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Chanu WK, Chatterjee A, Singh N, Nagaraj VA, Singh CB. Phytochemical screening, antioxidant analyses, and in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activities of herbal medicinal plant - Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane & Mabb. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 321:117466. [PMID: 37981115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Malaria is a major global health concern that is presently challenged by the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) resistance to mainstay artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). Hence, the discovery of novel and effective antimalarial drugs is pivotal to treating and controlling malaria. For many years, traditional plant-based herbal medicines have been employed in the treatment of various illnesses. Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane & Mabb. belongs to the Lamiaceae family that has been traditionally used to treat, cure, and prevent numerous diseases including malaria. AIM The present investigation sought to assess the phytoconstituents, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antimalarial activities of Rotheca serrata extract and its fractions. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity was assessed in chloroquine-sensitive Pf3D7 and artemisinin-resistant PfCam3.IR539T cultures, and the in vivo antimalarial activity was analyzed in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) ANKA strain-infected BALB/c mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The fresh leaves of Rotheca serrata were extracted in methanol (RsMeOH crude leaf extract). A portion of the extract was used to prepare successive solvent fractions using ethyl acetate (RsEA) and hexane (RsHex). The in vitro antiplasmodial activity was evaluated using [3H]-hypoxanthine incorporation assays against Pf3D7 and PfCam3.IR539T cultures. In vitro cytotoxicity study on HeLa, HEK-293T, and MCF-7 cell lines was carried out using MTT assay. The human red blood cells (RBCs) were used to perform the hemolysis assays. In vitro antioxidant studies and detailed phytochemical analysis were performed using GC-MS and FTIR. The four-day Rane's test was performed to evaluate the in vivo antimalarial activity against Pb ANKA strain-infected mice. RESULTS Phytochemical quantification of Rotheca serrata extract (RsMeOH) and its fractions (RsEA and RsHex) revealed that RsMeOH crude extract and RsEA fraction had higher contents of total phenol and flavonoid than RsHex fraction. The RsEA fraction showed potent in vitro antiplasmodial activity against Pf3D7 and PfCam3.IR539T with IC50 values of 9.24 ± 0.52 μg/mL and 17.41 ± 0.43 μg/mL, respectively. The RsMeOH crude extract exhibited moderate antiplasmodial activity while the RsHex fraction showed the least antiplasmodial activity. The GC-MS and FTIR analysis of RsMeOH and RsEA revealed the presence of triterpenes, phenols, and hydrocarbons as major constituents. The RsMeOH crude extract was non-hemolytic and non-cytotoxic to HeLa, HEK-293T, and MCF-7 cell lines. The in vivo studies showed that a 1200 mg/kg dose of RsMeOH crude extract could significantly suppress parasitemia by ∼63% and prolong the survival of treated mice by ∼10 days. The in vivo antiplasmodial activity of RsMeOH was better than the RsEA fraction. CONCLUSION The findings of this study demonstrated that traditionally used herbal medicinal plants like R. serrata provide a platform for the identification and isolation of potent bioactive phytochemicals that in turn can promote the antimalarial drug research. RsMeOH crude extract and RsEA fraction showed antiplasmodial, antimalarial and antioxidant activities. Chemical fingerprinting analysis suggested the presence of bioactive phytocompounds that are known for their antimalarial effects. Further detailed investigations on RsMeOH crude extract and RsEA fraction would be needed for the identification of the entire repertoire of the active antimalarial components with potent pharmaceutical and therapeutic values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahengbam Kabita Chanu
- Plant Bioresources Division, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Imphal, 795001, Manipur, India.
| | - Aditi Chatterjee
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India; School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751024, Odisha, India.
| | - Nalini Singh
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India.
| | | | - Chingakham Brajakishor Singh
- Plant Bioresources Division, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Imphal, 795001, Manipur, India.
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Deligianni E, Pizzi E, Kavelaki I, Siden-Kiamos I, Sapienza FU, Fioravanti R, Garzoli S, Pace T, Ponzi M, Ragno R, Currà C. Screening of the activity of sixty essential oils against plasmodium early mosquito stages in vitro and machine learning analysis reveals new putative inhibitors of malaria parasites. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2023; 23:87-93. [PMID: 38000094 PMCID: PMC10709126 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Malaria, an infectious disease with a tremendous impact on human health is caused by Plasmodium parasites, and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. New approaches to control the disease involve transmission blocking strategies aiming to target the parasite in the mosquito. Here, we investigated the putative inhibitory activity of essential oils and their components on the early mosquito stages of the parasite. We employed an in vitro assay of gametocyte-to-ookinete development of the rodent model parasite Plasmodium berghei combined with high content screening. 60 essential oils with known composition were tested. The results revealed that fifteen EOs had inhibitory activity. Furthermore, a machine learning approach was used to identify the putative inhibitory components. Five of the most important chemical components indicated by the machine learning-based models were actually confirmed by the experimental approach. This combined approach was used for the first time to identify the potential transmission blocking activity of essential oils and single components at the zygote and ookinete stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Deligianni
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elisabetta Pizzi
- Servizio Grandi Strumentazioni e Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ioanna Kavelaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Inga Siden-Kiamos
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Filippo Umberto Sapienza
- Rome Center for Molecular Design-RCMD, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, University Sapienza of Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Fioravanti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Garzoli
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tomasino Pace
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Ponzi
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rino Ragno
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Chiara Currà
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Greece.
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Maciuk A, Mazier D, Duval R. Future antimalarials from Artemisia? A rationale for natural product mining against drug-refractory Plasmodium stages. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:1130-1144. [PMID: 37021639 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00001j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Covering: up to 2023Infusions of the plants Artemisia annua and A. afra are gaining broad popularity to prevent or treat malaria. There is an urgent need to address this controversial public health question by providing solid scientific evidence in relation to these uses. Infusions of either species were shown to inhibit the asexual blood stages, the liver stages including the hypnozoites, but also the sexual stages, the gametocytes, of Plasmodium parasites. Elimination of hypnozoites and sterilization of mature gametocytes remain pivotal elements of the radical cure of P. vivax, and the blockage of P. vivax and P. falciparum transmission, respectively. Drugs active against these stages are restricted to the 8-aminoquinolines primaquine and tafenoquine, a paucity worsened by their double dependence on the host genetic to elicit clinical activity without severe toxicity. Besides artemisinin, these Artemisia spp. contain many natural products effective against Plasmodium asexual blood stages, but their activity against hypnozoites and gametocytes was never investigated. In the context of important therapeutic issues, we provide a review addressing (i) the role of artemisinin in the bioactivity of these Artemisia infusions against specific parasite stages, i.e., alone or in association with other phytochemicals; (ii) the mechanisms of action and biological targets in Plasmodium of ca. 60 infusion-specific Artemisia phytochemicals, with an emphasis on drug-refractory parasite stages (i.e., hypnozoites and gametocytes). Our objective is to guide the strategic prospecting of antiplasmodial natural products from these Artemisia spp., paving the way toward novel antimalarial "hit" compounds either naturally occurring or Artemisia-inspired.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dominique Mazier
- CIMI, CNRS, Inserm, Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Romain Duval
- MERIT, IRD, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France.
