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Kokot M, Minovski N. Dynamic Profiling and Binding Affinity Prediction of NBTI Antibacterials against DNA Gyrase Enzyme by Multidimensional Machine Learning and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:18278-18295. [PMID: 38680300 PMCID: PMC11044241 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial type II topoisomerases are well-characterized and clinically important targets for antibacterial chemotherapy. Novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors (NBTIs) are a newly disclosed class of antibacterials. Prediction of their binding affinity to these enzymes would be beneficial for de novo design/optimization of new NBTIs. Utilizing in vitro NBTI experimental data, we constructed two comprehensive multidimensional DNA gyrase surrogate models for Staphylococcus aureus (q2 = 0.791) and Escherichia coli (q2 = 0.806). Both models accurately predicted the IC50s of 26 NBTIs from our recent studies. To investigate the NBTI's dynamic profile and binding to both targets, 10 selected NBTIs underwent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The analysis of MD production trajectories confirmed key hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic contacts that NBTIs establish in both enzymes. Moreover, the binding free energies of selected NBTIs were computed by the linear interaction energy (LIE) method employing an in-house derived set of fitting parameters (α = 0.16, β = 0.029, γ = 0.0, and intercept = -1.72), which are successfully applicable to DNA gyrase of Gram-positive/Gram-negative pathogens. Both methods offer accurate predictions of the binding free energies of NBTIs against S. aureus and E. coli DNA gyrase. We are confident that this integrated modeling approach could be valuable in the de novo design and optimization of efficient NBTIs for combating resistant bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Kokot
- Laboratory
for Cheminformatics, Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- The
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nikola Minovski
- Laboratory
for Cheminformatics, Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Kokot M, Weiss M, Zdovc I, Anderluh M, Hrast M, Minovski N. Diminishing hERG inhibitory activity of aminopiperidine-naphthyridine linked NBTI antibacterials by structural and physicochemical optimizations. Bioorg Chem 2022; 128:106087. [PMID: 35970069 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106087] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors (NBTIs) are an important new class of antibacterials targeting bacterial type II topoisomerases (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV). Notwithstanding their potent antibacterial activity, they suffer from a detrimental class-related hERG blockage. In this study, we designed and synthesized an optimized library of NBTIs comprising different linker moieties that exhibit reduced hERG inhibition and retain inhibitory potencies on DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively, as well as potent antibacterial activities. Substitution of the linker's tertiary amine with polar groups outcome in diminished hERG inhibition. Compound 17 expresses nanomolar enzyme inhibitory potency and antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as reduced hERG inhibition relative to our previously published NBTI analogs. Here, we point to some important NBTI's structural features that influence their hERG inhibitory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Kokot
- Theory Department, Laboratory for Cheminformatics, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia; The Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Weiss
- The Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zdovc
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Anderluh
- The Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martina Hrast
- The Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Nikola Minovski
- Theory Department, Laboratory for Cheminformatics, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Kokot M, Weiss M, Zdovc I, Hrast M, Anderluh M, Minovski N. Structurally Optimized Potent Dual-Targeting NBTI Antibacterials with an Enhanced Bifurcated Halogen-Bonding Propensity. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:1478-1485. [PMID: 34527181 PMCID: PMC8436411 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
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We designed and synthesized
an optimized library of novel bacterial
topoisomerase inhibitors with p-halogenated phenyl
right-hand side fragments and significantly enhanced and balanced
dual-targeted DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV activities of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. By increasing the electron-withdrawing properties of the p-halogenated phenyl right-hand side fragment and maintaining
a similar lipophilicity and size, an increased potency was achieved,
indicating that the antibacterial activities of this series of novel
bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors against all target enzymes are
determined by halogen-bonding rather than van der Waals interactions.
They show nanomolar enzyme inhibitory and whole-cell antibacterial
activities against S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains. However, due to the relatively
high substrate specificity for the bacterial efflux pumps, they tend
to be less potent against E. coli and other Gram-negative
pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Kokot
- Theory Department, Laboratory for Cheminformatics, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- The Chair of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Weiss
- The Chair of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zdovc
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martina Hrast
- The Chair of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Anderluh
- The Chair of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nikola Minovski
- Theory Department, Laboratory for Cheminformatics, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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A Fine-Tuned Lipophilicity/Hydrophilicity Ratio Governs Antibacterial Potency and Selectivity of Bifurcated Halogen Bond-Forming NBTIs. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10070862. [PMID: 34356782 PMCID: PMC8300687 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070862] [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: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we report the design of a focused library of novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors (NBTIs) based on innovative mainly monocyclic right-hand side fragments active against DNA gyrase and Topo IV. They exhibit a very potent and wide range of antibacterial activity, even against some of the most concerning hard-to-treat pathogens for which new antibacterials are urgently needed, as reported by the WHO and CDC. NBTIs enzyme activity and whole cell potency seems to depend on the fine-tuned lipophilicity/hydrophilicity ratio that governs the permeability of those compounds through the bacterial membranes. Lipophilicity of NBTIs is apparently optimal for passing through the membrane of Gram-positive bacteria, but the higher, although not excessive lipophilicity and suitable hydrophilicity seems to determine the passage through Gram-negative bacterial membranes. However, due to the considerable hERG inhibition, which is still at least two orders of magnitude away from MICs, continued optimization is required to realize their full potential.
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Kolarič A, Germe T, Hrast M, Stevenson CEM, Lawson DM, Burton NP, Vörös J, Maxwell A, Minovski N, Anderluh M. Potent DNA gyrase inhibitors bind asymmetrically to their target using symmetrical bifurcated halogen bonds. Nat Commun 2021; 12:150. [PMID: 33420011 PMCID: PMC7794245 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20405-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel bacterial type II topoisomerase inhibitors (NBTIs) stabilize single-strand DNA cleavage breaks by DNA gyrase but their exact mechanism of action has remained hypothetical until now. We have designed a small library of NBTIs with an improved DNA gyrase-binding moiety resulting in low nanomolar inhibition and very potent antibacterial activity. They stabilize single-stranded cleavage complexes and, importantly, we have obtained the crystal structure where an NBTI binds gyrase–DNA in a single conformation lacking apparent static disorder. This directly proves the previously postulated NBTI mechanism of action and shows that they stabilize single-strand cleavage through asymmetric intercalation with a shift of the scissile phosphate. This crystal stucture shows that the chlorine forms a halogen bond with the backbone carbonyls of the two symmetry-related Ala68 residues. To the best of our knowledge, such a so-called symmetrical bifurcated halogen bond has not been identified in a biological system until now. The mechanism of DNA gyrase inhibitor stabilization of single-strand DNA cleavage breaks by DNA gyrase has been hypothetical. Here, the authors show experimental evidence of the mechanism using a library of inhibitors with improved binding and employ crystal analysis to show bifurcated halogen bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Kolarič
- Theory Department, Laboratory for Cheminformatics, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Thomas Germe
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Martina Hrast
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Clare E M Stevenson
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - David M Lawson
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Nicolas P Burton
- Inspiralis Ltd., Innovation Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7GJ, UK
| | - Judit Vörös
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Anthony Maxwell
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Nikola Minovski
- Theory Department, Laboratory for Cheminformatics, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Marko Anderluh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Jaswal S, Nehra B, Kumar S, Monga V. Recent advancements in the medicinal chemistry of bacterial type II topoisomerase inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2020; 104:104266. [PMID: 33142421 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Replication proteins are sought as a potential targets for antimicrobial agents. Despite their promising target characteristics, only topoisomerase II inhibitors targeting DNA gyrase and/or topoisomerase IV have reached clinical use. Topoisomerases are the enzymes that are essential for cellular functions and various biological activities. A wide range of natural and synthetic compounds have been identified as potential topoisomerase inhibitors but the resistance is most commonly found in these drugs. The emergence of FQ resistance has increased the need for the development of novel topoisomerase inhibitors with efficacy and high potency against FQ-resistant strains. Besides structural modifications of existing FQ scaffolds, novel non-quinolone topoisomerase II inhibitors, known as novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors, have been developed which showed remarkable inhibitory activity against DNA gyrase/topoisomerase IV or both with an improved spectrum of antibacterial potency including drug-resistant strains. This review aims to summarize various recent advancements in the medicinal chemistry of topoisomerase inhibitors with the following objectives: (1) To represent inclusive data on types of topoisomerases and various marketed topoisomerase inhibitors as drugs; (2) To discuss the recent advances in the medicinal chemistry of various topoisomerase inhibitors (DNA gyrase and topo IV) belonging to different structural classes as potential antibacterial agents; (3) To summarizes the structure activity relationship (SAR) including in silico and mechanistic studies to afford ideas and to provide focused direction for the development of new chemical entities which are effective against drug-resistant bacterial pathogens and biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Jaswal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Bhupender Nehra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Shubham Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Vikramdeep Monga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga 142001, Punjab, India.
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Picconi P, Hind CK, Nahar KS, Jamshidi S, Di Maggio L, Saeed N, Evans B, Solomons J, Wand ME, Sutton JM, Rahman KM. New Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics Containing a Pyrrolobenzodiazepine Ring with Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria. J Med Chem 2020; 63:6941-6958. [PMID: 32515951 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It is urgent to find new antibiotic classes with activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative pathogens as the pipeline of antibiotics is essentially empty. Modified pyrrolobenzodiazepines with a C8-linked aliphatic heterocycle provide a new class of broad-spectrum antibacterial agents with activity against MDR Gram-negative bacteria, including WHO priority pathogens. The structure-activity relationship established that the third ring was particularly important for Gram-negative activity. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for the lead compounds ranged from 0.125 to 2 mg/L for MDR Gram-negative, excluding Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and between 0.03 and 1 mg/L for MDR Gram-positive species. The lead compounds were rapidly bactericidal with >5 log reduction in viable count within 4 h for Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The lead compound inhibited DNA gyrase in gel-based assays, with an IC50 of 3.16 ± 1.36 mg/L. This study provides a new chemical scaffold for developing novel broad-spectrum antibiotics which can help replenish the pipeline of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Picconi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London SE1 9NH, U.K
| | - Charlotte K Hind
- National Infections Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, U.K
| | - Kazi S Nahar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London SE1 9NH, U.K
| | - Shirin Jamshidi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London SE1 9NH, U.K
| | - Lucia Di Maggio
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London SE1 9NH, U.K
| | - Naima Saeed
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London SE1 9NH, U.K
| | - Bonnie Evans
- National Infections Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, U.K
| | - Jessica Solomons
- National Infections Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, U.K
| | - Matthew E Wand
- National Infections Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, U.K
| | - J Mark Sutton
- National Infections Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, U.K
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Kolarič A, Anderluh M, Minovski N. Two Decades of Successful SAR-Grounded Stories of the Novel Bacterial Topoisomerase Inhibitors (NBTIs). J Med Chem 2020; 63:5664-5674. [PMID: 32027491 PMCID: PMC7307926 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of bacterial resistance against life-saving medicines has forced the scientific community and pharmaceutical industry to take actions in the quest for novel antibacterials. These should not only overcome the existing bacterial resistance but also provide at least interim effective protection against emerging bacterial infections. Research into DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV inhibitors has become a particular focus, with the description of a new class of bacterial topoisomerase type II inhibitors known as "novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors", NBTIs. Elucidation of the key structural modifications incorporated into these inhibitors and the impact these can have on their general physicochemical properties are detailed in this review. This defines novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors with promising antibacterial activities and potencies, which thus represent one potential example of the future "drugs for bad bugs", as identified by the World Health Organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Kolarič
- Laboratory for Cheminformatics, Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Chair of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Anderluh
- Chair of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nikola Minovski
- Laboratory for Cheminformatics, Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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