1
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Hagemann CL, Macedo AJ, Tasca T. Therapeutic potential of antimicrobial peptides against pathogenic protozoa. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:122. [PMID: 38311672 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08133-0] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Protozoal infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. The use of several antiprotozoal drugs is associated with serious adverse effects and resistance development, and drugs that are more effective are urgently needed. Microorganisms, mammalian cells and fluids, insects, and reptiles are sources of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that act against pathogenic microorganisms; these AMPs have been widely studied as a promising alternative therapeutic option to conventional antibiotics, aiming to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens. One advantage of AMP molecules is their adaptability, as they can be easily fine-tuned for broad-spectrum or targeted activity by changing the amino acid residues in their sequence. Consequently, these variations in structural and physicochemical properties can alter the antimicrobial activities of AMPs and decrease resistance development. This article presents an overview of peptide activities against amebiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, malaria, and toxoplasmosis. AMPs and their analogs demonstrate great potential as therapeutics, with potent and selective activity, when compared with commercially available drugs, and hold the potential to act as new scaffolds for the development of novel anti-protozoal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Lobato Hagemann
- Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Alexandre José Macedo
- Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Tiana Tasca
- Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90610-000, Brazil.
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2
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Ribeiro R, Costa L, Pinto E, Sousa E, Fernandes C. Therapeutic Potential of Marine-Derived Cyclic Peptides as Antiparasitic Agents. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:609. [PMID: 38132930 PMCID: PMC10745025 DOI: 10.3390/md21120609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases still compromise human health. Some of the currently available therapeutic drugs have limitations considering their adverse effects, questionable efficacy, and long treatment, which have encouraged drug resistance. There is an urgent need to find new, safe, effective, and affordable antiparasitic drugs. Marine-derived cyclic peptides have been increasingly screened as candidates for developing new drugs. Therefore, in this review, a systematic analysis of the scientific literature was performed and 25 marine-derived cyclic peptides with antiparasitic activity (1-25) were found. Antimalarial activity is the most reported (51%), followed by antileishmanial (27%) and antitrypanosomal (20%) activities. Some compounds showed promising antiparasitic activity at the nM scale, being active against various parasites. The mechanisms of action and targets for some of the compounds have been investigated, revealing different strategies against parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (R.R.); (L.C.); (E.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
| | - Lia Costa
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (R.R.); (L.C.); (E.S.)
| | - Eugénia Pinto
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
- Laboratório de Microbiologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Emília Sousa
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (R.R.); (L.C.); (E.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
| | - Carla Fernandes
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (R.R.); (L.C.); (E.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
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3
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Verboni M, Olivieri D, Lucarini S. A recent update on new synthetic chiral compounds with antileishmanial activity. Chirality 2022; 34:1279-1297. [PMID: 35947400 PMCID: PMC9543214 DOI: 10.1002/chir.23494] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases, including malaria, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis, affect billions of people and are responsible for almost 500,000 deaths/year. In particular, leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease, is considered a global public health problem because current drugs have several drawbacks including to toxicity, high cost, and drug resistance, which result in a lack of effective and readily available therapies. Therefore, the synthesis of new, safe, and effective molecules still requires the attention of the scientific community. Moreover, it is well known that chirality plays a crucial role in the antiparasitic activity of molecules, driving the design of their synthesis. Therefore, in this review we report a recent update on new chiral compounds with promising antileishmanial activity, focusing on synthetic approaches. Where reported, in most cases the enantiopure compound has shown better potency against the protozoa than its enantiomer or corresponding racemic mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Verboni
- Department of Biomolecular Science, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Diego Olivieri
- Department of Biomolecular Science, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Simone Lucarini
- Department of Biomolecular Science, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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4
