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Yasir M, Park J, Han ET, Han JH, Park WS, Chun W. Identification of Malaria-Selective Proteasome β5 Inhibitors Through Pharmacophore Modeling, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:11881. [PMID: 39595951 PMCID: PMC11593624 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252211881] [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: 10/07/2024] [Revised: 10/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/31/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a global health challenge, with increasing resistance to frontline antimalarial treatments such as artemisinin (ART) threatening the efficacy of current therapies. In this study, we investigated the potential of FDA-approved drugs to selectively inhibit the malarial proteasome, a novel target for antimalarial drug development. By leveraging pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and binding free-energy calculations, we screened a library of compounds to identify inhibitors selective for the Plasmodium proteasome over the human proteasome. Our results highlighted Argatroban, LM-3632, Atazanavir Sulfate, and Pemetrexed Hydrate as promising candidates, with Argatroban and Pemetrexed Hydrate showing the highest binding affinity and selectivity toward the malarial proteasome. MD simulation and gmx_MMPBSA analysis confirmed the compounds' ability to remain within the active site of the malarial proteasome, while some exited or exhibited reduced stability within the human proteasome. This study underscores the potential of proteasome-targeting drugs for overcoming malarial drug resistance and paves the way for the further optimization of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Yasir
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.); (J.P.)
| | - Jinyoung Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.); (J.P.)
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; (E.-T.H.); (J.-H.H.)
| | - Jin-Hee Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; (E.-T.H.); (J.-H.H.)
| | - Won Sun Park
- Department of Physiology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea;
| | - Wanjoo Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.); (J.P.)
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Mishra V, Deshmukh A, Rathore I, Chakraborty S, Patankar S, Gustchina A, Wlodawer A, Yada RY, Bhaumik P. Inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum plasmepsins by drugs targeting HIV-1 protease: A way forward for antimalarial drug discovery. Curr Res Struct Biol 2024; 7:100128. [PMID: 38304146 PMCID: PMC10830516 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2024.100128] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium species are causative agents of malaria, a disease that is a serious global health concern. FDA-approved HIV-1 protease inhibitors (HIV-1 PIs) have been reported to be effective in reducing the infection by Plasmodium parasites in the population co-infected with both HIV-1 and malaria. However, the mechanism of HIV-1 PIs in mitigating Plasmodium pathogenesis during malaria/HIV-1 co-infection is not fully understood. In this study we demonstrate that HIV-1 drugs ritonavir (RTV) and lopinavir (LPV) exhibit the highest inhibition activity against plasmepsin II (PMII) and plasmepsin X (PMX) of P. falciparum. Crystal structures of the complexes of PMII with both drugs have been determined. The inhibitors interact with PMII via multiple hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. The P4 moiety of RTV forms additional interactions compared to LPV and exhibits conformational flexibility in a large S4 pocket of PMII. Our study is also the first to report inhibition of P. falciparum PMX by RTV and the mode of binding of the drug to the PMX active site. Analysis of the crystal structures implies that PMs can accommodate bulkier groups of these inhibitors in their S4 binding pockets. Structurally similar active sites of different vacuolar and non-vacuolar PMs suggest the potential of HIV-1 PIs in targeting these enzymes with differential affinities. Our structural investigations and biochemical data emphasize PMs as crucial targets for repurposing HIV-1 PIs as antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Mishra
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Anuradha Deshmukh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Ishan Rathore
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
- Protein Structure Section, Center for Structural Biology, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Satadru Chakraborty
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Swati Patankar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Alla Gustchina
- Protein Structure Section, Center for Structural Biology, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Alexander Wlodawer
- Protein Structure Section, Center for Structural Biology, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Rickey Y. Yada
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 248-2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Prasenjit Bhaumik
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
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Chepngetich J, Muriithi B, Gachie B, Thiong'o K, Jepkorir M, Gathirwa J, Kimani F, Mwitari P, Kiboi D. Amodiaquine drug pressure selects nonsynonymous mutations in pantothenate kinase 1, diacylglycerol kinase, and phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase in Plasmodium berghei ANKA. OPEN RESEARCH AFRICA 2023; 5:28. [PMID: 38915420 PMCID: PMC11195610 DOI: 10.12688/openresafrica.13436.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Background Lumefantrine (LM), piperaquine (PQ), and amodiaquine (AQ), the long-acting components of the artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), are a cornerstone of malaria treatment in Africa. Studies have shown that PQ, AQ, and LM resistance may arise independently of predicted modes of action. Protein kinases have emerged as mediators of drug action and efficacy in malaria parasites; however, the link between top druggable Plasmodium kinases with LM, PQ, and AQ resistance remains unclear. Using LM, PQ, or AQ-resistant Plasmodium berghei parasites, we have evaluated the association of choline kinase (CK), pantothenate kinase 1 (PANK1), diacylglycerol kinase (DAGK), and phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase (PI4Kβ), and calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1) with LM, PQ, and AQ resistance in Plasmodium berghei ANKA. Methods We used in silico bioinformatics tools to identify ligand-binding motifs, active sites, and sequence conservation across the different parasites. We then used PCR and sequencing analysis to probe for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the predicted functional motifs in the CK, PANK1, DAGK, PI4Kβ, and CDPK1. Using qPCR analysis, we measured the mRNA amount of PANK1, DAGK, and PI4Kβ at trophozoites and schizonts stages. Results We reveal sequence conservation and unique ligand-binding motifs in the CK, PANK1, DAGK, PI4Kβ, and CDPK1 across malaria species. DAGK, PANK1, and PI4Kβ possessed nonsynonymous mutations; surprisingly, the mutations only occurred in the AQr parasites. PANK1 acquired Asn394His, while DAGK contained K270R and K292R mutations. PI4Kβ had Asp366Asn, Ser1367Arg, Tyr1394Asn and Asp1423Asn. We show downregulation of PANK1, DAGK, and PI4Kβ in the trophozoites but upregulation at the schizonts stages in the AQr parasites. Conclusions The selective acquisition of the mutations and the differential gene expression in AQ-resistant parasites may signify proteins under AQ pressure. The role of the mutations in the resistant parasites and their impact on drug responses require investigations using reverse genetics techniques in malaria parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Chepngetich
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Nairobi, 62000, 00200, Kenya
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
| | - Brenda Muriithi
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, 62000, 00200, Kenya
| | - Beatrice Gachie
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Nairobi, 62000, 00200, Kenya
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
| | - Kevin Thiong'o
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
| | - Mercy Jepkorir
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
| | - Jeremiah Gathirwa
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
| | - Francis Kimani
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
| | - Peter Mwitari
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
| | - Daniel Kiboi
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, 62000, 00200, Kenya
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Onchieku NM, Kumari S, Pandey R, Sharma V, Kumar M, Deshmukh A, Kaur I, Mohmmed A, Gupta D, Kiboi D, Gaur N, Malhotra P. Artemisinin Binds and Inhibits the Activity of Plasmodium falciparum Ddi1, a Retroviral Aspartyl Protease. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111465. [PMID: 34832620 PMCID: PMC8621276 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Reduced sensitivity of the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, to Artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs) threatens the global efforts towards eliminating malaria. ARTs have been shown to cause ubiquitous cellular and genetic insults, which results in the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways. The UPR restores protein homeostasis, which otherwise would be toxic to cellular survival. Here, we interrogated the role of DNA-damage inducible protein 1 (PfDdi1), a unique proteasome-interacting retropepsin in mediating the actions of the ARTs. We demonstrate that PfDdi1 is an active A2 family protease that hydrolyzes ubiquitinated proteasome substrates. Treatment of P. falciparum parasites with ARTs leads to the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins in the parasites and blocks the destruction of ubiquitinated proteins by inhibiting the PfDdi1 protease activity. Besides, whereas the PfDdi1 is predominantly localized in the cytoplasm, exposure of the parasites to ARTs leads to DNA fragmentation and increased recruitment of the PfDdi1 into the nucleus. Furthermore, we show that Ddi1 knock-out Saccharomycescerevisiae cells are more susceptible to ARTs and the PfDdI1 protein robustly restores the corresponding functions in the knock-out cells. Together, these results show that ARTs act in multiple ways; by inducing DNA and protein damage and might be impairing the damage recovery by inhibiting the activity of PfDdi1, an essential ubiquitin-proteasome retropepsin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Machuki Onchieku
- Malaria Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India or (N.M.O.); (V.S.); (A.D.); (I.K.)
