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Gan Q, Zheng H, Li X, Li J, Ma J, Zhang Y, Han J, Zhang L, Zhou W, Lu Y. Solving the Jigsaw puzzle of phytosterol diversity by a novel sterol methyltransferase from Zea mays. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 240:106498. [PMID: 38447903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Phytosterols are vital structural and regulatory components in plants. Zea mays produces a series of phytosterols that are specific to corn. However, the underline biosynthetic mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we identified a novel sterol methyltransferase from Z. mays (ZmSMT1-2) which showed a unique feature compared with documented plant SMTs. ZmSMT1-2 showed a substrate preference for cycloartenol. Using S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) as a donor, ZmSMT1-2 converted cycloartenol into alkylated sterols with unique side-chain architectures, including Δ25(27) (i.e., cyclolaudenol and cycloneolitsol) and Δ24(25) (i.e., cyclobranol) sterols. Cycloneolitsol is identified as a product of SMTs for the first time. Our discovery provides a previously untapped mechanism for phytosterol biosynthesis and adds another layer of diversity of sterol biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinhua Gan
- School of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Engineering & Research Center of Marine Bioactives and Bioproducts of Hainan Province, Haikou 570228, China; Haikou Technology Innovation Center for Research and Utilization of Algal Bioresources, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Haifeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jing Li
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Jingxue Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Engineering & Research Center of Marine Bioactives and Bioproducts of Hainan Province, Haikou 570228, China; Haikou Technology Innovation Center for Research and Utilization of Algal Bioresources, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yuji Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jiakun Han
- Jining Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jining 272031, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Shandong Rongchen Pharmaceuticals Inc, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Wenxu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia.
| | - Yandu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Engineering & Research Center of Marine Bioactives and Bioproducts of Hainan Province, Haikou 570228, China; Haikou Technology Innovation Center for Research and Utilization of Algal Bioresources, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiotechnology of Hainan Province, Haikou 570228, China.
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Sharma V, Madia VN, Tudino V, Nguyen JV, Debnath A, Messore A, Ialongo D, Patacchini E, Palenca I, Basili Franzin S, Seguella L, Esposito G, Petrucci R, Di Matteo P, Bortolami M, Saccoliti F, Di Santo R, Scipione L, Costi R, Podust LM. Miconazole-like Scaffold is a Promising Lead for Naegleria fowleri-Specific CYP51 Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:17059-17073. [PMID: 38085955 PMCID: PMC10758121 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01898] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Developing drugs for brain infection by Naegleria fowleri is an unmet medical need. We used a combination of cheminformatics, target-, and phenotypic-based drug discovery methods to identify inhibitors that target an essential N. fowleri enzyme, sterol 14-demethylase (NfCYP51). A total of 124 compounds preselected in silico were tested against N. fowleri. Nine primary hits with EC50 ≤ 10 μM were phenotypically identified. Cocrystallization with NfCYP51 focused attention on one primary hit, miconazole-like compound 2a. The S-enantiomer of 2a produced a 1.74 Å cocrystal structure. A set of analogues was then synthesized and evaluated to confirm the superiority of the S-configuration over the R-configuration and the advantage of an ether linkage over an ester linkage. The two compounds, S-8b and S-9b, had an improved EC50 and KD compared to 2a. Importantly, both were readily taken up into the brain. The brain-to-plasma distribution coefficient of S-9b was 1.02 ± 0.12, suggesting further evaluation as a lead for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandna Sharma
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery
and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University
of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Valentina Noemi Madia
- Dipartimento
di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci
Bolognetti, “Sapienza” Università
di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Valeria Tudino
- Dipartimento
di Biotecnologie, Università degli
Studi di Siena, Chimica e Farmacia via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Jennifer V. Nguyen
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery
and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University
of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery
and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University
of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Antonella Messore
- Dipartimento
di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci
Bolognetti, “Sapienza” Università
di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Davide Ialongo
- Dipartimento
di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci
Bolognetti, “Sapienza” Università
di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Elisa Patacchini
- Dipartimento
di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci
Bolognetti, “Sapienza” Università
di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Irene Palenca
- Department
of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, “Sapienza″ Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Silvia Basili Franzin
- Department
of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, “Sapienza″ Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department
of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, “Sapienza″ Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Department
of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, “Sapienza″ Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Rita Petrucci
- Dipartimento
di Scienze di Base e Applicate per l’Ingegneria, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Via Castro Laurenziano 7, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Paola Di Matteo
- Dipartimento
di Scienze di Base e Applicate per l’Ingegneria, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Via Castro Laurenziano 7, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Martina Bortolami
- Dipartimento
di Scienze di Base e Applicate per l’Ingegneria, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Via Castro Laurenziano 7, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Francesco Saccoliti
- D3 PharmaChemistry, Italian
Institute of Technology, Via Morego 30, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Santo
- Dipartimento
di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci
Bolognetti, “Sapienza” Università
di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Luigi Scipione
- Dipartimento
di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci
Bolognetti, “Sapienza” Università
di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Roberta Costi
- Dipartimento
di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci
Bolognetti, “Sapienza” Università
di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Larissa M. Podust
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery
and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University
of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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3
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Akbar N, Siddiqui R, El-Gamal MI, Zaraei SO, Alawfi BS, Khan NA. The anti-amoebic potential of carboxamide derivatives containing sulfonyl or sulfamoyl moieties against brain-eating Naegleria fowleri. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2539-2548. [PMID: 37665414 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07953-w] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living thermophilic flagellate amoeba that causes a rare but life-threatening infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), with a very high fatality rate. Herein, the anti-amoebic potential of carboxamide derivatives possessing sulfonyl or sulfamoyl moiety was assessed against pathogenic N. fowleri using amoebicidal, cytotoxicity and cytopathogenicity assays. The results from amoebicidal experiments showed that derivatives dramatically reduced N. fowleri viability. Selected derivatives demonstrated IC50 values at lower concentrations; 1j showed IC50 at 24.65 μM, while 1k inhibited 50% amoebae growth at 23.31 μM. Compounds with significant amoebicidal effects demonstrated limited cytotoxicity against human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells. Finally, some derivatives mitigated N. fowleri-instigated host cell death. Ultimately, this study demonstrated that 1j and 1k exhibited potent anti-amoebic activity and ought to be looked at in future studies for the development of therapeutic anti-amoebic pharmaceuticals. Further investigation is required to determine the clinical relevance of our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Akbar
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, 26666, United Arab Emirates
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, 34010, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mohammed I El-Gamal
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt.
| | - Seyed-Omar Zaraei
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bader S Alawfi
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, 42353, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, 34010, Istanbul, Turkey.
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4
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Nadeem A, Malik IA, Afridi EK, Shariq F. Naegleria fowleri outbreak in Pakistan: unveiling the crisis and path to recovery. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1266400. [PMID: 37927850 PMCID: PMC10620794 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1266400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of Naegleria fowleri in Pakistan presents a significant public health concern due to its high fatality rate and limited treatment options. This review explores the impact of the outbreak on communities and the challenges faced in combating the disease. It evaluates available treatment options and highlights the need for early diagnosis and intervention. The study proposes recommendations to improve public health preparedness, including public awareness campaigns, enhanced healthcare infrastructure, and robust water surveillance systems. Collaboration between research institutions and public health organizations is emphasized to develop effective outbreak response strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Nadeem
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Inshal Arshad Malik
- Department of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Eesha Khan Afridi
- Department of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Fariha Shariq
- Department of Medicine, Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
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Gan Q, Cui X, Zhang L, Zhou W, Lu Y. Control Phytophagous Nematodes By Engineering Phytosterol Dealkylation Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00869-x. [PMID: 37843756 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00869-x] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes ingest and convert host phytosterols via dealkylation to cholesterol for both structural and hormonal requirements. The insect 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR24) was shown in vitro as a committed enzyme in the dealkylation via chemical blocking. However, an increased brood size and ovulation rate, instead compromised development, were observed in the engineered nematode Caenorhabditis elegans where the DHCR24 gene was knocked down, indicating the relationship between DHCR24 and dealkylation and their function in nematodes remains illusive. In this study, a defect in C. elegans DHCR24 causes impaired growth of the nematode with sitosterol (a major component of phytosterols) as a sole sterol source. Plant sterols with rationally designed structure (null substrates for dealkylation) can't be converted to cholesterol in wild-type worms, and their development was completely halted. This study underpins the essential function of DHCR24 in nematodes and would be beneficial for the development of novel nematocidal strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinhua Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Hainan University, Hainan Province, 570228, Hainan, China
- School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou Province, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Xinyu Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Hainan University, Hainan Province, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Shandong Rongchen Pharmaceuticals Inc, Qingdao, 266061, China
| | - Wenxu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Hainan University, Hainan Province, 570228, Hainan, China.
| | - Yandu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Hainan University, Hainan Province, 570228, Hainan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiotechnology of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China.
- Haikou Innovation Center for Research and Utilization of Algal Bioresources, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China.
- Hainan Engineering and Research Center of Marine Bioactives & Bioproducts, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China.
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6
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Jin X, Hou X, Wang X, Zhang M, Chen J, Song M, Zhang J, Zheng H, Chang W, Lou H. Characterization of an allosteric inhibitor of fungal-specific C-24 sterol methyltransferase to treat Candida albicans infections. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:553-568.e7. [PMID: 37160123 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Filamentation is an important virulence factor of the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. The abolition of Candida albicans hyphal formation by disrupting sterol synthesis is an important concept for the development of antifungal drugs with high safety. Here, we conduct a high-throughput screen using a C. albicans strain expressing green fluorescent protein-labeled Dpp3 to identify anti-hypha agents by interfering with ergosterol synthesis. The antipyrine derivative H55 is characterized to have minimal cytotoxicity and potent inhibition of C. albicans hyphal formation in multiple cultural conditions. H55 monotherapy exhibits therapeutic efficacy in mouse models of azole-resistant candidiasis. H55 treatment increases the accumulation of zymosterol, the substrate of C-24 sterol methyltransferase (Erg6). The results of enzyme assays, photoaffinity labeling, molecular simulation, mutagenesis, and cellular thermal shift assays support H55 as an allosteric inhibitor of Erg6. Collectively, H55, an inhibitor of the fungal-specific enzyme Erg6, holds potential to treat C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Jin
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xuben Hou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Institute of Medical Science, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinyao Chen
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Minghui Song
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiaozhen Zhang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongbo Zheng
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wenqiang Chang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Hongxiang Lou
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
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Ahmed U, Manzoor M, Qureshi S, Mazhar M, Fatima A, Aurangzeb S, Hamid M, Khan KM, Khan NA, Rashid Y, Anwar A. Anti-amoebic effects of synthetic acridine-9(10H)-one against brain-eating amoebae. Acta Trop 2023; 239:106824. [PMID: 36610529 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic A. castellanii and N. fowleri are opportunistic free-living amoebae. Acanthamoeba spp. are the causative agents of granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) and amebic keratitis (AK), whereas Naegleria fowleri causes a very rare but severe brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Acridinone is an important heterocyclic scaffold and both synthetic and naturally occurring derivatives have shown various valuable biological properties. In the present study, ten synthetic Acridinone derivatives (I-X) were synthesized and assessed against both amoebae for anti-amoebic and cysticidal activities in vitro. In addition, excystation, encystation, cytotoxicity, host cell pathogenicity was also performed in-vitro. Furthermore, molecular docking studies of these compounds with three cathepsin B paralogous enzymes of N. fowleri were performed in order to predict the possible docking mode with pathogen. Compound VII showed potent anti-amoebic activity against A. castellanii with IC50 53.46 µg/mL, while compound IX showed strong activity against N. fowleri in vitro with IC50 72.41 µg/mL. Compounds II and VII showed a significant inhibition of phenotypic alteration of A. castellanii, while compound VIII significantly inhibited N. fowleri cysts. Cytotoxicity assessment showed that these compounds caused minimum damage to human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT cells) at 100 µg/mL, while also effectively reduced the cytopathogenicity of Acanthamoeba to HaCaT cells. Moreover, Cathepsin B protease was investigated in-silico as a new molecular therapeutic target for these compounds. All compounds showed potential interactions with the catalytic residues. These results showed that acridine-9(10H)-one derivatives, in particular compounds II, VII, VIII and IX hold promise in the development of therapeutic agents against these free-living amoebae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mehwish Manzoor
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sehrish Qureshi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muzna Mazhar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Arj Fatima
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sana Aurangzeb
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mehwish Hamid
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Mohammed Khan
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, University City, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34010, Turkey
| | - Yasmeen Rashid
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Ayaz Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
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8
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A Broad Spectrum Antiparasitic Activity of Organotin (IV) Derivatives and Its Untargeted Proteomic Profiling Using Leishmania donovani. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121424. [PMID: 36558759 PMCID: PMC9785441 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Metals have been used in medicine since ancient times for the treatment of different ailments with various elements such as iron, gold and arsenic. Metal complexes have also been reported to show antibiotic and antiparasitic activity. In this context, we tested the antiparasitic potential of 10 organotin (IV) derivatives from 4-(4-methoxyphenylamino)-4 oxobutanoic acid (MS26) against seven eukaryotic pathogens of medical importance: Leishmania donovani, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Naegleria fowleri and Schistosoma mansoni. Among the compounds with and without antiparasitic activity, compound MS26Et3 stood out with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 0.21 and 0.19 µM against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of L. donovani, respectively, 0.24 µM against intracellular amastigotes of T. cruzi, 0.09 µM against T. brucei, 1.4 µM against N. fowleri and impaired adult S. mansoni viability at 1.25 µM. In terms of host/pathogen selectivity, MS26Et3 demonstrated relatively mild cytotoxicity toward host cells with a 50% viability concentration of 4.87 µM against B10R cells (mouse monocyte cell line), 2.79 µM against C2C12 cells (mouse myoblast cell line) and 1.24 µM against HEK923 cells (human embryonic kidney cell line). The selectivity index supports this molecule as a therapeutic starting point for a broad spectrum antiparasitic alternative. Proteomic analysis of host cells infected with L. donovani after exposure to MS26Et3 showed a reduced expression of Rab7, which may affect the fusion of the endosome with the lysosome, and, consequently, impairing the differentiation of L. donovani to the amastigote form. Future studies to investigate the molecular target(s) and mechanism of action of MS26Et3 will support its chemical optimization.
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9
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Arberas-Jiménez I, Rizo-Liendo A, Sifaoui I, Chao-Pellicer J, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. A Fluorometric Assay for the In Vitro Evaluation of Activity against Naegleria fowleri Cysts. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0051522. [PMID: 35862997 PMCID: PMC9430148 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00515-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a lethal and rapid infection that affects the central nervous system and is caused by the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri. The life cycle of this protozoa consists of three different stages: The trophozoite, flagellate and cyst stages. Currently, no fully effective molecules have been found to treat PAM. In the search of new antiamoebic molecules, most of the efforts have focused on the trophozoidal activity of the compounds. However, there are no reports on the effect of the compounds on the N. fowleri cyst viability. In the present study, the cysticidal activity of four different molecules was evaluated using an alamarBlue based fluorometric assay. All the tested compounds were active against the cyst stage of N. fowleri. In fact, all the molecules except the amphotericin B, showed highest activity toward the cyst stage than the trophozoite stage. This work could be an effective protocol to select molecules with cysticidal and trophozoidal activity that can be considered a future PAM treatment. IMPORTANCE In the search of new anti-Naegleria fowleri compounds, most of the works focus on the activity of different molecules against the trophozoite stage; however, none of them include the effect of those compounds on the cyst viability. This manuscript presents a solid and reliable assay to evaluate the activity of compounds against the cyst stage of N. fowleri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Arberas-Jiménez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Madrid, Spain
| | - Aitor Rizo-Liendo
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Chao-Pellicer
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Madrid, Spain
| | - José E. Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Madrid, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigacion Biomedica En Red M.P. (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Madrid, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigacion Biomedica En Red M.P. (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Ahmed U, Ho KY, Simon SE, Saad SM, Ong SK, Anwar A, Tan KO, Sridewi N, Khan KM, Khan NA, Anwar A. Potential anti-acanthamoebic effects through inhibition of CYP51 by novel quinazolinones. Acta Trop 2022; 231:106440. [PMID: 35378058 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are free living amoebae which can give rise to Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. The surface of Acanthamoeba contains ergosterol which is an important target for drug development against eukaryotic microorganisms. A library of ten functionally diverse quinazolinone derivatives (Q1-Q10) were synthesised to assess their activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii T4. The in-vitro effectiveness of these quinazolinones were investigated against Acanthamoeba castellanii by amoebicidal, excystation, host cell cytopathogenicity, and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase assays. Furthermore, wound healing capability was assessed at different time durations. Maximum inhibition at 50 μg/mL was recorded for compounds Q5, Q6 and Q8, while the compound Q3 did not exhibit amoebicidal effects at tested concentrations. Moreover, LDH assay was conducted to assess the cytotoxicity of quinazolinones against HaCaT cell line. The results of wound healing assay revealed that all compounds are not cytotoxic and are likely to promote wound healing at 10 μg/mL. The excystation assays revealed that these compounds significantly inhibit the morphological transformation of A. castellanii. Compound Q3, Q7 and Q8 elevated the level of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase up to five folds. Sterol 14alpha-demethylase (CYP51) a reference enzyme in ergosterol pathway was used as a potential target for anti-amoebic drugs. In this study using i-Tasser, the protein structure of Acanthamoeba castellanii (AcCYP51) was developed in comparison with Naegleria fowleri protein (NfCYP51) structure. The sequence alignment of both proteins has shown 42.72% identity. Compounds Q1-Q10 were then molecularly docked with the predicted AcCYP51. Out of ten quinazolinones, three compounds (Q3, Q7 and Q8) showed good binding activity within 3 Å of TYR 114. The in-silico study confirmed that these compounds are the inhibitor of CYP51 target site. This report presents several potential lead compounds belonging to quinazolinone derivatives for drug discovery against Acanthamoeba infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Keat-Yie Ho
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Samson Eugin Simon
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Seng-Kai Ong
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Areeba Anwar
- Faculty of Defence Science and Technology, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kuan Onn Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nanthini Sridewi
- Faculty of Defence Science and Technology, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khalid Mohammed Khan