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Wang QQ, He K, Aleem MT, Long S. Prenyl Transferases Regulate Secretory Protein Sorting and Parasite Morphology in Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087172. [PMID: 37108334 PMCID: PMC10138696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein prenylation is an important protein modification that is responsible for diverse physiological activities in eukaryotic cells. This modification is generally catalyzed by three types of prenyl transferases, which include farnesyl transferase (FT), geranylgeranyl transferase (GGT-1) and Rab geranylgeranyl transferase (GGT-2). Studies in malaria parasites showed that these parasites contain prenylated proteins, which are proposed to play multiple functions in parasites. However, the prenyl transferases have not been functionally characterized in parasites of subphylum Apicomplexa. Here, we functionally dissected functions of three of the prenyl transferases in the Apicomplexa model organism Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) using a plant auxin-inducible degron system. The homologous genes of the beta subunit of FT, GGT-1 and GGT-2 were endogenously tagged with AID at the C-terminus in the TIR1 parental line using a CRISPR-Cas9 approach. Upon depletion of these prenyl transferases, GGT-1 and GGT-2 had a strong defect on parasite replication. Fluorescent assay using diverse protein markers showed that the protein markers ROP5 and GRA7 were diffused in the parasites depleted with GGT-1 and GGT-2, while the mitochondrion was strongly affected in parasites depleted with GGT-1. Importantly, depletion of GGT-2 caused the stronger defect to the sorting of rhoptry protein and the parasite morphology. Furthermore, parasite motility was observed to be affected in parasites depleted with GGT-2. Taken together, this study functionally characterized the prenyl transferases, which contributed to an overall understanding of protein prenylation in T. gondii and potentially in other related parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang-Qiang Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kai He
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Muhammad-Tahir Aleem
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Shaojun Long
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Anyamele T, Onwuegbuchu PN, Ugbogu EA, Ibe C. Phytochemical composition, bioactive properties, and toxicological profile of Tetrapleura tetraptera. Bioorg Chem 2023; 131:106288. [PMID: 36470194 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The use of medicinal plants has gained renewed wide popularity in Africa, Asia, and most parts of the world because of the decreasing efficacy of synthetic drugs. Thus, natural products serve as a potent source of alternative remedy. Tetrapleura tetraptera is a medicinal plant with cultural and traditional significance in West Africa. In addition to the plant being commonly used as a spice in the preparation of traditional spicy food for postpartum care it is also widely used to constitute herbal concoctions and decoctions for treatment of diseases. This review aimed to provide an up-to-date information on the ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological activities and phytoconstituents of T. tetraptera. Preclinical studies regarding the plant's toxicity profile were also reviewed. For this updated review, literature search was done on PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, and Google Scholar databases using the relevant keywords. The review used a total of 106 papers that met the inclusion criteria from January 1989 - February 2022 and summarised the bioactivities that have been reported for the rich phytoconstituents of T. tetraptera studied using various chemical methods. Considering the huge report, the review focused on the antimicrobial and antiinflammatory activities of the plant extracts and isolated compounds. Aridan, aridanin and several bioactive compounds of T. tetraptera have shown pharmacological activities though their mechanisms of action are yet to be fully understood. This study also highlighted the influence of plant parts and extraction solvents on its biological activities. It also presented data on the toxicological profile of the plant extracts using different models. From cultural uses to modern pharmacological research the bioactive compounds of T. tetraptera have proved effective in infectious disease management. We hope that this paper provided a robust summary of the biological activities and toxicological profile of T. tetraptera, thus calling for more research into the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic activities of natural products to help combat the growing threat of drug resistance and provide guidelines for their ethnomedicinal uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- ThankGod Anyamele
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
| | | | - Eziuche Amadike Ugbogu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
| | - Chibuike Ibe
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria.
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Verdaguer IB, Crispim M, Hernández A, Katzin AM. The Biomedical Importance of the Missing Pathway for Farnesol and Geranylgeraniol Salvage. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27248691. [PMID: 36557825 PMCID: PMC9782597 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoprenoids are the output of the polymerization of five-carbon, branched isoprenic chains derived from isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and its isomer, dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP). Isoprene units are consecutively condensed to form longer structures such as farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (FPP and GGPP, respectively), necessary for the biosynthesis of several metabolites. Polyprenyl transferases and synthases use polyprenyl pyrophosphates as their natural substrates; however, it is known that free polyprenols, such as farnesol (FOH), and geranylgeraniol (GGOH) can be incorporated into prenylated proteins, ubiquinone, cholesterol, and dolichols. Furthermore, FOH and GGOH have been shown to block the effects of isoprenoid biosynthesis inhibitors such as fosmidomycin, bisphosphonates, or statins in several organisms. This phenomenon is the consequence of a short pathway, which was observed for the first time more than 25 years ago: the polyprenol salvage pathway, which works via the phosphorylation of FOH and GGOH. Biochemical studies in bacteria, animals, and plants suggest that this pathway can be carried out by two enzymes: a polyprenol kinase and a polyprenyl-phosphate kinase. However, to date, only a few genes have been unequivocally identified to encode these enzymes in photosynthetic organisms. Nevertheless, pieces of evidence for the importance of this pathway abound in studies related to infectious diseases, cancer, dyslipidemias, and nutrition, and to the mitigation of the secondary effects of several drugs. Furthermore, nowadays it is known that both FOH and GGOH can be incorporated via dietary sources that produce various biological effects. This review presents, in a simplified but comprehensive manner, the most important data on the FOH and GGOH salvage pathway, stressing its biomedical importance The main objective of this review is to bring to light the need to discover and characterize the kinases associated with the isoprenoid salvage pathway in animals and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignasi Bofill Verdaguer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, Av. Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Marcell Crispim
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, Av. Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Agustín Hernández
- Integrated Unit for Research in Biodiversity (BIOTROP-CCBS), Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Miguel Katzin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, Av. Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3091-7330; Fax: +55-11-3091-7417
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Clemente CM, Robledo SM, Ravetti S. Menthol carbonates as potent antiparasitic agents: synthesis and in vitro studies along with computer-aided approaches. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:156. [PMID: 35698116 PMCID: PMC9190099 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03636-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Despite the number of deaths and the significant economic and social costs associated with Chagas, Leishmaniasis and Malaria diseases worldwide, available drugs are limited and have serious side effects and high toxicity for the patient. Therefore, there is an urgent need for safe, low-cost, and effective treatments. Natural products are an important source of bioactive compounds and there is current interest in finding natural bioactive molecules that can be used for treating these parasitic diseases. In the present study we proposed to evaluate the in vitro antiparasitic activity of new menthol derivatives against Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania braziliensis and Plasmodium falciparum; moreover, we propose to explore their mode of action through in silico approaches.
Material and methods
A series of carbonate prodrugs (1–9) were synthesized from menthol with different aliphatic alcohols. Spectroscopic techniques were used to confirm the structures of the synthesized compounds. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was assessed using U-937 cells. In vitro trypanocidal, leishmanicidal and antiplasmodial activity were evaluated using a T. cruzi, L. braziliensis and P. falciparum organism, respectively. In addition, in silico studies were also performed through molecular dynamics simulations and MM-PBSA analysis.
Results
The assay revealed that most of the compounds were highly active against intracellular amastigotes of T. cruzi and L. braziliensis, and had moderate activity against the total forms of P. falciparum. Compound 2 was one of the drugs that showed a high selectivity index (SI) for the three organisms evaluated. The prediction of the ADME properties suggests that all the compounds have drug-like molecular properties and the probability to be lead candidates. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations, and MM-PBSA studies indicate that menthol at the substrate binding site of TcDHODH, LbDHODH and PfDHODH is structurally stable in the same order as the natural substrate; also, interactions of menthol with residues involved in the inhibition of TcDHODH and PfDHODH proteins were predicted.
Conclusions
The present study demonstrates that menthol prodrugs are promising antiparasitic agents; however, the mechanisms of action proposed in this study need to be experimentally verified by future enzymatic assays.
