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Preliminary Structure-Activity Relationship Study of the MMV Pathogen Box Compound MMV675968 (2,4-Diaminoquinazoline) Unveils Novel Inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei brucei. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196574. [PMID: 36235118 PMCID: PMC9571290 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
New drugs are urgently needed for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). In line with our quest for novel inhibitors of trypanosomes, a small library of analogs of the antitrypanosomal hit (MMV675968) available at MMV as solid materials was screened for antitrypanosomal activity. In silico exploration of two potent antitrypanosomal structural analogs (7-MMV1578647 and 10-MMV1578445) as inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) was achieved, together with elucidation of other antitrypanosomal modes of action. In addition, they were assessed in vitro for tentative inhibition of DHFR in a crude trypanosome extract. Their ADMET properties were also predicted using dedicated software. Overall, the two diaminoquinazoline analogs displayed approximately 40-fold and 60-fold more potency and selectivity in vitro than the parent hit, respectively (MMV1578445 (10): IC50 = 0.045 µM, SI = 1737; MMV1578467 (7): IC50 = 0.06 µM; SI = 412). Analogs 7 and 10 were also strong binders of the DHFR enzyme in silico, in all their accessible protonation states, and interacted with key DHFR ligand recognition residues Val32, Asp54, and Ile160. They also exhibited significant activity against trypanosome protein isolate. MMV1578445 (10) portrayed fast and irreversible trypanosome growth arrest between 4–72 h at IC99. Analogs 7 and 10 induced in vitro ferric iron reduction and DNA fragmentation or apoptosis induction, respectively. The two potent analogs endowed with predicted suitable physicochemical and ADMET properties are good candidates for further deciphering their potential as starting points for new drug development for HAT.
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Souza Silva JA, Tunes LG, Coimbra RS, Ascher DB, Pires DEV, Monte-Neto RL. Unveiling six potent and highly selective antileishmanial agents via the open source compound collection 'Pathogen Box' against antimony-sensitive and -resistant Leishmania braziliensis. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 133:111049. [PMID: 33378956 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite all efforts to provide new chemical entities to tackle leishmaniases, we are still dependent on a the limited drug arsenal, together with drawbacks like toxicity and drug-resistant parasites. Collaborative drug discovery emerged as an option to speed up the way to find alternative antileishmanial agents. This is the case of Medicines for Malaria Ventures - MMV, that promotes an open source drug discovery initiative to fight diseases worldwide. Here, we screened 400 compounds from 'Pathogen Box' (PBox) collection against Leishmania braziliensis, the main etiological agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil. Twenty-three compounds were able to inhibit ≥ 80 % L. braziliensis growth at 5 μM. Six out of the PBox selected 23 compounds were found to be highly selective against L. braziliensis intracellular amastigotes with selectivity index varying from > 104 to > 746 and IC50s ranging from 47 to 480 nM. The compounds were also active against antimony-resistant L. braziliensis isolated from the field or laboratory selected mutants, revealing the potential on treating patients infected with drug resistant parasites. Most of the selected compounds were known to be active against kinetoplastids, however, two compounds (MMV688703 and MMV676477) were part of toxoplasmosis and tuberculosis 'PBox' disease set, reinforcing the potential of phenotyping screening to unveil drug repurposing. Here we applied a computational prediction of pharmacokinetic properties using the ADMET predictor pkCSM (http://biosig.unimelb.edu.au/pkcsm/). The tool offered clues on potential drug development needs and can support further in vivo studies. Molecular docking analysis identified CRK3 (LbrM.35.0660), CYP450 (LbrM.30.3580) and PKA (LbrM.18.1180) as L. braziliensis targets for MMV676604, MMV688372 and MMV688703, respectively. Compounds from 'Pathogen Box' thus represents a new hope for novel (or repurposed) small molecules source to tackle leishmaniases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano A Souza Silva
- Instituto René Rachou - Fiocruz Minas, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Belo Horizonte, 30190-009, MG, Brazil.
| | - Luiza G Tunes
- Instituto René Rachou - Fiocruz Minas, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Belo Horizonte, 30190-009, MG, Brazil.
| | - Roney S Coimbra
- Instituto René Rachou - Fiocruz Minas, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Belo Horizonte, 30190-009, MG, Brazil.
| | - David B Ascher
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Bio21 Institute, 30 Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Melbourne, Australia; Computational Biology and Clinical Informatics, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, VIC 3004, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Douglas E V Pires
- Instituto René Rachou - Fiocruz Minas, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Belo Horizonte, 30190-009, MG, Brazil; School of Computing and Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Doug McDonell Building, VIC 3010, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Rubens L Monte-Neto
- Instituto René Rachou - Fiocruz Minas, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Belo Horizonte, 30190-009, MG, Brazil.
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Veale CGL. Unpacking the Pathogen Box-An Open Source Tool for Fighting Neglected Tropical Disease. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:386-453. [PMID: 30614200 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Pathogen Box is a 400-strong collection of drug-like compounds, selected for their potential against several of the world's most important neglected tropical diseases, including trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, filariasis, schistosomiasis, dengue virus and trichuriasis, in addition to malaria and tuberculosis. This library represents an ensemble of numerous successful drug discovery programmes from around the globe, aimed at providing a powerful resource to stimulate open source drug discovery for diseases threatening the most vulnerable communities in the world. This review seeks to provide an in-depth analysis of the literature pertaining to the compounds in the Pathogen Box, including structure-activity relationship highlights, mechanisms of action, related compounds with reported activity against different diseases, and, where appropriate, discussion on the known and putative targets of compounds, thereby providing context and increasing the accessibility of the Pathogen Box to the drug discovery community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton G L Veale
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Pietermaritzburg Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa
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Identification of Functional MKK3/6 and MEK1/2 Homologs from Echinococcus granulosus and Investigation of Protoscolecidal Activity of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway Inhibitors In Vitro and In Vivo. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 63:AAC.01043-18. [PMID: 30348669 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01043-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato There is an urgent need to develop new drugs for the treatment of this disease. In this study, we identified two new members of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, MKK3/6 and MEK1/2 homologs (termed EgMKK1 and EgMKK2, respectively), from E. granulosus sensu stricto Both EgMKK1 and EgMKK2 were expressed at the larval stages. As shown by yeast two-hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation analyses, EgMKK1 interacted with the previously identified Egp38 protein but not with EgERK. EgMKK2, on the other hand, interacted with EgERK. In addition, EgMKK1 and EgMKK2 displayed kinase activity toward the substrate myelin basic protein. When sorafenib tosylate, PD184352, or U0126-ethanol (EtOH) was added to the medium for in vitro culture of E. granulosus protoscoleces (PSCs) or cysts, an inhibitory and cytolytic effect was observed via suppressed phosphorylation of EgMKKs and EgERK. Nonviability of PSCs treated with sorafenib tosylate or U0126-EtOH, and not with PD184352, was confirmed through bioassays, i.e., inoculation of treated and untreated protoscoleces into mice. In vivo treatment of E. granulosus sensu stricto-infected mice with sorafenib tosylate or U0126-EtOH for 4 weeks demonstrated a reduction in parasite weight, but the results did not show a significant difference. In conclusion, the MAPK cascades were identified as new targets for drug development, and E. granulosus was efficiently inhibited by their inhibitors in vitro The translation of these findings into in vivo efficacy requires further adjustment of treatment regimens using sorafenib tosylate or, possibly, other kinase inhibitors.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parasitic diseases that pose a threat to human life include leishmaniasis - caused by protozoan parasite Leishmania species. Existing drugs have limitations due to deleterious side effects like teratogenicity, high cost and drug resistance. This calls for the need to have an insight into therapeutic aspects of disease. Areas covered: We have identified different drug targets via. molecular, imuunological, metabolic as well as by system biology approaches. We bring these promising drug targets into light so that they can be explored to their maximum. In an effort to bridge the gaps between existing knowledge and prospects of drug discovery, we have compiled interesting studies on drug targets, thereby paving the way for establishment of better therapeutic aspects. Expert opinion: Advancements in technology shed light on many unexplored pathways. Further probing of well established pathways led to the discovery of new drug targets. This review is a comprehensive report on current and emerging drug targets, with emphasis on several metabolic targets, organellar biochemistry, salvage pathways, epigenetics, kinome and more. Identification of new targets can contribute significantly towards strengthening the pipeline for disease elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, UP, India
| | - Bhawana Singh
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, UP, India
