1
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Davie T, Serrat X, Imhof L, Snider J, Štagljar I, Keiser J, Hirano H, Watanabe N, Osada H, Fraser AG. Identification of a family of species-selective complex I inhibitors as potential anthelmintics. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3367. [PMID: 38719808 PMCID: PMC11079024 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47331-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are major pathogens infecting over a billion people. There are few classes of anthelmintics and there is an urgent need for new drugs. Many STHs use an unusual form of anaerobic metabolism to survive the hypoxic conditions of the host gut. This requires rhodoquinone (RQ), a quinone electron carrier. RQ is not made or used by vertebrate hosts making it an excellent therapeutic target. Here we screen 480 structural families of natural products to find compounds that kill Caenorhabditis elegans specifically when they require RQ-dependent metabolism. We identify several classes of compounds including a family of species-selective inhibitors of mitochondrial respiratory complex I. These identified complex I inhibitors have a benzimidazole core and we determine key structural requirements for activity by screening 1,280 related compounds. Finally, we show several of these compounds kill adult STHs. We suggest these species-selective complex I inhibitors are potential anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Davie
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xènia Serrat
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lea Imhof
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4000, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jamie Snider
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Igor Štagljar
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences, Meštrovićevo Šetalište 45, HR-21000, Split, Croatia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4000, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hiroyuki Hirano
- Chemical Resource Development Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Nobumoto Watanabe
- Chemical Resource Development Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Osada
- Chemical Resource Development Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
- Institute of Microbial Chemistry (BIKAKEN), 3-14-23 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 141-0021, Japan
| | - Andrew G Fraser
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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2
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Dubey AA, Krygier M, Szulc NA, Rutkowska K, Kosińska J, Pollak A, Rydzanicz M, Kmieć T, Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska M, Pokrzywa W, Płoski R. A novel de novo FEM1C variant is linked to neurodevelopmental disorder with absent speech, pyramidal signs and limb ataxia. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:1152-1161. [PMID: 36336956 PMCID: PMC10026218 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac276] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The principal component of the protein homeostasis network is the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Ubiquitination is mediated by an enzymatic cascade involving, i.e. E3 ubiquitin ligases, many of which belong to the cullin-RING ligases family. Genetic defects in the ubiquitin-proteasome system components, including cullin-RING ligases, are known causes of neurodevelopmental disorders. Using exome sequencing to diagnose a pediatric patient with developmental delay, pyramidal signs and limb ataxia, we identified a de novo missense variant c.376G>C; p.(Asp126His) in the FEM1C gene encoding a cullin-RING ligase substrate receptor. This variant alters a conserved amino acid located within a highly constrained coding region and is predicted as pathogenic by most in silico tools. In addition, a de novo FEM1C mutation of the same residue p.(Asp126Val) was associated with an undiagnosed developmental disorder, and the relevant variant (FEM1CAsp126Ala) was found to be functionally compromised in vitro. Our computational analysis showed that FEM1CAsp126His hampers protein substrate binding. To further assess its pathogenicity, we used the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that the FEM-1Asp133His animals (expressing variant homologous to the FEM1C p.(Asp126Val)) had normal muscle architecture yet impaired mobility. Mutant worms were sensitive to the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor aldicarb but not levamisole (acetylcholine receptor agonist), showing that their disabled locomotion is caused by synaptic abnormalities and not muscle dysfunction. In conclusion, we provide the first evidence from an animal model suggesting that a mutation in the evolutionarily conserved FEM1C Asp126 position causes a neurodevelopmental disorder in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Anil Dubey
- Laboratory of Protein Metabolism, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Krygier
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Natalia A Szulc
- Laboratory of Protein Metabolism, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Rutkowska
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kosińska
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Pollak
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Rydzanicz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kmieć
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Wojciech Pokrzywa
- Laboratory of Protein Metabolism, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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3
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Pharmacological Profiling of a Brugia malayi Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor as a Putative Antiparasitic Target. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0118822. [PMID: 36602350 PMCID: PMC9872666 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01188-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The diversification of anthelmintic targets and mechanisms of action will help ensure the sustainable control of nematode infections in response to the growing threat of drug resistance. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are established drug targets in human medicine but remain unexploited as anthelmintic substrates despite their important roles in nematode neuromuscular and physiological processes. Bottlenecks in exploring the druggability of parasitic nematode GPCRs include a limited helminth genetic toolkit and difficulties establishing functional heterologous expression. In an effort to address some of these challenges, we profile the function and pharmacology of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the human parasite Brugia malayi, an etiological agent of human lymphatic filariasis. While acetylcholine-gated ion channels are intensely studied as targets of existing anthelmintics, comparatively little is known about metabotropic receptor contributions to parasite cholinergic signaling. Using multivariate phenotypic assays in microfilariae and adults, we show that nicotinic and muscarinic compounds disparately affect parasite fitness traits. We identify a putative G protein-linked acetylcholine receptor of B. malayi (Bma-GAR-3) that is highly expressed across intramammalian life stages and adapt spatial RNA in situ hybridization to map receptor transcripts to critical parasite tissues. Tissue-specific expression of Bma-gar-3 in Caenorhabditis elegans (body wall muscle, sensory neurons, and pharynx) enabled receptor deorphanization and pharmacological profiling in a nematode physiological context. Finally, we developed an image-based feeding assay as a reporter of pharyngeal activity to facilitate GPCR screening in parasitized strains. We expect that these receptor characterization approaches and improved knowledge of GARs as putative drug targets will further advance the study of GPCR biology across medically important nematodes.
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4
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Suthakaran N, Brock T, Naraine A, Gonzalez- Lerma P, Hopkins C, Dawson-Scully K. Atropine reduces aldicarb-induced sensitivity to C. elegans electroshock model. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2022; 2022:10.17912/micropub.biology.000621. [PMID: 36017190 PMCID: PMC9396355 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Atropine has been used as an established anticonvulsant treatment for nerve agent intoxication. Atropine reduces electroshock recovery time among aldicarb-exposed wild-type C. elegans .
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirthieca Suthakaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | | | - Akshay Naraine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Paola Gonzalez- Lerma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | | | - Ken Dawson-Scully
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL ;
,
Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
,
Correspondence to: Ken Dawson-Scully (
)
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5
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Hughes S, van de Klashorst D, Veltri CA, Grundmann O. Acute, Sublethal, and Developmental Toxicity of Kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) Leaf Preparations on Caenorhabditis elegans as an Invertebrate Model for Human Exposure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:6294. [PMID: 35627831 PMCID: PMC9140534 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106294] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) is a tree native to Southeast Asia with stimulant and opioid-like effects which has seen increased use in Europe and North America in recent years. Its safety and pharmacological effects remain under investigation, especially in regard to developmental and generational toxicity. In the current study, we investigated commercial kratom preparations using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a translational model for toxicity and pharmacological effects. The pure alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine as well as aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts of three commercial kratom products were evaluated using a battery of developmental, genotoxic, and opioid-related experiments. As determined previously, the mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine content in kratom samples was higher in the alcoholic extracts than the aqueous extracts. Above the human consumption range equivalent of 15-70 µg/mL, kratom dose-dependently reduced brood size and health of parent worms and their progeny. 7-hydroxymitragynine, but not mitragynine, presented with toxic and developmental effects at very high concentrations, while the positive control, morphine, displayed toxic effects at 0.5 mM. Kratom and its alkaloids did not affect pumping rate or interpump interval in the same way as morphine, suggesting that kratom is unlikely to act primarily via the opioid-signalling pathway. Only at very high doses did kratom cause developmental and genotoxic effects in nematodes, indicating its relative safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Hughes
- A-LIFE Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Section Environmental Health and Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | | | - Charles A. Veltri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA;
| | - Oliver Grundmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA;
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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6
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Lautens MJ, Tan JH, Serrat X, Del Borrello S, Schertzberg MR, Fraser AG. Identification of enzymes that have helminth-specific active sites and are required for Rhodoquinone-dependent metabolism as targets for new anthelmintics. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009991. [PMID: 34843467 PMCID: PMC8659336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil transmitted helminths (STHs) are major human pathogens that infect over a billion people. Resistance to current anthelmintics is rising and new drugs are needed. Here we combine multiple approaches to find druggable targets in the anaerobic metabolic pathways STHs need to survive in their mammalian host. These require rhodoquinone (RQ), an electron carrier used by STHs and not their hosts. We identified 25 genes predicted to act in RQ-dependent metabolism including sensing hypoxia and RQ synthesis and found 9 are required. Since all 9 have mammalian orthologues, we used comparative genomics and structural modeling to identify those with active sites that differ between host and parasite. Together, we found 4 genes that are required for RQ-dependent metabolism and have different active sites. Finding these high confidence targets can open up in silico screens to identify species selective inhibitors of these enzymes as new anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot J. Lautens
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - June H. Tan
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xènia Serrat
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Andrew G. Fraser
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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7
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Layana Castro PE, Puchalt JC, García Garví A, Sánchez-Salmerón AJ. Caenorhabditis elegans Multi-Tracker Based on a Modified Skeleton Algorithm. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:5622. [PMID: 34451062 PMCID: PMC8402443 DOI: 10.3390/s21165622] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Automatic tracking of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. egans) in standard Petri dishes is challenging due to high-resolution image requirements when fully monitoring a Petri dish, but mainly due to potential losses of individual worm identity caused by aggregation of worms, overlaps and body contact. To date, trackers only automate tests for individual worm behaviors, canceling data when body contact occurs. However, essays automating contact behaviors still require solutions to this problem. In this work, we propose a solution to this difficulty using computer vision techniques. On the one hand, a skeletonization method is applied to extract skeletons in overlap and contact situations. On the other hand, new optimization methods are proposed to solve the identity problem during these situations. Experiments were performed with 70 tracks and 3779 poses (skeletons) of C. elegans. Several cost functions with different criteria have been evaluated, and the best results gave an accuracy of 99.42% in overlapping with other worms and noise on the plate using the modified skeleton algorithm and 98.73% precision using the classical skeleton algorithm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Antonio-José Sánchez-Salmerón
- Instituto de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (P.E.L.C.); (J.C.P.); (A.G.G.)
