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Tewes N, Kubitzki B, Bytyqi F, Metko N, Mach S, Thiel G, Rauh O. Mutation in pore-helix modulates interplay between filter gate and Ba2+ block in a Kcv channel pore. J Gen Physiol 2024; 156:e202313514. [PMID: 38652099 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202313514] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The selectivity filter of K+ channels catalyzes a rapid and highly selective transport of K+ while serving as a gate. To understand the control of this filter gate, we use the pore-only K+ channel KcvNTS in which gating is exclusively determined by the activity of the filter gate. It has been previously shown that a mutation at the C-terminus of the pore-helix (S42T) increases K+ permeability and introduces distinct voltage-dependent and K+-sensitive channel closures at depolarizing voltages. Here, we report that the latter are not generated by intrinsic conformational changes of the filter gate but by a voltage-dependent block caused by nanomolar trace contaminations of Ba2+ in the KCl solution. Channel closures can be alleviated by extreme positive voltages and they can be completely abolished by the high-affinity Ba2+ chelator 18C6TA. By contrast, the same channel closures can be augmented by adding Ba2+ at submicromolar concentrations to the cytosolic buffer. These data suggest that a conservative exchange of Ser for Thr in a crucial position of the filter gate increases the affinity of the filter for Ba2+ by >200-fold at positive voltages. While Ba2+ ions apparently remain only for a short time in the filter-binding sites of the WT channel before passing the pore, they remain much longer in the mutant channel. Our findings suggest that the dwell times of permeating and blocking ions in the filter-binding sites are tightly controlled by interactions between the pore-helix and the selectivity filter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel Tewes
- Membrane Biophysics, Technische Universität Darmstadt , Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Beatrice Kubitzki
- Membrane Biophysics, Technische Universität Darmstadt , Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Flandrit Bytyqi
- Membrane Biophysics, Technische Universität Darmstadt , Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Nikola Metko
- Membrane Biophysics, Technische Universität Darmstadt , Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sebastian Mach
- Membrane Biophysics, Technische Universität Darmstadt , Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Gerhard Thiel
- Membrane Biophysics, Technische Universität Darmstadt , Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt , Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Oliver Rauh
- Membrane Biophysics, Technische Universität Darmstadt , Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt , Darmstadt, Germany
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Paul A, Chumbale SS, Lakra A, Kumar V, Alhat DS, Singh S. Insights into Leishmania donovani potassium channel family and their biological functions. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:266. [PMID: 37425093 PMCID: PMC10326225 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03692-y] [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: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania donovani is the causative organism for visceral leishmaniasis. Although this parasite was discovered over a century ago, nothing is known about role of potassium channels in L. donovani. Potassium channels are known for their crucial roles in cellular functions in other organisms. Recently the presence of a calcium-activated potassium channel in L. donovani was reported which prompted us to look for other proteins which could be potassium channels and to investigate their possible physiological roles. Twenty sequences were identified in L. donovani genome and subjected to estimation of physio-chemical properties, motif analysis, localization prediction and transmembrane domain analysis. Structural predictions were also done. The channels were majorly α-helical and predominantly localized in cell membrane and lysosomes. The signature selectivity filter of potassium channel was present in all the sequences. In addition to the conventional potassium channel activity, they were associated with gene ontology terms for mitotic cell cycle, cell death, modulation by virus of host process, cell motility etc. The entire study indicates the presence of potassium channel families in L. donovani which may have involvement in several cellular pathways. Further investigations on these putative potassium channels are needed to elucidate their roles in Leishmania. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03692-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Shubham Sunil Chumbale
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Anjana Lakra
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Dhanashri Sudam Alhat
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Sushma Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
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Down the membrane hole: Ion channels in protozoan parasites. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1011004. [PMID: 36580479 PMCID: PMC9799330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases caused by protozoans are highly prevalent around the world, disproportionally affecting developing countries, where coinfection with other microorganisms is common. Control and treatment of parasitic infections are constrained by the lack of specific and effective drugs, plus the rapid emergence of resistance. Ion channels are main drug targets for numerous diseases, but their potential against protozoan parasites is still untapped. Ion channels are membrane proteins expressed in all types of cells, allowing for the flow of ions between compartments, and regulating cellular functions such as membrane potential, excitability, volume, signaling, and death. Channels and transporters reside at the interface between parasites and their hosts, controlling nutrient uptake, viability, replication, and infectivity. To understand how ion channels control protozoan parasites fate and to evaluate their suitability for therapeutics, we must deepen our knowledge of their structure, function, and modulation. However, methodological approaches commonly used in mammalian cells have proven difficult to apply in protozoans. This review focuses on ion channels described in protozoan parasites of clinical relevance, mainly apicomplexans and trypanosomatids, highlighting proteins for which molecular and functional evidence has been correlated with their physiological functions.
