New Methylcitrate Synthase Inhibitor Induces Proteolysis, Lipid Degradation and Pyruvate Excretion in <i>Paracoccidioides brasiliensis</i>

oleh: Olivia Basso Rocha, Kleber Santiago Freitas e Silva, Thaynara Gonzaga Santos, Dayane Moraes, Leandro do Prado Assunção, Alexandre Melo Bailão, Célia Maria de Almeida Soares, Maristela Pereira

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2023-01-01

Deskripsi

Background: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis caused by the inhalation of conidia of the genus <i>Paracoccidioides</i>. During the infectious process, fungal cells use several carbon sources, leading to the production of propionyl-CoA. The latter is metabolized by the methylcitrate synthase, a key enzyme of the methylcitrate cycle. We identified an inhibitor compound (ZINC08964784) that showed antifungal activity against <i>P. brasiliensis</i>. Methods: This work aimed to understand the fungal metabolic response of <i>P. brasiliensis</i> cells exposed to ZINC08964784 through a proteomics approach. We used a glucose-free medium supplemented with propionate in order to simulate the environment found by the pathogen during the infection. We performed pyruvate dosage, proteolytic assay, dosage of intracellular lipids and quantification of reactive oxygen species in order to validate the proteomic results. Results: The proteomic analysis indicated that the fungal cells undergo a metabolic shift due to the inhibition of the methylcitrate cycle and the generation of reactive species. Proteolytic enzymes were induced, driving amino acids into degradation for energy production. In addition, glycolysis and the citric acid cycle were down-regulated while ß-oxidation was up-regulated. The accumulation of pyruvate and propionyl-CoA led the cells to a state of oxidative stress in the presence of ZINC08964784. Conclusions: The inhibition of methylcitrate synthase caused by the compound promoted a metabolic shift in <i>P. brasiliensis</i> damaging energy production and generating oxidative stress. Hence, the compound is a promising alternative for developing new strategies of therapies against paracoccidioidomycosis.