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Hu Y, Liu G, Sun C, Wu S. Volatile Organic Compounds Produced by a Deep-Sea Bacterium Efficiently Inhibit the Growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:233. [PMID: 38786624 PMCID: PMC11122958 DOI: 10.3390/md22050233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The deep-sea bacterium Spongiibacter nanhainus CSC3.9 has significant inhibitory effects on agricultural pathogenic fungi and human pathogenic bacteria, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the notorious multidrug-resistant pathogen affecting human public health. We demonstrate that the corresponding antibacterial agents against P. aeruginosa PAO1 are volatile organic compounds (VOCs, namely VOC-3.9). Our findings show that VOC-3.9 leads to the abnormal cell division of P. aeruginosa PAO1 by disordering the expression of several essential division proteins associated with septal peptidoglycan synthesis. VOC-3.9 hinders the biofilm formation process and promotes the biofilm dispersion process of P. aeruginosa PAO1 by affecting its quorum sensing systems. VOC-3.9 also weakens the iron uptake capability of P. aeruginosa PAO1, leading to reduced enzymatic activity associated with key metabolic processes, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. Overall, our study paves the way to developing antimicrobial compounds against drug-resistant bacteria by using volatile organic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China;
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology & Center of Deep Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266071, China
- Center of Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Ge Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology & Center of Deep Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266071, China
- Center of Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Chaomin Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology & Center of Deep Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266071, China
- Center of Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- College of Earth Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Shimei Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China;
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2
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Kumar H, Manoharan A, Anbarasu A, Ramaiah S. Computational study of the piperidine and FtsZ interaction in Salmonella Typhi: implications for disrupting cell division machinery. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38321931 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2314272] [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: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
FtsZ, a bacterial cell division protein, is essential for assembling the contractile Z-ring crucial in bacterial cytokinesis. Consequently, inhibiting FtsZ could impede proto-filaments, disrupting FtsZ and other associated proteins vital for cell division machinery. Conduct an in-silico drug interaction study to identify novel drug candidates that inhibit the FtsZ protein, aiming to prevent Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) Salmonella Typhi. Data mining was performed based on piperidine compounds, which were subsequently screened for safe pharmacokinetic profiles. Compounds that met favorable drug-likeness criteria underwent virtual screening against the FtsZ drug target. Two compounds were chosen for molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation to verify the binding affinity and stability between the target protein and the potential compounds. The 400 isoforms of piperidine analogues were curated, among them potent compound ZINC000000005416 found to possess high binding affinity (-8.49 kcal/mol) and low dissociation constant (0.597 µM). The highest binding affinity shown by ZINC000000005416 was validated by hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interaction, and salt bridges with the functional domain of the cell division regulatory protein. Docking profiles, when correlated with molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) depicted stable trajectories and compatible conformational changes in the FtsZ-ZINC000000005416 complex. The stable simulated trajectories were validated through free-energy calculations using the Molecular Mechanics-Poisson Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) module. Low energy conformations, although the simulation trajectory confirmed the stable ZINC000000005416-FtsZ interaction, which encouraged experimental validations. This study encourages further exploration of the compound ZINC000000005416 as a drug candidate inhibiting FtsZ protein against MDR Salmonella Typhi.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hithesh Kumar
- Department of Bio-Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Anand Manoharan
- Department of Paediatrics, The CHILDS Trust Medical Research Foundation, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Anand Anbarasu
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Sudha Ramaiah
- Department of Bio-Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
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3
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Xie Z, Ruan W, Guo J, Li Y, Zhou S, Zhao J, Wan L, Xu S, Tang Q, Zheng P, Wang L, Zhu W. T5S1607 identified as a antibacterial FtsZ inhibitor:Virtual screening combined with bioactivity evaluation for the drug discovery. Comput Biol Chem 2024; 108:108006. [PMID: 38142532 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.108006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Due to antibiotic overuse, many bacteria have developed resistance, creating an urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. It has been established that the filamentous temperature-sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ) of the bacterial cell division protein is an effective and promising antibacterial target. In this study, the optimal proteins were assessed by early recognition ability and the processed compound libraries were virtually screened using Vina. This effort resulted in the identification of 14 potentially active antimicrobial compounds. Among them, the compound T5S1607 demonstrated remarkable antibacterial efficacy against Bacillus subtilis ATCC9732 (MIC = 1 μg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus ATC5C6538 (MIC = 4 μg/mL). Furthermore, in vitro experiments demonstrated that the selected compound T5S1607 rapidly killed bacteria and induced FtsZ protein aggregation, preventing bacterial division and leading to bacterial death. Additionally, cell toxicity and hemolysis experiments indicate that compound T5S1607 exhibits minimal toxicity to LO2 cells and shows no significant hemolytic effects on mammalian cells in vitro at the MIC concentration range. All the results indicate that compound T5S1607 is a promising antibacterial agent and a potential FtsZ inhibitor. In conclusion, this work successfully discovered FtsZ inhibitors with good activity through the virtual screening drug discovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouling Xie
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China
| | - Wei Ruan
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China
| | - Jiaojiao Guo
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China
| | - Yan Li
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China
| | - Siqi Zhou
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China
| | - Li Wan
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China
| | - Shan Xu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China
| | - Qidong Tang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China
| | - Pengwu Zheng
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China
| | - Linxiao Wang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China.
| | - Wufu Zhu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China.
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4
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Ma Y, Chang X, Zhang S, Zhang P, Guo T, Zhang X, Kong Y, Ma S. New broad-spectrum and potent antibacterial agents with dual-targeting mechanism: Promoting FtsZ polymerization and disrupting bacterial membranes. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115930. [PMID: 37950964 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and the slow development of new antibacterial agents have led to a growing global health crisis. Here, we identified an antibacterial agent possessing 1-methyl-2,5-diphenylpyridin-1-ium core, MA220607, with a dual-targeting mechanism of action (MOA), which exhibited effective killing activity against both Gram-positive (MIC = 0.062-2 μg/mL) and Gram-negative bacteria (MIC = 0.5-4 μg/mL). Moreover, our study revealed that MA220607 could block the formation of bacterial biofilm, which might be the reason for low frequency of resistance. MOA studies showed that MA220607 not only promoted FtsZ protein polymerization, but also increased the permeability of bacterial membranes and altered their proton gradients. In addition, MA220607 had low hemolytic toxicity and could significantly inhibit the growth of bacteria in mice. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that MA220607 could block the transition from the tense (T) to relaxed (R) state of FtsZ protein, thereby perturbing the stepping mechanism of FtsZ protein. Overall, our findings suggest that integrating the dual mechanisms targeting FtsZ protein and cell membranes of bacteria into a single scaffold represents a promising direction for the development of new antibacterial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangchun Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xiaohong Chang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Shenyan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Panpan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xianghui Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yue Kong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Shutao Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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5
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Suigo L, Margolin W, Ulzurrun E, Hrast Rambaher M, Zanotto C, Sebastián-Pérez V, Campillo NE, Straniero V, Valoti E. Benzodioxane-Benzamides as FtsZ Inhibitors: Effects of Linker's Functionalization on Gram-Positive Antimicrobial Activity. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1712. [PMID: 38136746 PMCID: PMC10740499 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12121712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
FtsZ is an essential bacterial protein abundantly studied as a novel and promising target for antimicrobials. FtsZ is highly conserved among bacteria and mycobacteria, and it is crucial for the correct outcome of the cell division process, as it is responsible for the division of the parent bacterial cell into two daughter cells. In recent years, the benzodioxane-benzamide class has emerged as very promising and capable of targeting both Gram-positive and Gram-negative FtsZs. In this study, we explored the effect of including a substituent on the ethylenic linker between the two main moieties on the antimicrobial activity and pharmacokinetic properties. This substitution, in turn, led to the generation of a second stereogenic center, with both erythro and threo isomers isolated, characterized, and evaluated. With this work, we discovered how the hydroxy group slightly affects the antimicrobial activity, while being an important anchor for the exploitation and development of prodrugs, probes, and further derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Suigo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 25, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.S.); (E.V.)
| | - William Margolin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Eugenia Ulzurrun
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.U.); (V.S.-P.); (N.E.C.)
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Martina Hrast Rambaher
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta, 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Carlo Zanotto
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli, 32, 20129 Milano, Italy;
| | - Victor Sebastián-Pérez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.U.); (V.S.-P.); (N.E.C.)
- Exscientia, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GE, UK
| | - Nuria E. Campillo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.U.); (V.S.-P.); (N.E.C.)
- Instituto de Ciencias Matemáticas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), C. Nicolás Cabrera, 13-15, 28049 Madrid, Italy
| | - Valentina Straniero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 25, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.S.); (E.V.)
| | - Ermanno Valoti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 25, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.S.); (E.V.)
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6
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A Comparative Study of the Inhibitory Action of Berberine Derivatives on the Recombinant Protein FtsZ of E. coli. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065674. [PMID: 36982749 PMCID: PMC10057996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants belonging to the genus Berberis may be considered an interesting source of drugs to counteract the problem of antimicrobial multiresistance. The important properties associated with this genus are mainly due to the presence of berberine, an alkaloid with a benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline structure. Berberine is active against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, influencing DNA duplication, RNA transcription, protein synthesis, and the integrity of the cell surface structure. Countless studies have shown the enhancement of these beneficial effects following the synthesis of different berberine analogues. Recently, a possible interaction between berberine derivatives and the FtsZ protein was predicted through molecular docking simulations. FtsZ is a highly conserved protein essential for the first step of cell division in bacteria. The importance of FtsZ for the growth of numerous bacterial species and its high conservation make it a perfect candidate for the development of broad-spectrum inhibitors. In this work, we investigate the inhibition mechanisms of the recombinant FtsZ of Escherichia coli by different N-arylmethyl benzodioxolethylamines as berberine simplified analogues appropriately designed to evaluate the effect of structural changes on the interaction with the enzyme. All the compounds determine the inhibition of FtsZ GTPase activity by different mechanisms. The tertiary amine 1c proved to be the best competitive inhibitor, as it causes a remarkable increase in FtsZ Km (at 40 μM) and a drastic reduction in its assembly capabilities. Moreover, a fluorescence spectroscopic analysis carried out on 1c demonstrated its strong interaction with FtsZ (Kd = 26.6 nM). The in vitro results were in agreement with docking simulation studies.
