Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Discovery of Synthetic Leishmania Inhibitors by Screening of a 2-Arylbenzothiophene Library

Full text
Author(s):
Bonano, Vivian I. [1] ; Yokoyama-Yasunaka, Jenicer K. U. [1] ; Miguel, Danilo C. [1] ; Jones, Scott A. [2] ; Dodge, Jeffrey A. [2] ; Uliana, Silvia R. B. [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Parasitol, Inst Ciencias Biomed, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Eli Lilly & Co, Lilly Corp Ctr, Lilly Res Labs, Indianapolis, IN 46285 - USA
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: CHEMICAL BIOLOGY & DRUG DESIGN; v. 83, n. 3, p. 289-296, MAR 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

Tamoxifen has been shown to be active in vitro against Leishmania and effective in the treatment for leishmaniasis in murine models. Through the screening of a compound library of estrogen receptor modulator analogs, we identified the major characteristics required for antileishmanial activity. To overcome the difficulties presented by tamoxifen's propensity for E/Z isomerization, we used the 2-arylbenzothiophene compound BTP as a more stable alternative. Directed screening of a small compound library based on BTP led to active compounds against Leishmania. Subsequent structure-activity data for the synthetic 2-arylbenzothiophenes evaluated in this study indicate that optimal antileishmanial potency is dependent on the presence of two basic side chains. In addition, the primary structural features required for estrogen receptor binding, the phenols, are not required for inhibiting parasitic growth. Significantly, the most active antileishmanial benzothiophenes lack the pharmacophore for estrogen receptor activity and therefore address potential concerns about the undesirable effects of using selective estrogen receptor modulators in women and children with leishmaniasis. Three compounds selected from the screening have shown consistent activity against all species and stages of Leishmania in vitro although improvements in selectivity are needed. These compounds represent viable starting points for further optimization as antileishmanial agents. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 11/20484-7 - Tamoxifen in the treatment of leishmaniasis: evaluation of efficacy in combination therapy schemes and study of the antileishmanial mechanism of action
Grantee:Silvia Reni Bortolin Uliana
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants