1
|
Yin Y, Yu H, Wang X, Hu Q, Liu Z, Luo D, Yang X. Cytoophidia: a conserved yet promising mode of enzyme regulation in nucleotide metabolism. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:245. [PMID: 38300325 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09208-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Nucleotide biosynthesis encompasses both de novo and salvage synthesis pathways, each characterized by significant material and procedural distinctions. Despite these differences, cells with elevated nucleotide demands exhibit a preference for the more intricate de novo synthesis pathway, intricately linked to modes of enzyme regulation. In this study, we primarily scrutinize the biological importance of a conserved yet promising mode of enzyme regulation in nucleotide metabolism-cytoophidia. Cytoophidia, comprising cytidine triphosphate synthase or inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, is explored across diverse biological models, including yeasts, Drosophila, mice, and human cancer cell lines. Additionally, we delineate potential biomedical applications of cytoophidia. As our understanding of cytoophidia deepens, the roles of enzyme compartmentalization and polymerization in various biochemical processes will unveil, promising profound impacts on both research and the treatment of metabolism-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yin
- School of Queen Mary, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Huanhuan Yu
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Thyroid Surgery Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiaohao Hu
- The 1st Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhuoqi Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Daya Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hinojosa-Cruz A, Díaz-Sánchez ÁG, Díaz-Vilchis A, González-Segura L. Structural and functional properties of uridine 5'-monophosphate synthase from Coffea arabica. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129226. [PMID: 38184030 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
In higher eukaryotes and plants, the last two sequential steps in the de novo biosynthesis of uridine 5'-monophosphate (UMP) are catalyzed by a bifunctional natural chimeric protein called UMP synthase (UMPS). In higher plants, UMPS consists of two naturally fused enzymes: orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRTase) at N-terminal and orotidine-5'-monophosphate decarboxylase (ODCase) at C-terminal. In this work, we obtained the full functional recombinant protein UMPS from Coffea arabica (CaUMPS) and studied its structure-function relationships. A biochemical and structural characterization of a plant UMPS with its two functional domains is described together with the presentation of the first crystal structure of a plant ODCase at 1.4 Å resolution. The kinetic parameters measured of CaOPRTase and CaODCase domains were comparable to those reported. The crystallographic structure revealed that CaODCase is a dimer that conserves the typical fold observed in other ODCases from prokaryote and eukaryote with a 1-deoxy-ribofuranose-5'-phosphate molecule bound in the active site of one subunit induced a closed conformation. Our results add to the knowledge of one of the key enzymes of the de novo biosynthesis of pyrimidines in plant metabolism and open the door to future applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Hinojosa-Cruz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Ángel G Díaz-Sánchez
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez 32310, Chihuahua, Mexico
| | - Adelaida Díaz-Vilchis
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62240, Mexico
| | - Lilian González-Segura
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ugbe FA, Shallangwa GA, Uzairu A, Abdulkadir I, Edache EI, Al-Megrin WAI, Al-Shouli ST, Wang Y, Abdalla M. Cheminformatics-based discovery of new organoselenium compounds with potential for the treatment of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-24. [PMID: 37937770 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2279269] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis affects more than 12 million humans globally and a further 1 billion people are at risk in leishmaniasis endemic areas. The lack of a vaccine for leishmaniasis coupled with the limitations of existing anti-leishmanial therapies prompted this study. Cheminformatic techniques are widely used in screening large libraries of compounds, studying protein-ligand interactions, analysing pharmacokinetic properties, and designing new drug molecules with great speed, accuracy, and precision. This study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-leishmanial potential of some organoselenium compounds by quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling, molecular docking, pharmacokinetic analysis, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The built QSAR model was validated (R2train = 0.8646, R2test = 0.8864, Q2 = 0.5773) and the predicted inhibitory activity (pIC50) values of the newly designed compounds were higher than that of the template (Compound 6). The new analogues (6a, 6b, and 6c) showed good binding interactions with the target protein (Pyridoxal kinase, PdxK) while also presenting excellent drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic profiles. The results of density functional theory, MD simulation, and molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) analyses suggest the favourability and stability of protein-ligand interactions of the new analogues with PdxK, comparing favourably well with the reference drug (Pentamidine). Conclusively, the newly designed compounds could be synthesized and tested experimentally as potential anti-leishmanial drug molecules.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Audu Ugbe
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Gideon Adamu Shallangwa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Adamu Uzairu
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim Abdulkadir
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | | | - Wafa Abdullah I Al-Megrin
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman. University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samia T Al-Shouli
- Immunology Unit, Pathology Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ying Wang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children's Health and Disease, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mohnad Abdalla
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children's Health and Disease, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim-Holzapfel DM, Dey R, Richardson BC, Arachchige D, Reddy K, De Vitto H, Bhandari J, French JB. Human uridine 5'-monophosphate synthase stores metabolic potential in inactive biomolecular condensates. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102949. [PMID: 36708921 PMCID: PMC9978035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human uridine 5'-monophosphate synthase (HsUMPS) is a bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes the final two steps in de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. The individual orotate phosphoribosyl transferase and orotidine monophosphate domains have been well characterized, but little is known about the overall structure of the protein and how the organization of domains impacts function. Using a combination of chromatography, electron microscopy, and complementary biophysical methods, we report herein that HsUMPS can be observed in two structurally distinct states, an enzymatically active dimeric form and a nonactive multimeric form. These two states readily interconvert to reach an equilibrium that is sensitive to perturbations of the active site and the presence of substrate. We determined that the smaller molecular weight form of HsUMPS is an S-shaped dimer that can self-assemble into relatively well-ordered globular condensates. Our analysis suggests that the transition between dimer and multimer is driven primarily by oligomerization of the orotate phosphoribosyl transferase domain. While the cellular distribution of HsUMPS is unaffected, quantification by mass spectrometry revealed that de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis is dysregulated when this protein is unable to assemble into inactive condensates. Taken together, our data suggest that HsUMPS self-assembles into biomolecular condensates as a means to store metabolic potential for the regulation of metabolic rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah M Kim-Holzapfel
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biology PhD Program, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Raja Dey
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA
| | | | | | - Kanamata Reddy
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA
| | - Humberto De Vitto
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA
| | - Janarjan Bhandari
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jarrod B French
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Moghaddam FM, Saberi V, Karimi A. Highly diastereoselective cascade [5 + 1] double Michael reaction, a route for the synthesis of spiro(thio)oxindoles. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22834. [PMID: 34819540 PMCID: PMC8613191 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01766-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The first diastereoselective synthesis of spirothiooxindoles is reported via the Michael reaction between thiooxindoles and dibenzalacetones. The reaction was conducted without any catalyst or additive under green conditions, i.e., ethanol as the solvent and at room temperature. In addition, the described robust method benefits from scalability, simple work-up, and column chromatography-free purification. This work demonstrates the art of governing regio- and stereoselectivity, which has been discussed in the light of Density Functional Theory calculations. Our method represents the first synthesis of spiro[cyclohexanone-thiooxindoles] with the relative configuration of the aryl moieties at the cyclohexanone ring as cis. The obtained cis-spirothiooxindoles, can be used to afford cis-spirooxindoles, which their synthesis had not been explored before. According to our molecular docking studies, cis-spirooxindoles demonstrate higher binding affinities than corresponding trans-spirooxindoles for the OPRT domain of the Leishmania donovani uridine 5′-monophosphate synthase (LdUMPS). Thus, the reported method may eventually be utilized to develop new hit compounds for leishmaniasis treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Firouz Matloubi Moghaddam
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, 111559516, Iran.
| | - Vahid Saberi
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, 111559516, Iran
| | - Ashkan Karimi
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, 111559516, Iran.,Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, H3A-0B8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Del Caño-Ochoa F, Ramón-Maiques S. Deciphering CAD: Structure and function of a mega-enzymatic pyrimidine factory in health and disease. Protein Sci 2021; 30:1995-2008. [PMID: 34288185 PMCID: PMC8442968 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
CAD is a 1.5 MDa particle formed by hexameric association of a 250 kDa protein divided into different enzymatic domains, each catalyzing one of the initial reactions for de novo biosynthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides: glutaminase‐dependent Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase, Aspartate transcarbamoylase, and Dihydroorotase. The pathway for de novo pyrimidine synthesis is essential for cell proliferation and is conserved in all living organisms, but the covalent linkage of the first enzymatic activities into a multienzymatic CAD particle is unique to animals. In other organisms, these enzymatic activities are encoded as monofunctional proteins for which there is abundant structural and biochemical information. However, the knowledge about CAD is scarce and fragmented. Understanding CAD requires not only to determine the three‐dimensional structures and define the catalytic and regulatory mechanisms of the different enzymatic domains, but also to comprehend how these domains entangle and work in a coordinated and regulated manner. This review summarizes significant progress over the past 10 years toward the characterization of CAD's architecture, function, regulatory mechanisms, and cellular compartmentalization, as well as the recent finding of a new and rare neurometabolic disorder caused by defects in CAD activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Del Caño-Ochoa
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV-CSIC), Valencia, Spain.,Group 739, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) - Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valencia, Spain
| | - Santiago Ramón-Maiques
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV-CSIC), Valencia, Spain.,Group 739, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) - Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gontijo VS, Colombo FA, Ferreira Espuri P, Freitas PGD, Nunes JB, Alves LB, Veloso MP, Alves RB, Freitas RP, Marques MJ. In vivo evaluation of anti-Leishmania activity of alkyltriazoles and alkylphosphocholines by oral route. Exp Parasitol 2021; 226-227:108123. [PMID: 34144040 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The failures in the treatment of leishmaniasis is an increasing problem around the world, especially related to resistance. Thus, we describe the synthesis and in vivo anti-Leishmania activity of alkylphosphocholine and alkyltriazoles; besides, their likely action mechanisms stem from some eventual inhibition of parasite enzymes using computational tools. These compounds were tested in an in vivo hamster model infected with Leishmania Leishmania infantum chagasi. Fifty days after parasite inoculation, the two compounds 12-azidedodecylphosphocholine (3) and 3-(1-(12-fluorododecyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)propano-1-ol (9), were separately administered once a day as oral suspensions (25 and 12.5 mg/kg/day, respectively) during ten days, and their efficacy was compared to the reference compound pentavalent antimonial Glucantime (GLU). Compound 3 significantly reduced the number of parasites in the spleen (4.93 × 102 amastigotes/g) and liver (4.52 × 103 amastigotes/g). Compound 9 reduced the number of amastigotes in the spleen to 1.30 × 104 and 1.36 × 103 amastigotes/g in the liver. GLU was the most effective overall treatment (7.50 × 101 and 2.28 × 102 amastigotes/g in the spleen and liver, respectively). The high activity levels of these compounds in vivo may stem from their high in vitro leishmanicidal activity and lipophilicity. The in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion studies also showed some anti-Leishmania potential. Compound 9 had more lipophilic characteristics than those of compound 3. In silico studies of the nine enzymes of compounds 3 and 9 showed significant evidence of interactions with nicotimidase and tyrosine aminotransferase, demonstrating possible inhibition enzymes present in L. (L.) infantum chagasi. These compounds could be a promising template for developing a new class of leishmanicidal agents, by oral route, and deserve further investigation to explore different therapeutic regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Silva Gontijo
- Departamento de Química, ICEx, UFMG, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Fabio Antônio Colombo
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700- Centro, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Ferreira Espuri
- Departamento de Patologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700- Centro, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Poliany Graziella de Freitas
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Simulação Computacional, MolMod-CS, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700- Centro, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Juliana Barbosa Nunes
- Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455. Cerqueira César, São Paulo, 01246-903, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Levy Bueno Alves
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Simulação Computacional, MolMod-CS, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700- Centro, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Márcia Paranho Veloso
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Simulação Computacional, MolMod-CS, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700- Centro, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Rosemeire Brondi Alves
- Departamento de Química, ICEx, UFMG, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Rossimiriam Pereira Freitas
- Departamento de Química, ICEx, UFMG, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Marcos José Marques
- Departamento de Patologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700- Centro, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pandey SC, Kumar A, Samant M. Genetically modified live attenuated vaccine: A potential strategy to combat visceral leishmaniasis. Parasite Immunol 2020; 42:e12732. [PMID: 32418227 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by a protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani mainly influencing the population of tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. The arsenal of drugs available is limited, and prolonged use of such drugs makes parasite to become resistant. Therefore, it is very imperative to develop a safe, cost-effective and inexpensive vaccine against VL. Although in recent years, many strategies have been pursued by researchers, so far only some of the vaccine candidates reached for clinical trial and more than half of them are still in pipeline. There is now a broad consent among Leishmania researchers that the perseverance of parasite is very essential for eliciting a protective immune response and may perhaps be attained by live attenuated parasite vaccination. For making a live attenuated parasite, it is very essential to ensure that the parasite is deficient of virulence and should further study genetically modified parasites to perceive the mechanism of pathogenesis. So it is believed that in the near future, a complete understanding of the Leishmania genome will explore clear strategies to discover a novel vaccine. This review describes the need for a genetically modified live attenuated vaccine against VL, and obstacles associated with its development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satish Chandra Pandey
- Cell and Molecular biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kumaun University, Almora, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | - Awanish Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, India
| | - Mukesh Samant
- Cell and Molecular biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kumaun University, Almora, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fresh insights into the pyrimidine metabolism in the trypanosomatids. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:87. [PMID: 29422065 PMCID: PMC5803862 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2660-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The trypanosomatid parasites continue their killing spree resulting in significant annual mortality due to the lack of effective treatments and the prominence of these diseases in poorer countries. These dimorphic parasites thrive unchecked in the host system, outsmarting the immune mechanisms. An understanding of biology of these parasitic forms will help in the management and elimination of these fatal diseases. Investigation of various metabolic pathways in these parasites has shed light in the understanding of the unique biology of the trypansomatids. An understanding of these pathways have helped in tracing the soft targets in the metabolic pathways, which could be used as effective drug targets which would further impact the therupeutic implications. Pyrimidine pathway is a vital metabolic pathway which yields in the formation of pyrimidines, which are then integrated in nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in sugars (UDP sugars) and lipids (CDP lipids). A wealth of data and information has been generated in the past decades by in-depth analyses of pyrimidine pathway in the trypanosomatid parasites, which can aid in the identification of anomalies between the parasitic and host counterpart which could be further harnessed to develop therapeutic interventions for the treatment of parasitic diseases. This review presents an updated and comprehensive detailing of the pyrimidine metabolism in the trypansomatids, their uniqueness and their distinctions, and its possible outcomes that would aid in the eradication of these parasitic diseases.
Collapse
|
10
|
Alzahrani KJH, Ali JAM, Eze AA, Looi WL, Tagoe DNA, Creek DJ, Barrett MP, de Koning HP. Functional and genetic evidence that nucleoside transport is highly conserved in Leishmania species: Implications for pyrimidine-based chemotherapy. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2017; 7:206-226. [PMID: 28453984 PMCID: PMC5407577 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania pyrimidine salvage is replete with opportunities for therapeutic intervention with enzyme inhibitors or antimetabolites. Their uptake into cells depends upon specific transporters; therefore it is essential to establish whether various Leishmania species possess similar pyrimidine transporters capable of drug uptake. Here, we report a comprehensive characterization of pyrimidine transport in L. major and L. mexicana. In both species, two transporters for uridine/adenosine were detected, one of which also transported uracil and the antimetabolites 5-fluoruracil (5-FU) and 5F,2'deoxyuridine (5F,2'dUrd), and was designated uridine-uracil transporter 1 (UUT1); the other transporter mediated uptake of adenosine, uridine, 5F,2'dUrd and thymidine and was designated Nucleoside Transporter 1 (NT1). To verify the reported L. donovani model of two NT1-like genes encoding uridine/adenosine transporters, and an NT2 gene encoding an inosine transporter, we cloned the corresponding L. major and L. mexicana genes, expressing each in T. brucei. Consistent with the L. donovani reports, the NT1-like genes of either species mediated the adenosine-sensitive uptake of [3H]-uridine but not of [3H]-inosine. Conversely, the NT2-like genes mediated uptake of [3H]-inosine but not [3H]-uridine. Among pyrimidine antimetabolites tested, 5-FU and 5F,2'dUrd were the most effective antileishmanials; resistance to both analogs was induced in L. major and L. mexicana. In each case it was found that the resistant cells had lost the transport capacity for the inducing drug. Metabolomics analysis found that the mechanism of action of 5-FU and 5F-2'dUrd was similar in both Leishmania species, with major changes in deoxynucleotide metabolism. We conclude that the pyrimidine salvage system is highly conserved in Leishmania species - essential information for the development of pyrimidine-based chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khalid J H Alzahrani
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Juma A M Ali
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Al Jabal Al Gharbi University, Gharyan, Libya
| | - Anthonius A Eze
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Wan Limm Looi
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel N A Tagoe
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Darren J Creek
- Department of Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael P Barrett
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Paojinda P, Imprasittichai W, Krungkrai SR, Palacpac NMQ, Horii T, Krungkrai J. Bifunctional activity of fused Plasmodium falciparum orotate phosphoribosyltransferase and orotidine 5'-monophosphate decarboxylase. Parasitol Int 2017; 67:79-84. [PMID: 28389349 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2017.04.003] [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: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Fusion of the last two enzymes in the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway in the inversed order by having a COOH-terminal orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT) and an NH2-terminal orotidine 5'-monophosphate decarboxylase (OMPDC), as OMPDC-OPRT, are described in many organisms. Here, we produced gene fusions of Plasmodium falciparum OMPDC-OPRT and expressed the bifunctional protein in Escherichia coli. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity using affinity and anion-exchange chromatography, exhibited enzymatic activities and functioned as a dimer. The activities, although unstable, were stabilized by its substrate and product during purification and long-term storage. Furthermore, the enzyme expressed a perfect catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km). The kcat was selectively enhanced up to three orders of magnitude, while the Km was not much affected and remained at low μM levels when compared to the monofunctional enzymes. The fusion of the two enzymes, creating a "super-enzyme" with perfect catalytic power and more flexibility, reflects cryptic relationship of enzymatic reactivities and metabolic functions on molecular evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patsarawadee Paojinda
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Inter-Department Program of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Waranya Imprasittichai
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
| | - Sudaratana R Krungkrai
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Patumthani 12000, Thailand
| | - Nirianne Marie Q Palacpac
- Department of Molecular Protozoology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Horii
- Department of Molecular Protozoology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Jerapan Krungkrai
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chitrakar I, Kim-Holzapfel DM, Zhou W, French JB. Higher order structures in purine and pyrimidine metabolism. J Struct Biol 2017; 197:354-364. [PMID: 28115257 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The recent discovery of several forms of higher order protein structures in cells has shifted the paradigm of how we think about protein organization and metabolic regulation. These dynamic and controllable protein assemblies, which are composed of dozens or hundreds of copies of an enzyme or related enzymes, have emerged as important players in myriad cellular processes. We are only beginning to appreciate the breadth of function of these types of macromolecular assemblies. These higher order structures, which can be assembled in response to varied cellular stimuli including changing metabolite concentrations or signaling cascades, give the cell the capacity to modulate levels of biomolecules both temporally and spatially. This provides an added level of control with distinct kinetics and unique features that can be harnessed as a subtle, yet powerful regulatory mechanism. Due, in large part, to advances in structural methods, such as crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, and the advent of super-resolution microscopy techniques, a rapidly increasing number of these higher order structures are being identified and characterized. In this review, we detail what is known about the structure, function and control mechanisms of these mesoscale protein assemblies, with a particular focus on those involved in purine and pyrimidine metabolism. These structures have important implications both for our understanding of fundamental cellular processes and as fertile ground for new targets for drug discovery and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iva Chitrakar
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States
| | - Deborah M Kim-Holzapfel
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States
| | - Weijie Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States
| | - Jarrod B French
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States; Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Arginase Is Essential for Survival of Leishmania donovani Promastigotes but Not Intracellular Amastigotes. Infect Immun 2016; 85:IAI.00554-16. [PMID: 27795357 PMCID: PMC5203656 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00554-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of Leishmania donovani have shown that both ornithine decarboxylase and spermidine synthase, two enzymes of the polyamine biosynthetic pathway, are critical for promastigote proliferation and required for maximum infection in mice. However, the importance of arginase (ARG), the first enzyme of the polyamine pathway in Leishmania, has not been analyzed in L. donovani. To test ARG function in intact parasites, we generated Δarg null mutants in L. donovani and evaluated their ability to proliferate in vitro and trigger infections in mice. The Δarg knockout was incapable of growth in the absence of polyamine supplementation, but the auxotrophic phenotype could be bypassed by addition of either millimolar concentrations of ornithine or micromolar concentrations of putrescine or by complementation with either glycosomal or cytosolic versions of ARG. Spermidine supplementation of the medium did not circumvent the polyamine auxotrophy of the Δarg line. Although ARG was found to be essential for ornithine and polyamine synthesis, ornithine decarboxylase appeared to be the rate-limiting enzyme for polyamine production. Mouse infectivity studies revealed that the Δarg lesion reduced parasite burdens in livers by an order of magnitude but had little impact on the numbers of parasites recovered from spleens. Thus, ARG is essential for proliferation of promastigotes but not intracellular amastigotes. Coupled with previous studies, these data support a model in which L. donovani amastigotes readily salvage ornithine and have some access to host spermidine pools, while host putrescine appears to be unavailable for salvage by the parasite.
Collapse
|
14
|
Phosphoribosyl Diphosphate (PRPP): Biosynthesis, Enzymology, Utilization, and Metabolic Significance. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2016; 81:81/1/e00040-16. [PMID: 28031352 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00040-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphoribosyl diphosphate (PRPP) is an important intermediate in cellular metabolism. PRPP is synthesized by PRPP synthase, as follows: ribose 5-phosphate + ATP → PRPP + AMP. PRPP is ubiquitously found in living organisms and is used in substitution reactions with the formation of glycosidic bonds. PRPP is utilized in the biosynthesis of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, the amino acids histidine and tryptophan, the cofactors NAD and tetrahydromethanopterin, arabinosyl monophosphodecaprenol, and certain aminoglycoside antibiotics. The participation of PRPP in each of these metabolic pathways is reviewed. Central to the metabolism of PRPP is PRPP synthase, which has been studied from all kingdoms of life by classical mechanistic procedures. The results of these analyses are unified with recent progress in molecular enzymology and the elucidation of the three-dimensional structures of PRPP synthases from eubacteria, archaea, and humans. The structures and mechanisms of catalysis of the five diphosphoryltransferases are compared, as are those of selected enzymes of diphosphoryl transfer, phosphoryl transfer, and nucleotidyl transfer reactions. PRPP is used as a substrate by a large number phosphoribosyltransferases. The protein structures and reaction mechanisms of these phosphoribosyltransferases vary and demonstrate the versatility of PRPP as an intermediate in cellular physiology. PRPP synthases appear to have originated from a phosphoribosyltransferase during evolution, as demonstrated by phylogenetic analysis. PRPP, furthermore, is an effector molecule of purine and pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis, either by binding to PurR or PyrR regulatory proteins or as an allosteric activator of carbamoylphosphate synthetase. Genetic analyses have disclosed a number of mutants altered in the PRPP synthase-specifying genes in humans as well as bacterial species.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ogungbe IV, Setzer WN. The Potential of Secondary Metabolites from Plants as Drugs or Leads against Protozoan Neglected Diseases-Part III: In-Silico Molecular Docking Investigations. Molecules 2016; 21:E1389. [PMID: 27775577 PMCID: PMC6274513 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21101389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and human African trypanosomiasis continue to cause considerable suffering and death in developing countries. Current treatment options for these parasitic protozoal diseases generally have severe side effects, may be ineffective or unavailable, and resistance is emerging. There is a constant need to discover new chemotherapeutic agents for these parasitic infections, and natural products continue to serve as a potential source. This review presents molecular docking studies of potential phytochemicals that target key protein targets in Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., and Plasmodium spp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ifedayo Victor Ogungbe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA.
| | - William N Setzer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sangshetti JN, Kalam Khan FA, Kulkarni AA, Patil RH, Pachpinde AM, Lohar KS, Shinde DB. Antileishmanial activity of novel indolyl-coumarin hybrids: Design, synthesis, biological evaluation, molecular docking study and in silico ADME prediction. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 26:829-835. [PMID: 26778149 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.12.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In present work we have designed and synthesized total twelve novel 3-(3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-phenylpropanoyl)-4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one derivatives 13(a-l) using Ho(3+) doped CoFe2O4 nanoparticles as catalyst and evaluated for their potential antileishmanial and antioxidant activities. The compounds 13a, 13d and 13h were found to possess significant antileishmanial activity (IC50 value=95.50, 95.00 and 99.00μg/mL, respectively) when compared to the standard sodium stibogluconate (IC50=490.00 μg/mL). The compounds 13a (IC50=12.40 μg/mL), 13d (IC50=13.49 μg/mL), 13g (IC50=13.24 μg/mL) and 13l (IC50=13.74 μg/mL) had shown good antioxidant activity when compared with standards butylated hydroxy toluene (IC50=16.5 μg/mL) and ascorbic acid (IC50=12.8 μg/mL). After performing molecular docking studies, it was found that compounds 13a and 13d had potential to inhibit pteridine reductase 1 enzyme. In silico ADME pharmacokinetic parameters had shown promising results and none of the synthesized compounds had violated Lipinski's rule of five. Thus, suggesting that compounds from the present series can serve as important gateway for the design and development of new antileishmanial as well as antioxidant agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaiprakash N Sangshetti
- Dr. Rafiq Zakaria Campus, Y.B. Chavan College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad 431001, (M.S.), India.
| | - Firoz A Kalam Khan
- Dr. Rafiq Zakaria Campus, Y.B. Chavan College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad 431001, (M.S.), India
| | - Abhishek A Kulkarni
- Dr. Rafiq Zakaria Campus, Y.B. Chavan College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad 431001, (M.S.), India
| | - Rajendra H Patil
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, (M.S.), India
| | - Amol M Pachpinde
- Department of Chemistry, Jawahar Art Science and Commerce College, Andur, Osmanabad 413603, (M.S.), India
| | - Kishan S Lohar
- Materials Research Laboratory, Srikrishna Mahavidyalaya Gunjoti, Omerga, Osmanabad 413 613, (M.S.), India
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fujihashi M, Mnpotra JS, Mishra RK, Pai EF, Kotra LP. Orotidine Monophosphate Decarboxylase--A Fascinating Workhorse Enzyme with Therapeutic Potential. J Genet Genomics 2015; 42:221-34. [PMID: 26059770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2015.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Revised: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Orotidine 5'-monophosphate decarboxylase (ODCase) is known as one of the most proficient enzymes. The enzyme catalyzes the last reaction step of the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, the conversion from orotidine 5'-monophosphate (OMP) to uridine 5'-monophosphate. The enzyme is found in all three domains of life, Bacteria, Eukarya and Archaea. Multiple sequence alignment of 750 putative ODCase sequences resulted in five distinct groups. While the universally conserved DxKxxDx motif is present in all the groups, depending on the groups, several characteristic motifs and residues can be identified. Over 200 crystal structures of ODCases have been determined so far. The structures, together with biochemical assays and computational studies, elucidated that ODCase utilized both transition state stabilization and substrate distortion to accelerate the decarboxylation of its natural substrate. Stabilization of the vinyl anion intermediate by a conserved lysine residue at the catalytic site is considered the largest contributing factor to catalysis, while bending of the carboxyl group from the plane of the aromatic pyrimidine ring of OMP accounts for substrate distortion. A number of crystal structures of ODCases complexed with potential drug candidate molecules have also been determined, including with 6-iodo-uridine, a potential antimalarial agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Fujihashi
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Jagjeet S Mnpotra
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27412, USA
| | - Ram Kumar Mishra
- Center for Molecular Design and Preformulations, and Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Emil F Pai
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Lakshmi P Kotra
- Center for Molecular Design and Preformulations, and Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3M2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nagle A, Khare S, Kumar AB, Supek F, Buchynskyy A, Mathison CJN, Chennamaneni N, Pendem N, Buckner FS, Gelb M, Molteni V. Recent developments in drug discovery for leishmaniasis and human African trypanosomiasis. Chem Rev 2014; 114:11305-47. [PMID: 25365529 PMCID: PMC4633805 DOI: 10.1021/cr500365f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Advait
S. Nagle
- Genomics
Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Shilpi Khare
- Genomics
Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Arun Babu Kumar
- Departments of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Medicine, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Frantisek Supek
- Genomics
Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Andriy Buchynskyy
- Departments of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Medicine, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Casey J. N. Mathison
- Genomics
Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Naveen
Kumar Chennamaneni
- Departments of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Medicine, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Nagendar Pendem
- Departments of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Medicine, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Frederick S. Buckner
- Departments of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Medicine, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Michael
H. Gelb
- Departments of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Medicine, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Valentina Molteni
- Genomics
Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Waugh B, Ghosh A, Bhattacharyya D, Ghoshal N, Banerjee R. In silico work flow for scaffold hopping in Leishmania. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:802. [PMID: 25399834 PMCID: PMC4247209 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis,a broad spectrum of diseases caused by several sister species of protozoa belonging to family trypanosomatidae and genus leishmania , generally affects poorer sections of the populace in third world countries. With the emergence of strains resistant to traditional therapies and the high cost of second line drugs which generally have severe side effects, it becomes imperative to continue the search for alternative drugs to combat the disease. In this work, the leishmanial genomes and the human genome have been compared to identify proteins unique to the parasite and whose structures (or those of close homologues) are available in the Protein Data Bank. Subsequent to the prioritization of these proteins (based on their essentiality, virulence factor etc.), inhibitors have been identified for a subset of these prospective drug targets by means of an exhaustive literature survey. A set of three dimensional protein-ligand complexes have been assembled from the list of leishmanial drug targets by culling structures from the Protein Data Bank or by means of template based homology modeling followed by ligand docking with the GOLD software. Based on these complexes several structure based pharmacophores have been designed and used to search for alternative inhibitors in the ZINC database. RESULT This process led to a list of prospective compounds which could serve as potential antileishmanials. These small molecules were also used to search the Drug Bank to identify prospective lead compounds already in use as approved drugs. Interestingly, paromomycin which is currently being used as an antileishmanial drug spontaneously appeared in the list, probably giving added confidence to the 'scaffold hopping' computational procedures adopted in this work. CONCLUSIONS The report thus provides the basis to experimentally verify several lead compounds for their predicted antileishmanial activity and includes several useful data bases of prospective drug targets in leishmania, their inhibitors and protein--inhibitor three dimensional complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barnali Waugh
- />Crystallography and Molecular Biology Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Sector - 1, Block – AF, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064 India
| | - Ambarnil Ghosh
- />Crystallography and Molecular Biology Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Sector - 1, Block – AF, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064 India
| | - Dhananjay Bhattacharyya
- />Computer Science Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Sector-1, Block AF, Biddhannagar, Kolkata, 700064 India
| | - Nanda Ghoshal
- />Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032 India
| | - Rahul Banerjee
- />Crystallography and Molecular Biology Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Sector - 1, Block – AF, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064 India
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Imprasittichail W, Roytrakul S, Krungkrai SR, Krungkrail J. A unique insertion of low complexity amino acid sequence underlies protein-protein interaction in human malaria parasite orotate phosphoribosyltransferase and orotidine 5'-monophosphate decarboxylase. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2014; 7:184-92. [PMID: 24507637 DOI: 10.1016/s1995-7645(14)60018-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Revised: 09/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the multienzyme complex formation of human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT) and orotidine 5'-monophosphate decarboxylase (OMPDC), the fifth and sixth enzyme of the de novo pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway. Previously, we have clearly established that the two enzymes in the malaria parasite exist physically as a heterotetrameric (OPRT)2(OMPDC)2 complex containing two subunits each of OPRT and OMPDC, and that the complex have catalytic kinetic advantages over the monofunctional enzyme. METHODS Both enzymes were cloned and expressed as recombinant proteins. The protein-protein interaction in the enzyme complex was identified using bifunctional chemical cross-linker, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis and homology modeling. RESULTS The unique insertions of low complexity region at the α 2 and α 5 helices of the parasite OMPDC, characterized by single amino acid repeat sequence which was not found in homologous proteins from other organisms, was located on the OPRT-OMPDC interface. The structural models for the protein-protein interaction of the heterotetrameric (OPRT)2(OMPDC)2 multienzyme complex were proposed. CONCLUSIONS Based on the proteomic data and structural modeling, it is surmised that the human malaria parasite low complexity region is responsible for the OPRT-OMPDC interaction. The structural complex of the parasite enzymes, thus, represents an efficient functional kinetic advantage, which in line with co-localization principles of evolutional origin, and allosteric control in protein-protein-interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Waranya Imprasittichail
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
| | - Sudaratana R Krungkrai
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Pathumthani 12000, Thailand
| | - Jerapan Krungkrail
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Soysa R, Carter NS, Yates PA. A dual luciferase system for analysis of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in Leishmania. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2014; 195:1-5. [PMID: 24878002 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gene expression in kinetoplastid parasites is regulated via post-transcriptional mechanisms that modulate mRNA turnover, translation rate, and/or post-translational protein stability. To facilitate the analysis of post-transcriptional regulation, a dual luciferase system was developed in which firefly and Renilla luciferase reporters genetically fused to compatible drug resistance genes are integrated in place of one allele of the gene of interest and of an internal control gene, respectively, in a manner that preserves the cognate pre-mRNA processing signals. The sensitivity and reproducibility of the assay coupled with the ability to rapidly assemble reporter integration constructs render the dual luciferase system suitable for analysis of multiple candidates derived from global expression analysis platforms. To demonstrate the utility of the system, regulation of three genes in response to purine starvation was examined in Leishmania donovani promastigotes. This dual luciferase system should be directly applicable to the analysis of post-transcriptional regulation in other kinetoplastids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radika Soysa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Nicola S Carter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Phillip A Yates
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chhajer R, Ali N. Genetically modified organisms and visceral leishmaniasis. Front Immunol 2014; 5:213. [PMID: 24860575 PMCID: PMC4030198 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing infectious diseases. Since the eradication of small pox in 1976, many other potentially life compromising if not threatening diseases have been dealt with subsequently. This event was a major leap not only in the scientific world already burdened with many diseases but also in the mindset of the common man who became more receptive to novel treatment options. Among the many protozoan diseases, the leishmaniases have emerged as one of the largest parasite killers of the world, second only to malaria. There are three types of leishmaniasis namely cutaneous (CL), mucocutaneous (ML), and visceral (VL), caused by a group of more than 20 species of Leishmania parasites. Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar is the most severe form and almost fatal if untreated. Since the first attempts at leishmanization, we have killed parasite vaccines, subunit protein, or DNA vaccines, and now we have live recombinant carrier vaccines and live attenuated parasite vaccines under various stages of development. Although some research has shown promising results, many more potential genes need to be evaluated as live attenuated vaccine candidates. This mini-review attempts to summarize the success and failures of genetically modified organisms used in vaccination against some of major parasitic diseases for their application in leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rudra Chhajer
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology , Kolkata , India
| | - Nahid Ali
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology , Kolkata , India
