A functional characterization of Brugia malayi GABA-gated chloride channels: an unexplored target for antifilarial therapeutics - Project summary
Lymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-transmitted disease caused by filarial nematodes, including
Brugia malayi, B. timori, and Wuchereria bancrofti, that affect millions of people in the poverty-
stricken regions of Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. The filarial worms are located in the
host lymphatic system, blocking lymphatic drainage, resulting in gross swelling of the limbs
(elephantiasis) and skin infections. These infections result in physical disability and disfigurement,
mental stress, and reduced productivity, hampering social-economic development in endemic
regions. Control and treatment of lymphatic filariasis rely on the mass drug administration
(MDA) of antiparasitic drugs, ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine, and albendazole. This
strategy has been successful to a certain extent, but the parasitic infections persist, mainly
attributed to the limited adulticidal effect of current anti-filarial agents. Besides, there are no
vaccines available for use, and concerns about developing drug resistance in humans. There is
an accepted need to identify novel chemotherapeutic targets and macrofilaricidal therapeutics for
more efficient control of filarial infections.
Here we propose to investigate and characterize the pharmacological properties of UNC-49 γ-
aminobutyric acid (GABA) channels in B. malayi to contribute to the search for novel drug targets.
The majority of the commercially available anthelmintic drugs target cys-loop ligand-gated ion
channels (LGICs), including the recently introduced emodepside (SLO potassium channels),
monepantel (nAChRs), and derquantel (nAChRs). However, nematode ion channels are an
underexploited chemotherapeutic target with a limited number already explored. Ionotropic
GABA channels are the major inhibitory chloride-gated channels at the neuromuscular junction
of invertebrates and are essential for coordinated movement. And yet, GABA receptors serve as
the target of only one antiparasitic drug, piperazine. UNC-49 GABA channels have been
characterized from Caenorhabditis elegans and Haemonchus contortus. These channels were
distinct from the vertebrate receptors in subunit composition, in vivo function, and
pharmacological properties and displayed species-based diversity. It is essential to gain insights
into the molecular mechanisms of species-based diversity among nematode ion channels to
understand drug targets better. We propose to perform cloning and heterologous expression of
the previously uncharacterized UNC-49 GABA channels from B. malayi. We will use
electrophysiological methods to conduct pharmacological characterization on the channels
expressed in a heterologous system, Xenopus oocytes, and HEK293 cell lines. We will also use
RNAi techniques on B. malayi worms to knock down GABA subunit encoding genes to validate
GABA as a drug target. The results generated through these experiments will help develop
preliminary data concerning the biology and pharmacology of GABA channels in the filarial
nematode. Upon completing this project, we will have broadened our understanding of the
filarial UNC-49 channels and identified the contribution of UNC-49 isoforms to the
endogenous GABA function. The project has two specific aims:
Aim 1: To study the role of UNC-49 channels' physiological function in adult B. malayi.
Aim 2: Cloning of UNC-49 subunits from B. malayi and functional expression to
characterize the channels' pharmacology.