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Fiorillo A, Colotti G, Exertier C, Liuzzi A, Seghetti F, Salerno A, Caciolla J, Ilari A. Innovative Approach for a Classic Target: Fragment Screening on Trypanothione Reductase Reveals New Opportunities for Drug Design. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:900882. [PMID: 35860359 PMCID: PMC9289546 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.900882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanothione reductase (TR) is a key factor in the redox homeostasis of trypanosomatid parasites, critical for survival in the hostile oxidative environment generated by the host to fight infection. TR is considered an attractive target for the development of new trypanocidal agents as it is essential for parasite survival but has no close homolog in humans. However, the high efficiency and turnover of TR challenging targets since only potent inhibitors, with nanomolar IC50, can significantly affect parasite redox state and viability. To aid the design of effective compounds targeting TR, we performed a fragment-based crystal screening at the Diamond Light Source XChem facility using a library optimized for follow-up synthesis steps. The experiment, allowing for testing over 300 compounds, resulted in the identification of 12 new ligands binding five different sites. Interestingly, the screening revealed the existence of an allosteric pocket close to the NADPH binding site, named the “doorstop pocket” since ligands binding at this site interfere with TR activity by hampering the “opening movement” needed to allow cofactor binding. The second remarkable site, known as the Z-site, identified by the screening, is located within the large trypanothione cavity but corresponds to a region not yet exploited for inhibition. The fragments binding to this site are close to each other and have some remarkable features making them ideal for follow-up optimization as a piperazine moiety in three out of five fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Fiorillo
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council, IBPM-CNR, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Annarita Fiorillo,
| | - Gianni Colotti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council, IBPM-CNR, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Cécile Exertier
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council, IBPM-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia Liuzzi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council, IBPM-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Seghetti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jessica Caciolla
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Ilari
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council, IBPM-CNR, Rome, Italy
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5
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Buyanova M, Pei D. Targeting intracellular protein-protein interactions with macrocyclic peptides. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:234-248. [PMID: 34911657 PMCID: PMC8840965 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are challenging targets for traditional drug modalities. Macrocyclic peptides (MPs) prove highly effective PPI inhibitors in vitro and can be rapidly discovered against PPI targets by rational design or screening combinatorial libraries but are generally impermeable to the cell membrane. Recent advances in MP science and technology are allowing for the development of 'drug-like' MPs that potently and specifically modulate intracellular PPI targets in cell culture and animal models. In this review, we highlight recent progress in generating cell-permeable MPs that enter the mammalian cell by passive diffusion, endocytosis followed by endosomal escape, or as-yet unknown mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Buyanova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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6
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Cytotoxicity of Essential Oil Cordia verbenaceae against Leishmania brasiliensis and Trypanosoma cruzi. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26154485. [PMID: 34361638 PMCID: PMC8348457 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The species Cordia verbenacea DC (Boraginaceae), known as the whaling herb and camaradinha, is a perennial shrub species native to the Atlantic Forest. Its leaves are used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiulcerogenic and curative agent, in the form of teas or infusions for internal or topical use. The present study aimed to verify the cytotoxicity of the essential oil and the leishmanicidal and trypanocidal potential of C. verbenacea. The essential oil was characterized by GC-MS. The in vitro biological activity was determined by anti-Leishmania and anti-Trypanosoma assays. The cytotoxixity was determined using mammalian fibroblasts. The C. verbenacea species presented α-pinene (45.71%), β-caryophyllene (18.77%), tricyclo[2,2,1-(2.6)]heptane (12.56%) as their main compounds. The essential oil exhibited strong cytotoxicity at concentrations below 250 μg/mL (LC50 138.1 μg/mL) in mammalian fibroblasts. The potent anti-trypanosome and anti-promastigote activities occurred from the concentration of 62.5 μg/mL and was considered clinically relevant. The results also demonstrate that at low concentrations (<62.5 μg/mL), the essential oil of C. verbenacea managed to be lethal for these activities. This can be considered an indication of the power used in daily human consumption. Therefore, it can be concluded that the essential oil of C. verbenacea contains a compound with remarkable antiparasitic activities and requires further research.
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7
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Revuelto A, López-Martín I, de Lucio H, García-Soriano JC, Zanda N, de Castro S, Gago F, Jiménez-Ruiz A, Velázquez S, Camarasa MJ. Small Molecule-Peptide Conjugates as Dimerization Inhibitors of Leishmania infantum Trypanothione Disulfide Reductase. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070689. [PMID: 34358115 PMCID: PMC8308777 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070689] [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: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanothione disulfide reductase (TryR) is an essential homodimeric enzyme of trypanosomatid parasites that has been validated as a drug target to fight human infections. Using peptides and peptidomimetics, we previously obtained proof of concept that disrupting protein-protein interactions at the dimer interface of Leishmania infantum TryR (LiTryR) offered an innovative and so far unexploited opportunity for the development of novel antileishmanial agents. Now, we show that linking our previous peptide prototype TRL38 to selected hydrophobic moieties provides a novel series of small-molecule-peptide conjugates that behave as good inhibitors of both LiTryR activity and dimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Revuelto
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), E-28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.); (I.L.-M.); (N.Z.); (S.d.C.)
| | - Isabel López-Martín
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), E-28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.); (I.L.-M.); (N.Z.); (S.d.C.)
| | - Héctor de Lucio
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (H.d.L.); (J.C.G.-S.); (A.J.-R.)
| | - Juan Carlos García-Soriano
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (H.d.L.); (J.C.G.-S.); (A.J.-R.)
| | - Nicola Zanda
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), E-28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.); (I.L.-M.); (N.Z.); (S.d.C.)
| | - Sonia de Castro
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), E-28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.); (I.L.-M.); (N.Z.); (S.d.C.)
| | - Federico Gago
- Unidad Asociada al IQM-CSIC, Área de Farmacología, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain;
| | - Antonio Jiménez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (H.d.L.); (J.C.G.-S.); (A.J.-R.)
| | - Sonsoles Velázquez
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), E-28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.); (I.L.-M.); (N.Z.); (S.d.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.V.); (M.-J.C.); Tel.: +34-912-587-458 (M.-J.C.)
| | - María-José Camarasa
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), E-28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.); (I.L.-M.); (N.Z.); (S.d.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.V.); (M.-J.C.); Tel.: +34-912-587-458 (M.-J.C.)
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8
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Revuelto A, de Lucio H, García-Soriano JC, Sánchez-Murcia PA, Gago F, Jiménez-Ruiz A, Camarasa MJ, Velázquez S. Efficient Dimerization Disruption of Leishmania infantum Trypanothione Reductase by Triazole-phenyl-thiazoles. J Med Chem 2021; 64:6137-6160. [PMID: 33945281 PMCID: PMC8480782 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of Leishmania infantum trypanothione disulfide reductase (LiTryR) by disruption of its homodimeric interface has proved to be an alternative and unexploited strategy in the search for novel antileishmanial agents. Proof of concept was first obtained by peptides and peptidomimetics. Building on previously reported dimerization disruptors containing an imidazole-phenyl-thiazole scaffold, we now report a new 1,2,3-triazole-based chemotype that yields noncompetitive, slow-binding inhibitors of LiTryR. Several compounds bearing (poly)aromatic substituents dramatically improve the ability to disrupt LiTryR dimerization relative to reference imidazoles. Molecular modeling studies identified an almost unexplored hydrophobic region at the interfacial domain as the putative binding site for these compounds. A subsequent structure-based design led to a symmetrical triazole analogue that displayed even more potent inhibitory activity over LiTryR and enhanced leishmanicidal activity. Remarkably, several of these novel triazole-bearing compounds were able to kill both extracellular and intracellular parasites in cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Revuelto
- Instituto
de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), c/ Juan de la Cierva 3, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Héctor de Lucio
- Departamento
de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad
de Alcalá, E-28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Pedro A. Sánchez-Murcia
- Área
de Farmacología, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas,
Unidad Asociada al IQM-CSIC, Universidad
de Alcalá, E-28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Federico Gago
- Área
de Farmacología, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas,
Unidad Asociada al IQM-CSIC, Universidad
de Alcalá, E-28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Jiménez-Ruiz
- Departamento
de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad
de Alcalá, E-28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - María-José Camarasa
- Instituto
de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), c/ Juan de la Cierva 3, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonsoles Velázquez
- Instituto
de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), c/ Juan de la Cierva 3, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
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9
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Robles-Loaiza AA, Pinos-Tamayo EA, Mendes B, Teixeira C, Alves C, Gomes P, Almeida JR. Peptides to Tackle Leishmaniasis: Current Status and Future Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094400. [PMID: 33922379 PMCID: PMC8122823 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based drugs are an attractive class of therapeutic agents, recently recognized by the pharmaceutical industry. These molecules are currently being used in the development of innovative therapies for diverse health conditions, including tropical diseases such as leishmaniasis. Despite its socioeconomic influence on public health, leishmaniasis remains long-neglected and categorized as a poverty-related disease, with limited treatment options. Peptides with antileishmanial effects encountered to date are a structurally heterogeneous group, which can be found in different natural sources—amphibians, reptiles, insects, bacteria, marine organisms, mammals, plants, and others—or inspired by natural toxins or proteins. This review details the biochemical and structural characteristics of over one hundred peptides and their potential use as molecular frameworks for the design of antileishmanial drug leads. Additionally, we detail the main chemical modifications or substitutions of amino acid residues carried out in the peptide sequence, and their implications in the development of antileishmanial candidates for clinical trials. Our bibliographic research highlights that the action of leishmanicidal peptides has been evaluated mainly using in vitro assays, with a special emphasis on the promastigote stage. In light of these findings, and considering the advances in the successful application of peptides in leishmaniasis chemotherapy, possible approaches and future directions are discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto A. Robles-Loaiza
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador; (A.A.R.-L.); (E.A.P.-T.)
| | - Edgar A. Pinos-Tamayo
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador; (A.A.R.-L.); (E.A.P.-T.)
| | - Bruno Mendes
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-862, Brazil;
| | - Cátia Teixeira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (C.T.); (C.A.); (P.G.)
| | - Cláudia Alves
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (C.T.); (C.A.); (P.G.)
| | - Paula Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (C.T.); (C.A.); (P.G.)
| | - José R. Almeida
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador; (A.A.R.-L.); (E.A.P.-T.)
- Correspondence:
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10
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Sørensen KK, Mishra NK, Paprocki MP, Mehrotra A, Jensen KJ. High-Performance Reversed-Phase Flash Chromatography Purification of Peptides and Chemically Modified Insulins. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1818-1822. [PMID: 33443297 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Preparative reversed-phase HPLC is the established method for the purification of peptides, but has significant limitations. We systematically investigated the use of high-performance reversed-phase flash chromatography (HPFC) to rapidly purify laboratory-scale quantities of crude, synthetic peptides and chemically modified insulins. We demonstrated these methods for a diverse set of peptides, including short, medium, and long peptides. Depending on the purity profile of the peptide, HPFC can be used either as the sole purification method, or as a pre-purification method prior to final HPLC purification. Furthermore, HPFC is suitable for the purification of peptides that are not fully in solution. We provide guidelines for the HPFC of synthetic peptides and small proteins, including the choice of columns, eluents, and gradients. We believe that HPFC is a valuable alternative to HPLC purification of peptides and small proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper K Sørensen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Narendra K Mishra
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Maciej P Paprocki
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | - Knud J Jensen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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11
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Targeting protein self-association in drug design. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1148-1163. [PMID: 33548462 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Protein self-association is a universal phenomenon essential for stability and molecular recognition. Disrupting constitutive homomers constitutes an original and emerging strategy in drug design. Inhibition of homomeric proteins can be achieved through direct complex disruption, subunit intercalation, or by promoting inactive oligomeric states. Targeting self-interaction grants several advantages over active site inhibition because of the stimulation of protein degradation, the enhancement of selectivity, substoichiometric inhibition, and by-pass of compensatory mechanisms. This new landscape in protein inhibition is driven by the development of biophysical and biochemical tools suited for the study of homomeric proteins, such as differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), native mass spectrometry (MS), Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) spectroscopy, 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X-ray crystallography. In this review, we discuss the different aspects of this new paradigm in drug design.
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12
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Winkler DFH. Automated Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2021; 2103:59-94. [PMID: 31879919 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0227-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of solid-phase peptide synthesis by Bruce Merrifield paved the way for a synthesis carried out by machines. Automated peptide synthesis is a fast and convenient way of synthesizing many peptides simultaneously. This chapter tries to give a general guidance for the development of synthesis protocols for the peptide synthesizer. It also provides some suggestions for the modification of the synthesized peptides. Additionally, many examples of possible challenges during and after the synthesis are given in order to support the reader in finding the best synthesis strategy. Numerous references are given to many of the described matters.
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13
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Design, Synthesis, Characterization of New Carbamates of 4-Nitrophenylchloroformate and Their Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities: an In Vitro and In Silico Approach. CHEMISTRY AFRICA 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42250-020-00211-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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14
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New Amides Containing Selenium as Potent Leishmanicidal Agents Targeting Trypanothione Reductase. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 65:AAC.00524-20. [PMID: 33046492 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00524-20] [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: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Two new series of 28 selenocyanate and diselenide derivatives containing amide moieties were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their leishmanicidal activity against Leishmania infantum axenic amastigotes, and selectivity was assessed in human THP-1 cells. Eleven compounds exhibited excellent leishmanicidal activity with EC50 values lower than the reference drug miltefosine (EC50 = 2.84 μM). In addition, for six of them the selectivity index ranged from 9 to >1,442, greater than both references used. The most potent and selective compounds were compounds 2h, 2k, and 2m that displayed EC50 values of 0.52, 1.19, and 0.50 μM, respectively, and a high selectivity index (SI) when tested against THP-1 monocytic cells (SI = >1,442, >672, and >1,100, respectively). These derivatives showed an efficacy similar to that of the reference drugs but much better SI values. They also showed interesting activity values against infected macrophages. Trypanothione reductase (TryR) activity and intracellular thiol level measurement assays were performed for the three best compounds in an attempt to elucidate their mechanism of action. Despite that the new analogs exhibited comparable or better inhibitory activities than the reference TryR inhibitors, more studies are necessary to confirm this result. In summary, our findings suggest that the three compounds described here could constitute leading leishmanicidal drug candidates.