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8
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Hahnel SR, Roberts WM, Heisler I, Kulke D, Weeks JC. Comparison of electrophysiological and motility assays to study anthelmintic effects in Caenorhabditis elegans. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2021; 16:174-187. [PMID: 34252686 PMCID: PMC8350797 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Currently, only a few chemical drug classes are available to control the global burden of nematode infections in humans and animals. Most of these drugs exert their anthelmintic activity by interacting with proteins such as ion channels, and the nematode neuromuscular system remains a promising target for novel intervention strategies. Many commonly-used phenotypic readouts such as motility provide only indirect insight into neuromuscular function and the site(s) of action of chemical compounds. Electrophysiological recordings provide more specific information but are typically technically challenging and lack high throughput for drug discovery. Because drug discovery relies strongly on the evaluation and ranking of drug candidates, including closely related chemical derivatives, precise assays and assay combinations are needed for capturing and distinguishing subtle drug effects. Past studies show that nematode motility and pharyngeal pumping (feeding) are inhibited by most anthelmintic drugs. Here we compare two microfluidic devices (“chips”) that record electrophysiological signals from the nematode pharynx (electropharyngeograms; EPGs) ─ the ScreenChip™ and the 8-channel EPG platform ─ to evaluate their respective utility for anthelmintic research. We additionally compared EPG data with whole-worm motility measurements obtained with the wMicroTracker instrument. As references, we used three macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin, moxidectin, and milbemycin oxime), and levamisole, which act on different ion channels. Drug potencies (IC50 and IC95 values) from concentration-response curves, and the time-course of drug effects, were compared across platforms and across drugs. Drug effects on pump timing and EPG waveforms were also investigated. These experiments confirmed drug-class specific effects of the tested anthelmintics and illustrated the relative strengths and limitations of the different assays for anthelmintic research. Anthelmintic drugs inhibit pharyngeal pumping and motility in C. elegans. Two electrophysiological assays and one motility assay were compared. Macrocyclic lactones and levamisole have drug-class-specific effects. A combination of assays most fully reveals anthelmintic effects. Strengths and limitations of the three assays were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Janis C Weeks
- InVivo Biosystems Inc. (formerly NemaMetrix Inc.), Eugene, OR, USA.
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9
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High-content approaches to anthelmintic drug screening. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:780-789. [PMID: 34092518 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Most anthelmintics were discovered through in vivo screens using animal models of infection. Developing in vitro assays for parasitic worms presents several challenges. The lack of in vitro life cycle culture protocols requires harvesting worms from vertebrate hosts or vectors, limiting assay throughput. Once worms are removed from the host environment, established anthelmintics often show no obvious phenotype - raising concerns about the predictive value of many in vitro assays. However, with recent progress in understanding how anthelmintics subvert host-parasite interactions, and breakthroughs in high-content imaging and machine learning, in vitro assays have the potential to discern subtle cryptic parasite phenotypes. These may prove better endpoints than conventional in vitro viability assays.
