1
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Alpizar-Sosa E, Zimbres FM, Mantilla BS, Dickie EA, Wei W, Burle-Caldas GA, Filipe LNS, Van Bocxlaer K, Price HP, Ibarra-Meneses AV, Beaudry F, Fernandez-Prada C, Whitfield PD, Barrett MP, Denny PW. Evaluation of the Leishmania Inositol Phosphorylceramide Synthase as a Drug Target Using a Chemical and Genetic Approach. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2913-2928. [PMID: 39023360 PMCID: PMC11320567 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00284] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The lack of effective vaccines and the development of resistance to the current treatments highlight the urgent need for new anti-leishmanials. Sphingolipid metabolism has been proposed as a promising source of Leishmania-specific targets as these lipids are key structural components of the eukaryotic plasma membrane and are involved in distinct cellular events. Inositol phosphorylceramide (IPC) is the primary sphingolipid in the Leishmania species and is the product of a reaction mediated by IPC synthase (IPCS). The antihistamine clemastine fumarate has been identified as an inhibitor of IPCS in L. major and a potent anti-leishmanial in vivo. Here we sought to further examine the target of this compound in the more tractable species L. mexicana, using an approach combining genomic, proteomic, metabolomic and lipidomic technologies, with molecular and biochemical studies. While the data demonstrated that the response to clemastine fumarate was largely conserved, unexpected disturbances beyond sphingolipid metabolism were identified. Furthermore, while deletion of the gene encoding LmxIPCS had little impact in vitro, it did influence clemastine fumarate efficacy and, importantly, in vivo pathogenicity. Together, these data demonstrate that clemastine does inhibit LmxIPCS and cause associated metabolic disturbances, but its primary target may lie elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Flavia M. Zimbres
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Brian S. Mantilla
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Emily A. Dickie
- School
of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life
Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, U.K.
| | - Wenbin Wei
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Gabriela A. Burle-Caldas
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
- Departamento
de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade
Federal de Minas Gerais, Caixa Postal 486 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Laura N. S. Filipe
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Katrien Van Bocxlaer
- York
Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York YO10 5NG, U.K.
| | - Helen P. Price
- School
of Life Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, U.K.
| | - Ana V. Ibarra-Meneses
- Département
de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine
Vétérinaire, Université
de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Francis Beaudry
- Département
de Biomédecine, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Département
de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine
Vétérinaire, Université
de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Philip D. Whitfield
- School
of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life
Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, U.K.
| | - Michael P. Barrett
- School
of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life
Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, U.K.
| | - Paul W. Denny
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
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2
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Benaim G, Paniz-Mondolfi A. Unmasking the Mechanism behind Miltefosine: Revealing the Disruption of Intracellular Ca 2+ Homeostasis as a Rational Therapeutic Target in Leishmaniasis and Chagas Disease. Biomolecules 2024; 14:406. [PMID: 38672424 PMCID: PMC11047903 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040406] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Originally developed as a chemotherapeutic agent, miltefosine (hexadecylphosphocholine) is an inhibitor of phosphatidylcholine synthesis with proven antiparasitic effects. It is the only oral drug approved for the treatment of Leishmaniasis and American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease). Although its precise mechanisms are not yet fully understood, miltefosine exhibits broad-spectrum anti-parasitic effects primarily by disrupting the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis of the parasites while sparing the human hosts. In addition to its inhibitory effects on phosphatidylcholine synthesis and cytochrome c oxidase, miltefosine has been found to affect the unique giant mitochondria and the acidocalcisomes of parasites. Both of these crucial organelles are involved in Ca2+ regulation. Furthermore, miltefosine has the ability to activate a specific parasite Ca2+ channel that responds to sphingosine, which is different to its L-type VGCC human ortholog. Here, we aimed to provide an overview of recent advancements of the anti-parasitic mechanisms of miltefosine. We also explored its multiple molecular targets and investigated how its pleiotropic effects translate into a rational therapeutic approach for patients afflicted by Leishmaniasis and American Trypanosomiasis. Notably, miltefosine's therapeutic effect extends beyond its impact on the parasite to also positively affect the host's immune system. These findings enhance our understanding on its multi-targeted mechanism of action. Overall, this review sheds light on the intricate molecular actions of miltefosine, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic option against these debilitating parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Benaim
- Unidad de Señalización Celular y Bioquímica de Parásitos, Instituto de Estudios Avanzados (IDEA), Caracas 1080, Venezuela
- Laboratorio de Biofísica, Instituto de Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1040, Venezuela
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Division of Microbiology, New York, NY 10029, USA;
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3
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Bharadava K, Upadhyay TK, Kaushal RS, Ahmad I, Alraey Y, Siddiqui S, Saeed M. Genomic Insight of Leishmania Parasite: In-Depth Review of Drug Resistance Mechanisms and Genetic Mutations. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:12500-12514. [PMID: 38524425 PMCID: PMC10955595 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, which is caused by a parasitic protozoan of the genus Leishmania, is still a major threat to global health, impacting millions of individuals worldwide in endemic areas. Chemotherapy has been the principal method for managing leishmaniasis; nevertheless, the evolution of drug resistance offers a significant obstacle to therapeutic success. Drug-resistant behavior in these parasites is a complex phenomenon including both innate and acquired mechanisms. Resistance is frequently related to changes in drug transportation, drug target alterations, and enhanced efflux of the drug from the pathogen. This review has revealed specific genetic mutations in Leishmania parasites that are associated with resistance to commonly used antileishmanial drugs such as pentavalent antimonials, miltefosine, amphotericin B, and paromomycin, resulting in changes in gene expression along with the functioning of various proteins involved in drug uptake, metabolism, and efflux. Understanding the genetic changes linked to drug resistance in Leishmania parasites is essential for creating approaches for tackling and avoiding the spread of drug-resistant variants. Based on which specific treatments focus on mutations and pathways could potentially improve treatment efficacy and help long-term leishmaniasis control. More study is needed to uncover the complete range of genetic changes generating medication resistance and to develop new therapies based on available information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krupanshi Bharadava
- Biophysics
& Structural Biology, Research & Development Cell, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Upadhyay
- Department
of Life Sciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences & Research
and Development Cell, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760, India
| | - Radhey Shyam Kaushal
- Biophysics
& Structural Biology, Research & Development Cell, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760, India
- Department
of Life Sciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences & Research
and Development Cell, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760, India
| | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasser Alraey
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samra Siddiqui
- Department
of Health Service Management, College of Public Health and Health
Informatics, University of Hail, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Department
of Biology, College of Science, University
of Hail, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Nawaz A, Priya B, Singh K, Ali V. Unveiling the role of serine o-acetyltransferase in drug resistance and oxidative stress tolerance in Leishmania donovani through the regulation of thiol-based redox metabolism. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 213:371-393. [PMID: 38272324 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the unique metabolic pathway of L. donovani is crucial for comprehending its biology under oxidative stress conditions. The de novo cysteine biosynthetic pathway of L. donovani is absent in humans and its product, cysteine regulates the downstream components of trypanothione-based thiol metabolism, important for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. The role of serine o-acetyl transferase (SAT), the first enzyme of this pathway remains unexplored. In order to investigate the role of SAT protein, we cloned SAT gene into pXG-GFP+ vector for episomal expression of SAT in Amphotericin B sensitive L. donovani promastigotes. The SAT overexpression was confirmed by SAT enzymatic assay, GFP fluorescence, immunoblotting and PCR. Our study unveiled an upregulated expression of both LdSAT and LdCS of cysteine biosynthetic pathway and other downstream thiol pathway proteins in LdSAT-OE promastigotes. Additionally, there was an increase in enzymatic activities of LdSAT and LdCS proteins in LdSAT-OE, which was found similar to the Amp B resistant parasites, indicating a potential role of SAT protein in modulating drug resistance. We observed that the overexpression of SAT in Amp B sensitive parasites increases tolerance to drug pressure and oxidative stress via trypanothione-dependent antioxidant mechanism. Moreover, the in vitro J774A.1 macrophage infectivity assessment showed that SAT overexpression augments parasite infectivity. In LdSAT-OE promastigotes, antioxidant enzyme activities like APx and SOD were upregulated, intracellular reactive oxygen species were reduced with a corresponding increase in thiol level, emphasizing SAT's role in stress tolerance and enhanced infectivity. Additionally, the ROS mediated upregulation in the expression of LdSAT, LdCS, LdTryS and LdcTXNPx proteins reveals an essential cross talk between SAT and proteins of thiol metabolism in combating oxidative stress and maintaining redox homeostasis. Taken together, our results provide the first insight into the role of SAT protein in parasite infectivity and survival under drug pressure and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afreen Nawaz
- ICMR - Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, 800007, India
| | - Bhawna Priya
- ICMR - Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, 800007, India
| | - Kuljit Singh
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR - Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, 180001, India
| | - Vahab Ali
- ICMR - Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, 800007, India.
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5
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Jara M, Arevalo J, Llanos-Cuentas A, den Broeck FV, Domagalska MA, Dujardin JC. Unveiling drug-tolerant and persister-like cells in Leishmania braziliensis lines derived from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1253033. [PMID: 37790908 PMCID: PMC10543814 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1253033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Resistance against anti-Leishmania drugs (DR) has been studied for years, giving important insights into long-term adaptations of these parasites to drugs, through genetic modifications. However, microorganisms can also survive lethal drug exposure by entering into temporary quiescence, a phenomenon called drug tolerance (DT), which is rather unexplored in Leishmania. Methods We studied a panel of nine Leishmania braziliensis strains highly susceptible to potassium antimonyl tartrate (PAT), exposed promastigotes to lethal PAT pressure, and compared several cellular and molecular parameters distinguishing DT from DR. Results and discussion We demonstrated in vitro that a variable proportion of cells remained viable, showing all the criteria of DT and not of DR: i) signatures of quiescence, under drug pressure: reduced proliferation and significant decrease of rDNA transcription; ii) reversibility of the phenotype: return to low IC50 after removal of drug pressure; and iii) absence of significant genetic differences between exposed and unexposed lineages of each strain and absence of reported markers of DR. We found different levels of quiescence and DT among the different L. braziliensis strains. We provide here a new in-vitro model of drug-induced quiescence and DT in Leishmania. Research should be extended in vivo, but the current model could be further exploited to support R&D, for instance, to guide the screening of compounds to overcome the quiescence resilience of the parasite, thereby improving the therapy of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Jara
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jorge Arevalo
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical “Alexander von Humboldt”, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Alejandro Llanos-Cuentas
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical “Alexander von Humboldt”, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Frederik Van den Broeck
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jean-Claude Dujardin
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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6
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Fernández-García M, Mesquita I, Ferreira C, Araújo M, Saha B, Rey-Stolle MF, García A, Silvestre R, Barbas C. Leishmania donovani Induces Multiple Dynamic Responses in the Metabolome Associated with Amastigote Differentiation and Maturation Inside the Human Macrophage. J Proteome Res 2023. [PMID: 37339249 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00845] [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: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania donovani infection of macrophages drives profound changes in the metabolism of both the host macrophage and the parasite, which undergoes different phases of development culminating in replication and propagation. However, the dynamics of this parasite-macrophage cometabolome are poorly understood. In this study, a multiplatform metabolomics pipeline combining untargeted, high-resolution CE-TOF/MS and LC-QTOF/MS with targeted LC-QqQ/MS was followed to characterize the metabolome alterations induced in L. donovani-infected human monocyte-derived macrophages from different donors at 12, 36, and 72 h post-infection. The set of alterations known to occur during Leishmania infection of macrophages, substantially expanded in this investigation, characterized the dynamics of the glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, purine, pentose phosphate, glycolytic, TCA, and amino acid metabolism. Our results showed that only citrulline, arginine, and glutamine exhibited constant trends across all studied infection time points, while most metabolite alterations underwent a partial recovery during amastigote maturation. We determined a major metabolite response pointing to an early induction of sphingomyelinase and phospholipase activities and correlated with amino acid depletion. These data represent a comprehensive overview of the metabolome alterations occurring during promastigote-to-amastigote differentiation and maturation of L. donovani inside macrophages that contributes to our understanding of the relationship between L. donovani pathogenesis and metabolic dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Fernández-García
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, España
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, España
| | - Inês Mesquita
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Carolina Ferreira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Marta Araújo
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Bhaskar Saha
- National Centre for Cell Science, 411007 Pune, India
| | - Ma Fernanda Rey-Stolle
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, España
| | - Antonia García
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, España
| | - Ricardo Silvestre
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Coral Barbas
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, España
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7
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Fairlamb AH, Wyllie S. The critical role of mode of action studies in kinetoplastid drug discovery. FRONTIERS IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2023; 3:fddsv.2023.1185679. [PMID: 37600222 PMCID: PMC7614965 DOI: 10.3389/fddsv.2023.1185679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the target and mode of action of compounds identified by phenotypic screening can greatly facilitate the process of drug discovery and development. Here, we outline the tools currently available for target identification against the neglected tropical diseases, human African trypanosomiasis, visceral leishmaniasis and Chagas' disease. We provide examples how these tools can be used to identify and triage undesirable mechanisms, to identify potential toxic liabilities in patients and to manage a balanced portfolio of target-based campaigns. We review the primary targets of drugs that are currently in clinical development that were initially identified via phenotypic screening, and whose modes of action affect protein turnover, RNA trans-splicing or signalling in these protozoan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan H. Fairlamb
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Wyllie
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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8
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Feng M, Jin Y, Yang S, Joachim AM, Ning Y, Mori-Quiroz LM, Fromm J, Perera C, Zhang K, Werbovetz KA, Wang MZ. Sterol profiling of Leishmania parasites using a new HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry-based method and antifungal azoles as chemical probes reveals a key intermediate sterol that supports a branched ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 20:27-42. [PMID: 35994895 PMCID: PMC9418051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by Leishmania protozoan parasites. Current chemotherapeutic options against the deadly disease have significant limitations. The ergosterol biosynthetic pathway has been identified as a drug target in Leishmania. However, remarkable differences in the efficacy of antifungal azoles that inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis have been reported for the treatment of leishmaniasis. To better understand the sterol biosynthetic pathway in Leishmania and elucidate the mechanism underlying the differential efficacy of antifungal azoles, we developed a new LC-MS/MS method to study sterol profiles in promastigotes of three Leishmania species, including two L. donovani, one L. major and one L. tarentolae strains. A combination of distinct precursor ion masses and LC retention times allowed for specific detection of sixteen intermediate sterols between lanosterol and ergosterol using the newly developed LC-MS/MS method. Although both posaconazole and fluconazole are known inhibitors of fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51), only posaconazole led to a substantial accumulation of lanosterol in azole-treated L. donovani promastigotes. Furthermore, a key intermediate sterol accumulated by 40- and 7-fold when these parasites were treated with posaconazole and fluconazole, respectively, which was determined as 4α,14α-dimethylzymosterol by high resolution mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The identification of 4α,14α-dimethylzymosterol supports a branched ergosterol biosynthetic pathway in Leishmania, where lanosterol C4- and C14-demethylation reactions occur in parallel rather than sequentially. Our results suggest that selective inhibition of leishmanial CYP51 is insufficient to effectively prevent parasite growth and dual inhibitors of both CYP51 and the unknown sterol C4-demethylase may be required for optimal antiparasitic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Yiru Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Sihyung Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Arline M Joachim
