1
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Francesconi V, Rizzo M, Pozzi C, Tagliazucchi L, Konchie Simo CU, Saporito G, Landi G, Mangani S, Carbone A, Schenone S, Santarém N, Tavares J, Cordeiro-da-Silva A, Costi MP, Tonelli M. Identification of Innovative Folate Inhibitors Leveraging the Amino Dihydrotriazine Motif from Cycloguanil for Their Potential as Anti- Trypanosoma brucei Agents. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2755-2774. [PMID: 38953453 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00113] [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] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Folate enzymes, namely, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and pteridine reductase (PTR1) are acknowledged targets for the development of antiparasitic agents against Trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis. Based on the amino dihydrotriazine motif of the drug Cycloguanil (Cyc), a known inhibitor of both folate enzymes, we have identified two novel series of inhibitors, the 2-amino triazino benzimidazoles (1) and 2-guanidino benzimidazoles (2), as their open ring analogues. Enzymatic screening was carried out against PTR1, DHFR, and thymidylate synthase (TS). The crystal structures of TbDHFR and TbPTR1 in complex with selected compounds experienced in both cases a substrate-like binding mode and allowed the rationalization of the main chemical features supporting the inhibitor ability to target folate enzymes. Biological evaluation of both series was performed against T. brucei and L. infantum and the toxicity against THP-1 human macrophages. Notably, the 5,6-dimethyl-2-guanidinobenzimidazole 2g resulted to be the most potent (Ki = 9 nM) and highly selective TbDHFR inhibitor, 6000-fold over TbPTR1 and 394-fold over hDHFR. The 5,6-dimethyl tricyclic analogue 1g, despite showing a lower potency and selectivity profile than 2g, shared a comparable antiparasitic activity against T. brucei in the low micromolar domain. The dichloro-substituted 2-guanidino benzimidazoles 2c and 2d revealed their potent and broad-spectrum antitrypanosomatid activity affecting the growth of T. brucei and L. infantum parasites. Therefore, both chemotypes could represent promising templates that could be valorized for further drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Francesconi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, viale Benedetto XV n.3, Genoa 16132, Italy
| | - Marco Rizzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, viale Benedetto XV n.3, Genoa 16132, Italy
| | - Cecilia Pozzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine (CIMMP), Via Luigi Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tagliazucchi
- Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 103, Modena 41125, Italy
- Doctorate School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Claude U Konchie Simo
- Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 103, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Giulia Saporito
- Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 103, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Giacomo Landi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Stefano Mangani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, viale Benedetto XV n.3, Genoa 16132, Italy
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, viale Benedetto XV n.3, Genoa 16132, Italy
| | - Nuno Santarém
- i3S - Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Joana Tavares
- i3S - Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- i3S - Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Maria Paola Costi
- Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 103, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Michele Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, viale Benedetto XV n.3, Genoa 16132, Italy
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2
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Oaikhena EE, Yahaya UA, Abdulsalami SM, Egbe NL, Adeyemi MM, Ungogo MA, Ebiloma GU, Zoiku FK, Fordjour PA, Elati HAA, Quashie NB, Igoli JO, Gray AI, Lawson C, Ferro VA, de Koning HP. The activities of suaveolol and other compounds from Hyptis suaveolens and Momordica charantia against the aetiological agents of African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis and malaria. Exp Parasitol 2024; 263-264:108807. [PMID: 39043327 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108807] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
African trypanosomiasis and malaria are among the most severe health challenges to humans and livestock in Africa and new drugs are needed. Leaves of Hyptis suaveolens Kuntze (Lamiaceae) and Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) were extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, and then methanol, and subjected to silica gel column chromatography. Structures of six isolated compounds were elucidated through NMR and HR-EIMS spectrometry. Callistrisic acid, dehydroabietinol, suaveolic acid, suaveolol, and a mixture of suaveolol and suaveolic acid (SSA) were obtained from H. suaveolens, while karavilagenin D and momordicin I acetate were obtained from M. charantia. The isolated biomolecules were tested against trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma brucei brucei and T. congolense, and against Plasmodium falciparum. The most promising EC50 values were obtained for the purified suaveolol fraction, at 2.71 ± 0.36 μg/mL, and SSA, exhibiting an EC50 of 1.56 ± 0.17 μg/mL against T. b. brucei trypomastigotes. Suaveolic acid had low activity against T. b. brucei but displayed moderate activity against T. congolense trypomastigotes at 11.1 ± 0.5 μg/mL. Suaveolol and SSA were also tested against T. evansi, T. equiperdum, Leishmania major and L. mexicana but the antileishmanial activity was low. Neither of the active compounds, nor the mixture of the two, displayed any cytotoxic effect on human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells at even the highest concentration tested, being 200 μg/mL. We conclude that suaveolol and its mixture possessed significant and selective trypanocidal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enimie E Oaikhena
- Department of Biotechnology, Nigerian Defence Academy, PMB 2109, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Umar A Yahaya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Nigerian Defence Academy, PMB 2109, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Sani M Abdulsalami
- Department of Biotechnology, Nigerian Defence Academy, PMB 2109, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Nkechi L Egbe
- Department of Biotechnology, Nigerian Defence Academy, PMB 2109, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Modupe M Adeyemi
- Department of Chemistry, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Marzuq A Ungogo
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, EH8 PYL, UK
| | - Godwin U Ebiloma
- School of Science, Engineering & Environment, University of Salford, M5 4NT, Manchester, UK
| | - Felix K Zoiku
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Prince A Fordjour
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Hamza A A Elati
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmacy College, University of Elmergib, Al Khums, Libya
| | - Neils B Quashie
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Ghana; Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Ghana
| | - John O Igoli
- Department of Chemistry, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, PMB 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Alexander I Gray
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Christopher Lawson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Valerie A Ferro
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Harry P de Koning
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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3
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Chen W, Zou R, Mei Y, Li J, Xuan Y, Cui B, Zou J, Wang J, Lin S, Zhang Z, Wang C. Structural insights into drug transport by an aquaglyceroporin. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3985. [PMID: 38734677 PMCID: PMC11088622 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48445-4] [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: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pentamidine and melarsoprol are primary drugs used to treat the lethal human sleeping sickness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Cross-resistance to these two drugs has recently been linked to aquaglyceroporin 2 of the trypanosome (TbAQP2). TbAQP2 is the first member of the aquaporin family described as capable of drug transport; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of TbAQP2 bound to pentamidine or melarsoprol. Our structural studies, together with the molecular dynamic simulations, reveal the mechanisms shaping substrate specificity and drug permeation. Multiple amino acids in TbAQP2, near the extracellular entrance and inside the pore, create an expanded conducting tunnel, sterically and energetically allowing the permeation of pentamidine and melarsoprol. Our study elucidates the mechanism of drug transport by TbAQP2, providing valuable insights to inform the design of drugs against trypanosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanbiao Chen
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 581055, China
| | - Rongfeng Zou
- Shenzhen Jingtai Technology Co., Ltd. (XtalPi), Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Yi Mei
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 581055, China
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, 518110, China
| | - Yumi Xuan
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 581055, China
| | - Bing Cui
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 581055, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Junjie Zou
- Shenzhen Jingtai Technology Co., Ltd. (XtalPi), Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Juncheng Wang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shaoquan Lin
- Centre for Polymers in Medicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen, 581055, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, China.
| | - Chongyuan Wang
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 581055, China.
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4
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Chirwa KA, Francisco KR, Dube PS, Park H, Legoabe LJ, Teixeira TR, Caffrey CR, Beteck RM. Tractable Quinolone Hydrazides Exhibiting Sub-Micromolar and Broad Spectrum Antitrypanosomal Activities. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300667. [PMID: 38326914 PMCID: PMC11076157 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300667] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Nagana and Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), caused by (sub)species of Trypanosoma, are diseases that impede human and animal health, and economic growth in Africa. The few drugs available have drawbacks including suboptimal efficacy, adverse effects, drug resistance, and difficult routes of administration. New drugs are needed. A series of 20 novel quinolone compounds with affordable synthetic routes was made and evaluated in vitro against Trypanosoma brucei and HEK293 cells. Of the 20 compounds, 12 had sub-micromolar potencies against the parasite (EC50 values=0.051-0.57 μM), and most were non-toxic to HEK293 cells (CC50 values>5 μM). Two of the most potent compounds presented sub-micromolar activities against other trypanosome (sub)species (T. cruzi and T. b. rhodesiense). Although aqueous solubility is poor, both compounds possess good logD values (2-3), and either robust or poor microsomal stability profiles. These varying attributes will be addressed in future reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kgothatso A Chirwa
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Karol R Francisco
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Phelelisiwe S Dube
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Hayoung Park
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lesetja J Legoabe
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Thaiz Rodrigues Teixeira
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Richard M Beteck
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
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5
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Eurtivong C, Zimmer C, Schirmeister T, Butkinaree C, Saruengkhanphasit R, Niwetmarin W, Ruchirawat S, Bhambra AS. A structure-based virtual high-throughput screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and MM/PBSA study identified novel putative drug-like dual inhibitors of trypanosomal cruzain and rhodesain cysteine proteases. Mol Divers 2024; 28:531-551. [PMID: 36617352 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10600-2] [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: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Virtual screening a collection of ~ 25,000 ChemBridge molecule collection identified two nitrogenous heterocyclic molecules, 12 and 15, with potential dual inhibitory properties against trypanosomal cruzain and rhodesain cysteine proteases. Similarity search in DrugBank found the two virtual hits with novel chemical structures with unreported anti-trypanosomal activities. Investigations into the binding mechanism by molecular dynamics simulations for 100 ns revealed the molecules were able to occupy the binding sites and stabilise the protease complexes. Binding affinities calculated using the MM/PBSA method for the last 20 ns showed that the virtual hits have comparable binding affinities to other known inhibitors from literature suggesting both molecules as promising scaffolds with dual cruzain and rhodesain inhibition properties, i.e. 12 has predicted ΔGbind values of - 38.1 and - 38.2 kcal/mol to cruzain and rhodesain, respectively, and 15 has predicted ΔGbind values of - 34.4 and - 25.8 kcal/mol to rhodesain. Per residue binding free energy decomposition studies and visual inspection at 100 ns snapshots revealed hydrogen bonding and non-polar attractions with important amino acid residues that contributed to the ΔGbind values. The interactions are similar to those previously reported in the literature. The overall ADMET predictions for the two molecules were favourable for drug development with acceptable pharmacokinetic profiles and adequate oral bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chatchakorn Eurtivong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol Univeristy, 447 Sri-Ayutthaya Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
- Program in Chemical Sciences, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, 906 Kamphaeng Phet 6, Talat Bang Khen, Lak Si, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand.
