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He T, Giacomini D, Tolomelli A, Baiula M, Gentilucci L. Conjecturing about Small-Molecule Agonists and Antagonists of α4β1 Integrin: From Mechanistic Insight to Potential Therapeutic Applications. Biomedicines 2024; 12:316. [PMID: 38397918 PMCID: PMC10887150 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrins are heterodimeric cell-surface receptors that regulate cell-cell adhesion and cellular functions through bidirectional signaling. On the other hand, anomalous trafficking of integrins is also implicated in severe pathologies as cancer, thrombosis, inflammation, allergies, and multiple sclerosis. For this reason, they are attractive candidates as drug targets. However, despite promising preclinical data, several anti-integrin drugs failed in late-stage clinical trials for chronic indications, with paradoxical side effects. One possible reason is that, at low concentration, ligands proposed as antagonists may also act as partial agonists. Hence, the comprehension of the specific structural features for ligands' agonism or antagonism is currently of the utmost interest. For α4β1 integrin, the situation is particularly obscure because neither the crystallographic nor the cryo-EM structures are known. In addition, very few potent and selective agonists are available for investigating the mechanism at the basis of the receptor activation. In this account, we discuss the physiological role of α4β1 integrin and the related pathologies, and review the few agonists. Finally, we speculate on plausible models to explain agonism vs. antagonism by comparison with RGD-binding integrins and by analysis of computational simulations performed with homology or hybrid receptor structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting He
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Daria Giacomini
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Alessandra Tolomelli
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacology and Biotechnology (FABIT), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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2
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Baiula M, Anselmi M, Musiani F, Ghidini A, Carbone J, Caligiana A, Maurizio A, Spampinato S, Gentilucci L. Design, Pharmacological Characterization, and Molecular Docking of Minimalist Peptidomimetic Antagonists of α 4β 1 Integrin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119588. [PMID: 37298541 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrin receptors mediate cell-cell interactions via the recognition of cell-adhesion glycoproteins, as well as via the interactions of cells with proteins of the extracellular matrix, and upon activation they transduce signals bi-directionally across the cell membrane. In the case of injury, infection, or inflammation, integrins of β2 and α4 families participate in the recruitment of leukocytes, a multi-step process initiated by the capturing of rolling leukocytes and terminated by their extravasation. In particular, α4β1 integrin is deeply involved in leukocyte firm adhesion preceding extravasation. Besides its well-known role in inflammatory diseases, α4β1 integrin is also involved in cancer, being expressed in various tumors and showing an important role in cancer formation and spreading. Hence, targeting this integrin represents an opportunity for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, some autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In this context, taking inspiration from the recognition motives of α4β1 integrin with its natural ligands FN and VCAM-1, we designed minimalist α/β hybrid peptide ligands, with our approach being associated with a retro strategy. These modifications are expected to improve the compounds' stability and bioavailability. As it turned out, some of the ligands were found to be antagonists, being able to inhibit the adhesion of integrin-expressing cells to plates coated with the natural ligands without inducing any conformational switch and any activation of intracellular signaling pathways. An original model structure of the receptor was generated using protein-protein docking to evaluate the bioactive conformations of the antagonists via molecular docking. Since the experimental structure of α4β1 integrin is still unknown, the simulations might also shed light on the interactions between the receptor and its native protein ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Anselmi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Musiani
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 40, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Ghidini
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Jacopo Carbone
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Caligiana
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Andrea Maurizio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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3
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Anselmi M, Baiula M, Spampinato S, Artali R, He T, Gentilucci L. Design and Pharmacological Characterization of α 4β 1 Integrin Cyclopeptide Agonists: Computational Investigation of Ligand Determinants for Agonism versus Antagonism. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5021-5040. [PMID: 36976921 PMCID: PMC10108353 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
