1
|
Ungogo MA, de Koning HP. Drug resistance in animal trypanosomiases: Epidemiology, mechanisms and control strategies. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 25:100533. [PMID: 38555795 PMCID: PMC10990905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Animal trypanosomiasis (AT) is a complex of veterinary diseases known under various names such as nagana, surra, dourine and mal de caderas, depending on the country, the infecting trypanosome species and the host. AT is caused by parasites of the genus Trypanosoma, and the main species infecting domesticated animals are T. brucei brucei, T. b. rhodesiense, T. congolense, T. simiae, T. vivax, T. evansi and T. equiperdum. AT transmission, again depending on species, is through tsetse flies or common Stomoxys and tabanid flies or through copulation. Therefore, the geographical spread of all forms of AT together is not restricted to the habitat of a single vector like the tsetse fly and currently includes almost all of Africa, and most of South America and Asia. The disease is a threat to millions of companion and farm animals in these regions, creating a financial burden in the billions of dollars to developing economies as well as serious impacts on livestock rearing and food production. Despite the scale of these impacts, control of AT is neglected and under-resourced, with diagnosis and treatments being woefully inadequate and not improving for decades. As a result, neither the incidence of the disease, nor the effectiveness of treatment is documented in most endemic countries, although it is clear that there are serious issues of resistance to the few old drugs that are available. In this review we particularly look at the drugs, their application to the various forms of AT, and their mechanisms of action and resistance. We also discuss the spread of veterinary trypanocide resistance and its drivers, and highlight current and future strategies to combat it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marzuq A Ungogo
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Harry P de Koning
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sadr S, Ahmadi Simab P, Niazi M, Yousefsani Z, Lotfalizadeh N, Hajjafari A, Borji H. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cell therapy on parasitic drug resistance. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2024; 22:435-451. [PMID: 38804866 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2024.2360684] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The emergence of antiparasitic drug resistance poses a concerning threat to animals and humans. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have been widely used to treat infections in humans, pets, and livestock. Although this is an emerging field of study, the current review outlines possible mechanisms and examines potential synergism in combination therapies and the possible harmful effects of such an approach. AREAS COVERED The present study delved into the latest pre-clinical research on utilizing MSCs to treat parasitic infections. As per investigations, the introduction of MSCs to patients grappling with parasitic diseases like schistosomiasis, malaria, cystic echinococcosis, toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis has shown a reduction in parasite prevalence. This intervention also alters the levels of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the combined administration of MSCs and antiparasitic drugs has demonstrated enhanced efficacy in combating parasites and modulating the immune response. EXPERT OPINION Mesenchymal stem cells are a potential solution for addressing parasitic drug resistance. This is mainly because of their remarkable immunomodulatory abilities, which can potentially help combat parasites' resistance to drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soheil Sadr
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Pouria Ahmadi Simab
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mahta Niazi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Yousefsani
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Narges Lotfalizadeh
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ashkan Hajjafari
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Borji
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Faria JRC, Tinti M, Marques CA, Zoltner M, Yoshikawa H, Field MC, Horn D. An allele-selective inter-chromosomal protein bridge supports monogenic antigen expression in the African trypanosome. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8200. [PMID: 38081826 PMCID: PMC10713589 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44043-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
UPF1-like helicases play roles in telomeric heterochromatin formation and X-chromosome inactivation, and also in monogenic variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) expression via VSG exclusion-factor-2 (VEX2), a UPF1-related protein in the African trypanosome. We show that VEX2 associates with chromatin specifically at the single active VSG expression site on chromosome 6, forming an allele-selective connection, via VEX1, to the trans-splicing locus on chromosome 9, physically bridging two chromosomes and the VSG transcription and splicing compartments. We further show that the VEX-complex is multimeric and self-regulates turnover to tightly control its abundance. Using single cell transcriptomics following VEX2-depletion, we observed simultaneous derepression of many other telomeric VSGs and multi-allelic VSG expression in individual cells. Thus, an allele-selective, inter-chromosomal, and self-limiting VEX1-2 bridge supports monogenic VSG expression and multi-allelic VSG exclusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana R C Faria
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
- Biology Department, University of York, York, UK.
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK.
| | - Michele Tinti
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Catarina A Marques
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Martin Zoltner
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Biocev, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Harunori Yoshikawa
- Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Division of Cell Signaling, Fujii Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Mark C Field
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - David Horn
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tuszewska H, Szczepański J, Mandziuk S, Trotsko N. Thiazolidin-4-one-based derivatives - Efficient tools for designing antiprotozoal agents. A review of the last decade. Bioorg Chem 2023; 133:106398. [PMID: 36739686 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106398] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Thiazolidin-4-one derivatives have a wide range of therapeutic implementations and clinical significance for medicinal chemistry. This heterocyclic ring has been reported to possess a variety of biological activities, including antiprotozoal activities that have inspired scientists to integrate this scaffold with different pharmacophoric fragments to design novel and effective antiprotozoal compounds. There are reviews describing thiazolidin-4-ones small molecules as good candidates with a single type of antiprotozoal activity, but none of these show collected news associated with the antiprotozoal activity of thiazolidin-4-ones and their SAR analysis from the last decade. In this review we are focusing on the antitoxoplasmic, anti-trypanosomal, antimalarial, antileishmanial, and antiamoebic activity of these derivatives, we attempt to summarize and analyze the recent developments with regard to the antiprotozoal potential of 4-TZD covering the structure-activity relationship and main molecular targets. The importance of various structural modifications at C2, N3, and C5 of the thiazolidine-4-one core has also been discussed in this review. We hope that all information concluded in this review can be useful for other researchers in constructing new effective antiprotozoal agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Tuszewska
- Chair and Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4a, Chodzki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Szczepański
- Chair and Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4a, Chodzki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Sławomir Mandziuk
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy, Medical University of Lublin, 8, Jaczewski Str., 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Nazar Trotsko
- Chair and Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4a, Chodzki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Burge RJ, Mottram JC, Wilkinson AJ. Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like conjugation systems in trypanosomatids. Curr Opin Microbiol 2022; 70:102202. [PMID: 36099676 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2022.102202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, reversible attachment of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like modifiers (Ubls) to specific target proteins is conducted by multicomponent systems whose collective actions control protein fate and cell behaviour in precise but complex ways. In trypanosomatids, attachment of ubiquitin and Ubls to target proteins regulates the cell cycle, endocytosis, protein sorting and degradation, autophagy and various aspects of infection and stress responses. The extent of these systems in trypanosomatids has been surveyed in recent reports, while in Leishmania mexicana, essential roles have been defined for many ubiquitin-system genes in deletion mutagenesis and life-cycle phenotyping campaigns. The first steps to elucidate the pathways of ubiquitin transfer among the ubiquitination components and to define the acceptor substrates and the downstream deubiquitinases are now being taken.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Burge
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK
| | - Jeremy C Mottram
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK.
| | - Anthony J Wilkinson
- York Biomedical Research Institute & York Structural Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Teng GC, Boo MV, Lam SH, Pang CZ, Chew SF, Ip YK. Molecular characterization and light-dependent expression of glycerol facilitator (GlpF) in coccoid Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates of the giant clam Tridacna squamosa. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
7
|
Kasozi KI, MacLeod ET, Ntulume I, Welburn SC. An Update on African Trypanocide Pharmaceutics and Resistance. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:828111. [PMID: 35356785 PMCID: PMC8959112 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.828111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
African trypanosomiasis is associated with Trypanosoma evansi, T. vivax, T. congolense, and T. brucei pathogens in African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) while T. b gambiense and T. b rhodesiense are responsible for chronic and acute human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), respectively. Suramin sodium suppresses ATP generation during the glycolytic pathway and is ineffective against T. vivax and T. congolense infections. Resistance to suramin is associated with pathogen altered transport proteins. Melarsoprol binds irreversibly with pyruvate kinase protein sulfhydryl groups and neutralizes enzymes which interrupts the trypanosome ATP generation. Melarsoprol resistance is associated with the adenine-adenosine transporter, P2, due to point mutations within this transporter. Eflornithine is used in combination with nifurtimox. Resistance to eflornithine is caused by the deletion or mutation of TbAAT6 gene which encodes the transmembrane amino acid transporter that delivers eflornithine into the cell, thus loss of transporter protein results in eflornithine resistance. Nifurtimox alone is regarded as a poor trypanocide, however, it is effective in melarsoprol-resistant gHAT patients. Resistance is associated with loss of a single copy of the genes encoding for nitroreductase enzymes. Fexinidazole is recommended for first-stage and non-severe second-stage illnesses in gHAT and resistance is associated with trypanosome bacterial nitroreductases which reduce fexinidazole. In AAT, quinapyramine sulfate interferes with DNA synthesis and suppression of cytoplasmic ribosomal activity in the mitochondria. Quinapyramine sulfate resistance is due to variations in the potential of the parasite's mitochondrial membrane. Pentamidines create cross-links between two adenines at 4–5 pairs apart in adenine-thymine-rich portions of Trypanosoma DNA. It also suppresses type II topoisomerase in the mitochondria of Trypanosoma parasites. Pentamidine resistance is due to loss of mitochondria transport proteins P2 and HAPT1. Diamidines are most effective against Trypanosome brucei group and act via the P2/TbAT1 transporters. Diminazene aceturate resistance is due to mutations that alter the activity of P2, TeDR40 (T. b. evansi). Isometamidium chloride is primarily employed in the early stages of trypanosomiasis and resistance is associated with diminazene resistance. Phenanthridine (homidium bromide, also known as ethidium bromide) acts by a breakdown of the kinetoplast network and homidium resistance is comparable to isometamidium. In humans, the development of resistance and adverse side effects against monotherapies has led to the adoption of nifurtimox-eflornithine combination therapy. Current efforts to develop new prodrug combinations of nifurtimox and eflornithine and nitroimidazole fexinidazole as well as benzoxaborole SCYX-7158 (AN5568) for HAT are in progress while little comparable progress has been done for the development of novel therapies to address trypanocide resistance in AAT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keneth Iceland Kasozi
