1
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Ali ML, Roky AH, Azad SAK, Shaikat AH, Meem JN, Hoque E, Ahasan AMF, Islam MM, Arif MSR, Mostaq MS, Mahmud MZ, Amin MN, Mahmud MA. Autophagy as a targeted therapeutic approach for skin cancer: Evaluating natural and synthetic molecular interventions. CANCER PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY 2024; 2:231-245. [PMID: 39371094 PMCID: PMC11447340 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpt.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
Skin cancer, a prevalent malignancy worldwide, poses significant health concerns owing to its increasing incidence. Autophagy, a natural cellular process, is a pivotal event in skin cancer and has advantageous and detrimental effects. This duality has prompted extensive investigations into medical interventions targeting autophagy modulation for their substantial therapeutic potential. This systematic review aimed to investigate the relationship between skin cancer and autophagy and the contribution and mechanism of autophagy modulators in skin cancer. We outlined the effectiveness and safety of targeting autophagy as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of skin cancer. This comprehensive review identified a diverse array of autophagy modulators with promising potential for the treatment of skin cancer. Each of these compounds demonstrates efficacy through distinct physiological mechanisms that have been elucidated in detail. Interestingly, findings from a literature search indicated that none of the natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic compounds exhibited notable adverse effects in either human or animal models. Consequently, this review offers novel mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives on the targeted modulation of autophagy in skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Liakot Ali
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh
- Pratyasha Health Biomedical Research Center, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
| | - Amdad Hossain Roky
- Pratyasha Health Biomedical Research Center, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chattogram 4318, Bangladesh
| | - S.M. Asadul Karim Azad
- Pratyasha Health Biomedical Research Center, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chattogram 4318, Bangladesh
| | - Abdul Halim Shaikat
- Pratyasha Health Biomedical Research Center, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chattogram 4318, Bangladesh
| | - Jannatul Naima Meem
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh
- Pratyasha Health Biomedical Research Center, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
| | - Emtiajul Hoque
- Pratyasha Health Biomedical Research Center, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chattogram 4318, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Mohammed Fuad Ahasan
- Pratyasha Health Biomedical Research Center, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chattogram 4318, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed Murshedul Islam
- Pratyasha Health Biomedical Research Center, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Saifur Rahaman Arif
- Pratyasha Health Biomedical Research Center, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chattogram 4381, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Saqline Mostaq
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209-0497, USA
| | | | - Mohammad Nurul Amin
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209-0497, USA
| | - Md. Ashiq Mahmud
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209-0497, USA
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2
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Cunha FFMD, Tonon AP, Machado F, Travassos LR, Grazzia N, Possatto JF, Sant'ana AKCD, Lopes RDM, Rodrigues T, Miguel DC, Gadelha FR, Arruda DC. Astaxanthin induces autophagy and apoptosis in murine melanoma B16F10-Nex2 cells and exhibits antitumor activity in vivo. J Chemother 2024; 36:222-237. [PMID: 37800867 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2023.2264585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Countless efforts have been made to prevent and suppress the formation and spread of melanoma. Natural astaxanthin (AST; extracted from the alga Haematococcus pluvialis) showed an antitumor effect on various cancer cell lines due to its interaction with the cell membrane. This study aimed to characterize the antitumor effect of AST against B16F10-Nex2 murine melanoma cells using cell viability assay and evaluate its mechanism of action using electron microscopy, western blotting analysis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assay, and mitochondrial membrane potential determination. Astaxanthin exhibited a significant cytotoxic effect in murine melanoma cells with features of apoptosis and autophagy. Astaxanthin also decreased cell migration and invasion in vitro assays at subtoxic concentrations. In addition, assays were conducted in metastatic cancer models in mice where AST significantly decreased the development of pulmonary nodules. In conclusion, AST has cytotoxic effect in melanoma cells and inhibits cell migration and invasion, indicating a promising use in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Pedroso Tonon
- Instituto de Física e Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
- Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fabricio Machado
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Rodolpho Travassos
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Grazzia
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rayssa de Mello Lopes
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH), Universidade Federal do ABC, UFABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Tiago Rodrigues
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH), Universidade Federal do ABC, UFABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Danilo Ciccone Miguel
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Denise Costa Arruda
- Núcleo Integrado de Biotecnologia (NIB), Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, UMC, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil
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3
