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Grieco P. When Macrocyclic Peptides Meet the Crystal Structure of a Melanocortin Receptor. J Med Chem 2021; 64:354-356. [PMID: 33393773 PMCID: PMC7884008 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This work reveals
some key factors for the design of a novel generation
of selective melanocortin ligands at the MC4 receptor.
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Piccialli I, Tedeschi V, Boscia F, Ciccone R, Casamassa A, de Rosa V, Grieco P, Secondo A, Pannaccione A. The Anemonia sulcata Toxin BDS-I Protects Astrocytes Exposed to Aβ 1-42 Oligomers by Restoring [Ca 2+] i Transients and ER Ca 2+ Signaling. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 13:20. [PMID: 33396295 PMCID: PMC7823622 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) transients in astrocytes represent a highly plastic signaling pathway underlying the communication between neurons and glial cells. However, how this important phenomenon may be compromised in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unexplored. Moreover, the involvement of several K+ channels, including KV3.4 underlying the fast-inactivating currents, has been demonstrated in several AD models. Here, the effect of KV3.4 modulation by the marine toxin blood depressing substance-I (BDS-I) extracted from Anemonia sulcata has been studied on [Ca2+]i transients in rat primary cortical astrocytes exposed to Aβ1-42 oligomers. We showed that: (1) primary cortical astrocytes expressing KV3.4 channels displayed [Ca2+]i transients depending on the occurrence of membrane potential spikes, (2) BDS-I restored, in a dose-dependent way, [Ca2+]i transients in astrocytes exposed to Aβ1-42 oligomers (5 µM/48 h) by inhibiting hyperfunctional KV3.4 channels, (3) BDS-I counteracted Ca2+ overload into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) induced by Aβ1-42 oligomers, (4) BDS-I prevented the expression of the ER stress markers including active caspase 12 and GRP78/BiP in astrocytes treated with Aβ1-42 oligomers, and (5) BDS-I prevented Aβ1-42-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell suffering measured as mitochondrial activity and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Collectively, we proposed that the marine toxin BDS-I, by inhibiting the hyperfunctional KV3.4 channels and restoring [Ca2+]i oscillation frequency, prevented Aβ1-42-induced ER stress and cell suffering in astrocytes.
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Tufano I, Buommino E, Iesce MR, De Filippis A, Grieco P, Lembo F, DellaGreca M. Synthesis of novel lignan-like compounds and their antimicrobial activity. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127413. [PMID: 32700680 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Herein we report the preparation of 3,4-dibenzylfurans and some oxidized derivatives with lignan backbone. The compounds were prepared using the Friedel-Crafts reaction with BF3 etherate as catalyst, demethylation with iodocyclohexane, acetylation and oxidation reactions. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated through their capacity to inhibit the growth of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, and of the yeast Candida albicans. Among ten products assayed four furans displayed a good antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and C. albicans; on the contrary, none of the compounds were active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. One of them inhibited the growth of S. aureus, S. epidermidis (biofilm producer strain) and C. albicans at 16 μg/mL, showing a bactericidal activity already after one hour of treatment. In summary, the results suggest a possible use of these derivatives for general disinfection practices or antimicrobial agents in cosmesis skin-care.
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Can V, Locke I, Grieco P, Getting S. AB0068 NOVEL CHONDROPROTECTIVE AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS OF THE SELECTIVE HUMAN MELANOCORTIN MC3 RECEPTOR AGONIST PG-990 ON SNAP ACTIVATED CHONDROCYTES. Ann Rheum Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.5264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Background:Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects over 250 million people worldwide [1] with treatments focussing on the symptoms rather than the cause of the pathology [2, 3]. Thus, this degenerative joint disease requires novel treatment options [3, 4].Therefore, the melanocortin system [4] could provide a novel avenue to explore given its ability to exert anti-inflammatory effects and chondroprotection [5], although the receptor subtype involved is unclear.Objectives:This study aims to assess the chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of the selective human melanocortin MC1 receptor agonist BMS-470539 dihydrochloride and the selective human MC3 receptor agonist PG-990 on S-Nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP) activated chondrocytes.Methods:The human chondrocytic cell-line C-20/A4 was seeded at 25.0 x 106viable cells/ml (5 μl droplet was transferred into individual wells of a 96-well plate). Micromass cultures [6] were stimulated with SNAP (1.0 mM) and after 2h treated with Dexamethasone (1.0 μM), selective human melanocortin MC1 receptor agonist BMS-470539 dihydrochloride (10.0 μg/ml) or selective human melanocortin MC3 receptor agonist PG-990 (10.0 μg/ml) for 6h. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay, Caspase -3 and -7 activity determined by Caspase-Glo 3/7 apoptosis assay. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content determined by alcian blue staining and anti-inflammatory heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression was determined by western blot. Data are expressed as Mean ±S.E.M ofn=4 samples repeated in triplicate. #p≤0.05vscontrol or *p≤0.05vsstimulus.Results:Cell viability analysis showed SNAP stimulation caused a maximal cell death of 23% (#p≤0.05), Dexamethasone, BMS-470539 dihydrochloride and PG-990 inhibited cell death by 2%, 98% and 129% respectively (*p≤0.05). SNAP stimulation caused a significant increase in Caspase -3 and -7 activity, which was inhibited by Dexamethasone, BMS-470539 dihydrochloride and PG-990 by 8%, 5% and 19% respectively (*p≤0.05). GAG content was significantly reduced by SNAP by 29% (#p≤0.05), which was inhibited by Dexamethasone, BMS-470539 dihydrochloride and PG-990 by 1%, 3% and 14% respectively (*p≤0.05). SNAP also caused a significant decrease in HO-1 protein expression, which was increased by Dexamethasone, BMS-470539 dihydrochloride and PG-990 by a 1.0-fold, 1.1-fold and 2.1-fold increase respectively (*p≤0.05).Conclusion:The selective human melanocortin MC3 receptor agonist PG-990 exhibited enhanced chondroprotection and modulation of inflammatory and tissue destructive mediators following SNAP activation compared to Dexamethasone and the selective human melanocortin MC1 receptor agonist BMS-470539 dihydrochloride. This suggests that melanocortin peptides display enhanced chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects at the MC3 receptor sub-type in this cell line.References:[1]Hunter DJ and Bierma-Zeinstra S. (2019).Lancet.393: 1745–59.[2]Can VCet al.(2020).Euro J Pharmacol. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.172971.[3]Intekhab-Alam NYet al. (2013).Cell death & disease.4: 1-6.[4]Getting SJet al.(2006).Mol Pharmacol70: 1850-1855.[5]Kaneva MKet al.(2014).Biochem Pharmacol92: 336-47.[6]Greco KVet al.(2011).Biochem Pharmacol82: 1919-29.Disclosure of Interests:None declared
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Brancaccio D, Pizzo E, Cafaro V, Notomista E, De Lise F, Bosso A, Gaglione R, Merlino F, Novellino E, Ungaro F, Grieco P, Malanga M, Quaglia F, Miro A, Carotenuto A. Antimicrobial peptide Temporin-L complexed with anionic cyclodextrins results in a potent and safe agent against sessile bacteria. Int J Pharm 2020; 584:119437. [PMID: 32447024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Concern over antibiotic resistance is growing, and new classes of antibiotics, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria, are needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been proposed as a new class of clinically useful antimicrobials. Special attention has been devoted to frog-skin temporins. In particular, temporin L (TL) is strongly active against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and yeast strains. With the aim of overcoming some of the main drawbacks preventing the widespread clinical use of this peptide, i.e. toxicity and unfavorable pharmacokinetics profile, we designed new formulations combining TL with different types of cyclodextrins (CDs). TL was associated to a panel of neutral or negatively charged, monomeric and polymeric CDs. The impact of CDs association on TL solubility, as well as the transport through bacterial alginates was assessed. The biocompatibility on human cells together with the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of TL/CD systems was explored.
