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Gimmelli R, Papoff G, Saccoccia F, Lalli C, Gemma S, Campiani G, Ruberti G. Effects of structurally distinct human HDAC6 and HDAC6/HDAC8 inhibitors against S. mansoni larval and adult worm stages. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011992. [PMID: 38416775 PMCID: PMC10927086 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011992] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major neglected parasitic disease that affects more than 240 million people worldwide caused by Platyhelminthes of the genus Schistosoma. The treatment of schistosomiasis relies on the long-term application of a single safe drug, praziquantel (PZQ). Unfortunately, PZQ is very effective on adult parasites and poorly on larval stage and immature juvenile worms; this can partially explain the re-infection in endemic areas where patients are likely to host parasites at different developmental stages concurrently. Moreover, the risk of development of drug resistance because of the widespread use of a single drug in a large population is nowadays a serious threat. Hence, research aimed at identifying novel drugs to be used alone or in combination with PZQ is needed. Schistosomes display morphologically distinct stages during their life cycle and epigenetic mechanisms are known to play important roles in parasite growth, survival, and development. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes, particularly HDAC8, are considered valuable for therapeutic intervention for the treatment of schistosomiasis. Herein, we report the phenotypic screening on both larvae and adult Schistosoma mansoni stages of structurally different HDAC inhibitors selected from the in-house Siena library. All molecules have previously shown inhibition profiles on human HDAC6 and/or HDAC8 enzymes. Among them we identified a quinolone-based HDAC inhibitor, NF2839, that impacts larval and adult parasites as well as egg viability and maturation in vitro. Importantly, this quinolone-based compound also increases histone and tubulin acetylation in S. mansoni parasites, thus representing a leading candidate for the development of new generation anti-Schistosoma chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gimmelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuliana Papoff
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvio Saccoccia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Lalli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
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Costa DDS, Leal CM, Cajas RA, Gazolla MC, Silva LM, Carvalho LSAD, Lemes BL, Moura ROD, Almeida JD, de Moraes J, da Silva Filho AA. Antiparasitic properties of 4-nerolidylcatechol from Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq. (Piperaceae) in vitro and in mice models with either prepatent or patent Schistosoma mansoni infections. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 313:116607. [PMID: 37149066 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Roots of Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq. are used in traditional medicine of Africa and South America for the treatment of malaria and helminthiasis. However, neither P. umbellata nor its isolated compounds have been evaluated against Schistosoma species. AIMS OF THIS STUDY To investigate the antischistosomal effects of P. umbellata root extracts and the isolated compound 4-nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) against Schistosoma mansoni ex vivo and in murine models of schistosomiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The crude hydroalcoholic (PuE) and hexane (PuH) extracts of P. umbellata roots were prepared and initially submitted to an ex vivo phenotypic screening against adult S. mansoni. PuH was analyzed by HPLC-DAD, characterized by UHPLC-HRMS/MS, and submitted to chromatographic fractionation, leading to the isolation of 4-NC. The anthelmintic properties of 4-NC were assayed ex vivo against adult schistosomes and in murine models of schistosomiasis for both patent and prepatent S. mansoni infections. Praziquantel (PZQ) was used as a reference compound. RESULTS PuE (EC50: 18.7 μg/mL) and PuH (EC50: 9.2 μg/mL) kill adult schistosomes ex vivo. The UHPLC-HRMS/MS analysis of PuH, the most active extract, revealed the presence of 4-NC, peltatol A, and peltatol B or C. After isolation from PuH, 4-NC presented remarkable in vitro schistosomicidal activity with EC50 of 2.9 μM (0.91 μg/mL) and a selectivity index higher than 68 against Vero mammalian cells, without affecting viability of nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In patent S. mansoni infection, the oral treatment with 4-NC decreased worm burden and egg production in 52.1% and 52.3%, respectively, also reducing splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. 4-NC, unlike PZQ, showed in vivo efficacy against juvenile S. mansoni, decreasing worm burden in 52.4%. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that P. umbellata roots possess antischistosomal activity, giving support for the medicinal use of this plant against parasites. 4-NC was identified from P. umbellata roots as one of the effective in vitro and in vivo antischistosomal compound and as a potential lead for the development of novel anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo de Souza Costa
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Carla Monteiro Leal
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Rayssa A Cajas
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil.
| | - Matheus Coutinho Gazolla
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Lívia Mara Silva
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Lara Soares Aleixo de Carvalho
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Bruna L Lemes
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil.
| | - Renato Oliveira de Moura
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Juliana de Almeida
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil.
