1
|
Huang B, Zhou L, Liu R, Wang L, Xue S, Shi Y, Jeong GH, Jeong IH, Li S, Yin J, Cai J. Activation of E6AP/UBE3A-Mediated Protein Ubiquitination and Degradation Pathways by a Cyclic γ-AA Peptide. J Med Chem 2022; 65:2497-2506. [PMID: 35045253 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Manipulating the activities of E3 ubiquitin ligases with chemical ligands holds promise for correcting E3 malfunctions and repurposing the E3s for induced protein degradation in the cell. Herein, we report an alternative strategy to proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and molecular glues to induce protein degradation by constructing and screening a γ-AA peptide library for cyclic peptidomimetics binding to the HECT domain of E6AP, an E3 ubiquitinating p53 coerced by the human papillomavirus and regulating pathways implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders such as Angelman syndrome. We found that a γ-AA peptide P6, discovered from the affinity-based screening with the E6AP HECT domain, can significantly stimulate the ubiquitin ligase activity of E6AP to ubiquitinate its substrate proteins UbxD8, HHR23A, and β-catenin in reconstituted reactions and HEK293T cells. Furthermore, P6 can accelerate the degradation of E6AP substrates in the cell by enhancing the catalytic activities of E6AP. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of using synthetic ligands to stimulate E3 activities in the cell. The E3 stimulators could be developed alongside E3 inhibitors and substrate recruiters such as PROTACs and molecular glues to leverage the full potential of protein ubiquitination pathways for drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Huang
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Ruochuan Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Songyi Xue
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Geon Ho Jeong
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - In Ho Jeong
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Sihao Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Jun Yin
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang S, Lou J, Li Y, Zhou F, Yan Z, Lyu X, Zhao Y. Recent Progress and Clinical Development of Inhibitors that Block MDM4/p53 Protein-Protein Interactions. J Med Chem 2021; 64:10621-10640. [PMID: 34286973 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
MDM4 is a homologue of MDM2, serving cooperatively as the negative regulator of tumor suppressor p53. Under the shadow of MDM2 inhibitors, limited efforts had been put into the discovery of MDM4 modulators. Recent studies of the experimental drug ALRN-6924, a dual MDM4 and MDM2 inhibitor, suggest that concurrent inhibition of MDM4 and MDM2 might be beneficial over only MDM2 inhibition. In view of the present research progress, we summarized published inhibitors of MDM4/p53 interactions including both peptide-based compounds and small molecules. Cocrystal structures of ligand/MDM4 complexes have been examined, and their structural features were compiled and compared in order to show the molecular basis required for high MDM4 binding affinities. Representative examples of small-molecule MDM4 inhibitors were discussed, followed by clinical results of ALRN-6924, together, providing a consolidated reference for further development of MDM4 inhibitors, either dual or selective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiyan Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.,State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jianfeng Lou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.,State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yafang Li
- Nano Science and Technology Institute, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.,State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feilong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ziqin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xilin Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yujun Zhao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.,State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wei L, Gao R, Wang M, Wang Y, Shi Y, Gu M, Cai J. Dimeric lipo-α/sulfono-γ-AA hybrid peptides as broad-spectrum antibiotic agents. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:3410-3424. [PMID: 33949388 PMCID: PMC8903075 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01955k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop novel antibiotic agents that can combat emerging drug resistance. Herein, we report the design and investigation of a class of short dimeric antimicrobial lipo-α/sulfono-γ-AA hybrid peptides. Some of these peptides exhibit potent and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity toward both clinically related Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The TEM study suggests that these hybrid peptides can compromise bacterial membranes and lead to bacterial death. Membrane depolarization and fluorescence microscopy studies also indicate that the mechanism of action is analogous to host-defense peptides (HDPs). Furthermore, the lead compound shows the ability to effectively inhibit biofilms formed from MRSA and E. coli. Further development of the short dimeric lipo-α/sulfono-γ-AA hybrid peptides may lead to a new generation of antimicrobial biomaterials to combat drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Wei
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| | - Ruixuan Gao
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| | - Minghui Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| | - Yafeng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| | - Meng Gu
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sang P, Shi Y, Huang B, Xue S, Odom T, Cai J. Sulfono-γ-AApeptides as Helical Mimetics: Crystal Structures and Applications. Acc Chem Res 2020; 53:2425-2442. [PMID: 32940995 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.0c00482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Foldamers have defined and predictable structures, improved resistance to proteolytic degradation, enhanced chemical diversity, and are versatile in their mimicry of biological molecules, making them promising candidates in biomedical and material applications. However, as natural macromolecules exhibit endless folding structures and functions, the exploration of the applications of foldamers remains crucial. As such, it is imperative to continue to discover unnatural foldameric architectures with new frameworks and molecular scaffolds. To this end, we recently developed a new class of peptidomimetics termed ″γ-AApeptides", oligomers of γ-substituted-N-acylated-N-aminoethyl amino acids, which are inspired by the chiral peptide nucleic acid backbone. To date γ-AApeptides have been shown to be resistant to proteolytic degradation and possess limitless potential to introduce chemically diverse functional groups, demonstrating promise in biomedical and material sciences. However, the structures of γ-AApeptides were initially unknown, rendering their rational design for the mimicry of a protein helical domain impossible in the beginning, which limited their potential development. To our delight, in the past few years, we have obtained a series of crystal structures of helical sulfono-γ-AApeptides, a subclass of γ-AApeptides. The single-crystal X-ray crystallography indicates that sulfono-γ-AApeptides fold into unprecedented and well-defined helices with unique helical parameters. On the basis of the well-established size, shape, and folding conformation, the design of sulfono-γ-AApeptide-based foldamers opens a new avenue for the development of alternative unnatural peptidomimetics for their potential applications in chemistry, biology, medicine, materials science, and so on.In this Account, we will outline our journey on sulfono-γ-AApeptides and their application as helical mimetics. We will first briefly introduce the design and synthetic strategy of sulfono-γ-AApeptides and then describe the crystal structures of helical sulfono-γ-AApeptides, including left-handed homogeneous sulfono-γ-AApeptides, right-handed 1:1 α/sulfono-γ-AA peptide hybrids, and right-handed 2:1 α/sulfono-γ-AA peptide hybrids. After that, we will illustrate the potential of helical sulfono-γ-AApeptides for biological applications such as the disruption of medicinally relevant protein-protein interactions (PPIs) of BCL9-β-catenin and p53-MDM2/MDMX as well as the mimicry of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). In addition, we also exemplify their potential application in material science. We expect that this Account will shed light on the structure-based design and function of helical sulfono-γ-AApeptides, which can provide a new and alternative way to explore and generate novel foldamers with distinctive structural and functional properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Sang
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Songyi Xue
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Timothy Odom
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sang P, Shi Y, Lu J, Chen L, Yang L, Borcherds W, Abdulkadir S, Li Q, Daughdrill G, Chen J, Cai J. α-Helix-Mimicking Sulfono-γ-AApeptide Inhibitors for p53-MDM2/MDMX Protein-Protein Interactions. J Med Chem 2020; 63:975-986. [PMID: 31971801 PMCID: PMC7025332 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The use of peptidomimetic scaffolds is a promising strategy for the inhibition of protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Herein, we demonstrate that sulfono-γ-AApeptides can be rationally designed to mimic the p53 α-helix and inhibit p53-MDM2 PPIs. The best inhibitor, with Kd and IC50 values of 26 nM and 0.891 μM toward MDM2, respectively, is among the most potent unnatural peptidomimetic inhibitors disrupting the p53-MDM2/MDMX interaction. Using fluorescence polarization assays, circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and computational simulations, we demonstrate that sulfono-γ-AApeptides adopt helical structures resembling p53 and competitively inhibit the p53-MDM2 interaction by binding to the hydrophobic cleft of MDM2. Intriguingly, the stapled sulfono-γ-AApeptides showed promising cellular activity by enhancing p53 transcriptional activity and inducing expression of MDM2 and p21. Moreover, sulfono-γ-AApeptides exhibited remarkable resistance to proteolysis, augmenting their biological potential. Our results suggest that sulfono-γ-AApeptides are a new class of unnatural helical foldamers that disrupt PPIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Sang
- Department of Chemistry , University of South Florida , 4202 E. Fowler Avenue , Tampa , Florida 33620 , United States
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Chemistry , University of South Florida , 4202 E. Fowler Avenue , Tampa , Florida 33620 , United States
| | - Junhao Lu
- Department of Molecular Oncology , H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute , 12902 Magnolia Drive , Tampa , Florida 33612 , United States
| | - Lihong Chen
- Department of Molecular Oncology , H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute , 12902 Magnolia Drive , Tampa , Florida 33612 , United States
| | - Leixiang Yang
- Department of Molecular Oncology , H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute , 12902 Magnolia Drive , Tampa , Florida 33612 , United States
| | - Wade Borcherds
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology , University of South Florida , Tampa , Florida 33620 , United States
| | - Sami Abdulkadir
- Department of Chemistry , University of South Florida , 4202 E. Fowler Avenue , Tampa , Florida 33620 , United States
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology , Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Gary Daughdrill
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology , University of South Florida , Tampa , Florida 33620 , United States
| | - Jiandong Chen
- Department of Molecular Oncology , H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute , 12902 Magnolia Drive , Tampa , Florida 33612 , United States
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry , University of South Florida , 4202 E. Fowler Avenue , Tampa , Florida 33620 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Inhibition of β-catenin/B cell lymphoma 9 protein-protein interaction using α-helix-mimicking sulfono-γ-AApeptide inhibitors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:10757-10762. [PMID: 31088961 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1819663116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The rational design of α-helix-mimicking peptidomimetics provides a streamlined approach to discover potent inhibitors for protein-protein interactions (PPIs). However, designing cell-penetrating long peptidomimetic scaffolds equipped with various functional groups necessary for interacting with large protein-binding interfaces remains challenging. This is particularly true for targeting β-catenin/BCL9 PPIs. Here we designed a series of unprecedented helical sulfono-γ-AApeptides that mimic the binding mode of the α-helical HD2 domain of B Cell Lymphoma 9 (BCL9). Our studies show that sulfono-γ-AApeptides can structurally and functionally mimic the α-helical domain of BCL9 and selectively disrupt β-catenin/BCL9 PPIs with even higher potency. More intriguingly, these sulfono-γ-AApeptides can enter cancer cells, bind with β-catenin and disrupt β-catenin/BCL9 PPIs, and exhibit excellent cellular activity, which is much more potent than the BCL9 peptide. Furthermore, our enzymatic stability studies demonstrate the remarkable stability of the helical sulfono-γ-AApeptides, with no degradation in the presence of pronase for 24 h, augmenting their biological potential. This work represents not only an example of helical sulfono-γ-AApeptides that mimic α-helix and disrupt protein-protein interactions, but also an excellent example of potent, selective, and cell-permeable unnatural foldameric peptidomimetics that disrupt the β-catenin/BCL9 PPI. The design of helical sulfono-γ-AApeptides may lead to a new strategy to modulate a myriad of protein-protein interactions.
Collapse
|
7
|
Bolarinwa O, Cai J. Developments with investigating descriptors for antimicrobial AApeptides and their derivatives. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:727-739. [PMID: 29933702 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1487950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria resulting from prolonged treatment with conventional antibiotics has necessitated the need for continuous research for better antibiotic strategies. One of these alternatives is evolutionary antimicrobial peptides also known as host-defense peptides (HDPs). HDPs are an integral part of the innate defense system in multicellular eukaryotes. Although HDPs can largely circumvent the persistent problem of antibiotic resistance due to their bacteriolytic membrane mechanism, they have some drawbacks including a low activity profile and protease instability. AApeptides have recently been introduced as a new class of peptidomimetics with resistance to proteolysis, improved activity profile, and limitless possibilities for structural diversity. Furthermore, they have shown excellent antimicrobial activity. Areas covered: This review updates the reader on the latest developments of antimicrobial AApeptides, the various derivatizations, and their development for antimicrobial applications. The most recent findings on the heterogeneous γ-AA backbone are also outlined. Expert opinion: AApeptides have found diverse applications in antimicrobial studies. AApeptides are believed to exhibit bactericidal properties by imitating the membranolytic action of HDPs. They have shown broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and are active against medicinally relevant drug-resistant pathogens. AApeptides and their derivatives could gain therapeutic relevance in the design and development of antibiotic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olapeju Bolarinwa
- a Department of Chemistry , University of South Florida , Tampa , FL , USA
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- a Department of Chemistry , University of South Florida , Tampa , FL , USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Su M, Xia D, Teng P, Nimmagadda A, Zhang C, Odom T, Cao A, Hu Y, Cai J. Membrane-Active Hydantoin Derivatives as Antibiotic Agents. J Med Chem 2017; 60:8456-8465. [PMID: 28984451 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hydantoin (imidazolidinedione) derivatives such as nitrofurantoin are small molecules that have aroused considerable interest recently due to their low rate of bacterial resistance. However, their moderate antimicrobial activity may hamper their application combating antibiotic resistance in the long run. Herein, we report the design of bacterial membrane-active hydantoin derivatives, from which we identified compounds that show much more potent antimicrobial activity than nitrofurantoin against a panel of clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. These compounds are able to act on bacterial membranes, analogous to natural host-defense peptides. Additionally, these hydantoin compounds not only kill bacterial pathogens rapidly but also prevent the development of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacterial resistance under the tested conditions. More intriguingly, the lead compound exhibited in vivo efficacy that is much superior to vancomycin by eradicating bacteria and suppressing inflammation caused by MRSA-induced pneumonia in a rat model, demonstrating its promising therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ma Su
