Mutant Dihydrofolate Reductase Research Articles

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of the Role of M42 in the Solution Dynamics of Escherichia coli Dihydrofolate Reductase

It is widely recognized that key positions throughout a protein's structure contribute unequally to function. In light of recent studies that suggest protein dynamics are required for function, a number of these residues may serve to promote motions required for ligand binding and catalysis. In this nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) study, the conformational dynamics of the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) mutant M42W, in the presence of methotrexate and NADPH, are characterized and compared to those of the wild-type enzyme. M42 is distal to the active site, yet the M42W substitution regulates catalysis and ligand affinity and is therefore analogous to an allosteric modulator of DHFR function. To gain understanding of how this mutation regulates activity, we employ a "pandynamic" strategy by measuring conformational fluctuations of backbone amide and side-chain methyl groups on multiple time scales. Changes in pico- to nanosecond dynamics indicate that the mutational effects are propagated throughout a network of interacting residues within DHFR, consistent with a role for M42 as a dynamic communication hub. On the micro- to millisecond time scale, mutation increases the rate of switching in the catalytic core. Mutation also introduces switching in the adenosine binding subdomain that occurs at a higher frequency than in the catalytic core and which correlates with the rate of product release for M42W-DHFR. Finally, a structurally inferred analysis of side-chain dynamics suggests that the M42W mutation dampens motional contributions from nonlocal sources. These data show that the M42W mutation alters the dynamics of DHFR and are consistent with theoretical analysis that suggests this mutation disrupts motion that promotes catalysis.

The effect of active-site isoleucine to alanine mutation on the DHFR catalyzed hydride-transfer

Comparison of the nature of hydride transfer in wild-type and active site mutant (I14A) of dihydrofolate reductase suggests that the size of this side chain at position 14 modulates H-tunneling.

3D-QSAR analysis of cycloguanil derivatives as inhibitors of A16V + S108T mutant Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase enzyme

A three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) study was carried out on cycloguanil derivatives which are reported as growth inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum clone (T9/94 RC17) which harbors A16V + S108T mutant dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) enzyme. Comparative of Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) and Comparative of Molecular Similarity Indices Analysis (CoMSIA) were carried out to investigate the structural requirements for the activities of these compounds and to derive predictive models that may be used for designing novel PfDHFR enzyme inhibitors. The global minimum energy (within the search space) conformation of the most active compound ( 38) was obtained by using simulated annealing, and was subsequently used as a template to build the structures of the rest molecules used in the study. The CoMFA model gave statistically significant results with r cv 2 and r ncv 2 values of 0.654 and 0.951, respectively. The combination of steric, electrostatic and hydrophobic fields resulted in the best CoMSIA model with r cv 2 and r ncv 2 values of 0.669 and 0.907, respectively. The predictive abilities of the CoMFA and CoMSIA models were also evaluated using test compounds which gave r pred 2 values of 0.735 and 0.557, respectively. The results of bootstrapping analyses also confirmed that the generated models are robust and reliable. The models were graphically interpreted using CoMFA and CoMSIA contour plots. The structural regions responsible for the differences in anti-plasmodial activities were analyzed with respect to their electrostatic, steric and hydrophobic nature. The results obtained from this study could be used for rational design of potent inhibitors against A16V + S108T mutant PfDHFR enzyme.

Origins and spread of pfdhfr mutant alleles in Plasmodium falciparum

The emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum parasite resistant to sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine (SP) poses a serious public health problem. Resistance is caused by point mutations in dihydrofolate reductase ( pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase ( pfdhps), the two key enzymes in the folate biosynthetic pathway. The use of microsatellite markers flanking pfdhfr has recently shown that the invasion of limited resistant lineages may explain the widespread SP resistance in many endemic regions. In Africa, however, multiple indigenous origins of pfdhfr triple mutants have been demonstrated. More new independent lineages and routes of geographical spread of resistance may be found by further molecular evolutionary analyses using samples from various endemic regions. Here, I review recent studies about the history of SP usage and the evolution and spread of resistant lineages while addressing the technical issue of microsatellite analysis.

