de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculte de Medecine Veterinaire Universite de Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Aida Minguez-Menendez
- Departement de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculte de Medecine Veterinaire Universite de Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joan Pena
- Departement de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculte de Medecine Veterinaire Universite de Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christopher Fernández-Prada
- Departement de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculte de Medecine Veterinaire Universite de Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
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Carregal VM, Lanza JS, Souza DM, Islam A, Demicheli C, Fujiwara RT, Rivas L, Frézard F. Combination oral therapy against Leishmania amazonensis infection in BALB/c mice using nanoassemblies made from amphiphilic antimony(V) complex incorporating miltefosine. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3077-3084. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06419-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Chemogenomic Profiling of Antileishmanial Efficacy and Resistance in the Related Kinetoplastid Parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.00795-19. [PMID: 31160283 PMCID: PMC6658743 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00795-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The arsenal of drugs used to treat leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania spp., is limited and beset by toxicity and emergent resistance. Furthermore, our understanding of drug mode of action and potential routes to resistance is limited. Forward genetic approaches have revolutionized our understanding of drug mode of action in the related kinetoplastid parasite Trypanosoma brucei. The arsenal of drugs used to treat leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania spp., is limited and beset by toxicity and emergent resistance. Furthermore, our understanding of drug mode of action and potential routes to resistance is limited. Forward genetic approaches have revolutionized our understanding of drug mode of action in the related kinetoplastid parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Therefore, we screened our genome-scale T. brucei RNA interference (RNAi) library against the current antileishmanial drugs sodium stibogluconate (antimonial), paromomycin, miltefosine, and amphotericin B. Identification of T. brucei orthologues of the known Leishmania antimonial and miltefosine plasma membrane transporters effectively validated our approach, while a cohort of 42 novel drug efficacy determinants provides new insights and serves as a resource. Follow-up analyses revealed the antimonial selectivity of the aquaglyceroporin TbAQP3. A lysosomal major facilitator superfamily transporter contributes to paromomycin-aminoglycoside efficacy. The vesicle-associated membrane protein TbVAMP7B and a flippase contribute to amphotericin B and miltefosine action and are potential cross-resistance determinants. Finally, multiple phospholipid-transporting flippases, including the T. brucei orthologue of the Leishmania miltefosine transporter, a putative β-subunit/CDC50 cofactor, and additional membrane-associated hits, affect amphotericin B efficacy, providing new insights into mechanisms of drug uptake and action. The findings from this orthology-based chemogenomic profiling approach substantially advance our understanding of antileishmanial drug action and potential resistance mechanisms and should facilitate the development of improved therapies as well as surveillance for drug-resistant parasites.
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Espada CR, Magalhães RM, Cruz MC, Machado PR, Schriefer A, Carvalho EM, Hornillos V, Alves JM, Cruz AK, Coelho AC, Uliana SRB. Investigation of the pathways related to intrinsic miltefosine tolerance in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis clinical isolates reveals differences in drug uptake. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2019; 11:139-147. [PMID: 30850347 PMCID: PMC6904789 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In Brazil, cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused predominantly by L. (V.) braziliensis. The few therapeutic drugs available exhibit several limitations, mainly related to drug toxicity and reduced efficacy in some regions. Miltefosine (MF), the only oral drug available for leishmaniasis treatment, is not widely available and has not yet been approved for human use in Brazil. Our group previously reported the existence of differential susceptibility among L. (V.) braziliensis clinical isolates. In this work, we further characterized three of these isolates of L. (V.) braziliensis chosen because they exhibited the lowest and the highest MF half maximal inhibitory concentrations and were therefore considered less tolerant or more tolerant, respectively. Uptake of MF, and also of phosphocholine, were found to be significantly different in more tolerant parasites compared to the less sensitive isolate, which raised the hypothesis of differences in the MF transport complex Miltefosine Transporter (MT)-Ros3. Although some polymorphisms in those genes were found, they did not correlate with the drug susceptibility phenotype. Drug efflux and compartmentalization were similar in the isolates tested, and amphotericin B susceptibility was retained in MF tolerant parasites, suggesting that increased fitness was also not the basis of observed differences. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Ros3 mRNA levels were upregulated in the sensitive strain compared to the tolerant ones. Increased mRNA abundance in more tolerant isolates was validated by quantitative PCR. Our results suggest that differential gene expression of the MT transporter complex is the basis of the differential susceptibility in these unselected, naturally occurring parasites. Brazilian L. (V.) braziliensis isolates vary in mitefosine susceptibility. Diminished drug internalization was observed in more tolerant isolates. Drug susceptibility did not correlate with SNPs in MT-Ros3 genes. Drug efflux and compartmentalization were similar in the isolates tested. Increased drug sensitivity is accompanied by Ros3 mRNA upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline R Espada