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda
- *Correspondence: Keneth Iceland Kasozi ;
| | - Ewan Thomas MacLeod
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim Ntulume
- School of Biosecurity Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan Christina Welburn
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Joint Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Susan Christina Welburn
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Barbosa da Silva E, Rocha DA, Fortes IS, Yang W, Monti L, Siqueira-Neto JL, Caffrey CR, McKerrow J, Andrade SF, Ferreira RS. Structure-Based Optimization of Quinazolines as Cruzain and TbrCATL Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13054-13071. [PMID: 34461718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The cysteine proteases, cruzain and TbrCATL (rhodesain), are therapeutic targets for Chagas disease and Human African Trypanosomiasis, respectively. Among the known inhibitors for these proteases, we have described N4-benzyl-N2-phenylquinazoline-2,4-diamine (compound 7 in the original publication, 1a in this study), as a competitive cruzain inhibitor (Ki = 1.4 μM). Here, we describe the synthesis and biological evaluation of 22 analogs of 1a, containing modifications in the quinazoline core, and in the substituents in positions 2 and 4 of this ring. The analogs demonstrate low micromolar inhibition of the target proteases and cidal activity against Trypanosoma cruzi with up to two log selectivity indices in counterscreens with myoblasts. Fourteen compounds were active against Trypanosoma brucei at low to mid micromolar concentrations. During the optimization of 1a, structure-based design and prediction of physicochemical properties were employed to maintain potency against the enzymes while removing colloidal aggregator characteristics observed for some molecules in this series.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elany Barbosa da Silva
- Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil.,Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0657, United States
| | - Débora A Rocha
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis Group (PHARSG), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90040-060, Brazil.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Isadora S Fortes
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis Group (PHARSG), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90040-060, Brazil.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Wenqian Yang
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0657, United States
| | - Ludovica Monti
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0657, United States
| | - Jair L Siqueira-Neto
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0657, United States
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0657, United States
| | - James McKerrow
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0657, United States
| | - Saulo F Andrade
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis Group (PHARSG), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90040-060, Brazil.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90040-060, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Rafaela S Ferreira
- Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Quintana JF, Field MC. Evolution, function and roles in drug sensitivity of trypanosome aquaglyceroporins. Parasitology 2021; 148:1137-1142. [PMID: 33602349 PMCID: PMC8311954 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aquaglyceroporins (AQPs) are membrane proteins that function in osmoregulation and the uptake of low molecular weight solutes, in particular glycerol and urea. The AQP family is highly conserved, with two major subfamilies having arisen very early in prokaryote evolution and retained by eukaryotes. A complex evolutionary history indicates multiple lineage-specific expansions, losses and not uncommonly a complete loss. Consequently, the AQP family is highly evolvable and has been associated with significant events in life on Earth. In the African trypanosomes, a role for the AQP2 paralogue, in sensitivity to two chemotherapeutic agents, pentamidine and melarsoprol, is well established, albeit with the mechanisms for cell entry and resistance unclear until very recently. Here, we discuss AQP evolution, structure and mechanisms by which AQPs impact drug sensitivity, suggesting that AQP2 stability is highly sensitive to mutation while serving as the major uptake pathway for pentamidine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan F. Quintana
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology (WCIP), Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), University of Glasgow, GlasgowG61 1QH, UK
| | - Mark C. Field
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DundeeDD1 5EH, UK
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
AQPX-cluster aquaporins and aquaglyceroporins are asymmetrically distributed in trypanosomes. Commun Biol 2021; 4:953. [PMID: 34376792 PMCID: PMC8355241 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02472-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Major Intrinsic Proteins (MIPs) are membrane channels that permeate water and other small solutes. Some trypanosomatid MIPs mediate the uptake of antiparasitic compounds, placing them as potential drug targets. However, a thorough study of the diversity of these channels is still missing. Here we place trypanosomatid channels in the sequence-function space of the large MIP superfamily through a sequence similarity network. This analysis exposes that trypanosomatid aquaporins integrate a distant cluster from the currently defined MIP families, here named aquaporin X (AQPX). Our phylogenetic analyses reveal that trypanosomatid MIPs distribute exclusively between aquaglyceroporin (GLP) and AQPX, being the AQPX family expanded in the Metakinetoplastina common ancestor before the origin of the parasitic order Trypanosomatida. Synteny analysis shows how African trypanosomes specifically lost AQPXs, whereas American trypanosomes specifically lost GLPs. AQPXs diverge from already described MIPs on crucial residues. Together, our results expose the diversity of trypanosomatid MIPs and will aid further functional, structural, and physiological research needed to face the potentiality of the AQPXs as gateways for trypanocidal drugs.
Collapse
|
11
|
Alghamdi AH, Munday JC, Campagnaro GD, Gurvic D, Svensson F, Okpara CE, Kumar A, Quintana J, Martin Abril ME, Milić P, Watson L, Paape D, Settimo L, Dimitriou A, Wielinska J, Smart G, Anderson LF, Woodley CM, Kelly SPY, Ibrahim HM, Hulpia F, Al-Salabi MI, Eze AA, Sprenger T, Teka IA, Gudin S, Weyand S, Field M, Dardonville C, Tidwell RR, Carrington M, O'Neill P, Boykin DW, Zachariae U, De Koning HP. Positively selected modifications in the pore of TbAQP2 allow pentamidine to enter Trypanosoma brucei. eLife 2020; 9:56416. [PMID: 32762841 PMCID: PMC7473772 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Trypanosoma brucei aquaporin AQP2 are associated with resistance to pentamidine and melarsoprol. We show that TbAQP2 but not TbAQP3 was positively selected for increased pore size from a common ancestor aquaporin. We demonstrate that TbAQP2’s unique architecture permits pentamidine permeation through its central pore and show how specific mutations in highly conserved motifs affect drug permeation. Introduction of key TbAQP2 amino acids into TbAQP3 renders the latter permeable to pentamidine. Molecular dynamics demonstrates that permeation by dicationic pentamidine is energetically favourable in TbAQP2, driven by the membrane potential, although aquaporins are normally strictly impermeable for ionic species. We also identify the structural determinants that make pentamidine a permeant although most other diamidine drugs are excluded. Our results have wide-ranging implications for optimising antitrypanosomal drugs and averting cross-resistance. Moreover, these new insights in aquaporin permeation may allow the pharmacological exploitation of other members of this ubiquitous gene family. African sleeping sickness is a potentially deadly illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. The disease is treatable, but many of the current treatments are old and are becoming increasingly ineffective. For instance, resistance is growing against pentamidine, a drug used in the early stages in the disease, as well as against melarsoprol, which is deployed when the infection has progressed to the brain. Usually, cases resistant to pentamidine are also resistant to melarsoprol, but it is still unclear why, as the drugs are chemically unrelated. Studies have shown that changes in a water channel called aquaglyceroporin 2 (TbAQP2) contribute to drug resistance in African sleeping sickness; this suggests that it plays a role in allowing drugs to kill the parasite. This molecular ‘drain pipe’ extends through the surface of T. brucei, and should allow only water and a molecule called glycerol in and out of the cell. In particular, the channel should be too narrow to allow pentamidine or melarsoprol to pass through. One possibility is that, in T. brucei, the TbAQP2 channel is abnormally wide compared to other members of its family. Alternatively, pentamidine and melarsoprol may only bind to TbAQP2, and then ‘hitch a ride’ when the protein is taken into the parasite as part of the natural cycle of surface protein replacement. Alghamdi et al. aimed to tease out these hypotheses. Computer models of the structure of the protein were paired with engineered changes in the key areas of the channel to show that, in T. brucei, TbAQP2 provides a much broader gateway into the cell than observed for similar proteins. In addition, genetic analysis showed that this version of TbAQP2 has been actively selected for during the evolution process of T. brucei. This suggests that the parasite somehow benefits from this wider aquaglyceroporin variant. This is a new resistance mechanism, and it is possible that aquaglyceroporins are also larger than expected in other infectious microbes. The work by Alghamdi et al. therefore provides insight into how other germs may become resistant to drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali H Alghamdi
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jane C Munday
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dominik Gurvic
- Computational Biology Centre for Translational and Interdisciplinary Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Fredrik Svensson
- IOTA Pharmaceuticals Ltd, St Johns Innovation Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Chinyere E Okpara
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Chemistry Department, Georgia State University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Juan Quintana
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | | | - Patrik Milić
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Watson
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Paape
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Settimo
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Dimitriou
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Wielinska
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme Smart
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Laura F Anderson
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Siu Pui Ying Kelly
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Hasan Ms Ibrahim
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Fabian Hulpia
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mohammed I Al-Salabi
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anthonius A Eze
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Sprenger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim A Teka
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Gudin
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Simone Weyand
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Field
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Richard R Tidwell
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Mark Carrington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul O'Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - David W Boykin
- Chemistry Department, Georgia State University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Ulrich Zachariae
- Computational Biology Centre for Translational and Interdisciplinary Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Harry P De Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|