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida , 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Donglin Xia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, Nanjing University , 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, P. R. China
| | - Peng Teng
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida , 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Alekhya Nimmagadda
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida , 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, Nanjing University , 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, P. R. China
| | - Timothy Odom
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida , 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Annie Cao
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida , 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Yong Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, Nanjing University , 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, P. R. China
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida , 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Molchanova N, Hansen PR, Franzyk H. Advances in Development of Antimicrobial Peptidomimetics as Potential Drugs. Molecules 2017; 22:E1430. [PMID: 28850098 PMCID: PMC6151827 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22091430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens has evolved into a global health problem as current treatment options are failing for infections caused by pan-resistant bacteria. Hence, novel antibiotics are in high demand, and for this reason antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted considerable interest, since they often show broad-spectrum activity, fast killing and high cell selectivity. However, the therapeutic potential of natural AMPs is limited by their short plasma half-life. Antimicrobial peptidomimetics mimic the structure and biological activity of AMPs, but display extended stability in the presence of biological matrices. In the present review, focus is on the developments reported in the last decade with respect to their design, synthesis, antimicrobial activity, cytotoxic side effects as well as their potential applications as anti-infective agents. Specifically, only peptidomimetics with a modular structure of residues connected via amide linkages will be discussed. These comprise the classes of α-peptoids (N-alkylated glycine oligomers), β-peptoids (N-alkylated β-alanine oligomers), β³-peptides, α/β³-peptides, α-peptide/β-peptoid hybrids, α/γ N-acylated N-aminoethylpeptides (AApeptides), and oligoacyllysines (OAKs). Such peptidomimetics are of particular interest due to their potent antimicrobial activity, versatile design, and convenient optimization via assembly by standard solid-phase procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Molchanova
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 162, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Paul R Hansen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 162, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Henrik Franzyk
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 162, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bolarinwa O, Nimmagadda A, Su M, Cai J. Structure and Function of AApeptides. Biochemistry 2017; 56:445-457. [PMID: 28029249 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b01132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The intrinsic drawbacks encountered in bioactive peptides in chemical biology and biomedical sciences have diverted research efforts to the development of sequence-specific peptidomimetics that are capable of mimicking the structure and function of peptides and proteins. Modifications in the backbone and/or the side chain of peptides have been explored to develop biomimetic molecular probes or drug leads for biologically important targets. To expand the family of oligomeric peptidomimetics to facilitate their further application, we recently developed a new class of peptidomimetics, AApeptides based on a chiral peptide nucleic acid backbone. AApeptides are resistant to proteolytic degradation and amenable to enormous chemical diversification. Moreover, they could mimic the primary structure of peptides and also fold into discrete secondary structure such as helices and turn-like structures. Furthermore, they have started to show promise in applications in material and biomedical sciences. Herein, we highlight the structural design and some function of AApeptides and present our perspective on their future development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olapeju Bolarinwa
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida , 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Alekhya Nimmagadda
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida , 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Ma Su
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida , 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida , 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Sequence-specific peptidomimetics are molecules that mimic the structure and function of peptides and proteins. With new backbones and molecular frameworks, peptidomimetics are of considerable interest in addressing challenges encountered in chemical biology and biomedical sciences. Based on the γ-PNA backbone, a new class of peptidomimetics - "γ-AApeptides" were recently developed. Both linear and cyclic γ-AApeptides can be synthesized with high efficiency. Compared with α-peptides, γ-AApeptides are resistant to enzymatic degradation, and amendable to diversification with a variety of chemical groups. Moreover, they could mimic primary and secondary structure, as well as the function of peptides, and show promise in biological applications, such as the development of new agents combating bacteria, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. A few research outcomes of γ-AApeptides are highlighted in this Concept article, and a future perspective is also proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Teng
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Peng Sang
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shi Y, Teng P, Sang P, She F, Wei L, Cai J. γ-AApeptides: Design, Structure, and Applications. Acc Chem Res 2016; 49:428-41. [PMID: 26900964 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.5b00492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The development of sequence-specific peptidomimetics has led to a variety of fascinating discoveries in chemical biology. Many peptidomimetics can mimic primary, secondary, and even tertiary structure of peptides and proteins, and because of their unnatural backbones, they also possess significantly enhanced resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis, improved bioavailability, and chemodiversity. It is known that peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are peptidic sequences developed for the mimicry of nucleic acids; however, their unique backbone as the molecular scaffold of peptidomimetics to mimic structure and function of bioactive peptides has not been investigated systematically. As such, we recently developed a new class of peptidomimetics, "γ-AApeptides", based on the chiral γ-PNA backbone. They are termed γ-AApeptides because they are the oligomers of γ-substituted-N-acylated-N-aminoethyl amino acids. Similar to other classes of peptidomimetics, γ-AApeptides are also resistant to proteolytic degradation and possess the potential to enhance chemodiversity. Moreover, in our scientific journey on the exploration of this class of peptidomimetics, we have discovered some intriguing structures and functions of γ-AApeptides. In this Account, we summarize the current development and application of γ-AApeptides with biological potential. Briefly, both linear and cyclic (either through head-to-tail or head-to-side-chain cyclization) γ-AApeptides with diverse functional groups can be synthesized easily on the solid phase using the synthetic protocol we developed. γ-AApeptides could mimic the primary structure of peptides, as they project the same number of side chains as peptides of the same lengths. For instance, they could mimic the Tat peptide to permeate cell membranes and bind to HIV RNA with high specificity and affinity. Certain γ-AApeptides show similar activity to the RGD peptide and target integrin specifically on the cell surface. γ-AApeptides with function akin to fMLF peptides are also identified. More importantly, we found that γ-AApeptides can fold into discrete secondary structures, such as helical and β-turn-like structures. Therefore, they could be rationally designed for a range of biological applications. For instance, γ-AApeptides can mimic host-defense peptides and display potent and broad-spectrum activity toward a panel of drug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Meanwhile, because of their stability against proteolysis and their chemodiversity, γ-AApeptides are also amenable for combinatorial screening. We demonstrate that, through combinatorial selection, certain γ-AApeptides are identified to inhibit Aβ40 peptide aggregation, suggesting their potential use as a molecular probe to intervene in Alzheimer's disease. In addition, a few γ-AApeptides identified from the γ-AApeptide library have been shown to bind to the DNA-binding domain of STAT3 and antagonize STAT3/DNA interactions. Our studies suggest that, with further studies and exploration on both structures and functions, γ-AApeptides may emerge to be a new class of peptidomimetics that play an important role in chemical biology and biomedical sciences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shi
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202
East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Peng Teng
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202
East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Peng Sang
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202
East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Fengyu She
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202
East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Lulu Wei
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202
East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202
East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wu H, Qiao Q, Teng P, Hu Y, Antoniadis D, Zuo X, Cai J. New Class of Heterogeneous Helical Peptidomimetics. Org Lett 2015; 17:3524-7. [PMID: 26153619 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.5b01608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A new class of unnatural heterogeneous foldamers is reported to contain alternative α-amino acid and sulfono-γ-AA amino acid residues in a 1:1 repeat pattern. Two-dimensional NMR data show that two 1:1 α/sulfono-γ-AA peptides with diverse side chains form analogous right-handed helical structures in solution. The effects of sequence length, side chain, N-capping, and temperature on folding propensity were further investigated using circular dichroism and small-angle X-ray scattering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haifan Wu