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rubens M Magalhães
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Mario C Cruz
- Centro de Facilidades para Apoio a Pesquisa, CEFAP-USP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo R Machado
- Serviço de Imunologia, HUPES, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Albert Schriefer
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Edgar M Carvalho
- Serviço de Imunologia, HUPES, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fiocruz-Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Valentín Hornillos
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de Sevilla and Centro de Innovación en Química Avanzada (ORFEO-CINQA), Sevilla, Spain
| | - João M Alves
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angela K Cruz
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Adriano C Coelho
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia R B Uliana
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Pountain AW, Weidt SK, Regnault C, Bates PA, Donachie AM, Dickens NJ, Barrett MP. Genomic instability at the locus of sterol C24-methyltransferase promotes amphotericin B resistance in Leishmania parasites. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007052. [PMID: 30716073 PMCID: PMC6375703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphotericin B is an increasingly important tool in efforts to reduce the global disease burden posed by Leishmania parasites. With few other chemotherapeutic options available for the treatment of leishmaniasis, the potential for emergent resistance to this drug is a considerable threat. Here we characterised four novel amphotericin B-resistant Leishmania mexicana lines. All lines exhibited altered sterol biosynthesis, and hypersensitivity to pentamidine. Whole genome sequencing demonstrated resistance-associated mutation of the sterol biosynthesis gene sterol C5-desaturase in one line. However, in three out of four lines, RNA-seq revealed loss of expression of sterol C24-methyltransferase (SMT) responsible for drug resistance and altered sterol biosynthesis. Additional loss of the miltefosine transporter was associated with one of those lines. SMT is encoded by two tandem gene copies, which we found to have very different expression levels. In all cases, reduced overall expression was associated with loss of the 3' untranslated region of the dominant gene copy, resulting from structural variations at this locus. Local regions of sequence homology, between the gene copies themselves, and also due to the presence of SIDER1 retrotransposon elements that promote multi-gene amplification, correlate to these structural variations. Moreover, in at least one case loss of SMT expression was not associated with loss of virulence in primary macrophages or in vivo. Whilst such repeat sequence-mediated instability is known in Leishmania genomes, its presence associated with resistance to a major antileishmanial drug, with no evidence of associated fitness costs, is a significant concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W. Pountain
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Stefan K. Weidt
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Clément Regnault
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A. Bates
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, United Kingdom
| | - Anne M. Donachie
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J. Dickens
- Marine Biomedical & Biotechnology Research Program, Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Fort Pierce, Florida, United States of America
| | - Michael P. Barrett
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Armitage EG, Alqaisi AQI, Godzien J, Peña I, Mbekeani AJ, Alonso-Herranz V, López-Gonzálvez Á, Martín J, Gabarro R, Denny PW, Barrett MP, Barbas C. Complex Interplay between Sphingolipid and Sterol Metabolism Revealed by Perturbations to the Leishmania Metabolome Caused by Miltefosine. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:e02095-17. [PMID: 29463533 PMCID: PMC5923112 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02095-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With the World Health Organization reporting over 30,000 deaths and 200,000 to 400,000 new cases annually, visceral leishmaniasis is a serious disease affecting some of the world's poorest people. As drug resistance continues to rise, there is a huge unmet need to improve treatment. Miltefosine remains one of the main treatments for leishmaniasis, yet its mode of action (MoA) is still unknown. Understanding the MoA of this drug and parasite response to treatment could help pave the way for new and more successful treatments for leishmaniasis. A novel method has been devised to study the metabolome and lipidome of Leishmania donovani axenic amastigotes treated with miltefosine. Miltefosine caused a dramatic decrease in many membrane phospholipids (PLs), in addition to amino acid pools, while sphingolipids (SLs) and sterols increased. Leishmania major promastigotes devoid of SL biosynthesis through loss of the serine palmitoyl transferase gene (ΔLCB2) were 3-fold less sensitive to miltefosine than wild-type (WT) parasites. Changes in the metabolome and lipidome of miltefosine-treated L. major mirrored those of L. donovani A lack of SLs in the ΔLCB2 mutant was matched by substantial alterations in sterol content. Together, these data indicate that SLs and ergosterol are important for miltefosine sensitivity and, perhaps, MoA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily G Armitage
