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Tao Y, Zheng D, Zou W, Guo T, Liao G, Zhou W. Targeting the cysteine biosynthesis pathway in microorganisms: Mechanism, structure, and drug discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 271:116461. [PMID: 38691891 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116461] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Owing to the global health crisis of resistant pathogenic infections, researchers are emphasizing the importance of novel prevention and control strategies. Existing antimicrobial drugs predominantly target a few pathways, and their widespread use has pervasively increased drug resistance. Therefore, it is imperative to develop new antimicrobial drugs with novel targets and chemical structures. The de novo cysteine biosynthesis pathway, one of the microbial metabolic pathways, plays a crucial role in pathogenicity and drug resistance. This pathway notably differs from that in humans, thereby representing an unexplored target for developing antimicrobial drugs. Herein, we have presented an overview of cysteine biosynthesis pathways and their roles in the pathogenicity of various microorganisms. Additionally, we have investigated the structure and function of enzymes involved in these pathways as well as have discussed drug design strategies and structure-activity relationships of the enzyme inhibitors. This review provides valuable insights for developing novel antimicrobials and offers new avenues to combat drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Dandan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Wei Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ting Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Guojian Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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Nawaz A, Priya B, Singh K, Ali V. Unveiling the role of serine o-acetyltransferase in drug resistance and oxidative stress tolerance in Leishmania donovani through the regulation of thiol-based redox metabolism. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 213:371-393. [PMID: 38272324 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the unique metabolic pathway of L. donovani is crucial for comprehending its biology under oxidative stress conditions. The de novo cysteine biosynthetic pathway of L. donovani is absent in humans and its product, cysteine regulates the downstream components of trypanothione-based thiol metabolism, important for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. The role of serine o-acetyl transferase (SAT), the first enzyme of this pathway remains unexplored. In order to investigate the role of SAT protein, we cloned SAT gene into pXG-GFP+ vector for episomal expression of SAT in Amphotericin B sensitive L. donovani promastigotes. The SAT overexpression was confirmed by SAT enzymatic assay, GFP fluorescence, immunoblotting and PCR. Our study unveiled an upregulated expression of both LdSAT and LdCS of cysteine biosynthetic pathway and other downstream thiol pathway proteins in LdSAT-OE promastigotes. Additionally, there was an increase in enzymatic activities of LdSAT and LdCS proteins in LdSAT-OE, which was found similar to the Amp B resistant parasites, indicating a potential role of SAT protein in modulating drug resistance. We observed that the overexpression of SAT in Amp B sensitive parasites increases tolerance to drug pressure and oxidative stress via trypanothione-dependent antioxidant mechanism. Moreover, the in vitro J774A.1 macrophage infectivity assessment showed that SAT overexpression augments parasite infectivity. In LdSAT-OE promastigotes, antioxidant enzyme activities like APx and SOD were upregulated, intracellular reactive oxygen species were reduced with a corresponding increase in thiol level, emphasizing SAT's role in stress tolerance and enhanced infectivity. Additionally, the ROS mediated upregulation in the expression of LdSAT, LdCS, LdTryS and LdcTXNPx proteins reveals an essential cross talk between SAT and proteins of thiol metabolism in combating oxidative stress and maintaining redox homeostasis. Taken together, our results provide the first insight into the role of SAT protein in parasite infectivity and survival under drug pressure and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afreen Nawaz
- ICMR - Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, 800007, India
| | - Bhawna Priya
- ICMR - Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, 800007, India
| | - Kuljit Singh
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR - Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, 180001, India
| | - Vahab Ali
- ICMR - Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, 800007, India.
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3
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Pal C. Redox modulating small molecules having antimalarial efficacy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115927. [PMID: 37992998 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115927] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The search for effective antimalarial agents remains a critical priority because malaria is widely spread and drug-resistant strains are becoming more prevalent. In this review, a variety of small molecules capable of modulating redox processes were showcased for their potential as antimalarial agents. The compounds were designed to target the redox balance of Plasmodium parasites, which has a pivotal function in their ability to survive and multiply within the host organism. A thorough screening method was utilized to assess the effectiveness of these compounds against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the malaria-causing parasite. The results revealed that several of the tested compounds exhibited significant effectiveness against malaria, displaying IC50 values at a low micromolar range. Furthermore, these compounds displayed promising selectivity for the parasite, as they exhibited low cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells. Thorough mechanistic studies were undertaken to clarify how the active compounds exert their mode of action. The findings revealed that these compounds disrupted the parasites' redox balance, causing oxidative stress and interfering with essential cellular functions. Additionally, the compounds showed synergistic effects when combined with existing antimalarial drugs, suggesting their potential for combination therapies to combat drug resistance. Overall, this study highlights the potential of redox-modulating small molecules as effective antimalarial agents. The identified compounds demonstrate promising antimalarial activity, and their mechanism of action offers insights into targeting the redox balance of Plasmodium parasites. Further optimization and preclinical studies are warranted to determine their efficacy, safety, and potential for clinical development as novel antimalarial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay Pal
- Department of Chemistry, Gobardanga Hindu College, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal 743273, India.
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Sowerby K, Freitag-Pohl S, Murillo AM, Silber AM, Pohl E. Cysteine synthase: multiple structures of a key enzyme in cysteine synthesis and a potential drug target for Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2023; 79:518-530. [PMID: 37204818 PMCID: PMC10233618 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798323003613] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, whilst leishmaniasis, which is caused by over 20 species of Leishmania, represents a group of NTDs endemic to most countries in the tropical and subtropical belt of the planet. These diseases remain a significant health problem both in endemic countries and globally. These parasites and other trypanosomatids, including T. theileri, a bovine pathogen, rely on cysteine biosynthesis for the production of trypanothione, which is essential for parasite survival in hosts. The de novo pathway of cysteine biosynthesis requires the conversion of O-acetyl-L-serine into L-cysteine, which is catalysed by cysteine synthase (CS). These enzymes present potential for drug development against T. cruzi, Leishmania spp. and T. theileri. To enable these possibilities, biochemical and crystallographic studies of CS from T. cruzi (TcCS), L. infantum (LiCS) and T. theileri (TthCS) were conducted. Crystal structures of the three enzymes were determined at resolutions of 1.80 Å for TcCS, 1.75 Å for LiCS and 2.75 Å for TthCS. These three homodimeric structures show the same overall fold and demonstrate that the active-site geometry is conserved, supporting a common reaction mechanism. Detailed structural analysis revealed reaction intermediates of the de novo pathway ranging from an apo structure of LiCS and holo structures of both TcCS and TthCS to the substrate-bound structure of TcCS. These structures will allow exploration of the active site for the design of novel inhibitors. Additionally, unexpected binding sites discovered at the dimer interface represent new potential for the development of protein-protein inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Sowerby
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Ehmke Pohl
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
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Venancio Brochi JC, Pereira LM, Yatsuda AP. Extracellular H 2O 2, peroxiredoxin, and glutathione reductase alter Neospora caninum invasion and proliferation in Vero cells. Exp Parasitol 2022; 242:108381. [PMID: 36122700 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan member of the Apicomplexa phylum and is closely connected with abortion in cattle. The development of the parasite in host cells is characterized by the active secretion of proteins, allied to the tight control of the redox status. In this sense, elucidating the mechanisms related to the role of the redox agents and enzymes during the invasion and proliferation of N. caninum may contribute to developing novel forms of neosporosis control. In this study we verified the effects of the recombinant forms of N. caninum glutathione reductase (rNcGR) and thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase (rNcPrx), as well as H2O2 in the tachyzoite invasion and proliferation. rNcPrx interfered in the N. caninum invasion in a redox state manner. Oxidized rNcPrx inhibited the N. caninum invasion and proliferation with no toxic effects observed in Vero cells. In contrast, lower concentrations of H2O2 (10 μM) stimulated the N. caninum invasion, which was reverted in higher doses (>100 μM). H2O2 inhibited the parasite proliferation in lower concentrations than cytotoxicity in host cells, resulting in a positive selectivity index (1.8). Besides, rNcPrx (reduced and non-reduced) and rNcGR inhibited the parasite proliferation without affecting the host cell. Our results indicate the connection between the N. caninum development and the redox state, contributing to the elucidation of parasite propagation and control mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Cabestre Venancio Brochi
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, sn/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz Miguel Pereira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, sn/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Patrícia Yatsuda
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, sn/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Osman MS, Awad TA, Shantier SW, Garelnabi EAE, Mukhtar MM, Osman W, Mothana RA, Elhag RI. Insights into the molecular basis of some chalcone analogues as potential inhibitors of Leishmania donovani: An integrated in silico and in vitro study. OPEN CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/chem-2022-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Protozoal infections caused by species belonging to Leishmania donovani complex are responsible for the most severe form of leishmaniasis, especially in Sudan and other developing countries. Drugs commonly used for the treatment of the disease show varying levels of effectiveness and also have associated side effects. Thus, the present work highlights the synthesis of some chalcones to be used as potential anti-leishmanial agents. The activity of the synthesized chalcones has been evaluated against L. donovani. The ADMET profile of the synthesized compounds were tested using various integrated web-based tools. Moreover, in order to investigate the molecular mechanism of action, the chalcone compounds were docked into L. donovani trypanothione reductase (TR) using Autodock 4.0 and molecular dynamics were studies. Eight compounds showed the highest activity against the morphological forms. Among these compounds, chalcones 15 has shown the highest inhibitory effect with IC50 value of 1.1 µM. In addition, pharmacokinetic and toxicological investigations revealed its good oral bioavailability and low toxicity. Furthermore, chalcone 15 was found to interact with high affinity (−13.7 kcal/mol) with TR, an essential enzyme for the leishmanial parasite. Thus, this promising activity against L. donovani supports the use of chalcone 15 as a potential new therapy for visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa S. Osman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum , P.O. Box 1996 , Khartoum , Sudan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Karary University , P.O. Box 11111 , Khartoum , Sudan
| | - Talal A. Awad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Clinical Pharmacy, Ibn Sina University , P.O. Box 11111 , Khartoum , Sudan
| | - Shaza W. Shantier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum , P.O. Box 1996 , Khartoum , Sudan
| | - Elrashied A. E. Garelnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum , P.O. Box 1996 , Khartoum , Sudan
| | - Moawia M. Mukhtar
- Department of Molecular biology, Institute of Endemic Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum , P.O. Box 11111 , Khartoum , Sudan
| | - Wadah Osman
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum , P.O. Box 1996 , Khartoum , Sudan
| | - Ramzi A. Mothana
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | - Rashid I. Elhag
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Florid A&M University , Tallahassee , FL , USA
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Ali V, Behera S, Nawaz A, Equbal A, Pandey K. Unique thiol metabolism in trypanosomatids: Redox homeostasis and drug resistance. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2022; 117:75-155. [PMID: 35878950 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosomatids are mainly responsible for heterogeneous parasitic diseases: Leishmaniasis, Sleeping sickness, and Chagas disease and control of these diseases implicates serious challenges due to the emergence of drug resistance. Redox-active biomolecules are the endogenous substances in organisms, which play important role in the regulation of redox homeostasis. The redox-active substances like glutathione, trypanothione, cysteine, cysteine persulfides, etc., and other inorganic intermediates (hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide) are very useful as defence mechanism. In the present review, the suitability of trypanothione and other essential thiol molecules of trypanosomatids as drug targets are described in Leishmania and Trypanosoma. We have explored the role of tryparedoxin, tryparedoxin peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutaredoxins in the anti-oxidant mechanism and drug resistance. Up-regulation of some proteins in trypanothione metabolism helps the parasites in survival against drug pressure (sodium stibogluconate, Amphotericin B, etc.) and oxidative stress. These molecules accept electrons from the reduced trypanothione and donate their electrons to other proteins, and these proteins reduce toxic molecules, neutralize reactive oxygen, or nitrogen species; and help parasites to cope with oxidative stress. Thus, a better understanding of the role of these molecules in drug resistance and redox homeostasis will help to target metabolic pathway proteins to combat Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahab Ali
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry, ICMR-Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, India.
| | - Sachidananda Behera
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry, ICMR-Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Afreen Nawaz
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry, ICMR-Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Asif Equbal
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry, ICMR-Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, India; Department of Botany, Araria College, Purnea University, Purnia, Bihar, India
| | - Krishna Pandey
- Department of Clinical Medicine, ICMR-Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, India
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Metabolic Shades of S-D-Lactoylglutathione. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11051005. [PMID: 35624868 PMCID: PMC9138017 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11051005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
S-D-lactoylglutathione (SDL) is an intermediate of the glutathione-dependent metabolism of methylglyoxal (MGO) by glyoxalases. MGO is an electrophilic compound that is inevitably produced in conjunction with glucose breakdown and is essentially metabolized via the glyoxalase route. In the last decades, MGO metabolism and its cytotoxic effects have been under active investigation, while almost nothing is known about SDL. This article seeks to fill the gap by presenting an overview of the chemistry, biochemistry, physiological role and clinical importance of SDL. The effects of intracellular SDL are investigated in three main directions: as a substrate for post-translational protein modifications, as a reservoir for mitochondrial reduced glutathione and as an energy currency. In essence, all three approaches point to one direction, namely, a metabolism-related regulatory role, enhancing the cellular defense against insults. It is also suggested that an increased plasma concentration of SDL or its metabolites may possibly serve as marker molecules in hemolytic states, particularly when the cause of hemolysis is a disturbance of the pay-off phase of the glycolytic chain. Finally, SDL could also represent a useful marker in such metabolic disorders as diabetes mellitus or ketotic states, in which its formation is expected to be enhanced. Despite the lack of clear-cut evidence underlying the clinical and experimental findings, the investigation of SDL metabolism is a promising field of research.
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Osman MS, Awad TA, Shantier SW, Garelnabi EA, Osman W, Mothana RA, Nasr FA, Elhag RI. Identification of Some Chalcone Analogues as Potential Antileishmanial Agents: an integrated in vitro and in silico evaluation. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.103717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
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10
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New insights into the mechanism of action of the cyclopalladated complex - CP2 in Leishmania: Calcium Dysregulation, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Cell Death. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 66:e0076721. [PMID: 34633848 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00767-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The current treatment of leishmaniasis is based on few drugs that present several drawbacks such as high toxicity, difficult administration route, and low efficacy. These disadvantages raise the necessity to develop novel antileishmanial compounds allied to a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms of action. Here, we elucidate the probably mechanism of action of the antileishmanial binuclear cyclopalladated complex [Pd(dmba)(μ-N3)]2 (CP2) in Leishmania amazonensis. CP2 causes oxidative stress in the parasite resulting in disruption of mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis, cell cycle arrest at S-phase, increasing the ROS production and overexpression of stress-related and cell detoxification proteins, collapsing the Leishmania mitochondrial membrane potential and promotes apoptotic-like features in promastigotes leading to necrosis or directs programmed cell death (PCD)-committed cells toward necrotic-like destruction. Moreover, CP2 is able to reduce the parasite load in both liver and spleen in Leishmania infantum-infected hamsters when treated for 15 days with 1.5 mg/Kg/day CP2, expanding its potential application in addition to the already known effectiveness on cutaneous leishmaniasis for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis, showing the broad spectrum of action of this cyclopalladated complex. The data herein presented bring new insights into the CP2 molecular mechanisms of action, assisting to promote its rational modification to improve both safety and efficacy.
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Identification of 3-Methoxycarpachromene and Masticadienonic Acid as New Target Inhibitors against Trypanothione Reductase from Leishmania Infantum Using Molecular Docking and ADMET Prediction. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113335. [PMID: 34206087 PMCID: PMC8199445 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyphenolic and Terpenoids are potent natural antiparasitic compounds. This study aimed to identify new drug against Leishmania parasites, leishmaniasis’s causal agent. A new in silico analysis was accomplished using molecular docking, with the Autodock vina program, to find the binding affinity of two important phytochemical compounds, Masticadienonic acid and the 3-Methoxycarpachromene, towards the trypanothione reductase as target drugs, responsible for the defense mechanism against oxidative stress and virulence of these parasites. There were exciting and new positive results: the molecular docking results show as elective binding profile for ligands inside the active site of this crucial enzyme. The ADMET study suggests that the 3-Methoxycarpachromene has the highest probability of human intestinal absorption. Through this work, 3-Methoxycarpachromene and Masticadienonic acid are shown to be potentially significant in drug discovery, especially in treating leishmaniasis. Hence, drug development should be completed with promising results.