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15
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Illa O, Olivares JA, Gaztelumendi N, Martínez-Castro L, Ospina J, Abengozar MÁ, Sciortino G, Maréchal JD, Nogués C, Royo M, Rivas L, Ortuño RM. Chiral Cyclobutane-Containing Cell-Penetrating Peptides as Selective Vectors for Anti- Leishmania Drug Delivery Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7502. [PMID: 33053805 PMCID: PMC7590151 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Two series of new hybrid γ/γ-peptides, γ-CC and γ-CT, formed by (1S,2R)-3-amino-2,2,dimethylcyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid joined in alternation to a Nα-functionalized cis- or trans-γ-amino-l-proline derivative, respectively, have been synthesized and evaluated as cell penetrating peptides (CPP) and as selective vectors for anti-Leishmania drug delivery systems (DDS). They lacked cytotoxicity on the tumoral human cell line HeLa with a moderate cell-uptake on these cells. In contrast, both γ-CC and γ-CT tetradecamers were microbicidal on the protozoan parasite Leishmania beyond 25 μM, with significant intracellular accumulation. They were conjugated to fluorescent doxorubicin (Dox) as a standard drug showing toxicity beyond 1 μM, while free Dox was not toxic. Intracellular accumulation was 2.5 higher than with Dox-TAT conjugate (TAT = transactivator of transcription, taken as a standard CPP). The conformational structure of the conjugates was approached both by circular dichroism spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Altogether, computational calculations predict that the drug-γ-peptide conjugates adopt conformations that bury the Dox moiety into a cavity of the folded peptide, while the positively charged guanidinium groups face the solvent. The favorable charge/hydrophobicity balance in these CPP improves the solubility of Dox in aqueous media, as well as translocation across cell membranes, making them promising candidates for DDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ona Illa
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (O.I.); (J.-A.O.); (L.M.-C.); (J.O.); (G.S.); (J.-D.M.)
| | - José-Antonio Olivares
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (O.I.); (J.-A.O.); (L.M.-C.); (J.O.); (G.S.); (J.-D.M.)
| | - Nerea Gaztelumendi
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
| | - Laura Martínez-Castro
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (O.I.); (J.-A.O.); (L.M.-C.); (J.O.); (G.S.); (J.-D.M.)
| | - Jimena Ospina
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (O.I.); (J.-A.O.); (L.M.-C.); (J.O.); (G.S.); (J.-D.M.)
| | - María-Ángeles Abengozar
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, c/Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Giuseppe Sciortino
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (O.I.); (J.-A.O.); (L.M.-C.); (J.O.); (G.S.); (J.-D.M.)
| | - Jean-Didier Maréchal
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (O.I.); (J.-A.O.); (L.M.-C.); (J.O.); (G.S.); (J.-D.M.)
| | - Carme Nogués
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
| | - Míriam Royo
- Institut de Química Avançada de Catalunya (IQAC-CSIC), c/Jordi Girona, 18–26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), c/Jordi Girona, 18–26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Rivas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, c/Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Rosa M. Ortuño
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (O.I.); (J.-A.O.); (L.M.-C.); (J.O.); (G.S.); (J.-D.M.)
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16
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Saccoliti F, Di Santo R, Costi R. Recent Advancement in the Search of Innovative Antiprotozoal Agents Targeting Trypanothione Metabolism. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:2420-2435. [PMID: 32805075 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites are responsible for the challenging neglected tropical diseases leishmaniases, Chagas disease, and human African trypanosomiasis, which account for up to 40,000 deaths annually mainly in developing countries. Current chemotherapy relies on drugs with significant limitations in efficacy and safety, prompting the urgent need to explore innovative approaches to improve the drug discovery pipeline. The unique trypanothione-based redox pathway, which is absent in human hosts, is vital for all trypanosomatids and offers valuable opportunities to guide the rational development of specific, broad-spectrum and innovative anti-trypanosomatid agents. Major efforts focused on the key metabolic enzymes trypanothione synthetase-amidase and trypanothione reductase, whose inhibition should affect the entire pathway and, finally, parasite survival. Herein, we will report and comment on the most recent studies in the search for enzyme inhibitors, underlining the promising opportunities that have emerged so far to drive the exploration of future successful therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saccoliti
- D3 PharmaChemistry, Italian Institute of Technology, Via Morego 30, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Santo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Roberta Costi
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
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17
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Thabault L, Brisson L, Brustenga C, Martinez Gache SA, Prévost JRC, Kozlova A, Spillier Q, Liberelle M, Benyahia Z, Messens J, Copetti T, Sonveaux P, Frédérick R. Interrogating the Lactate Dehydrogenase Tetramerization Site Using (Stapled) Peptides. J Med Chem 2020; 63:4628-4643. [PMID: 32250117 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Lactate dehydrogenases (LDHs) are tetrameric enzymes of major significance in cancer metabolism as well as promising targets for cancer therapy. However, their wide and polar catalytic sites make them a challenging target for orthosteric inhibition. In this work, we conceived to target LDH tetramerization sites with the ambition of disrupting their oligomeric state. To do so, we designed a protein model of a dimeric LDH-H. We exploited this model through WaterLOGSY nuclear magnetic resonance and microscale thermophoresis for the identification and characterization of a set of α-helical peptides and stapled derivatives that specifically targeted the LDH tetramerization sites. This strategy resulted in the design of a macrocyclic peptide that competes with the LDH tetramerization domain, thus disrupting and destabilizing LDH tetramers. These peptides and macrocycles, along with the dimeric model of LDH-H, constitute promising pharmacological tools for the de novo design and identification of LDH tetramerization disruptors. Overall, our study demonstrates that disrupting LDH oligomerization state by targeting their tetramerization sites is achievable and paves the way toward LDH inhibition through this novel molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léopold Thabault
- Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.,Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lucie Brisson
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.,INSERM UMR1069, Nutrition, Croissance et Cancer, Université François-Rabelais, F-37041 Tours, France
| | - Chiara Brustenga
- Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Santiago A Martinez Gache
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium.,Brussels Center for Redox Biology, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium.,Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julien R C Prévost
- Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arina Kozlova
- Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quentin Spillier
- Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.,Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maxime Liberelle
- Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Zohra Benyahia
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joris Messens
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium.,Brussels Center for Redox Biology, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium.,Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tamara Copetti
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Sonveaux
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Raphaël Frédérick
- Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- John Howl
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton Wolverhampton UK
| | - Sarah Jones
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton Wolverhampton UK
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19
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Kwofie SK, Broni E, Dankwa B, Enninful KS, Kwarko GB, Darko L, Durvasula R, Kempaiah P, Rathi B, Miller Iii WA, Yaya A, Wilson MD. Outwitting an Old Neglected Nemesis: A Review on Leveraging Integrated Data-Driven Approaches to Aid in Unraveling of Leishmanicides of Therapeutic Potential. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:349-366. [PMID: 31994465 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200128160454] [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] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The global prevalence of leishmaniasis has increased with skyrocketed mortality in the past decade. The causative agent of leishmaniasis is Leishmania species, which infects populations in almost all the continents. Prevailing treatment regimens are consistently inefficient with reported side effects, toxicity and drug resistance. This review complements existing ones by discussing the current state of treatment options, therapeutic bottlenecks including chemoresistance and toxicity, as well as drug targets. It further highlights innovative applications of nanotherapeutics-based formulations, inhibitory potential of leishmanicides, anti-microbial peptides and organometallic compounds on leishmanial species. Moreover, it provides essential insights into recent machine learning-based models that have been used to predict novel leishmanicides and also discusses other new models that could be adopted to develop fast, efficient, robust and novel algorithms to aid in unraveling the next generation of anti-leishmanial drugs. A plethora of enriched functional genomic, proteomic, structural biology, high throughput bioassay and drug-related datasets are currently warehoused in both general and leishmania-specific databases. The warehoused datasets are essential inputs for training and testing algorithms to augment the prediction of biotherapeutic entities. In addition, we demonstrate how pharmacoinformatics techniques including ligand-, structure- and pharmacophore-based virtual screening approaches have been utilized to screen ligand libraries against both modeled and experimentally solved 3D structures of essential drug targets. In the era of data-driven decision-making, we believe that highlighting intricately linked topical issues relevant to leishmanial drug discovery offers a one-stop-shop opportunity to decipher critical literature with the potential to unlock implicit breakthroughs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel K Kwofie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic & Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, PMB LG 77, Legon, Accra, Ghana.,West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
| | - Emmanuel Broni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic & Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, PMB LG 77, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bismark Dankwa
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kweku S Enninful
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gabriel B Kwarko
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Louis Darko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic & Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, PMB LG 77, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ravi Durvasula
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
| | - Prakasha Kempaiah
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
| | - Brijesh Rathi
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Hansraj College University Enclave, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Whelton A Miller Iii
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Physics, & Engineering, Lincoln University, Lincoln University, PA 19352, United States.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
| | - Abu Yaya
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Basic & Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Michael D Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, United States.,Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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20
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Revuelto A, Ruiz-Santaquiteria M, de Lucio H, Gamo A, Carriles AA, Gutiérrez KJ, Sánchez-Murcia PA, Hermoso JA, Gago F, Camarasa MJ, Jiménez-Ruiz A, Velázquez S. Pyrrolopyrimidine vs Imidazole-Phenyl-Thiazole Scaffolds in Nonpeptidic Dimerization Inhibitors of Leishmania infantum Trypanothione Reductase. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:873-891. [PMID: 30983322 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.8b00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of protein-protein interactions of essential oligomeric enzymes by small molecules represents a significant challenge. We recently reported some linear and cyclic peptides derived from an α-helical region present in the homodimeric interface of Leishmania infantum trypanothione reductase ( Li-TryR) that showed potent effects on both dimerization and redox activity of this essential enzyme. Here, we describe our first steps toward the design of nonpeptidic small-molecule Li-TryR dimerization disruptors using a proteomimetic approach. The pyrrolopyrimidine and the 5-6-5 imidazole-phenyl-thiazole α-helix-mimetic scaffolds were suitably decorated with substituents that could mimic three key residues (K, Q, and I) of the linear peptide prototype (PKIIQSVGIS-Nle-K-Nle). Extensive optimization of previously described synthetic methodologies was required. A library of 15 compounds bearing different hydrophobic alkyl and aromatic substituents was synthesized. The imidazole-phenyl-thiazole-based analogues outperformed the pyrrolopyrimidine-based derivatives in both inhibiting the enzyme and killing extracellular and intracellular parasites in cell culture. The most active imidazole-phenyl-thiazole compounds 3e and 3f inhibit Li-TryR and prevent growth of the parasites at low micromolar concentrations similar to those required by the peptide prototype. The intrinsic fluorescence of these compounds inside the parasites visually demonstrates their good permeability in comparison with previous peptide-based Li-TryR dimerization disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Héctor de Lucio
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá
de Henares, Madrid E-28805, Spain
| | - Ana Gamo
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), Madrid E-28006, Spain
| | - Alejandra A. Carriles
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical Chemistry “Rocasolano” (IQFR-CSIC), Madrid E-28006, Spain
| | - Kilian Jesús Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá
de Henares, Madrid E-28805, Spain
| | - Pedro A. Sánchez-Murcia
- Área de Farmacología, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Unidad Asociada al IQM-CSIC, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid E-28805, Spain
| | - Juan A. Hermoso
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical Chemistry “Rocasolano” (IQFR-CSIC), Madrid E-28006, Spain
| | - Federico Gago
- Área de Farmacología, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Unidad Asociada al IQM-CSIC, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid E-28805, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Jiménez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá
de Henares, Madrid E-28805, Spain
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21
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Rengasamy KRR, Khan H, Ahmad I, Lobine D, Mahomoodally F, Suroowan S, Hassan STS, Xu S, Patel S, Daglia M, Nabavi SM, Pandian SK. Bioactive peptides and proteins as alternative antiplatelet drugs. Med Res Rev 2019; 39:2153-2171. [PMID: 31006878 DOI: 10.1002/med.21579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antiplatelet drugs reduce the risks associated with atherothrombotic events and show various applications in diverse cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarctions. Efficacy of the current antiplatelet medicines including aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor, and the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists, are limited due to their increased risks of bleeding, and antiplatelet drug resistance. Hence, it is important to develop new effective antiplatelet drugs, with fewer side-effects. The vast repertoire of natural peptides can be explored towards this goal. Proteins and peptides derived from snake venoms and plants represent exciting candidates for the development of novel and potent antiplatelet agents. Consequently, this review discusses multiple peptides that have displayed antiplatelet aggregation activity in preclinical drug development stages. This review also describes the antiplatelet mechanisms of the peptides, emphasizing the signaling pathways intervened by them. Also, the hurdles encountered during the development of peptides into antiplatelet drugs have been listed. Finally, hitherto unexplored peptides with the potential to prevent platelet aggregation are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Imad Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Devina Lobine
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius
| | - Fawzi Mahomoodally
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius
| | - Shanoo Suroowan
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius
| | - Sherif T S Hassan
- Department of Natural Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Suowen Xu
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Seema Patel
- Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics Research Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, Pavia University, Pavia, Italy
| | - Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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22
