1
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Duan Z, Kong C, Fan S, Wu C. Triscysteine disulfide-directing motifs enabling design and discovery of multicyclic peptide binders. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7799. [PMID: 39242578 PMCID: PMC11379947 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51723-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptides are valuable for therapeutic development, with multicyclic peptides showing promise in mimicking antigen-binding potency of antibodies. However, our capability to engineer multicyclic peptide scaffolds, particularly for the construction of large combinatorial libraries, is still limited. Here, we study the interplay of disulfide pairing between three biscysteine motifs, and designed a range of triscysteine motifs with unique disulfide-directing capability for regulating the oxidative folding of multicyclic peptides. We demonstrate that incorporating these motifs into random sequences allows the design of disulfide-directed multicyclic peptide (DDMP) libraries with up to four disulfide bonds, which have been applied for the successful discovery of peptide binders with nanomolar affinity to several challenging targets. This study encourages the use of more diverse disulfide-directing motifs for creating multicyclic peptide libraries and opens an avenue for discovering functional peptides in sequence and structural space beyond existing peptide scaffolds, potentially advancing the field of peptide drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengping Duan
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Chuilian Kong
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Shihui Fan
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Chuanliu Wu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P.R. China.
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2
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Park H, Jin H, Kim D, Lee J. Cell-Free Systems: Ideal Platforms for Accelerating the Discovery and Production of Peptide-Based Antibiotics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9109. [PMID: 39201795 PMCID: PMC11354240 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25169109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based antibiotics (PBAs), including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their synthetic mimics, have received significant interest due to their diverse and unique bioactivities. The integration of high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics tools has dramatically enhanced the discovery of enzymes, allowing researchers to identify specific genes and metabolic pathways responsible for producing novel PBAs more precisely. Cell-free systems (CFSs) that allow precise control over transcription and translation in vitro are being adapted, which accelerate the identification, characterization, selection, and production of novel PBAs. Furthermore, these platforms offer an ideal solution for overcoming the limitations of small-molecule antibiotics, which often lack efficacy against a broad spectrum of pathogens and contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. In this review, we highlight recent examples of how CFSs streamline these processes while expanding our ability to access new antimicrobial agents that are effective against antibiotic-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeongwoo Park
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering (I-Bio), Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea;
| | - Haneul Jin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea; (H.J.); (D.K.)
| | - Dayeong Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea; (H.J.); (D.K.)
| | - Joongoo Lee
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering (I-Bio), Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea; (H.J.); (D.K.)
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3
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Pei S, Wang N, Mei Z, Zhangsun D, Craik DJ, McIntosh JM, Zhu X, Luo S. Conotoxins Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Ion Channels. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:828-845. [PMID: 38914468 PMCID: PMC11331937 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are intimately involved in the generation and transmission of action potentials, and dysfunction of these channels may contribute to nervous system diseases, such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain, psychosis, autism, and cardiac arrhythmia. Many venom peptides selectively act on NaV channels. These include conotoxins, which are neurotoxins secreted by cone snails for prey capture or self-defense but which are also valuable pharmacological tools for the identification and/or treatment of human diseases. Typically, conotoxins contain two or three disulfide bonds, and these internal crossbraces contribute to conotoxins having compact, well defined structures and high stability. Of the conotoxins containing three disulfide bonds, some selectively target mammalian NaV channels and can block, stimulate, or modulate these channels. Such conotoxins have great potential to serve as pharmacological tools for studying the functions and characteristics of NaV channels or as drug leads for neurologic diseases related to NaV channels. Accordingly, discovering or designing conotoxins targeting NaV channels with high potency and selectivity is important. The amino acid sequences, disulfide bond connectivity, and three-dimensional structures are key factors that affect the biological activity of conotoxins, and targeted synthetic modifications of conotoxins can greatly improve their activity and selectivity. This review examines NaV channel-targeted conotoxins, focusing on their structures, activities, and designed modifications, with a view toward expanding their applications. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: NaV channels are crucial in various neurologic diseases. Some conotoxins selectively target NaV channels, causing either blockade or activation, thus enabling their use as pharmacological tools for studying the channels' characteristics and functions. Conotoxins also have promising potential to be developed as drug leads. The disulfide bonds in these peptides are important for stabilizing their structures, thus leading to enhanced specificity and potency. Together, conotoxins targeting NaV channels have both immediate research value and promising future application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengrong Pei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Nan Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Zaoli Mei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - David J Craik
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Sulan Luo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
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4
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Philippe GJB, Huang YH, Mittermeier A, Brown CJ, Kaas Q, Ramlan SR, Wang CK, Lane D, Loewer A, Troeira Henriques S, Craik DJ. Delivery to, and Reactivation of, the p53 Pathway in Cancer Cells Using a Grafted Cyclotide Conjugated with a Cell-Penetrating Peptide. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1197-1208. [PMID: 38174919 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Peptides are promising drug modalities that can modulate protein-protein interactions, but their application is hampered by their limited ability to reach intracellular targets. Here, we improved the cytosolic delivery of a peptide blocking p53:MDM2/X interactions using a cyclotide as a stabilizing scaffold. We applied several design strategies to improve intracellular delivery and found that the conjugation of the lead cyclotide to the cyclic cell-penetrating peptide cR10 was the most effective. Conjugation allowed cell internalization at micromolar concentration and led to elevated intracellular p53 levels in A549, MCF7, and MCF10A cells, as well as inducing apoptosis in A549 cells without causing membrane disruption. The lead peptide had >35-fold improvement in inhibitory activity and increased cellular uptake compared to a previously reported cyclotide p53 activator. In summary, we demonstrated the delivery of a large polar cyclic peptide in the cytosol and confirmed its ability to modulate intracellular protein-protein interactions involved in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire Jean-Baptiste Philippe
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Anna Mittermeier
- Department of Biology, Technical University Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christopher J Brown
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Siti Radhiah Ramlan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Conan K Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - David Lane
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Alexander Loewer
- Department of Biology, Technical University Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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5
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Luo J, Gao Y, Zhao R, Shi J, Li YM. Synthesis of disulfide-rich C-terminal Cys-containing peptide acids through a photocleavable side-chain anchoring strategy. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:8863-8867. [PMID: 37888757 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob01597a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
A side-chain anchoring strategy has been developed as an effective method for the synthesis of C-terminal Cys-containing peptide acids. However, the application of this strategy to CCAs containing more than one disulfide bond is still hindered due to the trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) lability of the anchored side-chain groups. Herein, we report a photocleavable side-chain anchoring strategy using newly developed molecules having photocleavable side-chain protecting groups that are stable against TFA cleavage to assist in the formation of disulfide bonds. The utility of this new strategy was demonstrated by the synthesis of Riparin 1.1 and hCNP22 containing one disulfide bond and α-conotoxin Vc1.1 containing two disulfide bonds. This new strategy will provide new possibilities for the synthesis of disulfide-rich C-terminal Cys-containing peptide acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Luo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Yuan Gao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Yi-Ming Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
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6
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Karami Y, Murail S, Giribaldi J, Lefranc B, Defontaine F, Lesouhaitier O, Leprince J, de Vries S, Tufféry P. Exploring a Structural Data Mining Approach to Design Linkers for Head-to-Tail Peptide Cyclization. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:6436-6450. [PMID: 37827517 PMCID: PMC10599322 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Peptides have recently regained interest as therapeutic candidates, but their development remains confronted with several limitations including low bioavailability. Backbone head-to-tail cyclization, i.e., setting a covalent peptide bond linking the last amino acid with the first one, is one effective strategy of peptide-based drug design to stabilize the conformation of bioactive peptides while preserving peptide properties in terms of low toxicity, binding affinity, target selectivity, and preventing enzymatic degradation. Starting from an active peptide, it usually requires the design of a linker of a few amino acids to make it possible to cyclize the peptide, possibly preserving the conformation of the initial peptide and not affecting its activity. However, very little is known about the sequence-structure relationship requirements of designing linkers for peptide cyclization in a rational manner. Recently, we have shown that large-scale data-mining of available protein structures can lead to the precise identification of protein loop conformations, even from remote structural classes. Here, we transpose this approach to linkers, allowing head-to-tail peptide cyclization. First we show that given a linker sequence and the conformation of the linear peptide, it is possible to accurately predict the cyclized peptide conformation. Second, and more importantly, we show that it seems possible to elaborate on the information inferred from protein structures to propose effective candidate linker sequences constrained by length and amino acid composition, providing the first framework for the rational design of head-to-tail cyclization linkers. Finally, we illustrate this for two peptides using a limited set of amino-acids likely not to interfere with peptide function. For a linear peptide derived from Nrf2, the peptide cyclized starting from the experimental structure showed a 26-fold increase in the binding affinity. For urotensin II, a peptide already cyclized by a disulfide bond that exerts a broad array of biological activities, we were able, starting from models of the structure, to design a head-to-tail cyclized peptide, the first synthesized bicyclic 14-residue long urotensin II analogue, showing a retention of in vitro activity. Although preliminary, our results strongly suggest that such an approach has strong potential for cyclic peptide-based drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Karami
- Université
Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8251,
INSERM ERL U1133, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Samuel Murail
- Université
Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8251,
INSERM ERL U1133, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Julien Giribaldi
- Institut
des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier-CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Benjamin Lefranc
- Université
de Rouen Normandie, INSERM U1239 NorDiC, Neuroendocrine, Endocrine and Germinal Differentiation and Communication,
INSERM US51 HeRacLeS, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Florian Defontaine
- Université
de Rouen Normandie, UR CBSA, Research Unit
Bacterial Communication and Anti-infectious Strategies, 27000 Evreux, France
| | - Olivier Lesouhaitier
- Université
de Rouen Normandie, UR CBSA, Research Unit
Bacterial Communication and Anti-infectious Strategies, 27000 Evreux, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Université
de Rouen Normandie, INSERM U1239 NorDiC, Neuroendocrine, Endocrine and Germinal Differentiation and Communication,
INSERM US51 HeRacLeS, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Sjoerd de Vries
- Université
Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8251,
INSERM ERL U1133, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Tufféry
- Université
Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8251,
INSERM ERL U1133, 75013 Paris, France
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7
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Xu P, Zhang P, Zhu X, Wu Y, Harvey PJ, Kaas Q, Zhangsun D, Craik DJ, Luo S. Structure-Activity Relationships of Alanine Scan Mutants αO-Conotoxins GeXIVA[1,2] and GeXIVA[1,4]. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37464764 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA is a selective α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) inhibitor displaying two disulfide bonds that can form three isomers. The bead (GeXIVA[1,2]) and ribbon (GeXIVA[1,4]) isomers possess the highest activity on rat and human α9α10 nAChRs. However, the molecular mechanism by which they inhibit the α9α10 nAChR is unknown. Here, an alanine scan of GeXIVA was used to elucidate key interactions between the peptides and the α9α10 nAChR. The majority of GeXIVA[1,2] analogues preserved affinity at α9α10 nAChR, but [R17A]GeXIVA[1,2] enhanced selectivity on the α9α10 nAChR. The I23A replacement of GeXIVA[1,4] increased activity at both rat and human α9α10 nAChRs by 10-fold. Surprisingly, these results do not support the molecular model of an interaction in the orthosteric binding site proposed previously, but rather may involve allosteric coupling with the voltage-sensitive domain of the α9α10 nAChR. These results could help to guide further development of GeXIVA analogues as analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Xu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Panpan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yong Wu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sulan Luo
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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8
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Zhou Y, Harvey PJ, Koehbach J, Chan LY, Jones A, Andersson Å, Vetter I, Durek T, Craik DJ. A Chemoenzymatic Approach To Produce a Cyclic Analogue of the Analgesic Drug MVIIA (Ziconotide). Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202302812. [PMID: 37148162 PMCID: PMC10952433 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202302812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Ziconotide (ω-conotoxin MVIIA) is an approved analgesic for the treatment of chronic pain. However, the need for intrathecal administration and adverse effects have limited its widespread application. Backbone cyclization is one way to improve the pharmaceutical properties of conopeptides, but so far chemical synthesis alone has been unable to produce correctly folded and backbone cyclic analogues of MVIIA. In this study, an asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP)-mediated cyclization was used to generate backbone cyclic analogues of MVIIA for the first time. Cyclization using six- to nine-residue linkers did not perturb the overall structure of MVIIA, and the cyclic analogues of MVIIA showed inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV 2.2) and substantially improved stability in human serum and stimulated intestinal fluid. Our study reveals that AEP transpeptidases are capable of cyclizing structurally complex peptides that chemical synthesis cannot achieve and paves the way for further improving the therapeutic value of conotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Peta J. Harvey
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Lai Yue Chan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Alun Jones
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Åsa Andersson
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- School of PharmacyInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
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9
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Thomson AL, Robinson AJ, Belgi A. Synthesis of Cystine-Stabilised Dicarba Conotoxin EpI: Ring-Closing Metathesis of Sidechain Deprotected, Sulfide-Rich Sequences. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:390. [PMID: 37504921 PMCID: PMC10381330 DOI: 10.3390/md21070390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant peptide synthesis allows for large-scale production of peptides with therapeutic potential. However, access to dicarba peptidomimetics via sidechain-deprotected sequences becomes challenging with exposed Lewis basicity presented by amine and sulfur-containing residues. Presented here is a combination of strategies which can be used to deactivate coordinative residues and achieve high-yielding Ru-catalyzed ring-closing metathesis. The chemistry is exemplified using α-conotoxin EpI, a native bicyclic disulfide-containing sequence isolated from the marine conesnail Conus episcopatus. Replacement of the loop I disulfide with E/Z-dicarba bridges was achieved with high conversion via solution-phase ring-closing metathesis of the unprotected linear peptide after simple chemoselective oxidation and ion-exchange masking of problematic functionality. Metathesis was also attempted in green solvent choices to further improve the sustainability of dicarba peptide synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Thomson
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Andrea J Robinson
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Alessia Belgi
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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10
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Gattringer J, Gruber CW, Hellinger R. Peptide modulators of cell migration: Overview, applications and future development. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103554. [PMID: 36921670 PMCID: PMC7615922 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration is a key physiological process in the development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms; errors in this complex system can trigger the development of cancer or inflammatory disorders. Therefore, modulating cell migration provides opportunities for drug discovery. Peptides are gaining importance on the global therapeutics market, given their unique properties compared with established small-molecule drugs or biologics. In this review, we identified over 470 peptides modulating cell migration and analyzed their characteristics. Over 95% of these peptides are in the discovery or preclinical stage, because the transition of peptide hits into drug leads often results in a bottleneck in the development process. We summarize chemical strategies in (pre-)clinical development to enhance drug-like properties of bioactive peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Gattringer
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Roland Hellinger
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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11
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Tyler TJ, Durek T, Craik DJ. Native and Engineered Cyclic Disulfide-Rich Peptides as Drug Leads. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073189. [PMID: 37049950 PMCID: PMC10096437 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive peptides are a highly abundant and diverse group of molecules that exhibit a wide range of structural and functional variation. Despite their immense therapeutic potential, bioactive peptides have been traditionally perceived as poor drug candidates, largely due to intrinsic shortcomings that reflect their endogenous heritage, i.e., short biological half-lives and poor cell permeability. In this review, we examine the utility of molecular engineering to insert bioactive sequences into constrained scaffolds with desired pharmaceutical properties. Applying lessons learnt from nature, we focus on molecular grafting of cyclic disulfide-rich scaffolds (naturally derived or engineered), shown to be intrinsically stable and amenable to sequence modifications, and their utility as privileged frameworks in drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan J. Tyler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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12
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Yang Y, Zhou R, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Yu J, Gu Z. Recent Advances in Oral and Transdermal Protein Delivery Systems. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202214795. [PMID: 36478123 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202214795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Protein and peptide drugs are predominantly administered by injection to achieve high bioavailability, but this greatly compromises patient compliance. Oral and transdermal drug delivery with minimal invasiveness and high adherence represent attractive alternatives to injection administration. However, oral and transdermal administration of bioactive proteins must overcome biological barriers, namely the gastrointestinal and skin barriers, respectively. The rapid development of new materials and technologies promises to address these physiological obstacles. This review provides an overview of the latest advances in oral and transdermal protein delivery, including chemical strategies, synthetic nanoparticles, medical microdevices, and biomimetic systems for oral administration, as well as chemical enhancers, physical approaches, and microneedles in transdermal delivery. We also discuss challenges and future perspectives of the field with a focus on innovation and translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinxian Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ruyi Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yuqi Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,Department of Burns and Wound Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Jicheng Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China.,Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua, 321299, China.,Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Zhen Gu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China.,Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua, 321299, China.,Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
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13
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Nguyen LTT, Craik DJ, Kaas Q. Bibliometric Review of the Literature on Cone Snail Peptide Toxins from 2000 to 2022. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21030154. [PMID: 36976203 PMCID: PMC10058278 DOI: 10.3390/md21030154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The venom of marine cone snails is mainly composed of peptide toxins called conopeptides, among which conotoxins represent those that are disulfide-rich. Publications on conopeptides frequently state that conopeptides attract considerable interest for their potent and selective activity, but there has been no analysis yet that formally quantifies the popularity of the field. We fill this gap here by providing a bibliometric analysis of the literature on cone snail toxins from 2000 to 2022. Our analysis of 3028 research articles and 393 reviews revealed that research in the conopeptide field is indeed prolific, with an average of 130 research articles per year. The data show that the research is typically carried out collaboratively and worldwide, and that discoveries are truly a community-based effort. An analysis of the keywords provided with each article revealed research trends, their evolution over the studied period, and important milestones. The most employed keywords are related to pharmacology and medicinal chemistry. In 2004, the trend in keywords changed, with the pivotal event of that year being the approval by the FDA of the first peptide toxin drug, ziconotide, a conopeptide, for the treatment of intractable pain. The corresponding research article is among the top ten most cited articles in the conopeptide literature. From the time of that article, medicinal chemistry aiming at engineering conopeptides to treat neuropathic pain ramped up, as seen by an increased focus on topological modifications (e.g., cyclization), electrophysiology, and structural biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh T. T. Nguyen
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Correspondence:
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14
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Gribble GW. Naturally Occurring Organohalogen Compounds-A Comprehensive Review. PROGRESS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC NATURAL PRODUCTS 2023; 121:1-546. [PMID: 37488466 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-26629-4_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The present volume is the third in a trilogy that documents naturally occurring organohalogen compounds, bringing the total number-from fewer than 25 in 1968-to approximately 8000 compounds to date. Nearly all of these natural products contain chlorine or bromine, with a few containing iodine and, fewer still, fluorine. Produced by ubiquitous marine (algae, sponges, corals, bryozoa, nudibranchs, fungi, bacteria) and terrestrial organisms (plants, fungi, bacteria, insects, higher animals) and universal abiotic processes (volcanos, forest fires, geothermal events), organohalogens pervade the global ecosystem. Newly identified extraterrestrial sources are also documented. In addition to chemical structures, biological activity, biohalogenation, biodegradation, natural function, and future outlook are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon W Gribble
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
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15
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Gao B, Huang Y, Peng C, Lin B, Liao Y, Bian C, Yang J, Shi Q. High-Throughput Prediction and Design of Novel Conopeptides for Biomedical Research and Development. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2022; 2022:9895270. [PMID: 37850131 PMCID: PMC10521759 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9895270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cone snail venoms have been considered a valuable treasure for international scientists and businessmen, mainly due to their pharmacological applications in development of marine drugs for treatment of various human diseases. To date, around 800 Conus species are recorded, and each of them produces over 1,000 venom peptides (termed as conopeptides or conotoxins). This reflects the high diversity and complexity of cone snails, although most of their venoms are still uncharacterized. Advanced multiomics (such as genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics) approaches have been recently developed to mine diverse Conus venom samples, with the main aim to predict and identify potentially interesting conopeptides in an efficient way. Some bioinformatics techniques have been applied to predict and design novel conopeptide sequences, related targets, and their binding modes. This review provides an overview of current knowledge on the high diversity of conopeptides and multiomics advances in high-throughput prediction of novel conopeptide sequences, as well as molecular modeling and design of potential drugs based on the predicted or validated interactions between these toxins and their molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingmiao Gao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518081, China
| | - Chao Peng
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518081, China
- BGI-Marine Research Institute for Biomedical Technology, Shenzhen Huahong Marine Biomedicine Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong 518119, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, China
| | - Yanling Liao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, China
| | - Chao Bian
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518081, China
| | - Jiaan Yang
- Research and Development Department, Micro Pharmtech Ltd., Wuhan, Hubei 430075, China
| | - Qiong Shi
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518081, China
- BGI-Marine Research Institute for Biomedical Technology, Shenzhen Huahong Marine Biomedicine Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong 518119, China
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16
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Zhang M, Xu B, Li N, Zhang R, Zhang Q, Chen D, Rizvi SFA, Xu K, Shi Y, Yu B, Fang Q. OFP011 Cyclic Peptide as a Multifunctional Agonist for Opioid/Neuropeptide FF Receptors with Improved Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:3078-3092. [PMID: 36262082 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that the neuropeptide FF (NPFF) system is involved in the side effects of opioid usage, including antinociceptive tolerance, hyperalgesia, abuse, constipation, and respiratory depression. Our group recently discovered that the multitarget opioid/NPFF receptor agonist DN-9 exhibits peripheral antinociceptive activity. To improve its metabolic stability, antinociceptive potency, and duration, in this study, we designed and synthesized a novel cyclic disulfide analogue of DN-9, OFP011, and examined its bioactivity through in vitro cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) functional assays and in vivo behavioral experiments. OFP011 exhibited multifunctional agonistic effects at the μ-opioid and the NPFF1 and NPFF2 receptors and partial agonistic effects at the δ- and κ-opioid in vitro, as determined via the cAMP functional assays. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacological experiments revealed improvement in its blood-brain barrier permeability after systemic administration. In addition, subcutaneous OFP011 exhibited potent and long-lasting antinociceptive activity via the central μ- and κ-opioid receptors, as observed in different physiological and pathological pain models. At the highest antinociceptive doses, subcutaneous OFP011 exhibited limited tolerance, gastrointestinal transit, motor coordination, addiction, reward, and respiration depression. Notably, OFP011 exhibited potent oral antinociceptive activities in mouse models of acute, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain. These results suggest that the multifunctional opioid/NPFF receptor agonists with improved blood-brain barrier penetration are a promising strategy for long-term treatment of moderate to severe nociceptive and pathological pain with fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengna Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Biao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Run Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Qinqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Dan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Syed Faheem Askari Rizvi
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Kangtai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yonghang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Bowen Yu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Quan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
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17
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Jackson MA, Chan LY, Harding MD, Craik DJ, Gilding EK. Rational domestication of a plant-based recombinant expression system expands its biosynthetic range. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:6103-6114. [PMID: 35724659 PMCID: PMC9578353 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Plant molecular farming aims to provide a green, flexible, and rapid alternative to conventional recombinant expression systems, capable of producing complex biologics such as enzymes, vaccines, and antibodies. Historically, the recombinant expression of therapeutic peptides in plants has proven difficult, largely due to their small size and instability. However, some plant species harbour the capacity for peptide backbone cyclization, a feature inherent in stable therapeutic peptides. One obstacle to realizing the potential of plant-based therapeutic peptide production is the proteolysis of the precursor before it is matured into its final stabilized form. Here we demonstrate the rational domestication of Nicotiana benthamiana within two generations to endow this plant molecular farming host with an expanded repertoire of peptide sequence space. The in planta production of molecules including an insecticidal peptide, a prostate cancer therapeutic lead, and an orally active analgesic is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Jackson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lai Yue Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maxim D Harding
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Edward K Gilding
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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18
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Zhu Z, Deng Z, Wang Q, Wang Y, Zhang D, Xu R, Guo L, Wen H. Simulation and Machine Learning Methods for Ion-Channel Structure Determination, Mechanistic Studies and Drug Design. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:939555. [PMID: 35837274 PMCID: PMC9275593 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.939555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels are expressed in almost all living cells, controlling the in-and-out communications, making them ideal drug targets, especially for central nervous system diseases. However, owing to their dynamic nature and the presence of a membrane environment, ion channels remain difficult targets for the past decades. Recent advancement in cryo-electron microscopy and computational methods has shed light on this issue. An explosion in high-resolution ion channel structures paved way for structure-based rational drug design and the state-of-the-art simulation and machine learning techniques dramatically improved the efficiency and effectiveness of computer-aided drug design. Here we present an overview of how simulation and machine learning-based methods fundamentally changed the ion channel-related drug design at different levels, as well as the emerging trends in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengdan Zhu
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Big Data Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenfeng Deng
- DP Technology, Beijing, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Duo Zhang
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- DP Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Ruihan Xu
- DP Technology, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Visual Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Han Wen
- DP Technology, Beijing, China
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19
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Kremsmayr T, Aljnabi A, Blanco-Canosa JB, Tran HNT, Emidio NB, Muttenthaler M. On the Utility of Chemical Strategies to Improve Peptide Gut Stability. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6191-6206. [PMID: 35420805 PMCID: PMC9059125 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Inherent susceptibility
of peptides to enzymatic degradation in
the gastrointestinal tract is a key bottleneck in oral peptide drug
development. Here, we present a systematic analysis of (i) the gut
stability of disulfide-rich peptide scaffolds, orally administered
peptide therapeutics, and well-known neuropeptides and (ii) medicinal
chemistry strategies to improve peptide gut stability. Among a broad
range of studied peptides, cyclotides were the only scaffold class
to resist gastrointestinal degradation, even when grafted with non-native
sequences. Backbone cyclization, a frequently applied strategy, failed
to improve stability in intestinal fluid, but several site-specific
alterations proved efficient. This work furthermore highlights the
importance of standardized gut stability test conditions and suggests
defined protocols to facilitate cross-study comparison. Together,
our results provide a comparative overview and framework for the chemical
engineering of gut-stable peptides, which should be valuable for the
development of orally administered peptide therapeutics and molecular
probes targeting receptors within the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kremsmayr
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Aws Aljnabi
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Juan B Blanco-Canosa
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Hue N T Tran
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Nayara Braga Emidio
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38, Vienna 1090, Austria.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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20
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Alfano AI, Lange H, Brindisi M. Amide Bonds Meet Flow Chemistry: A Journey into Methodologies and Sustainable Evolution. CHEMSUSCHEM 2022; 15:e202102708. [PMID: 35015338 PMCID: PMC9304223 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202102708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Formation of amide bonds is of immanent importance in organic and synthetic medicinal chemistry. Its presence in "traditional" small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients, in linear or cyclic oligo- and polypeptidic actives, including pseudopeptides, has led to the development of dedicated synthetic approaches for the formation of amide bonds starting from, if necessary, suitably protected amino acids. While the use of solid supported reagents is common in traditional peptide synthesis, similar approaches targeting amide bond formation in continuous-flow mode took off more significantly, after a first publication in 2006, only a couple of years ago. Most efforts rely upon the transition of traditional approaches in flow mode, or the combination of solid-phase peptide synthesis principles with flow chemistry, and advantages are mainly seen in improving space-time yields. This Review summarizes and compares the various approaches in terms of basic amide formation, peptide synthesis, and pseudopeptide generation, describing the technological approaches and the advantages that were generated by the specific flow approaches. A final discussion highlights potential future needs and perspectives in terms of greener and more sustainable syntheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Ilenia Alfano
- SPOTS-Lab – Sustainable Pharmaceutical and Organic Technology and Synthesis LaboratoryUniversity of Naples ‘Federico II', Department of PharmacyVia Domenico Montesano 4980131NaplesItaly
| | - Heiko Lange
- University of Milano-Bicocca Department of Earth and Environmental SciencesPiazza della Scienza 120126MilanItaly
| | - Margherita Brindisi
- SPOTS-Lab – Sustainable Pharmaceutical and Organic Technology and Synthesis LaboratoryUniversity of Naples ‘Federico II', Department of PharmacyVia Domenico Montesano 4980131NaplesItaly
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21
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Dong H, Li J, Liu H, Lu S, Wu J, Zhang Y, Yin Y, Zhao Y, Wu C. Design and Ribosomal Incorporation of Noncanonical Disulfide-Directing Motifs for the Development of Multicyclic Peptide Libraries. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:5116-5125. [PMID: 35289603 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The engineering of naturally occurring disulfide-rich peptides (DRPs) has been significantly hampered by the difficulty of manipulating disulfide pairing. New DRPs that take advantage of fold-directing motifs and noncanonical thiol-bearing amino acids are easy-to-fold with expected disulfide connectivities, representing a new class of scaffolds for the development of peptide ligands and therapeutics. However, the limited diversity of the scaffolds and particularly the use of noncanonical amino acids [e.g., penicillamine (Pen)] that are difficult to be translated by ribosomes greatly hamper the further development and application of these DRPs. Here, we designed and synthesized noncanonical bisthiol motifs bearing sterically obstructed thiol groups analogous to the Pen thiol to direct the folding of peptides into specific bicyclic and tricyclic structures. These bisthiol motifs can be ribosomally incorporated into peptides through a commercially available PURE system integrated with genetic code reprograming, which enables, for the first time, the in vitro expression of bicyclic peptides with two noncanonical and orthogonal disulfide bonds. We further constructed a bicyclic peptide library encoded by mRNA, with which new bicyclic peptide ligands with nanomolar affinity to proteins were successfully selected. Therefore, this study provides a new, general, and robust method for discovering de novo DRPs with new structures and functions not derived from natural peptides, which would greatly benefit the field of peptide drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilei Dong
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P.R. China
| | - Jinjing Li
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P.R. China
| | - Hongtan Liu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P.R. China
| | - Shuaimin Lu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P.R. China
| | - Junjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P.R. China
| | - Youming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P.R. China
| | - Yizhen Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P.R. China
| | - Yibing Zhao
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P.R. China
| | - Chuanliu Wu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P.R. China
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22
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Development of Immunochromatographic Strip for Detection of αB-VxXXIVA-Conotoxin Based on 5E4 Monoclonal Antibody. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14030191. [PMID: 35324688 PMCID: PMC8953961 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14030191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the application of αB-VxXXIVA-conotoxin (αB-CTX) in analgesics and cancer chemotherapeutics, and its threat to humans, it is urgent to develop a rapid, effective and accurate method for the analysis and detection of αB-CTX in real shellfish and medicine drug samples. In the present study, two different immunochromatographic strips were established for αB-CTX detection, based on the monoclonal antibody 5E4 against αB-CTX, and the visual limits of detection (vLOD) for the colloidal gold nanoparticles-based strip (AuNPs-based strip) and nanoflowers-based strip (AuNFs-based strip) were 4 μg/mL and 1.5 μg/mL, respectively. The developed AuNPs-/AuNFs-based strips have good specificity and accuracy, and the detection results were analyzed in less than 10 min, without using an instrument. In view of the excellent repeatability and usability, the established methods could be applied to detect and analyze the content of αB-CTX in real samples.
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23
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Chen K, Tang Y, Wu M, Wan XC, Zhang YN, Chen XX, Yu FQ, Cui ZH, Ma JM, Zhou Z, Fang GM. Head-to-Tail Cross-Linking to Generate Bicyclic Helical Peptides with Enhanced Helicity and Proteolytic Stability. Org Lett 2022; 24:53-57. [PMID: 34894695 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c03629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We report a new pattern of a bicyclic helical peptide constructed through head-to-tail cross-linking. The described bicyclic helical peptide has a head-to-tail cross-linking arm and a C-terminal i, i + 4 cross-linking arm. This scaffold will provide a promising scaffold for designing a proteolytically resistant helix-constrained peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- School of Life Science, Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Yang Tang
- Center of Minimally Invasive Treatment for Tumor, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, P. R. China
| | - Meng Wu
- School of Life Science, Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Cui Wan
- School of Life Science, Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Ni Zhang
- School of Life Science, Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Xu Chen
- School of Life Science, Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Fei-Qiang Yu
- School of Life Science, Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Hui Cui
- School of Life Science, Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Ming Ma
- School of Life Science, Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Zhaocai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, P. R. China
| | - Ge-Min Fang
- School of Life Science, Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
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24
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Yousuf A, Wu X, Bony AR, Sadeghi M, Huang YH, Craik DJ, Adams DJ. ɑO-Conotoxin GeXIVA isomers modulate N-type calcium (Ca V 2.2) channels and inwardly-rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels via GABA B receptor activation. J Neurochem 2021; 160:154-171. [PMID: 34738241 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA is a 28 amino acid peptide derived from the venom of the marine snail Conus generalis. The presence of four cysteine residues in the structure of GeXIVA allows it to have three different disulfide isomers, that is, the globular, ribbon or bead isomer. All three isomers are active at α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, with the bead isomer, GeXIVA[1,2], being the most potent and exhibiting analgesic activity in animal models of neuropathic pain. The original report of GeXIVA activity failed to observe any effect of the isomers on high voltage-activated (HVA) calcium channel currents in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. In this study, we report, for the first time, the activity of globular GeXIVA[1,3] at G protein-coupled GABAB receptors (GABAB R) inhibiting HVA N-type calcium (Cav2.2) channels and reducing membrane excitability in mouse DRG neurons. The inhibition of HVA Ba2+ currents and neuroexcitability by GeXIVA[1,3] was partially reversed by the selective GABAB R antagonist CGP 55845. In transfected HEK293T cells co-expressing human GABAB R1 and R2 subunits and Cav2.2 channels, both GeXIVA[1,3] and GeXIVA[1,4] inhibited depolarization-activated Ba2+ currents mediated by Cav2.2 channels, whereas GeXIVA[1,2] had no effect. The effects of three cyclized GeXIVA[1,4] ribbon isomers were also tested, with cGeXIVA GAG being the most potent at human GABAB R-coupled Cav2.2 channels. Interestingly, globular GeXIVA[1,3] also reversibly potentiated inwardly-rectifying K+ currents mediated by human GIRK1/2 channels co-expressed with GABAB R in HEK293T cells. This study highlights GABAB R as a potentially important receptor target for the activity of αO-conotoxin GeXIVA to mediate analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsalan Yousuf