| | - Sonam Kumari
- Yeast Biofuel Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India; (S.K.); (M.K.); (N.G.)
| | - Rajan Pandey
- Translational Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India; (R.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Vaibhav Sharma
- Malaria Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India or (N.M.O.); (V.S.); (A.D.); (I.K.)
| | - Mohit Kumar
- Yeast Biofuel Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India; (S.K.); (M.K.); (N.G.)
| | - Arunaditya Deshmukh
- Malaria Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India or (N.M.O.); (V.S.); (A.D.); (I.K.)
| | - Inderjeet Kaur
- Malaria Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India or (N.M.O.); (V.S.); (A.D.); (I.K.)
| | - Asif Mohmmed
- Parasite Cell Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India;
| | - Dinesh Gupta
- Translational Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India; (R.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Daniel Kiboi
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya;
| | - Naseem Gaur
- Yeast Biofuel Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India; (S.K.); (M.K.); (N.G.)
| | - Pawan Malhotra
- Malaria Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India or (N.M.O.); (V.S.); (A.D.); (I.K.)
- Correspondence: or
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5
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Zhang H, Xue Y, Yang X, Liu J, Liu Q. Toxoplasma gondii UBL-UBA shuttle proteins regulate several important cellular processes. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21898. [PMID: 34727385 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100662rr] [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: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite causing lethal diseases in immunocompromised patients. UBL-UBA shuttle proteins (DDI1, RAD23, and DSK2) are important components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. By degrading ubiquitinated proteins, UBL-UBA shuttle proteins regulate many cellular processes. However, the specific processes regulated by UBL-UBA shuttle proteins remain elusive. Here, we revealed that the deletion of shuttle proteins results in a selective accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins in the nucleus and aberrant DNA replication. ROP18 was mistargeted and accumulated in the shuttle protein mutant strain, resulting in the recruitment of immunity-related GTPases to the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM). Furthermore, the mistargeting of ROP18 and the recruitment of Irgb6 to the PVM were also observed in the DDI1 mutant strain. DDI1 is a nonclassical UBL-UBA shuttle protein homologous to the HIV-1 protease. Molecular docking showed that DDI1 was a potential target of HIV-1 protease inhibitors. However, these inhibitors blocked the growth of T gondii in vitro but not in vivo. In conclusion, the Toxoplasma UBL-UBA shuttle protein regulates several important cellular processes and the mistargeting of ROP18 may be a representative of the abnormal homeostasis caused by shuttle protein mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhang
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yangfei Xue
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Yang
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qun Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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6
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Sourabh S, Yasmin R, Tuteja R. Plasmodium falciparum DDX3X is a nucleocytoplasmic protein and requires N-terminal for DNA helicase activity. Parasitol Int 2021; 85:102420. [PMID: 34265466 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102420] [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: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a haemato-protozoan disease which causes thousands of deaths every year. Due to the alarming increase of drug resistant strains of P. falciparum, malaria is now becoming more deadly. Helicases are the most important components of the cellular machinery without which cells are unable to survive. The importance of helicases has been proven in variety of organisms. In this study we have reported detailed biochemical characterization of human homologue of DDX3X from Plasmodium falciparum (PfDDX3X). Our study revealed that PfDDX3X is ATP- dependent DNA helicase whereas in human host it is ATP-dependent RNA helicase. We show that N-terminal is essential for its activity and it is present in nucleus and cytoplasm in intraerythrocytic developmental stages of P. falciparum 3D7 strain. Also, it is highly expressed in the schizont stage of P. falciparum 3D7strain. The present study suggests that a protein can perform different functions in different systems. The present study will help to understand the basic biology of malaria parasite P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Sourabh
- Parasite Biology Group, ICGEB, P.O. Box 10504, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Rahena Yasmin
- Parasite Biology Group, ICGEB, P.O. Box 10504, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Renu Tuteja
- Parasite Biology Group, ICGEB, P.O. Box 10504, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India.
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Zhang H, Liu J, Ying Z, Li S, Wu Y, Liu Q. Toxoplasma gondii UBL-UBA shuttle proteins contribute to the degradation of ubiquitinylated proteins and are important for synchronous cell division and virulence. FASEB J 2020; 34:13711-13725. [PMID: 32808330 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000759rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite that causes lethal diseases in immunocompromised patients. Ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) regulates many cellular processes by degrading ubiquitinylated proteins. The UBL-UBA shuttle protein family, which escorts the ubiquitinylated proteins to the proteasome for degradation, are crucial components of UPS. Here, we identified three UBL-UBA shuttle proteins (TGGT1_304680, DNA damage inducible protein 1, DDI1; TGGT1_295340, UV excision repair protein rad23 protein, RAD23; and TGGT1_223680, ubiquitin family protein, DSK2) localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of T gondii. Deletion of shuttle proteins inhibited parasites growth and resulted in accumulation of ubiquitinylated proteins. Cell division of triple-gene knockout strain was asynchronous. In addition, we found that the retroviral aspartic protease activity of the nonclassical shuttle protein DDI1 was important for the virulence of Toxoplasma in mice. These results showed the critical roles of UBL-UBA shuttle proteins in regulating the degradation of ubiquitinylated proteins and cell division of T gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhang
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhu Ying
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Li
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yihan Wu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qun Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Repurposing Drugs to Fight Hepatic Malaria Parasites. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25153409. [PMID: 32731386 PMCID: PMC7435416 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains one of the most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide, primarily affecting some of the most vulnerable populations around the globe. Despite achievements in the treatment of this devastating disease, there is still an urgent need for the discovery of new drugs that tackle infection by Plasmodium parasites. However, de novo drug development is a costly and time-consuming process. An alternative strategy is to evaluate the anti-plasmodial activity of compounds that are already approved for other purposes, an approach known as drug repurposing. Here, we will review efforts to assess the anti-plasmodial activity of existing drugs, with an emphasis on the obligatory and clinically silent liver stage of infection. We will also review the current knowledge on the classes of compounds that might be therapeutically relevant against Plasmodium in the context of other communicable diseases that are prevalent in regions where malaria is endemic. Repositioning existing compounds may constitute a faster solution to the current gap of prophylactic and therapeutic drugs that act on Plasmodium parasites, overall contributing to the global effort of malaria eradication.
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9
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Nasamu AS, Polino AJ, Istvan ES, Goldberg DE. Malaria parasite plasmepsins: More than just plain old degradative pepsins. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:8425-8441. [PMID: 32366462 PMCID: PMC7307202 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev120.009309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmepsins are a group of diverse aspartic proteases in the malaria parasite Plasmodium Their functions are strikingly multifaceted, ranging from hemoglobin degradation to secretory organelle protein processing for egress, invasion, and effector export. Some, particularly the digestive vacuole plasmepsins, have been extensively characterized, whereas others, such as the transmission-stage plasmepsins, are minimally understood. Some (e.g. plasmepsin V) have exquisite cleavage sequence specificity; others are fairly promiscuous. Some have canonical pepsin-like aspartic protease features, whereas others have unusual attributes, including the nepenthesin loop of plasmepsin V and a histidine in place of a catalytic aspartate in plasmepsin III. We have learned much about the functioning of these enzymes, but more remains to be discovered about their cellular roles and even their mechanisms of action. Their importance in many key aspects of parasite biology makes them intriguing targets for antimalarial chemotherapy. Further consideration of their characteristics suggests that some are more viable drug targets than others. Indeed, inhibitors of invasion and egress offer hope for a desperately needed new drug to combat this nefarious organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armiyaw S Nasamu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alexander J Polino
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Eva S Istvan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Daniel E Goldberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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10
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Fassmannová D, Sedlák F, Sedláček J, Špička I, Grantz Šašková K. Nelfinavir Inhibits the TCF11/Nrf1-Mediated Proteasome Recovery Pathway in Multiple Myeloma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051065. [PMID: 32344880 PMCID: PMC7281108 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteasome inhibitors are the backbone of multiple myeloma therapy. However, disease progression or early relapse occur due to development of resistance to the therapy. One important cause of resistance to proteasome inhibition is the so-called bounce-back response, a recovery pathway driven by the TCF11/Nrf1 transcription factor, which activates proteasome gene re-synthesis upon impairment of the proteasome function. Thus, inhibiting this recovery pathway potentiates the cytotoxic effect of proteasome inhibitors and could benefit treatment outcomes. DDI2 protease, the 3D structure of which resembles the HIV protease, serves as the key player in TCF11/Nrf1 activation. Previous work found that some HIV protease inhibitors block DDI2 in cell-based experiments. Nelfinavir, an oral anti-HIV drug, inhibits the proteasome and/or pAKT pathway and has shown promise for treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Here, we describe how nelfinavir inhibits the TCF11/Nrf1-driven recovery pathway by a dual mode of action. Nelfinavir decreases the total protein level of TCF11/Nrf1 and inhibits TCF11/Nrf1 proteolytic processing, likely by interfering with the DDI2 protease, and therefore reduces the TCF11/Nrf1 protein level in the nucleus. We propose an overall mechanism that explains nelfinavir’s effectiveness in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Fassmannová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Charles University, Viničná 5, 12843 Prague, Czech Republic
- First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Kateřinská 32, 12108 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - František Sedlák
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Charles University, Viničná 5, 12843 Prague, Czech Republic
- First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Kateřinská 32, 12108 Prague, Czech Republic
- 1st Department Medicine—Department of Hematology, Charles University, U Nemocnice 2, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jindřich Sedláček
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Charles University, Viničná 5, 12843 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Špička
- First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Kateřinská 32, 12108 Prague, Czech Republic
- 1st Department Medicine—Department of Hematology, Charles University, U Nemocnice 2, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Klára Grantz Šašková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Charles University, Viničná 5, 12843 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-220-183-518
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Azevedo R, Mendes AM, Prudêncio M. The Impact of Antiretroviral Therapy on Malaria Parasite Transmission. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:3048. [PMID: 32038528 PMCID: PMC6993566 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coendemicity between the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and malaria, respectively, occurs in several regions around the world. Although the impact of the interaction between these two organisms is not well understood, it is thought that the outcome of either disease may be negatively influenced by coinfection. Therefore, it is important to understand how current first-line antiretroviral therapies (ART) might impact Plasmodium infection in these regions. Here, we describe the effect of 18 antiretroviral compounds and of first-line ART on the blood and sporogonic stages of Plasmodium berghei in vitro and in vivo. We show that the combination zidovudine + lamivudine + lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r), employed as first-line HIV treatment in the field, has a strong inhibitory activity on the sporogonic stages of P. berghei and that several non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) have a moderate effect on this stage of the parasite’s life cycle. Our results expose the effect of current first-line ART on Plasmodium infection and identify potential alternative therapies for HIV/AIDS that might impact malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Azevedo
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António M Mendes
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Prudêncio
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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