- †Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Qiao Qiao
- †Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Peng Teng
- †Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Yaogang Hu
- †Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Dimitrios Antoniadis
- †Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Xiaobing Zuo
- ‡X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- †Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wu H, She F, Gao W, Prince A, Li Y, Wei L, Mercer A, Wojtas L, Ma S, Cai J. The synthesis of head-to-tail cyclic sulfono-γ-AApeptides. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 13:672-6. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ob02232g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Head-to-tail cyclic sulfono-γ-AApeptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haifan Wu
- Department of Chemistry
- University of South Florida
- Tampa
- USA
| | - Fengyu She
- Department of Chemistry
- University of South Florida
- Tampa
- USA
| | - Wenyang Gao
- Department of Chemistry
- University of South Florida
- Tampa
- USA
| | - Austin Prince
- Department of Chemistry
- University of South Florida
- Tampa
- USA
| | - Yaqiong Li
- Department of Chemistry
- University of South Florida
- Tampa
- USA
| | - Lulu Wei
- Department of Chemistry
- University of South Florida
- Tampa
- USA
| | - Allison Mercer
- Department of Chemistry
- University of South Florida
- Tampa
- USA
| | - Lukasz Wojtas
- Department of Chemistry
- University of South Florida
- Tampa
- USA
| | - Shengqian Ma
- Department of Chemistry
- University of South Florida
- Tampa
- USA
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry
- University of South Florida
- Tampa
- USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wu H, Qiao Q, Hu Y, Teng P, Gao W, Zuo X, Wojtas L, Larsen RW, Ma S, Cai J. Sulfono-γ-AApeptides as a new class of nonnatural helical foldamer. Chemistry 2014; 21:2501-7. [PMID: 25504756 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201406112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Foldamers offer an attractive opportunity for the design of novel molecules that mimic the structures and functions of proteins and enzymes including biocatalysis and biomolecular recognition. Herein we report a new class of nonnatural helical sulfono-γ-AApeptide foldamers of varying lengths. The crystal structure of the sulfono-γ-AApeptide monomer S6 illustrates the intrinsic folding propensity of sulfono-γ-AApeptides, which likely originates from the bulkiness of tertiary sulfonamide moiety. The two-dimensional solution NMR spectroscopy data for the longest sequence S1 demonstrates a 10/16 right-handed helical structure. Optical analysis using circular dichroism further supports well- defined helical conformation of sulfono-γ-AApeptides in solution containing as few as five building blocks. Future development of sulfono-γ-AApeptides may lead to new foldamers with discrete functions, enabling expanded application in chemical biology and biomedical sciences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haifan Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620 (USA)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hu Y, Cheng N, Wu H, Kang S, Ye RD, Cai J. Design, synthesis and characterization of fMLF-mimicking AApeptides. Chembiochem 2014; 15:2420-6. [PMID: 25224835 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201402396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The tripeptide N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLF) is a potent neutrophil chemoattractant and the reference agonist for the G protein-coupled N-formylpeptide receptor (FPR). As it plays a very important role in host defense and inflammation, there has been considerable interest in the development of fMLF analogues in the hope of identifying potential therapeutic agents. Herein we report the design, synthesis, and evaluation of AApeptides that mimic the structure and function of fMLF. The lead AApeptides induced calcium mobilization and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathways in FPR-transfected rat basophilic leukemic (RBL) cells. More intriguingly, at high concentrations, certain AApeptides were more effective than fMLF in the induction of calcium mobilization. Their agonistic activity is further supported by their ability to stimulate chemotaxis and the production of superoxide in HL-60 cells. Similarly to fMLF, these AApeptides are much more selective towards FPR1 than FPR2. These results suggest that the fMLF-mimicking AApeptides might emerge as a new class of therapeutic agents that target FPRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaogang Hu
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620 (USA)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Teng P, Zhang X, Wu H, Qiao Q, Sebti SM, Cai J. Identification of novel inhibitors that disrupt STAT3-DNA interaction from a γ-AApeptide OBOC combinatorial library. Chem Commun (Camb) 2014; 50:8739-42. [PMID: 24964402 DOI: 10.1039/c4cc03909b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
From a γ-AApeptide-based one-bead-one-compound (OBOC) combinatorial library, we identified γ-AApeptides that can selectively inhibit STAT3-DNA interaction and suppress the expression levels of STAT3 target genes in intact cells. Our results demonstrate that in addition to the SH2 domain, the DNA binding domain of STAT3 is targetable for the development of a new generation of anti-cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Teng
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|