Chemogenomic Fingerprints Associated with Stage-Specific Gametocytocidal Compound Action against Human Malaria Parasites

Abstract

Kinase-focused inhibitors previously revealed compounds with differential activity against different stages of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. MMV666810, a 2-aminopyrazine, is more active on late-stage gametocytes, while a pyrazolopyridine, MMV674850, preferentially targets early-stage gametocytes. Here, we probe the biological mechanisms underpinning this differential stage-specific killing using in-depth transcriptome fingerprinting. Compound-specific chemogenomic profiles were observed with MMV674850 treatment associated with biological processes shared between asexual blood stage parasites and early-stage gametocytes but not late-stage gametocytes. MMV666810 has a distinct profile with clustered gene sets associated primarily with late-stage gametocyte development, including Ca2+-dependent protein kinases (CDPK1 and 5) and serine/threonine protein kinases (FIKK). Chemogenomic profiling therefore highlights essential processes in late-stage gametocytes, on a transcriptional level. This information is important to prioritize compounds that preferentially compromise late-stage gametocytes for further development as transmission-blocking antimalarials.

Fused Pyridine Derivatives: Synthesis and Biological Activities

“…Shortly after the synthesis, compounds containing pyrazolopyridine moiety with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic activity were reported [211]. Additionally, antibacterial (against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria), antiviral (anti-enterovirus), and antifungal and antiparasitic (antimalarial) activity reports of pyrazolopyridine-bearing compounds were reported in the literature [212][213][214][215][216][217]. Moreover, anticancer activity of various pyrazolopyridine derivatives was investigated in many studies [218][219][220][221][222].…”