Article
Chalcone Derivative Induces Flagellar Disruption and Autophagic Phenotype in Phytomonas serpens In Vitro
Registro en:
SANTOS, Tamiris A. C. et al. Chalcone Derivative Induces Flagellar Disruption and Autophagic Phenotype in Phytomonas serpens In Vitro. Pathogens, v. 12, 423, p. 1 - 13, Mar. 2023.
2076-0817
10.3390/ pathogens12030423
Autor
Santos, Tamiris A. C.
Silva, Kleiton P.
Souza, Gabriella B.
Alves, Péricles B.
Menna-Barreto, Rubem F. S.
Scher, Ricardo
Fernandes, Roberta P. M.
Resumen
Phytomonas serpens is a trypanosomatid phytoparasite, found in a great variety of species,
including tomato plants. It is a significant problem for agriculture, causing high economic loss. In
order to reduce the vegetal infections, different strategies have been used. The biological activity
of molecules obtained from natural sources has been widely investigated to treat trypanosomatids
infections. Among these compounds, chalcones have been shown to have anti-parasitic and antiinflammatory
effects, being described as having a remarkable activity on trypanosomatids, especially
in Leishmania species. Here, we evaluated the antiprotozoal activity of the chalcone derivative
(NaF) on P. serpens promastigotes, while also assessing its mechanism of action. The results showed
that treatment with the derivative NaF for 24 h promotes an important reduction in the parasite
proliferation (IC50/24 h = 23.6 4.6 M). At IC50/24 h concentration, the compound induced an
increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a shortening of the unique flagellum of the
parasites. Electron microscopy evaluation reinforced the flagellar phenotype in treated promastigotes,
and a dilated flagellar pocket was frequently observed. The treatment also promoted a prominent
autophagic phenotype. An increased number of autophagosomes were detected, presenting different
levels of cargo degradation, endoplasmic reticulum profiles surrounding different cellular structures,
and the presence of concentric membranar structures inside the mitochondrion. Chalcone derivatives
may present an opportunity to develop a treatment for the P. serpens infection, as they are easy to
synthesize and are low in cost. In order to develop a new product, further studies are still necessary.