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Piermarini PM, Denton JS, Swale DR. The Molecular Physiology and Toxicology of Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels in Insects. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 67:125-142. [PMID: 34606365 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-062121-063338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channels have been studied extensively in mammals, where they play critical roles in health and disease. In insects, Kir channels have recently been found to be key regulators of diverse physiological processes in several tissues. The importance of Kir channels in insects has positioned them to serve as emerging targets for the development of insecticides with novel modes of action. In this article, we provide the first comprehensive review of insect Kir channels, highlighting the rapid progress made in understanding their molecular biology, physiological roles, pharmacology, and toxicology. In addition, we highlight key gaps in our knowledge and suggest directions for future research to advance our understanding of Kir channels and their roles in insect physiology. Further knowledge of their functional roles will also facilitate their exploitation as targets for controlling arthropod pests and vectors of economic, medical, and/or veterinary relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Piermarini
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio 44691, USA;
| | - Jerod S Denton
- Departments of Anesthesiology & Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, USA;
| | - Daniel R Swale
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA;
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5
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Paul A, Singh S. Identification of a novel calcium activated potassium channel from Leishmania donovani and in silico predictions of its antigenic features. Acta Trop 2021; 220:105922. [PMID: 33878308 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Visceral Leishmaniasis is a major neglected tropical disease with increasing incidences of drug resistance. This has led to the search for a suitable drug target for chemotherapeutic intervention. Potassium channels are a family of membrane proteins which play a vital role in homeostasis and any perturbation in them alters cell survival which makes them an attractive target. To characterize a calcium-activated potassium channel from Leishmania donovani (LdKCa), a putative ion-channel like protein which showed sequence similarity with other Trypanosoma cruzi putative potassium channels was selected. It was cloned and expressed with a histidine tag. MALDI confirmed that it is a potassium channel. Homology model of LdKCa was generated by I-TASSER. It is a transmembrane protein localized in the plasma membrane as predicted by DeepLoc tool. In silico analyses of the protein showed that it is a small conductance calcium activated potassium channel. Point mutation in conserved signature domain 'TXGYGD' affects the protein function as predicted by heat map analysis. The LdKCa model predicted amino acids S207, T208 and M236 as ligand-binding sites. The sequence HSLRGRSARVIQLAWRLRKARKVGPHAPSLKQKVYTLVLSWLLT was the highest scoring B-cell epitope. The highest scoring T-cell epitope was RLYSVIVYL. This study may provide new insights into antigenicity features of leishmanial calcium-activated potassium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Sushma Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062, Punjab, India.
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Vella SA, Moore CA, Li ZH, Hortua Triana MA, Potapenko E, Moreno SNJ. The role of potassium and host calcium signaling in Toxoplasma gondii egress. Cell Calcium 2021; 94:102337. [PMID: 33524795 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2020.102337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite and replicates inside a parasitophorous vacuole (PV) within the host cell. The membrane of the PV (PVM) contains pores that permits for equilibration of ions and small molecules between the host cytosol and the PV lumen. Ca2+ signaling is universal and both T. gondii and its mammalian host cell utilize Ca2+ signals to stimulate diverse cellular functions. Egress of T. gondii from host cells is an essential step for the infection cycle of T. gondii, and a cytosolic Ca2+ increase initiates a Ca2+ signaling cascade that culminates in the stimulation of motility and egress. In this work we demonstrate that intracellular T. gondii tachyzoites are able to take up Ca2+ from the host cytoplasm during host cell signaling events. Both intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ sources are important in reaching a threshold of parasite cytosolic Ca2+ needed for successful egress. Two peaks of Ca2+ were observed in egressing single parasites with the second peak resulting from Ca2+ entry. We patched infected host cells to allow the delivery of precise concentrations of Ca2+ for the stimulation of motility and egress. Using this approach of patching infected host cells, allowed us to determine that increasing the host cytosolic Ca2+ to a specific concentration can trigger egress, which is further accelerated by diminishing the concentration of potassium (K+).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Vella
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, United States; Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, United States
| | - Christina A Moore
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, United States; Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, United States
| | - Zhu-Hong Li
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, United States
| | | | - Evgeniy Potapenko
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, United States
| | - Silvia N J Moreno
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, United States; Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, United States.
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Molbaek K, Tejada M, Ricke CH, Scharff-Poulsen P, Ellekvist P, Helix-Nielsen C, Kumar N, Klaerke DA, Pedersen PA. Purification and initial characterization of Plasmodium falciparum K + channels, PfKch1 and PfKch2 produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Microb Cell Fact 2020; 19:183. [PMID: 32957994 PMCID: PMC7507820 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-020-01437-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance towards known antimalarial drugs poses a significant problem, urging for novel drugs that target vital proteins in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. However, recombinant production of malaria proteins is notoriously difficult. To address this, we have investigated two putative K+ channels, PfKch1 and PfKch2, identified in the P. falciparum genome. We show that PfKch1 and PfKch2 and a C-terminally truncated version of PfKch1 (PfKch11−1094) could indeed be functionally expressed in vivo, since a K+-uptake deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain was complemented by the P. falciparum cDNAs. PfKch11−1094-GFP and GFP-PfKch2 fusion proteins were overexpressed in yeast, purified and reconstituted in lipid bilayers to determine their electrophysiological activity. Single channel conductance amounted to 16 ± 1 pS for PfKch11−1094-GFP and 28 ± 2 pS for GFP-PfKch2. We predicted regulator of K+-conductance (RCK) domains in the C-terminals of both channels, and we accordingly measured channel activity in the presence of Ca2+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Molbaek
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, 1870, Denmark.,Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Maria Tejada
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, 1870, Denmark
| | - Christina Hoeier Ricke
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, 1870, Denmark
| | - Peter Scharff-Poulsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, 1870, Denmark
| | - Peter Ellekvist
- Medical Department, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, 2730, Denmark
| | - Claus Helix-Nielsen
- Aquaporin A/S, Kgs Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.,Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.,University of Maribor, Laboratory for Water Biophysics and Membrane Technology, Maribor, 2000, Slovenia
| | - Nirbhay Kumar
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington DC, 20052-0066, USA
| | - Dan A Klaerke
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, 1870, Denmark.
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8
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Barrera P, Skorka C, Boktor M, Dave N, Jimenez V. A Novel Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel Controls Membrane Potential and Intracellular pH in Trypanosoma cruzi. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 9:464. [PMID: 32010643 PMCID: PMC6974456 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi develops in environments where nutrient availability, osmolarity, ionic concentrations, and pH undergo significant changes. The ability to adapt and respond to such conditions determines the survival and successful transmission of T. cruzi. Ion channels play fundamental roles in controlling physiological parameters that ensure cell homeostasis by rapidly triggering compensatory mechanisms. Combining molecular, cellular and electrophysiological approaches we have identified and characterized the expression and function of a novel calcium-activated potassium channel (TcCAKC). This channel resides in the plasma membrane of all 3 life stages of T. cruzi and shares structural features with other potassium channels. We expressed TcCAKC in Xenopus laevis oocytes and established its biophysical properties by two-electrode voltage clamp. Oocytes expressing TcCAKC showed a significant increase in inward currents after addition of calcium ionophore ionomycin or thapsigargin. These responses were abolished by EGTA suggesting that TcCAKC activation is dependent of extracellular calcium. This activation causes an increase in current and a negative shift in reversal potential that is blocked by barium. As predicted, a single point mutation in the selectivity filter (Y313A) completely abolished the activity of the channels, confirming its potassium selective nature. We have generated knockout parasites deleting one or both alleles of TcCAKC. These parasite strains showed impaired growth, decreased production of trypomastigotes and slower intracellular replication, pointing to an important role of TcCAKC in regulating infectivity. To understand the cellular mechanisms underlying these phenotypic defects, we used fluorescent probes to evaluate intracellular membrane potential, pH, and intracellular calcium. Epimastigotes lacking the channel had significantly lower cytosolic calcium, hyperpolarization, changes in intracellular pH, and increased rate of proton extrusion. These results are in agreement with previous reports indicating that, in trypanosomatids, membrane potential and intracellular pH maintenance are linked. Our work shows TcCAKC is a novel potassium channel that contributes to homeostatic regulation of important physiological processes in T. cruzi and provides new avenues to explore the potential of ion channels as targets for drug development against protozoan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Barrera
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, United States
| | - Christopher Skorka
- Departmento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Michael Boktor
- Departmento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Noopur Dave
- Departmento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Veronica Jimenez
- Departmento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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9
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Palomo-Ligas L, Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez F, Ochoa-Maganda VY, Cortés-Zárate R, Charles-Niño CL, Castillo-Romero A. Identification of a novel potassium channel (GiK) as a potential drug target in Giardia lamblia: Computational descriptions of binding sites. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6430. [PMID: 30834181 PMCID: PMC6397635 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The protozoan Giardia lamblia is the causal agent of giardiasis, one of the main diarrheal infections worldwide. Drug resistance to common antigiardial agents and incidence of treatment failures have increased in recent years. Therefore, the search for new molecular targets for drugs against Giardia infection is essential. In protozoa, ionic channels have roles in their life cycle, growth, and stress response. Thus, they are promising targets for drug design. The strategy of ligand-protein docking has demonstrated a great potential in the discovery of new targets and structure-based drug design studies. Methods In this work, we identify and characterize a new potassium channel, GiK, in the genome of Giardia lamblia. Characterization was performed in silico. Because its crystallographic structure remains unresolved, homology modeling was used to construct the three-dimensional model for the pore domain of GiK. The docking virtual screening approach was employed to determine whether GiK is a good target for potassium channel blockers. Results The GiK sequence showed 24–50% identity and 50–90% positivity with 21 different types of potassium channels. The quality assessment and validation parameters indicated the reliability of the modeled structure of GiK. We identified 110 potassium channel blockers exhibiting high affinity toward GiK. A total of 39 of these drugs bind in three specific regions. Discussion The GiK pore signature sequence is related to the small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SKCa). The predicted binding of 110 potassium blockers to GiK makes this protein an attractive target for biological testing to evaluate its role in the life cycle of Giardia lamblia and potential candidate for the design of novel antigiardial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lissethe Palomo-Ligas
- Departamento de Fisiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Filiberto Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Química, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas e Ingenierías, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Verónica Yadira Ochoa-Maganda
- Departamento de Fisiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Rafael Cortés-Zárate
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Claudia Lisette Charles-Niño
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Araceli Castillo-Romero
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
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10
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Veale CGL. Unpacking the Pathogen Box-An Open Source Tool for Fighting Neglected Tropical Disease. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:386-453. [PMID: 30614200 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Pathogen Box is a 400-strong collection of drug-like compounds, selected for their potential against several of the world's most important neglected tropical diseases, including trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, filariasis, schistosomiasis, dengue virus and trichuriasis, in addition to malaria and tuberculosis. This library represents an ensemble of numerous successful drug discovery programmes from around the globe, aimed at providing a powerful resource to stimulate open source drug discovery for diseases threatening the most vulnerable communities in the world. This review seeks to provide an in-depth analysis of the literature pertaining to the compounds in the Pathogen Box, including structure-activity relationship highlights, mechanisms of action, related compounds with reported activity against different diseases, and, where appropriate, discussion on the known and putative targets of compounds, thereby providing context and increasing the accessibility of the Pathogen Box to the drug discovery community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton G L Veale
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Pietermaritzburg Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa
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11
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Bioinformatics Analysis and Functional Prediction of Transmembrane Proteins in Entamoeba histolytica. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9100499. [PMID: 30332795 PMCID: PMC6209943 DOI: 10.3390/genes9100499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is an invasive, pathogenic parasite causing amoebiasis. Given that proteins involved in transmembrane (TM) transport are crucial for the adherence, invasion, and nutrition of the parasite, we conducted a genome-wide bioinformatics analysis of encoding proteins to functionally classify and characterize all the TM proteins in E. histolytica. In the present study, 692 TM proteins have been identified, of which 546 are TM transporters. For the first time, we report a set of 141 uncharacterized proteins predicted as TM transporters. The percentage of TM proteins was found to be lower in comparison to the free-living eukaryotes, due to the extracellular nature and functional diversification of the TM proteins. The number of multi-pass proteins is larger than the single-pass proteins; though both have their own significance in parasitism, multi-pass proteins are more extensively required as these are involved in acquiring nutrition and for ion transport, while single-pass proteins are only required at the time of inciting infection. Overall, this intestinal parasite implements multiple mechanisms for establishing infection, obtaining nutrition, and adapting itself to the new host environment. A classification of the repertoire of TM transporters in the present study augments several hints on potential methods of targeting the parasite for therapeutic benefits.
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12
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Chen R, Swale DR. Inwardly Rectifying Potassium (Kir) Channels Represent a Critical Ion Conductance Pathway in the Nervous Systems of Insects. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1617. [PMID: 29371678 PMCID: PMC5785497 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20005-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A complete understanding of the physiological pathways critical for proper function of the insect nervous system is still lacking. The recent development of potent and selective small-molecule modulators of insect inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels has enabled the interrogation of the physiological role and toxicological potential of Kir channels within various insect tissue systems. Therefore, we aimed to highlight the physiological and functional role of neural Kir channels the central nervous system, muscular system, and neuromuscular system through pharmacological and genetic manipulations. Our data provide significant evidence that Drosophila neural systems rely on the inward conductance of K+ ions for proper function since pharmacological inhibition and genetic ablation of neural Kir channels yielded dramatic alterations of the CNS spike discharge frequency and broadening and reduced amplitude of the evoked EPSP at the neuromuscular junction. Based on these data, we conclude that neural Kir channels in insects (1) are critical for proper function of the insect nervous system, (2) represents an unexplored physiological pathway that is likely to shape the understanding of neuronal signaling, maintenance of membrane potentials, and maintenance of the ionic balance of insects, and (3) are capable of inducing acute toxicity to insects through neurological poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Louisiana State University AgCenter, Department of Entomology, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Daniel R Swale
- Louisiana State University AgCenter, Department of Entomology, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA.
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13
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Ellekvist P, Mlambo G, Kumar N, Klaerke DA. Functional characterization of malaria parasites deficient in the K + channel Kch2. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 493:690-696. [PMID: 28864420 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.08.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
K+ channels are integral membrane proteins, which contribute to maintain vital parameters such as the cellular membrane potential and cell volume. Malaria parasites encode two K+ channel homologues, Kch1 and Kch2, which are well-conserved among members of the Plasmodium genus. In the rodent malaria parasite P. berghei, the functional significance of K+ channel homologue PbKch2 was studied using targeted gene knock-out. The knockout parasites were characterized in a mouse model in terms of growth-kinetics and infectivity in the mosquito vector. Furthermore, using a tracer-uptake technique with 86Rb+ as a K+ congener, the K+ transporting properties of the knockout parasites were assessed. RESULTS Genetic disruption of Kch2 did not grossly affect the phenotype in terms of asexual replication and pathogenicity in a mouse model. In contrast to Kch1-null parasites, Kch2-null parasites were fully capable of forming oocysts in female Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. 86Rb+ uptake in Kch2-deficient blood-stage P. berghei parasites (Kch2-null) did not differ from that of wild-type (WT) parasites. About two-thirds of the 86Rb+ uptake in WT and in Kch2-null parasites could be inhibited by K+ channel blockers and could be inferred to the presence of functional Kch1 in Kch2 knockout parasites. Kch2 is therefore not required for transport of K+ in P. berghei and is not essential to mosquito-stage sporogonic development of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ellekvist
- Medical Department, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Godfree Mlambo
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nirbhay Kumar
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States.
| | - Dan A Klaerke
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, IBHV, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Steinmann ME, Schmidt RS, Bütikofer P, Mäser P, Sigel E. TbIRK is a signature sequence free potassium channel from Trypanosoma brucei locating to acidocalcisomes. Sci Rep 2017; 7:656. [PMID: 28386071 PMCID: PMC5429665 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00752-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels from prokaryotes and eukaryotes are usually recognized by a typical amino acid sequence TXTGY(F)G representing the ionic selectivity filter. Using a screening approach with ion channel family profiles but without the above motif, we identified a gene in Trypanosoma brucei that exhibits homology to inward rectifying potassium channels. We report here cloning of this ion channel named TbIRK. The protein is localized to acidocalcisomes in procyclic and in bloodstream form parasites. Functional properties of this channel were established after expression in Xenopus oocytes. Currents recorded in potassium medium show inward rectification and little time dependence. Surprisingly, this channel retains selectivity for potassium ions over sodium ions >7, in spite of the lack of the classical selectivity filter. The sequence GGYVG was predicted in silico to replace this filter motif. Point mutations of the corresponding glycine residues confirmed this at the functional level. The channel is inhibited by caesium ions but remains unaffected by barium ions up to 10 mM. TbIRK is to our knowledge the first potassium channel in T. brucei that localizes to the acidocalcisomes, organelles involved in the storage of phosphates and the response to osmotic stress that occurs during the life cycle of trypanosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Steinmann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Remo S Schmidt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Bütikofer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Mäser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Erwin Sigel
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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15
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Love MS, Beasley FC, Jumani RS, Wright TM, Chatterjee AK, Huston CD, Schultz PG, McNamara CW. A high-throughput phenotypic screen identifies clofazimine as a potential treatment for cryptosporidiosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005373. [PMID: 28158186 PMCID: PMC5310922 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis has emerged as a leading cause of non-viral diarrhea in children under five years of age in the developing world, yet the current standard of care to treat Cryptosporidium infections, nitazoxanide, demonstrates limited and immune-dependent efficacy. Given the lack of treatments with universal efficacy, drug discovery efforts against cryptosporidiosis are necessary to find therapeutics more efficacious than the standard of care. To date, cryptosporidiosis drug discovery efforts have been limited to a few targeted mechanisms in the parasite and whole cell phenotypic screens against small, focused collections of compounds. Using a previous screen as a basis, we initiated the largest known drug discovery effort to identify novel anticryptosporidial agents. A high-content imaging assay for inhibitors of Cryptosporidium parvum proliferation within a human intestinal epithelial cell line was miniaturized and automated to enable high-throughput phenotypic screening against a large, diverse library of small molecules. A screen of 78,942 compounds identified 12 anticryptosporidial hits with sub-micromolar activity, including clofazimine, an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of leprosy, which demonstrated potent and selective in vitro activity (EC50 = 15 nM) against C. parvum. Clofazimine also displayed activity against C. hominis-the other most clinically-relevant species of Cryptosporidium. Importantly, clofazimine is known to accumulate within epithelial cells of the small intestine, the primary site of Cryptosporidium infection. In a mouse model of acute cryptosporidiosis, a once daily dosage regimen for three consecutive days or a single high dose resulted in reduction of oocyst shedding below the limit detectable by flow cytometry. Recently, a target product profile (TPP) for an anticryptosporidial compound was proposed by Huston et al. and highlights the need for a short dosing regimen (< 7 days) and formulations for children < 2 years. Clofazimine has a long history of use and has demonstrated a good safety profile for a disease that requires chronic dosing for a period of time ranging 3-36 months. These results, taken with clofazimine's status as an FDA-approved drug with over four decades of use for the treatment of leprosy, support the continued investigation of clofazimine both as a new chemical tool for understanding cryptosporidium biology and a potential new treatment of cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S. Love
- California Institute for Biomedical Research, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Federico C. Beasley
- California Institute for Biomedical Research, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Rajiv S. Jumani
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Timothy M. Wright
- California Institute for Biomedical Research, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Arnab K. Chatterjee
- California Institute for Biomedical Research, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Christopher D. Huston
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Peter G. Schultz
- California Institute for Biomedical Research, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Case W. McNamara
- California Institute for Biomedical Research, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Abstract
Some hours after invading the erythrocytes of its human host, the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum induces an increase in the permeability of the erythrocyte membrane to monovalent ions. The resulting net influx of Na(+) and net efflux of K(+), down their respective concentration gradients, converts the erythrocyte cytosol from an initially high-K(+), low-Na(+) solution to a high-Na(+), low-K(+) solution. The intraerythrocytic parasite itself exerts tight control over its internal Na(+), K(+), Cl(-), and Ca(2+) concentrations and its intracellular pH through the combined actions of a range of membrane transport proteins. The molecular mechanisms underpinning ion regulation in the parasite are receiving increasing attention, not least because PfATP4, a P-type ATPase postulated to be involved in Na(+) regulation, has emerged as a potential antimalarial drug target, susceptible to inhibition by a wide range of chemically unrelated compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiaran Kirk
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia;
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17
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Almela MJ, Lozano S, Lelièvre J, Colmenarejo G, Coterón JM, Rodrigues J, Gonzalez C, Herreros E. A New Set of Chemical Starting Points with Plasmodium falciparum Transmission-Blocking Potential for Antimalarial Drug Discovery. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135139. [PMID: 26317851 PMCID: PMC4552634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of new antimalarials with transmission blocking activity remains a key issue in efforts to control malaria and eventually eradicate the disease. Recently, high-throughput screening (HTS) assays have been successfully applied to Plasmodium falciparum asexual stages to screen millions of compounds, with the identification of thousands of new active molecules, some of which are already in clinical phases. The same approach has now been applied to identify compounds that are active against P. falciparum gametocytes, the parasite stage responsible for transmission. This study reports screening results for the Tres Cantos Antimalarial Set (TCAMS), of approximately 13,533 molecules, against P. falciparum stage V gametocytes. Secondary confirmation and cytotoxicity assays led to the identification of 98 selective molecules with dual activity against gametocytes and asexual stages. Hit compounds were chemically clustered and analyzed for appropriate physicochemical properties. The TCAMS chemical space around the prioritized hits was also studied. A selection of hit compounds was assessed ex vivo in the standard membrane feeding assay and demonstrated complete block in transmission. As a result of this effort, new chemical structures not connected to previously described antimalarials have been identified. This new set of compounds may serve as starting points for future drug discovery programs as well as tool compounds for identifying new modes of action involved in malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jesus Almela
- GlaxoSmithKline, Tres Cantos Medicines Development Campus-Diseases of the Developing World, Severo Ochoa 2, Tres Cantos, 28760, Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), C/ Senda del Rey 11, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Lozano
- GlaxoSmithKline, Tres Cantos Medicines Development Campus-Diseases of the Developing World, Severo Ochoa 2, Tres Cantos, 28760, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joël Lelièvre
- GlaxoSmithKline, Tres Cantos Medicines Development Campus-Diseases of the Developing World, Severo Ochoa 2, Tres Cantos, 28760, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Colmenarejo
- GlaxoSmithKline, Basic Research Center, Computational Chemistry Department, C/ Santiago Grisolía 4, Tres Cantos, 28760, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Miguel Coterón
- GlaxoSmithKline, Tres Cantos Medicines Development Campus-Diseases of the Developing World, Severo Ochoa 2, Tres Cantos, 28760, Madrid, Spain
| | - Janneth Rodrigues
- GlaxoSmithKline, Tres Cantos Medicines Development Campus-Diseases of the Developing World, Severo Ochoa 2, Tres Cantos, 28760, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Gonzalez
- GlaxoSmithKline, Tres Cantos Medicines Development Campus-Diseases of the Developing World, Severo Ochoa 2, Tres Cantos, 28760, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esperanza Herreros
- GlaxoSmithKline, Tres Cantos Medicines Development Campus-Diseases of the Developing World, Severo Ochoa 2, Tres Cantos, 28760, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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18
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Abstract
As it grows and replicates within the erythrocytes of its host the malaria parasite takes up nutrients from the extracellular medium, exports metabolites and maintains a tight control over its internal ionic composition. These functions are achieved via membrane transport proteins, integral membrane proteins that mediate the passage of solutes across the various membranes that separate the biochemical machinery of the parasite from the extracellular environment. Proteins of this type play a key role in antimalarial drug resistance, as well as being candidate drug targets in their own right. This review provides an overview of recent work on the membrane transport biology of the malaria parasite-infected erythrocyte, encompassing both the parasite-induced changes in the membrane transport properties of the host erythrocyte and the cell physiology of the intracellular parasite itself.