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Rodrigues EG, Dobroff AS, Arruda DC, Tada DB, Paschoalin T, Polonelli L. A limitless Brazilian scientist: Professor Travassos and his contribution to cancer biology. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:2551-2560. [PMID: 37589929 PMCID: PMC10689629 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01085-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Luiz Rodolpho Travassos, a Brazilian scientist recognized in several areas of research, began his studies in the field of oncology in the late 1970s when he took a sabbatical at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY, USA. At that time, the discovery and characterization of human melanoma glycoprotein antigens yielded important publications. This experience allowed 16 years later, and Dr. Travassos founded UNONEX, significantly contributing with discoveries in the area of oncology and training of researchers. This review will address all the contributions of team of researchers who, together with Dr. Travassos, collaborated with investigations into molecules and processes that lead to the development of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine G Rodrigues
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Andrey S Dobroff
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC), Albuquerque, USA
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico (UNM) School of Medicine, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Denise C Arruda
- Integrated Group of Biotechnology, University of Mogi das Cruzes, UMC, Mogi das Cruzes, SP, Brazil
| | - Dayane B Tada
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotoxicology, Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Thaysa Paschoalin
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Luciano Polonelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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4
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Fomo KN, Schmelter C, Atta J, Beutgen VM, Schwarz R, Perumal N, Govind G, Speck T, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Synthetic antibody-derived immunopeptide provides neuroprotection in glaucoma through molecular interaction with retinal protein histone H3.1. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:993351. [PMID: 36313990 PMCID: PMC9613933 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.993351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of optic neuropathies characterized by the progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) as well as their axons leading to irreversible loss of sight. Medical management of the intraocular pressure (IOP) still represents the gold standard in glaucoma therapy, which only manages a single risk factor and does not directly address the neurodegenerative component of this eye disease. Recently, our group showed that antibody-derived immunopeptides (encoding complementarity-determining regions, CDRs) provide attractive glaucoma medication candidates and directly interfere its pathogenic mechanisms by different modes of action. In accordance with these findings, the present study showed the synthetic complementary-determining region 2 (CDR2) peptide (INSDGSSTSYADSVK) significantly increased RGC viability in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05 using a CDR2 concentration of 50 μg/mL). Employing state-of the-art immunoprecipitation experiments, we confirmed that synthetic CDR2 exhibited a high affinity toward the retinal target protein histone H3.1 (HIST1H3A) (p < 0.001 and log2-fold change > 3). Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations along with virtual docking analyses predicted potential CDR2-specific binding regions of HIST1H3A, which might represent essential post-translational modification (PTM) sites for epigenetic regulations. Quantitative mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of retinas demonstrated 39 proteins significantly affected by CDR2 treatment (p < 0.05). An up-regulation of proteins involved in the energy production (e.g., ATP5F1B and MT-CO2) as well as the regulatory ubiquitin proteasome system (e.g., PSMC5) was induced by the synthetic CDR2 peptide. On the other hand, CDR2 reduced metabolic key enzymes (e.g., DDAH1 and MAOB) as well as ER stress-related proteins (e.g., SEC22B and VCP) and these data were partially confirmed by microarray technology. Our outcome measurements indicate that specific protein-peptide interactions influence the regulatory epigenetic function of HIST1H3A promoting the neuroprotective mechanism on RGCs in vitro. In addition to IOP management, such synthetic peptides as CDR2 might serve as a synergistic immunotherapy for glaucoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Nzogang Fomo
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Carsten Schmelter
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Joshua Atta
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Vanessa M. Beutgen
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Rebecca Schwarz
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Natarajan Perumal
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gokul Govind
- Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Speck
- Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Franz H. Grus
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany,*Correspondence: Franz H. Grus,
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5
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Co-Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles with C7H2 and HuAL1 Peptides: Enhanced Antimicrobial and Antitumoral Activities. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071324. [PMID: 35890220 PMCID: PMC9317637 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The functionalization of nanoparticles with therapeutic peptides has been pointed out as a promising strategy to improve the applications of these molecules in the field of health sciences. Peptides are highly bioactive but face several limitations such as low bioavailability due to the difficulty of overcoming the physiological barriers in the body and their degradation by enzymes. In this work, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were co-functionalized with two therapeutic peptides simultaneously. The peptides from the complementary determining region of monoclonal antibodies, composed of the amino acid sequences YISCYNGATSYNQKFK (C7H2) and RASQSVSSYLA (HuAL1) were chosen for having exhibited antitumor and antimicrobial activity before. The peptides-conjugated AuNPs were characterized regarding size, morphology, and metal concentration by using TEM, dynamic light scattering, and ICP-OES techniques. Then, peptides-conjugated AuNPs were evaluated regarding the antimicrobial activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. The antitumoral activity was evaluated in vitro by cell viability assays with metastatic melanoma cell line (B16F10-Nex2) and the cytotoxicity was evaluated against human foreskin fibroblast (Hs68) cell line. Finally, in vivo assays were performed by using a syngeneic animal model of metastatic melanoma. Our findings have highlighted the potential application of the dual-peptide AuNPs in order to enhance the antitumor and antimicrobial activity of peptides.
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6
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Van Holsbeeck K, Martins JC, Ballet S. Downsizing antibodies: Towards complementarity-determining region (CDR)-based peptide mimetics. Bioorg Chem 2021; 119:105563. [PMID: 34942468 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies emerged as an important therapeutic drug class with remarkable specificity and binding affinity. Nonetheless, these heterotetrameric immunoglobulin proteins come with high manufacturing and therapeutic costs which can take extraordinary proportions, besides other limitations such as their limited in cellulo access imposed by their molecular size (ca. 150 kDa). These drawbacks stimulated the development of downsized functional antibody fragments (ca. 15-50 kDa), together with smaller synthetic peptides (ca. 1-3 kDa) derived from the antibodies' crucial complementarity-determining regions (CDR). Despite the general lack of success in the literal translation of CDR loops in peptide mimetics, rational structure-based and computational approaches have shown their potential for obtaining functional CDR-based peptide mimetics. In this review, we describe the efforts made in the development of antibody and nanobody paratope-derived peptide mimetics with particular focus on the used design strategies, in addition to highlighting the challenges associated with their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Van Holsbeeck
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; NMR and Structure Analysis Unit, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - José C Martins
- NMR and Structure Analysis Unit, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
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7
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Catalani E, Giovarelli M, Zecchini S, Perrotta C, Cervia D. Oxidative Stress and Autophagy as Key Targets in Melanoma Cell Fate. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225791. [PMID: 34830947 PMCID: PMC8616245 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma originates from the malignant transformation of melanocytes and is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. The recent approval of several drugs has increased the chance of survival although a significant subset of patients with metastatic melanoma do not show a long-lasting response to these treatments. The complex cross-talk between oxidative stress and the catabolic process autophagy seems to play a central role in all aspects of melanoma pathophysiology, from initiation to progression and metastasis, including drug resistance. However, determining the fine role of autophagy in cancer death and in response to redox disruption is still a fundamental challenge in order to advance both basic and translational aspects of this field. In order to summarize the interactions among reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, autophagy machinery and proliferation/growth/death/apoptosis/survival, we provide here a narrative review of the preclinical evidence for drugs/treatments that modulate oxidative stress and autophagy in melanoma cells. The significance and the potential for pharmacological targeting (also through multiple and combination approaches) of these two different events, which can contribute independently or simultaneously to the fate of melanoma, may help to define new processes and their interconnections underlying skin cancer biology and unravel new reliable approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Catalani
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
| | - Matteo Giovarelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco” (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy; (M.G.); (S.Z.)
| | - Silvia Zecchini
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco” (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy; (M.G.); (S.Z.)
| | - Cristiana Perrotta
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco” (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy; (M.G.); (S.Z.)
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (D.C.)
| | - Davide Cervia
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (D.C.)
