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The η-carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) were recently discovered as the sixth genetic class of this metalloenzyme superfamily, and are so far known only in protozoa, including various Plasmodium species, the causative agents of malaria. We report here an inhibition study of the η-CA from Plasmodium falciparum (PfCA) against a panel of sulfonamides and one sulfamate compound, some of which are clinically used. The strongest inhibitors identified were ethoxzolamide and sulthiame, with KIs of 131-132 nM, followed by acetazolamide, methazolamide and hydrochlorothiazide (KIs of 153-198 nM). Brinzolamide, topiramate, zonisamide, indisulam, valdecoxib and celecoxib also showed significant inhibitory action against PfCA, with KIs ranging from 217 to 308 nM. An interesting observation was that the more efficient PfCA inhibitors are representative of several scaffolds and chemical classes, including benzene sulfonamides, monocyclic/bicyclic heterocyclic sulfonamides and compounds with a more complex scaffold (i.e., the sugar sulfamate derivative, topiramate, and the coxibs, celecoxib and valdecoxib). A comprehensive inhibition study of small molecules for η-CAs is needed as a first step towards assessing PfCA as a druggable target. The present work identifies the first known η-CA inhibitors and provides a platform for the development of next generation novel PfCA inhibitors., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A series of benzenesulfonamides incorporating aroylhydrazone, piperidinyl, sulfone, [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazinyl- or 2-(cyanophenyl-methylene)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-3(2H)-yl moieties was investigated as inhibitors of four α-carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1), the human (h) isoforms hCA I, II (cytosolic, offtarget enzymes) and hCA IX and XII (transmembrane, tumor-associated isoforms). Low nanomolar activity was observed against hCA II (KIs of 0.56-17.1 nM) with these sulfonamides, whereas the slow cytosolic isoform hCA I was less inhibited by these compounds (KIs of 86.4 nM-32.8 µM). Most of these sulfonamides significantly inhibited CA IX, with KIs in the range of 4.5-47.0 nM, although some of the derivatives incorporating bulkier bicyclic moieties, as well as 2-thienyl fragments, showed a weaker activity against this isoform (KIs in the range 50.1-553 nM). All the investigated compounds also inhibited CA XII with KIs in the range 0.85-376 nM. The best inhibitors were those incorporating bulky [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazinyl moieties and 1,3,4-thiadiazol-3(2H)-yl groups.

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) began to be investigated in detail in pathogenic bacteria, in the search for antibiotics with a novel mechanism of action, since it has been demonstrated that in many bacteria CAs are essential for the life cycle of the organism. The presence of CAs in pathogenic bacteria allows the development of anti-infectives with a new mechanism of action, less explored to date. Here, novel quinazoline derivatives crowned with sulfonamide functionality at position-2 were tested for their ability to inhibit the bacterial γ-CA (PgiCA), identified in the genome of Porphyromonas gingivalis. Six compounds were highly effective, nanomolar inhibitors of the pathogenic enzyme γ-PgCA. Three of them were also highly effective sub-nanomolar inhibitors of the cytosolic human isoform II (hCAII). The best γ-PgCA inhibitor was compound 8c, with a K(I) of 3.53 nM and selectivity ratio of 24.5 and 24.8 against hCA I and hCA II, respectively. Many of these new compounds showed a high selectivity for bacterial enzyme respect to the mammalian CA isoforms (hCAI and hCAII). These results suggest that sulfonamides with quinazoline scaffold could be considered as suitable candidates for further derivatization to better understand the role of bacterial CAs in pathogenesis.

Introduction: The carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1), a group of ubiquitously expressed metalloenzymes, are involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, as well as in the growth and virulence of pathogens belonging to bacteria, fungi and protozoa., Areas Covered: CAs belonging to at least four genetic families, the α-, β-, γ- and η-CAs, were discovered and characterized in many pathogens: i) Bacteria encode enzymes from one or more such families, which were investigated as potential drug targets. Inhibition of bacterial CAs by sulfonamides/phenol derivatives lead to inhibition of growth of the pathogen for Helicobacter pylori, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Brucella suis; ii) Fungi encode for α- and β-CAs, and inhibitors of the sulfonamide, thiol or dithiocarbamate type inhibited the growth of some of them (Malassezia globosa, Candida albicans, Crytpococcus neoformans, etc) in vivo; and iii) Protozoa encode α-, β- or η-CAs. Sulfonamide, thiols and hydroxamates effectively killed such parasites (Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania donovani chagasi, Plasmodium falciparum) in vivo., Expert Opinion: None of the microorganism CAs is validated as drug targets as yet, but the inhibitors designed against many such enzymes showed interesting in vitro/in vivo results. By interfering with the activity of CAs from microorganisms, both pH homeostasis as well as crucial biosynthetic reactions are impaired, which lead to significant antiinfective effects, not yet exploited for obtaining pharmacological agents. As resistance to the clinically used antiinfectives is a serious healthcare problem worldwide, inhibition of parasite CAs may constitute an alternative approach for obtaining such agents with novel mechanisms of action.

The possibility to develop new antibacterial agents raised much interest recently. The main classes of antibiotics clinically used nowadays act towards the inhibition of four classical targets: a) cell wall biosynthesis; b) protein biosynthesis; c) DNA and RNA biosynthesis; d) folate biosynthesis. Recently, carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) started to be investigated in detail in pathogenic bacteria, in the search for antibiotics with a novel mechanism of action, since it has been demonstrated that in many bacteria, CAs are essential for the life cycle of the organism and that their inhibition leads to growth impairment or growth defects of the pathogen. CAs catalyze a simple but physiologically relevant reaction in all life kingdoms, carbon dioxide hydration to bicarbonate and protons. Several classes of CA inhibitors (CAIs) are known to date: the metal complexing anions and the unsubstituted sulfonamides, which bind to the Zn(II) ion of the enzyme either by substituting the non-protein zinc ligand or add to the metal coordination sphere, generating trigonal- bipyramidal species are the classical, most frequently investigated ones. In many cases effective inhibitors were detected, some of which also inhibited the bacterial growth in vivo. However, very few of the detected inhibitors were also selective for the bacterial over the human, off target isoforms such as hCA II. Using structure-based drug design processes, we estimate that it will be possible to achieve the desired selectivity for inhibiting preferentially the bacterial but not the host CA isoforms.