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Bofill Verdaguer I, Sussmann RAC, Santiago VF, Palmisano G, Moura GC, Mesquita JT, Yamaguchi LF, Kato MJ, Katzin AM, Crispim M. Isoprenoid alcohols utilization by malaria parasites. Front Chem 2022; 10:1035548. [PMID: 36531309 PMCID: PMC9751614 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1035548] [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: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum is the etiological agent of human malaria, one of the most widespread diseases in tropical and subtropical regions. Drug resistance is one of the biggest problems in controlling the disease, which leads to the need to discover new antimalarial compounds. One of the most promissory drugs purposed is fosmidomycin, an inhibitor of the biosynthesis of isoprene units by the methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway, which in some cases failed in clinical studies. Once formed, isoprene units are condensed to form longer structures such as farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, which are necessary for Heme O and A formation, ubiquinone, and dolichyl phosphate biosynthesis as well as for protein isoprenylation. Even though the natural substrates of polyprenyl transferases and synthases are polyprenyl pyrophosphates, it was already demonstrated that isoprenoid alcohols (polyprenols) such as farnesol (FOH) and geranylgeraniol (GGOH) can rescue parasites from fosmidomycin. This study better investigated how this rescue phenomenon occurs by performing drug-rescue assays. Similarly, to FOH and GGOH, it was observed that phytol (POH), a 20-carbon plant isoprenoid, as well as unsaponifiable lipid extracts from foods rescue parasites from the antimalarial effect of fosmidomycin. Contrarily, neither dolichols nor nonaprenol rescue parasites from fosmidomycin. Considering this, here we characterized the transport of FOH, GGOH, and POH. Once incorporated, it was observed that these substances are phosphorylated, condensed into longer isoprenoid alcohols, and incorporated into proteins and dolichyl phosphates. Through proteomic and radiolabelling approaches, it was found that prenylated proteins are naturally attached to several isoprenoids, derived from GGOH, dolichol, and POH if exogenously added. Furthermore, the results suggest the presence of at least two promiscuous protein prenyltransferases in the parasite: one enzyme which can use FPP among other unidentified substrates and another enzyme that can use GGPP, phytyl pyrophosphate (PPP), and dolichols, among other substrates not identified here. Thus, further evidence was obtained for dolichols and other isoprenoid products attached to proteins. This study helps to better understand the apicoplast-targeting antimalarial mechanism of action and a novel post-translational modification of proteins in P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignasi Bofill Verdaguer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A C Sussmann
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Institute of Humanities, Arts and Sciences, Federal University of Southern Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Verônica Feijoli Santiago
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Cândido Moura
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Tonini Mesquita
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lydia Fumiko Yamaguchi
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Massuo Jorge Kato
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Miguel Katzin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcell Crispim
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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dos Santos EC, Silva LS, Pinheiro AS, Teixeira DE, Peruchetti DB, Silva-Aguiar RP, Wendt CHC, Miranda KR, Coelho-de-Souza AN, Leal-Cardoso JH, Caruso-Neves C, Pinheiro AAS. The monoterpene 1,8-cineole prevents cerebral edema in a murine model of severe malaria. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268347. [PMID: 35550638 PMCID: PMC9098050 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268347] [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: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
1,8-Cineole is a naturally occurring compound found in essential oils of different plants and has well-known anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. In the present work, we aimed to investigate its potential antimalarial effect, using the following experimental models: (1) the erythrocytic cycle of Plasmodium falciparum; (2) an adhesion assay using brain microvascular endothelial cells; and (3) an experimental cerebral malaria animal model induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection in susceptible mice. Using the erythrocytic cycle of Plasmodium falciparum, we characterized the schizonticidal effect of 1,8-cineole. This compound decreased parasitemia in a dose-dependent manner with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 1045.53 ± 63.30 μM. The inhibitory effect of 972 μM 1,8-cineole was irreversible and independent of parasitemia. Moreover, 1,8-cineole reduced the progression of intracellular development of the parasite over 2 cycles, inducing important morphological changes. Ultrastructure analysis revealed a massive loss of integrity of endomembranes and hemozoin crystals in infected erythrocytes treated with 1,8-cineole. The monoterpene reduced the adhesion index of infected erythrocytes to brain microvascular endothelial cells by 60%. Using the experimental cerebral malaria model, treatment of infected mice for 6 consecutive days with 100 mg/kg/day 1,8-cineole reduced cerebral edema with a 50% reduction in parasitemia. Our data suggest a potential antimalarial effect of 1,8-cineole with an impact on the parasite erythrocytic cycle and severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgleyson C. dos Santos
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Leandro S. Silva
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alessandro S. Pinheiro
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Douglas E. Teixeira
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diogo B. Peruchetti
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo P. Silva-Aguiar
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Camila H. C. Wendt
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kildare R. Miranda
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Celso Caruso-Neves
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Innovation Network in Nanosystems for Health, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Acacia S. Pinheiro
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Innovation Network in Nanosystems for Health, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Zulhendri F, Chandrasekaran K, Kowacz M, Ravalia M, Kripal K, Fearnley J, Perera CO. Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antiparasitic Properties of Propolis: A Review. Foods 2021; 10:1360. [PMID: 34208334 PMCID: PMC8231288 DOI: 10.3390/foods10061360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Propolis is a complex phytocompound made from resinous and balsamic material harvested by bees from flowers, branches, pollen, and tree exudates. Humans have used propolis therapeutically for centuries. The aim of this article is to provide comprehensive review of the antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties of propolis. The mechanisms of action of propolis are discussed. There are two distinct impacts with regards to antimicrobial and anti-parasitic properties of propolis, on the pathogens and on the host. With regards to the pathogens, propolis acts by disrupting the ability of the pathogens to invade the host cells by forming a physical barrier and inhibiting enzymes and proteins needed for invasion into the host cells. Propolis also inhibits the replication process of the pathogens. Moreover, propolis inhibits the metabolic processes of the pathogens by disrupting cellular organelles and components responsible for energy production. With regard to the host, propolis functions as an immunomodulator. It upregulates the innate immunity and modulates the inflammatory signaling pathways. Propolis also helps maintain the host's cellular antioxidant status. More importantly, a small number of human clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and the safety of propolis as an adjuvant therapy for pathogenic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Magdalena Kowacz
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10 St., 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; or
| | - Munir Ravalia
- The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Rd, Whitechapel, London E1 1FR, UK;
| | - Krishna Kripal
- Rajarajeswari Dental College & Hospital, No.14, Ramohalli Cross, Mysore Road, Kumbalgodu, Bengaluru 560074, Karnataka, India;
| | - James Fearnley
- Apiceutical Research Centre, Unit 3b Enterprise Way, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO18 7NA, UK;
| | - Conrad O. Perera
- Food Science Program, School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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11
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Maaroufi Z, Cojean S, Loiseau PM, Yahyaoui M, Agnely F, Abderraba M, Mekhloufi G. In vitro antileishmanial potentialities of essential oils from Citrus limon and Pistacia lentiscus harvested in Tunisia. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1455-1469. [PMID: 33426571 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06952-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a tropical parasitic disease that affects up to 12 million people worldwide. Current chemotherapies have limitations such as toxicity, high cost, and parasite resistance. This work aims to select an essential oil (EssOil) isolated from the Tunisian flora as a new antileishmanial candidate. Two plants were chosen for their antileishmanial potential: Citrus limon (Citrus) and Pistacia lentiscus (Pistacia). Each of these plants was harvested from two different sites (area 1 and area 2). Extracted EssOils were characterized using GC-MS. Their antiparasitic activity against axenic and intracellular Leishmania major amastigotes and their cytotoxicity were assessed. Citrus EssOil from area 1 displayed an interesting activity against L. major intramacrophage amastigotes with IC50 value at 4.2 ± 1.3 μg/mL. Interestingly, this activity was close to that of miltefosine. Moderate activities against intracellular amastigote were observed for Pistacia EssOil from area 1 and Citrus EssOil from area 2. However, low cytotoxicity with high selectivity index was proved only for Citrus EssOil from area 1, revealing its safety for macrophages. This study also demonstrated for the first time the antileishmanial activity of EssOil extracted from Citrus limon leaves. The EssOil interesting activity could be related to the lipophilic properties of terpenes that were shown in literature to contribute to the disruption of parasite intracellular metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeineb Maaroufi
- CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, 92296, Châtenay-Malabry, France.,Laboratoire Matériaux Molécules et applications, Institut préparatoire des études scientifiques et techniques (IPEST), Univ. de Carthage, La Marsa, Tunisia
| | - Sandrine Cojean
- CNRS, BioCIS, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | | | - Marwa Yahyaoui
- Laboratoire Matériaux Molécules et applications, Institut préparatoire des études scientifiques et techniques (IPEST), Univ. de Carthage, La Marsa, Tunisia
| | - Florence Agnely
- CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, 92296, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Manef Abderraba
- Laboratoire Matériaux Molécules et applications, Institut préparatoire des études scientifiques et techniques (IPEST), Univ. de Carthage, La Marsa, Tunisia
| | - Ghozlene Mekhloufi
- CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, 92296, Châtenay-Malabry, France.
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12
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Silva LK, Espenship MF, Newman CA, Blount BC, De Jesús VR. Quantification of Seven Terpenes in Human Serum by Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:13861-13867. [PMID: 32929965 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Terpenes are a class of volatile organic hydrocarbons commonly produced by vegetation and released into the atmosphere. These compounds are responsible for the scents of pine forests, citrus fruits, and some flowers. Human terpene exposure can come from inhalation, diet, smoking, and more recently, using e-cigarettes. Terpenes are present in tobacco smoke and are used as flavor chemicals in e-liquids. The health effects of terpenes are not widely known, though several studies have suggested that they may prove useful in future medical applications. We have developed a novel, high-throughput method of quantifying seven terpenes (α-pinene, β-pinene, β-myrcene, 3-carene, limonene, β-caryophyllene, and α-humulene) in human serum to aid human-exposure investigations. This method employs headspace sampling using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to detect and quantify five monoterpenes and two sesquiterpenes in the low parts-per-trillion to low parts-per-billion range. The intraday and interday variability (percent error) of the method are ≤2 and ≤11%, respectively. In addition, this method showed excellent recovery in human serum (between 80 and 120% for all analytes). The assay precision ranges between 4.0 and 11%. Limits of detection ranged between 0.032 and 0.162 μg/L. Using serum cotinine values to classify tobacco use showed that smokers have higher serum concentrations of six terpenes compared to nonusers. Terpene concentrations were 14-78% higher in smokers than nonusers. Our method can provide essential biomonitoring data to establish baseline exposure levels for terpenes in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalith K Silva
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Michael F Espenship
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Cody A Newman
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Benjamin C Blount
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Víctor R De Jesús
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
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13
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Lam NS, Long X, Su XZ, Lu F. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and its monoterpene constituents in treating protozoan and helminthic infections. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110624. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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14
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Biosynthesis of heme O in intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum and potential inhibitors of this pathway. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19261. [PMID: 31848371 PMCID: PMC6917786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55506-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of antimalarial drugs interfere with the electron transport chain and heme-related reactions; however, the biosynthesis of heme derivatives in Plasmodium parasites has not been fully elucidated. Here, we characterized the steps that lead to the farnesylation of heme. After the identification of a gene encoding heme O synthase, we identified heme O synthesis in blood stage parasites through the incorporation of radioactive precursors. The presence of heme O synthesis in intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Inabenfide and uniconazole-P appeared to interfere in heme synthesis, accordingly, parasite growth was also affected by the addition of these drugs. We conclude that heme O synthesis occurs in blood stage-P. falciparum and this pathway could be a potential target for antimalarial drugs.