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xiaosa Wu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anuja R Bony
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mahsa Sadeghi
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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25
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Olson KM, Traynor JR, Alt A. Allosteric Modulator Leads Hiding in Plain Site: Developing Peptide and Peptidomimetics as GPCR Allosteric Modulators. Front Chem 2021; 9:671483. [PMID: 34692635 PMCID: PMC8529114 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.671483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Allosteric modulators (AMs) of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are desirable drug targets because they can produce fewer on-target side effects, improved selectivity, and better biological specificity (e.g., biased signaling or probe dependence) than orthosteric drugs. An underappreciated source for identifying AM leads are peptides and proteins-many of which were evolutionarily selected as AMs-derived from endogenous protein-protein interactions (e.g., transducer/accessory proteins), intramolecular receptor contacts (e.g., pepducins or extracellular domains), endogenous peptides, and exogenous libraries (e.g., nanobodies or conotoxins). Peptides offer distinct advantages over small molecules, including high affinity, good tolerability, and good bioactivity, and specific disadvantages, including relatively poor metabolic stability and bioavailability. Peptidomimetics are molecules that combine the advantages of both peptides and small molecules by mimicking the peptide's chemical features responsible for bioactivity while improving its druggability. This review 1) discusses sources and strategies to identify peptide/peptidomimetic AMs, 2) overviews strategies to convert a peptide lead into more drug-like "peptidomimetic," and 3) critically analyzes the advantages, disadvantages, and future directions of peptidomimetic AMs. While small molecules will and should play a vital role in AM drug discovery, peptidomimetics can complement and even exceed the advantages of small molecules, depending on the target, site, lead, and associated factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith M. Olson
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - John R. Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Andrew Alt
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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26
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Bony AR, McArthur JR, Finol-Urdaneta RK, Adams DJ. Analgesic α-conotoxins modulate native and recombinant GIRK1/2 channels via activation of GABA B receptors and reduce neuroexcitability. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:179-198. [PMID: 34599513 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Activation of GIRK channels via G protein-coupled GABAB receptors has been shown to attenuate nociceptive transmission. The analgesic α-conotoxin Vc1.1 activates GABAB receptors resulting in inhibition of Cav 2.2 and Cav 2.3 channels in mammalian primary afferent neurons. Here, we investigated the effects of analgesic α-conotoxins on recombinant and native GIRK-mediated K+ currents and on neuronal excitability. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effects of analgesic α-conotoxins, Vc1.1, RgIA, and PeIA, were investigated on inwardly-rectifying K+ currents in HEK293T cells recombinantly co-expressing either heteromeric human GIRK1/2 or homomeric GIRK2 subunits, with GABAB receptors. The effects of α-conotoxin Vc1.1 and baclofen were studied on GIRK-mediated K+ currents and the passive and active electrical properties of adult mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons. KEY RESULTS Analgesic α-conotoxins Vc1.1, RgIA, and PeIA potentiate inwardly-rectifying K+ currents in HEK293T cells recombinantly expressing human GIRK1/2 channels and GABAB receptors. GABAB receptor-dependent GIRK channel potentiation by Vc1.1 and baclofen occurs via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein and is inhibited by the selective GABAB receptor antagonist CGP 55845. In adult mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons, GABAB receptor-dependent GIRK channel potentiation by Vc1.1 and baclofen hyperpolarizes the cell membrane potential and reduces excitability. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This is the first report of GIRK channel potentiation via allosteric α-conotoxin Vc1.1-GABAB receptor agonism, leading to decreased neuronal excitability. Such action potentially contributes to the analgesic effects of Vc1.1 and baclofen observed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuja R Bony
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeffrey R McArthur
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Rocio K Finol-Urdaneta
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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27
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Zhang M, Xu B, Li N, Zhang R, Zhang Q, Shi X, Xu K, Xiao J, Chen D, Niu J, Shi Y, Fang Q. Development of Multifunctional and Orally Active Cyclic Peptide Agonists of Opioid/Neuropeptide FF Receptors that Produce Potent, Long-Lasting, and Peripherally Restricted Antinociception with Diminished Side Effects. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13394-13409. [PMID: 34465090 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that a multifunctional opioid/neuropeptide FF receptor agonist, DN-9, achieved peripherally restricted analgesia with reduced side effects. To develop stable and orally bioavailable analogues of DN-9, eight lactam-bridged cyclic analogues of DN-9 between positions 2 and 5 were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated. In vitro cAMP assays revealed that these analogues, except 7, were multifunctional ligands that activated opioid and neuropeptide FF receptors. Analogue 1 exhibited improved potency for κ-opioid and NPFF2 receptors. All analogues exhibited potent, long-lasting, and peripherally restricted antinociception in the tail-flick test without tolerance development after subcutaneous administration and produced oral analgesia. Oral administration of the optimized compound analogue 1 exhibited powerful, peripherally restricted antinociceptive effects in mouse models of acute, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain. Remarkably, orally administered analogue 1 had no significant side effects, such as tolerance, dependence, constipation, or respiratory depression, at effective analgesic doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengna Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Biao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Run Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Qinqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Xuerui Shi
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Kangtai Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Dan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Jiandong Niu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Yonghang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Quan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
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28
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Zha J, Li J, Fan S, Duan Z, Zhao Y, Wu C. An evolution-inspired strategy to design disulfide-rich peptides tolerant to extensive sequence manipulation. Chem Sci 2021; 12:11464-11472. [PMID: 34567500 PMCID: PMC8409457 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc02952e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural disulfide-rich peptides (DRPs) are valuable scaffolds for the development of new bioactive molecules and therapeutics. However, there are only a limited number of topologically distinct DRP folds in nature, and most of them suffer from the problem of in vitro oxidative folding. Thus, strategies to design DRPs with new constrained topologies beyond the scope of natural folds are desired. Herein we report a general evolution-inspired strategy to design new DRPs with diverse disulfide frameworks, which relies on the incorporation of two cysteine residues and a random peptide sequence into a precursor disulfide-stabilized fold. These peptides can spontaneously fold in redox buffers to the expected tricyclic topologies with high yields. Moreover, we demonstrated that these DRPs can be used as templates for the construction of phage-displayed peptide libraries, enabling the discovery of new DRP ligands from fully randomized sequences. This study thus paves the way for the development of new DRP ligands and therapeutics with structures not derived from natural DRPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zha
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China .,College of Continuing Education, Guizhou Minzu University Guiyang 550025 China
| | - Jinjing Li
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Shihui Fan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Zengping Duan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Yibing Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Chuanliu Wu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
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29
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Gajula SNR, Nadimpalli N, Sonti R. Drug metabolic stability in early drug discovery to develop potential lead compounds. Drug Metab Rev 2021; 53:459-477. [PMID: 34406889 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2021.1970178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of the metabolic stability of a new drug substance eliminated by biotransformation is essential for envisaging the pharmacokinetic parameters required for deciding drug dosing and frequency. Strategies aimed at modifying lead compounds may improve metabolic stability, thereby reducing the drug dosing frequency. Replacement of selective hydrogens with deuterium can effectively enhance the drug's metabolic stability by increasing the biological half-life. Further, cyclization, change in ring size, and chirality can substantially improve the metabolic stability of drugs. The microsomal t1/2 approach for measuring drug in vitro intrinsic clearance by automated LC-MS/MS offers sensitive high-throughput screens with reliable data. The obtained in vitro intrinsic clearance from metabolic stability data helps predict the drug's in vivo total clearance using different scaling factors and hepatic clearance models. This review summarizes all the recent approaches and technological advancements in metabolic stability studies for narrowing down the potential lead compounds in drug discovery. Further, we summarized the potential pitfalls and assumptions made during the in vivo intrinsic clearance estimation from in vitro intrinsic clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siva Nageswara Rao Gajula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Nimisha Nadimpalli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Rajesh Sonti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
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30