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7
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Sharma AK, Poddar SM, Chakraborty J, Nayak BS, Kalathil S, Mitra N, Gayathri P, Srinivasan R. A mechanism of salt bridge-mediated resistance to FtsZ inhibitor PC190723 revealed by a cell-based screen. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar16. [PMID: 36652338 PMCID: PMC10011733 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-12-0538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial cell division proteins, especially the tubulin homologue FtsZ, have emerged as strong targets for developing new antibiotics. Here, we have utilized the fission yeast heterologous expression system to develop a cell-based assay to screen for small molecules that directly and specifically target the bacterial cell division protein FtsZ. The strategy also allows for simultaneous assessment of the toxicity of the drugs to eukaryotic yeast cells. As a proof-of-concept of the utility of this assay, we demonstrate the effect of the inhibitors sanguinarine, berberine, and PC190723 on FtsZ. Though sanguinarine and berberine affect FtsZ polymerization, they exert a toxic effect on the cells. Further, using this assay system, we show that PC190723 affects Helicobacter pylori FtsZ function and gain new insights into the molecular determinants of resistance to PC190723. On the basis of sequence and structural analysis and site-specific mutations, we demonstrate that the presence of salt bridge interactions between the central H7 helix and β-strands S9 and S10 mediates resistance to PC190723 in FtsZ. The single-step in vivo cell-based assay using fission yeast enabled us to dissect the contribution of sequence-specific features of FtsZ and cell permeability effects associated with bacterial cell envelopes. Thus, our assay serves as a potent tool to rapidly identify novel compounds targeting polymeric bacterial cytoskeletal proteins like FtsZ to understand how they alter polymerization dynamics and address resistance determinants in targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar Sharma
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar 752050, India.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar 752050, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institutes, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Sakshi Mahesh Poddar
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar 752050, India.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar 752050, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institutes, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Joyeeta Chakraborty
- Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune 411008, India
| | - Bhagyashri Soumya Nayak
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar 752050, India.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar 752050, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institutes, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Srilakshmi Kalathil
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar 752050, India.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar 752050, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institutes, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Nivedita Mitra
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar 752050, India.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar 752050, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institutes, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Pananghat Gayathri
- Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune 411008, India
| | - Ramanujam Srinivasan
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar 752050, India.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar 752050, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institutes, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India
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8
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Obtainment of Threo and Erythro Isomers of the 6-Fluoro-3-(2,3,6,7,8,9-hexahydronaphtho[2,3-b][1,4]dioxin-2-yl)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxine-5-carboxamide. MOLBANK 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/m1559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
2,6-difluorobenzamides have been deeply investigated as antibacterial drugs in the last few decades. Several 3-substituted-2,6-difluorobenzamides have proved their ability to interfere with the bacterial cell division cycle by inhibiting the protein FtsZ, the key player of the whole process. Recently, we developed a novel family of 1,4-tetrahydronaphthodioxane benzamides, having an ethoxy linker, which reached sub-micromolar MICs towards Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. A further investigation of their mechanism of action should require the development of a fluorescent probe, and the consequent definition of a synthetic pathway for its obtainment. In the present work, we report the obtainment of an unexpected bicyclic side product, 6-fluoro-3-(2,3,6,7,8,9-hexahydronaphtho[2,3-b][1,4]dioxin-2-yl)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxine-5-carboxamide, coming from the substitution of one aromatic fluorine by the in situ formed alkoxy group, in the final opening of an epoxide intermediate. This side product was similarly achieved, in good yields, by opening the ring of both erythro and threo epoxides, and the two compounds were fully characterized using HRMS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HPLC and DSC.
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9
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Juhas M. The World of Microorganisms. BRIEF LESSONS IN MICROBIOLOGY 2023:1-16. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-29544-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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10
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Vemula D, Maddi DR, Bhandari V. Homology modeling, virtual screening, molecular docking, and dynamics studies for discovering Staphylococcus epidermidis FtsZ inhibitors. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1087676. [PMID: 36936991 PMCID: PMC10020519 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1087676] [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: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most common cause of medical device-associated infections and is an opportunistic biofilm former. Among hospitalized patients, S. epidermidis infections are the most prevalent, and resistant to most antibiotics. In order to overcome this resistance, it is imperative to treat the infection at a cellular level. The present study aims to identify inhibitors of the prokaryotic cell division protein FtsZ a widely conserved component of bacterial cytokinesis. Two substrate binding sites are present on the FtsZ protein; the nucleotide-binding domain and the inter-domain binding sites. Molecular modeling was used to identify potential inhibitors against the binding sites of the FtsZ protein. One hundred thirty-eight chemical entities were virtually screened for the binding sites and revealed ten molecules, each with good binding affinities (docking score range -9.549 to -4.290 kcal/mol) compared to the reference control drug, i.e., Dacomitinib (-4.450 kcal/mol) and PC190723 (-4.694 kcal/mol) at nucleotide and inter-domain binding sites respectively. These top 10 hits were further analyzed for their ADMET properties and molecular dynamics simulations. The Chloro-derivative of GTP, naphthalene-1,3-diyl bis(3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate), Guanosine triphosphate (GTP), morpholine and methylpiperazine derivative of GTP were identified as the lead molecules for nucleotide binding site whereas for inter-domain binding site, 1-(((amino(iminio)methyl)amino)methyl)-3-(3-(tert-butyl)phenyl)-6,7-dimethoxyisoquinolin-2-ium, and Chlorogenic acidwere identified as lead molecules. Molecular dynamics simulation and post MM/GBSA analysis of the complexes revealed good protein-ligand stability predicting them as potential inhibitors of FtsZ (Figure 1). Thus, identified FtsZ inhibitors are a promising lead compounds for S. epidermidis related infections.
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11
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Chai WC, Whittall JJ, Polyak SW, Foo K, Li X, Dutschke CJ, Ogunniyi AD, Ma S, Sykes MJ, Semple SJ, Venter H. Cinnamaldehyde derivatives act as antimicrobial agents against Acinetobacter baumannii through the inhibition of cell division. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:967949. [PMID: 36106080 PMCID: PMC9465178 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.967949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a pathogen with high intrinsic antimicrobial resistance while multidrug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) strains of this pathogen are emerging. Treatment options for infections by these strains are very limited, hence new therapies are urgently needed. The bacterial cell division protein, FtsZ, is a promising drug target for the development of novel antimicrobial agents. We have previously reported limited activity of cinnamaldehyde analogs against Escherichia coli. In this study, we have determined the antimicrobial activity of six cinnamaldehyde analogs for antimicrobial activity against A. baumannii. Microscopic analysis was performed to determine if the compounds inhibit cell division. The on-target effect of the compounds was assessed by analyzing their effect on polymerization and on the GTPase activity of purified FtsZ from A. baumannii. In silico docking was used to assess the binding of cinnamaldehyde analogs. Finally, in vivo and in vitro safety assays were performed. All six compounds displayed antibacterial activity against the critical priority pathogen A. baumannii, with 4-bromophenyl-substituted 4 displaying the most potent antimicrobial activity (MIC 32 μg/mL). Bioactivity was significantly increased in the presence of an efflux pump inhibitor for A. baumannii ATCC 19606 (up to 32-fold) and significantly, for extensively drug resistant UW 5075 (greater than 4-fold), suggesting that efflux contributes to the intrinsic resistance of A. baumannii against these agents. The compounds inhibited cell division in A. baumannii as observed by the elongated phenotype and targeted the FtsZ protein as seen from the inhibition of polymerization and GTPase activity. In silico docking predicted that the compounds bind in the interdomain cleft adjacent to the H7 core helix. Di-chlorinated 6 was devoid of hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity against mammalian cells in vitro, as well as adverse activity in a Caenorhabditis elegans nematode model in vivo. Together, these findings present halogenated analogs 4 and 6 as promising candidates for further development as antimicrobial agents aimed at combating A. baumannii. This is also the first report of FtsZ-targeting compounds with activity against an XDR A. baumannii strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wern Chern Chai
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jonathan J. Whittall
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Steven W. Polyak
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Klyie Foo
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cameron J. Dutschke
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Abiodun D. Ogunniyi
- Australian Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Ecology, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Shutao Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Matthew J. Sykes
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Susan J. Semple
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Henrietta Venter
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Henrietta Venter,
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12
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Paulussen FM, Schouten GK, Moertl C, Verheul J, Hoekstra I, Koningstein GM, Hutchins GH, Alkir A, Luirink RA, Geerke DP, van Ulsen P, den Blaauwen T, Luirink J, Grossmann TN. Covalent Proteomimetic Inhibitor of the Bacterial FtsQB Divisome Complex. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:15303-15313. [PMID: 35945166 PMCID: PMC9413201 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The use of antibiotics is threatened by the emergence
and spread
of multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria. Thus, there is a need
to develop antibiotics that address new targets. In this respect,
the bacterial divisome, a multi-protein complex central to cell division,
represents a potentially attractive target. Of particular interest
is the FtsQB subcomplex that plays a decisive role in divisome assembly
and peptidoglycan biogenesis in E. coli. Here, we report the structure-based design of
a macrocyclic covalent inhibitor derived from a periplasmic region
of FtsB that mediates its binding to FtsQ. The bioactive conformation
of this motif was stabilized by a customized cross-link resulting
in a tertiary structure mimetic with increased affinity for FtsQ.
To increase activity, a covalent handle was incorporated, providing
an inhibitor that impedes the interaction between FtsQ and FtsB irreversibly. The covalent inhibitor reduced the growth of an outer
membrane-permeable E. coli strain,
concurrent with the expected loss of FtsB localization, and also affected
the infection of zebrafish larvae by a clinical E.
coli strain. This first-in-class inhibitor of a divisome
protein–protein interaction highlights the potential of proteomimetic
molecules as inhibitors of challenging targets. In particular, the
covalent mode-of-action can serve as an inspiration for future antibiotics
that target protein–protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix M Paulussen
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Gina K Schouten
- Medical Microbiology and Infection Control (MMI), Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, De Boelelaan 1108, Amsterdam 1081 HZ, Netherlands
| | - Carolin Moertl
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Jolanda Verheul
- Department of Bacterial Cell Biology and Physiology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Sciencepark 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, Netherlands
| | - Irma Hoekstra
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Gregory M Koningstein
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - George H Hutchins
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Aslihan Alkir
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Rosa A Luirink
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Daan P Geerke
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Peter van Ulsen
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Tanneke den Blaauwen
- Department of Bacterial Cell Biology and Physiology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Sciencepark 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, Netherlands
| | - Joen Luirink
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Tom N Grossmann
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
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13
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Andreu JM, Huecas S, Araújo-Bazán L, Vázquez-Villa H, Martín-Fontecha M. The Search for Antibacterial Inhibitors Targeting Cell Division Protein FtsZ at Its Nucleotide and Allosteric Binding Sites. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081825. [PMID: 36009372 PMCID: PMC9405007 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The global spread of bacterial antimicrobial resistance is associated to millions of deaths from bacterial infections per year, many of which were previously treatable. This, combined with slow antibiotic deployment, has created an urgent need for developing new antibiotics. A still clinically unexploited mode of action consists in suppressing bacterial cell division. FtsZ, an assembling GTPase, is the key protein organizing division in most bacteria and an attractive target for antibiotic discovery. Nevertheless, developing effective antibacterial inhibitors targeting FtsZ has proven challenging. Here we review our decade-long multidisciplinary research on small molecule inhibitors of bacterial division, in the context of global efforts to discover FtsZ-targeting antibiotics. We focus on methods to characterize synthetic inhibitors that either replace bound GTP from the FtsZ nucleotide binding pocket conserved across diverse bacteria or selectively bind into the allosteric site at the interdomain cleft of FtsZ from Bacillus subtilis and the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. These approaches include phenotype screening combined with fluorescence polarization screens for ligands binding into each site, followed by detailed cytological profiling, and biochemical and structural studies. The results are analyzed to design an optimized workflow to identify effective FtsZ inhibitors, and new approaches for the discovery of FtsZ-targeting antibiotics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M. Andreu
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.H.); (L.A.-B.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.); (M.M.-F.)
| | - Sonia Huecas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.H.); (L.A.-B.)
| | - Lidia Araújo-Bazán
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.H.); (L.A.-B.)
| | - Henar Vázquez-Villa
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Mar Martín-Fontecha
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.); (M.M.-F.)
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14
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Targeting the Holy Triangle of Quorum Sensing, Biofilm Formation, and Antibiotic Resistance in Pathogenic Bacteria. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061239. [PMID: 35744757 PMCID: PMC9228545 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic and recurrent bacterial infections are frequently associated with the formation of biofilms on biotic or abiotic materials that are composed of mono- or multi-species cultures of bacteria/fungi embedded in an extracellular matrix produced by the microorganisms. Biofilm formation is, among others, regulated by quorum sensing (QS) which is an interbacterial communication system usually composed of two-component systems (TCSs) of secreted autoinducer compounds that activate signal transduction pathways through interaction with their respective receptors. Embedded in the biofilms, the bacteria are protected from environmental stress stimuli, and they often show reduced responses to antibiotics, making it difficult to eradicate the bacterial infection. Besides reduced penetration of antibiotics through the intricate structure of the biofilms, the sessile biofilm-embedded bacteria show reduced metabolic activity making them intrinsically less sensitive to antibiotics. Moreover, they frequently express elevated levels of efflux pumps that extrude antibiotics, thereby reducing their intracellular levels. Some efflux pumps are involved in the secretion of QS compounds and biofilm-related materials, besides being important for removing toxic substances from the bacteria. Some efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) have been shown to both prevent biofilm formation and sensitize the bacteria to antibiotics, suggesting a relationship between these processes. Additionally, QS inhibitors or quenchers may affect antibiotic susceptibility. Thus, targeting elements that regulate QS and biofilm formation might be a promising approach to combat antibiotic-resistant biofilm-related bacterial infections.
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15
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Gurnani M, Chauhan A, Ranjan A, Tuli HS, Alkhanani MF, Haque S, Dhama K, Lal R, Jindal T. Filamentous Thermosensitive Mutant Z: An Appealing Target for Emerging Pathogens and a Trek on Its Natural Inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050624. [PMID: 35625352 PMCID: PMC9138142 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing issue worldwide that must be addressed swiftly. It is driven by spontaneous evolution, bacterial mutation, and the dissemination of resistant genes via horizontal gene transfer. Researchers are working on many novel targets, which can become a pathway to inhibit harmful bacteria. Filamentous Thermosensitive mutant-Z (Fts-Z) is one such bacterial target that has gained popularity amongst scientists due to its conserved nature in bacteria and absence in eukaryotes. The aim of this work was to review the Fts-Z mechanism of action along with current studies on natural inhibitors for Fts-Z. Abstract Antibiotic resistance is a major emerging issue in the health care sector, as highlighted by the WHO. Filamentous Thermosensitive mutant Z (Fts-Z) is gaining significant attention in the scientific community as a potential anti-bacterial target for fighting antibiotic resistance among several pathogenic bacteria. The Fts-Z plays a key role in bacterial cell division by allowing Z ring formation. Several in vitro and in silico experiments have demonstrated that inhibition of Fts-Z can lead to filamentous growth of the cells, and finally, cell death occurs. Many natural compounds that have successfully inhibited Fts-Z are also studied. This review article intended to highlight the structural–functional aspect of Fts-Z that leads to Z-ring formation and its contribution to the biochemistry and physiology of cells. The current trend of natural inhibitors of Fts-Z protein is also covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Gurnani
- Amity Institute of Environmental Science, Amity University, Noida 201301, India;
| | - Abhishek Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management, Amity University, Noida 201303, India;
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (A.R.)
| | - Anuj Ranjan
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, 344006 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (A.R.)
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala 133207, India;
| | - Mustfa F. Alkhanani
- Emergency Service Department, College of Applied Sciences, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 11597, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia;
- Faculty of Medicine, Görükle Campus, Bursa Uludağ University, Nilüfer, Bursa 16059, Turkey
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR—Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly 243122, India;
| | - Rup Lal
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110021, India;
| | - Tanu Jindal
- Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management, Amity University, Noida 201303, India;
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16
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Zhong DX, She MT, Guo XC, Zheng BX, Huang XH, Zhang YH, Ser HL, Wong WL, Sun N, Lu YJ. Design and synthesis of quinolinium-based derivatives targeting FtsZ for antibacterial evaluation and mechanistic study. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 236:114360. [PMID: 35421657 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of small molecular inhibitors targeting essential and conserved bacterial drug targets such as FtsZ protein is a promising approach to fight against multi-drug resistant bacteria. In the present study, two new series of FtsZ inhibitors based on a 1-methylquinolinium scaffold were synthesized. The inhibitors possess a variety of substituent groups including the cyclic or linear amine skeleton at the 2- and 4-position of the quinolinium ring for structure-activity relationship study. In general, the inhibitors bearing a cyclic amine substituent at the 4-position of the quinolinium ring showed better antibacterial activity (MIC down to 0.25 μg/mL) than that at the 2-position, especially against Gram-positive bacteria. Among the twenty FtsZ inhibitors examined in various assays, A3 was identified to exhibit excellent antibacterial activity against S. aureus (MIC = 0.5-1 μg/mL), S. epidermidis (MIC = 0.25 μg/mL) and E. faecium (MIC = 1-8 μg/mL). More importantly, A3 showed low hemolytic toxicity (IC5 = 64 μg/mL) and was found not readily to induce drug resistance. A3 at 2-8 μg/mL promoted the polymerization of FtsZ and interrupted the bacterial division. Furthermore, the ligand-FtsZ interaction study conducted with circular dichroism and molecular docking revealed that A3 induced secondary structure changes of FtsZ protein upon binding to the interdomain cleft of the protein. A3 is thus a potent inhibitor of FtsZ and shows potential to be used as a new antibacterial agent against drug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Xiao Zhong
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Meng-Ting She
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Xiao-Chun Guo
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Bo-Xin Zheng
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Xuan-He Huang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Yi-Han Zhang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Hooi-Leng Ser
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Wing-Leung Wong
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Ning Sun
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, PR China.
| | - Yu-Jing Lu
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Engineering Research Academy of High Value Utilization of Green Plants, Meizhou, 514021, PR China; Golden Health (Guangdong) Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Foshan, 28225, PR China.
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17
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Attaibi M, den Blaauwen T. An Updated Model of the Divisome: Regulation of the Septal Peptidoglycan Synthesis Machinery by the Divisome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3537. [PMID: 35408901 PMCID: PMC8998562 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The synthesis of a peptidoglycan septum is a fundamental part of bacterial fission and is driven by a multiprotein dynamic complex called the divisome. FtsW and FtsI are essential proteins that synthesize the peptidoglycan septum and are controlled by the regulatory FtsBLQ subcomplex and the activator FtsN. However, their mode of regulation has not yet been uncovered in detail. Understanding this process in detail may enable the development of new compounds to combat the rise in antibiotic resistance. In this review, recent data on the regulation of septal peptidoglycan synthesis is summarized and discussed. Based on structural models and the collected data, multiple putative interactions within FtsWI and with regulators are uncovered. This elaborates on and supports an earlier proposed model that describes active and inactive conformations of the septal peptidoglycan synthesis complex that are stabilized by these interactions. Furthermore, a new model on the spatial organization of the newly synthesized peptidoglycan and the synthesis complex is presented. Overall, the updated model proposes a balance between several allosteric interactions that determine the state of septal peptidoglycan synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tanneke den Blaauwen
- Bacterial Cell Biology and Physiology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Science, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
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18
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Attenuation of Enterococcus faecalis biofilm formation by Rhodethrin: A combinatorial study with an antibiotic. Microb Pathog 2022; 163:105401. [PMID: 35032606 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The nosocomial pathogen Enterococcus faecalis critically implicated in the hospital environment. Its major virulence attributes biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. The novel therapeutics are required to inhibit E. faecalis biofilm formation and virulence. Thus combinatorial and drug repurposing has been promising approaches to tackling biofilm-associated infections. Here, we have used a bacterium that produced indole terpenoid Rhodethrin (Rdn) with a combination of known antibiotic chloramphenicol (Chpl) against E. faecalis (ATCC 19433). The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values showed between 0.25 and 0.33 synergistic activities. The exopolysaccharides (EPSs) production significant decrease with Rdn (34.6 ± 4.6%), Chpl (31.0 ± 5.2%), and combination (Rdn-Chpl) (76.0 ± 4.5%) (p > 0.05). However, the biofilm interruption can attenuate of total biofilm was shown with Rdn (39.7 ± 5.1%), Chpl (32.6 ± 4.7%), and Rdn-Chpl (69.0 ± 5.3%), (p > 0.05). The microscopic observations reveal that the gradually unstructured biofilm architecture in E. faecalis. Furthermore, in silico, studies on biofilm-associated proteins (GelE, LuxS), virulence regulating (SprE), and cell division (FtsZ) have resulted in high and reasonable binding affinity, respectively. Thus, our results suggested that the synergism of Rdn-Chpl has the potential to function as a combinatorial antibiotic accelerates in treating vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis infections.
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19
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Pradhan P, Margolin W, Beuria TK. Targeting the Achilles Heel of FtsZ: The Interdomain Cleft. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:732796. [PMID: 34566937 PMCID: PMC8456036 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.732796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Widespread antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens is a serious threat to public health. Thus, identification of new targets and development of new antibacterial agents are urgently needed. Although cell division is a major driver of bacterial colonization and pathogenesis, its targeting with antibacterial compounds is still in its infancy. FtsZ, a bacterial cytoskeletal homolog of eukaryotic tubulin, plays a highly conserved and foundational role in cell division and has been the primary focus of research on small molecule cell division inhibitors. FtsZ contains two drug-binding pockets: the GTP binding site situated at the interface between polymeric subunits, and the inter-domain cleft (IDC), located between the N-terminal and C-terminal segments of the core globular domain of FtsZ. The majority of anti-FtsZ molecules bind to the IDC. Compounds that bind instead to the GTP binding site are much less useful as potential antimicrobial therapeutics because they are often cytotoxic to mammalian cells, due to the high sequence similarity between the GTP binding sites of FtsZ and tubulin. Fortunately, the IDC has much less sequence and structural similarity with tubulin, making it a better potential target for drugs that are less toxic to humans. Over the last decade, a large number of natural and synthetic IDC inhibitors have been identified. Here we outline the molecular structure of IDC in detail and discuss how it has become a crucial target for broad spectrum and species-specific antibacterial agents. We also outline the drugs that bind to the IDC and their modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinkilata Pradhan
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - William Margolin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
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20
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Impact of FtsZ Inhibition on the Localization of the Penicillin Binding Proteins in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Bacteriol 2021; 203:e0020421. [PMID: 34031040 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00204-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multidrug-resistant pathogen of acute clinical importance. Combination treatment with an FtsZ inhibitor potentiates the activity of penicillin binding protein (PBP)-targeting β-lactam antibiotics against MRSA. To explore the mechanism underlying this synergistic behavior, we examined the impact of treatment with the FtsZ inhibitor TXA707 on the spatial localization of the five PBP proteins expressed in MRSA. In the absence of drug treatment, PBP1, PBP2, PBP3, and PBP4 colocalize with FtsZ at the septum, contributing to new cell wall formation. In contrast, PBP2a localizes to distinct foci along the cell periphery. Upon treatment with TXA707, septum formation becomes disrupted, and FtsZ relocalizes away from midcell. PBP1 and PBP3 remain significantly colocalized with FtsZ, while PBP2, PBP4, and PBP2a localize away from FtsZ to specific sites along the periphery of the enlarged cells. We also examined the impact on PBP2a and PBP2 localization of treatment with β-lactam antibiotic oxacillin alone and in synergistic combination with TXA707. Significantly, PBP2a localizes to the septum in approximately 15% of the oxacillin-treated cells, a behavior that likely contributes to the β-lactam resistance of MRSA. Combination treatment with TXA707 causes both PBP2a and PBP2 to localize in malformed septum-like structures. Our collective results suggest that PBP2, PBP4, and PBP2a may function collaboratively in peripheral cell wall repair and maintenance in response to FtsZ inhibition by TXA707. Cotreatment with oxacillin appears to reduce the availability of PBP2a to assist in this repair, thereby rendering the MRSA cells more susceptible to the β-lactam. IMPORTANCE MRSA is a multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogen of acute clinical importance, infecting many thousands of individuals globally each year. The essential cell division protein FtsZ has been identified as an appealing target for the development of new drugs to combat MRSA infections. Through synergistic actions, FtsZ-targeting agents can sensitize MRSA to antibiotics like the β-lactams that would otherwise be ineffective. This study provides key insights into the mechanism underlying this synergistic behavior as well as MRSA resistance to β-lactam drugs. The results of this work will help guide the identification and optimization of combination drug regimens that can effectively treat MRSA infections and reduce the potential for future resistance.
