1
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Hoock JGF, Rossetti C, Bilgin M, Depta L, Enemark-Rasmussen K, Christianson JC, Laraia L. Identification of non-conventional small molecule degraders and stabilizers of squalene synthase. Chem Sci 2023; 14:12973-12983. [PMID: 38023519 PMCID: PMC10664564 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04064j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Squalene synthase (SQS) is an essential enzyme in the mevalonate pathway, which controls cholesterol biosynthesis and homeostasis. Although catalytic inhibitors of SQS have been developed, none have been approved for therapeutic use so far. Herein we sought to develop SQS degraders using targeted protein degradation (TPD) to lower overall cellular cholesterol content. We found that KY02111, a small molecule ligand of SQS, selectively causes SQS to degrade in a proteasome-dependent manner. Unexpectedly, compounds based on the same scaffold linked to E3 ligase recruiting ligands led to SQS stabilization. Proteomic analysis found KY02111 to reduce only the levels of SQS, while lipidomic analysis determined that KY02111-induced degradation lowered cellular cholesteryl ester content. Stabilizers shielded SQS from its natural turnover without recruiting their matching E3 ligase or affecting enzymatic target activity. Our work shows that degradation of SQS is possible despite a challenging biological setting and provides the first chemical tools to degrade and stabilize SQS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G F Hoock
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark Kemitorvet 207 Kongens Lyngby 2800 Denmark
| | - Cecilia Rossetti
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark Kemitorvet 207 Kongens Lyngby 2800 Denmark
| | - Mesut Bilgin
- Lipidomics Core Facility, Danish Cancer Institute Strandboulevarden 49 Copenhagen 2100 Denmark
| | - Laura Depta
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark Kemitorvet 207 Kongens Lyngby 2800 Denmark
| | - Kasper Enemark-Rasmussen
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark Kemitorvet 207 Kongens Lyngby 2800 Denmark
| | - John C Christianson
- Nuffield Department of Rheumatology, Orthopaedics, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford Headington Oxford OX3 7LD UK
| | - Luca Laraia
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark Kemitorvet 207 Kongens Lyngby 2800 Denmark
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2
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Picón DF, Skouta R. Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Squalene Synthase: Deciphering Its Biochemical Mechanism, Disease Implications, and Intriguing Ties to Ferroptosis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3731. [PMID: 37509391 PMCID: PMC10378455 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Squalene synthase (SQS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for various diseases, including cancers, owing to its pivotal role in the mevalonate pathway and the antioxidant properties of squalene. Primarily, SQS orchestrates the head-to-head condensation reaction, catalyzing the fusion of two farnesyl pyrophosphate molecules, leading to the formation of squalene, which has been depicted as a highly effective oxygen-scavenging agent in in vitro studies. Recent studies have depicted this isoprenoid as a protective layer against ferroptosis due to its potential regulation of lipid peroxidation, as well as its protection against oxidative damage. Therefore, beyond its fundamental function, recent investigations have unveiled additional roles for SQS as a regulator of lipid peroxidation and programmed cell death pathways, such as ferroptosis-a type of cell death characterized by elevated levels of lipid peroxide, one of the forms of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and intracellular iron concentration. Notably, thorough explorations have shed light on the distinctive features that set SQS apart from other members within the isoprenoid synthase superfamily. Its unique biochemical structure, intricately intertwined with its reaction mechanism, has garnered significant attention. Moreover, considerable evidence substantiates the significance of SQS in various disease contexts, and its intriguing association with ferroptosis and lipid peroxidation. The objective of this report is to analyze the existing literature comprehensively, corroborating these findings, and provide an up-to-date perspective on the current understanding of SQS as a prospective therapeutic target, as well as its intricate relationship with ferroptosis. This review aims to consolidate the knowledge surrounding SQS, thereby contributing to the broader comprehension of its potential implications in disease management and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachid Skouta
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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3
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Malwal S, Shang N, Liu W, Li X, Zhang L, Chen CC, Guo RT, Oldfield E. A Structural and Bioinformatics Investigation of a Fungal Squalene Synthase and Comparisons with Other Membrane Proteins. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:22601-22612. [PMID: 35811857 PMCID: PMC9260892 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There is interest in the development of drugs to treat fungal infections due to the increasing threat of drug resistance, and here, we report the first crystallographic structure of the catalytic domain of a fungal squalene synthase (SQS), Aspergillus flavus SQS (AfSQS), a potential drug target, together with a bioinformatics study of fungal, human, and protozoal SQSs. Our X-ray results show strong structural similarities between the catalytic domains in these proteins, but, remarkably, using bioinformatics, we find that there is also a large, highly polar helix in the fungal proteins that connects the catalytic and membrane-anchoring transmembrane domains. This polar helix is absent in squalene synthases from all other lifeforms. We show that the transmembrane domain in AfSQS and in other SQSs, stannin, and steryl sulfatase, have very similar properties (% polar residues, hydrophobicity, and hydrophobic moment) to those found in the "penultimate" C-terminal helical domain in squalene epoxidase, while the final C-terminal domain in squalene epoxidase is more polar and may be monotopic. We also propose structural models for full-length AfSQS based on the bioinformatics results as well as a deep learning program that indicate that the C-terminus region may also be membrane surface-associated. Taken together, our results are of general interest given the unique nature of the polar helical domain in fungi that may be involved in protein-protein interactions as well as being a future target for antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish
R. Malwal
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Na Shang
- Industrial
Enzymes National Engineering Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Weidong Liu
- Industrial
Enzymes National Engineering Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Xian Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative
Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-resources, Hubei
Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Lilan Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative
Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-resources, Hubei
Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Chun-Chi Chen
- State
Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative
Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-resources, Hubei
Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Rey-Ting Guo
- State
Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative
Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-resources, Hubei
Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Eric Oldfield
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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4
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Nagata R, Suemune H, Kobayashi M, Shinada T, Shin‐ya K, Nishiyama M, Hino T, Sato Y, Kuzuyama T, Nagano S. Structural Basis for the Prenylation Reaction of Carbazole‐Containing Natural Products Catalyzed by Squalene Synthase‐Like Enzymes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202117430. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202117430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryuhei Nagata
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
| | - Hironori Suemune
- Graduate School of Engineering Tottori University 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami Tottori 680-8552 Japan
| | - Masaya Kobayashi
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
| | - Tetsuro Shinada
- Graduate School of Science Osaka City University Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku Osaka 558-8585 Japan
| | - Kazuo Shin‐ya
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology 2-4-7 Aomi, Koto-ku Tokyo 135-0064 Japan
| | - Makoto Nishiyama
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology (CRIIM) The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
| | - Tomoya Hino
- Graduate School of Engineering Tottori University 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami Tottori 680-8552 Japan
- Center for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry Tottori University 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami Tottori 680-8552 Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Graduate School of Engineering Tottori University 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami Tottori 680-8552 Japan
- Center for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry Tottori University 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami Tottori 680-8552 Japan
| | - Tomohisa Kuzuyama
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology (CRIIM) The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
| | - Shingo Nagano
- Graduate School of Engineering Tottori University 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami Tottori 680-8552 Japan
- Center for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry Tottori University 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami Tottori 680-8552 Japan
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5
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Nagata R, Suemune H, Kobayashi M, Shinada T, Shin‐ya K, Nishiyama M, Hino T, Sato Y, Kuzuyama T, Nagano S. Structural Basis for the Prenylation Reaction of Carbazole‐Containing Natural Products Catalyzed by Squalene Synthase‐Like Enzymes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202117430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryuhei Nagata
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
| | - Hironori Suemune
- Graduate School of Engineering Tottori University 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami Tottori 680-8552 Japan
| | - Masaya Kobayashi
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
| | - Tetsuro Shinada
- Graduate School of Science Osaka City University Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku Osaka 558-8585 Japan
| | - Kazuo Shin‐ya
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology 2-4-7 Aomi, Koto-ku Tokyo 135-0064 Japan
| | - Makoto Nishiyama
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology (CRIIM) The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
| | - Tomoya Hino
- Graduate School of Engineering Tottori University 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami Tottori 680-8552 Japan
- Center for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry Tottori University 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami Tottori 680-8552 Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Graduate School of Engineering Tottori University 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami Tottori 680-8552 Japan
