1
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Al Monla R, Penzo M, Vallentin A, Lohia R, Vincent J, Berry L, Gomes AR, Cerdan R, Wengelnik K. PI3-kinase has multiple functions in asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Sci Rep 2025; 15:16762. [PMID: 40369090 PMCID: PMC12078608 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-01397-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2025] [Indexed: 05/16/2025] Open
Abstract
All symptoms of malaria are caused during the replication of the parasite Plasmodium falciparum in human red blood cells. The parasite digests the host cell cytoplasm in its food vacuole, a pathway of particular interest as drug target. The Vps34-type PI3-kinase in P. falciparum produces PI3-monophophate (PI3P) and has been linked to haemoglobin digestion, to resistance to the current first line antimalarial artemisinin and to biology of the apicoplast. Here we dissect the functions of PfPI3-kinase by inducible deletion of its gene using the loxP-DiCre system and find that PfPI3-kinase is essential for parasite survival. Mutant parasites accumulate undigested haemoglobin (Hb) confirming a defect in the pathway of Hb uptake and digestion, the most likely reason for parasite death. Some parasites are affected in apicoplast inheritance demonstrating that PI3P-dependent processes are important for apicoplast biology in P. falciparum. Finally, we discover that in PI3-kinase mutant parasites carrying a mutation conferring resistance to artemisinin, the lower amounts of PI3P correlate with lower levels of artemisinin resistance. We suggest that the reduced levels of PI3P in the PI3-kinase mutant dampen repair mechanisms like the autophagic processes normally associated with Kelch13 mutations, leading to a proteotoxic stress and to an increase in susceptibility to artemisinin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Al Monla
- LPHI, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Maria Penzo
- LPHI, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Alice Vallentin
- LPHI, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Rakhee Lohia
- LPHI, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jeremy Vincent
- LPHI, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurence Berry
- LPHI, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Ana Rita Gomes
- LPHI, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Rachel Cerdan
- LPHI, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Kai Wengelnik
- LPHI, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
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2
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Home JL, McFadden GI, Goodman CD. Resistance to apicoplast translational inhibitors in Plasmodium. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2025; 28:100597. [PMID: 40381412 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2025.100597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2025] [Revised: 05/02/2025] [Accepted: 05/07/2025] [Indexed: 05/20/2025]
Abstract
The spread of drug-resistant Plasmodium threatens malaria control efforts. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of resistance is crucial for implementing effective treatments and prevention strategies. The prokaryote-like translational machinery encoded by the apicoplast is the apparent target of several antibiotics with antimalarial activity. Among them, doxycycline and clindamycin are widely used for malaria treatment and/or chemoprophylaxis. However, the mechanisms underlying Plasmodium resistance to apicoplast-targeting antibiotics, and the evolution of such resistance mechanisms, remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarise reported cases of resistance to apicoplast translational inhibitors uncovered in either laboratory or clinical settings. We highlight the potential evolutionary pathway of doxycycline resistance, explore why resistance to these antibiotics remains rare in the field, and assess whether expanding their use in malaria treatment and prevention is a viable strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Home
- School of BioSciences University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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3
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Elahi R, Mesones Mancilla S, Sievert ML, Ribeiro Dinis L, Adewale-Fasoro O, Mann A, Zur Y, Prigge ST. Decoding the Minimal Translation System of the Plasmodium falciparum Apicoplast: Essential tRNA-modifying Enzymes and Their Roles in Organelle Maintenance. J Mol Biol 2025:169156. [PMID: 40335414 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2025.169156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2025] [Accepted: 04/09/2025] [Indexed: 05/09/2025]
Abstract
Post-transcriptional tRNA modifications are essential for accurate and efficient protein translation across all organisms. The apicoplast organelle genome of Plasmodium falciparum contains a minimal set of 25 complete tRNA isotypes, making it an ideal model for studying minimal translational machinery. Efficient decoding of mRNA codons by this limited tRNA set depends on post-transcriptional modifications. In this study, we sought to define the minimal set of tRNA-modifying enzymes. Using comparative genomics and apicoplast protein localization prediction tools, we identified 16 nucleus-encoded tRNA-modifying enzymes predicted to localize to the apicoplast. Experimental studies confirmed apicoplast localization for 14 enzymes, including two with dual localization. Combining an apicoplast metabolic bypass parasite line with gene disruption tools, we disrupted 12 of the 14 apicoplast-localized enzymes. Six of these enzymes were found to be essential for parasite survival, and six were dispensable. All six essential enzymes are thought to catalyze modifications in the anticodon loop of tRNAs, and their deletions resulted in apicoplast disruption. Of the two genes refractory to deletion, one exhibited dual localization, suggesting essential functions outside the apicoplast. The other, which appears to localize solely to the apicoplast, may play an indispensable role that is not circumvented by our metabolic bypass. Our findings suggest the apicoplast translation system relies on a minimal set of tRNA modifications concentrated in the anticodon loop. This work advances our understanding of minimal translational machinery in reduced organelles, such as the apicoplast, with promising applications in synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubayet Elahi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Sebastian Mesones Mancilla
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Montana L Sievert
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Luciana Ribeiro Dinis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Opeoluwa Adewale-Fasoro
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Alexis Mann
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Yonatan Zur
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Sean T Prigge
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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4
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Elahi R, Prigge ST. tRNA lysidinylation is essential for the minimal translation system in the Plasmodium falciparum apicoplast. EMBO Rep 2025; 26:2300-2322. [PMID: 40113990 PMCID: PMC12069591 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-025-00420-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2025] [Accepted: 03/05/2025] [Indexed: 03/22/2025] Open
Abstract
For decades, researchers have sought to define minimal translation systems to uncover fundamental principles of life and advance biotechnology. tRNAs, essential components of this machinery, decode mRNA codons into amino acids. The apicoplast of malaria parasites contains 25 tRNA isotypes in its organellar genome-the lowest number found in known translation systems. Efficient translation in such minimal systems depends heavily on post-transcriptional tRNA modifications. One such modification, lysidine at the wobble position (C34) of tRNACAU, distinguishes between methionine (AUG) and isoleucine (AUA) codons. tRNA isoleucine lysidine synthetase (TilS) produces lysidine, which is nearly ubiquitous in bacteria and essential for cellular viability. Here, we report a TilS ortholog (PfTilS) targeted to the apicoplast of Plasmodium falciparum. We demonstrate that PfTilS activity is essential for parasite survival and apicoplast function, likely due to its role in protein translation. This study is the first to characterize TilS in an endosymbiotic organelle, contributing to research on eukaryotic organelles and minimal translational systems. Moreover, the absence of lysidine in humans highlights a potential target for antimalarial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubayet Elahi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Sean T Prigge
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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5
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Kawai Y, Errington J. Antibiotic fosmidomycin protects bacteria from cell wall perturbations by antagonizing oxidative damage-mediated cell lysis. Front Microbiol 2025; 16:1560235. [PMID: 40309104 PMCID: PMC12041025 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1560235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2025] [Accepted: 03/31/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Cell wall peptidoglycan is a defining component of bacterial cells, and its biosynthesis is a major target for medically important antibiotics. Recent studies have revealed that antibiotics can kill cells not only by their direct effects on wall synthesis, but also by downstream perturbations of metabolic homeostasis, leading to oxidative damage-mediated lysis. In this paper, we have investigated the killing effects of various effectors of cell wall inhibition, including an antibiotic inhibitor of isoprenoid synthesis, fosmidomycin, in Bacillus subtilis. We show that oxidative damage largely contributes to the toxic effect (rapid cell lysis) induced by inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis, but not by inhibition of the isoprenoid synthetic pathway. Remarkably, intermediate concentrations of fosmidomycin, confer resistance to lysis when peptidoglycan synthesis is perturbed. We show that this is because fosmidomycin not only blocks peptidoglycan synthesis, but also impairs the synthesis of menaquinone, which, protects cells from respiratory chain-associated oxidative damage and lysis. Our results provide new insights into the critical involvement of metabolic pathways, such as isoprenoid biosynthesis, on the antibiotic efficacy and evasion by bacteria. This work advances our understanding of bacterial physiology as well as antibiotic activity and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikazu Kawai
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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6
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Royero-Bermeo WY, Sánchez-Jiménez MM, Ospina-Villa JD. Aptamers as innovative tools for malaria diagnosis and treatment: advances and future perspectives. Biol Methods Protoc 2025; 10:bpaf025. [PMID: 40223817 PMCID: PMC11992340 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpaf025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2025] [Revised: 03/21/2025] [Accepted: 03/26/2025] [Indexed: 04/15/2025] Open
Abstract
Malaria, caused by Plasmodium spp. parasites (P. vivax, P. falciparum, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi), remains a significant global health challenge, with 263 million cases and 567 000 deaths reported in 2023. Diagnosis in endemic regions relies on clinical symptoms, microscopy, and rapid diagnostic tests. Although widely used, microscopy suffers from variability in sensitivity due to operator expertise and low parasitemia. Rapid diagnostic tests, which are favored for their simplicity and speed, show high sensitivity for P. vivax but reduced accuracy (80%) for P. falciparum, which is attributed to deletions in histidine-rich protein 2/3 proteins caused by Pfhrp2/3 gene mutations. Innovative diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, such as aptamers, are gaining attention. Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that bind specifically to target molecules with high affinity. They have shown promise in disease diagnosis, therapeutics, and environmental monitoring. In malaria, aptamers are being explored as highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools capable of detecting Plasmodium proteins across all infection stages. Additionally, they offer potential for novel therapeutic strategies, enhancing disease control and treatment options. These advancements highlight the use of aptamers as versatile and innovative approaches for addressing malaria and other infectious diseases. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SCOPUS databases via the keywords "Aptamers" AND "Malaria" AND "Aptamers" AND "Plasmodium." Additionally, patent searches were carried out in the LENS, WIPO, and LATIPAT databases via the same search terms. In total, 88 relevant articles were selected for this review, providing a comprehensive and evidence-based foundation to discuss emerging aptamer technologies for malaria diagnosis and treatment. The proteins commonly employed in rapid malaria diagnostic tests, such as histidine-rich protein 2, P. lactate dehydrogenase, and prostaglandin dehydrogenase, are highlighted. However, the identification of new targets, such as HMIGB1 and DRX1 (1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase), and the detection of whole cells have also been emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Yulieth Royero-Bermeo
- Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical, Universidad CES, Carrera 43A 52 S-99, Sabaneta, Antioquia, 055450, Colombia
| | - Miryan Margot Sánchez-Jiménez
- Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical, Universidad CES, Carrera 43A 52 S-99, Sabaneta, Antioquia, 055450, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ospina-Villa
- Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical, Universidad CES, Carrera 43A 52 S-99, Sabaneta, Antioquia, 055450, Colombia
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7
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Xu W, Nwankwo I, Prigge ST, Ke H. Inheritance of the genome-less apicoplast in the "apicoplast-minus" Plasmodium falciparum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2025.03.05.641705. [PMID: 40093041 PMCID: PMC11908255 DOI: 10.1101/2025.03.05.641705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2025]
Abstract
Most apicomplexan parasites contain a plastid-derived organelle called the apicoplast, which originated through secondary endosymbiosis. As a result of this evolutionary trajectory, the non-photosynthetic apicoplast is surrounded by four membranes and contains many bacterial-like, druggable targets. It is widely accepted that asexual malaria parasites (Plasmodium falciparum) can thrive under antibiotic treatment if supplemented with high concentrations of isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP, 200 μM) and these IPP-rescued parasites are thought to lack the apicoplast and its 35 kb genome but possess many vesicles. However, our findings challenge this apicoplast-minus concept. In late-stage schizonts, we observed that the apicoplast-derived vesicles nearly colocalize with mitochondria and are properly distributed into merozoites during schizogony, suggesting that they are inherited rather than newly synthesized in each asexual cycle. Further, immuno-electron microscopy (immuno-EM) revealed that the "apicoplast-minus" parasites possess structures surrounded by four membranes, in addition to single-membrane-surrounded entities. The presence of four-membrane-bound structures suggests that the apicoplast has not truly disappeared in the "apicoplast-minus" P. falciparum but remains in a distinct, diminished form. We termed this genome-less apicoplast derivative the apicosome, drawing an analogy to the genome-less mitochondrial derivative known as the mitosome. We propose that apicosomes retain essential biochemical and/or structural functions, which act as barriers to the complete loss of apicoplast when the parasites face antibiotic stress and IPP rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xu
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | - Ikechukwu Nwankwo
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | - Sean T. Prigge
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Hangjun Ke
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