- Center of Excellence On Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Collin Zimmer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Chutikarn Butkinaree
- National Omics Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Khlong Luang, 12120, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Rungroj Saruengkhanphasit
- Program in Chemical Sciences, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, 906 Kamphaeng Phet 6, Talat Bang Khen, Lak Si, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
- Center of Excellence On Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Worawat Niwetmarin
- Program in Chemical Sciences, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, 906 Kamphaeng Phet 6, Talat Bang Khen, Lak Si, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
- Center of Excellence On Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somsak Ruchirawat
- Program in Chemical Sciences, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, 906 Kamphaeng Phet 6, Talat Bang Khen, Lak Si, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
- Center of Excellence On Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Avninder S Bhambra
- Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, de Montfort University, Leicester, UK
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6
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Nué-Martinez JJ, Cisneros D, Moreno-Blázquez MD, Fonseca-Berzal C, Manzano JI, Kraeutler D, Ungogo MA, Aloraini MA, Elati HAA, Ibáñez-Escribano A, Lagartera L, Herraiz T, Gamarro F, de Koning HP, Gómez-Barrio A, Dardonville C. Synthesis and Biophysical and Biological Studies of N-Phenylbenzamide Derivatives Targeting Kinetoplastid Parasites. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13452-13480. [PMID: 37729094 PMCID: PMC10578353 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
The AT-rich mitochondrial DNA (kDNA) of trypanosomatid parasites is a target of DNA minor groove binders. We report the synthesis, antiprotozoal screening, and SAR studies of three series of analogues of the known antiprotozoal kDNA binder 2-((4-(4-((4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-3-ium-2-yl)amino)benzamido)phenyl)amino)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-3-ium (1a). Bis(2-aminoimidazolines) (1) and bis(2-aminobenzimidazoles) (2) showed micromolar range activity against Trypanosoma brucei, whereas bisarylimidamides (3) were submicromolar inhibitors of T. brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania donovani. None of the compounds showed relevant activity against the urogenital, nonkinetoplastid parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. We show that series 1 and 3 bind strongly and selectively to the minor groove of AT DNA, whereas series 2 also binds by intercalation. The measured pKa indicated different ionization states at pH 7.4, which correlated with the DNA binding affinities (ΔTm) for series 2 and 3. Compound 3a, which was active and selective against the three parasites and displayed adequate metabolic stability, is a fine candidate for in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Jonathan Nué-Martinez
- Instituto
de Química Médica, IQM−CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
- PhD
Programme in Medicinal Chemistry, Doctoral School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Cisneros
- Instituto
de Química Médica, IQM−CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
- PhD
Programme in Medicinal Chemistry, Doctoral School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Fonseca-Berzal
- Departamento
de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Plaza de Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Ignacio Manzano
- Instituto
de Parasitología y Biomedicina “Löpez Neyra”,
IPBLN-CSIC, Parque Tecnolögico
de Ciencias de la Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Damien Kraeutler
- Instituto
de Química Médica, IQM−CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marzuq A. Ungogo
- Institute
of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary
and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Glasgow, U.K.
| | - Maha A. Aloraini
- Institute
of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary
and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Glasgow, U.K.
| | - Hamza A. A. Elati
- Institute
of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary
and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Glasgow, U.K.
| | - Alexandra Ibáñez-Escribano
- Departamento
de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Plaza de Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Lagartera
- Instituto
de Química Médica, IQM−CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tomás Herraiz
- Instituto
de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos y Nutrición, ICTAN−CSIC, José Antonio Novais 10, Ciudad
Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Gamarro
- Instituto
de Parasitología y Biomedicina “Löpez Neyra”,
IPBLN-CSIC, Parque Tecnolögico
de Ciencias de la Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Harry P. de Koning
- Institute
of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary
and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Glasgow, U.K.
| | - Alicia Gómez-Barrio
- Departamento
de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Plaza de Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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7
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Racané L, Ptiček L, Kostrun S, Raić-Malić S, Taylor MC, Delves M, Alsford S, Olmo F, Francisco AF, Kelly JM. Bis-6-amidino-benzothiazole Derivative that Cures Experimental Stage 1 African Trypanosomiasis with a Single Dose. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13043-13057. [PMID: 37722077 PMCID: PMC10544003 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
We designed and synthesized a series of symmetric bis-6-amidino-benzothiazole derivatives with aliphatic central units and evaluated their efficacy against bloodstream forms of the African trypanosome Trypanosoma brucei. Of these, a dicationic benzothiazole compound (9a) exhibited sub-nanomolar in vitro potency with remarkable selectivity over mammalian cells (>26,000-fold). Unsubstituted 5-amidine groups and a cyclohexyl spacer were the crucial determinants of trypanocidal activity. In all cases, mice treated with a single dose of 20 mg kg-1 were cured of stage 1 trypanosomiasis. The compound displayed a favorable in vitro ADME profile, with the exception of low membrane permeability. However, we found evidence that uptake by T. brucei is mediated by endocytosis, a process that results in lysosomal sequestration. The compound was also active in low nanomolar concentrations against cultured asexual forms of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Therefore, 9a has exquisite cross-species efficacy and represents a lead compound with considerable therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Racané
- Department
of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, Prilaz baruna Filipovića 28a, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Ptiček
- Department
of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, Prilaz baruna Filipovića 28a, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Kostrun
- Chemistry
Department, Selvita Ltd., Prilaz baruna Filipovića 29, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Silvana Raić-Malić
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 20, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martin Craig Taylor
- Department
of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene
and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT London, U.K.
| | - Michael Delves
- Department
of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene
and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT London, U.K.
| | - Sam Alsford
- Department
of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene
and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT London, U.K.
| | - Francisco Olmo
- Department
of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene
and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT London, U.K.
| | - Amanda Fortes Francisco
- Department
of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene
and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT London, U.K.
| | - John M. Kelly
- Department
of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene
and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT London, U.K.
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8
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Zheng Y, van den Kerkhof M, van der Meer T, Gul S, Kuzikov M, Ellinger B, de Esch IJP, Siderius M, Matheeussen A, Maes L, Sterk GJ, Caljon G, Leurs R. Discovery of 5-Phenylpyrazolopyrimidinone Analogs as Potent Antitrypanosomal Agents with In Vivo Efficacy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10252-10264. [PMID: 37471520 PMCID: PMC10424178 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), caused by Trypanosoma brucei, is one of the neglected tropical diseases with a continuing need for new medication. We here describe the discovery of 5-phenylpyrazolopyrimidinone analogs as a novel series of phenotypic antitrypanosomal agents. The most potent compound, 30 (NPD-2975), has an in vitro IC50 of 70 nM against T. b. brucei with no apparent toxicity against human MRC-5 lung fibroblasts. Showing good physicochemical properties, low toxicity potential, acceptable metabolic stability, and other pharmacokinetic features, 30 was further evaluated in an acute mouse model of T. b. brucei infection. After oral dosing at 50 mg/kg twice per day for five consecutive days, all infected mice were cured. Given its good drug-like properties and high in vivo antitrypanosomal potential, the 5-phenylpyrazolopyrimidinone analog 30 represents a promising lead for future drug development to treat HAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Amsterdam
Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal
Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Magali van den Kerkhof
- Laboratory
of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tiffany van der Meer
- Amsterdam
Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal
Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sheraz Gul
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer
Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Kuzikov
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer
Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Ellinger
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer
Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Iwan J. P. de Esch
- Amsterdam
Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal
Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Siderius
- Amsterdam
Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal
Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - An Matheeussen
- Laboratory
of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory
of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Geert Jan Sterk
- Amsterdam
Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal
Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory
of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Rob Leurs
- Amsterdam
Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal
Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Jamabo M, Mahlalela M, Edkins AL, Boshoff A. Tackling Sleeping Sickness: Current and Promising Therapeutics and Treatment Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12529. [PMID: 37569903 PMCID: PMC10420020 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the extracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, and targeted for eradication by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the lengthening of the proposed time frame for eliminating human African trypanosomiasis as control programs were interrupted. Armed with extensive antigenic variation and the depletion of the B cell population during an infectious cycle, attempts to develop a vaccine have remained unachievable. With the absence of a vaccine, control of the disease has relied heavily on intensive screening measures and the use of drugs. The chemotherapeutics previously available for disease management were plagued by issues such as toxicity, resistance, and difficulty in administration. The approval of the latest and first oral drug, fexinidazole, is a major chemotherapeutic achievement for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis in the past few decades. Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, while poor compliance and resistance remain outstanding challenges. Drug discovery is on-going, and herein we review the recent advances in anti-trypanosomal drug discovery, including novel potential drug targets. The numerous challenges associated with disease eradication will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miebaka Jamabo
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa; (M.J.); (M.M.)
| | - Maduma Mahlalela
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa; (M.J.); (M.M.)
| | - Adrienne L. Edkins
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Biotechnology Research Centre (BioBRU), Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa;
| | - Aileen Boshoff
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa; (M.J.); (M.M.)
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10
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Pardali V, Giannakopoulou E, Mpekoulis G, Tsopela V, Panos G, Taylor MC, Kelly JM, Vassilaki N, Zoidis G. Novel Lipophilic Hydroxamates Based on Spirocarbocyclic Hydantoin Scaffolds with Potent Antiviral and Trypanocidal Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1046. [PMID: 37513957 PMCID: PMC10385743 DOI: 10.3390/ph16071046] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Flaviviridae infections, such as those caused by hepatitis C (HCV) and dengue viruses (DENVs), represent global health risks. Infected people are in danger of developing chronic liver failure or hemorrhagic fever, both of which can be fatal if not treated. The tropical parasites Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi cause enormous socioeconomic burdens in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Anti-HCV chemotherapy has severe adverse effects and is expensive, whereas dengue has no clinically authorized treatment. Antiparasitic medicines are often toxic and difficult to administer, and treatment failures are widely reported. There is an urgent need for new chemotherapies. Based on our previous research, we have undertaken structural modification of lead compound V with the goal of producing derivatives with both antiviral and trypanocidal activity. The novel spirocarbocyclic-substituted hydantoin analogs were designed, synthesized, and tested for antiviral activity against three HCV genotypes (1b, 3a, 4a), DENV, yellow fever virus (YFV), and two trypanosome species (T. brucei, T. cruzi). The optimization was successful and led to compounds with significant antiviral and trypanocidal activity and exceptional selectivity. Several modifications were made to further investigate the structure-activity relationships (SARs) and confirm the critical role of lipophilicity and conformational degrees of freedom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Pardali
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Erofili Giannakopoulou
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - George Mpekoulis
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilina Tsopela
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Panos
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Martin C Taylor
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - John M Kelly
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Niki Vassilaki
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
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11
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Ettari R. Cysteine Proteases as Validated Targets for the Treatment of Neglected and Poverty-Related Parasitic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10097. [PMID: 37373243 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) include 20 diverse infections mainly prevalent in tropical areas that mostly affect disadvantaged communities and women and children [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ettari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
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12
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Di Chio C, Previti S, Totaro N, De Luca F, Allegra A, Schirmeister T, Zappalà M, Ettari R. Dipeptide Nitrile CD34 with Curcumin: A New Improved Combination Strategy to Synergistically Inhibit Rhodesain of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108477. [PMID: 37239824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108477] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhodesain is the main cysteine protease of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, the parasite causing the acute lethal form of Human African Trypanosomiasis. Starting from the dipeptide nitrile CD24, the further introduction of a fluorine atom in the meta position of the phenyl ring spanning in the P3 site and the switch of the P2 leucine with a phenylalanine led to CD34, a synthetic inhibitor that shows a nanomolar binding affinity towards rhodesain (Ki = 27 nM) and an improved target selectivity with respect to the parent dipeptide nitrile CD24. In the present work, following the Chou and Talalay method, we carried out a combination study of CD34 with curcumin, a nutraceutical obtained from Curcuma longa L. Starting from an affected fraction (fa) of rhodesain inhibition of 0.5 (i.e., the IC50), we observed an initial moderate synergistic action, which became a synergism for fa values ranging from 0.6 to 0.7 (i.e., 60-70% inhibition of the trypanosomal protease). Interestingly, at 80-90% inhibition of rhodesain proteolytic activity, we observed a strong synergism, resulting in 100% enzyme inhibition. Overall, in addition to the improved target selectivity of CD34 with respect to CD24, the combination of CD34 + curcumin resulted in an increased synergistic action with respect to CD24 + curcumin, thus suggesting that it is desirable to use CD34 and curcumin in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Di Chio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Santo Previti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Noemi Totaro
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Fabiola De Luca
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Allegra
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Maria Zappalà
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Ettari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
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13
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Previti S, Ettari R, Di Chio C, Legac J, Bogacz M, Zimmer C, Schirmeister T, Rosenthal PJ, Zappalà M. Influence of amino acid size at the P3 position of N-Cbz-tripeptide Michael acceptors targeting falcipain-2 and rhodesain for the treatment of malaria and human african trypanosomiasis. Bioorg Chem 2023; 137:106587. [PMID: 37163812 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, several structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies provided potent inhibitors of the cysteine proteases falcipain-2 (FP-2) and rhodesain (RD) from Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, respectively. Whilst the roles of the warhead and residues targeting the P1 and P2 pockets of the proteases were extensively investigated, the roles of the amino acids occupying the S3 pocket were not widely assessed. Herein we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a set of novel Michael acceptors bearing amino acids of increasing size at the P3 site (1a-g/2a-g, SPR20-SPR33) against FP-2, RD, P. falciparum, and T. brucei. Overall, the Michael acceptors bearing small amino acids at the P3 site exhibited the most potent inhibitory properties towards FP-2. In contrast, analogues with bulky residues at the P3 position were very potent rhodesain inhibitors. In cell based assays, single-digit micromolar EC50 values against the two protozoa were observed. These findings can be a starting point for the development of peptide-based FP-2 and RD inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santo Previti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Roberta Ettari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Carla Di Chio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Jenny Legac
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Marta Bogacz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry & Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Collin Zimmer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Philip J Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Maria Zappalà
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
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14
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Hulme J. COVID-19 and Diarylamidines: The Parasitic Connection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6583. [PMID: 37047556 PMCID: PMC10094973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076583] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants (Omicron) continue to outpace and negate combinatorial vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies targeting the spike protein (S) receptor binding domain (RBD), the appetite for developing similar COVID-19 treatments has significantly diminished, with the attention of the scientific community switching to long COVID treatments. However, treatments that reduce the risk of "post-COVID-19 syndrome" and associated sequelae remain in their infancy, particularly as no established criteria for diagnosis currently exist. Thus, alternative therapies that reduce infection and prevent the broad range of symptoms associated with 'post-COVID-19 syndrome' require investigation. This review begins with an overview of the parasitic-diarylamidine connection, followed by the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and associated angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSSR2) involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Subsequently, the ability of diarylamidines to inhibit S-protein binding and various membrane serine proteases associated with SARS-CoV-2 and parasitic infections are discussed. Finally, the roles of diarylamidines (primarily DIZE) in vaccine efficacy, epigenetics, and the potential amelioration of long COVID sequelae are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Hulme
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Sungnam-daero, Sujung-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Republic of Korea
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15
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García-Estrada C, Pérez-Pertejo Y, Domínguez-Asenjo B, Holanda VN, Murugesan S, Martínez-Valladares M, Balaña-Fouce R, Reguera RM. Further Investigations of Nitroheterocyclic Compounds as Potential Antikinetoplastid Drug Candidates. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040637. [PMID: 37189384 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the lack of specific vaccines, management of the trypanosomatid-caused neglected tropical diseases (sleeping sickness, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis) relies exclusively on pharmacological treatments. Current drugs against them are scarce, old and exhibit disadvantages, such as adverse effects, parenteral administration, chemical instability and high costs which are often unaffordable for endemic low-income countries. Discoveries of new pharmacological entities for the treatment of these diseases are scarce, since most of the big pharmaceutical companies find this market unattractive. In order to fill the pipeline of compounds and replace existing ones, highly translatable drug screening platforms have been developed in the last two decades. Thousands of molecules have been tested, including nitroheterocyclic compounds, such as benznidazole and nifurtimox, which had already provided potent and effective effects against Chagas disease. More recently, fexinidazole has been added as a new drug against African trypanosomiasis. Despite the success of nitroheterocycles, they had been discarded from drug discovery campaigns due to their mutagenic potential, but now they represent a promising source of inspiration for oral drugs that can replace those currently on the market. The examples provided by the trypanocidal activity of fexinidazole and the promising efficacy of the derivative DNDi-0690 against leishmaniasis seem to open a new window of opportunity for these compounds that were discovered in the 1960s. In this review, we show the current uses of nitroheterocycles and the novel derived molecules that are being synthesized against these neglected diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos García-Estrada
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Yolanda Pérez-Pertejo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Bárbara Domínguez-Asenjo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Vanderlan Nogueira Holanda
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Sankaranarayanan Murugesan
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Pilani 333031, India
| | - María Martínez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (IGM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de León, Carretera León-Vega de Infanzones, Vega de Infanzones, 24346 León, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rafael Balaña-Fouce
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rosa M. Reguera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
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16
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Ungogo MA, Aldfer MM, Natto MJ, Zhuang H, Chisholm R, Walsh K, McGee M, Ilbeigi K, Asseri JI, Burchmore RJS, Caljon G, Van Calenbergh S, De Koning HP. Cloning and Characterization of Trypanosoma congolense and T. vivax Nucleoside Transporters Reveal the Potential of P1-Type Carriers for the Discovery of Broad-Spectrum Nucleoside-Based Therapeutics against Animal African Trypanosomiasis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043144. [PMID: 36834557 PMCID: PMC9960827 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT), caused predominantly by Trypanosoma brucei brucei, T. vivax and T. congolense, is a fatal livestock disease throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Treatment options are very limited and threatened by resistance. Tubercidin (7-deazaadenosine) analogs have shown activity against individual parasites but viable chemotherapy must be active against all three species. Divergence in sensitivity to nucleoside antimetabolites could be caused by differences in nucleoside transporters. Having previously characterized the T. brucei nucleoside carriers, we here report the functional expression and characterization of the main adenosine transporters of T. vivax (TvxNT3) and T. congolense (TcoAT1/NT10), in a Leishmania mexicana cell line ('SUPKO') lacking adenosine uptake. Both carriers were similar to the T. brucei P1-type transporters and bind adenosine mostly through interactions with N3, N7 and 3'-OH. Expression of TvxNT3 and TcoAT1 sensitized SUPKO cells to various 7-substituted tubercidins and other nucleoside analogs although tubercidin itself is a poor substrate for P1-type transporters. Individual nucleoside EC50s were similar for T. b. brucei, T. congolense, T. evansi and T. equiperdum but correlated less well with T. vivax. However, multiple nucleosides including 7-halogentubercidines displayed pEC50>7 for all species and, based on transporter and anti-parasite SAR analyses, we conclude that nucleoside chemotherapy for AAT is viable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzuq A. Ungogo
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810107, Kaduna State, Nigeria
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Mustafa M. Aldfer
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Manal J. Natto
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Hainan Zhuang
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Robyn Chisholm
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Katy Walsh
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - MarieClaire McGee
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Kayhan Ilbeigi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jamal Ibrahim Asseri
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Richard J. S. Burchmore
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Serge Van Calenbergh
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Harry P. De Koning
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Correspondence:
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17
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The Activity of Red Nigerian Propolis and Some of Its Components against Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28020622. [PMID: 36677679 PMCID: PMC9860874 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Propolis is a resin that is gathered by bees from exudates produced by various plants. Its exact chemical composition depends on the plants available near the hive. Bees use propolis to coat the surfaces of the hive, where it acts as an anti-infective. Regardless of the chemical composition of propolis, it is always anti-protozoal, probably because protozoan parasites, particularly Lotmarium passim, are widespread in bee populations. The protozoa Trypanosoma brucei and T. congolense cause disease in humans and/or animals. The existing drugs for treating these diseases are old and resistance is an increasingly severe problem. The many types of propolis present a rich source of anti-trypanosomal compounds-from a material gathered by bees in an environmentally friendly way. In the current work, red Nigerian propolis from Rivers State, Nigeria was tested against T. brucei and T. congolense and found to be highly active (EC50 1.66 and 4.00 µg/mL, respectively). Four isoflavonoids, vestitol, neovestitol, 7-methylvestitol and medicarpin, were isolated from the propolis. The isolated compounds were also tested against T. brucei and T. congolense, and vestitol displayed the highest activity at 3.86 and 4.36 µg/mL, respectively. Activities against drug-resistant forms of T. brucei and T. congolense were similar to those against wild type.
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Waithaka A, Clayton C. Clinically relevant benzoxaboroles inhibit mRNA processing in Trypanosoma brucei. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:371. [PMID: 36528767 PMCID: PMC9758897 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-06258-y] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The cleavage and polyadenylation endonuclease CPSF73 is thought to be the target of the anti-trypanosomal benzoxaboroles AN7973, acoziborole and AN11736. We previously showed that AN7973 inhibits mRNA processing. We here investigated whether the drug candidates acoziborole (for human sleeping sickness) and AN11736 (for nagana in cattle) have the same effect. We also affinity purified tagged CPSF73 from parasites without, or after, AN7973 treatment, and analysed differentially co-purified proteins by mass spectrometry. RESULTS AN11736 and acoziborole both inhibited mRNA processing, as demonstrated by decreased levels of spliced mRNAs and accumulation of di- and tri-cistronic mRNAs from the alpha-beta tubulin locus. Treating the cells with AN7973 for 30 min. did not significantly affect the proteins that copurified with CPSF73.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albina Waithaka
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Heidelberg University Centre for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), Im Neuenheimer Feld 282, D69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine Clayton
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Heidelberg University Centre for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), Im Neuenheimer Feld 282, D69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Seck I, Ciss I, Diédhiou A, Baldé M, Ka S, Ba LA, Ndoye SF, Figadère B, Seon-Meniel B, Gomez G, Cojean S, Pomel S, Loiseau PM, Fall Y, Seck M. 1,2,3-triazenes and 1,2,3-triazoles as antileishmanial, antitrypanosomal, and antiplasmodial agents. Med Chem Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-022-02994-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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20
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Bernhard S, Kaiser M, Burri C, Mäser P. Fexinidazole for Human African Trypanosomiasis, the Fruit of a Successful Public-Private Partnership. Diseases 2022; 10:90. [PMID: 36278589 PMCID: PMC9589988 DOI: 10.3390/diseases10040090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
After 100 years of chemotherapy with impractical and toxic drugs, an oral cure for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is available: Fexinidazole. In this case, we review the history of drug discovery for HAT with special emphasis on the discovery, pre-clinical development, and operational challenges of the clinical trials of fexinidazole. The screening of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) HAT-library by the Swiss TPH had singled out fexinidazole, originally developed by Hoechst (now Sanofi), as the most promising of a series of over 800 nitroimidazoles and related molecules. In cell culture, fexinidazole has an IC50 of around 1 µM against Trypanosoma brucei and is more than 100-fold less toxic to mammalian cells. In the mouse model, fexinidazole cures both the first, haemolymphatic, and the second, meningoencephalitic stage of the infection, the latter at 100 mg/kg twice daily for 5 days. In patients, the clinical trials managed by DNDi and supported by Swiss TPH mainly conducted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo demonstrated that oral fexinidazole is safe and effective for use against first- and early second-stage sleeping sickness. Based on the positive opinion issued by the European Medicines Agency in 2018, the WHO has released new interim guidelines for the treatment of HAT including fexinidazole as the new therapy for first-stage and non-severe second-stage sleeping sickness caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (gHAT). This greatly facilitates the diagnosis and treatment algorithm for gHAT, increasing the attainable coverage and paving the way towards the envisaged goal of zero transmission by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Bernhard
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Kaiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Burri
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Mäser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
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21
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González-Martín-Moro J. Trypan blue: A tale of a die. ARCHIVOS DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE OFTALMOLOGIA 2022; 97:481-482. [PMID: 35792041 DOI: 10.1016/j.oftale.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J González-Martín-Moro
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario del Henares, Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain.
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22
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Jonathan Nué-Martinez J, Cisneros D, Dardonville C. Methyl N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)pyridine-2-carbimidothioate: a New Reagent for the Synthesis of N-phenylpyridinecarboxamidine (“arylimidamide”) DNA-minor groove binders from Poorly Nucleophilic Amines. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 74:128926. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Zheng Y, Müller J, Kunz S, Siderius M, Maes L, Caljon G, Müller N, Hemphill A, Sterk GJ, Leurs R. 3-nitroimidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine as a novel scaffold for antiparasitics with sub-nanomolar anti-Giardia lamblia activity. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 19:47-55. [PMID: 35716585 PMCID: PMC9213561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As there is a continuous need for novel anti-infectives, the present study aimed to fuse two modes of action into a novel 3-nitroimidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine scaffold to improve antiparasitic efficacy. For this purpose, we combined known structural elements of phosphodiesterase inhibitors, a target recently proposed for Trypanosoma brucei and Giardia lamblia, with a nitroimidazole scaffold to generate nitrosative stress. The compounds were evaluated in vitro against a panel of protozoal parasites, namely Giardia lamblia, Trypanosoma brucei, T. cruzi, Leishmania infantum and Plasmodium falciparum and for cytotoxicity on MRC-5 cells. Interestingly, selective sub-nanomolar activity was obtained against G. lamblia, and by testing several analogues with and without the nitro group, it was shown that the presence of a nitro group, but not PDE inhibition, is responsible for the low IC50 values of these novel compounds. Adding the favourable drug-like properties (low molecular weight, cLogP (1.2–4.1) and low polar surface area), the key compounds from the 3-nitroimidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine series can be considered as valuable hits for further anti-giardiasis drug exploration and development. Analogues fusing a nitroimidazole moiety and a PDE inhibitor scaffold were prepared. These compounds were tested in vitro against a panel of protozoal parasites. Against Giardia lamblia, sub-nanomolar IC50 values were determined. PDE inhibition provided no significant contribution to the anti-Giardia potency. High potency with drug-like properties warrants further study of this hit series.
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Previti S, Ettari R, Calcaterra E, Di Chio C, Ravichandran R, Zimmer C, Hammerschmidt S, Wagner A, Bogacz M, Cosconati S, Schirmeister T, Zappalà M. Development of Urea-Bond-Containing Michael Acceptors as Antitrypanosomal Agents Targeting Rhodesain. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1083-1090. [PMID: 35859868 PMCID: PMC9290002 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00084] [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] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
![]()
Human African Trypanosomiasis
(HAT) is a neglected tropical disease
widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. Rhodesain, a cysteine protease of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, has been identified as a
valid target for the development of anti-HAT agents. Herein, we report
a series of urea-bond-containing Michael acceptors, which were demonstrated
to be potent rhodesain inhibitors with Ki values ranging from 0.15 to 2.51 nM, and five of them showed comparable k2nd values to that of K11777, a potent antitrypanosomal
agent. Moreover, most of the urea derivatives exhibited single-digit
micromolar activity against the protozoa, and the presence of substituents
at the P3 position appears to be essential for the antitrypanosomal
effect. Replacement of Phe with Leu at the P2 site kept unchanged
the inhibitory properties. Compound 7 (SPR7) showed the
best compromise in terms of rhodesain inhibition, selectivity, and
antiparasitic activity, thus representing a new lead compound for
future SAR studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santo Previti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Ettari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Elsa Calcaterra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Carla Di Chio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rahul Ravichandran
- DiSTABiF, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Collin Zimmer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Hammerschmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Annika Wagner
- Institute of Organic Chemistry & Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Marta Bogacz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry & Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- DiSTABiF, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Maria Zappalà
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
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Venturelli A, Tagliazucchi L, Lima C, Venuti F, Malpezzi G, Magoulas GE, Santarem N, Calogeropoulou T, Cordeiro-da-Silva A, Costi MP. Current Treatments to Control African Trypanosomiasis and One Health Perspective. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071298. [PMID: 35889018 PMCID: PMC9321528 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT, sleeping sickness) and Animal African Trypanosomiasis (AAT) are neglected tropical diseases generally caused by the same etiological agent, Trypanosoma brucei. Despite important advances in the reduction or disappearance of HAT cases, AAT represents a risky reservoir of the infections. There is a strong need to control AAT, as is claimed by the European Commission in a recent document on the reservation of antimicrobials for human use. Control of AAT is considered part of the One Health approach established by the FAO program against African Trypanosomiasis. Under the umbrella of the One Health concepts, in this work, by analyzing the pharmacological properties of the therapeutic options against Trypanosoma brucei spp., we underline the need for clearer and more defined guidelines in the employment of drugs designed for HAT and AAT. Essential requirements are addressed to meet the challenge of drug use and drug resistance development. This approach shall avoid inter-species cross-resistance phenomena and retain drugs therapeutic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Venturelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.V.); (L.T.); (F.V.); (G.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Tagliazucchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.V.); (L.T.); (F.V.); (G.M.)
- Doctorate School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Clara Lima
- Host-Parasite Interactions Group, Institute of Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal; (C.L.); (N.S.); (A.C.-d.-S.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Federica Venuti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.V.); (L.T.); (F.V.); (G.M.)
| | - Giulia Malpezzi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.V.); (L.T.); (F.V.); (G.M.)
| | - George E. Magoulas
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece; (G.E.M.); (T.C.)
| | - Nuno Santarem
- Host-Parasite Interactions Group, Institute of Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal; (C.L.); (N.S.); (A.C.-d.-S.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Theodora Calogeropoulou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece; (G.E.M.); (T.C.)
| | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- Host-Parasite Interactions Group, Institute of Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal; (C.L.); (N.S.); (A.C.-d.-S.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Paola Costi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.V.); (L.T.); (F.V.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence:
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26
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Probing Adamantane Arylhydroxamic Acids against Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi. MOLBANK 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/m1363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, we present the synthesis and the anti-trypanosomal activity of the 2-(4-(adamant-1-yl)phenyl)-N-hydroxyarylamides, 1a,b and the 2-(4-(adamant-1-yl)phenoxy)-N-hydroxyacetamide, 1c. The 4-(adamant-1-yl)phenyl- and 4-(adamant-1-yl)phenoxy- moieties, which are endowed with promising drug-like properties, are functionalized at the side chain termini as hydroxamic acids. The phenoxy acetohydroxamic derivative, 1c, shows the most interesting profile in terms of activity and toxicity against trypanosomes and merits further investigation.
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27
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Valverde Mordt O, Tarral A, Strub-Wourgaft N. Development and Introduction of Fexinidazole into the Global Human African Trypanosomiasis Program. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 106:61-66. [PMID: 35292581 PMCID: PMC9154641 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article, the authors show the strategy used to streamline the introduction of fexinidazole, the first all oral treatment of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. The dose range was determined in phase 1 studies and a significant food effect was observed, which was tested with field-adapted meals. The pharmacokinetic profile required definition of a higher loading dosage for the first 4 days and administration of the daily dose together with a typical local meal to optimize product absorption and rapidly achieve drug steady state. This allowed for a combined phase II/III pivotal study directly after phase I trials. Partnerships with highly engaged actors from endemic country control programs and international research institutions started early through the HAT platform, building on an agreed target product profile (TPP), establishing a regulatory plan early and transparently including endemic countries in the research and data flow. A key element that enabled a quick start to access activities was preparing for World Health Organization guidelines early and starting the process prior to registration. Distribution plans were identified and supply was established from the start, by taking advantage of the existing supply agreement between the producers of all HAT drugs (Sanofi and Bayer) and the WHO. Pharmacovigilance and phase 4 studies were nested into wider implementation activities. Targeted sequential introduction into national programs was prioritized, based on medical need and epidemiologically updated information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antoine Tarral
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
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Amilon C, Boberg M, Tarning J, Äbelö A, Ashton M, Jansson-Löfmark R. Population Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Eflornithine-Based Treatments Against Late-Stage Gambiense Human African Trypanosomiasis and Efficacy Predictions of L-eflornithine-Based Therapy. AAPS J 2022; 24:48. [PMID: 35338410 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-022-00693-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Eflornithine is a recommended treatment against late-stage gambiense human African trypanosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease. Standard dosing of eflornithine consists of repeated intravenous infusions of a racemic mixture of L- and D-eflornithine. Data from three clinical studies, (i) eflornithine intravenous monotherapy, (ii) nifurtimox-eflornithine combination therapy, and (iii) eflornithine oral monotherapy, were pooled and analyzed using a time-to-event pharmacodynamic modeling approach, supported by in vitro activity data of the individual enantiomers. Our aim was to assess (i) the efficacy of the eflornithine regimens in a time-to-event analysis and (ii) the feasibility of an L-eflornithine-based therapy integrating clinical and preclinical data. A pharmacodynamic time-to-event model was used to estimate the total dose of eflornithine, associated with 50% reduction in baseline hazard, when administered as monotherapy or in the nifurtimox-eflornithine combination therapy. The estimated total doses were 159, 60 and 291 g for intravenous eflornithine monotherapy, nifurtimox-eflornithine combination therapy and oral eflornithine monotherapy, respectively. Simulations suggested that L-eflornithine achieves a higher predicted median survival, compared to when racemate is administered, as treatment against late-stage gambiense human African trypanosomiasis. Our findings showed that oral L-eflornithine-based monotherapy would not result in adequate efficacy, even at high dose, and warrants further investigations to assess the potential of oral L-eflornithine-based treatment in combination with other treatments such as nifurtimox. An all-oral eflornithine-based regimen would provide easier access to treatment and reduce burden on patients and healthcare systems in gambiense human African trypanosomiasis endemic areas. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Amilon
- Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 431, S-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.,DMPK, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mikael Boberg
- Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 431, S-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joel Tarning
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Angela Äbelö
- Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 431, S-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Ashton
- Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 431, S-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rasmus Jansson-Löfmark
- Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 431, S-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden. .,DMPK, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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29
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Fall F, Mamede L, Schioppa L, Ledoux A, De Tullio P, Michels P, Frédérich M, Quetin-Leclercq J. Trypanosoma brucei: Metabolomics for analysis of cellular metabolism and drug discovery. Metabolomics 2022; 18:20. [PMID: 35305174 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-022-01880-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma brucei is the causative agent of Human African Trypanosomiasis (also known as sleeping sickness), a disease causing serious neurological disorders and fatal if left untreated. Due to its lethal pathogenicity, a variety of treatments have been developed over the years, but which have some important limitations such as acute toxicity and parasite resistance. Metabolomics is an innovative tool used to better understand the parasite's cellular metabolism, and identify new potential targets, modes of action and resistance mechanisms. The metabolomic approach is mainly associated with robust analytical techniques, such as NMR and Mass Spectrometry. Applying these tools to the trypanosome parasite is, thus, useful for providing new insights into the sleeping sickness pathology and guidance towards innovative treatments. AIM OF REVIEW The present review aims to comprehensively describe the T. brucei biology and identify targets for new or commercialized antitrypanosomal drugs. Recent metabolomic applications to provide a deeper knowledge about the mechanisms of action of drugs or potential drugs against T. brucei are highlighted. Additionally, the advantages of metabolomics, alone or combined with other methods, are discussed. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW Compared to other parasites, only few studies employing metabolomics have to date been reported on Trypanosoma brucei. Published metabolic studies, treatments and modes of action are discussed. The main interest is to evaluate the metabolomics contribution to the understanding of T. brucei's metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanta Fall
- Pharmacognosy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Avenue E. Mounier B1 72.03, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Lucia Mamede
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Center of Interdisciplinary Research On Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Laura Schioppa
- Pharmacognosy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Avenue E. Mounier B1 72.03, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Allison Ledoux
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Center of Interdisciplinary Research On Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pascal De Tullio
- Metabolomics Group, Center of Interdisciplinary Research On Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Paul Michels
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution (CIIE) and Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology (CTCB), School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Michel Frédérich
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Center of Interdisciplinary Research On Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Joëlle Quetin-Leclercq
- Pharmacognosy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Avenue E. Mounier B1 72.03, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium
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30
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Kasozi KI, MacLeod ET, Ntulume I, Welburn SC. An Update on African Trypanocide Pharmaceutics and Resistance. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:828111. [PMID: 35356785 PMCID: PMC8959112 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.828111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
African trypanosomiasis is associated with Trypanosoma evansi, T. vivax, T. congolense, and T. brucei pathogens in African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) while T. b gambiense and T. b rhodesiense are responsible for chronic and acute human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), respectively. Suramin sodium suppresses ATP generation during the glycolytic pathway and is ineffective against T. vivax and T. congolense infections. Resistance to suramin is associated with pathogen altered transport proteins. Melarsoprol binds irreversibly with pyruvate kinase protein sulfhydryl groups and neutralizes enzymes which interrupts the trypanosome ATP generation. Melarsoprol resistance is associated with the adenine-adenosine transporter, P2, due to point mutations within this transporter. Eflornithine is used in combination with nifurtimox. Resistance to eflornithine is caused by the deletion or mutation of TbAAT6 gene which encodes the transmembrane amino acid transporter that delivers eflornithine into the cell, thus loss of transporter protein results in eflornithine resistance. Nifurtimox alone is regarded as a poor trypanocide, however, it is effective in melarsoprol-resistant gHAT patients. Resistance is associated with loss of a single copy of the genes encoding for nitroreductase enzymes. Fexinidazole is recommended for first-stage and non-severe second-stage illnesses in gHAT and resistance is associated with trypanosome bacterial nitroreductases which reduce fexinidazole. In AAT, quinapyramine sulfate interferes with DNA synthesis and suppression of cytoplasmic ribosomal activity in the mitochondria. Quinapyramine sulfate resistance is due to variations in the potential of the parasite's mitochondrial membrane. Pentamidines create cross-links between two adenines at 4–5 pairs apart in adenine-thymine-rich portions of Trypanosoma DNA. It also suppresses type II topoisomerase in the mitochondria of Trypanosoma parasites. Pentamidine resistance is due to loss of mitochondria transport proteins P2 and HAPT1. Diamidines are most effective against Trypanosome brucei group and act via the P2/TbAT1 transporters. Diminazene aceturate resistance is due to mutations that alter the activity of P2, TeDR40 (T. b. evansi). Isometamidium chloride is primarily employed in the early stages of trypanosomiasis and resistance is associated with diminazene resistance. Phenanthridine (homidium bromide, also known as ethidium bromide) acts by a breakdown of the kinetoplast network and homidium resistance is comparable to isometamidium. In humans, the development of resistance and adverse side effects against monotherapies has led to the adoption of nifurtimox-eflornithine combination therapy. Current efforts to develop new prodrug combinations of nifurtimox and eflornithine and nitroimidazole fexinidazole as well as benzoxaborole SCYX-7158 (AN5568) for HAT are in progress while little comparable progress has been done for the development of novel therapies to address trypanocide resistance in AAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keneth Iceland Kasozi
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda
- *Correspondence: Keneth Iceland Kasozi ;
| | - Ewan Thomas MacLeod
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim Ntulume
- School of Biosecurity Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan Christina Welburn
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Joint Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Susan Christina Welburn
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Differences in Transporters Rather than Drug Targets Are the Principal Determinants of the Different Innate Sensitivities of Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanozoon Subgenus Trypanosomes to Diamidines and Melaminophenyl Arsenicals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052844. [PMID: 35269985 PMCID: PMC8911344 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The animal trypanosomiases are infections in a wide range of (domesticated) animals with any species of African trypanosome, such as Trypanosoma brucei, T. evansi, T. congolense, T. equiperdum and T. vivax. Symptoms differ between host and infective species and stage of infection and are treated with a small set of decades-old trypanocides. A complication is that not all trypanosome species are equally sensitive to all drugs and the reasons are at best partially understood. Here, we investigate whether drug transporters, mostly identified in T. b. brucei, determine the different drug sensitivities. We report that homologues of the aminopurine transporter TbAT1 and the aquaporin TbAQP2 are absent in T. congolense, while their introduction greatly sensitises this species to diamidine (pentamidine, diminazene) and melaminophenyl (melarsomine) drugs. Accumulation of these drugs in the transgenic lines was much more rapid. T. congolense is also inherently less sensitive to suramin than T. brucei, despite accumulating it faster. Expression of a proposed suramin transporter, located in T. brucei lysosomes, in T. congolense, did not alter its suramin sensitivity. We conclude that for several of the most important classes of trypanocides the presence of specific transporters, rather than drug targets, is the determining factor of drug efficacy.
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32
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Alenezi SS, Alenezi ND, Ebiloma GU, Natto MJ, Ungogo MA, Igoli JO, Ferro VA, Gray AI, Fearnley J, de Koning HP, Watson DG. The Antiprotozoal Activity of Papua New Guinea Propolis and Its Triterpenes. Molecules 2022; 27:1622. [PMID: 35268726 PMCID: PMC8911803 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Profiling a propolis sample from Papua New Guinea (PNG) using high-resolution mass spectrometry indicated that it contained several triterpenoids. Further fractionation by column chromatography and medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) followed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) identified 12 triterpenoids. Five of these were obtained pure and the others as mixtures of two or three compounds. The compounds identified were: mangiferonic acid, ambonic acid, isomangiferolic acid, ambolic acid, 27-hydroxyisomangiferolic acid, cycloartenol, cycloeucalenol, 24-methylenecycloartenol, 20-hydroxybetulin, betulin, betulinic acid and madecassic acid. The fractions from the propolis and the purified compounds were tested in vitro against Crithidia fasciculata, Trypanosoma congolense, drug-resistant Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma b. brucei and multidrug-resistant Trypanosoma b. brucei (B48). They were also assayed for their toxicity against U947 cells. The compounds and fractions displayed moderate to high activity against parasitic protozoa but only low cytotoxicity against the mammalian cells. The most active isolated compound, 20-hydroxybetulin, was found to be trypanostatic when different concentrations were tested against T. b. brucei growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samya S. Alenezi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (S.S.A.); (N.D.A.); (V.A.F.); (A.I.G.)
| | - Naif D. Alenezi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (S.S.A.); (N.D.A.); (V.A.F.); (A.I.G.)
| | - Godwin U. Ebiloma
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK; (G.U.E.); (M.J.N.); (M.A.U.); (J.O.I.)
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, UK
| | - Manal J. Natto
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK; (G.U.E.); (M.J.N.); (M.A.U.); (J.O.I.)
| | - Marzuq A. Ungogo
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK; (G.U.E.); (M.J.N.); (M.A.U.); (J.O.I.)
| | - John O. Igoli
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK; (G.U.E.); (M.J.N.); (M.A.U.); (J.O.I.)
- Phytochemistry Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Makurdi PMB 2373, Nigeria
| | - Valerie A. Ferro
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (S.S.A.); (N.D.A.); (V.A.F.); (A.I.G.)
| | - Alexander I. Gray
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (S.S.A.); (N.D.A.); (V.A.F.); (A.I.G.)
| | | | - Harry P. de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK; (G.U.E.); (M.J.N.); (M.A.U.); (J.O.I.)
| | - David G. Watson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (S.S.A.); (N.D.A.); (V.A.F.); (A.I.G.)
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Ibrahim MA, Yamasaki T, Furukawa K, Yamasaki K. Fragment-Based Drug Discovery for Trypanosoma brucei Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Specific Phospholipase C through Biochemical and WaterLOGSY-NMR Methods. J Biochem 2022; 171:619-629. [PMID: 35191956 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvac020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (GPI-PLC) of Trypanosoma brucei, the causative protozoan parasite of African trypanosomiasis, is a membrane-bound enzyme essential for antigenic variation, because it catalyses the release of the membrane-bound form of variable surface glycoproteins. Here, we performed a fragment-based drug discovery of TbGPI-PLC inhibitors using a combination of enzymatic inhibition assay and water-ligand observed via gradient spectroscopy (WaterLOGSY) NMR experiment. The TbGPI-PLC was cloned and over-expressed using an Escherichia coli expression system followed by purification using three-phase partitioning and gel filtration. Subsequently, the inhibitory activity of 873 fragment compounds against the recombinant TbGPI-PLC led to the identification of 66 primary hits. These primary hits were subjected to the WaterLOGSY NMR experiment where 10 fragment hits were confirmed to directly bind to the TbGPI-PLC. These included benzothiazole, chlorobenzene, imidazole, indole, pyrazol and quinolinone derivatives. Molecular docking simulation indicated that six of them share a common binding site, which corresponds to the catalytic pocket. The present study identified chemically diverse fragment hits that could directly bind and inhibit the TbGPI-PLC activity which constructed a framework for fragment optimisation or linking towards the design of novel drugs for African trypanosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Auwal Ibrahim
- Biomedical Research Institute, and Health and Medical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 3058566, Japan.,Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna 800001, Nigeria
| | - Tomoko Yamasaki
- Biomedical Research Institute, and Health and Medical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 3058566, Japan
| | - Koji Furukawa
- Biomedical Research Institute, and Health and Medical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 3058566, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Yamasaki
- Biomedical Research Institute, and Health and Medical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 3058566, Japan
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Imran M, Khan SA, Alshammari MK, Alqahtani AM, Alanazi TA, Kamal M, Jawaid T, Ghoneim MM, Alshehri S, Shakeel F. Discovery, Development, Inventions and Patent Review of Fexinidazole: The First All-Oral Therapy for Human African Trypanosomiasis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020128. [PMID: 35215241 PMCID: PMC8878566 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT or ‘sleeping sickness’) is a neglected tropical disease. If untreated, it is always fatal and leads to death. A few treatments are available for HAT, but most of them require a skilled professional, which increases the financial burden on the patient. Recently, fexinidazole (FEX) has been approved by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) as the first all-oral therapy for the treatment of stage-1 (hemolymphatic) as well as stage-2 (meningoencephalitic) of HAT. Before the FEX approval, there were separate treatments for stage-1 and stage-2 of HAT. This study reviews the discovery, development timeline, inventions, and patent literature of FEX. It was first approved by EMA and USFDA in 2018 and 2021, respectively. FEX was also added to the World Health Organization’s list of essential drugs in 2019. The patent literature search revealed many types of patents/patent applications (compound, salt, process, method of treatment, drug combinations, and compositions) related to FEX, which have been summarized in this article. The authors foresee a great scope to develop more inventions based on FEX (novel salts, polymorphs, drug conjugates, cyclodextrin complex, etc.) for the treatment of many protozoal diseases (Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease), inflammatory diseases, and other microbial infections. New combinations of FEX with other treatments of HAT may also provide fruitful results. This review might be useful to the scientists working on the HAT and other neglected diseases to develop novel inventions and innovations of therapeutic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Imran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (M.I.); (F.S.)
| | - Shah Alam Khan
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Muscat 130, Oman;
| | | | | | | | - Mehnaz Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Talha Jawaid
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 13317, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammed M. Ghoneim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Ad Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Faiyaz Shakeel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
- Correspondence: (M.I.); (F.S.)
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35
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Kell DB. The Transporter-Mediated Cellular Uptake and Efflux of Pharmaceutical Drugs and Biotechnology Products: How and Why Phospholipid Bilayer Transport Is Negligible in Real Biomembranes. Molecules 2021; 26:5629. [PMID: 34577099 PMCID: PMC8470029 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the years, my colleagues and I have come to realise that the likelihood of pharmaceutical drugs being able to diffuse through whatever unhindered phospholipid bilayer may exist in intact biological membranes in vivo is vanishingly low. This is because (i) most real biomembranes are mostly protein, not lipid, (ii) unlike purely lipid bilayers that can form transient aqueous channels, the high concentrations of proteins serve to stop such activity, (iii) natural evolution long ago selected against transport methods that just let any undesirable products enter a cell, (iv) transporters have now been identified for all kinds of molecules (even water) that were once thought not to require them, (v) many experiments show a massive variation in the uptake of drugs between different cells, tissues, and organisms, that cannot be explained if lipid bilayer transport is significant or if efflux were the only differentiator, and (vi) many experiments that manipulate the expression level of individual transporters as an independent variable demonstrate their role in drug and nutrient uptake (including in cytotoxicity or adverse drug reactions). This makes such transporters valuable both as a means of targeting drugs (not least anti-infectives) to selected cells or tissues and also as drug targets. The same considerations apply to the exploitation of substrate uptake and product efflux transporters in biotechnology. We are also beginning to recognise that transporters are more promiscuous, and antiporter activity is much more widespread, than had been realised, and that such processes are adaptive (i.e., were selected by natural evolution). The purpose of the present review is to summarise the above, and to rehearse and update readers on recent developments. These developments lead us to retain and indeed to strengthen our contention that for transmembrane pharmaceutical drug transport "phospholipid bilayer transport is negligible".
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B. Kell
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK;
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Building 220, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
- Mellizyme Biotechnology Ltd., IC1, Liverpool Science Park, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5TF, UK
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36
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Racané L, Rep V, Kraljević Pavelić S, Grbčić P, Zonjić I, Radić Stojković M, Taylor MC, Kelly JM, Raić-Malić S. Synthesis, antiproliferative and antitrypanosomal activities, and DNA binding of novel 6-amidino-2-arylbenzothiazoles. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:1952-1967. [PMID: 34455887 PMCID: PMC8409973 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1959572] [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] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of 6-amidinobenzothiazoles, linked via phenoxymethylene or directly to the 1,2,3-triazole ring with a p-substituted phenyl or benzyl moiety, were synthesised and evaluated in vitro against four human tumour cell lines and the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei. The influence of the type of amidino substituent and phenoxymethylene linker on antiproliferative and antitrypanosomal activities was observed, showing that the imidazoline moiety had a major impact on both activities. Benzothiazole imidazoline 14a, which was directly connected to N-1-phenyl-1,2,3-triazole, had the most potent growth-inhibitory effect (IC50 = 0.25 µM) on colorectal adenocarcinoma (SW620), while benzothiazole imidazoline 11b, containing a phenoxymethylene linker, exhibited the best antitrypanosomal potency (IC90 = 0.12 µM). DNA binding assays showed a non-covalent interaction of 6-amidinobenzothiazole ligands, indicating both minor groove binding and intercalation modes of DNA interaction. Our findings encourage further development of novel structurally related 6-amidino-2-arylbenzothiazoles to obtain more selective anticancer and anti-HAT agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Racané
- Faculty of Textile Technology, Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Valentina Rep
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Petra Grbčić
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Iva Zonjić
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Martin C Taylor
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - John M Kelly
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Silvana Raić-Malić
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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37
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AQPX-cluster aquaporins and aquaglyceroporins are asymmetrically distributed in trypanosomes. Commun Biol 2021; 4:953. [PMID: 34376792 PMCID: PMC8355241 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02472-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Major Intrinsic Proteins (MIPs) are membrane channels that permeate water and other small solutes. Some trypanosomatid MIPs mediate the uptake of antiparasitic compounds, placing them as potential drug targets. However, a thorough study of the diversity of these channels is still missing. Here we place trypanosomatid channels in the sequence-function space of the large MIP superfamily through a sequence similarity network. This analysis exposes that trypanosomatid aquaporins integrate a distant cluster from the currently defined MIP families, here named aquaporin X (AQPX). Our phylogenetic analyses reveal that trypanosomatid MIPs distribute exclusively between aquaglyceroporin (GLP) and AQPX, being the AQPX family expanded in the Metakinetoplastina common ancestor before the origin of the parasitic order Trypanosomatida. Synteny analysis shows how African trypanosomes specifically lost AQPXs, whereas American trypanosomes specifically lost GLPs. AQPXs diverge from already described MIPs on crucial residues. Together, our results expose the diversity of trypanosomatid MIPs and will aid further functional, structural, and physiological research needed to face the potentiality of the AQPXs as gateways for trypanocidal drugs.
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38
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Robertson J, Ungogo MA, Aldfer MM, Lemgruber L, McWhinnie FS, Bode BE, Jones KL, Watson AJB, de Koning HP, Burley GA. Direct, Late-Stage Mono-N-arylation of Pentamidine: Method Development, Mechanistic Insight, and Expedient Access to Novel Antiparastitics against Diamidine-Resistant Parasites. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:3396-3401. [PMID: 34357687 PMCID: PMC9291547 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100509] [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: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A selective mono‐N‐arylation strategy of amidines under Chan‐Lam conditions is described. During the reaction optimization phase, the isolation of a mononuclear Cu(II) complex provided unique mechanistic insight into the operation of Chan‐Lam mono‐N‐arylation. The scope of the process is demonstrated, and then applied to access the first mono‐N‐arylated analogues of pentamidine. Sub‐micromolar activity against kinetoplastid parasites was observed for several analogues with no cross‐resistance in pentamidine and diminazene‐resistant trypanosome strains and against Leishmania mexicana. A fluorescent mono‐N‐arylated pentamidine analogue revealed rapid cellular uptake, accumulating in parasite nuclei and the kinetoplasts. The DNA binding capability of the mono‐N‐arylated pentamidine series was confirmed by UV‐melt measurements using AT‐rich DNA. This work highlights the potential to use Chan‐Lam mono‐N‐arylation to develop therapeutic leads against diamidine‐resistant trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Robertson
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, UK
| | - Marzuq A Ungogo
- Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Mustafa M Aldfer
- Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Leandro Lemgruber
- Glasgow Imaging Facility, Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Fergus S McWhinnie
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, UK
| | - Bela E Bode
- EaStCHEM, School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Katherine L Jones
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Allan J B Watson
- EaStCHEM, School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Glenn A Burley
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, UK
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39
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Steketee PC, Dickie EA, Iremonger J, Crouch K, Paxton E, Jayaraman S, Alfituri OA, Awuah-Mensah G, Ritchie R, Schnaufer A, Rowan T, de Koning HP, Gadelha C, Wickstead B, Barrett MP, Morrison LJ. Divergent metabolism between Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma brucei results in differential sensitivity to metabolic inhibition. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009734. [PMID: 34310651 PMCID: PMC8384185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal African Trypanosomiasis (AAT) is a debilitating livestock disease prevalent across sub-Saharan Africa, a main cause of which is the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma congolense. In comparison to the well-studied T. brucei, there is a major paucity of knowledge regarding the biology of T. congolense. Here, we use a combination of omics technologies and novel genetic tools to characterise core metabolism in T. congolense mammalian-infective bloodstream-form parasites, and test whether metabolic differences compared to T. brucei impact upon sensitivity to metabolic inhibition. Like the bloodstream stage of T. brucei, glycolysis plays a major part in T. congolense energy metabolism. However, the rate of glucose uptake is significantly lower in bloodstream stage T. congolense, with cells remaining viable when cultured in concentrations as low as 2 mM. Instead of pyruvate, the primary glycolytic endpoints are succinate, malate and acetate. Transcriptomics analysis showed higher levels of transcripts associated with the mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, acetate generation, and the glycosomal succinate shunt in T. congolense, compared to T. brucei. Stable-isotope labelling of glucose enabled the comparison of carbon usage between T. brucei and T. congolense, highlighting differences in nucleotide and saturated fatty acid metabolism. To validate the metabolic similarities and differences, both species were treated with metabolic inhibitors, confirming that electron transport chain activity is not essential in T. congolense. However, the parasite exhibits increased sensitivity to inhibition of mitochondrial pyruvate import, compared to T. brucei. Strikingly, T. congolense exhibited significant resistance to inhibitors of fatty acid synthesis, including a 780-fold higher EC50 for the lipase and fatty acid synthase inhibitor Orlistat, compared to T. brucei. These data highlight that bloodstream form T. congolense diverges from T. brucei in key areas of metabolism, with several features that are intermediate between bloodstream- and insect-stage T. brucei. These results have implications for drug development, mechanisms of drug resistance and host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter C Steketee
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Emily A Dickie
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - James Iremonger
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn Crouch
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Edith Paxton
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Siddharth Jayaraman
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Omar A Alfituri
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ryan Ritchie
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Achim Schnaufer
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Rowan
- Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Catarina Gadelha
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Bill Wickstead
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P Barrett
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Glasgow Polyomics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Liam J Morrison
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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40
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Chaudhuri M, Tripathi A, Gonzalez FS. Diverse Functions of Tim50, a Component of the Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Protein Translocase. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7779. [PMID: 34360547 PMCID: PMC8346121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are essential in eukaryotes. Besides producing 80% of total cellular ATP, mitochondria are involved in various cellular functions such as apoptosis, inflammation, innate immunity, stress tolerance, and Ca2+ homeostasis. Mitochondria are also the site for many critical metabolic pathways and are integrated into the signaling network to maintain cellular homeostasis under stress. Mitochondria require hundreds of proteins to perform all these functions. Since the mitochondrial genome only encodes a handful of proteins, most mitochondrial proteins are imported from the cytosol via receptor/translocase complexes on the mitochondrial outer and inner membranes known as TOMs and TIMs. Many of the subunits of these protein complexes are essential for cell survival in model yeast and other unicellular eukaryotes. Defects in the mitochondrial import machineries are also associated with various metabolic, developmental, and neurodegenerative disorders in multicellular organisms. In addition to their canonical functions, these protein translocases also help maintain mitochondrial structure and dynamics, lipid metabolism, and stress response. This review focuses on the role of Tim50, the receptor component of one of the TIM complexes, in different cellular functions, with an emphasis on the Tim50 homologue in parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minu Chaudhuri
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (A.T.); (F.S.G.)