The shelterin protein TRF2 has come to the limelight for its role in telomere maintenance and tumorigenesis. Herein, the application of rational design and synthesis allowed identifying the first TRF2TRFH binder able to elicit a marked DNA damage response in cancer cells. This work paves the way for the unprecedented employment of a chemical tool to finely tune specific mechanisms underlying telomere maintenance.

Diatom genome sequences clearly reveal the presence of different systems for HCO3(-) uptake. Carbon-concentrating mechanisms (CCM) based on HCO3(-) transport and a plastid-localized carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) appear to be more probable than the others because CAs have been identified in the genome of many diatoms. CAs are key enzymes involved in the acquisition of inorganic carbon for photosynthesis in phytoplankton, as they catalyze efficiently the interconversion between carbon dioxide and bicarbonate. Five genetically distinct classes of CAs exist, α-, β-, γ-, δ- and ζ and all of them are metalloenzymes. Recently we investigated for the first time the catalytic activity and inhibition of the δ-class CA from the marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii, named TweCA. This enzyme is an efficient catalyst for the CO2 hydration and its inhibition profile with sulfonamide/sulfamate and anions have also been investigated. Here, we report the detailed biochemical characterization and chemico-physical properties of the δ-CA of T. weissflogii. The δ-CA encoding gene was cloned and expressed in Artic Express cells and the recombinant protein purified to homogeneity. Interesting to note that TweCA has no intrinsic esterase activity with 4-nitrophenyl acetate (pNpA) as substrate although the phylogenetic analysis showed that δ-CAs are closer to the α-CAs than to the other classes of such enzymes.

Thirteen novel sulfonamide derivatives incorporating the quinazoline scaffold were synthesized by simple, eco-friendly procedures. These compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit the α-carbonic anhydrases (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) from Vibrio cholerae (VchCA) as well as the human α-CA isoforms, hCA I and hCA II. Nine compounds were highly effective, nanomolar inhibitors of the pathogenic enzyme VchCA. Three of them were also highly effective sub-nanomolar inhibitors of the cytosolic isoform II. The best VchCA inhibitor had a KI of 2.7 nM. Many of these developed compounds showed high selectivity for inhibition of the bacterial over the mammalian CA isoforms, with one compound possessing selectivity ratios as high as 97.9 against hCA I and 9.7 against hCA II. Compound 9d was another highly effective VchCA inhibitor presenting a selectivity ratio of 99.1 and 8.1 against hCA I and hCA II, respectively. These results suggest that sulfonamides with quinazoline backbone could be considered suitable tools to better understand the role of bacterial CAs in pathogenesis., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The genome of the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of the most lethal type of human malaria, contains a single gene annotated as encoding a carbonic anhydrase (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) thought to belong to the α-class, PfCA. Here we demonstrate the kinetic properties of PfCA for the CO2 hydration reaction, as well as an inhibition study of this enzyme with inorganic and complex anions and other molecules known to interact with zinc proteins, including sulfamide, sulfamic acid, and phenylboronic/arsonic acids, detecting several low micromolar inhibitors. A closer examination of the sequence of this and the CAs from other Plasmodium spp., as well as a phylogenetic analysis, revealed that these protozoa encode for a yet undisclosed, new genetic family of CAs termed the η-CA class. The main features of the η-CAs are described in this report., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The oral pathogenic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, encodes for two carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) one belonging to the β-class (PgiCAb) and another one to the γ-class (PgiCA). This last enzyme has been characterized earlier for its inhibition profile with various classes of CA inhibitors, such as the sulfonamides and anions, whereas for PgiCAb such data were not yet reported. Here we show that PgiCAb has a good catalytic activity for the CO2 hydration reaction, with kcat 2.8×10(5) s(-1) and kcat/Km of 1.5×10(7) M(-1) × s(-1), being inhibited by cyanate and diethyldithiocarbamate in the submillimolar range (KIs of 0.23-0.76 mM) and more efficiently by sulfamide, sulfamate, phenylboronic acid and phenylarsonic acid (KIs of 60-78 μM). The anion inhibition profile of the two P. gingivalis enzymes is very different. Identification of selective inhibitors of PgiCAb/PgiCA may lead to pharmacological tools useful for understanding the physiological role(s) of these enzymes, since this bacterium is the main causative agent of periodontitis and few treatment options are presently available., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The oral pathogenic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, encodes for two carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) one belonging to the γ-class (PgiCA) and another one to the β-class (PgiCAb). This last enzyme has been cloned and characterized here for its inhibition profile with the main class of CA inhibitors, the sulfonamides. Many of the clinically used sulfonamides as well as simple aromatic/heterocyclic sulfonamides were ineffective as PgiCAb inhibitors whereas better inhibition was observed with simple derivatives such as sulfanilamide, metanilamide, 4-aminoalkylbenzenesulfonamides (KIs of 364-475nM). The halogenosulfanilamides incorporating heavy halogens, 4-hydroxy- and 4-hydroxyalkyl-benzenesulfonamides, were also micromolar, ineffective PgiCAb inhibitors. The best inhibitors of the β-class enzyme were acetazolamide and ethoxzolamide, with KIs of 214-280nM. Interestingly, the γ-class enzyme was much more sensitive to sulfonamide inhibitors compared to the β-class one, PgiCAb. Identification of potent and possibly selective inhibitors of PgiCAb/PgiCA may lead to pharmacological tools useful for understanding the physiological role(s) of these enzymes, since this bacterium is the main causative agent of periodontitis and few treatment options are presently available., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

New benzenesulfonamides incorporating GABA or N-α-acetyl-L-lysine scaffolds as well as guanidine functionalities as water solubilizing moieties were obtained, using 4-aminoethyl/methyl-benzenesulfonamide and metanilamide/sulfanilamide as zinc-binding motives. The new compounds were medium potency inhibitors of the widespread cytosolic human carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) isoforms I and II and more effective inhibitors (KIs low nanomolar range) of the bacterial γ-CA from the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. These sulfonamides may be useful tools for understanding the physiological role of bacterial CAs in pathogenesis of some infectious disease., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A series of phenols incorporating tertiary amine and trans-pyridylethenyl-carbonyl moieties were assayed as inhibitors of the β-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ScCA. One of these compounds was a low nanomolar ScCA inhibitor, whereas the remaining ones inhibited the enzyme with KIs in the range of 23.5-95.4 nM. The off-target human (h) isoforms hCA I and hCA II were much less inhibited by these phenols, with KIs in the range of 0.78-23.5 µM (hCA I) and 10.8-52.4 µM (hCA II). The model organism S. cerevisiae and this particular enzyme may be useful for detecting antifungals with a novel mechanism of action compared to the classical azole drugs to which significant drug resistance emerged.

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) catalyze a simple but physiologically relevant reaction in all life kingdoms, carbon dioxide hydration to bicarbonate and protons. CAs are present in many pathogenic species and are involved in the bicarbonate metabolism/biosynthetic reactions involving this ion. Ubiquity of these enzymes suggests a pivotal role in microbial virulence and pathogenicity. Porphyromonas gingivalis is an anaerobic bacterium, which colonizes the oral cavity, being involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, an inflammatory disease leading to tooth loss. Recently, we reported an anion inhibitory study on the γ-CA (denominated PgiCA) identified in the genome of this Gram-negative bacterium. In this paper we continue our research on PgiCA, and describe the biochemical characterization of the recombinant protein, its thermal stability, the oligomeric state and the enzyme kinetics. PgiCA is a polypeptide chain formed of 192 amino acids and displays an identity of 30-33% when compared with the prototypical γ-CAs, CAM or CAMH (from Methanosarcina thermophila) or CcmM (from Thermosynechococcus elongatus). A subunit molecular mass of 21 kDa was estimated by SDS-PAGE, while HPLC size exclusion chromatography under native conditions gave an estimated molecular mass of 65 kDa suggesting that the recombinant enzyme self-associate in a homotrimer, as all other γ-CAs studied so far. Enzyme kinetic analysis showed that PgiCA is 62 times more effective as a catalyst compared to CAM, the only other γ-CA characterized in detail kinetically. All these features represent an interesting attractive for the drug design of inhibitors/activators of this new enzyme.

The model organism for the investigation of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legumes Lotus japonicus encodes two carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) belonging to the α-class, LjCAA1 and LjCAA2. Here we report the kinetic characterization and inhibition of these two CAs with inorganic and complex anions and other molecules interacting with zinc proteins, such as sulfamide, sulfamic acid, and phenylboronic/arsonic acids. LjCAA1 showed a high catalytic activity for the CO2 hydration reaction, with a k(cat) of 7.4∗10(5) s(-1) and a k(cat)/K(m) of 9.6∗10(7) M(-1) s(-1) and was inhibited in the low micromolar range by N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate, sulfamide, sulfamic acid, phenylboronic/arsonic acid (K(I)s of 4-62 μM). LjCAA2 showed a moderate catalytic activity for the physiologic reaction, with a k(cat) of 4.0∗10(5) s(-1) and a k(cat)/K(m) of 4.9∗10(7) M(-1) s(-1). The same anions mentioned above for the inhibition of LjCAA1 showed the best activity against LjCAA2 (K(I)s of 7-29 μM). Nitrate and nitrite, anions involved in nitrogen fixation, showed lower affinity for the two enzymes, with inhibition constants in the range of 3.7-7.0 mM. Halides and sulfate also behaved in a distinct manner towards the two enzymes investigated here. As LjCAA1/2 participate in the pH regulation processes and CO2 metabolism within the nitrogen-fixing nodules of the plant, our studies may shed some light regarding these complex biochemical processes., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Contrast media (CM)-induced nephropathy (CIN) is an acute deterioration of renal function following administration of CM mediated to a large extent by the increased production of ROS within the kidney. Aim of this study was to evaluate whether a novel isoform of a recombinant Manganese SOD (rMnSOD) could provide an effective protection against CIN; this molecule shares the same ability of physiological SODs in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) but, due to its peculiar properties, enters inside the cells after its administration., Methods: We studied the effects rMnSOD on oxidative damage in a rat model of CIN in uninephrectomized rats, that were randomly assigned to 3 experimental Groups: Group CON, control rats treated with the vehicle of CM, Group HCM, rats treated with CM and Group SOD, rats treated with CM and rMnSOD., Results: In normal rats, pretreatment with rMnSOD, reduced renal superoxide anion production, induced by the activation of NAPDH oxidase, by 84 % (p < 0.001). In rats of Group HCM, ROS production was almost doubled compared to rat of Group CON (p < 0.01) but returned to normal values in rats of Group SOD, where a significant increase of SOD activity was detected (+16 % vs HCM, p < 0.05). Administration of CM determined a striking fall of GFR in rats of Group HCM (-70 %, p < 0.001 vs CON), greatly blunted in Group SOD (-28 % vs CON, p < 0.01); this was associated with a lower presence of both tubular necrosis and intratubular casts in SOD-treated rats (both p < 0.01 vs Group HCM)., Conclusions: Our data indicate that rMnSOD is able to reduce renal oxidative stress, thus preventing the reduction of GFR and the renal histologic damage that follows CM administration.

Recent advances in microbial genomics, synthetic organic chemistry and X-ray crystallography provided opportunities to identify novel antibacterial targets for the development of new classes of antibiotics and to design more potent antimicrobial compounds derived from existing antibiotics in clinical use for decades. The antimetabolites, sulfa drugs and trimethoprim (TMP)-like agents, are inhibitors of three families of enzymes. One family belongs to the carbonic anhydrases, which catalyze a simple but physiologically relevant reaction in all life kingdoms, carbon dioxide hydration to bicarbonate and protons. The other two enzyme families are involved in the synthesis of tetrahydrofolate (THF), i.e. dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) and dihydrofolate reductase. The antibacterial agents belonging to the THF and DHPS inhibitors were developed decades ago and present significant bacterial resistance problems. However, the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance both to sulfa drugs and TMP-like inhibitors were understood in detail only recently, when several X-ray crystal structures of such enzymes in complex with their inhibitors were reported. Here, we revue the state of the art in the field of antibacterials based on inhibitors of these three enzyme families.

