1
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Niu G, Wang X, Li J. Leucinostatins target Plasmodium mitochondria to block malaria transmission. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:524. [PMID: 39707527 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06608-8] [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: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 11/28/2024] [Indexed: 12/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria remains a critical disease. Leucinostatins from the fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum inhibited the transmission of Plasmodium falciparum to mosquitoes via contact. METHODS Here, we modified the leucinostatin B (LB) C-terminus to make derivatives and examined their inhibition against malaria transmission to mosquitoes. Fluorescence-labeled leucinostatins were incubated with intact gametocytes and were examined under microscopy to detect the targets of leucinostatins. We also analyzed leucinostatins' general cytotoxicity and hemolysis. RESULTS The results showed that the derivatives with -H, -CH3, -Atto495, and -Biotin at C-terminus had EC50 of 1.5 nM, 0.2 nM, 4.2 nM, and 42 nM, respectively. Atto495 and biotin are similar in size and much bigger than -CH3 and -H. Based on reverse-phase HPLC elution time, we found that LB-Biotin had much higher hydrophobicity than the others, consistent with its lowest malaria transmission-blocking activity. Fluorescence microscopy showed that LB-Atto495 colocalized with mitochondria inside intact P. falciparum gametocytes. We found that leucinostatin A significantly inhibited the proliferation of human nucleated cells with IC50 around 47 nM and it did not lyse erythrocytes at 100 μM. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the leucinostatins pass through the cytoplasmic membrane without lysing cells and interact with molecules specifically in mitochondria. Therefore, leucinostatins should be ideal inhibitors against mobile parasites, such as ookinetes and sporozoites, during malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Niu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
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2
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Semeraro M, Boubaker G, Scaccaglia M, Müller J, Vigneswaran A, Hänggeli KPA, Amdouni Y, Kramer LH, Vismarra A, Genchi M, Pelosi G, Bisceglie F, Heller M, Uldry AC, Braga-Lagache S, Hemphill A. Transient Adaptation of Toxoplasma gondii to Exposure by Thiosemicarbazone Drugs That Target Ribosomal Proteins Is Associated with the Upregulated Expression of Tachyzoite Transmembrane Proteins and Transporters. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9067. [PMID: 39201756 PMCID: PMC11354806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25169067] [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: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Thiosemicarbazones and their metal complexes have been studied for their biological activities against bacteria, cancer cells and protozoa. Short-term in vitro treatment with one gold (III) complex (C3) and its salicyl-thiosemicarbazone ligand (C4) selectively inhibited proliferation of T. gondii. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) detected transient structural alterations in the parasitophorous vacuole membrane and the tachyzoite cytoplasm, but the mitochondrial membrane potential appeared unaffected by these compounds. Proteins potentially interacting with C3 and C4 were identified using differential affinity chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (DAC-MS). Moreover, long-term in vitro treatment was performed to investigate parasitostatic or parasiticidal activity of the compounds. DAC-MS identified 50 ribosomal proteins binding both compounds, and continuous drug treatments for up to 6 days caused the loss of efficacy. Parasite tolerance to both compounds was, however, rapidly lost in their absence and regained shortly after re-exposure. Proteome analyses of six T. gondii ME49 clones adapted to C3 and C4 compared to the non-adapted wildtype revealed overexpression of ribosomal proteins, of two transmembrane proteins involved in exocytosis and of an alpha/beta hydrolase fold domain-containing protein. Results suggest that C3 and C4 may interfere with protein biosynthesis and that adaptation may be associated with the upregulated expression of tachyzoite transmembrane proteins and transporters, suggesting that the in vitro drug tolerance in T. gondii might be due to reversible, non-drug specific stress-responses mediated by phenotypic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Semeraro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine Sciences, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.S.); (L.H.K.); (A.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.M.); (A.V.); (K.P.A.H.); (Y.A.)
| | - Mirco Scaccaglia
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.S.); (G.P.); (F.B.)
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.M.); (A.V.); (K.P.A.H.); (Y.A.)
| | - Anitha Vigneswaran
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.M.); (A.V.); (K.P.A.H.); (Y.A.)
| | - Kai Pascal Alexander Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.M.); (A.V.); (K.P.A.H.); (Y.A.)
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.M.); (A.V.); (K.P.A.H.); (Y.A.)
| | - Laura Helen Kramer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine Sciences, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.S.); (L.H.K.); (A.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Alice Vismarra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine Sciences, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.S.); (L.H.K.); (A.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Marco Genchi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine Sciences, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.S.); (L.H.K.); (A.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Giorgio Pelosi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.S.); (G.P.); (F.B.)
| | - Franco Bisceglie
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.S.); (G.P.); (F.B.)
| | - Manfred Heller
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.H.); (A.-C.U.); (S.B.-L.)
| | - Anne-Christine Uldry
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.H.); (A.-C.U.); (S.B.-L.)
| | - Sophie Braga-Lagache
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.H.); (A.-C.U.); (S.B.-L.)
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.M.); (A.V.); (K.P.A.H.); (Y.A.)
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3
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Boubaker G, Bernal A, Vigneswaran A, Imhof D, de Sousa MCF, Hänggeli KPA, Haudenschild N, Furrer J, Păunescu E, Desiatkina O, Hemphill A. In vitro and in vivo activities of a trithiolato-diRuthenium complex conjugated with sulfadoxine against the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 25:100544. [PMID: 38703737 PMCID: PMC11087982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100544] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Organometallic compounds, including Ruthenium complexes, have been widely developed as anti-cancer chemotherapeutics, but have also attracted much interest as potential anti-parasitic drugs. Recently hybrid drugs composed of organometallic Ruthenium moieties that were complexed to different antimicrobial agents were synthesized. One of these compounds, a trithiolato-diRuthenium complex (RU) conjugated to sulfadoxine (SDX), inhibited proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites grown in human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) monolayers with an IC50 < 150 nM, while SDX and the non-modified RU complex applied either individually or as an equimolar mixture were much less potent. In addition, conjugation of SDX to RU lead to decreased HFF cytotoxicity. RU-SDX did not impair the in vitro proliferation of murine splenocytes at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 μM but had an impact at 2 μM, and induced zebrafish embryotoxicity at 20 μM, but not at 2 or 0.2 μM. RU-SDX acted parasitostatic but not parasiticidal, and induced transient ultrastructural changes in the mitochondrial matrix of tachyzoites early during treatment. While other compounds that target the mitochondrion such as the uncouplers FCCP and CCCP and another trithiolato-Ruthenium complex conjugated to adenine affected the mitochondrial membrane potential, no such effect was detected for RU-SDX. Evaluation of the in vivo efficacy of RU-SDX in a murine T. gondii oocyst infection model comprised of non-pregnant outbred CD1 mice showed no effects on the cerebral parasite burden, but reduced parasite load in the eyes and in heart tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Alice Bernal
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Anitha Vigneswaran
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Maria Cristina Ferreira de Sousa
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Kai Pascal Alexander Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Noé Haudenschild
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Emilia Păunescu
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Oksana Desiatkina
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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4
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Müller J, Boubaker G, Müller N, Uldry AC, Braga-Lagache S, Heller M, Hemphill A. Investigating Antiprotozoal Chemotherapies with Novel Proteomic Tools-Chances and Limitations: A Critical Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6903. [PMID: 39000012 PMCID: PMC11241152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136903] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Identification of drug targets and biochemical investigations on mechanisms of action are major issues in modern drug development. The present article is a critical review of the classical "one drug"-"one target" paradigm. In fact, novel methods for target deconvolution and for investigation of resistant strains based on protein mass spectrometry have shown that multiple gene products and adaptation mechanisms are involved in the responses of pathogens to xenobiotics rather than one single gene or gene product. Resistance to drugs may be linked to differential expression of other proteins than those interacting with the drug in protein binding studies and result in complex cell physiological adaptation. Consequently, the unraveling of mechanisms of action needs approaches beyond proteomics. This review is focused on protozoan pathogens. The conclusions can, however, be extended to chemotherapies against other pathogens or cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Christine Uldry
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Braga-Lagache
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Heller
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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5
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Imhof D, Hänggeli KPA, De Sousa MCF, Vigneswaran A, Hofmann L, Amdouni Y, Boubaker G, Müller J, Hemphill A. Working towards the development of vaccines and chemotherapeutics against neosporosis-With all of its ups and downs-Looking ahead. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2024; 124:91-154. [PMID: 38754928 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan and obligatory intracellular parasite, which is the leading cause of reproductive failure in cattle and affects other farm and domestic animals, but also induces neuromuscular disease in dogs of all ages. In cattle, neosporosis is an important health problem, and has a considerable economic impact. To date there is no protective vaccine or chemotherapeutic treatment on the market. Immuno-prophylaxis has long been considered as the best control measure. Proteins involved in host cell interaction and invasion, as well as antigens mediating inflammatory responses have been the most frequently assessed vaccine targets. However, despite considerable efforts no effective vaccine has been introduced to the market to date. The development of effective compounds to limit the effects of vertical transmission of N. caninum tachyzoites has emerged as an alternative or addition to vaccination, provided suitable targets and safe and efficacious drugs can be identified. Additionally, the combination of both treatment strategies might be interesting to further increase protectivity against N. caninum infections and to decrease the duration of treatment and the risk of potential drug resistance. Well-established and standardized animal infection models are key factors for the evaluation of promising vaccine and compound candidates. The vast majority of experimental animal experiments concerning neosporosis have been performed in mice, although in recent years the numbers of experimental studies in cattle and sheep have increased. In this review, we discuss the recent findings concerning the progress in drug and vaccine development against N. caninum infections in mice and ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Kai Pascal Alexander Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Cristina Ferreira De Sousa
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anitha Vigneswaran
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Larissa Hofmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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6
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Müller J, Hemphill A. In vitro screening technologies for the discovery and development of novel drugs against Toxoplasma gondii. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:97-109. [PMID: 37921660 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2276349] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasmosis constitutes a challenge for public health, animal production and welfare. Since more than 60 years, only a limited panel of drugs has been in use for clinical applications. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors describe the methodology and the results of library screening approaches to identify inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii and related strains. The authors then provide the reader with their expert perspectives for the future. EXPERT OPINION Various library screening projects, in particular those using reporter strains, have led to the identification of numerous compounds with good efficacy and specificity in vitro. However, only few compounds are effective in suitable animal models such as rodents. Whereas no novel compound has cleared the hurdle to applications in humans, the few compounds with known indication and application profiles in human patients are of interest for further investigations. Taken together, drug repurposing as well as high-throughput screening of novel compound libraries may shorten the way to novel drugs against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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7
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Deng B, Vanagas L, Alonso AM, Angel SO. Proteomics Applications in Toxoplasma gondii: Unveiling the Host-Parasite Interactions and Therapeutic Target Discovery. Pathogens 2023; 13:33. [PMID: 38251340 PMCID: PMC10821451 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010033] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite with the ability to infect various warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans, is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. This infection poses significant risks, leading to severe complications in immunocompromised individuals and potentially affecting the fetus through congenital transmission. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular interactions between T. gondii and its host is pivotal for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. This review emphasizes the crucial role of proteomics in T. gondii research, with a specific focus on host-parasite interactions, post-translational modifications (PTMs), PTM crosstalk, and ongoing efforts in drug discovery. Additionally, we provide an overview of recent advancements in proteomics techniques, encompassing interactome sample preparation methods such as BioID (BirA*-mediated proximity-dependent biotin identification), APEX (ascorbate peroxidase-mediated proximity labeling), and Y2H (yeast two hybrid), as well as various proteomics approaches, including single-cell analysis, DIA (data-independent acquisition), targeted, top-down, and plasma proteomics. Furthermore, we discuss bioinformatics and the integration of proteomics with other omics technologies, highlighting its potential in unraveling the intricate mechanisms of T. gondii pathogenesis and identifying novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Deng
- Department of Biology and VBRN Proteomics Facility, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Laura Vanagas
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús 7130, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; (L.V.); (S.O.A.); (A.M.A.)
