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Chen P, Qin J, Su HK, Du L, Zeng Q. Harmine acts as a quorum sensing inhibitor decreasing the virulence and antibiotic resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:760. [PMID: 39085766 PMCID: PMC11293143 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09639-9] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global health crisis, new strategies against AMR infection are urgently needed. Quorum sensing (QS), responsible for bacterial communication and pathogenicity, is among the targets for anti-virulence drugs that thrive as one of the promising treatments against AMR infection. METHODS We identified a natural compound, Harmine, through virtual screening based on three QS receptors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and explored the effect of Harmine on QS-controlled and pathogenicity-related phenotypes including pyocyanin production, exocellular protease excretion, biofilm formation, and twitching motility of P. aeruginosa PA14. The protective effect of Harmine on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and mice infection models was determined and the synergistic effect of Harmine combined with common antibiotics was explored. The underlaying mechanism of Harmine's QS inhibitory effect was illustrated by molecular docking analysis, transcriptomic analysis, and target verification assay. RESULTS In vitro results suggested that Harmine possessed QS inhibitory effects on pyocyanin production, exocellular protease excretion, biofilm formation, and twitching motility of P. aeruginosa PA14, and in vivo results displayed Harmine's protective effect on C. elegans and mice infection models. Intriguingly, Harmine increased susceptibility of both PA14 and clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa to polymyxin B and kanamycin when used in combination. Moreover, Harmine down-regulated a series of QS controlled genes associated with pathogenicity and the underlying mechanism may have involved competitively antagonizing autoinducers' receptors LasR, RhlR, and PqsR. CONCLUSIONS This study shed light on the anti-virulence potential of Harmine against QS targets, suggesting the possible use of Harmine and its derivates as anti-virulence compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital/Clinical College of Chengdu University, No. 82, North Section 2, 2nd Ring Road, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Jiangyue Qin
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Helene K Su
- Seven Lakes High School, Katy, TX, 77494, USA
| | - Lianming Du
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, No. 2025, Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu, 610106, China.
| | - Qianglin Zeng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital/Clinical College of Chengdu University, No. 82, North Section 2, 2nd Ring Road, Chengdu, 610081, China.
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Vieira TF, Leitão MM, Cerqueira NMFSA, Sousa SF, Borges A, Simões M. Montelukast and cefoperazone act as antiquorum sensing and antibiofilm agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae088. [PMID: 38587815 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae088] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Drug repurposing is an attractive strategy to control biofilm-related infectious diseases. In this study, two drugs (montelukast and cefoperazone) with well-established therapeutic applications were tested on Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing (QS) inhibition and biofilm control. METHODS AND RESULTS The activity of montelukast and cefoperazone was evaluated for Pqs signal inhibition, pyocyanin synthesis, and prevention and eradication of Ps. aeruginosa biofilms. Cefoperazone inhibited the Pqs system by hindering the production of the autoinducer molecules 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline (HHQ) and 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolone (the Pseudomonas quinolone signal or PQS), corroborating in silico results. Pseudomonas aeruginosa pyocyanin production was reduced by 50%. The combination of the antibiotics cefoperazone and ciprofloxacin was synergistic for Ps. aeruginosa biofilm control. On the other hand, montelukast had no relevant effects on the inhibition of the Pqs system and against Ps. aeruginosa biofilm. CONCLUSION This study provides for the first time strong evidence that cefoperazone interacts with the Pqs system, hindering the formation of the autoinducer molecules HHQ and PQS, reducing Ps. aeruginosa pathogenicity and virulence. Cefoperazone demonstrated a potential to be used in combination with less effective antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin) to potentiate the biofilm control action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana F Vieira
- Faculty of Medicine, LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Departamento de Medicina, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Leitão
- Faculty of Engineering, LEPABE Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences, CIQUP-IMS - Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Porto, Rua Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno M F S A Cerqueira
- Faculty of Medicine, LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Departamento de Medicina, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio F Sousa
- Faculty of Medicine, LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Departamento de Medicina, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Anabela Borges
- Faculty of Engineering, LEPABE Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Simões
- Faculty of Engineering, LEPABE Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Alsulami KA, Bakr AA, Alshehri AA, Aodah AH, Almughem FA, Alamer AA, Alharbi LA, Alsuwayeh DS, Halwani AA, Alamoudi AA, Alfassam HA, Tawfik EA. Fabrication and evaluation of ribavirin-loaded electrospun nanofibers as an antimicrobial wound dressing. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102058. [PMID: 38601973 PMCID: PMC11004991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Skin is regarded as an essential first line of defense against harmful pathogens and it hosts an ecosystem of microorganisms that create a widely diverse skin microbiome. In chronic wounds, alterations in the host-microbe interactions occur forming polymicrobial biofilms that hinder the process of wound healing. Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, possesses antimicrobial activity, especially against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, which are known as the main opportunistic pathogens in chronic wounds. Rationale In this study, electrospun nanofiber systems loaded with ribavirin were developed as a potential wound dressing for topical application in chronic wounds. Ribavirin was chosen in this study owing to the emerging cases of antimicrobial (antibiotics and antifungal) resistance and the low attempts to discover new antimicrobial agents, which encouraged the repurposing use of current medication as an alternative solution in case of resistance to the available agents. Additionally, the unique mechanism of action of ribavirin, i.e., perturbing the bacterial virulence system without killing or stopping their growth and rendering the pathogens disarmed, might be a promising choice to prevent drug resistance. Cyclodextrin (CD) was utilized to formulate ribavirin as an electrospun nanofibers delivery system to enhance the absorption and accelerate the release of ribavirin for topical use. Results The results demonstrated a successful ribavirin nanofibers fabrication that lacked beads and pores on the nanofibrous surfaces. Ribavirin underwent a physical transformation from crystalline to amorphous form, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. This change occurred due to the molecular dispersion after the electrospinning process. Additionally, the CD enhanced the encapsulation efficiency of ribavirin in the nanofibers as observed from the drug-loading results. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and CD increased ribavirin released into the solution and the disintegration of fibrous mats which shrank and eventually dissolved into a gel-like substance as the ribavirin-loaded fibers began to break down from their border toward the midpoint. Cytotoxicity of ribavirin and CD was evaluated against human dermal fibroblasts (HFF-1) and the results showed a relatively safe profile of ribavirin upon 24-hour cell exposure, while CD was safe within 24- and 48-hour. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the potential application of our nanofibrous system for treating chronic wounds; however, further antimicrobial and in-vivo studies are required to confirm its safety and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khulud A. Alsulami
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abrar A. Bakr
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah A. Alshehri
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alhassan H. Aodah
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad A. Almughem
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali A. Alamer
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lujain A. Alharbi
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Deema S. Alsuwayeh
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman A. Halwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah A. Alamoudi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haya A. Alfassam
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Essam A. Tawfik
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
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Wen F, Wu Y, Yuan Y, Yang X, Ran Q, Gan X, Guo Y, Wang X, Chu Y, Zhao K. Discovery of psoralen as a quorum sensing inhibitor suppresses Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:222. [PMID: 38372782 PMCID: PMC10876730 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13067-9] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common opportunistic pathogen with growing resistance and presents heightened treatment challenges. Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication system that contributes to the production of a variety of virulence factors and is also related to biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa. Compared to traditional antibiotics which kill bacteria directly, the anti-virulence strategy by targeting QS is a promising strategy for combating pseudomonal infections. In this study, the QS inhibition potential of the compounds derived from the Traditional Chinese Medicines was evaluated by using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analyses. The results showed that psoralen, a natural furocoumarin compound derived from Psoralea corylifolia L., was capable of simultaneously inhibiting the three main QS regulators, LasR, RhlR, and PqsR of P. aeruginosa. Psoralen had no bactericidal activity but could widely inhibit the production of extracellular proteases, pyocyanin, and biofilm, and the cell motilities of the model and clinical P. aeruginosa strains. RNA-sequencing and quantitative PCR analyses further demonstrated that a majority of QS-activated genes in P. aeruginosa were suppressed by psoralen. The supplementation of psoralen could protect Caenorhabditis elegans from P. aeruginosa challenge, especially for the hypervirulent strain PA14. Moreover, psoralen showed synergistic antibacterial effects with polymyxin B, levofloxacin, and kanamycin. In conclusions, this study identifies the anti-QS and antibiofilm effects of psoralen against P. aeruginosa strains and sheds light on the discovery of anti-pseudomonal drugs among Traditional Chinese Medicines. KEY POINTS: • Psoralen derived from Psoralea corylifolia L. inhibits the virulence-related phenotypes of P. aeruginosa. • Psoralen simultaneously targets the three core regulators of P. aeruginosa QS system and inhibits the expression of a large part of downstream genes. • Psoralen protects C. elegans from P. aeruginosa challenge and enhances the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulong Wen
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, No. 2025, Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, No. 2025, Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Yuan
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, No. 2025, Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiting Yang
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, No. 2025, Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiman Ran
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, No. 2025, Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiongyao Gan
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, No. 2025, Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Yidong Guo
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, No. 2025, Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinrong Wang
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, No. 2025, Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiwen Chu
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, No. 2025, Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, China.
| | - Kelei Zhao
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, No. 2025, Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, China.
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Pan Z, Zhou C, Bai X, Wang F, Hong J, Fang JY, Huang Y, Sheng C. Discovery of New Fusobacterium nucleatum Inhibitors to Attenuate Migratory Capability of Colon Cancer Cells by the Drug Repositioning Strategy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15699-15714. [PMID: 37983010 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies revealed that intestinal microbiota played important roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis. Particularly, Fusobacterium nucleatum was confirmed to promote the proliferation and metastasis of CRC. Therefore, targeting F. nucleatum may be a potential preventive and therapeutic approach for CRC. Herein, 2,272 off-patent drugs were screened inhibitory activity against F. nucleatum. Among the hits, nitisinone was identified as a promising anti-F. nucleatum lead compound. Further optimization of nitisinone led to the discovery of more potent derivatives. Particularly, compounds 19q and 22c showed potent anti-F. nucleatum activity (MIC50 = 1 and 2 μg/mL, respectively) with low cytotoxicity. Among them, compound 19q effectively attenuated the migratory ability of MC-38 cells induced by F. nucleatum. Preliminary mechanism studies suggested that nitisinone and its derivatives might act by downregulating nitroreductase and tryptophanase. Thus, the development of small molecule F. nucleatum inhibitors represents an effective strategy to treat CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhi Pan
- College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Xueren Road 2, Dali 671000, China
| | - Chenchen Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Xueren Road 2, Dali 671000, China
| | - Xuexin Bai
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fangfang Wang
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jie Hong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jing-Yuan Fang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yahui Huang
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
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Du L, Geng C, Zeng Q, Huang T, Tang J, Chu Y, Zhao K. Dockey: a modern integrated tool for large-scale molecular docking and virtual screening. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:7034216. [PMID: 36764832 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular docking is a structure-based and computer-aided drug design approach that plays a pivotal role in drug discovery and pharmaceutical research. AutoDock is the most widely used molecular docking tool for study of protein-ligand interactions and virtual screening. Although many tools have been developed to streamline and automate the AutoDock docking pipeline, some of them still use outdated graphical user interfaces and have not been updated for a long time. Meanwhile, some of them lack cross-platform compatibility and evaluation metrics for screening lead compound candidates. To overcome these limitations, we have developed Dockey, a flexible and intuitive graphical interface tool with seamless integration of several useful tools, which implements a complete docking pipeline covering molecular sanitization, molecular preparation, paralleled docking execution, interaction detection and conformation visualization. Specifically, Dockey can detect the non-covalent interactions between small molecules and proteins and perform cross-docking between multiple receptors and ligands. It has the capacity to automatically dock thousands of ligands to multiple receptors and analyze the corresponding docking results in parallel. All the generated data will be kept in a project file that can be shared between any systems and computers with the pre-installation of Dockey. We anticipate that these unique characteristics will make it attractive for researchers to conduct large-scale molecular docking without complicated operations, particularly for beginners. Dockey is implemented in Python and freely available at https://github.com/lmdu/dockey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianming Du
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Chaoyue Geng
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Qianglin Zeng
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Ting Huang
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Jie Tang
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Yiwen Chu
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Kelei Zhao
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
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