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yu Ning
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Luis M Mori-Quiroz
- Synthetic Chemical Biology Core Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Jacob Fromm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Chamani Perera
- Synthetic Chemical Biology Core Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Karl A Werbovetz
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael Zhuo Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
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9
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Carnielli JB, Dave A, Romano A, Forrester S, de Faria PR, Monti-Rocha R, Costa CH, Dietze R, Graham IA, Mottram JC. 3'Nucleotidase/nuclease is required for Leishmania infantum clinical isolate susceptibility to miltefosine. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104378. [PMID: 36462405 PMCID: PMC9713291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Miltefosine treatment failure in visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil has been associated with deletion of the miltefosine susceptibility locus (MSL) in Leishmania infantum. The MSL comprises four genes, 3'-nucleotidase/nucleases (NUC1 and NUC2); helicase-like protein (HLP); and 3,2-trans-enoyl-CoA isomerase (TEI). METHODS In this study CRISPR-Cas9 was used to either epitope tag or delete NUC1, NUC2, HLP and TEI, to investigate their role in miltefosine resistance mechanisms. Additionally, miltefosine transporter genes and miltefosine-mediated reactive oxygen species homeostasis were assessed in 26 L. infantum clinical isolates. A comparative lipidomic analysis was also performed to investigate the molecular basis of miltefosine resistance. FINDINGS Deletion of both NUC1, NUC2 from the MSL was associated with a significant decrease in miltefosine susceptibility, which was restored after re-expression. Metabolomic analysis of parasites lacking the MSL or NUC1 and NUC2 identified an increase in the parasite lipid content, including ergosterol; these lipids may contribute to miltefosine resistance by binding the drug in the membrane. Parasites lacking the MSL are more resistant to lipid metabolism perturbation caused by miltefosine and NUC1 and NUC2 are involved in this pathway. Additionally, L. infantum parasites lacking the MSL isolated from patients who relapsed after miltefosine treatment were found to modulate nitric oxide accumulation in host macrophages. INTERPRETATION Altogether, these data indicate that multifactorial mechanisms are involved in natural resistance to miltefosine in L. infantum and that the absence of the 3'nucleotidase/nuclease genes NUC1 and NUC2 contributes to the phenotype. FUNDING MRC GCRF and FAPES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana B.T. Carnielli
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom,Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória-ES, Brazil,Corresponding author. York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom.
| | - Anuja Dave
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Audrey Romano
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Forrester
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro R. de Faria
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória-ES, Brazil
| | - Renata Monti-Rocha
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória-ES, Brazil
| | - Carlos H.N. Costa
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Leishmanioses, Instituto de Doenças Tropicais Natan Portella, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina-PI, Brazil
| | - Reynaldo Dietze
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória-ES, Brazil,Global Health & Tropical Medicine—Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical—Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ian A. Graham
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy C. Mottram
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom,Corresponding author. York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom.
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10
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Alpizar-Sosa EA, Kumordzi Y, Wei W, Whitfield PD, Barrett MP, Denny PW. Genome deletions to overcome the directed loss of gene function in Leishmania. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:988688. [PMID: 36211960 PMCID: PMC9539739 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.988688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the global reach of the Neglected Tropical Disease leishmaniasis increasing, coupled with a tiny armory of therapeutics which all have problems with resistance, cost, toxicity and/or administration, the validation of new drug targets in the causative insect vector borne protozoa Leishmania spp is more important than ever. Before the introduction of CRISPR Cas9 technology in 2015 genetic validation of new targets was carried out largely by targeted gene knockout through homologous recombination, with the majority of genes targeted (~70%) deemed non-essential. In this study we exploit the ready availability of whole genome sequencing technology to reanalyze one of these historic cell lines, a L. major knockout in the catalytic subunit of serine palmitoyltransferase (LCB2), which causes a complete loss of sphingolipid biosynthesis but remains viable and infective. This revealed a number of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, but also the complete loss of several coding regions including a gene encoding a putative ABC3A orthologue, a putative sterol transporter. Hypothesizing that the loss of such a transporter may have facilitated the directed knockout of the catalytic subunit of LCB2 and the complete loss of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis, we re-examined LCB2 in a L. mexicana line engineered for straightforward CRISPR Cas9 directed manipulation. Strikingly, LCB2 could not be knocked out indicating essentiality. However, simultaneous deletion of LCB2 and the putative ABC3A was possible. This indicated that the loss of the putative ABC3A facilitated the loss of sphingolipid biosynthesis in Leishmania, and suggested that we should re-examine the many other Leishmania knockout lines where genes were deemed non-essential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasmine Kumordzi
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Wenbin Wei
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Phillip D. Whitfield
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P. Barrett
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul W. Denny
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Paul W. Denny,
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11
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Ghosh S, Kumar V, Verma A, Sharma T, Pradhan D, Selvapandiyan A, Salotra P, Singh R. Genome-wide analysis reveals allelic variation and chromosome copy number variation in paromomycin-resistant Leishmania donovani. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3121-3132. [PMID: 36056959 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07645-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the absence of adequate diagnosis and treatment, leishmaniasis remains a major public health concern on a global scale. Drug resistance remains a key obstacle in controlling and eliminating visceral leishmaniasis. The therapeutic gap due to lack of target-specific medicine and vaccine can be minimized by obtaining parasite's genomic information. This study compared whole-genome sequence of paromomycin-resistant parasite (K133PMM) developed through in vitro adaptation and selection with sensitive Leishmania clinical isolate (K133WT). We found a large number of upstream and intergenic gene variations in K133PMM. There were 259 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 187 insertion-deletion (InDels), and 546 copy number variations (CNVs) identified. Most of the genomic variations were found in the gene's upstream and non-coding regions. Ploidy estimation revealed chromosome 5 in tetrasomy and 6, 9, and 12 in trisomy, uniquely in K133PMM. These contain the genes for protein degradation, parasite motility, autophagy, cell cycle maintenance, and drug efflux membrane transporters. Furthermore, we also observed reduction in ploidy of chromosomes 15, 20, and 23, in the resistant parasite containing mostly the genes for hypothetical proteins and membrane transporters. We chronicled correlated genomic conversion and aneuploidy in parasites and hypothesize that this led to rapid evolutionary changes in response to drug induced pressure, which causes them to become resistant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmita Ghosh
- ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi, 110029, India.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Aditya Verma
- ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Tanya Sharma
- ICMR-AIIMS Computational Genomics Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Dibyabhaba Pradhan
- ICMR-AIIMS Computational Genomics Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | | | - Poonam Salotra
- ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Ruchi Singh
- ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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12
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Qin H, Zhang J, Dong K, Chen D, Yuan D, Chen J. Metabolic characterization and biomarkers screening for visceral leishmaniasis in golden hamsters. Acta Trop 2022; 225:106222. [PMID: 34757045 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A better understanding of the changes in metabolic molecules during visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is essential to develop new strategies for diagnosis and treatment. Previous metabolomics studies on Leishmania have increased our knowledge of leishmaniasis and its causative pathogen. As these studies were mainly carried out in vitro, to go further, we conducted this global metabolomics analysis on the serum of golden hamsters. Serum samples were detected over a time course of 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post infection. Our results revealed that under extensively disturbed metabolomes between the infection group and controls, glycerophospholipid (GPL) metabolism was most affected over the infection time, followed by α-linoleic acid metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism. Within GPLs, phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) were found to be significantly increased, while their enzyme-catalysed metabolites lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) showed no significant changes. Moreover, eight differential metabolites were selected. The ability of these metabolites to be used as a diagnostic biomarker panel was supported by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Our findings revealed that GPL metabolism might play an important role in the response of the host to Leishmania infection. The metabolism of PC and PE might be crucial in the in vivo progression of VL. The panel of eight potential biomarkers might contribute to the diagnosis of VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxiao Qin
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhui Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Dong
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dali Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Yuan
- Department of Human Anatomy, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianping Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Arya R, Dhembla C, Makde RD, Sundd M, Kundu S. An overview of the fatty acid biosynthesis in the protozoan parasite Leishmania and its relevance as a drug target against leishmaniasis. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 246:111416. [PMID: 34555376 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111416] [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] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is one of the fast-growing parasitic diseases worldwide. The treatment of this fatal disease presents a daunting challenge because of its adverse effects, necessity for long-term treatment regime, unavailability of functional drugs, emergence of drug resistance and the related expenditure. This calls for an urgent need for novel drugs and the evaluation of new targets. Proteins of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway are validated as drug targets in pathogenic bacteria and certain viruses. Likewise, this pathway has been speculated as a suitable target against parasite infections. Fatty acid synthesis in parasites seems to be very complex and distinct from the counterpart mammalian host due to the presence of unique mechanisms for fatty acid biosynthesis and acquisition. In recent times, there have been few evidences of the existence of this pathway in the bloodstream form of some pathogens. The fatty acid biosynthesis thus presents a viable and attractive target for emerging therapeutics. Understanding the mechanisms underlying fatty acid metabolism is key to identifying a potential drug target. However, investigations in this direction are still limited and this article attempts to outline the existing knowledge, while highlighting the scope and relevance of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway as a drug target. This review highlights the advances in the treatment of leishmaniasis, the importance of lipids in the pathogen, known facts about the fatty acid biosynthesis in Leishmania and how this pathway can be manipulated to combat leishmaniasis, suggesting novel drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Arya
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India.
| | - Chetna Dhembla
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India.
| | - Ravindra D Makde
- High Pressure and Synchrotron Radiation Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India.
| | - Monica Sundd
- National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| | - Suman Kundu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India.
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14
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dos Reis TF, Horta MAC, Colabardini AC, Fernandes CM, Silva LP, Bastos RW, Fonseca MVDL, Wang F, Martins C, Rodrigues ML, Silva Pereira C, Del Poeta M, Wong KH, Goldman GH. Screening of Chemical Libraries for New Antifungal Drugs against Aspergillus fumigatus Reveals Sphingolipids Are Involved in the Mechanism of Action of Miltefosine. mBio 2021; 12:e0145821. [PMID: 34372704 PMCID: PMC8406317 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01458-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an important fungal pathogen and the main etiological agent of aspergillosis, a disease characterized by a noninvasive process that can evolve to a more severe clinical manifestation, called invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), in immunocompromised patients. The antifungal arsenal to threat aspergillosis is very restricted. Azoles are the main therapeutic approach to control IPA, but the emergence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates has significantly increased over recent decades. Therefore, new strategies are necessary to combat aspergillosis, and drug repurposing has emerged as an efficient and alternative approach for identifying new antifungal drugs. Here, we used a screening approach to analyze A. fumigatus in vitro susceptibility to 1,127 compounds. A. fumigatus was susceptible to 10 compounds, including miltefosine, a drug that displayed fungicidal activity against A. fumigatus. By screening an A. fumigatus transcription factor null library, we identified a single mutant, which has the smiA (sensitive to miltefosine) gene deleted, conferring a phenotype of susceptibility to miltefosine. The transcriptional profiling (RNA-seq) of the wild-type and ΔsmiA strains and chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to next-generation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) of an SmiA-tagged strain exposed to miltefosine