Two β-carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) were identified, cloned and purified in the pathogenic bacterium Legionella pneumophila, denominated LpCA1 and LpCA2. They efficiently catalyze CO2 hydration to bicarbonate and protons, with kcat in the range of (3.4-8.3) × 10(5)s(-1) and kcat/Km of (4.7-8.5) × 10(7)M(-1)s(-1), and are inhibited by sulfonamides and sulfamates. The best LpCA1 inhibitors were aminobenzolamide and structurally similar sulfonylated aromatic sulfonamides, as well as acetazolamide and ethoxzolamide(KIs in the range of 40.3-90.5 nM). The best LpCA2 inhibitors belonged to the same class of sulfonylated sulfonamides, together with acetazolamide, methazolamide and dichlorophenamide (KIs in the range of 25.2-88.5 nM). As these enzymes may be involved in pH regulation in the phagosome during Legionella infection, their inhibition may lead to antibacterials with a novel mechanism of action., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

By using N-α-acetyl-l-lysine or GABA scaffolds and the conversion of the terminal amino group to the guanidine one, benzenesulfonamides incorporating water solubilizing moieties were synthesized. The new compounds were medium potency inhibitors of the cytosolic carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) isoforms I and II, and highly effective, nanomolar inhibitors of the pathogenic bacterial α-CA from Vibrio cholerae. These sulfonamides possess good selectivity for inhibiting the bacterial over the mammalian isoforms and may be used as tools to understand the role of bacterial CAs in pathogenesis.

We investigated the catalytic activity and inhibition of the β-class carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) CahB1, from the relict cyanobacterium Coleofasciculus chthonoplastes (previously denominated Microcoleus chthonoplastes). The enzyme showed good activity as a catalyst for the CO2 hydration, with a kcat of 2.4 × 10(5)s(-1) and a kcat/Km of 6.3 × 10(7)M(-1)s(-1). A range of inorganic anions and small molecules were investigated as inhibitors of CahB1. Perchlorate and tetrafluoroborate did not inhibit the enzyme (KIs >200 mM) whereas selenate and selenocyanide were ineffective inhibitors too, with KIs of 29.9-48.61 mM. The halides, pseudohalides, carbonate, bicarbonate, trithiocarbonate and a range of heavy metal ions-containing anions were submillimolar-millimolar inhibitors (KIs in the range of 0.15-0.90 mM). The best CahB1 inhibitors were N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate, sulfamate, sulfamide, phenylboronic acid and phenylarsonic acid, with KIs in the range of 8-75 μM, whereas acetazolamide inhibited the enzyme with a KI of 76 nM. This is the first kinetic and inhibition study of a cyanobacterial CA. As these enzymes are widespread in many cyanobacteria, being crucial for the carbon concentrating mechanism which assures substrate to RubisCO for the CO2 fixation by these organisms, a detailed kinetic/inhibition study may be essential for a better understanding of this superfamily of metalloenzymes and for potential biotechnological applications in biomimetic CO2 capture processes., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A long time has passed since the first clinical trial with adenoviral (Ad) vectors. Despite being very promising, Ad vectors soon revealed their limitations in human clinical trials. The pre-existing immunity, the marked liver tropism and the high toxicity of first generation Ad (FG-Ad) vectors have been the main challenges for the development of new approaches. Significant effort toward the development of genetically and chemically modified adenoviral vectors has enabled researchers to create more sophisticated vectors for gene therapy, with an improved safety profile and a higher transduction ability of different tissues. In this review, we will describe the latest findings in the high-speed, evolving field of genetic and chemical modifications of adenoviral vectors, a field in which different disciplines, such as biomaterial research, virology and immunology, co-operate synergistically to create better gene therapy tools for modern challenges.

We investigated the cloning, catalytic activity and anion inhibition of the β-class carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) from the bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila. Two such enzymes, lpCA1 and lpCA2, were found in the genome of this pathogen. These enzymes were determined to be efficient catalysts for CO2 hydration, with kcat values in the range of (3.4-8.3)×10(5) s(-1) and kcat/KM values of (4.7-8.5)×10(7) M(-1) s(-1). A set of inorganic anions and small molecules was investigated to identify inhibitors of these enzymes. Perchlorate and tetrafluoroborate were not acting as inhibitors (KI >200 mM), whereas sulfate was a very weak inhibitor for both lpCA1 and lpCA2 (KI values of 77.9-96.5 mM). The most potent lpCA1 inhibitors were cyanide, azide, hydrogen sulfide, diethyldithiocarbamate, sulfamate, sulfamide, phenylboronic acid and phenylarsonic acid, with KI values ranging from 6 to 94 μM. The most potent lpCA2 inhibitors were diethyldithiocarbamate, sulfamide, sulfamate, phenylboronic acid and phenylarsonic acid, with KI values ranging from 2 to 13 μM. As these enzymes seem to be involved in regulation of phagosome pH during Legionella infection, inhibition of these targets may lead to antibacterial agents with a novel mechanism of action., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Abstract Vibrio cholerae, a Gram-negative bacterium, is the causative agent of cholera and colonizes the upper small intestine where sodium bicarbonate is present at a high concentration. Sodium bicarbonate is a potential inducer of virulence gene expression. Bacteria can increase cytosolic bicarbonate levels through the existence of transporter family proteins or through the action of metalloenzymes, called carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1). Vibrio cholerae, lacking of transporter proteins in its genome, utilizes the CA system to accumulate bicarbonate into the cell suggesting a pivotal role of this metalloenzymes in the microbial virulence. Here, we report for the first time the characterization of the α-CA of V. cholerae (VchCA), which has been identified by translated genome inspection. The α-CA encoding gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and the recombinant protein purified to homogeneity. This investigation aimed to study the biochemical properties of VchCA and to provide preliminary insights in the field of this pathogen virulence. VchCA has a low esterase activity with 4-nitrophenyl acetate as substrate, and a high activity for the hydration of CO2 to bicarbonate.