| | - Ademar A da Silva Filho
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
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Padalino G, Celatka CA, Rienhoff Jr. HY, Kalin JH, Cole PA, Lassalle D, Forde-Thomas J, Chalmers IW, Brancale A, Grunau C, Hoffmann KF. Chemical modulation of Schistosoma mansoni lysine specific demethylase 1 (SmLSD1) induces wide-scale biological and epigenomic changes. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 8:146. [PMID: 37520936 PMCID: PMC10375057 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18826.1] [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] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm species responsible for the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis, undergoes strict developmental regulation of gene expression that is carefully controlled by both genetic and epigenetic processes. As inhibition of S. mansoni epigenetic machinery components impairs key transitions throughout the parasite's digenetic lifecycle, a greater understanding of how epi-drugs affect molecular processes in schistosomes could lead to the development of new anthelmintics. Methods: In vitro whole organism assays were used to assess the anti-schistosomal activity of 39 Homo sapiens Lysine Specific Demethylase 1 (HsLSD1) inhibitors on different parasite life cycle stages. Moreover, tissue-specific stains and genomic analysis shed light on the effect of these small molecules on the parasite biology. Results: Amongst this collection of small molecules, compound 33 was the most potent in reducing ex vivo viabilities of schistosomula, juveniles, miracidia and adults. At its sub-lethal concentration to adults (3.13 µM), compound 33 also significantly impacted oviposition, ovarian as well as vitellarian architecture and gonadal/neoblast stem cell proliferation. ATAC-seq analysis of adults demonstrated that compound 33 significantly affected chromatin structure (intragenic regions > intergenic regions), especially in genes differentially expressed in cell populations (e.g., germinal stem cells, hes2 + stem cell progeny, S1 cells and late female germinal cells) associated with these ex vivo phenotypes. KEGG analyses further highlighted that chromatin structure of genes associated with sugar metabolism as well as TGF-beta and Wnt signalling were also significantly perturbed by compound 33 treatment. Conclusions: This work confirms the importance of histone methylation in S. mansoni lifecycle transitions, suggesting that evaluation of LSD1 - targeting epi-drugs may facilitate the search for next-generation anti-schistosomal drugs. The ability of compound 33 to modulate chromatin structure as well as inhibit parasite survival, oviposition and stem cell proliferation warrants further investigations of this compound and its epigenetic target SmLSD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Padalino
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3NB, UK
| | | | | | - Jay H. Kalin
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Philip A. Cole
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Josephine Forde-Thomas
- Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Iain W. Chalmers
- Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3NB, UK
| | | | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DA, UK
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Jie H, Zhang SM, Ding FR, Chun-Lian Tang, Li XY. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase affects the growth of Schistosoma japonicum schistosomula. Acta Trop 2022; 235:106667. [PMID: 36030883 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106667] [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: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Schistosoma japonicum (SjGAPDH) on the growth of schistosomula. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and immunohistochemical analysis were performed to analyze the mRNA levels and immune localization of SjGAPDH. RNA interference experiments were conducted to further examine the role of SjGAPDH in the schistosomula growth of S. japonicum. The results demonstrated that SjGAPDH mRNA was expressed during all stages of S. japonicum development, with its expression gradually increasing over time. SjGAPDH was mainly distributed on the surface and in some parenchymal cells of S. japonicum. Double-stranded RNA-mediated GAPDH knockdown reduced SjGAPDH expression by approximately 59%. Light microscopic observations revealed that the size, length, width, volume, and area of schistosomula in the SjGAPDH interference group were significantly lower than those in the enhanced green fluorescent protein control group. These findings indicate that SjGAPDH may affect the growth of S. japonicum schistosomula and could be a useful target for treating schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Jie
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology, No. 947 Heping Street, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Si-Ming Zhang
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology, No. 947 Heping Street, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Fan-Rong Ding
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, No. 116 Yangyuan Street, Wuhan 430063, China
| | - Chun-Lian Tang
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, No. 116 Yangyuan Street, Wuhan 430063, China.
| | - Xiang-You Li
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, No. 116 Yangyuan Street, Wuhan 430063, China.
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5
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Saccoccia F, Pozzetti L, Gimmelli R, Butini S, Guidi A, Papoff G, Giannaccari M, Brogi S, Scognamiglio V, Gemma S, Ruberti G, Campiani G. Crystal structures of Schistosoma mansoni histone deacetylase 8 reveal a novel binding site for allosteric inhibitors. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102375. [PMID: 35970392 PMCID: PMC9486128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases cause significant global morbidity and mortality particularly in the poorest regions of the world. Schistosomiasis, one of the most widespread neglected tropical diseases, affects more than 200 million people worldwide. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are prominent epigenetic drugs that are being investigated in the treatment of several diseases, including cancers and parasitic diseases. Schistosoma mansoni HDAC8 (SmHDAC8) is highly expressed in all life cycle stages of the parasite and selective inhibition is required in order to avoid undesirable off-target effects in the host. Herein, by X-ray crystal structures of SmHDAC8-inhibitor complexes, biochemical and phenotypic studies, we found two schistosomicidal spiroindoline-derivatives binding a novel site, next to Trp198, on the enzyme surface. We determined that by acting on this site, either by mutation of the Trp198 or by compound binding, a decrease in the activity of the enzyme is achieved. Remarkably, this allosteric site differs from the human counterpart; rather, it is conserved in all Schistosoma spp., as well as Rhabidoptera and Trematoda classes, thus paving the way for the design of HDAC8-selective allosteric inhibitors with improved properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Saccoccia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ercole Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luca Pozzetti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Roberto Gimmelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ercole Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Guidi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ercole Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuliana Papoff
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ercole Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - Marialaura Giannaccari
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ercole Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Viviana Scognamiglio
- Institute of Crystallography, Italian National Research Council, Department of Chemical Sciences and Materials Technologies, Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ercole Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy.
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Mtemeli FL, Ndlovu J, Mugumbate G, Makwikwi T, Shoko R. Advances in schistosomiasis drug discovery based on natural products. ALL LIFE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/26895293.2022.2080281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- F. L. Mtemeli
- Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
| | - J. Ndlovu
- Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
| | - G. Mugumbate
- Department of Chemical Technology, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - T. Makwikwi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - R. Shoko
- Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
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7
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Fustaino V, Gimmelli R, Guidi A, Lentini S, Saccoccia F, Petrella G, Cicero DO, Ruberti G. Comparative metabolic profiling by 1H-NMR spectroscopy analysis reveals the adaptation of S. mansoni from its host to in vitro culture conditions: a pilot study with ex vivo and GSH-supplemented medium-cultured parasites. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1191-1198. [PMID: 35024953 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07426-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms (blood fluke) of the genus Schistosoma. Parasites acquire most nutrients for their development and sustainment within the definitive host either by ingestion into the gut or across the body surface. Over the years, the best conditions for long-term maintenance of parasites in vitro have been thoroughly established. In our hands, 1H-NMR spectroscopy represents a powerful tool to characterize the metabolic changes in S. mansoni in response to culturing condition perturbations. In order to compare the metabolic fingerprint of ex vivo and parasites cultured in vitro with or without the supplement of reduced glutathione, we conducted a pilot study applying the 1H-NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics. We obtained new insight into specific metabolic pathways modulated under these different experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Fustaino
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Roberto Gimmelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Alessandra Guidi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Sara Lentini
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvio Saccoccia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome), Italy.
| | - Greta Petrella
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniel Oscar Cicero
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
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High-content approaches to anthelmintic drug screening. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:780-789. [PMID: 34092518 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Most anthelmintics were discovered through in vivo screens using animal models of infection. Developing in vitro assays for parasitic worms presents several challenges. The lack of in vitro life cycle culture protocols requires harvesting worms from vertebrate hosts or vectors, limiting assay throughput. Once worms are removed from the host environment, established anthelmintics often show no obvious phenotype - raising concerns about the predictive value of many in vitro assays. However, with recent progress in understanding how anthelmintics subvert host-parasite interactions, and breakthroughs in high-content imaging and machine learning, in vitro assays have the potential to discern subtle cryptic parasite phenotypes. These may prove better endpoints than conventional in vitro viability assays.
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Moreira-Filho JT, Silva AC, Dantas RF, Gomes BF, Souza Neto LR, Brandao-Neto J, Owens RJ, Furnham N, Neves BJ, Silva-Junior FP, Andrade CH. Schistosomiasis Drug Discovery in the Era of Automation and Artificial Intelligence. Front Immunol 2021; 12:642383. [PMID: 34135888 PMCID: PMC8203334 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.642383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma and affects over 200 million people worldwide. The control and treatment of this neglected tropical disease is based on a single drug, praziquantel, which raises concerns about the development of drug resistance. This, and the lack of efficacy of praziquantel against juvenile worms, highlights the urgency for new antischistosomal therapies. In this review we focus on innovative approaches to the identification of antischistosomal drug candidates, including the use of automated assays, fragment-based screening, computer-aided and artificial intelligence-based computational methods. We highlight the current developments that may contribute to optimizing research outputs and lead to more effective drugs for this highly prevalent disease, in a more cost-effective drug discovery endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- José T. Moreira-Filho
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás – UFG, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Arthur C. Silva
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás – UFG, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rafael F. Dantas
- LaBECFar – Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Barbara F. Gomes
- LaBECFar – Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lauro R. Souza Neto
- LaBECFar – Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jose Brandao-Neto
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Didcot, United Kingdom
- Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond J. Owens
- The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell, United Kingdom
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetic, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Furnham
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno J. Neves
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás – UFG, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Floriano P. Silva-Junior
- LaBECFar – Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carolina H. Andrade
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás – UFG, Goiânia, Brazil
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Vejzagić N, Prodjinotho UF, El-Khafif N, Huang R, Simeonov A, Spangenberg T, Prazeres da Costa C. Identification of hit compounds with anti-schistosomal activity on in vitro generated juvenile worms in cell-free medium. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009432. [PMID: 34033658 PMCID: PMC8191877 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anthelminthic treatment options against schistosomiasis are limited. The current treatment relies almost exclusively on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). As a consequence, the development of resistance to PZQ and limited activity of PZQ against earlier development stages are respectively a risk and a limitation to achieving the goals of the new WHO roadmap towards elimination. For the discovery of new chemical starting points, the in vitro drug screening on Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) against newly transformed schistosomula (NTS) is still the most predominant approach. The use of only NTS in the initial screening limits sensitivity to potential new compounds which are predominantly active in later developmental stages. Using our recently described highly standardized, straightforward and reliable culture method that generates high rates of juvenile worms, we aimed to repurpose a subset of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Pharmaceutical Collection (340 compounds) to identify new hits with an in vitro worm culture assay. Methodology/Principal findings Cercariae were mechanically transformed into skin-stage (SkS) schistosomula and continuously cultured for 3–6 weeks to the liver stage (LiS). A commercial source of serum was identified, and decrease of NTS/well along with optimal drug testing conditions was established to test compounds on early and late LiS worms. The library was screened in 96-well format assays using praziquantel (PZQ) as a positive control. Primary screening allowed a 5.9% hit rate and generated two confirmed hits on adult worms; a prophylactic antianginal agent and an antihistaminic drug. Conclusion With this standardized and reliable in vitro assay, important S. mansoni developmental stages up to LiS worms can be generated and cultured over an extended period. When exposed to a subset of the NCATS Pharmaceutical Collection, 3 compounds yielded a defined anti-schistosomal phenotype on juvenile worms. Translation of activity on perfused adult S. mansoni worms was achieved only for perhexiline (a prophylactic antianginal agent) and astemizole (an antihistaminic drug). Schistosomiasis continues to be a major public health problem, mainly in developing countries. Although there have been some advances in finding new drugs, praziquantel is still the drug of choice. Certainly, one of the most important advances in the search for new treatments was the ability to in vitro transform cercariae and to grow schistosomula in culture. To reduce animal use in future drug discovery efforts (3Rs), we optimized a previously established reliable and robust in vitro cell-free culture system for the generation of liver-stage worms that we applied to the screening of a compound library stemming from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Pharmaceutical Collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermina Vejzagić
- Institute for Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Global Health, TUM School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Fabien Prodjinotho
- Institute for Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Global Health, TUM School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Nagwa El-Khafif
- Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Mahad Al Abhas Al Bahari, Warraq Al Arab, El Warraq, Giza Governorate, Egypt
| | - Ruili Huang
- Division of Pre-clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anton Simeonov
- Division of Pre-clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Thomas Spangenberg
- Global Health Institute of Merck, Ares Trading S.A. (a subsidiary of Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany), Eysins, Switzerland
| | - Clarissa Prazeres da Costa
- Institute for Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Global Health, TUM School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail:
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11
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Tang CL, Zhang RH, Li R, Li XR, Pan Q, Li L, Xiao JL. EFFECT OF ADENYLATE KINASE 1 ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SCHISTOSOMA JAPONICUM SCHISTOSOMULUM. J Parasitol 2021; 107:472-480. [PMID: 34153095 DOI: 10.1645/19-113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effect of Schistosoma japonicum adenylate kinase 1 (Sjak1) on the growth and development of schistosomula. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that Sjak1 mRNA was expressed in 3-, 10-, 14-, 18-, and 21-day-old schistosomula, and its levels increased gradually with the development of S. japonicum. Using immunohistochemical techniques, ak1 protein was found to be mainly distributed in the tegument and some parenchymal tissues of the schistosomula. Double-stranded RNA-mediated knockdowns of ak1 decreased ak1 mRNA transcripts by more than 90%, and western blot results showed that expression of ak1 protein was decreased by 66%. Scanning electron microscopy following the RNA-mediated ak1 knockdown showed that the sensory papillae did not develop. Transmission electron microscopy showed a lower mean thickness of the tegument in the Sjak1 interference group than in the negative control group. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling suggested higher apoptosis in the interference group than the negative control group. These results showed that ak1 may be involved in the growth and development of S. japonicum schistosomula and especially in the development of the integument. Consequently, ak1 may be a potential target in developing prevention methods for schistosomiasis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Lian Tang
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
| | - Rong-Hui Zhang
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
| | - Ru Li
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
| | - Xiu-Rong Li
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
| | - Qun Pan
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
| | - Li Li
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
| | - Jin-Lei Xiao
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
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12
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Guidi A, Gimmelli R, Bresciani A, Ruberti G. Luminescence-Based, Low- and Medium-Throughput Assays for Drug Screening in Schistosoma mansoni Larval Stage. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2151:219-227. [PMID: 32452008 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0635-3_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the major parasitic diseases with more than 200 million people infected worldwide every year. Praziquantel is the drug of choice against the schistosomiasis although the use of a single drug to treat such a large amount of infected people appears particularly worrisome. For this reason, the search of new schistosomicidal compounds is viewed as an urgent goal and a number of screening campaigns have been carried out in the past years. The larval stage of Schistosoma (schistosomula) has been widely used in order to identify new compounds against the parasite. Here we describe detailed practical procedures for a luminescence-based assay proven to be highly effective for the selection of schistosomicidal compounds on small and medium-high scale. The assay is based on the quantitation of the parasite ATP, a good indicator of metabolically active cells, as measure of schistosomula viability. This assay is fast and reproducible, and it is suitable either for manual or for semiautomated screenings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Guidi
- National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Gimmelli
- National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giovina Ruberti
- National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Zorn KM, Sun S, McConnon CL, Ma K, Chen EK, Foil DH, Lane TR, Liu LJ, El-Sakkary N, Skinner DE, Ekins S, Caffrey CR. A Machine Learning Strategy for Drug Discovery Identifies Anti-Schistosomal Small Molecules. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:406-420. [PMID: 33434015 PMCID: PMC7887754 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Schistosomiasis is a chronic and
painful disease of poverty caused
by the flatworm parasite Schistosoma. Drug discovery
for antischistosomal compounds predominantly employs in vitro whole organism (phenotypic) screens against two developmental stages
of Schistosoma mansoni, post-infective larvae (somules)
and adults. We generated two rule books and associated scoring systems
to normalize 3898 phenotypic data points to enable machine learning.
