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Tymecka D, Redkiewicz P, Lipiński PFJ, Misicka A. Peptidomimetic inhibitors of the VEGF-A 165/NRP-1 complex obtained by modification of the C-terminal arginine. Amino Acids 2024; 56:49. [PMID: 39181965 PMCID: PMC11344719 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-024-03411-8] [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: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Inhibitors of the interaction between Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A165 (VEGF-A165) hold significant promise as therapeutic and diagnostic agents directed against cancers overexpressing NRP-1. In our efforts in this field, a few series of strong and fairly stable peptide-like inhibitors of the general formula Lys(Har)1-Xaa2-Xaa3-Arg4 have been previously discovered. In the current work, we focused on Lys(Har)-Dap/Dab-Pro-Arg sequence. The aim was to examine whether replacing C-terminal Arg with its homologs and mimetics would yield more stable yet still potent inhibitors. Upon considering the results of modelling and other factors, ten novel analogues with Xaa4 = homoarginine (Har), 2-amino-4-guanidino-butyric acid (Agb), 2-amino-3-guanidino-propionic acid (Agp), citrulline (Cit), 4-aminomethyl-phenylalanine [Phe(4-CH2-NH2)] were designed, synthesized and evaluated. Two of the proposed modifications resulted in inhibitors with activity slightly lower [e.g. IC50 = 14.3 μM for Lys(Har)-Dab-Pro-Har and IC50 = 19.8 μM for Lys(Har)-Dab-Pro-Phe(4-CH2-NH2)] than the parent compounds [e.g. IC50 = 4.7 μM for Lys(Har)-Dab-Pro-Arg]. What was a surprise to us, the proteolytic stability depended more on position two of the sequence than on position four. The Dab2-analogues exhibited half-life times beyond 60 h. Our results build up the knowledge on the structural requirements that effective VEGF-A165/NRP-1 inhibitors should fulfil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Tymecka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Patrycja Redkiewicz
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr F J Lipiński
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
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2
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Puszko AK, Sosnowski P, Hermine O, Hopfgartner G, Lepelletier Y, Misicka A. Structure-activity relationship studies and biological properties evaluation of peptidic NRP-1 ligands: Investigation of N-terminal cysteine importance. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 94:117482. [PMID: 37774449 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117482] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a major co-receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). It may also stimulate tumour growth and metastasis independently of VEGF-A165. These functions make VEGF-A165/NRP-1 complex formation and its inhibition of great interest, where NRP-1 is the target for which effective ligands are sought. Design of peptide-like inhibitors represent a strategy with great potential in the treatment of NRP-1-related disorders. Here, we present the synthesis, molecular modelling, structure-activity relationship studies as well as biological evaluation of peptides with the branched sequences H2N-X-Lys(hArg)-Dab-Oic-Arg-OH and H2N-Lys(X-hArg)-Dab-Oic-Arg-OH. Two of the designed peptides, in which Cys was inserted in X position, expressed high affinity (∼40 nM value) for NRP-1 and were resistant to enzymatic digestion in human serum. Moreover, peptide/NRP-1 complex promoted fast intracytoplasmic protein trafficking towards the plasma membrane in breast cancer cells. Our results suggest that these compounds might be good candidates for further development of VEGF-A165/NRP-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Puszko
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Piotr Sosnowski
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 24 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland; Department of Bioanalytics, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Olivier Hermine
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France; INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gérard Hopfgartner
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 24 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Yves Lepelletier
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France; INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
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3
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Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Binding to Neuropilin 1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020165. [PMID: 35215277 PMCID: PMC8879887 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Furin cleavage of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein results in a polybasic terminal sequence termed the C-end rule (CendR), which is responsible for the binding to neuropilin 1 (NRP1), enhancing viral infectivity and entry into the cell. Here we report the identification of 20 small-molecule inhibitors that emerged from a virtual screening of nearly 950,000 drug-like compounds that bind with high probability to the CendR-binding pocket of NRP1. In a spike NRP1 binding assay, two of these compounds displayed a stronger inhibition of spike protein binding to NRP1 than the known NRP1 antagonist EG00229, for which the inhibition of the CendR peptide binding to NRP1 was also experimentally confirmed. These compounds present a good starting point for the design of small-molecule antagonists against the SARS-CoV-2 viral entry.
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4
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Mota F, Yelland T, Hutton JA, Parker J, Patsiarika A, Chan AWE, O'Leary A, Fotinou C, Martin JF, Zachary IC, Djordjevic S, Frankel P, Selwood DL. Peptides Derived from Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B Show Potent Binding to Neuropilin-1. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202100463. [PMID: 34647407 PMCID: PMC8776337 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) regulate significant pathways in angiogenesis, myocardial and neuronal protection, metabolism, and cancer progression. The VEGF-B growth factor is involved in cell survival, anti-apoptotic and antioxidant mechanisms, through binding to VEGF receptor 1 and neuropilin-1 (NRP1). We employed surface plasmon resonance technology and X-ray crystallography to analyse the molecular basis of the interaction between VEGF-B and the b1 domain of NRP1, and developed VEGF-B C-terminus derived peptides to be used as chemical tools for studying VEGF-B - NRP1 related pathways. Peptide lipidation was used as a means to stabilise the peptides. VEGF-B-derived peptides containing a C-terminal arginine show potent binding to NRP1-b1. Peptide lipidation increased binding residence time and improved plasma stability. A crystal structure of a peptide with NRP1 demonstrated that VEGF-B peptides bind at the canonical C-terminal arginine binding site. VEGF-B C-terminus imparts higher affinity for NRP1 than the corresponding VEGF-A165 region. This tight binding may impact on the activity and selectivity of the full-length protein. The VEGF-B167 derived peptides were more effective than VEGF-A165 peptides in blocking functional phosphorylation events. Blockers of VEGF-B function have potential applications in diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Mota
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonGower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Tamas Yelland
- The Institute of Structural and Molecular BiologyUniversity College LondonUK
| | - Jennie A. Hutton
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonGower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Jennifer Parker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & MedicineBHF Laboratories at University College LondonUK
| | - Anastasia Patsiarika
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonGower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - A. W. Edith Chan
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonGower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Andrew O'Leary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & MedicineBHF Laboratories at University College LondonUK
| | - Constantina Fotinou
- The Institute of Structural and Molecular BiologyUniversity College LondonUK
| | - John F. Martin
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & MedicineBHF Laboratories at University College LondonUK
| | - Ian C. Zachary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & MedicineBHF Laboratories at University College LondonUK
| | - Snezana Djordjevic
- The Institute of Structural and Molecular BiologyUniversity College LondonUK
| | - Paul Frankel
- Institute of Cardiovascular ScienceUniversity College LondonUK
| | - David L. Selwood
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonGower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
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5
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Gül Ş. In silico drug repositioning against human NRP1 to block SARS-CoV-2 host entry. Turk J Biol 2021; 45:442-458. [PMID: 34803446 PMCID: PMC8573850 DOI: 10.3906/biy-2012-52] [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: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite COVID-19 turned into a pandemic, no approved drug for the treatment or globally available vaccine is out yet. In such a global emergency, drug repurposing approach that bypasses a costly and long-time demanding drug discovery process is an effective way in search of finding drugs for the COVID-19 treatment. Recent studies showed that SARS-CoV-2 uses neuropilin-1 (NRP1) for host entry. Here we took advantage of structural information of the NRP1 in complex with C-terminal of spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 to identify drugs that may inhibit NRP1 and S protein interaction. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs were screened using docking simulations. Among top drugs, well-tolerated drugs were selected for further analysis. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of drugs-NRP1 complexes were run for 100 ns to assess the persistency of binding. MM/GBSA calculations from MD simulations showed that eltrombopag, glimepiride, sitagliptin, dutasteride, and ergotamine stably and strongly bind to NRP1. In silico Alanine scanning analysis revealed that Tyr297, Trp301, and Tyr353 amino acids of NRP1 are critical for drug binding. Validating the effect of drugs analyzed in this paper by experimental studies and clinical trials will expedite the drug discovery process for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şeref Gül
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koç University, İstanbul Turkey.,Biotechnology Division, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, İstanbul University, İstanbul Turkey
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6
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Perez-Miller S, Patek M, Moutal A, de Haro PD, Cabel CR, Thorne CA, Campos SK, Khanna R. Novel Compounds Targeting Neuropilin Receptor 1 with Potential To Interfere with SARS-CoV-2 Virus Entry. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:1299-1312. [PMID: 33787218 PMCID: PMC8029449 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a multifunctional transmembrane receptor for ligands that affect developmental axonal growth and angiogenesis. In addition to a role in cancer, NRP-1 is a reported entry point for several viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causal agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The furin cleavage product of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein takes advantage of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) binding site on NRP-1 which accommodates a polybasic stretch ending in a C-terminal arginine. This site has long been a focus of drug discovery efforts for cancer therapeutics. We recently showed that interruption of the VEGF-A/NRP-1 signaling pathway ameliorates neuropathic pain and hypothesize that interference of this pathway by SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein interferes with pain signaling. Here, we report confirmed hits from a small molecule and natural product screen of nearly 0.5 million compounds targeting the VEGF-A binding site on NRP-1. We identified nine chemical series with lead- or drug-like physicochemical properties. Using ELISA, we demonstrate that six compounds disrupt VEGF-A-NRP-1 binding more effectively than EG00229, a known NRP-1 inhibitor. Secondary validation in cells revealed that all tested compounds inhibited VEGF-A triggered VEGFR2 phosphorylation. Further, two compounds displayed robust inhibition of a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus protein that utilizes the SARS-CoV-2 Spike for entry and fusion. These compounds represent a first step in a renewed effort to develop small molecule inhibitors of the VEGF-A/NRP-1 signaling for the treatment of neuropathic pain and cancer with the added potential of inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 virus entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Perez-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Marcel Patek
- Bright Rock Path Consulting, LLC, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Paz Duran de Haro
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Carly R. Cabel
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona
| | - Curtis A. Thorne
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona
- Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona
| | - Samuel K. Campos
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona
- Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona
- Department of Immunobiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Regulonix LLC, Tucson, AZ, USA
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7
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The Role of VEGF Receptors as Molecular Target in Nuclear Medicine for Cancer Diagnosis and Combination Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051072. [PMID: 33802353 PMCID: PMC7959315 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The rapid development of diagnostic and therapeutic methods of the cancer treatment causes that these diseases are becoming better known and the fight against them is more and more effective. Substantial contribution in this development has nuclear medicine that enables very early cancer diagnosis and early start of the so-called targeted therapy. This therapeutic concept compared to the currently used chemotherapy, causes much fewer undesirable side effects, due to targeting a specific lesion in the body. This review article discusses the possible applications of radionuclide-labelled tracers (peptides, antibodies or synthetic organic molecules) that can visualise cancer cells through pathological blood vessel system in close tumour microenvironment. Hence, at a very early step of oncological disease, targeted therapy can involve in tumour formation and growth. Abstract One approach to anticancer treatment is targeted anti-angiogenic therapy (AAT) based on prevention of blood vessel formation around the developing cancer cells. It is known that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) play a pivotal role in angiogenesis process; hence, application of angiogenesis inhibitors can be an effective approach in anticancer combination therapeutic strategies. Currently, several types of molecules have been utilised in targeted VEGF/VEGFR anticancer therapy, including human VEGF ligands themselves and their derivatives, anti-VEGF or anti-VEGFR monoclonal antibodies, VEGF binding peptides and small molecular inhibitors of VEGFR tyrosine kinases. These molecules labelled with diagnostic or therapeutic radionuclides can become, respectively, diagnostic or therapeutic receptor radiopharmaceuticals. In targeted anti-angiogenic therapy, diagnostic radioagents play a unique role, allowing the determination of the emerging tumour, to monitor the course of treatment, to predict the treatment outcomes and, first of all, to refer patients for AAT. This review provides an overview of design, synthesis and study of radiolabelled VEGF/VEGFR targeting and imaging agents to date. Additionally, we will briefly discuss their physicochemical properties and possible application in combination targeted radionuclide tumour therapy.
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Puszko AK, Sosnowski P, Rignault-Bricard R, Hermine O, Hopfgartner G, Pułka-Ziach K, Lepelletier Y, Misicka A. Urea-Peptide Hybrids as VEGF-A 165/NRP-1 Complex Inhibitors with Improved Receptor Affinity and Biological Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010072. [PMID: 33374715 PMCID: PMC7793531 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), the major co-receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), may also independently act with VEGF-A165 to stimulate tumour growth and metastasis. Therefore, there is great interest in compounds that can block VEGF-A165/NRP-1 interaction. Peptidomimetic type inhibitors represent a promising strategy in the treatment of NRP-1-related disorders. Here, we present the synthesis, affinity, enzymatic stability, molecular modeling and in vitro binding evaluation of the branched urea–peptide hybrids, based on our previously reported Lys(hArg)-Dab-Oic-Arg active sequence, where the Lys(hArg) branching has been modified by introducing urea units to replace the peptide bond at various positions. One of the resulting hybrids increased the affinity of the compound for NRP-1 more than 10-fold, while simultaneously improving resistance for proteolytic stability in serum. In addition, ligand binding to NRP-1 induced rapid protein stock exocytotic trafficking to the plasma membrane in breast cancer cells. Examined properties characterize this compound as a good candidate for further development of VEGF165/NRP-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Puszko
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: (A.K.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Piotr Sosnowski
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 24 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (P.S.); (G.H.)
| | - Rachel Rignault-Bricard
- Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France; (R.R.-B.); (O.H.); (Y.L.)
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications, 24 Boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Hermine
- Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France; (R.R.-B.); (O.H.); (Y.L.)
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications, 24 Boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gérard Hopfgartner
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 24 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (P.S.); (G.H.)
| | | | - Yves Lepelletier
- Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France; (R.R.-B.); (O.H.); (Y.L.)
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications, 24 Boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.K.P.); (A.M.)
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9
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Perez-Miller S, Patek M, Moutal A, Cabel CR, Thorne CA, Campos SK, Khanna R. In silico identification and validation of inhibitors of the interaction between neuropilin receptor 1 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.09.22.308783. [PMID: 32995772 PMCID: PMC7523098 DOI: 10.1101/2020.09.22.308783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a multifunctional transmembrane receptor for ligands that affect developmental axonal growth and angiogenesis. In addition to a role in cancer, NRP-1 is a reported entry point for several viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causal agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The furin cleavage product of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein takes advantage of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) binding site on NRP-1 which accommodates a polybasic stretch ending in a C-terminal arginine. This site has long been a focus of drug discovery efforts for cancer therapeutics. We recently showed that interruption of the VEGF-A/NRP-1 signaling pathway ameliorates neuropathic pain and hypothesize that interference of this pathway by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interferes with pain signaling. Here, we report hits from a small molecule and natural product screen of nearly 0.5 million compounds targeting the VEGF-A binding site on NRP-1. We identified nine chemical series with lead- or drug-like physico-chemical properties. Using an ELISA, we demonstrate that six compounds disrupt VEGF-A-NRP-1 binding more effectively than EG00229, a known NRP-1 inhibitor. Secondary validation in cells revealed that almost all tested compounds inhibited VEGF-A triggered VEGFR2 phosphorylation. Two compounds displayed robust inhibition of a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus protein that utilizes the SARS-CoV-2 Spike for entry and fusion. These compounds represent a first step in a renewed effort to develop small molecule inhibitors of the VEGF-A/NRP-1 signaling for the treatment of neuropathic pain and cancer with the added potential of inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 virus entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Perez-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA
| | - Marcel Patek
- Bright Rock Path Consulting, LLC, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Carly R. Cabel
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona
| | - Curtis A. Thorne
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona
- Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona
| | - Samuel K. Campos
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona
- Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona
- Department of Immunobiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA
- Regulonix LLC, 1555 E. Entrada Segunda, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
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10
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Neuropilin: Handyman and Power Broker in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1223:31-67. [PMID: 32030684 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-35582-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 and neuropilin-2 form a small family of transmembrane receptors, which, due to the lack of a cytosolic protein kinase domain, act primarily as co-receptors for various ligands. Performing at the molecular level both the executive and organizing functions of a handyman as well as of a power broker, they are instrumental in controlling the signaling of various receptor tyrosine kinases, integrins, and other molecules involved in the regulation of physiological and pathological angiogenic processes. In this setting, the various neuropilin ligands and interaction partners on various cells of the tumor microenvironment, such as cancer cells, endothelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and immune cells, are surveyed. The suitability of various neuropilin-targeting substances and the intervention in neuropilin-mediated interactions is considered as a possible building block of tumor therapy.
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11
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Spagnuolo A, Palazzolo G, Sementa C, Gridelli C. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 21:491-506. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1713092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Spagnuolo
- Division of Medical Oncology, ‘S. G. Moscati’ Hospital, Avellino, Italy
| | - G Palazzolo
- Division of Medical Oncology, “ULSS 15 Cittadella”, Cittadella, Padova, Italy
| | - C Sementa
- Division of Legal Medicine, ‘S. G. Moscati’ Hospital, Avellino, Italy
| | - C Gridelli
- Division of Medical Oncology, ‘S. G. Moscati’ Hospital, Avellino, Italy
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12
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Conole D, Myers SH, Mota F, Hobbs AJ, Selwood DL. Biophysical screening methods for extracellular domain peptide receptors, application to natriuretic peptide receptor C ligands. Chem Biol Drug Des 2019; 93:1011-1020. [PMID: 30218492 PMCID: PMC6879014 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Endothelium-derived C-type natriuretic peptide possesses cytoprotective and anti-atherogenic functions that regulate vascular homeostasis. The vasoprotective effects of C-type natriuretic peptide are somewhat mediated by the natriuretic peptide receptor C, suggesting that this receptor represents a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In order to facilitate our drug discovery efforts, we have optimized an array of biophysical methods including surface plasmon resonance, fluorescence polarization and thermal shift assays to aid in the design, assessment and characterization of small molecule agonist interactions with natriuretic peptide receptors. Assay conditions are investigated to explore the feasibility and dynamic range of each method, and peptide-based agonists and antagonists are used as controls to validate these conditions. Once established, each technique was compared and contrasted with respect to their drug discovery utility. We foresee that such techniques will facilitate the discovery and development of potential therapeutic agents for NPR-C and other large extracellular domain membrane receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Conole
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Samuel H. Myers
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Filipa Mota
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Adrian J. Hobbs
- William Harvey Research InstituteHeart Centre, Barts & The London School of MedicineQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - David L. Selwood
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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13
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Niland S, Eble JA. Neuropilins in the Context of Tumor Vasculature. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030639. [PMID: 30717262 PMCID: PMC6387129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 and Neuropilin-2 form a small family of plasma membrane spanning receptors originally identified by the binding of semaphorin and vascular endothelial growth factor. Having no cytosolic protein kinase domain, they function predominantly as co-receptors of other receptors for various ligands. As such, they critically modulate the signaling of various receptor tyrosine kinases, integrins, and other molecules involved in the regulation of physiological and pathological angiogenic processes. This review highlights the diverse neuropilin ligands and interacting partners on endothelial cells, which are relevant in the context of the tumor vasculature and the tumor microenvironment. In addition to tumor cells, the latter contains cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells. Based on the prevalent neuropilin-mediated interactions, the suitability of various neuropilin-targeted substances for influencing tumor angiogenesis as a possible building block of a tumor therapy is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Niland
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Johannes A Eble
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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14
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Peng K, Bai Y, Zhu Q, Hu B, Xu Y. Targeting VEGF–neuropilin interactions: a promising antitumor strategy. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:656-664. [PMID: 30315890 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kewen Peng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ying Bai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qihua Zhu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yungen Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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15
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Branched pentapeptides as potent inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor 165 binding to Neuropilin-1: Design, synthesis and biological activity. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 158:453-462. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.08.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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16
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Powell J, Mota F, Steadman D, Soudy C, Miyauchi JT, Crosby S, Jarvis A, Reisinger T, Winfield N, Evans G, Finniear A, Yelland T, Chou YT, Chan AWE, O'Leary A, Cheng L, Liu D, Fotinou C, Milagre C, Martin JF, Jia H, Frankel P, Djordjevic S, Tsirka SE, Zachary IC, Selwood DL. Small Molecule Neuropilin-1 Antagonists Combine Antiangiogenic and Antitumor Activity with Immune Modulation through Reduction of Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFβ) Production in Regulatory T-Cells. J Med Chem 2018; 61:4135-4154. [PMID: 29648813 PMCID: PMC5957473 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
We
report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of some
potent small-molecule neuropilin-1 (NRP1) antagonists. NRP1 is implicated
in the immune response to tumors, particularly in Treg cell fragility,
required for PD1 checkpoint blockade. The design of these compounds
was based on a previously identified compound EG00229. The design
of these molecules was informed and supported by X-ray crystal structures.
Compound 1 (EG01377) was identified as having properties
suitable for further investigation. Compound 1 was then
tested in several in vitro assays and was shown to have antiangiogenic,
antimigratory, and antitumor effects. Remarkably, 1 was
shown to be selective for NRP1 over the closely related protein NRP2.
In purified Nrp1+, FoxP3+, and CD25+ populations of Tregs from mice, 1 was able to block
a glioma-conditioned medium-induced increase in TGFβ production.
This comprehensive characterization of a small-molecule NRP1 antagonist
provides the basis for future in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Powell
- NCE Discovery (Domainex Ltd) , Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford , Saffron Walden , Essex CB10 1XL , U.K
| | - Filipa Mota
- The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - David Steadman
- The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - Christelle Soudy
- The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - Jeremy T Miyauchi
- Department of Pharmacology , Stony Brook University , Stony Brook , New York 11794 , United States
| | - Stuart Crosby
- NCE Discovery (Domainex Ltd) , Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford , Saffron Walden , Essex CB10 1XL , U.K
| | - Ashley Jarvis
- NCE Discovery (Domainex Ltd) , Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford , Saffron Walden , Essex CB10 1XL , U.K
| | - Tifelle Reisinger
- NCE Discovery (Domainex Ltd) , Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford , Saffron Walden , Essex CB10 1XL , U.K
| | - Natalie Winfield
- NCE Discovery (Domainex Ltd) , Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford , Saffron Walden , Essex CB10 1XL , U.K
| | - Graham Evans
- Park Place Research Ltd , Unit 5/6 Willowbrook Technology Park, Llandogo Road, St. Mellons , Cardiff CF3 0EF , U.K
| | - Aled Finniear
- Park Place Research Ltd , Unit 5/6 Willowbrook Technology Park, Llandogo Road, St. Mellons , Cardiff CF3 0EF , U.K
| | | | - Yi-Tai Chou
- The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - A W Edith Chan
- The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - Andrew O'Leary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - Lili Cheng
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - Dan Liu
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - Constantina Fotinou
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - Carla Milagre
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - John F Martin
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - Haiyan Jia
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - Paul Frankel
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - Snezana Djordjevic
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - Stella E Tsirka
- Department of Pharmacology , Stony Brook University , Stony Brook , New York 11794 , United States
| | - Ian C Zachary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - David L Selwood
- The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
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17
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Mota F, Fotinou C, Rana RR, Chan AWE, Yelland T, Arooz MT, O'Leary AP, Hutton J, Frankel P, Zachary I, Selwood D, Djordjevic S. Architecture and hydration of the arginine-binding site of neuropilin-1. FEBS J 2018; 285:1290-1304. [PMID: 29430837 PMCID: PMC5947257 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuropilin‐1 (NRP1) is a transmembrane co‐receptor involved in binding interactions with variety of ligands and receptors, including receptor tyrosine kinases. Expression of NRP1 in several cancers correlates with cancer stages and poor prognosis. Thus, NRP1 has been considered a therapeutic target and is the focus of multiple drug discovery initiatives. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) binds to the b1 domain of NRP1 through interactions between the C‐terminal arginine of VEGF and residues in the NRP1‐binding site including Tyr297, Tyr353, Asp320, Ser346 and Thr349. We obtained several complexes of the synthetic ligands and the NRP1‐b1 domain and used X‐ray crystallography and computational methods to analyse atomic details and hydration profile of this binding site. We observed side chain flexibility for Tyr297 and Asp320 in the six new high‐resolution crystal structures of arginine analogues bound to NRP1. In addition, we identified conserved water molecules in binding site regions which can be targeted for drug design. The computational prediction of the VEGF ligand‐binding site hydration map of NRP1 was in agreement with the experimentally derived, conserved hydration structure. Displacement of certain conserved water molecules by a ligand's functional groups may contribute to binding affinity, whilst other water molecules perform as protein–ligand bridges. Our report provides a comprehensive description of the binding site for the peptidic ligands’ C‐terminal arginines in the b1 domain of NRP1, highlights the importance of conserved structural waters in drug design and validates the utility of the computational hydration map prediction method in the context of neuropilin. Database The structures were deposited to the PDB with accession numbers PDB ID: 5IJR, 5IYY, 5JHK, 5J1X, 5JGQ, 5JGI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Mota
- Magnus Life, Magnus Life Science, London, UK
| | | | | | - A W Edith Chan
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, UK
| | | | - Mohamed T Arooz
- The Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, UK
| | | | | | - Paul Frankel
- Magnus Life, Magnus Life Science, London, UK.,Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & Medicine, BHF Laboratories at University College London, UK
| | - Ian Zachary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & Medicine, BHF Laboratories at University College London, UK
| | - David Selwood
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, UK
| | - Snezana Djordjevic
- The Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, UK
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18
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Tymecka D, Lipiński PFJ, Fedorczyk B, Puszko A, Wileńska B, Perret GY, Misicka A. Structure-activity relationship study of tetrapeptide inhibitors of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A binding to Neuropilin-1. Peptides 2017. [PMID: 28627371 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 is considered as one of the key receptors responsible for signaling pathways involved in pathological angiogenesis necessary for tumor progression, therefore targeting of VEGF165 binding to NRP-1 could be a relevant strategy for antiangiogenic treatment. It was shown before that the VEGF165/NRP-1 interaction can be inhibited by short tetrapeptides with K/RXXR sequence. Here, we present a structure-activity relationship study of the systematic optimization of amino acid residues in positions 1-3 in the above tetrapeptides. All the 13 synthesized analogs possessed C-terminal arginine that is a necessary element for interaction with NRP-1. The obtained results of the inhibitory activity and modeling by molecular dynamics indicate that simultaneous interactions of the basic amino acid residues in position 1 and 4 (Arg) with Neuropilin-1 are crucial and their cooperation strongly affects the inhibitory activity. In addition, the binding strength is modulated by the flexibility of the peptide backbone (in the central part of the peptide), and the nature of the side chain of the amino acids at the second or third position. A dramatic decrease in the activity to the receptor is observed in flexible derivatives that are missing proline residues. The results described in this paper should prove useful for future studies aimed at establishing the best pharmacophore for inhibitors of VEGF165 binding to NRP-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Tymecka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr F J Lipiński
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Anna Puszko
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Wileńska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Gerard Y Perret
- Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1125, 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny, France
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
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19
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Conformational latitude – activity relationship of KPPR tetrapeptide analogues toward their ability to inhibit binding of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 to neuropilin‐1. J Pept Sci 2017; 23:445-454. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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20
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Grabowska K, Puszko AK, Lipiński PFJ, Laskowska AK, Wileńska B, Witkowska E, Perret GY, Misicka A. Structure-activity relationship study of a small cyclic peptide H-c[Lys-Pro-Glu]-Arg-OH: a potent inhibitor of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor interaction with Neuropilin-1. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 25:597-602. [PMID: 27889287 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of angiogenesis is one of the most promising approaches in anticancer therapy. It was recently suggested that Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) in tumour cells may serve as a separate receptor for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-165 (VEGF165) which is one of the main pro-angiogenic agents in the organism. Therefore molecules inhibiting VEGF165 binding to NRP-1 could be potential candidates for new antiangiogenic and anticancer drugs. Here we present a structure-activity relationship study of the peptide H-c[Lys-Pro-Glu]-Arg-OH which showed high inhibitory effect on VEGF165/NRP-1 binding (IC50=0.18μM) in our previous study. We report the design, synthesis, in vitro assays and docking analysis of four small cyclic peptides (14-,15-membered ring) and one bigger cyclic compound (30-membered ring). Our study shows that both the ring size and configuration of amino acid residues present in the structure are crucial for high inhibitory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna K Puszko
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr F J Lipiński
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna K Laskowska
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Wileńska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Witkowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Gerard Y Perret
- Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1125, 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny, France
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
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21
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Grabowska K, Puszko AK, Lipiński PF, Laskowska AK, Wileńska B, Witkowska E, Misicka A. Design, synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of a small cyclic peptide as inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor binding to neuropilin-1. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:2843-2846. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.04.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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22
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Tsai YCI, Fotinou C, Rana R, Yelland T, Frankel P, Zachary I, Djordjevic S. Structural studies of neuropilin-2 reveal a zinc ion binding site remote from the vascular endothelial growth factor binding pocket. FEBS J 2016; 283:1921-34. [PMID: 26991001 PMCID: PMC4914954 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-2 is a transmembrane receptor involved in lymphangiogenesis and neuronal development. In adults, neuropilin-2 and its homologous protein neuropilin-1 have been implicated in cancers and infection. Molecular determinants of the ligand selectivity of neuropilins are poorly understood. We have identified and structurally characterized a zinc ion binding site on human neuropilin-2. The neuropilin-2-specific zinc ion binding site is located near the interface between domains b1 and b2 in the ectopic region of the protein, remote from the neuropilin binding site for its physiological ligand, i.e. vascular endothelial growth factor. We also present an X-ray crystal structure of the neuropilin-2 b1 domain in a complex with the C-terminal sub-domain of VEGF-A. Zn(2+) binding to neuropilin-2 destabilizes the protein structure but this effect was counteracted by heparin, suggesting that modifications by glycans and zinc in the extracellular matrix may affect functional neuropilin-2 ligand binding and signalling activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chun Isabella Tsai
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Rohini Rana
- Magnus Life Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tamas Yelland
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Frankel
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & Medicine, BHF Laboratories at University College London, London, UK
| | - Ian Zachary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & Medicine, BHF Laboratories at University College London, London, UK
| | - Snezana Djordjevic
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, UK
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23
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Kim YJ, Bae J, Shin TH, Kang SH, Jeong M, Han Y, Park JH, Kim SK, Kim YS. Immunoglobulin Fc-fused, neuropilin-1-specific peptide shows efficient tumor tissue penetration and inhibits tumor growth via anti-angiogenesis. J Control Release 2015; 216:56-68. [PMID: 26260451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) receptor, involved in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated vascular permeability and tumor angiogenesis, is targeted by peptides that bind to its VEGF-binding site. However, these peptides also cross-react with the structurally related receptor, NRP2. Here, we describe an immunoglobulin Fc-fused peptide, Fc-TPP11, which specifically binds to the VEGF-binding site of NRP1 with approximately 2nM affinity, but negligibly to that of NRP2. Fc-TPP11 triggered NRP1-dependent signaling, enhanced vascular permeability via vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin downregulation, and increased paracellular permeability via E-cadherin downregulation in tumor tissues. Fc-TPP11 also significantly enhanced the tumor penetration of co-injected anti-cancer drug, doxorubicin, leading to the improved in vivo anti-tumor efficacy. Fc-TPP11 was easily adapted to the full-length anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody (mAb) cetuximab (Erbitux), cetuximab-TPP11, exhibiting more than 2-fold improved tumor penetration than the parent cetuximab. Fc-TPP11 exhibited a similar whole-body half-life to that of intact Fc in tumor bearing mice. In addition to the tumor-penetrating activity, Fc-TPP11 suppressed VEGF-dependent angiogenesis by blocking VEGF binding to NRP1, thereby inhibiting tumor growth without promoting metastasis in the mouse model. Our results show that NRP1-specific, high-affinity binding of Fc-TPP11, is useful to validate NRP1 signaling, independent of NRP2. Thus, Fc-TPP11 can be used as a tumor penetration-promoting agent with anti-angiogenic activity or directly adapted to mAb-TPP11 format for more potent anti-cancer antibody therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Jin Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 443-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeomil Bae
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 443-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hwan Shin
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 443-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Hun Kang
- Molecular Imaging & Therapy Branch, National Cancer Center, Goyang 410-769, Republic of Korea
| | - Moonkyoung Jeong
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering & Center of Optics for Health Science, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunho Han
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering & Center of Optics for Health Science, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Ho Park
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering & Center of Optics for Health Science, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Ki Kim
- Molecular Imaging & Therapy Branch, National Cancer Center, Goyang 410-769, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 443-749, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Wang L, Gagey-Eilstein N, Broussy S, Reille-Seroussi M, Huguenot F, Vidal M, Liu WQ. Design and synthesis of C-terminal modified cyclic peptides as VEGFR1 antagonists. Molecules 2014; 19:15391-407. [PMID: 25264829 PMCID: PMC6270838 DOI: 10.3390/molecules191015391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously designed cyclic peptide antagonist c[YYDEGLEE]-NH2 disrupts the interaction between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFRs). It represents a promising tool in the fight against cancer and age-related macular degeneration. We described in this paper the optimization of the lead peptide by C-terminal modification. A new strategy for the synthesis of cyclic peptides is developed, improving the cyclisation efficiency. At 100 µM, several new peptides with an aromatic group flexibly linked at C-terminal end showed significantly increased receptor binding affinities in competition ELISA test. The most active peptide carrying a coumarin group may be a useful tool in anti-angiogenic biological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- UMR 8638 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 4 avenue de l'observatoire, Paris 75006, France.
| | - Nathalie Gagey-Eilstein
- UMR 8638 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 4 avenue de l'observatoire, Paris 75006, France.
| | - Sylvain Broussy
- UMR 8638 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 4 avenue de l'observatoire, Paris 75006, France.
| | - Marie Reille-Seroussi
- UMR 8638 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 4 avenue de l'observatoire, Paris 75006, France.
| | - Florent Huguenot
- UMR 8638 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 4 avenue de l'observatoire, Paris 75006, France.
| | - Michel Vidal
- UMR 8638 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 4 avenue de l'observatoire, Paris 75006, France.
| | - Wang-Qing Liu
- UMR 8638 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 4 avenue de l'observatoire, Paris 75006, France.
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