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Skorokhod O, Valente E, Mandili G, Ulliers D, Schwarzer E. Micromolar Dihydroartemisinin Concentrations Elicit Lipoperoxidation in Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1468. [PMID: 37508006 PMCID: PMC10376682 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is still the most important parasitic infectious disease. Numerous substances are known to have antimalarial activity; among them, artemisinin is the most widely used one, and artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is recommended for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum (P.f.) malaria. Antitumor, immunomodulatory, and other therapeutic applications of artemisinin are under extensive study. Several different mechanisms of action were proposed for dihydroartemisinin (DHA), the active metabolite of artemisinin, such as eliciting oxidative stress in target cells. The goal of this study is to monitor the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) by DHA in P.f.-infected human erythrocytes. Checking ROS and 4-HNE-protein adducts kinetics along the maturation of the parasite, we detected the highest level of 4-HNE in ring forms of P.f. due to DHA treatment. Low micromolar concentrations of DHA quickly induced levels of 4-HNE-adducts which are supposed to be damaging. Mass spectrometry identified the P.f. protein cysteine proteinase falcipain-1 as being heavily modified by 4-HNE, and plausibly, 4-HNE conjugation with vital P.f. proteins might contribute to DHA-elicited parasite death. In conclusion, significant 4-HNE accumulation was detectable after DHA treatment, though, at concentrations well above pharmacologically effective ranges in malaria treatment, but at concentrations described for antitumor activity. Thus, lipid peroxidation with consequent 4-HNE conjugation of functionally relevant proteins might be considered as a uniform mechanism for how DHA potentiates antimalarials' action in ACT and controls the progression of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksii Skorokhod
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina, 13, 10123 Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Valente
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgia Mandili
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Daniela Ulliers
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Evelin Schwarzer
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Torino, Italy
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Artemisinin inhibits neutrophil and macrophage chemotaxis, cytokine production and NET release. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11078. [PMID: 35773325 PMCID: PMC9245885 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15214-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune cell chemotaxis to the sites of pathogen invasion is critical for fighting infection, but in life-threatening conditions such as sepsis and Covid-19, excess activation of the innate immune system is thought to cause a damaging invasion of immune cells into tissues and a consequent excessive release of cytokines, chemokines and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). In these circumstances, tempering excessive activation of the innate immune system may, paradoxically, promote recovery. Here we identify the antimalarial compound artemisinin as a potent and selective inhibitor of neutrophil and macrophage chemotaxis induced by a range of chemotactic agents. Artemisinin released calcium from intracellular stores in a similar way to thapsigargin, a known inhibitor of the Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase pump (SERCA), but unlike thapsigargin, artemisinin blocks only the SERCA3 isoform. Inhibition of SERCA3 by artemisinin was irreversible and was inhibited by iron chelation, suggesting iron-catalysed alkylation of a specific cysteine residue in SERCA3 as the mechanism by which artemisinin inhibits neutrophil motility. In murine infection models, artemisinin potently suppressed neutrophil invasion into both peritoneum and lung in vivo and inhibited the release of cytokines/chemokines and NETs. This work suggests that artemisinin may have value as a therapy in conditions such as sepsis and Covid-19 in which over-activation of the innate immune system causes tissue injury that can lead to death.
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Selective Inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum ATPase 6 by Artemisinins and Identification of New Classes of Inhibitors after Expression in Yeast. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0207921. [PMID: 35465707 PMCID: PMC9112895 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02079-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment failures with artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) threaten global efforts to eradicate malaria. They highlight the importance of identifying drug targets and new inhibitors and of studying how existing antimalarial classes work. Here, we report the successful development of a heterologous expression-based compound-screening tool. The validated drug target Plasmodium falciparum ATPase 6 (PfATP6) and a mammalian orthologue (sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 1a [SERCA1a]) were functionally expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, providing a robust, sensitive, and specific screening tool. Whole-cell and in vitro assays consistently demonstrated inhibition and labeling of PfATP6 by artemisinins. Mutations in PfATP6 resulted in fitness costs that were ameliorated in the presence of artemisinin derivatives when studied in the yeast model. As previously hypothesized, PfATP6 is a target of artemisinins. Mammalian SERCA1a can be mutated to become more susceptible to artemisinins. The inexpensive, low-technology yeast screening platform has identified unrelated classes of druggable PfATP6 inhibitors. Resistance to artemisinins may depend on mechanisms that can concomitantly address multitargeting by artemisinins and fitness costs of mutations that reduce artemisinin susceptibility.
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Owoloye A, Olufemi M, Idowu ET, Oyebola KM. Prevalence of potential mediators of artemisinin resistance in African isolates of Plasmodium falciparum. Malar J 2021; 20:451. [PMID: 34856982 PMCID: PMC8638531 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03987-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The devastating public health impact of malaria has prompted the need for effective interventions. Malaria control gained traction after the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). However, the emergence of artemisinin (ART) partial resistance in Southeast Asia and emerging reports of delayed parasite sensitivity to ACT in African parasites signal a gradual trend towards treatment failure. Monitoring the prevalence of mutations associated with artemisinin resistance in African populations is necessary to stop resistance in its tracks. Mutations in Plasmodium falciparum genes pfk13, pfcoronin and pfatpase6 have been linked with ART partial resistance. Methods Findings from published research articles on the prevalence of pfk13, pfcoronin and pfatpase6 polymorphisms in Africa were collated. PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles reporting polymorphisms in these genes across Africa from 2014 to August 2021, for pfk13 and pfcoronin. For pfatpase6, relevant articles between 2003 and August 2021 were retrieved. Results Eighty-seven studies passed the inclusion criteria for this analysis and reported 742 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 37,864 P. falciparum isolates from 29 African countries. Five validated-pfk13 partial resistance markers were identified in Africa: R561H in Rwanda and Tanzania, M476I in Tanzania, F446I in Mali, C580Y in Ghana, and P553L in an Angolan isolate. In Tanzania, three (L263E, E431K, S769N) of the four mutations (L263E, E431K, A623E, S769N) in pfatpase6 gene associated with high in vitro IC50 were reported. pfcoronin polymorphisms were reported in Senegal, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, and Congo, with P76S being the most prevalent mutation. Conclusions This meta-analysis provides an overview of the prevalence and widespread distribution of pfk13, pfcoronin and pfatpase6 mutations in Africa. Understanding the phenotypic consequences of these mutations can provide information on the efficacy status of artemisinin-based treatment of malaria across the continent. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03987-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afolabi Owoloye
- Genomic Research in Biomedicine Laboratory, Biochemistry and Nutrition Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria.,Parasitology and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Michael Olufemi
- Genomic Research in Biomedicine Laboratory, Biochemistry and Nutrition Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria.,Parasitology and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel T Idowu
- Parasitology and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kolapo M Oyebola
- Genomic Research in Biomedicine Laboratory, Biochemistry and Nutrition Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria. .,Parasitology and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. .,Sickle Cell Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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5
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Tola M, Ajibola O, Idowu ET, Omidiji O, Awolola ST, Amambua-Ngwa A. Molecular detection of drug resistant polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Southwest, Nigeria. BMC Res Notes 2020; 13:497. [PMID: 33109270 PMCID: PMC7588951 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-05334-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nigeria bears 25% of global malaria burden despite concerted efforts towards its control and elimination. The emergence of drug resistance to first line drugs, artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs), indicates an urgent need for continuous molecular surveillance of drug resistance especially in high burden countries where drug interventions are heavily relied on. This study describes mutations in Plasmodium falciparum genes associated with drug resistance in malaria; Pfk13, Pfmdr1, PfATPase6 and Pfcrt in isolates obtained from 83 symptomatic malaria patients collected in August 2014, aged 1-61 years old from South-west Nigeria. RESULTS Two Pfmdr1, N86 and Y184 variants were present at a prevalence of 56% and 13.25% of isolates respectively. There was one synonymous (S679S) and two non-synonymous (M699V, S769M) mutations in the PATPase6 gene, while Pfcrt genotype (CVIET), had a prevalence of 45%. The Pfk13 C580Y mutant allele was suspected by allelic discrimination in two samples with mixed genotypes although this could not be validated with independent isolation or additional methods. Our findings call for robust molecular surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance markers in west Africa especially with increased use of antimalarial drugs as prophylaxis for Covid-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monday Tola
- Public Health Division, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria.,Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olumide Ajibola
- First Technical University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.,Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia At London, School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | | | - Olusesan Omidiji
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Alfred Amambua-Ngwa
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia At London, School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia.