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19
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Liégeois JF, Wouters J, Seutin V, Dilly S. Bis-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolinium): A Chiral Scaffold for Developing High-Affinity Ligands for SK Channels. ChemMedChem 2014; 9:737-40. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201400028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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20
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Prole DL, Taylor CW. Identification and analysis of putative homologues of mechanosensitive channels in pathogenic protozoa. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66068. [PMID: 23785469 PMCID: PMC3681921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensitive channels play important roles in the physiology of many organisms, and their dysfunction can affect cell survival. This suggests that they might be therapeutic targets in pathogenic organisms. Pathogenic protozoa lead to diseases such as malaria, dysentery, leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis that are responsible for millions of deaths each year worldwide. We analyzed the genomes of pathogenic protozoa and show the existence within them of genes encoding putative homologues of mechanosensitive channels. Entamoeba histolytica, Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi and Trichomonas vaginalis have genes encoding homologues of Piezo channels, while most pathogenic protozoa have genes encoding homologues of mechanosensitive small-conductance (MscS) and K+-dependent (MscK) channels. In contrast, all parasites examined lack genes encoding mechanosensitive large-conductance (MscL), mini-conductance (MscM) and degenerin/epithelial Na+ (DEG/ENaC) channels. Multiple sequence alignments of evolutionarily distant protozoan, amoeban, plant, insect and vertebrate Piezo channel subunits define an absolutely conserved motif that may be involved in channel conductance or gating. MscS channels are not present in humans, and the sequences of protozoan and human homologues of Piezo channels differ substantially. This suggests the possibility for specific targeting of mechanosensitive channels of pathogens by therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Prole
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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21
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Prole DL, Taylor CW. Identification and analysis of cation channel homologues in human pathogenic fungi. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42404. [PMID: 22876320 PMCID: PMC3410928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi are major causes of human, animal and plant disease. Human fungal infections can be fatal, but there are limited options for therapy, and resistance to commonly used anti-fungal drugs is widespread. The genomes of many fungi have recently been sequenced, allowing identification of proteins that may become targets for novel therapies. We examined the genomes of human fungal pathogens for genes encoding homologues of cation channels, which are prominent drug targets. Many of the fungal genomes examined contain genes encoding homologues of potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+) and transient receptor potential (Trp) channels, but not sodium (Na+) channels or ligand-gated channels. Some fungal genomes contain multiple genes encoding homologues of K+ and Trp channel subunits, and genes encoding novel homologues of voltage-gated Kv channel subunits are found in Cryptococcus spp. Only a single gene encoding a homologue of a plasma membrane Ca2+ channel was identified in the genome of each pathogenic fungus examined. These homologues are similar to the Cch1 Ca2+ channel of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The genomes of Aspergillus spp. and Cryptococcus spp., but not those of S. cerevisiae or the other pathogenic fungi examined, also encode homologues of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU). In contrast to humans, which express many K+, Ca2+ and Trp channels, the genomes of pathogenic fungi encode only very small numbers of K+, Ca2+ and Trp channel homologues. Furthermore, the sequences of fungal K+, Ca2+, Trp and MCU channels differ from those of human channels in regions that suggest differences in regulation and susceptibility to drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Prole
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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