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, University City, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ayaz Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
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11
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Nienhaus K, Sharma V, Nienhaus GU, Podust LM. Homodimerization Counteracts the Detrimental Effect of Nitrogenous Heme Ligands on the Enzymatic Activity of Acanthamoeba castellanii CYP51. Biochemistry 2022; 61:1363-1377. [PMID: 35730528 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii is a free-living amoeba that can cause severe eye and brain infections in humans. At present, there is no uniformly effective treatment for any of these infections. However, sterol 14α-demethylases (CYP51s), heme-containing cytochrome P450 enzymes, are known to be validated drug targets in pathogenic fungi and protozoa. The catalytically active P450 form of CYP51 from A. castellanii (AcCYP51) is stabilized against conversion to the inactive P420 form by dimerization. In contrast, Naegleria fowleri CYP51 (NfCYP51) is monomeric in its active P450 and inactive P420 forms. For these two CYP51 enzymes, we have investigated the interplay between the enzyme activity and oligomerization state using steady-state and time-resolved UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. In both enzymes, the P450 → P420 transition is favored under reducing conditions. The transition is accelerated at higher pH, which excludes a protonated thiol as the proximal ligand in P420. Displacement of the proximal thiolate ligand is also promoted by adding exogenous nitrogenous ligands (N-ligands) such as imidazole, isavuconazole, and clotrimazole that bind at the opposite, distal heme side. In AcCYP51, the P450 → P420 transition is faster in the monomer than in the dimer, indicating that the dimeric assembly is critical for stabilizing thiolate coordination to the heme and thus for sustaining AcCYP51 activity. The spectroscopic experiments were complemented with size-exclusion chromatography and X-ray crystallography studies. Collectively, our results indicate that effective inactivation of the AcCYP51 function by azole drugs is due to synergistic interference with AcCYP51 dimerization and promoting irreversible displacement of the proximal heme-thiolate ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Nienhaus
- Institute of Applied Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), D-76049 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Vandna Sharma
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Gerd Ulrich Nienhaus
- Institute of Applied Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), D-76049 Karlsruhe, Germany.,Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany.,Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany.,Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Larissa M Podust
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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12
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Hargrove TY, Wawrzak Z, Rachakonda G, Nes WD, Villalta F, Guengerich FP, Lepesheva GI. Relaxed Substrate Requirements of Sterol 14α-Demethylase from Naegleria fowleri Are Accompanied by Resistance to Inhibition. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17511-17522. [PMID: 34842434 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is the protozoan pathogen that causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), with the death rate exceeding 97%. The amoeba makes sterols and can be targeted by sterol biosynthesis inhibitors. Here, we characterized N. fowleri sterol 14-demethylase, including catalytic properties and inhibition by clinical antifungal drugs and experimental substituted azoles with favorable pharmacokinetics and low toxicity. None of them inhibited the enzyme stoichiometrically. The highest potencies were displayed by posaconazole (IC50 = 0.69 μM) and two of our compounds (IC50 = 1.3 and 0.35 μM). Because both these compounds penetrate the brain with concentrations reaching minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in an N. fowleri cellular assay, we report them as potential drug candidates for PAM. The 2.1 Å crystal structure, in complex with the strongest inhibitor, provides an explanation connecting the enzyme weaker substrate specificity with lower sensitivity to inhibition. It also provides insight into the enzyme/ligand molecular recognition process and suggests directions for the design of more potent inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Y Hargrove
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Zdzislaw Wawrzak
- Synchrotron Research Center, Life Science Collaborative Access Team, Northwestern University, Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Girish Rachakonda
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee 37208, United States
| | - W David Nes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Fernando Villalta
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee 37208, United States
| | - F Peter Guengerich
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Galina I Lepesheva
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States.,Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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13
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Bailly C. The steroidal alkaloids α-tomatine and tomatidine: Panorama of their mode of action and pharmacological properties. Steroids 2021; 176:108933. [PMID: 34695457 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2021.108933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The steroidal glycoalkaloid α-tomatine (αTM) and its aglycone tomatidine (TD) are abundant in the skin of unripe green tomato and present in tomato leaves and flowers. They mainly serve as defensive agents to protect the plant against infections by insects, bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi. In addition, the two products display a range of pharmacological properties potentially useful to treat various human diseases. We have analyzed all known pharmacological activities of αTM and TD, and the corresponding molecular targets and pathways impacted by these two steroidal alkaloids. In experimental models, αTM displays anticancer effects, particularly strong against androgen-independent prostate cancer, as well as robust antifungal effects. αTM is a potent cholesterol binder, useful as a vaccine adjuvant to improve delivery of protein antigens or therapeutic oligonucleotides. TD is a much less cytotoxic compound, able to restrict the spread of certain viruses (such as dengue, chikungunya and porcine epidemic diarrhea viruses) and to provide cardio and neuro-protective effects toward human cells. Both αTM and TD exhibit marked anti-inflammatory activities. They proceed through multiple signaling pathways and protein targets, including the sterol C24 methyltransferase Erg6 and vitamin D receptor, both directly targeted by TD. αTM is a powerful regulator of the NFkB/ERK signaling pathway implicated in various diseases. Collectively, the analysis shed light on the multitargeted action of αTM/TD and their usefulness as chemo-preventive or chemotherapeutic agents. A novel medicinal application for αTM is proposed.
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14
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Güémez A, García E. Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis by Naegleria fowleri: Pathogenesis and Treatments. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11091320. [PMID: 34572533 PMCID: PMC8469197 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba (FLA) that is commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba." This parasite can invade the central nervous system (CNS), causing an acute and fulminating infection known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Even though PAM is characterized by low morbidity, it has shown a mortality rate of 98%, usually causing death in less than two weeks after the initial exposure. This review summarizes the most recent information about N. fowleri, its pathogenic molecular mechanisms, and the neuropathological processes implicated. Additionally, this review includes the main therapeutic strategies described in case reports and preclinical studies, including the possible use of immunomodulatory agents to decrease neurological damage.