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Teodorowski O, Winiarczyk S, Tarhan D, Dokuzeylül B, Ercan AM, Or ME, Staniec M, Adaszek Ł. Antioxidant Status, and Blood Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Dogs with Uncomplicated Babesiosis due to Babesia Canis Infections. J Vet Res 2021; 65:169-174. [PMID: 34250301 PMCID: PMC8256463 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2021-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the study was to demonstrate a link between uncomplicated Babesia canis infection in dogs and blood concentrations of zinc and copper and erythrocytic antioxidant defence - activities of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was based on 15 naturally occurring cases of canine babesiosis with anorexia, pyrexia, depression, pale mucous membrane, splenomegaly and dark red urine. Microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smears and the results of PCR confirmed B. canis infection. Seven apparently healthy dogs brought in for either a check-up or vaccination were used for comparison. RESULTS The levels of the erythrocytic antioxidant enzymes - SOD and CAT - were significantly higher in the infected dogs than in cytologically negative dogs. The levels of blood micronutrients were significantly lower in the infected dogs (0.478 μg of zinc per mL vs 1.241 μg/mL and 0.722 μg of copper per mL vs 1.392 μg/mL). CONCLUSION Oxidative stress can be posited as one of the mechanisms leading to anaemia in dogs with babesiosis, and therefore antioxidant biomarker and copper and zinc concentrations could be used as indicators of disease severity and prognostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stanisław Winiarczyk
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-612Lublin, Poland
| | - Duygu Tarhan
- Department of Biophysics, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Fatih, 34098, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Banu Dokuzeylül
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34320 Avcilar Campus, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alev Meltem Ercan
- Department of Biophysics, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Fatih, 34098, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Erman Or
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34320 Avcilar Campus, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Marta Staniec
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-612Lublin, Poland
| | - Łukasz Adaszek
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-612Lublin, Poland
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Singh RK, Kumar D, Gourinath S. Phosphoserine aminotransferase has conserved active site from microbes to higher eukaryotes with minor deviations. Protein Pept Lett 2021; 28:996-1008. [PMID: 33588715 DOI: 10.2174/0929866528666210215140231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Serine is ubiquitously synthesized in all living organisms from the glycolysis intermediate 3-phosphoglycerate (PGA) by phosphoserine biosynthetic pathway, consisting of three different enzymes, namely: 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PGDH), phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT), and phosphoserine phosphatase (PSP). Any functional defect or mutation in these enzymes may cause deliberating conditions, such as colon cancer progression and chemoresistance in humans. Phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT) is the second enzyme in this pathway that converts phosphohydroxypyruvate (PHP) to O-phospho-L-serine (OPLS). Humans encode two isoforms of this enzyme: PSAT1 and PSAT2. PSAT1 exists as a functional dimer, where each protomer has a large and a small domain; each large domain contains a Lys residue that covalently binds PLP. The PLP-binding site of human PSAT1 and most of its active site residues are highly conserved in all known PSAT structures except for Cys-80. Interestingly, Two PSAT structures from different organisms show halide binding near their active site. While the human PSAT1 shows a water molecule at this site with different interacting residues, suggesting the inability of halide binding in the human enzyme. Analysis of the human PSAT1 structure showed a big patch of positive charge around the active site, in contrast to the bacterial PSATs. Compared to human PSAT1, the PSAT2 isoform lacks 46 residues at its C-terminal tail. This tail region is present at the opening of the active site as observed in the other PSAT structures. Further structural work on human PSAT2 may reveal the functional importance of these 46 residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Kumar Singh
- Structural Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi - 110067. India
| | - Devbrat Kumar
- Structural Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi - 110067. India
| | - Samudrala Gourinath
- Structural Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi - 110067. India
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Tiwari S, Sharma N, Sharma GP, Mishra N. Redox interactome in malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:423-434. [PMID: 33459846 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07051-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum is a severe threat to human health across the globe. This parasite alone causes the highest morbidity and mortality than any other species of Plasmodium. The parasites dynamically multiply in the erythrocytes of the vertebrate hosts, a large number of reactive oxygen species that damage biological macromolecules are produced in the cell during parasite growth. To relieve this intense oxidative stress, the parasite employs an NADPH-dependent thioredoxin and glutathione system that acts as an antioxidant and maintains redox status in the parasite. The mutual interaction of both redox proteins is involved in various biological functions and the survival of the erythrocytic stage of the parasite. Since the Plasmodium species is deficient in catalase and classical glutathione peroxidase, so their redox balance relies on a complex set of five peroxiredoxins, differentially positioned in the cytosol, mitochondria, apicoplast, and nucleus with partly overlapping substrate preferences. Moreover, Plasmodium falciparum possesses a set of members belonging to the thioredoxin superfamily, such as three thioredoxins, two thioredoxin-like proteins, one dithiol, three monocysteine glutaredoxins, and one redox-active plasmoredoxin with largely redundant functions. This review paper aims to discuss and encapsulate the biological function and current knowledge of the functional redox network of Plasmodium falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savitri Tiwari
- Parasite-Host Biology Group, National Institute of Malaria Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, Sector-8, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Nivedita Sharma
- Parasite-Host Biology Group, National Institute of Malaria Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, Sector-8, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | | | - Neelima Mishra
- Parasite-Host Biology Group, National Institute of Malaria Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, Sector-8, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India.
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Aramin S, Fassler R, Chikne V, Goldenberg M, Arian T, Kolet Eliaz L, Rimon O, Ram O, Michaeli S, Reichmann D. TrypOx, a Novel Eukaryotic Homolog of the Redox-Regulated Chaperone Hsp33 in Trypanosoma brucei. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1844. [PMID: 32849441 PMCID: PMC7423844 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
ATP-independent chaperones are widespread across all domains of life and serve as the first line of defense during protein unfolding stresses. One of the known crucial chaperones for bacterial survival in a hostile environment (e.g., heat and oxidative stress) is the highly conserved, redox-regulated ATP-independent bacterial chaperone Hsp33. Using a bioinformatic analysis, we describe novel eukaryotic homologs of Hsp33 identified in eukaryotic pathogens belonging to the kinetoplastids, a family responsible for lethal human diseases such as Chagas disease as caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, African sleeping sickness caused by Trypanosoma brucei spp., and leishmaniasis pathologies delivered by various Leishmania species. During their pathogenic life cycle, kinetoplastids need to cope with elevated temperatures and oxidative stress, the same conditions which convert Hsp33 into a powerful chaperone in bacteria, thus preventing aggregation of a wide range of misfolded proteins. Here, we focused on a functional characterization of the Hsp33 homolog in one of the members of the kinetoplastid family, T. brucei, (Tb927.6.2630), which we have named TrypOx. RNAi silencing of TrypOx led to a significant decrease in the survival of T. brucei under mild oxidative stress conditions, implying a protective role of TrypOx during the Trypanosomes growth. We then adopted a proteomics-driven approach to investigate the role of TrypOx in defining the oxidative stress response. Depletion of TrypOx significantly altered the abundance of proteins mediating redox homeostasis, linking TrypOx with the antioxidant system. Using biochemical approaches, we identified the redox-switch domain of TrypOx, showing its modularity and oxidation-dependent structural plasticity. Kinetoplastid parasites such as T. brucei need to cope with high levels of oxidants produced by the innate immune system, such that parasite-specific antioxidant proteins like TrypOx - which are depleted in mammals - are highly promising candidates for drug targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Aramin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus Givat Ram, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rosi Fassler
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus Givat Ram, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Vaibhav Chikne
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Mor Goldenberg
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus Givat Ram, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tal Arian
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus Givat Ram, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Liat Kolet Eliaz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Oded Rimon
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus Givat Ram, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oren Ram
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus Givat Ram, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shulamit Michaeli
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Dana Reichmann
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus Givat Ram, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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16
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Repolês BM, Machado CR, Florentino PTV. DNA lesions and repair in trypanosomatids infection. Genet Mol Biol 2020; 43:e20190163. [PMID: 32236391 PMCID: PMC7197992 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2019-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological processes such as bacterial, viral and parasitic infections can generate a plethora of responses such as, but not restricted to, oxidative stress that can be harmful to the host and the pathogen. This stress occurs when there is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species produced and antioxidant factors produced in response to the infection. This imbalance can lead to DNA lesions in both infected cells as well as in the pathogen. The effects of the host response on the parasite lead to several kinds of DNA damage, causing alterations in the parasite's metabolism; the reaction and sensitivity of the parasite to these responses are related to the DNA metabolism and life cycle of each parasite. The present review will discuss the survival strategies developed by host cells and Trypanosoma cruzi, focusing on the DNA repair mechanisms of these organisms throughout infection including the relationship between DNA damage, stress response features, and the unique characteristics of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno M Repolês
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - Carlos Renato Machado
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
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17
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Oligomerization dynamics and functionality of Trypanosoma cruzi cytosolic tryparedoxin peroxidase as peroxidase and molecular chaperone. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2019; 1863:1583-1594. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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18
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Karnkowska A, Treitli SC, Brzoň O, Novák L, Vacek V, Soukal P, Barlow LD, Herman EK, Pipaliya SV, Pánek T, Žihala D, Petrželková R, Butenko A, Eme L, Stairs CW, Roger AJ, Eliáš M, Dacks JB, Hampl V. The Oxymonad Genome Displays Canonical Eukaryotic Complexity in the Absence of a Mitochondrion. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 36:2292-2312. [PMID: 31387118 PMCID: PMC6759080 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery that the protist Monocercomonoides exilis completely lacks mitochondria demonstrates that these organelles are not absolutely essential to eukaryotic cells. However, the degree to which the metabolism and cellular systems of this organism have adapted to the loss of mitochondria is unknown. Here, we report an extensive analysis of the M. exilis genome to address this question. Unexpectedly, we find that M. exilis genome structure and content is similar in complexity to other eukaryotes and less "reduced" than genomes of some other protists from the Metamonada group to which it belongs. Furthermore, the predicted cytoskeletal systems, the organization of endomembrane systems, and biosynthetic pathways also display canonical eukaryotic complexity. The only apparent preadaptation that permitted the loss of mitochondria was the acquisition of the SUF system for Fe-S cluster assembly and the loss of glycine cleavage system. Changes in other systems, including in amino acid metabolism and oxidative stress response, were coincident with the loss of mitochondria but are likely adaptations to the microaerophilic and endobiotic niche rather than the mitochondrial loss per se. Apart from the lack of mitochondria and peroxisomes, we show that M. exilis is a fully elaborated eukaryotic cell that is a promising model system in which eukaryotic cell biology can be investigated in the absence of mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Karnkowska
- Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sebastian C Treitli
- Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Brzoň
- Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Novák
- Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Vacek
- Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Soukal
- Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Lael D Barlow
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Emily K Herman
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Shweta V Pipaliya
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Tomáš Pánek
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - David Žihala
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Romana Petrželková
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Anzhelika Butenko
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Eme
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Courtney W Stairs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andrew J Roger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Marek Eliáš
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Institute of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Joel B Dacks
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Vladimír Hampl
- Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
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19
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N-terminal residues are crucial for quaternary structure and active site conformation for the phosphoserine aminotransferase from enteric human parasite E. histolytica. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 132:1012-1023. [PMID: 30959130 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT) is a pyridoxal-5'phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the second reversible step in the phosphoserine biosynthetic pathway producing serine. The crystal structure of E. histolytica PSAT (EhPSAT) complexed with PLP was elucidated at 3.0 Å resolution and the structures of its mutants, EhPSAT_Δ45 and EhPSAT_Δ4, at 1.8 and 2.4 Å resolution respectively. Deletion of 45 N-terminal residues (EhPSAT_Δ45) resulted in an inactive protein, the structure showed a dimeric arrangement drastically different from that of the wild-type protein, with the two monomers translated and rotated by almost 180° with respect to each other; causing a rearrangement of the active site to which PLP was unable to bind. Deletion of first N-terminal 15 (EhPSAT_Δ15) and four 11th to 14th residues (EhPSAT_Δ4) yielded up to 98% and 90% decrease in the activity respectively. Absence of aldimine linkage between PLP-Lys in the crystal structure of EhPSAT_Δ4 mutant explains for such decrease in activity and describes the importance of these N-terminal residues. Furthermore, a halide-binding site was found in close proximity to the active site. A stretch of six amino acids (146-NNTIYG-151) only conserved in the Entamoeba genus, contributes to halide binding may explain that the halide inhibition could be specific to Entamoeba.
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20
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Ortalli M, Ilari A, Colotti G, De Ionna I, Battista T, Bisi A, Gobbi S, Rampa A, Di Martino RMC, Gentilomi GA, Varani S, Belluti F. Identification of chalcone-based antileishmanial agents targeting trypanothione reductase. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 152:527-541. [PMID: 29758517 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.04.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
All currently used first-line and second-line drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis exhibit several drawbacks including toxicity, high costs and route of administration. Furthermore, some drugs are associated with the emergence of drug resistance. Thus, the development of new treatments for leishmaniasis is a priority in the field of neglected tropical diseases. The present work highlights the use of natural derived products, i.e. chalcones, as potential source of antileishmanial agents. Thirty-one novel chalcone compounds have been synthesized and their activity has been evaluated against promastigotes of Leishmania donovani; 16 compounds resulted active against L. donovani in a range from 3.0 to 21.5 μM, showing low toxicity against mammalian cells. Among these molecules, 6 and 16 showed good inhibitory activity on both promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes, coupled with an high selectivity index. Furthermore, compounds 6 and 16 inhibited the promastigote growth of other leishmanial species, including L. tropica, L. major and L. infantum. Finally, 6 and 16 interacted with high affinity with trypanothione reductase (TR), an essential enzyme for the leishmanial parasite and compound 6 inhibited TR with sub-micromolar potency. Thus, the effective inhibitory activity against Leishmania, the lack of toxicity on mammalian cells and the ability to block a crucial parasite's enzyme, highlight the potential for compound 6 to be optimized as novel drug candidate against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Ortalli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Ilari
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianni Colotti
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia De Ionna
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Theo Battista
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bisi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Gobbi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angela Rampa
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita M C Di Martino
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna A Gentilomi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Varani
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Belluti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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21
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Tiwari N, Tanwar N, Munde M. Molecular insights into trypanothione reductase-inhibitor interaction: A structure-based review. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2018; 351:e1700373. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201700373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Tiwari
- School of Physical Sciences; Jawaharlal Nehru University; New Delhi India
| | - Neetu Tanwar
- School of Physical Sciences; Jawaharlal Nehru University; New Delhi India
| | - Manoj Munde
- School of Physical Sciences; Jawaharlal Nehru University; New Delhi India
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22
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de Melo NB, dos Santos LFM, de Castro MS, Souza RLM, Marques MJ, Castro AP, de Castro AT, de Carli ML, Hanemann JAC, Silva MS, Moraes GDOI, Beijo LA, Brigagão MRPL, Sperandio FF. Photodynamic therapy for Schistosoma mansoni : Promising outcomes. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2017; 176:157-164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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23
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Biochemistry and Physiology of Reactive Oxygen Species in Euglena. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 979:47-64. [PMID: 28429317 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-54910-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide are by-products of various metabolic processes in aerobic organisms including Euglena. Chloroplasts and mitochondria are the main sites of ROS generation by photosynthesis and respiration, respectively, through the active electron transport chain. An efficient antioxidant network is required to maintain intracellular ROS pools at optimal conditions for redox homeostasis. A comparison with the networks of plants and animals revealed that Euglena has acquired some aspects of ROS metabolic process. Euglena lacks catalase and a typical selenocysteine containing animal-type glutathione peroxidase for hydrogen peroxide scavenging, but contains enzymes involved in ascorbate-glutathione cycle solely in the cytosol. Ascorbate peroxidase in Euglena, which plays a central role in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, forms a unique intra-molecular dimer structure that is related to the recognition of peroxides. We recently identified peroxiredoxin and NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase isoforms in cellular compartments including chloroplasts and mitochondria, indicating the physiological significance of the thioredoxin system in metabolism of ROS. Besides glutathione, Euglena contains the unusual thiol compound trypanothione, an unusual form of glutathione involving two molecules of glutathione joined by a spermidine linker, which has been identified in pathogenic protists such as Trypanosomatida and Schizopyrenida. Furthermore, in contrast to plants, photosynthesis by Euglena is not susceptible to hydrogen peroxide because of resistance of the Calvin cycle enzymes fructose-1,6-bisphosphatse, NADP+-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphatase, sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase, and phosphoribulokinase to hydrogen peroxide. Consequently, these characteristics of Euglena appear to exemplify a strategy for survival and adaptation to various environmental conditions during the evolutionary process of euglenoids.
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Crnogaj M, Cerón JJ, Šmit I, Kiš I, Gotić J, Brkljačić M, Matijatko V, Rubio CP, Kučer N, Mrljak V. Relation of antioxidant status at admission and disease severity and outcome in dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis canis. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:114. [PMID: 28438201 PMCID: PMC5402640 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1020-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine babesiosis is caused by species of the Babesia genus and has become an emerging disease worldwide. To the authors' knowledge there are no reports in which antioxidants have been analyzed in different presentations of canine babesiosis or in which the prognostic value of antioxidants has been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether oxidative stress could be related to the severity and outcome of canine babesiosis. For this purpose a profile consisting of four antioxidant biomarkers (superoxide dismutase - SOD, glutathione peroxidase - GPx, catalase, total antioxidant status - TAS) and malondialdehyde - MDA as an oxidant biomarker (previously evaluated, here studied for comparative purposes) were evaluated in dogs with canine babesiosis of different clinical severity and outcomes. RESULTS The study was conducted with a sample of 40 dogs suffering from babesiosis (further divided into uncomplicated, one complication and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome - MODS group) and 30 healthy dogs (control group). Additionally, the babesiosis group was divided according to the anaemia into non-anaemic, mildly anaemic, moderately anaemic and severely anaemic dogs. The results of our study showed significantly decreased SOD, catalase and TAS values in diseased dogs compared to controls, while there were no significant differences in GPx between these groups. Dogs that developed MODS showed lower activities of SOD and GPx and higher MDA values compared to dogs with uncomplicated babesiosis as well as with dogs that developed one complication. Superoxide dismutase, catalase and GPx were negatively correlated whereas MDA was positively correlated with the lethal outcome of the disease. Furthermore, this study detected more pronounced decrease in antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, GPx and catalase) in dogs with moderate anaemia compared to those with mild anaemia. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study showed changes in biomarkers related to the antioxidant status of dogs naturally infected with B. canis canis. These biomarkers could be used as indicators of disease severity and outcome in dogs suffering from babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Crnogaj
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - José Joaquin Cerón
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Iva Šmit
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Kiš
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jelena Gotić
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirna Brkljačić
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vesna Matijatko
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Camila Peres Rubio
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Nada Kučer
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Mrljak
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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25
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The Architecture of Thiol Antioxidant Systems among Invertebrate Parasites. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22020259. [PMID: 28208651 PMCID: PMC6155587 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22020259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of oxygen as the final electron acceptor in aerobic organisms results in an improvement in the energy metabolism. However, as a byproduct of the aerobic metabolism, reactive oxygen species are produced, leaving to the potential risk of an oxidative stress. To contend with such harmful compounds, living organisms have evolved antioxidant strategies. In this sense, the thiol-dependent antioxidant defense systems play a central role. In all cases, cysteine constitutes the major building block on which such systems are constructed, being present in redox substrates such as glutathione, thioredoxin, and trypanothione, as well as at the catalytic site of a variety of reductases and peroxidases. In some cases, the related selenocysteine was incorporated at selected proteins. In invertebrate parasites, antioxidant systems have evolved in a diversity of both substrates and enzymes, representing a potential area in the design of anti-parasite strategies. The present review focus on the organization of the thiol-based antioxidant systems in invertebrate parasites. Differences between these taxa and its final mammal host is stressed. An understanding of the antioxidant defense mechanisms in this kind of parasites, as well as their interactions with the specific host is crucial in the design of drugs targeting these organisms.