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Yang J, He Y, Li Y, Zhang X, Wong YK, Shen S, Zhong T, Zhang J, Liu Q, Wang J. Advances in the research on the targets of anti-malaria actions of artemisinin. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 216:107697. [PMID: 33035577 PMCID: PMC7537645 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Malaria has been a global epidemic health threat since ancient times. It still claims roughly half a million lives every year in this century. Artemisinin and its derivatives, are frontline antimalarial drugs known for their efficacy and low toxicity. After decades of wide use, artemisinins remain our bulwark against malaria. Here, we review decades of efforts that aim to understand the mechanism of action (MOA) of artemisinins, which help explain the specificity and potency of this anti-malarial drug. We summarize the methods and approaches employed to unravel the MOA of artemisinin over the last three decades, showing how the development of advanced techniques can help provide mechanistic insights and resolve some long-standing questions in the field of artemisinin research. We also provide examples to illustrate how to better repurpose artemisinins for anti-cancer therapies by leveraging on MOA. These examples point out a practical direction to engineer artemisinin for broader applications beyond malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China; Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingke He
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China; Department of Anaesthesiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Yinbao Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, JiangXi 341000, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yin-Kwan Wong
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shengnan Shen
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyu Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China; Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.
| | - Jianbin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Qian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.
| | - Jigang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China; Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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7
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Peterková L, Kmoníčková E, Ruml T, Rimpelová S. Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase Inhibitors: Beyond Anticancer Perspective. J Med Chem 2020; 63:1937-1963. [PMID: 32030976 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA), which plays a key role in the maintenance of Ca2+ ion homeostasis, is an extensively studied enzyme, the inhibition of which has a considerable impact on cell life and death decision. To date, several SERCA inhibitors have been thoroughly studied and the most notable one, a derivative of the sesquiterpene lactone thapsigargin, is gradually approaching a clinical application. Meanwhile, new compounds with SERCA-inhibiting properties of natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic origin are being discovered and/or developed; some of these might also be suitable for the development of new drugs with improved performance. This review brings an up-to-date comprehensive overview of recently discovered compounds with the potential of SERCA inhibition, discusses their mechanism of action, and highlights their potential clinical applications, such as cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Peterková
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kmoníčková
- Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 76, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Ruml
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Rimpelová
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 76, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
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8
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Geographic Plasmodium falciparum sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (PfSERCA) genotype diversity in India. Acta Trop 2020; 202:105095. [PMID: 31323193 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105095] [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: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (PfSERCA) is sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane bound transporter to regulate cytosol Ca2+ ions. Ca2+ act as secondary messenger and play important role in differentiation of parasite during its life cycle. Present study is epidemiological surveillance of PfSERCA (Pf3D7_0106300) gene fragment harboring 263, 402, 431 codon to look for its single nucleotide polymorphism which is well documented to be associated with Artemisinin tolerance. Filter paper with finger pricked blood samples for Plasmodium falciparum infected uncomplicated malaria patients were obtained for region as diverse as down the longitude from east to west of India i.e. Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Odhisa. There observed no mutation for codon 263 at all study sites. Mizoram showed highest PfSERCA diversity with well known SNPs of L402 V, E431 K, A438 V and novel mutations as well i.e. A338 V, S357Y, S379Y. Tripura reported highest proportion of Plasmodium isolates (18.5%) with E431 K single nucleotide polymorphism. Moving towards the west i.e. Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Odhisa showed no occurrence of most prevalent PfSERCA 431, 402 polymorphism worldwide but some novel mutations and its haplotypes. In present study, significantly increased proportion of novel PfSERCA polymorphism among children suggests the susceptibility of these Plasmodium falciparum strains to acquired immunity. Mizoram, sharing open international border with south east asia, demonstrated highest PfSERCA diversity. Spatial PfSERCA diversity from far north east India to moving towards west implies its association with antimalarial susceptibility.
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9
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Tiwari MK, Chaudhary S. Artemisinin-derived antimalarial endoperoxides from bench-side to bed-side: Chronological advancements and future challenges. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:1220-1275. [PMID: 31930540 DOI: 10.1002/med.21657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
According to WHO World Malaria Report (2018), nearly 219 million new cases of malaria occurred and a total no. of 435 000 people died in 2017 due to this infectious disease. This is due to the rapid spread of parasite-resistant strains. Artemisinin (ART), a sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxide isolated from traditional Chinese herb Artemisia annua, has been recognized as a novel class of antimalarial drugs. The 2015 "Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine" was given to Prof Dr Tu Youyou for the discovery of ART. Hence, ART is termed as "Nobel medicine." The present review article accommodates insights from the chronological advancements and direct statistics witnessed during the past 48 years (1971-2019) in the medicinal chemistry of ART-derived antimalarial endoperoxides, and their clinical utility in malaria chemotherapy and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit K Tiwari
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, Jaipur, India
| | - Sandeep Chaudhary
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, Jaipur, India
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10
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Martin RE. The transportome of the malaria parasite. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 95:305-332. [PMID: 31701663 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Membrane transport proteins, also known as transporters, control the movement of ions, nutrients, metabolites, and waste products across the membranes of a cell and are central to its biology. Proteins of this type also serve as drug targets and are key players in the phenomenon of drug resistance. The malaria parasite has a relatively reduced transportome, with only approximately 2.5% of its genes encoding transporters. Even so, assigning functions and physiological roles to these proteins, and ascertaining their contributions to drug action and drug resistance, has been very challenging. This review presents a detailed critique and synthesis of the disruption phenotypes, protein subcellular localisations, protein functions (observed or predicted), and links to antimalarial drug resistance for each of the parasite's transporter genes. The breadth and depth of the gene disruption data are particularly impressive, with at least one phenotype determined in the parasite's asexual blood stage for each transporter gene, and multiple phenotypes available for 76% of the genes. Analysis of the curated data set revealed there to be relatively little redundancy in the Plasmodium transportome; almost two-thirds of the parasite's transporter genes are essential or required for normal growth in the asexual blood stage of the parasite, and this proportion increased to 78% when the disruption phenotypes available for the other parasite life stages were included in the analysis. These observations, together with the finding that 22% of the transportome is implicated in the parasite's resistance to existing antimalarials and/or drugs within the development pipeline, indicate that transporters are likely to serve, or are already serving, as drug targets. Integration of the different biological and bioinformatic data sets also enabled the selection of candidates for transport processes known to be essential for parasite survival, but for which the underlying proteins have thus far remained undiscovered. These include potential transporters of pantothenate, isoleucine, or isopentenyl diphosphate, as well as putative anion-selective channels that may serve as the pore component of the parasite's 'new permeation pathways'. Other novel insights into the parasite's biology included the identification of transporters for the potential development of antimalarial treatments, transmission-blocking drugs, prophylactics, and genetically attenuated vaccines. The syntheses presented herein set a foundation for elucidating the functions and physiological roles of key members of the Plasmodium transportome and, ultimately, to explore and realise their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena E Martin
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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11
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Development of artemisinin resistance in malaria therapy. Pharmacol Res 2019; 146:104275. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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12
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Kumari A, Karnatak M, Singh D, Shankar R, Jat JL, Sharma S, Yadav D, Shrivastava R, Verma VP. Current scenario of artemisinin and its analogues for antimalarial activity. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 163:804-829. [PMID: 30579122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human malaria, one of the most striking, reemerging infectious diseases, is caused by several types of Plasmodium parasites. Whilst advances have been made in lowering the numbers of cases and deaths, it is clear that a strategy based solely on disease control year on year, without reducing transmission and ultimately eradicating the parasite, is unsustainable. Natural products have served as a template for the design and development of antimalarial drugs currently in the clinic or in the development phase. Artemisinin combine potent, rapid antimalarial activity with a wide therapeutic index and an absence of clinically important resistance. The alkylating ability of artemisinin and its semi-synthetic analogues toward heme related to their antimalarial efficacy are underlined. Although impressive results have already been achieved in malaria research, more systematization and concentration of efforts are required if real breakthroughs are to be made. This review will concisely cover the clinical, preclinical antimalarial and current updates in artemisinin based antimalarial drugs. Diverse classes of semi-synthetic analogs of artemisinin reported in the last decade have also been extensively studied. The experience gained in this respect is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akriti Kumari
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai, 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Manvika Karnatak
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai, 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Davinder Singh
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, 180001, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ravi Shankar
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, 180001, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Jawahar L Jat
- Department of Applied Chemistry, BabaSaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025, India
| | - Siddharth Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, 313001, India
| | - Dinesh Yadav
- Department of Chemistry, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, 313001, India
| | - Rahul Shrivastava
- Department of Chemistry, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur, 303007, India
| | - Ved Prakash Verma
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai, 304022, Rajasthan, India.