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10
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Queirós L, Martins AC, Krum BN, Ke T, Aschner M, Pereira JL, Gonçalves FJM, Milne GL, Pereira P. Assessing the neurotoxicity of the carbamate methomyl in Caenorhabditis elegans with a multi-level approach. Toxicology 2021; 451:152684. [PMID: 33508380 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152684] [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] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The neurotoxicity and developmental effects of a widely applied insecticide (methomyl) was investigated by a multi-level approach (behavior and biometry, biochemical alterations and neurodegeneration) in Caenorhabditis elegans upon a short-term exposure (1 h) and a post-exposure period (48 h). The 1-h exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of methomyl (lower than 0.320 g L-1; i.e. below the estimated LC10) triggered significant changes on motor behavior and development impairment. The type of movement was significantly altered in methomyl-exposed worms, as well as biometric parameters (worms frequently idle and moving more backwards than controls; small body area, length and wavelength). These effects were followed by an increase of acetylcholine levels. Interestingly, after the 48-h recovery period, movement of previously exposed worms was similar to controls, and a concentration-dependent reversion of biometric endpoints was recorded, pointing out the transient action of the carbamate in line with an apparent absence of cholinergic neurons damage. This study provided new insight on the neurotoxicity of methomyl by showing that effects on movement and development were transient, and apparently did not result in neurodegeneration in cholinergic neurons. Moreover, these findings reinforced the advantages of using C. elegans in a multi-level approach for pesticide effects assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Queirós
- Department of Biology & CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| | - A C Martins
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - B N Krum
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - T Ke
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - M Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - J L Pereira
- Department of Biology & CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - F J M Gonçalves
- Department of Biology & CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - G L Milne
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - P Pereira
- Department of Biology & CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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11
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Hahnel SR, Dilks CM, Heisler I, Andersen EC, Kulke D. Caenorhabditis elegans in anthelmintic research - Old model, new perspectives. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2020; 14:237-248. [PMID: 33249235 PMCID: PMC7704361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For more than four decades, the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been extensively used in anthelmintic research. Classic genetic screens and heterologous expression in the C. elegans model enormously contributed to the identification and characterization of molecular targets of all major anthelmintic drug classes. Although these findings provided substantial insights into common anthelmintic mechanisms, a breakthrough in the treatment and control of parasitic nematodes is still not in sight. Instead, we are facing increasing evidence that the enormous diversity within the phylum Nematoda cannot be recapitulated by any single free-living or parasitic species and the development of novel broad-spectrum anthelmintics is not be a simple goal. In the present review, we summarize certain milestones and challenges of the C. elegans model with focus on drug target identification, anthelmintic drug discovery and identification of resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, we present new perspectives and strategies on how current progress in C. elegans research will support future anthelmintic research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clayton M Dilks
- Northwestern University, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Evanston, IL, USA.
| | | | - Erik C Andersen
- Northwestern University, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Evanston, IL, USA.
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12
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Tan JH, Lautens M, Romanelli-Cedrez L, Wang J, Schertzberg MR, Reinl SR, Davis RE, Shepherd JN, Fraser AG, Salinas G. Alternative splicing of coq-2 controls the levels of rhodoquinone in animals. eLife 2020; 9:e56376. [PMID: 32744503 PMCID: PMC7434440 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic helminths use two benzoquinones as electron carriers in the electron transport chain. In normoxia, they use ubiquinone (UQ), but in anaerobic conditions inside the host, they require rhodoquinone (RQ) and greatly increase RQ levels. We previously showed the switch from UQ to RQ synthesis is driven by a change of substrates by the polyprenyltransferase COQ-2 (Del Borrello et al., 2019; Roberts Buceta et al., 2019); however, the mechanism of substrate selection is not known. Here, we show helminths synthesize two coq-2 splice forms, coq-2a and coq-2e, and the coq-2e-specific exon is only found in species that synthesize RQ. We show that in Caenorhabditis elegans COQ-2e is required for efficient RQ synthesis and survival in cyanide. Importantly, parasites switch from COQ-2a to COQ-2e as they transit into anaerobic environments. We conclude helminths switch from UQ to RQ synthesis principally via changes in the alternative splicing of coq-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- June H Tan
- The Donnelly Centre, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | | | - Laura Romanelli-Cedrez
- Laboratorio de Biología de Gusanos. Unidad Mixta, Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República - Institut Pasteur de MontevideoMontevideoUruguay
| | - Jianbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of TennesseeKnoxvilleUnited States
| | | | - Samantha R Reinl
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Gonzaga UniversitySpokaneUnited States
| | - Richard E Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraUnited States
| | - Jennifer N Shepherd
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Gonzaga UniversitySpokaneUnited States
| | | | - Gustavo Salinas
- Laboratorio de Biología de Gusanos. Unidad Mixta, Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República - Institut Pasteur de MontevideoMontevideoUruguay