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15
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Gruessner BM, Cornet-Vernet L, Desrosiers MR, Lutgen P, Towler MJ, Weathers PJ. It is not just artemisinin: Artemisia sp. for treating diseases including malaria and schistosomiasis. PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS : PROCEEDINGS OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL SOCIETY OF EUROPE 2019; 18:1509-1527. [PMID: 33911989 PMCID: PMC8078015 DOI: 10.1007/s11101-019-09645-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Artemisia sp., especially A. annua and A. afra, have been used for centuries to treat many ailments. While artemisinin is the main therapeutically active component, emerging evidence demonstrates that the other phytochemicals in this genus are also therapeutically active. Those compounds include flavonoids, other terpenes, coumarins, and phenolic acids. Artemisia sp. phytochemicals also improve bioavailability of artemisinin and synergistically improve artemisinin therapeutic efficacy, especially when delivered as dried leaf Artemisia as a tea infusion or as powdered dry leaves in a capsule or compressed into a tablet. Here results from in vitro, and in vivo animal and human studies are summarized and critically discussed for mainly malaria, but also other diseases susceptible to artemisinin and Artemisia sp. including schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Gruessner
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
| | | | - M R Desrosiers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
| | - P Lutgen
- IFVB-BELHERB, Niederanven, Luxembourg
| | - M J Towler
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
| | - P J Weathers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
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16
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Kennedy K, Cobbold SA, Hanssen E, Birnbaum J, Spillman NJ, McHugh E, Brown H, Tilley L, Spielmann T, McConville MJ, Ralph SA. Delayed death in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is caused by disruption of prenylation-dependent intracellular trafficking. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000376. [PMID: 31318858 PMCID: PMC6667170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites possess a plastid organelle called the apicoplast. Inhibitors that selectively target apicoplast housekeeping functions, including DNA replication and protein translation, are lethal for the parasite, and several (doxycycline, clindamycin, and azithromycin) are in clinical use as antimalarials. A major limitation of such drugs is that treated parasites only arrest one intraerythrocytic development cycle (approximately 48 hours) after treatment commences, a phenotype known as the ‘delayed death’ effect. The molecular basis of delayed death is a long-standing mystery in parasitology, and establishing the mechanism would aid rational clinical implementation of apicoplast-targeted drugs. Parasites undergoing delayed death transmit defective apicoplasts to their daughter cells and cannot produce the sole, blood-stage essential metabolic product of the apicoplast: the isoprenoid precursor isopentenyl-pyrophosphate. How the isoprenoid precursor depletion kills the parasite remains unknown. We investigated the requirements for the range of isoprenoids in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and characterised the molecular and morphological phenotype of parasites experiencing delayed death. Metabolomic profiling reveals disruption of digestive vacuole function in the absence of apicoplast derived isoprenoids. Three-dimensional electron microscopy reveals digestive vacuole fragmentation and the accumulation of cytostomal invaginations, characteristics common in digestive vacuole disruption. We show that digestive vacuole disruption results from a defect in the trafficking of vesicles to the digestive vacuole. The loss of prenylation of vesicular trafficking proteins abrogates their membrane attachment and function and prevents the parasite from feeding. Our data show that the proximate cause of delayed death is an interruption of protein prenylation and consequent cellular trafficking defects. After treatment with drugs that target apicoplast functions, malaria parasites are initially superficially healthy and go on to infect new erythrocytes. This cell biology study shows that the parasites subsequently die in their second cycle due to trafficking defects caused by depletion of prenyl groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit Kennedy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon A. Cobbold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric Hanssen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Advanced Microscopy Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jakob Birnbaum
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Section, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Natalie J. Spillman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma McHugh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hannah Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tobias Spielmann
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Section, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malcolm J. McConville
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stuart A. Ralph
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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17
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Oluba OM. Ganoderma terpenoid extract exhibited anti-plasmodial activity by a mechanism involving reduction in erythrocyte and hepatic lipids in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Lipids Health Dis 2019; 18:12. [PMID: 30636645 PMCID: PMC6330487 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-018-0951-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive components of Ganoderma lucidum has recently gained intense research attention due to their acclaimed nutritional and medicinal properties. Thus, the terpenoid extract from the fruit bodies of G. lucidum (GT) was evaluated for activity against Plasmodium berghei in mice in two separate experiments. In addition, the effects of the extract on erythrocyte and hepatic lipids as well as liver HMG-CoA reductase activity before and after the treatments were also assessed. Mice with established infection were administered 100 and 250 mg/kg/day GT alone and in combination with chloroquine (CQ), in either case two separate controls designated: CQ (30 mg/kg chloroquine) and INF-CTR (1 mL DMSO) were also included. Treatment was administered orally for 12 days and parasitemia determined every three days. Percentage survival was significantly increased to 87% from 66% due to combination of GT100 with CQ compared to GT100 alone and to 75% from 62% when GT250 was administered with CQ compared to GT250 alone. Erythrocyte triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), LDL and phospholipids contents were significantly lower in GT + CQ-treated mice compared to CQ alone and INF-CTR. Similarly, hepatic TC and phospholipid levels were significantly lower in the GT + CQ-treated mice compared to CQ alone and INF-CTR and HMG-CoA reductase activity in the liver was significantly inhibited due to administration of GT + CQ. Data from this study suggest that the anti-plasmodial action of GT could involve mechanisms associated with its hypolipidemic activity. It was also demonstrated that chloroquine, when administered in combination with GT, potentiates its curative effect in P. berghei-infected mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olarewaju M Oluba
- Department of Biological Sciences, Food Safety and Toxicology Research Unit, Environment and Technology Research Cluster, College of Science and Engineering, Landmark University, P.M.B, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, 1001, Nigeria.
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18
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Perillyl alcohol exhibits in vitro inhibitory activity against Plasmodium falciparum and protects against experimental cerebral malaria. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2018; 51:370-377. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2017.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Sussmann RAC, Fotoran WL, Kimura EA, Katzin AM. Plasmodium falciparum uses vitamin E to avoid oxidative stress. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:461. [PMID: 29017543 PMCID: PMC5634829 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2402-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium falciparum is sensitive to oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo, and many drugs such as artemisinin, chloroquine and cercosporin interfere in the parasite's redox system. To minimize the damage caused by reactive radicals, antioxidant enzymes and their substrates found in parasites and in erythrocytes must be functionally active. It was shown that P. falciparum synthesizes vitamin E and that usnic acid acts as an inhibitor of its biosynthesis. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that protects polyunsaturated fatty acids from lipid peroxidation, and this activity can be measured by detecting its oxidized product and by evaluating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. RESULTS Here, we demonstrated that ROS levels increased in P. falciparum when vitamin E biosynthesis was inhibited by usnic acid treatment and decreased to basal levels if exogenous vitamin E was added. Furthermore, we used metabolic labelling to demonstrate that vitamin E biosynthesized by the parasite acts as an antioxidant since we could detect its radiolabeled oxidized product. The treatment with chloroquine or cercosporin of the parasites increased the ratio between α-tocopherolquinone and α-tocopherol. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that vitamin E produced endogenously by P. falciparum is active as an antioxidant, probably protecting the parasite from the radicals generated by drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo A C Sussmann
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wesley L Fotoran
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emilia A Kimura
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alejandro M Katzin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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20
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Suazo KF, Schaber C, Palsuledesai CC, Odom John AR, Distefano MD. Global proteomic analysis of prenylated proteins in Plasmodium falciparum using an alkyne-modified isoprenoid analogue. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38615. [PMID: 27924931 PMCID: PMC5141570 DOI: 10.1038/srep38615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum infection remains a serious threat to health worldwide and new therapeutic targets are highly desirable. Small molecule inhibitors of prenyl transferases, enzymes that catalyze the post-translational isoprenyl modifications of proteins, exhibit potent antimalarial activity. The antimalarial actions of prenyltransferase inhibitors indicate that protein prenylation is required for malaria parasite development. In this study, we used a chemical biology strategy to experimentally characterize the entire complement of prenylated proteins in the human malaria parasite. In contrast to the expansive mammalian and fungal prenylomes, we find that P. falciparum possesses a restricted set of prenylated proteins. The prenylome of P. falciparum is dominated by Rab GTPases, in addition to a small number of prenylated proteins that also appear to function primarily in membrane trafficking. Overall, we found robust experimental evidence for a total of only thirteen prenylated proteins in P. falciparum, with suggestive evidence for an additional two probable prenyltransferase substrates. Our work contributes to an increasingly complete picture of essential, post-translational hydrophobic modifications in blood-stage P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiall F Suazo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Chad Schaber
- Departments of Pediatrics and of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | | | - Audrey R Odom John
- Departments of Pediatrics and of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Mark D Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
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21
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Saito AY, Marin Rodriguez AA, Menchaca Vega DS, Sussmann RA, Kimura EA, Katzin AM. Antimalarial activity of the terpene nerolidol. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2016; 48:641-646. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2016.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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22
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Gabriel HB, de Azevedo MF, Palmisano G, Wunderlich G, Kimura EA, Katzin AM, Alves JMP. Single-target high-throughput transcription analyses reveal high levels of alternative splicing present in the FPPS/GGPPS from Plasmodium falciparum. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18429. [PMID: 26688062 PMCID: PMC4685265 DOI: 10.1038/srep18429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a tropical disease with significant morbidity and mortality. A better understanding of the metabolism of its most important etiological agent, Plasmodium falciparum, is paramount to the development of better treatment and other mitigation measures. Farnesyldiphosphate synthase/geranylgeranyldiphosphate synthase (FPPS/GGPPS) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of isoprenic chains present in many essential structures. In P. falciparum, as well as a handful of other organisms, FPPS/GGPPS has been shown to be a bifunctional enzyme. By genetic tagging and microscopy, we observed a changing localization of FPPS/GGPPS in blood stage parasites. Given the great importance of alternative splicing and other transcriptional phenomena in gene regulation and the generation of protein diversity, we have investigated the processing of the FPPS/GGPPS transcript in P. falciparum by high-throughput sequencing methods in four time-points along the intraerythrocytic cycle of P. falciparum. We have identified levels of transcript diversity an order of magnitude higher than previously observed in this organism, as well as a few stage-specific splicing events. Our data suggest that alternative splicing in P. falciparum is an important feature for gene regulation and the generation of protein diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heloisa B Gabriel
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mauro F de Azevedo
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gerhard Wunderlich
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emília A Kimura
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alejandro M Katzin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João M P Alves
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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23
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Squalestatin is an inhibitor of carotenoid biosynthesis in Plasmodium falciparum. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:3180-8. [PMID: 25779575 DOI: 10.1128/aac.04500-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing resistance of malaria parasites to almost all available drugs calls for the characterization of novel targets and the identification of new compounds. Carotenoids are polyisoprenoids from plants, algae, and some bacteria, and they are biosynthesized by Plasmodium falciparum but not by mammalian cells. Biochemical and reverse genetics approaches were applied to demonstrate that phytoene synthase (PSY) is a key enzyme for carotenoid biosynthesis in P. falciparum and is essential for intraerythrocytic growth. The known PSY inhibitor squalestatin reduces biosynthesis of phytoene and kills parasites during the intraerythrocytic cycle. PSY-overexpressing parasites showed increased biosynthesis of phytoene and its derived product phytofluene and presented a squalestatin-resistant phenotype, suggesting that this enzyme is the primary target of action of this drug in the parasite.
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24
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Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites include some of the most prevalent and deadly human pathogens. Novel antiparasitic drugs are urgently needed. Synthesis and metabolism of isoprenoids may present multiple targets for therapeutic intervention. The apicoplast-localized methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway for isoprenoid precursor biosynthesis is distinct from the mevalonate (MVA) pathway used by the mammalian host, and this pathway is apparently essential in most Apicomplexa. In this review, we discuss the current field of research on production and metabolic fates of isoprenoids in apicomplexan parasites, including the acquisition of host isoprenoid precursors and downstream products. We describe recent work identifying the first MEP pathway regulator in apicomplexan parasites, and introduce several promising areas for ongoing research into this well-validated antiparasitic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Imlay
- Department of Molecular Microbiology Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Audrey R Odom
- Department of Pediatrics Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO 63110 USA & Department of Molecular Microbiology Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
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Guggisberg AM, Amthor RE, Odom AR. Isoprenoid biosynthesis in Plasmodium falciparum. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2014; 13:1348-59. [PMID: 25217461 PMCID: PMC4248697 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00160-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Malaria kills nearly 1 million people each year, and the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum has become increasingly resistant to current therapies. Isoprenoid synthesis via the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway represents an attractive target for the development of new antimalarials. The phosphonic acid antibiotic fosmidomycin is a specific inhibitor of isoprenoid synthesis and has been a helpful tool to outline the essential functions of isoprenoid biosynthesis in P. falciparum. Isoprenoids are a large, diverse class of hydrocarbons that function in a variety of essential cellular processes in eukaryotes. In P. falciparum, isoprenoids are used for tRNA isopentenylation and protein prenylation, as well as the synthesis of vitamin E, carotenoids, ubiquinone, and dolichols. Recently, isoprenoid synthesis in P. falciparum has been shown to be regulated by a sugar phosphatase. We outline what is known about isoprenoid function and the regulation of isoprenoid synthesis in P. falciparum, in order to identify valuable directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Guggisberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rachel E Amthor
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Audrey R Odom
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Desgrouas C, Chapus C, Desplans J, Travaille C, Pascual A, Baghdikian B, Ollivier E, Parzy D, Taudon N. In vitro antiplasmodial activity of cepharanthine. Malar J 2014; 13:327. [PMID: 25145413 PMCID: PMC4152577 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New classes of anti-malarial drugs are needed to control the alarming Plasmodium falciparum resistance toward current anti-malarial therapy. The ethnopharmacological approach allows the discovery of original chemical structures from the vegetable biodiversity. Previous studies led to the selection of a bisbenzylisoquinoline, called cepharanthine and isolated from a Cambodian plant: Stephania rotunda. Cepharanthine could exert a mechanism of action different from commonly used drugs. Potential plasmodial targets are reported here. METHODS To study the mechanism of action of cepharanthine, a combined approach using phenotypic and transcriptomic techniques was undertaken. RESULTS Cepharanthine blocked P. falciparum development in ring stage. On a culture of synchronized ring stage, the comparisons of expression profiles showed that the samples treated with 5 μM of cepharanthine (IC90) were significantly closer to the initial controls than to the final ones. After a two-way ANOVA (p-value < 0.05) on the microarray results, 1,141 probes among 9,722 presented a significant differential expression.A gene ontology analysis showed that the Maurer's clefts seem particularly down-regulated by cepharanthine. The analysis of metabolic pathways showed an impact on cell-cell interactions (cytoadherence and rosetting), glycolysis and isoprenoid pathways. Organellar functions, more particularly constituted by apicoplast and mitochondrion, are targeted too. CONCLUSION The blockage at the ring stage by cepharanthine is described for the first time. Transcriptomic approach confirmed that cepharanthine might have a potential innovative antiplasmodial mechanism of action. Thus, cepharanthine might play an ongoing role in the progress on anti-malarial drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Desgrouas
- />UMR-MD3, Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, Faculté de Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille Université, 27 Bd Jean Moulin CS30064 13385 Marseille cedex 5, Marseille, France
| | - Charles Chapus
- />UMR-MD3, Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, BP73 91223 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Jérôme Desplans
- />UMR-MD3, Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, Faculté de Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille Université, 27 Bd Jean Moulin CS30064 13385 Marseille cedex 5, Marseille, France
| | - Christelle Travaille
- />Trypanosome Cell Biology Unit, CNRS URA2581 and Parasitology Department, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Pascual
- />Département d’Infectiologie de Terrain, Unité de Parasitologie, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France
| | - Béatrice Baghdikian
- />UMR-MD3, Laboratoire de Pharmacognosie et Ethnopharmacologie, Faculté de Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille Université, 27 Bd Jean Moulin 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, Marseille, France
| | - Evelyne Ollivier
- />UMR-MD3, Laboratoire de Pharmacognosie et Ethnopharmacologie, Faculté de Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille Université, 27 Bd Jean Moulin 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Parzy
- />UMR-MD3, Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, Faculté de Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille Université, 27 Bd Jean Moulin CS30064 13385 Marseille cedex 5, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Taudon
- />UMR-MD3, Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, BP73 91223 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
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Exploring Drug Targets in Isoprenoid Biosynthetic Pathway for Plasmodium falciparum. Biochem Res Int 2014; 2014:657189. [PMID: 24864210 PMCID: PMC4017727 DOI: 10.1155/2014/657189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergence of rapid drug resistance to existing antimalarial drugs in Plasmodium falciparum has created the need for prediction of novel targets as well as leads derived from original molecules with improved activity against a validated drug target. The malaria parasite has a plant plastid-like apicoplast. To overcome the problem of falciparum malaria, the metabolic pathways in parasite apicoplast have been used as antimalarial drug targets. Among several pathways in apicoplast, isoprenoid biosynthesis is one of the important pathways for parasite as its multiplication in human erythrocytes requires isoprenoids. Therefore targeting this pathway and exploring leads with improved activity is a highly attractive approach. This report has explored progress towards the study of proteins and inhibitors of isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway. For more comprehensive analysis, antimalarial drug-protein interaction has been covered.
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Jordão FM, Gabriel HB, Alves JMP, Angeli CB, Bifano TD, Breda A, de Azevedo MF, Basso LA, Wunderlich G, Kimura EA, Katzin AM. Cloning and characterization of bifunctional enzyme farnesyl diphosphate/geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase from Plasmodium falciparum. Malar J 2013; 12:184. [PMID: 23734739 PMCID: PMC3679732 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Isoprenoids are the most diverse and abundant group of natural products. In Plasmodium falciparum, isoprenoid synthesis proceeds through the methyl erythritol diphosphate pathway and the products are further metabolized by farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS), turning this enzyme into a key branch point of the isoprenoid synthesis. Changes in FPPS activity could alter the flux of isoprenoid compounds downstream of FPPS and, hence, play a central role in the regulation of a number of essential functions in Plasmodium parasites. Methods The isolation and cloning of gene PF3D7_18400 was done by amplification from cDNA from mixed stage parasites of P. falciparum. After sequencing, the fragment was subcloned in pGEX2T for recombinant protein expression. To verify if the PF3D7_1128400 gene encodes a functional rPfFPPS protein, its catalytic activity was assessed using the substrate [4-14C] isopentenyl diphosphate and three different allylic substrates: dimethylallyl diphosphate, geranyl diphosphate or farnesyl diphosphate. The reaction products were identified by thin layer chromatography and reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography. To confirm the product spectrum formed of rPfFPPS, isoprenic compounds were also identified by mass spectrometry. Apparent kinetic constants KM and Vmax for each substrate were determined by Michaelis–Menten; also, inhibition assays were performed using risedronate. Results The expressed protein of P. falciparum FPPS (rPfFPPS) catalyzes the synthesis of farnesyl diphosphate, as well as geranylgeranyl diphosphate, being therefore a bifunctional FPPS/geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) enzyme. The apparent KM values for the substrates dimethylallyl diphosphate, geranyl diphosphate and farnesyl diphosphate were, respectively, 68 ± 5 μM, 7.8 ± 1.3 μM and 2.06 ± 0.4 μM. The protein is expressed constitutively in all intra-erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum, demonstrated by using transgenic parasites with a haemagglutinin-tagged version of FPPS. Also, the present data demonstrate that the recombinant protein is inhibited by risedronate. Conclusions The rPfFPPS is a bifunctional FPPS/GGPPS enzyme and the structure of products FOH and GGOH were confirmed mass spectrometry. Plasmodial FPPS represents a potential target for the rational design of chemotherapeutic agents to treat malaria.
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Isoprenoid biosynthesis inhibition disrupts Rab5 localization and food vacuolar integrity in Plasmodium falciparum. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2012; 12:215-23. [PMID: 23223036 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00073-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The antimalarial agent fosmidomycin is a validated inhibitor of the nonmevalonate isoprenoid biosynthesis (methylerythritol 4-phosphate [MEP]) pathway in the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Since multiple classes of prenyltransferase inhibitors kill P. falciparum, we hypothesized that protein prenylation was one of the essential functions of this pathway. We found that MEP pathway inhibition with fosmidomycin reduces protein prenylation, confirming that de novo isoprenoid biosynthesis produces the isoprenyl substrates for protein prenylation. One important group of prenylated proteins is small GTPases, such as Rab family members, which mediate cellular vesicular trafficking. We have found that Rab5 proteins dramatically mislocalize upon fosmidomycin treatment, consistent with a loss of protein prenylation. Fosmidomycin treatment caused marked defects in food vacuolar morphology and integrity, consistent with a defect in Rab-mediated vesicular trafficking. These results provide insights to the biological functions of isoprenoids in malaria parasites and may assist the rational selection of secondary agents that will be useful in combination therapy with new isoprenoid biosynthesis inhibitors.
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Parshikov IA, Netrusov AI, Sutherland JB. Microbial transformation of antimalarial terpenoids. Biotechnol Adv 2012; 30:1516-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2012.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Revised: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Jordão FM, Kimura EA, Katzin AM. Isoprenoid biosynthesis in the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2012; 106 Suppl 1:134-41. [PMID: 21881768 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762011000900018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of new drugs is one strategy for malaria control. Biochemical pathways localised in the apicoplast of the parasite, such as the synthesis of isoprenic precursors, are excellent targets because they are different or absent in the human host. Isoprenoids are a large and highly diverse group of natural products with many functions and their synthesis is essential for the parasite's survival. During the last few years, the genes, enzymes, intermediates and mechanisms of this biosynthetic route have been elucidated. In this review, we comment on some aspects of the methylerythritol phosphate pathway and discuss the presence of diverse isoprenic products such as dolichol, ubiquinone, carotenoids, menaquinone and isoprenylated proteins, which are biosynthesised during the intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Morandi Jordão
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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32
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van der Meer JY, Hirsch AKH. The isoprenoid-precursor dependence of Plasmodium spp. Nat Prod Rep 2012; 29:721-8. [DOI: 10.1039/c2np20013a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Botté CY, Dubar F, McFadden GI, Maréchal E, Biot C. Plasmodium falciparum apicoplast drugs: targets or off-targets? Chem Rev 2011; 112:1269-83. [PMID: 22026508 DOI: 10.1021/cr200258w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Y Botté
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire Végétale, UMR 5168, CNRS, CEA, INRA, Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
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In vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activities of risedronate and its interference with protein prenylation in Plasmodium falciparum. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2011; 55:2026-31. [PMID: 21357292 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01820-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing resistance of malarial parasites to almost all available drugs calls for the identification of new compounds and the detection of novel targets. Here, we establish the antimalarial activities of risedronate, one of the most potent bisphosphonates clinically used to treat bone resorption diseases, against blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50] of 20.3±1.0 μM). We also suggest a mechanism of action for risedronate against the intraerythrocytic stage of P. falciparum and show that protein prenylation seems to be modulated directly by this drug. Risedronate inhibits the transfer of the farnesyl pyrophosphate group to parasite proteins, an effect not observed for the transfer of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. Our in vivo experiments further demonstrate that risedronate leads to an 88.9% inhibition of the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei in mice on the seventh day of treatment; however, risedronate treatment did not result in a general increase of survival rates.
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35
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Boyom FF, Ngouana V, Kemgne EAM, Zollo PHA, Menut C, Bessiere JM, Gut J, Rosenthal PJ. Antiplasmodial volatile extracts from Cleistopholis patens Engler & Diels and Uvariastrum pierreanum Engl. (Engl. & Diels) (Annonaceae) growing in Cameroon. Parasitol Res 2010; 108:1211-7. [PMID: 21107862 PMCID: PMC3077741 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2165-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2010] [Accepted: 11/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In a search for alternative treatment for malaria, plant-derived essential oils extracted from the stem barks and leaves of Cleistopholis patens and Uvariastrum pierreanum (Annonaceae) were evaluated in vitro for antiplasmodial activity against the W2 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. The oils were obtained from 500 g each of stem barks and leaves, respectively, by hydrodistillation, using a Clevenger-type apparatus with the following yields: 0.23% and 0.19% for C. patens and 0.1% and 0.3% for U. pierreanum (w/w relative to dried material weight). Analysis of 10% (v/v) oil in hexane by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry identified only terpenoids in the oils, with over 81% sesquiterpene hydrocarbons in C. patens extracts and U. pierreanum stem bark oil, while the leaf oil from the latter species was found to contain a majority of monoterpenes. For C. patens, the major components were α-copaene, δ-cadinene, and germacrene D for the stem bark oil and β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, and germacrene B for the leaf oil. The stem bark oil of U. pierreanum was found to contain mainly β-bisabolene and α-bisabolol, while α- and β-pinenes were more abundant in the leaf extract. Concentrations of oils obtained by diluting 1-mg/mL stock solutions were tested against P. falciparum in culture. The oils were active, with IC(50) values of 9.19 and 15.19 μg/mL for the stem bark and leaf oils, respectively, of C. patens and 6.08 and 13.96 μg/mL, respectively, for those from U. pierreanum. These results indicate that essential oils may offer a promising alternative for the development of new antimalarials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice Fekam Boyom
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
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Intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum biosynthesize menaquinone. FEBS Lett 2010; 584:4761-4768. [PMID: 21036171 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2010.10.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2010] [Revised: 10/21/2010] [Accepted: 10/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we show that intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum have an active pathway for biosynthesis of menaquinone. Kinetic assays confirmed that plasmodial menaquinone acts at least in the electron transport. Similarly to Escherichia coli, we observed increased levels of menaquinone in parasites kept under anaerobic conditions. Additionally, the mycobacterial inhibitor of menaquinone synthesis Ro 48-8071 also suppressed menaquinone biosynthesis and growth of parasites, although off-targets may play a role in this growth-inhibitory effect. Due to its absence in humans, the menaquinone biosynthesis can be considered an important drug target for malaria.
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Antitumor activity of (−)-α-bisabolol-based thiosemicarbazones against human tumor cell lines. Eur J Med Chem 2010; 45:2987-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2010.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2009] [Revised: 03/15/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ferrarini SR, Graebin CS, Limberger J, Canto RFS, Dias DO, Rosa RGD, Madeira MDF, Eifler-Lima VL. Synthesis of limonene β-amino alcohol derivatives in support of new antileishmanial therapies. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2008; 103:773-7. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762008000800005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2008] [Accepted: 11/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Su V, King D, Woodrow I, McFadden G, Gleadow R. Plasmodium falciparumgrowth is arrested by monoterpenes from eucalyptus oil. FLAVOUR FRAG J 2008. [DOI: 10.1002/ffj.1880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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40
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Kohring K, Wiesner J, Altenkämper M, Sakowski J, Silber K, Hillebrecht A, Haebel P, Dahse HM, Ortmann R, Jomaa H, Klebe G, Schlitzer M. Development of Benzophenone-Based Farnesyltransferase Inhibitors as Novel Antimalarials. ChemMedChem 2008; 3:1217-31. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.200800043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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41
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Erasto P, Viljoen AM. Limonene - a Review: Biosynthetic, Ecological and Pharmacological Relevance. Nat Prod Commun 2008. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x0800300728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Limonene is one of the most common compounds found in the essential oils of aromatic plants. The occurrence of this monoterpene hydrocarbon in various plant genera could be attributed to its precursory role in the biosynthesis of other monoterpenes and its defensive role against herbivores. Due to the medicinal potential and application in the flavor and fragrance industries, limonene has been extensively investigated. In this paper the biosynthetic, ecological and pharmacological importance of limonene is presented in an attempt to coherently summarize some of the most salient aspects from various studies in a form of a concise review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Erasto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, P/Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Alvaro M. Viljoen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, P/Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
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42
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Sülsen VP, Cazorla SI, Frank FM, Di Leo Lira PMR, Anesini CA, GutierrezYapu D, GiménezTurba A, Bandoni AL, Malchiodi EL, Muschietti LV, Martino VS. In vitro Antiprotozoal Activity and Chemical Composition of Ambrosia tenuifolia and A. scabra Essential Oils. Nat Prod Commun 2008. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x0800300416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The in vitro antimalarial, trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activities and the chemical composition of Ambrosia tenuifolia and A. scabra essential oils were investigated. The oils, obtained by hydrodistillation of the aerial parts, showed significant antimalarial activity against the chloroquine sensitive (F32) and the chloroquine resistant (W2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranged from 2.8 to 7 μg/mL. Against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes, only A. tenuifolia exerted slight activity (IC50 = 59.7 μg/mL). None of the essential oils showed toxicity towards Leishmania mexicana. Cytotoxicity for murine T-lymphocytes was compared with the parasiticidal activity by using the selectivity index (SI) ratio. The chemical composition of A. tenuifolia and A. scabra essential oils was analyzed by GC-FID-MS. Thirty-eight and twenty-four compounds were identified in A. tenuifolia and A. scabra, respectively. The major constituents of A. tenuifolia oil were germacrene D (22.9%) and bicyclogermacrene (14.2%), while the oil of A. scabra contained limonene (22.0%), caryophyllene oxide (13.8%) and ( E)-caryophyllene (13.5%). This is the first time that the antiprotozoal activity of both oils and the chemical composition of A. scabra essential oil have been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria P. Sülsen
- Cátedra de Farmacognosia, IQUIMEFA (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, UBA, Junín 956 (1113), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvia I. Cazorla
- Cátedra de Inmunología, IDEHU (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, UBA, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, UBA, Paraguay 2155 (1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernanda M. Frank
- Cátedra de Inmunología, IDEHU (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, UBA, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, UBA, Paraguay 2155 (1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paola M. R. Di Leo Lira
- Cátedra de Farmacognosia, IQUIMEFA (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, UBA, Junín 956 (1113), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia A. Anesini
- Cátedra de Farmacognosia, IQUIMEFA (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, UBA, Junín 956 (1113), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - David GutierrezYapu
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fármaco Bioquímicas, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Bioquímicas, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. Av. B. Saavedra 2224, Casilla: 3239, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Alberto GiménezTurba
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fármaco Bioquímicas, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Bioquímicas, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. Av. B. Saavedra 2224, Casilla: 3239, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Arnaldo L. Bandoni
- Cátedra de Farmacognosia, IQUIMEFA (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, UBA, Junín 956 (1113), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emilio L. Malchiodi
- Cátedra de Inmunología, IDEHU (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, UBA, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, UBA, Paraguay 2155 (1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liliana V. Muschietti
- Cátedra de Farmacognosia, IQUIMEFA (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, UBA, Junín 956 (1113), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Virginia S. Martino
- Cátedra de Farmacognosia, IQUIMEFA (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, UBA, Junín 956 (1113), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Olagnier D, Costes P, Berry A, Linas MD, Urrutigoity M, Dechy-Cabaret O, Benoit-Vical F. Modifications of the chemical structure of terpenes in antiplasmodial and antifungal drug research. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2007; 17:6075-8. [PMID: 17904365 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2007.09.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2007] [Revised: 09/13/2007] [Accepted: 09/13/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Pure natural monoterpenes were evaluated in vitro for their antiplasmodial activities against Plasmodium falciparum. Chemically modified terpenes were also tested to see whether the introduction of an alkyne, a cyclopropane, a diene, or a cyclopentenone moiety had an influence on the biological activity. The IC(50) obtained on a chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium (FcM29-Cameroon) showed moderate activity, but with the alkyne and the cyclopentenone derivatives showing a promising enhancement of activity compared with the parent molecules. On the contrary, no antifungal activity was found in vitro using Candida albicans. Given the observed antiplasmodial activity of some of these modified monoterpenes, new monoterpene derivatives could be the basis for new antimalarial drugs to be researched.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Olagnier
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Rangueil, Toulouse 9, France
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D'Alexandri FL, Kimura EA, Peres VJ, Katzin AM. Protein dolichylation in Plasmodium falciparum. FEBS Lett 2006; 580:6343-8. [PMID: 17084391 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2006.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2006] [Revised: 10/18/2006] [Accepted: 10/19/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We performed reverse-phase thin-layer chromatography and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis of polyisoprenoids released by sulfonium-salt cleavage with methyl iodide from Plasmodium falciparum proteins labeled with [3H]FPP or [3H]GGPP and showed that a dolichol of 11 isoprene units is bound to 21-28-kDa protein clusters from trophozoite and schizont stages. The dolichol structure was confirmed by electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry analysis. Treatment with protein synthesis inhibitors and RP-HPLC analysis of the proteolytic digestion products from parasite proteins labeled with [35S]cysteine and [3H]FPP showed that the attachment of dolichol to protein is a post-translational event and probably occurs via a covalent bond to cysteine residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Luiz D'Alexandri
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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45
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Abstract
Every year, forty percent of the world population is at risk of contracting malaria. Hopes for the erradication of this disease during the 20th century were dashed by the ability of Plasmodium falciparum, its most deadly causative agent, to develop resistance to available drugs. Efforts to produce an effective vaccine have so far been unsuccessful, enhancing the need to develop novel antimalarial drugs. In this review, we summarize our knowledge concerning existing antimalarials, mechanisms of drug-resistance development, the use of drug combination strategies and the quest for novel anti-plasmodial compounds. We emphasize the potential role of host genes and molecules as novel targets for newly developed drugs. Recent results from our laboratory have shown Hepatocyte Growth Factor/MET signaling to be essential for the establishment of infection in hepatocytes. We discuss the potential use of this pathway in the prophylaxis of malaria infection.