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26
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Beltrame-Botelho IT, Talavera-López C, Andersson B, Grisard EC, Stoco PH. A Comparative In Silico Study of the Antioxidant Defense Gene Repertoire of Distinct Lifestyle Trypanosomatid Species. Evol Bioinform Online 2016; 12:263-275. [PMID: 27840574 PMCID: PMC5100842 DOI: 10.4137/ebo.s40648] [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: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinetoplastids are an ancestral group of protists that contains free-living species and parasites with distinct mechanisms in response to stress. Here, we compared genes involved in antioxidant defense (AD), proposing an evolution model among trypanosomatids. All genes were identified in Bodo saltans, suggesting that AD mechanisms have evolved prior to adaptation for parasitic lifestyles. While most of the monoxenous and dixenous parasites revealed minor differences from B. saltans, the endosymbiont-bearing species have an increased number of genes. The absence of these genes was mainly observed in the extracellular parasites of the genera Phytomonas and Trypanosoma. In trypanosomes, a distinction was observed between stercorarian and salivarian parasites, except for Trypanosoma rangeli. Our analyses indicate that the variability of AD among trypanosomatids at the genomic level is not solely due to the geographical isolation, being mainly related to specific adaptations of their distinct biological cycles within insect vectors and to a parasitism of a wide range of hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Thaís Beltrame-Botelho
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
- Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Palhoça, SC, Brazil
| | | | - Björn Andersson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Edmundo Carlos Grisard
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Patricia Hermes Stoco
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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Arias DG, Herrera FE, Garay AS, Rodrigues D, Forastieri PS, Luna LE, Bürgi MDLM, Prieto C, Iglesias AA, Cravero RM, Guerrero SA. Rational design of nitrofuran derivatives: Synthesis and valuation as inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi trypanothione reductase. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 125:1088-1097. [PMID: 27810595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.10.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The rational design and synthesis of a series of 5-nitro-2-furoic acid analogues are presented. The trypanocidal activity against epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi and the toxic effects on human HeLa cells were tested. Between all synthetic compounds, three of thirteen had an IC50 value in the range of Nfx, but compound 13 exhibited an improved effect with an IC50 of 1.0 ± 0.1 μM and a selective index of 70 in its toxicity against HeLa cells. We analyzed the activity of compounds 8, 12 and 13 to interfere in the central redox metabolic pathway in trypanosomatids, which is dependent of reduced trypanothione as the major pivotal thiol. The three compounds behaved as better inhibitors of trypanothione reductase than Nfx (Ki values of 118 μM, 61 μM and 68 μM for 8, 12 and 13, respectively, compared with 245 μM for Nfx), all following an uncompetitive enzyme inhibition pattern. Docking analysis predicted a binding of inhibitors to the enzyme-substrate complex with binding energy calculated in-silico that supports such molecular interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Arias
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (CONICET-UNL), Argentina; Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina
| | - F E Herrera
- Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina
| | - A S Garay
- Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina
| | - D Rodrigues
- Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina
| | - P S Forastieri
- Instituto de Química Rosario (CONICET) - FCByF- Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina
| | - L E Luna
- Instituto de Química Rosario (CONICET) - FCByF- Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina
| | - M D L M Bürgi
- Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina
| | - C Prieto
- Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina
| | - A A Iglesias
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (CONICET-UNL), Argentina; Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina
| | - R M Cravero
- Instituto de Química Rosario (CONICET) - FCByF- Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina
| | - S A Guerrero
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (CONICET-UNL), Argentina; Facultad Regional Santa Fe, Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (UTN), Argentina.
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Singh K, Singh KP, Equbal A, Suman SS, Zaidi A, Garg G, Pandey K, Das P, Ali V. Interaction between cysteine synthase and serine O-acetyltransferase proteins and their stage specific expression in Leishmania donovani. Biochimie 2016; 131:29-44. [PMID: 27638321 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania possess a unique trypanothione redox metabolism with undebated roles in protection from oxidative damage and drug resistance. The biosynthesis of trypanothione depends on l-cysteine bioavailability which is regulated by cysteine biosynthesis pathway. The de novo cysteine biosynthesis pathway is comprised of serine O-acetyltransferase (SAT) and cysteine synthase (CS) enzymes which sequentially mediate two consecutive steps of cysteine biosynthesis, and is absent in mammalian host. However, despite the apparent dependency of redox metabolism on cysteine biosynthesis pathway, the role of SAT and CS in redox homeostasis has been unexplored in Leishmania parasites. Herein, we have characterized CS and SAT to investigate their interaction and relative abundance of these proteins in promastigote vs. amastigote growth stages of L. donovani. CS and SAT genes of L. donovani (LdCS and LdSAT) were cloned, expressed, and fusion proteins purified to homogeneity with affinity column chromatography. Purified LdCS contains PLP as cofactor and showed optimum enzymatic activity at pH 7.5. Enzyme kinetics showed that LdCS catalyses the synthesis of cysteine using O-acetylserine and sulfide with a Km of 15.86 mM and 0.17 mM, respectively. Digitonin fractionation and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy showed that LdCS and LdSAT are localized in the cytoplasm of promastigotes. Size exclusion chromatography, co-purification, pull down and immuno-precipitation assays demonstrated a stable complex formation between LdCS and LdSAT proteins. Furthermore, LdCS and LdSAT proteins expression/activity was upregulated in amastigote growth stage of the parasite. Thus, the stage specific differential expression of LdCS and LdSAT suggests that it may have a role in the redox homeostasis of Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuljit Singh
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, 800007, India; Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, EPIP Complex, Hajipur, 844102, India
| | - Krishn Pratap Singh
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, 800007, India
| | - Asif Equbal
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, 800007, India
| | - Shashi S Suman
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, 800007, India
| | - Amir Zaidi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, 800007, India
| | - Gaurav Garg
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, 800007, India; Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, EPIP Complex, Hajipur, 844102, India
| | - Krishna Pandey
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, 800007, India
| | - Pradeep Das
- Department of Molecular Biology, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, 800007, India
| | - Vahab Ali
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agamkuan, Patna, 800007, India; Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, EPIP Complex, Hajipur, 844102, India.
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Niño CH, Forero-Baena N, Contreras LE, Sánchez-Lancheros D, Figarella K, Ramírez MH. Identification of the nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase of Trypanosoma cruzi. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2016; 110:890-7. [PMID: 26560979 PMCID: PMC4660618 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760150175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is the aetiological agent of Chagas disease, a public health concern with an increasing incidence rate. This increase is due, among other reasons, to the parasite's drug resistance mechanisms, which require nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Furthermore, this molecule is involved in metabolic and intracellular signalling processes necessary for the survival of T. cruzi throughout its life cycle. NAD+biosynthesis is performed by de novo and salvage pathways, which converge on the step that is catalysed by the enzyme nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT) (enzyme commission number: 2.7.7.1). The identification of the NMNAT of T. cruzi is important for the development of future therapeutic strategies to treat Chagas disease. In this study, a hypothetical open reading frame (ORF) for NMNAT was identified in the genome of T. cruzi.The corresponding putative protein was analysed by simulating structural models. The ORF was amplified from genomic DNA by polymerase chain reaction and was further used for the construction of a corresponding recombinant expression vector. The expressed recombinant protein was partially purified and its activity was evaluated using enzymatic assays. These results comprise the first identification of an NMNAT in T. cruzi using bioinformatics and experimental tools and hence represent the first step to understanding NAD+ metabolism in these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos H Niño
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Básicas en Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nicolás Forero-Baena
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Básicas en Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luis E Contreras
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Básicas en Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diana Sánchez-Lancheros
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Básicas en Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - María H Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Básicas en Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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Masatani T, Asada M, Hakimi H, Hayashi K, Yamagishi J, Kawazu SI, Xuan X. Identification and functional analysis of a novel mitochondria-localized 2-Cys peroxiredoxin, BbTPx-2, from Babesia bovis. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3139-45. [PMID: 27095567 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5071-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cysteine-based peroxidases, known as peroxiredoxins (Prx) or thioredoxin peroxidases (TPx), are important antioxidant enzymes that prevent oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we identified a novel mitochondrial 2-Cys Prx, BbTPx-2, from a bovine Babesia parasite, B. bovis. BbTPx-2 complementary DNA (cDNA) encodes a polypeptide of 254 amino acid residues. This protein has a mitochondrial targeting peptide at the N-terminus and two conserved cysteine residues of the typical 2-Cys Prx. By using a thiol mixed-function oxidation assay, the antioxidant activity of recombinant BbTPx-2 was revealed, and its antioxidant activity was comparable to that of a cytosolic 2-Cys Prx from B. bovis, BbTPx-1. Notably, we confirmed that BbTPx-2 was expressed in the mitochondrion of B. bovis merozoites. Taken together, the results suggest that the mitochondrial BbTPx-2 is an antioxidative enzyme for scavenging ROS in B. bovis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsunori Masatani
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan.
| | - Masahito Asada
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Hassan Hakimi
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Kei Hayashi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka, 020-8550, Japan.,Department of Pathogenetic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Junya Yamagishi
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, North 20, West 10 Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Kawazu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
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Structural investigation and inhibitory response of halide on phosphoserine aminotransferase from Trichomonas vaginalis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:1508-18. [PMID: 27102280 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT) catalyses the second reversible step of the phosphoserine biosynthetic pathway in Trichomonas vaginalis, which is crucial for the synthesis of serine and cysteine. METHODS PSAT from T. vaginalis (TvPSAT) was analysed using X-ray crystallography, enzyme kinetics, and molecular dynamics simulations. RESULTS The crystal structure of TvPSAT was determined to 2.15Å resolution, and is the first protozoan PSAT structure to be reported. The active site of TvPSAT structure was found to be in a closed conformation, and at the active site PLP formed an internal aldimine linkage to Lys 202. In TvPSAT, Val 340 near the active site while it is Arg in most other members of the PSAT family, might be responsible in closing the active site. Kinetic studies yielded Km values of 54 μM and 202 μM for TvPSAT with OPLS and AKG, respectively. Only iodine inhibited the TvPSAT activity while smaller halides could not inhibit. CONCLUSION Results from the structure, comparative molecular dynamics simulations, and the inhibition studies suggest that iodine is the only halide that can bind TvPSAT strongly and may thus inhibit the activity of TvPSAT. The long loop between β8 and α8 at the opening of the TvPSAT active site cleft compared to other PSATs, suggests that this loop may help control the access of substrates to the TvPSAT active site and thus influences the enzyme kinetics. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Our structural and functional studies have improved our understanding of how PSAT helps this organism persists in the environment.
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Nahar K, Hasanuzzaman M, Alam MM, Rahman A, Suzuki T, Fujita M. Polyamine and nitric oxide crosstalk: Antagonistic effects on cadmium toxicity in mung bean plants through upregulating the metal detoxification, antioxidant defense and methylglyoxal detoxification systems. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2016; 126:245-255. [PMID: 26773834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) contamination is a serious agricultural and environmental hazard. The study investigates cross-protection roles of putrescine (Put, 0.2 mM) and nitric oxide (sodium nitroprusside; SNP, 1 mM) in conferring Cd (CdCl2, 1.5 mM) tolerance in mung bean (Vigna radiata L. cv. BARI Mung-2) seedlings. Cadmium stress increased root and shoot Cd content, reduced growth, destroyed chlorophyll (chl), modulated proline (Pro) and reduced leaf relative water content (RWC), increased oxidative damage [lipid peroxidation, H2O2 content, O2(∙-) generation rate, lipoxygenase (LOX) activity], methylglyoxal (MG) toxicity. Put and/or SNP reduced Cd uptake, increasd phytochelatin (PC) content, reduced oxidative damage enhancing non-enzymatic antioxidants (AsA and GSH) and activities of enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX)]. Exogenous Put and/or SNP modulated endogenous polyamines, PAs (putrescine, Put; spermidine, Spd; spermine, Spm), and NO; improved glyoxalase system in detoxifying MG and improved physiology and growth where combined application showed better effects which designates possible crosstalk between NO and PAs to confer Cd-toxicity tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamrun Nahar
- Laboratory of Plant Stress Responses, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0795, Japan; Department of Agricultural Botany, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh.
| | - Mirza Hasanuzzaman
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Mahabub Alam
- Laboratory of Plant Stress Responses, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0795, Japan
| | - Anisur Rahman
- Laboratory of Plant Stress Responses, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0795, Japan; Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Toshisada Suzuki
- Biomass Chemistry Laboratory, Bioresource Science for Manufacturing, Department of Applied Bioresource Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0795, Japan
| | - Masayuki Fujita
- Laboratory of Plant Stress Responses, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0795, Japan.
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The redox-active drug metronidazole and thiol-depleting garlic compounds act synergistically in the protist parasite Spironucleus vortens. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 206:20-8. [PMID: 26968264 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Spironucleus vortens is a protozoan parasite associated with significant mortalities in the freshwater angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare. Control of this parasite is especially problematic due to restrictions on the use of the drug of choice, metronidazole (MTZ), on fish farms. Use of garlic (Allium sativum) is undergoing a renaissance following experimental validations of its antimicrobial efficiency. Ajoene ((E,Z)-4,5,9-trithiadodeca-1,6,11-triene 9-oxide), is a stable transformation product of allicin, the primary biologically active component of garlic. In the current study, an ajoene oil crude extract had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 40μg/ml against S. vortens. GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy revealed this ajoene extract contained a mixture of the (E) and (Z)-ajoene isomers along with diallyl disulphide (DADS) and diallyl trisulphide (DATS). The only component of the ajoene crude oil found to substantially inhibit S. vortens growth by optical density monitoring (Bioscreen C Reader) was (Z)-ajoene (MIC 16μg/ml). Ajoene oil acted in synergy with MTZ in vitro, reducing the individual MIC of this drug (4μg/ml) by 16-fold, and that of ajoene oil by 200-fold with a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of 0.263. This synergistic interaction was confirmed in vivo. S. vortens-infected Pterophyllum scalare angelfish dosed orally with 0.5% (v/w) MTZ combined with 0.05% (v/w) ajoene displayed a significant reduction in faecal trophozoite count, whilst those fed on 0.5% MTZ flakes (half the recommended oral dose) alone did not. This study demonstrates for the first time the synergistic interaction between the synthetic drug MTZ and natural ajoene oil both in vitro and in vivo. Future work should evaluate the potential synergy of ajoene and MTZ against MTZ-resistant bacteria and protists.
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Jeelani G, Nozaki T. Entamoeba thiol-based redox metabolism: A potential target for drug development. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 206:39-45. [PMID: 26775086 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Amebiasis is an intestinal infection widespread throughout the world caused by the human pathogen Entamoeba histolytica. Metronidazole has been a drug of choice against amebiasis for decades despite its low efficacy against asymptomatic cyst carriers and emergence of resistance in other protozoa with similar anaerobic metabolism. Therefore, identification and characterization of specific targets is urgently needed to design new therapeutics for improved treatment against amebiasis. Toward this goal, thiol-dependent redox metabolism is of particular interest. The thiol-dependent redox metabolism in E. histolytica consists of proteins including peroxiredoxin, rubrerythrin, Fe-superoxide dismutase, flavodiiron proteins, NADPH: flavin oxidoreductase, and amino acids including l-cysteine, S-methyl-l-cysteine, and thioprolines (thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acids). E. histolytica completely lacks glutathione and its metabolism, and l-cysteine is the major intracellular low molecular mass thiol. Moreover, this parasite possesses a functional thioredoxin system consisting of thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase, which is a ubiquitous oxidoreductase system with antioxidant and redox regulatory roles. In this review, we summarize and highlight the thiol-based redox metabolism and its control mechanisms in E. histolytica, in particular, the features of the system unique to E. histolytica, and its potential use for drug development against amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Jeelani
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan.
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Argüelles AJ, Cordell GA, Maruenda H. Molecular Docking and Binding Mode Analysis of Plant Alkaloids as in Vitro and in silico Inhibitors of Trypanothione Reductase from Trypanosoma cruzi. Nat Prod Commun 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1601100118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanothione reductase (TryR) is a key enzyme in the metabolism of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite responsible for Chagas disease. The available repertoire of TryR inhibitors relies heavily on synthetic substrates of limited structural diversity, and less on plant-derived natural products. In this study, a molecular docking procedure using a Lamarckian Genetic Algorithm was implemented to examine the protein-ligand binding interactions of strong in vitro inhibitors for which no X-ray data is available. In addition, a small, skeletally diverse, set of natural alkaloids was assessed computationally against T. cruzi TryR in search of new scaffolds for lead development. The preferential binding mode (low number of clusters, high cluster population), together with the deduced binding interactions were used to discriminate among the virtual inhibitors. This study confirms the prior in vitro data and proposes quebrachamine, cephalotaxine, cryptolepine, (22 S,25 S)-tomatidine, (22 R,25 S)-solanidine, and (22 R,25 R)-solasodine as new alkaloid scaffold leads in the search for more potent and selective TryR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alonso J. Argüelles
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Departamento de Ciencias - Sección Química, Lima, Perú
| | - Geoffrey A. Cordell
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Departamento de Ciencias - Sección Química, Lima, Perú
- Natural Products Inc., Evanston, IL 60203, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Helena Maruenda
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Departamento de Ciencias - Sección Química, Lima, Perú
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Machado-Silva A, Cerqueira PG, Grazielle-Silva V, Gadelha FR, Peloso EDF, Teixeira SMR, Machado CR. How Trypanosoma cruzi deals with oxidative stress: Antioxidant defence and DNA repair pathways. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2016; 767:8-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Gómez-Palacio A, Lopera J, Rojas W, Bedoya G, Cantillo-Barraza O, Marín-Suarez J, Triana-Chávez O, Mejía-Jaramillo A. Multilocus analysis indicates that Trypanosoma cruzi I genetic substructure associated with sylvatic and domestic cycles is not an attribute conserved throughout Colombia. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 38:35-43. [PMID: 26631812 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, has been classified into six discrete typing units (DTUs) named TcI to TcVI. Furthermore, subcontinental scale studies based on analysis of the splice leader intergenic region (SL-IR) of the mini-exon gene have subdivided TcI in five genetic groups (Ia-Ie) related to the domestic and non-domestic cycles. However, a current review of this marker among all the sequences deposited in the GenBank demonstrates no correlation between the genetic structure and the eco-epidemiological features of parasite transmission. In this study, we performed a multilocus analysis of TcI isolates from a diverse array of hosts and vectors in a wide eco-geographical area of Colombia. Sequences from SL-IR and mitochondrial cyt b genes as well as PCR-RFLP profiles for four nuclear genes were analyzed. Multilocus analysis indicates that genetic structuration associated with sylvatic and domestic cycles in Colombia is not an attribute conserved across the entire eco-geography where TcI can be found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Gómez-Palacio
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan Lopera
- Grupo de Genética Molecular, GENMOL, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Winston Rojas
- Grupo de Genética Molecular, GENMOL, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Gabriel Bedoya
- Grupo de Genética Molecular, GENMOL, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Omar Cantillo-Barraza
