Halogenated tryptophan derivatives disrupt essential transamination mechanisms in bloodstream form Trypanosoma brucei

PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2020 Dec 4;14(12):e0008928. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008928. eCollection 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Amino acid metabolism within Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of human African trypanosomiasis, is critical for parasite survival and virulence. Of these metabolic processes, the transamination of aromatic amino acids is one of the most important. In this study, a series of halogenated tryptophan analogues were investigated for their anti-parasitic potency. Several of these analogues showed significant trypanocidal activity. Metabolomics analysis of compound-treated parasites revealed key differences occurring within aromatic amino acid metabolism, particularly within the widely reported and essential transamination processes of this parasite.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / chemistry
  • Amino Acids / metabolism
  • Cell Survival
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Leishmania major
  • Molecular Structure
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / metabolism*
  • Tryptophan / chemistry
  • Tryptophan / metabolism*

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Tryptophan