Structure-Activity Relationships of 6- and 8-Gingerol Analogs as Anti-Biofilm Agents

J Med Chem. 2017 Dec 14;60(23):9821-9837. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01426. Epub 2017 Nov 27.

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a causative agent of chronic infections in immunocompromised patients. Disruption of quorum sensing circuits is an attractive strategy for treating diseases associated with P. aeruginosa infection. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of gingerol analogs targeting LasR, a master regulator of quorum sensing networks in P. aeruginosa. Structure-activity relationship studies showed that a hydrogen-bonding interaction in the head section, stereochemistry and rotational rigidity in the middle section, and optimal alkyl chain length in the tail section are important factors for the enhancement of LasR-binding affinity and for the inhibition of biofilm formation. The most potent compound 41, an analog of (R)-8-gingerol with restricted rotation, showed stronger LasR-binding affinity and inhibition of biofilm formation than the known LasR antagonist (S)-6-gingerol. This new LasR antagonist can be used as an early lead compound for the development of anti-biofilm agents to treat P. aeruginosa infections.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Biofilms / drug effects*
  • Catechols / chemistry
  • Catechols / pharmacology*
  • Fatty Alcohols / chemistry
  • Fatty Alcohols / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Pseudomonas Infections / drug therapy
  • Pseudomonas Infections / microbiology
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / physiology
  • Quorum Sensing / drug effects
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Catechols
  • Fatty Alcohols
  • LasR protein, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Trans-Activators
  • gingerol
  • 8-gingerol