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM), 25 de Mayo y Francia. C.P., San Martín 1650, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andres M. Alonso
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús 7130, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; (L.V.); (S.O.A.); (A.M.A.)
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM), 25 de Mayo y Francia. C.P., San Martín 1650, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sergio O. Angel
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús 7130, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; (L.V.); (S.O.A.); (A.M.A.)
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM), 25 de Mayo y Francia. C.P., San Martín 1650, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Santorelli L, Caterino M, Costanzo M. Proteomics and Metabolomics in Biomedicine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16913. [PMID: 38069240 PMCID: PMC10706996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The technological advances of recent years have significantly enhanced medical discoveries [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Santorelli
- Department of Oncology and Hematology-Oncology, University of Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Marianna Caterino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- CEINGE–Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- CEINGE–Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80145 Naples, Italy
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9
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Müller J, Hemphill A. Toxoplasma gondii infection: novel emerging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:293-304. [PMID: 37212443 PMCID: PMC10330558 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2217353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasmosis constitutes a challenge for public health, animal production, and welfare. So far, only a limited panel of drugs has been marketed for clinical applications. In addition to classical screening, the investigation of unique targets of the parasite may lead to the identification of novel drugs. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors describe the methodology to identify novel drug targets in Toxoplasma gondii and review the literature with a focus on the last two decades. EXPERT OPINION Over the last two decades, the investigation of essential proteins of T. gondii as potential drug targets has fostered the hope of identifying novel compounds for the treatment of toxoplasmosis. Despite good efficacies in vitro, only a few classes of these compounds are effective in suitable rodent models, and none has cleared the hurdle to applications in humans. This shows that target-based drug discovery is in no way better than classical screening approaches. In both cases, off-target effects and adverse side effects in the hosts must be considered. Proteomics-driven analyses of parasite- and host-derived proteins that physically bind drug candidates may constitute a suitable tool to characterize drug targets, irrespectively of the drug discovery methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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10
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Memedovski R, Preza M, Müller J, Kämpfer T, Rufener R, de Souza MVN, da Silva ET, de Andrade GF, Braga S, Uldry AC, Buchs N, Heller M, Lundström-Stadelmann B. Investigation of the mechanism of action of mefloquine and derivatives against the parasite Echinococcus multilocularis. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2023; 21:114-124. [PMID: 36921443 PMCID: PMC10025029 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2023.03.002] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by infection with the fox tapeworm E. multilocularis. The disease affects humans, dogs, captive monkeys, and other mammals, and it is caused by the metacestode stage of the parasite growing invasively in the liver. The current drug treatment is based on non-parasiticidal benzimidazoles. Thus, they are only limitedly curative and can cause severe side effects. Therefore, novel and improved treatment options for AE are needed. Mefloquine (MEF), an antimalarial agent, was previously shown to be effective against E. multilocularis in vitro and in experimentally infected mice. However, MEF is not parasiticidal and needs improvement for successful treatment of patients, and it can induce strong neuropsychiatric side-effects. In this study, the structure-activity relationship and mode of action of MEF was investigated by comparative analysis of 14 MEF derivatives. None of them showed higher activity against E. multilocularis metacestodes compared to MEF, but four compounds caused limited damage. In order to identify molecular targets of MEF and effective derivatives, differential affinity chromatography combined with mass spectrometry was performed with two effective compounds (MEF, MEF-3) and two ineffective compounds (MEF-13, MEF-22). 1'681 proteins were identified that bound specifically to MEF or derivatives. 216 proteins were identified as binding only to MEF and MEF-3. GO term enrichment analysis of these proteins and functional grouping of the 25 most abundant MEF and MEF-3 specific binding proteins revealed the key processes energy metabolism and cellular transport and structure, as well as stress responses and nucleic acid binding to be involved. The previously described ferritin was confirmed as an exclusively MEF-binding protein that could be relevant for its efficacy against E. multilocularis. The here identified potential targets of MEF will be further investigated in the future for a clear understanding of the pleiotropic effects of MEF, and improved therapeutic options against AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Memedovski
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matías Preza