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
De novo pyrimidine biosynthesis in the oomycete plant pathogen Phytophthora infestans. Gene 2014; 537:312-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Revised: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
24
|
Metabolic reprogramming during purine stress in the protozoan pathogen Leishmania donovani. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1003938. [PMID: 24586154 PMCID: PMC3937319 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of Leishmania to survive in their insect or mammalian host is dependent upon an ability to sense and adapt to changes in the microenvironment. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the parasite response to environmental changes, such as nutrient availability. To elucidate nutrient stress response pathways in Leishmania donovani, we have used purine starvation as the paradigm. The salvage of purines from the host milieu is obligatory for parasite replication; nevertheless, purine-starved parasites can persist in culture without supplementary purine for over three months, indicating that the response to purine starvation is robust and engenders parasite survival under conditions of extreme scarcity. To understand metabolic reprogramming during purine starvation we have employed global approaches. Whole proteome comparisons between purine-starved and purine-replete parasites over a 6–48 h span have revealed a temporal and coordinated response to purine starvation. Purine transporters and enzymes involved in acquisition at the cell surface are upregulated within a few hours of purine removal from the media, while other key purine salvage components are upregulated later in the time-course and more modestly. After 48 h, the proteome of purine-starved parasites is extensively remodeled and adaptations to purine stress appear tailored to deal with both purine deprivation and general stress. To probe the molecular mechanisms affecting proteome remodeling in response to purine starvation, comparative RNA-seq analyses, qRT-PCR, and luciferase reporter assays were performed on purine-starved versus purine-replete parasites. While the regulation of a minority of proteins tracked with changes at the mRNA level, for many regulated proteins it appears that proteome remodeling during purine stress occurs primarily via translational and/or post-translational mechanisms. Leishmania, the cause of a deadly spectrum of diseases in humans, surmounts a number of environmental challenges, including changes in the availability of salvageable nutrients, to successfully colonize its host. Adaptation to environmental stress is clearly of significance in parasite biology, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. To simulate the response to periodic nutrient scarcity in vivo, we have induced purine starvation in vitro. Purines are essential for growth and viability, and serve as the major energy currency of cells. Leishmania cannot synthesize purines and must salvage them from the surroundings. Extracellular purine depletion in culture induces a robust survival response in Leishmania, whereby growth arrests, but parasites persist for months. To profile the events that enable endurance of purine starvation, we used shotgun proteomics. Our data suggest that purine starvation induces extensive proteome remodeling, tailored to enhance purine capture and recycling, reduce energy expenditures, and maintain viability of the metabolically active, non-dividing population. Through global and targeted approaches, we reveal that proteome remodeling is multifaceted, and occurs through an array of responses at the mRNA, translational, and post-translational level. Our data provide one of the most inclusive views of adaptation to microenvironmental stress in Leishmania.
Collapse
|
25
|
Hansen MR, Barr EW, Jensen KF, Willemoës M, Grubmeyer C, Winther JR. Catalytic site interactions in yeast OMP synthase. Arch Biochem Biophys 2013; 542:28-38. [PMID: 24262852 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The enigmatic kinetics, half-of-the-sites binding, and structural asymmetry of the homodimeric microbial OMP synthases (orotate phosphoribosyltransferase, EC 2.4.2.10) have been proposed to result from an alternating site mechanism in these domain-swapped enzymes [R.W. McClard et al., Biochemistry 45 (2006) 5330-5342]. This behavior was investigated in the yeast enzyme by mutations in the conserved catalytic loop and 5-phosphoribosyl-1-diphosphate (PRPP) binding motif. Although the reaction is mechanistically sequential, the wild-type (WT) enzyme shows parallel lines in double reciprocal initial velocity plots. Replacement of Lys106, the postulated intersubunit communication device, produced intersecting lines in kinetic plots with a 2-fold reduction of kcat. Loop (R105G K109S H111G) and PRPP-binding motif (D131N D132N) mutant proteins, each without detectable enzymatic activity and ablated ability to bind PRPP, complemented to produce a heterodimer with a single fully functional active site showing intersecting initial velocity plots. Equilibrium binding of PRPP and orotidine 5'-monophosphate showed a single class of two binding sites per dimer in WT and K106S enzymes. Evidence here shows that the enzyme does not follow half-of-the-sites cooperativity; that interplay between catalytic sites is not an essential feature of the catalytic mechanism; and that parallel lines in steady-state kinetics probably arise from tight substrate binding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Riis Hansen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Eric W Barr
- Department of Biochemistry, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 N Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Kaj Frank Jensen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Martin Willemoës
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Charles Grubmeyer
- Department of Biochemistry, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 N Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
| | - Jakob R Winther
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Soysa R, Wilson ZN, Elferich J, Forquer I, Shinde U, Riscoe MK, Yates PA, Ullman B. Substrate inhibition of uracil phosphoribosyltransferase by uracil can account for the uracil growth sensitivity of Leishmania donovani pyrimidine auxotrophs. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:29954-64. [PMID: 23986453 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.478826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani is capable of both de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis and salvage of pyrimidines from the host milieu. Genetic analysis has authenticated L. donovani uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (LdUPRT), an enzyme not found in mammalian cells, as the focal enzyme of pyrimidine salvage because all exogenous pyrimidines that can satisfy the requirement of the parasite for pyrimidine nucleotides are funneled to uracil and then phosphoribosylated to UMP in the parasite by LdUPRT. To characterize this unique parasite enzyme, LdUPRT was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant enzyme was purified to homogeneity. Kinetic analysis revealed apparent Km values of 20 and 99 μM for the natural substrates uracil and phosphoribosylpyrophosphate, respectively, as well as apparent Km values 6 and 7 μM for the pyrimidine analogs 5-fluorouracil and 4-thiouracil, respectively. Size exclusion chromatography revealed the native LdUPRT to be tetrameric and retained partial structure and activity in high concentrations of urea. L. donovani mutants deficient in de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, which require functional LdUPRT for growth, are hypersensitive to high concentrations of uracil, 5-fluorouracil, and 4-thiouracil in the growth medium. This hypersensitivity can be explained by the observation that LdUPRT is substrate-inhibited by uracil and 4-thiouracil, but 5-fluorouracil toxicity transpires via an alternative mechanism. This substrate inhibition of LdUPRT provides a protective mechanism for the parasite by facilitating purine and pyrimidine nucleotide pool balance and by sparing phosphoribosylpyrophosphate for consumption by the nutritionally indispensable purine salvage process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radika Soysa
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098 and
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ali JAM, Tagoe DNA, Munday JC, Donachie A, Morrison LJ, de Koning HP. Pyrimidine biosynthesis is not an essential function for Trypanosoma brucei bloodstream forms. PLoS One 2013; 8:e58034. [PMID: 23505454 PMCID: PMC3591441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background African trypanosomes are capable of both pyrimidine biosynthesis and salvage of preformed pyrimidines from the host, but it is unknown whether either process is essential to the parasite. Methodology/Principal Findings Pyrimidine requirements for growth were investigated using strictly pyrimidine-free media, with or without single added pyrimidine sources. Growth rates of wild-type bloodstream form Trypanosoma brucei brucei were unchanged in pyrimidine-free medium. The essentiality of the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway was studied by knocking out the PYR6-5 locus that produces a fusion product of orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT) and Orotidine Monophosphate Decarboxylase (OMPDCase). The pyrimidine auxotroph was dependent on a suitable extracellular pyrimidine source. Pyrimidine starvation was rapidly lethal and non-reversible, causing incomplete DNA content in new cells. The phenotype could be rescued by addition of uracil; supplementation with uridine, 2′deoxyuridine, and cytidine allowed a diminished growth rate and density. PYR6-5−/− trypanosomes were more sensitive to pyrimidine antimetabolites and displayed increased uracil transport rates and uridine phosphorylase activity. Pyrimidine auxotrophs were able to infect mice although the infection developed much more slowly than infection with the parental, prototrophic trypanosome line. Conclusions/Significance Pyrimidine salvage was not an essential function for bloodstream T. b. brucei. However, trypanosomes lacking de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis are completely dependent on an extracellular pyrimidine source, strongly preferring uracil, and display reduced infectivity. As T. brucei are able to salvage sufficient pyrimidines from the host environment, the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway is not a viable drug target, although any interruption of pyrimidine supply was lethal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juma A. M. Ali
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Al Jabal Al Gharbi University, Gharyan, Libya
| | - Daniel N. A. Tagoe
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jane C. Munday
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Donachie
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Liam J. Morrison
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
| | - Harry P. de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ali JAM, Creek DJ, Burgess K, Allison HC, Field MC, Mäser P, De Koning HP. Pyrimidine salvage in Trypanosoma brucei bloodstream forms and the trypanocidal action of halogenated pyrimidines. Mol Pharmacol 2012. [PMID: 23188714 DOI: 10.1124/mol.112.082321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
African trypanosomes are capable of both pyrimidine biosynthesis and salvage of preformed pyrimidines from the host. However, uptake of pyrimidines in bloodstream form trypanosomes has not been investigated, making it difficult to judge the relative importance of salvage and synthesis or to design a pyrimidine-based chemotherapy. Detailed characterization of pyrimidine transport activities in bloodstream form Trypanosoma brucei brucei found that these cells express a high-affinity uracil transporter (designated TbU3) that is clearly distinct from the procyclic pyrimidine transporters. This transporter had low affinity for uridine and 2'deoxyuridine and was the sole pyrimidine transporter expressed in these cells. In addition, thymidine was taken up inefficiently through a P1-type nucleoside transporter. Of importance, the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil was an excellent substrate for TbU3, and several 5-fluoropyrimidine analogs were investigated for uptake and trypanocidal activity; 5F-orotic acid, 5F-2'deoxyuridine displayed activity in the low micromolar range. The metabolism and mode of action of these analogs was determined using metabolomic assessments of T. brucei clonal lines adapted to high levels of these pyrimidine analogs, and of the sensitive parental strains. The analysis showed that 5-fluorouracil is incorporated into a large number of metabolites but likely exerts toxicity through incorporation into RNA. 5F-2'dUrd and 5F-2'dCtd are not incorporated into nucleic acids but act as prodrugs by inhibiting thymidylate synthase as 5F-dUMP. We present the most complete model of pyrimidine salvage in T. brucei to date, supported by genome-wide profiling of the predicted pyrimidine biosynthesis and conversion enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juma A M Ali
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wilson ZN, Gilroy CA, Boitz JM, Ullman B, Yates PA. Genetic dissection of pyrimidine biosynthesis and salvage in Leishmania donovani. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:12759-70. [PMID: 22367196 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.346502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus express the metabolic machinery to synthesize pyrimidine nucleotides via both de novo and salvage pathways. To evaluate the relative contributions of pyrimidine biosynthesis and salvage to pyrimidine homeostasis in both life cycle stages of Leishmania donovani, individual mutant lines deficient in either carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (CPS), the first enzyme in pyrimidine biosynthesis, uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (UPRT), a salvage enzyme, or both CPS and UPRT were constructed. The Δcps lesion conferred pyrimidine auxotrophy and a growth requirement for medium supplementation with one of a plethora of pyrimidine nucleosides or nucleobases, although only dihydroorotate or orotate could circumvent the pyrimidine auxotrophy of the Δcps/Δuprt double knockout. The Δuprt null mutant was prototrophic for pyrimidines but could not salvage uracil or any pyrimidine nucleoside. The capability of the Δcps parasites to infect mice was somewhat diminished but still robust, indicating active pyrimidine salvage by the amastigote form of the parasite, but the Δcps/Δuprt mutant was completely attenuated with no persistent parasites detected after a 4-week infection. Complementation of the Δcps/Δuprt clone with either CPS or UPRT restored infectivity. These data establish that an intact pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway is essential for the growth of the promastigote form of L. donovani in culture, that all uracil and pyrimidine nucleoside salvage in the parasite is mediated by UPRT, and that both the biosynthetic and salvage pathways contribute to a robust infection of the mammalian host by the amastigote. These findings impact potential therapeutic design and vaccine strategies for visceral leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary N Wilson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|