The data were used to generate eight Bayesian machine learning models
with the Assay Central software according to parasite’s developmental
stage and experimental time point (≤24, 48, 72, and >72
h).
The models helped predict 56 active and nonactive compounds from commercial
compound libraries for testing. When these were screened against S. mansoni in vitro, the prediction accuracy for active
and inactives was 61% and 56% for somules and adults, respectively;
also, hit rates were 48% and 34%, respectively, far exceeding the
typical 1–2% hit rate for traditional high throughput screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley M. Zorn
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Shengxi Sun
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Cecelia L. McConnon
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Kelley Ma
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Eric K. Chen
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Daniel H. Foil
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Thomas R. Lane
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Lawrence J. Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Danielle E. Skinner
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
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14
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Guidi A, Petrella G, Fustaino V, Saccoccia F, Lentini S, Gimmelli R, Di Pietro G, Bresciani A, Cicero DO, Ruberti G. Drug effects on metabolic profiles of Schistosoma mansoni adult male parasites detected by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008767. [PMID: 33044962 PMCID: PMC7580944 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the most devastating neglected tropical parasitic diseases caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. Praziquantel (PZQ) is today the only drug used in humans and animals for the treatment of schistosomiasis but unfortunately it is poorly effective on larval and juvenile stages of the parasite. Therefore, it is urgent the discovery of new drug targets and compounds. We have recently showed that the anti-anginal drug perhexiline maleate (PHX) is very active on multiple developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni in vitro. It is well known that PHX impacts the lipid metabolism in mammals, but the final target on schistosomes still remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in revealing metabolic perturbations due to PHX treatment of S. mansoni adult male worms. The effects of PHX were compared with the ones induced by vehicle and gambogic acid, in order to detect different metabolic profiles and specificity of the PHX action. Remarkably a list of metabolites associated to PHX-treatment was identified with enrichment in several connected metabolic pathways including also the Kennedy pathway mediating the glycerophospholipid metabolism. Our study represents the first 1H-NMR metabolomic approach to characterize the response of S. mansoni to drug treatment. The obtained “metabolic fingerprint” associated to PHX treatment could represent a strategy for displaying cellular metabolic changes for any given drug and to compare compounds targeting similar or distinct biochemical pathways. Schistosomiasis is a chronic and debilitating neglected tropical parasitic disease caused by the helminth Schistosoma. The control and treatment of the disease rely almost exclusively on praziquantel (PZQ), poorly effective on some developmental stage of the parasite. Identification of novel targets and drugs is required. The aim of this study was to use a 1H-NMR metabolomic approach to characterize the response of Schistosoma mansoni to perhexiline maleate (PHX), a multi-stage schistosomicidal drug previously investigated by our group. Remarkably we identified a metabolic signature specifically associated to drug-treatment in adult male parasites. This approach could contribute to the identification of novel targets and biochemical pathways implicated in parasite development and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Guidi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome) Italy
| | - Greta Petrella
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Fustaino
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome) Italy
| | - Fulvio Saccoccia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome) Italy
| | - Sara Lentini
- Department of Translational Biology, IRBM Science Park Spa, Pomezia (Rome), Italy
| | - Roberto Gimmelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome) Italy
| | - Giulia Di Pietro
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Bresciani
- Department of Translational Biology, IRBM Science Park Spa, Pomezia (Rome), Italy
| | - Daniel Oscar Cicero
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail: (DOC); (GR)
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome) Italy
- * E-mail: (DOC); (GR)
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15
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Guidi A, Prasanth Saraswati A, Relitti N, Gimmelli R, Saccoccia F, Sirignano C, Taglialatela-Scafati O, Campiani G, Ruberti G, Gemma S. (+)-(R)- and (-)-(S)-Perhexiline maleate: Enantioselective synthesis and functional studies on Schistosoma mansoni larval and adult stages. Bioorg Chem 2020; 102:104067. [PMID: 32663671 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease mainly affecting the poorest tropical and subtropical areas of the world with the impressive number of roughly 200 million infections per year. Schistosomes are blood trematode flukes of the genus Schistosoma causing symptoms in humans and animals. Organ morbidity is caused by the accumulation of parasite eggs and subsequent development of fibrosis. If left untreated, schistosomiasis can result in substantial morbidity and even mortality. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the most effective and widely used compound for the treatment of the disease, in prevention and control programs in the last 30 years. Unfortunately, it has no effect on juvenile immature schistosomes and cannot prevent reinfection or interfere with the schistosome life cycle; moreover drug-resistance represents a serious threat. The search for an alternative or complementary treatment is urgent and drug repurposing could accelerate a solution. The anti-anginal drug perhexiline maleate (PHX) has been previously shown to be effective on larval, juvenile, and adult stages of S. mansoni and to impact egg production in vitro. Since PHX is a racemic mixture of R-(+)- and S-(-)-enantiomers, we designed and realized a stereoselective synthesis of both PHX enantiomers and developed an analytical procedure for the direct quantification of the enantiomeric excess also suitable for semipreparative separation of PHX enantiomers. We next investigated the impact of each enantiomer on viability of newly transformed schistosomula (NTS) and worm pairs of S. mansoni as well as on egg production and vitellarium morphology by in vitro studies. Our results indicate that the R-(+)-PHX is mainly driving the anti-schistosomal activity but that also the S-(-)-PHX possesses a significant activity towards S. mansoni in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Guidi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso via E. Ramarini, 32 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - A Prasanth Saraswati
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola Relitti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Roberto Gimmelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso via E. Ramarini, 32 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Fulvio Saccoccia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso via E. Ramarini, 32 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Carmina Sirignano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Orazio Taglialatela-Scafati
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso via E. Ramarini, 32 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy.