- Center for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry Tottori University 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami Tottori 680-8552 Japan
| | - Tomohisa Kuzuyama
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology (CRIIM) The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657 Japan
| | - Shingo Nagano
- Graduate School of Engineering Tottori University 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami Tottori 680-8552 Japan
- Center for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry Tottori University 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami Tottori 680-8552 Japan
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6
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Pospiech M, Owens SE, Miller DJ, Austin-Muttitt K, Mullins JGL, Cronin JG, Allemann RK, Sheldon IM. Bisphosphonate inhibitors of squalene synthase protect cells against cholesterol-dependent cytolysins. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21640. [PMID: 33991130 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100164r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Certain species of pathogenic bacteria damage tissues by secreting cholesterol-dependent cytolysins, which form pores in the plasma membranes of animal cells. However, reducing cholesterol protects cells against these cytolysins. As the first committed step of cholesterol biosynthesis is catalyzed by squalene synthase, we explored whether inhibiting this enzyme protected cells against cholesterol-dependent cytolysins. We first synthesized 22 different nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate molecules that were designed to inhibit squalene synthase. Squalene synthase inhibition was quantified using a cell-free enzyme assay, and validated by computer modeling of bisphosphonate molecules binding to squalene synthase. The bisphosphonates were then screened for their ability to protect HeLa cells against the damage caused by the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin, pyolysin. The most effective bisphosphonate reduced pyolysin-induced leakage of lactate dehydrogenase into cell supernatants by >80%, and reduced pyolysin-induced cytolysis from >75% to <25%. In addition, this bisphosphonate reduced pyolysin-induced leakage of potassium from cells, limited changes in the cytoskeleton, prevented mitogen-activated protein kinases cell stress responses, and reduced cellular cholesterol. The bisphosphonate also protected cells against another cholesterol-dependent cytolysin, streptolysin O, and protected lung epithelial cells and primary dermal fibroblasts against cytolysis. Our findings imply that treatment with bisphosphonates that inhibit squalene synthase might help protect tissues against pathogenic bacteria that secrete cholesterol-dependent cytolysins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Pospiech
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Siân E Owens
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | | | | | - James G Cronin
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - I Martin Sheldon
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
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7
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Hage-Hülsmann J, Klaus O, Linke K, Troost K, Gora L, Hilgers F, Wirtz A, Santiago-Schübel B, Loeschcke A, Jaeger KE, Drepper T. Production of C20, C30 and C40 terpenes in the engineered phototrophic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus. J Biotechnol 2021; 338:20-30. [PMID: 34237394 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Terpenes constitute one of the largest groups of secondary metabolites that are used, for example, as food-additives, fragrances or pharmaceuticals. Due to the formation of an intracytoplasmic membrane system and an efficient intrinsic tetraterpene pathway, the phototrophic α-proteobacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus offers favorable properties for the production of hydrophobic terpenes. However, research efforts have largely focused on sesquiterpene production. Recently, we have developed modular tools allowing to engineer the biosynthesis of terpene precursors. These tools were now applied to boost the biosynthesis of the diterpene casbene, the triterpene squalene and the tetraterpene β-carotene in R. capsulatus SB1003. Selected enzymes of the intrinsic isoprenoid pathway and the heterologous mevalonate (MVA) pathway were co-expressed together with the respective terpene synthases in various combinations. Remarkably, co-expression of genes ispA, idi and dxs enhanced the synthesis of casbene and β-carotene. In contrast, co-expression of precursor biosynthetic genes with the squalene synthase from Arabidopsis thaliana reduced squalene titers. Therefore, we further employed four alternative pro- and eukaryotic squalene synthases. Here, the synthase from Methylococcus capsulatus enabled highest product levels of 90 mg/L squalene upon co-expression with ispA. In summary, we demonstrate the applicability of R. capsulatus for the heterologous production of diverse terpene classes and provide relevant insights for further development of such platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Hage-Hülsmann
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Germany.
| | - Oliver Klaus
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| | - Karl Linke
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| | - Katrin Troost
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| | - Lukas Gora
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| | - Fabienne Hilgers
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| | - Astrid Wirtz
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences IBG-1, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| | - Beatrix Santiago-Schübel
- Central Division of Analytical Chemistry ZEA-3: Analytik/Biospec, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| | - Anita Loeschcke
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Germany; Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| | - Karl-Erich Jaeger
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Bio- and Geosciences IBG-1, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Germany; Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| | - Thomas Drepper
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Germany; Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
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8
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Meng Y, Shao X, Wang Y, Li Y, Zheng X, Wei G, Kim S, Wang C. Extension of cell membrane boosting squalene production in the engineered
Escherichia coli. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:3499-3507. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.27511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yunhe Meng
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Xixi Shao
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Yumei Li
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Xiaojian Zheng
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Gongyuan Wei
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Seon‐Won Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus) PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National University Jinju Republic of Korea
| | - Chonglong Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences Soochow University Suzhou China
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9
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Song Y, Guan Z, van Merkerk R, Pramastya H, Abdallah II, Setroikromo R, Quax WJ. Production of Squalene in Bacillus subtilis by Squalene Synthase Screening and Metabolic Engineering. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:4447-4455. [PMID: 32208656 PMCID: PMC7168599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Squalene synthase (SQS) catalyzes the conversion of two farnesyl pyrophosphates to squalene, an important intermediate in between isoprene and valuable triterpenoids. In this study, we have constructed a novel biosynthesis pathway for squalene in Bacillus subtilis and performed metabolic engineering aiming at facilitating further exploitation and production of squalene-derived triterpenoids. Therefore, systematic studies and analysis were performed including selection of multiple SQS candidates from various organisms, comparison of expression vectors, optimization of cultivation temperatures, and examination of rate-limiting factors within the synthetic pathway. We were, for the first time, able to obtain squalene synthesis in B. subtilis. Furthermore, we achieved a 29-fold increase of squalene yield (0.26-7.5 mg/L) by expressing SQS from Bacillus megaterium and eliminating bottlenecks within the upstream methylerythritol-phosphate pathway. Moreover, our findings showed that also ispA could positively affect the production of squalene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafeng Song
- Department
of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute
of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Zheng Guan
- Department
of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute
of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald van Merkerk
- Department
of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute
of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hegar Pramastya
- Department
of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute
of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Pharmaceutical
Biology Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, 40132 Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Ingy I. Abdallah
- Department
of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute
of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria
University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt
| | - Rita Setroikromo
- Department
of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute
of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim J. Quax
- Department
of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute
of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- . Phone: +31 (0) 50 363 2558, (0) 50 363 8174. Fax: +31 (0) 50 363 3000
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10
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Otani Y, Maoka T, Kawai-Noma S, Saito K, Umeno D. Construction of a pathway to C50-ε-carotene. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216729. [PMID: 31086389 PMCID: PMC6516660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Substrate tolerance of bacterial cyclases has been demonstrated in various contexts, but little is known about that of plant cyclases. Here, we tested two plant ε-cyclases to convert C50-lycopene, which we previously established by rounds of directed evolution. Unlike bacterial β-cyclases, two-end cyclase from lettuce exhibited complete specificity against this molecule, indicating that this enzyme has some mechanism that exerts size-specificity. Arabidopsis one-end cyclase At-y2 showed detectable activity to C50-lycopene. Interestingly, we found that it functions as a two-end cyclase in a C50 context. Based on this observation, a possible model for substrate discrimination of this enzyme is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Otani
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takashi Maoka
- Research Institute for Production Development, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shigeko Kawai-Noma
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kyoichi Saito
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Daisuke Umeno
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- * E-mail:
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11