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13
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Pasupureddy R, Atul, Seshadri S, Pande V, Dixit R, Pandey KC. Current scenario and future strategies to fight artemisinin resistance. Parasitol Res 2018; 118:29-42. [PMID: 30478733 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6126-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite several setbacks in the fight against malaria such as insecticide and drug resistance as well as low efficacy of available vaccines, considerable success in reducing malaria burden has been achieved in the past decade. Artemisinins (ARTs and their combination therapies, ACTs), the current frontline drugs against uncomplicated malaria, rapidly kill plasmodial parasites and are non-toxic at short exposures. Though the exact mode of action remains unclear, the endoperoxide bridge, indispensable for ART activity, is thought to react with heme released from hemoglobin hydrolysis and generate free radicals that alkylate multiple protein targets, thereby disrupting proteostasis pathways. However, rapid development of ART resistance in recent years with no potential alternatives on the horizon threaten the elimination efforts. The Greater Mekong Subregion in South-East Asia continues to churn out mutants resistant to multiple ACTs and detected in increasingly expanding geographies. Extensive research on ART-resistant strains have identified a potential candidate Kelch13, crucial for mediating ART resistance. Parasites with mutations in the propeller domains of Plasmodium falciparum Kelch13 protein were shown to have enhanced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase levels that were concomitant with delayed parasite clearance. Current research focused on understanding the mechanism of Kelch13-mediated ART resistance could provide better insights into Plasmodium resistome. This review covers the current proposed mechanisms of ART activity, resistance strategies adopted by the parasite in response to ACTs and possible future approaches to mitigate the spread of resistance from South-East Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Pasupureddy
- National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India.,Institute of Science, Nirma University, SG Highway, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 382481, India
| | - Atul
- National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263001, India
| | - Sriram Seshadri
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, SG Highway, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 382481, India
| | - Veena Pande
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263001, India
| | - Rajnikant Dixit
- National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Kailash C Pandey
- National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India. .,Department of Biochemistry, Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462001, India.
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14
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Duffey M, Sanchez CP, Lanzer M. Profiling of the anti-malarial drug candidate SC83288 against artemisinins in Plasmodium falciparum. Malar J 2018; 17:121. [PMID: 29558913 PMCID: PMC5861637 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2279-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The increased resistance of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum to currently employed drugs creates an urgent call for novel anti-malarial drugs. Particularly, efforts should be devoted to developing fast-acting anti-malarial compounds in case clinical resistance increases to the first-line artemisinin-based combination therapy. SC83288, an amicarbalide derivative, is a clinical development candidate for the treatment of severe malaria. SC83288 is fast-acting and able to clear P. falciparum parasites at low nanomolar concentrations in vitro, as well as in a humanized SCID mouse model system in vivo. In this study, the antiplasmodial activity of SC83288 against artemisinins was profiled in order to assess its potential to replace, or be combined with, artemisinin derivatives. Results Based on growth inhibition and ring survival assays, no cross-resistance was observed between artemisinins and SC83288, using parasite lines that were resistant to either one of these drugs. In addition, no synergistic or antagonistic interaction was observed between the two drugs. This study further confirmed that SC83288 is a fast acting drug in several independent assays. Combinations of SC83288 and artesunate maintained the rapid parasite killing activities of both components. Conclusion The results obtained in this study are consistent with artemisinins and SC83288 having distinct modes of action and different mechanisms of resistance. This study further supports efforts to continue the clinical development of SC83288 against severe malaria as an alternative to artemisinins in areas critically affected by artemisinin-resistance. Considering its fast antiplasmodial activity, SC83288 could be combined with a slow-acting anti-malarial drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëlle Duffey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cecilia P Sanchez
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Lanzer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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15
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Nguetse CN, Adegnika AA, Agbenyega T, Ogutu BR, Krishna S, Kremsner PG, Velavan TP. Molecular markers of anti-malarial drug resistance in Central, West and East African children with severe malaria. Malar J 2017; 16:217. [PMID: 28535801 PMCID: PMC5442681 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1868-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance 1 (PfMDR1), P. falciparum Ca2+-ATPase (PfATP6) and Kelch-13 propeller domain (PfK13) loci are molecular markers of parasite susceptibility to anti-malarial drugs. Their frequency distributions were determined in the isolates collected from children with severe malaria originating from three African countries. Methods Samples from 287 children with severe malaria [(Gabon: n = 114); (Ghana: n = 89); (Kenya: n = 84)] were genotyped for pfmdr1, pfatp6 and pfk13 loci by DNA sequencing and assessing pfmdr1 copy number variation (CNV) by real-time PCR. Results Pfmdr1-N86Y mutation was detected in 48, 10 and 10% in Lambaréné, Kumasi and Kisumu, respectively. At codon 184, the prevalence of the mutation was 73% in Lambaréné, 63% in Kumasi and 49% Kisumu. The S1034C and N1042D variants were absent at all three sites, while the frequency of the D1246Y mutation was 1, 3 and 13% in Lambaréné, Kumasi and Kisumu, respectively. Isolates with two pfmdr1 gene copy number predominantly harboured the N86Y wild-type allele and were mostly found in Kumasi (10%) (P < 0.0001). Among the main pfmdr1 haplotypes (NFD, NYD and YFD), NYD was associated with highest parasitaemia (P = 0.04). At the pfatp6 locus, H243Y and A623E mutations were observed at very low frequency at all three sites. The prevalence of the pfatp6 E431K variant was 6, 18 and 17% in Lambaréné, Kumasi and Kisumu, respectively. The L263E and S769N mutations were absent in all isolates. The pfk13 variants associated with artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia were not observed. Eleven novel substitutions in the pfk13 locus occurring at low frequency were observed. Conclusions Artemisinins are still highly efficacious in large malaria-endemic regions though declining efficacy has occurred in Southeast Asia. The return of chloroquine-sensitive strains following the removal of drug pressure is observed. However, selection of wild-type alleles in the multidrug-resistance gene and the increased gene copy number is associated with reduced lumefantrine sensitivity. This study indicates a need to constantly monitor drug resistance to artemisinin in field isolates from malaria-endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian N Nguetse
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ayola Akim Adegnika
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Tsiri Agbenyega
- Department of Physiology, University of Science and Technology, School of Medical Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana.,Departments of Child Health and Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Bernhards R Ogutu
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Sanjeev Krishna
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Peter G Kremsner
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Thirumalaisamy P Velavan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany. .,Fondation Congolaise pour la Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. .,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam. .,Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam.