revealed genes of the sphingolipid pathway that are directly or indirectly regulated by SmiA. Sphingolipid analysis demonstrated that the mutant has overall decreased levels of sphingolipids when growing in the presence of miltefosine. The identification of SmiA represents the first genetic element described and characterized that plays a direct role in miltefosine response in fungi. IMPORTANCE The filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus causes a group of diseases named aspergillosis, and their development occurs after the inhalation of conidia dispersed in the environment. Very few classes of antifungal drugs are available for aspergillosis treatment, e.g., azoles, but the emergence of global resistance to azoles in A. fumigatus clinical isolates has increased over recent decades. Repositioning or repurposing drugs already available on the market is an interesting and faster opportunity for the identification of novel antifungal agents. By using a repurposing strategy, we identified 10 different compounds that impact A. fumigatus survival. One of these compounds, miltefosine, demonstrated fungicidal activity against A. fumigatus. The mechanism of action of miltefosine is unknown, and, aiming to get more insights about it, we identified a transcription factor, SmiA (sensitive to miltefosine), important for miltefosine resistance. Our results suggest that miltefosine displays antifungal activity against A. fumigatus, interfering in sphingolipid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaila Fernanda dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- MicroControl Innovation Ltd., Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Cristina Colabardini
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Caroline Mota Fernandes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Lilian Pereira Silva
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rafael Wesley Bastos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Fang Wang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, SAR, China
| | - Celso Martins
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Márcio L. Rodrigues
- Instituto Carlos Chagas (ICC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz–Fiocruz, Curitiba, Brazil
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristina Silva Pereira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Veteran Administration Medical Center, Northport, New York, USA
- MicroRid Technologies Inc., Dix Hills, New York, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, New York, USA
| | - Koon Ho Wong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, SAR, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, SAR, China
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, SAR, China
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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15
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Bulté D, Van Bockstal L, Dirkx L, Van den Kerkhof M, De Trez C, Timmermans JP, Hendrickx S, Maes L, Caljon G. Miltefosine enhances infectivity of a miltefosine-resistant Leishmania infantum strain by attenuating its innate immune recognition. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009622. [PMID: 34292975 PMCID: PMC8330912 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Miltefosine (MIL) is currently the only oral drug available to treat visceral leishmaniasis but its use as first-line monotherapy has been compromised by an increasing treatment failure. Despite the scarce number of resistant clinical isolates, MIL-resistance by mutations in a single aminophospholipid transporter gene can easily be selected in a laboratory environment. These mutations result in a reduced survival in the mammalian host, which can partially be restored by exposure to MIL, suggesting a kind of drug-dependency. Methodology/Principal findings To enable a combined study of the infection dynamics and underlying immunological events for differential in vivo survival, firefly luciferase (PpyRE9) / red fluorescent protein (DsRed) double-reporter strains were generated of MIL-resistant (MIL-R) and syngeneic MIL-sensitive (MIL-S) Leishmania infantum. Results in C57Bl/6 and BALB/c mice show that MIL-R parasites induce an increased innate immune response that is characterized by enhanced influx and infection of neutrophils, monocytes and dendritic cells in the liver and elevated serum IFN-γ levels, finally resulting in a less efficient establishment in liver macrophages. The elevated IFN-γ levels were shown to originate from an increased response of hepatic NK and NKT cells to the MIL-R parasites. In addition, we demonstrated that MIL could increase the in vivo fitness of MIL-R parasites by lowering NK and NKT cell activation, leading to a reduced IFN-γ production. Conclusions/Significance Differential induction of innate immune responses in the liver was found to underlie the attenuated phenotype of a MIL-R parasite and its peculiar feature of drug-dependency. The impact of MIL on hepatic NK and NKT activation and IFN-γ production following recognition of a MIL-R strain indicates that this mechanism may sustain infections with resistant parasites and contribute to treatment failure. Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that is fatal if left untreated. Miltefosine is currently the only oral drug available but is increasingly failing to cure patients, resulting in its discontinuation as first-line drug in some endemic areas. To understand these treatment failures, we investigated the complex interplay of the parasite with the host immune system in the presence and absence of miltefosine. Our data indicate that miltefosine-resistant Leishmania parasites become severely hampered in their in vivo infectivity, which could be attributed to the induction of a pronounced innate immune response. Interestingly, the infection deficit was partially restored in the presence of miltefosine. Our results further indicate that miltefosine can exacerbate infections with resistant parasites by reducing innate immune recognition. This study provides new insights into the complex interplay between parasite, drug and host and discloses an immune-related mechanism of treatment failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Bulté
- University of Antwerp, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Lieselotte Van Bockstal
- University of Antwerp, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Laura Dirkx
- University of Antwerp, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Magali Van den Kerkhof
- University of Antwerp, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Carl De Trez
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Immunology (CMIM), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- University of Antwerp, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Cell biology & Histology, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- University of Antwerp, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- University of Antwerp, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- University of Antwerp, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Wilrijk, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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16
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Unexpected Role of Sterol Synthesis in RNA Stability and Translation in Leishmania. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060696. [PMID: 34205466 PMCID: PMC8235615 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania parasites are trypanosomatid protozoans that cause leishmaniasis affecting millions of people worldwide. Sterols are important components of the plasma and organellar membranes. They also serve as precursors for the synthesis of signaling molecules. Unlike animals, Leishmania does not synthesize cholesterol but makes ergostane-based sterols instead. C-14-demethylase is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of sterols and an important drug target. In Leishmania parasites, the inactivation of C-14-demethylase leads to multiple defects, including increased plasma membrane fluidity, mitochondrion dysfunction, hypersensitivity to stress and reduced virulence. In this study, we revealed a novel role for sterol synthesis in the maintenance of RNA stability and translation. Sterol alteration in C-14-demethylase knockout mutant leads to increased RNA degradation, reduced translation and impaired heat shock response. Thus, sterol biosynthesis in Leishmania plays an unexpected role in global gene regulation.
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17
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Parab AR, McCall LI. Tryp-ing Up Metabolism: Role of Metabolic Adaptations in Kinetoplastid Disease Pathogenesis. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e00644-20. [PMID: 33526564 PMCID: PMC8090971 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00644-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, more than a billion people-one-sixth of the world's population-are suffering from neglected tropical diseases. Human African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis are neglected tropical diseases caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the genera Trypanosoma and Leishmania About half a million people living in tropical and subtropical regions of the world are at risk of contracting one of these three infections. Kinetoplastids have complex life cycles with different morphologies and unique physiological requirements at each life cycle stage. This review covers the latest findings on metabolic pathways impacting disease pathogenesis of kinetoplastids within the mammalian host. Nutrient availability is a key factor shaping in vivo parasite metabolism; thus, kinetoplastids display significant metabolic flexibility. Proteomic and transcriptomic profiles show that intracellular trypanosomatids are able to switch to an energy-efficient metabolism within the mammalian host system. Host metabolic changes can also favor parasite persistence, and contribute to symptom development, in a location-specific fashion. Ultimately, targeted and untargeted metabolomics studies have been a valuable approach to elucidate the specific biochemical pathways affected by infection within the host, leading to translational drug development and diagnostic insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adwaita R Parab
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
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18
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Anderson O, Beckett J, Briggs CC, Natrass LA, Cranston CF, Wilkinson EJ, Owen JH, Mir Williams R, Loukaidis A, Bouillon ME, Pritchard D, Lahmann M, Baird MS, Denny PW. An investigation of the antileishmanial properties of semi-synthetic saponins. RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:833-842. [PMID: 33479679 PMCID: PMC7651632 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00123f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by insect-vector borne protozoan parasites of the, Leishmania species. Whilst infection threatens and affects millions of the global poor, vaccines are absent and drug therapy limited. Extensive efforts have recently been made to discover new leads from small molecule synthetic compound libraries held by industry; however, the number of new chemical entities identified and entering development as anti-leishmanials has been very low. This has led to increased interest in the possibility of discovering naturally derived compounds with potent antileishmanial activity which may be developed towards clinical applications. Plant-derived triterpenoid and steroidal saponins have long been considered as anti-microbials and here we describe an investigation of a library of 137 natural (9) and semi-synthetic saponins (128) for activity against Leishmania mexicana, a causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The triterpenoid sapogenin, hederagenin, readily obtained in large quantities from Hedera helix (common ivy), was converted into a range of 128 derivatives. These semi-synthetic compounds, as well as saponins isolated from ivy, were examined with a phenotypic screening approach to identify potent and selective anti-leishmanial hits. This led to the identification of 12 compounds, including the natural saponin gypsogenin, demonstrating high potency (ED50 < 10.5 μM) against axenic L. mexicana amastigotes, the mammalian pathogenic form. One of these, hederagenin disuccinate, was sufficiently non-toxic to the macrophage host cell to facilitate further analyses, selectivity index (SI) > 10. Whilst this was not active in an infected cell model, the anti-leishmanial properties of hederagenin-derivatives have been demonstrated, and the possibility of improving the selectivity of natural hederagenin through chemical modification has been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlagh Anderson
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Global Infectious Diseases , Durham University , Stockton Road , Durham , DH1 3LE , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 3343983
| | - Joseph Beckett
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Global Infectious Diseases , Durham University , Stockton Road , Durham , DH1 3LE , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 3343983
| | - Carla C Briggs
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Global Infectious Diseases , Durham University , Stockton Road , Durham , DH1 3LE , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 3343983
| | - Liam A Natrass
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Global Infectious Diseases , Durham University , Stockton Road , Durham , DH1 3LE , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 3343983
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Global Infectious Diseases , Durham University , Stockton Road , Durham , DH1 3LE , UK
| | - Charles F Cranston
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Global Infectious Diseases , Durham University , Stockton Road , Durham , DH1 3LE , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 3343983
| | - Elizabeth J Wilkinson
- Department of Chemistry , School of Natural Science , Bangor University , Gwynedd LL57 2UW , UK
| | - Jack H Owen
- Department of Chemistry , School of Natural Science , Bangor University , Gwynedd LL57 2UW , UK
| | - Rhodri Mir Williams
- Department of Chemistry , School of Natural Science , Bangor University , Gwynedd LL57 2UW , UK
| | - Angelos Loukaidis
- Department of Chemistry , School of Natural Science , Bangor University , Gwynedd LL57 2UW , UK
| | - Marc E Bouillon
- Department of Chemistry , School of Natural Science , Bangor University , Gwynedd LL57 2UW , UK
| | - Deiniol Pritchard
- Naturiol Bangor Ltd , Alun Roberts Building , Bangor University , Gwynedd LL57 2UW , UK
| | - Martina Lahmann
- Department of Chemistry , School of Natural Science , Bangor University , Gwynedd LL57 2UW , UK
| | - Mark S Baird
- Naturiol Bangor Ltd , Alun Roberts Building , Bangor University , Gwynedd LL57 2UW , UK
| | - Paul W Denny
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Global Infectious Diseases , Durham University , Stockton Road , Durham , DH1 3LE , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 3343983
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19
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Van den Kerkhof M, Sterckx YGJ, Leprohon P, Maes L, Caljon G. Experimental Strategies to Explore Drug Action and Resistance in Kinetoplastid Parasites. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E950. [PMID: 32599761 PMCID: PMC7356981 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinetoplastids are the causative agents of leishmaniasis, human African trypanosomiasis, and American trypanosomiasis. They are responsible for high mortality and morbidity in (sub)tropical regions. Adequate treatment options are limited and have several drawbacks, such as toxicity, need for parenteral administration, and occurrence of treatment failure and drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgency for the development of new drugs. Phenotypic screening already allowed the identification of promising new chemical entities with anti-kinetoplastid activity potential, but knowledge on their mode-of-action (MoA) is lacking due to the generally applied whole-cell based approach. However, identification of the drug target is essential to steer further drug discovery and development. Multiple complementary techniques have indeed been used for MoA elucidation. In this review, the different 'omics' approaches employed to define the MoA or mode-of-resistance of current reference drugs and some new anti-kinetoplastid compounds are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Van den Kerkhof
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (M.V.d.K.); (L.M.)
| | - Yann G.-J. Sterckx
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry (LMB), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;
| | - Philippe Leprohon
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (M.V.d.K.); (L.M.)
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (M.V.d.K.); (L.M.)
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20
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Eberhardt E, Bulté D, Van Bockstal L, Van den Kerkhof M, Cos P, Delputte P, Hendrickx S, Maes L, Caljon G. Miltefosine enhances the fitness of a non-virulent drug-resistant Leishmania infantum strain. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 74:395-406. [PMID: 30412253 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Miltefosine is currently the only oral drug for visceral leishmaniasis, and although deficiency in an aminophospholipid/miltefosine transporter (MT) is sufficient to elicit drug resistance, very few naturally miltefosine-resistant (MIL-R) strains have yet been isolated. This study aimed to make a detailed analysis of the impact of acquired miltefosine resistance and miltefosine treatment on in vivo infection. Methods Bioluminescent versions of a MIL-R strain and its syngeneic parental line were generated by integration of the red-shifted firefly luciferase PpyRE9. The fitness of both lines was compared in vitro (growth rate, metacyclogenesis and macrophage infectivity) and in BALB/c mice through non-invasive bioluminescence imaging under conditions with and without drug pressure. Results This study demonstrated a severe fitness loss of MT-deficient parasites, resulting in a complete inability to multiply and cause a typical visceral leishmaniasis infection pattern in BALB/c mice. The observed fitness loss could not be rescued by host immune suppression with cyclophosphamide, whereas episomal reconstitution with a wild-type MT restored parasite virulence, hence linking parasite fitness to MT mutation. Remarkably, in vivo miltefosine treatment or in vitro miltefosine pre-exposure significantly rescued MIL-R parasite virulence. The in vitro pre-exposed MIL-R promastigotes showed a longer and more slender morphology, suggesting an altered membrane composition. Conclusions The profound fitness loss of MT-deficient parasites most likely explains the low frequency of MIL-R clinical isolates. The observation that miltefosine can reverse this phenotype indicates a drug dependency of the MT-deficient parasites and emphasizes the importance of resistance profiling prior to miltefosine administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Eberhardt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dimitri Bulté
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Lieselotte Van Bockstal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Magali Van den Kerkhof
