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Gonzales M, Jacquet P, Gaucher F, Chabrière É, Plener L, Daudé D. AHL-Based Quorum Sensing Regulates the Biosynthesis of a Variety of Bioactive Molecules in Bacteria. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024. [PMID: 38390739 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria are social microorganisms that use communication systems known as quorum sensing (QS) to regulate diverse cellular behaviors including the production of various secreted molecules. Bacterial secondary metabolites are widely studied for their bioactivities including antibiotic, antifungal, antiparasitic, and cytotoxic compounds. Besides playing a crucial role in natural bacterial niches and intermicrobial competition by targeting neighboring organisms and conferring survival advantages to the producer, these bioactive molecules may be of prime interest to develop new antimicrobials or anticancer therapies. This review focuses on bioactive compounds produced under acyl homoserine lactone-based QS regulation by Gram-negative bacteria that are pathogenic to humans and animals, including the Burkholderia, Serratia, Pseudomonas, Chromobacterium, and Pseudoalteromonas genera. The synthesis, regulation, chemical nature, biocidal effects, and potential applications of these identified toxic molecules are presented and discussed in light of their role in microbial interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Gonzales
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille 13288, France
- Gene&GreenTK, Marseille 13005, France
| | | | | | - Éric Chabrière
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille 13288, France
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Hansanant N, Cao K, Tenorio A, Joseph T, Ju M, McNally N, Kummari E, Williams M, Cothrell A, Buhrow AR, Shin R, Orugunty R, Smith L. Previously Uncharacterized Variants, OCF-E-OCF-J, of the Antifungal Occidiofungin Produced by Burkholderia contaminans MS14. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:186-194. [PMID: 38277493 PMCID: PMC10897925 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
The rise of multidrug resistant fungal infections highlights the need to identify and develop novel antifungal agents. Occidiofungin is a nonribosomally synthesized glycolipopeptide that has a unique mechanism of action, disrupting actin-mediated functions and inducing cellular apoptosis. Antifungal activity has been observed in vitro against various fungal species, including multidrug resistant Candida auris, and in vivo efficacy has been demonstrated in a murine vulvovaginal candidiasis model. Occidiofungin, a cyclic glycolipopeptide, is composed of eight amino acids and in previous studies, an asparagine residue was assigned at position 7 (ASN7). In this study, new structural variants of occidiofungin have been characterized which have aspartic acid (ASP7), glutamine (GLN7), or glutamic acid (GLU7) at position 7. The side chain of the ASP7 variant contains the only terminal carboxylic acid in the peptide and provides a useful site for selective chemical modifications. Analogues were synthesized at the ASP7 position and tested for antifungal activity. These analogues were shown to be more active as compared to the ASP7 variant against a panel of Candida species. The naturally occurring variants of occidiofungin with a side chain containing a carboxylic acid at the seventh amino acid position can be used to develop semisynthetic analogues with enhanced therapeutic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nopakorn Hansanant
- Department
of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Kevin Cao
- Sano
Chemicals Incorporated, Bryan, Texas 77803, United States
| | - Abraham Tenorio
- Sano
Chemicals Incorporated, Bryan, Texas 77803, United States
| | - Thushinari Joseph
- Department
of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Min Ju
- Department
of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Noah McNally
- Department
of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Evangel Kummari
- Department
of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - McKinley Williams
- Department
of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Andrew Cothrell
- Department
of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Andrew R. Buhrow
- Department
of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Ronald Shin
- Central
Alabama High-Field NMR Facility, Structural Biology Shared Facility,
Cancer Center, University of Alabama at
Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-1240, United States
| | - Ravi Orugunty
- Sano
Chemicals Incorporated, Bryan, Texas 77803, United States
| | - Leif Smith
- Department
of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Sano
