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Huang LJ, Lan JX, Wang JH, Huang H, Lu K, Zhou ZN, Xin SY, Zhang ZY, Wang JY, Dai P, Chen XM, Hou W. Bioactivity and mechanism of action of sanguinarine and its derivatives in the past 10 years. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116406. [PMID: 38460366 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116406] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Sanguinarine is a quaternary ammonium benzophenanthine alkaloid found in traditional herbs such as Chelidonium, Corydalis, Sanguinarum, and Borovula. It has been proven to possess broad-spectrum biological activities, such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiosteoporosis, neuroprotective, and antipathogenic microorganism activities. In this paper, recent progress on the biological activity and mechanism of action of sanguinarine and its derivatives over the past ten years is reviewed. The results showed that the biological activities of hematarginine and its derivatives are related mainly to the JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, TGF-β, MAPK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. The limitations of using sanguinarine in clinical application are also discussed, and the research prospects of this subject are outlined. In general, sanguinarine, a natural medicine, has many pharmacological effects, but its toxicity and safety in clinical application still need to be further studied. This review provides useful information for the development of sanguinarine-based bioactive agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le-Jun Huang
- College of Rehabilitation, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, PR China
| | - Jin-Xia Lan
- College of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, PR China
| | - Jin-Hua Wang
- Ji'an Central People's Hospital (Shanghai East Hospital Ji'an Hospital), Ji'an, Jiangxi 343100, PR China
| | - Hao Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, PR China
| | - Kuo Lu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Children's Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450018, PR China
| | - Zhi-Nuo Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, PR China
| | - Su-Ya Xin
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, PR China
| | - Zi-Yun Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, PR China
| | - Jing-Yang Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, PR China
| | - Ping Dai
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, PR China
| | - Xiao-Mei Chen
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, PR China
| | - Wen Hou
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, PR China.
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Roy M, Karhana S, Shamsuzzaman M, Khan MA. Recent drug development and treatments for fungal infections. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:1695-1716. [PMID: 37219748 PMCID: PMC10484882 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-00999-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are now becoming a hazard to individuals which has paved the way for research to expand the therapeutic options available. Recent advances in drug design and compound screening have also increased the pace of the development of antifungal drugs. Although several novel potential molecules are reported, those discoveries have yet to be translated from bench to bedside. Polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, and flucytosine are among the few antifungal agents that are available for the treatment of fungal infections, but such conventional therapies show certain limitations like toxicity, drug interactions, and the development of resistance which limits the utility of existing antifungals, contributing to significant mortality and morbidity. This review article focuses on the existing therapies, the challenges associated with them, and the development of new therapies, including the ongoing and recent clinical trials, for the treatment of fungal infections. Advancements in antifungal treatment: a graphical overview of drug development, adverse effects, and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhura Roy
- Centre for Translational & Clinical Research, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Sonali Karhana
- Centre for Translational & Clinical Research, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Md Shamsuzzaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Sahqra, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Ashif Khan
- Centre for Translational & Clinical Research, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India.
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Ajetunmobi OH, Wall G, Vidal Bonifacio B, Martinez Delgado LA, Chaturvedi AK, Najvar LK, Wormley FL, Patterson HP, Wiederhold NP, Patterson TF, Lopez-Ribot JL. High-Throughput Screening of the Repurposing Hub Library to Identify Drugs with Novel Inhibitory Activity against Candida albicans and Candida auris Biofilms. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:879. [PMID: 37754987 PMCID: PMC10532723 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090879] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Candidiasis is one of the most frequent nosocomial infections affecting an increasing number of at-risk patients. Candida albicans remains the most frequent causative agent of candidiasis, but, in the last decade, C. auris has emerged as a formidable multi-drug-resistant pathogen. Both species are fully capable of forming biofilms, which contribute to resistance, increasing the urgency for new effective antifungal therapies. Repurposing existing drugs could significantly accelerate the development of novel therapies against candidiasis. Here, we have screened the Repurposing Hub library from the Broad Institute, containing over 6000 compounds, in search for inhibitors of C. albicans and C. auris biofilm formation. The primary screen identified 57 initial hits against C. albicans and 33 against C. auris. Confirmatory concentration-dependent assays were used to validate the activity of the initial hits and, at the same time, establish their anti-biofilm potency. Based on these results, ebselen, temsirolimus, and compound BAY 11-7082 emerged as the leading repositionable compounds. Subsequent experiments established their spectrum of antifungal activity against yeasts and filamentous fungi. In addition, their in vivo activity was examined in the murine models of hematogenously disseminated C. albicans and C. auris infections. Although promising, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to confirm their potential use for the therapy of candidiasis and possibly other fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olabayo H. Ajetunmobi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (O.H.A.); (A.K.C.)
| | - Gina Wall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (O.H.A.); (A.K.C.)
| | - Bruna Vidal Bonifacio
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (O.H.A.); (A.K.C.)
| | | | - Ashok K. Chaturvedi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (O.H.A.); (A.K.C.)
| | - Laura K. Najvar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (L.K.N.); (T.F.P.)
| | - Floyd L. Wormley
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA;
| | - Hoja P. Patterson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (H.P.P.); (N.P.W.)
| | - Nathan P. Wiederhold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (H.P.P.); (N.P.W.)
| | - Thomas F. Patterson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (L.K.N.); (T.F.P.)
| | - Jose L. Lopez-Ribot
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (O.H.A.); (A.K.C.)
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Metzner K, O’Meara MJ, Halligan B, Wotring JW, Sexton JZ, O’Meara TR. Imaging-Based Screening Identifies Modulators of the eIF3 Translation Initiation Factor Complex in Candida albicans. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0050323. [PMID: 37382550 PMCID: PMC10353439 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00503-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal pathogens like Candida albicans can cause devastating human disease. Treatment of candidemia is complicated by the high rate of resistance to common antifungal therapies. Additionally, there is host toxicity associated with many antifungal compounds due to the conservation between essential mammalian and fungal proteins. An attractive new approach for antimicrobial development is to target virulence factors: non-essential processes that are required for the organism to cause disease in human hosts. This approach expands the potential target space while reducing the selective pressure toward resistance, as these targets are not essential for viability. In C. albicans, a key virulence factor is the ability to transition to hyphal morphology. We developed a high-throughput image analysis pipeline to distinguish between yeast and filamentous growth in C. albicans at the single cell level. Based on this phenotypic assay, we screened the FDA drug repurposing library of 2,017 compounds for their ability to inhibit filamentation and identified 33 compounds that block the hyphal transition in C. albicans with IC50 values ranging from 0.2 to 150 μM. Multiple compounds showed a phenyl sulfone chemotype, prompting further analysis. Of these phenyl sulfones, NSC 697923 displayed the most efficacy, and by selecting for resistant mutants, we identified eIF3 as the target of NSC 697923 in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katura Metzner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Matthew J. O’Meara
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Benjamin Halligan
- University of Michigan Center for Drug Repurposing, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jesse W. Wotring
- University of Michigan Center for Drug Repurposing, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jonathan Z. Sexton
- University of Michigan Center for Drug Repurposing, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Teresa R. O’Meara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Metzner K, O’Meara MJ, Halligan B, Wotring JW, Sexton JZ, O’Meara TR. Imaging-based screening identifies modulators of the eIF3 translation initiation factor complex in Candida albicans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.19.537517. [PMID: 37131825 PMCID: PMC10153179 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.19.537517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens like Candida albicans can cause devastating human disease. Treatment of candidemia is complicated by the high rate of resistance to common antifungal therapies. Additionally, there is host toxicity associated with many antifungal compounds due to the conservation between essential mammalian and fungal proteins. An attractive new approach for antimicrobial development is to target virulence factors: non-essential processes that are required for the organism to cause disease in human hosts. This approach expands the potential target space while reducing the selective pressure towards resistance, as these targets are not essential for viability. In C. albicans, a key virulence factor is the ability to transition to hyphal morphology. We developed a high-throughput image analysis pipeline to distinguish between yeast and filamentous growth in C. albicans at the single cell level. Based on this phenotypic assay, we screened the FDA drug repurposing library of 2,017 compounds for their ability to inhibit filamentation and identified 33 compounds that block the hyphal transition in C. albicans with IC 50 values ranging from 0.2 to 150 µM. Multiple compounds showed a phenyl vinyl sulfone chemotype, prompting further analysis. Of these phenyl vinyl sulfones, NSC 697923 displayed the most efficacy, and by selecting for resistant mutants, we identified eIF3 as the target of NSC 697923 in C. albicans .
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Affiliation(s)
- Katura Metzner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthew J O’Meara
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Benjamin Halligan
- University of Michigan Center for Drug Repurposing, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jesse W. Wotring
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Center for Drug Repurposing, USA
| | - Jonathan Z Sexton
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Center for Drug Repurposing, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Teresa R O’Meara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Conrad KA, Kim H, Qasim M, Djehal A, Hernday AD, Désaubry L, Rauceo JM. Triazine-Based Small Molecules: A Potential New Class of Compounds in the Antifungal Toolbox. Pathogens 2023; 12:126. [PMID: 36678474 PMCID: PMC9861074 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections caused by Candida species remain a significant public health problem worldwide. The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant infections and a limited arsenal of antifungal drugs underscore the need for novel interventions. Here, we screened several classes of pharmacologically active compounds against mammalian diseases for antifungal activity. We found that the synthetic triazine-based compound melanogenin (Mel) 56 is fungicidal in Candida albicans laboratory and clinical strains with minimal inhibitory concentrations of 8−16 µg/mL. Furthermore, Mel56 has general antifungal activity in several non-albicans Candida species and the non-pathogenic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Surprisingly, Mel56 inhibited the yeast-to-hyphae transition at sublethal concentrations, revealing a new role for triazine-based compounds in fungi. In human cancer cell lines, Mel56 targets the inner mitochondrial integral membrane prohibitin proteins, PHB1 and PHB2. However, Mel56 treatment did not impact C. albicans mitochondrial activity, and antifungal activity was similar in prohibitin single, double, and triple homozygous mutant strains compared to the wild-type parental strain. These results suggests that Mel56 has a novel mechanism-of-action in C. albicans. Therefore, Mel56 is a promising antifungal candidate warranting further analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A. Conrad
- Department of Sciences, John Jay College of the City, University of New York, New York, NY 10019, USA
| | - Hyunjeong Kim
- Department of Sciences, John Jay College of the City, University of New York, New York, NY 10019, USA
| | - Mohammad Qasim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Amel Djehal
- Higher National School of Biotechnology of Constantine, Constantine 25100, Algeria
- Laboratory of Regenerative Nanomedicine, Center of Research and Biomedicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Aaron D. Hernday
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Laurent Désaubry
- Laboratory of Regenerative Nanomedicine, Center of Research and Biomedicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jason M. Rauceo
- Department of Sciences, John Jay College of the City, University of New York, New York, NY 10019, USA
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Li L, She P, Liu S, Li Y, Li Z, Yang Y, Zhou L, Wu Y. Identification of a small molecule 0390 as a potent antimicrobial agent to combat antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1078318. [PMID: 36590392 PMCID: PMC9800007 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1078318] [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: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antibiotic resistance has posed a serious challenge to global public health. With the increasing resistance emergence of E. coli and mortality caused by drug-resistant E. coli infections, it is urgent to develop novel antibiotics. Methods By high-throughput screening assay, we found a bioactive molecule, 0390 (6056-0390), which demonstrated antimicrobial effects against E. coli. The antimicrobial effects of 0390 alone or in combination with conventional antibiotics were assessed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, drug combination assay, and growth inhibition assay. In addition, we investigated the antimicrobial efficacy in subcutaneous infection model in vivo. Results 0390 showed significant synergistic antimicrobial effects in combination with SPR741, a polymyxin B derivative, against E. coli standard strain and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) clinical isolates, and the combination exhibited good safety property in vitro. In addition, we demonstrated that the combinational treatment of 0390 and SPR741 exhibited a considerable antibacterial activity in vivo, and no tissue damage or other toxicity was observed after the therapeutic dose treatment. Discussion To confront the issue of the infectious diseases related to E. coli and its multidrug resistant strains, potential approaches, such as new antibacterial agents with different structures from conventional antibiotics and drug combinations, are urgently needed. In this study, we have determined the in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial potential of 0390 alone or in combination with SPR741, which might be used as a treatment option for E. coli related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linhui Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pengfei She
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shasha Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yimin Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zehao Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Linying Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Yong Wu,
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Chen X, Fernando SR, Lee YL, Yeung WSB, Ng EHY, Li RHW, Lee KF. High-Throughput In Vitro Screening Identified Nemadipine as a Novel Suppressor of Embryo Implantation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095073. [PMID: 35563464 PMCID: PMC9103851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Current contraceptive methods interfere with folliculogenesis, fertilization, and embryo implantation by physical or hormonal approaches. Although hormonal contraceptive pills are effective in regulating egg formation, they are less effective in preventing embryo implantation. To explore the use of non-hormonal compounds that suppress embryo implantation, we established a high-throughput spheroid-endometrial epithelial cell co-culture assay to screen the Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds (LOPAC) for compounds that affect trophoblastic spheroid (blastocyst surrogate) attachment onto endometrial epithelial Ishikawa cells. We identified 174 out of 1280 LOPAC that significantly suppressed BeWo spheroid attachment onto endometrial Ishikawa cells. Among the top 20 compounds, we found the one with the lowest cytotoxicity in Ishikawa cells, P11B5, which was later identified as Nemadipine-A. Nemadipine-A at 10 µM also suppressed BeWo spheroid attachment onto endometrial epithelial RL95-2 cells and primary human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs) isolated from LH +7/8-day endometrial biopsies. Mice at 1.5 days post coitum (dpc) treated with a transcervical injection of 100 µg/kg Nemadipine-A or 500 µg/kg PRI-724 (control, Wnt-inhibitor), but not 10 µg/kg Nemadipine-A, suppressed embryo implantation compared with controls. The transcript expressions of endometrial receptivity markers, integrin αV (ITGAV) and mucin 1 (MUC1), but not β-catenin (CTNNB1), were significantly decreased at 2.5 dpc in the uterus of treated mice compared with controls. The reduction of embryo implantation by Nemadipine-A was likely mediated through suppressing endometrial receptivity molecules ITGAV and MUC1. Nemadipine-A is a potential novel non-hormonal compound for contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.C.); (S.R.F.); (Y.-L.L.); (W.S.-B.Y.); (E.H.-Y.N.); (R.H.-W.L.)
| | - Sudini Ranshaya Fernando
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.C.); (S.R.F.); (Y.-L.L.); (W.S.-B.Y.); (E.H.-Y.N.); (R.H.-W.L.)
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Yin-Lau Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.C.); (S.R.F.); (Y.-L.L.); (W.S.-B.Y.); (E.H.-Y.N.); (R.H.-W.L.)
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - William Shu-Biu Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.C.); (S.R.F.); (Y.-L.L.); (W.S.-B.Y.); (E.H.-Y.N.); (R.H.-W.L.)
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Ernest Hung-Yu Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.C.); (S.R.F.); (Y.-L.L.); (W.S.-B.Y.); (E.H.-Y.N.); (R.H.-W.L.)
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Raymond Hang-Wun Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.C.); (S.R.F.); (Y.-L.L.); (W.S.-B.Y.); (E.H.-Y.N.); (R.H.-W.L.)
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Kai-Fai Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.C.); (S.R.F.); (Y.-L.L.); (W.S.-B.Y.); (E.H.-Y.N.); (R.H.-W.L.)
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Correspondence: ; Fax: +852-28161947
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Cell-Based Double-Screening Method to Identify a Reliable Candidate for Osteogenesis-Targeting Compounds. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020426. [PMID: 35203635 PMCID: PMC8962348 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Small-molecule compounds strongly affecting osteogenesis can form the basis of effective therapeutic strategies in bone regenerative medicine. A cell-based high-throughput screening system might be a powerful tool for identifying osteoblast-targeting candidates; however, this approach is generally limited with using only one molecule as a cell-based sensor that does not always reflect the activation of the osteogenic phenotype. In the present study, we used the MC3T3-E1 cell line stably transfected with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene driven by a fragment of type I collagen promoter (Col-1a1GFP-MC3T3-E1) to evaluate a double-screening system to identify osteogenic inducible compounds using a combination of a cell-based reporter assay and detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Col-1a1GFP-MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in an osteogenic induction medium after library screening of 1280 pharmacologically active compounds (Lopack1280). After 7 days, GFP fluorescence was measured using a microplate reader. After 14 days of osteogenic induction, the cells were stained with ALP. Library screening using the Col-1a1/GFP reporter and ALP staining assay detected three candidates with significant osteogenic induction ability. Furthermore, leflunomide, one of the three detected candidates, significantly promoted new bone formation in vivo. Therefore, this double-screening method could identify candidates for osteogenesis-targeting compounds more reliably than conventional methods.
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Meza-Menchaca T, Lizano-Soberón M, Trigos A, Zepeda RC, Medina ME, Galindo-Murillo R. Elucidating Molecular Interactions of Ten Natural Compounds Targeting E6 HPV High Risk Oncoproteins Using Microsecond Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Med Chem 2021; 17:587-600. [PMID: 31995016 DOI: 10.2174/1573406416666200129145733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is a major public health issue worldwide, occurring in the vast majority of cases (85%) in low-income countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV) mainly infects the mucosal epithelium, and a small portion causes over 600,000 cases every year worldwide at various anatomical spots, mainly leading to anogenital and head and neck. INTRODUCTION The E6 oncoprotein encoded by cancer-associated alpha HPV can transform epithelial cells into tumorigenic tissue. Therapy for this infection and blocking of the HPV E6 oncoprotein could be provided with cost-effective and abundant natural products which are an exponentially growing topic in the literature. Finding an active natural compound that readily blocks HPV E6 oncoprotein which could be available for developing countries without expensive extraction processes or costly synthetic pathways is of major interest. METHODS Molecular dynamics simulation was performed using the most up-to-date AMBER protein force field ff14SB and a GPU enabled high performance computing cluster. RESULTS In this research, we present a study of the binding properties between 10 selected natural compounds that are readily available with two variants of the E6 oncoprotein types (HPV-16 and HPV-18) using 10+ microsecond molecular dynamics simulations. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that crocetin, ergosterol peroxide and κ-carrageenan natural products bind strongly to both HPV-16 and HPV-18 and could potentially serve as a scaffolding for further drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuluz Meza-Menchaca
- Facultad de Medicina, Laboratorio de Genomica Humana, Universidad Veracruzana. Medicos y Odontologos, Col. Unidad del Bosque, 91010, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Marcela Lizano-Soberón
- Unidad de Investigacion Biomedica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, 14080, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Angel Trigos
- Centro de Investigacion en Micologia Aplicada, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Rossana C Zepeda
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Luis Castelazo Ayala, Xalapa-Enriquez, Veracruz 91190, Mexico
| | - Manuel E Medina
- Centro de Investigacion en Micologia Aplicada, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Galindo-Murillo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, L.S. Skaggs Pharmacy Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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11
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Alfhili MA, Alsughayyir J, Basudan AB. Epidemic dropsy toxin, sanguinarine chloride, stimulates sucrose-sensitive hemolysis and breakdown of membrane phospholipid asymmetry in human erythrocytes. Toxicon 2021; 199:41-48. [PMID: 34081931 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Sanguinarine (SGN) is a benzophenathridine alkaloid extracted from Sanguinaria canadensis plant. SGN is incriminated in epidemic dropsy (ED) characterized by multiple-organ failure and anemia. Nevertheless, how SGN leads to anemia of ED remains poorly understood. This study was thus initiated to investigate the interaction of SGN with human red blood cells (RBCs) and to delineate associated molecular mechanisms. Heparin- and EDTA-anticoagulated blood was collected from healthy participants and whole blood was analyzed for a complete blood count, while isolated RBCs were examined for hemolytic and eryptotic markers following exposure to 1-100 μM SGN for 24 h at 37 °C. Calcium was measured by Fluo4/AM, hemolysis by hemoglobin leakage, membrane scrambling by Annexin V-FITC, cell size by forward scatter (FSC), cell granularity by side scatter (SSC), and oxidative stress by H2DCFDA. SGN led to increased Fluo4 fluorescence and dose-dependent hemolysis which was not ameliorated by exclusion of extracellular Ca2+ but was nevertheless sensitive to hyperosmotic conditions and to the presence of aspirin. SGN also caused significant increase in Annexin V-positive cells, decreased FSC and SSC values, and elevated DCF fluorescence. Moreover, significantly reduced lymphocyte and basophil percentages along with selective toxicity to platelets was noted. Collectively, SGN possesses sucrose- and cyclooxygenase-sensitive hemolytic potential and elicits eryptosis characterized by Ca2+ accumulation, phosphatidylserine externalization, morphological alterations including cell shrinkage and loss of granularity, and oxidative stress. In conclusion, this report reveals a novel activity of SGN against human RBCs and informs prospective policies in ED prevention and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Alfhili
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jawaher Alsughayyir
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed B Basudan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Sun Y, Tayagui A, Sale S, Sarkar D, Nock V, Garrill A. Platforms for High-Throughput Screening and Force Measurements on Fungi and Oomycetes. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12060639. [PMID: 34070887 PMCID: PMC8227076 DOI: 10.3390/mi12060639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi and oomycetes give rise to a significant number of animal and plant diseases. While the spread of these pathogenic microorganisms is increasing globally, emerging resistance to antifungal drugs is making associated diseases more difficult to treat. High-throughput screening (HTS) and new developments in lab-on-a-chip (LOC) platforms promise to aid the discovery of urgently required new control strategies and anti-fungal/oomycete drugs. In this review, we summarize existing HTS and emergent LOC approaches in the context of infection strategies and invasive growth exhibited by these microorganisms. To aid this, we introduce key biological aspects and review existing HTS platforms based on both conventional and LOC techniques. We then provide an in-depth discussion of more specialized LOC platforms for force measurements on hyphae and to study electro- and chemotaxis in spores, approaches which have the potential to aid the discovery of alternative drug targets on future HTS platforms. Finally, we conclude with a brief discussion of the technical developments required to improve the uptake of these platforms into the general laboratory environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Sun
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand; (Y.S.); (A.T.); (S.S.); (D.S.)
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Ayelen Tayagui
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand; (Y.S.); (A.T.); (S.S.); (D.S.)
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Sale
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand; (Y.S.); (A.T.); (S.S.); (D.S.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Debolina Sarkar
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand; (Y.S.); (A.T.); (S.S.); (D.S.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Volker Nock
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand; (Y.S.); (A.T.); (S.S.); (D.S.)
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
- Correspondence: (V.N.); (A.G.)
| | - Ashley Garrill
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand; (Y.S.); (A.T.); (S.S.); (D.S.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
- Correspondence: (V.N.); (A.G.)
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13
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A Screen for Small Molecules to Target Candida albicans Biofilms. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 7:jof7010009. [PMID: 33375490 PMCID: PMC7824004 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The human fungal pathogen Candida albicans can form biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces, which are inherently resistant to antifungal drugs. We screened the Chembridge Small Molecule Diversity library containing 30,000 “drug-like” small molecules and identified 45 compounds that inhibited biofilm formation. These 45 compounds were then tested for their abilities to disrupt mature biofilms and for combinatorial interactions with fluconazole, amphotericin B, and caspofungin, the three antifungal drugs most commonly prescribed to treat Candida infections. In the end, we identified one compound that moderately disrupted biofilm formation on its own and four compounds that moderately inhibited biofilm formation and/or moderately disrupted mature biofilms only in combination with either caspofungin or fluconazole. No combinatorial interactions were observed between the compounds and amphotericin B. As members of a diversity library, the identified compounds contain “drug-like” chemical backbones, thus even seemingly “weak hits” could represent promising chemical starting points for the development and the optimization of new classes of therapeutics designed to target Candida biofilms.
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14
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Beattie SR, Krysan DJ. Antifungal drug screening: thinking outside the box to identify novel antifungal scaffolds. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 57:1-6. [PMID: 32339892 PMCID: PMC7652037 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are responsible for a significant disease burden worldwide. Drugs to treat these infections are limited to only four unique classes, and despite these available treatments, mortality rates remain unacceptably high. In this review, we will discuss antifungal drug screening and how the approach to identifying novel compounds needs move away from traditional growth-based assays in order to meet the demand for new drugs. We highlight specific examples of creative screening strategies that increase the likelihood of identifying compounds with desired activities and provide perspective to inspire development of novel screens for the identification of first-in-class antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Beattie
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Damian J Krysan
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.
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15
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Screening Repurposing Libraries for Identification of Drugs with Novel Antifungal Activity. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.00924-20. [PMID: 32660991 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00924-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal organisms are ubiquitous in nature, and progress of modern medicine is creating an expanding number of severely compromised patients susceptible to a variety of opportunistic fungal infections. These infections are difficult to diagnose and treat, leading to high mortality rates. The limited antifungal arsenal, the toxicity of current antifungal drugs, the development of resistance, and the emergence of new multidrug-resistant fungi, all highlight the urgent need for new antifungal agents. Unfortunately, the development of a novel antifungal is a rather long and expensive proposition, and no new classes of antifungal agents have reached the market in the last 2 decades. Drug repurposing, or finding new indications for old drugs, represents a promising alternative pathway to drug development that is particularly appealing within the academic environment. In the last few years, there has been a growing interest in repurposing approaches in the antifungal arena, with multiple groups of investigators having performed screenings of different repurposing libraries against different pathogenic fungi in search for drugs with previously unrecognized antifungal effects. Overall, these repurposing efforts may lead to the fast deployment of drugs with novel antifungal activity, which can rapidly bring benefits to patients, while at the same time reducing health care costs.
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16
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Current Antimycotics, New Prospects, and Future Approaches to Antifungal Therapy. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9080445. [PMID: 32722455 PMCID: PMC7460292 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9080445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections represent an increasing threat to a growing number of immune- and medically compromised patients. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms and, as such, there is a limited number of selective targets that can be exploited for antifungal drug development. This has also resulted in a very restricted number of antifungal drugs that are clinically available for the treatment of invasive fungal infections at the present time—polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, and flucytosine. Moreover, the utility of available antifungals is limited by toxicity, drug interactions and the emergence of resistance, which contribute to high morbidity and mortality rates. This review will present a brief summary on the landscape of current antifungals and those at different stages of clinical development. We will also briefly touch upon potential new targets and opportunities for novel antifungal strategies to combat the threat of fungal infections.
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17
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McKee ML, Zheng L, O’Sullivan EC, Kehoe RA, Doyle Prestwich BM, Mackrill JJ, McCarthy FO. Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Ellipticines and Derivatives as Inhibitors of Phytophthora infestans. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070558. [PMID: 32664299 PMCID: PMC7400634 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogen Phytophthora infestans is responsible for worldwide catastrophic crop damage and discovery of new inhibitors of this organism is of paramount agricultural and industrial importance. Current strategies for crop treatment are inadequate with limitations of efficacy and market alternatives. Ellipticines have recently been reported to have fungicidal properties and have been assessed against P. infestans growth with promising results. We hereby report a probe of the ellipticine framework to investigate the alkyl subunit and screen a set ellipticines and derivatives to identify new lead compounds to act against P. infestans. A series of ellipticinium salt derivatives have been identified with exceptional growth inhibitory activity and apparent lack of toxicity towards a human cell-line surpassing the effect of known and marketed fungicides. This report identifies the potential of this natural product derivative as a novel fungicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary L. McKee
- School of Chemistry and Analytical and Biological Chemistry Research Facility, University College Cork, Western Road, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland; (M.L.M.); (E.C.O.); (R.A.K.)
| | - Limian Zheng
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Western Road, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland;
| | - Elaine C. O’Sullivan
- School of Chemistry and Analytical and Biological Chemistry Research Facility, University College Cork, Western Road, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland; (M.L.M.); (E.C.O.); (R.A.K.)
| | - Roberta A. Kehoe
- School of Chemistry and Analytical and Biological Chemistry Research Facility, University College Cork, Western Road, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland; (M.L.M.); (E.C.O.); (R.A.K.)
| | - Barbara M. Doyle Prestwich
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Western Road, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland;
| | - John J. Mackrill
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Western Road, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland;
- Correspondence: (J.J.M.); (F.O.M.); Tel.: +353-21-4901400 (J.J.M.); +353-21-4901695 (F.O.M.)
| | - Florence O. McCarthy
- School of Chemistry and Analytical and Biological Chemistry Research Facility, University College Cork, Western Road, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland; (M.L.M.); (E.C.O.); (R.A.K.)
- Correspondence: (J.J.M.); (F.O.M.); Tel.: +353-21-4901400 (J.J.M.); +353-21-4901695 (F.O.M.)
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18
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Inhibitory Properties of Aldehydes and Related Compounds against Phytophthora infestans-Identification of a New Lead. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070542. [PMID: 32645837 PMCID: PMC7400633 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogen Phytophthora infestans is responsible for catastrophic crop damage on a global scale which totals billions of euros annually. The discovery of new inhibitors of this organism is of paramount agricultural importance and of critical relevance to food security. Current strategies for crop treatment are inadequate with the emergence of resistant strains and problematic toxicity. Natural products such as cinnamaldehyde have been reported to have fungicidal properties and are the seed for many new discovery research programmes. We report a probe of the cinnamaldehyde framework to investigate the aldehyde subunit and its role in a subset of aromatic aldehydes in order to identify new lead compounds to act against P. infestans. An ellipticine derivative which incorporates an aldehyde (9-formyl-6-methyl ellipticine, 34) has been identified with exceptional activity versus P. infestans with limited toxicity and potential for use as a fungicide.
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19
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Antifungal and Antivirulence Activities of Hydroalcoholic Extract and Fractions of Platonia insignis Leaves against Vaginal Isolates of Candida Species. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9020084. [PMID: 32013047 PMCID: PMC7168675 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9020084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common fungal infection in women. In this study, Platonia insignis hydroalcoholic extract (PiHE) and its fractions were evaluated for antifungal and antivirulence activities against vaginal Candida species. Dichloromethane (DCMF) and ethyl acetate fractions (EAF) obtained from PiHE effectively inhibited the pathogen. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was used for identifying the main compounds in extracts. Minimal inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MIC and MFC, respectively) were determined by a broth microdilution assay. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of the extract and fractions on the virulence properties of Candida albicans, and their cytotoxicity effect was determined on RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds found in extracts were flavonoid glycosides, mainly derivatives of quercetin and myricetin. Extracts showed antifungal potential, with the lowest MIC value for EAF (1.3 mg/mL) and inhibited Candida adherence and biofilm formation. EAF disrupted 48 h biofilms with an inhibition rate of more than 90%. The extract and its fractions exhibited no cytotoxicity. The antifungal effects were attributed to the ability of these extracts to alter the mitochondrial membrane potential for the release of pro-apoptotic factors in the cytosol. In conclusion, our data suggest that PiHE and EAF could act as novel candidates for the development of new therapeutic treatments against fungal infections.
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20
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Faria DR, Sakita KM, Capoci IRG, Arita GS, Rodrigues-Vendramini FAV, de Oliveira Junior AG, Soares Felipe MS, Bonfim de Mendonça PDS, Svidzinski TIE, Kioshima ES. Promising antifungal activity of new oxadiazole against Candida krusei. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227876. [PMID: 31935275 PMCID: PMC6959663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida krusei is one of the most common agents of invasive candidiasis and candidemia worldwide, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. This species has become a problem due to its intrinsic resistance and reduced susceptibility to azoles and polyenes. Moreover, the number of antifungal drugs available for candidiasis treatment is limited, demonstrating the urgent need for the discovery of novel alternative therapies. In this work, the in vivo and in vitro activities of a new oxadiazole (LMM11) were evaluated against C. krusei. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 32 to 64 μg/mL with a significant reduction in the colony forming unit (CFU) count (~3 log10). LMM11 showed fungicidal effect, similar to amphotericin, reducing the viable cell number (>99.9%) in the time-kill curve. Yeast cells presented morphological alterations and inactive metabolism when treated with LMM11. This compound was also effective in decreasing C. krusei replication inside and outside macrophages. A synergistic effect between fluconazole and LMM11 was observed. In vivo treatment with the new oxadiazole led to a significant reduction in CFU (0.85 log10). Furthermore, histopathological analysis of the treated group exhibited a reduction in the inflammatory area. Taken together, these results indicate that LMM11 is a promising candidate for the development of a new antifungal agent for the treatment of infections caused by resistant Candida species such as C. krusei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella Renata Faria
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, Laboratory of Medical Mycology, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Karina Mayumi Sakita
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, Laboratory of Medical Mycology, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Isis Regina Grenier Capoci
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, Laboratory of Medical Mycology, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Sayuri Arita
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, Laboratory of Medical Mycology, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maria Sueli Soares Felipe
- Department of Cell Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | | | | | - Erika Seki Kioshima
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, Laboratory of Medical Mycology, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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21
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Setzer WN. The Phytochemistry of Cherokee Aromatic Medicinal Plants. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 5:E121. [PMID: 30424560 PMCID: PMC6313439 DOI: 10.3390/medicines5040121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Native Americans have had a rich ethnobotanical heritage for treating diseases, ailments, and injuries. Cherokee traditional medicine has provided numerous aromatic and medicinal plants that not only were used by the Cherokee people, but were also adopted for use by European settlers in North America. Methods: The aim of this review was to examine the Cherokee ethnobotanical literature and the published phytochemical investigations on Cherokee medicinal plants and to correlate phytochemical constituents with traditional uses and biological activities. Results: Several Cherokee medicinal plants are still in use today as herbal medicines, including, for example, yarrow (Achillea millefolium), black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), and blue skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). This review presents a summary of the traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, and biological activities of Cherokee aromatic and medicinal plants. Conclusions: The list is not complete, however, as there is still much work needed in phytochemical investigation and pharmacological evaluation of many traditional herbal medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- William N Setzer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA.
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 102, Lehi, UT 84043, USA.
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22
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Luo WJ, Cheng TY, Wong KI, Fang WH, Liao KM, Hsieh YT, Su KY. Novel therapeutic drug identification and gene correlation for fatty liver disease using high-content screening: Proof of concept. Eur J Pharm Sci 2018; 121:106-117. [PMID: 29800612 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2018.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a problem in obese people caused by increasing intake of high-calorie food such as fructose implicated in the elevated prevalence. It is necessary to identify novel drugs to develop effective therapies. In this study, we combined LOPAC® (The Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds) and High-Content screening to identify compounds that significantly reduced intracellular lipid droplets (LD) after high fat medium (HFM) treatment. Among 1280 compounds, we identified 239 compounds that reduced LD by >50%. Of these, 17 maintained cell viability. Nine of them were selected for validation using normal primary hepatocytes, of which five compounds showed dose-dependent efficacy. Whole genome transcriptomic network analysis was performed to construct the underlying regulatory network. There were 831 (711 up-regulated and 120 down-regulated genes) and 3480 (2009 up-regulated and 1471 down-regulated genes) genes that showed a significant change (>2-fold; p < 0.05) after 12 and 24 h HFM treatment, respectively. Gene enrichment and pathway analysis showed several immune responses mediated by MIF, IL-17, TLR, and IL-6. These compounds modulate lipogenesis via GSK3β and CREB1, which is followed by an alteration in the expression of several downstream genes related to hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis. CREB1 is a core transcription factor and may be a potential therapeutic target for liver disease. In conclusion, this proof of concept provides a strategy for identifying novel drugs for treatment of fatty liver disease as well as elucidates their underlying mechanisms. This research provides opportunity for developing future pharmaceutical therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jia Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yu Cheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Ieng Wong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Woei-Horng Fang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Mao Liao
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ting Hsieh
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Yi Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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23