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Sepúlveda-Crespo D, Reguera RM, Rojo-Vázquez F, Balaña-Fouce R, Martínez-Valladares M. Drug discovery technologies: Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for anthelmintic therapeutics. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:1715-1753. [PMID: 32166776 DOI: 10.1002/med.21668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Helminthiasis is one of the gravest problems worldwide. There is a growing concern on less available anthelmintics and the emergence of resistance creating a major threat to human and livestock health resources. Novel and broad-spectrum anthelmintics are urgently needed. The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans could address this issue through automated high-throughput technologies for the screening of large chemical libraries. This review discusses the strong advantages and limitations for using C elegans as a screening method for anthelmintic drug discovery. C elegans is the best model available for the validation of novel effective drugs in treating most, if not all, helminth infections, and for the elucidation the mode of action of anthelmintic candidates. This review also focuses on available technologies in the discovery of anthelmintics published over the last 15 years with particular attention to high-throughput technologies over conventional screens. On the other hand, this review highlights how combinatorial and nanomedicine strategies could prolong the use of anthelmintics and control resistance problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sepúlveda-Crespo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Rosa M Reguera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Francisco Rojo-Vázquez
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Rafael Balaña-Fouce
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
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14
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Del Borrello S, Lautens M, Dolan K, Tan JH, Davie T, Schertzberg MR, Spensley MA, Caudy AA, Fraser AG. Rhodoquinone biosynthesis in C. elegans requires precursors generated by the kynurenine pathway. eLife 2019; 8:e48165. [PMID: 31232688 PMCID: PMC6656428 DOI: 10.7554/elife.48165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic helminths infect over a billion humans. To survive in the low oxygen environment of their hosts, these parasites use unusual anaerobic metabolism - this requires rhodoquinone (RQ), an electron carrier that is made by very few animal species. Crucially RQ is not made or used by any parasitic hosts and RQ synthesis is thus an ideal target for anthelmintics. However, little is known about how RQ is made and no drugs are known to block RQ synthesis. C. elegans makes RQ and can use RQ-dependent metabolic pathways - here, we use C. elegans genetics to show that tryptophan degradation via the kynurenine pathway is required to generate the key amine-containing precursors for RQ synthesis. We show that C. elegans requires RQ for survival in hypoxic conditions and, finally, we establish a high throughput assay for drugs that block RQ-dependent metabolism. This may drive the development of a new class of anthelmintic drugs. This study is a key first step in understanding how RQ is made in parasitic helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - June H Tan
- The Donnelly CentreUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Taylor Davie
- The Donnelly CentreUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | | | - Mark A Spensley
- The Donnelly CentreUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
- Whole Animal PhenotypingPhenalysys IncTorontoCanada
| | - Amy A Caudy
- The Donnelly CentreUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
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Cintra GAS, Neto BAD, Carvalho PHPR, Moraes CB, Freitas-Junior LH. Expanding the Biological Application of Fluorescent Benzothiadiazole Derivatives: A Phenotypic Screening Strategy for Anthelmintic Drug Discovery Using Caenorhabditis elegans. SLAS DISCOVERY 2019; 24:755-765. [PMID: 31180789 DOI: 10.1177/2472555219851130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The current methodologies used to identify promising new anthelmintic compounds rely on subjective microscopic examination of worm motility or involve genetic modified organisms. We describe a new methodology to detect worm viability that takes advantage of the differential incorporation of the fluorescent molecular marker propidium iodide and the 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole core, which has been widely applied in light technology. The new assay developed could be validated using the "Pathogen Box" library. By use of this bioassay, it was possible to identify three molecules with activity against Caenorhabditis elegans that were previously described as effective in in vitro assays against other pathogens, such as Schistosoma mansoni, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Plasmodium falciparum, accelerating the identification of molecules with anthelmintic potential. The current fluorescence-based bioassay may be used for assessing C. elegans viability. The described methodology replaces the subjectivity of previous assays and provides an enabling technology that is useful for rapid in vitro screens of both natural and synthetic compound libraries. It is expected that the results obtained from these robust in vitro screens would select the most effective compounds for follow-up in vivo experimentation with pathogenic helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovana A S Cintra
- 1 Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,2 Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,3 Laboratório Nacional de Biociências, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Brenno A D Neto
- 4 Laboratory of Medicinal and Technological Chemistry, University of Brasília (IQ-UnB), Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Pedro H P R Carvalho
- 4 Laboratory of Medicinal and Technological Chemistry, University of Brasília (IQ-UnB), Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Carolina B Moraes
- 1 Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,2 Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,3 Laboratório Nacional de Biociências, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucio H Freitas-Junior
- 1 Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,2 Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,3 Laboratório Nacional de Biociências, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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