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Yin H, Huang YH, Best SA, Sutherland KD, Craik DJ, Wang CK. An Integrated Molecular Grafting Approach for the Design of Keap1-Targeted Peptide Inhibitors. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1276-1287. [PMID: 34152716 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Inhibiting the Nrf2:Keap1 interaction to trigger cytoprotective gene expression is a promising treatment strategy for oxidative stress-related diseases. A short linear motif from Nrf2 has the potential to directly inhibit this protein-protein interaction, but poor stability and limited cellular uptake impede its therapeutic development. To address these limitations, we utilized an integrated molecular grafting strategy to re-engineer the Nrf2 motif. We combined the motif with an engineered non-native disulfide bond and a cell-penetrating peptide onto a single multifunctionalizable and ultrastable molecular scaffold, namely, the cyclotide MCoTI-II, resulting in the grafted peptide MCNr-2c. The engineered disulfide bond enhanced the conformational rigidity of the motif, resulting in a nanomolar affinity of MCNr-2c for Keap1. The cell-penetrating peptide led to an improved cellular uptake and increased ability to enhance the intracellular expression of two well-described Nrf2-target genes NQO1 and TALDO1. Furthermore, the stability of the scaffold was inherited by the grafted peptide, which became resistant to proteolysis in serum. Overall, we have provided proof-of-concept for a strategy that enables the encapsulation of multiple desired and complementary activities into a single molecular entity to design a Keap1-targeted inhibitor. We propose that this integrated approach could have broad utility for the design of peptide drug leads that require multiple functions and/or biopharmaceutical properties to elicit a therapeutic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawu Yin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sarah A. Best
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Kate D. Sutherland
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Conan K. Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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31
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Braga Emidio N, Tran HNT, Andersson A, Dawson PE, Albericio F, Vetter I, Muttenthaler M. Improving the Gastrointestinal Stability of Linaclotide. J Med Chem 2021; 64:8384-8390. [PMID: 33979161 PMCID: PMC8237258 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
High susceptibility to proteolytic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract limits the therapeutic application of peptide drugs in gastrointestinal disorders. Linaclotide is an orally administered peptide drug for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and abdominal pain. Linaclotide is however degraded in the intestinal environment within 1 h, and improvements in gastrointestinal stability might enhance its therapeutic application. We therefore designed and synthesized a series of linaclotide analogues employing a variety of strategic modifications and evaluated their gastrointestinal stability and pharmacological activity at its target receptor guanylate cyclase-C. All analogues had substantial improvements in gastrointestinal half-lives (>8 h vs linaclotide 48 min), and most remained active at low nanomolar concentrations. This work highlights strategic approaches for the development of gut-stable peptides toward the next generation of orally administered peptide drugs for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara Braga Emidio
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Hue N. T. Tran
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Asa Andersson
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Philip E. Dawson
- Department
of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Fernando Albericio
- CIBER-BBN,
Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine,
and Department of Organic Chemistry, University
of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- School
of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Institute
of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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32
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Zheng N, Christensen SB, Dowell C, Purushottam L, Skalicky JJ, McIntosh JM, Chou DHC. Discovery of Methylene Thioacetal-Incorporated α-RgIA Analogues as Potent and Stable Antagonists of the Human α9α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9513-9524. [PMID: 34161094 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
α9-Containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are key targets for the treatment of neuropathic pain. α-Conotoxin RgIA4 is a peptide antagonist of human α9α10 nAChRs with high selectivity. However, structural rearrangement reveals a potential liability for clinical applications. We herein report our designer RgIA analogues stabilized by methylene thioacetal as nonopioid analgesic agents. We demonstrate that replacing disulfide loop I [CysI-CysIII] with methylene thioacetal in the RgIA skeleton results in activity loss, whereas substitution of loop II [CysII-CysIV] can be accommodated. The lead molecule, RgIA-5524, exhibits highly selective inhibition of α9α10 nAChRs with an IC50 of 0.9 nM and much reduced degradation in human serum. In vivo studies showed that RgIA-5524 relieves chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain in wild type but not α9 knockout mouse models, demonstrating that α9-containing nAChRs are necessary for the therapeutic effects. This work highlights the application of methylene thioacetal as a disulfide surrogate in conotoxin-based, disulfide-rich peptide drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Sean B Christensen
- School of Biological Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Cheryl Dowell
- School of Biological Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Landa Purushottam
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Jack J Skalicky
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States.,George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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33
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Effects of backbone cyclization on the pharmacokinetics and drug efficiency of the orally active analgesic conotoxin cVc1.1. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2021.100087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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34
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Smallwood TB, Clark RJ. Advances in venom peptide drug discovery: where are we at and where are we heading? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:1163-1173. [PMID: 33914674 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1922386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Animal venoms are a complex mixture of bioactive molecules that have evolved over millions of years for prey capture and defense from predators. Venom consists of many different types of molecules, with disulfide-rich peptides being a major component in most venoms. The study of these potent and highly selective molecules has led to the development of venom-derived drugs for diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic pain. As technologies have improved, more bioactive peptides have been discovered from venomous animals. Many of these molecules may have applications as tools for understanding normal and disease physiology, therapeutics, cosmetics or in agriculture.Areas covered: This article reviews venom-derived drugs approved by the FDA and venom-derived peptides currently in development. It discusses the challenges faced by venom-derived peptide drugs during drug development and the future for venom-derived peptides.Expert opinion: New techniques such as toxin driven discovery are expanding the pipeline of venom-derived peptides. There are many venom-derived peptides currently in preclinical and clinical trials that would have remained undiscovered using traditional approaches. A renewed focus on venoms, with advances in technology, will broaden the diversity of venom-derived peptide therapeutics and expand our knowledge of their molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor B Smallwood
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Richard J Clark
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
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35
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Payne CD, Franke B, Fisher MF, Hajiaghaalipour F, McAleese CE, Song A, Eliasson C, Zhang J, Jayasena AS, Vadlamani G, Clark RJ, Minchin RF, Mylne JS, Rosengren KJ. A chameleonic macrocyclic peptide with drug delivery applications. Chem Sci 2021; 12:6670-6683. [PMID: 34040741 PMCID: PMC8132947 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc00692d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Head-to-tail cyclized peptides are intriguing natural products with unusual properties. The PawS-Derived Peptides (PDPs) are ribosomally synthesized as part of precursors for seed storage albumins in species of the daisy family, and are post-translationally excised and cyclized during proteolytic processing. Here we report a PDP twice the typical size and with two disulfide bonds, identified from seeds of Zinnia elegans. In water, synthetic PDP-23 forms a unique dimeric structure in which two monomers containing two β-hairpins cross-clasp and enclose a hydrophobic core, creating a square prism. This dimer can be split by addition of micelles or organic solvent and in monomeric form PDP-23 adopts open or closed V-shapes, exposing different levels of hydrophobicity dependent on conditions. This chameleonic character is unusual for disulfide-rich peptides and engenders PDP-23 with potential for cell delivery and accessing novel targets. We demonstrate this by conjugating a rhodamine dye to PDP-23, creating a stable, cell-penetrating inhibitor of the P-glycoprotein drug efflux pump.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colton D Payne
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Bastian Franke
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Mark F Fisher
- The University of Western Australia, School of Molecular Sciences, The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | | | - Courtney E McAleese
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Angela Song
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Carl Eliasson
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- The University of Western Australia, School of Molecular Sciences, The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - Achala S Jayasena
- The University of Western Australia, School of Molecular Sciences, The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - Grishma Vadlamani
- The University of Western Australia, School of Molecular Sciences, The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - Richard J Clark
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Rodney F Minchin
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Joshua S Mylne
- The University of Western Australia, School of Molecular Sciences, The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - K Johan Rosengren
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
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36
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Synthesis and evaluation of disulfide-rich cyclic α-conotoxin [S9A]TxID analogues as novel α3β4 nAChR antagonists. Bioorg Chem 2021; 112:104875. [PMID: 33823404 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Head-to-tail cyclization is an effective strategy to improve the biological stability of peptides. The α-conotoxin [S9A]TxID is a peptide that inhibits α3β4 nAChR with high activity and selectivity. Herein, we established a method for cyclizing and oxidative folding of [S9A]TxID, and six cyclic analogues of [S9A]TxID were chemically synthesized with various linker lengths. We used the electrophysiology assay to measure activity values of these cyclic analogues, and obtained the most potent analogue c[S9A]TxID-6, which was more stable than native [S9A]TxID against proteinase K.
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37
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Belgi A, Burnley JV, MacRaild CA, Chhabra S, Elnahriry KA, Robinson SD, Gooding SG, Tae HS, Bartels P, Sadeghi M, Zhao FY, Wei H, Spanswick D, Adams DJ, Norton RS, Robinson AJ. Alkyne-Bridged α-Conotoxin Vc1.1 Potently Reverses Mechanical Allodynia in Neuropathic Pain Models. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3222-3233. [PMID: 33724033 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several Conus-derived venom peptides are promising lead compounds for the management of neuropathic pain, with α-conotoxins being of particular interest. Modification of the interlocked disulfide framework of α-conotoxin Vc1.1 has been achieved using on-resin alkyne metathesis. Although introduction of a metabolically stable alkyne motif significantly disrupts backbone topography, the structural modification generates a potent and selective GABAB receptor agonist that inhibits Cav2.2 channels and exhibits dose-dependent reversal of mechanical allodynia in a behavioral rat model of neuropathic pain. The findings herein support the hypothesis that analgesia can be achieved via activation of GABABRs expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Belgi
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - James V Burnley
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Christopher A MacRaild
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Sandeep Chhabra
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Khaled A Elnahriry
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Samuel D Robinson
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Simon G Gooding
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Peter Bartels
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Mahsa Sadeghi
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | | | | | - David Spanswick
- NeuroSolutions Ltd., Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Andrea J Robinson
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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38
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Tombling BJ, Lammi C, Lawrence N, Gilding EK, Grazioso G, Craik DJ, Wang CK. Bioactive Cyclization Optimizes the Affinity of a Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Peptide Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2020; 64:2523-2533. [PMID: 33356222 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Peptides are regarded as promising next-generation therapeutics. However, an analysis of over 1000 bioactive peptide candidates suggests that many have underdeveloped affinities and could benefit from cyclization using a bridging linker sequence. Until now, the primary focus has been on the use of inert peptide linkers. Here, we show that affinity can be significantly improved by enriching the linker with functional amino acids. We engineered a peptide inhibitor of PCSK9, a target for clinical management of hypercholesterolemia, to demonstrate this concept. Cyclization linker optimization from library screening produced a cyclic peptide with ∼100-fold improved activity over the parent peptide and efficiently restored low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor levels and cleared extracellular LDL. The linker forms favorable interactions with PCSK9 as evidenced by thermodynamics, structure-activity relationship (SAR), NMR, and molecular dynamics (MD) studies. This PCSK9 inhibitor is one of many peptides that could benefit from bioactive cyclization, a strategy that is amenable to broad application in pharmaceutical design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Tombling
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Carmen Lammi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicole Lawrence
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Edward K Gilding
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Giovanni Grazioso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Conan K Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
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39
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Li X, Tae HS, Chu Y, Jiang T, Adams DJ, Yu R. Medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential of α-conotoxins antagonizing the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 222:107792. [PMID: 33309557 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
α-Conotoxins are disulfide-rich and well-structured peptides, most of which can block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) with exquisite selectivity and potency. There are various nAChR subtypes, of which the α9α10 nAChR functions as a heteromeric ionotropic receptor in the mammalian cochlea and mediates postsynaptic transmission from the medial olivocochlear. The α9α10 nAChR subtype has also been proposed as a target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and the suppression of breast cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, α-conotoxins targeting the α9α10 nAChR are potentially useful in the development of specific therapeutic drugs and pharmacological tools. Despite dissimilarities in their amino acid sequence and structures, these conopeptides are potent antagonists of the α9α10 nAChR subtype. Consequently, the activity and stability of these peptides have been subjected to chemical modifications. The resulting synthetic analogues have not only functioned as molecular probes to explore ligand binding sites of the α9α10 nAChR, but also have the potential to become candidates for drug development. From the perspectives of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, we highlight the structure and function of the α9α10 nAChR and review studies of α-conotoxins targeting it, including their three-dimensional structures, structure optimization strategies, and binding modes at the α9α10 nAChR, as well as their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Yanyan Chu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China; Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia.
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China; Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
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40
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Abstract
Although the majority of proteins used for biomedical research are produced using living systems such as bacteria, biological means for producing proteins can be advantageously complemented by protein semisynthesis or total chemical synthesis. The latter approach is particularly useful when the proteins to be produced are toxic for the expression system or show unusual features that cannot be easily programmed in living organisms. The aim of this review is to provide a wide overview of the use of chemical protein synthesis in medicinal chemistry with a special focus on the production of post-translationally modified proteins and backbone cyclized proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vangelis Agouridas
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019, UMR 9017, CIIL, Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France.,Centrale Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Ouafâa El Mahdi
- Faculté Polydisciplinaire de Taza, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, BP 1223 Taza gare, Morocco
| | - Oleg Melnyk
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019, UMR 9017, CIIL, Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
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41
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Turner A, Kaas Q, Craik DJ. Hormone-like conopeptides - new tools for pharmaceutical design. RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:1235-1251. [PMID: 34095838 PMCID: PMC8126879 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00173b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Conopeptides are a diverse family of peptides found in the venoms of marine cone snails and are used in prey capture and host defence. Because of their potent activity on a range of mammalian targets they have attracted interest as leads in drug design. Until recently most focus had been on studying conopeptides having activity at ion channels and related neurological targets but, with recent discoveries that some conopeptides might play hormonal roles, a new area of conopeptide research has opened. In this article we first summarize the canonical pharmaceutical families of Conus venom peptides and then focus on new research relating to hormone-like conopeptides and their potential applications. Finally, we briefly examine methods of chemically stabilizing conopeptides to improve their pharmacological properties. A summary is presented of conopeptides in clinical trials and a call for future work on hormone-like conopeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlin Turner
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
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42
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González-Castro R, Gómez-Lim MA, Plisson F. Cysteine-Rich Peptides: Hyperstable Scaffolds for Protein Engineering. Chembiochem 2020; 22:961-973. [PMID: 33095969 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs) are small proteins of less than 100 amino acids in length characterized by the presence of disulfide bridges and common end-to-end macrocyclization. These properties confer hyperstability against high temperatures, salt concentration, serum presence, and protease degradation to CRPs. Moreover, their intercysteine domains (loops) are susceptible to residue hypervariability. CRPs have been successfully applied as stable scaffolds for molecular grafting, a protein engineering process in which cysteine-rich structures provide higher thermodynamic and metabolic stability to an epitope and acquire new biological function(s). This review describes the successes and limitations of seven cysteine-rich scaffolds, their bioactive epitopes, and the resulting grafted peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael González-Castro
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV) Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad (Langebio), Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, México.,Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN Unidad Irapuato, Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, México
| | - Miguel A Gómez-Lim
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN Unidad Irapuato, Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, México
| | - Fabien Plisson
- CONACYT, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV) Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad (Langebio), Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, México
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43
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Huynh PN, Harvey PJ, Gajewiak J, Craik DJ, Michael McIntosh J. Critical residue properties for potency and selectivity of α-Conotoxin RgIA towards α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114124. [PMID: 32593612 PMCID: PMC7572646 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) has been characterized as an effective anti-pain target that functions through a non-opioid mechanism. However, as a pentameric ion channel comprised of two different subunits, the specific targeting of α9α10 nAChRs has proven challenging. Previously the 13-amino-acid peptide, RgIA, was shown to block α9α10 nAChRs with high potency and specificity. This peptide, characterized from the venom of the carnivorous marine snail, Conus regius, produced analgesia in several rodent models of chronic pain. Despite promising pre-clinical data in behavioral assays, the number of specific α9α10 nAChR antagonists remains small and the physiological mechanisms of analgesia remain cryptic. In this study, we implement amino-acid substitutions to definitively characterize the chemical properties of RgIA that contribute to its activity against α9α10 nAChRs. Using this mutational approach, we determined the vital role of biochemical side-chain properties and amino acids in the second loop that are amenable to substitutions to further engineer next-generation analogs for the blockade of α9α10 nAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter N Huynh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Joanna Gajewiak
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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44
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Giribaldi J, Haufe Y, Evans ERJ, Amar M, Durner A, Schmidt C, Faucherre A, Moha Ou Maati H, Enjalbal C, Molgó J, Servent D, Wilson DT, Daly NL, Nicke A, Dutertre S. Backbone Cyclization Turns a Venom Peptide into a Stable and Equipotent Ligand at Both Muscle and Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:12682-12692. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Giribaldi
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Yves Haufe
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Edward R. J. Evans
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Muriel Amar
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, SIMoS, ERL CNRS 9004, F-91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Anna Durner
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Casey Schmidt
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Adèle Faucherre
- Département de Physiologie, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS/INSERM UMR 5203, Université de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Hamid Moha Ou Maati
- Département de Physiologie, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS/INSERM UMR 5203, Université de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Christine Enjalbal
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Jordi Molgó
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, SIMoS, ERL CNRS 9004, F-91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Denis Servent
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, SIMoS, ERL CNRS 9004, F-91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - David T. Wilson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Norelle L. Daly
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Annette Nicke
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Sébastien Dutertre
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France
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45
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Ding Y, Ting JP, Liu J, Al-Azzam S, Pandya P, Afshar S. Impact of non-proteinogenic amino acids in the discovery and development of peptide therapeutics. Amino Acids 2020; 52:1207-1226. [PMID: 32945974 PMCID: PMC7544725 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-020-02890-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