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16
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Aponte S, Guerra ÁP, Álvarez-Larrotta C, Bernal SD, Restrepo C, González C, Yasnot MF, Knudson-Ospina A. Baseline in vivo, ex vivo and molecular responses of Plasmodium falciparum to artemether and lumefantrine in three endemic zones for malaria in Colombia. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2017; 111:71-80. [DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trx021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
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17
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Pegoraro S, Duffey M, Otto TD, Wang Y, Rösemann R, Baumgartner R, Fehler SK, Lucantoni L, Avery VM, Moreno-Sabater A, Mazier D, Vial HJ, Strobl S, Sanchez CP, Lanzer M. SC83288 is a clinical development candidate for the treatment of severe malaria. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14193. [PMID: 28139658 PMCID: PMC5290327 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe malaria is a life-threatening complication of an infection with the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which requires immediate treatment. Safety and efficacy concerns with currently used drugs accentuate the need for new chemotherapeutic options against severe malaria. Here we describe a medicinal chemistry program starting from amicarbalide that led to two compounds with optimized pharmacological and antiparasitic properties. SC81458 and the clinical development candidate, SC83288, are fast-acting compounds that can cure a P. falciparum infection in a humanized NOD/SCID mouse model system. Detailed preclinical pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies reveal no observable drawbacks. Ultra-deep sequencing of resistant parasites identifies the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ transporting PfATP6 as a putative determinant of resistance to SC81458 and SC83288. Features, such as fast parasite killing, good safety margin, a potentially novel mode of action and a distinct chemotype support the clinical development of SC83288, as an intravenous application for the treatment of severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maëlle Duffey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas D Otto
- Parasite Genomics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Yulin Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roman Rösemann
- 4SC Discovery GmbH, Am Klopferspitz 19a, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | | | - Stefanie K Fehler
- 4SC AG, Am Klopferspitz 19a, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leonardo Lucantoni
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Don Young, Nathan Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Vicky M Avery
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Don Young, Nathan Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Alicia Moreno-Sabater
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM U1135, CNRS ERL 8255, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), 91 Bd de l'hôpital, F-75013 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital St Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Dominique Mazier
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM U1135, CNRS ERL 8255, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), 91 Bd de l'hôpital, F-75013 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe hospitalier La Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Henri J Vial
- Dynamique des Interactions Membranaires Normales et Pathologiques, CNRS UMR 5235, Université Montpellier II, cc107, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Stefan Strobl
- 4SC Discovery GmbH, Am Klopferspitz 19a, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Cecilia P Sanchez
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Lanzer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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18
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An J, Minie M, Sasaki T, Woodward JJ, Elkon KB. Antimalarial Drugs as Immune Modulators: New Mechanisms for Old Drugs. Annu Rev Med 2016; 68:317-330. [PMID: 27813878 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-043015-123453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The best known of the naturally occurring antimalarial compounds are quinine, extracted from cinchona bark, and artemisinin (qinghao), extracted from Artemisia annua in China. These and other derivatives are now chemically synthesized and remain the mainstay of therapy to treat malaria. The beneficial effects of several of the antimalarial drugs (AMDs) on clinical features of autoimmune disorders were discovered by chance during World War II. In this review, we discuss the chemistry of AMDs and their mechanisms of action, emphasizing how they may impact multiple pathways of innate immunity. These pathways include Toll-like receptors and the recently described cGAS-STING pathway. Finally, we discuss the current and future impact of AMDs on systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and devastating monogenic disorders (interferonopathies) characterized by expression of type I interferon in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie An
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195; email
| | | | | | | | - Keith B Elkon
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195; email .,Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195; , , ,
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19
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Mechanism of artemisinin resistance for malaria PfATP6 L263 mutations and discovering potential antimalarials: An integrated computational approach. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30106. [PMID: 27471101 PMCID: PMC4965867 DOI: 10.1038/srep30106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum threatens global efforts in the elimination or eradication of malaria. Several studies have associated mutations in the PfATP6 gene in conjunction with artemisinin resistance, but the underlying molecular mechanism of the resistance remains unexplored. Associated mutations act as a biomarker to measure the artemisinin efficacy. In the proposed work, we have analyzed the binding affinity and efficacy between PfATP6 and artemisinin in the presence of L263D, L263E and L263K mutations. Furthermore, we performed virtual screening to identify potential compounds to inhibit the PfATP6 mutant proteins. In this study, we observed that artemisinin binding affinity with PfATP6 gets affected by L263D, L263E and L263K mutations. This in silico elucidation of artemisinin resistance enhanced the identification of novel compounds (CID: 10595058 and 10625452) which showed good binding affinity and efficacy with L263D, L263E and L263K mutant proteins in molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations studies. Owing to the high propensity of the parasite to drug resistance the need for new antimalarial drugs will persist until the malarial parasites are eventually eradicated. The two compounds identified in this study can be tested in in vitro and in vivo experiments as possible candidates for the designing of new potential antimalarial drugs.
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20
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Reappraising the effects of artemisinin on the ATPase activity of PfATP6 and SERCA1a E255L expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2016; 23:1-2. [PMID: 26733217 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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21
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Lo E, Nguyen J, Oo W, Hemming-Schroeder E, Zhou G, Yang Z, Cui L, Yan G. Examining Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax clearance subsequent to antimalarial drug treatment in the Myanmar-China border area based on quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:154. [PMID: 27084511 PMCID: PMC4833920 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1482-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent emergence of artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum has posed a serious hindrance to the elimination of malaria in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Parasite clearance time, a measure of change in peripheral parasitaemia in a sequence of samples taken after treatment, can be used to reflect the susceptibility of parasites or the efficiency of antimalarials. The association of genetic polymorphisms and artemisinin resistance has been documented. This study aims to examine clearance time of P. falciparum and P. vivax parasitemia as well as putative gene mutations associated with residual or recurred parasitemia in Myanmar. METHODS A total of 63 P. falciparum and 130 P. vivax samples collected from two internally-displaced populations and one surrounding village were examined for parasitemia changes. At least four samples were taken from each patient, at the first day of diagnosis up to 3 months following the initial treatment. The amount of parasite gene copy number was estimated using quantitative real-time PCR based on a species-specific region of the 18S rRNA gene. For samples that showed residual or recurred parasitemia after treatment, microsatellites were used to identify the 'post-treatment' parasite genotype and compared such with the 'pre-treatment' genotype. Mutations in genes pfcrt, pfmdr1, pfatp6, pfmrp1 and pfK13 that are potentially associated with ACT resistance were examined to identify if mutation is a factor for residual or persistent parasitemia. RESULTS Over 30% of the P. falciprium infections showed delayed clearance of parasitemia after 2-3 days of treatment and 9.5% showed recurred parasitemia. Mutations in codon 876 of the pfmrp1 corroborated significance association with slow clearance time. However, no association was observed in the variation in pfmdr1 gene copy number as well as mutations of various codonsinpfatp6, pfcrt, and pfK13 with clearance time. For P. vivax, over 95% of the infections indicated cleared parasitemia at days 2-3 of treatment. Four samples were found to be re-infected with new parasite strains based on microsatellite genotypes after initial treatment. CONCLUSION The appearance of P.falciparum infected samples showing delayed clearance or recurred parasitemia after treatment raises concerns on current treatment and ACT drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Lo
- />Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4050 USA
| | - Jennifer Nguyen
- />Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4050 USA
| | - Winny Oo
- />Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4050 USA
| | | | - Guofa Zhou
- />Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4050 USA
| | - Zhaoqing Yang
- />Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Liwang Cui
- />Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA USA
| | - Guiyun Yan
- />Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4050 USA
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22
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Pandey K, Ferreira PE, Ishikawa T, Nagai T, Kaneko O, Yahata K. Ca(2+) monitoring in Plasmodium falciparum using the yellow cameleon-Nano biosensor. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23454. [PMID: 27006284 PMCID: PMC4804237 DOI: 10.1038/srep23454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca(2+))-mediated signaling is a conserved mechanism in eukaryotes, including the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Due to its small size (<10 μm) measurement of intracellular Ca(2+) in Plasmodium is technically challenging, and thus Ca(2+) regulation in this human pathogen is not well understood. Here we analyze Ca(2+) homeostasis via a new approach using transgenic P. falciparum expressing the Ca(2+) sensor yellow cameleon (YC)-Nano. We found that cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration is maintained at low levels only during the intraerythrocytic trophozoite stage (30 nM), and is increased in the other blood stages (>300 nM). We determined that the mammalian SERCA inhibitor thapsigargin and antimalarial dihydroartemisinin did not perturb SERCA activity. The change of the cytosolic Ca(2+) level in P. falciparum was additionally detectable by flow cytometry. Thus, we propose that the developed YC-Nano-based system is useful to study Ca(2+) signaling in P. falciparum and is applicable for drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishor Pandey
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), GPO Box: 3323, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Pedro E. Ferreira