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad CEU San Pablo, Campus Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
- GSK I+D Diseases of the Developing World (DDW), Parque Tecnológico de Madrid, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences & Glasgow Polyomics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Amjed Q I Alqaisi
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Lower Mountjoy, Durham, United Kingdom
- University of Baghdad, College of Science, Biology Department, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Joanna Godzien
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad CEU San Pablo, Campus Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
| | - Imanol Peña
- GSK I+D Diseases of the Developing World (DDW), Parque Tecnológico de Madrid, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alison J Mbekeani
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Lower Mountjoy, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Vanesa Alonso-Herranz
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad CEU San Pablo, Campus Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángeles López-Gonzálvez
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad CEU San Pablo, Campus Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Martín
- GSK I+D Diseases of the Developing World (DDW), Parque Tecnológico de Madrid, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Gabarro
- GSK I+D Diseases of the Developing World (DDW), Parque Tecnológico de Madrid, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paul W Denny
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Lower Mountjoy, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P Barrett
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences & Glasgow Polyomics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Coral Barbas
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad CEU San Pablo, Campus Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
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40
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Fernandez-Prada C, Sharma M, Plourde M, Bresson E, Roy G, Leprohon P, Ouellette M. High-throughput Cos-Seq screen with intracellular Leishmania infantum for the discovery of novel drug-resistance mechanisms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2018; 8:165-173. [PMID: 29602064 PMCID: PMC6039308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Increasing drug resistance towards first line antimony-derived compounds has forced the introduction of novel therapies in leishmaniasis endemic areas including amphotericin B and miltefosine. However, their use is threatened by the emergence and spread of drug-resistant strains. In order to discover stage-dependent resistance genes, we have adapted the Cos-Seq approach through the introduction of macrophage infections in the pipeline. A L. infantum intracellular amastigote population complemented with a L. infantum cosmid library was submitted to increasing concentrations of miltefosine, amphotericin B and pentavalent antimonials in experimental infections of THP-1 cells. For each step of selection, amastigotes were extracted and cosmids were isolated and submitted to next-generation sequencing, followed by subsequent gene-enrichment analyses. Cos-Seq screen in amastigotes revealed four highly enriched loci for antimony, five for miltefosine and one for amphotericin B. Of these, a total of seven cosmids were recovered and tested for resistance in both promastigotes and amastigotes. Candidate genes within the pinpointed genomic regions were validated using single gene overexpression in wild-type parasites and/or gene disruption by means of a CRISPR-Cas9-based approach. This led to the identification and validation of a stage-independent antimony-resistance gene (LinJ.06.1010) coding for a putative leucine rich repeat protein and a novel amastigote-specific miltefosine-resistance gene (LinJ.32.0050) coding for a member of the SEC13 family of WD-repeat proteins. This study further reinforces the power of Cos-Seq approach to discover novel drug-resistance genes, some of which are life-stages specific. The Cos-Seq led to the discovery of several new genomic regions selected with drugs. This work led to the validation of novel drug-resistance genes in Leishmania. Gene LinJ.06.1010 is involved in antimony resistance in both life stages of the parasite. Gene LinJ.32.0050 is involved in miltefosine resistance in amastigotes. The amastigote screen is labour intensive but complements screens in promastigotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada; Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Mansi Sharma
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie Plourde
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Eva Bresson
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Gaétan Roy
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Philippe Leprohon
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Marc Ouellette
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada.