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Johana Marín-Suarez
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Omar Triana-Chávez
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ana Mejía-Jaramillo
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
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Lima GS, Castro-Pinto DB, Machado GC, Maciel MAM, Echevarria A. Antileishmanial activity and trypanothione reductase effects of terpenes from the Amazonian species Croton cajucara Benth (Euphorbiaceae). PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 22:1133-1137. [PMID: 26547537 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2015.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 08/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis comprises several infectious diseases caused by protozoa parasites of Leishmania genus. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic use of natural products to treat parasitic diseases. Among them Croton cajucara Benth. (Euphorbiaceae) is a plant found in the Amazonian region with a history of safe use in folk medicine. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of clerodane diterpenes, trans-dehydrocrotonin (DCTN), trans-crotonin (CTN) and acetylaleuritolic acid (AAA) obtained from powdered bark of C. cajucara against promastigotes, axenic and intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis. Furthermore, the effects of DCTN and CTN on the trypanotiona reductase enzyme were also investigated. The extraction of the terpenes was carried out as previously reported (Maciel et al., 1998; 2003). METHODS The effect of the isolated compounds (DCTN, CTN and AAA) from the bark of C. cajucara was assessed in vitro against promastigotes, axenic amastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of L. amazonensis by counting of remaining parasites in a Neubauer chamber in comparison to pentamidine used as standard drug. The action of natural products on trypanothione reductase was assessed using soluble protein fraction of promastigotes. The assays were performed by incubation with HEPES, EDTA, NADPH and trypanothione disulfide to quantify the NAPH consumption by TryR. RESULTS The results showed very high efficacy, especially of the diterpene DCTN, against promastigotes (IC50 = 6.30 ± 0.06 µg/ml) and axenic amastigotes (IC50 = 19.98 ± 0.05 µg/ml) of L. amazonenesis. The cytotoxic effect of the best active natural product was evaluated on mouse peritoneal infected macrophages (IC50 = 0.47 ± 0.03 µg/ml in 24 h of culture), and the treatment revealed that DCTN never reaches toxic concentrations while reducing the infection and, most importantly, with no toxicity (>100 µg/ml with 0% of macrophage kill) when compared to pentamidine (37.5 µg/ml with 100% of macrophage kill). Furthermore, all of the natural products assayed on the trypanothione reductase enzyme inhibited the enzyme activity compared to the control. CONCLUSION Clerodane diterpenes from C. cajucara showed promising in vitro antileishmanial effects against L. amazonensis, specially the DCTN with no macrophage toxicity up to the assayed concentration. In addition, the action on trypanothione reductase enzyme revealed a possible mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerson S Lima
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil; Biomanguinhos, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Denise B Castro-Pinto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanossomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gerzia C Machado
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanossomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria A M Maciel
- Universidade Potiguar Laureate International Universities, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Campus Salgado Filho, Natal-RN, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Instituto de Química, Campus Lagoa Nova, Natal-RN, Brazil
| | - Aurea Echevarria
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
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Peloso EF, Dias L, Queiroz RML, Leme AFPP, Pereira CN, Carnielli CM, Werneck CC, Sousa MV, Ricart CAO, Gadelha FR. Trypanosoma cruzi mitochondrial tryparedoxin peroxidase is located throughout the cell and its pull down provides one step towards the understanding of its mechanism of action. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2015; 1864:1-10. [PMID: 26527457 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2015.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi depends on the effectiveness of redox metabolism to survive and ensure infection in the host. Homeostasis of redox metabolism in T. cruzi is achieved by the actions of several proteins that differ in many aspects from host proteins. Although extensive research has been performed examining hydroperoxide cytosolic antioxidant defense centered on trypanothione, the mechanisms of mitochondrial antioxidant defense are not yet known. The aim of this study was to elucidate the partners of TcMPx antioxidant pathway and to determine the influence of the cellular context (physiological versus oxidative stress). Through co-precipitation coupled with a mass spectrometry approach, a variety of proteins were detected under physiological and oxidative stress conditions. Interestingly, functional category analysis of the proteins identified under physiological conditions showed that they were involved in the stress response, oxidoreduction, thiol transfer, and metabolic processes; this profile is distinct under oxidative stress conditions likely due to structural alterations. Our findings help to elucidate the reactions involving TcMPx and most importantly also reveal that this protein is present throughout the cell and that its interaction partners change following oxidative stress exposure. The involvement and significance of the proteins found to interact with TcMPx and other possible functions for this protein are discussed widening our knowledge regarding T. cruzi mitochondrial antioxidant defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- E F Peloso
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - L Dias
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - R M L Queiroz
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Química de Proteínas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - A F P Paes Leme
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais, Laboratório Nacional de Biociências, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - C N Pereira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - C M Carnielli
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais, Laboratório Nacional de Biociências, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - C C Werneck
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - M V Sousa
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Química de Proteínas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - C A O Ricart
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Química de Proteínas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - F R Gadelha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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McCarty SE, Schellenberger A, Goodwin DC, Fuanta NR, Tekwani BL, Calderón AI. Plasmodium falciparum Thioredoxin Reductase (PfTrxR) and Its Role as a Target for New Antimalarial Discovery. Molecules 2015; 20:11459-73. [PMID: 26111176 PMCID: PMC6272602 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200611459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing resistance to current antimalarial drugs is a major concern for global public health. The pressing need for new antimalarials has led to an increase in research focused on the Plasmodium parasites that cause human malaria. Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), an enzyme needed to maintain redox equilibrium in Plasmodium species, is a promising target for new antimalarials. This review paper provides an overview of the structure and function of TrxR, discusses similarities and differences between the thioredoxin reductases (TrxRs) of different Plasmodium species and the human forms of the enzyme, gives an overview of modeling Plasmodium infections in animals, and suggests the role of Trx functions in antimalarial drug resistance. TrxR of Plasmodium falciparum is a central focus of this paper since it is the only Plasmodium TrxR that has been crystallized and P. falciparum is the species that causes most malaria cases. It is anticipated that the information summarized here will give insight and stimulate new directions in which research might be most beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E McCarty
- College of Sciences and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Amanda Schellenberger
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
- College of Agriculture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Douglas C Goodwin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Ngolui Rene Fuanta
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Babu L Tekwani
- National Center for Natural Products Research and Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38677, USA.
| | - Angela I Calderón
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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Role and Regulation of Glutathione Metabolism in Plasmodium falciparum. Molecules 2015; 20:10511-34. [PMID: 26060916 PMCID: PMC6272303 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200610511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria in humans is caused by one of five species of obligate intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. P. falciparum causes the most severe disease and is responsible for 600,000 deaths annually, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa. It has long been suggested that during their development, malaria parasites are exposed to environmental and metabolic stresses. One strategy to drug discovery was to increase these stresses by interfering with the parasites’ antioxidant and redox systems, which may be a valuable approach to disease intervention. Plasmodium possesses two redox systems—the thioredoxin and the glutathione system—with overlapping but also distinct functions. Glutathione is the most abundant low molecular weight redox active thiol in the parasites existing primarily in its reduced form representing an excellent thiol redox buffer. This allows for an efficient maintenance of the intracellular reducing environment of the parasite cytoplasm and its organelles. This review will highlight the mechanisms that are responsible for sustaining an adequate concentration of glutathione and maintaining its redox state in Plasmodium. It will provide a summary of the functions of the tripeptide and will discuss the potential of glutathione metabolism for drug discovery against human malaria parasites.
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de Morais CGV, Castro Lima AK, Terra R, dos Santos RF, Da-Silva SAG, Dutra PML. The Dialogue of the Host-Parasite Relationship: Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi Infection. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:324915. [PMID: 26090399 PMCID: PMC4450238 DOI: 10.1155/2015/324915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The intracellular protozoa Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi and the causative agents of Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, respectively, belong to the Trypanosomatidae family. Together, these two neglected tropical diseases affect approximately 25 million people worldwide. Whether the host can control the infection or develops disease depends on the complex interaction between parasite and host. Parasite surface and secreted molecules are involved in triggering specific signaling pathways essential for parasite entry and intracellular survival. The recognition of the parasite antigens by host immune cells generates a specific immune response. Leishmania spp. and T. cruzi have a multifaceted repertoire of strategies to evade or subvert the immune system by interfering with a range of signal transduction pathways in host cells, which causes the inhibition of the protective response and contributes to their persistence in the host. The current therapeutic strategies in leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis are very limited. Efficacy is variable, toxicity is high, and the emergence of resistance is increasingly common. In this review, we discuss the molecular basis of the host-parasite interaction of Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi infection and their mechanisms of subverting the immune response and how this knowledge can be used as a tool for the development of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gustavo Vieira de Morais
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Protozoários e Imunofisiologia do Exercício, Disciplina de Parasitologia, DMIP, FCM, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 5° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Microbiologia/FCM/UERJ, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 3° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Karina Castro Lima
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Protozoários e Imunofisiologia do Exercício, Disciplina de Parasitologia, DMIP, FCM, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 5° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Terra
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Protozoários e Imunofisiologia do Exercício, Disciplina de Parasitologia, DMIP, FCM, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 5° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Fisiopatologia Clínica e Experimental/FCM/UERJ, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 5° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosiane Freire dos Santos
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Microbiologia/FCM/UERJ, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 3° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia Parasitária, Disciplina de Parasitologia, DMIP, FCM, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 5° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Silvia Amaral Gonçalves Da-Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia Parasitária, Disciplina de Parasitologia, DMIP, FCM, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 5° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Maria Lourenço Dutra
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Protozoários e Imunofisiologia do Exercício, Disciplina de Parasitologia, DMIP, FCM, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 5° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Squalestatin is an inhibitor of carotenoid biosynthesis in Plasmodium falciparum. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:3180-8. [PMID: 25779575 DOI: 10.1128/aac.04500-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing resistance of malaria parasites to almost all available drugs calls for the characterization of novel targets and the identification of new compounds. Carotenoids are polyisoprenoids from plants, algae, and some bacteria, and they are biosynthesized by Plasmodium falciparum but not by mammalian cells. Biochemical and reverse genetics approaches were applied to demonstrate that phytoene synthase (PSY) is a key enzyme for carotenoid biosynthesis in P. falciparum and is essential for intraerythrocytic growth. The known PSY inhibitor squalestatin reduces biosynthesis of phytoene and kills parasites during the intraerythrocytic cycle. PSY-overexpressing parasites showed increased biosynthesis of phytoene and its derived product phytofluene and presented a squalestatin-resistant phenotype, suggesting that this enzyme is the primary target of action of this drug in the parasite.
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Oxidative stress control by apicomplexan parasites. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:351289. [PMID: 25722976 PMCID: PMC4324108 DOI: 10.1155/2015/351289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites cause infectious diseases that are either a severe public health problem or an economic burden. In this paper we will shed light on how oxidative stress can influence the host-pathogen relationship by focusing on three major diseases: babesiosis, coccidiosis, and toxoplasmosis.
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The UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase from Giardia lamblia is redox regulated and exhibits promiscuity to use galactose-1-phosphate. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2015; 1850:88-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Ferella M, Davids BJ, Cipriano MJ, Birkeland SR, Palm D, Gillin FD, McArthur AG, Svärd S. Gene expression changes during Giardia-host cell interactions in serum-free medium. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2014; 197:21-3. [PMID: 25286381 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) was used to quantify transcriptional changes in Giardia intestinalis during its interaction with human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs, HT-29) in serum free M199 medium. Transcriptional changes were compared to those in trophozoites alone in M199 and in TYI-S-33 Giardia growth medium. In total, 90 genes were differentially expressed, mainly those involved in cellular redox homeostasis, metabolism and small molecule transport but also cysteine proteases and structural proteins of the giardin family. Only 29 genes changed their expression due to IEC interaction and the rest were due to M199 medium. Although our findings generated a small dataset, it was consistent with our earlier microarray studies performed under different interaction conditions. This study has confined the number of genes in Giardia to a small subset that specifically change their expression due to interaction with IECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Ferella
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Barbara J Davids
- Department of Pathology, Division of Infectious Disease, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel Palm
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Frances D Gillin
- Department of Pathology, Division of Infectious Disease, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Staffan Svärd
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Stoco PH, Wagner G, Talavera-Lopez C, Gerber A, Zaha A, Thompson CE, Bartholomeu DC, Lückemeyer DD, Bahia D, Loreto E, Prestes EB, Lima FM, Rodrigues-Luiz G, Vallejo GA, Filho JFDS, Schenkman S, Monteiro KM, Tyler KM, de Almeida LGP, Ortiz MF, Chiurillo MA, de Moraes MH, Cunha ODL, Mendonça-Neto R, Silva R, Teixeira SMR, Murta SMF, Sincero TCM, Mendes TADO, Urmenyi TP, Silva VG, DaRocha WD, Andersson B, Romanha ÁJ, Steindel M, de Vasconcelos ATR, Grisard EC. Genome of the avirulent human-infective trypanosome--Trypanosoma rangeli. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3176. [PMID: 25233456 PMCID: PMC4169256 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trypanosoma rangeli is a hemoflagellate protozoan parasite infecting humans and other wild and domestic mammals across Central and South America. It does not cause human disease, but it can be mistaken for the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi. We have sequenced the T. rangeli genome to provide new tools for elucidating the distinct and intriguing biology of this species and the key pathways related to interaction with its arthropod and mammalian hosts. Methodology/Principal Findings The T. rangeli haploid genome is ∼24 Mb in length, and is the smallest and least repetitive trypanosomatid genome sequenced thus far. This parasite genome has shorter subtelomeric sequences compared to those of T. cruzi and T. brucei; displays intraspecific karyotype variability and lacks minichromosomes. Of the predicted 7,613 protein coding sequences, functional annotations could be determined for 2,415, while 5,043 are hypothetical proteins, some with evidence of protein expression. 7,101 genes (93%) are shared with other trypanosomatids that infect humans. An ortholog of the dcl2 gene involved in the T. brucei RNAi pathway was found in T. rangeli, but the RNAi machinery is non-functional since the other genes in this pathway are pseudogenized. T. rangeli is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, a phenotype that may be explained by a smaller number of anti-oxidant defense enzymes and heat-shock proteins. Conclusions/Significance Phylogenetic comparison of nuclear and mitochondrial genes indicates that T. rangeli and T. cruzi are equidistant from T. brucei. In addition to revealing new aspects of trypanosome co-evolution within the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, comparative genomic analysis with pathogenic trypanosomatids provides valuable new information that can be further explored with the aim of developing better diagnostic tools and/or therapeutic targets. Comparative genomics is a powerful tool that affords detailed study of the genetic and evolutionary basis for aspects of lifecycles and pathologies caused by phylogenetically related pathogens. The reference genome sequences of three trypanosomatids, T. brucei, T. cruzi and L. major, and subsequent addition of multiple Leishmania and Trypanosoma genomes has provided data upon which large-scale investigations delineating the complex systems biology of these human parasites has been built. Here, we compare the annotated genome sequence of T. rangeli strain SC-58 to available genomic sequence and annotation data from related species. We provide analysis of gene content, genome architecture and key characteristics associated with the biology of this non-pathogenic trypanosome. Moreover, we report striking new genomic features of T. rangeli compared with its closest relative, T. cruzi, such as (1) considerably less amplification on the gene copy number within multigene virulence factor families such as MASPs, trans-sialidases and mucins; (2) a reduced repertoire of genes encoding anti-oxidant defense enzymes; and (3) the presence of vestigial orthologs of the RNAi machinery, which are insufficient to constitute a functional pathway. Overall, the genome of T. rangeli provides for a much better understanding of the identity, evolution, regulation and function of trypanosome virulence determinants for both mammalian host and insect vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Hermes Stoco
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- * E-mail: (PHS); (ECG)
| | - Glauber Wagner
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina, Joaçaba, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Carlos Talavera-Lopez
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Gerber
- Laboratório Nacional de Computação Científica, Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Arnaldo Zaha
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Diana Bahia
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elgion Loreto
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Fábio Mitsuo Lima
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Sérgio Schenkman
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Kevin Morris Tyler
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mauro Freitas Ortiz
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Miguel Angel Chiurillo
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
| | | | | | | | - Rosane Silva
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Turán Peter Urmenyi
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Björn Andersson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Álvaro José Romanha
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Mário Steindel
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Edmundo Carlos Grisard
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- * E-mail: (PHS); (ECG)
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Asn112 in Plasmodium falciparum glutathione S-transferase is essential for induced reversible tetramerization by phosphate or pyrophosphate. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2014; 1844:1427-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2014.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Negi B, Raj KK, Siddiqui SM, Ramachandran D, Azam A, Rawat DS. In vitro antiamoebic activity evaluation and docking studies of metronidazole-triazole hybrids. ChemMedChem 2014; 9:2439-44. [PMID: 25146853 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201402240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
An in-house database of 520 compounds was docked against Entamoeba histolytica thioredoxin reductase (EhTrR), a promising target for the treatment of amoebiasis. Amongst these, some metronidazole (MTZ)-triazole hybrids were ranked high, with docking scores from -10.23 to -7.56. Studies of the binding orientations and conformations show that the head groups of MTZ-triazole hybrids interact with the arginine residues within the binding pocket of EhTrR, making it clear that such is the optimal and most reliable orientation for this class of compounds. The top-ten MTZ-triazole hybrids were then selected for evaluation of their activity against the HM1:IMSS strain of amoeba. The most active compound, 2-pyridyl-(1,2,3-triazolyl)metronidazole 10, with an IC50 value of 8.4 nM, was significantly more active than the standard drug MTZ alone. Docking studies revealed that compound 10 may act as an EhTrR inhibitor with activity in the nanomolar range and satisfactory ADME properties; it is a suitable candidate to be carried forward as a potential lead in the discovery of drugs to combat amoebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beena Negi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007 (India)
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