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Abdelmagid WM, Adak T, Freeman JO, Tanner ME. Studies with Guanidinium- and Amidinium-Based Inhibitors Suggest Minimal Stabilization of Allylic Carbocation Intermediates by Dehydrosqualene and Squalene Synthases. Biochemistry 2018; 57:5591-5601. [PMID: 30179505 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dehydrosqualene and squalene synthases catalyze the redox neutral and the reductive, head-to-head dimerization of farnesyl diphosphate, respectively. In each case, the reaction is thought to proceed via an initial dissociation of farnesyl diphosphate to form an allylic carbocation-pyrophosphate ion pair. This work describes the synthesis and testing of inhibitors in which a guanidinium or amidinium moiety is flanked by a phosphonylphosphinate group and a hydrocarbon tail. These functional groups bear a planar, delocalized, positive charge and therefore should act as excellent mimics of an allylic carbocation. An inhibitor bearing a neutral urea moiety was also prepared as a control. The positively charged inhibitors acted as competitive inhibitors against Staphylococcus aureus dehydrosqualene synthase with Ki values in the low micromolar range. Surprisingly, the neutral urea inhibitor was the most potent of the three. Similar trends were seen with the first half reaction of human squalene synthase. One interpretation of these results is that the active sites of these enzymes do not directly stabilize the allylic carbocation via electrostatic or π-cation interactions. Instead, it is likely that the enzymes use tight binding to the pyrophosphate and lipid moieties to promote catalysis and that electrostatic stabilization of the carbocation is provided by the bound pyrophosphate product. An alternate possibility is that these inhibitors cannot bind to the "ionization FPP-binding site" of the enzyme and only bind to the "nonionizing FPP-binding site". In either case, all reported attempts to generate potent inhibitors with cationic FPP analogues have been unsuccessful to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid M Abdelmagid
- Department of Chemistry , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , British Columbia V6T 1Z1 , Canada
| | - Taniya Adak
- Department of Chemistry , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , British Columbia V6T 1Z1 , Canada
| | - Jon O Freeman
- Department of Chemistry , Pacific Lutheran University , Tacoma , Washington 98447 , United States
| | - Martin E Tanner
- Department of Chemistry , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , British Columbia V6T 1Z1 , Canada
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12
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Chao MN, Storey M, Li C, Rodríguez MG, Di Salvo F, Szajnman SH, Moreno SN, Docampo R, Rodriguez JB. Selenium-containing analogues of WC-9 are extremely potent inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi proliferation. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:6435-6449. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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13
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Lemire BD. Evolution, structure and membrane association of NDUFAF6, an assembly factor for NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I). Mitochondrion 2017; 35:13-22. [PMID: 28476317 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) is the largest member of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Its FMN cofactor accepts two electrons from NADH and transfers them to ubiquinone via a chain of iron-sulphur centers. A central core of 14 highly conserved subunits can couple electron transfer to proton translocation. The mammalian enzyme has an additional ~30 accessory subunits. Complex I has important bioenergetic and metabolic functions and is a known source of reactive oxygen species; these functions link it to a number of hereditary and degenerative diseases. For many complex I deficiencies, the primary defect is not in a subunit-encoding gene, but rather in an assembly factor or chaperone that participates in the biogenesis of newly synthesized complex I from individual subunits and cofactors. NDUFAF6 encodes a complex I assembly factor and mutations result in complex I deficiency, Leigh syndrome or Acadian variant Fanconi syndrome. Human NDUFAF6 is a mitochondria-targeted 333-amino acid protein belonging to the family of squalene and phytoene synthases. Sequence and structural information suggests that NDUFAF6 likely has enzymatic activity, but one that has evolved considerable differences from canonical squalene and phytoene synthases. Most but not all metazoans have an NDUFAF6 ortholog, indicating that in some organisms, complex I biogenesis does not require this protein. NDUFAF6 is a peripheral membrane protein and predictions identify a conserved C-terminal attachment site that have implications for substrate access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard D Lemire
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G2H7, Canada.
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14
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Su H, Liu Y, Xiao Y, Tan Y, Gu Y, Liang B, Huang H, Wu Y. Molecular and biochemical characterization of squalene synthase from Siraitia grosvenorii. Biotechnol Lett 2017; 39:1009-1018. [PMID: 28353148 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-017-2328-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To clone and characterize the squalene synthase from Siraitia grosvenorii (SgSQS). RESULTS The gene encoding SgSQS was cloned. SgSQS has 417 amino acid residues with an pI of 7.3. There are 32 phosphorylation sites in its sequence: S48 as well as S196 play important roles in regulation of enzyme activity. The enzyme is a monomeric protein with a cave-like active center formed by α helixes and has two transmembrane domains at its C-terminus. SgSQS mRNA expression in stem and root were about twice as much as that in leaf and peel. Full-length SgSQS with measurable catalytic activity was expressed in Escherichia coli. SgSQS activity was optimal at 37 °C and pH 7.5 respectively. CONCLUSION SgSQS gene was cloned, and the molecular structure and biochemical function of SgSQS were characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heling Su
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530000, China
| | - Yongming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China
| | - Yalun Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China
| | - Yanlian Tan
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China
| | - Yunyan Gu
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China
| | - Bin Liang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China
| | - Hongli Huang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China
| | - Yaosheng Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530000, China.
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15
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Peng B, Plan MR, Chrysanthopoulos P, Hodson MP, Nielsen LK, Vickers CE. A squalene synthase protein degradation method for improved sesquiterpene production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Metab Eng 2017; 39:209-219. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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16
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Production of squalene by microbes: an update. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 32:195. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-016-2155-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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17
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Shiuan D, Lin HK, Chen YH, Chang DK, Huang KJ, Farh L. Exploration of Peptide Inhibitors of Human Squalene Synthase through Molecular Modeling and Phage Display Technique. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2015; 178:312-23. [PMID: 26438313 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-015-1873-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have demonstrated the role of elevated levels of serum cholesterol in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Various drugs targeting the key enzymes involved in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway have been investigated for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Human squalene synthase has been one of the most important targets for therapeutic intervention. In the present study, we used the recombinant human squalene synthase as the lure for screening the peptide inhibitors from phage-displayed random peptide library. The tightly bound phages and their derived peptides were further evaluated based on their potential binding capabilities, molecular modeling characteristics and predicted absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity (ADMET) properties. Several hexa-peptides and tetra-peptides were finally synthesized to assay their inhibitory effects toward the recombinant human squalene synthase. The results demonstrated that the hexa-peptide FTACNW and tetra-peptide VACL can inhibit human squalene synthase effectively (with IC50 values near 100 μM) and may have potential to develop further as future hypocholesterolemia agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Shiuan
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, 974, Republic of China.
| | - Hwan-Kang Lin
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, 974, Republic of China
| | - Yue-Hao Chen
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, 974, Republic of China
| | - Ding-Kwo Chang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, 115, Republic of China
| | - Kao-Jean Huang
- Development Center for Biotechnology, Taipei, Taiwan, 221, Republic of China
| | - Lynn Farh
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Pingtung University, Pingtung, Taiwan, 900, Republic of China
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Directed optimization of a newly identified squalene synthase from Mortierella alpine based on sequence truncation and site-directed mutagenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 42:1341-52. [DOI: 10.1007/s10295-015-1668-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Terpenoids, a class of isoprenoids usually isolated from plants, are always used as commercial flavor and anticancer drugs. As a key precursor for triterpenes and sterols, biosynthesis of squalene (SQ) can be catalyzed by squalene synthase (SQS) from two farnesyl diphosphate molecules. In this work, the key SQS gene involved in sterols synthesis by Mortierella alpine, an industrial strain often used to produce unsaturated fatty acid such as γ-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid, was identified and characterized. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that MaSQS contained 416 amino acid residues involved in four highly conserved regions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the closest relationship of MaSQS with Ganoderma lucidum and Aspergillus, which also belonged to the member of the fungus. Subsequently, the recombinant protein was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) and detected by SDS-PAGE. To improve the expression and solubility of protein, 17 or 27 amino acids in the C-terminal were deleted. In vitro activity investigation based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed that both the truncated enzymes could functionally catalyze the reaction from FPP to SQ and the enzymatic activity was optimal at 37 °C, pH 7.2. Moreover, based on the site-directed mutagenesis, the mutant enzyme mMaSQSΔC17 (E186K) displayed a 3.4-fold improvement in catalytic efficiency (k cat/K m) compared to the control. It was the first report of characterization and modification of SQS from M. alpine, which facilitated the investigation of isoprenoid biosynthesis in the fungus. The engineered mMaSQSΔC17 (E186K) can be a potential candidate of the terpenes and steroids synthesis employed for synthetic biology.
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19
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Pandreka A, Dandekar DS, Haldar S, Uttara V, Vijayshree SG, Mulani FA, Aarthy T, Thulasiram HV. Triterpenoid profiling and functional characterization of the initial genes involved in isoprenoid biosynthesis in neem (Azadirachta indica). BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2015; 15:214. [PMID: 26335498 PMCID: PMC4559364 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-015-0593-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is one of the richest sources of skeletally diverse triterpenoids and they are well-known for their broad-spectrum pharmacological and insecticidal properties. However, the abundance of Neem triterpenoids varies among the tissues. Here, we delineate quantitative profiling of fifteen major triterpenoids across various tissues including developmental stages of kernel and pericarp, flower, leaf, stem and bark using UPLC-ESI(+)-HRMS based profiling. Transcriptome analysis was used to identify the initial genes involved in isoprenoid biosynthesis. Based on transcriptome analysis, two short-chain prenyltransferases and squalene synthase (AiSQS) were cloned and functionally characterized. RESULTS Quantitative profiling revealed differential abundance of both total and individual triterpenoid content across various tissues. RNA from tissues with high triterpenoid content (fruit, flower and leaf) were pooled to generate 79.08 million paired-end reads using Illumina GA ΙΙ platform. 41,140 transcripts were generated by d e novo assembly. Transcriptome annotation led to the identification of the putative genes involved in isoprenoid biosynthesis. Two short-chain prenyltransferases, geranyl diphosphate synthase (AiGDS) and farnesyl diphosphate synthase (AiFDS) and squalene synthase (AiSQS) were cloned and functionally characterized using transcriptome data. RT-PCR studies indicated five-fold and ten-fold higher relative expression level of AiSQS in fruits as compared to leaves and flowers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Triterpenoid profiling indicated that there is tissue specific variation in their abundance. The mature seed kernel and initial stages of pericarp were found to contain the highest amount of limonoids. Furthermore, a wide diversity of triterpenoids, especially C-seco triterpenoids were observed in kernel as compared to the other tissues. Pericarp, flower and leaf contained mainly ring-intact triterpenoids. The initial genes such as AiGDS, AiFDS and AiSQS involved in the isoprenoids biosynthesis have been functionally characterized. The expression levels of AiFDS and AiSQS were found to be in correlation with the total triterpenoid content in individual tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Pandreka
- Chemical Biology Unit, Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, India.
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, New Delhi, 110007, India.
| | - Devdutta S Dandekar
- Chemical Biology Unit, Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, India.
| | - Saikat Haldar
- Chemical Biology Unit, Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, India.
| | - Vairagkar Uttara
- Chemical Biology Unit, Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, India.
| | - Shinde G Vijayshree
- Chemical Biology Unit, Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, India.
| | - Fayaj A Mulani
- Chemical Biology Unit, Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, India.
| | - Thiagarayaselvam Aarthy
- Chemical Biology Unit, Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, India.
| | - Hirekodathakallu V Thulasiram
- Chemical Biology Unit, Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, India.
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, New Delhi, 110007, India.
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20
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Production of squalene by squalene synthases and their truncated mutants in Escherichia coli. J Biosci Bioeng 2015; 119:165-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2014.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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21
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Pan JJ, Solbiati JO, Ramamoorthy G, Hillerich B, Seidel RD, Cronan JE, Almo SC, Poulter CD. Biosynthesis of Squalene from Farnesyl Diphosphate in Bacteria: Three Steps Catalyzed by Three Enzymes. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2015; 1:77-82. [PMID: 26258173 PMCID: PMC4527182 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.5b00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Squalene (SQ) is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of sterols in eukaryotes and a few bacteria and of hopanoids in bacteria where they promote membrane stability and the formation of lipid rafts in their hosts. The genes for hopanoid biosynthesis are typically located on clusters that consist of four highly conserved genes-hpnC, hpnD, hpnE, and hpnF-for conversion of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) to hopene or related pentacyclic metabolites. While hpnF is known to encode a squalene cyclase, the functions for hpnC, hpnD, and hpnE are not rigorously established. The hpnC, hpnD, and hpnE genes from Zymomonas mobilis and Rhodopseudomonas palustris were cloned into Escherichia coli, a bacterium that does not contain genes homologous to hpnC, hpnD, and hpnE, and their functions were established in vitro and in vivo. HpnD catalyzes formation of presqualene diphosphate (PSPP) from two molecules of FPP; HpnC converts PSPP to hydroxysqualene (HSQ); and HpnE, a member of the amine oxidoreductase family, reduces HSQ to SQ. Collectively the reactions catalyzed by these three enzymes constitute a new pathway for biosynthesis of SQ in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Jung Pan
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Jose O. Solbiati
- Institute
for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois
at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | | | - Brandan
S. Hillerich
- Department
of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College
of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United
States
| | - Ronald D. Seidel
- Department
of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College
of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United
States
| | - John E. Cronan
- Department
of Microbiology, University of Illinois
at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Steven C. Almo
- Department
of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College
of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United
States
| | - C. Dale Poulter
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
- E-mail:
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22
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Ohtake K, Saito N, Shibuya S, Kobayashi W, Amano R, Hirai T, Sasaki S, Nakano C, Hoshino T. Biochemical characterization of the water-soluble squalene synthase fromMethylococcus capsulatusand the functional analyses of its two DXXD(E)D motifs and the highly conserved aromatic amino acid residues. FEBS J 2014; 281:5479-97. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.13090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kana Ohtake
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry; Faculty of Agriculture and Graduate School of Science and Technology; Niigata University; Japan
| | - Naoki Saito
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry; Faculty of Agriculture and Graduate School of Science and Technology; Niigata University; Japan
| | - Satoshi Shibuya
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry; Faculty of Agriculture and Graduate School of Science and Technology; Niigata University; Japan
| | - Wakako Kobayashi
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry; Faculty of Agriculture and Graduate School of Science and Technology; Niigata University; Japan
| | - Ryosuke Amano
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry; Faculty of Agriculture and Graduate School of Science and Technology; Niigata University; Japan
| | - Takumi Hirai
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry; Faculty of Agriculture and Graduate School of Science and Technology; Niigata University; Japan
| | - Shinji Sasaki
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry; Faculty of Agriculture and Graduate School of Science and Technology; Niigata University; Japan
| | - Chiaki Nakano
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry; Faculty of Agriculture and Graduate School of Science and Technology; Niigata University; Japan
| | - Tsutomu Hoshino
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry; Faculty of Agriculture and Graduate School of Science and Technology; Niigata University; Japan
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23
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Furubayashi M, Li L, Katabami A, Saito K, Umeno D. Directed evolution of squalene synthase for dehydrosqualene biosynthesis. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:3375-81. [PMID: 25093296 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Squalene synthase (SQS) catalyzes the first step of sterol/hopanoid biosynthesis in various organisms. It has been long recognized that SQSs share a common ancestor with carotenoid synthases, but it is not known how these enzymes selectively produce their own product. In this study, SQSs from yeast, human, and bacteria were independently subjected to directed evolution for the production of the C30 carotenoid backbone, dehydrosqualene. This was accomplished via high-throughput screening with Pantoea ananatis phytoene desaturase, which can selectively convert dehydrosqualene into yellow carotenoid pigments. Genetic analysis of the resultant mutants revealed various mutations that could effectively convert SQS into a "dehydrosqualene synthase." All of these mutations are clustered around the residues that have been proposed to be important for NADPH binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Furubayashi
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Akinori Katabami
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Kyoichi Saito
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Daisuke Umeno
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage, Chiba 263-8522, Japan; Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
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24
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Molecular cloning and differential expression analysis of a squalene synthase gene from Dioscorea zingiberensis, an important pharmaceutical plant. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:6097-104. [PMID: 24996285 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3487-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Diosgenin is a steroid derived from cholesterol in plants and used as a typical initial intermediate for synthesis of numerous steroidal drugs in the world. Commercially, this compound is extracted mainly from the rhizomes or tubers of some Dioscorea species. Squalene synthase (SQS: EC 2.5.1.21) catalyzes the condensation of two molecules of farnesyl diphosphate to form squalene, the first committed step for biosynthesis of plant sterols including cholesterol, and is thought to play an important role in diosgenin biosynthesis. A full-length cDNA of a putative squalene synthase gene was cloned from D. zingiberensis and designated as DzSQS (Genbank Accession Number KC960673). DzSQS was contained an open reading frame of 1,230 bp encoding a polypeptide of 409 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 46 kDa and an isoelectric point of 6.2. The deduced amino acid sequence of DzSQS shared over 70 % sequence identity with those of SQSs from other plants. The truncated DzSQS in which 24 amino acids were deleted from the carboxy terminus was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the resultant bacterial crude extract was incubated with farnesyl diphosphate and NADPH. GC-MS analysis showed that squalene was detected in the in vitro reaction mixture. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that DzSQS was expressed from highest to lowest order in mature leaves, newly-formed rhizomes, young leaves, young stems, and two-year-old rhizomes of D. zingiberensis.
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25
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Furubayashi M, Li L, Katabami A, Saito K, Umeno D. Construction of carotenoid biosynthetic pathways using squalene synthase. FEBS Lett 2013; 588:436-42. [PMID: 24333579 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The first committed steps of steroid/hopanoid pathways involve squalene synthase (SQS). Here, we report the Escherichia coli production of diaponeurosporene and diapolycopene, yellow C30 carotenoid pigments, by expressing human SQS and Staphylococcus aureus dehydrosqualene (C30 carotenoid) desaturase (CrtN). We suggest that the carotenoid pigments are synthesized mainly via the desaturation of squalene rather than the direct synthesis of dehydrosqualene through the non-reductive condensation of prenyl diphosphate precursors, indicating the possible existence of a "squalene route" and a "lycopersene route" for C30 and C40 carotenoids, respectively. Additionally, this finding yields a new method of colorimetric screening for the cellular activity of squalene synthases, which are major targets for cholesterol-lowering drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Furubayashi
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoi-cho, Inage, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoi-cho, Inage, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Akinori Katabami
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoi-cho, Inage, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Kyoichi Saito
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoi-cho, Inage, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Daisuke Umeno
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoi-cho, Inage, Chiba 263-8522, Japan; Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan.
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26
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Alexander SPH, Benson HE, Faccenda E, Pawson AJ, Sharman JL, Spedding M, Peters JA, Harmar AJ. The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14: enzymes. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 170:1797-867. [PMID: 24528243 PMCID: PMC3892293 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 415] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14 provides concise overviews of the key properties of over 2000 human drug targets with their pharmacology, plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties. The full contents can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12444/full. Enzymes are one of the seven major pharmacological targets into which the Guide is divided, with the others being G protein-coupled receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, ion channels, nuclear hormone receptors, catalytic receptors and transporters. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. A new landscape format has easy to use tables comparing related targets. It is a condensed version of material contemporary to late 2013, which is presented in greater detail and constantly updated on the website www.guidetopharmacology.org, superseding data presented in previous Guides to Receptors and Channels. It is produced in conjunction with NC-IUPHAR and provides the official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. It consolidates information previously curated and displayed separately in IUPHAR-DB and the Guide to Receptors and Channels, providing a permanent, citable, point-in-time record that will survive database updates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen PH Alexander
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical SchoolNottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Helen E Benson
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Elena Faccenda
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Adam J Pawson
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Joanna L Sharman
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | | | - John A Peters
- Neuroscience Division, Medical Education Institute, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of DundeeDundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Anthony J Harmar
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
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Cloning, expression and characterization of squalene synthase from Inonotus obliquus. Genes Genomics 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-013-0113-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Liu CI, Jeng WY, Chang WJ, Ko TP, Wang AHJ. Binding modes of zaragozic acid A to human squalene synthase and staphylococcal dehydrosqualene synthase. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:18750-7. [PMID: 22474324 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.351254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Zaragozic acids (ZAs) belong to a family of fungal metabolites with nanomolar inhibitory activity toward squalene synthase (SQS). The enzyme catalyzes the committed step of sterol synthesis and has attracted attention as a potential target for antilipogenic and antiinfective therapies. Here, we have determined the structure of ZA-A complexed with human SQS. ZA-A binding induces a local conformational change in the substrate binding site, and its C-6 acyl group also extends over to the cofactor binding cavity. In addition, ZA-A effectively inhibits a homologous bacterial enzyme, dehydrosqualene synthase (CrtM), which synthesizes the precursor of staphyloxanthin in Staphylococcus aureus to cope with oxidative stress. Size reduction at Tyr(248) in CrtM further increases the ZA-A binding affinity, and it reveals a similar overall inhibitor binding mode to that of human SQS/ZA-A except for the C-6 acyl group. These structures pave the way for further improving selectivity and development of a new generation of anticholesterolemic and antimicrobial inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-I Liu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
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29
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Panda T, Basak T, Saraswathi G, Théodore T. Kinetic Mechanisms of Cholesterol Synthesis: A Review. Ind Eng Chem Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1021/ie200073a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Thomas Théodore
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai−600 036, India
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Koohang A, Bailey JL, Coates RM, Erickson HK, Owen D, Poulter CD. Enantioselective inhibition of squalene synthase by aziridine analogues of presqualene diphosphate. J Org Chem 2010; 75:4769-77. [PMID: 20545375 DOI: 10.1021/jo100718z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Squalene synthase catalyzes the conversion of two molecules of (E,E)-farnesyl diphosphate to squalene via the cyclopropylcarbinyl intermediate, presqualene diphosphate (PSPP). Since this novel reaction constitutes the first committed step in sterol biosynthesis, there has been considerable interest and research on the stereochemistry and mechanism of the process and in the design of selective inhibitors of the enzyme. This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of five racemic and two enantiopure aziridine analogues of PSPP and the evaluation of their potencies as inhibitors of recombinant yeast squalene synthase. The key aziridine-2-methanol intermediates (6-OH, 7-OH, and 8-OH) were obtained by N-alkylations or by an N-acylation-reduction sequence of (+/-)-, (2R,3S)-, and (2S,3R)-2,3-aziridinofarnesol (9-OH) protected as tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers. S(N)2 displacements of the corresponding methanesulfonates with pyrophosphate and methanediphosphonate anions afforded aziridine 2-methyl diphosphates and methanediphosphonates bearing N-undecyl, N-bishomogeranyl, and N-(alpha-methylene)bishomogeranyl substituents as mimics for the 2,6,10-trimethylundeca-2,5,9-trienyl side chain of PSPP. The 2R,3S diphosphate enantiomer bearing the N-bishomogeranyl substituent corresponding in absolute stereochemistry to PSPP proved to be the most potent inhibitor (IC(50) 1.17 +/- 0.08 muM in the presence of inorganic pyrophosphate), a value 4-fold less than that of its 2S,3R stereoisomer. The other aziridine analogues bearing the N-(alpha-methylene)bishomogeranyl and N-undecyl substituents, and the related methanediphosphonates, exhibited lower affinities for recombinant squalene synthase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Koohang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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31
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Sterol Biosynthesis Pathway as Target for Anti-trypanosomatid Drugs. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2009; 2009:642502. [PMID: 19680554 PMCID: PMC2721973 DOI: 10.1155/2009/642502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 04/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterols are constituents of the cellular membranes that are essential for their normal structure and function. In mammalian cells, cholesterol is the main sterol found in the various membranes. However, other sterols predominate in eukaryotic microorganisms such as fungi and protozoa. It is now well established that an important metabolic pathway in fungi and in members of the Trypanosomatidae family is one that produces a special class of sterols, including ergosterol, and other 24-methyl sterols, which are required for parasitic growth and viability, but are absent from mammalian host cells. Currently, there are several drugs that interfere with sterol biosynthesis (SB) that are in use to treat diseases such as high cholesterol in humans and fungal infections. In this review, we analyze the effects of drugs such as (a) statins, which act on the mevalonate pathway by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, (b) bisphosphonates, which interfere with the isoprenoid pathway in the step catalyzed by farnesyl diphosphate synthase, (c) zaragozic acids and quinuclidines, inhibitors of squalene synthase (SQS), which catalyzes the first committed step in sterol biosynthesis, (d) allylamines, inhibitors of squalene epoxidase, (e) azoles, which inhibit C14α-demethylase, and (f) azasterols, which inhibit Δ24(25)-sterol methyltransferase (SMT). Inhibition of this last step appears to have high selectivity for fungi and trypanosomatids, since this enzyme is not found in mammalian cells. We review here the IC50 values of these various inhibitors, their effects on the growth of trypanosomatids (both in axenic cultures and in cell cultures), and their effects on protozoan structural organization (as evaluted by light and electron microscopy) and lipid composition. The results show that the mitochondrial membrane as well as the membrane lining the protozoan cell body and flagellum are the main targets. Probably as a consequence of these primary effects, other important changes take place in the organization of the kinetoplast DNA network and on the protozoan cell cycle. In addition, apoptosis-like and autophagic processes induced by several of the inhibitors tested led to parasite death.
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Cloning, solubilization, and characterization of squalene synthase from Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP-1. J Bacteriol 2008; 190:3808-16. [PMID: 18375558 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01939-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Squalene synthase (SQS) is a bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes the condensation of two molecules of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) to give presqualene diphosphate (PSPP) and the subsequent rearrangement of PSPP to squalene. These reactions constitute the first pathway-specific steps in hopane biosynthesis in Bacteria and sterol biosynthesis in Eukarya. The genes encoding SQS were isolated from the hopane-producing bacteria Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP-1, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, and Zymomonas mobilis and cloned into an Escherichia coli expression system. The expressed proteins with a His(6) tag were found exclusively in inclusion bodies when no additives were used in the buffer. After extensive optimization, soluble recombinant T. elongatus BP-1 SQS was obtained when cells were disrupted and purified in buffers containing glycerol. The recombinant B. japonicum and Z. mobilis SQSs could not be solubilized under any of the expression and purification conditions used. Purified T. elongatus His(6)-SQS gave a single band at 42 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and molecular ion at m/z 41886 by electrospray mass spectrometry. Incubation with FPP and NADPH gave squalene as the sole product. Incubation of the enzyme with [(14)C]FPP in the absence of NADPH gave PSPP. The enzyme requires Mg(2+) for activity, has an optimum pH of 7.6, and is strongly stimulated by detergent. Under optimal conditions, the K(m) of FPP is 0.97 +/- 0.10 microM and the k(cat) is 1.74 +/- 0.04 s(-1). Zaragozic acid A, a potent inhibitor of mammalian, fungal, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae SQSs, also inhibited recombinant T. elongatus BP-1 SQS, with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 95.5 +/- 13.6 nM.
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Huang Z, Jiang K, Pi Y, Hou R, Liao Z, Cao Y, Han X, Wang Q, Sun X, Tang K. Molecular cloning and characterization of the yew gene encoding squalene synthase from Taxus cuspidata. BMB Rep 2008; 40:625-35. [PMID: 17927893 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2007.40.5.625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The enzyme squalene synthase (EC 2.5.1.21) catalyzes a reductive dimerization of two farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) molecules into squalene, a key precursor for the sterol and triterpene biosynthesis. A full-length cDNA encoding squalene synthase (designated as TcSqS) was isolated from Taxus cuspidata, a kind of important medicinal plants producing potent anti-cancer drug, taxol. The full-length cDNA of TcSqS was 1765 bp and contained a 1230 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polypeptide of 409 amino acids. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the deduced TcSqS protein had high similarity with other plant squalene synthases and a predicted crystal structure similar to other class I isoprenoid biosynthetic enzymes. Southern blot analysis revealed that there was one copy of TcSqS gene in the genome of T. cuspidata. Semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis and northern blotting analysis showed that TcSqS expressed constitutively in all tested tissues, with the highest expression in roots. The promoter region of TcSqS was also isolated by genomic walking and analysis showed that several cis-acting elements were present in the promoter region. The results of treatment experiments by different signaling components including methyl-jasmonate, salicylic acid and gibberellin revealed that the TcSqS expression level of treated cells had a prominent diversity to that of control, which was consistent with the prediction results of TcSqS promoter region in the PlantCARE database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuosh Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, Morgan-Tan International Center for Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
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34
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Cammerer SB, Jimenez C, Jones S, Gros L, Lorente SO, Rodrigues C, Rodrigues JCF, Caldera A, Ruiz Perez LM, da Souza W, Kaiser M, Brun R, Urbina JA, Gonzalez Pacanowska D, Gilbert IH. Quinuclidine derivatives as potential antiparasitics. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2007; 51:4049-61. [PMID: 17709461 PMCID: PMC2151445 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00205-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for the development of new drugs for the treatment of tropical parasitic diseases such as Chagas' disease and leishmaniasis. One potential drug target in the organisms that cause these diseases is sterol biosynthesis. This paper describes the design and synthesis of quinuclidine derivatives as potential inhibitors of a key enzyme in sterol biosynthesis, squalene synthase (SQS). A number of compounds that were inhibitors of the recombinant Leishmania major SQS at submicromolar concentrations were discovered. Some of these compounds were also selective for the parasite enzyme rather than the homologous human enzyme. The compounds inhibited the growth of and sterol biosynthesis in Leishmania parasites. In addition, we identified other quinuclidine derivatives that inhibit the growth of Trypanosoma brucei (the causative organism of human African trypanosomiasis) and Plasmodium falciparum (a causative agent of malaria), but through an unknown mode(s) of action.
