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Schenk M, Mörl K, Herzig S, Beck-Sickinger AG. Targeted modulation of gene expression through receptor-specific delivery of small interfering RNA peptide conjugates. J Pept Sci 2024:e3611. [PMID: 38714526 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3611] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024]
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has emerged as a valuable tool to address RNA interference (RNAi) to modulate gene expression also in therapy. However, challenges such as inefficient cell targeting and rapid degradation in biological systems have limited its success. To address these issues, the development of a receptor-specific shuttle system represents a promising solution. [F7,P34]-NPY analogues were modified by solid-phase peptide synthesis, enabling non-covalent conjugation with siRNA. This modification yielded an efficient siRNA vehicle capable of binding and transporting its cargo into target cells without adversely affecting receptor activation or cell viability. Mass spectrometry and gel shift assays confirmed successful and stable siRNA binding under various conditions. Microscopy experiments further demonstrated the co-internalization of labeled peptides and siRNA in Hepa1c1 cells, highlighting the stability of the complex. In vitro quantitative RT-PCR experiments, targeting the TSC22D4 gene to normalize systemic glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance, revealed a functional peptide-based siRNA shuttle system with the ability to decrease mRNA expression to approximately 40%. These findings strengthen the potential of receptor-specific siRNA shuttle systems as efficient tools for gene therapy that offer a possibility for reducing side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Schenk
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Karin Mörl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Herzig
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Munich, German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism and Clinical Chemistry (Internal Medicine 1), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Schenk M, König N, Hey-Hawkins E, Beck-Sickinger AG. Illuminating the Path to Enhanced Bioimaging by Phosphole-based Fluorophores. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300857. [PMID: 38206088 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
As the research of biological systems becomes increasingly complex, there is a growing demand for fluorophores with a diverse range of wavelengths. In this study, we introduce phosphole-based fluorophores that surpass existing options like dansyl chloride. The reactive S-Cl bond in chlorosulfonylimino-5-phenylphosphole derivatives allows rapid and direct coupling to peptides making the fluorophores easily introducible to peptides. This coupling process occurs under mild conditions, demonstrated for [F7 ,P34 ]-NPY and its shorter analogues. Peptides linked with our fluorophores exhibit similar receptor activation to the control peptide, while maintaining high stability and low toxicity, making them ideal biolabeling reagents. In fluorescence microscopy experiments, they can be easily visualized even at low concentrations, without suffering from the typical issue of bleaching. These phosphole-based fluorophores represent a significant leap forward in the field. Their versatility, ease of modification, superior performance, and applicability in biological labeling make them a promising choice for researchers seeking advanced tools to unravel the details of complex biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Schenk
- Leipzig University, Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry, Brüderstrasse 34, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nils König
- Leipzig University, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Johannisallee 29, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Evamarie Hey-Hawkins
- Leipzig University, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Johannisallee 29, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annette G Beck-Sickinger
- Leipzig University, Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry, Brüderstrasse 34, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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Plut E, Calderón JC, Stanojlović V, Gattor AO, Höring C, Humphrys LJ, Konieczny A, Kerres S, Schubert M, Keller M, Cabrele C, Clark T, Reiser O. Stereochemistry-Driven Interactions of α,γ-Peptide Ligands with the Neuropeptide Y Y 4-Receptor. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37440703 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The G-protein-coupled Y4-receptor (Y4R) and its endogenous ligand, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), suppress appetite in response to food intake and, thus, are attractive drug targets for body-weight control. The C-terminus of human PP (hPP), T32-R33-P34-R35-Y36-NH2, penetrates deep into the binding pocket with its tyrosine-amide and di-arginine motif. Here, we present two C-terminally amidated α,γ-hexapeptides (1a/b) with sequence Ac-R31-γ-CBAA32-R33-L34-R35-Y36-NH2, where γ-CBAA is the (1R,2S,3R)-configured 2-(aminomethyl)-3-phenylcyclobutanecarboxyl moiety (1a) or its mirror image (1b). Both peptides bind the Y4R (Ki of 1a/b: 0.66/12 nM) and act as partial agonists (intrinsic activity of 1a/b: 50/39%). Their induced-fit binding poses in the Y4R pocket are unique and build ligand-receptor contacts distinct from those of the C-terminus of the endogenous ligand hPP. We conclude that energetically favorable interactions, although they do not match those of the native ligand hPP, still guarantee high binding affinity (with 1a rivaling hPP) but not the maximum receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Plut
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jacqueline C Calderón
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Computer-Chemistry-Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vesna Stanojlović
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Albert O Gattor
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Carina Höring
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Laura J Humphrys
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Adam Konieczny
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Kerres
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mario Schubert
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Max Keller
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Chiara Cabrele
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Timothy Clark
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Computer-Chemistry-Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Oliver Reiser
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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The Bidirectional Relationship of NPY and Mitochondria in Energy Balance Regulation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020446. [PMID: 36830982 PMCID: PMC9953676 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy balance is regulated by several hormones and peptides, and neuropeptide Y is one of the most crucial in feeding and energy expenditure control. NPY is regulated by a series of peripheral nervous and humoral signals that are responsive to nutrient sensing, but its role in the energy balance is also intricately related to the energetic status, namely mitochondrial function. During fasting, mitochondrial dynamics and activity are activated in orexigenic neurons, increasing the levels of neuropeptide Y. By acting on the sympathetic nervous system, neuropeptide Y modulates thermogenesis and lipolysis, while in the peripheral sites, it triggers adipogenesis and lipogenesis instead. Moreover, both central and peripheral neuropeptide Y reduces mitochondrial activity by decreasing oxidative phosphorylation proteins and other mediators important to the uptake of fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix, inhibiting lipid oxidation and energy expenditure. Dysregulation of the neuropeptide Y system, as occurs in metabolic diseases like obesity, may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and, consequently, to oxidative stress and to the white adipose tissue inflammatory environment, contributing to the development of a metabolically unhealthy profile. This review focuses on the interconnection between mitochondrial function and dynamics with central and peripheral neuropeptide Y actions and discusses possible therapeutical modulations of the neuropeptide Y system as an anti-obesity tool.
