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Ceccarelli G, Goracci L, Carotti A, Paccoia F, Passeri D, Cipolloni M, Di Bona S, Cruciani G, Pellicciari R, Gioiello A. Discovery and Structure-Activity Relationships of Novel ssDAF-12 Receptor Modulators. J Med Chem 2024; 67:4150-4169. [PMID: 38417155 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
The nuclear receptor ssDAF-12 has been recognized as the key molecular player regulating the life cycle of the nematode parasite Strongyloides stercoralis. ssDAF-12 ligands permit the receptor to function as an on/off switch modulating infection, making it vulnerable to therapeutic intervention. In this study, we report the design and synthesis of a set of novel dafachronic acid derivatives, which were used to outline the first structure-activity relationship targeting the ssDAF-12 receptor and to unveil hidden properties shared by the molecular shape of steroidal ligands that are relevant to the receptor binding and modulation. Moreover, biological results led to the discovery of sulfonamide 3 as a submicromolar ssDAF-12 agonist endowed with a high receptor selectivity, no toxicity, and improved properties, as well as to the identification of unprecedented ssDAF-12 antagonists that can be exploited in the search for novel chemical tools and alternative therapeutic approaches for treating parasitism such as Strongyloidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Ceccarelli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Goracci
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via dell' Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Carotti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Federico Paccoia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Di Bona
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via dell' Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Cruciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via dell' Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Antimo Gioiello
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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Gordon CA, Utzinger J, Muhi S, Becker SL, Keiser J, Khieu V, Gray DJ. Strongyloidiasis. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:6. [PMID: 38272922 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-023-00490-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused primarily by the roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis. Strongyloidiasis is most prevalent in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Although cases have been documented worldwide, global prevalence is largely unknown due to limited surveillance. Infection of the definitive human host occurs via direct skin penetration of the infective filariform larvae. Parasitic females reside in the small intestine and reproduce via parthenogenesis, where eggs hatch inside the host before rhabditiform larvae are excreted in faeces to begin the single generation free-living life cycle. Rhabditiform larvae can also develop directly into infectious filariform larvae in the gut and cause autoinfection. Although many are asymptomatic, infected individuals may report a range of non-specific gastrointestinal, respiratory or skin symptoms. Autoinfection may cause hyperinfection and disseminated strongyloidiasis in immunocompromised individuals, which is often fatal. Diagnosis requires direct examination of larvae in clinical specimens, positive serology or nucleic acid detection. However, there is a lack of standardization of techniques for all diagnostic types. Ivermectin is the treatment of choice. Control and elimination of strongyloidiasis will require a multifaceted, integrated approach, including highly sensitive and standardized diagnostics, active surveillance, health information, education and communication strategies, improved water, sanitation and hygiene, access to efficacious treatment, vaccine development and better integration and acknowledgement in current helminth control programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephen Muhi
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sören L Becker
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Virak Khieu
- National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Hou B, Hai Y, Buyin B, Hasi S. Research progress and limitation analysis of RNA interference in Haemonchus contortus in China. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1079676. [PMID: 36908509 PMCID: PMC9998686 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1079676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemonchus contortus is a highly pathogenic and economically important parasitic nematode that affects small ruminants worldwide. While omics studies hold great promise, there are fewer research tools available for analyzing subsequent gene function studies. RNA interference (RNAi) technology offers a solution to this problem, as it especially allows for the knockout or shutting off of the expression of specific genes. As a result, RNAi technology has been widely used to explore gene function and disease treatment research. In this study, we reviewed the latest advancements in RNAi research on Haemonchus contortus in China, with the aim of providing a reference for the identification of key genes involved in growth and development, anthelmintic resistance, diagnostic markers, and diagnostic drug targets for the treatment of Haemonchus contortus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Hou
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ying Hai
- Wushen Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Ordos, China
| | - Buhe Buyin
- Wushen Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Ordos, China
| | - Surong Hasi
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
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Cadd LC, Crooks B, Marks NJ, Maule AG, Mousley A, Atkinson LE. The Strongyloides bioassay toolbox: A unique opportunity to accelerate functional biology for nematode parasites. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2022; 252:111526. [PMID: 36240960 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans is a uniquely powerful tool to aid understanding of fundamental nematode biology. While C. elegans boasts an unrivalled array of functional genomics tools and phenotype bioassays the inherent differences between free-living and parasitic nematodes underscores the need to develop these approaches in tractable parasite models. Advances in functional genomics approaches, including RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, in the parasitic nematodes Strongyloides ratti and Strongyloides stercoralis provide a unique and timely opportunity to probe basic parasite biology and reveal novel anthelmintic targets in species that are both experimentally and therapeutically relevant pathogens. While Strongyloides functional genomics tools have progressed rapidly, the complementary range of bioassays required to elucidate phenotypic outcomes post-functional genomics remain more limited in scope. To adequately support the exploitation of functional genomic pipelines for studies of gene function in Strongyloides a comprehensive set of species- and parasite-specific quantitative bioassays are required to assess nematode behaviours post-genetic manipulation. Here we review the scope of the current Strongyloides bioassay toolbox, how established Strongyloides bioassays have advanced knowledge of parasite biology, opportunities for Strongyloides bioassay development and, the need for investment in tractable model parasite platforms such as Strongyloides to drive the discovery of novel targets for parasite control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke C Cadd
- Microbes & Pathogen Biology, The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Bethany Crooks
- Microbes & Pathogen Biology, The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Nikki J Marks
- Microbes & Pathogen Biology, The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Aaron G Maule
- Microbes & Pathogen Biology, The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Angela Mousley
- Microbes & Pathogen Biology, The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Louise E Atkinson
- Microbes & Pathogen Biology, The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK.
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