Download MendeleyPotent and selective indole-based inhibitors targeting disease-transmitting mosquitoes.
Rajeshwari, R., Duvauchelle, V., Lindgren, C., Stangner, K., Knutsson, S., Forsgren, N., Ekstrom, F., Kamau, L., Linusson, A.(2026) RSC Med Chem 17: 1166-1186
- PubMed: 41551022 Search on PubMedSearch on PubMed Central
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/d5md00797f
- Primary Citation Related Structures:
9SND, 9SNJ - PubMed Abstract:
Vector control with insecticides is an important preventive measure against mosquito-borne infectious diseases, such as malaria and dengue. The intensive usage of few insecticides has resulted in emerging resistance in mosquitoes, and unwanted off-target toxic effects. Therefore, there is great interest in alternative active ingredients. Here, we explore indole-based compounds as selective inhibitors against acetylcholinesterase 1 (AChE1) from the disease-transmitting mosquitoes Anopheles gambiae ( An. gambiae , Ag AChE1) and Aedes aegypti ( Ae. aegypti , Ae AChE1) as potential candidates for future insecticides used in vector control. Three sets of compounds were designed to explore their structure-activity relationship, and investigate their potentials regarding potency and selectivity. 26 indole-based compounds were synthesized and biochemically evaluated for inhibition against Ag AChE1, Ae AChE1, and human AChE ( h AChE). The compounds were shown to be potent inhibitors against AChE1, and selective for AChE1 over h AChE. N -Methylation of the indole moiety clearly increased the inhibition potency, and a bulkier benzyl moiety improved the selectivity. X-ray crystallography shows that the inhibitors bind at the bottom of the active site gorge of mouse AChE ( m AChE), while molecular dynamics simulations revealed different binding poses in m AChE and Ag AChE1. Four potent and selective inhibitors were subjected to in vivo mosquito testing. Topical application showed strong insecticidal effects on An. gambiae and Ae. aegypti , highlighting this compound class as an interesting alternative for future insecticide research.
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University Sweden anna.linusson@umu.se.
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