Identification, Characterization and Molecular Modelling Studies of Schistosoma mansoni Dihydrofolate Reductase Inhibitors: From Assay Development to Hit Identification

Introduction: Schistosoma mansoni is responsible for virtually all reported cases of schistosomiasis in Latin America and the emergence of praziquantel- and oxaminiquine-resistant strains makes it urgent to develop new schistosomicide agents. Dihydrofolate reductases (DHFR) from bacteria and protozoan parasites are considered validated macromolecular targets for this goal, but S. mansoni DHFR (SmDHFR) has been largely overlooked. To fill this gap in knowledge, the present work describes optimized conditions to carry out thermal shift assays with SmDHFR, as well as a balanced kinetic assay that supports 2,4-diammopyrimidine derivatives as SmDHFR inhibitors. The most potent inhibitor (2a) shows a large shift of the melting temperature (Delta Tm = + 8 +/- 0,21 C-degrees) and a low micromolar IC50 value (12 +/- 2,3 mu M). Both thermal shift and classical kinectic assay suggest that 2a binds to the substrate binding site (competitive inhibition mechanism). This information guided docking and molecular dynamics studies that probed 2a interaction profile towards SmDHFR. Conclusion: In conclusion, this work not only provides standardized assay conditions to identify SmDHFR inhibitors, but also describes the binding profile of the first low micromolar inhibitor of this macromolecular target.