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15
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Zhang C, Lu J. Optimizing disinfectant residual dosage in engineered water systems to minimize the overall health risks of opportunistic pathogens and disinfection by-products. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 770:145356. [PMID: 33736415 PMCID: PMC8428770 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This Discussion argues that municipal water utilities may need to consider the health risks of both opportunistic pathogens (OPs) and disinfection by-products (DBPs) while selecting disinfectant residual dosages or levels in engineered water systems. OPs are natural inhabitants in municipal water systems and the leading cause of drinking-water-related disease outbreaks threatening public health. DBPs in water systems are genotoxic/carcinogenic and also significantly affect public health. Disinfectant residuals (such as free chlorine and chloramine residuals) dictate OP (re)growth and DBP formation in engineered water systems. Therefore, regulating the dosages or levels of disinfectant residuals is effective in controlling OP (re)growth and DBP formation. Existing effects assessing optimal disinfectant residual dosages focus solely on minimizing OP (re)growth or solely on DBP formation. However, selecting disinfectant residual dosages aiming to solely limit the formation of DBPs might compromise OP (re)growth control, and vice versa. An optimal disinfectant residual level for DBP formation control or OP (re)growth control might not be optimal for minimizing the overall or combined health effects of OPs and DBPs in drinking water. To better protect public health, water authorities may need to update the current residual disinfection practice and maintain disinfectant residuals in engineered water systems at an optimal level to minimize the overall health risks of OPs and DBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiqian Zhang
- Pegasus Technical Services, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Jingrang Lu
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America.
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16
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Darnet S, Blary A, Chevalier Q, Schaller H. Phytosterol Profiles, Genomes and Enzymes - An Overview. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:665206. [PMID: 34093623 PMCID: PMC8172173 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.665206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable diversity of sterol biosynthetic capacities described in living organisms is enriched at a fast pace by a growing number of sequenced genomes. Whereas analytical chemistry has produced a wealth of sterol profiles of species in diverse taxonomic groups including seed and non-seed plants, algae, phytoplanktonic species and other unicellular eukaryotes, functional assays and validation of candidate genes unveils new enzymes and new pathways besides canonical biosynthetic schemes. An overview of the current landscape of sterol pathways in the tree of life is tentatively assembled in a series of sterolotypes that encompass major groups and provides also peculiar features of sterol profiles in bacteria, fungi, plants, and algae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hubert Schaller
- Plant Isoprenoid Biology Team, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes du CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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17
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Naegleria fowleri: Protein structures to facilitate drug discovery for the deadly, pathogenic free-living amoeba. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0241738. [PMID: 33760815 PMCID: PMC7990177 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is a pathogenic, thermophilic, free-living amoeba which causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Penetrating the olfactory mucosa, the brain-eating amoeba travels along the olfactory nerves, burrowing through the cribriform plate to its destination: the brain’s frontal lobes. The amoeba thrives in warm, freshwater environments, with peak infection rates in the summer months and has a mortality rate of approximately 97%. A major contributor to the pathogen’s high mortality is the lack of sensitivity of N. fowleri to current drug therapies, even in the face of combination-drug therapy. To enable rational drug discovery and design efforts we have pursued protein production and crystallography-based structure determination efforts for likely drug targets from N. fowleri. The genes were selected if they had homology to drug targets listed in Drug Bank or were nominated by primary investigators engaged in N. fowleri research. In 2017, 178 N. fowleri protein targets were queued to the Seattle Structural Genomics Center of Infectious Disease (SSGCID) pipeline, and to date 89 soluble recombinant proteins and 19 unique target structures have been produced. Many of the new protein structures are potential drug targets and contain structural differences compared to their human homologs, which could allow for the development of pathogen-specific inhibitors. Five of the structures were analyzed in more detail, and four of five show promise that selective inhibitors of the active site could be found. The 19 solved crystal structures build a foundation for future work in combating this devastating disease by encouraging further investigation to stimulate drug discovery for this neglected pathogen.
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Debnath A. Drug discovery for primary amebic meningoencephalitis: from screen to identification of leads. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2021; 19:1099-1106. [PMID: 33496193 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1882302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Naegleria fowleri is responsible for primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) which has a fatality rate of >97%. Because of the rarity of the disease, pharmaceutical companies do not pursue new drug discovery for PAM. Yet, it is possible that the infection is underreported and finding a better drug would have an impact on people suffering from this deadly infection.Areas covered: This paper reports the efforts undertaken by different academic groups over the last 20 years to test different compounds against N. fowleri. The drug discovery research encompassed synthesis of new compounds, development and use of high-throughput screening methods and attempts to repurpose clinically developed or FDA-approved compounds for the treatment of PAM.Expert opinion: In absence of economic investment to develop new drugs for PAM, repurposing the FDA-approved drugs has been the best strategy so far to identify new leads against N. fowleri. Increasing use of high-throughput phenotypic screening has the potential to accelerate the identification of new leads, either in monotherapy or in combination treatment. Since phase II clinical trial is not possible for PAM, it is critical to demonstrate in vivo efficacy of a clinically safe compound to translate the discovery from lab to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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19
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The type 2 statins, cerivastatin, rosuvastatin and pitavastatin eliminate Naegleria fowleri at low concentrations and by induction of programmed cell death (PCD). Bioorg Chem 2021; 110:104784. [PMID: 33684715 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Primary Amoebic Encephalitis due to Naegleria fowleri species is a fatal infection of the Central Nervous System mostly affecting children and young adults. Infections often occur after performance of risk activities in aquatic habitats such as swimming and splashing. PAḾs therapy remain a key issue to be solved which needs an urgent development. Recently, statins have been highlighted as possible novel compounds to treat PAM. Furthermore, type 2 statins due to improved pharmacological properties and lower toxicity could be use in the future. In the present work, three type 2 statins were checked for their activity against two type strains of N. fowleri. In addition, the effects at the cellular level triggered in treated amoebae were checked in order to evaluate if programmed cell death was induced. The obtained results showed that the tested statins, rosuvastatin, pitavastatin and cerivastatin were able to eliminate N. fowleri trophozoites and also induced PCD. Therefore, type 2 statins could be used in the near future for the treatment of PAM.