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35
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Sealey-Cardona M, Cammerer S, Jones S, Ruiz-Pérez LM, Brun R, Gilbert IH, Urbina JA, González-Pacanowska D. Kinetic characterization of squalene synthase from Trypanosoma cruzi: selective inhibition by quinuclidine derivatives. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2007; 51:2123-9. [PMID: 17371809 PMCID: PMC1891404 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01454-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The biosynthesis of sterols is a major route for the development of antitrypanosomals. Squalene synthase (SQS) catalyzes the first step committed to the biosynthesis of sterols within the isoprenoid pathway, and several inhibitors of the enzyme have selective antitrypanosomal activity both in vivo and in vitro. The enzyme from Trypanosoma cruzi is a 404-amino-acid protein with a clearly identifiable membrane-spanning region. In an effort to generate soluble recombinant enzyme, we have expressed in Escherichia coli several truncated versions of T. cruzi SQS with a His tag attached to the amino terminus. Deletions of both the amino- and carboxyl-terminal regions generated active and soluble forms of the enzyme. The highest levels of soluble protein were achieved when 24 and 36 amino acids were eliminated from the amino and carboxyl regions, respectively, yielding a protein of 41.67 kDa. The Michaelis-Menten constants of the purified enzyme for farnesyl diphosphate and NAD (NADPH) were 5.25 and 23.34 microM, respectively, whereas the V(max) was 1,428.56 nmol min(-1)mg(-1). Several quinuclidine derivatives with antiprotozoal activity in vitro were found to be selective inhibitors of recombinant T. cruzi SQS in comparative assays with the human enzyme, with 50% inhibitory concentration values in the nanomolar range. These data suggest that selective inhibition of T. cruzi SQS may be an efficient strategy for the development of new antitrypanosomal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Sealey-Cardona
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra," Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, 18100-Armilla, Granada, Spain
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36
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Pengelley SC, Chapman DC, Mark Abbott W, Lin HH, Huang W, Dalton K, Jones IM. A suite of parallel vectors for baculovirus expression. Protein Expr Purif 2006; 48:173-81. [PMID: 16797185 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2006.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2005] [Revised: 04/20/2006] [Accepted: 04/20/2006] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The expression of proteins using recombinant baculoviruses is a mature and widely used technology. However, some aspects of the technology continue to detract from high throughput use and the basis of the final observed expression level is poorly understood. Here, we describe the design and use of a set of vectors developed around a unified cloning strategy that allow parallel expression of target proteins in the baculovirus system as N-terminal or C-terminal fusions. Using several protein kinases as tests we found that amino-terminal fusion to maltose binding protein rescued expression of the poorly expressed human kinase Cot but had only a marginal effect on expression of a well-expressed kinase IKK-2. In addition, MBP fusion proteins were found to be secreted from the expressing cell. Use of a carboxyl-terminal GFP tagging vector showed that fluorescence measurement paralleled expression level and was a convenient readout in the context of insect cell expression, an observation that was further supported with additional non-kinase targets. The expression of the target proteins using the same vectors in vitro showed that differences in expression level were wholly dependent on the environment of the expressing cell and an investigation of the time course of expression showed it could affect substantially the observed expression level for poorly but not well-expressed proteins. Our vector suite approach shows that rapid expression survey can be achieved within the baculovirus system and in addition, goes some way to identifying the underlying basis of the expression level obtained.
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37
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Fukunaga K, Arita M, Takahashi M, Morris AJ, Pfeffer M, Levy BD. Identification and functional characterization of a presqualene diphosphate phosphatase. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:9490-7. [PMID: 16464866 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m512970200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Presqualene diphosphate (PSDP) is a bioactive lipid that rapidly remodels to presqualene monophosphate (PSMP) upon cell activation (Levy, B. D., Petasis, N. A., and Serhan, C. N. (1997) Nature 389, 985-990). Here, we have identified and characterized a phosphatase that converts PSDP to PSMP. Unlike the related polyisoprenyl phosphate farnesyl diphosphate (FDP), PSDP was not a substrate for type 2 lipid phosphate phosphohydrolases. PSDP phosphatase activity was identified in activated human neutrophil (PMN) extracts and partially purified in the presence of Nonidet P-40 with gel filtration and anion exchange chromatography. Peptide sequencing of a candidate phosphatase was consistent with phosphatidic acid phosphatase domain containing 2 (PPAPDC2), an uncharacterized protein that contains a lipid phosphate phosphohydrolase consensus motif. Recombinant PPAPDC2 displayed diphosphate phosphatase activity with a substrate preference for PSDP > FDP > phosphatidic acid. PPAPDC2 activity was independent of Mg(2+) and optimal at pH 7.0 to 8.0. Incubation of [(14)C]FDP with recombinant human squalene synthase led to [(14)C]PSDP and [(14)C]squalene formation, and in the presence of PPAPDC2, [(14)C]PSMP was generated from [(14)C]PSDP. PPAPDC2 mRNA was detected in human PMN, and is widely expressed in human tissues. Together, these findings indicate that PPAPDC2 in human PMN is the first lipid phosphate phosphohydrolase identified for PSDP. Regulation of this activity of the enzyme may have important roles for PMN activation in innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Fukunaga
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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38
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Mori M, Li G, Abe I, Nakayama J, Guo Z, Sawashita J, Ugawa T, Nishizono S, Serikawa T, Higuchi K, Shumiya S. Lanosterol synthase mutations cause cholesterol deficiency-associated cataracts in the Shumiya cataract rat. J Clin Invest 2006; 116:395-404. [PMID: 16440058 PMCID: PMC1350995 DOI: 10.1172/jci20797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2003] [Accepted: 11/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Shumiya cataract rat (SCR) is a hereditary cataractous strain. It is thought that the continuous occurrence of poorly differentiated epithelial cells at the bow area of the lens forms the pathophysiological basis for cataract formation in SCRs. In this study, we attempted to identify the genes associated with cataract formation in SCRs by positional cloning. Genetic linkage analysis revealed the presence of a major cataract locus on chromosome 20 as well as a locus on chromosome 15 that partially suppressed cataract onset. Hypomorphic mutations were identified in genes for lanosterol synthase (Lss) on chromosome 20 and farnesyl diphosphate farnesyl transferase 1 (Fdft1) on chromosome 15, both of which function in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. A null mutation for Lss was also identified. Cataract onset was associated with the specific combination of Lss and Fdft1 mutant alleles that decreased cholesterol levels in cataractous lenses to about 57% of normal. Thus, cholesterol insufficiency may underlie the deficient proliferation of lens epithelial cells in SCRs, which results in the loss of homeostatic epithelial cell control of the underlying fiber cells and eventually leads to cataractogenesis. These findings may have some relevance to other types of cataracts, inborn defects of cholesterol synthesis, and the effects of cholesterol-lowering medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Mori
- Department of Aging Biology, Institute on Aging and Adaptation, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
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Braga MV, Urbina JA, de Souza W. Effects of squalene synthase inhibitors on the growth and ultrastructure of Trypanosoma cruzi. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2004; 24:72-8. [PMID: 15225865 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2003.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2003] [Accepted: 12/22/2003] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Squalene synthase (SQS) catalyses the first committed step of sterol biosynthesis; a blockade of this enzyme does not affect the production of other essential isoprenoids. In the present study, 3-(biphenyl-4-yl)-3-hydroxyquinuclidine (BPQ-OH) and ER27856, two specific inhibitors of SQS, were tested against epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. Both compounds inhibited parasite multiplication with IC(50) values of 24.3 and 4.5 microM, respectively and induced marked morphological changes. These changes included: (a) detachment of the plasma membrane from the cell body, forming blebs; (b) detachment of the membrane lining the cell body and the flagellum from the sub-pellicular and axonemal microtubules; (c) enlargement of the flagellar pocket; (d) enlargement of a vacuole localised close to the flagellar pocket, which may correspond to a contractile vacuole; (e) mitochondrial swelling, with the appearance of concentric structures formed by invaginations of the inner mitochondrial membrane; (f) alterations in the nucleus of some cells, where the chromatin appears in clumps, as described for apoptotic cells; and (g) blockage of cytokinesis. These alterations are interpreted as a consequence of the depletion of essential parasite sterols induced by the experimental compounds and the concomitant alteration of the physical properties of the parasite membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina V Braga
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha de Fundão, 21949-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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40
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Urbina JA, Concepcion JL, Rangel S, Visbal G, Lira R. Squalene synthase as a chemotherapeutic target in Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania mexicana. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2002; 125:35-45. [PMID: 12467972 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-6851(02)00206-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania parasites have a strict requirement for specific endogenous sterols (ergosterol and analogs) for survival and growth and cannot use the abundant supply of cholesterol present in their mammalian hosts. Squalene synthase (SQS, E.C. 2.5.1.21) catalyzes the first committed step in sterol biosynthesis and is currently under intense study as a possible target for cholesterol-lowering agents in humans, but it has not been investigated as a target for anti-parasitic chemotherapy. SQS is a membrane-bound enzyme in both T. cruzi epimastigotes and Leishmania mexicana promastigotes with a dual subcellular localization, being almost evenly distributed between glycosomes and mitochondrial/microsomal vesicles. Kinetic studies showed that the parasite enzymes display normal Michaelis-Menten kinetics and the values of the kinetic constants are comparable to those of the mammalian enzyme. We synthesized and purified 3-(biphenyl-4-yl)-3-hydroxyquinuclidine (BPQ-OH), a potent and specific inhibitor of mammalian SQS and found that it is also a powerful non-competitive inhibitor of T. cruzi and L. mexicana SQS, with K(i)'s in the range of 12-62 nM. BPQ-OH induced a dose-dependent reduction of proliferation the extracellular stages of these parasites with minimal growth inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 10-30 microM. Growth inhibition and cell lysis induced by BPQ-OH in both parasites was associated with complete depletion of endogenous squalene and sterols, consistent with a blockade of de novo sterol synthesis at the level of SQS. BPQ-OH was able to eradicate intracellular T. cruzi amastigotes from Vero cells cultured at 37 degrees C, with a MIC of 30 microM with no deleterious effects on host cells. Taken together, these results support the notion that SQS inhibitors could be developed as selective anti-trypanosomatid agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio A Urbina
- Laboratorio de Quimica Biológica, Centro de Bioquimica y Biofisica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas, Caracas 1020, Venezuela.
