DNA Structural Alteration Leading to Antibacterial Properties of 6-Nitroquinoxaline Derivatives

J Med Chem. 2019 Sep 12;62(17):7840-7856. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00599. Epub 2019 Aug 22.

Abstract

Structural integrity of the bacterial genome plays an important role in bacterial survival. Cellular consequences of an intolerable amount of change in the DNA structure are not well understood in bacteria. Here we have stated that binding of synthetic 6-nitroquinoxaline derivatives with DNA led to change in its global structure, subsequently culminating with over-supercoiled form through in-path intermediates. This structural change results in induction of programmed cell death like physiological hallmarks, which is dependent on substitution driven structural modulation properties of the scaffold. A sublethal dose of a representative derivative, 3a, significantly inhibits DNA synthesis, produces fragmented nucleoids, and alters membrane architecture. We have also shown that exposure to the compound changes the native morphology of Staphylococcus aureus cells and significantly disrupts preformed biofilms. Thus, our study gives new insight into bacterial responses to local or global DNA structural changes induced by 6-nitroquinoxaline small molecules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biofilms / drug effects
  • DNA, Bacterial / chemistry
  • DNA, Bacterial / drug effects*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nitro Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Nitro Compounds / chemistry
  • Nitro Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Quinoxalines / chemical synthesis
  • Quinoxalines / chemistry
  • Quinoxalines / pharmacology*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / cytology
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Nitro Compounds
  • Quinoxalines