Chemicals Incorporated, Bryan, Texas 77803, United States
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Ali M, Xu C, Nawaz S, Ahmed AE, Hina Q, Li K. Anti-Cryptosporidial Drug-Discovery Challenges and Existing Therapeutic Avenues: A "One-Health" Concern. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:80. [PMID: 38255695 PMCID: PMC10820218 DOI: 10.3390/life14010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is the leading cause of life-threatening diarrheal infection, especially in infants. Oocysts contaminate the environment, and also, being a zoonotic disease, cryptosporidiosis is a threat to One Health. Nitazoxanide is the only FDA-approved drug, effective only in immunocompetent adults, and is not safe for infants. The absence of mitochondria and apicoplast, the presence of an electron-dense band (ED band), hindrances in its genetic and phenotypic manipulations, and its unique position inside the host cell are some challenges to the anti-cryptosporidial drug-discovery process. However, many compounds, including herbal products, have shown efficacy against Cryptosporidium during in vitro and in vivo trials. Still, the "drug of choice" against this protozoan parasite, especially in immunocompromised individuals and infants, has not yet been explored. The One-Health approach addresses this issue, focusing on the intersection of animal, human, and environmental health. The objective of this review is to provide knowledge about novel anti-cryptosporidial drug targets, available treatment options with associated limitations, and possible future shifts toward natural products to treat cryptosporidiosis. The current review is organized to address the treatment and prevention of cryptosporidiosis. An anti-cryptosporidial drug that is effective in immunocompromised individuals and infants is a necessity of our time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munwar Ali
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.A.); (C.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.A.); (C.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Shah Nawaz
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
| | - Ahmed Ezzat Ahmed
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Qazal Hina
- Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Kun Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.A.); (C.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Cothrell A, Cao K, Bonasera R, Tenorio A, Orugunty R, Smith L. Intravaginal Gel for Sustained Delivery of Occidiofungin and Long-Lasting Antifungal Effects. Gels 2023; 9:787. [PMID: 37888361 PMCID: PMC10606712 DOI: 10.3390/gels9100787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are caused by opportunistic pathogens that can be life threatening or debilitating. Candida spp. are becoming increasingly resistant to current clinically approved antifungal therapeutics. Candida infections afflict not only immunosuppressed but also immunocompetent individuals. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a disease that afflicts 5-9% of women. Occidiofungin is a novel cyclic peptide that has a broad spectrum of antifungal activity with a novel fungicidal mechanism of action. A gel formulation containing occidiofungin (OCF001) is being developed for use to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis. The formulated gel for intravaginal application used hydroxyethyl cellulose as the primary gelling agent and hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin as a solubilizing agent for occidiofungin. Franz cells and LC-MS/MS were used to determine the rate of drug substance diffusion in the gel formulation. The formulation was tested in an ex vivo mouse skin efficacy study, and the safety was tested following repeat intravaginal administration in rabbits. In this study, the gel formulation was shown to reduce the drug substance rate of diffusion across a skin memetic membrane. The study showed that the formulation extends exposure time to inhibitory concentrations of occidiofungin over a 24-h period and supports a single daily application for the treatment of RVVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Cothrell
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Kevin Cao
- Antimicrobial Division, Sano Chemicals Inc., Bryan, TX 77803, USA (A.T.); (R.O.)
| | - Rachele Bonasera
- Antimicrobial Division, Sano Chemicals Inc., Bryan, TX 77803, USA (A.T.); (R.O.)
| | - Abraham Tenorio
- Antimicrobial Division, Sano Chemicals Inc., Bryan, TX 77803, USA (A.T.); (R.O.)
| | - Ravi Orugunty
- Antimicrobial Division, Sano Chemicals Inc., Bryan, TX 77803, USA (A.T.); (R.O.)
| | - Leif Smith
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
- Antimicrobial Division, Sano Chemicals Inc., Bryan, TX 77803, USA (A.T.); (R.O.)
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BysR, a LysR-Type Pleiotropic Regulator, Controls Production of Occidiofungin by Activating the LuxR-Type Transcriptional Regulator AmbR1 in Burkholderia sp. Strain JP2-270. Microbiol Spectr 2023:e0268422. [PMID: 36939376 PMCID: PMC10100970 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02684-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Occidiofungin is a highly effective antifungal glycopeptide produced by certain Burkholderia strains. The ocf gene cluster, responsible for occidiofungin biosynthesis, is regulated by the cluster-specific regulators encoded by an ambR homolog(s) within the same gene cluster, while the extent to which occidiofungin biosynthesis is connected with the core regulation network remains unknown. Here, we report that the LysR-type regulator BysR acts as a pleiotropic regulator and is essential for occidiofungin biosynthesis. Magnaporthe oryzae was used as an antifungal target in this study, and deletion of bysR and ocfE abolished the antagonistic activity against M. oryzae in Burkholderia sp. strain JP2-270. The ΔbysR defect can be recovered by constitutively expressing bysR or ambR1, but not ambR2. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) collectively showed that BysR regulates ambR1 by directly binding to its promoter region. In addition, transcriptomic analysis revealed altered expression of 350 genes in response to bysR deletion, and the genes engaged in flagellar assembly and bacterial chemotaxis constitute the most enriched pathways. Also, 400 putative BysR-targeted loci were identified by DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP-seq) in JP2-270. These loci include not only genes engaged in key metabolic pathways but also those involved in secondary metabolic pathways. To conclude, the occidiofungin produced by JP2-270 is the main substance inhibiting M. oryzae, and BysR controls occidiofungin production by directly targeting ambR1, an intracluster transcriptional regulatory gene that further activates the transcription of the ocf gene cluster. IMPORTANCE We report for the first time that occidiofungin production is regulated by the global transcriptional factor BysR, by directly targeting the specific regulator ambR1, which further promotes the transcription of ocf genes. BysR also acts as a pleiotropic regulator that controls various cellular processes in Burkholderia sp. strain JP2-270. This study provides insight into the regulatory mechanism of occidiofungin synthesis and enhances our understanding of the regulatory patterns of the LysR-type regulator.
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Compilation of the Antimicrobial Compounds Produced by Burkholderia Sensu Stricto. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041646. [PMID: 36838633 PMCID: PMC9958762 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the increase in multidrug-resistant microorganisms, the investigation of novel or more efficient antimicrobial compounds is essential. The World Health Organization issued a list of priority multidrug-resistant bacteria whose eradication will require new antibiotics. Among them, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacteriaceae are in the "critical" (most urgent) category. As a result, major investigations are ongoing worldwide to discover new antimicrobial compounds. Burkholderia, specifically Burkholderia sensu stricto, is recognized as an antimicrobial-producing group of species. Highly dissimilar compounds are among the molecules produced by this genus, such as those that are unique to a particular strain (like compound CF66I produced by Burkholderia cepacia CF-66) or antimicrobials found in a number of species, e.g., phenazines or ornibactins. The compounds produced by Burkholderia include N-containing heterocycles, volatile organic compounds, polyenes, polyynes, siderophores, macrolides, bacteriocins, quinolones, and other not classified antimicrobials. Some of them might be candidates not only for antimicrobials for both bacteria and fungi, but also as anticancer or antitumor agents. Therefore, in this review, the wide range of antimicrobial compounds produced by Burkholderia is explored, focusing especially on those compounds that were tested in vitro for antimicrobial activity. In addition, information was gathered regarding novel compounds discovered by genome-guided approaches.