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- School of Biological Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Takeshi Ishikawa
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Takeharu Nagai
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Osamu Kaneko
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Yahata
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
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Ramani S, Parija SC, Mandal J, Hamide A, Bhat V. Detection of chloroquine and artemisinin resistance molecular markers in Plasmodium falciparum: A hospital based study. Trop Parasitol 2016; 6:69-77. [PMID: 26998436 PMCID: PMC4778185 DOI: 10.4103/2229-5070.175110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Emergence of chloroquine (CQ) resistance in Plasmodium falciparum has increased the morbidity and mortality of falciparum malaria worldwide. Artemisinin-based combination therapies are now recommended by the World Health Organization as the first line treatment for falciparum malaria. Numerous molecular markers have been implicated in the CQ and artemisinin resistance. Materials and Methods: A total of 26 confirmed cases of falciparum malaria (by giemsa stained thick and thin smear, quantitative buffy coat, immunochromatographic test, or polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) were included in the study. About 5 ml of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood sample was collected and stored at −20°C till use. Plasmodium DNA was extracted using QIAamp whole blood DNA extraction kit. PCR was done to amplify pfcrt, pfmdr1, pfserca, and pfmrp1 genes and the amplicons obtained were sequenced by Macrogen, Inc., Korea. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was done using Bio-Edit Sequence Alignment Editor. Results: Out of the four genes targeted, we noted a SNP in the pfcrt gene alone. This SNP (G > T) was noted in the 658th position of the gene, which was seen in 13 patients. The pfmdr1 and pfserca genes were present in 9 and 14 patients respectively. But we could not find any SNPs in these genes. This SNP in pfcrt gene was not significantly associated with any adverse outcome and neither altered disease progression. Conclusion: Presence of a single SNP may not be associated with any adverse clinical outcome. As the sample size was small, we may have not been able to detect any other known or unknown polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ramani
- Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Subhash Chandra Parija
- Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Jharna Mandal
- Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Abdoul Hamide
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Vishnu Bhat
- Department of Paediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
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Mallo N, Lamas J, DeFelipe AP, Sueiro RA, Fontenla F, Leiro JM. Enzymes Involved in Pyrophosphate and Calcium Metabolism as Targets for Anti-scuticociliate Chemotherapy. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2016; 63:505-15. [DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Mallo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Instituto de Investigación y Análisis Alimentarios; Universidad de Santiago de Compostela; Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | - Jesús Lamas
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Ecología; Facultad de Biología; Instituto de Acuicultura; Universidad de Santiago de Compostela; Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | - Ana-Paula DeFelipe
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Instituto de Investigación y Análisis Alimentarios; Universidad de Santiago de Compostela; Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | - Rosa-Ana Sueiro
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Instituto de Investigación y Análisis Alimentarios; Universidad de Santiago de Compostela; Santiago de Compostela Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Ecología; Facultad de Biología; Instituto de Acuicultura; Universidad de Santiago de Compostela; Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | - Francisco Fontenla
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Ecología; Facultad de Biología; Instituto de Acuicultura; Universidad de Santiago de Compostela; Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | - José-Manuel Leiro
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Instituto de Investigación y Análisis Alimentarios; Universidad de Santiago de Compostela; Santiago de Compostela Spain
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25
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Siwo GH, Smith RS, Tan A, Button-Simons KA, Checkley LA, Ferdig MT. An integrative analysis of small molecule transcriptional responses in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:1030. [PMID: 26637195 PMCID: PMC4670519 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-2165-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcriptional responses to small molecules can provide insights into drug mode of action (MOA). The capacity of the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, to respond specifically to transcriptional perturbations has been unclear based on past approaches. Here, we present the most extensive profiling to date of the parasite’s transcriptional responsiveness to thirty-one chemically and functionally diverse small molecules. Methods We exposed two laboratory strains of the human malaria parasite P. falciparum to brief treatments of thirty-one chemically and functionally diverse small molecules associated with biological effects across multiple pathways based on various levels of evidence. We investigated the impact of chemical composition and MOA on gene expression similarities that arise between perturbations by various compounds. To determine the target biological pathways for each small molecule, we developed a novel framework for encoding small molecule effects on a spectra of biological processes or GO functions that are enriched in the differentially expressed genes of a given small molecule perturbation. Results We find that small molecules associated with similar transcriptional responses contain similar chemical features, and/ or have a shared MOA. The approach also revealed complex relationships between drugs and biological pathways that are missed by most exisiting approaches. For example, the approach was able to partition small molecule responses into drug-specific effects versus non-specific effects. Conclusions Our work provides a new framework for linking transcriptional responses to drug MOA in P. falciparum and can be generalized for the same purpose in other organisms. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-2165-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey H Siwo
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Current Address: IBM TJ Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, NY, 10598, USA.,Current Address: IBM Research-Africa, South Africa Lab, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
| | - Roger S Smith
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Current Address: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Asako Tan
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Epicenter, Madison, WI, 53719, USA
| | - Katrina A Button-Simons
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Lisa A Checkley
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Michael T Ferdig
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
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Entamoeba invadens: Identification of a SERCA protein and effect of SERCA inhibitors on encystation. Microb Pathog 2015; 89:18-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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27
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Mita T, Tachibana SI, Hashimoto M, Hirai M. Plasmodium falciparum kelch 13: a potential molecular marker for tackling artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2015; 14:125-35. [PMID: 26535806 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2016.1106938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although artemisinin combination therapies have been deployed as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in almost all endemic countries, artemisinin-resistant parasites have emerged and have gradually spread across the Greater Mekong subregions. There is growing concern that the resistant parasites may migrate to or emerge indigenously in sub-Saharan Africa, which might provoke a global increase in malaria-associated morbidity and mortality. Therefore, development of molecular markers that enable identification of artemisinin resistance with high sensitivity is urgently required to combat this issue. In 2014, a potential artemisinin-resistance responsible gene, Plasmodium falciparum kelch13, was discovered. Here, we review the genetic features of P. falciparum kelch13 and discuss its related resistant mechanisms and potential as a molecular marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Mita
- a Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology , Juntendo University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Tachibana
- a Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology , Juntendo University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Muneaki Hashimoto
- a Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology , Juntendo University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Makoto Hirai
- a Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology , Juntendo University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
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Cravo P, Napolitano H, Culleton R. How genomics is contributing to the fight against artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites. Acta Trop 2015; 148:1-7. [PMID: 25910626 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum, the malignant malaria parasite, has developed resistance to artemisinin, the most important and widely used antimalarial drug at present. Currently confined to Southeast Asia, the spread of resistant parasites to Africa would constitute a public health catastrophe. In this review we highlight the recent contributions of genomics to our understanding how the parasite develops resistance to artemisinin and its derivatives, and how resistant parasites may be monitored and tracked in real-time, using molecular approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Cravo
- Laboratory of Genomics and Biotechnology (GenoBio), IPTSP, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74605050, GO, Brazil; PPSTMA, Centro Universitário de Anápolis (UniEVANGÉLICA), Anápolis 75083515, GO, Brazil; Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon 1349-008, Portugal.
| | - Hamilton Napolitano
- PPSTMA, Centro Universitário de Anápolis (UniEVANGÉLICA), Anápolis 75083515, GO, Brazil; Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade Estadual de Goiás. 459, 75001970 Anápolis, GO, Brazil
| | - Richard Culleton
- Malaria Unit, Department of Pathology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 8528523, Japan
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29
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Gupta R, Mishra N, Kumar A, Rana R, Srivastava B, Tyagi PK, Anvikar AR, Valecha N. Monitoring artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum: comparison of parasite clearance time by microscopy and real-time PCR and evaluation of mutations in Pfatpase6 gene in Odisha state of India. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:3487-96. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4577-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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30
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Anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory functions of artemisinin and its derivatives. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:435713. [PMID: 25960615 PMCID: PMC4415672 DOI: 10.1155/2015/435713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives are widely used in the world as the first-line antimalarial drug. Recently, growing evidences reveal that artemisinin and its derivatives also possess potent anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. Meanwhile, researchers around the world are still exploring the unknown bioactivities of artemisinin derivatives. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion on recent advances of artemisinin derivatives affecting inflammation and autoimmunity, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and also drug development of artemisinins beyond antimalarial functions.
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31
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Dihydroartemisinin-Induced Apoptosis is Associated with Inhibition of Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase Activity in Colorectal Cancer. Cell Biochem Biophys 2015; 73:137-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s12013-015-0643-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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32
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Occurrence of pfatpase6 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated with Artemisinin Resistance among Field Isolates of Plasmodium falciparum in North-Eastern Tanzania. Malar Res Treat 2015; 2015:279028. [PMID: 25685593 PMCID: PMC4313681 DOI: 10.1155/2015/279028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to determine the current prevalence of four P. falciparum candidate artemisinin resistance biomarkers L263E, E431K, A623E, and S769N in the pfatpase6 gene in a high transmission area in Tanzania in a retrospective cross sectional study using 154 archived samples collected from three previous malaria studies in 2010, 2011 and 2013. Mutations in pfatpase6 gene were detected in parasite DNA isolated from Dried Blood Spots by using PCR-RFLP. We observed overall allelic frequencies for L263E, E431K, A623E, and S769N to be 5.8% (9/154), 16.2% (25/154), 0.0% (0/154), and 3.9% (6/154). The L263E mutation was not detected in 2010 but occurred at 3.9% and 2.6% in 2011 and 2013 respectively. The L263E mutation showed a significant change of frequency between 2010 and 2011, but not between 2011 and 2013 (P < 0.05). Frequency of E431K was highest of all without any clear trend whereas S769N increased from 2.2% in 2010 to 3.6% in 2011 and 5.1% in 2013. A623E mutation was not detected. The worrisome detection and the increase in the frequency of S769N and other mutations calls for urgent assessment of temporal changes of known artemisinin biomarkers in association with in vivo ACT efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Barnett
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - R Kiplin Guy
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
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34
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Jensen AN, Chindaudomsate W, Thitiananpakorn K, Mongkolsuk S, Jensen LT. Improper protein trafficking contributes to artemisinin sensitivity in cells lacking the KDAC Rpd3p. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:4018-25. [PMID: 25263705 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Lysine deacetylases (KDACs) inhibitors may have therapeutic value in anti-malarial combination therapies with artemisinin. To evaluate connections between KDACs and artemisinin, Saccharomyces cerevisiae deletion mutants in KDAC genes were assayed. Deletion of RPD3, but not other KDAC genes, resulted in strong sensitivity to artemisinin, which was also observed in sit4Δ mutants with impaired endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi protein trafficking. Decreased accumulation of the transporters Pdr5p, Fur4p, and Tat2p was observed in rpd3Δ and sit4Δ cells. The unfolded protein response is induced in rpd3Δ cells consistent with retention of proteins in the ER. Disruption of protein trafficking appears to sensitize cells to artemisinin and targeting these pathways may be useful as part of artemisinin based anti-malarial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Skorn Mongkolsuk
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Laran T Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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35
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Zhou M, Miao MM, Du G, Li XN, Shang SZ, Zhao W, Liu ZH, Yang GY, Che CT, Hu QF, Gao XM. Aspergillines A-E, highly oxygenated hexacyclic indole-tetrahydrofuran-tetramic acid derivatives from Aspergillus versicolor. Org Lett 2014; 16:5016-9. [PMID: 25226561 DOI: 10.1021/ol502307u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillines A-E (1-5) are highly oxygenated cyclopiazonic acid (CPA)-derived alkaloids bearing a rigid and sterically congested hexacyclic indole-tetrahydrofuran-tetramate scaffold, isolated from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus vesicolor. Apergillines A-C represent a new subclass of CPA-derived alkaloids, and aspergillines B and E possess a butanoic acid methyl ester moiety. The structures, including absolute configuration, were elucidated by interpretation of the NMR, X-ray crystallographic, and circular dichroism data. All compounds displayed anti-TMV and cytotoxic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Chemistry of Yunnan Province, China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co., Ltd. , Kunming 650231, People's Republic of China
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36
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Amorim MHR, Gil da Costa RM, Lopes C, Bastos MMSM. Sesquiterpene lactones: adverse health effects and toxicity mechanisms. Crit Rev Toxicol 2014; 43:559-79. [PMID: 23875764 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2013.813905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) present a wide range of biological activities, mostly based on their alkylating capabilities, which underlie their therapeutic potential. These compounds are the active constituents of a variety of plants, frequently used as herbal remedies. STLs such as artemisinin and its derivatives are in use as first-line antimalarials while others, such as parthenolide, have recently reached cancer clinical trials. However, the toxicological profile of these compounds must be thoroughly characterized, since the same properties that make STL useful medicines can also cause severe toxicity. STL-containing plants have long been known to induce a contact dermatitis in exposed farm workers, and also to cause several toxic syndromes in farm animals. More recently, concerns are been raised regarding the genotoxic potential of these compounds and the embryotoxicity of artemisinins. A growing number of STLs are being reported to be mutagenic in different in vitro and in vivo assays. As yet no systematic studies have been published, but the genotoxicity of STLs seems to depend not so much on direct DNA alkylation as on oxidative DNA damage and other partially elucidated mechanisms. As the medicinal use of these compounds increases, further studies of their toxic potential are needed, especially those focusing on the structural determinants of genotoxicity and embryotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Helena R Amorim
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Portugal
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37
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Krishna S, Pulcini S, Moore CM, Teo BHY, Staines HM. Pumped up: reflections on PfATP6 as the target for artemisinins. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2014; 35:4-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2013.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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38
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Fatih FA, Staines HM, Siner A, Ahmed MA, Woon LC, Pasini EM, Kocken CH, Singh B, Cox-Singh J, Krishna S. Susceptibility of human Plasmodium knowlesi infections to anti-malarials. Malar J 2013; 12:425. [PMID: 24245918 PMCID: PMC3874596 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence suggests that Plasmodium knowlesi malaria in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo remains zoonotic, meaning anti-malarial drug resistance is unlikely to have developed in the absence of drug selection pressure. Therefore, adequate response to available anti-malarial treatments is assumed. Methods Here the ex vivo sensitivity of human P. knowlesi isolates in Malaysian Borneo were studied, using a WHO schizont maturation assay modified to accommodate the quotidian life cycle of this parasite. The in vitro sensitivities of P. knowlesi H strain adapted from a primate infection to in vitro culture (by measuring the production of Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase) were also examined together with some assays using Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Results Plasmodium knowlesi is uniformly highly sensitive to artemisinins, variably and moderately sensitive to chloroquine, and less sensitive to mefloquine. Conclusions Taken together with reports of clinical failures when P. knowlesi is treated with mefloquine, the data suggest that caution is required if using mefloquine in prevention or treatment of P. knowlesi infections, until further studies are undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sanjeev Krishna
- Division of Clinical Sciences, Centre for Infection and Immunity, St, George's, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
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39
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Na-Bangchang K, Karbwang J. Emerging artemisinin resistance in the border areas of Thailand. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2013; 6:307-22. [PMID: 23656342 DOI: 10.1586/ecp.13.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Emergence of artemisinin resistance has been confirmed in Cambodia and the border areas of Thailand, the well-known hotspots of multidrug resistance Plasmodium falciparum. It appears to be spreading to the western border of Thailand along the Thai-Myanmar border, and will probably spread to other endemic areas of the world in the near future. This raises a serious concern on the long-term efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies, as these combination therapies currently constitute the last effective and most tolerable treatment for multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. Attempts have been made by a diverse array of stakeholders to prevent the emergence of new foci of artemisinin resistance, as well as to limit the spread of resistance to the original foci. The success in achieving this goal depends on effective integration of containment and surveillance programs with other malaria control measures, with support from both basic and operational research.
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40
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Belorgey D, Lanfranchi DA, Davioud-Charvet E. 1,4-naphthoquinones and other NADPH-dependent glutathione reductase-catalyzed redox cyclers as antimalarial agents. Curr Pharm Des 2013; 19:2512-28. [PMID: 23116403 DOI: 10.2174/1381612811319140003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The homodimeric flavoenzyme glutathione reductase catalyzes NADPH-dependent glutathione disulfide reduction. This reaction is important for keeping the redox homeostasis in human cells and in the human pathogen Plasmodium falciparum. Different types of NADPH-dependent disulfide reductase inhibitors were designed in various chemical series to evaluate the impact of each inhibition mode on the propagation of the parasites. Against malaria parasites in cultures the most potent and specific effects were observed for redox-active agents acting as subversive substrates for both glutathione reductases of the Plasmodium-infected red blood cells. In their oxidized form, these redox-active compounds are reduced by NADPH-dependent flavoenzyme-catalyzed reactions in the cytosol of infected erythrocytes. In their reduced forms, these compounds can reduce molecular oxygen to reactive oxygen species, or reduce oxidants like methemoglobin, the major nutrient of the parasite, to indigestible hemoglobin. Furthermore, studies on a fluorinated suicide-substrate of the human glutathione reductase indicate that the glutathione reductase-catalyzed bioactivation of 3-benzylnaphthoquinones to the corresponding reduced 3-benzoyl metabolites is essential for the observed antimalarial activity. In conclusion, the antimalarial lead naphthoquinones are suggested to perturb the major redox equilibria of the targeted cells. These effects result in developmental arrest of the parasite and contribute to the removal of the parasitized erythrocytes by macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Belorgey
- European School of Chemistry, Polymers and Materials (ECPM), UMR7509 CNRS - Universite de Strasbourg, 25 rue Becquerel, F-67087 Strasbourg Cedex 2, France.
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41
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Martinez-Higuera A, Salas-Casas A, Calixto-Gálvez M, Chávez-Munguía B, Pérez-Ishiwara DG, Ximénez C, Rodríguez MA. Identification of calcium-transporting ATPases of Entamoeba histolytica and cellular localization of the putative SERCA. Exp Parasitol 2013; 135:79-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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42
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Rosenthal PJ. The interplay between drug resistance and fitness in malaria parasites. Mol Microbiol 2013; 89:1025-38. [PMID: 23899091 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Controlling the spread of antimalarial drug resistance, especially resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to artemisinin-based combination therapies, is a high priority. Available data indicate that, as with other microorganisms, the spread of drug-resistant malaria parasites is limited by fitness costs that frequently accompany resistance. Resistance-mediating polymorphisms in malaria parasites have been identified in putative drug transporters and in target enzymes. The impacts of these polymorphisms on parasite fitness have been characterized in vitro and in animal models. Additional insights have come from analyses of samples from clinical studies, both evaluating parasites under different selective pressures and determining the clinical consequences of infection with different parasites. With some exceptions, resistance-mediating polymorphisms lead to malaria parasites that, compared with wild type, grow less well in culture and in animals, and are replaced by wild type when drug pressure diminishes in the clinical setting. In some cases, the fitness costs of resistance may be offset by compensatory mutations that increase virulence or changes that enhance malaria transmission. However, not enough is known about effects of resistance mediators on parasite fitness. A better appreciation of the costs of fitness-mediating mutations will facilitate the development of optimal guidelines for the treatment and prevention of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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43
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Therapeutic efficacy of artemisinin combination therapies and prevalence of S769N mutation in PfATPase6 gene of Plasmodium falciparum in Kolkata, India. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2013; 6:443-8. [DOI: 10.1016/s1995-7645(13)60071-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2013] [Revised: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Pulcini S, Staines HM, Pittman JK, Slavic K, Doerig C, Halbert J, Tewari R, Shah F, Avery MA, Haynes RK, Krishna S. Expression in yeast links field polymorphisms in PfATP6 to in vitro artemisinin resistance and identifies new inhibitor classes. J Infect Dis 2013; 208:468-78. [PMID: 23599312 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jit171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism of action of artemisinins against malaria is unclear, despite their widespread use in combination therapies and the emergence of resistance. RESULTS Here, we report expression of PfATP6 (a SERCA pump) in yeast and demonstrate its inhibition by artemisinins. Mutations in PfATP6 identified in field isolates (such as S769N) and in laboratory clones (such as L263E) decrease susceptibility to artemisinins, whereas they increase susceptibility to unrelated inhibitors such as cyclopiazonic acid. As predicted from the yeast model, Plasmodium falciparum with the L263E mutation is also more susceptible to cyclopiazonic acid. An inability to knockout parasite SERCA pumps provides genetic evidence that they are essential in asexual stages of development. Thaperoxides are a new class of potent antimalarial designed to act by inhibiting PfATP6. Results in yeast confirm this inhibition. CONCLUSIONS The identification of inhibitors effective against mutated PfATP6 suggests ways in which artemisinin resistance may be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Pulcini
- Division of Clinical Sciences, St. George's, University of London, UK
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45
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David-Bosne S, Florent I, Lund-Winther AM, Hansen JB, Buch-Pedersen M, Machillot P, le Maire M, Jaxel C. Antimalarial screening via large-scale purification of Plasmodium falciparum Ca2+-ATPase 6 and in vitro studies. FEBS J 2013; 280:5419-29. [PMID: 23497141 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The most severe form of human malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Despite the current need, there is no effective vaccine and parasites are becoming resistant to most of the antimalarials available. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover new drugs from targets that have not yet suffered from drug pressure with the aim of overcoming the problem of new emerging resistance. Membrane transporters, such as P. falciparum Ca(2+)-ATPase 6 (PfATP6), the P. falciparum sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA), have been proposed as potentially good antimalarial targets. The present investigation focuses on: (a) the large-scale purification of PfATP6 for maintenance of its enzymatic activity; (b) screening for PfATP6 inhibitors from a compound library; and (c) the selection of the best inhibitors for further tests on P. falciparum growth in vitro. We managed to heterologously express in yeast and purify an active form of PfATP6 as previously described, although in larger amounts. In addition to some classical SERCA inhibitors, a chemical library of 1680 molecules was screened. From these, we selected a pool of the 20 most potent inhibitors of PfATP6, presenting half maximal inhibitory concentration values in the range 1-9 μm. From these, eight were chosen for evaluation of their effect on P. falciparum growth in vitro, and the best compound presented a half maximal inhibitory concentration of ~ 2 μm. We verified the absence of an inhibitory effect of most of the compounds on mammalian SERCA1a, representing a potential advantage in terms of human toxicity. The present study describes a multidisciplinary approach allowing the selection of promising PfATP6-specific inhibitors with good antimalarial activity.
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46
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Henriques G, Martinelli A, Rodrigues L, Modrzynska K, Fawcett R, Houston DR, Borges ST, d'Alessandro U, Tinto H, Karema C, Hunt P, Cravo P. Artemisinin resistance in rodent malaria--mutation in the AP2 adaptor μ-chain suggests involvement of endocytosis and membrane protein trafficking. Malar J 2013; 12:118. [PMID: 23561245 PMCID: PMC3655824 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The control of malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum, is hampered by the relentless evolution of drug resistance. Because artemisinin derivatives are now used in the most effective anti-malarial therapy, resistance to artemisinin would be catastrophic. Indeed, studies suggest that artemisinin resistance has already appeared in natural infections. Understanding the mechanisms of resistance would help to prolong the effective lifetime of these drugs. Genetic markers of resistance are therefore required urgently. Previously, a mutation in a de-ubiquitinating enzyme was shown to confer artemisinin resistance in the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium chabaudi. METHODS Here, for a mutant P. chabaudi malaria parasite and its immediate progenitor, the in vivo artemisinin resistance phenotypes and the mutations arising using Illumina whole-genome re-sequencing were compared. RESULTS An increased artemisinin resistance phenotype is accompanied by one non-synonymous substitution. The mutated gene encodes the μ-chain of the AP2 adaptor complex, a component of the endocytic machinery. Homology models indicate that the mutated residue interacts with a cargo recognition sequence. In natural infections of the human malaria parasite P. falciparum, 12 polymorphisms (nine SNPs and three indels) were identified in the orthologous gene. CONCLUSION An increased artemisinin-resistant phenotype occurs along with a mutation in a functional element of the AP2 adaptor protein complex. This suggests that endocytosis and trafficking of membrane proteins may be involved, generating new insights into possible mechanisms of resistance. The genotypes of this adaptor protein can be evaluated for its role in artemisinin responses in human infections of P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Henriques
- Centro de Malaria & Doenças Tropicais,LA/IHMT/Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Miao M, Wang Z, Yang Z, Yuan L, Parker DM, Putaporntip C, Jongwutiwes S, Xangsayarath P, Pongvongsa T, Moji H, Dinh Tuong T, Abe T, Nakazawa S, Kyaw MP, Yan G, Sirichaisinthop J, Sattabongkot J, Mu J, Su XZ, Kaneko O, Cui L. Genetic diversity and lack of artemisinin selection signature on the Plasmodium falciparum ATP6 in the Greater Mekong Subregion. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59192. [PMID: 23555629 PMCID: PMC3608609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent detection of clinical Artemisinin (ART) resistance manifested as delayed parasite clearance in the Cambodia-Thailand border area raises a serious concern. The mechanism of ART resistance is not clear; but the P. falciparum sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (PfSERCA or PfATP6) has been speculated to be the target of ARTs and thus a potential marker for ART resistance. Here we amplified and sequenced pfatp6 gene (∼3.6 Kb) in 213 samples collected after 2005 from the Greater Mekong Subregion, where ART drugs have been used extensively in the past. A total of 24 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including 8 newly found in this study and 13 nonsynonymous, were identified. However, these mutations were either uncommon or also present in other geographical regions with limited ART use. None of the mutations were suggestive of directional selection by ARTs. We further analyzed pfatp6 from a worldwide collection of 862 P. falciparum isolates in 19 populations from Asia, Africa, South America and Oceania, which include samples from regions prior to and after deployments ART drugs. A total of 71 SNPs were identified, resulting in 106 nucleotide haplotypes. Similarly, many of the mutations were continent-specific and present at frequencies below 5%. The most predominant and perhaps the ancestral haplotype occurred in 441 samples and was present in 16 populations from Asia, Africa, and Oceania. The 3D7 haplotype found in 54 samples was the second most common haplotype and present in nine populations from all four continents. Assessment of the selection strength on pfatp6 in the 19 parasite populations found that pfatp6 in most of these populations was under purifying selection with an average dN/dS ratio of 0.333. Molecular evolution analyses did not detect significant departures from neutrality in pfatp6 for most populations, challenging the suitability of this gene as a marker for monitoring ART resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Miao
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Zenglei Wang
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Zhaoqing Yang
- Parasitology Department, Kunming Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lili Yuan
- Parasitology Department, Kunming Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Daniel M. Parker
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Chaturong Putaporntip
- Molecular Biology of Malaria and Opportunistic Parasites Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somchai Jongwutiwes
- Molecular Biology of Malaria and Opportunistic Parasites Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phonepadith Xangsayarath
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN) and the Global Center of Excellence program, Nagasaki University, Japan
| | - Tiengkham Pongvongsa
- Station of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, North Phonesavang Village, Kaysone District, Savannakhet Province, Laos
| | - Hazuhiko Moji
- Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Trinh Dinh Tuong
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology, and Entomology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tomoko Abe
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN) and the Global Center of Excellence program, Nagasaki University, Japan
| | - Shusuke Nakazawa
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN) and the Global Center of Excellence program, Nagasaki University, Japan
| | - Myat Phone Kyaw
- Parasitology Research Division, Department of Medical Research-Lower Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | | | | | - Jianbing Mu
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Xin-zhuan Su
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Osamu Kaneko
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN) and the Global Center of Excellence program, Nagasaki University, Japan
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Shandilya A, Chacko S, Jayaram B, Ghosh I. A plausible mechanism for the antimalarial activity of artemisinin: A computational approach. Sci Rep 2013; 3:2513. [PMID: 23985481 PMCID: PMC3756341 DOI: 10.1038/srep02513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin constitutes the frontline treatment to aid rapid clearance of parasitaemia and quick resolution of malarial symptoms. However, the widespread promiscuity about its mechanism of action is baffling. There is no consensus about the biochemical target of artemisinin but recent studies implicate haem and PfATP6 (a calcium pump). We investigated the role of iron and artemisinin on PfATP6, in search of a plausible mechanism of action, via density functional theory calculations, docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Results suggest that artemisinin gets activated by iron which in turn inhibits PfATP6 by closing the phosphorylation, nucleotide binding and actuator domains leading to loss of function of PfATP6 of the parasite and its death. The mechanism elucidated here should help in the design of novel antimalarials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Shandilya
- Department of Chemistry & Supercomputing Facility for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016
| | - Sajeev Chacko
- School of Computational and Integrative Science, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New JNU Campus, New Delhi – 110 067, India
| | - B. Jayaram
- Department of Chemistry & Supercomputing Facility for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Indira Ghosh
- School of Computational and Integrative Science, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New JNU Campus, New Delhi – 110 067, India
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Pirahmadi S, Zakeri S, Afsharpad M, Djadid ND. Mutation analysis in pfmdr1 and pfmrp1 as potential candidate genes for artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates 4years after implementation of artemisinin combination therapy in Iran. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2012; 14:327-34. [PMID: 23287027 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2012.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2012] [Revised: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum resistant to the commonly used anti-malarial drugs is a major challenge in the control and elimination of malaria. The present study provides information on genetic analysis in multidrug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) (N86Y/Y184F/S1034C/N1042D/F1226Y/D1246Y) and multidrug resistance protein 1 (pfmrp1) (H191Y/S437A/I876V/F1390I/K1466R) genes that are probably associated with artemisinin as well as chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt) 76T in P. falciparum clinical isolates (N=200) exposed to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) 4years after its adoption in Iran. Also, the copy number of pfmdr1 gene was screened for its association with pfmdr1 mutations to incriminate artemisinin resistance. By using nested PCR-RFLP and sequencing analysis, none of the samples had any mutation at codons 1034, 1042, 1226 and 1246 of pfmdr1, while 86Y and 184F mutations were detected in 46% and 2% of the examined samples, respectively. Also, no significant difference was identified among analyzed samples collected before (baseline, 2002-2005) and after adoption of ACT (2007-2010) (P>0.05). As with pfmrp1 gene, the mutations at positions 191Y (76.5%), 437A (69.5%), 876V (64.5%) and 1390I (17%) were detected and no samples displayed mutation at codon 1466R. In total, 42.5% of the examined isolates carried both pfmdr1 86Y and pfcrt 76T and none of the parasites simultaneously harbored pfcrt 76T, pfmdr1 86Y, 184F and pfmrp1 191Y, 437A, 876V, 1390I mutations. In addition, the copy number of pfmdr1 gene (N = 1) was similar as a sensitive isolate, 3D7, to artemisinin. In summary, none of the potential mutations associated with artemisinin and its derivatives resistance was significantly changed 4years after adoption of ACT in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakineh Pirahmadi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran
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50
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Fernández-Martínez A, Mula P, Cravo P, Charle P, Amor A, Ncogo P, Benito A, Berzosa P. Characterization of the Plasmodium falciparum sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase gene in samples from Equatorial Guinea before implementation of artemisinin-based combination therapy. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012. [PMID: 23185077 PMCID: PMC3541744 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.12-0364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum resistance to the primary drugs used for treatment of malaria has become the main obstacle to malaria control. Artemisinin combination therapies are the current treatment strategy, and it has been suggested that resistance to artemisinin derivatives may be related to mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase ortholog of the mammalian sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase gene, known as the pfatp6 gene. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in pfatp6. The presence of different SNPs was detected by polymerase chain reaction amplification of the pfatp6 gene, and then sequencing to identify all possible alleles of the gene. A total of 20 SNPs were detected, including eight SNPs that have not been previously described: K481R in Malabo; R801H on Annobon Island; and the synonymous SNPs a141t, c1788t, a2211g, t2739g, a2760c, and g2836a. The genotypic profile of pfatp6 in samples from Equatorial Guinea, may be a useful epidemiologic tool for monitoring local efficacy of artemisinin combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Fernández-Martínez
- *Address correspondence to Amalia Fernández-Martínez, Malaria Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Carlos III Institute of Health, C/Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Pabellón 13, 28029 Madrid, Spain. E-mail:
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