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8
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Sanchez SG, Pouzet E, Guimbaud L, Graindorge A, Berry L, Besteiro S. TgGloL is an atypical glyoxalase/VOC domain-containing apicoplast protein that is important for the growth of Toxoplasma. Mol Biol Cell 2025; 36:ar32. [PMID: 39878652 PMCID: PMC11974962 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e24-09-0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2024] [Revised: 11/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2025] [Indexed: 01/31/2025] Open
Abstract
Glycolysis is a conserved metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate in the cytosol, producing ATP and NADH. In Toxoplasma gondii and several other apicomplexan parasites, some glycolytic enzymes have isoforms located in their plastid (called the apicoplast). In this organelle, glycolytic intermediates like glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (GAP) and dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) are imported from the cytosol and further metabolized, providing ATP, reducing power, and precursors for anabolic pathways such as isoprenoid synthesis. However, GAP and DHAP can spontaneously convert into methylglyoxal, a toxic by-product detoxified by the glyoxalase system, typically involving Glyoxalase-1 (Glo-1) and Glyoxalase-2 (Glo-2). In T. gondii, we identified an atypical protein, TgGloL, containing a Glo-1-like motif but with limited homology to typical Glo enzymes. TgGloL localizes to the apicoplast, and its conditional knockdown impairs parasite growth, indicating its importance. While a specific and direct role for TgGloL in methylglyoxal detoxification within the apicoplast remains unclear, it is crucial for maintaining organelle homeostasis and for overall parasite fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Esther Pouzet
- LPHI, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Loïc Guimbaud
- LPHI, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Laurence Berry
- LPHI, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France
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9
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Chen M, Koszti SG, Bonavoglia A, Maco B, von Rohr O, Peng HJ, Soldati-Favre D, Kloehn J. Dissecting apicoplast functions through continuous cultivation of Toxoplasma gondii devoid of the organelle. Nat Commun 2025; 16:2095. [PMID: 40025025 PMCID: PMC11873192 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57302-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2025] [Indexed: 03/04/2025] Open
Abstract
The apicoplast, a relic plastid organelle derived from secondary endosymbiosis, is crucial for many medically relevant Apicomplexa. While it no longer performs photosynthesis, the organelle retains several essential metabolic pathways. In this study, we examine the four primary metabolic pathways in the Toxoplasma gondii apicoplast, along with an accessory pathway, and identify conditions that can bypass these. Contrary to the prevailing view that the apicoplast is indispensable for T. gondii, we demonstrate that bypassing all pathways renders the apicoplast non-essential. We further show that T. gondii lacking an apicoplast (T. gondii-Apico) can be maintained indefinitely in culture, establishing a unique model to study the functions of this organelle. Through comprehensive metabolomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses of T. gondii-Apico we uncover significant adaptation mechanisms following loss of the organelle and identify numerous putative apicoplast proteins revealed by their decreased abundance in T. gondii-Apico. Moreover, T. gondii-Apico parasites exhibit reduced sensitivity to apicoplast targeting compounds, providing a valuable tool for discovering new drugs acting on the organelle. The capability to culture T. gondii without its plastid offers new avenues for exploring apicoplast biology and developing novel therapeutic strategies against apicomplexan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Szilamér Gyula Koszti
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Bonavoglia
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bohumil Maco
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivier von Rohr
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hong-Juan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Joachim Kloehn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU, Geneva, Switzerland.
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10
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Kennedy G, West RM, Poti K, Bobb B, Ippolito MM, Marzinke MA, Kaludov N, Sullivan DJ. Cethromycin Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics for Single Dose Cure of Plasmodium berghei Liver Stages. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2025.02.10.637401. [PMID: 39990335 PMCID: PMC11844388 DOI: 10.1101/2025.02.10.637401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2025]
Abstract
Cethromycin combines a quinoline nucleus and a macrolide for broad spectrum antibacterial and antiprotozoan activity. Here we characterized the murine pharmacokinetics and Plasmodium berghei lifecycle stage pharmacodynamics for the cethromycin base. Liver pharmacokinetic studies in mice show peak mM drug levels in the liver with 20 hour sustained levels above 10 μM. Peak concentrations in the liver were double the lung and about 440 times that of plasma. Immunofluorescence imaging of in vitro cethromycin-treated infected hepatocytes shows complete ablation of the apicoplast. We observed complete cure of P. berghei liver stage infection by single oral dose of 60 mg/kg in mice which is equivalent to the 5 mg/kg human dose of 300 mg a day used in bacterial pneumonia studies. Cethromycin at 60 mg/kg daily for 7 days was curative in the high parasitemic P. berghei mouse model. Both mosquito membrane feeding of P. falciparum gametocytes incubated with 20 μM cethromycin and oral dosing in mice demonstrated no decrease in oocyst numbers. Cethromycin has been evaluated for efficacy against bacterial pneumonia in more than 5,000 patients with good safety profiles. Cethromycin has potential for rapid clinical development for casual malaria prophylaxis and possibly radical cure of dormant liver P. vivax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Kennedy
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rachel M. West
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristin Poti
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bryce Bobb
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew M. Ippolito
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Mark A. Marzinke
- Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore Maryland USA
| | | | - David J. Sullivan
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- AliQuantumRx Inc, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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11
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Willocx D, Diamanti E, Hirsch AKH. Targeting IspD for Anti-infective and Herbicide Development: Exploring Its Role, Mechanism, and Structural Insights. J Med Chem 2025; 68:886-901. [PMID: 39749898 PMCID: PMC11770629 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 10/19/2024] [Accepted: 12/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/04/2025]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and herbicide resistance pose threats to society, necessitating novel anti-infectives and herbicides exploiting untapped modes of action like inhibition of IspD, the third enzyme in the MEP pathway. The MEP pathway is essential for a wide variety of human pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Plasmodium falciparum, as well as plants. Within the current perspective, we focused our attention on the third enzyme in this pathway, IspD, offering a comprehensive summary of the reported modes of inhibition and common trends, with the goal to inspire future research dedicated to this underexplored target. In addition, we included an overview of the history, catalytic mechanism, and structure of the enzyme to facilitate access to this attractive target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan Willocx
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research (HIPS)−Helmholtz Centre
for Infection Research (HZI), Saar-land
University, Campus E8.1, 66123Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department
of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Eleonora Diamanti
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research (HIPS)−Helmholtz Centre
for Infection Research (HZI), Saar-land
University, Campus E8.1, 66123Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Anna K. H. Hirsch
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research (HIPS)−Helmholtz Centre
for Infection Research (HZI), Saar-land
University, Campus E8.1, 66123Saarbrücken, Germany
- Helmholtz
International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Saarland
University, Campus E8.1, 66123Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department
of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123Saarbrücken, Germany
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12
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Morano AA, Xu W, Navarro FM, Shadija N, Dvorin JD, Ke H. The dynamin-related protein PfDyn2 is essential for both apicoplast and mitochondrial fission in Plasmodium falciparum. mBio 2025; 16:e0303624. [PMID: 39611847 PMCID: PMC11708027 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03036-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2024] [Accepted: 11/08/2024] [Indexed: 11/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Dynamins, or dynamin-related proteins (DRPs), are large mechano-sensitive GTPases that mediate membrane dynamics or organellar fission/fusion events. Plasmodium falciparum encodes three dynamin-like proteins whose functions are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that one of these dynamin-related proteins, PfDyn2, is required to divide both the apicoplast and the mitochondrion, a striking divergence from the biology of related parasites. Using super-resolution and ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM), we show that PfDyn2 is expressed in dividing schizonts, and that it localizes to both the apicoplast and the mitochondrion. Our use of long-term, live-cell microscopy allows for the visualization of apicoplast and mitochondrial division in live parasites at super resolution for the first time, and demonstrates that in PfDyn2-deficient parasites, while the apicoplast and mitochondrion increase in size and complexity, they do not undergo fission. We also show that these organellar fission defects prevent successful individualization of the schizont mass and the formation of new daughter cells, or merozoites because the basal complex, the cytokinetic ring of Plasmodium, cannot fully contract in PfDyn2-deficient parasites, a phenotype secondary to physical blockage by undivided organelles occluding the ring. PfDyn2's singular role in mediating both apicoplast and mitochondrial fission has not been observed in other organisms possessing two endosymbiotic organelles, including other Apicomplexans, thus reflecting a unique, potentially exploitable method of organellar division in P. falciparum.IMPORTANCEPlasmodium falciparum remains a significant global pathogen, causing over 200 million infections and over 600,000 deaths per year. One significant obstacle to the control of malaria is increasing resistance to first-line artemisinin-based antimalarials. Another is a lack of basic knowledge about the cell biology of the parasite. Along with the mitochondrion, Plasmodium contains a second organelle descended from an endosymbiotic event, the apicoplast. Both organelles are common targets for antimalarials, but because many proteins involved in organellar fission are not conserved in Plasmodium, until now, the mechanisms underlying apicoplast and mitochondrial division have been unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that PfDyn2, a dynamin-related protein (DRP), is required for the division of both organelles. We also show that defects in organellar division hinder segmentation of the schizont and formation of invasive merozoites by preventing full contraction of the basal complex. By demonstrating its necessity for the proper division of both the apicoplast and the mitochondria, this study highlights PfDyn2 as a potential target for new antimalarials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A. Morano
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wei Xu
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Francesca M. Navarro
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Neeta Shadija
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Dvorin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hangjun Ke
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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13
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Elahi R, Dinis LR, Swift RP, Liu HB, Prigge ST. tRNA modifying enzymes MnmE and MnmG are essential for Plasmodium falciparum apicoplast maintenance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2024.12.21.629855. [PMID: 39763917 PMCID: PMC11702754 DOI: 10.1101/2024.12.21.629855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2025]
Abstract
The circular genome of the Plasmodium falciparum apicoplast contains a complete minimal set of tRNAs, positioning the apicoplast as an ideal model for studying the fundamental factors required for protein translation. Modifications at tRNA wobble base positions, such as xm5s2U, are critical for accurate protein translation. These modifications are ubiquitously found in tRNAs decoding two-family box codons ending in A or G in prokaryotes and in eukaryotic organelles. Here, we investigated the xm5s2U biosynthetic pathway in the apicoplast organelle of P. falciparum. Through comparative genomics, we identified orthologs of enzymes involved in this process: SufS, MnmA, MnmE, and MnmG. While SufS and MnmA were previously shown to catalyze s2U modifications, we now show that MnmE and MnmG are apicoplast-localized and contain features required for xm5s2U biosynthetic activity. Notably, we found that P. falciparum lacks orthologs of MnmC, MnmL, and MnmM, suggesting that the parasites contain a minimal xm5s2U biosynthetic pathway similar to that found in bacteria with reduced genomes. Deletion of either MnmE or MnmG resulted in apicoplast disruption and parasite death, mimicking the phenotype observed in ΔmnmA and ΔsufS parasites. Our data strongly support the presence and essentiality of xm5s2U modifications in apicoplast tRNAs. This study advances our understanding of the minimal requirements for protein translation in the apicoplast organelle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubayet Elahi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luciana Ribeiro Dinis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Russell P. Swift
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hans B. Liu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sean T. Prigge
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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14
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Renaud EA, Maupin AJM, Besteiro S. Iron‑sulfur cluster biogenesis and function in Apicomplexa parasites. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2025; 1872:119876. [PMID: 39547273 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119876] [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: 09/19/2024] [Revised: 11/05/2024] [Accepted: 11/06/2024] [Indexed: 11/17/2024]
Abstract
Iron‑sulfur cluster are ubiquitous and ancient protein cofactors that support a wide array of essential cellular functions. In eukaryotes, their assembly requires specific and dedicated machineries in each subcellular compartment. Apicomplexans are parasitic protists that are collectively responsible for a significant burden on the health of humans and other animals, and most of them harbor two organelles of endosymbiotic origin: a mitochondrion, and a plastid of high metabolic importance called the apicoplast. Consequently, apicomplexan parasites have distinct iron‑sulfur cluster assembly machineries located to their endosymbiotic organelles, as well as a cytosolic pathway. Recent findings have not only shown the importance of iron‑sulfur cluster assembly for the fitness of these parasites, but also highlighted parasite-specific features that may be promising for the development of targeted anti-parasitic strategies.
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15
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Takada S, Abdullaziz MA, Höfmann S, Knak T, Ozawa SI, Sakamoto Y, Kurz T, Tanaka N. The Diverse Binding Modes Explain the Nanomolar Levels of Inhibitory Activities Against 1-Deoxy-d-Xylulose 5-Phosphate Reductoisomerase from Plasmodium falciparum Exhibited by Reverse Hydroxamate Analogs of Fosmidomycin with Varying N-Substituents. Molecules 2024; 30:72. [PMID: 39795129 PMCID: PMC11721986 DOI: 10.3390/molecules30010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2024] [Revised: 12/19/2024] [Accepted: 12/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2025] Open
Abstract
It is established that reverse hydroxamate analogs of fosmidomycin inhibit the growth of Plasmodium falciparum by inhibiting 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR), the second enzyme of the non-mevalonate pathway, which is absent in humans. Recent biochemical studies have demonstrated that novel reverse fosmidomycin analogs with phenylalkyl substituents at the hydroxamate nitrogen exhibit inhibitory activities against PfDXR at the nanomolar level. Moreover, crystallographic analyses have revealed that the phenyl moiety of the N-phenylpropyl substituent is accommodated in a previously unidentified subpocket within the active site of PfDXR. In this study, the crystal structures of PfDXR in complex with a series of reverse N-phenylalkyl derivatives of fosmidomycin were determined to ascertain whether the high inhibitory activities of the derivatives are consistently attributable to the utilization of the subpocket of PfDXR. While all reverse fosmidomycin derivatives with an N-substituted phenylalkyl group exhibit potent inhibitory activity against PfDXR, the present crystal structure analyses revealed that their binding modes to the PfDXR are not uniform. In these compounds, the nanomolar inhibitory activities appear to be driven by binding modes distinct from that observed for the inhibitor containing the N-phenylpropyl group. The structural information obtained in this study will provide a basis for further design of fosmidomycin derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Takada
- School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan (S.-i.O.)
| | - Mona A. Abdullaziz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- National Research Centre (NRC), 33 El Buhouth St., Ad Doqi, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Stefan Höfmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Talea Knak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Shin-ichiro Ozawa
- School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan (S.-i.O.)
| | - Yasumitsu Sakamoto
- School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Morioka 028-3694, Japan;
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nobutada Tanaka
- School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan (S.-i.O.)
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16
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Waller RF, Carruthers VB. Adaptations and metabolic evolution of myzozoan protists across diverse lifestyles and environments. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0019722. [PMID: 39387588 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00197-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYMyzozoans encompass apicomplexans and dinoflagellates that manifest diverse lifestyles in highly varied environments. They show enormous propensity to employ different metabolic programs and exploit different nutrient resources and niches, and yet, they share much core biology that underlies this evolutionary success and impact. This review discusses apicomplexan parasites of medical significance and the traits and properties they share with non-pathogenic myzozoans. These include the versatility of myzozoan plastids, which scale from fully photosynthetic organelles to the site of very select key metabolic pathways. Pivotal evolutionary innovations, such as the apical complex, have allowed myzozoans to shift from predatory to parasitic and other symbiotic lifestyles multiple times in both apicomplexan and dinoflagellate branches of the myzozoan evolutionary tree. Such traits, along with shared mechanisms for nutrient acquisition, appear to underpin the prosperity of myzozoans in their varied habitats. Understanding the mechanisms of these shared traits has the potential to spawn new strategic interventions against medically and veterinary relevant parasites within this grouping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross F Waller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vern B Carruthers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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17
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Blackwell AM, Jami-Alahmadi Y, Nasamu AS, Kudo S, Senoo A, Slam C, Tsumoto K, Wohlschlegel JA, Manuel Martinez Caaveiro J, Goldberg DE, Sigala PA. Malaria parasites require a divergent heme oxygenase for apicoplast gene expression and biogenesis. eLife 2024; 13:RP100256. [PMID: 39660822 PMCID: PMC11634067 DOI: 10.7554/elife.100256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites have evolved unusual metabolic adaptations that specialize them for growth within heme-rich human erythrocytes. During blood-stage infection, Plasmodium falciparum parasites internalize and digest abundant host hemoglobin within the digestive vacuole. This massive catabolic process generates copious free heme, most of which is biomineralized into inert hemozoin. Parasites also express a divergent heme oxygenase (HO)-like protein (PfHO) that lacks key active-site residues and has lost canonical HO activity. The cellular role of this unusual protein that underpins its retention by parasites has been unknown. To unravel PfHO function, we first determined a 2.8 Å-resolution X-ray structure that revealed a highly α-helical fold indicative of distant HO homology. Localization studies unveiled PfHO targeting to the apicoplast organelle, where it is imported and undergoes N-terminal processing but retains most of the electropositive transit peptide. We observed that conditional knockdown of PfHO was lethal to parasites, which died from defective apicoplast biogenesis and impaired isoprenoid-precursor synthesis. Complementation and molecular-interaction studies revealed an essential role for the electropositive N-terminus of PfHO, which selectively associates with the apicoplast genome and enzymes involved in nucleic acid metabolism and gene expression. PfHO knockdown resulted in a specific deficiency in levels of apicoplast-encoded RNA but not DNA. These studies reveal an essential function for PfHO in apicoplast maintenance and suggest that Plasmodium repurposed the conserved HO scaffold from its canonical heme-degrading function in the ancestral chloroplast to fulfill a critical adaptive role in organelle gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Mixon Blackwell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of MedicineSalt Lake CityUnited States
| | - Yasaman Jami-Alahmadi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Armiyaw S Nasamu
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Shota Kudo
- Department of Chemistry & Biotechnology, The University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Akinobu Senoo
- Department of Protein Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Celine Slam
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of MedicineSalt Lake CityUnited States
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Department of Chemistry & Biotechnology, The University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - James A Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | | | - Daniel E Goldberg
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Paul A Sigala
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of MedicineSalt Lake CityUnited States
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
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18
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Verhoef JM, Boshoven C, Evers F, Akkerman LJ, Gijsbrechts BC, van de Vegte-Bolmer M, van Gemert GJ, Vaidya AB, Kooij TW. Detailing organelle division and segregation in Plasmodium falciparum. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202406064. [PMID: 39485315 PMCID: PMC11535888 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202406064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 11/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The malaria-causing parasite, P. falciparum, replicates through schizogony, a tightly orchestrated process where numerous daughter parasites are formed simultaneously. Proper division and segregation of one-per-cell organelles, like the mitochondrion and apicoplast, are essential, yet remain poorly understood. We developed a new reporter parasite line that allows visualization of the mitochondrion in blood and mosquito stages. Using high-resolution 3D imaging, we found that the mitochondrion orients in a cartwheel structure, prior to stepwise, non-geometric division during last-stage schizogony. Analysis of focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy data confirmed these mitochondrial division stages. Furthermore, these data allowed us to elucidate apicoplast division steps, highlighted its close association with the mitochondrion, and showed putative roles of the centriolar plaques in apicoplast segregation. These observations form the foundation for a new detailed mechanistic model of mitochondrial and apicoplast division and segregation during P. falciparum schizogony and pave the way for future studies into the proteins and protein complexes involved in organelle division and segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M.J. Verhoef
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cas Boshoven
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Felix Evers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura J. Akkerman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Barend C.A. Gijsbrechts
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Geert-Jan van Gemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Akhil B. Vaidya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Molecular Parasitology, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Taco W.A. Kooij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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19
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Chen X, Suo X, Zhu G, Shen B. The apicoplast biogenesis and metabolism: current progress and questions. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:1144-1158. [PMID: 39567343 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2024] [Revised: 10/22/2024] [Accepted: 10/22/2024] [Indexed: 11/22/2024]
Abstract
Many apicomplexan parasites have a chloroplast-derived apicoplast containing several metabolic pathways. Recent studies have greatly expanded our understanding of apicoplast biogenesis and metabolism while also raising new questions. Here, we review recent progress on the biological roles of individual metabolic pathways, focusing on two medically important parasites, Plasmodium spp. and Toxoplasma gondii. We highlight the similarities and differences in how similar apicoplast metabolic pathways are utilized to adapt to different parasitic lifestyles. The execution of apicoplast metabolic functions requires extensive interactions with other subcellular compartments, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Apicoplast metabolic functions have historically been considered attractive drug targets, and a comprehensive understanding of their metabolic capacities and interactions with other organelles is essential to fully realize their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xun Suo
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA.
| | - Bang Shen
- Key Laboratory Preventive Veterinary of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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20
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Andrews KT, Fisher GM, Firmin M, Liepa AJ, Wilson T, Gardiner J, Mohri Y, Debele E, Rai A, Davey AK, Masurier A, Delion A, Mouratidis AA, Hutt OE, Forsyth CM, Burrows JN, Ryan JH, Riches AG, Skinner-Adams TS. Discovery of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles with slow-action activity against Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 278:116796. [PMID: 39241483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116796] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
To achieve malaria eradication, new preventative agents that act differently to front-line treatment drugs are needed. To identify potential chemoprevention starting points we screened a sub-set of the CSIRO Australia Compound Collection for compounds with slow-action in vitro activity against Plasmodium falciparum. This work identified N,N-dialkyl-5-alkylsulfonyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amines as a new antiplasmodial chemotype (e.g., 1 96 h IC50 550 nM; 3 96 h IC50 160 nM) with a different action to delayed-death slow-action drugs. A series of analogues were synthesized from thiotetrazoles and carbomoyl derivatives using Huisgen 1,3,4-oxadiazole synthesis followed by oxidation of the resultant thioethers to target sulfones. Structure activity relationship analysis of analogues identified compounds with potent and selective in vitro activity against drug-sensitive and multi-drug resistant Plasmodium parasites (e.g., 31 and 32 96 h IC50 <40 nM; SI > 2500). Subsequent studies in mice with compound 1, which had the best microsomal stability of the compounds assessed (T1/2 >255 min), demonstrated rapid clearance and poor oral in vivo efficacy in a P. berghei murine malaria model. These data indicate that while N,N-dialkyl-5-alkylsulfonyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amines are a novel class of slow-acting antiplasmodial agents, the further development of this chemotype for malaria chemoprophylaxis will require pharmacokinetic profile improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine T Andrews
- Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia.
| | - Gillian M Fisher
- Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Meaghan Firmin
- Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Andris J Liepa
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Biomedical Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Tony Wilson
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Biomedical Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - James Gardiner
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Biomedical Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Yacine Mohri
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Biomedical Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Emmanuel Debele
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Biomedical Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Anjana Rai
- Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Andrew K Davey
- Griffith Health Group, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4222, Australia
| | - Antoine Masurier
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Biomedical Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Alix Delion
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Biomedical Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Alexandros A Mouratidis
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Biomedical Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Oliver E Hutt
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Biomedical Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Craig M Forsyth
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | | | - John H Ryan
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Biomedical Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
| | - Andrew G Riches
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Biomedical Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
| | - Tina S Skinner-Adams
- Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia.
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21
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Loveridge KM, Sigala PA. Identification of a divalent metal transporter required for cellular iron metabolism in malaria parasites. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2411631121. [PMID: 39467134 PMCID: PMC11551425 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2411631121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites invade and multiply inside red blood cells (RBCs), the most iron-rich compartment in humans. Like all cells, P. falciparum requires nutritional iron to support essential metabolic pathways, but the critical mechanisms of iron acquisition and trafficking during RBC infection have remained obscure. Parasites internalize and liberate massive amounts of heme during large-scale digestion of RBC hemoglobin within an acidic food vacuole (FV) but lack a heme oxygenase to release porphyrin-bound iron. Although most FV heme is sequestered into inert hemozoin crystals, prior studies indicate that trace heme escapes biomineralization and is susceptible to nonenzymatic degradation within the oxidizing FV environment to release labile iron. Parasites retain a homolog of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), a known mammalian iron transporter, but its role in P. falciparum iron acquisition has not been tested. Our phylogenetic studies indicate that P. falciparum DMT1 (PfDMT1) retains conserved molecular features critical for metal transport. We localized this protein to the FV membrane and defined its orientation in an export-competent topology. Conditional knockdown of PfDMT1 expression is lethal to parasites, which display broad cellular defects in iron-dependent functions, including impaired apicoplast biogenesis and mitochondrial polarization. Parasites are selectively rescued from partial PfDMT1 knockdown by supplementation with exogenous iron, but not other metals. These results support a cellular paradigm whereby PfDMT1 is the molecular gatekeeper to essential iron acquisition by blood-stage malaria parasites and suggest that therapeutic targeting of PfDMT1 may be a potent antimalarial strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kade M. Loveridge
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | - Paul A. Sigala
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84112
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22
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Blackwell AM, Jami-Alahmadi Y, Nasamu AS, Kudo S, Senoo A, Slam C, Tsumoto K, Wohlschlegel JA, Caaveiro JMM, Goldberg DE, Sigala PA. Malaria parasites require a divergent heme oxygenase for apicoplast gene expression and biogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.30.596652. [PMID: 38853871 PMCID: PMC11160694 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.30.596652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Malaria parasites have evolved unusual metabolic adaptations that specialize them for growth within heme-rich human erythrocytes. During blood-stage infection, Plasmodium falciparum parasites internalize and digest abundant host hemoglobin within the digestive vacuole. This massive catabolic process generates copious free heme, most of which is biomineralized into inert hemozoin. Parasites also express a divergent heme oxygenase (HO)-like protein (PfHO) that lacks key active-site residues and has lost canonical HO activity. The cellular role of this unusual protein that underpins its retention by parasites has been unknown. To unravel PfHO function, we first determined a 2.8 Å-resolution X-ray structure that revealed a highly α-helical fold indicative of distant HO homology. Localization studies unveiled PfHO targeting to the apicoplast organelle, where it is imported and undergoes N-terminal processing but retains most of the electropositive transit peptide. We observed that conditional knockdown of PfHO was lethal to parasites, which died from defective apicoplast biogenesis and impaired isoprenoid-precursor synthesis. Complementation and molecular-interaction studies revealed an essential role for the electropositive N-terminus of PfHO, which selectively associates with the apicoplast genome and enzymes involved in nucleic acid metabolism and gene expression. PfHO knockdown resulted in a specific deficiency in levels of apicoplast-encoded RNA but not DNA. These studies reveal an essential function for PfHO in apicoplast maintenance and suggest that Plasmodium repurposed the conserved HO scaffold from its canonical heme-degrading function in the ancestral chloroplast to fulfill a critical adaptive role in organelle gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Armiyaw S. Nasamu
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Shota Kudo
- Department of Chemistry & Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akinobu Senoo
- Department of Protein Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Celine Slam
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Department of Chemistry & Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Jose M. M. Caaveiro
- Department of Chemistry & Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daniel E. Goldberg
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Paul A. Sigala
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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23
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Micchelli CE, Percopo C, Traver M, Brzostowski J, Amin SN, Prigge ST, Sá JM, Wellems TE. Progressive heterogeneity of enlarged and irregularly shaped apicoplasts in Plasmodium falciparum persister blood stages after drug treatment. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae424. [PMID: 39381646 PMCID: PMC11460358 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
Morphological modifications and shifts in organelle relationships are hallmarks of dormancy in eukaryotic cells. Communications between altered mitochondria and nuclei are associated with metabolic quiescence of cancer cells that can survive chemotherapy. In plants, changes in the pathways between nuclei, mitochondria, and chloroplasts are associated with cold stress and bud dormancy. Plasmodium falciparum parasites, the deadliest agent of malaria in humans, contain a chloroplast-like organelle (apicoplast) derived from an ancient photosynthetic symbiont. Antimalarial treatments can fail because a fraction of the blood-stage parasites enter dormancy and recrudesce after drug exposure. Altered mitochondrial-nuclear interactions in these persisters have been described for P. falciparum, but interactions of the apicoplast remained to be characterized. In the present study, we examined the apicoplasts of persisters obtained after exposure to dihydroartemisinin (a first-line antimalarial drug) followed by sorbitol treatment, or after exposure to sorbitol treatment alone. As previously observed, the mitochondrion of persisters was consistently enlarged and in close association with the nucleus. In contrast, the apicoplast varied from compact and oblate, like those of active ring-stage parasites, to enlarged and irregularly shaped. Enlarged apicoplasts became more prevalent later in dormancy, but regular size apicoplasts subsequently predominated in actively replicating recrudescent parasites. All three organelles, nucleus, mitochondrion, and apicoplast, became closer during dormancy. Understanding their relationships in erythrocytic-stage persisters may lead to new strategies to prevent recrudescences and protect the future of malaria chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara E Micchelli
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Caroline Percopo
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Maria Traver
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Joseph Brzostowski
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Shuchi N Amin
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sean T Prigge
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Juliana M Sá
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Thomas E Wellems
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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24
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Chahine Z, Abel S, Hollin T, Barnes GL, Chung JH, Daub ME, Renard I, Choi JY, Vydyam P, Pal A, Alba-Argomaniz M, Banks CAS, Kirkwood J, Saraf A, Camino I, Castaneda P, Cuevas MC, De Mercado-Arnanz J, Fernandez-Alvaro E, Garcia-Perez A, Ibarz N, Viera-Morilla S, Prudhomme J, Joyner CJ, Bei AK, Florens L, Ben Mamoun C, Vanderwal CD, Le Roch KG. A kalihinol analog disrupts apicoplast function and vesicular trafficking in P. falciparum malaria. Science 2024; 385:eadm7966. [PMID: 39325875 PMCID: PMC11793105 DOI: 10.1126/science.adm7966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
We report the discovery of MED6-189, an analog of the kalihinol family of isocyanoterpene natural products that is effective against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains, blocking both asexual replication and sexual differentiation. In vivo studies using a humanized mouse model of malaria confirm strong efficacy of the compound in animals with no apparent hemolytic activity or toxicity. Complementary chemical, molecular, and genomics analyses revealed that MED6-189 targets the parasite apicoplast and acts by inhibiting lipid biogenesis and cellular trafficking. Genetic analyses revealed that a mutation in PfSec13, which encodes a component of the parasite secretory machinery, reduced susceptibility to the drug. Its high potency, excellent therapeutic profile, and distinctive mode of action make MED6-189 an excellent addition to the antimalarial drug pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z. Chahine
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - S. Abel
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - T. Hollin
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - G. L. Barnes
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - J. H. Chung
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - M. E. Daub
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - I. Renard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - J. Y. Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - P. Vydyam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - A. Pal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - M. Alba-Argomaniz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - C. A. S. Banks
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - J. Kirkwood
- Metabolomics Core Facility, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - A. Saraf
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - N. Ibarz
- GSK, Tres Cantos (Madrid), Spain
| | | | - J. Prudhomme
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - C. J. Joyner
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - A. K. Bei
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - L. Florens
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - C. Ben Mamoun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - C. D. Vanderwal
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - K. G. Le Roch
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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25
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Elahi R, Prigge ST. tRNA lysidinylation is essential for the minimal translation system found in the apicoplast of Plasmodium falciparum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.13.612944. [PMID: 39314434 PMCID: PMC11419160 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.13.612944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
For decades, researchers have sought to define minimal genomes to elucidate the fundamental principles of life and advance biotechnology. tRNAs, essential components of this machinery, decode mRNA codons into amino acids. The apicoplast of malaria parasites encodes 25 tRNA isotypes in its organellar genome - the lowest number found in known translation systems. Efficient translation in such minimal systems depends heavily on post-transcriptional tRNA modifications, especially at the wobble anticodon position. Lysidine modification at the wobble position (C34) of tRNACAU distinguishes between methionine (AUG) and isoleucine (AUA) codons, altering the amino acid delivered by this tRNA and ensuring accurate protein synthesis. Lysidine is formed by the enzyme tRNA isoleucine lysidine synthetase (TilS) and is nearly ubiquitous in bacteria and essential for cellular viability. We identified a TilS ortholog (PfTilS) located in the apicoplast of Plasmodium falciparum parasites. By complementing PfTilS with a bacterial ortholog, we demonstrated that the lysidinylation activity of PfTilS is critical for parasite survival and apicoplast maintenance, likely due to its impact on apicoplast protein translation. Our findings represent the first characterization of TilS in an endosymbiotic organelle, advancing eukaryotic organelle research and our understanding of minimal translational machinery. Due to the absence of lysidine modifications in humans, this research also exposes a potential vulnerability in malaria parasites that could be targeted by antimalarial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubayet Elahi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sean T. Prigge
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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26
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Anaguano D, Adewale-Fasoro O, Vick GW, Yanik S, Blauwkamp J, Fierro MA, Absalon S, Srinivasan P, Muralidharan V. Plasmodium RON11 triggers biogenesis of the merozoite rhoptry pair and is essential for erythrocyte invasion. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002801. [PMID: 39292724 PMCID: PMC11441699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 09/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a global and deadly human disease caused by the apicomplexan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Parasite proliferation within human red blood cells (RBCs) is associated with the clinical manifestations of the disease. This asexual expansion within human RBCs begins with the invasion of RBCs by P. falciparum, which is mediated by the secretion of effectors from 2 specialized club-shaped secretory organelles in merozoite-stage parasites known as rhoptries. We investigated the function of the Rhoptry Neck Protein 11 (RON11), which contains 7 transmembrane domains and calcium-binding EF-hand domains. We generated conditional mutants of the P. falciparum RON11. Knockdown of RON11 inhibits parasite growth by preventing merozoite invasion. The loss of RON11 did not lead to any defects in processing of rhoptry proteins but instead led to a decrease in the amount of rhoptry proteins. We utilized ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM) to determine the effect of RON11 knockdown on rhoptry biogenesis. Surprisingly, in the absence of RON11, fully developed merozoites had only 1 rhoptry each. The single rhoptry in RON11-deficient merozoites were morphologically typical with a bulb and a neck oriented into the apical polar ring. Moreover, rhoptry proteins are trafficked accurately to the single rhoptry in RON11-deficient parasites. These data show that in the absence of RON11, the first rhoptry is generated during schizogony but upon the start of cytokinesis, the second rhoptry never forms. Interestingly, these single-rhoptry merozoites were able to attach to host RBCs but are unable to invade RBCs. Instead, RON11-deficient merozoites continue to engage with RBC for prolonged periods eventually resulting in echinocytosis, a result of secreting the contents from the single rhoptry into the RBC. Together, our data show that RON11 triggers the de novo biogenesis of the second rhoptry and functions in RBC invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Anaguano