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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21
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Reimão JQ, Pita Pedro DP, Coelho AC. The preclinical discovery and development of oral miltefosine for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis: a case history. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:647-658. [PMID: 32202449 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1743674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania donovani or Leishmania infantum. Closely related to poverty, VL is fatal and represents one of the main burdens on public health in developing countries. Treatment of VL relies exclusively on chemotherapy, a strategy still experiencing numerous limitations. Miltefosine (MF) has been used in the chemotherapy of VL in some endemic areas, and has been expanded to other regions, being considered crucial in eradication programs. AREAS COVERED This article reviews the most relevant preclinical and clinical aspects of MF, its mechanism of action and resistance to Leishmania parasites, as well as its limitations. The authors also give their perspectives on the treatment of VL. EXPERT OPINION The discovery of MF represented an enormous advance in the chemotherapy of VL, since it was the first oral drug for this neglected disease. Beyond selection of resistant parasites due to drug pressure, several other factors can lead to treatment failure such as, for example, factors intrinsic to the host, parasite and the drug itself. Although its efficacy as a monotherapy has reduced over recent years, MF is still an important alternative in VL chemotherapy, especially when used in combination with other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Q Reimão
- Departamento de Morfologia e Patologia Básica, Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí , Jundiaí, Brazil
| | - Débora P Pita Pedro
- Departamento de Morfologia e Patologia Básica, Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí , Jundiaí, Brazil
| | - Adriano C Coelho
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas , Campinas, Brazil
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22
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Kalesh K, Denny PW. A BONCAT-iTRAQ method enables temporally resolved quantitative profiling of newly synthesised proteins in Leishmania mexicana parasites during starvation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007651. [PMID: 31856154 PMCID: PMC6939940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptation to starvation is integral to the Leishmania life cycle. The parasite can survive prolonged periods of nutrient deprivation both in vitro and in vivo. The identification of parasite proteins synthesised during starvation is key to unravelling the underlying molecular mechanisms facilitating adaptation to these conditions. Additionally, as stress adaptation mechanisms in Leishmania are linked to virulence as well as infectivity, profiling of the complete repertoire of Newly Synthesised Proteins (NSPs) under starvation is important for drug target discovery. However, differential identification and quantitation of low abundance, starvation-specific NSPs from the larger background of the pre-existing parasite proteome has proven difficult, as this demands a highly selective and sensitive methodology. Herein we introduce an integrated chemical proteomics method in L. mexicana promastigotes that involves a powerful combination of the BONCAT technique and iTRAQ quantitative proteomics Mass Spectrometry (MS), which enabled temporally resolved quantitative profiling of de novo protein synthesis in the starving parasite. Uniquely, this approach integrates the high specificity of the BONCAT technique for the NSPs, with the high sensitivity and multiplexed quantitation capability of the iTRAQ proteomics MS. Proof-of-concept experiments identified over 250 starvation-responsive NSPs in the parasite. Our results show a starvation-specific increased relative abundance of several translation regulating and stress-responsive proteins in the parasite. GO analysis of the identified NSPs for Biological Process revealed translation (enrichment P value 2.47e-35) and peptide biosynthetic process (enrichment P value 4.84e-35) as extremely significantly enriched terms indicating the high specificity of the NSP towards regulation of protein synthesis. We believe that this approach will find widespread use in the study of the developmental stages of Leishmania species and in the broader field of protozoan biology. Periodic nutrient scarcity plays crucial roles in the life cycle of the protozoan parasite Leishmania spp. Although adaptation to nutrient stress has a pivotal role in Leishmania biology, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In a period of nutrient starvation, the parasite responds by decreasing its protein production to conserve nutrient resources and to prevent formation of toxic proteins. However, even during severe starvation, the parasite generates certain essential quality control and rescue proteins. Differential identification of the complete repertoire of these proteins synthesised during starvation from the pre-existing proteins in the parasite holds the key to understanding the starvation adaptation mechanisms. This has been challenging to accomplish due to technical limitations. Using a combination of chemical labelling techniques and protein mass-spectrometry, we selectively identified and measured the proteins generated in the starving Leishmania parasite. Our results show a starvation time-dependent differential expression of important protein synthesis regulators in the parasite. This will serve as an important dataset for a holistic understanding of the starvation adaptation mechanisms in Leishmania. We also believe that this method will find widespread applications in the field of protozoa and other parasites causing Neglected Tropical Diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karunakaran Kalesh
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Paul W. Denny
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
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23
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Coupling chemical mutagenesis to next generation sequencing for the identification of drug resistance mutations in Leishmania. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5627. [PMID: 31819054 PMCID: PMC6901541 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13344-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Current genome-wide screens allow system-wide study of drug resistance but detecting small nucleotide variants (SNVs) is challenging. Here, we use chemical mutagenesis, drug selection and next generation sequencing to characterize miltefosine and paromomycin resistant clones of the parasite Leishmania. We highlight several genes involved in drug resistance by sequencing the genomes of 41 resistant clones and by concentrating on recurrent SNVs. We associate genes linked to lipid metabolism or to ribosome/translation functions with miltefosine or paromomycin resistance, respectively. We prove by allelic replacement and CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing that the essential protein kinase CDPK1 is crucial for paromomycin resistance. We have linked CDPK1 in translation by functional interactome analysis, and provide evidence that CDPK1 contributes to antimonial resistance in the parasite. This screen is powerful in exploring networks of drug resistance in an organism with diploid to mosaic aneuploid genome, hence widening the scope of its applicability. Here, Bhattacharya et al. chemically mutagenize Leishmania and identify genes associated with resistance to miltefosine and paromomycin by next generation sequencing. The study shows that a protein kinase (CDPK1) can mediate resistance to paromomycin by affecting translation.
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24
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Meade JC. P-type transport ATPases in Leishmania and Trypanosoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:69. [PMID: 31782726 PMCID: PMC6884021 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
P-type ATPases are critical to the maintenance and regulation of cellular ion homeostasis and membrane lipid asymmetry due to their ability to move ions and phospholipids against a concentration gradient by utilizing the energy of ATP hydrolysis. P-type ATPases are particularly relevant in human pathogenic trypanosomatids which are exposed to abrupt and dramatic changes in their external environment during their life cycles. This review describes the complete inventory of ion-motive, P-type ATPase genes in the human pathogenic Trypanosomatidae; eight Leishmania species (L. aethiopica, L. braziliensis, L. donovani, L. infantum, L. major, L. mexicana, L. panamensis, L. tropica), Trypanosoma cruzi and three Trypanosoma brucei subspecies (Trypanosoma brucei brucei TREU927, Trypanosoma brucei Lister strain 427, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense DAL972). The P-type ATPase complement in these trypanosomatids includes the P1B (metal pumps), P2A (SERCA, sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPases), P2B (PMCA, plasma membrane calcium ATPases), P2D (Na+ pumps), P3A (H+ pumps), P4 (aminophospholipid translocators), and P5B (no assigned specificity) subfamilies. These subfamilies represent the P-type ATPase transport functions necessary for survival in the Trypanosomatidae as P-type ATPases for each of these seven subfamilies are found in all Leishmania and Trypanosoma species included in this analysis. These P-type ATPase subfamilies are correlated with current molecular and biochemical knowledge of their function in trypanosomatid growth, adaptation, infectivity, and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Meade
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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25
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Capela R, Moreira R, Lopes F. An Overview of Drug Resistance in Protozoal Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5748. [PMID: 31731801 PMCID: PMC6888673 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Protozoan diseases continue to be a worldwide social and economic health problem. Increased drug resistance, emerging cross resistance, and lack of new drugs with novel mechanisms of action significantly reduce the effectiveness of current antiprotozoal therapies. While drug resistance associated to anti-infective agents is a reality, society seems to remain unaware of its proportions and consequences. Parasites usually develops ingenious and innovative mechanisms to achieve drug resistance, which requires more research and investment to fight it. In this review, drug resistance developed by protozoan parasites Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Capela
- Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.M.); (F.L.)
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26
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González-Riano C, Dudzik D, Garcia A, Gil-de-la-Fuente A, Gradillas A, Godzien J, López-Gonzálvez Á, Rey-Stolle F, Rojo D, Ruperez FJ, Saiz J, Barbas C. Recent Developments along the Analytical Process for Metabolomics Workflows. Anal Chem 2019; 92:203-226. [PMID: 31625723 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b04553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina González-Riano
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Pharmacy Faculty , Universidad San Pablo-CEU , Boadilla del Monte , 28668 Madrid , Spain
| | - Danuta Dudzik
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Pharmacy Faculty , Universidad San Pablo-CEU , Boadilla del Monte , 28668 Madrid , Spain.,Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy , Medical University of Gdańsk , 80-210 Gdańsk , Poland
| | - Antonia Garcia
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Pharmacy Faculty , Universidad San Pablo-CEU , Boadilla del Monte , 28668 Madrid , Spain
| | - Alberto Gil-de-la-Fuente
- Department of Information Technology, Escuela Politécnica Superior , Universidad San Pablo-CEU , 28003 Madrid , Spain
| | - Ana Gradillas
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Pharmacy Faculty , Universidad San Pablo-CEU , Boadilla del Monte , 28668 Madrid , Spain
| | - Joanna Godzien
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Pharmacy Faculty , Universidad San Pablo-CEU , Boadilla del Monte , 28668 Madrid , Spain.,Clinical Research Centre , Medical University of Bialystok , 15-089 Bialystok , Poland
| | - Ángeles López-Gonzálvez
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Pharmacy Faculty , Universidad San Pablo-CEU , Boadilla del Monte , 28668 Madrid , Spain
| | - Fernanda Rey-Stolle
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Pharmacy Faculty , Universidad San Pablo-CEU , Boadilla del Monte , 28668 Madrid , Spain
| | - David Rojo
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Pharmacy Faculty , Universidad San Pablo-CEU , Boadilla del Monte , 28668 Madrid , Spain
| | - Francisco J Ruperez
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Pharmacy Faculty , Universidad San Pablo-CEU , Boadilla del Monte , 28668 Madrid , Spain
| | - Jorge Saiz
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Pharmacy Faculty , Universidad San Pablo-CEU , Boadilla del Monte , 28668 Madrid , Spain
| | - Coral Barbas
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Pharmacy Faculty , Universidad San Pablo-CEU , Boadilla del Monte , 28668 Madrid , Spain
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27
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Rebello KM, Andrade-Neto VV, Gomes CRB, de Souza MVN, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS, Torres-Santos EC, d'Avila-Levy CM. Miltefosine-Lopinavir Combination Therapy Against Leishmania infantum Infection: In vitro and in vivo Approaches. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:229. [PMID: 31316919 PMCID: PMC6611157 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Concurrently, leishmaniasis and AIDS are global public health issues and the overlap between these diseases adds additional treats to the management of co-infected patients. Lopinavir (LPV) has a well characterized anti-HIV and leishmanicidal action, and to analyze its combined action with miltefosine (MFS) could help to envisage strategies to the management of co-infected patients. Here, we evaluate the interaction between LPV and MFS against Leishmania infantum infection by in vitro and in vivo approaches. The effect of the compounds alone or in association was assessed for 72 h in mouse peritoneal macrophages infected with L. infantum by the determination of the IC50s and FICIs. Subsequently, mice were orally treated twice daily during 5 days with the compounds alone or in association and evaluated after 30 days. The in vitro assays revealed an IC50 of 0.24 μM and 9.89 μM of MFS and LPV, respectively, and an additive effect of the compounds (FICI 1.28). The in vivo assays revealed that LPV alone reduced the parasite load in the spleen and liver by 52 and 40%, respectively. The combined treatment of infected BALB/c mice revealed that the compounds alone required at least two times higher doses than when administered in association to virtually eliminate the parasite. Mice plasma biochemical parameters assessed revealed that the combined therapy did not present any relevant hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, the association of MFS with LPV allowed a reduction in each compound concentration to achieve the same outcome in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. Although a pronounced synergistic effect was not evidenced, it does not discard that such combination could be useful in humans co-infected with HIV and Leishmania parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina M Rebello
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Valter V Andrade-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudia Regina B Gomes
- Laboratório de Síntese de Substâncias no Combate a Doenças Tropicais, Farmanguinhos, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinícius N de Souza
- Laboratório de Síntese de Substâncias no Combate a Doenças Tropicais, Farmanguinhos, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Claudia M d'Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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28
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Rebello KM, Andrade-Neto VV, Zuma AA, Motta MCM, Gomes CRB, de Souza MVN, Atella GC, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS, Torres-Santos EC, d'Avila-Levy CM. Lopinavir, an HIV-1 peptidase inhibitor, induces alteration on the lipid metabolism of Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes. Parasitology 2018; 145:1304-1310. [PMID: 29806577 PMCID: PMC6137378 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018000823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The anti-leishmania effects of HIV peptidase inhibitors (PIs) have been widely reported; however, the biochemical target and mode of action are still a matter of controversy in Leishmania parasites. Considering the possibility that HIV-PIs induce lipid accumulation in Leishmania amazonensis, we analysed the effects of lopinavir on the lipid metabolism of L. amazonensis promastigotes. To this end, parasites were treated with lopinavir at different concentrations and analysed by fluorescence microscopy and spectrofluorimetry, using a fluorescent lipophilic marker. Then, the cellular ultrastructure of treated and control parasites was analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the lipid composition was investigated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Finally, the sterol content was assayed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). TEM analysis revealed an increased number of lipid inclusions in lopinavir-treated cells, which was accompanied by an increase in the lipophilic content, in a dose-dependent manner. TLC and GC-MS analysis revealed a marked increase of cholesterol-esters and cholesterol. In conclusion, lopinavir-induced lipid accumulation and affected lipid composition in L. amazonensis in a concentration-response manner. These data contribute to a better understanding of the possible mechanisms of action of this HIV-PI in L. amazonensis promastigotes. The concerted action of lopinavir on this and other cellular processes, such as the direct inhibition of an aspartyl peptidase, may be responsible for the arrested development of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina M Rebello
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Valter V Andrade-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Aline A Zuma
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer,Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina M Motta
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer,Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases,Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, UFRJ,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases,Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, UFRJ,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | | | - Claudia M d'Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
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