α4β1 integrin is a cell adhesion receptor deeply involved in the migration and accumulation of leukocytes. Therefore, integrin antagonists that inhibit leukocytes recruitment are currently regarded as a therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of inflammatory disorder, including leukocyte-related autoimmune diseases. Recently, it has been suggested that integrin agonists capable to prevent the release of adherent leukocytes might serve as therapeutic agents as well. However, very few α4β1 integrin agonists have been discovered so far, thus precluding the investigation of their potential therapeutic efficacy. In this perspective, we synthesized cyclopeptides containing the LDV recognition motif found in the native ligand fibronectin. This approach led to the discovery of potent agonists capable to increase the adhesion of α4 integrin-expressing cells. Conformational and quantum mechanics computations predicted distinct ligand-receptor interactions for antagonists or agonists, plausibly referable to receptor inhibition or activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Anselmi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Tingting He
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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4
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Vasconcelos D, Chaves B, Albuquerque A, Andrade L, Henriques A, Sartori G, Savino W, Caffarena E, Martins-Da-Silva JH. Development of New Potential Inhibitors of β1 Integrins through In Silico Methods-Screening and Computational Validation. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12070932. [PMID: 35888022 PMCID: PMC9325263 DOI: 10.3390/life12070932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Integrins are transmembrane receptors that play a critical role in many biological processes which can be therapeutically modulated using integrin blockers, such as peptidomimetic ligands. This work aimed to develop new potential β1 integrin antagonists using modeled receptors based on the aligned crystallographic structures and docked with three lead compounds (BIO1211, BIO5192, and TCS2314), widely known as α4β1 antagonists. Lead-compound complex optimization was performed by keeping intact the carboxylate moiety of the ligand, adding substituents in two other regions of the molecule to increase the affinity with the target. Additionally, pharmacokinetic predictions were performed for the ten best ligands generated, with the lowest docking interaction energy obtained for α4β1 and BIO5192. Results revealed an essential salt bridge between the BIO5192 carboxylate group and the Mg2+ MIDAS ion of the integrin. We then generated more than 200 new BIO5192 derivatives, some with a greater predicted affinity to α4β1. Furthermore, the significance of retaining the pyrrolidine core of the ligand and increasing the therapeutic potential of the new compounds is emphasized. Finally, one novel molecule (1592) was identified as a potential drug candidate, with appropriate pharmacokinetic profiles, similar dynamic behavior at the integrin interaction site compared with BIO5192, and a higher predicted affinity to VLA-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disraeli Vasconcelos
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional em Biofármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceara, Eusebio 61773-270, Brazil; (D.V.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (L.A.); (A.H.); (G.S.)
| | - Beatriz Chaves
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional em Biofármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceara, Eusebio 61773-270, Brazil; (D.V.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (L.A.); (A.H.); (G.S.)
| | - Aline Albuquerque
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional em Biofármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceara, Eusebio 61773-270, Brazil; (D.V.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (L.A.); (A.H.); (G.S.)
| | - Luca Andrade
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional em Biofármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceara, Eusebio 61773-270, Brazil; (D.V.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (L.A.); (A.H.); (G.S.)
| | - Andrielly Henriques
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional em Biofármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceara, Eusebio 61773-270, Brazil; (D.V.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (L.A.); (A.H.); (G.S.)
| | - Geraldo Sartori
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional em Biofármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceara, Eusebio 61773-270, Brazil; (D.V.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (L.A.); (A.H.); (G.S.)
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratório de Pesquisa sobre o Timo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil;
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Neuroimunomodulação, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Rede de Pesquisa em Neuroimunomodulação, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Ernesto Caffarena
- Grupo de Biofísica Computacional e Modelagem Molecular, Programa de Computação Científica (PROCC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-222, Brazil;
| | - João Herminio Martins-Da-Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional em Biofármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceara, Eusebio 61773-270, Brazil; (D.V.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (L.A.); (A.H.); (G.S.)