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8
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Beutgen VM, Schmelter C, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Contribution of the Commensal Microflora to the Immunological Homeostasis and the Importance of Immune-Related Drug Development for Clinical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8896. [PMID: 34445599 PMCID: PMC8396286 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Not long ago, self-reactive immune activity was considered as pathological trait. A paradigm shift has now led to the recognition of autoimmune processes as part of natural maintenance of molecular homeostasis. The immune system is assigned further roles beneath the defense against pathogenic organisms. Regarding the humoral immune system, the investigation of natural autoantibodies that are frequently found in healthy individuals has led to further hypotheses involving natural autoimmunity in other processes as the clearing of cellular debris or decrease in inflammatory processes. However, their role and origin have not been entirely clarified, but accumulating evidence links their formation to immune reactions against the gut microbiome. Antibodies targeting highly conserved proteins of the commensal microflora are suggested to show self-reactive properties, following the paradigm of the molecular mimicry. Here, we discuss recent findings, which demonstrate potential links of the commensal microflora to the immunological homeostasis and highlight the possible implications for various diseases. Furthermore, specific components of the immune system, especially antibodies, have become a focus of attention for the medical management of various diseases and provide attractive treatment options in the future. Nevertheless, the development and optimization of such macromolecules still represents a very time-consuming task, shifting the need to more medical agents with simple structural properties and low manufacturing costs. Synthesizing only the biologically active sites of antibodies has become of great interest for the pharmaceutical industry and offers a wide range of therapeutic application areas as it will be discussed in the present review article.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Franz H. Grus
- Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (V.M.B.); (C.S.); (N.P.)
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9
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Iurova E, Beloborodov E, Tazintseva E, Fomin A, Shutov A, Slesarev S, Saenko Y, Saenko Y. Arthropod toxins inhibiting Ca 2+ and Na + channels prevent AC-1001 H3 peptide-induced apoptosis. J Pept Sci 2020; 27:e3288. [PMID: 33073468 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3288] [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: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Peptide toxins of arthropods are one of the potential sources of bioactive substances. Toxins are able to bind to calcium channels and block them. Ca2+ ions play an important role in many cell processes, in particular, in apoptosis. In this work, we study the effect of some arthropod toxins on intracellular processes associated with the induction of apoptosis. Synthetic analogs of U5 -scytotoxin-Sth1a, ω-hexatoxin-Hv1a, ω-theraphotoxin-Hhn2a, and μ-agatoxin-Aa1a toxins-inhibitors of calcium L, P, and Q channels and sodium channels were used in the study. Apoptosis was induced by AC-1001 H3 peptide. We study the effect of toxins on the level of apoptosis, ROS, mitochondrial potential, GSH, and ATP in CHO-K1 cells. We show that all the tested toxins are able to dose dependently block the induction of apoptosis triggered by AC-1001 H3 and reduce the level of natural apoptosis in CHO-K1 cells. Cell incubation with apoptosis inducer AC-1001 H3 in the presence and absence of toxins causes an increase in the intracellular concentrations of ROS, ATP, and mitochondrial potential and decreases the GSH concentration. The present study reveals the antiapoptotic effect of a number of arthropod peptide toxins. The toxins studied can represent a novel approach used in the treatment of pathologies associated with the activation of apoptotic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Iurova
- S. P. Kapitsa Technological Research Institute, Ulyanovsk State University, Ulyanovsk, Russia
| | - Evgenii Beloborodov
- S. P. Kapitsa Technological Research Institute, Ulyanovsk State University, Ulyanovsk, Russia
| | - Elizaveta Tazintseva
- S. P. Kapitsa Technological Research Institute, Ulyanovsk State University, Ulyanovsk, Russia
| | - Aleksandr Fomin
- S. P. Kapitsa Technological Research Institute, Ulyanovsk State University, Ulyanovsk, Russia
| | - Alexander Shutov
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty, Ulyanovsk State University, Ulyanovsk, Russia
| | - Sergei Slesarev
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Natural Resources Management, Faculty of Ecology, Ulyanovsk State University, Ulyanovsk, Russia
| | - Yana Saenko
- S. P. Kapitsa Technological Research Institute, Ulyanovsk State University, Ulyanovsk, Russia
| | - Yury Saenko
- S. P. Kapitsa Technological Research Institute, Ulyanovsk State University, Ulyanovsk, Russia
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10
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Machado FC, Girola N, Maia VSC, Bergami-Santos PC, Morais AS, Azevedo RA, Figueiredo CR, Barbuto JAM, Travassos LR. Immunomodulatory Protective Effects of Rb9 Cyclic-Peptide in a Metastatic Melanoma Setting and the Involvement of Dendritic Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3122. [PMID: 32010152 PMCID: PMC6974543 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyclic VHCDR3-derived peptide (Rb9) from RebMab200 antibody, directed to a NaPi2B phosphate-transport protein, displayed anti-metastatic melanoma activity at 50–300 μg intraperitoneally injected in syngeneic mice. Immune deficient mice failed to respond to the peptide protective effect. Rb9 induced increased CD8+ T and low Foxp3+ T cell infiltration in lung metastases and high IFN-γ and low TGF-β in lymphoid organs. The peptide co-localized with F-actin and a nuclear site in dendritic cells and specifically bound to MIF and CD74 in a dot-blot setting. Murine bone-marrow dendritic cells preincubated with Rb9 for 6 h were treated with MIF for short time periods. The modulated responses showed stimulation of CD74 and inhibition of pPI3K, pERK, and pNF-κB as compared to MIF alone. Rb9 in a melanoma-conditioned medium, stimulated the M1 type conversion in bone marrow-macrophages. Functional aspects of Rb9 in vivo were studied in therapeutic and prophylactic protocols using a melanoma metastatic model. In both protocols Rb9 exhibited a marked anti-melanoma protection. Human dendritic cells were also investigated showing increased expression of surface markers in response to Rb9 incubation. Rb9 either stimulated or slightly inhibited moDCs submitted to inhibitory (TGF-β and IL-10) or activating (LPS) conditions, respectively. Lymphocyte proliferation was obtained with moDCs stimulated by Rb9 and tumor cell lysate. In moDCs from cancer patients Rb9 exerted immunomodulatory activities depending on their functional status. The peptide may inhibit over-stimulated cells, stimulate poorly activated and suppressed cells, or cause instead, little phenotypic and functional alterations. Recently, the interaction MIF-CD74 has been associated to PD-L1 expression and IFN-γ, suggesting a target for melanoma treatment. The effects described for Rb9 and the protection against metastatic melanoma may suggest the possibility of a peptide reagent that could be relevant when associated to modern immunotherapeutic procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrício C Machado
- Recepta Bio, São Paulo, Brazil.,Experimental Oncology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natália Girola
- Recepta Bio, São Paulo, Brazil.,Experimental Oncology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera S C Maia
- Recepta Bio, São Paulo, Brazil.,Experimental Oncology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia C Bergami-Santos
- Recepta Bio, São Paulo, Brazil.,Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo A Azevedo
- Experimental Oncology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos R Figueiredo
- Experimental Oncology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,MediCity, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - José A M Barbuto
- Recepta Bio, São Paulo, Brazil.,Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz R Travassos
- Recepta Bio, São Paulo, Brazil.,Experimental Oncology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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da Cunha FFM, Mugnol KCU, de Melo FM, Nascimento MVSQ, de Azevedo RA, Santos RTS, Magalhães JA, Miguel DC, Tada DB, Mortara RA, Travassos LR, Arruda DC. Peptide R18H from BRN2 Transcription Factor POU Domain Displays Antitumor Activity In Vitro and In Vivo and Induces Apoptosis in B16F10-Nex2 Cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2019; 19:389-401. [PMID: 30417795 DOI: 10.2174/1871520618666181109164246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BRN2 transcription factor is associated with the development of malignant melanoma. The cytotoxic activities and cell death mechanism against B16F10-Nex2 cells were determined with synthetic peptide R18H derived from the POU domain of the BRN2 transcription factor. OBJECTIVE To determine the cell death mechanisms and in vivo activity of peptide R18H derived from the POU domain of the BRN2 transcription factor against B16F10-Nex2 cells. METHODS Cell viability was determined by the MTT method. C57Bl/6 mice were challenged with B16F10-Nex2 cells and treated with R18H. To identify the type of cell death, we used TUNEL assay, Annexin V and PI, Hoechst, DHE, and determination of caspase activation and cytochrome c release. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to verify morphological alterations after peptide treatment. RESULTS Peptide R18H displayed antitumor activity in the first hours of treatment and the EC50% was calculated for 2 and 24h, being 0.76 ± 0.045 mM and 0.559 ± 0.053 mM, respectively. After 24h apoptosis was evident, based on DNA degradation, chromatin condensation, increase of superoxide anion production, phosphatidylserine translocation, activation of caspases 3 and 8, and release of extracellular cytochrome c in B16F10-Nex2 cells. The peptide cytotoxic activity was not affected by necroptosis inhibitors and treated cells did not release LDH in the extracellular medium. Moreover, in vivo antitumor activity was observed following treatment with peptide R18H. CONCLUSION Peptide R18H from BRN2 transcription factor induced apoptosis in B16F10-Nex2 and displayed antitumor activity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda F M da Cunha
- Nucleo Integrado de Biotecnologia (NIB), Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, UMC, Mogi das Cruzes, SP, Brazil
| | - Katia C U Mugnol
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigacao Bioquimica (CIIB) Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, UMC, Mogi das Cruzes, SP, Brazil
| | - Filipe M de Melo
- Departamento de Imunologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marta V S Q Nascimento
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigacao Bioquimica (CIIB) Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, UMC, Mogi das Cruzes, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A de Azevedo
- Unidade de Oncologia Experimental (UNONEX), Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Raquel T S Santos
- Nucleo Integrado de Biotecnologia (NIB), Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, UMC, Mogi das Cruzes, SP, Brazil
| | - Jéssica A Magalhães
- Laboratorio de Nanomateriais e Nanotoxicologia, Instituto de Ciencia e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Jose dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Danilo C Miguel
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Dayane B Tada
- Laboratorio de Nanomateriais e Nanotoxicologia, Instituto de Ciencia e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Jose dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Renato A Mortara
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz R Travassos
- Unidade de Oncologia Experimental (UNONEX), Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Denise C Arruda
- Nucleo Integrado de Biotecnologia (NIB), Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, UMC, Mogi das Cruzes, SP, Brazil
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12
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Schmelter C, Fomo KN, Perumal N, Manicam C, Bell K, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Synthetic Polyclonal-Derived CDR Peptides as an Innovative Strategy in Glaucoma Therapy. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8081222. [PMID: 31443184 PMCID: PMC6723090 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8081222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of glaucoma is strongly associated with the occurrence of autoimmune-mediated loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and additionally, recent evidence shows that specific antibody-derived signature peptides are significantly differentially expressed in sera of primary-open angle glaucoma patients (POAG) compared to healthy controls. Synthetically antibody-derived peptides can modulate various effector functions of the immune system and act as antimicrobial or antiviral molecules. In an ex vivo adolescent glaucoma model, this study, for the first time, demonstrates that polyclonal-derived complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) can significantly increase the survival rate of RGCs (p = 0.013). We subsequently performed affinity capture experiments that verified the mitochondrial serine protease HTRA2 (gene name: HTRA2) as a high-affinity retinal epitope target of CDR1 sequence motif ASGYTFTNYGLSWVR. Quantitative proteomic analysis of the CDR-treated retinal explants revealed increased expression of various anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative proteins (e.g., VDAC2 and TXN) compared to untreated controls (p < 0.05) as well as decreased expression levels of cellular stress response markers (e.g., HSPE1 and HSP90AA1). Mitochondrial dysfunction, the protein ubiquitination pathway and oxidative phosphorylation were annotated as the most significantly affected signaling pathways and possibly can be traced back to the CDR-induced inhibition or modulation of the master regulator HTRA2. These findings emphasize the great potential of synthetic polyclonal-derived CDR peptides as therapeutic agents in future glaucoma therapy and provide an excellent basis for affinity-based biomarker discovery purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Schmelter
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Kristian Nzogang Fomo
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Natarajan Perumal
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Caroline Manicam
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina Bell
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Franz H Grus
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
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13
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Girola N, Resende-Lara PT, Figueiredo CR, Massaoka MH, Azevedo RA, Cunha RLOR, Polonelli L, Travassos LR. Molecular, Biological and Structural Features of V L CDR-1 Rb44 Peptide, Which Targets the Microtubule Network in Melanoma Cells. Front Oncol 2019; 9:25. [PMID: 30740361 PMCID: PMC6355703 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are important drug targets in tumor cells, owing to their role in supporting and determining the cell shape, organelle movement and cell division. The complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) of immunoglobulins have been reported to be a source of anti-tumor peptide sequences, independently of the original antibody specificity for a given antigen. We found that, the anti-Lewis B mAb light-chain CDR1 synthetic peptide Rb44, interacted with microtubules and induced depolymerization, with subsequent degradation of actin filaments, leading to depolarization of mitochondrial membrane-potential, increase of ROS, cell cycle arrest at G2/M, cleavage of caspase-9, caspase-3 and PARP, upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2, altogether resulting in intrinsic apoptosis of melanoma cells. The in vitro inhibition of angiogenesis was also an Rb44 effect. Peritumoral injection of Rb44L1 delayed growth of subcutaneously grafted melanoma cells in a syngeneic mouse model. L1-CDRs from immunoglobulins and their interactions with tubulin-dimers were explored to interpret effects on microtubule stability. The opening motion of tubulin monomers allowed for efficient L1-CDR docking, impairment of dimer formation and microtubule dissociation. We conclude that Rb44 VL-CDR1 is a novel peptide that acts on melanoma microtubule network causing cell apoptosis in vitro and melanoma growth inhibition in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Girola
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Experimental Oncology Unit, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro T Resende-Lara
