Evaluation of PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis as an antiparasitic target for metformin based on phylogeny analysis and molecular docking

Congshan Liu; Shangrui Zhang; Jian Xue; Haobing Zhang; Jianhai Yin

doi:10.1016/j.molbiopara.2023.111580

Evaluation of PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis as an antiparasitic target for metformin based on phylogeny analysis and molecular docking

Mol Biochem Parasitol. 2023 Sep:255:111580. doi: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2023.111580. Epub 2023 Jul 18.

Authors

Congshan Liu¹, Shangrui Zhang², Jian Xue¹, Haobing Zhang¹, Jianhai Yin³

Affiliations

¹ National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China.
² Henan Medical College, No. 8 Shuanghu Avenue, Longhu Town, Xinzheng, Zhengzhou City 451191, Henan Province, China.
³ National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China. Electronic address: yinjh@nipd.chinacdc.cn.

PMID: 37473813
DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2023.111580

Abstract

Background: Metformin (Met), the first-line drug used in the treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, is effective against a variety of parasites. However, the molecular target of Met at clinical dose against various parasites remains unclear. Recently, low-dose Met (clinical dose) has been reported to directly bind PEN2 (presenilin enhancer protein 2) and initiate the lysosomal glucose-sensing pathway for AMPK activation via ATP6AP1 (V-type proton ATPase subunit S1), rather than perturbing AMP/ATP levels.

Methods: To explore the possibility of PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis as a drug target of Met for the treatment of parasitic diseases, we identified and characterized orthologs of PEN2 and ATP6AP1 genes in parasites, by constructing phylogenetic trees, analyzing protein sequences and predicting interactions between Met and parasite PEN2.

Results: The results showed that PEN2 and ATP6AP1 genes are only found together in a few of parasite species in the cestoda and nematoda groups. Indicated by molecular simulation, Met might function by interacting with PEN2 on V37/W38/E5 (Trichinella spiralis) with similar binding energy, and on F35/S39 (Caenorhabditis elegans) with higher binding energy, comparing to human PEN2. Hence, these results indicated that only the T. spiralis PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis has the potential to be the direct target of low-concentration Met. Together with contribution of host cells including immune cells in vivo, T. spiralis PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis might play roles in reducing parasite load at low-concentration Met. However, the mechanisms of low-concentration Met on other parasitic infections might be mainly achieved by regulating host cells, rather than directly targeting PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis.

Conclusions: These findings revealed the potential mechanisms by which Met treats various parasitic diseases, and shed new light on the development of antiparasitic drugs.

Keywords: ATP6AP1; Bioinformatics; Drug target; Metformin; PEN2; Parasites.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Antiparasitic Agents
Caenorhabditis elegans
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*
Humans
Metformin* / pharmacology
Molecular Docking Simulation
Phylogeny
Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases*

Substances

Metformin
Antiparasitic Agents
ATP6AP1 protein, human
Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases