QSAR-based molecular signatures of prenylated (iso)flavonoids underlying antimicrobial potency against and membrane-disruption in Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria

Carla Araya-Cloutier, Jean Paul Vincken*, Milou G.M. van de Schans, Jos Hageman, Gijs Schaftenaar, Heidy M.W. den Besten, Harry Gruppen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

51 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Prenylated flavonoids and isoflavonoids are phytochemicals with remarkable antibacterial activity. In this study, 30 prenylated (iso)flavonoids were tested against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli (the latter in combination with an efflux pump inhibitor). Minimum inhibitory concentrations of the most active compounds ranged between 6.3-15.0 μg/mL. Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) analysis was performed and linear regression models were proposed with R2 between 0.77-0.80, average R2 m between 0.70-0.75, Q2 LOO between 0.66-0.69, and relatively low amount of descriptors. Shape descriptors (related to flexibility and globularity), together with hydrophilic/hydrophobic volume and surface area descriptors, were identified as important molecular characteristics related to activity. A 3D pharmacophore model explaining the effect of the prenyl position on the activity of compounds was developed for each bacterium. These models predicted active compounds with an accuracy of 71-88%. With regard to the mode of action, good antibacterial prenylated (iso)flavonoids with low relative hydrophobic surface area caused remarkable membrane permeabilization, whereas those with higher relative hydrophobic surface area did not. Based on the QSAR and membrane permeabilization studies, the mode of action of antibacterial prenylated (iso)flavonoids was putatively rationalized.

Original languageEnglish
Article number9267
JournalScientific Reports
Volume8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Dec 2018

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