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Kämpfer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto Rufener
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Emerson Teixeira da Silva
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos - Far Manguinhos, 21041-250, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Sophie Braga
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Christine Uldry
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Natasha Buchs
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Heller
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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11
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Ramseier J, Imhof D, Hänggeli KPA, Anghel N, Boubaker G, Beteck RM, Ortega-Mora LM, Haynes RK, Hemphill A. In Vitro versus in Mice: Efficacy and Safety of Decoquinate and Quinoline-O-Carbamate Derivatives against Experimental Infection with Neospora caninum Tachyzoites. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030447. [PMID: 36986369 PMCID: PMC10055983 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of decoquinate (DCQ) and three O-quinoline-carbamate-derivatives were investigated using human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) infected with Neospora caninum tachyzoites. These compounds exhibited half-maximal proliferation inhibition (IC50s) from 1.7 (RMB060) to 60 nM (RMB055). Conversely, when applied at 5 (DCQ, RMB054) or 10µM (RMB055, RMB060), HFF viability was not affected. Treatments of infected cell cultures at 0.5µM altered the ultrastructure of the parasite mitochondrion and cytoplasm within 24 h, most pronounced for RMB060, and DCQ, RMB054 and RMB060 did not impair the viability of splenocytes from naïve mice. Long-term treatments of N. caninum-infected HFF monolayers with 0.5µM of each compound showed that only exposure to RMB060 over a period of six consecutive days had a parasiticidal effect, while the other compounds were not able to kill all tachyzoites in vitro. Thus, DCQ and RMB060 were comparatively assessed in the pregnant neosporosis mouse model. The oral application of these compounds suspended in corn oil at 10 mg/kg/day for 5 d resulted in a decreased fertility rate and litter size in the DCQ group, whereas reproductive parameters were not altered by RMB060 treatment. However, both compounds failed to protect mice from cerebral infection and did not prevent vertical transmission/pup mortality. Thus, despite the promising in vitro efficacy and safety characteristics of DCQ and DCQ-derivatives, proof of concept for activity against neosporosis could not be demonstrated in the murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ramseier
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 30132 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (J.R.); (A.H.)
| | - Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 30132 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3013 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kai Pascal Alexander Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 30132 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3013 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 30132 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3013 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 30132 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Richard M. Beteck
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Luis-Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Richard K. Haynes
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 30132 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (J.R.); (A.H.)
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12
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Desiatkina O, Mösching M, Anghel N, Boubaker G, Amdouni Y, Hemphill A, Furrer J, Păunescu E. New Nucleic Base-Tethered Trithiolato-Bridged Dinuclear Ruthenium(II)-Arene Compounds: Synthesis and Antiparasitic Activity. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238173. [PMID: 36500266 PMCID: PMC9738179 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Aiming toward compounds with improved anti-Toxoplasma activity by exploiting the parasite auxotrophies, a library of nucleobase-tethered trithiolato-bridged dinuclear ruthenium(II)-arene conjugates was synthesized and evaluated. Structural features such as the type of nucleobase and linking unit were progressively modified. For comparison, diruthenium hybrids with other type of molecules were also synthesized and assessed. A total of 37 compounds (diruthenium conjugates and intermediates) were evaluated in a primary screening for in vitro activity against transgenic Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites constitutively expressing β-galactosidase (T. gondii β-gal) at 0.1 and 1 µM. In parallel, the cytotoxicity in non-infected host cells (human foreskin fibroblasts, HFF) was determined by alamarBlue assay. Twenty compounds strongly impairing parasite proliferation with little effect on HFF viability were subjected to T. gondii β-gal half maximal inhibitory concentration determination (IC50) and their toxicity for HFF was assessed at 2.5 µM. Two promising compounds were identified: 14, ester conjugate with 9-(2-oxyethyl)adenine, and 36, a click conjugate bearing a 2-(4-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl substituent, with IC50 values of 0.059 and 0.111 µM respectively, significantly lower compared to pyrimethamine standard (IC50 = 0.326 µM). Both 14 and 36 exhibited low toxicity against HFF when applied at 2.5 µM and are candidates for potential treatment options in a suitable in vivo model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Desiatkina
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Mösching
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Université de la Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emilia Păunescu
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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