The biomimetic approach represents an interesting strategy for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture, offering advantages over other methods, due to its specificity for CO2 and its eco-compatibility, as it allows concentration of CO2 from other gases, and its conversion to water soluble ions. This approach uses microorganisms capable of fixing CO2 through metabolic pathways or via the use of an enzyme, such as carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1). Recently, our group cloned and purified a novel bacterial α-CA, named SspCA, from the thermophilic bacteria, Sulfurihydrogenibium yellowstonense YO3AOP1 living in hot springs at temperatures of up to 110 °C. This enzyme showed an exceptional thermal stability, retaining its high catalytic activity for the CO2 hydration reaction even after being heated at 70 °C for several hours. In the present paper, the SspCA was immobilized within a polyurethane (PU) foam. The immobilized enzyme was found to be catalytically active and showed a long-term stability. A bioreactor containing the "PU-immobilized enzyme" (PU-SspCA) as shredded foam was used for experimental tests aimed to verify the CO2 capture capability in conditions close to those of a power plant application. In this bioreactor, a gas phase, containing CO2, was put into contact with a liquid phase under conditions, where CO2 contained in the gas phase was absorbed and efficiently converted into bicarbonate by the extremo-α-CA.

Today, there are approximately 8 million cases of Chagas disease in the southern cone of South America alone, and about 100 million people are living with the risk of becoming infected. The present pharmacotherapy is sometimes ineffective and has serious side effects. Here, we report a series of 4,5-dihydroisoxazoles incorporating hydroxamate moieties, which act as effective inhibitors of the carbonic anhydrase (CA) from Trypanosoma cruzi (TcCA). One compound (5g) was evaluated in detail and shows promising features as an antitrypanosomal agent. Excellent values for the inhibition of growth for all three developmental forms of the parasite were observed at low concentrations of 5g (IC50 values from 7.0 to <1 μM). The compound has a selectivity index (SI) of 6.7 and no cytotoxicity to macrophage cells. Preliminary in vivo data showed that 5g reduces bloodstream parasites and that all treated mice survived; it was also more effective than the standard drug benznidazole.

A series of new sulfonamides was prepared starting from 2-oxo-N'-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)-propanehydrazonoyl chloride, a sulfanilamide derivative, which was reacted with aroylhydrazides, amines, or thiols. A library of derivatives incorporating aroylhydrazone, [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazinyl- or 2-(cyanophenyl-methylene)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-3(2H)-yl moieties was thus synthesized. The new compounds were investigated as inhibitors of four α-carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1), the human (h) isoforms hCA I and II, and the bacterial ones recently isolated from the extremophilic bacteria Sulfurihydrogenibium yellostonense (SspCA) and Sulfurihydrogenibium azorense (SazCA). Low nanomolar activity was observed against hCA II (KIs of 0.56-17.1 nM) whereas hCA I was less inhibited by these compounds (K(I)s of 86.4 nM-32.8 μM). The bacterial CAs were also effectively inhibited by these derivatives (K(I)s in the range of 0.77-234 nM against SazCA, and of 6.2-89.1 against SspCA, respectively), with several low nanomolar/subnanomolar inhibitors detected against both of them. As SspCA and SazCA are among the most thermostable and catalytically active CAs, it is of interest to find modulators of their activity for potential biotechnologic applications., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We investigated the catalytic activity and inhibition of the δ-class carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) from the marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii, TweCA. The enzyme, obtained by cloning the synthetic gene, was an efficient catalyst for the CO₂ hydration, its physiological reaction, with a kcat of 1.3 × 10(5)s(-1) and a k(cat)/K(M) of 3.3 × 10(7)M(-1)s(-1). A range of inorganic anions and small molecules were investigated as inhibitors of TweCA. Chloride and sulfate did not inhibit the enzyme (KIs >200 mM) whereas other halides and pseudohalides were submillimolar-millimolar inhibitors (K(I)s in the range of 0.93-8.3 mM). The best TweCA inhibitors were hydrogen sulfide, sulfamate, sulfamide, phenylboronic acid and phenylarsonic acid, with K(I)s in the range of 9-90 μM, whereas acetazolamide inhibited the enzyme with a K(I) of 83 nM. This is the first kinetic and inhibition study of a δ-class CA. However, these enzymes are widespread in the marine phytoplankton, being present in haptophytes, dinoflagellates, diatoms, and chlorophytic prasinophytes, contributing to the CO₂ fixation by sea organisms. A phylogenetic analysis with all five genetic families of CAs showed that α- and δ-CAs are evolutionarily more related to each other with respect to the γ-CAs, although these three families clustered all together. On the contrary, the β- and ζ-CAs are also related to each other but phylogenetically much more distant from the α-, γ and δ-CA cluster. Thus, the study of δ-CAs is essential for better understanding this superfamily of metalloenzymes and their potential biotechnological applications in biomimetic CO₂ capture processes, as these enzymes are part of the carbon concentrating mechanism used by many photosynthetic organisms., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) denominated PgiCA, belonging to the γ-class, from the oral pathogenic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, the main causative agent of periodontitis, was investigated for its inhibition profile with sulfonamides and one sulfamate. Dichlorophenamide, topiramate and many simple aromatic/heterocyclic sulfonamides were ineffective as PgiCA inhibitors whereas the best inhibition was observed with halogenosulfanilamides incorporating heavy halogens, 4-hydroxy- and 4-hydroxyalkyl-benzenesulfonamides, acetazolamide, methazolamide, zonisamide, indisulam, celecoxib, saccharin and hydrochlorothiazide (KIs in the range of 131-380nM). The inhibition profile of PgiCA was very different from that of CAM, hCA I and II or the β-CA from a protozoan parasite (Leishmania donovani chagasii). Identification of potent and possibly selective inhibitors of PgiCA may lead to pharmacological tools useful for understanding the physiological role(s) of this enzyme., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The δ-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) TweCA from the marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii has recently been cloned, purified and its activity/inhibition with anions investigated. Here we report the first sulfonamide/sulfamate inhibition study of a δ-class CA. Among the 40 such compounds investigated so far, 3-bromosulfanilamide, acetazolamide, ethoxzolamide, dorzolamide and brinzolamide were the most effective TweCA inhibitors detected, with KIs of 49.6-118nM. Many simple aromatic sulfonamides as well as dichlorophenamide, benzolamide, topiramate, zonisamide, indisulam and valdecoxib were medium potency inhibitors, (KIs of 375-897nM). Saccharin and hydrochlorothiazide were ineffective inhibitors of the δ-class enzyme, with KIs of 4.27-9.20μM. The inhibition profile of the δ-CA is very different from that of α-, β- and γ-CAs from different organisms. Although no X-ray crystal structure of this enzyme is available, we hypothesize that as for other CA classes, the sulfonamides inhibit the enzymatic activity by binding to the Zn(II) ion from the δ-CA active site., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A β-carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) was recently cloned, purified and characterized kinetically in the pathogen Clostridium perfringens. We report here the first inhibition study of this enzyme (CpeCA). CpeCA was poorly inhibited by iodide and bromide, and was inhibited with KIs in the range of 1-10mM by a range of anions such as (thio)cyanate, azide, bicarbonate, nitrate, nitrite, hydrogensulfite, hydrogensulfide, stannate, tellurate, pyrophosphate, divanadate, tetraborate, peroxydisulfate, sulfate, iminodisulfonate and fluorosulfonate. Better inhibitory power, with K(I)s of 0.36-1.0 mM, was observed for cyanide, carbonate, selenate, selenocyanide, trithiocarbonate and diethyldithiocarbamate, whereas the best CpeCA inhibitors were sulfamate, sulfamide, phenylboronic acid and phenylarsonic acid, which had KIs in the range of 7-75 μM. This study thus provides the basis for developing better clostridial enzyme inhibitors with potential as antiinfectives with a new mechanism of action., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Viral vectors have been extensively studied due to their great transduction efficiency compared to non-viral vectors. These vectors have been used extensively in gene therapy, enabling the comprehension of, not only the advantages of these vectors, but also the limitations, such as the activation of the immune system after vector administration. Moreover, the need to control the target of the vector has led to the development of chemical and non-chemical modifications of the vector surface, allowing researchers to modify the tropism and biodistribution profile of the vector, leading to the production of viral vectors able to target different tissues and organs. This review describes recent non-genetic modifications of the surfaces of viral vectors to decrease immune system activation and to control tissue targeting. The developments described herein provide opportunities for applications of gene therapy to treat acquired disorders and genetic diseases and to become useful tools in regenerative medicine.

Leishmaniasis is an infection provoked by protozoans belonging to the genus Leishmania. Among the many species and subsepecies of such protozoa, Leishmania donovani chagasi causes visceral leishmaniasis. A β-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) was cloned and characterized from this organism, denominated here LdcCA. LdcCA possesses effective catalytic activity for the CO2 hydration reaction, with kcat of 9.35 × 10(5) s(-1) and kcat/KM of 5.9 × 10(7) M(-1) s(-1). A large number of aromatic/heterocyclic sulfonamides and 5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazoles were investigated as LdcCA inhibitors. The sulfonamides were medium potency to weak inhibitors (KI values of 50.2 nM-9.25 μM), whereas some heterocyclic thiols inhibited the enzyme with KIs in the range of 13.4-152 nM. Some of the investigated thiols efficiently inhibited the in vivo growth of Leishmania chagasi and Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes, by impairing the flagellar pocket and movement of the parasites and causing their death. The β-CA from Leishmania spp. is proposed here as a new antileishmanial drug target.

Biomimetic CO2 capture includes environmentally friendly solutions based on carbonic anhydrase (CA), an enzyme that increases CO2 absorption rate in conventional acid-gas scrubbing processes. The present contribution reports the characterization of a new recombinant carbonic anhydrase, SspCA, isolated from the thermophile bacterium Sulphurhydrogenibium yellowstonense sp. YO3AOP1. The kinetics of SspCA was characterized in terms of first order CO2 hydration rate according to a procedure based on CO2 absorption tests in a stirred cell apparatus. The first order kinetic constant at 25°C was 9.16 × 10(6) L/(mols). An appropriate investigation on SspCA stability was carried out to assess its long-term resistance to high temperatures as in all capture processes based on absorption/vacuum-desorption cycles. Its half-life was 53 and 8 days at 40 °C and 70 °C, respectively., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Here, we investigate 28 structurally new sulfonamides and their subsequent testing for enzyme inhibition of cytosolic and tumor-associated carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1). The compounds showed very potent inhibition of four physiologically relevant human (h) CA isoforms, namely hCA I, II, IX and XII. Interestingly, the KI values were in the nanomolar range for the tumor-associated hCA IX and hCA XII. Docking studies have revealed details regarding the very favorable interactions between the scaffolds of this new class of inhibitors and the active sites of the investigated CA isoforms. As there are reported cases of tumors overexpressing both CA II and IX, such potent inhibitors for the two isoforms as those detected in this work, may have applications for targeting more than one CA present in tumors., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The α-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) from the newly discovered extremophilic bacterium Sulfurihydrogenibium azorense (SazCA) is the most effective CA known to date. Here we investigated the inhibition profile of this enzyme with a series of aromatic and heterocyclic sulfonamides, and one sulfamate. Many clinically used sulfonamides, such as acetazolamide, methazolamide, ethoxzolamide, dichlorophenamide, dorzolamide, brinzolamide, topiramate, celecoxib and sulpiride were low nanomolar/subnanomolar SazCA inhibitors (KIs in the range of 0.9-10.8 nM) whereas simple aromatic derivatives were less effective as SazCA inhibitors. The inhibition profile of SazCA is slightly different from that of the related enzyme from S. yellostonense (SspCA), investigated earlier by our groups., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cyclosporine A (CsA) is one of the most frequently used anticalcineurinic drugs for preventing graft rejection and autoimmune disease. Its use is hampered by nephrotoxic effects, namely an impairment of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and hypertension. Evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a causal role in the nephrotoxicity. The present study aims to investigate in vivo the effects of a new recombinant mitochondrial manganese-containing superoxide dismutase (rMnSOD), a strong antioxidant, on the CsA-induced nephotoxicity., Methods: Rats were treated with CsA (25 mg/kg/day) alone or in combination with rMnSOD (10 µg/kg/day) for 7 days. At the end of the treatment, GFR was estimated by inulin clearance (mL/min/100 g b.w.) and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) was recorded through a catheter inserted in the carotid artery. Superoxide concentration within the cells of the abdominal aorta was quantified from the oxidation of dihydroethidium (DHE). In kidney tissues, ROS levels were measured by the 2'7' dichloroflurescin diacetate assay. Renal morphology was examined at the histochemistry level., Results: CsA-treated rats showed a severe decrease in GFR (0.34 ± 0.17 versus 0.94 ± 0.10 in control, P < 0.001) which was prevented by rMnSOD co-administration (0.77 ± 0.10). CsA-injected animals presented with higher blood pressure which was unaffected by rMnSOD. ROS levels both in the aorta and in renal tissue were significantly increased by CsA treatment, and normalized by the co-administration with rMnSOD. This effect was, partly, paralleled by the recovery from CsA-induced morphological lesions., Conclusions: Administration of rMnSOD prevents CsA-mediated impairment of the GFR along with morphological alteration. This effect could be related to the inhibition of ROS.

The protozoan pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, encodes an α-class carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1), TcCA, which was recently shown to be crucial for its life cycle. Thiols, a class of strong TcCA inhibitors, were also shown to block the growth of the pathogen in vitro. Here we report the inhibition of TcCA by inorganic and complex anions and other molecules interacting with zinc proteins, such as sulfamide, sulfamic acid, phenylboronic/arsonic acids. TcCA was inhibited in the low micromolar range by iodide, cyanate, thiocyanate, hydrogensulfide and trithiocarbonate (KIs in the range of 44-93 μM), but the best inhibitor was diethyldithiocarbamate (KI=5 μM). Sulfamide showed an inhibition constant of 120 μM, but sulfamic acid was much less effective (KI of 10.6 mM). The discovery of diethyldithiocarbamate as a low micromolar TcCA inhibitor may be useful to detect leads for developing anti-Trypanosoma agents with a diverse mechanism of action compared to clinically used drugs (benznidazole, nifurtimox) for which significant resistance emerged., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, encodes for an α-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) possessing high catalytic activity (TcCA) which was recently characterized (Pan et al. J. Med. Chem. 2013, 56, 1761-1771). A new class of sulfonamides possessing low nanomolar/subnanomolar TcCA inhibitory activity is described here. Aromatic/heterocyclic sulfonamides incorporating halogeno/methoxyphenacetamido tails inhibited TcCA with KIs in the range of 0.5-12.5 nM, being less effective against the human off-target isoforms hCA I and II. A homology model of TcCA helped us to rationalize the excellent inhibition profile of these compounds against the protozoan enzyme, a putative new antitrypanosoma drug target. These compounds were ineffective antitrypanosomal agents in vivo due to penetrability problems of these highly polar molecules that possess sulfonamide moieties.

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) belonging to the γ-class are present in archaea, bacteria and plants but, except the Methanosarcina thermophila enzymes CAM and CAMH, they were poorly characterized so far. Here we report a new such enzyme (PgiCA), the γ-CA from the oral cavity pathogenic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, the main causative agent of periodontitis. PgiCA showed a good catalytic activity for the CO2 hydration reaction, comparable to that of the human (h) isoform hCA I. Inorganic anions such as thiocyanate, cyanide, azide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfamate and trithiocarbonate were effective PgiCA inhibitors with inhibition constants in the range of 41-97 μM. Other effective inhibitors were diethyldithiocarbamate, sulfamide, and phenylboronic acid, with KIs of 4.0-9.8 μM. The role of this enzyme as a possible virulence factor of P. gingivalis is poorly understood at the moment but its good catalytic activity and the possibility to be inhibited by a large number of compounds may lead to interesting developments in the field., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

SspCA, a novel `extremo-α-carbonic anhydrase' isolated from the thermophilic bacterium Sulfurihydrogenibium yellowstonense YO3AOP1, is an efficient catalyst for the hydration of CO2 and presents exceptional thermostability. Indeed, SspCA retains a high catalytic activity even after being heated to 343-373 K for several hours. Here, the crystallographic structure of this α-carbonic anhydrase (α-CA) is reported and the factors responsible for its function at high temperature are elucidated. In particular, the study suggests that increased structural compactness, together with an increased number of charged residues on the protein surface and a greater number of ionic networks, seem to be the key factors involved in the higher thermostability of this enzyme with respect to its mesophilic homologues. These findings are of extreme importance, since they provide a structural basis for the understanding of the mechanisms responsible for thermal stability in the α-CA family for the first time. The data obtained offer a tool that can be exploited to engineer α-CAs in order to obtain enzymes with enhanced thermostability for use in the harsh conditions of the CO2 capture and sequestration processes.

The fungal pathogen Candida glabrata encodes for a β-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1), CgNce103, recently discovered. Only anions have been investigated as CgNce103 inhibitors up until now. Here we report the first sulfonamides inhibition study of this enzyme. Simple sulfonamides showed weak or moderate CgNce103 inhibitory properties, whereas acetazolamide, and a series of 4-substituted ureido-benzene-sulfonamides, sulfamates and sulfamides showed effective CgNce103 inhibitory properties, with KIs in the range of 4.1-115 nM, being also ineffective as human CA II inhibitors. As there is significant resistance of C. glabrata clinical isolates to many classical antifungal agents, inhibition of the β-CA from this organism may allow an interesting means of controlling the pathogen growth, eventually leading to antifungals with a novel mechanism of action., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The α-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) from the newly discovered thermophilic bacterium Sulfurihydrogenibium yellowstonense YO3AOP1 (SspCA) was investigated for its inhibition with a large series of sulfonamides and a sulfamate, the classical inhibitors of these zinc enzymes. SspCA showed an inhibition profile with these compounds very similar to that of the predominant human cytosolic isoform hCA II, and not to that of the bacterial α-CA from Helicobacter pylori. Some clinically used drugs such as acetazolamide, methazolamide, ethoxzolamide, dichlorophenamide, dorzolamide, brinzolamide, topiramate, celecoxib and sulthiame were low nanomolar SspCA/hCA II inhibitors (KIs in the range of 4.5-12.3nM) whereas simple aromatic/heterocyclic sulfonamides were less effective, micromolar inhibitors. As this highly catalytically active and thermostable enzyme may show biotechnological applications, its inhibition studies may be relevant for designing on/off systems to control its activity., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

An α-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) has been recently cloned and characterized in the human pathogenic bacterium Vibrio cholerae, denominated VchCA (Del Prete et al. J. Med. Chem.2012, 55, 10742). This enzyme shows a good catalytic activity for the CO2 hydration reaction, comparable to that of the human (h) isoform hCA I. Many inorganic anions and several small molecules were investigated as VchCA inhibitors. Inorganic anions such as cyanate, cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen sulfite, and trithiocarbonate were effective VchCA inhibitors with inhibition constants in the range of 33-88μM. Other effective inhibitors were diethyldithiocarbamate, sulfamide, sulfamate, phenylboronic acid and phenylarsonic acid, with KIs of 7-43μM. Halides (bromide, iodide), bicarbonate and carbonate were much less effective VchCA inhibitors, with KIs in the range of 4.64-28.0mM. The resistance of VchCA to bicarbonate inhibition may represent an evolutionary adaptation of this enzyme to living in an environment rich in this ion, such as the gastrointestinal tract, as bicarbonate is a virulence enhancer of this bacterium., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We report the biochemical characterization of a new carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1), named SazCA, identified by translated genome inspection in Sulfurihydrogenibium azorense, a thermophilic bacterium from terrestrial hot springs of the Azores. SazCA is an α-CA showing kinetic parameters that make it the fastest enzyme of the CA family described so far. The biochemical properties, thermostability and inhibition of SazCA were compared with those of the thermophilic and mesophilic counterparts, demonstrating the special features of this unique enzyme., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Several β-carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) are present in all land plants examined thus far. Here we report the first detailed biochemical characterization of one such isoform, FbiCA 1, from the C4 plant Flaveria bidentis, which was cloned, purified and characterized as recombinant protein. FbiCA 1 has an interesting CO2 hydrase catalytic activity (kcat of 1.2×10(5) and kcat/Km of 7.5×10(6)M(-1)×s(-1)) and was moderately inhibited by most simple/complex inorganic anions. Potent FbiCA 1 inhibitors were also detected, such as trithiocarbonate, diethyldithiocarbamate, sulfamide, sulfamic acid, phenylboronic acid and phenylarsonic acid (KIs in the range of 4-60μM). Such inhibitors may be used as tools to better understand the role of various β-CA isoforms in photosynthesis., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

An α-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) has been identified, cloned, and characterized from the unicellular protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The enzyme (TcCA) has a very high catalytic activity for the CO2 hydration reaction, being similar kinetically to the human (h) isoform hCA II, although it is devoid of the His64 proton shuttle. A large number of aromatic/heterocyclic sulfonamides and some 5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazoles were investigated as TcCA inhibitors. The aromatic sulfonamides were weak inhibitors (K(I) values of 192 nM to 84 μM), whereas some heterocyclic compounds inhibited the enzyme with K(I) values in the range 61.6-93.6 nM. The thiols were the most potent in vitro inhibitors (K(I) values of 21.1-79.0 nM), and some of them also inhibited the epimastigotes growth of two T. cruzi strains in vivo.

The α-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) from the extremophilic bacterium Sulfurihydrogenibium azorense (SazCA) was recently shown to be the fastest CA known. Here we investigated this enzyme for its activation with a series of amino acids and amines. The best SazCA activators were D-Phe, L-DOPA, L- and D-Trp, dopamine and serotonin, which showed activation constants in the range of 3-23 nM. L- and D-His, L-Phe, L-Tyr, 2-pyridyl-methylamine and L-adrenaline were also effective activators (K(A)s in the range of 62-90 nM), whereas D-Dopa, D-Tyr and several heterocyclic amines showed activity in the micromolar range. The good thermal stability, robustness, very high catalytic activity and propensity to be activated by simple amino acids and amines, make SazCA a very interesting candidate for biomimetic CO(2) capture processes., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A novel antibody against human carbonic anhydrase XII (CA XII) was developed and characterized. Its specificity for the human CA XII isoform was assessed and its ability to inhibit CA XII was found about 40 times higher than acetazolamide, a well-known CA sulfonamide inhibitor. The antibody was shown to decrease cell proliferation in cultured A549 lung carcinoma cells, making it an interesting molecule for targeting and treating some forms of CA XII overexpressing tumors. The possibility of conjugating this antibody with fluorescent markers for diagnostic purposes or with toxins or anticancer drugs for treating purposes makes it an interesting molecule for developing new combined approaches for cancer treatment.

Introduction: All microorganisms that cause diseases or illnesses to their host are defined as pathogens. In this paper we will review the current state of the art for inhibiting parasite carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) with a goal of developing antibacterial, antifungal or antiprotozoan agents possessing a different mechanism of action compared with the clinically used drugs to which a considerable degree of drug resistance has been reported., Areas Covered: Cloning of the genomes of many pathogenic microorganisms offered the possibility of exploring alternative pathways for inhibiting virulence factors or proteins essential for their life cycle, and such an approach was applied systematically for CAs from prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. Investigations of CAs in bacteria, fungi and protozoa domains will undoubtedly reveal novel aspects of microbial virulence, these efforts being part of a more general approach of using metalloenzyme inhibitors for designing novel classes of anti-infectives., Expert Opinion: Covers an overview of the patent literature in the field of the anti-infective CA inhibitors. Most of the patents deal with sulfonamide CA inhibitors. Bacterial/fungal/protozoan CAs represent at this moment very promising targets for obtaining anti-infectives devoid of the resistance problems of the clinically used such agents but further studies are needed to validate these and other less investigated enzymes as novel drug targets.