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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16
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Role of adenylate kinase 1 in the integument development of Schistosoma japonicum schistosomula. Acta Trop 2020; 207:105467. [PMID: 32277925 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomula antigens play an important role in the growth and development of Schistosoma japonicum. We investigated the role of S. japonicum adenylate kinase 1 (SjAK1) in the growth and development of schistosomula. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that SjAK1 mRNA was expressed in all schistosomula stages, but increased gradually with the development of S. japonicum schistosomula. Using immunohistochemical techniques, the AK1 protein was found to be mainly distributed in the tegument and in some parenchymal tissues of the schistosomula. Double-stranded RNA-mediated knockdown of AK1 reduced AK1 mRNA transcripts by more than 90%; western blot analysis demonstrated that AK1 protein expression decreased by 66%. Scanning electron microscopy following RNA-mediated AK1 knockdown demonstrated that the sensory papillae degenerated significantly. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the mean thickness of the tegument in the SjAK1 interference group was lower than that in the negative control group. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) suggested that, compared with the negative control group, apoptosis increased in the interference group. These results show that AK1 may be involved in the growth and development of S. japonicum schistosomula, and thus may be a target when developing treatments for schistosomiasis.
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17
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A de L Paula L, Santos MFC, Pagotti MC, Faleiros R, Ramos HP, Veneziani RCS, Bastos JK, Caffrey CR, Ambrosio SR, Magalhães LG. Uncovering Biological Application of Brazilian Green Propolis: A Phenotypic Screening against Schistosoma mansoni. Chem Biodivers 2020; 17:e2000277. [PMID: 32578329 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202000277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The chemotherapy of schistosomiasis remains centered in the use of praziquantel, however, there has been growing resistant parasites to this drug. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate in vitro schistosomicidal activity of the hexanes/dichloromethane 1 : 1 extract of Brazilian green propolis (Pex), as well as its major isolated compounds artepillin C, caffeic acid, coumaric acid and drupanin against Schistosoma mansoni. The Pex was active by displaying an IC50 value of 36.60 (26.26-51.13) μg mL-1 at 72 h against adult worms of S. mansoni. The major isolated compounds were inactive with IC50 values >100 μM, however, the combination of the isolated compounds (CM) in the same range found in the extract was active with an IC50 value of 41.17 (39.89-42.46) μg mL-1 at 72 h. Pex and CM induced alteration in the tegument of S. mansoni, and caffeic acid caused alteration in egg's maturation. Pex displayed in vitro activity against adult worms' and eggs' viability of S. mansoni, which opens new perspectives to better understand the synergistic and/or additive effects promoted by both Pex extract and CM against schistosomiasis features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A de L Paula
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Mario F C Santos
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana C Pagotti
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata Faleiros
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Henrique P Ramos
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo C S Veneziani
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Jairo K Bastos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, CEP 14.040-903, Ribeirão, Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Sérgio R Ambrosio
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Lizandra G Magalhães
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
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18
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Investigating the Antiparasitic Potential of the Marine Sesquiterpene Avarone, Its Reduced form Avarol, and the Novel Semisynthetic Thiazinoquinone Analogue Thiazoavarone. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18020112. [PMID: 32075136 PMCID: PMC7074381 DOI: 10.3390/md18020112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemical analysis of the sponge Dysidea avara afforded the known sesquiterpene quinone avarone, along with its reduced form avarol. To further explore the role of the thiazinoquinone scaffold as an antiplasmodial, antileishmanial and antischistosomal agent, we converted the quinone avarone into the thiazinoquinone derivative thiazoavarone. The semisynthetic compound, as well as the natural metabolites avarone and avarol, were pharmacologically investigated in order to assess their antiparasitic properties against sexual and asexual stages of Plasmodium falciparum, larval and adult developmental stages of Schistosomamansoni (eggs included), and also against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania tropica. Furthermore, in depth computational studies including density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed. A toxic semiquinone radical species which can be produced starting both from quinone- and hydroquinone-based compounds could mediate the anti-parasitic effects of the tested compounds.
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19
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Gao YR, Mei D, He YB, Chen RX, Gao J, Liu HX, Zhang Y, Yu WH, Wang LX. Effects of programmed cell death protein 10 on the Schistosoma japonicum female reproductive system. Acta Trop 2020; 202:105253. [PMID: 31678234 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105253] [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: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of programmed cell death protein 10 (PCDP10) on the female reproductive system of Schistosoma japonicum, one of the major infectious agents of schistosomiasis. We found that PCDP10 was widely distributed in the integument, the worm parenchymal area, and the vitellarium of the female worm, but was localized to a lesser extent in the ovary and testicles. RNAi experiments successfully achieved gene knockdown, and the ultrastructural morphology of the adult reproductive organs was observed. The results demonstrated that, compared with those of the negative control group, the number of cortical granules around oocytes decreased and the number of immature oocyte cells increased. Fusion of yolk globules occurred, and the number and the diameter of yolk droplets decreased significantly. Real-time PCR showed that the expression of yolk glands reached its peak before ovulation and then decreased. The TUNEL assay results showed that apoptosis in the RNAi group was significantly higher than that in the negative control group. These results suggested that SjPCDP10 plays an important role in the female reproductive system. In conclusion, PCD10 is involved in oocyte growth and development, especially in eggshell formation, which may provide a reference for further elucidating the molecular mechanism of PCDP10 involved in egg formation and embryo development in Schistosoma japonicum.
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Gimmelli R, Persico M, Imperatore C, Saccoccia F, Guidi A, Casertano M, Luciano P, Pietrantoni A, Bertuccini L, Paladino A, Papoff G, Menna M, Fattorusso C, Ruberti G. Thiazinoquinones as New Promising Multistage Schistosomicidal Compounds Impacting Schistosoma mansoni and Egg Viability. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:124-137. [PMID: 31718145 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is the most significant neglected tropical parasitic disease caused by helminths in terms of morbidity and mortality caused by helminths. In this work, we present the antischistosomal activity against Schistosoma mansoni of a rationally selected small set of thiazinoquinone derivatives, some of which were previously found to be active against Plasmodium falciparum and others synthesized ad hoc. The effects on larvae, juvenile, and adult parasite viability as well as on egg production and development were investigated, resulting in the identification of new multistage antischistosomal hit compounds. The most promising compounds 6, 8, 13, and 14 with a LC50 value on schistosomula from ∼5 to ∼15 μM also induced complete death of juvenile (28 days old) and adult worm pairs (7 weeks old) and a detrimental effect on egg production and development in vitro. Structure-activity relationships (SARs) were analyzed by means of computational studies leading to the hypothesis of a redox-based mechanism of action with a one-electron reduction bioactivation step and the subsequent formation of a toxic semiquinone species, similarly to what was previously observed for the antiplasmodial activity. Our results also evidenced that the selective toxicity against mammalian cells or parasites as well as specific developmental stages of a parasite can be addressed by varying the nature of the introduced substituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gimmelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Marco Persico
- The NeaNat Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria/Italian Malaria Network, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Concetta Imperatore
- The NeaNat Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria/Italian Malaria Network, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Fulvio Saccoccia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Alessandra Guidi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Marcello Casertano
- The NeaNat Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria/Italian Malaria Network, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Luciano
- The NeaNat Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria/Italian Malaria Network, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Agostina Pietrantoni
- Core Facilities, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Bertuccini
- Core Facilities, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Paladino
- Institute of Chemistry of Molecular Recognition, National Research Council, Via M. Bianco 9, 20131 Milano, Italy
| | - Giuliana Papoff
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Marialuisa Menna
- The NeaNat Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria/Italian Malaria Network, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Caterina Fattorusso
- The NeaNat Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria/Italian Malaria Network, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
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Saccoccia F, Brindisi M, Gimmelli R, Relitti N, Guidi A, Saraswati AP, Cavella C, Brogi S, Chemi G, Butini S, Papoff G, Senger J, Herp D, Jung M, Campiani G, Gemma S, Ruberti G. Screening and Phenotypical Characterization of Schistosoma mansoni Histone Deacetylase 8 ( SmHDAC8) Inhibitors as Multistage Antischistosomal Agents. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:100-113. [PMID: 31661956 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia) is a neglected tropical disease caused by platyhelminths of the genus Schistosoma. The disease is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas of the world where water is infested by the intermediate parasite host, the snail. More than 800 million people live in endemic areas and more than 200 million are infected and require treatment. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for schistosomiasis treatment and transmission control being safe and very effective against adult worms of all the clinically relevant Schistosoma species. Unfortunately, it is ineffective on immature, juvenile worms; therefore, it does not prevent reinfection. Moreover, the risk of development and spread of drug resistance because of the widespread use of a single drug in such a large population represents a serious threat. Therefore, research aimed at identifying novel drugs to be used alone or in combination with PZQ are needed. Schistosoma mansoni histone deacetylase 8 (SmHDAC8) is a class I zinc-dependent HDAC, which is abundantly expressed in all stages of its life cycle, thus representing an interesting target for drug discovery. Through virtual screening and phenotypical characterization of selected hits, we discovered two main chemical classes of compounds characterized by the presence of a hydroxamate-based metal binding group coupled to a spiroindoline or a tricyclic thieno[3,2-b]indole core as capping groups. Some of the compounds of both classes were deeply investigated and showed to impair viability of larval, juvenile, and adult schistosomes, to impact egg production in vitro and/or to induce morphological alterations of the adult schistosome reproductive systems. Noteworthy, all of them inhibit the recombinant form of SmHDAC8 enzyme in vitro. Overall, we identified very interesting scaffolds, paving the way to the development of effective antischistosomal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Saccoccia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Margherita Brindisi
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Gimmelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Nicola Relitti
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Guidi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - A Prasanth Saraswati
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Caterina Cavella
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Chemi
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuliana Papoff
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Johanna Senger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Herp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
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Haeberlein S, Angrisano A, Quack T, Lu Z, Kellershohn J, Blohm A, Grevelding CG, Hahnel SR. Identification of a new panel of reference genes to study pairing-dependent gene expression in Schistosoma mansoni. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:615-624. [PMID: 31136746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Facilitated by the Schistosoma mansoni genome project, multiple transcriptomic studies were performed over the last decade to elucidate gene expression patterns among different developmental stages of the complex schistosome life cycle. While these analyses enable the identification of candidate genes with key functions in schistosome biology, a diverse molecular tool set is needed that allows comprehensive functional characterization at the single gene level. This includes the availability of reliable reference genes to confirm changes in the transcription of genes of interest over different biological samples and experimental conditions. In particular, the investigation of one key aspect of schistosome biology, the pairing-dependent gene expression in females and males, requires knowledge on reference genes that are expressed independently of both pairing and of in vitro culture effects. Therefore, the present study focused on the identification of quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR reference genes suitable for the investigation of pairing-dependent gene expression in the S. mansoni male. The "pipeline" we present here is based on qRT-PCR analyses of high biological replication combined with three different statistical analysis tools, BestKeeper, geNorm, and NormFinder. Our approach resulted in a statistically robust ranking of 15 selected reference genes with respect to their transcription stability between pairing-unexperienced and -experienced males. We further tested the top seven candidate genes for their transcription stability during invitro culture of adult S. mansoni. Of these, the two most suitable reference genes were used to investigate the influence of the pairing contact on the transcription of genes of interest, comprising a tyrosine decarboxylase gene Smtdc1, an ebony ortholog Smebony, and the follistatin ortholog Smfst in S. mansoni males. Performing pairing, separation and re-pairing experiments with adult S. mansoni in vitro, our results indicate for the first time that pairing can act as a molecular on/off-switch of specific genes to strictly control their expression in schistosome males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Haeberlein
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Quack
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Zhigang Lu
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Josina Kellershohn
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ariane Blohm
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Steffen R Hahnel
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
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Gemma S, Federico S, Brogi S, Brindisi M, Butini S, Campiani G. Dealing with schistosomiasis: Current drug discovery strategies. ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.armc.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Parreira RLT, Costa ES, Heleno VCG, Magalhães LG, Souza JM, Pauletti PM, Cunha WR, Januário AH, Símaro GV, Bastos JK, Laurentiz RS, Kar T, Caramori GF, Kawano DF, Andrade E Silva ML. Evaluation of Lignans from Piper cubeba against Schistosoma mansoni Adult Worms: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study. Chem Biodivers 2018; 16:e1800305. [PMID: 30335227 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201800305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Six dibenzylbutyrolactonic lignans ((-)-hinokinin (1), (-)-cubebin (2), (-)-yatein (3), (-)-5-methoxyyatein (4), dihydrocubebin (5) and dihydroclusin (6)) were isolated from Piper cubeba seed extract and evaluated against Schistosoma mansoni. All lignans, except 5, were able to separate the adult worm pairs and reduce the egg numbers during 24 h of incubation. Lignans 1, 3 and 4 (containing a lactone ring) were the most efficient concerning antiparasitary activity. Comparing structures 3 and 4, the presence of the methoxy group at position 5 appears to be important for this activity. Considering 1 and 3, it is possible to see that the substitution pattern change (methylenedioxy or methoxy groups) in positions 3' and 4' alter the biological response, with 1 being the second most active compound. Computational calculations suggest that the activity of compound 4 can be correlated with the largest lipophilicity value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato L T Parreira
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eveline S Costa
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vladimir C G Heleno
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lizandra G Magalhães
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia M Souza
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia M Pauletti
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wilson R Cunha
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana H Januário
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme V Símaro
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jairo K Bastos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosangela S Laurentiz
- Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Avenida Brasil 56, 15385-000 Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tapas Kar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, 84322-0300, USA
| | - Giovanni F Caramori
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário Trindade, 88040-900, CP 476 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Daniel Fábio Kawano
- Universidade de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Rua Cândido Portinari 200, 13083-871 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Márcio L Andrade E Silva
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
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Challenges and recent progress in drug discovery for tropical diseases. Nature 2018; 559:498-506. [PMID: 30046073 PMCID: PMC6129172 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0327-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Infectious tropical diseases have a huge effect in terms of mortality and morbidity, and impose a heavy economic burden on affected countries. These diseases predominantly affect the world's poorest people. Currently available drugs are inadequate for the majority of these diseases, and there is an urgent need for new treatments. This Review discusses some of the challenges involved in developing new drugs to treat these diseases and highlights recent progress. While there have been notable successes, there is still a long way to go.
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