Inhibitory properties and X-ray crystallographic study of the binding of AR-101, AR-102 and iclaprim in ternary complexes with NADPH and dihydrofolate reductase fromStaphylococcus aureus

Iclaprim is a novel dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitor belonging to the 2,4-diaminopyrimidine class of antibiotics, of which trimethoprim (TMP) is the most well known representative. Iclaprim exhibits potent bactericidal activity against major Gram-positive pathogens, notably methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) phenotypes, including TMP-resistant strains. The inhibition properties of racemic iclaprim and of the two enantiomers, termed AR-101 and AR-102, towards S. aureus wild-type DHFR and TMP-resistant F98Y mutant DHFR were determined and compared. Similar to TMP, AR-101, AR-102 and iclaprim are all competitive inhibitors with respect to the substrate dihydrofolate. Iclaprim, AR-101 and AR-102 demonstrated little or no difference in activity towards these enzymes and were significantly more potent than TMP. The crystal structures of S. aureus DHFR and F98Y mutant DHFR were determined as ternary complexes with NADPH and either AR-101, AR-102 or iclaprim. The binding modes of the inhibitors were analysed and compared. The X-ray crystallographic data explain the binding modes of all molecules well and can be used to rationalize the equipotent affinity of AR-101, AR-102 and iclaprim, which is also reflected in their antibacterial properties.

In Vitro Activity of Antifolate and Polymorphism in Dihydrofolate Reductase ofPlasmodium falciparumIsolates from the Kenyan Coast: Emergence of Parasites with Ile-164-Leu Mutation

We have analyzed the activities of the antifolates pyrimethamine (PM), chlorcycloguanil (CCG), WR99210, trimethoprim (TMP), methotrexate (MTX), and trimetrexate (TMX) against Kenyan Plasmodium falciparum isolates adapted in vitro for long-term culture. We have also assessed the relationship between these drug activities and mutations in dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr), a domain of the gene associated with antifolate resistance. As expected, WR99210 was the most potent drug, with a median 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of <0.075 nM, followed by TMX, with a median IC50 of 30 nM. The median IC50 of CCG was 37.80 nM, and that of MTX was 83.60 nM. PM and TMP were the least active drugs, with median IC50s of 733.26 nM and 29,656.04 nM, respectively. We analyzed parasite dhfr genotypes by the PCR-enzyme restriction technique. No wild-type dhfr parasite was found. Twenty-four of 33 parasites were triple mutants (mutations at codons 108, 51, and 59), and only 8/33 were double mutants (mutations at codons 108 and 51 or at codons 108 and 59). IC50s were 2.1-fold (PM) and 3.6-fold (TMP) higher in triple than in double mutants, though these differences were not statistically significant. Interestingly, we have identified a parasite harboring a mutation at codon 164 (Ile-164-Leu) in addition to mutations at codons 108, 51, and 59. This quadruple mutant parasite had the highest TMP IC50 and was in the upper 10th percentile against PM and CCG. We confirmed the presence of this mutation by sequencing. Thus, TMX and MTX are potent against P. falciparum, and quadruple mutants are now emerging in Africa.

Computational Methods for Predicting Sites of Functionally Important Dynamics

Understanding and controlling biological function of proteins at the atomic level is of great importance; allosteric mechanisms provide such an interface. Experimental and computational methods have been developed to search for residue mutations that produce changes in function by altering sites of correlated motion. These methods are often observational in that altered motions are achieved by random sampling without revealing the underlying mechanism(s). We present two deterministic methods founded on structure-function relationships that predict dynamic control sites (i.e., locations that experience correlated motions as a result of altered dynamics). The first method ("static") is based on a single structure conformation (e.g., the wild type (WT)) and utilizes a graph description of atomic connectivity. The local atomic interactions are used to compute the propagation of contact paths. This description of structure connectivity reveals flexible locations that are susceptible to altered dynamics. The second method ("dynamic") is a comparative analysis between the normal modes of a WT structure and a mutant structure. A mapping function is defined that quantifies the significance of the motions in one structure projected onto the motions of the other. Each mode is considered up- or down-regulated according to its change in relative significance. This description of altered dynamics is the basis for a motion correlation analysis, from which the dynamic control sites are readily identified. The methods are theoretically derived and applied using the canonical system dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Both methods demonstrate a very high predictive value (p<0.005) in identifying known dynamic control sites. The dynamic method also produces a new hypothesis regarding the mechanism by which the DHFR mutant achieves hyperactivity. These tools are suitable for allosteric investigations and may greatly enhance the speed and effectiveness of other computational and experimental methods.

Distinct haplotypes of dhfr and dhps among Plasmodium falciparum isolates in an area of high level of sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) resistance in eastern Sudan

Typing of polymorphic microsatellites that are linked to drug resistance genes has shed light on the origin and pattern of spread of some anti-malarial drugs. Recent surveys revealed spread of a high-level pyrimethemine resistant lineage of Plasmodium falciparum, of Asian origin , across Africa. Here, we examined mutations in dihydrofolate reductase, dhfr [chromsosome 4], the dihydropteroate synthase, dhps [chromosome 8] associated with resistance to sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP), and neighboring microsatellites among P. falciparum isolates in Asar village, eastern Sudan. This area lies at the fringes of malaria endemicity, where the remote P. falciparum parasites have some distinct genetic characteristics. Overall, 89% (84/94) of the examined isolates carried double mutations at dhfr (N51I and S108N), but the 59R and I164L mutations were not seen. Similarly, the majority, 43% (35/81) of the isolates carried double mutations at dhps (437 G, 540 E). Analysis of neighboring microsatellites revealed one major dhfr haplotype with mutations (51 I, 108 N) and one dhps haplotype with mutations (436 S, 437 G, 540 E). These haplotypes differ from the major ones thought to drive resistance to SP across Africa. The resistant haplotypes of dhfr and dhps, in Asar, share some microsatellites with the wild genotypes suggesting that they were generated locally. Among isolates successfully examined, 40% shared identical haplotypes of the 2 loci, comprising a dominant resistant lineage. Undoubtedly, this lineage plays an important role in clinical failure to SP in this area.

Plasmodium falciparum and Dihydrofolate Reductase I164L Mutations in Africa

The paper by Ochong et al. modifies the real-time PCR method we published previously and applies it to samples from Malawi, Zambia, and Thailand (2, 7). These authors bring up several criticisms of the original technique, and we welcome this opportunity to clarify concerns about this method. We would also like to comment on some of their conclusions. The primary criticism of Ochong et al. of our assay of mutations of dihydrofolate reductase at position 164 (DHFR-164) is that there was nonspecific binding of the probes. We have previously reported this phenomenon (1), which is evident from the original paper describing the MGB probe (see Fig. 4 in reference 5). However, this background binding does not interfere with the assay's discriminating ability as long as proper controls (standard curves of both wild-type and mutant DNA at concentrations similar to the clinical samples) are included (1, 2). In addition, the assay's performance is dependent on the real-time PCR machine, reagents, and even the batch of probe (1). Thus, the assay's discriminating ability should be reoptimized when it is adapted to different conditions. Overall, we find the modified assay of Ochong et al. to be a successful adaptation of our assay to a new lab. However, this adaptation was incompletely validated. For example, the authors did not determine its sensitivity and specificity by running both real-time PCR and the gold standard allele-specific PCR with the same samples. Also, the authors should address the possibility that whole-genome amplification changes the frequencies of haplotypes from that in the original sample. There is a much stronger body of evidence supporting the emergence of the DHFR-164L mutation in Africa than is suggested in this paper. We recently confirmed the existence of the DHFR-164L mutation in Malawi by a heteroduplex tracking assay and direct sequencing (4). Furthermore, a subsequent report by Lynch et al. found the mutation in 14% of samples from southwestern Uganda collected in 2005 (6). Previously, in 2002, the mutation had been found at a prevalence of 1.25% in Kanungu in southwestern Uganda (3). This suggests that the mutation may be emerging regionally in Africa. Finally, it is important to note that all of the reported studies of the prevalence of the DHFR-164L mutation use patients enrolled in studies and were not sampled to represent the general population. Thus, small differences in prevalence between studies and study sites are to be expected.

Crystal Structures of Wild-type and Mutant Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Dihydrofolate Reductase Reveal an Alternate Conformation of NADPH That May Be Linked to Trimethoprim Resistance

Both hospital- and community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections have become major health concerns in terms of morbidity, suffering and cost. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) is an alternative treatment for methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections. However, TMP-resistant strains have arisen with point mutations in dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), the target for TMP. A single point mutation, F98Y, has been shown biochemically to confer the majority of this resistance to TMP. Using a structure-based approach, we have designed a series of novel propargyl-linked DHFR inhibitors that are active against several trimethoprim-resistant enzymes. We screened this series against wild-type and mutant (F98Y) S. aureus DHFR and found that several are active against both enzymes and specifically that the meta-biphenyl class of these inhibitors is the most potent. In order to understand the structural basis of this potency, we determined eight high-resolution crystal structures: four each of the wild-type and mutant DHFR enzymes bound to various propargyl-linked DHFR inhibitors. In addition to explaining the structure–activity relationships, several of the structures reveal a novel conformation for the cofactor, NADPH. In this new conformation that is predominantly associated with the mutant enzyme, the nicotinamide ring is displaced from its conserved location and three water molecules complete a network of hydrogen bonds between the nicotinamide ring and the protein. In this new position, NADPH has reduced interactions with the inhibitor. An equilibrium between the two conformations of NADPH, implied by their occupancies in the eight crystal structures, is influenced both by the ligand and the F98Y mutation. The mutation induced equilibrium between two NADPH-binding conformations may contribute to decrease TMP binding and thus may be responsible for TMP resistance.

Computational Approach for Ranking Mutant Enzymes According to Catalytic Reaction Rates

A computationally efficient approach for ranking mutant enzymes according to the catalytic reaction rates is presented. This procedure requires the generation and equilibration of the mutant structures, followed by the calculation of partial free energy curves using an empirical valence bond potential in conjunction with biased molecular dynamics simulations and umbrella integration. The individual steps are automated and optimized for computational efficiency. This approach is used to rank a series of 15 dihydrofolate reductase mutants according to the hydride transfer reaction rate. The agreement between the calculated and experimental changes in the free energy barrier upon mutation is encouraging. The computational approach predicts the correct direction of the change in free energy barrier for all mutants, and the correlation coefficient between the calculated and experimental data is 0.82. This general approach for ranking protein designs has implications for protein engineering and drug design.

Interactions between cycloguanil derivatives and wild type and resistance-associated mutant Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductases

Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and quantum chemical calculations were performed on cycloguanil (Cyc) derivatives of the wild type and the quadruple mutant (Asn51Ile, Cys59Arg, Ser108Asn, Ile164Leu) of Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (PfDHFR). The represented CoMFA models of wild type (r(2) = 0.727 and r(2) = 0.985) and mutant type (r(2) = 0.786 and r(2) = 0.979) can describe the differences of the Cyc structural requirements for the two types of PfDHFR enzymes and can be useful to guide the design of new inhibitors. Moreover, the obtained particular interaction energies between the Cyc and the surrounding residues in the binding pocket indicated that Asn108 of mutant enzyme was the cause of Cyc resistance by producing steric clash with p-Cl of Cyc. Consequently, comparing the energy contributions with the potent flexible WR99210 inhibitor, it was found that the key mutant residue, Asn108, demonstrates attractive interaction with this inhibitor and some residues, Leu46, Ile112, Pro113, Phe116, and Leu119, seem to perform as second binding site with WR99210. Therefore, quantum chemical calculations can be useful for investigating residue interactions to clarify the cause of drug resistance.

Protein Oxidation During Long Storage: Identification of the Oxidation Sites in Dihydrofolate Reductase from Escherichia coli through LC-MS and Fragment Studies

An LC-MS study revealed some heterogeneity in terms of molecular mass of a cysteine-free mutant of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) after long storage of the highly purified protein as an ammonium sulfate precipitate, but not in the case of a cysteine- and methioneine-free mutant of DHFR. One-third of the cysteine-free DHFR sample stored for a long time, around 18 months, comprised molecular species with molecular masses increased by 16, 32 and 48 Da. A peptide mapping study revealed that at least one of the methionine residues at positions 1, 16 and 20 was oxidatively modified to a methione-sulfoxide residue, while those at positions 42 and 92 were essentially unaffected. Each of the oxidized species of the DHFR exhibiting different degrees or sites of oxidation was further purified to essentially homogeneity in terms of molecular mass from the stored sample, and its enzyme activity was determined. One oxidized DHFR showed higher activity than that of the non-oxidized enzyme, while the other four oxidized DHFRs showed less activity. This agrees with the observation that the enzyme activity of the stored sample, a mixture in terms of oxidation, was apparently the same as that of the non-oxidized enzyme. This suggests that the activity itself is not a proper measure for quality control of proteins.

A 19-Base Pair Deletion Polymorphism in Dihydrofolate Reductase Is Associated with Increased Unmetabolized Folic Acid in Plasma and Decreased Red Blood Cell Folate

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) catalyzes the reduction of folic acid to tetrahydrofolate (THF). A 19-bp noncoding deletion allele maps to intron 1, beginning 60 bases from the splice donor site, and has been implicated in neural tube defects and cancer, presumably by influencing folate metabolism. The functional impact of this polymorphism has not yet been demonstrated. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of the DHFR mutation with respect to folate status and assess influence of folic acid intake on these relations. The relationship between DHFR genotype and plasma concentrations of circulating folic acid, total folate, total homocysteine, and concentrations of RBC folate was determined in 1215 subjects from the Framingham Offspring Study. There was a significant interaction between DHFR genotype and folic acid intake with respect to the prevalence of high circulating unmetabolized folic acid (defined as >85th percentile). Folic acid intake of ≥500 μg/d increased the prevalence of high circulating unmetabolized folic acid in subjects with the deletion (del/del genotype (47.0%) compared with the wild type (WT)/del (21.4%) and wild type (WT)/WT genotypes (24.4%) (P for interaction = 0.03). Interaction between the DHFR polymorphism and folic acid intake was also seen with respect to RBC folate (P for interaction = 0.01). When folic acid intake was <250 μg/d, the del/del genotype was associated with significantly lower RBC folate (732.3 nmol/L) compared with the WT/WT genotype (844.4 nmol/L). Our results suggest the del/del polymorphism in DHFR is a functional polymorphism, because it limits assimilation of folic acid into cellular folate stores at high and low folic acid intakes.

Expression, purification and characterization of recombinant mouse translation initiation factor eIF4E as a dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) fusion protein

One of the earliest steps in translation initiation is recognition of the mRNA cap structure (m7GpppX) by the initiation factor eIF4E. Studies of interactions between purified eIF4E and its binding partners provide important information for understanding mechanisms underlying translational control in normal and cancer cells. Numerous impediments of the available methods used for eIF4E purification led us to develop a novel methodology for obtaining fractions of eIF4E free from undesired by-products. Herein we report methods for bacterial expression of eIF4E tagged with mutant dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) followed by isolation and purification of the DHFR–eIF4E protein by using affinity and anion exchange chromatography. Fluorescence quenching experiments indicated the cap-analog, 7MeGTP, bound to DHFR–eIF4E and eIF4E with a dissociation constant ( K d) of 6 ± 5 and 10 ± 3 nM, respectively. Recombinant eIF4E and DHFR–eIF4E were both shown to significantly enhance in vitro translation in dose dependent manner by 75% at 0.5 μM. Nevertheless increased concentrations of eIF4E and DHFR–eIF4E significantly inhibited translation in a dose dependent manner by a maximum at 2 μM of 60% and 90%, respectively. Thus, we have demonstrated that we have developed an expression system for fully functional recombinant eIF4E. We have also shown that the fusion protein DHFR–eIF4E is functional and thus may be useful for cell based affinity tag studies with fluorescently labeled trimethoprim analogs.

Dihydrofolate reductase I164L mutations in Plasmodium falciparum isolates: clinical outcome of 14 Kenyan adults infected with parasites harbouring the I164L mutation

Recently, Plasmodium falciparum bearing dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) I164L was isolated from Africa. Quadruple mutations containing I164L confer high-level resistance to antifolate antimalarials. We prospectively measured the effect of co-trimoxazole (CTX) prophylaxis on P. falciparum antifolate resistance development among HIV-infected persons. HIV-positive patients with CD4 cell count < 350 cells/microl (n=692) received CTX; HIV-positive patients with CD4 cell count > or = 350 cells/microl (n=336) and HIV-negative patients (n=132) received multivitamins. Malaria microscopy-positive samples (n=413) and selected microscopy-negative/PCR-positive samples (n=76) were analysed for DHFR mutations at baseline and during six months follow up. We identified I164L in 14 patients. Seven were malaria microscopy-positive: two failed sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP). Among seven microscopy-negative/PCR-positive patients, none developed patent infections with I164L. I164L was not associated with high-level SP resistance or poor outcome among adults living where malaria is highly endemic. Surveillance to monitor spread of I164L is critical, especially among children and pregnant women, who are potentially a source for I164L amplification.

