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Spiropyrimidinetrione DNA Gyrase Inhibitors with Potent and Selective Antituberculosis Activity
Preshendren Govender1, Rudolf Müller1, Kawaljit Singh1
1Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D), Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa.
New spiropyrimidinetriones (SPTs) show potent activity against drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) by inhibiting Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA gyrase. These novel compounds offer a promising new avenue for TB treatment, demonstrating selective efficacy and a unique mechanism of action.
Area of Science:
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant global health threat, necessitating novel antibiotics.
- Existing treatments face challenges due to emerging resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).
Purpose of the Study:
- To profile novel spiropyrimidinetriones (SPTs) as potential anti-TB agents.
- To investigate their mechanism of action as DNA gyrase inhibitors against drug-resistant Mtb.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of novel SPT compounds.
- In vitro evaluation of inhibitory activity against Mtb DNA gyrase and Mtb growth.
- Assessment of antibacterial spectrum and mechanism of action studies (DNA cleavage stabilization, gyrA hypersensitivity).
- Molecular docking to model SPT-DNA gyrase interactions.
Main Results:
- SPTs demonstrated potent inhibition of Mtb DNA gyrase and low minimum inhibitory concentrations against drug-resistant Mtb.
- Compound 42 exhibited strong inhibitory potency (IC50 = 2.0) and low MIC (0.49 μM).
- Compounds showed selective activity against Mtb compared to other bacteria, with evidence of DNA cleavage stabilization and on-target activity.
Conclusions:
- Novel SPTs are effective inhibitors of Mtb DNA gyrase with promising activity against drug-resistant TB.
- These compounds represent a potential new class of antibiotics for TB treatment.
- Structure-activity relationship insights were gained for future drug development.
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