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41
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Miki T, Kori M, Mabuchi H, Tozawa RI, Nishimoto T, Sugiyama Y, Teshima K, Yukimasa H. Synthesis of novel 4,1-benzoxazepine derivatives as squalene synthase inhibitors and their inhibition of cholesterol synthesis. J Med Chem 2002; 45:4571-80. [PMID: 12238936 DOI: 10.1021/jm020234o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Modification of the carboxyl group at the 3-position and introduction of protective groups to the hydroxy group of the 4,1-benzoxazepine derivative 2 (metabolite of 1) were carried out, and the inhibitory activity for squalene synthase and cholesterol synthesis in the liver was investigated. Among these compounds, the glycine derivative 3a and beta-alanine derivative 3f exhibited the most potent inhibition of squalene synthase prepared from HepG2 cells (IC(50) = 15 nM). On the other hand, the piperidine-4-acetic acid derivative 4a, which was prepared by acetylation of 3j, was the most effective inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis in rat liver (ED(50) = 2.9 mg/kg, po). After oral administration, 4a was absorbed and rapidly hydrolyzed to deacylated 3j. Compound 3j was detected mainly in the liver, but the plasma level of 3j was found to be low. Compounds 3j and 4a were found to be competitive inhibitors with respect to farnesyl pyrophosphate. Further evaluation of 4a as a cholesterol-lowering and antiatherosclerotic agent is underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Miki
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd., 2-17-85, Juso-Honmachi, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka 532-8686, Japan, and Strategic Product Planning Department, Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd., 4-1-1, Doshomachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-8645, Japan
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42
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Miki T, Kori M, Fujishima A, Mabuchi H, Tozawa RI, Nakamura M, Sugiyama Y, Yukimasa H. Syntheses of fused heterocyclic compounds and their inhibitory activities for squalene synthase. Bioorg Med Chem 2002; 10:385-400. [PMID: 11741787 DOI: 10.1016/s0968-0896(01)00289-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
A variety of fused heterocyclic compounds (2-11) were synthesized as a modification of the lead compound 1a and evaluated for their inhibition of squalene synthase. 4,1-Benzothiazepine derivative 2, 1,4-benzodiazepine derivative 6, 1,3-benzodiazepine derivative 7, 1-benzazepine derivative 9, and 4,1-benzoxazocine derivative 10 potently inhibited squalene synthase activity, whereas the 4,1-benzoxazepine derivatives 1 was the most potent inhibitor. 4,1-Benzothiazepine S-oxide derivative 4, 1,4-benzodiazepine derivative 5, 1,3,4-benzotriazepine derivative 8, and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline derivative 11 were found to be weakly active. Comparison of the X-ray structures of these compounds (1a, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 10) suggests that orientation of the 5- (or 6)-phenyl group is important for activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Miki
- Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd., Pharmaceutical Research Division, 2-17-85, Juso-Honmachi, Osaka 532-8686, Yodogawa-ku, Japan.
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Tansey TR, Shechter I. Squalene synthase: structure and regulation. PROGRESS IN NUCLEIC ACID RESEARCH AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2000; 65:157-95. [PMID: 11008488 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6603(00)65005-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Squalene synthase (SQS) catalyzes the first reaction of the branch of the isoprenoid metabolic pathway committed specifically to sterol biosynthesis. Regulation of SQS is thought to direct proximal intermediates in the pathway into either sterol or nonsterol branches in response to changing cellular requirements. The importance of SQS in cholesterol metabolism has stimulated research on the mechanism, structure, and regulation of the enzyme. SQS produces squalene, a C30 isoprenoid, in a two-step reaction in which two molecules of farnesyl diphosphate are condensed head to head. Site-directed mutagenesis of rat SQS has identified conserved Tyr, Phe, and Asp residues that are essential for function. The aromatic rings of Tyr and Phe are postulated to stabilize carbocation intermediates of the first and second half-reactions, respectively; the acidic Asp residues may be required for substrate binding. SQS activity, protein level, and gene transcription are strictly and coordinately regulated by cholesterol status, decreasing with cholesterol surfeit and increasing with cholesterol deficit. The human SQS (hSQS) gene has an unusually complex promoter with multiple binding sites for the sterol regulatory element binding proteins SREBP-1a and SREBP-2, and for accessory transcription factors known to be involved in the control of other sterol-responsive genes. SREBP-1a and SREBP-2 require different subsets of hSQS regulatory DNA elements to achieve maximal promoter activation. Current research is directed at elucidating the precise contribution made by individual SREBPs and accessory transcription factors to hSQS transcriptional control.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Tansey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
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Pandit J, Danley DE, Schulte GK, Mazzalupo S, Pauly TA, Hayward CM, Hamanaka ES, Thompson JF, Harwood HJ. Crystal structure of human squalene synthase. A key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:30610-7. [PMID: 10896663 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m004132200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Squalene synthase catalyzes the biosynthesis of squalene, a key cholesterol precursor, through a reductive dimerization of two farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) molecules. The reaction is unique when compared with those of other FPP-utilizing enzymes and proceeds in two distinct steps, both of which involve the formation of carbocationic reaction intermediates. Because FPP is located at the final branch point in the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway, its conversion to squalene through the action of squalene synthase represents the first committed step in the formation of cholesterol, making it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. We have determined, for the first time, the crystal structures of recombinant human squalene synthase complexed with several different inhibitors. The structure shows that SQS is folded as a single domain, with a large channel in the middle of one face. The active sites of the two half-reactions catalyzed by the enzyme are located in the central channel, which is lined on both sides by conserved aspartate and arginine residues, which are known from mutagenesis experiments to be involved in FPP binding. One end of this channel is exposed to solvent, whereas the other end leads to a completely enclosed pocket surrounded by conserved hydrophobic residues. These observations, along with mutagenesis data identifying residues that affect substrate binding and activity, suggest that two molecules of FPP bind at one end of the channel, where the active center of the first half-reaction is located, and then the stable reaction intermediate moves into the deep pocket, where it is sequestered from solvent and the second half-reaction occurs. Five alpha helices surrounding the active center are structurally homologous to the active core in the three other isoprenoid biosynthetic enzymes whose crystal structures are known, even though there is no detectable sequence homology.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Pandit
- Departments of Exploratory Medicinal Sciences and Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Pfizer Central Research, Groton, Connecticut 06340, USA.
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Petras SF, Lindsey S, Harwood HJ. HMG-CoA reductase regulation: use of structurally diverse first half-reaction squalene synthetase inhibitors to characterize the site of mevalonate-derived nonsterol regulator production in cultured IM-9 cells. J Lipid Res 1999. [DOI: 10.1016/s0022-2275(20)33336-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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