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Ponte-Sucre A, Gamarro F, Dujardin JC, Barrett MP, López-Vélez R, García-Hernández R, Pountain AW, Mwenechanya R, Papadopoulou B. Drug resistance and treatment failure in leishmaniasis: A 21st century challenge. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006052. [PMID: 29240765 PMCID: PMC5730103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 510] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Reevaluation of treatment guidelines for Old and New World leishmaniasis is urgently needed on a global basis because treatment failure is an increasing problem. Drug resistance is a fundamental determinant of treatment failure, although other factors also contribute to this phenomenon, including the global HIV/AIDS epidemic with its accompanying impact on the immune system. Pentavalent antimonials have been used successfully worldwide for the treatment of leishmaniasis since the first half of the 20th century, but the last 10 to 20 years have witnessed an increase in clinical resistance, e.g., in North Bihar in India. In this review, we discuss the meaning of “resistance” related to leishmaniasis and discuss its molecular epidemiology, particularly for Leishmania donovani that causes visceral leishmaniasis. We also discuss how resistance can affect drug combination therapies. Molecular mechanisms known to contribute to resistance to antimonials, amphotericin B, and miltefosine are also outlined. Chemotherapy is central to the control and management of leishmaniasis. Antimonials remain the primary drugs against different forms of leishmaniasis in several regions. However, resistance to antimony has necessitated the use of alternative medications, especially in the Indian subcontinent (ISC). Compounds, notably the orally available miltefosine (MIL), parenteral paromomycin, and amphotericin B (AmB), are increasingly used to treat leishmaniasis. Although treatment failure (TF) has been observed in patients treated with most anti-leishmanials, its frequency of appearance may be important in patients treated with MIL, which has replaced antimonials within the kala-azar elimination program in the ISC. AmB is highly efficacious, and the associated toxic effects—when administered in its free deoxycholate form—are somewhat ameliorated in its liposomal formulation. Regrettably, laboratory experimentation has demonstrated a risk of resistance towards AmB as well. The rise of drug resistance impacts treatment outcome, and understanding its causes, spread, and impact will help us manage the risks it imposes. Here, we review the problem of TF in leishmaniasis and the contribution of drug resistance to the problem. Molecular mechanisms causing resistance to anti-leishmanials are discussed along with the appropriate use of additional available drugs, as well as the urgent need to consolidate strategies to monitor drug efficacy, epidemiological surveillance, and local policies. Coordination of these activities in national and international programs against leishmaniasis might represent a successful guide to further research and prevention activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Ponte-Sucre
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Luis Razetti School of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
- * E-mail: (BP); (APS)
| | - Francisco Gamarro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Spanish National Research Council (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Jean-Claude Dujardin
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michael P. Barrett
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Rogelio López-Vélez
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel García-Hernández
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Spanish National Research Council (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Andrew W. Pountain
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Roy Mwenechanya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Barbara Papadopoulou
- Research Center in Infectious Diseases, CHU de Quebec Research Center and Department of Microbiology-Infectious Disease and Immunology, University Laval, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail: (BP); (APS)
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Xu W, Mukherjee S, Ning Y, Hsu FF, Zhang K. Cyclopropane fatty acid synthesis affects cell shape and acid resistance in Leishmania mexicana. Int J Parasitol 2017; 48:245-256. [PMID: 29180119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cyclopropane fatty acid synthase (CFAS) catalyzes the transfer of a methylene group from S-adenosyl methionine to an unsaturated fatty acid, generating a cyclopropane fatty acid (CFA). The gene encoding CFAS is present in many bacteria and several Leishmania spp. including Leishmania mexicana, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis. In this study, we characterised the CFAS-null and -overexpression mutants in L. mexicana, the causative agent for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Mexico and central America. Our data indicate that L. mexicana CFAS modifies the fatty acid chain of plasmenylethanolamine (PME), the dominant class of ethanolamine