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Dictyostelium Erk2 is an atypical MAPK required for chemotaxis. Cell Signal 2018; 46:154-165. [PMID: 29551366 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Dictyostelium genome encodes only two MAPKs, Erk1 and Erk2, and both are expressed during growth and development. Reduced levels of Erk2 expression have been shown previously to restrict cAMP production during development but still allow for chemotactic movement. In this study the erk2 gene was disrupted to eliminate Erk2 function. The absence of Erk2 resulted in a complete loss of folate and cAMP chemotaxis suggesting that this MAPK plays an integral role in the signaling mechanisms involved with this cellular response. However, folate stimulation of early chemotactic responses, such as Ras and PI3K activation and rapid actin filament formation, were not affected by the loss of Erk2 function. The erk2- cells had a severe defect in growth on bacterial lawns but assays of bacterial cell engulfment displayed only subtle changes in the rate of bacterial engulfment. Only cells with no MAPK function, erk1-erk2- double mutants, displayed a severe proliferation defect in axenic medium. Loss of Erk2 impaired the phosphorylation of Erk1 in secondary responses to folate stimulation indicating that Erk2 has a role in the regulation of Erk1 activation during chemotaxis. Loss of the only known Dictyostelium MAPK kinase, MekA, prevented the phosphorylation of Erk1 but not Erk2 in response to folate and cAMP confirming that Erk2 is not regulated by a conventional MAP2K. This lack of MAP2K phosphorylation of Erk2 and the sequence similarity of Erk2 to mammalian MAPK15 (Erk8) suggest that the Dictyostelium Erk2 belongs to a group of atypical MAPKs. MAPK activation has been observed in chemotactic responses in a wide range of organisms but this study demonstrates an essential role for MAPK function in chemotactic movement. This study also confirms that MAPKs provide critical contributions to cell proliferation.
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Elaadli H, Kim I, Mackey ZB. Depletion of the extracellular-signal regulated kinase 8 homolog in Trypanosoma brucei in vivo reduces its virulence in a mouse target validation study. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2017; 220:1-4. [PMID: 29287675 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei sub-species are vector borne kinetoplastid parasites that cause the potentially lethal disease Human African trypanosomiasis. The target-based therapy for curing this parasitic disease relies on one drug, Eflornithine. The roles of mitogen-activated protein kinases in regulating key cellular processes in eukaryotic cells such as proliferation, stress response and differentiation plus their druggability make them attractive targets for therapeutic exploitation. The extracellular-regulated kinase 8 homolog in T. brucei (TbERK8) is a MAPK that is required for the parasite to proliferate normally in culture. We examined the importance of TbERK8 for permitting T. brucei to thrive in mice. Here we show that depleting TbERK8 in vivo negatively affected the virulence of T. brucei reducing its ability to progress to lethal infections or cause significant pathology in mice, which validates it as an attractive target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham Elaadli
- Department of Biochemistry and Fralin Life Science Institute, Vector-Borne Disease Division, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States; Department of Animal Hygiene and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Inyoung Kim
- Department of Statistics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, United States
| | - Zachary B Mackey
- Department of Biochemistry and Fralin Life Science Institute, Vector-Borne Disease Division, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.
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Dichiara M, Marrazzo A, Prezzavento O, Collina S, Rescifina A, Amata E. Repurposing of Human Kinase Inhibitors in Neglected Protozoan Diseases. ChemMedChem 2017; 12:1235-1253. [PMID: 28590590 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201700259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis belong to a group of infectious diseases known as neglected tropical diseases and are induced by infection with protozoan parasites named trypanosomatids. Drugs in current use have several limitations, and therefore new candidate drugs are required. The majority of current therapeutic trypanosomatid targets are enzymes or cell-surface receptors. Among these, eukaryotic protein kinases are a major group of protein targets whose modulation may be beneficial for the treatment of neglected tropical protozoan diseases. This review summarizes the finding of new hit compounds for neglected tropical protozoan diseases, by repurposing known human kinase inhibitors on trypanosomatids. Kinase inhibitors are grouped by human kinase family and discussed according to the screening (target-based or phenotypic) reported for these compounds on trypanosomatids. This collection aims to provide insight into repurposed human kinase inhibitors and their importance in the development of new chemical entities with potential beneficial effects on the diseases caused by trypanosomatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dichiara
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria, 6, 95100, Catania, Italy
| | - Agostino Marrazzo
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria, 6, 95100, Catania, Italy
| | - Orazio Prezzavento
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria, 6, 95100, Catania, Italy
| | - Simona Collina
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli, 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria, 6, 95100, Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuele Amata
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria, 6, 95100, Catania, Italy
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Ershov OV, Mikhailov DL, Bardasov IN, Ievlev MY, Belikov MY. Synthesis and solid-state fluorescence of 2-alkylamino-4-aminopyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s1070428017060124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Novel Therapeutic Targets for Human African Trypanosomiasis. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40506-017-0120-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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