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21
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Huecas S, Araújo-Bazán L, Ruiz FM, Ruiz-Ávila LB, Martínez RF, Escobar-Peña A, Artola M, Vázquez-Villa H, Martín-Fontecha M, Fernández-Tornero C, López-Rodríguez ML, Andreu JM. Targeting the FtsZ Allosteric Binding Site with a Novel Fluorescence Polarization Screen, Cytological and Structural Approaches for Antibacterial Discovery. J Med Chem 2021; 64:5730-5745. [PMID: 33908781 PMCID: PMC8478281 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics makes previously manageable infections again disabling and lethal, highlighting the need for new antibacterial strategies. In this regard, inhibition of the bacterial division process by targeting key protein FtsZ has been recognized as an attractive approach for discovering new antibiotics. Binding of small molecules to the cleft between the N-terminal guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding and the C-terminal subdomains allosterically impairs the FtsZ function, eventually inhibiting bacterial division. Nonetheless, the lack of appropriate chemical tools to develop a binding screen against this site has hampered the discovery of FtsZ antibacterial inhibitors. Herein, we describe the first competitive binding assay to identify FtsZ allosteric ligands interacting with the interdomain cleft, based on the use of specific high-affinity fluorescent probes. This novel assay, together with phenotypic profiling and X-ray crystallographic insights, enables the identification and characterization of FtsZ inhibitors of bacterial division aiming at the discovery of more effective antibacterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Huecas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Araújo-Bazán
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Federico M Ruiz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura B Ruiz-Ávila
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - R Fernando Martínez
- Dept. Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, UCM, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Escobar-Peña
- Dept. Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, UCM, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Artola
- Dept. Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, UCM, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Henar Vázquez-Villa
- Dept. Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, UCM, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Martín-Fontecha
- Dept. Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, UCM, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Fernández-Tornero
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María L López-Rodríguez
- Dept. Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, UCM, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Andreu
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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22
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Straniero V, Sebastián-Pérez V, Suigo L, Margolin W, Casiraghi A, Hrast M, Zanotto C, Zdovc I, Radaelli A, Valoti E. Computational Design and Development of Benzodioxane-Benzamides as Potent Inhibitors of FtsZ by Exploring the Hydrophobic Subpocket. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10040442. [PMID: 33920895 PMCID: PMC8071314 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10040442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a severe threat, responsible for most of the nosocomial infections globally. This resistant strain is associated with a 64% increase in death compared to the antibiotic-susceptible strain. The prokaryotic protein FtsZ and the cell division cycle have been validated as potential targets to exploit in the general battle against antibiotic resistance. Despite the discovery and development of several anti-FtsZ compounds, no FtsZ inhibitors are currently used in therapy. This work further develops benzodioxane-benzamide FtsZ inhibitors. We seek to find more potent compounds using computational studies, with encouraging predicted drug-like profiles. We report the synthesis and the characterization of novel promising derivatives that exhibit very low MICs towards both methicillin-susceptible and -resistant S. aureus, as well as another Gram positive species, Bacillus subtilis, while possessing good predicted physical-chemical properties in terms of solubility, permeability, and chemical and physical stability. In addition, we demonstrate by fluorescence microscopy that Z ring formation and FtsZ localization are strongly perturbed by our derivatives, thus validating the target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Straniero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 25, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.S.); (A.C.); (E.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0250319361
| | - Victor Sebastián-Pérez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Exscientia, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GE, UK
| | - Lorenzo Suigo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 25, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.S.); (A.C.); (E.V.)
| | - William Margolin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Andrea Casiraghi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 25, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.S.); (A.C.); (E.V.)
| | - Martina Hrast
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta, 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Carlo Zanotto
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli, 32, 20129 Milano, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Irena Zdovc
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva, 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Antonia Radaelli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli, 32, 20129 Milano, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Ermanno Valoti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 25, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.S.); (A.C.); (E.V.)
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23
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Fisher JF, Mobashery S. β-Lactams against the Fortress of the Gram-Positive Staphylococcus aureus Bacterium. Chem Rev 2021; 121:3412-3463. [PMID: 33373523 PMCID: PMC8653850 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The biological diversity of the unicellular bacteria-whether assessed by shape, food, metabolism, or ecological niche-surely rivals (if not exceeds) that of the multicellular eukaryotes. The relationship between bacteria whose ecological niche is the eukaryote, and the eukaryote, is often symbiosis or stasis. Some bacteria, however, seek advantage in this relationship. One of the most successful-to the disadvantage of the eukaryote-is the small (less than 1 μm diameter) and nearly spherical Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. For decades, successful clinical control of its infection has been accomplished using β-lactam antibiotics such as the penicillins and the cephalosporins. Over these same decades S. aureus has perfected resistance mechanisms against these antibiotics, which are then countered by new generations of β-lactam structure. This review addresses the current breadth of biochemical and microbiological efforts to preserve the future of the β-lactam antibiotics through a better understanding of how S. aureus protects the enzyme targets of the β-lactams, the penicillin-binding proteins. The penicillin-binding proteins are essential enzyme catalysts for the biosynthesis of the cell wall, and understanding how this cell wall is integrated into the protective cell envelope of the bacterium may identify new antibacterials and new adjuvants that preserve the efficacy of the β-lactams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jed F Fisher
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, McCourtney Hall, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Shahriar Mobashery
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, McCourtney Hall, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Indiana 46556, United States
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24
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Zorrilla S, Monterroso B, Robles-Ramos MÁ, Margolin W, Rivas G. FtsZ Interactions and Biomolecular Condensates as Potential Targets for New Antibiotics. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10030254. [PMID: 33806332 PMCID: PMC7999717 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10030254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
FtsZ is an essential and central protein for cell division in most bacteria. Because of its ability to organize into dynamic polymers at the cell membrane and recruit other protein partners to form a “divisome”, FtsZ is a leading target in the quest for new antibacterial compounds. Strategies to potentially arrest the essential and tightly regulated cell division process include perturbing FtsZ’s ability to interact with itself and other divisome proteins. Here, we discuss the available methodologies to screen for and characterize those interactions. In addition to assays that measure protein-ligand interactions in solution, we also discuss the use of minimal membrane systems and cell-like compartments to better approximate the native bacterial cell environment and hence provide a more accurate assessment of a candidate compound’s potential in vivo effect. We particularly focus on ways to measure and inhibit under-explored interactions between FtsZ and partner proteins. Finally, we discuss recent evidence that FtsZ forms biomolecular condensates in vitro, and the potential implications of these assemblies in bacterial resistance to antibiotic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Zorrilla
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.-Á.R.-R.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence: (S.Z.); (B.M.); Tel.: +34-91-837-3112 (S.Z. & B.M.)
| | - Begoña Monterroso
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.-Á.R.-R.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence: (S.Z.); (B.M.); Tel.: +34-91-837-3112 (S.Z. & B.M.)
| | - Miguel-Ángel Robles-Ramos
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.-Á.R.-R.); (G.R.)
| | - William Margolin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Germán Rivas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.-Á.R.-R.); (G.R.)
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25
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Chai WC, Whittall JJ, Song D, Polyak SW, Ogunniyi AD, Wang Y, Bi F, Ma S, Semple SJ, Venter H. Antimicrobial Action and Reversal of Resistance in MRSA by Difluorobenzamide Derivatives Targeted at FtsZ. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:E873. [PMID: 33291418 PMCID: PMC7762090 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterial cell division protein, FtsZ, has been identified as a target for antimicrobial development. Derivatives of 3-methoxybenzamide have shown promising activities as FtsZ inhibitors in Gram-positive bacteria. We sought to characterise the activity of five difluorobenzamide derivatives with non-heterocyclic substituents attached through the 3-oxygen. These compounds exhibited antimicrobial activity against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with an isopentyloxy-substituted compound showing modest activity against vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE). The compounds were able to reverse resistance to oxacillin in highly resistant clinical MRSA strains at concentrations far below their MICs. Three of the compounds inhibited an Escherichia coli strain lacking the AcrAB components of a drug efflux pump, which suggests the lack of Gram-negative activity can partly be attributed to efflux. The compounds inhibited cell division by targeting S. aureus FtsZ, producing a dose-dependent increase in GTPase rate which increased the rate of FtsZ polymerization and stabilized the FtsZ polymers. These compounds did not affect the polymerization of mammalian tubulin and did not display haemolytic activity or cytotoxicity. These derivatives are therefore promising compounds for further development as antimicrobial agents or as resistance breakers to re-sensitive MRSA to beta-lactam antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wern Chern Chai
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, SA 5000 Adelaide, Australia; (W.C.C.); (J.J.W.); (S.W.P.); (S.J.S.)
| | - Jonathan J. Whittall
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, SA 5000 Adelaide, Australia; (W.C.C.); (J.J.W.); (S.W.P.); (S.J.S.)
| | - Di Song
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (D.S.); (Y.W.); (F.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Steven W. Polyak
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, SA 5000 Adelaide, Australia; (W.C.C.); (J.J.W.); (S.W.P.); (S.J.S.)
| | - Abiodun D. Ogunniyi
- Australia Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Ecology, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, SA 5371 Roseworthy, Australia;
| | - Yinhu Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (D.S.); (Y.W.); (F.B.); (S.M.)
- School of Pharmacy, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China
| | - Fangchao Bi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (D.S.); (Y.W.); (F.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Shutao Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (D.S.); (Y.W.); (F.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Susan J. Semple
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, SA 5000 Adelaide, Australia; (W.C.C.); (J.J.W.); (S.W.P.); (S.J.S.)
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, SA 5000 Adelaide, Australia
| | - Henrietta Venter
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, SA 5000 Adelaide, Australia; (W.C.C.); (J.J.W.); (S.W.P.); (S.J.S.)
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26
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Straniero V, Suigo L, Casiraghi A, Sebastián-Pérez V, Hrast M, Zanotto C, Zdovc I, De Giuli Morghen C, Radaelli A, Valoti E. Benzamide Derivatives Targeting the Cell Division Protein FtsZ: Modifications of the Linker and the Benzodioxane Scaffold and Their Effects on Antimicrobial Activity. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9040160. [PMID: 32260339 PMCID: PMC7235863 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9040160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous temperature-sensitive Z (FtsZ) is a prokaryotic protein with an essential role in the bacterial cell division process. It is widely conserved and expressed in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. In the last decade, several research groups have pointed out molecules able to target FtsZ in Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and other Gram-positive strains, with sub-micromolar Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs). Conversely, no promising derivatives active on Gram-negatives have been found up to now. Here, we report our results on a class of benzamide compounds, which showed comparable inhibitory activities on both S. aureus and Escherichia coli FtsZ, even though they proved to be substrates of E. coli efflux pump AcrAB, thus affecting the antimicrobial activity. These surprising results confirmed how a single molecule can target both species while maintaining potent antimicrobial activity. A further computational study helped us decipher the structural features necessary for broad spectrum activity and assess the drug-like profile and the on-target activity of this family of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Straniero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 25, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.S.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: (V.S.); (E.V.); Tel.: +39-0250319361 (V.S.); +39-0250319334 (E.V.)
| | - Lorenzo Suigo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 25, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Andrea Casiraghi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 25, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Victor Sebastián-Pérez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Exscientia, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GE, UK
| | - Martina Hrast
- Pharmacy Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta, 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Carlo Zanotto
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli, 32, 20129 Milano, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Irena Zdovc
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva, 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Carlo De Giuli Morghen
- Department of Chemical – Pharmaceutical and Biomolecular Technologies, Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel”, Rr. Dritan Hoxha, 1025 Tirana, Albania;
| | - Antonia Radaelli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli, 32, 20129 Milano, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Ermanno Valoti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 25, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.S.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: (V.S.); (E.V.); Tel.: +39-0250319361 (V.S.); +39-0250319334 (E.V.)
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