1
|
Aguado ME, Carvalho S, Valdés-Tresanco ME, Lin D, Padilla-Mejia N, Corpas-Lopez V, Tesařová M, Lukeš J, Gray D, González-Bacerio J, Wyllie S, Field MC. Identification and Validation of Compounds Targeting Leishmania major Leucyl-Aminopeptidase M17. ACS Infect Dis 2024. [PMID: 38753953 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease; there is currently no vaccine and treatment is reliant upon a handful of drugs suffering from multiple issues including toxicity and resistance. There is a critical need for development of new fit-for-purpose therapeutics, with reduced toxicity and targeting new mechanisms to overcome resistance. One enzyme meriting investigation as a potential drug target in Leishmania is M17 leucyl-aminopeptidase (LAP). Here, we aimed to chemically validate LAP as a drug target in L. major through identification of potent and selective inhibitors. Using RapidFire mass spectrometry, the compounds DDD00057570 and DDD00097924 were identified as selective inhibitors of recombinant Leishmania major LAP activity. Both compounds inhibited in vitro growth of L. major and L. donovani intracellular amastigotes, and overexpression of LmLAP in L. major led to reduced susceptibility to DDD00057570 and DDD00097924, suggesting that these compounds specifically target LmLAP. Thermal proteome profiling revealed that these inhibitors thermally stabilized two M17 LAPs, indicating that these compounds selectively bind to enzymes of this class. Additionally, the selectivity of the inhibitors to act on LmLAP and not against the human ortholog was demonstrated, despite the high sequence similarities LAPs of this family share. Collectively, these data confirm LmLAP as a promising therapeutic target for Leishmania spp. that can be selectively inhibited by drug-like small molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirtha E Aguado
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 10400 Havana, Cuba
| | - Sandra Carvalho
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infective Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 4HN Scotland, U.K
| | | | - De Lin
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infective Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 4HN Scotland, U.K
| | - Norma Padilla-Mejia
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infective Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 4HN Scotland, U.K
| | - Victoriano Corpas-Lopez
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infective Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 4HN Scotland, U.K
| | - Martina Tesařová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - David Gray
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infective Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 4HN Scotland, U.K
| | - Jorge González-Bacerio
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 10400 Havana, Cuba
| | - Susan Wyllie
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infective Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 4HN Scotland, U.K
| | - Mark C Field
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infective Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 4HN Scotland, U.K
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Izquierdo M, Lin D, O'Neill S, Webster LA, Paterson C, Thomas J, Aguado ME, Colina Araújo E, Alpízar-Pedraza D, Joji H, MacLean L, Hope A, Gray DW, Zoltner M, Field MC, González-Bacerio J, De Rycker M. Identification of a potent and selective LAPTc inhibitor by RapidFire-Mass Spectrometry, with antichagasic activity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011956. [PMID: 38359089 PMCID: PMC10901353 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011956] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and leads to ~10,000 deaths each year. Nifurtimox and benznidazole are the only two drugs available but have significant adverse effects and limited efficacy. New chemotherapeutic agents are urgently required. Here we identified inhibitors of the acidic M17 leucyl-aminopeptidase from T. cruzi (LAPTc) that show promise as novel starting points for Chagas disease drug discovery. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A RapidFire-MS screen with a protease-focused compound library identified novel LAPTc inhibitors. Twenty-eight hits were progressed to the dose-response studies, from which 12 molecules inhibited LAPTc with IC50 < 34 μM. Of these, compound 4 was the most potent hit and mode of inhibition studies indicate that compound 4 is a competitive LAPTc inhibitor, with Ki 0.27 μM. Compound 4 is selective with respect to human LAP3, showing a selectivity index of >500. Compound 4 exhibited sub-micromolar activity against intracellular T. cruzi amastigotes, and while the selectivity-window against the host cells was narrow, no toxicity was observed for un-infected HepG2 cells. In silico modelling of the LAPTc-compound 4 interaction is consistent with the competitive mode of inhibition. Molecular dynamics simulations reproduce the experimental binding strength (-8.95 kcal/mol), and indicate a binding mode based mainly on hydrophobic interactions with active site residues without metal cation coordination. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our data indicates that these new LAPTc inhibitors should be considered for further development as antiparasitic agents for the treatment of Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maikel Izquierdo
- Centre for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, La Habana, Cuba
| | - De Lin
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra O'Neill
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren A Webster
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Christy Paterson
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - John Thomas
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Mirtha Elisa Aguado
- Centre for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Enrique Colina Araújo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, La Habana, Cuba
| | | | - Halimatu Joji
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna MacLean
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Hope
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - David W Gray
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Zoltner
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Biocev, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Mark C Field
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jorge González-Bacerio
- Centre for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, La Habana, Cuba
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Manu De Rycker
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Prates JLB, Lopes JR, Chin CM, Ferreira EI, Dos Santos JL, Scarim CB. Discovery of Novel Inhibitors of Cruzain Cysteine Protease of Trypanosoma cruzi. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2285-2308. [PMID: 37888814 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673254864230921090519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is a parasitic disease endemic in several developing countries. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 6-8 million people worldwide are inflicted by CD. The scarcity of new drugs, mainly for the chronic phase, is the main reason for treatment limitation in CD. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover new targets for which new therapeutical agents could be developed. Cruzain cysteine protease (CCP) is a promising alternative because this enzyme exhibits pleiotropic effects by acting as a virulence factor, modulating host immune cells, and interacting with host cells. This systematic review was conducted to discover new compounds that act as cruzain inhibitors, and their effects in vitro were studied through enzymatic assays and molecular docking. Additionally, the advances and perspectives of these inhibitors are discussed. These findings are expected to contribute to medicinal chemistry in view of the design of new, safe, and efficacious inhibitors against Trypanosoma cruzi CCP detected in the last decade (2013-2022) to provide scaffolds for further optimization, aiming toward the discovery of new drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Lucas Bruno Prates
- Department of Drugs and Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Chemistry Institute Araraquara, São Paulo State University (UNESP), SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Romano Lopes
- Department of Drugs and Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Chung Man Chin
- Department of Drugs and Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Union of the Colleges of the Great Lakes (UNILAGO), School of Medicine, Advanced Research Center in Medicine, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Igne Ferreira
- LAPEN-Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutic Agents Potentially Active on Neglected Diseases, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jean Leandro Dos Santos
- Department of Drugs and Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Chemistry Institute Araraquara, São Paulo State University (UNESP), SP, Brazil
| | - Cauê Benito Scarim
- Department of Drugs and Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ribeiro LR, Magalhães EP, Barroso Gomes ND, Cavalcante JW, Gomes Maia MM, Marinho MM, Dos Santos HS, Marinho ES, Sampaio TL, Costa Martins AM, Paula Pessoa Bezerra de Menezes RR. Elongation on aliphatic chain improves selectivity of 2-hydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl chalcone on Trypanosoma cruzi. Future Med Chem 2024; 16:11-26. [PMID: 38084595 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0177] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Our objective was to investigate the trypanocidal effect of the chalcone (2E,4E)-1-(2-hydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-5-phenylpenta-2,4-dien-1-one (CPNC). Material & methods: Cytotoxicity toward LLC-MK2 host cells was assessed by MTT assay, and the effect on Trypanosoma cruzi life forms (epimastigotes, trypomastigotes and amastigotes) was evaluated by counting. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to evaluate the possible mechanisms of action. Finally, molecular docking simulations were performed to evaluate interactions between CPNC and T. cruzi enzymes. Results: CPNC showed activity against epimastigote, trypomastigote and amastigote life forms, induced membrane damage, increased cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunction on T. cruzi. Regarding molecular docking, CPNC interacted with both trypanothione reductase and TcCr enzymes. Conclusion: CPNC presented a trypanocidal effect, and its effect is related to oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment and necrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyanna Rodrigues Ribeiro
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Emanuel Paula Magalhães
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Márcia Machado Marinho
- State University of Vale do Acaraú, Center for Exact Sciences & Technology, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Hélcio Silva Dos Santos
- State University of Vale do Acaraú, Center for Exact Sciences & Technology, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Emmanuel Silva Marinho
- Theoretical & Eletrochemical Chemistry Research Group, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Tiago Lima Sampaio
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Alice Maria Costa Martins
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Ramon Róseo Paula Pessoa Bezerra de Menezes
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
González JEH, Salas-Sarduy E, Alvarez LH, Valiente PA, Arni RK, Pascutti PG. Three Decades of Targeting Falcipains to Develop Antiplasmodial Agents: What have we Learned and What can be Done Next? Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2234-2263. [PMID: 37711130 DOI: 10.2174/0929867331666230913165219] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a devastating infectious disease that affects large swathes of human populations across the planet's tropical regions. It is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, with Plasmodium falciparum being responsible for the most lethal form of the disease. During the intraerythrocytic stage in the human hosts, malaria parasites multiply and degrade hemoglobin (Hb) using a battery of proteases, which include two cysteine proteases, falcipains 2 and 3 (FP-2 and FP-3). Due to their role as major hemoglobinases, FP-2 and FP-3 have been targeted in studies aiming to discover new antimalarials and numerous inhibitors with activity against these enzymes, and parasites in culture have been identified. Nonetheless, cross-inhibition of human cysteine cathepsins remains a serious hurdle to overcome for these compounds to be used clinically. In this article, we have reviewed key functional and structural properties of FP-2/3 and described different compound series reported as inhibitors of these proteases during decades of active research in the field. Special attention is also paid to the wide range of computer-aided drug design (CADD) techniques successfully applied to discover new active compounds. Finally, we provide guidelines that, in our understanding, will help advance the rational discovery of new FP-2/3 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Enrique Hernández González
- Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation, IBILCE/UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UZA II, University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Emir Salas-Sarduy
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas Dr. Rodolfo Ugalde, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, CONICET, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnología (EByN), Universidad de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Pedro Alberto Valiente
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Pedro Geraldo Pascutti
- Laboratório de Modelagem e Dinâmica Molecular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rodriguez C, Ibáñez R, Olmedo DA, Ng M, Spadafora C, Durant-Archibold AA, Gutiérrez M. Anti-Trypanosomal Bufadienolides from the Oocytes of the Toad Rhinella alata (Anura, Bufonidae). Molecules 2023; 29:196. [PMID: 38202779 PMCID: PMC10779871 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010196] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Amphibians are widely known as a prolific source of bioactive metabolites. In this work, we isolated and characterized compounds with antiparasitic activity from the oocytes of the toad Rhinella alata collected in Panama. Bio-guided isolation and structural elucidation were carried out using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, respectively. The organic extract was subjected to solid phase extraction followed by HPLC purification of the fraction with in vitro activity against Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes. Seven steroids (1-7) of the bufadienolide family were isolated, and their structures were determined using NMR and MS analyses; of these 19-formyl-dyscinobufotalin, (3) is reported as a new natural product. Compounds 1 and 3-7 resulted in a good anti-trypanosomal activity profile. Among these, 16β-hydroxyl-hellebrigenin (1) and bufalin (7) showed significant selectivity values of >5 and 2.69, respectively, while the positive control benznidazole showed a selectivity of 18.81. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis showed compounds 1, 3 and 7 interact through H-bonds with the amino acid residues GLN-19, ASP-158, HIS-159 and TRP-177 from cruzipain at the catalytic site. Given the lack of therapeutic options to treat American trypanosomiasis, this work can serve as the basis for further studies that aim for the development of bufadienolides or their derivatives as drugs against Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Candelario Rodriguez
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panamá 0843-01103, Panama; (C.R.); (A.A.D.-A.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur 522510, India
| | - Roberto Ibáñez
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancon 0843-03092, Panama;
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Panamá 0824-03366, Panama
| | - Dionisio A. Olmedo
- Centro de Investigaciones Farmacognósticas de la Flora Panameña (CIFLORPAN), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Panamá, Panamá 0824-03366, Panama;
| | - Michelle Ng
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, INDICASAT AIP, Panamá 0843-01103, Panama; (M.N.); (C.S.)
| | - Carmenza Spadafora
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, INDICASAT AIP, Panamá 0843-01103, Panama; (M.N.); (C.S.)
| | - Armando A. Durant-Archibold
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panamá 0843-01103, Panama; (C.R.); (A.A.D.-A.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Panamá 0824-03366, Panama
| | - Marcelino Gutiérrez
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panamá 0843-01103, Panama; (C.R.); (A.A.D.-A.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gonçalves RB, Ferraz WR, Calil RL, Scotti MT, Trossini GHG. Convergent QSAR Models for the Prediction of Cruzain Inhibitors. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:38961-38982. [PMID: 37901514 PMCID: PMC10601054 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a parasitosis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. Cruzain, the major cysteine protease from T. cruzi, is an excellent therapeutic target in the search for antichagasic drugs. It is important in the role of cell invasion, replication, differentiation, and metabolism of the parasite. In this work, we developed and assessed multiple quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for a set of 61 cruzain inhibitors. These models include two-dimensional (2D) QSAR, three-dimensional (3D) QSAR, such as comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA), and Hologram QSAR (HQSAR). In total, we generated 10 major and 114 minor model variations. Molecular docking was used to successfully align the molecules. All CoMFA and CoMSIA models, which incorporate multiple fields, demonstrated robustness in our analysis. Steric fields exhibited satisfactory convergence in the contour maps, while the electrostatic field converged into a single small region. The HQSAR model taking into consideration only Atoms and Connectivity, with fragment sizes ranging from two to five atoms, was considered the best of the HQSAR variations, despite exhibiting a higher level of deviance. In total, 78 model variations meet the minimum requirements to be considered acceptable. We found that using as few as five descriptors it is possible to obtain robust results with 2D-QSAR. Models such as Random Forest, Tree Ensemble, Linear Regression, and HQSAR are recommended for working with large data sets, while the 3D-QSAR models are intended to study the geometry of the ligands, to optimize them into new and better performing antichagasics. Virtual Screening of a set of hydrazones, guided by the top-performing models, identified promising candidates for experimental validation. Among them, dv007 and dv015 exhibited consistently high predicted pIC50 values (7.26 and 7.24, respectively), making them compelling candidates for further drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Bello Gonçalves
- Department
of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, São Paulo-SP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Witor Ribeiro Ferraz
- Department
of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, São Paulo-SP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Raisa Ludmila Calil
- Department
of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, São Paulo-SP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Marcus Tullius Scotti
- Laboratory
of Cheminformatics, Instituto de Pesquisa em Fármacos e Medicamentos
(IPeFarM), Universidade Federal da Paraíba,
Campus I, Cidade Universitária, João Pessoa 58051-900, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Henrique Goulart Trossini
- Department
of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, São Paulo-SP 05508-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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 [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ettari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
da Costa APL, Silva JRA, de Molfetta FA. Computational discovery of sulfonamide derivatives as potential inhibitors of the cruzain enzyme from T. cruzi by molecular docking, molecular dynamics and MM/GBSA approaches. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2022.2120625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Lima da Costa
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - José Rogério A. Silva
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Fábio Alberto de Molfetta
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Veríssimo GC, Serafim MSM, Kronenberger T, Ferreira RS, Honorio KM, Maltarollo VG. Designing drugs when there is low data availability: one-shot learning and other approaches to face the issues of a long-term concern. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:929-947. [PMID: 35983695 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2114451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Modern drug discovery generally is accessed by useful information from previous large databases or uncovering novel data. The lack of biological and/or chemical data tends to slow the development of scientific research and innovation. Here, approaches that may help provide solutions to generate or obtain enough relevant data or improve/accelerate existing methods within the last five years were reviewed. AREAS COVERED One-shot learning (OSL) approaches, structural modeling, molecular docking, scoring function space (SFS), molecular dynamics (MD), and quantum mechanics (QM) may be used to amplify the amount of available data to drug design and discovery campaigns, presenting methods, their perspectives, and discussions to be employed in the near future. EXPERT OPINION Recent works have successfully used these techniques to solve a range of issues in the face of data scarcity, including complex problems such as the challenging scenario of drug design aimed at intrinsically disordered proteins and the evaluation of potential adverse effects in a clinical scenario. These examples show that it is possible to improve and kickstart research from scarce available data to design and discover new potential drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel C Veríssimo
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mateus Sá M Serafim
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thales Kronenberger
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Rafaela S Ferreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Kathia M Honorio
- Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Santo André, Brazil
| | - Vinícius G Maltarollo
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rocha YM, Magalhães EP, de Medeiros Chaves M, Machado Marinho M, Nascimento E Melo de Oliveira V, Nascimento de Oliveira R, Lima Sampaio T, de Menezes RRPPB, Martins AMC, Nicolete R. Antiparasitary and antiproliferative activities in vitro of a 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivative on Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2141-2156. [PMID: 35610523 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07554-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected disease, prevalent and endemic in Latin America, but also present in Europe and North America. The main treatment used for this disease is benznidazole, but its efficacy is variable in the chronic phase and presents high toxicity. So, there is a need for the development of new therapeutic agents. The five-membered heterocyclic 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring has received attention for its unique properties and a broad spectrum of biological activities and is therefore a potential candidate for the development of new drugs. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of the N-cyclohexyl-3-(3-methylphenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-amine (2) on the evolutionary forms of Trypanosoma cruzi strain Y, as well as its mechanisms of action and in silico theoretical approach. The results by computational method showed an interaction of the 1,2,4-oxadiazole (2) with TcGAPDH, cruzain, and trypanothione reductase, showing good charge distribution and affinity in those three targets. Furthermore, cytotoxicity in LLC-MK2 cells was performed by the MTT method. In the assays with different parasite forms, the tested compound showed similar time-dependent concentration effect. The evaluation of the antiamastigote effect between the two concentrations tested showed a reduction in the number of infected cells and also in the number of amastigotes per infected cell. By flow cytometry, the compound (2) displayed alterations suggestive of necrotic events. Finally, in scanning electron microscopy structural alterations were present, characteristic of necrosisin the epimastigote forms. Overall, the 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivative (2) here evaluated opens perspectives to the development of new antichagasic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmim Mendes Rocha
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences - Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz Ceará), Rua São José, S/N, Eusébio, 61760-000, Brazil
| | - Emanuel Paula Magalhães
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences - Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Márcia Machado Marinho
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Valentina Nascimento E Melo de Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência E Tecnologia de Pernambuco, Campus Ipojuca, Ipojuca, 55590-000, Brazil
| | | | - Tiago Lima Sampaio
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences - Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ramon R P P B de Menezes
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences - Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Alice M C Martins
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences - Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Roberto Nicolete
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences - Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz Ceará), Rua São José, S/N, Eusébio, 61760-000, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Novel trypanocidal thiophen-chalcone cruzain inhibitors: structure- and ligand-based studies. Future Med Chem 2022; 14:795-808. [PMID: 35543430 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2022-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of people worldwide and for which no effective treatment is available. Materials & methods: 17 chalcones were synthesized, for which the inhibition of cruzain and trypanocidal activity were investigated. Results: Chalcone C8 showed the highest cruzain inhibitory (IC50 = 0.536 μM) and trypanocidal activity (IC50 = 0.990 μM). Molecular docking studies showed interactions involving Asp161 and the thiophen group interacting with the S2 subsite. Furthermore, quantitative structure-activity relationship (q2 = 0.786; r2 = 0.953) and density functional theory studies were carried out, and a correlation between the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital surface and trypanocidal activity was observed. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that these chalcones are worthwhile hits to be further optimized in Chagas disease drug discovery programs.