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Hansanant N, Smith L. Occidiofungin: Actin Binding as a Novel Mechanism of Action in an Antifungal Agent. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11091143. [PMID: 36139923 PMCID: PMC9494966 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11091143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification and development of natural products into novel antimicrobial agents is crucial to combat the rise of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Clinical fungal isolates have been identified, which have shown resistance to all current clinical antifungals, highlighting a significant need to develop a novel antifungal agent. One of the natural products produced by the bacterium Burkholderia contaminans MS14 is the glycolipopeptide occidiofungin. Occidiofungin has demonstrated in vitro activity against a multitude of fungal species, including multidrug-resistant Candida auris strains, and in vivo effectiveness in treating vulvovaginal candidiasis. Characterization of occidiofungin revealed the mechanism of action as binding to actin to disrupt higher-order actin-mediated functions leading to the induction of apoptosis in fungal cells. Occidiofungin is the first small molecule capable of disrupting higher-order actin functions and is a first-in-class compound that is able to circumvent current antifungal resistant mechanisms by fungal species. Anticancer properties and antiparasitic activities, against Cryptosporidium parvum, have also been demonstrated in vitro. The novel mechanism of action and wide spectrum of activity highlights the potential of occidiofungin to be developed for clinical use.
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Activity of (1-benzyl-4-triazolyl)-indole-2-carboxamides against Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 19:6-20. [PMID: 35462232 PMCID: PMC9046076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases such as toxoplasmosis and cryptosporidiosis remain serious global health challenges, not only to humans but also to domestic animals and wildlife. With only limited treatment options available, Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum (the causative agents of toxoplasmosis and cryptosporidiosis, respectively) constitute a substantial health threat especially to young children and immunocompromised individuals. Herein, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of novel (1-benzyl-4-triazolyl)-indole-2-carboxamides and related compounds that show efficacy against T. gondii and C. parvum. Closely related analogs 7c (JS-2-30) and 7e (JS-2-44) showed low micromolar activity with IC50 indices ranging between 2.95 μM and 7.63 μM against both T. gondii and C. parvum, whereas the compound representing (1-adamantyl)-4-phenyl-triazole, 11b (JS-2-41), showed very good activity with an IC50 of 1.94 μM, and good selectivity against T. gondii in vitro. Importantly, compounds JS-2-41 and JS-2-44 showed appreciable in vivo efficacy in decreasing the number of T. gondii cysts in the brains of Brown Norway rats. Together, these results indicate that (1-benzyl-4-triazolyl)-indole-2-carboxamides and (1-adamantyl)-4-phenyl-triazoles are potential hits for medicinal chemistry explorations in search for novel antiparasitic agents for effective treatment of cryptosporidiosis and toxoplasmosis. (1-Benzyl-4-triazolyl)-indole-2-carboxamide show interesting antiparasitic activity. Compounds' concentrations of 1.94–7.63 μM inhibited growth of T. gondii & C. parvum. The best hits displayed in vivo efficacy comparable to the standard drug atovaquone. Those compounds show good potential for further development as antiparasitic agents.
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Advances in therapeutic and vaccine targets for Cryptosporidium: Challenges and possible mitigation strategies. Acta Trop 2022; 226:106273. [PMID: 34906550 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is known to be the second most common diarrheal pathogen in children, causing potentially fatal diarrhea and associated with long-term growth stunting and cognitive deficits. The only Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for cryptosporidiosis is nitazoxanide, but this drug has not shown potentially effective results in susceptible hosts. Therefore, a safe and effective drug for cryptosporidiosis is urgently needed. Cryptosporidium genome sequencing analysis may help develop an effective drug, but both in vitro and in vivo approaches to drug evaluation are not fully standardized. On the other hand, the development of partial immunity after exposure suggests the possibility of a successful and effective vaccine, but protective surrogates are not precise. In this review, we present our current perspectives on novel cryptosporidiosis therapies, vaccine targets and efficacies, as well as potential mitigation plans, recommendations and perceived challenges.
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Bach E, Passaglia LMP, Jiao J, Gross H. Burkholderia in the genomic era: from taxonomy to the discovery of new antimicrobial secondary metabolites. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 48:121-160. [PMID: 34346791 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1946009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Species of Burkholderia are highly versatile being found not only abundantly in soil, but also as plants and animals' commensals or pathogens. Their complex multireplicon genomes harbour an impressive number of polyketide synthase (PKS) and nonribosomal peptide-synthetase (NRPS) genes coding for the production of antimicrobial secondary metabolites (SMs), which have been successfully deciphered by genome-guided tools. Moreover, genome metrics supported the split of this genus into Burkholderia sensu stricto (s.s.) and five new other genera. Here, we show that the successful antimicrobial SMs producers belong to Burkholderia s.s. Additionally, we reviewed the occurrence, bioactivities, modes of action, structural, and biosynthetic information of thirty-eight Burkholderia antimicrobial SMs shedding light on their diversity, complexity, and uniqueness as well as the importance of genome-guided strategies to facilitate their discovery. Several Burkholderia NRPS and PKS display unusual features, which are reflected in their structural diversity, important bioactivities, and varied modes of action. Up to now, it is possible to observe a general tendency of Burkholderia SMs being more active against fungi. Although the modes of action and biosynthetic gene clusters of many SMs remain unknown, we highlight the potential of Burkholderia SMs as alternatives to fight against new diseases and antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelise Bach
- Departamento de Genética and Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luciane Maria Pereira Passaglia
- Departamento de Genética and Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Junjing Jiao
- Department for Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Harald Gross
- Department for Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Foxfire A, Buhrow AR, Orugunty RS, Smith L. Drug discovery through the isolation of natural products from Burkholderia. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:807-822. [PMID: 33467922 PMCID: PMC9844120 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1877655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The increasing threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens makes it imperative that new antibiotics to combat them are discovered. Burkholderia is a genus of Gram-negative, non-sporulating bacteria. While ubiquitous and capable of growing within plants and groundwater, they are primarily soil-dwelling organisms. These include the more virulent forms of Burkholderia such as Burkholderia mallei, Burkholderia pseudomallei, and the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc).Areas covered: This review provides a synopsis of current research on the natural products isolated from the genus Burkholderia. The authors also cover the research on the drug discovery efforts that have been performed on the natural products derived from Burkholderia.Expert opinion: Though Burkholderia has a small number of pathogenic species, the majority of the genus is avirulent and almost all members of the genus are capable of producing useful antimicrobial products that could potentially lead to the development of novel therapeutics against infectious diseases. The need for discovery of new antibiotics is urgent due to the ever-increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, coupled with the decline in the discovery of new antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Foxfire
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Andrew Riley Buhrow
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843,Antimicrobial Division, Sano Chemicals Inc., Bryan, TX 77803
| | | | - Leif Smith
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843,Antimicrobial Division, Sano Chemicals Inc., Bryan, TX 77803,Address correspondence to Leif Smith,
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Zhu G, Yin J, Cuny GD. Current status and challenges in drug discovery against the globally important zoonotic cryptosporidiosis. ANIMAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s44149-021-00002-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe zoonotic cryptosporidiosis is globally distributed, one of the major diarrheal diseases in humans and animals. Cryptosporidium oocysts are also one of the major environmental concerns, making it a pathogen that fits well into the One Health concept. Despite its importance, fully effective drugs are not yet available. Anti-cryptosporidial drug discovery has historically faced many unusual challenges attributed to unique parasite biology and technical burdens. While significant progresses have been made recently, anti-cryptosporidial drug discovery still faces a major obstacle: identification of systemic drugs that can be absorbed by patients experiencing watery diarrhea and effectively pass through electron-dense (ED) band at the parasite-host cell interface to act on the epicellular parasite. There may be a need to develop an in vitro assay to effectively screen hits/leads for their capability to cross ED band. In the meantime, non-systemic drugs with strong mucoadhesive properties for extended gastrointestinal exposure may represent another direction in developing anti-cryptosporidial therapeutics. For developing both systemic and non-systemic drugs, a non-ruminant animal model exhibiting diarrheal symptoms suitable for routine evaluation of drug absorption and anti-cryptosporidial efficacy may be very helpful.
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