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41
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Banerjee H, LaPointe P, Eitzen G, Rachubinski RA. A Small Molecule Inhibitor of Pex3-Pex19 Interaction Disrupts Glycosome Biogenesis and Causes Lethality in Trypanosoma brucei. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:703603. [PMID: 34350186 PMCID: PMC8326762 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.703603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatid parasites, including Trypanosoma and Leishmania, are infectious zoonotic agents for a number of severe diseases such as African sleeping sickness and American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) that affect millions of people, mostly in the emergent world. The glycosome is a specialized member of the peroxisome family of organelles found in trypanosomatids. These organelles compartmentalize essential enzymes of the glycolytic pathway, making them a prime target for drugs that can kill these organisms by interfering with either their biochemical functions or their formation. Glycosome biogenesis, like peroxisome biogenesis, is controlled by a group of proteins called peroxins (Pex). Pex3 is an early acting peroxin that docks Pex19, the receptor for peroxisomal membrane proteins, to initiate biogenesis of peroxisomes from the endoplasmic reticulum. Identification of Pex3 as the essential master regulator of glycosome biogenesis has implications in developing small molecule inhibitors that can impede Pex3–Pex19 interaction. Low amino acid sequence conservation between trypanosomatid Pex3 and human Pex3 (HsPex3) would aid in the identification of small molecule inhibitors that selectively interfere with the trypanosomatid Pex3–Pex19 interaction. We tested a library of pharmacologically active compounds in a modified yeast two-hybrid assay and identified a compound that preferentially inhibited the interaction of Trypanosoma brucei Pex3 and Pex19 versus HsPex3 and Pex19. Addition of this compound to either the insect or bloodstream form of T. brucei disrupted glycosome biogenesis, leading to mislocalization of glycosomal enzymes to the cytosol and lethality for the parasite. Our results show that preferential disruption of trypanosomal Pex3 function by small molecule inhibitors could help in the accelerated development of drugs for the treatment of trypanosomiases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiren Banerjee
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Paul LaPointe
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gary Eitzen
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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42
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Identifying SARS-CoV-2 antiviral compounds by screening for small molecule inhibitors of nsp12/7/8 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Biochem J 2021; 478:2425-2443. [PMID: 34198323 PMCID: PMC8286815 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic has turned into the largest public health and economic crisis in recent history impacting virtually all sectors of society. There is a need for effective therapeutics to battle the ongoing pandemic. Repurposing existing drugs with known pharmacological safety profiles is a fast and cost-effective approach to identify novel treatments. The COVID-19 etiologic agent is the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus. Coronaviruses rely on the enzymatic activity of the replication–transcription complex (RTC) to multiply inside host cells. The RTC core catalytic component is the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) holoenzyme. The RdRp is one of the key druggable targets for CoVs due to its essential role in viral replication, high degree of sequence and structural conservation and the lack of homologues in human cells. Here, we have expressed, purified and biochemically characterised active SARS-CoV-2 RdRp complexes. We developed a novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based strand displacement assay for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 RdRp activity suitable for a high-throughput format. As part of a larger research project to identify inhibitors for all the enzymatic activities encoded by SARS-CoV-2, we used this assay to screen a custom chemical library of over 5000 approved and investigational compounds for novel SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibitors. We identified three novel compounds (GSK-650394, C646 and BH3I-1) and confirmed suramin and suramin-like compounds as in vitro SARS-CoV-2 RdRp activity inhibitors. We also characterised the antiviral efficacy of these drugs in cell-based assays that we developed to monitor SARS-CoV-2 growth.
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43
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Abstract
Infections caused by protozoans remain a public health issue, especially in tropical countries. Serious adverse events, lack of efficacy at the different stages of the infection and routes of administration that have a negative impact on treatment adherence are some of the problems with currently available therapy against these diseases. Here we describe an epigenetic target, sirtuin 2 and its related proteins, that is promising given the results in phenotypic assays and in vivo models against Sir2 of Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania donovani, Leishmania infantum, Schistosoma mansoni, Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi parasites. The results we present highlight how this target can be extensively explored and how its inhibitors might be employed in the clinic.
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44
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Alotaibi A, Ebiloma GU, Williams R, Alfayez IA, Natto MJ, Alenezi S, Siheri W, AlQarni M, Igoli JO, Fearnley J, De Koning HP, Watson DG. Activity of Compounds from Temperate Propolis against Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania mexicana. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26133912. [PMID: 34206940 PMCID: PMC8272135 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26133912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethanolic extracts of samples of temperate zone propolis, four from the UK and one from Poland, were tested against three Trypanosoma brucei strains and displayed EC50 values < 20 µg/mL. The extracts were fractionated, from which 12 compounds and one two-component mixture were isolated, and characterized by NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry, as 3-acetoxypinobanksin, tectochrysin, kaempferol, pinocembrin, 4′-methoxykaempferol, galangin, chrysin, apigenin, pinostrobin, cinnamic acid, coumaric acid, cinnamyl ester/coumaric acid benzyl ester (mixture), 4′,7-dimethoxykaempferol, and naringenin 4′,7-dimethyl ether. The isolated compounds were tested against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of T. brucei and Leishmania mexicana, with the highest activities ≤ 15 µM. The most active compounds against T. brucei were naringenin 4′,7 dimethyl ether and 4′methoxy kaempferol with activity of 15–20 µM against the three T. brucei strains. The most active compounds against L. mexicana were 4′,7-dimethoxykaempferol and the coumaric acid ester mixture, with EC50 values of 12.9 ± 3.7 µM and 13.1 ± 1.0 µM. No loss of activity was found with the diamidine- and arsenical-resistant or phenanthridine-resistant T. brucei strains, or the miltefosine-resistant L. mexicana strain; no clear structure activity relationship was observed for the isolated compounds. Temperate propolis yields multiple compounds with anti-kinetoplastid activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adullah Alotaibi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (A.A.); (S.A.); (J.O.I.)
| | - Godwin U. Ebiloma
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK; (G.U.E.); (I.A.A.); (M.J.N.)
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, UK
| | - Roderick Williams
- IBEHR, School of Health and Life Science, University of the West of Scotland, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK;
| | - Ibrahim A. Alfayez
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK; (G.U.E.); (I.A.A.); (M.J.N.)
- Qassim Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Buraydah 52367, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Manal J. Natto
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK; (G.U.E.); (I.A.A.); (M.J.N.)
| | - Sameah Alenezi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (A.A.); (S.A.); (J.O.I.)
| | - Weam Siheri
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, Tripoli 50676, Libya;
| | - Malik AlQarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - John O. Igoli
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (A.A.); (S.A.); (J.O.I.)
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK; (G.U.E.); (I.A.A.); (M.J.N.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Makurdi PMB 2373, Nigeria
| | | | - Harry P. De Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK; (G.U.E.); (I.A.A.); (M.J.N.)
- Correspondence: (H.P.D.K.); (D.G.W.)
| | - David G. Watson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (A.A.); (S.A.); (J.O.I.)
- Correspondence: (H.P.D.K.); (D.G.W.)
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45
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Carruthers LV, Munday JC, Ebiloma GU, Steketee P, Jayaraman S, Campagnaro GD, Ungogo MA, Lemgruber L, Donachie AM, Rowan TG, Peter R, Morrison LJ, Barrett MP, De Koning HP. Diminazene resistance in Trypanosoma congolense is not caused by reduced transport capacity but associated with reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Mol Microbiol 2021; 116:564-588. [PMID: 33932053 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma congolense is a principal agent causing livestock trypanosomiasis in Africa, costing developing economies billions of dollars and undermining food security. Only the diamidine diminazene and the phenanthridine isometamidium are regularly used, and resistance is widespread but poorly understood. We induced stable diminazene resistance in T. congolense strain IL3000 in vitro. There was no cross-resistance with the phenanthridine drugs, melaminophenyl arsenicals, oxaborole trypanocides, or with diamidine trypanocides, except the close analogs DB829 and DB75. Fluorescence microscopy showed that accumulation of DB75 was inhibited by folate. Uptake of [3 H]-diminazene was slow with low affinity and partly but reciprocally inhibited by folate and by competing diamidines. Expression of T. congolense folate transporters in diminazene-resistant Trypanosoma brucei brucei significantly sensitized the cells to diminazene and DB829, but not to oxaborole AN7973. However, [3 H]-diminazene transport studies, whole-genome sequencing, and RNA-seq found no major changes in diminazene uptake, folate transporter sequence, or expression. Instead, all resistant clones displayed a moderate reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential Ψm. We conclude that diminazene uptake in T. congolense proceed via multiple low affinity mechanisms including folate transporters; while resistance is associated with a reduction in Ψm it is unclear whether this is the primary cause of the resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren V Carruthers
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jane C Munday
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Godwin U Ebiloma
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Pieter Steketee
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Siddharth Jayaraman
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gustavo D Campagnaro
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marzuq A Ungogo
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Leandro Lemgruber
- Glasgow Imaging Facility, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Anne-Marie Donachie
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tim G Rowan
- Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicine, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rose Peter
- Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicine, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Liam J Morrison
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael P Barrett
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Harry P De Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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46
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Anyam JV, Daikwo PE, Ungogo MA, Nweze NE, Igoli NP, Gray AI, De Koning HP, Igoli JO. Two New Antiprotozoal Diterpenes From the Roots of Acacia nilotica. Front Chem 2021; 9:624741. [PMID: 33968894 PMCID: PMC8097170 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.624741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The powdered roots of the medicinal plant Acacia nilotica were extracted with hexane and ethyl acetate, and the extracts were subjected to column chromatography for the isolation of potentially bioactive compounds and their screening against kinetoplastid pathogens. NMR and HREI mass spectrometric analyses identified two new diterpenes, characterized as 16, 19-dihydroxycassa-12-en-15-one (Sandynone, 1) and (5S, 7R, 8R, 9R, 10S, 13Z, 17S)-7,8:7,17:16,17-triepoxy-7,8-seco-cassa-13-ene (niloticane B, 2). The previously reported (5S,7R,8R,9R,10S) -(-)-7,8-seco-7, 8-oxacassa-13,15-diene-7,17-diol (3), (5S,7R,8R,9R,10S) -(-)-7,8-seco-7, 8-oxacassa-13,15-dien-7-ol-17-al (4), and (5S,7R,8R,9R,10S) -(-)-7,8-seco-7, 8-oxacassa-13,15-dien-7-ol (5) a, mixture of stigmasterol (6a) and sitosterol (6b), and lupeol (7) were also isolated. Several column fractions displayed significant activity against a panel of Trypanosoma and Leishmania spp., and from the most active fraction, compound 4 was isolated with high purity. The compound displayed high activity, particularly against T. brucei, T. evansi, and L. mexicana (0.88-11.7 µM) but only a modest effect against human embryonic kidney cells and no cross-resistance with the commonly used melaminophenyl arsenical and diamidine classes of trypanocides. The effect of compound 4 against L. mexicana promastigotes was irreversible after a 5-h exposure, leading to the sterilization of the culture between 24 and 48 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- John V Anyam
- Phytochemistry Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria
| | - Priscilla E Daikwo
- Phytochemistry Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria
| | - Marzuq A Ungogo
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Nwakaego E Nweze
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | | | - Alexander I Gray
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Harry P De Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - John O Igoli
- Phytochemistry Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria
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Perlíková P, Krajczyk A, Doleželová E, Slapničková M, Milisavljevic N, Slavětínská LP, Tloušt’ová E, Gurská S, Džubák P, Hajdúch M, Zíková A, Hocek M. Synthesis and Antitrypanosomal Activity of 6-Substituted 7-Methyl-7-deazapurine Nucleosides. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:917-926. [PMID: 33769794 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Human African Trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma brucei species is one of the most damaging neglected tropical diseases. While the number of newly diagnosed cases per year is record low, there is still high interest in the development of new antitrypanosomal agents in case of resistance to currently used drugs and their combinations, and to replace drugs with serious side effects. We report a series of 7-methyl-7-deazapurine (5-methyl-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine) ribonucleosides bearing alkyl, methylsulfanyl, methylamino, or diverse alkoxy groups at position 6 that was prepared through glycosylation of 6-chloro-7-methyl-7-deazapurine followed by nucleophilic substitutions or cross-coupling reactions at position 6 and deprotection. Most of the title nucleosides displayed significant activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei and T. b. gambiense at submicromolar or nanomolar concentrations and low cytotoxicity and thus represent promising candidates for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Perlíková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, CZ-16000 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Krajczyk
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, CZ-16000 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Doleželová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, CZ-37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Slapničková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, CZ-37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nemanja Milisavljevic
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, CZ-16000 Prague 6, Czech Republic
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Hlavova 8, CZ-12843 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Poštová Slavětínská
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, CZ-16000 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Tloušt’ová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, CZ-16000 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Soňa Gurská
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 5, CZ-779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Džubák
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 5, CZ-779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marián Hajdúch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 5, CZ-779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Zíková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, CZ-37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Hocek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, CZ-16000 Prague 6, Czech Republic
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Hlavova 8, CZ-12843 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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48
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Toro PM, Peralta F, Oyarzo J, Wilkinson SR, Zavala M, Arancibia R, Moncada-Basualto M, Brito I, Cisterna J, Klahn AH, López C. Evaluation of trypanocidal properties of ferrocenyl and cyrhetrenyl N-acylhydrazones with pendant 5-nitrofuryl group. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 219:111428. [PMID: 33774450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Four N-acylhydrazones of general formulae [R1-C(O)-NH-N=C(R2)(5-nitrofuryl)] with (R1 = ferrocenyl or cyrhetrenyl and R2 = H or Me) are synthesized and characterized in solution and in the solid-state. Comparative studies of their stability in solution under different experimental conditions and their electrochemical properties are reported. NMR studies reveal that the four compounds are stable in DMSO‑d6 and complementary UV-Vis studies confirm that they also exhibit high stability in mixtures DMSO:H2O at 37 °C. Electrochemical studies show that the half-wave potential of the nitro group of the N-acylhydrazones is smaller than that of the standard drug nifurtimox and the reduction process follows a self-protonation mechanism. In vitro studies on the antiparasitic activities of the four complexes and the nifurtimox against Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei reveal that: i) the N-acylhydrazones have a potent inhibitory growth activity against both parasites [EC50 in the low micromolar (in T. cruzi) or even in the nanomolar (in T. brucei) range] and ii) cyrhetrenyl derivatives are more effective than their ferrocenyl analogs. Parallel studies on the L6 rat skeletal myoblast cell line have also been conducted, and the selectivity indexes determined. Three of the four N-acylhydrazones showed higher selectivity towards T. brucei than the standard drug nifurtimox. Additional studies suggest that the organometallic compounds are bioactivated by type I nitroreductase enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Toro
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andrés Bello, Quillota 980, Viña del Mar, Chile.
| | - Francisco Peralta
- Instituto de Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Casilla 4059, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Juan Oyarzo
- Instituto de Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Casilla 4059, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Shane R Wilkinson
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Mónica Zavala
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Rodrigo Arancibia
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Mauricio Moncada-Basualto
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Iván Brito
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avda. Universidad de Antofagasta 02800, Campus Coloso, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Jonathan Cisterna
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avda. Universidad de Antofagasta 02800, Campus Coloso, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - A Hugo Klahn
- Instituto de Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Casilla 4059, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Concepción López
- Departament de Química Inorgànica i Orgànica, Secció de Química Inorgànica, Facultat de Química, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franqués 1-11, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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Zheoat AM, Alenezi S, Elmahallawy EK, Ungogo MA, Alghamdi AH, Watson DG, Igoli JO, Gray AI, de Koning HP, Ferro VA. Antitrypanosomal and Antileishmanial Activity of Chalcones and Flavanones from Polygonum salicifolium. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020175. [PMID: 33562567 PMCID: PMC7915666 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis are a group of neglected parasitic diseases caused by several species of parasites belonging to the family Trypansomatida. The present study investigated the antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity of chalcones and flavanones from Polygonum salicifolium, which grows in the wetlands of Iraq. The phytochemical evaluation of the plant yielded two chalcones, 2′,4′-dimethoxy-6′-hydroxychalcone and 2′,5′-dimethoxy-4′,6′-dihydroxychalcone, and two flavanones, 5,7-dimethoxyflavanone and 5,8-dimethoxy-7-hydroxyflavanone. The chalcones showed a good antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity while the flavanones were inactive. The EC50 values for 2′,4′-dimethoxy-6′-hydroxychalcone against Trypanosoma brucei brucei (0.5 μg/mL), T. congolense (2.5 μg/mL), and Leishmania mexicana (5.2 μg/mL) indicated it was the most active of the compounds. None of the compounds displayed any toxicity against a human cell line, even at 100 µg/mL, or cross-resistance with first line clinical trypanocides, such as diamidines and melaminophenyl arsenicals. Taken together, our study provides significant data in relation to the activity of chalcones and flavanones from P. salicifolium against both parasites in vitro. Further future research is suggested in order to investigate the mode of action of the extracted chalcones against the parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Zheoat
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (A.M.Z.); (S.A.); (D.G.W.); (J.O.I.); (A.I.G.); (V.A.F.)
- Al-Manara College for Medical Sciences, Misan 10028, Iraq
| | - Samya Alenezi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (A.M.Z.); (S.A.); (D.G.W.); (J.O.I.); (A.I.G.); (V.A.F.)
| | - Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK; (E.K.E.); (M.A.U.); (A.H.A.)
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
| | - Marzuq A. Ungogo
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK; (E.K.E.); (M.A.U.); (A.H.A.)
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810107, Nigeria
| | - Ali H. Alghamdi
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK; (E.K.E.); (M.A.U.); (A.H.A.)
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Albaha University, Albaha 7738-65799, Saudi Arabia
| | - David G. Watson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (A.M.Z.); (S.A.); (D.G.W.); (J.O.I.); (A.I.G.); (V.A.F.)
| | - John O. Igoli
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (A.M.Z.); (S.A.); (D.G.W.); (J.O.I.); (A.I.G.); (V.A.F.)
- Phytochemistry Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Makurdi 2373, Nigeria
| | - Alexander I. Gray
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (A.M.Z.); (S.A.); (D.G.W.); (J.O.I.); (A.I.G.); (V.A.F.)
| | - Harry P. de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK; (E.K.E.); (M.A.U.); (A.H.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Valerie A. Ferro
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (A.M.Z.); (S.A.); (D.G.W.); (J.O.I.); (A.I.G.); (V.A.F.)
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Snijders R, Fukinsia A, Claeys Y, Mpanya A, Hasker E, Meheus F, Miaka E, Boelaert M. Cost of a new method of active screening for human African trypanosomiasis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008832. [PMID: 33315896 PMCID: PMC7769601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human African trypanosomiases caused by the Trypanosoma brucei gambiense parasite is a lethal disease targeted for eradication. One of the main disease control strategies is active case-finding through outreach campaigns. In 2014, a new method for active screening was developed with mini, motorcycle-based, teams. This study compares the cost of two active case-finding approaches, namely the traditional mobile teams and mini mobile teams, in the two health districts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. METHODS The financial and economic costs of both approaches were estimated from a health care provider perspective. Cost and operational data were collected for 12 months for 1 traditional team and 3 mini teams. The cost per person screened and diagnosed was calculated and univariate sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify the main cost drivers. RESULTS During the study period in total 264,630 people were screened, and 23 HAT cases detected. The cost per person screened was lower for a mini team than for a traditional team in the study setting (US$1.86 versus US$2.08). A comparable result was found in a scenario analysis, assuming both teams would operate in a similar setting, with the cost per person screened by a mini team 15% lower than the cost per person screened by a traditional team (1.86 $ vs 2.14$). The main explanations for this lower cost are that mini teams work with fewer human resources, cheaper means of transportation and do not perform the Capillary Tube Centrifugation test or card agglutination test dilutions. DISCUSSION Active HAT screening with mini mobile teams has a lower cost and could be a cost-effective alternative for active case-finding. Further research is needed to determine if mini mobile teams have similar or better yields than traditional mobile teams in terms of detections and cases successfully treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rian Snijders
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alain Fukinsia
- Programme National de Lutte Contre la Trypanosomiase Humaine Africaine, Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Yves Claeys
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alain Mpanya
- Programme National de Lutte Contre la Trypanosomiase Humaine Africaine, Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Epco Hasker
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Filip Meheus
- Section of Cancer Surveillance, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Erick Miaka
- Programme National de Lutte Contre la Trypanosomiase Humaine Africaine, Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Marleen Boelaert
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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