With the development of modern chemistry and biology, non-proteinogenic amino acids (NPAAs) have become a powerful tool for developing peptide-based drug candidates. Drug-like properties of peptidic medicines, due to the smaller size and simpler structure compared to large proteins, can be changed fundamentally by introducing NPAAs in its sequence. While peptides composed of natural amino acids can be used as drug candidates, the majority have shown to be less stable in biological conditions. The impact of NPAA incorporation can be extremely beneficial in improving the stability, potency, permeability, and bioavailability of peptide-based therapies. Conversely, undesired effects such as toxicity or immunogenicity should also be considered. The impact of NPAAs in the development of peptide-based therapeutics is reviewed in this article. Further, numerous examples of peptides containing NPAAs are presented to highlight the ongoing development in peptide-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Ding
- Protein Engineering, Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Joey Paolo Ting
- Protein Engineering, Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Jinsha Liu
- Protein Engineering, Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Shams Al-Azzam
- Professional Scientific Services, Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Lancaster, PA, 17605, USA
| | - Priyanka Pandya
- Protein Engineering, Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Sepideh Afshar
- Protein Engineering, Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
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46
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Kennedy AC, Belgi A, Husselbee BW, Spanswick D, Norton RS, Robinson AJ. α-Conotoxin Peptidomimetics: Probing the Minimal Binding Motif for Effective Analgesia. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E505. [PMID: 32781580 PMCID: PMC7472027 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12080505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Several analgesic α-conotoxins have been isolated from marine cone snails. Structural modification of native peptides has provided potent and selective analogues for two of its known biological targets-nicotinic acetylcholine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) G protein-coupled (GABAB) receptors. Both of these molecular targets are implicated in pain pathways. Despite their small size, an incomplete understanding of the structure-activity relationship of α-conotoxins at each of these targets has hampered the development of therapeutic leads. This review scrutinises the N-terminal domain of the α-conotoxin family of peptides, a region defined by an invariant disulfide bridge, a turn-inducing proline residue and multiple polar sidechain residues, and focusses on structural features that provide analgesia through inhibition of high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. Elucidating the bioactive conformation of this region of these peptides may hold the key to discovering potent drugs for the unmet management of debilitating chronic pain associated with a wide range of medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C. Kennedy
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
| | - Alessia Belgi
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
| | - Benjamin W. Husselbee
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
| | - David Spanswick
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Physiology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia;
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- NeuroSolutions Ltd., Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Raymond S. Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia;
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Andrea J. Robinson
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
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47
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Bordon KDCF, Cologna CT, Fornari-Baldo EC, Pinheiro-Júnior EL, Cerni FA, Amorim FG, Anjolette FAP, Cordeiro FA, Wiezel GA, Cardoso IA, Ferreira IG, de Oliveira IS, Boldrini-França J, Pucca MB, Baldo MA, Arantes EC. From Animal Poisons and Venoms to Medicines: Achievements, Challenges and Perspectives in Drug Discovery. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1132. [PMID: 32848750 PMCID: PMC7396678 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal poisons and venoms are comprised of different classes of molecules displaying wide-ranging pharmacological activities. This review aims to provide an in-depth view of toxin-based compounds from terrestrial and marine organisms used as diagnostic tools, experimental molecules to validate postulated therapeutic targets, drug libraries, prototypes for the design of drugs, cosmeceuticals, and therapeutic agents. However, making these molecules applicable requires extensive preclinical trials, with some applications also demanding clinical trials, in order to validate their molecular target, mechanism of action, effective dose, potential adverse effects, as well as other fundamental parameters. Here we go through the pitfalls for a toxin-based potential therapeutic drug to become eligible for clinical trials and marketing. The manuscript also presents an overview of the current picture for several molecules from different animal venoms and poisons (such as those from amphibians, cone snails, hymenopterans, scorpions, sea anemones, snakes, spiders, tetraodontiformes, bats, and shrews) that have been used in clinical trials. Advances and perspectives on the therapeutic potential of molecules from other underexploited animals, such as caterpillars and ticks, are also reported. The challenges faced during the lengthy and costly preclinical and clinical studies and how to overcome these hindrances are also discussed for that drug candidates going to the bedside. It covers most of the drugs developed using toxins, the molecules that have failed and those that are currently in clinical trials. The article presents a detailed overview of toxins that have been used as therapeutic agents, including their discovery, formulation, dosage, indications, main adverse effects, and pregnancy and breastfeeding prescription warnings. Toxins in diagnosis, as well as cosmeceuticals and atypical therapies (bee venom and leech therapies) are also reported. The level of cumulative and detailed information provided in this review may help pharmacists, physicians, biotechnologists, pharmacologists, and scientists interested in toxinology, drug discovery, and development of toxin-based products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla de Castro Figueiredo Bordon
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Takeno Cologna
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Ernesto Lopes Pinheiro-Júnior
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Felipe Augusto Cerni
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Gobbi Amorim
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vila Velha University, Vila Velha, Brazil
| | | | - Francielle Almeida Cordeiro
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gisele Adriano Wiezel
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Iara Aimê Cardoso
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isabela Gobbo Ferreira
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isadora Sousa de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mateus Amaral Baldo
- Health and Science Institute, Paulista University, São José do Rio Pardo, Brazil
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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48
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Bjørn-Yoshimoto WE, Ramiro IBL, Yandell M, McIntosh JM, Olivera BM, Ellgaard L, Safavi-Hemami H. Curses or Cures: A Review of the Numerous Benefits Versus the Biosecurity Concerns of Conotoxin Research. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E235. [PMID: 32708023 PMCID: PMC7460000 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8080235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Conotoxins form a diverse group of peptide toxins found in the venom of predatory marine cone snails. Decades of conotoxin research have provided numerous measurable scientific and societal benefits. These include their use as a drug, diagnostic agent, drug leads, and research tools in neuroscience, pharmacology, biochemistry, structural biology, and molecular evolution. Human envenomations by cone snails are rare but can be fatal. Death by envenomation is likely caused by a small set of toxins that induce muscle paralysis of the diaphragm, resulting in respiratory arrest. The potency of these toxins led to concerns regarding the potential development and use of conotoxins as biological weapons. To address this, various regulatory measures have been introduced that limit the use and access of conotoxins within the research community. Some of these regulations apply to all of the ≈200,000 conotoxins predicted to exist in nature of which less than 0.05% are estimated to have any significant toxicity in humans. In this review we provide an overview of the many benefits of conotoxin research, and contrast these to the perceived biosecurity concerns of conotoxins and research thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walden E. Bjørn-Yoshimoto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (W.E.B.-Y.); (I.B.L.R.)
| | - Iris Bea L. Ramiro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (W.E.B.-Y.); (I.B.L.R.)
| | - Mark Yandell
- Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
- Utah Center for Genetic Discovery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - J. Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.M.M.); (B.M.O.)
- George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Baldomero M. Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.M.M.); (B.M.O.)
| | - Lars Ellgaard
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (W.E.B.-Y.); (I.B.L.R.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.M.M.); (B.M.O.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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49
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Zheng N, Christensen SB, Blakely A, Dowell C, Purushottam L, McIntosh JM, Chou DHC. Development of Conformationally Constrained α-RgIA Analogues as Stable Peptide Antagonists of Human α9α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:8380-8387. [PMID: 32597184 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Non-opioid therapeutics for the treatment of neuropathic pain are urgently needed to address the ongoing opioid crisis. Peptides from cone snail venoms have served as invaluable molecules to target key pain-related receptors but can suffer from unfavorable physicochemical properties, which limit their therapeutic potential. In this work, we developed conformationally constrained α-RgIA analogues with high potency, receptor selectivity, and enhanced human serum stability to target the human α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The key lactam linkage introduced in α-RgIA fixed the favored globular conformation and suppressed disulfide scrambling. The NMR structure of the macrocyclic peptide overlays well with that of α-RgIA4, demonstrating that the cyclization does not perturb the overall conformation of backbone and key side-chain residues. Finally, a molecular docking model was used to rationalize the selective binding between a macrocyclic analogue and the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. These conformationally constrained antagonists are therefore promising candidates for antinociceptive therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Sean B Christensen
- School of Biological Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Alan Blakely
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Cheryl Dowell
- School of Biological Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Landa Purushottam
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States.,George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, United States
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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50
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Brayden D, Hill T, Fairlie D, Maher S, Mrsny R. Systemic delivery of peptides by the oral route: Formulation and medicinal chemistry approaches. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 157:2-36. [PMID: 32479930 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In its 33 years, ADDR has published regularly on the po5tential of oral delivery of biologics especially peptides and proteins. In the intervening period, analysis of the preclinical and clinical trial failures of many purported platform technologies has led to reflection on the true status of the field and reigning in of expectations. Oral formulations of semaglutide, octreotide, and salmon calcitonin have completed Phase III trials, with oral semaglutide being approved by the FDA in 2019. The progress made with oral peptide formulations based on traditional permeation enhancers is against a background of low and variable oral bioavailability values of ~1%, leading to a current perception that only potent peptides with a viable cost of synthesis can be realistically considered. Desirable features of candidates should include a large therapeutic index, some stability in the GI tract, a long elimination half-life, and a relatively low clearance rate. Administration in nanoparticle formats have largely disappointed, with few prototypes reaching clinical trials: insufficient particle loading, lack of controlled release, low epithelial particle uptake, and lack of scalable synthesis being the main reasons for discontinuation. Disruptive technologies based on engineered devices promise improvements, but scale-up and toxicology aspects are issues to address. In parallel, medicinal chemists are synthesizing stable hydrophobic macrocyclic candidate peptides of lower molecular weight and with potential for greater oral bioavailability than linear peptides, but perhaps without the same requirement for elaborate drug delivery systems. In summary, while there have been advances in understanding the limitations of peptides for oral delivery, low membrane permeability, metabolism, and high clearance rates continue to hamper progress.
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