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Carlos R Figueiredo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Experimental Oncology Unit, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ricardo A Azevedo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Experimental Oncology Unit, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo L O R Cunha
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Natural and Human Sciences Center, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Luciano Polonelli
- Unit of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Universitá degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luiz R Travassos
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Experimental Oncology Unit, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Recepta Biopharma, São Paulo, Brazil
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14
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Li B, Lyu P, Xi X, Ge L, Mahadevappa R, Shaw C, Kwok HF. Triggering of cancer cell cycle arrest by a novel scorpion venom-derived peptide-Gonearrestide. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:4460-4473. [PMID: 29993185 PMCID: PMC6111814 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a novel scorpion venom-derived peptide named Gonearrestide was identified in an in-house constructed scorpion venom library through a combination of high-throughput NGS transcriptome and MS/MS proteome platform. In total, 238 novel peptides were discovered from two scorpion species; and 22 peptides were selected for further study after a battery of functional prediction analysis. Following a series of bioinformatics analysis alongside with in vitro biological functional screenings, Gonearrestide was found to be a highly potent anticancer peptide which acts on a broad spectrum of human cancer cells while causing few if any observed cytotoxic effects on epithelial cells and erythrocytes. We further investigated the precise anticancer mechanism of Gonearrestide by focusing on its effects on the colorectal cancer cell line, HCT116. NGS RNA sequencing was employed to obtain full gene expression profiles in HCT116 cells, cultured in the presence and absence of Gonearrestide, to dissect signalling pathway differences. Taken together the in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo validation studies, it was proven that Gonearrestide could inhibit the growth of primary colon cancer cells and solid tumours by triggering cell cycle arrest in G1 phase through inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 (CDK4) and up-regulate the expression of cell cycle regulators/inhibitors-cyclin D3, p27, and p21. Furthermore, prediction of signalling pathways and potential binding sites used by Gonearrestide are also presented in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, Macao
| | - Peng Lyu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, Macao
| | - Xinping Xi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, Macao.,School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Lilin Ge
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, Macao.,School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Qixia District, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Chris Shaw
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, Macao
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15
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Schmelter C, Perumal N, Funke S, Bell K, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Peptides of the variable IgG domain as potential biomarker candidates in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:4451-4464. [PMID: 29036575 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoantibody profiling has gained increasing interest in the research field of glaucoma promising the detection of highly specific and sensitive marker candidates for future diagnostic purposes. Recent studies demonstrated that immune responses are characterized by the expression of congruent or similar complementarity determining regions (CDR) in different individuals and could be used as molecular targets in biomarker discovery. Main objective of this study was to characterize glaucoma-specific peptides from the variable region of sera-derived immunoglobulins using liquid chromatography--mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based quantitative proteomics. IgG was purified from sera of 13 primary open-angle glaucoma patients (POAG) and 15 controls (CTRL) and subsequently digested into Fab and Fc by papain. Fab was further purified, tryptic digested and measured by LC-MS/MS. Discovery proteomics revealed in total 75 peptides of the variable IgG domain showing significant glaucoma-related level changes (P < 0.05; log2 fold change ≥ 0.5): 6 peptides were high abundant in POAG sera, whereas 69 peptides were low abundant in comparison to CTRL group. Via accurate inclusion mass screening strategy 28 IgG V domain peptides were further validated showing significantly decreased expression levels in POAG sera. Amongst others 5 CDR1, 2 CDR2 and 1 CDR3 sequences. In addition, we observed significant shifts in the variable heavy chain family distribution and disturbed κ/λ ratios in POAG patients in contrast to CTRL. These findings strongly indicate that glaucoma is accompanied by systemic effects on antibody production and B cell maturation possibly offering new prospects for future diagnostic or therapy purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Schmelter
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Natarajan Perumal
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Funke
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina Bell
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Franz H Grus
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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