Collapse
|
13
|
Reis CRCD, Souza HVCMD, Leme RPP, Castelo-Branco FS, Fernandes TVA, Boechat N, Dias LRS, Hoelz LVB. Study of the dynamic behavior of the cruzain enzyme in free and complexed forms with competitive and noncovalent benzimidazole inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-15. [PMID: 35475501 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2067238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
There are only two drugs for the treatment of Chagas disease, namely, nifurtimox and benznidazole, that can cause several adverse effects. Despite the effectiveness of these drugs in the disease's acute phase, they are not recognized as curative in the chronic phase, establishing the need for more effective treatment in all stages of the disease. Cruzain is an enzyme that plays a vital role in the life cycle of the etiologic agent, the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, being relevant as a therapeutic target in the planning of new drugs. Using molecular docking and dynamics simulations, we have investigated the structural and dynamic factors that can be involved in the enzyme inhibition process at the atomic-molecular level by benzimidazole compounds that are potent cruzain inhibitors with in vitro trypanocidal activity. The study suggests that these inhibitors bind cruzain through steric and hydrogen bonding interactions without altering its secondary structure content and protein compaction. Besides, we observed that these inhibitors decrease the correlation of movements between Cα-atoms of cruzain, increasing the number of atomic communities, mainly in the α-helix that presents the catalytic Cys25 residue. As expected, we also observed a correlation between the inhibitory activity of each inhibitor and their respective binding-free energies, reinforcing that the affinity of the complexes seems to be a relevant factor for enzymatic inhibition. Hence, the results presented in this work contribute to a better understanding of the cruzain enzyme inhibition mechanism through competitive and non-covalent inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Rodrigues Chaves Dos Reis
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Aplicadas a Produtos Para Saúde (PPG-CAPS), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Mário Viana, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.,Faculdade de Farmácia, Laboratório de Química Medicinal - LQMed, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Santa Rosa, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.,Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos, Farmanguinhos - Fiocruz, Laboratório de Síntese Fármacos - LASFAR, Manguinhos Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Hellen Valério Chaves Moura de Souza
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos, Farmanguinhos - Fiocruz, Laboratório de Síntese Fármacos - LASFAR, Manguinhos Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rennan Papaleo Paes Leme
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos, Farmanguinhos - Fiocruz, Laboratório de Síntese Fármacos - LASFAR, Manguinhos Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Bloco J - Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Frederico Silva Castelo-Branco
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos, Farmanguinhos - Fiocruz, Laboratório de Síntese Fármacos - LASFAR, Manguinhos Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tácio Vinício Amorim Fernandes
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos, Farmanguinhos - Fiocruz, Laboratório de Síntese Fármacos - LASFAR, Manguinhos Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Núbia Boechat
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos, Farmanguinhos - Fiocruz, Laboratório de Síntese Fármacos - LASFAR, Manguinhos Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luiza Rosaria Sousa Dias
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Laboratório de Química Medicinal - LQMed, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Santa Rosa, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lucas Villas Bôas Hoelz
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos, Farmanguinhos - Fiocruz, Laboratório de Síntese Fármacos - LASFAR, Manguinhos Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Barbosa Da Silva E, Sharma V, Hernandez-Alvarez L, Tang AH, Stoye A, O’Donoghue AJ, Gerwick WH, Payne RJ, McKerrow JH, Podust LM. Intramolecular Interactions Enhance the Potency of Gallinamide A Analogues against Trypanosoma cruzi. J Med Chem 2022; 65:4255-4269. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elany Barbosa Da Silva
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Vandna Sharma
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Lilian Hernandez-Alvarez
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Departamento de Física, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, CEP 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Arthur H. Tang
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Alexander Stoye
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Anthony J. O’Donoghue
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - William H. Gerwick
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Richard J. Payne
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Larissa M. Podust
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Santos VC, Campos ACB, Waldner BJ, Liedl KR, Ferreira RS. Impact of different protonation states on virtual screening performance against cruzain. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 99:703-716. [PMID: 34923756 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14008] [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: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The cysteine protease cruzain is a Chagas disease target, exploited in computational studies. However, there is no consensus on the protonation states of the active site residues Cys25, His162, and Glu208 at the enzyme's active pH range. We evaluated the impact of different protonation states of these residues on docking calculations. Through a retrospective study with cruzain inhibitors and decoys, we compared the performance of virtual screening using four grids, varying protonation states of Cys25, His162, and Glu208. Based on enrichment factors and ROC plots, docking with the four grids affected compound ranking and the overall charge of top-ranking compounds. Different grids can be complementary and synergistic, increasing the odds of finding different ligands with diverse chemical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Corrêa Santos
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Planejamento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Augusto César Broilo Campos
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Planejamento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Birgit J Waldner
- Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, and Centre for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 82, Innsbruck, Tyrol, 6020, Austria
| | - Klaus R Liedl
- Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, and Centre for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 82, Innsbruck, Tyrol, 6020, Austria
| | - Rafaela Salgado Ferreira
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Planejamento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
KBE009: A Bestatin-Like Inhibitor of the Trypanosoma cruzi Acidic M17 Aminopeptidase with In Vitro Anti-Trypanosomal Activity. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101037. [PMID: 34685408 PMCID: PMC8540442 DOI: 10.3390/life11101037] [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: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the kinetoplastid parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a human tropical illness mainly present in Latin America. The therapies available against this disease are far from ideal. Proteases from pathogenic protozoan have been considered as good drug target candidates. T. cruzi acidic M17 leucyl-aminopeptidase (TcLAP) mediates the major parasite’s leucyl-aminopeptidase activity and is expressed in all parasite stages. Here, we report the inhibition of TcLAP (IC50 = 66.0 ± 13.5 µM) by the bestatin-like peptidomimetic KBE009. This molecule also inhibited the proliferation of T. cruzi epimastigotes in vitro (EC50 = 28.1 ± 1.9 µM) and showed selectivity for the parasite over human dermal fibroblasts (selectivity index: 4.9). Further insight into the specific effect of KBE009 on T. cruzi was provided by docking simulation using the crystal structure of TcLAP and a modeled human orthologous, hLAP3. The TcLAP-KBE009 complex is more stable than its hLAP3 counterpart. KBE009 adopted a better geometrical shape to fit into the active site of TcLAP than that of hLAP3. The drug-likeness and lead-likeness in silico parameters of KBE009 are satisfactory. Altogether, our results provide an initial insight into KBE009 as a promising starting point compound for the rational design of drugs through further optimization.
Collapse
|
17
|
Kourbeli V, Chontzopoulou E, Moschovou K, Pavlos D, Mavromoustakos T, Papanastasiou IP. An Overview on Target-Based Drug Design against Kinetoplastid Protozoan Infections: Human African Trypanosomiasis, Chagas Disease and Leishmaniases. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26154629. [PMID: 34361781 PMCID: PMC8348971 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The protozoan diseases Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), Chagas disease (CD), and leishmaniases span worldwide and therefore their impact is a universal concern. The present regimen against kinetoplastid protozoan infections is poor and insufficient. Target-based design expands the horizon of drug design and development and offers novel chemical entities and potential drug candidates to the therapeutic arsenal against the aforementioned neglected diseases. In this review, we report the most promising targets of the main kinetoplastid parasites, as well as their corresponding inhibitors. This overview is part of the Special Issue, entitled "Advances of Medicinal Chemistry against Kinetoplastid Protozoa (Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp.) Infections: Drug Design, Synthesis and Pharmacology".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Kourbeli
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli-Zografou, 157 84 Athens, Greece;
| | - Eleni Chontzopoulou
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli-Zografou, 157 71 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (K.M.); (D.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Kalliopi Moschovou
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli-Zografou, 157 71 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (K.M.); (D.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Dimitrios Pavlos
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli-Zografou, 157 71 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (K.M.); (D.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli-Zografou, 157 71 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (K.M.); (D.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Ioannis P. Papanastasiou
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli-Zografou, 157 84 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zuma AA, Dos Santos Barrias E, de Souza W. Basic Biology of Trypanosoma cruzi. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:1671-1732. [PMID: 33272165 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826999201203213527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present review addresses basic aspects of the biology of the pathogenic protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi and some comparative information of Trypanosoma brucei. Like eukaryotic cells, their cellular organization is similar to that of mammalian hosts. However, these parasites present structural particularities. That is why the following topics are emphasized in this paper: developmental stages of the life cycle in the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts; the cytoskeleton of the protozoa, especially the sub-pellicular microtubules; the flagellum and its attachment to the protozoan body through specialized junctions; the kinetoplast-mitochondrion complex, including its structural organization and DNA replication; glycosome and its role in the metabolism of the cell; acidocalcisome, describing its morphology, biochemistry, and functional role; cytostome and the endocytic pathway; the organization of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex; the nucleus, describing its structural organization during interphase and division; and the process of interaction of the parasite with host cells. The unique characteristics of these structures also make them interesting chemotherapeutic targets. Therefore, further understanding of cell biology aspects contributes to the development of drugs for chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline A Zuma
- Laboratorio de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emile Dos Santos Barrias
- Laboratorio de Metrologia Aplicada a Ciencias da Vida, Diretoria de Metrologia Aplicada a Ciencias da Vida - Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia (Inmetro), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Laboratorio de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sojka D, Šnebergerová P, Robbertse L. Protease Inhibition-An Established Strategy to Combat Infectious Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5762. [PMID: 34071206 PMCID: PMC8197795 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115762] [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: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic agents with novel mechanisms of action are urgently needed to counter the emergence of drug-resistant infections. Several decades of research into proteases of disease agents have revealed enzymes well suited for target-based drug development. Among them are the three recently validated proteolytic targets: proteasomes of the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum, aspartyl proteases of P. falciparum (plasmepsins) and the Sars-CoV-2 viral proteases. Despite some unfulfilled expectations over previous decades, the three reviewed targets clearly demonstrate that selective protease inhibitors provide effective therapeutic solutions for the two most impacting infectious diseases nowadays-malaria and COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sojka
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branišovská 1160/31, CZ-37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (P.Š.); (L.R.)
| | - Pavla Šnebergerová
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branišovská 1160/31, CZ-37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (P.Š.); (L.R.)
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1760c, CZ-37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Luïse Robbertse
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branišovská 1160/31, CZ-37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (P.Š.); (L.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
4-Chlorophenylthioacetone-derived thiosemicarbazones as potent antitrypanosomal drug candidates: Investigations on the mode of action. Bioorg Chem 2021; 113:105018. [PMID: 34098396 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease (ChD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a challenge for the medical and scientific fields due to the inefficiency of the therapeutic approaches available for its treatment. Thiosemicarbazones and hydrazones present a wide spectrum of bioactivities and are considered a platform for the design of new anti-T. cruzi drug candidates. Herein, the potential antichagasic activities of [(E)-2-(1-(4-chlorophenylthio)propan-2-ylidene)-hydrazinecarbothioamides] (C1, C3), [(E)-N'-(1-((4-chlorophenyl)thio)propan-2-ylidene)benzohydrazide] (C2), [(E)-2-(1-(4-, and [(E)-2-(1-((4-chlorophenyl)thio)propan-2-ylidene)hydrazinecarboxamide] (C4) were investigated. Macrophages (MOs) from C57BL/6 mice stimulated with C1 and C3, but not with C2 and C4, reduced amastigote replication and trypomastigote release, independent of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species production and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity. C3, but not C1, reduced parasite uptake by MOs and potentiated TNF production. In cardiomyocytes, C3 reduced trypomastigote release independently of NO, TNF, and IL-6 production. C1 and C3 were non-toxic to the host cells. A reduction of parasite release was found during infection of MOs with trypomastigotes pre-incubated with C1 or C3 and MOs pre-stimulated with compounds before infection. Moreover, C1 and C3 acted directly on trypomastigotes, killing them faster than Benznidazole, and inhibited T. cruzi proliferation at various stages of its intracellular cycle. Mechanistically, C1 and C3 inhibit parasite duplication, and this process cannot be reversed by inhibiting the DNA damage response. In vivo, C1 and C3 attenuated parasitemia in T. cruzi-infected mice. Moreover, C3 loaded in a lipid nanocarrier system (nanoemulsion) maintained anti-T. cruzi activity in vivo. Collectively, these data suggest that C1 and C3 are candidates for the treatment of ChD and present activity in both the host and parasite cells.
Collapse
|
21
|
Jílková A, Rubešová P, Fanfrlík J, Fajtová P, Řezáčová P, Brynda J, Lepšík M, Mertlíková-Kaiserová H, Emal CD, Renslo AR, Roush WR, Horn M, Caffrey CR, Mareš M. Druggable Hot Spots in the Schistosomiasis Cathepsin B1 Target Identified by Functional and Binding Mode Analysis of Potent Vinyl Sulfone Inhibitors. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1077-1088. [PMID: 33175511 PMCID: PMC8154419 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease
caused by blood flukes of
the genus Schistosoma, is a global health problem
with over 200 million people infected. Treatment relies on just one
drug, and new chemotherapies are needed. Schistosoma mansoni cathepsin B1 (SmCB1) is a critical peptidase for the digestion of
host blood proteins and a validated drug target. We screened a library
of peptidomimetic vinyl sulfones against SmCB1 and identified the
most potent SmCB1 inhibitors reported to date that are active in the
subnanomolar range with second order rate constants (k2nd) of ∼2 × 105 M–1 s–1. High resolution crystal structures of the
two best inhibitors in complex with SmCB1 were determined. Quantum
chemical calculations of their respective binding modes identified
critical hot spot interactions in the S1′ and S2 subsites.
The most potent inhibitor targets the S1′ subsite with an N-hydroxysulfonic amide moiety and displays favorable functional
properties, including bioactivity against the pathogen, selectivity
for SmCB1 over human cathepsin B, and reasonable metabolic stability.
Our results provide structural insights for the rational design of
next-generation SmCB1 inhibitors as potential drugs to treat schistosomiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adéla Jílková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Rubešová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jindřich Fanfrlík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlína Řezáčová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Brynda
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Lepšík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Mertlíková-Kaiserová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Cory D. Emal
- Eastern Michigan University, 541 Mark Jefferson, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, United States
| | - Adam R. Renslo
- University of California San Francisco, 600 16th Street, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - William R. Roush
- The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Michael Mareš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rosas-Jimenez JG, Garcia-Revilla MA, Madariaga-Mazon A, Martinez-Mayorga K. Predictive Global Models of Cruzain Inhibitors with Large Chemical Coverage. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:6722-6735. [PMID: 33748586 PMCID: PMC7970485 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c05645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease affects 8-11 million people worldwide, most of them living in Latin America. Moreover, migratory phenomena have spread the infection beyond endemic areas. Efforts for the development of new pharmacological therapies are paramount as the pharmacological profile of the two marketed drugs currently available, nifurtimox and benznidazole, needs to be improved. Cruzain, a parasitic cysteine protease, is one of the most attractive biological targets due to its roles in parasite survival and immune evasion. In this work, we compiled and curated a database of diverse cruzain inhibitors previously reported in the literature. From this data set, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for the prediction of their pIC50 values were generated using k-nearest neighbors and random forest algorithms. Local and global models were calculated and compared. The statistical parameters for internal and external validation indicate a significant predictability, with q loo 2 values around 0.66 and 0.61 and external R 2 coefficients of 0.725 and 0.766. The applicability domain is quantitatively defined, according to QSAR good practices, using the leverage and similarity methods. The models described in this work are readily available in a Python script for the discovery of novel cruzain inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Guadalupe Rosas-Jimenez
- Division
de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad
de Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
- Instituto
de Quimica, Universidad Nacional Autonoma
de Mexico, Mexico
City 04510, Mexico
| | - Marco A. Garcia-Revilla
- Division
de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad
de Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Synthesis and biological evaluation in vitro and in silico of N-propionyl-N'-benzeneacylhydrazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi. Mol Divers 2020; 26:39-50. [PMID: 33216257 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-020-10156-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
An N-acylhydrazone scaffold has been used to develop new drugs with diverse biological activities, including trypanocidal activity against different strains of Trypanosoma cruzi. However, their mechanism of action is not clear, although in T. cruzi it has been suggested that the enzyme cruzain is involved. The aim in this work was to obtain new N-propionyl-N'-benzeneacylhydrazone derivatives as potential anti-T. cruzi agents and elucidate their potential mechanism of action by a molecular docking analysis and effects on the expression of the cruzain gene. Compounds 9 and 12 were the most active agents against epimastigotes and compound 5 showed better activity than benznidazole in T. cruzi blood trypomastigotes. Additionally, compounds 9 and 12 significantly increase the expression of the cruzain gene. In summary, the in silico and in vitro data presented herein suggest that compound 9 is a cruzain inhibitor.
Collapse
|
24
|
Pereira PML, Camargo PG, Fernandes BT, Flores-Junior LAP, Dias LRS, Lima CHS, Pinge-Filho P, Lioni LMY, Yamada-Ogatta SF, Bispo MLF, Macedo F. In vitro evaluation of antitrypanosomal activity and molecular docking of benzoylthioureas. Parasitol Int 2020; 80:102225. [PMID: 33160050 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
A series of sixteen benzoylthioureas derivatives were initially evaluated in vitro against the epimastigote form of Trypanosoma cruzi. All of the tested compounds inhibited the growth of this form of the parasite, and due to the promising anti-epimastigote activity from three of these compounds, they were also assayed against the trypomastigote and amastigote forms. ADMET-Tox in silico predictions and molecular docking studies with two main enzymatic targets (cruzain and CYP-51) were performed for the three compounds with the highest activity. The docking studies showed that these compounds can interact with the active site of cruzain by hydrogen bonds and can be coordinated with Fe-heme through the carbonyl oxygen atom of the CYP51. These findings can be considered an important starting point for the proposal of the benzoylthioureas as potent, selective, and multi-target antitrypanosomal agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M L Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Priscila G Camargo
- Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Bruna T Fernandes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Luiz A P Flores-Junior
- Laboratório de Química Medicinal, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiza R S Dias
- Laboratório de Química Medicinal, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Camilo H S Lima
- Laboratório de Química Medicinal, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Departamento de Química Orgânica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Phileno Pinge-Filho
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Experimental, Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Brazil
| | - Lucy M Y Lioni
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Sueli F Yamada-Ogatta
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marcelle L F Bispo
- Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Fernando Macedo
- Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Optimization strategy of single-digit nanomolar cross-class inhibitors of mammalian and protozoa cysteine proteases. Bioorg Chem 2020; 101:104039. [PMID: 32629285 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cysteine proteases (CPs) are involved in a myriad of actions that include not only protein degradation, but also play an essential biological role in infectious and systemic diseases such as cancer. CPs also act as biomarkers and can be reached by active-based probes for diagnostic and mechanistic purposes that are critical in health and disease. In this paper, we present the modulation of a CP panel of parasites and mammals (Trypanosoma cruzi cruzain, LmCPB, CatK, CatL and CatS), whose inhibition by nitrile peptidomimetics allowed the identification of specificity and selectivity for a given CP. The activity cliffs identified at the CP inhibition level are useful for retrieving trends through multiple structure-activity relationships. For two of the cruzain inhibitors (10g and 4e), both enthalpy and entropy are favourable to Gibbs binding energy, thus overcoming enthalpy-entropy compensation (EEC). Group contribution of individual molecular modification through changes in enthalpy and entropy results in a separate partition on the relative differences of Gibbs binding energy (ΔΔG). Overall, this study highlights the role of CPs in polypharmacology and multi-target screening, which represents an imperative trend in the actual drug discovery effort.
Collapse
|
26
|
Benzimidazole inhibitors of the major cysteine protease of Trypanosoma brucei. Future Med Chem 2020; 11:1537-1551. [PMID: 31469332 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Limitations in available therapies for trypanosomiases indicate the need for improved medicines. Cysteine proteases cruzain and rhodesain are validated targets for treatment of Chagas disease and human African trypanosomiasis. Previous studies reported a benzimidazole series as potent cruzain inhibitors. Results & methodology: Considering the high similarity between these proteases, we evaluated 40 benzimidazoles against rhodesain. We describe their structure-activity relationships (SAR), revealing trends similar to those observed for cruzain and features that lead to enzyme selectivity. This series comprises noncovalent competitive inhibitors (best Ki = 0.21 μM against rhodesain) and micromolar activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei. A cheminformatics analysis confirms scaffold novelty, and the inhibitors described have favorable predicted physicochemical properties. Conclusion: Our results support this series as a starting point for new human African trypanosomiasis medicines.
Collapse
|
27
|
Izquierdo M, Lin D, O'Neill S, Zoltner M, Webster L, Hope A, Gray DW, Field MC, González-Bacerio J. Development of a High-Throughput Screening Assay to Identify Inhibitors of the Major M17-Leucyl Aminopeptidase from Trypanosoma cruzi Using RapidFire Mass Spectrometry. SLAS DISCOVERY 2020; 25:1064-1071. [PMID: 32400260 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220923367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Leucyl aminopeptidases (LAPs) are involved in multiple cellular functions, which, in the case of infectious diseases, includes participation in the pathogen-host cell interface and pathogenesis. Thus, LAPs are considered good candidate drug targets, and the major M17-LAP from Trypanosoma cruzi (LAPTc) in particular is a promising target for Chagas disease. To exploit LAPTc as a potential target, it is essential to develop potent and selective inhibitors. To achieve this, we report a high-throughput screening method for LAPTc. Two methods were developed and optimized: a Leu-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin-based fluorogenic assay and a RapidFire mass spectrometry (RapidFire MS)-based assay using the LSTVIVR peptide as substrate. Compared with a fluorescence assay, the major advantages of the RapidFire MS assay are a greater signal-to-noise ratio as well as decreased consumption of enzyme. RapidFire MS was validated with the broad-spectrum LAP inhibitors bestatin (IC50 = 0.35 μM) and arphamenine A (IC50 = 15.75 μM). We suggest that RapidFire MS is highly suitable for screening for specific LAPTc inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maikel Izquierdo
- Centre for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, La Habana, Cuba
| | - De Lin
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Sandra O'Neill
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Martin Zoltner
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Lauren Webster
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Anthony Hope
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - David W Gray
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Mark C Field
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Jorge González-Bacerio
- Centre for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, La Habana, Cuba.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, La Habana, Cuba
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chenna BC, Li L, Mellott DM, Zhai X, Siqueira-Neto JL, Calvet Alvarez C, Bernatchez JA, Desormeaux E, Alvarez Hernandez E, Gomez J, McKerrow JH, Cruz-Reyes J, Meek TD. Peptidomimetic Vinyl Heterocyclic Inhibitors of Cruzain Effect Antitrypanosomal Activity. J Med Chem 2020; 63:3298-3316. [PMID: 32125159 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b02078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cruzain, an essential cysteine protease of the parasitic protozoan, Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important drug target for Chagas disease. We describe here a new series of reversible but time-dependent inhibitors of cruzain, composed of a dipeptide scaffold appended to vinyl heterocycles meant to provide replacements for the irreversible reactive "warheads" of vinyl sulfone inactivators of cruzain. Peptidomimetic vinyl heterocyclic inhibitors (PVHIs) containing Cbz-Phe-Phe/homoPhe scaffolds with vinyl-2-pyrimidine, vinyl-2-pyridine, and vinyl-2-(N-methyl)-pyridine groups conferred reversible, time-dependent inhibition of cruzain (Ki* = 0.1-0.4 μM). These cruzain inhibitors exhibited moderate to excellent selectivity versus human cathepsins B, L, and S and showed no apparent toxicity to human cells but were effective in cell cultures of Trypanosoma brucei brucei (EC50 = 1-15 μM) and eliminated T. cruzi in infected murine cardiomyoblasts (EC50 = 5-8 μM). PVHIs represent a new class of cruzain inhibitors that could progress to viable candidate compounds to treat Chagas disease and human sleeping sickness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bala C Chenna
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 301 Old Main Drive, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Linfeng Li
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 301 Old Main Drive, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Drake M Mellott
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 301 Old Main Drive, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Xiang Zhai
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 301 Old Main Drive, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Jair L Siqueira-Neto
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Claudia Calvet Alvarez
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Jean A Bernatchez
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Emily Desormeaux
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 301 Old Main Drive, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Elizabeth Alvarez Hernandez
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 301 Old Main Drive, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Jana Gomez
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 301 Old Main Drive, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - James H McKerrow
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Jorge Cruz-Reyes
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 301 Old Main Drive, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Thomas D Meek
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 301 Old Main Drive, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mapping the S1 and S1' subsites of cysteine proteases with new dipeptidyl nitrile inhibitors as trypanocidal agents. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0007755. [PMID: 32163418 PMCID: PMC7067379 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The cysteine protease cruzipain is considered to be a validated target for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of Chagas disease. A series of 26 new compounds were designed, synthesized, and tested against the recombinant cruzain (Cz) to map its S1/S1´ subsites. The same series was evaluated on a panel of four human cysteine proteases (CatB, CatK, CatL, CatS) and Leishmania mexicana CPB, which is a potential target for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The synthesized compounds are dipeptidyl nitriles designed based on the most promising combinations of different moieties in P1 (ten), P2 (six), and P3 (four different building blocks). Eight compounds exhibited a Ki smaller than 20.0 nM for Cz, whereas three compounds met these criteria for LmCPB. Three inhibitors had an EC50 value of ca. 4.0 μM, thus being equipotent to benznidazole according to the antitrypanosomal effects. Our mapping approach and the respective structure-activity relationships provide insights into the specific ligand-target interactions for therapeutically relevant cysteine proteases.
Collapse
|
30
|
Santos SS, de Araújo RV, Giarolla J, Seoud OE, Ferreira EI. Searching for drugs for Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis: a review. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2020; 55:105906. [PMID: 31987883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.105906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis are neglected diseases (NDs) and are a considerable global challenge. Despite the huge number of people infected, NDs do not create interest from pharmaceutical companies because the associated revenue is generally low. Most of the research on these diseases has been conducted in academic institutions. The chemotherapeutic armamentarium for NDs is scarce and inefficient and better drugs are needed. Researchers have found some promising potential drug candidates using medicinal chemistry and computational approaches. Most of these compounds are synthetic but some are from natural sources or are semi-synthetic. Drug repurposing or repositioning has also been greatly stimulated for NDs. This review considers some potential drug candidates and provides details of their design, discovery and activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Silva Santos
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Renan Vinicius de Araújo
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Jeanine Giarolla
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Omar El Seoud
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Igne Ferreira
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Reed SL, McKerrow JH. Why Funding for Neglected Tropical Diseases Should Be a Global Priority. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 67:323-326. [PMID: 29688342 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases affect >1 billion of the world's poorest persons. Control programs range from near-elimination (dracunculiasis) to increasing prevalence (dengue and cutaneous leishmaniasis). These are some of the most cost-effective public health interventions and should be a global priority.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Reed
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, UC San Diego Health
| | - James H McKerrow
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California, San Diego
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lopes CD, Possato B, Gaspari APS, Oliveira RJ, Abram U, Almeida JPA, Rocho FDR, Leitão A, Montanari CA, Maia PIS, da Silva JS, de Albuquerque S, Carneiro ZA. Organometallic Gold(III) Complex [Au(Hdamp)(L1 4)] + (L1 = SNS-Donating Thiosemicarbazone) as a Candidate to New Formulations against Chagas Disease. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:1698-1707. [PMID: 31419384 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.8b00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease remains a serious public health concern with unsatisfactory treatment outcomes due to strain-specific drug resistance and various side effects. To identify new therapeutic drugs against Trypanosoma cruzi, we evaluated both the in vitro and in vivo activity of the organometallic gold(III) complex [Au(III)(Hdamp)(L14)]Cl (L1 = SNS-donating thiosemicarbazone), henceforth denoted 4-Cl. Our results demonstrated that 4-Cl was more effective than benznidazole (Bz) in eliminating both the extracellular trypomastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of the parasite without cytotoxic effects on mammalian cells. In in vivo assays, 4-Cl in PBS solution loses the protonation and becomes the 4-neutral. 4-Neutral reduced parasitaemia and tissue parasitism in addition to protecting the liver and heart from tissue damage at 2.8 mg/kg/day. All these changes resulted in the survival of 100% of the mice treated with the gold complex during the acute phase. Analyzing the surviving animals of the acute infection, the parasite load after 150 days of infection was equivalent to those treated with the standard dose of Bz without demonstrating the hepatotoxicity of the latter. In addition, we identified a modulation of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels that may be targeting the disease's positive outcome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first gold organometallic study that shows promise in an in vivo experimental model against Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Duque Lopes
- Department of Clinical Toxicological and Bromatological Analysis School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil
- Departament of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Bruna Possato
- Department of Clinical Toxicological and Bromatological Analysis School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula S. Gaspari
- Department of Clinical Toxicological and Bromatological Analysis School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo J. Oliveira
- Núcleo de Desenvolvimento de Compostos Bioativos (NDCBio), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais 38025-470, Brazil
| | - Ulrich Abram
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin D-14195, Germany
| | - José P. A. Almeida
- Department of Clinical Toxicological and Bromatological Analysis School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Fernanda dos Reis Rocho
- Grupo de Estudos em Química Medicinal de Produtos Naturais−NEQUIMED-PN, Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador Sancarlense 400, P.O. Box 780, São Carlos, São Paulo 13560-960, Brazil
| | - Andrei Leitão
- Grupo de Estudos em Química Medicinal de Produtos Naturais−NEQUIMED-PN, Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador Sancarlense 400, P.O. Box 780, São Carlos, São Paulo 13560-960, Brazil
| | - Carlos A. Montanari
- Grupo de Estudos em Química Medicinal de Produtos Naturais−NEQUIMED-PN, Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador Sancarlense 400, P.O. Box 780, São Carlos, São Paulo 13560-960, Brazil
| | - Pedro I. S. Maia
- Núcleo de Desenvolvimento de Compostos Bioativos (NDCBio), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais 38025-470, Brazil
| | - João S. da Silva
- Departament of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Sérgio de Albuquerque
- Department of Clinical Toxicological and Bromatological Analysis School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Zumira A. Carneiro
- Department of Clinical Toxicological and Bromatological Analysis School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Cianni L, Feldmann CW, Gilberg E, Gütschow M, Juliano L, Leitão A, Bajorath J, Montanari CA. Can Cysteine Protease Cross-Class Inhibitors Achieve Selectivity? J Med Chem 2019; 62:10497-10525. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Cianni
- Medicinal Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Life Science Informatics, B-IT, LIMES Program Unit Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Endenicher Allee 19c, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Wolfgang Feldmann
- Department of Life Science Informatics, B-IT, LIMES Program Unit Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Endenicher Allee 19c, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Erik Gilberg
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Life Science Informatics, B-IT, LIMES Program Unit Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Endenicher Allee 19c, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Luiz Juliano
- A. C. Camargo Cancer Center and São Paulo Medical School of Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Professor Antônio Prudente, 211, 01509-010 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrei Leitão
- Medicinal Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Jürgen Bajorath
- Department of Life Science Informatics, B-IT, LIMES Program Unit Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Endenicher Allee 19c, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Carlos A. Montanari
- Medicinal Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Duschak VG. Major Kinds of Drug Targets in Chagas Disease or American Trypanosomiasis. Curr Drug Targets 2019; 20:1203-1216. [PMID: 31020939 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190423160804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
American Trypanosomiasis, a parasitic infection commonly named Chagas disease, affects millions of people all over Latin American countries. Presently, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that the number of international infected individuals extends to 7 to 8 million, assuming that more than 10,000 deaths occur annually. The transmission of the etiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, through people migrating to non-endemic world nations makes it an emergent disease. The best promising targets for trypanocidal drugs may be classified into three main groups: Group I includes the main molecular targets that are considered among specific enzymes involved in the essential processes for parasite survival, principally Cruzipain, the major antigenic parasite cysteine proteinase. Group II involves biological pathways and their key specific enzymes, such as Sterol biosynthesis pathway, among others, specific antioxidant defense mechanisms, and bioenergetics ones. Group III includes the atypical organelles /structures present in the parasite relevant clinical forms, which are absent or considerably different from those present in mammals and biological processes related to them. These can be considered potential targets to develop drugs with extra effectiveness and fewer secondary effects than the currently used therapeutics. An improved distinction between the host and the parasite targets will help fight against this neglected disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vilma G Duschak
- National Council of Scientific and Technical Reasearch (CONICET) Researcher, Area of Protein Biochemistry and Parasite Glycobiology, Research Department, National Institute of Parasitology (INP), "Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben", ANLIS-Malbran, National Health Secretary, Av. Paseo Colon 568, Lab 506, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires (1063), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
High-Level Expression in Escherichia coli, Purification and Kinetic Characterization of LAPTc, a Trypanosoma cruzi M17-Aminopeptidase. Protein J 2019; 38:167-180. [DOI: 10.1007/s10930-019-09823-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
36
|
Furanchalcone–biphenyl hybrids: synthesis, in silico studies, antitrypanosomal and cytotoxic activities. Med Chem Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-019-02323-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
37
|
Dissecting a novel allosteric mechanism of cruzain: A computer-aided approach. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211227. [PMID: 30682119 PMCID: PMC6347273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease, a neglected infection affecting millions of people in tropical regions. There are several chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of this disease, but most of them are highly toxic and generate resistance. Currently, the development of allosteric inhibitors constitutes a promising research field, since it can improve the accessibility to more selective and less toxic medicines. To date, the allosteric drugs prediction is a state-of-the-art topic in rational structure-based computational design. In this work, a simulation strategy was developed for computational discovery of allosteric inhibitors, and it was applied to cruzain, a promising target and the major cysteine protease of T. cruzi. Molecular dynamics simulations, binding free energy calculations and network-based modelling of residue interactions were combined to characterize and compare molecular distinctive features of the apo form and the cruzain-allosteric inhibitor complexes. By using geometry-based criteria on trajectory snapshots, we predicted two main allosteric sites suitable for drug targeting. The results suggest dissimilar mechanisms exerted by the same allosteric site when binding different potential allosteric inhibitors. Finally, we identified the residues involved in suboptimal paths linking the identified site and the orthosteric site. The present study constitutes the first approximation to the design of cruzain allosteric inhibitors and may serve for future pharmacological intervention. Here, no major effects on active site structure were observed due to compound binding (modification of distance and angles between catalytic residues), which indicates that allosteric regulation in cruzain might be mediated via alterations of its dynamical properties similarly to allosteric inhibition of human cathepsin K (HCatK). The current findings are particularly relevant for the design of allosteric modulators of papain-like cysteine proteases.
Collapse
|
38
|
Santos LH, Waldner BJ, Fuchs JE, Pereira GAN, Liedl KR, Caffarena ER, Ferreira RS. Understanding Structure–Activity Relationships for Trypanosomal Cysteine Protease Inhibitors by Simulations and Free Energy Calculations. J Chem Inf Model 2018; 59:137-148. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.8b00557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucianna H. Santos
- Grupo de Biofísica Computacional e Modelagem Molecular, Programa de Computação Científica (PROCC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Planejamento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Birgit J. Waldner
- Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 82, Innsbruck, Tyrol 6020, Austria
| | - Julian E. Fuchs
- Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 82, Innsbruck, Tyrol 6020, Austria
| | - Glaécia A. N. Pereira
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Planejamento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
- CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasília, DF Brazil
| | - Klaus R. Liedl
- Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 82, Innsbruck, Tyrol 6020, Austria
| | - Ernesto R. Caffarena
- Grupo de Biofísica Computacional e Modelagem Molecular, Programa de Computação Científica (PROCC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Rafaela S. Ferreira
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Planejamento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Discovery of Non-Peptidic Compounds against Chagas Disease Applying Pharmacophore Guided Molecular Modelling Approaches. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23123054. [PMID: 30469538 PMCID: PMC6321154 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is one of the primary causes of heart diseases accounting to 50,000 lives annually and is listed as the neglected tropical disease. Because the currently available therapies have greater toxic effects with higher resistance, there is a dire need to develop new drugs to combat the disease. In this pursuit, the 3D QSAR ligand-pharmacophore (pharm 1) and receptor-based pharmacophore (pharm 2) search was initiated to retrieve the candidate compounds from universal natural compounds database. The validated models were allowed to map the universal natural compounds database. The obtained lead candidates were subjected to molecular docking against cysteine protease (PDB code: 1ME3) employing -Cdocker available on the discovery studio. Subsequently, two Hits have satisfied the selection criteria and were escalated to molecular dynamics simulation and binding free energy calculations. These Hits have demonstrated higher dock scores, displayed interactions with the key residues portraying an ideal binding mode complemented by mapping to all the features of pharm 1 and pharm 2. Additionally, they have rendered stable root mean square deviation (RMSD) and potential energy profiles illuminating their potentiality as the prospective antichagastic agents. The study further demonstrates the mechanism of inhibition by tetrad residues compromising of Gly23 and Asn70 holding the ligand at each ends and the residues Gly65 and Gly160 clamping the Hits at the center. The notable feature is that the Hits lie in close proximity with the residues Glu66 and Leu67, accommodating within the S1, S2 and S3 subsites. Considering these findings, the study suggests that the Hits may be regarded as effective therapeutics against Chagas disease.
Collapse
|
40
|
Leveraging the cruzain S3 subsite to increase affinity for reversible covalent inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2018; 79:285-292. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
41
|
Rocha DA, Silva EB, Fortes IS, Lopes MS, Ferreira RS, Andrade SF. Synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of cruzain and rhodesain inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 157:1426-1459. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.08.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
42
|
Organometallic compounds in the discovery of new agents against kinetoplastid-caused diseases. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 155:459-482. [PMID: 29908440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The development of safe and affordable antiparasitic agents effective against neglected tropical diseases is a big challenge of the drug discovery. The drugs currently employed have limitations such as poor efficacy, drug resistance or side effects. Thus, the search for new promising drugs is more and more crucial. Metal complexes and, in particular, organometallic compounds may expand the list of the drug candidates due to the peculiar attributes that the presence of the metal core add to the organic fragment (e.g., redox and structural features, ability to interact with DNA or protein targets, etc.). To date, most organometallic compounds tested as anti-neglected tropical diseases are based on similarities or activity of the organic ligands against other diseases or parasites and/or consist in modification of existing drugs combining the features of the metal moiety and the organic ligands. This review focuses on recent studies (2012-2017) on organometallic compounds in treating kinetoplastid-caused diseases such as Human African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. This field of research, however, still lacks exhaustive studies to identify of parasitic targets and quantitative structure-activity relationships for a rational drug design.
Collapse
|
43
|
Chaparro JD, Cheng T, Tran UP, Andrade RM, Brenner SBT, Hwang G, Cohn S, Hirata K, McKerrow JH, Reed SL. Two key cathepsins, TgCPB and TgCPL, are targeted by the vinyl sulfone inhibitor K11777 in in vitro and in vivo models of toxoplasmosis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193982. [PMID: 29565998 PMCID: PMC5863946 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic infections worldwide, therapeutic options remain limited. Cathepsins, proteases that play key roles in the pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis and many other protozoan infections, are important potential therapeutic targets. Because both TgCPB and TgCPL play a role in T. gondii invasion, we evaluated the efficacy of the potent, irreversible vinyl sulfone inhibitor, K11777 (N-methyl-piperazine-Phe-homoPhe-vinylsulfone-phenyl). The inhibitor’s toxicity and pharmacokinetic profile have been well-studied because of its in vitro and in vivo activity against a number of parasites. We found that it inhibited both TgCPB (EC50 = 114 nM) and TgCPL (EC50 = 71 nM) in vitro. K11777 also inhibited invasion of human fibroblasts by RH tachyzoites by 71% (p = 0.003) and intracellular replication by >99% (p<0.0001). In vivo, a single dose of K11777 led to 100% survival of chicken embryos in an model of acute toxoplasmosis (p = 0.015 Cox regression analysis). Therefore, K11777 shows promise as a novel therapeutic agent in the treatment of toxoplasmosis, and may prove to be a broadly effective anti-parasitic agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan D. Chaparro
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Rady Children's Hospital, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Timmy Cheng
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Uyen Phuong Tran
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Rosa M. Andrade
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Sara B. T. Brenner
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Grace Hwang
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Shara Cohn
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Ken Hirata
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Department of Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Sharon L. Reed
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Molecular modeling and structure-activity relationships for a series of benzimidazole derivatives as cruzain inhibitors. Future Med Chem 2017; 9:641-657. [PMID: 28509592 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2016-0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Chagas disease is endemic in Latin America and no effective treatment is available. Efforts in drug research have focused on several enzymes from Trypanosoma cruzi, among which cruzain is a validated pharmacological target. METHODOLOGY Chemometric analyses were performed on the data set using the hologram quantitative structure-activity relationship, comparative molecular field analysis and comparative molecular similarity index analysis methods. Docking simulations were executed using the crystallographic structure of cruzain in complex with a benzimidazole inhibitor. The top-scoring enzyme-inhibitor complexes were selected for the development of the 3D quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models and to assess the inhibitor binding modes and intermolecular interactions. RESULTS Benzimidazole derivatives as cruzain inhibitors were used in molecular docking and QSAR studies. Significant statistical indicators were obtained, and the best models demonstrated high predictive ability for an external test set (r 2pred = 0.65, 0.94 and 0.82 for hologram QSAR, comparative molecular field analysis and comparative molecular similarity index analysis, respectively). Additionally, the graphical information of the chemometric analyses demonstrated substantial complementarity with the enzyme-binding site. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate the relevance of the QSAR models to guide the design of structurally related benzimidazole derivatives with improved potency.
Collapse
|
45
|
Tolbert MK, Brand MD, Gould EN. In vitro effects of cysteine protease inhibitors on Trichomonas foetus-induced cytopathic changes in porcine intestinal epithelial cells. Am J Vet Res 2017; 77:890-7. [PMID: 27463553 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.77.8.890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of specific cysteine protease (CP) inhibitors on cytopathic changes to porcine intestinal epithelial cells induced by Tritrichomonas foetus isolated from naturally infected cats. SAMPLE T foetus isolates from 4 naturally infected cats and nontransformed porcine intestinal epithelial cells. PROCEDURES T foetus isolates were treated with or without 0.1 to 1.0mM of the CP inhibitors antipain, cystatin, leupeptin, and chymostatin and the vinyl sulfone inhibitors WRR-483 and K11777. In-gel gelatin zymography was performed to evaluate the effects of these inhibitors on CP activity of T foetus isolates. Each treated or untreated isolate was also cocultured with monolayers of porcine intestinal epithelial cells for 24 hours, and cytopathic effects of T foetus were evaluated by light microscopy and crystal violet spectrophotometry. RESULTS Results of in-gel gelatin zymography suggested an ability of WRR-483, K11777, and cystatin to target specific zones of CP activity of the T foetus isolates. These inhibitors had no effect on T foetus growth, and the cytopathic changes to the intestinal epithelium induced by all 4 T foetus isolates were significantly inhibited. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study revealed that certain protease inhibitors were capable of inhibiting regions of CP activity (which has been suggested to cause intestinal cell damage in cats) in T foetus organisms and of ameliorating T foetus-induced cytopathic changes to porcine intestinal epithelium in vitro. Although additional research is needed, these inhibitors might be useful in the treatment of cats with trichomonosis.
Collapse
|
46
|
Vermeire JJ, Suzuki BM, Caffrey CR. Odanacatib, a Cathepsin K Cysteine Protease Inhibitor, Kills Hookworm In Vivo. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:ph9030039. [PMID: 27384569 PMCID: PMC5039492 DOI: 10.3390/ph9030039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hookworm infection is chief among soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) for the chronic morbidly inflicted. Deworming via mass drug administration (MDA) programs most often employs single doses of benzimidazole drugs to which resistance is a constant threat. To discover new drugs, we employ a hamster model of hookworm infection with Ancylostoma ceylanicum and use albendazole (ABZ; 10 mg/kg orally) as the gold standard therapy. We previously showed that a single oral 100 mg/kg dose of the cathepsin cysteine protease (CP) inhibitor, K11777, offers near cure of infection that is associated with a 95% reduction in the parasite’s resident CP activity. We confirm these findings here and demonstrate that odanacatib (ODN), Merck’s cathepsin K inhibitor and post-clinical Phase III drug candidate for treatment of osteoporosis, decreases worm burden by 73% at the same dose with a 51% reduction in the parasite’s CP activity. Unlike K11777, ODN is a modest inhibitor of both mammalian cathepsin B and the predominant cathepsin B-like activity measureable in hookworm extracts. ODN’s somewhat unexpected efficacy, therefore, may be due to its excellent pharmacokinetic (PK) profile which allows for sustained plasma exposure and, possibly, sufficient perturbation of hookworm cathepsin B activity to be detrimental to survival. Accordingly, identifying a CP inhibitor(s) that combines the inhibition potency of K11777 and the PK attributes of ODN could lead to a drug that is effective at a lower dose. Achieving this would potentially provide an alternative or back-up to the current anti-hookworm drug, albendazole.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon J Vermeire
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Brian M Suzuki
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Microbial inhibitors of cysteine proteases. Med Microbiol Immunol 2016; 205:275-96. [DOI: 10.1007/s00430-016-0454-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
48
|
Jones BD, Tochowicz A, Tang Y, Cameron MD, McCall LI, Hirata K, Siqueira-Neto JL, Reed SL, McKerrow JH, Roush WR. Synthesis and Evaluation of Oxyguanidine Analogues of the Cysteine Protease Inhibitor WRR-483 against Cruzain. ACS Med Chem Lett 2016; 7:77-82. [PMID: 26819670 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of oxyguanidine analogues of the cysteine protease inhibitor WRR-483 were synthesized and evaluated against cruzain, the major cysteine protease of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Kinetic analyses of these analogues indicated that they have comparable potency to previously prepared vinyl sulfone cruzain inhibitors. Co-crystal structures of the oxyguanidine analogues WRR-666 (4) and WRR-669 (7) bound to cruzain demonstrated different binding interactions with the cysteine protease, depending on the aryl moiety of the P1' inhibitor subunit. Specifically, these data demonstrate that WRR-669 is bound noncovalently in the crystal structure. This represents a rare example of noncovalent inhibition of a cysteine protease by a vinyl sulfone inhibitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Jones
- Department
of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Anna Tochowicz
- Department
of Pathology and Sandler Center for Drug Discovery, University of California-San Francisco, 1700 Fourth Street, San
Francisco, California 94158-2250, United States
| | - Yinyan Tang
- Small
Molecule Discovery Center, University of California-San Francisco, 1700 Fourth Street, San Francisco, California 94158-2250, United States
| | - Michael D. Cameron
- Department
of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps
Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Ken Hirata
- Department
of Pathology, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Jair L. Siqueira-Neto
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Sharon L. Reed
- Departments
of Pathology and Medicine, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Department
of Pathology and Sandler Center for Drug Discovery, University of California-San Francisco, 1700 Fourth Street, San
Francisco, California 94158-2250, United States
| | - William R. Roush
- Department
of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Hoelz LVB, Leal VF, Rodrigues CR, Pascutti PG, Albuquerque MG, Muri EMF, Dias LRS. Molecular dynamics simulations of the free and inhibitor-bound cruzain systems in aqueous solvent: insights on the inhibition mechanism in acidic pH. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2015; 34:1969-78. [PMID: 26414241 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2015.1100139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The major cysteine protease of Trypanosoma cruzi, cruzain (CRZ), has been described as a therapeutic target for Chagas' disease, which affects millions of people worldwide. Thus, a series of CRZ inhibitors has been studied, including a new competitive inhibitor, Nequimed176 (NEQ176). Nevertheless, the structural and dynamic basis for CRZ inhibition remains unclear. Hoping to contribute to this ever-growing understanding of timescale dynamics in the CRZ inhibition mechanism, we have performed the first study using 100 ns of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of two CRZ systems in an aqueous solvent under pH 5.5: CRZ in the apo form (ligand free) and CRZ complexed to NEQ176. According to the MD simulations, the enzyme adopts an open conformation in the apo form and a closed conformation in the NEQ176-CRZ complex. We also suggest that this closed conformation is related to the hydrogen-bonding interactions between NEQ176 and CRZ, which occurs through key residues, mainly Gly66, Met68, Asn69, and Leu160. In addition, the cross-correlation analysis shows evidence of the correlated motions among Ala110-Asp140, Leu160-Gly189, and Glu190-Gly215 subdomains, as well as, the movements related to Ala1-Thr59 and Asp60-Pro90 regions seem to be crucial for CRZ activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L V B Hoelz
- a Laboratório de Química Medicinal, Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) , Rua Mário Viana 523, Santa Rosa , Niterói , RJ 24241-000 , Brazil
| | - V F Leal
- a Laboratório de Química Medicinal, Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) , Rua Mário Viana 523, Santa Rosa , Niterói , RJ 24241-000 , Brazil
| | - C R Rodrigues
- b Laboratório ModMolQSAR, Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) , Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, CCS, Rio de Janeiro , RJ 21941-599 , Brazil
| | - P G Pascutti
- c Laboratório de Modelagem e Dinâmica Molecular , Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) , Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, CCS, Rio de Janeiro , RJ 21941-902 , Brazil
| | - M G Albuquerque
- d Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular , Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) , Av. Athos da Silveira Ramos 149, CT, Rio de Janeiro , RJ 21949-900 , Brazil
| | - E M F Muri
- a Laboratório de Química Medicinal, Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) , Rua Mário Viana 523, Santa Rosa , Niterói , RJ 24241-000 , Brazil
| | - L R S Dias
- a Laboratório de Química Medicinal, Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) , Rua Mário Viana 523, Santa Rosa , Niterói , RJ 24241-000 , Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Dvořák J, Fajtová P, Ulrychová L, Leontovyč A, Rojo-Arreola L, Suzuki BM, Horn M, Mareš M, Craik CS, Caffrey CR, O'Donoghue AJ. Excretion/secretion products from Schistosoma mansoni adults, eggs and schistosomula have unique peptidase specificity profiles. Biochimie 2015; 122:99-109. [PMID: 26409899 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of a number of chronic helminth diseases of poverty that severely impact personal and societal well-being and productivity. Peptidases (proteases) are vital to successful parasitism, and can modulate host physiology and immunology. Interference of peptidase action by specific drugs or vaccines can be therapeutically beneficial. To date, research on peptidases in the schistosome parasite has focused on either the functional characterization of individual peptidases or their annotation as part of global genome or transcriptome studies. We were interested in functionally characterizing the complexity of peptidase activity operating at the host-parasite interface, therefore the excretory-secretory products of key developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni that parasitize the human were examined. Using class specific peptidase inhibitors in combination with a multiplex substrate profiling assay, a number of unique activities derived from endo- and exo-peptidases were revealed in the excretory-secretory products of schistosomula (larval migratory worms), adults and eggs. The data highlight the complexity of the functional degradome for each developmental stage of this parasite and facilitate further enquiry to establish peptidase identity, physiological and immunological function, and utility as drug or vaccine candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Dvořák
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 142 20, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice CZ - 370 05, Czech Republic; Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 166 10, Czech Republic; First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague CZ - 121 08, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Ulrychová
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 142 20, Czech Republic; Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague CZ - 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Adrian Leontovyč
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 166 10, Czech Republic; First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague CZ - 121 08, Czech Republic
| | - Liliana Rojo-Arreola
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and the Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Brian M Suzuki
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and the Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Mareš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Charles S Craik
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and the Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Anthony J O'Donoghue
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| |
Collapse
|