glycerophospholipids in Leishmania, generating CFA-PME. While the endogenous level of CFA-PME is extremely low in wild type L. mexicana, overexpression of CFAS results in a significant increase. CFAS-null mutants (cfas-) exhibit altered cell shape, increased sensitivity to acidic pH, and aberrant growth in serum-free media. In addition, the CFAS protein is preferentially expressed during the proliferative stage of L. mexicana and is required for the cell membrane targeting of lipophosphoglycan. Finally, the maturation and localization of CFAS protein are dependent upon the downstream sequence of the CFAS coding region. Without the downstream sequence, the mis-localised CFAS protein cannot fully rescue the defects of cfas-. Our data suggest that CFA modification of phospholipids can significantly affect the parasite's response to certain adverse conditions. These findings are distinct from the roles of CFAS in L. infantum, highlighting the functional divergence in lipid modification among Leishmania spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Sumit Mukherjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Yu Ning
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Fong-Fu Hsu
- Mass Spectrometry Resource, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Lipid research, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
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Mondelaers A, Hendrickx S, Van Bockstal L, Maes L, Caljon G. Miltefosine-resistant Leishmania infantum strains with an impaired MT/ROS3 transporter complex retain amphotericin B susceptibility. J Antimicrob Chemother 2017; 73:392-394. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkx407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Mondelaers
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Lieselotte Van Bockstal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Combined treatment of miltefosine and paromomycin delays the onset of experimental drug resistance in Leishmania infantum. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005620. [PMID: 28505185 PMCID: PMC5444850 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since miltefosine monotherapy against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania donovani has been discontinued in the Indian subcontinent due to an increase in the number of treatment failures, single dose liposomal amphotericin B is now advocated as a treatment option of choice. Paromomycin-miltefosine combination therapy can be used as substitute first-line treatment in regions without cold-chain potential. Previous laboratory studies in the closely related species Leishmania infantum have demonstrated that paromomycin monotherapy fairly rapidly selects for resistance producing a phenotype with increased fitness. Given the possible clinical implications of these findings for the current field situation, the present study aimed to identify the potential hazards of paromomycin-miltefosine combination therapy. Principal findings Drug interaction studies using the fixed-ratio isobologram method revealed an indifferent interaction between paromomycin and miltefosine. In hamsters infected with L. infantum, the combination resulted in cumulative efficacy in reducing parasite burdens in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Selected resistant lines against the single drugs did not display cross-resistance. When the intracellular amastigote stage was repeatedly exposed to the paromomycin-miltefosine combination, either in vitro or in vivo, no significant susceptibility decrease towards either drug was noted. Conclusions These results suggest that implementation of paromomycin-miltefosine combination therapy indeed could represent a safe and affordable treatment option for L. donovani VL as miltefosine appears to overrule the anticipated rapid development of PMM resistance. Liposomal amphotericin B is presently being used as first-line treatment option against visceral leishmaniasis in the Indian subcontinent. However, the need for temperature-controlled transport and storage limits its widespread use in rural areas. Previous studies already suggested that paromomycin-miltefosine combination therapy could be a valuable alternative, side passing some of the disadvantages associated with monotherapy, such as development of drug resistance. As the first reports of miltefosine resistant clinical isolates have already surfaced and paromomycin resistance could be easily induced under laboratory conditions, it remains essential to assess the risk of developing resistance against both drugs upon combination therapy. This study evaluated the efficacy of combined therapy against a Leishmania species closely related to the agent found in the Indian subcontinent, using both in vitro and in vivo models with the aim to select multidrug-resistant species by simultaneous exposure to paromomycin and miltefosine. The combination of both drugs in the hamster model resulted in a cumulative efficacy but did not lead to a significant susceptibility decrease, indicating that paromomycin-miltefosine combination therapy may represent a safe and affordable treatment option for visceral leishmaniasis.
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