In Vitro Susceptibility of Various Genotypic Strains of Toxoplasma gondii to Pyrimethamine, Sulfadiazine, and Atovaquone

Sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine, and atovaquone are widely used for the treatment of severe toxoplasmosis. Their in vitro activities have been almost exclusively demonstrated on laboratory strains belonging to genotype I. We determined the in vitro activities of these drugs against 17 strains of Toxoplasma gondii belonging to various genotypes and examined the correlations among 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s), growth kinetics, strain genotypes, and mutations on drug target genes. Growth kinetics were determined in THP-1 cell cultures using real-time PCR. IC50s were determined in MRC-5 cell cultures using a T. gondii-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay performed on cultures. Mutations in dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS), and cytochrome b genes were determined by sequencing. Pyrimethamine IC50s ranged between 0.07 and 0.39 mg/liter, with no correlation with the strain genotype but a significant correlation with growth kinetics. Several mutations found on the DHFR gene were not linked to lower susceptibility. Atovaquone IC50s were in a narrow range of concentrations (mean, 0.06 +/- 0.02 mg/liter); no mutation was found on the cytochrome b gene. IC50s for sulfadiazine ranged between 3 and 18.9 mg/liter for 13 strains and were >50 mg/liter for three strains. High IC50s were not correlated to strain genotypes or growth kinetics. A new mutation of the DHPS gene was demonstrated in one of these strains. In conclusion, we found variability in the susceptibilities of T. gondii strains to pyrimethamine and atovaquone, with no evidence of drug resistance. A higher variability was found for sulfadiazine, with a possible resistance of three strains. No relationship was found between drug susceptibility and strain genotype.

Study of DHPS and DHFR genes ofPneumocystis jiroveciiin Thai HIV-infected patients

The combination of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is widely used for the prophylaxis and treatment of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii. Many studies have shown that mutations in the drug target, the dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) gene, are presumably involved with the failure of prophylaxis and treatment. We have analyzed dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) mutations in P. jirovecii isolates recovered from Thai patients. Out of 17 samples, 11.7% (2) of the DHPS gene contained a double mutation at codon 55 and codon 57, whereas out of 18 samples, 61.1% (11) of the DHFR genes contained the silent mutation at codon 104. In comparison to previous reports, we have found a higher number of DHFR mutations but a lower prevalence of DHPS mutations.

Selection of Antifolate-Resistant Plasmodium falciparum by Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine Treatment and Infectivity to Anopheles Mosquitoes

Resistance-conferring mutations in dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) in Plasmodium falciparum are selected by treatment with sulfadoxine pyrimethamine (SP). We assessed the association between these mutations and transmission capacity of parasites to Anopheles mosquitoes on the Pacific coast of Colombia. Patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria received SP treatment and were followed-up to compare the prevalence of DHFR and DHPS mutations before and after SP treatment. Membrane feeding assays were used to measure infectivity to mosquitoes of post-treatment gametocytes with and without these mutations. Per-protocol treatment efficacy was 95.0% (132 of 139). Gametocytes carrying resistance-conferring mutations were selected after SP treatment and were infective to mosquitoes. Seven days after treatment, infections with two DHFR mutations had a 10-fold higher probability of infecting mosquitoes than infections with no DHFR mutations (odds ratio = 10.23, P < 0.05). Low-level drug resistance mutations have the potential to enhance transmission of P. falciparum and spread resistant parasites.

Structure of the Q67H mutant of R67 dihydrofolate reductase-NADP+ complex reveals a novel cofactor binding mode.

Plasmid-encoded bacterial R67 dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a NADPH-dependent enzyme unrelated to chromosomal DHFR in amino acid sequence and structure. R67 DHFR is insensitive to the bacterial drug trimethoprim in contrast to chromosomal DHFR. The crystal structure of Q67H mutant of R67 DHFR bound to NADP(+) has been determined at 1.15 angstroms resolution. The cofactor assumes an extended conformation with the nicotinamide ring bound near the center of the active site pore, the ribose and pyrophosphate group (PP(i)) extending toward the outer pore. The ribonicotinamide exhibits anti conformation as in chromosomal DHFR complexes. The relative orientation between the PP(i) and the nicotinamide ribose differs from that observed in chromosomal DHFR-NADP(+) complexes. The coenzyme displays symmetrical binding mode with several water-mediated hydrogen bonds with the protein besides ionic, stacking, and van der Waals interactions. The structure provides a molecular basis for the observed stoichiometry and cooperativity in ligand binding. The ternary model based on the present structure and the previous R67 DHFR-folate complex provides insight into the catalytic mechanism and indicates that the relative orientation of the reactants in plasmid DHFR is different from that seen in chromosomal DHFRs.