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Tonhosolo R, D'Alexandri F, Genta F, Wunderlich G, Gozzo F, Eberlin M, Peres V, Kimura E, Katzin A. Identification, molecular cloning and functional characterization of an octaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase in intra-erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Biochem J 2006; 392:117-26. [PMID: 15984931 PMCID: PMC1317670 DOI: 10.1042/bj20050441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Isoprenoids play important roles in all living organisms as components of structural cholesterol, steroid hormones in mammals, carotenoids in plants, and ubiquinones. Significant differences occur in the length of the isoprenic side chains of ubiquinone between different organisms, suggesting that different enzymes are involved in the synthesis of these side chains. Whereas in Plasmodium falciparum the isoprenic side chains of ubiquinone contain 7-9 isoprenic units, 10-unit side chains are found in humans. In a search for the P. falciparum enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of isoprenic side chains attached to the benzoquinone ring of ubiquinones, we cloned and expressed a putative polyprenyl synthase. Polyclonal antibodies raised against the corresponding recombinant protein confirmed the presence of the native protein in trophozoite and schizont stages of P. falciparum. The recombinant protein, as well as P. falciparum extracts, showed an octaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase activity, with the formation of a polyisoprenoid with eight isoprenic units, as detected by reverse-phase HPLC and reverse-phase TLC, and confirmed by electrospray ionization and tandem MS analysis. The recombinant and native versions of the enzyme had similar Michaelis constants with the substrates isopentenyl pyrophosphate and farnesyl pyrophosphate. The recombinant enzyme could be competitively inhibited in the presence of the terpene nerolidol. This is the first report that directly demonstrates an octaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase activity in parasitic protozoa. Given the rather low similarity of the P. falciparum enzyme to its human counterpart, decaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase, we suggest that the identified enzyme and its recombinant version could be exploited in the screening of novel drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Tonhosolo
- *Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabio L. D'Alexandri
- *Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando A. Genta
- †Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gerhard Wunderlich
- *Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabio C. Gozzo
- ‡Thomson Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas, 13083-970 Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marcos N. Eberlin
- ‡Thomson Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas, 13083-970 Campinas, Brazil
| | - Valnice J. Peres
- *Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emilia A. Kimura
- *Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alejandro M. Katzin
- *Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
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Geyer JA, Prigge ST, Waters NC. Targeting malaria with specific CDK inhibitors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2005; 1754:160-70. [PMID: 16185941 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2005.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2005] [Revised: 07/18/2005] [Accepted: 07/20/2005] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs) are attractive targets for drug discovery and efforts have led to the identification of novel CDK selective inhibitors in the development of treatments for cancers, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases. More recently, they have become the focus of rational drug design programs for the development of new antimalarial agents. CDKs are valid targets as they function as essential regulators of cell growth and differentiation. To date, several CDKs have been characterized from the genome of the malaria-causing protozoan Plasmodium falciparum. Our approach employs experimental and virtual screening methodologies to identify and refine chemical inhibitors of the parasite CDK Pfmrk, a sequence homologue of human CDK7. Chemotypes of Pfmrk inhibitors include the purines, quinolinones, oxindoles, and chalcones, which have sub-micromolar IC50 values against the parasite enzyme, but not the human CDKs. Additionally, we have developed and validated a pharmacophore, based on Pfmrk inhibitors, which contains two hydrogen bond acceptor functions and two hydrophobic sites, including one aromatic ring hydrophobic site. This pharmacophore has been exploited to identify additional compounds that demonstrate significant inhibitory activity against Pfmrk. A molecular model of Pfmrk designed using the crystal structure of human CDK7 highlights key amino acid substitutions in the ATP binding pocket. Molecular modeling and docking of the active site pocket with selective inhibitors has identified possible receptor-ligand interactions that may be responsible for inhibitor specificity. Overall, the unique biochemical characteristics associated with this protein, to include distinctive active site amino acid residues and variable inhibitor profiles, distinguishes the Pfmrk drug screen as a paradigm for CDK inhibitor analysis in the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne A Geyer
- Diagnostic Systems Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Ft. Detrick, MD 20910, USA.
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Rodrigues Goulart H, Kimura EA, Peres VJ, Couto AS, Aquino Duarte FA, Katzin AM. Terpenes arrest parasite development and inhibit biosynthesis of isoprenoids in Plasmodium falciparum. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2004; 48:2502-9. [PMID: 15215101 PMCID: PMC434199 DOI: 10.1128/aac.48.7.2502-2509.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2003] [Revised: 12/31/2003] [Accepted: 03/08/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of new drugs is one of the strategies for malaria control. The biosynthesis of several isoprenoids in Plasmodium falciparum was recently described. Interestingly, some intermediates and final products biosynthesized by this pathway in mammals differ from those biosynthesized in P. falciparum. These facts prompted us to evaluate various terpenes, molecules with a similar chemical structure to the intermediates of the isoprenoids pathway, as potential antimalarial drugs. Different terpenes and S-farnesylthiosalicylic acid were tested on cultures of the intraerythrocytic stages of P. falciparum, and the 50% inhibitory concentrations for each one were found: farnesol, 64 microM; nerolidol, 760 nM; limonene, 1.22 mM; linalool, 0.28 mM; and S-farnesylthiosalicylic acid, 14 microM. All the terpenes tested inhibited dolichol biosynthesis in the trophozoite and schizont stages when [1-(n)-(3)H]farnesyl pyrophosphate triammonium salt ([(3)H]FPP) was used as precursor. Farnesol, nerolidol, and linalool showed stronger inhibitory activity on the biosynthesis of the isoprenic side chain of the benzoquinone ring of ubiquinones in the schizont stage. Treatment of schizont stages with S-farnesylthiosalicylic acid led to a decrease in intensity of the band corresponding a p21(ras) protein. The inhibitory effect of terpenes and S-farnesylthiosalicylic acid on the biosynthesis of both dolichol and the isoprenic side chain of ubiquinones and the isoprenylation of proteins in the intraerythrocytic stages of P. falciparum appears to be specific, because overall protein biosynthesis was not affected. Combinations of some terpenes or S-farnesylthiosalicylic acid tested in this work with other antimalarial drugs, like fosmidomycin, could be a new strategy for the treatment of malaria.
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Chakrabarti D, Da Silva T, Barger J, Paquette S, Patel H, Patterson S, Allen CM. Protein farnesyltransferase and protein prenylation in Plasmodium falciparum. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:42066-73. [PMID: 12194969 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m202860200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Comparison of the malaria parasite and mammalian protein prenyltransferases and their cellular substrates is important for establishing this enzyme as a target for developing antimalarial agents. Nineteen heptapeptides differing only in their carboxyl-terminal amino acid were tested as alternative substrates of partially purified Plasmodium falciparum protein farnesyltransferase. Only NRSCAIM and NRSCAIQ serve as substrates, with NRSCAIM being the best. Peptidomimetics, FTI-276 and GGTI-287, inhibit the transferase with IC(50) values of 1 and 32 nm, respectively. Incubation of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes with [(3)H]farnesol labels 50- and 22-28-kDa proteins, whereas [(3)H]geranylgeraniol labels only 22-28-kDa proteins. The 50-kDa protein is shown to be farnesylated, whereas the 22-28-kDa proteins are geranylgeranylated, irrespective of the labeling prenol. Protein labeling is inhibited more than 50% by either 5 microm FTI-277 or GGTI-298. The same concentration of inhibitors also inhibits parasite growth from the ring stage by 50%, decreases expression of prenylated proteins as measured with prenyl-specific antibody, and inhibits parasite differentiation beyond the trophozoite stage. Furthermore, differentiation specific prenylation of P. falciparum proteins is demonstrated. Protein labeling is detected predominantly during the trophozoite to schizont and schizont to ring transitions. These results demonstrate unique properties of protein prenylation in P. falciparum: a limited specificity of the farnesyltransferase for peptide substrates compared with mammalian enzymes, the ability to use farnesol to label both farnesyl and geranylgeranyl moieties on proteins, differentiation specific protein prenylation, and the ability of peptidomimetic prenyltransferase inhibitors to block parasite differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Chakrabarti
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, University of Central Florida, Orlando 32816, USA
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50
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de Macedo CS, Uhrig ML, Kimura EA, Katzin AM. Characterization of the isoprenoid chain of coenzyme Q in Plasmodium falciparum. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2002; 207:13-20. [PMID: 11886744 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2002.tb11021.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about isoprenoid biosynthesis in parasitic protozoa. The presence of dolichol and isoprenylated proteins has been detected in Plasmodium falciparum, but no studies are available about the biosynthesis of the isoprenic side chain attached to the benzoquinone ring of coenzyme Q. In the present study, using metabolic labelling with different intermediates, we demonstrated the presence of an active isoprenoid pathway for the biosynthesis of the isoprenic chain of coenzyme Q. Our results show that P. falciparum is able to synthesize different homologs (coenzyme Q(8) and coenzyme Q(9)), depending on the given intermediate. Parasites treated with nerolidol at doses 2.2 times below the IC(50) showed a decreased ability to synthesize the isoprenic chain attached to coenzyme Q at all intraerythrocytic stages. Treatment with nerolidol arrested development of the intraerythrocytic stages of the parasites, indicating that the drug may have an antimalarial potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Santos de Macedo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1374, CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil
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