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Méndez-Arriaga JM, Oyarzabal I, Martín-Montes Á, García-Rodríguez J, Quirós M, Sánchez-Moreno M. First Example of Antiparasitic Activity Influenced by Thermochromism: Leishmanicidal Evaluation of 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine Metal Complexes. Med Chem 2019; 16:422-430. [PMID: 30931864 DOI: 10.2174/1573406415666190401120607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization catalogues illnesses such as Leishmaniasis as neglected diseases, due to low investment in new drugs to fight them. The search of novel and non-side effects anti-parasitic compounds is one of the urgent needs for the Third World. The use of triazolopyrimidines and their metallic complexes has demonstrated hopeful results in this field. OBJECTIVE This work studies the antiparasitic efficacy of a series of 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4- triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine first row transition metal complexes against three leishmania spp. strains. METHODS The in vitro antiproliferation of promastigote forms of different strains of leishmania spp. (L. infantum, L. braziliensis and L donovani) and the cytotoxicity in macrophage host cells are reported here. The antiparasitic assays have been complemented with enzymatic tests to elucidate the mechanisms of action. New crystal structure description, thermal analysis, magnetic susceptibility and magnetization experiments have also been carried out in order to present a whole characterization of the studied compounds and interesting physical properties besides the biological tests. RESULTS The results of antiproliferation screening and cytotoxicity show great antiparasitic efficacy in the studied complexes. The superoxide dismutase enzymatic assays exhibit a different behaviour according to the thermochromic triazolopyrimidine form tested. CONCLUSION Antiproliferative assays and enzymatic tests corroborate the synergetic leishmanicidal effect present in coordination triazolopyrimidine complexes. The changes in coordination sphere derived from thermochromism affect the physical properties as well as the biological efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Méndez-Arriaga
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada Avda. Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Itziar Oyarzabal
- CNRS, CRPP, UMR 5031, 33600 Pessac, France.,University of Bordeaux, CRPP, UMR 5031, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Álvaro Martín-Montes
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada Avda. Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Judith García-Rodríguez
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Quirós
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Moreno
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada Avda. Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Kabra R, Chauhan N, Kumar A, Ingale P, Singh S. Efflux pumps and antimicrobial resistance: Paradoxical components in systems genomics. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 141:15-24. [PMID: 30031023 PMCID: PMC7173168 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Efflux pumps play a major role in the increasing antimicrobial resistance rendering a large number of drugs of no use. Large numbers of pathogens are becoming multidrug resistant due to inadequate dosage and use of the existing antimicrobials. This leads to the need for identifying new efflux pump inhibitors. Design of novel targeted therapies using inherent complexity involved in the biological network modeling has gained increasing importance in recent times. The predictive approaches should be used to determine antimicrobial activities with high pathogen specificity and microbicidal potency. Antimicrobial peptides, which are part of our innate immune system, have the ability to respond to infections and have gained much attention in making resistant strain sensitive to existing drugs. In this review paper, we outline evidences linking host-directed therapy with the efflux pump activity to infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Kabra
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, SP Pune University Campus, Pune 411007, India
| | - Nutan Chauhan
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, SP Pune University Campus, Pune 411007, India
| | - Anurag Kumar
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, SP Pune University Campus, Pune 411007, India
| | - Prajakta Ingale
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, SP Pune University Campus, Pune 411007, India
| | - Shailza Singh
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, SP Pune University Campus, Pune 411007, India.
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Kapil S, Singh PK, Silakari O. An update on small molecule strategies targeting leishmaniasis. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 157:339-367. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Vijayakumar S, Das P. Recent progress in drug targets and inhibitors towards combating leishmaniasis. Acta Trop 2018; 181:95-104. [PMID: 29452111 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Lesihmaniasis is one of the major neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite of the genus Leishmania. The disease has more than one clinical forms and the visceral form is considered fatal. With the lack of potential vaccine, chemotherapy is the major treatment source considered for the control of the disease in the infected people. Drugs including amphotericin B and miltefosine are widely used for the treatment, however, development of resistance by the parasite towards the administered drug and high-toxicity of the drug are of major concern. Hence, more attention has been shown on identifying new targets, effective inhibitors, and better drug delivery system against the disease. This review deals with recent studies on drug targets and exploring their essentiality for the survival of Leishmania. Further, new inhibitors for those targets, novel anti-leishmanial peptides and vaccines against leishmaniasis were discussed. We believe that this pool of information will ease the researchers to gain knowledge and help in choosing right targets and design of new inhibitors against Leishmaniasis.
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Trypanothione reductase inhibition and anti-leishmanial activity of all-hydrocarbon stapled α-helical peptides with improved proteolytic stability. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 149:238-247. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.02.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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de Lucio H, Gamo AM, Ruiz-Santaquiteria M, de Castro S, Sánchez-Murcia PA, Toro MA, Gutiérrez KJ, Gago F, Jiménez-Ruiz A, Camarasa MJ, Velázquez S. Improved proteolytic stability and potent activity against Leishmania infantum trypanothione reductase of α/β-peptide foldamers conjugated to cell-penetrating peptides. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 140:615-623. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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