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Neuroimunomodulação, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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5
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Wang S, Zheng L, Song S, Wang S, Zhang Z, Xiang J. Catalyst-Controlled Regiodivergent Synthesis of α/β-Dipeptide Derivatives via N-Allylic Alkylation of O-Alkyl Hydroxamates with MBH Carbonates. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202101186. [PMID: 34811892 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202101186] [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: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A controllable and regiodivergent N-allylation reaction involving readily available O-alkyl hydroxamates derived from natural α-amino acids has been developed, allowing regiospecific access to α/β-dipeptides containing α-unsaturated β-amino acids moieties in moderate to good yields. The regioselectivity could be conveniently switched by alternation of the catalysts and solvents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shutao Wang
- The Center for Combinatorial Chemistry and Drug Discovery of Jilin University, The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, P. R. China
| | - Lianyou Zheng
- The Center for Combinatorial Chemistry and Drug Discovery of Jilin University, The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, P. R. China
| | - Shaoli Song
- The Center for Combinatorial Chemistry and Drug Discovery of Jilin University, The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, P. R. China
| | - Siyu Wang
- The Center for Combinatorial Chemistry and Drug Discovery of Jilin University, The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, P. R. China
| | - Zhuoqi Zhang
- The Center for Combinatorial Chemistry and Drug Discovery of Jilin University, The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, P. R. China
| | - Jinbao Xiang
- The Center for Combinatorial Chemistry and Drug Discovery of Jilin University, The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, P. R. China
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6
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Design of α/β-Hybrid Peptide Ligands of α4β1 Integrin Equipped with a Linkable Side Chain for Chemoselective Biofunctionalization of Microstructured Materials. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111737. [PMID: 34829965 PMCID: PMC8615975 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-binding integrins, e.g., αvβ3, αvβ1, αvβ5 integrins, are currently regarded as privileged targets for the delivery of diagnostic and theranostic agents, especially in cancer treatment. In contrast, scarce attention has been paid so far to the diagnostic opportunities promised by integrins that recognize other peptide motifs. In particular, α4β1 integrin is involved in inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune diseases, therefore, it represents an interesting therapeutic target. Aiming at obtaining simple, highly stable ligands of α4β1 integrin, we designed hybrid α/β peptidomimetics carrying linkable side chains for the expedient functionalization of biomaterials, nano- and microparticles. We identified the prototypic ligands MPUPA-(R)-isoAsp(NHPr)-Gly-OH (12) and MPUPA-Dap(Ac)-Gly-OH (13) (MPUPA, methylphenylureaphenylacetic acid; Dap, 2,3-diamino propionic acid). Modification of 12 and 13 by introduction of flexible linkers at isoAsp or Dap gave 49 and 50, respectively, which allowed for coating with monolayers (ML) of flat zeolite crystals. The resulting peptide–zeolite MLs were able to capture selectively α4β1 integrin-expressing cells. In perspective, the α4β1 integrin ligands identified in this study can find applications for preparing biofunctionalized surfaces and diagnostic devices to control the progression of α4β1 integrin-correlated diseases.
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Baiula M, Caligiana A, Bedini A, Zhao J, Santino F, Cirillo M, Gentilucci L, Giacomini D, Spampinato S. Leukocyte Integrin Antagonists as a Novel Option to Treat Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:617836. [PMID: 33584300 PMCID: PMC7878375 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.617836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex multifactorial degenerative disease that leads to irreversible blindness. AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the main cellular type affected in dry AMD. RPE cells form a monolayer between the choroid and the neuroretina and are in close functional relationship with photoreceptors; moreover, RPE cells are part of the blood retina barrier that is disrupted in ocular diseases such as AMD. During ocular inflammation lymphocytes and macrophages are recruited, contact RPE and produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, which play an important role in AMD pathogenesis. The interaction between RPE and immune cells is mediated by leukocyte integrins, heterodimeric transmembrane receptors, and adhesion molecules, including VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. Within this frame, this study aimed to characterize RPE-leukocytes interaction and to investigate any potentially beneficial effects induced by integrin antagonists (DS-70, MN27 and SR714), developed in previous studies. ARPE-19 cells were co-cultured for different incubation times with Jurkat cells and apoptosis and necrosis levels were analyzed by flow cytometry. Moreover, we measured the mRNA levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and the expression of adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. We found that RPE-lymphocyte interaction increased apoptosis and necrosis levels in RPE cells and the expression of IL-1β. This interaction was mediated by the binding of α4β1 and αLβ2 integrins to VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, respectively. The blockade of RPE-lymphocyte interaction with blocking antibodies highlighted the pivotal role played by integrins. Therefore, α4β1 and αLβ2 integrin antagonists were employed to disrupt RPE-lymphocyte crosstalk. Small molecule integrin antagonists proved to be effective in reducing RPE cell death and expression of IL-1β, demonstrating that integrin antagonists could protect RPE cells from detrimental effects induced by the interaction with immune cells recruited to the retina. Overall, the leukocyte integrin antagonists employed in the present study may represent a novel opportunity to develop new drugs to fight dry AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Caligiana
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Bedini
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Junwei Zhao
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Santino
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Cirillo
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Compounds, Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daria Giacomini
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Compounds, Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Specilization School of Hospital Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Zhao J, Santino F, Giacomini D, Gentilucci L. Integrin-Targeting Peptides for the Design of Functional Cell-Responsive Biomaterials. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E307. [PMID: 32854363 PMCID: PMC7555639 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrins are a family of cell surface receptors crucial to fundamental cellular functions such as adhesion, signaling, and viability, deeply involved in a variety of diseases, including the initiation and progression of cancer, of coronary, inflammatory, or autoimmune diseases. The natural ligands of integrins are glycoproteins expressed on the cell surface or proteins of the extracellular matrix. For this reason, short peptides or peptidomimetic sequences that reproduce the integrin-binding motives have attracted much attention as potential drugs. When challenged in clinical trials, these peptides/peptidomimetics let to contrasting and disappointing results. In the search for alternative utilizations, the integrin peptide ligands have been conjugated onto nanoparticles, materials, or drugs and drug carrier systems, for specific recognition or delivery of drugs to cells overexpressing the targeted integrins. Recent research in peptidic integrin ligands is exploring new opportunities, in particular for the design of nanostructured, micro-fabricated, cell-responsive, stimuli-responsive, smart materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (J.Z.); (F.S.); (D.G.)
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9
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Baiula M, Spampinato S, Gentilucci L, Tolomelli A. Novel Ligands Targeting α 4β 1 Integrin: Therapeutic Applications and Perspectives. Front Chem 2019; 7:489. [PMID: 31338363 PMCID: PMC6629825 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the other members of the adhesion molecules' family, α4β1 integrin, a heterodimeric receptor, plays a crucial role in inflammatory diseases, cancer development, metastasis and stem cell mobilization or retention. In many cases, its function in pathogenesis is not yet completely understood and investigations on ligand binding and related stabilization of active/inactive conformations still represent an important goal. For this reason, starting from the highlight of α4β1 functions in human pathologies, we report an overview of synthetic α4β1 integrin ligands under development as potential therapeutic agents. The small molecule library that we have selected represents a collection of lead compounds. These molecules are the object of future refinement in academic and industrial research, in order to achieve a fine tuning of α4β1 integrin regulation for the development of novel agents against pathologies still eluding an effective solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician,” University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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10
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Martelli G, Galletti P, Baiula M, Calcinari L, Boschi G, Giacomini D. Chiral β-lactam-based integrin ligands through Lipase-catalysed kinetic resolution and their enantioselective receptor response. Bioorg Chem 2019; 88:102975. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.102975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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11
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De Marco R, Zhao J, Greco A, Ioannone S, Gentilucci L. In-Peptide Synthesis of Imidazolidin-2-one Scaffolds, Equippable with Proteinogenic or Taggable/Linkable Side Chains, General Promoters of Unusual Secondary Structures. J Org Chem 2019; 84:4992-5004. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.8b03055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rossella De Marco
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Junwei Zhao
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Arianna Greco
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Ioannone
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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12
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Dattoli SD, Baiula M, De Marco R, Bedini A, Anselmi M, Gentilucci L, Spampinato S. DS-70, a novel and potent α 4 integrin antagonist, is an effective treatment for experimental allergic conjunctivitis in guinea pigs. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:3891-3910. [PMID: 30051467 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Allergic conjunctivitis is an eye inflammation that involves the infiltration of immune cells into the conjunctiva via cell surface-adhesion receptors, such as integrin α4 β1 . These receptors interact with adhesion molecules expressed on the conjunctival endothelium and may be a target to treat this disease. We synthesized DS-70, a novel α/β-peptidomimetic α4 integrin antagonist, to prevent the conjunctival infiltration of immune cells and clinical symptoms in a model of allergic conjunctivitis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In vitro, DS-70 was pharmacologically characterized using a scintillation proximity procedure to measure its affinity for α4 β1 integrin, and its effect on cell adhesion mediated by different integrins was also evaluated. The effects of DS-70 on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)-mediated degranulation of a human mast cell line and an eosinophilic cell line, which both express α4 β1 , and on VCAM-1-mediated phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 in Jurkat E6.1 cells were investigated. Effects of DS-70 administered in the conjunctival fornix of ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs were evaluated. KEY RESULTS DS-70 bound to integrin α4 β1 with nanomolar affinity, prevented the adhesion of α4 integrin-expressing cells, antagonized VCAM-1-mediated degranulation of mast cells and eosinophils and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation. Only 20% was degraded after an 8 h incubation with serum. DS-70 dose-dependently reduced the clinical symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctival α4 integrin expression and conjunctival levels of chemokines and cytokines in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings highlight the role of α4 integrin in allergic conjunctivitis and suggest that DS-70 is a potential treatment for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rossella De Marco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Bedini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Anselmi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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13
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De Marco R, Bedini A, Spampinato S, Comellini L, Zhao J, Artali R, Gentilucci L. Constraining Endomorphin-1 by β,α-Hybrid Dipeptide/Heterocycle Scaffolds: Identification of a Novel κ-Opioid Receptor Selective Partial Agonist. J Med Chem 2018; 61:5751-5757. [PMID: 29901392 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Herein we present the expedient synthesis of endomorphin-1 analogues containing stereoisomeric β2-homo-Freidinger lactam-like scaffolds ([Amo2]EM), and we discuss opioid receptor (OR) affinity, enzymatic stability, functional activity, in vivo antinociceptive effects, and conformational and molecular docking analysis. Hence, H-Tyr-Amo-Trp-PheNH2 resulted to be a new chemotype of highly stable, selective, partial KOR agonist inducing analgesia, therefore displaying great potential interest as a painkiller possibly with reduced harmful side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella De Marco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician" , University of Bologna , Via Selmi 2 , 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Andrea Bedini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology , University of Bologna , Via Irnerio 48 , 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology , University of Bologna , Via Irnerio 48 , 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Lorenzo Comellini
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician" , University of Bologna , Via Selmi 2 , 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Junwei Zhao
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician" , University of Bologna , Via Selmi 2 , 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Roberto Artali
- Scientia Advice , 20832 Desio , Monza and Brianza , Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician" , University of Bologna , Via Selmi 2 , 40126 Bologna , Italy
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14
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De Marco R, Greco A, Calonghi N, Dattoli SD, Baiula M, Spampinato S, Picchetti P, De Cola L, Anselmi M, Cipriani F, Gentilucci L. Selective detection of α4β1 integrin (VLA-4)-expressing cells using peptide-functionalized nanostructured materials mimicking endothelial surfaces adjacent to inflammatory sites. Biopolymers 2017; 110. [PMID: 29178262 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Persistent accumulation of immune cells mediated by α4β1 integrin (VLA-4) is a hallmark of the inflammatory diseases and of chronic inflammation observed in the affected tissues of autoimmune diseases. Aiming at exploring new methods for monitoring the course of the inflammatory processes, we designed the first peptide-functionalized nanostructured devices capable to mimic the high-density multivalency binding between the α4β1 integrin-expressing cells and the ligands overexpressed on the endothelial surfaces, in the proximity of the sites of inflammation. Specifically, we describe the first examples of monolayers constituted by dye-loaded zeolite L crystals, coated with α4β1 integrin peptide ligands, and we analyze the adhesion of model Jurkat cells in comparison to non-α4β1 integrin-expressing cells. In particular, the peptidomimetic diphenylurea-Leu-Asp-Val-diamine allows significant and selective detection of α4β1 integrin-expressing Jurkat cells, after very rapid incubation time, supporting the possible implementation in a diagnostic device capable to detect the desired cells from biological fluids, obtainable from patients in a noninvasive way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella De Marco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Arianna Greco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Natalia Calonghi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Samantha D Dattoli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Pierre Picchetti
- Institut de science et d'ingénierie supramoléculaires (ISIS), Université de Strasbourg and CNR UMR 7006, 8 Allée Gaspard Monge, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Luisa De Cola
- Institut de science et d'ingénierie supramoléculaires (ISIS), Université de Strasbourg and CNR UMR 7006, 8 Allée Gaspard Monge, Strasbourg, 67000, France
- Institut fűr Nanotechnologie (INT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - Campus Nord, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, 76344, Germany
| | - Michele Anselmi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Francesca Cipriani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
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15
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Gentilucci L, Gallo F, Meloni F, Mastandrea M, Del Secco B, De Marco R. Controlling Cyclopeptide Backbone Conformation with β/α-Hybrid Peptide-Heterocycle Scaffolds. European J Org Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.201600448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”; University of Bologna; Via Selmi 2 40126 Bologna Italy
| | - Francesca Gallo
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”; University of Bologna; Via Selmi 2 40126 Bologna Italy
| | - Fernanda Meloni
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”; University of Bologna; Via Selmi 2 40126 Bologna Italy
| | - Marco Mastandrea
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”; University of Bologna; Via Selmi 2 40126 Bologna Italy
| | - Benedetta Del Secco
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”; University of Bologna; Via Selmi 2 40126 Bologna Italy
| | - Rossella De Marco
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”; University of Bologna; Via Selmi 2 40126 Bologna Italy
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16
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De Marco R, Tolomelli A, Juaristi E, Gentilucci L. Integrin Ligands with α/β-Hybrid Peptide Structure: Design, Bioactivity, and Conformational Aspects. Med Res Rev 2016; 36:389-424. [PMID: 26777675 DOI: 10.1002/med.21383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Integrins are cell surface receptors for proteins of the extracellular matrix and plasma-borne adhesive proteins. Their involvement in diverse pathologies prompted medicinal chemists to develop small-molecule antagonists, and very often such molecules are peptidomimetics designed on the basis of the short native ligand-integrin recognition motifs. This review deals with peptidomimetic integrin ligands composed of α- and β-amino acids. The roles exerted by the β-amino acid components are discussed in terms of biological activity, bioavailability, and selectivity. Special attention is paid to the synthetic accessibility and efficiency of conformationally constrained heterocyclic scaffolds incorporating α/β-amino acid span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella De Marco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician,", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tolomelli
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician,", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eusebio Juaristi
- Department of Chemistry, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Avenida IPN 2508, esquina Ticoman, Mexico, D.F., 07360, Mexico
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician,", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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17
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Mazo N, García-González I, Navo CD, Corzana F, Jiménez-Osés G, Avenoza A, Busto JH, Peregrina JM. Synthesis of Mixed α/β2,2-Peptides by Site-Selective Ring-Opening of Cyclic Quaternary Sulfamidates. Org Lett 2015; 17:5804-7. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.5b02927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Mazo
- Departamento de Química,
Centro de Investigación en Síntesis Química. Universidad de La Rioja, C/Madre de Dios, 53, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Iván García-González
- Departamento de Química,
Centro de Investigación en Síntesis Química. Universidad de La Rioja, C/Madre de Dios, 53, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Claudio D. Navo
- Departamento de Química,
Centro de Investigación en Síntesis Química. Universidad de La Rioja, C/Madre de Dios, 53, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Francisco Corzana
- Departamento de Química,
Centro de Investigación en Síntesis Química. Universidad de La Rioja, C/Madre de Dios, 53, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Jiménez-Osés
- Departamento de Química,
Centro de Investigación en Síntesis Química. Universidad de La Rioja, C/Madre de Dios, 53, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Alberto Avenoza
- Departamento de Química,
Centro de Investigación en Síntesis Química. Universidad de La Rioja, C/Madre de Dios, 53, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Jesús H. Busto
- Departamento de Química,
Centro de Investigación en Síntesis Química. Universidad de La Rioja, C/Madre de Dios, 53, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Jesús M. Peregrina
- Departamento de Química,
Centro de Investigación en Síntesis Química. Universidad de La Rioja, C/Madre de Dios, 53, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
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