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Chung JW, Kim SY, Park HJ, Chung CS, Lee HW, Lee SM, Kim I, Pak JH, Lee GH, Jeong JY. In Vitro Activity of Diphenyleneiodonium toward Multidrug-Resistant Helicobacter pylori Strains. Gut Liver 2018; 11:648-654. [PMID: 28750485 PMCID: PMC5593327 DOI: 10.5009/gnl16503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims The increased resistance of Helicobacter pylori to antibiotics has increased the need to develop new treatments for this bacterium. The aim of our study was to identify new drugs with anti-H. pylori activity. Methods We screened a small molecule library—the library of pharmacologically active compounds (LOPAC), which includes 1,280 pharmacologically active compounds—to identify inhibitors of H. pylori growth. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibiotics against multidrug-resistant H. pylori strains were determined using the agar dilution method. Results We identified diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) as a novel anti-H. pylori agent. The MIC values for DPI were <0.03 μg/mL against all tested H. pylori strains. DPI also exhibited strong antibacterial activity against common gram-negative and gram-positive pathogenic bacteria. Conclusions DPI may be a candidate anti-H. pylori drug for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Won Chung
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Su Young Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hee Jung Park
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Su Chung
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hee Woo Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sun Mi Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Inki Kim
- Department of Convergence Medicine and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jhang Ho Pak
- Department of Convergence Medicine and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gin Hyug Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin-Yong Jeong
- Department of Convergence Medicine and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Protocol for Identifying Natural Agents That Selectively Affect Adhesion, Thickness, Architecture, Cellular Phenotypes, Extracellular Matrix, and Human White Blood Cell Impenetrability of Candida albicans Biofilms. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.01319-17. [PMID: 28893778 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01319-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the screening of natural plant extracts for antifungal activity, assessment of their effects on the growth of cells in suspension or in the wells of microtiter plates is expedient. However, microorganisms, including Candida albicans, grow in nature as biofilms, which are organized cellular communities with a complex architecture capable of conditioning their microenvironment, communicating, and excluding low- and high-molecular-weight molecules and white blood cells. Here, a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) protocol for testing the effects of large numbers of agents on biofilm development is described. The protocol assessed nine parameters from a single z-stack series of CLSM scans for each individual biofilm analyzed. The parameters included adhesion, thickness, formation of a basal yeast cell polylayer, hypha formation, the vertical orientation of hyphae, the hyphal bend point, pseudohypha formation, calcofluor white staining of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and human white blood cell impenetrability. The protocol was applied first to five plant extracts and derivative compounds and then to a collection of 88 previously untested plant extracts. They were found to cause a variety of phenotypic profiles, as was the case for 64 of the 88 extracts (73%). Half of the 46 extracts that did not affect biofilm thickness affected other biofilm parameters. Correlations between specific effects were revealed. The protocol will be useful not only in the screening of chemical libraries but also in the analysis of compounds with known effects and mutations.
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Activity of Sanguinarine against Candida albicans Biofilms. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.02259-16. [PMID: 28223387 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02259-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans biofilms show resistance to many clinical antifungal agents and play a considerable contributing role in the process of C. albicans infections. New antifungal agents against C. albicans biofilms are sorely needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate sanguinarine (SAN) for its activity against Candida albicans biofilms and explore the underlying mechanism. The MIC50 of SAN was 3.2 μg/ml, while ≥0.8 μg/ml of SAN could suppress C. albicans biofilms. Further study revealed that ≥0.8 μg/ml of SAN could decrease cellular surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and inhibited hypha formation. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) results indicated that the exposure of C. albicans to SAN suppressed the expression of some adhesion- and hypha-specific/essential genes related to the cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathway, including ALS3, HWP1, ECE1, HGC1, and CYR1 Consistently, the endogenous cAMP level of C. albicans was downregulated after SAN treatment, and the addition of cAMP rescued the SAN-induced filamentation defect. In addition, SAN showed relatively low toxicity to human umbilical vein endothelial cells, the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) being 7.8 μg/ml. Collectively, the results show that SAN exhibits strong activity against C. albicans biofilms, and the activity was associated with its inhibitory effect on adhesion and hypha formation due to cAMP pathway suppression.
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Ngo HX, Garneau-Tsodikova S, Green KD. A complex game of hide and seek: the search for new antifungals. MEDCHEMCOMM 2016; 7:1285-1306. [PMID: 27766140 PMCID: PMC5067021 DOI: 10.1039/c6md00222f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections directly affect millions of people each year. In addition to the invasive fungal infections of humans, the plants and animals that comprise our primary food source are also susceptible to diseases caused by these eukaryotic microbes. The need for antifungals, not only for our medical needs, but also for use in agriculture and livestock causes a high demand for novel antimycotics. Herein, we provide an overview of the most commonly used antifungals in medicine and agriculture. We also present a summary of the recent progress (from 2010-2016) in the discovery/development of new agents against fungal strains of medical/agricultural relevance, as well as information related to their biological activity, their mode(s) of action, and their mechanism(s) of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy X. Ngo
- University of Kentucky, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, USA. Fax: 859-257-7585; Tel: 859-218-1686
| | - Sylvie Garneau-Tsodikova
- University of Kentucky, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, USA. Fax: 859-257-7585; Tel: 859-218-1686
| | - Keith D. Green
- University of Kentucky, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, USA. Fax: 859-257-7585; Tel: 859-218-1686
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