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Nelyubin AV, Selivanov NA, Klyukin IN, Bykov AY, Zhdanov AP, Zhizhin KY, Kuznetsov NT. New Method for Synthesis of Substituted N-Borylated Dipeptides Based on Acetonitrile Derivative of the closo-Dodecaborate Anion. RUSS J INORG CHEM+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0036023621090096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
A new multistage synthesis of the N-borylated dipeptide B12-PheGlyOH has been proposed. The approach is based on the reaction of nucleophilic addition of amino acid derivatives to the [B12H11NCCH3]– anion. The products of each stage have been characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, IR absorption spectroscopy, and ESI mass spectrometry.
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Krieger K, Wängler B, Schirrmacher R, Wängler C. Identification of a Suitable Peptidic Molecular Platform for the Development of NPY(Y 1 )R-Specific Imaging Agents. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1652-1660. [PMID: 32681597 PMCID: PMC7540589 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
NPY(Y1 )R (neuropeptide Y receptor subtype 1) is an important target structure for tumor-specific imaging and therapy as this receptor subtype is overexpressed in very high density and incidence especially in human breast cancer. Targeting this receptor with radiolabeled truncated analogues of the endogenous ligand NPY (neuropeptide Y) has, however, not yet resulted in satisfactory imaging results when using positron emission tomography (PET). This can be attributed to the limited stability of these PET imaging agents caused by their fast proteolytic degradation. Although highly promising NPY analogues were developed, their stability has only been investigated in very few cases. In this systematical work, we comparatively determined the stability of the five most promising truncated analogues of NPY that were developed over the last years, showing the highest receptor affinities and subtype selectivities. The stability of the peptides was assessed in human serum as well as in a human liver microsomal stability assay; these gave complementary results, thus demonstrating the necessity to perform both assays and not just conventional serum stability testing. Of the tested peptides, only [Lys(lauroyl)27 ,Pro30 ,Lys(DOTA)31 ,Bip32 ,Leu34 ]NPY27-36 showed high stability against peptidase degradation; thus this is the best-suited truncated NPY analogue for the development of NPY(Y1 )R-specific imaging agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korbinian Krieger
- Biomedical Chemistry Department of Clinical Radiology and Nuclear MedicineMedical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg UniversityTheodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1–368167MannheimGermany
| | - Björn Wängler
- Molecular Imaging and Radiochemistry Department of Clinical Radiology and Nuclear MedicineMedical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg UniversityTheodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1–368167MannheimGermany
| | - Ralf Schirrmacher
- Division of Oncological Imaging, Department of OncologyUniversity of Alberta11560 University AvenueEdmontonAB T6G 1Z2Canada
| | - Carmen Wängler
- Biomedical Chemistry Department of Clinical Radiology and Nuclear MedicineMedical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg UniversityTheodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1–368167MannheimGermany
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Hofmann S, Bellmann-Sickert K, Beck-Sickinger AG. Chemical modification of neuropeptide Y for human Y1 receptor targeting in health and disease. Biol Chem 2019; 400:299-311. [PMID: 30653463 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2018-0364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
As a very abundant neuropeptide in the brain and widely distributed peptide hormone in the periphery, neuropeptide Y (NPY) appears to be a multisignaling key peptide. Together with peptide YY, pancreatic polypeptide and the four human G protein-coupled receptor subtypes hY1R, hY2R, hY4R and hY5R it forms the NPY/hYR multiligand/multireceptor system, which is involved in essential physiological processes as well as in human diseases. In particular, NPY-induced hY1R signaling plays a central role in the regulation of food intake and stress response as well as in obesity, mood disorders and cancer. Thus, several hY1R-preferring NPY analogs have been developed as versatile tools to unravel the complex NPY/hY1R signaling in health and disease. Further, these peptides provide basic lead structures for the development of innovative drugs. Here, the current research is summarized focusing on the development of differently sized hY1R-preferring NPY analogs as well as their advances with respect to hY1R profiling, potential therapeutic applications and targeted cancer imaging and therapy. Finally, major limitations and innovative strategies for next generation hY1R-preferring NPY analogs are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Hofmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kathrin Bellmann-Sickert
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annette G Beck-Sickinger
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
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