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Ahmadi S, Dabbagh HA, Grieco P, Balalaie S. A cystine-based dual chemosensor for fluorescent-colorimetric detection of CN - and fluorescent detection of Fe 3+ in aqueous media: Synthesis, spectroscopic, and DFT studies. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2020; 228:117696. [PMID: 31761545 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2019.117696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A new dual-responsive chiral cystine based chemosensor, Cys(cou)2, has been designed and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR, UV-vis as well as elemental analysis. This sensor exhibited an excellent response towards Fe3+ and CN- with high selectivity and sensitivity by fluorescence turn-off mechanism. The binding mode of Cys(cou)2 with Fe3+, and CN- was confirmed by ESI-MS, 1H NMR, and fluorescence titration and also quantum chemical calculation. These results showed that the stoichiometric ratio of Cys(cou)2-Fe3+ and Cys(cou)2-CN is 1:1 and 1:3 in DMSO/Tris aqueous buffer (1:1, v/v), respectively. The linear relationship of the Stern-Volmer plot illustrates the static quenching mechanism at different concentrations. The detection limit (LOD) and binding constant (Ka) for Fe3+ and CN- are 0.029 μM, 1.28 × 104 and 0.51 μM, 9.94 × 106, respectively. Moreover, Cys(cou)2 can act as a colorimetric sensor for CN- in DMSO with the color change from colorless to yellow.
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Can VC, Locke IC, Kaneva MK, Kerrigan MJP, Merlino F, De Pascale C, Grieco P, Getting SJ. Novel anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects of the human melanocortin MC1 receptor agonist BMS-470539 dihydrochloride and human melanocortin MC3 receptor agonist PG-990 on lipopolysaccharide activated chondrocytes. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 872:172971. [PMID: 32004526 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.172971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Human melanocortin MC1 and MC3 receptors expressed on C-20/A4 chondrocytes exhibit chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects when activated by melanocortin peptides. Nearly 9 million people in the UK suffer from osteoarthritis, and bacterial infections play a role in its development. Here, we evaluate the effect of a panel of melanocortin peptides with different selectivity for human melanocortin MC1 (α-MSH, BMS-470539 dihydrochloride) and MC3 ([DTrp8]-γ-MSH, PG-990) receptors and C-terminal peptide α-MSH11-13(KPV), on inhibiting LPS-induced chondrocyte death, pro-inflammatory mediators and induction of anti-inflammatory proteins. C-20/A4 chondrocytes were treated with a panel of melanocortin peptides prophylactically and therapeutically in presence of LPS (0.1 μg/ml). The chondroprotective properties of these peptides determined by cell viability assay, RT-PCR, ELISA for detection of changes in inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8 and MMP-1, -3 and -13) and western blotting for expression of the anti-inflammatory protein heme-oxygenase-1. C-20/A4 expressed human melanocortin MC1 and MC3 receptors and melanocortin peptides elevated cAMP. LPS stimulation caused a reduction in C-20/A4 viability, attenuated by the human melanocortin MC1 receptor agonist BMS-470539 dihydrochloride, and MC3 receptor agonists PG-990 and [DTrp8]-γ-MSH. Prophylactic and therapeutic regimes of [DTrp8]-γ-MSH significantly inhibited LPS-induced modulation of cartilage-damaging IL-6, IL-8, MMPs -1,-3 and -13 mediators both prophylactically and therapeutically, whilst human melanocortin MC1 and MC3 receptor agonists promoted an increase in HO-1 production. In the presence of LPS, activation of human melanocortin MC1 and MC3 receptors provided potent chondroprotection, upregulation of anti-inflammatory proteins and downregulation of inflammatory and proteolytic mediators involved in cartilage degradation, suggesting a new avenue for osteoarthritis treatment.
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Bellavita R, Raucci F, Merlino F, Piccolo M, Ferraro MG, Irace C, Santamaria R, Iqbal AJ, Novellino E, Grieco P, Mascolo N, Maione F. Temporin L-derived peptide as a regulator of the acute inflammatory response in zymosan-induced peritonitis. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 123:109788. [PMID: 31865142 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an ancient group of defense molecules distributed in nature being found in mammals, birds, amphibians, insects, plants, and microorganisms. They display antimicrobial as well as immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory activities of two synthetic temporin-L analogues (here named peptide 1 and 2) by an in vivo model of inflammation caused by intraperitoneal sub-lethal dose of zymosan. Our results show that peptide 1 and 2 exert anti-inflammatory activity in vivo in response to zymosan-induce peritonitis. Simultaneous administration of 10 mg/kg of both temporins, with a sub-lethal dose of zymosan (500 mg/kg), significantly rescued mice from the classical hallmarks of inflammation, including leukocyte infiltration and synthesis of inflammatory mediators including IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1. More importantly, flow cytometry analysis highlighted a selective modulation of infiltrating inflammatory monocytes (defined as B220-/GR1hi-F480hi/CD115+) after peptide 2 treatment. Our results and presented models offer the possibility to test, in a preclinical setting, the potential of temporin analogues as anti-inflammatory agents.
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Merlino F, Tomassi S, Yousif AM, Messere A, Marinelli L, Grieco P, Novellino E, Cosconati S, Di Maro S. Boosting Fmoc Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis by Ultrasonication. Org Lett 2019; 21:6378-6382. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.9b02283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Gravina AG, Dallio M, Tuccillo C, Martorano M, Abenavoli L, Luzza F, Stiuso P, Lama S, Grieco P, Merlino F, Caraglia M, Loguercio C, Federico A. Urotensin II receptor expression in patients with ulcerative colitis: a pilot study. MINERVA GASTROENTERO 2019; 66:23-28. [PMID: 31293119 DOI: 10.23736/s1121-421x.19.02602-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urotensin II (U-II) is a vasoactive peptide that interacts with a specific receptor named UTR. Recently, our group has demonstrated increased UTR expression in both human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines and adenomatous polyps, as well as in colon carcinoma samples if compared to healthy colon samples of the same patients. We also showed that an UTR agonist induced an increase in colon adenocarcinoma cell growth in vitro, whereas the UTR block with a specific antagonist caused an inhibition of their growth and an inhibition of about 50% of both motility and cell invasion. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) associated with an increased baseline risk for colon cancer compared with the general population, and this risk is mostly attributed to chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. This risk increases along with the duration of the disease, as demonstrated by many studies. There are no UTR expression data related to UC, and we therefore evaluated UTR expression in ill colon biopsies and in healthy colon ones of patients with UC and colon biopsies of healthy patients. METHODS We enrolled, prior to informed consent, 11 patients (5 males and 6 females, age range 29-75 years, median age 52 years) with first UC diagnosis compared to 11 healthy controls (6 males and 5 females, age range 30-78 years, median age 55 years). We have therefore sampled inflammatory and healthy tissue in UC patients. We have also taken colic tissue samples in healthy subjects. Evaluation of receptor expression was performed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western Blot analysis. The ANOVA Test (P<0.05) was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS We found: 1) increased expression of UTR in 11/11 UC patients with ill mucosa biopsies compared to healthy controls in RT-PCR and in Western Blot analysis; 2) increased UTR expression in 11/11 UC patients with ill colon biopsies compared to the results obtained from healthy colon biopsies of the same patients both in RT-PCR and in Western Blot analysis; 3) increased UTR expression in 9/11 UC patients healthy colon biopsy specimens compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS UTR could be considered as an inflammatory UC disease marker because its expression is greater in the mucosa of ill colon than in the healthy colon of the same patients and compared to healthy controls.
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Ciccone R, Piccialli I, Grieco P, Merlino F, Annunziato L, Pannaccione A. Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of a Novel Peptide Based on Anemonia sulcata BDS-I Toxin as a New K V3.4 Inhibitor Exerting a Neuroprotective Effect Against Amyloid-β Peptide. Front Chem 2019; 7:479. [PMID: 31338361 PMCID: PMC6629785 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that the fast-inactivating potassium current IA, encoded by KV3. 4 channels, plays an important role in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), since the neurotoxic β-amyloid peptide1-42 (Aβ1-42) increases the IA current triggering apoptotic processes. The specific inhibition of KV3.4 by the marine toxin extracted from Anemonia sulcata, named blood depressing substance-I (BDS-I), reverts the Aβ peptide-induced cell death. The aim of the present study was to identify the smallest fragments of BDS-I, obtained by peptide synthesis, able to inhibit KV3.4 currents. For this purpose, whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to evaluate the effects of BDS-I fragments on KV3.4 currents in CHO cells heterologously expressing KV3.4. We found that BDS-I[1-8] fragment, containing the N-terminal octapeptide sequence of full length BDS-I, was able to inhibit KV3.4 currents in a concentration dependent manner, whereas the scrambled sequence of BDS-I[1-8] and all the other fragments obtained from BDS-I full length were ineffective. As we demonstrated in a previous study, BDS-I full length is able to counteract Aβ1-42-induced enhancement of KV3.4 activity, preventing Aβ1-42-induced caspase-3 activation and the abnormal nuclear morphology in NGF-differentiated PC-12 cells. Similarly to BDS-I, we found that BDS-I[1-8] blocking KV3.4 currents prevented Aβ1-42-induced caspase-3 activation and apoptotic processes. Collectively, these results suggest that BDS-I[1-8] could represent a lead compound to be developed as a new drug targeting KV3.4 channels.
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Buommino E, Carotenuto A, Antignano I, Bellavita R, Casciaro B, Loffredo MR, Merlino F, Novellino E, Mangoni ML, Nocera FP, Brancaccio D, Punzi P, Roversi D, Ingenito R, Bianchi E, Grieco P. The Outcomes of Decorated Prolines in the Discovery of Antimicrobial Peptides from Temporin-L. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:1283-1290. [PMID: 31087626 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we identified a potent antimicrobial analogue of temporin L (TL), [Pro3 ]TL, in which glutamine at position 3 was substituted with proline. In this study, a series of analogues in which position 3 is substituted with non-natural proline derivatives, was investigated for correlations between the conformational properties of the compounds and their antibacterial, cytotoxic, and hemolytic activities. Non-natural proline analogues with substituents at position 4 of the pyrrolidine ring were considered. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of these analogues were performed by means of antimicrobial and cytotoxicity assays along with circular dichroism (CD) and NMR spectroscopic analyses for selected compounds. The most promising peptides were additionally evaluated for their activity against some representative veterinary microbial strains to compare with those from human strains. We identified novel analogues with interesting properties that make them attractive lead compounds.
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Caporale A, Bolzati C, Incisivo GM, Salvarese N, Grieco P, Ruvo M. Improved synthesis on solid phase of dithiocarbamic cRGD-derivative and 99m Tc-radiolabelling. J Pept Sci 2019; 25:e3140. [PMID: 30680876 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In the field of angiogenesis, small cyclic pentapeptides containing the RGD motif are playing a relevant role for their high affinity and specificity for integrin receptors and for the possibility to act at both therapeutic and diagnostic level by inhibiting pathological angiogenesis and by serving as shuttles to deliver imaging-probe including SPECT/PET radionuclides to specific tissues. In the last decade, several new protocols were reported in literature for the direct synthesis of cyclic RDG either in solution or by SPPS. Here, we have elaborated and tested some alternative approaches using different resins and different protective groups. The introduction of the dithiocarbamate function, useful to complex radio-metals suitable for nuclear medicine applications, has also been considered and achieved.
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Merlino F, Billard É, Yousif AM, Di Maro S, Brancaccio D, Abate L, Carotenuto A, Bellavita R, d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R, Santicioli P, Marinelli L, Novellino E, Hébert TE, Lubell WD, Chatenet D, Grieco P. Functional Selectivity Revealed by N-Methylation Scanning of Human Urotensin II and Related Peptides. J Med Chem 2019; 62:1455-1467. [PMID: 30615452 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In accordance with their common but also divergent physiological actions, human urotensin II (1) and urotensin II-related peptide (2) could stabilize specific urotensin II receptor (UTR) conformations, thereby activating different signaling pathways, a feature referred to as biased agonism or functional selectivity. Sequential N-methylation of the amides in the conserved core sequence of 1, 2, and fragment U-II4-11 (3) shed light on structural requirements involved in their functional selectivity. Thus, 18 N-methylated UTR ligands were synthesized and their biological profiles evaluated using in vitro competition binding assays, ex vivo rat aortic ring bioassays and BRET-based biosensor experiments. Biological activity diverged from that of the parent structures contingent on the location of amide methylation, indicating relevant hydrogen-bond interactions for the function of the endogenous peptides. Conformational analysis of selected N-methyl analogs indicated the importance of specific amide residues of 2 for the distinct pharmacology relative to 1 and 3.
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Caporale A, Martin AD, Capasso D, Focà G, Sandomenico A, D'Andrea LD, Grieco P, Ruvo M, Doti N. Short
PlGF
‐derived peptides bind
VEGFR
‐1 and
VEGFR
‐2 in vitro and on the surface of endothelial cells. J Pept Sci 2019; 25:e3146. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Scala MC, Spensiero A, Pepe G, Bertamino A, Carotenuto A, Grieco P, Novellino E, Gomez-Monterrey IM, Campiglia P, Sala M. Investigation on side-product formation during the synthesis of a lactoferrin-derived lactam-bridged cyclic peptide. Amino Acids 2018; 50:1367-1375. [PMID: 29974257 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2612-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Bovine lactoferrin C-lobe is able to prevent both influenza virus hemagglutination and cell infection. In particular, it was demonstrated that the fragment 418SKHSSLDCVLRP429 is a potent antiviral peptide. Therefore, we tried to increase the stability of this fragment through side-chain lactam cyclization of the peptide, S[KHSSLD]CVLRP (1). However, classic strategy involving solid-supported cyclization of the linear precursor, containing orthogonal allyl/alloc-based protection for the key amino and carboxyl residues, did not provide the desired cyclic peptide. Here, we report the identification of problematic stretches during the sequence assembly process and the optimization of the different parameters involved in the construction of 1. Results indicated a significant influence of β-protecting group of both aspartic acid and adjacent cysteine residues on the formation of side products. Therefore, the identification of suitable β-protecting groups of these residues allowed us to optimize the synthesis of designed lactam-bridged cyclic peptide.
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Merlino F, Zhou Y, Cai M, Carotenuto A, Yousif AM, Brancaccio D, Di Maro S, Zappavigna S, Limatola A, Novellino E, Grieco P, Hruby VJ. Development of Macrocyclic Peptidomimetics Containing Constrained α,α-Dialkylated Amino Acids with Potent and Selective Activity at Human Melanocortin Receptors. J Med Chem 2018; 61:4263-4269. [PMID: 29660981 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We report the development of macrocyclic melanocortin derivatives of MT-II and SHU-9119, achieved by modifying the cycle dimension and incorporating constrained amino acids in ring-closing. This study culminated in the discovery of novel agonists/antagonists with an unprecedented activity profile by adding pieces to the puzzle of the melanocortin receptor selectivity. Finally, the resulting 19- and 20-membered rings represent a suitable frame for the design of further therapeutic ligands as selective modulators of the melanocortin system.
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Ingangi V, Bifulco K, Yousif AM, Ragone C, Motti ML, Rea D, Minopoli M, Botti G, Scognamiglio G, Fazioli F, Gallo M, De Chiara A, Arra C, Grieco P, Carriero MV. The urokinase receptor-derived cyclic peptide [SRSRY] suppresses neovascularization and intravasation of osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:54474-54487. [PMID: 27323409 PMCID: PMC5342356 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor for the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPAR) is a widely recognized master regulator of cell migration and uPAR88–92 is the minimal sequence required to induce cell motility and angiogenesis by interacting with the formyl peptide receptor type 1 (FPR1). In this study, we present evidence that the cyclization of the uPAR88–92 sequence generates a new potent inhibitor of migration, and extracellular matrix invasion of human osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma cells expressing comparable levels of FPR1 on cell surface. In vitro, the cyclized peptide [SRSRY] prevents formation of capillary-like tubes by endothelial cells co-cultured with chondrosarcoma cells and trans-endothelial migration of osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma cells. When chondrosarcoma cells were subcutaneously injected in nude mice, tumor size, intra-tumoral microvessel density and circulating tumor cells in blood samples collected before the sacrifice, were significantly reduced in animals treated daily with i.p-administration of 6 mg/Kg [SRSRY] as compared to animals treated with vehicle only. Our findings indicate that [SRSRY] prevents three key events occurring during the metastatic process of osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma cells: the extracellular matrix invasion, the formation of a capillary network and the entry into bloodstream.
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Yousif AM, Ingangi V, Merlino F, Brancaccio D, Minopoli M, Bellavita R, Novellino E, Carriero MV, Carotenuto A, Grieco P. Urokinase receptor derived peptides as potent inhibitors of the formyl peptide receptor type 1-triggered cell migration. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 143:348-360. [PMID: 29202399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The receptor for the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPAR) is a widely recognized master regulator of cell migration. We and others have previously documented that the uPAR(84-95) sequence, interacts with the formyl peptide receptors (FPR)s, henceforth inducing cell migration of several cell lines, including leukocytes, and the synthetic shorter peptide (Ser88-Arg-Ser-Arg-Tyr92, SRSRY) retains chemotactic activity in vitro and in vivo. Recently, we have developed the head-to-tail cyclic analog [SRSRY], a new potent and stable inhibitor of monocyte trafficking. This prompted us to develop novel cyclic and linear analogs of [SRSRY] with the aim to broaden the knowledge about structure-activity relationships of peptide [SRSRY]. Herein we report their synthesis, effects on cell migration, conformational and docking analyses which served to envisage a new pharmacophore model for inhibitors of FPR1-triggered cell migration.
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Federico A, Zappavigna S, Dallio M, Misso G, Merlino F, Loguercio C, Novellino E, Grieco P, Caraglia M. Urotensin-II Receptor: A Double Identity Receptor Involved in Vasoconstriction and in the Development of Digestive Tract Cancers and other Tumors. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2017; 17:109-121. [PMID: 27338741 DOI: 10.2174/1568009616666160621101248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II and Urotensin-II receptors are important molecular factors that regulate vasoconstriction and all the diseases that are linked to abnormalities in blood pressure regulation (i.e.: hypertension, kidney diseases, cirrhosis etc.). Recently, Urotensin II and its receptor have also been involved in metabolic syndrome, diabetes and schizophrenia. Recent strong findings suggest that Urotensin II and its receptor are involved in the onset and development of different epithelial cancers. Indeed, it was reported that cell growth, motility and invasion in human breast, bladder, prostate, colorectal and glioblastoma cancer cells were regulated by Urotensin II and Urotensin-II receptor axis. This axis also regulated focal adhesion kinase and small Guanosine-5'-triphosphate binding proteins that likely had a role in motility and invasion mediated by Urotensin-II receptor. Additionally, its expression on tumour tissues is variably associated to the prediction of the clinical outcome of the patients and it can be considered an alternative molecular marker to be used as prognostic factor in human cancers. In conclusion, a new weapon in the treatment of human cancers is highlighting a new scenario for the future.
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Merlino F, Carotenuto A, Casciaro B, Martora F, Loffredo MR, Di Grazia A, Yousif AM, Brancaccio D, Palomba L, Novellino E, Galdiero M, Iovene MR, Mangoni ML, Grieco P. Glycine-replaced derivatives of [Pro 3 ,DLeu 9 ]TL, a temporin L analogue: Evaluation of antimicrobial, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 139:750-761. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Maisto R, Gesualdo C, Trotta MC, Grieco P, Testa F, Simonelli F, Barcia JM, D'Amico M, Di Filippo C, Rossi S. Melanocortin receptor agonists MCR 1-5 protect photoreceptors from high-glucose damage and restore antioxidant enzymes in primary retinal cell culture. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 21:968-974. [PMID: 27998021 PMCID: PMC5387132 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal photoreceptors are particularly vulnerable to local high‐glucose concentrations. Oxidative stress is a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy development. Melanocortin receptors represent a family of G‐protein‐coupled receptors classified in five subtypes and are expressed in retina. Our previous data indicate that subtypes 1 and 5 receptor agonists exert a protective role on experimental diabetic retinopathy. This study focuses on their role in primary retinal cell cultures in high‐glucose concentrations. After eye enucleation from wild‐type male C57BL/6 mice, retinal cells were isolated, plated in high‐glucose concentration and treated with melanocortin receptors 1 and 5 agonists and antagonists. Immunocytochemical and biochemical analysis showed that treatment with melanocortin receptors 1 and 5 agonists reduced anti‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and enhanced manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels, preserving photoreceptor integrity. According with these evidences, we propose a major role of melanocortin receptors 1 and 5 on primary retinal cell response against high glucose or oxidative insults.
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Russo A, Aiello C, Grieco P, Marasco D. Targeting "Undruggable" Proteins: Design of Synthetic Cyclopeptides. Curr Med Chem 2016; 23:748-62. [PMID: 26758797 DOI: 10.2174/0929867323666160112122540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The development of synthetic macrocycles represents a powerful approach toward the identification of new protein binders or inhibitors of Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) which are known to play key biological roles in cancer signaling as well as in the regulation of cell division cycle. Structural investigations led to identify "hot loops" sharing common motifs that are mainly involved in PPIs. Most PPIs occur through large and flat surfaces; currently these protein complexes are defined as "undruggable" by conventional drug-discovery approaches, since the identification of small molecules to inhibit these targets is often unreachable. Typically macrocycles are 500-2000 Da in size, having 12-membered, or more, ring architecture: they do not obey the Lipinski's rule but, for them nature offers many examples as therapeutic agents such as erythromycin (antibiotic), cyclosporin (immunosuppressant) and somatostatin (hormone). Peptide-based macrocycles offer the advantages of directly mimicking secondary structures involved in PPIs and their pharmacological application is related to the potential improvement of lead peptides in terms of potency, selectivity, stability and cell permeation. The promising relevance of cyclopeptides prompted to develop new synthetic methods for cyclization: often biotechnological approaches as well as regioselective reactions have been employed to cyclize peptides rapidly and nearly quantitatively. Moreover, different synthetic strategies in peptidomimetics' macrocyclization are actually available based on surrogate peptide bonds or NCL (Native Chemical Ligation) methods. In this review we focus on the most common methods for the preparation of cyclopeptides and interesting applications of the last decade.
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Genua M, Ingangi V, Fonteyne P, Piontini A, Yousif AM, Merlino F, Grieco P, Malesci A, Carriero MV, Danese S. Treatment with a Urokinase Receptor-derived Cyclized Peptide Improves Experimental Colitis by Preventing Monocyte Recruitment and Macrophage Polarization. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2016; 22:2390-401. [PMID: 27537052 DOI: 10.1097/mib.0000000000000896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leukocyte migration across the blood barrier and into tissues represents a key process in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. The urokinase receptor (urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor) is a master regulator of leukocyte recruitment. We recently found that cyclization of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor-derived peptide Ser-Arg-Ser-Arg-Tyr [SRSRY] inhibits transendothelial migration of monocytes. Now, we have explored the effects of [SRSRY] administration during experimental colitis. METHODS The effects of [SRSRY] on cytokine profile, cytoskeletal organization, and cell migration were investigated using phorbol-12-myristate acetate-differentiated THP-1 cells exposed to polarizing stimuli. In vivo, [SRSRY] was intraperitoneally administered during dextran sodium sulfate- or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in wild-type or urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor knockout mice. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory monocytes in mucosal infiltrates were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry, respectively. RESULTS [SRSRY] prevents M0 to M1 transition and migration of M1 polarized macrophages. In vivo, [SRSRY] reduces intestinal inflammation diminishing body weight loss and disease activity index. These beneficial effects are accompanied by a reduction of interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α, an increase of interleukin 10, and an abridged recruitment of inflammatory monocytes to the inflamed tissue. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these findings indicate that [SRSRY] may be considered as a new drug useful for the pharmacological treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Sala M, Spensiero A, Esposito F, Scala MC, Vernieri E, Bertamino A, Manfra M, Carotenuto A, Grieco P, Novellino E, Cadeddu M, Tramontano E, Schols D, Campiglia P, Gomez-Monterrey IM. Development and Identification of a Novel Anti-HIV-1 Peptide Derived by Modification of the N-Terminal Domain of HIV-1 Integrase. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:845. [PMID: 27375570 PMCID: PMC4901077 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The viral enzyme integrase (IN) is essential for the replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and represents an important target for the development of new antiretroviral drugs. In this study, we focused on the N-terminal domain (NTD), which is mainly involved into protein oligomerization process, for the development and synthesis of a library of overlapping peptide sequences, with specific length and specific offset covering the entire native protein sequence NTD IN 1–50. The most potent fragment, VVAKEIVAH (peptide 18), which includes a His residue instead of the natural Ser at position 39, inhibits the HIV-1 IN activity with an IC50 value of 4.5 μM. Amino acid substitution analysis on this peptide revealed essential residues for activity and allowed us to identify two nonapeptides (peptides 24 and 25), that show a potency of inhibition similar to the one of peptide 18. Interestingly, peptide 18 does not interfere with the dynamic interplay between IN subunits, while peptides 24 and 25 modulated these interactions in different manners. In fact, peptide 24 inhibited the IN-IN dimerization, while peptide 25 promoted IN multimerization, with IC50 values of 32 and 4.8 μM, respectively. In addition, peptide 25 has shown to have selective anti-infective cell activity for HIV-1. These results confirmed peptide 25 as a hit for further development of new chemotherapeutic agents against HIV-1.
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