Dynamic Profiling and Binding Affinity Prediction of NBTI Antibacterials against DNA Gyrase Enzyme by Multidimensional Machine Learning and Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Bacterial type II topoisomerases are well-characterized and clinically important targets for antibacterial chemotherapy. Novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors (NBTIs) are a newly disclosed class of antibacterials. Prediction of their binding affinity to these enzymes would be beneficial for de novo design/optimization of new NBTIs. Utilizing in vitro NBTI experimental data, we constructed two comprehensive multidimensional DNA gyrase surrogate models for Staphylococcus aureus (q2 = 0.791) and Escherichia coli (q2 = 0.806). Both models accurately predicted the IC50s of 26 NBTIs from our recent studies. To investigate the NBTI's dynamic profile and binding to both targets, 10 selected NBTIs underwent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The analysis of MD production trajectories confirmed key hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic contacts that NBTIs establish in both enzymes. Moreover, the binding free energies of selected NBTIs were computed by the linear interaction energy (LIE) method employing an in-house derived set of fitting parameters (α = 0.16, ß = 0.029, γ = 0.0, and intercept = -1.72), which are successfully applicable to DNA gyrase of Gram-positive/Gram-negative pathogens. Both methods offer accurate predictions of the binding free energies of NBTIs against S. aureus and E. coli DNA gyrase. We are confident that this integrated modeling approach could be valuable in the de novo design and optimization of efficient NBTIs for combating resistant bacterial pathogens.

The overview of development of novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria in an academic environment: From early hits to in vivo active antibacterials.

Antimicrobial resistance caused by the excessive and inappropriate use of antibacterial drugs is a global health concern. Currently, we are walking a fine line between the fact that most bacterial infections can still be cured with the antibiotics known so far, and the emergence of infections with bacteria resistant to several drugs at the same time, against which we no longer have an effective drug. Therefore, new antibacterial drugs are urgently needed to curb the hard-to-treat infections. Our group has developed new antibacterials from the class of novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors (NBTIs) that exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. This article reviews our efforts in developing highly potent NBTIs over the past decade. Following the discovery of an initial hit with potent enzyme inhibitory and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, an extensive hit-to-lead campaign was conducted with the goal of optimizing physicochemical properties, reducing hERG inhibition, and maintaining antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with a focus on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This optimization strategy resulted in an amide-containing, focused NBTI library with compounds exhibiting potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, reduced hERG inhibition, no cardiotoxicity in in vivo zebrafish model, and favorable in vivo efficacy in a neutropenic murine thigh infection model for MRSA infections.

Exploring Alternative Pathways to Target Bacterial Type II Topoisomerases Using NBTI Antibacterials: Beyond Halogen-Bonding Interactions.

Novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors (NBTIs) are a new class of antibacterial agents that target bacterial type II topoisomerases (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV). Our recently disclosed crystal structure of an NBTI ligand in complex with DNA gyrase and DNA revealed that the halogen atom in the para position of the phenyl right hand side (RHS) moiety is able to establish strong symmetrical bifurcated halogen bonds with the enzyme; these are responsible for the excellent enzyme inhibitory potency and antibacterial activity of these NBTIs. To further assess the possibility of any alternative interactions (e.g., hydrogen-bonding and/or hydrophobic interactions), we introduced various non-halogen groups at the p-position of the phenyl RHS moiety. Considering the hydrophobic nature of amino acid residues delineating the NBTI's binding pocket in bacterial topoisomerases, we demonstrated that designed NBTIs cannot establish any hydrogen-bonding interactions with the enzyme; hydrophobic interactions are feasible in all respects, while halogen-bonding interactions are apparently the most preferred.

Amide containing NBTI antibacterials with reduced hERG inhibition, retained antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria and in vivo efficacy.

Novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors (NBTIs) are new promising antimicrobials for the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. In recent years, many new NBTIs have been discovered, however most of them struggle with the same issue - the balance between antibacterial activity and hERG-related toxicity. We started a new campaign by optimizing the previous series of NBTIs, followed by the design and synthesis of a new, amide-containing focused NBTI library to reduce hERG inhibition and maintain antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This optimization strategy yielded the lead compound 12 that exhibits potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, reduced hERG inhibition, no cardiotoxicity in zebrafish model, and a favorable in vivo efficacy in a neutropenic murine thigh infection model of MRSA infection.

Diminishing hERG inhibitory activity of aminopiperidine-naphthyridine linked NBTI antibacterials by structural and physicochemical optimizations.

Novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors (NBTIs) are an important new class of antibacterials targeting bacterial type II topoisomerases (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV). Notwithstanding their potent antibacterial activity, they suffer from a detrimental class-related hERG blockage. In this study, we designed and synthesized an optimized library of NBTIs comprising different linker moieties that exhibit reduced hERG inhibition and retain inhibitory potencies on DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively, as well as potent antibacterial activities. Substitution of the linker's tertiary amine with polar groups outcome in diminished hERG inhibition. Compound 17 expresses nanomolar enzyme inhibitory potency and antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as reduced hERG inhibition relative to our previously published NBTI analogs. Here, we point to some important NBTI's structural features that influence their hERG inhibitory activity.

The Structural Features of Novel Bacterial Topoisomerase Inhibitors That Define Their Activity on Topoisomerase IV.

The continued emergence of bacterial resistance has created an urgent need for new and effective antibacterial agents. Bacterial type II topoisomerases, such as DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV (topoIV), are well-validated targets for antibacterial chemotherapy. The novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors (NBTIs) represent one of the new promising classes of antibacterial agents. They can inhibit both of these bacterial targets; however, their potencies differ on the targets among species, making topoIV probably a primary target of NBTIs in Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, it is important to gain an insight into the NBTIs key structural features that govern the topoIV inhibition. However, in Gram-positive bacteria, topoIV is also a significant target for achieving dual-targeting, which in turn contributes to avoiding bacterial resistance caused by single-target mutations. In this perspective, we address the structure-activity relationship guidelines for NBTIs that target the topoIV enzyme in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Structurally Optimized Potent Dual-Targeting NBTI Antibacterials with an Enhanced Bifurcated Halogen-Bonding Propensity.

We designed and synthesized an optimized library of novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors with p-halogenated phenyl right-hand side fragments and significantly enhanced and balanced dual-targeted DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV activities of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. By increasing the electron-withdrawing properties of the p-halogenated phenyl right-hand side fragment and maintaining a similar lipophilicity and size, an increased potency was achieved, indicating that the antibacterial activities of this series of novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors against all target enzymes are determined by halogen-bonding rather than van der Waals interactions. They show nanomolar enzyme inhibitory and whole-cell antibacterial activities against S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains. However, due to the relatively high substrate specificity for the bacterial efflux pumps, they tend to be less potent against E. coli and other Gram-negative pathogens.

A Fine-Tuned Lipophilicity/Hydrophilicity Ratio Governs Antibacterial Potency and Selectivity of Bifurcated Halogen Bond-Forming NBTIs.

Herein, we report the design of a focused library of novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors (NBTIs) based on innovative mainly monocyclic right-hand side fragments active against DNA gyrase and Topo IV. They exhibit a very potent and wide range of antibacterial activity, even against some of the most concerning hard-to-treat pathogens for which new antibacterials are urgently needed, as reported by the WHO and CDC. NBTIs enzyme activity and whole cell potency seems to depend on the fine-tuned lipophilicity/hydrophilicity ratio that governs the permeability of those compounds through the bacterial membranes. Lipophilicity of NBTIs is apparently optimal for passing through the membrane of Gram-positive bacteria, but the higher, although not excessive lipophilicity and suitable hydrophilicity seems to determine the passage through Gram-negative bacterial membranes. However, due to the considerable hERG inhibition, which is still at least two orders of magnitude away from MICs, continued optimization is required to realize their full potential.

A Potent Mimetic of the Siglec-8 Ligand 6'-Sulfo-Sialyl Lewisx.

Siglecs are members of the immunoglobulin gene family containing sialic acid binding N-terminal domains. Among them, Siglec-8 is expressed on various cell types of the immune system such as eosinophils, mast cells and weakly on basophils. Cross-linking of Siglec-8 with monoclonal antibodies triggers apoptosis in eosinophils and inhibits degranulation of mast cells, making Siglec-8 a promising target for the treatment of eosinophil- and mast cell-associated diseases such as asthma. The tetrasaccharide 6'-sulfo-sialyl Lewisx has been identified as a specific Siglec-8 ligand in glycan array screening. Here, we describe an extended study enlightening the pharmacophores of 6'-sulfo-sialyl Lewisx and the successful development of a high-affinity mimetic. Retaining the neuraminic acid core, the introduction of a carbocyclic mimetic of the Gal moiety and a sulfonamide substituent in the 9-position gave a 20-fold improved binding affinity. Finally, the residence time, which usually is the Achilles tendon of carbohydrate/lectin interactions, could be improved.