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Zeouk I, Sifaoui I, Rizo-Liendo A, Arberas-Jiménez I, Reyes-Batlle M, L. Bazzocchi I, Bekhti K, E. Piñero J, Jiménez IA, Lorenzo-Morales J. Exploring the Anti-Infective Value of Inuloxin A Isolated from Inula viscosa against the Brain-Eating Amoeba ( Naegleria fowleri) by Activation of Programmed Cell Death. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:195-202. [PMID: 33296597 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by the pathogenic free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri, is a rare but fatal disease. Nowadays, no fully effective therapy is available to erradicate or prevent this disease. Natural products could constitute a promising source of useful bioactive compounds in drug discovery. The present study is a characterization of main active compounds from the ethanolic extract of Inula viscosa (Asteraceae) leaves against N. fowleri trophozoites. Four compounds (1-4) were successfully identified by spectroscopic techniques, but only inuloxin A displayed a potential antiamoebic activity with an IC50 of 21.27 μM. The specificity of this compound toward the studied strain leads us to analyze the insight into its mechanism of action by performing in vitro assays of programmed cell death markers and to discuss the structure-activity relationship (SAR). The obtained results demonstrated that inuloxin A interferes with various processes leading to membrane damage, mitochondria alteration, chromatin condensation, and ROS accumulation, which highlight features specific to apoptosis. The current findings could be a promising step for developing new effective drugs against PAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikrame Zeouk
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38203, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET),
- Departement of Biology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, PB 2202, Fez, Morocco
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38203, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET),
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38203, Spain
| | - Aitor Rizo-Liendo
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38203, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38203, Spain
| | - Iñigo Arberas-Jiménez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38203, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38203, Spain
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38203, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET),
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38203, Spain
| | - Isabel L. Bazzocchi
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Khadija Bekhti
- Departement of Biology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, PB 2202, Fez, Morocco
| | - José E. Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38203, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET),
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38203, Spain
| | - Ignacio A. Jiménez
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38203, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET),
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38203, Spain
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21
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Hahn HJ, Abagyan R, Podust LM, Roy S, Ali IKM, Debnath A. HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors as Drug Leads against Naegleria fowleri. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:3089-3096. [PMID: 32881478 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by the free-living ameba Naegleria fowleri, has a fatality rate of over 97%. Treatment of PAM relies on amphotericin B in combination with other drugs, but few patients have survived with the existing drug treatment regimens. Therefore, development of effective drugs is a critical unmet need to avert deaths from PAM. Since ergosterol is one of the major sterols in the membrane of N. fowleri, disruption of isoprenoid and sterol biosynthesis by small-molecule inhibitors may be an effective intervention strategy against N. fowleri. The genome of N. fowleri contains a gene encoding HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR); the catalytic domains of human and N. fowleri HMGR share <60% sequence identity with only two amino acid substitutions in the active site of the enzyme. Considering the similarity of human and N. fowleri HMGR, we tested well-tolerated and widely used HMGR inhibitors, known as cholesterol-lowering statins, against N. fowleri. We identified blood-brain-barrier-permeable pitavastatin as a potent amebicidal agent against the U.S., Australian, and European strains of N. fowleri. Pitavastatin was equipotent to amphotericin B against the European strain of N. fowleri; it killed about 80% of trophozoites within 16 h of drug exposure. Pretreatment of trophozoites with mevalonate, the product of HMGR, rescued N. fowleri from inhibitory effects of statins, demonstrating that HMGR of N. fowleri is the target of statins. Because of the good safety profile and availability for both adult and pediatric uses, consideration should be given to repurposing the fast-acting pitavastatin for the treatment of PAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jee Hahn
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0756, United States
| | - Ruben Abagyan
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0756, United States
| | - Larissa M. Podust
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0756, United States
| | - Shantanu Roy
- Free-Living and Intestinal Amebas (FLIA) Laboratory, Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia 30329-4018, United States
| | - Ibne Karim M. Ali
- Free-Living and Intestinal Amebas (FLIA) Laboratory, Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia 30329-4018, United States
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0756, United States
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22
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Sharma V, Shing B, Hernandez-Alvarez L, Debnath A, Podust LM. Domain-Swap Dimerization of Acanthamoeba castellanii CYP51 and a Unique Mechanism of Inactivation by Isavuconazole. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 98:770-780. [PMID: 33008918 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytochromes P450 (P450, CYP) metabolize a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous lipophilic molecules, including most drugs. Sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) is a target for antifungal drugs known as conazoles. Using X-ray crystallography, we have discovered a domain-swap homodimerization mode in CYP51 from a human pathogen, Acanthamoeba castellanii CYP51 (AcCYP51). Recombinant AcCYP51 with a truncated transmembrane helix was purified as a heterogeneous mixture corresponding to the dimer and monomer units. Spectral analyses of these two populations have shown that the CO-bound ferrous form of the dimeric protein absorbed at 448 nm (catalytically competent form), whereas the monomeric form absorbed at 420 nm (catalytically incompetent form). AcCYP51 dimerized head-to-head via N-termini swapping, resulting in formation of a nonplanar protein-protein interface exceeding 2000 Å2 with a total solvation energy gain of -35.4 kcal/mol. In the dimer, the protomers faced each other through the F and G α-helices, thus blocking the substrate access channel. In the presence of the drugs clotrimazole and isavuconazole, the AcCYP51 drug complexes crystallized as monomers. Although clotrimazole-bound AcCYP51 adopted a typical CYP monomer structure, isavuconazole-bound AcCYP51 failed to refold 74 N-terminal residues. The failure of AcCYP51 to fully refold upon inhibitor binding in vivo would cause an irreversible loss of a structurally aberrant enzyme through proteolytic degradation. This assumption explains the superior potency of isavuconazole against A. castellanii The dimerization mode observed in this work is compatible with membrane association and may be relevant to other members of the CYP family of biologic, medical, and pharmacological importance. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We investigated the mechanism of action of antifungal drugs in the human pathogen Acanthamoeba castellanii. We discovered that the enzyme target [Acanthamoeba castellanii sterol 14α-demethylase (AcCYP51)] formed a dimer via an N-termini swap, whereas drug-bound AcCYP51 was monomeric. In the AcCYP51-isavuconazole complex, the protein target failed to refold 74 N-terminal residues, suggesting a fundamentally different mechanism of AcCYP51 inactivation than only blocking the active site. Proteolytic degradation of a structurally aberrant enzyme would explain the superior potency of isavuconazole against A. castellanii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandna Sharma
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California (V.S., B.S., L.H.-A., A.D., L.M.P.) and Departamento de Física, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil (L.H.-A.)
| | - Brian Shing
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California (V.S., B.S., L.H.-A., A.D., L.M.P.) and Departamento de Física, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil (L.H.-A.)
| | - Lilian Hernandez-Alvarez
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California (V.S., B.S., L.H.-A., A.D., L.M.P.) and Departamento de Física, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil (L.H.-A.)
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California (V.S., B.S., L.H.-A., A.D., L.M.P.) and Departamento de Física, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil (L.H.-A.)
| | - Larissa M Podust
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California (V.S., B.S., L.H.-A., A.D., L.M.P.) and Departamento de Física, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil (L.H.-A.)
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23
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Rizo-Liendo A, Sifaoui I, Arberas-Jiménez I, Reyes-Batlle M, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Fluvastatin and atorvastatin induce programmed cell death in the brain eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110583. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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In Vitro Evaluation of Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor and its Effect in Combination with 3-Hydroxy-3-Methyl-Glutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitor against Naegleria fowleri. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9090689. [PMID: 32842691 PMCID: PMC7560193 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri causes a rapidly fatal infection primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in children. The drug of choice in treating PAM is amphotericin B, but very few patients treated with amphotericin B have survived PAM. Therefore, development of efficient drugs is a critical unmet need. We identified that the FDA-approved pitavastatin, an inhibitor of HMG Co-A reductase involved in the mevalonate pathway, was equipotent to amphotericin B against N. fowleri trophozoites. The genome of N. fowleri contains a gene encoding protein farnesyltransferase (FT), the last common enzyme for products derived from the mevalonate pathway. Here, we show that a clinically advanced FT inhibitor lonafarnib is active against different strains of N. fowleri with EC50 ranging from 1.5 to 9.2 µM. A combination of lonafarnib and pitavastatin at different ratios led to 95% growth inhibition of trophozoites and the combination achieved a dose reduction of about 2- to 28-fold for lonafarnib and 5- to 30-fold for pitavastatin. No trophozoite with normal morphology was found when trophozoites were treated for 48 h with a combination of 1.7 µM each of lonafarnib and pitavastatin. Combination of lonafarnib and pitavastatin may contribute to the development of a new drug regimen for the treatment of PAM.
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In Vitro Effect of Pitavastatin and Its Synergistic Activity with Isavuconazole against Acanthamoeba castellanii. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9090681. [PMID: 32825652 PMCID: PMC7559540 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) can occur in healthy individuals wearing contact lenses and it is a painful, blinding infection of the cornea caused by a free-living ameba Acanthamoeba. Current treatment for AK relies on a combination of chlorhexidine, propamidine isethionate, and polyhexamethylene biguanide. However, the current regimen includes an aggressive disinfectant and in 10% of cases recurrent infection ensues. Therefore, development of efficient and safe drugs is a critical unmet need to avert blindness. Acanthamoeba sterol biosynthesis includes two essential enzymes HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) and sterol 14-demethylase (CYP51), and we earlier identified a CYP51 inhibitor isavuconazole that demonstrated nanomolar potency against A. castellanii trophozoites. In this study, we investigated the effect of well-tolerated HMGR inhibitors and identified pitavastatin that is active against trophozoites of three different clinical strains of A.castellanii. Pitavastatin demonstrated an EC50 of 0.5 to 1.9 µM, depending on strains. Combination of pitavastatin and isavuconazole is synergistic and led to 2- to 9-fold dose reduction for pitavastatin and 11- to 4000-fold dose reduction for isavuconazole to achieve 97% of growth inhibition. Pitavastatin, either alone or in combination with isavuconazole, may lead to repurposing for the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
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Anwar A, Khan NA, Siddiqui R. Repurposing of Drugs Is a Viable Approach to Develop Therapeutic Strategies against Central Nervous System Related Pathogenic Amoebae. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2378-2384. [PMID: 32073257 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-eating amoebae including Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria fowleri, and Balamuthia mandrillaris cause rare infections of the central nervous system that almost always result in death. The high mortality rate, lack of interest for drug development from pharmaceutical industries, and no available effective drugs present an alarming challenge. The current drugs employed in the management and therapy of these devastating diseases are amphotericin B, miltefosine, chlorhexidine, pentamidine, and voriconazole which are generally used in combination. However, clinical evidence shows that these drugs have limited efficacy and high host cell cytotoxicity. Repurposing of drugs is a practical approach to utilize commercially available, U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved drugs for one disease against rare diseases caused by brain-eating amoebae. In this Perspective, we highlight some of the success stories of drugs repositioned against neglected parasitic diseases and identify future potential for effective and sustainable drug development against brain-eating amoebae infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaz Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
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Rice CA, Troth EV, Russell AC, Kyle DE. Discovery of Anti-Amoebic Inhibitors from Screening the MMV Pandemic Response Box on Balamuthia mandrillaris, Naegleria fowleri, and Acanthamoeba castellanii. Pathogens 2020; 9:E476. [PMID: 32560115 PMCID: PMC7344389 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic free-living amoebae, Balamuthia mandrillaris, Naegleria fowleri, and several Acanthamoeba species are the etiological agents of severe brain diseases, with case mortality rates > 90%. A number of constraints including misdiagnosis and partially effective treatments lead to these high fatality rates. The unmet medical need is for rapidly acting, highly potent new drugs to reduce these alarming mortality rates. Herein, we report the discovery of new drugs as potential anti-amoebic agents. We used the CellTiter-Glo 2.0 high-throughput screening methods to screen the Medicines for Malaria Ventures (MMV) Pandemic Response Box in a search for new active chemical scaffolds. Initially, we screened the library as a single-point assay at 10 and 1 µM. From these data, we reconfirmed hits by conducting quantitative dose-response assays and identified 12 hits against B. mandrillaris, 29 against N. fowleri, and 14 against A. castellanii ranging from nanomolar to low micromolar potency. We further describe 11 novel molecules with activity against B. mandrillaris, 22 against N. fowleri, and 9 against A. castellanii. These structures serve as a starting point for medicinal chemistry studies and demonstrate the utility of phenotypic screening for drug discovery to treat diseases caused by free-living amoebae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. Rice
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (E.V.T.); (A.C.R.)
| | - Emma V. Troth
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (E.V.T.); (A.C.R.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - A. Cassiopeia Russell
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (E.V.T.); (A.C.R.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Dennis E. Kyle
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (E.V.T.); (A.C.R.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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28
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The Delta 5,
7‐Sterols
and Astaxanthin in the Marine Microheterotroph
Schizochytrium
sp.
S31. J AM OIL CHEM SOC 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/aocs.12364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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29
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Kan Y, Meng L, Xie L, Liu L, Dong W, Feng J, Yan Y, Zhao C, Peng G, Wang D, Lu M, Yang C, Niu C. Temporal modulation of host aerobic glycolysis determines the outcome of Mycobacterium marinum infection. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 96:78-85. [PMID: 31775059 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages are the first-line host defense that the invading Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) encounters. It has been recently reported that host aerobic glycolysis was elevated post the infection by a couple of virulent mycobacterial species. However, whether this metabolic transition is required for host defense against intracellular pathogens and the underlying mechanisms remain to be further investigated. A pathogenic mycobacterial species, M. marinum, is genetically close to Mtb and was utilized in this study. Through analyzing cellular carbon metabolism of RAW 264.7 (a murine macrophage-like cell line) post M. marinum infection, a strong elevation of glycolysis was observed. Next, three glycolysis inhibitors were examined for their ability to inhibit mycobacterial proliferation inside RAW264.7 macrophages. Among them, a glucose analog, 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) displayed a protective role against mycobacterial infection. Treatment with 2-DG at concentrations of 0.5 or 1 mM significantly induced autophagy and decreased the phagocytosis of M. marinum by macrophages. Moreover, 2-DG pre-treatment exerted a significantly protective effect on zebrafish larvae by limiting the proliferation of M. marinum, and such effect was correlated to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) as the 2-DG pre-treatment increased the expression of TNF-α in both mouse peritoneal macrophages and zebrafish. On the contrary, the 2-DG treatment post infection did not restrain proliferation of M. marinum in WT zebrafish, and even accelerated bacterial replication in TNF-α-/- zebrafish. Together, modulation of glycolysis prior to infection boosts host immunity against M. marinum infection, indicating a potential intervention strategy to control mycobacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqing Kan
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Meng
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, China
| | - Lingling Xie
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixia Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes of Biologic Sciences (SIBS), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyue Dong
- Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes of Biologic Sciences (SIBS), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jintao Feng
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchen Yan
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Zhao
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Peng
- Institute of Brain Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Decheng Wang
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China
| | - Mingfang Lu
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes of Biologic Sciences (SIBS), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Niu
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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30
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Shi D, Chahal KK, Oto P, Nothias LF, Debnath A, McKerrow JH, Podust LM, Abagyan R. Identification of Four Amoebicidal Nontoxic Compounds by a Molecular Docking Screen of Naegleria fowleri Sterol Δ8-Δ7-Isomerase and Phenotypic Assays. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:2029-2038. [PMID: 31583882 PMCID: PMC7085920 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba causing primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rapid-onset brain infection in humans with over 97% mortality rate. Despite some progress in the treatment of the disease, there is no single, proven, evidence-based treatment with a high probability of cure. Here we report the chemical library screening and experimental identification of four new compounds with amoebicidal effects against N. fowleri. The chemical library was screened by molecular docking against a homology model of sterol Δ8-Δ7 isomerase (NfERG2). Thirty top-ranking hits were then tested in a cell-based assay for antiproliferative/amoebicidal activities. Eight chemicals exhibited nearly 100% inhibition of N. fowleri at 50 μM, with the EC50 values ranging from 6 to 25 μM. A cell toxicity assay using human HEK-293 cells was also performed. Four of the compounds preferentially kill amoeba cells with no apparent human cell toxicities. These compounds fall into two distinct chemical scaffolds with druglike properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Shi
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
| | - Kirti Kandhwal Chahal
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar-Delhi Bypass Road, Hisar, Haryana 125001, India
| | - Patricia Oto
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
| | - Louis-Felix Nothias
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
| | - Larissa M. Podust
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
| | - Ruben Abagyan
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
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Rizo-Liendo A, Sifaoui I, Reyes-Batlle M, Chiboub O, Rodríguez-Expósito RL, Bethencourt-Estrella CJ, San Nicolás-Hernández D, Hendiger EB, López-Arencibia A, Rocha-Cabrera P, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. In Vitro Activity of Statins against Naegleria fowleri. Pathogens 2019; 8:E122. [PMID: 31398829 PMCID: PMC6789626 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8030122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri causes a deadly disease called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Even though PAM is still considered a rare disease, the number of reported cases worldwide has been increasing each year. Among the factors to be considered for this, awareness about this disease, and also global warming, as these amoebae thrive in warm water bodies, seem to be the key factors. Until present, no fully effective drugs have been developed to treat PAM, and the current options are amphotericin B and miltefosine, which present side effects such as liver and kidney toxicity. Statins are able to inhibit the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, which is a key enzyme for the synthesis of ergosterol of the cell membrane of these amoebae. Therefore, the in vitro activity of a group of statins was tested in this study against two types of strains of Naegleria fowleri. The obtained results showed that fluvastatin was the most effective statin tested in this study and was able to eliminate these amoebae at concentrations of 0.179 ± 0.078 to 1.682 ± 0.775 µM depending on the tested strain of N. fowleri. Therefore, fluvastatin could be a potential novel therapeutic agent against this emerging pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Rizo-Liendo
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
- Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, La Marsa, University of Carthage, Carthage 1054, Tunisia
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Olfa Chiboub
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
- Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, La Marsa, University of Carthage, Carthage 1054, Tunisia
| | - Rubén L Rodríguez-Expósito
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Carlos J Bethencourt-Estrella
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Desirée San Nicolás-Hernández
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Edyta B Hendiger
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Atteneri López-Arencibia
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Pedro Rocha-Cabrera
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
- Clínica Nivaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain.
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