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Opeoluwa Adewale-Fasoro
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Grace W. Vick
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sean Yanik
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - James Blauwkamp
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Manuel A. Fierro
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sabrina Absalon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Prakash Srinivasan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Vasant Muralidharan
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
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27
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Bulloch MS, Huynh LK, Kennedy K, Ralton JE, McConville MJ, Ralph SA. Apicoplast-derived isoprenoids are essential for biosynthesis of GPI protein anchors, and consequently for egress and invasion in Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012484. [PMID: 39241090 PMCID: PMC11414934 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors are the predominant glycoconjugate in Plasmodium parasites, enabling modified proteins to associate with biological membranes. GPI biosynthesis commences with donation of a mannose residue held by dolichol-phosphate at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. In Plasmodium dolichols are derived from isoprenoid precursors synthesised in the Plasmodium apicoplast, a relict plastid organelle of prokaryotic origin. We found that treatment of Plasmodium parasites with apicoplast inhibitors decreases the synthesis of isoprenoid and GPI intermediates resulting in GPI-anchored proteins becoming untethered from their normal membrane association. Even when other isoprenoids were chemically rescued, GPI depletion led to an arrest in schizont stage parasites, which had defects in segmentation and egress. In those daughter parasites (merozoites) that did form, proteins that would normally be GPI-anchored were mislocalised, and when these merozoites were artificially released they were able to attach to but not invade new red blood cells. Our data provides further evidence for the importance of GPI biosynthesis during the asexual cycle of P. falciparum, and indicates that GPI biosynthesis, and by extension egress and invasion, is dependent on isoprenoids synthesised in the apicoplast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela S. Bulloch
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Long K. Huynh
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kit Kennedy
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julie E. Ralton
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Malcolm J. McConville
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stuart A. Ralph
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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28
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Micchelli CE, Percopo C, Traver M, Brzostowski J, Amin SN, Prigge ST, Sá JM, Wellems TE. Progressive heterogeneity of enlarged and irregularly shaped apicoplasts in P. falciparum persister blood stages after drug treatment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.03.574077. [PMID: 38410435 PMCID: PMC10896342 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.03.574077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Morphological modifications and shifts in organelle relationships are hallmarks of dormancy in eukaryotic cells. Communications between altered mitochondria and nuclei are associated with metabolic quiescence of cancer cells that can survive chemotherapy. In plants, changes in the pathways between nuclei, mitochondria, and chloroplasts are associated with cold stress and bud dormancy. Plasmodium falciparum parasites, the deadliest agent of malaria in humans, contain a chloroplast-like organelle (apicoplast) derived from an ancient photosynthetic symbiont. Antimalarial treatments can fail because a small fraction of the blood stage parasites enter dormancy and recrudesce after drug exposure. Altered mitochondrial-nuclear interactions in these persisters have been described for P. falciparum, but interactions of the apicoplast remained to be characterized. In the present study, we examined the apicoplasts of persisters obtained after exposure to dihydroartemisinin (a first-line antimalarial drug) followed by sorbitol treatment, or after exposure to sorbitol treatment alone. As previously observed, the mitochondrion of persisters was consistently enlarged and in close association with the nucleus. In contrast, the apicoplast varied from compact and oblate, like those of active ring stage parasites, to enlarged and irregularly shaped. Enlarged apicoplasts became more prevalent later in dormancy, but regular size apicoplasts subsequently predominated in actively replicating recrudescent parasites. All three organelles, nucleus, mitochondrion, and apicoplast, became closer during dormancy. Understanding their relationships in erythrocytic-stage persisters may lead to new strategies to prevent recrudescences and protect the future of malaria chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara E. Micchelli
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Caroline Percopo
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Maria Traver
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph Brzostowski
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shuchi N. Amin
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sean T. Prigge
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore Maryland, USA
| | - Juliana M. Sá
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Thomas E. Wellems
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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29
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Kabeche S, Braukmann T, Doenier J, Meister T, Yeh E. A picomolar inhibitor of the Plasmodium falciparum IPP pathway. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0123823. [PMID: 39037239 PMCID: PMC11304725 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01238-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
We identified MMV026468 as a picomolar inhibitor of blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum. Phenotyping assays, including isopentenyl diphosphate rescue of parasite growth inhibition, demonstrated that it targets MEP isoprenoid precursor biosynthesis. MMV026468-treated parasites showed an overall decrease in MEP pathway intermediates, which could result from inhibition of the first MEP enzyme DXS or steps prior to DXS such as regulation of the MEP pathway. Selection of MMV026468-resistant parasites lacking DXS mutations suggested that other targets are possible. The identification of MMV026468 could lead to a new class of antimalarial isoprenoid inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Kabeche
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Thomas Braukmann
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jon Doenier
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Thomas Meister
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ellen Yeh
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
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30
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Bague D, Wang R, Hodge D, Mikati MO, Roma JS, Boshoff HI, Dailey AL, Girma M, Couch RD, Odom John AR, Dowd CS. Inhibition of DXR in the MEP pathway with lipophilic N-alkoxyaryl FR900098 analogs. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:2422-2439. [PMID: 39026652 PMCID: PMC11253873 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00642e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
In Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway is responsible for isoprene synthesis. This pathway and its products are vital to bacterial/parasitic metabolism and survival, and represent an attractive set of drug targets due to their essentiality in these pathogens but absence in humans. The second step in the MEP pathway is the conversion of 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate (DXP) to MEP and is catalyzed by 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR). Natural products fosmidomycin and FR900098 inhibit DXR, but are too polar to reach the desired target inside some cells, such as Mtb. Synthesized FR900098 analogs with lipophilic substitution in the position α to the phosphorous atom showed promise, resulting in increased activity against Mtb and Pf. Here, an α substitution, consisting of a 3,4-dichlorophenyl substituent, in combination with various O-linked alkylaryl substituents on the hydroxamate moiety is utilized in the synthesis of a novel series of FR900098 analogs. The purpose of the O-linked alkylaryl substituents is to further enhance DXR inhibition by extending the structure into the adjacent NADPH binding pocket, blocking the binding of both DXP and NADPH. Of the initial O-linked alkylaryl substituted analogs, compound 6e showed most potent activity against Pf parasites at 3.60 μM. Additional compounds varying the phenyl ring of 6e were synthesized. The most potent phosphonic acids, 6l and 6n, display nM activity against PfDXR and low μM activity against Pf parasites. Prodrugs of these compounds were less effective against Pf parasites but showed modest activity against Mtb cells. Data from this series of compounds suggests that this combination of substituents can be advantageous in designing a new generation of antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darean Bague
- Department of Chemistry, George Washington University Washington D.C. 20052 USA
| | - Ruiqin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, George Washington University Washington D.C. 20052 USA
| | - Dana Hodge
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
| | - Marwa O Mikati
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO 63110 USA
| | - Jose S Roma
- Tuberculosis Research Section, LCIM, NIAID/NIH Bethesda MD 20892 USA
| | - Helena I Boshoff
- Tuberculosis Research Section, LCIM, NIAID/NIH Bethesda MD 20892 USA
| | - Allyson L Dailey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University Fairfax VA 22030 USA
| | - Misgina Girma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University Fairfax VA 22030 USA
| | - Robin D Couch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University Fairfax VA 22030 USA
| | - Audrey R Odom John
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO 63110 USA
| | - Cynthia S Dowd
- Department of Chemistry, George Washington University Washington D.C. 20052 USA
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31
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Chen P, Chen Y, Xia N, Fan B, Niu Z, He Z, Wang X, Yuan J, Gupta N, Shen B. A pyruvate transporter in the apicoplast of apicomplexan parasites. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2314314121. [PMID: 38865262 PMCID: PMC11194499 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2314314121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pyruvate lies at a pivotal node of carbon metabolism in eukaryotes. It is involved in diverse metabolic pathways in multiple organelles, and its interorganelle shuttling is crucial for cell fitness. Many apicomplexan parasites harbor a unique organelle called the apicoplast that houses metabolic pathways like fatty acid and isoprenoid precursor biosyntheses, requiring pyruvate as a substrate. However, how pyruvate is supplied in the apicoplast remains enigmatic. Here, deploying the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii as a model apicomplexan, we identified two proteins residing in the apicoplast membranes that together constitute a functional apicoplast pyruvate carrier (APC) to mediate the import of cytosolic pyruvate. Depletion of APC results in reduced activities of metabolic pathways in the apicoplast and impaired integrity of this organelle, leading to parasite growth arrest. APC is a pyruvate transporter in diverse apicomplexan parasites, suggesting a common strategy for pyruvate acquisition by the apicoplast in these clinically relevant intracellular pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yukun Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ningbo Xia
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bolin Fan
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhipeng Niu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengming He
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen361005, Fujian Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen361005, Fujian Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nishith Gupta
- Intracellular Parasite Education and Research Labs, Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani500078, Hyderabad, India
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, Berlin10115, Germany
| | - Bang Shen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen518000, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen518000, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan430070, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
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32
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Loveridge KM, Sigala PA. Identification of a divalent metal transporter required for cellular iron metabolism in malaria parasites. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.10.587216. [PMID: 38798484 PMCID: PMC11118319 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.10.587216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites invade and multiply inside red blood cells (RBCs), the most iron-rich compartment in humans. Like all cells, P. falciparum requires nutritional iron to support essential metabolic pathways, but the critical mechanisms of iron acquisition and trafficking during RBC infection have remained obscure. Parasites internalize and liberate massive amounts of heme during large-scale digestion of RBC hemoglobin within an acidic food vacuole (FV) but lack a heme oxygenase to release porphyrin-bound iron. Although most FV heme is sequestered into inert hemozoin crystals, prior studies indicate that trace heme escapes biomineralization and is susceptible to non-enzymatic degradation within the oxidizing FV environment to release labile iron. Parasites retain a homolog of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), a known mammalian iron transporter, but its role in P. falciparum iron acquisition has not been tested. Our phylogenetic studies indicate that P. falciparum DMT1 (PfDMT1) retains conserved molecular features critical for metal transport. We localized this protein to the FV membrane and defined its orientation in an export-competent topology. Conditional knockdown of PfDMT1 expression is lethal to parasites, which display broad cellular defects in iron-dependent functions, including impaired apicoplast biogenesis and mitochondrial polarization. Parasites are selectively rescued from partial PfDMT1 knockdown by supplementation with exogenous iron, but not other metals. These results support a cellular paradigm whereby PfDMT1 is the molecular gatekeeper to essential iron acquisition by blood-stage malaria parasites and suggest that therapeutic targeting of PfDMT1 may be a potent antimalarial strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kade M. Loveridge
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Paul A. Sigala
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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33
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Verhoef JM, Boshoven C, Evers F, Akkerman LJ, Gijsbrechts BC, van de Vegte-Bolmer M, van Gemert GJ, Vaidya AB, Kooij TW. Detailing organelle division and segregation in Plasmodium falciparum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.30.577899. [PMID: 38352445 PMCID: PMC10862848 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.30.577899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The malaria causing parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, replicates through a tightly orchestrated process termed schizogony, where approximately 32 daughter parasites are formed in a single infected red blood cell and thousands of daughter cells in mosquito or liver stages. One-per-cell organelles, such as the mitochondrion and apicoplast, need to be properly divided and segregated to ensure a complete set of organelles per daughter parasites. Although this is highly essential, details about the processes and mechanisms involved remain unknown. We developed a new reporter parasite line that allows visualization of the mitochondrion in blood and mosquito stages. Using high-resolution 3D-imaging, we found that the mitochondrion orients in a cartwheel structure, prior to stepwise, non-geometric division during the last stage of schizogony. Analysis of focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) data confirmed these mitochondrial division stages. Furthermore, these data allowed us to elucidate apicoplast division steps, highlighted its close association with the mitochondrion, and showed putative roles of the centriolar plaques (CPs) in apicoplast segregation. These observations form the foundation for a new detailed mechanistic model of mitochondrial and apicoplast division and segregation during P. falciparum schizogony and pave the way for future studies into the proteins and protein complexes involved in organelle division and segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M.J. Verhoef
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cas Boshoven
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Felix Evers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura J. Akkerman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Barend C.A. Gijsbrechts
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marga van de Vegte-Bolmer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Geert-Jan van Gemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Akhil B. Vaidya
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Taco W.A. Kooij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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34
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Mamudu CO, Tebamifor ME, Sule MO, Dokunmu TM, Ogunlana OO, Iheagwam FN. Apicoplast-Resident Processes: Exploiting the Chink in the Armour of Plasmodium falciparum Parasites. Adv Pharmacol Pharm Sci 2024; 2024:9940468. [PMID: 38765186 PMCID: PMC11101256 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9940468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of a relict plastid, also known as an apicoplast (apicomplexan plastid), that houses housekeeping processes and metabolic pathways critical to Plasmodium parasites' survival has prompted increased research on identifying potent inhibitors that can impinge on apicoplast-localised processes. The apicoplast is absent in humans, yet it is proposed to originate from the eukaryote's secondary endosymbiosis of a primary symbiont. This symbiotic relationship provides a favourable microenvironment for metabolic processes such as haem biosynthesis, Fe-S cluster synthesis, isoprenoid biosynthesis, fatty acid synthesis, and housekeeping processes such as DNA replication, transcription, and translation, distinct from analogous mammalian processes. Recent advancements in comprehending the biology of the apicoplast reveal it as a vulnerable organelle for malaria parasites, offering numerous potential targets for effective antimalarial therapies. We provide an overview of the metabolic processes occurring in the apicoplast and discuss the organelle as a viable antimalarial target in light of current advances in drug discovery. We further highlighted the relevance of these metabolic processes to Plasmodium falciparum during the different stages of the lifecycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collins Ojonugwa Mamudu
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence, Ota, Nigeria
| | - Mercy Eyitomi Tebamifor
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence, Ota, Nigeria
| | - Mary Ohunene Sule
- Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi, Nigeria
| | - Titilope Modupe Dokunmu
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence, Ota, Nigeria
| | - Olubanke Olujoke Ogunlana
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant University Public Health and Wellbeing Research Cluster, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
| | - Franklyn Nonso Iheagwam
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant University Public Health and Wellbeing Research Cluster, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
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35
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Springer E, Heimsch KC, Rahlfs S, Becker K, Przyborski JM. Real-time measurements of ATP dynamics via ATeams in Plasmodium falciparum reveal drug-class-specific response patterns. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0169023. [PMID: 38501806 PMCID: PMC11064498 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01690-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria tropica, caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), remains one of the greatest public health burdens for humankind. Due to its pivotal role in parasite survival, the energy metabolism of P. falciparum is an interesting target for drug design. To this end, analysis of the central metabolite adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is of great interest. So far, only cell-disruptive or intensiometric ATP assays have been available in this system, with various drawbacks for mechanistic interpretation and partly inconsistent results. To address this, we have established fluorescent probes, based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and known as ATeam, for use in blood-stage parasites. ATeams are capable of measuring MgATP2- levels in a ratiometric manner, thereby facilitating in cellulo measurements of ATP dynamics in real-time using fluorescence microscopy and plate reader detection and overcoming many of the obstacles of established ATP analysis methods. Additionally, we established a superfolder variant of the ratiometric pH sensor pHluorin (sfpHluorin) in P. falciparum to monitor pH homeostasis and control for pH fluctuations, which may affect ATeam measurements. We characterized recombinant ATeam and sfpHluorin protein in vitro and stably integrated the sensors into the genome of the P. falciparum NF54attB cell line. Using these new tools, we found distinct sensor response patterns caused by several different drug classes. Arylamino alcohols increased and redox cyclers decreased ATP; doxycycline caused first-cycle cytosol alkalization; and 4-aminoquinolines caused aberrant proteolysis. Our results open up a completely new perspective on drugs' mode of action, with possible implications for target identification and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Springer
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kim C. Heimsch
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Rahlfs
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katja Becker
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jude M. Przyborski
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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36
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Lucky AB, Wang C, Li X, Liang X, Muneer A, Miao J. Transforming the CRISPR/dCas9-based gene regulation technique into a forward screening tool in Plasmodium falciparum. iScience 2024; 27:109602. [PMID: 38617559 PMCID: PMC11015506 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
It is a significant challenge to assess the functions of many uncharacterized genes in human malaria parasites. Here, we present a genetic screening tool to assess the contribution of essential genes from Plasmodium falciparum by the conditional CRISPR-/deadCas9-based interference and activation (i/a) systems. We screened both CRISPRi and CRISPRa sets, consisting of nine parasite lines per set targeting nine genes via their respective gRNAs. By conducting amplicon sequencing of gRNA loci, we identified the contribution of each targeted gene to parasite fitness upon drug (artemisinin, chloroquine) and stress (starvation, heat shock) treatment. The screening was highly reproducible, and the screening libraries were easily generated by transfection of mixed plasmids expressing different gRNAs. We demonstrated that this screening is straightforward, robust, and can provide a fast and efficient tool to study essential genes that have long presented a bottleneck in assessing their functions using existing genetic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amuza Byaruhanga Lucky
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Chengqi Wang
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Xiaolian Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Xiaoying Liang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Azhar Muneer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Jun Miao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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37
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Dong H, Yang J, He K, Zheng WB, Lai DH, Liu J, Ding HY, Wu RB, Brown KM, Hide G, Lun ZR, Zhu XQ, Long S. The Toxoplasma monocarboxylate transporters are involved in the metabolism within the apicoplast and are linked to parasite survival. eLife 2024; 12:RP88866. [PMID: 38502570 PMCID: PMC10950331 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The apicoplast is a four-membrane plastid found in the apicomplexans, which harbors biosynthesis and organelle housekeeping activities in the matrix. However, the mechanism driving the flux of metabolites, in and out, remains unknown. Here, we used TurboID and genome engineering to identify apicoplast transporters in Toxoplasma gondii. Among the many novel transporters, we show that one pair of apicomplexan monocarboxylate transporters (AMTs) appears to have evolved from a putative host cell that engulfed a red alga. Protein depletion showed that AMT1 and AMT2 are critical for parasite growth. Metabolite analyses supported the notion that AMT1 and AMT2 are associated with biosynthesis of isoprenoids and fatty acids. However, stronger phenotypic defects were observed for AMT2, including in the inability to establish T. gondii parasite virulence in mice. This study clarifies, significantly, the mystery of apicoplast transporter composition and reveals the importance of the pair of AMTs in maintaining the apicoplast activity in apicomplexans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Dong
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jiong Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Kai He
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wen-Bin Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural UniversityTaiguChina
| | - De-Hua Lai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jing Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Hui-Yong Ding
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Rui-Bin Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Kevin M Brown
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma CityUnited States
| | - Geoff Hide
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Centre and Environmental Research and Innovation Centre, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of SalfordSalfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Zhao-Rong Lun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural UniversityTaiguChina
| | - Shaojun Long
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
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38
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Morano AA, Xu W, Shadija N, Dvorin JD, Ke H. The dynamin-related protein Dyn2 is essential for both apicoplast and mitochondrial fission in Plasmodium falciparum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.15.585229. [PMID: 38559241 PMCID: PMC10980034 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.585229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Dynamins, or dynamin-related proteins (DRPs), are large mechano-sensitive GTPases mediating membrane dynamics or organellar fission/fusion events. Plasmodium falciparum encodes three dynamin-like proteins whose functions are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that PfDyn2 mediates both apicoplast and mitochondrial fission. Using super-resolution and ultrastructure expansion microscopy, we show that PfDyn2 is expressed in the schizont stage and localizes to both the apicoplast and mitochondria. Super-resolution long-term live cell microscopy shows that PfDyn2-deficient parasites cannot complete cytokinesis because the apicoplast and mitochondria do not undergo fission. Further, the basal complex or cytokinetic ring in Plasmodium cannot fully contract upon PfDyn2 depletion, a phenotype secondary to physical blockage of undivided organelles in the middle of the ring. Our data suggest that organellar fission defects result in aberrant schizogony, generating unsuccessful merozoites. The unique biology of PfDyn2, mediating both apicoplast and mitochondrial fission, has not been observed in other organisms possessing two endosymbiotic organelles. Highlights PfDyn2 is essential for schizont-stage development.PfDyn2 mediates both apicoplast and mitochondrial fission.Deficiency of PfDyn2 leads to organellar fission failures and blockage of basal complex contraction.Addition of apicoplast-derived metabolite IPP does not rescue the growth defects.
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39
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Johannsen S, Gierse RM, Krüger A, Edwards RL, Nanna V, Fontana A, Zhu D, Masini T, de Carvalho LP, Poizat M, Kieftenbelt B, Hodge DM, Alvarez S, Bunt D, Lacour A, Shams A, Meissner KA, de Souza EE, Dröge M, van Vliet B, den Hartog J, Hutter MC, Held J, Odom John AR, Wrenger C, Hirsch AKH. High Target Homology Does Not Guarantee Inhibition: Aminothiazoles Emerge as Inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1000-1022. [PMID: 38367280 PMCID: PMC10928712 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we identified three novel compound classes with potent activity against Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous human malarial parasite. Resistance of this pathogen to known drugs is increasing, and compounds with different modes of action are urgently needed. One promising drug target is the enzyme 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXPS) of the methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway for which we have previously identified three active compound classes against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The close structural similarities of the active sites of the DXPS enzymes of P. falciparum and M. tuberculosis prompted investigation of their antiparasitic action, all classes display good cell-based activity. Through structure-activity relationship studies, we increased their antimalarial potency and two classes also show good metabolic stability and low toxicity against human liver cells. The most active compound 1 inhibits the growth of blood-stage P. falciparum with an IC50 of 600 nM. The results from three different methods for target validation of compound 1 suggest no engagement of DXPS. All inhibitor classes are active against chloroquine-resistant strains, confirming a new mode of action that has to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Johannsen
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) − Helmholtz
Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- Department
of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - Robin M. Gierse
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) − Helmholtz
Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- Department
of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Arne Krüger
- Unit
for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo-SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rachel L. Edwards
- Department
of Pediatrics, Washington University School
of Medicine, Saint
Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Vittoria Nanna
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) − Helmholtz
Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - Anna Fontana
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) − Helmholtz
Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - Di Zhu
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) − Helmholtz
Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Tiziana Masini
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mael Poizat
- Symeres, Kadijk 3, Groningen 9747
AT, The Netherlands
| | | | - Dana M. Hodge
- Department
of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital
of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Sophie Alvarez
- Proteomics
& Metabolomics Facility, Center for Biotechnology, Department
of Agronomy and Horticulture, University
of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
| | - Daan Bunt
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Antoine Lacour
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) − Helmholtz
Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- Department
of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - Atanaz Shams
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) − Helmholtz
Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- Department
of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - Kamila Anna Meissner
- Unit
for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo-SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Edmarcia Elisa de Souza
- Unit
for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo-SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Michael C. Hutter
- Center
for Bioinformatics, Saarland University, Campus Building E2.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - Jana Held
- Institute
of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, Tübingen 72074, Germany
- German
Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Tübingen, Tübingen 72074, Germany
- Centre
de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), B.P. 242 Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Audrey R. Odom John
- Department
of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital
of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Carsten Wrenger
- Unit
for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo-SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Anna K. H. Hirsch
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) − Helmholtz
Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- Department
of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
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Keroack CD, Elsworth B, Tennessen JA, Paul AS, Hua R, Ramirez-Ramirez L, Ye S, Moreira CK, Meyers MJ, Zarringhalam K, Duraisingh MT. Comparative chemical genomics in Babesia species identifies the alkaline phosphatase PhoD as a determinant of antiparasitic resistance. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2312987121. [PMID: 38377214 PMCID: PMC10907312 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312987121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is an emerging zoonosis and widely distributed veterinary infection caused by 100+ species of Babesia parasites. The diversity of Babesia parasites and the lack of specific drugs necessitate the discovery of broadly effective antibabesials. Here, we describe a comparative chemogenomics (CCG) pipeline for the identification of conserved targets. CCG relies on parallel in vitro evolution of resistance in independent populations of Babesia spp. (B. bovis and B. divergens). We identified a potent antibabesial, MMV019266, from the Malaria Box, and selected for resistance in two species of Babesia. After sequencing of multiple independently derived lines in the two species, we identified mutations in a membrane-bound metallodependent phosphatase (phoD). In both species, the mutations were found in the phoD-like phosphatase domain. Using reverse genetics, we validated that mutations in bdphoD confer resistance to MMV019266 in B. divergens. We have also demonstrated that BdPhoD localizes to the endomembrane system and partially with the apicoplast. Finally, conditional knockdown and constitutive overexpression of BdPhoD alter the sensitivity to MMV019266 in the parasite. Overexpression of BdPhoD results in increased sensitivity to the compound, while knockdown increases resistance, suggesting BdPhoD is a pro-susceptibility factor. Together, we have generated a robust pipeline for identification of resistance loci and identified BdPhoD as a resistance mechanism in Babesia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline D. Keroack
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA02115
| | - Brendan Elsworth
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA02115
| | - Jacob A. Tennessen
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA02115
| | - Aditya S. Paul
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA02115
| | - Renee Hua
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA02115
| | - Luz Ramirez-Ramirez
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA02115
| | - Sida Ye
- Department of Mathematics, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA02125
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA02125
| | - Cristina K. Moreira
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA02115
| | - Marvin J. Meyers
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO63103
| | - Kourosh Zarringhalam
- Department of Mathematics, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA02125
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA02125
| | - Manoj T. Duraisingh
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA02115
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41
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Anaguano D, Adewale-Fasoro O, Vick GS, Yanik S, Blauwkamp J, Fierro MA, Absalon S, Srinivasan P, Muralidharan V. Plasmodium RON11 triggers biogenesis of the merozoite rhoptry pair and is essential for erythrocyte invasion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.29.577654. [PMID: 38352500 PMCID: PMC10862748 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.29.577654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Malaria is a global and deadly human disease caused by the apicomplexan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Parasite proliferation within human red blood cells (RBC) is associated with the clinical manifestations of the disease. This asexual expansion within human RBCs, begins with the invasion of RBCs by P. falciparum, which is mediated by the secretion of effectors from two specialized club-shaped secretory organelles in merozoite-stage parasites known as rhoptries. We investigated the function of the Rhoptry Neck Protein 11 (RON11), which contains seven transmembrane domains and calcium-binding EF-hand domains. We generated conditional mutants of the P. falciparum RON11. Knockdown of RON11 inhibits parasite growth by preventing merozoite invasion. The loss of RON11 did not lead to any defects in processing of rhoptry proteins but instead led to a decrease in the amount of rhoptry proteins. We utilized ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM) to determine the effect of RON11 knockdown on rhoptry biogenesis. Surprisingly, in the absence of RON11, fully developed merozoites had only one rhoptry each. The single rhoptry in RON11 deficient merozoites were morphologically typical with a bulb and a neck oriented into the apical polar ring. Moreover, rhoptry proteins are trafficked accurately to the single rhoptry in RON11 deficient parasites. These data show that in the absence of RON11, the first rhoptry is generated during schizogony but upon the start of cytokinesis, the second rhoptry never forms. Interestingly, these single-rhoptry merozoites were able to attach to host RBCs but are unable to invade RBCs. Instead, RON11 deficient merozoites continue to engage with RBC for prolonged periods eventually resulting in echinocytosis, a result of secreting the contents from the single rhoptry into the RBC. Together, our data show that RON11 triggers the de novo biogenesis of the second rhoptry and functions in RBC invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Anaguano
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Opeoluwa Adewale-Fasoro
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and Johns Hopkins Malaria Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Grace S. Vick
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Sean Yanik
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and Johns Hopkins Malaria Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - James Blauwkamp
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN
| | - Manuel A. Fierro
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Sabrina Absalon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN
| | - Prakash Srinivasan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and Johns Hopkins Malaria Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Vasant Muralidharan
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
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42
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Rizvi Z, Reddy GS, Gorde SM, Pundir P, Das D, Sijwali PS. Plasmodium falciparum contains functional SCF and CRL4 ubiquitin E3 ligases, and CRL4 is critical for cell division and membrane integrity. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012045. [PMID: 38416790 PMCID: PMC10927090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein ubiquitination is essential for cellular homeostasis and regulation of several processes, including cell division and genome integrity. Ubiquitin E3 ligases determine substrate specificity for ubiquitination, and Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRLs) make the largest group among the ubiquitin E3 ligases. Although conserved and most studied in model eukaryotes, CRLs remain underappreciated in Plasmodium and related parasites. To investigate the CRLs of human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, we generated parasites expressing tagged P. falciparum cullin-1 (PfCullin-1), cullin-2 (PfCullin-2), Rbx1 (PfRbx1) and Skp1 (PfSkp1). PfCullin-1 and PfCullin-2 were predominantly expressed in erythrocytic trophozoite and schizont stages, with nucleocytoplasmic localization and chromatin association, suggesting their roles in different cellular compartments and DNA-associated processes. Immunoprecipitation, in vitro protein-protein interaction, and ubiquitination assay confirmed the presence of a functional Skp1-Cullin-1-Fbox (PfSCF) complex, comprising of PfCullin-1, PfRbx1, PfSkp1, PfFBXO1, and calcyclin binding protein. Immunoprecipitation, sequence analysis, and ubiquitination assay indicated that PfCullin-2 forms a functional human CRL4-like complex (PfCRL4), consisting of PfRbx1, cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor subunit_A and WD40 repeat proteins. PfCullin-2 knock-down at the protein level, which would hinder PfCRL4 assembly, significantly decreased asexual and sexual erythrocytic stage development. The protein levels of several pathways, including protein translation and folding, lipid biosynthesis and transport, DNA replication, and protein degradation were significantly altered upon PfCullin-2 depletion, which likely reflects association of PfCRL4 with multiple pathways. PfCullin-2-depleted schizonts had poorly delimited merozoites and internal membraned structures, suggesting a role of PfCRL4 in maintaining membrane integrity. PfCullin-2-depleted parasites had a significantly lower number of nuclei/parasite than the normal parasites, indicating a crucial role of PfCRL4 in cell division. We demonstrate the presence of functional CRLs in P. falciparum, with crucial roles for PfCRL4 in cell division and maintaining membrane integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeba Rizvi
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad-500007, India
| | - G. Srinivas Reddy
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad-500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, UP, India
| | - Somesh M. Gorde
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad-500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, UP, India
| | - Priyanka Pundir
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad-500007, India
| | - Divya Das
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad-500007, India
| | - Puran Singh Sijwali
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad-500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, UP, India
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43
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Hamid A, Mäser P, Mahmoud AB. Drug Repurposing in the Chemotherapy of Infectious Diseases. Molecules 2024; 29:635. [PMID: 38338378 PMCID: PMC10856722 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Repurposing is a universal mechanism for innovation, from the evolution of feathers to the invention of Velcro tape. Repurposing is particularly attractive for drug development, given that it costs more than a billion dollars and takes longer than ten years to make a new drug from scratch. The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a large number of drug repurposing activities. At the same time, it has highlighted potential pitfalls, in particular when concessions are made to the target product profile. Here, we discuss the pros and cons of drug repurposing for infectious diseases and analyze different ways of repurposing. We distinguish between opportunistic and rational approaches, i.e., just saving time and money by screening compounds that are already approved versus repurposing based on a particular target that is common to different pathogens. The latter can be further distinguished into divergent and convergent: points of attack that are divergent share common ancestry (e.g., prokaryotic targets in the apicoplast of malaria parasites), whereas those that are convergent arise from a shared lifestyle (e.g., the susceptibility of bacteria, parasites, and tumor cells to antifolates due to their high rate of DNA synthesis). We illustrate how such different scenarios can be capitalized on by using examples of drugs that have been repurposed to, from, or within the field of anti-infective chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Hamid
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11111, Sudan;
| | - Pascal Mäser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, 4123 Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Abdelhalim Babiker Mahmoud
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11111, Sudan;
- Department of Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
- Department of Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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44
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Quansah N, Sarah C, Yamaryo-Botté Y, Botté CY. Complex Endosymbiosis II: The Nonphotosynthetic Plastid of Apicomplexa Parasites (The Apicoplast) and Its Integrated Metabolism. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2776:43-62. [PMID: 38502497 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3726-5_3] [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] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Chloroplasts are essential organelles that are responsible for photosynthesis in a wide range of organisms that have colonized all biotopes on Earth such as plants and unicellular algae. Interestingly, a secondary endosymbiotic event of a red algal ancestor gave rise to a group of organisms that have adopted an obligate parasitic lifestyle named Apicomplexa parasites. Apicomplexa parasites are some of the most widespread and poorly controlled pathogens in the world. These infectious agents are responsible for major human diseases such as toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, and malaria, caused by Plasmodium spp. Most of these parasites harbor this relict plastid named the apicoplast, which is essential for parasite survival. The apicoplast has lost photosynthetic capacities but is metabolically similar to plant and algal chloroplasts. The apicoplast is considered a novel and important drug target against Apicomplexa parasites. This chapter focuses on the apicoplast of apicomplexa parasites, its maintenance, and its metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyamekye Quansah
- ApicoLipid Team, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, UMR5309, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble Alpes, U1209, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Grenoble, France
| | - Charital Sarah
- ApicoLipid Team, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, UMR5309, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble Alpes, U1209, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Grenoble, France
| | - Yoshiki Yamaryo-Botté
- ApicoLipid Team, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, UMR5309, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble Alpes, U1209, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Grenoble, France
| | - Cyrille Y Botté
- ApicoLipid Team, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, UMR5309, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble Alpes, U1209, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Grenoble, France.
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1209, Grenoble, France.
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45
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Crispim M, Verdaguer IB, Hernández A, Kronenberger T, Fenollar À, Yamaguchi LF, Alberione MP, Ramirez M, de Oliveira SS, Katzin AM, Izquierdo L. Beyond the MEP Pathway: A novel kinase required for prenol utilization by malaria parasites. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011557. [PMID: 38277417 PMCID: PMC10849223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A proposed treatment for malaria is a combination of fosmidomycin and clindamycin. Both compounds inhibit the methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway, the parasitic source of farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (FPP and GGPP, respectively). Both FPP and GGPP are crucial for the biosynthesis of several essential metabolites such as ubiquinone and dolichol, as well as for protein prenylation. Dietary prenols, such as farnesol (FOH) and geranylgeraniol (GGOH), can rescue parasites from MEP inhibitors, suggesting the existence of a missing pathway for prenol salvage via phosphorylation. In this study, we identified a gene in the genome of P. falciparum, encoding a transmembrane prenol kinase (PolK) involved in the salvage of FOH and GGOH. The enzyme was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and its FOH/GGOH kinase activities were experimentally validated. Furthermore, conditional knockout parasites (Δ-PolK) were created to investigate the biological importance of the FOH/GGOH salvage pathway. Δ-PolK parasites were viable but displayed increased susceptibility to fosmidomycin. Their sensitivity to MEP inhibitors could not be rescued by adding prenols. Additionally, Δ-PolK parasites lost their capability to utilize prenols for protein prenylation. Experiments using culture medium supplemented with whole/delipidated human plasma in transgenic parasites revealed that human plasma has components that can diminish the effectiveness of fosmidomycin. Mass spectrometry tests indicated that both bovine supplements used in culture and human plasma contain GGOH. These findings suggest that the FOH/GGOH salvage pathway might offer an alternate source of isoprenoids for malaria parasites when de novo biosynthesis is inhibited. This study also identifies a novel kind of enzyme related to isoprenoid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcell Crispim
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignasi Bofill Verdaguer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Agustín Hernández
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Integrated Unit for Research in Biodiversity (BIOTROP-CCBS), Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Thales Kronenberger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tuebingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Excellence Cluster "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Àngel Fenollar
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - María Pía Alberione
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Ramirez
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alejandro Miguel Katzin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Izquierdo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Barcelona, Spain
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46
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Dacks JB, Ginger ML. Two decades taken at speed: genomics, cell biology, ecology, and evolution of protists. BMC Biol 2023; 21:283. [PMID: 38155342 PMCID: PMC10755939 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01787-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joel B Dacks
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 1-124 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350-83 Avenue, Edmonton, T6G 2G3, Canada.
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic.
- Centre for Life's Origins and Evolution, Department of Genetics, Evolution and the Environment, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Michael L Ginger
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK.
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47
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Chahine Z, Abel S, Hollin T, Chung JH, Barnes GL, Daub ME, Renard I, Choi JY, Pratap V, Pal A, Alba-Argomaniz M, Banks CAS, Kirkwood J, Saraf A, Camino I, Castaneda P, Cuevas MC, De Mercado-Arnanz J, Fernandez-Alvaro E, Garcia-Perez A, Ibarz N, Viera-Morilla S, Prudhomme J, Joyner CJ, Bei AK, Florens L, Ben Mamoun C, Vanderwal CD, Le Roch KG. A Potent Kalihinol Analogue Disrupts Apicoplast Function and Vesicular Trafficking in P. falciparum Malaria. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.21.568162. [PMID: 38045341 PMCID: PMC10690269 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.21.568162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Here we report the discovery of MED6-189, a new analogue of the kalihinol family of isocyanoterpene (ICT) natural products. MED6-189 is effective against drug-sensitive and -resistant P. falciparum strains blocking both intraerythrocytic asexual replication and sexual differentiation. This compound was also effective against P. knowlesi and P. cynomolgi. In vivo efficacy studies using a humanized mouse model of malaria confirms strong efficacy of the compound in animals with no apparent hemolytic activity or apparent toxicity. Complementary chemical biology, molecular biology, genomics and cell biological analyses revealed that MED6-189 primarily targets the parasite apicoplast and acts by inhibiting lipid biogenesis and cellular trafficking. Genetic analyses in P. falciparum revealed that a mutation in PfSec13, which encodes a component of the parasite secretory machinery, reduced susceptibility to the drug. The high potency of MED6-189 in vitro and in vivo, its broad range of efficacy, excellent therapeutic profile, and unique mode of action make it an excellent addition to the antimalarial drug pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Chahine
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - S Abel
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - T Hollin
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - JH Chung
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, 92617, USA
| | - GL Barnes
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, 92617, USA
| | - ME Daub
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, 92617, USA
| | - I Renard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - JY Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - V Pratap
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - A Pal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - M Alba-Argomaniz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - CAS Banks
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - J Kirkwood
- Metabolomics Core Facility, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - A Saraf
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - I Camino
- GSK, C/ Severo Ochoa, 2 PTM, 28760 Tres Cantos (Madrid), Spain
| | - P Castaneda
- GSK, C/ Severo Ochoa, 2 PTM, 28760 Tres Cantos (Madrid), Spain
| | - MC Cuevas
- GSK, C/ Severo Ochoa, 2 PTM, 28760 Tres Cantos (Madrid), Spain
| | | | | | - A Garcia-Perez
- GSK, C/ Severo Ochoa, 2 PTM, 28760 Tres Cantos (Madrid), Spain
| | - N Ibarz
- GSK, C/ Severo Ochoa, 2 PTM, 28760 Tres Cantos (Madrid), Spain
| | - S Viera-Morilla
- GSK, C/ Severo Ochoa, 2 PTM, 28760 Tres Cantos (Madrid), Spain
| | - J Prudhomme
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - CJ Joyner
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - AK Bei
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - L Florens
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - C Ben Mamoun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - CD Vanderwal
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, 92617, USA
| | - KG Le Roch
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
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48
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Thommen BT, Dziekan JM, Achcar F, Tjia S, Passecker A, Buczak K, Gumpp C, Schmidt A, Rottmann M, Grüring C, Marti M, Bozdech Z, Brancucci NMB. Genetic validation of PfFKBP35 as an antimalarial drug target. eLife 2023; 12:RP86975. [PMID: 37934560 PMCID: PMC10629825 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum accounts for the majority of over 600,000 malaria-associated deaths annually. Parasites resistant to nearly all antimalarials have emerged and the need for drugs with alternative modes of action is thus undoubted. The FK506-binding protein PfFKBP35 has gained attention as a promising drug target due to its high affinity to the macrolide compound FK506 (tacrolimus). Whilst there is considerable interest in targeting PfFKBP35 with small molecules, a genetic validation of this factor as a drug target is missing and its function in parasite biology remains elusive. Here, we show that limiting PfFKBP35 levels are lethal to P. falciparum and result in a delayed death-like phenotype that is characterized by defective ribosome homeostasis and stalled protein synthesis. Our data furthermore suggest that FK506, unlike the action of this drug in model organisms, exerts its antiproliferative activity in a PfFKBP35-independent manner and, using cellular thermal shift assays, we identify putative FK506-targets beyond PfFKBP35. In addition to revealing first insights into the function of PfFKBP35, our results show that FKBP-binding drugs can adopt non-canonical modes of action - with major implications for the development of FK506-derived molecules active against Plasmodium parasites and other eukaryotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basil T Thommen
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteAllschwilSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Jerzy M Dziekan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
| | - Fiona Achcar
- Wellcome Center for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Institute for Parasitology, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Seth Tjia
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
| | - Armin Passecker
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteAllschwilSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | | | - Christin Gumpp
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteAllschwilSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | | | - Matthias Rottmann
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteAllschwilSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Christof Grüring
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteAllschwilSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Matthias Marti
- Wellcome Center for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Institute for Parasitology, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Zbynek Bozdech
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
| | - Nicolas MB Brancucci
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteAllschwilSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
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49
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Bailey BL, Nguyen W, Cowman AF, Sleebs BE. Chemo-proteomics in antimalarial target identification and engagement. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:2303-2351. [PMID: 37232495 PMCID: PMC10947479 DOI: 10.1002/med.21975] [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: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Humans have lived in tenuous battle with malaria over millennia. Today, while much of the world is free of the disease, areas of South America, Asia, and Africa still wage this war with substantial impacts on their social and economic development. The threat of widespread resistance to all currently available antimalarial therapies continues to raise concern. Therefore, it is imperative that novel antimalarial chemotypes be developed to populate the pipeline going forward. Phenotypic screening has been responsible for the majority of the new chemotypes emerging in the past few decades. However, this can result in limited information on the molecular target of these compounds which may serve as an unknown variable complicating their progression into clinical development. Target identification and validation is a process that incorporates techniques from a range of different disciplines. Chemical biology and more specifically chemo-proteomics have been heavily utilized for this purpose. This review provides an in-depth summary of the application of chemo-proteomics in antimalarial development. Here we focus particularly on the methodology, practicalities, merits, and limitations of designing these experiments. Together this provides learnings on the future use of chemo-proteomics in antimalarial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brodie L. Bailey
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - William Nguyen
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Alan F. Cowman
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Brad E. Sleebs
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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50
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Devarakonda PM, Sarmiento V, Heaslip AT. F-actin and myosin F control apicoplast elongation dynamics which drive apicoplast-centrosome association in Toxoplasma gondii. mBio 2023; 14:e0164023. [PMID: 37732764 PMCID: PMC10653800 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01640-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma gondii and most other parasites in the phylum Apicomplexa contain an apicoplast, a non-photosynthetic plastid organelle required for fatty acid, isoprenoid, iron-sulfur cluster, and heme synthesis. Perturbation of apicoplast function results in parasite death. Thus, parasite survival critically depends on two cellular processes: apicoplast division to ensure every daughter parasite inherits a single apicoplast, and trafficking of nuclear encoded proteins to the apicoplast. Despite the importance of these processes, there are significant knowledge gaps in regards to the molecular mechanisms which control these processes; this is particularly true for trafficking of nuclear-encoded apicoplast proteins. This study provides crucial new insight into the timing of apicoplast protein synthesis and trafficking to the apicoplast. In addition, this study demonstrates how apicoplast-centrosome association, a key step in the apicoplast division cycle, is controlled by the actomyosin cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Sarmiento
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Aoife T. Heaslip
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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