Multiple unbiased approaches identify oxidosqualene cyclase as the molecular target of a promising anti-leishmanial.

ABSTRACT: Phenotypic screening identified a benzothiophene compound with activity against Leishmania donovani, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis. Using multiple orthogonal approaches, oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC), a key enzyme of sterol biosynthesis, was identified as the target of this racemic compound and its enantiomers. Whole genome sequencing and screening of a genome-wide overexpression library confirmed that OSC gene amplification is associated with resistance to compound 1. Introduction of an ectopic copy of the OSC gene into wild-type cells reduced susceptibility to these compounds confirming the role of this enzyme in resistance. Biochemical analyses demonstrated the accumulation of the substrate of OSC and depletion of its product in compound (S)-1-treated-promastigotes and cel

SUBMITTER: Paradela LS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8153249 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature