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Gehris J, Ervin C, Hawkins C, Womack S, Churillo AM, Doyle J, Sinusas AJ, Spinale FG. Fibroblast activation protein: Pivoting cancer/chemotherapeutic insight towards heart failure. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115914. [PMID: 37956895 PMCID: PMC10824141 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
An important mechanism for cancer progression is degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) which is accompanied by the emergence and proliferation of an activated fibroblast, termed the cancer associated fibroblast (CAF). More specifically, an enzyme pathway identified to be amplified with local cancer progression and proliferation of the CAF, is fibroblast activation protein (FAP). The development and progression of heart failure (HF) irrespective of the etiology is associated with left ventricular (LV) remodeling and changes in ECM structure and function. As with cancer, HF progression is associated with a change in LV myocardial fibroblast growth and function, and expresses a protein signature not dissimilar to the CAF. The overall goal of this review is to put forward the postulate that scientific discoveries regarding FAP in cancer as well as the development of specific chemotherapeutics could be pivoted to target the emergence of FAP in the activated fibroblast subtype and thus hold translationally relevant diagnostic and therapeutic targets in HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Gehris
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Charlie Ervin
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Charlotte Hawkins
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Sydney Womack
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Amelia M Churillo
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Jonathan Doyle
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Albert J Sinusas
- Yale University Cardiovascular Imaging Center, New Haven CT, United States
| | - Francis G Spinale
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States.
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Basalova N, Alexandrushkina N, Grigorieva O, Kulebyakina M, Efimenko A. Fibroblast Activation Protein Alpha (FAPα) in Fibrosis: Beyond a Perspective Marker for Activated Stromal Cells? Biomolecules 2023; 13:1718. [PMID: 38136590 PMCID: PMC10742035 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of tissue fibrosis is a complex process involving the interaction of multiple cell types, which makes the search for antifibrotic agents rather challenging. So far, myofibroblasts have been considered the key cell type that mediated the development of fibrosis and thus was the main target for therapy. However, current strategies aimed at inhibiting myofibroblast function or eliminating them fail to demonstrate sufficient effectiveness in clinical practice. Therefore, today, there is an unmet need to search for more reliable cellular targets to contribute to fibrosis resolution or the inhibition of its progression. Activated stromal cells, capable of active proliferation and invasive growth into healthy tissue, appear to be such a target population due to their more accessible localization in the tissue and their high susceptibility to various regulatory signals. This subpopulation is marked by fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα). For a long time, FAPα was considered exclusively a marker of cancer-associated fibroblasts. However, accumulating data are emerging on the diverse functions of FAPα, which suggests that this protein is not only a marker but also plays an important role in fibrosis development and progression. This review aims to summarize the current data on the expression, regulation, and function of FAPα regarding fibrosis development and identify promising advances in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Basalova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Educational Centre, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia (O.G.); (A.E.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Natalya Alexandrushkina
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Educational Centre, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia (O.G.); (A.E.)
| | - Olga Grigorieva
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Educational Centre, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia (O.G.); (A.E.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Maria Kulebyakina
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Anastasia Efimenko
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Educational Centre, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia (O.G.); (A.E.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia;
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Kirienko M, Centonze G, Sabella G, Sollai M, Sollini M, Lan X, Chen H, Terracciano L, Seregni E, Milione M. FAP expression in alpha cells of Langherhans insulae-implications for FAPI radiopharmaceuticals' use. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2023; 50:3042-3049. [PMID: 37140668 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06246-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiopharmaceuticals targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) alpha are increasingly studied for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. We discovered FAP expression at immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the alpha cells of the Langerhans insulae of few patients. Therefore, we planned an investigation aimed at describing FAP expression in the pancreas and discussing the implications for radioligand applications. METHODS We retrospectively included 40 patients from 2 institutions (20 pts each) according to the following inclusion/exclusion criteria: (i) pathology proven pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors (NET), 10 pts per each group at each center; (ii) and availability of paraffin-embedded tissue; and (iii) clinical-pathological records. We performed IHC analysis and applied a semiquantitative visual scoring system (0, negative staining; 1, present in less than 30%; 2, present in more than 30% of the area). FAP expression was assessed according to histology-NET (n = 20) vs ductal adenocarcinoma (n = 20)-and to previous treatments within the adenocarcinoma group. The local ethics committee approved the study (No. INT 21/16, 28 January 2016). RESULTS The population consisted of 24 males and 16 females, with a median age of 68 and a range of 14-84 years; 8/20 adenocarcinoma patients received chemotherapy. In all the Langerhans insulae (40/40), pancreatic alpha cells were found to express FAP, with a score of 2. No difference was found among NET (20/20) and adenocarcinoma (20/20), nor according to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the adenocarcinoma cohort (received or not received). CONCLUSION Pancreatic Langerhans islet alpha cells normally express FAP. This is not expected to influence the diagnostic accuracy of FAP-targeting tracers. In the therapeutic setting, our results suggest the need to better elucidate FAPI radioligands' effects on the Langerhans insulae function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Kirienko
- Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Via Venzian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Centonze
- 1st Pathology Division, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Sabella
- 1st Pathology Division, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Sollai
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Sollini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072, Milan, Italy
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Xiaoli Lan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Haojun Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Minnan PET Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Luigi Terracciano
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072, Milan, Italy
| | - Ettore Seregni
- Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Via Venzian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Milione
- 1st Pathology Division, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Pedersen AKN, Hage C, Jessen N, Mellbin L, Bjerre M. Sitagliptin reduces FAP-activity and increases intact FGF21 levels in patients with newly detected glucose abnormalities. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 556:111738. [PMID: 35926756 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a hormone with pleiotropic metabolic effects, is inactivated by fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a member of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) family. We investigate if sitagliptin (DPP-IV inhibitor) inhibits FAP-activity and increases intact FGF21. METHODS Patients with impaired glucose metabolism were randomized to 100 mg sitagliptin (n = 34) or placebo (n = 37) treatment for 12 weeks. Plasma samples obtained at study entry and at 12-weeks were analysed for FAP-activity, FAP, total FGF21 and intact FGF21. RESULTS Sitagliptin significantly inhibited FAP-activity (497 ± 553 vs. 48 ± 712 RFU/min, p < 0.01) and correspondingly increased intact FGF21 (253 ± 182 vs 141 ± 80 ng/L, p < 0.01) compared to placebo in plasma. Sitagliptin dose-dependently inhibited the FAP-activity in vitro. Intact FGF21 was higher in patients obtaining a normal glucose tolerance regardless of treatment (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION A sitagliptin-induced increase of intact FGF21 may contribute to an improved metabolic effect in patients with impaired glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K N Pedersen
- Medical/Steno Aarhus Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Camilla Hage
- Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niels Jessen
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Biomedicine, Health, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Linda Mellbin
- Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mette Bjerre
- Medical/Steno Aarhus Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Song P, Pan Q, Sun Z, Zou L, Yang L. Fibroblast activation protein alpha: Comprehensive detection methods for drug target and tumor marker. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 354:109830. [PMID: 35104486 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP-α, EC3.4.2. B28), a type II transmembrane proteolytic enzyme for the serine protease peptidase family. It is underexpressed in normal tissues but increased significantly in disease states, especially in neoplasm, which is a potential biomarker to turmor diagnosis. The inhibition of FAP-α activity will retard tumor formation, which is expected to be a promising tumor therapeutic target. At present, although the FAP-α expression detection methods has diversification, a superlative detection means is necessary for the clinical diagnosis. This review covers the discovery and the latest advances in FAP-α, as well as the future research prospects. The tissue distribution, structural characteristics, small-molecule ligands and structure-activity relationship of major inhibitors of FAP-α were summarized in this review. Furthermore, a variety of detection methods including traditional detection methods and emerging probes detection were classified and compared, and the design strategy and kinetic parameters of these FAP-α probe substrates were summarized. In addition, these comprehensive information provides a series of practical and reliable assays for the optimal design principles of FAP-α probes, promoting the application of FAP-α as a disease marker in diagnosis, and a drug target in drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peifang Song
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Quisha Pan
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Liwei Zou
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ling Yang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Imlimthan S, Moon ES, Rathke H, Afshar-Oromieh A, Rösch F, Rominger A, Gourni E. New Frontiers in Cancer Imaging and Therapy Based on Radiolabeled Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitors: A Rational Review and Current Progress. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1023. [PMID: 34681246 PMCID: PMC8540221 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has become a new paradigm of cancer diagnosis and therapy due to its unique biological features, mainly the interconnection between cancer and stromal cells. Within the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) demonstrate as one of the most critical stromal cells that regulate tumor cell growth, progression, immunosuppression, and metastasis. CAFs are identified by various biomarkers that are expressed on their surfaces, such as fibroblast activation protein (FAP), which could be utilized as a useful target for diagnostic imaging and treatment. One of the advantages of targeting FAP-expressing CAFs is the absence of FAP expression in quiescent fibroblasts, leading to a controlled targetability of diagnostic and therapeutic compounds to the malignant tumor stromal area using radiolabeled FAP-based ligands. FAP-based radiopharmaceuticals have been investigated strenuously for the visualization of malignancies and delivery of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals to the TME. This review provides an overview of the state of the art in TME compositions, particularly CAFs and FAP, and their roles in cancer biology. Moreover, relevant reports on radiolabeled FAP inhibitors until the year 2021 are highlighted-as well as the current limitations, challenges, and requirements for those radiolabeled FAP inhibitors in clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surachet Imlimthan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.I.); (H.R.); (A.A.-O.); (A.R.)
| | - Euy Sung Moon
- Department of Chemistry—TRIGA Site, Johannes Gutenberg—University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (E.S.M.); (F.R.)
| | - Hendrik Rathke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.I.); (H.R.); (A.A.-O.); (A.R.)
| | - Ali Afshar-Oromieh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.I.); (H.R.); (A.A.-O.); (A.R.)
| | - Frank Rösch
- Department of Chemistry—TRIGA Site, Johannes Gutenberg—University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (E.S.M.); (F.R.)
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.I.); (H.R.); (A.A.-O.); (A.R.)
| | - Eleni Gourni
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.I.); (H.R.); (A.A.-O.); (A.R.)
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Dendl K, Koerber SA, Kratochwil C, Cardinale J, Finck R, Dabir M, Novruzov E, Watabe T, Kramer V, Choyke PL, Haberkorn U, Giesel FL. FAP and FAPI-PET/CT in Malignant and Non-Malignant Diseases: A Perfect Symbiosis? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4946. [PMID: 34638433 PMCID: PMC8508433 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is an atypical type II transmembrane serine protease with both endopeptidase and post-proline dipeptidyl peptidase activity. FAP is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are found in most epithelial tumors. CAFs have been implicated in promoting tumor cell invasion, angiogenesis and growth and their presence correlates with a poor prognosis. However, FAP can generally be found during the remodeling of the extracellular matrix and therefore can be detected in wound healing and benign diseases. For instance, chronic inflammation, arthritis, fibrosis and ischemic heart tissue after a myocardial infarction are FAP-positive diseases. Therefore, quinoline-based FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) bind with a high affinity not only to tumors but also to a variety of benign pathologic processes. When these inhibitors are radiolabeled with positron emitting radioisotopes, they provide new diagnostic and prognostic tools as well as insights into the role of the microenvironment in a disease. In this respect, they deliver additional information beyond what is afforded by conventional FDG PET scans that typically report on glucose uptake. Thus, FAP ligands are considered to be highly promising novel tracers that offer a new diagnostic and theranostic potential in a variety of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Dendl
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (C.K.); (J.C.); (R.F.); (U.H.); (F.L.G.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Düsseldorf University Hospital, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (M.D.); (E.N.)
| | - Stefan A. Koerber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clemens Kratochwil
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (C.K.); (J.C.); (R.F.); (U.H.); (F.L.G.)
| | - Jens Cardinale
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (C.K.); (J.C.); (R.F.); (U.H.); (F.L.G.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Düsseldorf University Hospital, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (M.D.); (E.N.)
| | - Rebecca Finck
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (C.K.); (J.C.); (R.F.); (U.H.); (F.L.G.)
| | - Mardjan Dabir
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Düsseldorf University Hospital, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (M.D.); (E.N.)
| | - Emil Novruzov
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Düsseldorf University Hospital, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (M.D.); (E.N.)
| | - Tadashi Watabe
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Tracer Kinetics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan;
| | - Vasko Kramer
- Positronpharma SA, Santiago 7500921, Chile;
- Center of Nuclear Medicine, PositronMed, Santiago 7501068, Chile
| | - Peter L. Choyke
- Molecular Imaging Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1088, USA;
| | - Uwe Haberkorn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (C.K.); (J.C.); (R.F.); (U.H.); (F.L.G.)
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research DZL, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frederik L. Giesel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (C.K.); (J.C.); (R.F.); (U.H.); (F.L.G.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Düsseldorf University Hospital, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (M.D.); (E.N.)
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Xi CR, Di Fazio A, Nadvi NA, Xiang MSW, Zhang HE, Deshpande C, Chen Y, Tabar MS, Wang XM, Bailey CG, McCaughan GW, Church WB, Gorrell MD. An improved production and purification protocol for recombinant soluble human fibroblast activation protein alpha. Protein Expr Purif 2021; 181:105833. [PMID: 33524496 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2021.105833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) is a cell-surface expressed type II glycoprotein that has a unique proteolytic activity. FAP has active soluble forms that retain the extracellular portion but lack the transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail. FAP expression is normally very low in adult tissue but is highly expressed by activated fibroblasts in sites of tissue remodelling. Thus, FAP is a potential biomarker and pharmacological target in liver fibrosis, atherosclerosis, cardiac fibrosis, arthritis and cancer. Understanding the biological significance of FAP by investigating protein structure, interactions and activities requires reliable methods for the production and purification of abundant pure and stable protein. We describe an improved production and purification protocol for His6-tagged recombinant soluble human FAP. A modified baculovirus expression construct was generated using the pFastBac1 vector and the gp67 secretion signal to produce abundant active soluble recombinant human FAP (residues 27-760) in insect cells. The FAP purification protocol employed ammonium sulphate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography, immobilised metal affinity chromatography and ultrafiltration. High purity was achieved, as judged by gel electrophoresis and specific activity. The purified 82 kDa FAP protein was specifically inhibited by a FAP selective inhibitor, ARI-3099, and was inhibited by zinc with an IC50 of 25 μM. Our approach could be adopted for producing the soluble portions of other type II transmembrane glycoproteins to study their structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecy R Xi
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Arianna Di Fazio
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Nadvi
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; Research Portfolio Core Research Facilities, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Michelle Sui Wen Xiang
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Hui Emma Zhang
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Chandrika Deshpande
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, UK; Drug Discovery, Sydney Analytical, Core Research Facilities, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Yiqian Chen
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Mehdi Sharifi Tabar
- Gene & Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Xin Maggie Wang
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Charles G Bailey
- Gene & Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Geoffrey W McCaughan
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; AW Morrow GE & Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - W Bret Church
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Mark D Gorrell
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
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Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) is a type-II transmembrane serine protease expressed almost exclusively to pathological conditions including fibrosis, arthritis, and cancer. Across most cancer types, elevated FAP is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Despite the clear association between FAP and disease severity, the biological reasons underlying these clinical observations remain unclear. Here we review basic FAP biology and FAP's role in non-oncologic and oncologic disease. We further explore how FAP may worsen clinical outcomes via its effects on extracellular matrix remodeling, intracellular signaling regulation, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and immunosuppression. Lastly, we discuss the potential to exploit FAP biology to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison A Fitzgerald
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3870 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Louis M Weiner
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3870 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
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Brennen WN, J Thorek DL, Jiang W, Krueger TE, Antony L, Denmeade SR, Isaacs JT. Overcoming stromal barriers to immuno-oncological responses via fibroblast activation protein-targeted therapy. Immunotherapy 2020; 13:155-175. [PMID: 33148078 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2020-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment contributes to disease progression through multiple mechanisms, including immune suppression mediated in part by fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cells. Herein, a review of FAP biology is presented, supplemented with primary data. This includes FAP expression in prostate cancer and activation of latent reservoirs of TGF-β and VEGF to produce a positive feedback loop. This collectively suggests a normal wound repair process subverted during cancer pathophysiology. There has been immense interest in targeting FAP for diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic purposes. Until recently, this development has outpaced an understanding of the biology; impeding optimal translation into the clinic. A summary of these applications is provided with an emphasis on eliminating tumor-infiltrating FAP-positive cells to overcome stromal barriers to immuno-oncological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Nathaniel Brennen
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Daniel L J Thorek
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63310, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63310, USA
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Timothy E Krueger
- Department of Pharmacology & Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Lizamma Antony
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Samuel R Denmeade
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - John T Isaacs
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Schnapp G, Hoevels Y, Bakker RA, Schreiner P, Klein T, Nar H. A Single Second Shell Amino Acid Determines Affinity and Kinetics of Linagliptin Binding to Type 4 Dipeptidyl Peptidase and Fibroblast Activation Protein. ChemMedChem 2020; 16:630-639. [PMID: 33030297 PMCID: PMC7984154 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Drugs targeting type 4 dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP‐4) are beneficial for glycemic control, whereas fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP‐α) is a potential target for cancer therapies. Unlike other gliptins, linagliptin displays FAP inhibition. We compared biophysical and structural characteristics of linagliptin binding to DPP‐4 and FAP to better understand what differentiates linagliptin from other gliptins. Linagliptin exhibited high binding affinity (KD) and a slow off‐rate (koff) when dissociating from DPP‐4 (KD 6.6 pM; koff 5.1×10−5 s−1), and weaker inhibitory potency to FAP (KD 301 nM; koff>1 s−1). Co‐structures of linagliptin with DPP‐4 or FAP were similar except for one second shell amino acid difference: Asp663 (DPP‐4) and Ala657 (FAP). pH dependence of enzymatic activities and binding of linagliptin for DPP‐4 and FAP are dependent on this single amino acid difference. While linagliptin may not display any anticancer activity at therapeutic doses, our findings may guide future studies for the development of optimized inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Schnapp
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorferstr. 65, 88397, Biberach, Germany
| | - Yvette Hoevels
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorferstr. 65, 88397, Biberach, Germany
| | - Remko A Bakker
- Department of Cardiometabolic Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorferstr. 65, 88397, Biberach, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Klein
- Department of Cardiometabolic Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorferstr. 65, 88397, Biberach, Germany
| | - Herbert Nar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorferstr. 65, 88397, Biberach, Germany
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12
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Hubert F, Payan SM, Rochais F. FGF10 Signaling in Heart Development, Homeostasis, Disease and Repair. Front Genet 2018; 9:599. [PMID: 30546382 PMCID: PMC6279889 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Essential muscular organ that provides the whole body with oxygen and nutrients, the heart is the first organ to function during embryonic development. Cardiovascular diseases, including acquired and congenital heart defects, are the leading cause of mortality in industrialized countries. Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) are involved in a variety of cellular responses including proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Among the 22 human/mouse FGFs, the secreted FGF10 ligand through the binding of its specific receptors (FGFR1b and FGFR2b) and subsequent activation of downstream signaling is known to play essential role in cardiac development, homeostasis and disease. FGF10 is one of the major marker of the early cardiac progenitor cells and a crucial regulator of differentiated cardiomyocyte proliferation in the developing embryo. Increasing evidence support the hypothesis that a detailed understanding of developmental processes is essential to identify targets for cardiac repair and regeneration. Indeed the activation of resident cardiomyocyte proliferation together with the injection of cardiac progenitors represent the most promising therapeutical strategies for cardiac regenerative medicine. The recent findings showing that FGF10 promotes adult cardiomyocyte cell cycle reentry and directs stem cell differentiation and cell reprogramming toward the cardiogenic lineage provide new insights into therapeutical strategies for cardiac regeneration and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Hubert
- Aix-Marseille Univ, INSERM, MMG, U1251, Marseille, France
| | - Sandy M Payan
- Aix-Marseille Univ, INSERM, MMG, U1251, Marseille, France
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13
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Tan SY, Chowdhury S, Polak N, Gorrell MD, Weninger W. Fibroblast activation protein is dispensable in the anti-influenza immune response in mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171194. [PMID: 28158223 PMCID: PMC5291439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) is a unique dual peptidase of the S9B serine protease family, being capable of both dipeptidyl peptidase and endopeptidase activities. FAP is expressed at low level in healthy adult organs including the pancreas, cervix, uterus, submaxillary gland and the skin, and highly upregulated in embryogenesis, chronic inflammation and tissue remodelling. It is also expressed by cancer-associated stromal fibroblasts in more than 90% of epithelial tumours. FAP has enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions in the growth, immunosuppression, invasion and cell signalling of tumour cells. FAP deficient mice are fertile and viable with no gross abnormality, but little data exist on the role of FAP in the immune system. FAP is upregulated in association with microbial stimulation and chronic inflammation, but its function in infection remains unknown. We showed that major populations of immune cells including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, dendritic cells and neutrophils are generated and maintained normally in FAP knockout mice. Upon intranasal challenge with influenza virus, FAP mRNA was increased in the lungs and lung-draining lymph nodes. Nonetheless, FAP deficient mice showed similar pathologic kinetics to wildtype controls, and were capable of supporting normal anti-influenza T and B cell responses. There was no evidence of compensatory upregulation of other DPP4 family members in influenza-infected FAP-deficient mice. FAP appears to be dispensable in anti-influenza adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sioh-Yang Tan
- Immune Imaging Program, Centenary Institute for Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sumaiya Chowdhury
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Molecular Hepatology Laboratory, Centenary Institute for Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natasa Polak
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Molecular Hepatology Laboratory, Centenary Institute for Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark D. Gorrell
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Molecular Hepatology Laboratory, Centenary Institute for Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Weninger
- Immune Imaging Program, Centenary Institute for Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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14
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Wonganu B, Berger BW. A specific, transmembrane interface regulates fibroblast activation protein (FAP) homodimerization, trafficking and exopeptidase activity. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2016; 1858:1876-82. [PMID: 27155568 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a cell-surface serine protease which promotes invasiveness of certain epithelial cancers and is therefore a potential target for cancer drug development and delivery. Unlike dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), FAP exhibits prolyl endopeptidase activity and is active as a homodimer with specificity for type I collagen. The mechanism that regulates FAP homodimerization and its relation to prolyl endopeptidase activity is not completely understood. Here, we investigate key residues in the FAP TM domain that may be significant for FAP homodimerization. Mutations to predicted TM interfacial residues (G10L, S14L, and A18L) comprising a small-X3-small motif reduced FAP TM-CYTO dimerization relative to wild type as measured using the AraTM assay, whereas predicted off-interface residues showed no significant change from wild type. The results implied that the predicted small-X3-small dimer interface affect stabilization of FAP TM-CYTO homodimerization. Compared with FAPwild-type, the interfacial TM residue G10L significantly decreased FAP endopeptidase activity more than 25%, and also reduced cell-surface versus intracellular expression relative to other interfacial residues S14L and A18L. Thus, our results suggest FAP dimerization is important for both trafficking and protease activity, and is dependent on a specific TM interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamaporn Wonganu
- Program in Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States
| | - Bryan W Berger
- Program in Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States.
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15
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Meletta R, Müller Herde A, Chiotellis A, Isa M, Rancic Z, Borel N, Ametamey SM, Krämer SD, Schibli R. Evaluation of the radiolabeled boronic acid-based FAP inhibitor MIP-1232 for atherosclerotic plaque imaging. Molecules 2015; 20:2081-99. [PMID: 25633335 PMCID: PMC6272135 DOI: 10.3390/molecules20022081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Research towards the non-invasive imaging of atherosclerotic plaques is of high clinical priority as early recognition of vulnerable plaques may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events. The fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) was recently proposed as inflammation-induced protease involved in the process of plaque vulnerability. In this study, FAP mRNA and protein levels were investigated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in human endarterectomized carotid plaques. A published boronic-acid based FAP inhibitor, MIP-1232, was synthetized and radiolabeled with iodine-125. The potential of this radiotracer to image plaques was evaluated by in vitro autoradiography with human carotid plaques. Specificity was assessed with a xenograft with high and one with low FAP level, grown in mice. Target expression analyses revealed a moderately higher protein level in atherosclerotic plaques than normal arteries correlating with plaque vulnerability. No difference in expression was determined on mRNA level. The radiotracer was successfully produced and accumulated strongly in the FAP-positive SK-Mel-187 melanoma xenograft in vitro while accumulation was negligible in an NCI-H69 xenograft with low FAP levels. Binding of the tracer to endarterectomized tissue was similar in plaques and normal arteries, hampering its use for atherosclerosis imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romana Meletta
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Bioscience of ETH Zurich, Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Adrienne Müller Herde
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Bioscience of ETH Zurich, Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Aristeidis Chiotellis
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Bioscience of ETH Zurich, Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Malsor Isa
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Bioscience of ETH Zurich, Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Zoran Rancic
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Simon M Ametamey
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Bioscience of ETH Zurich, Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Stefanie D Krämer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Bioscience of ETH Zurich, Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Roger Schibli
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Bioscience of ETH Zurich, Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
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16
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Zhang J, Valianou M, Simmons H, Robinson MK, Lee HO, Mullins SR, Marasco WA, Adams GP, Weiner LM, Cheng JD. Identification of inhibitory scFv antibodies targeting fibroblast activation protein utilizing phage display functional screens. FASEB J 2012; 27:581-9. [PMID: 23104982 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-210377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a serine protease selectively expressed on tumor stromal fibroblasts in epithelial carcinomas and is important in cancer growth, adhesion, and metastases. As FAP enzymatic activity is a potent therapeutic target, we aimed to identify inhibitory antibodies. Using a competitive inhibition strategy, we used phage display techniques to identify 53 single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) after three rounds of panning against FAP. These scFvs were expressed and characterized for binding to FAP by surface plasmon resonance and flow cytometry. Functional assessment of these antibodies yielded an inhibitory scFv antibody, named E3, which could attenuate 35% of FAP cleavage of the fluorescent substrate Ala-Pro-7-amido-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin compared with nonfunctional scFv control. Furthermore, a mutant E3 scFv was identified by yeast affinity maturation. It had higher affinity (4-fold) and enhanced inhibitory effect on FAP enzyme activity (3-fold) than E3. The application of both inhibitory anti-FAP scFvs significantly affected the formation of 3-dimensional FAP-positive cell matrix, as demonstrated by reducing the fibronectin fiber orientation from 41.18% (negative antibody control) to 34.06% (E3) and 36.15% (mutant E3), respectively. Thus, we have identified and affinity-maturated the first scFv antibody capable of inhibiting FAP function. This scFv antibody has the potential to disrupt the role of FAP in tumor invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiping Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111-2497, USA
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17
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18
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Furuta Y, Horiguchi M, Sugaru E, Ono-Kishino M, Otani M, Sakai M, Masui Y, Tsuchida A, Sato Y, Takubo K, Hochigai H, Kimura H, Nakahira H, Nakagawa T, Taiji M. Chronic administration of DSP-7238, a novel, potent, specific and substrate-selective DPP IV inhibitor, improves glycaemic control and beta-cell damage in diabetic mice. Diabetes Obes Metab 2010; 12:421-30. [PMID: 20415690 DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2009.01180.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The purpose of this study is to assess the in vitro enzyme inhibition profile of DSP-7238, a novel non-cyanopyrrolidine dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) IV inhibitor and to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of this compound on glucose metabolism in two different mouse models of type 2 diabetes. METHODS The in vitro enzyme inhibition profile of DSP-7238 was assessed using plasma and recombinant enzymes including DPP IV, DPP II, DPP8, DPP9 and fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPalpha) with fluorogenic substrates. The inhibition type was evaluated based on the Lineweaver-Burk plot. Substrate selectivity of DSP-7238 and comparator DPP IV inhibitors (vildagliptin, sitagliptin, saxagliptin and linagliptin) was evaluated by mass spectrometry based on the changes in molecular weight of peptide substrates caused by release of N-terminal dipeptides. In the in vivo experiments, high-fat diet-induced obese (DIO) mice were subjected to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) following a single oral administration of DSP-7238. To assess the chronic effects of DSP-7238 on glycaemic control and pancreatic beta-cell damage, DSP-7238 was administered for 11 weeks to mice made diabetic by a combination of high-fat diet (HFD) and a low-dose of streptozotocin (STZ). After the dosing period, HbA1c was measured and pancreatic damage was evaluated by biological and histological analyses. RESULTS DSP-7238 and sitagliptin both competitively inhibited recombinant human DPP IV (rhDPP IV) with K(i) values of 0.60 and 2.1 nM respectively. Neither vildagliptin nor saxagliptin exhibited competitive inhibition of rhDPP IV. DSP-7238 did not inhibit DPP IV-related enzymes including DPP8, DPP9, DPP II and FAPalpha, whereas vildagliptin and saxagliptin showed inhibition of DPP8 and DPP9. Inhibition of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) degradation by DSP-7238 was apparently more potent than its inhibition of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (IP-10) or chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (SDF-1alpha) degradation. In contrast, vildagliptin and saxagliptin showed similar degree of inhibition of degradation for all the substrates tested. Compared to treatment with the vehicle, single oral administration of DSP-7238 dose-dependently decreased plasma DPP IV activity and improved glucose tolerance in DIO mice. In addition, DSP-7238 significantly decreased HbA1c and ameliorated pancreatic damage following 11 weeks of chronic treatment in HFD/STZ mice. CONCLUSIONS We have shown in this study that DSP-7238 is a potent DPP IV inhibitor that has high specificity for DPP IV and substrate selectivity against GLP-1. We have also found that chronic treatment with DSP-7238 improves glycaemic control and ameliorates beta-cell damage in a mouse model with impaired insulin sensitivity and secretion. These findings indicate that DSP-7238 may be a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Furuta
- Pharmacology Research Laboratories, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd., Konohana-Ku, Osaka, Japan
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19
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O'Brien P, O'Connor BF. Seprase: an overview of an important matrix serine protease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2008; 1784:1130-45. [PMID: 18262497 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2008.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2007] [Revised: 01/09/2008] [Accepted: 01/10/2008] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Seprase or Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) is an integral membrane serine peptidase, which has been shown to have gelatinase activity. Seprase has a dual function in tumour progression. The proteolytic activity of Seprase has been shown to promote cell invasiveness towards the ECM and also to support tumour growth and proliferation. Seprase appears to act as a proteolytically active 170-kDa dimer, consisting of two 97-kDa subunits. It is a member of the group type II integral serine proteases, which includes dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV/CD26) and related type II transmembrane prolyl serine peptidases, which exert their mechanisms of action on the cell surface. DPPIV and Seprase exhibit multiple functions due to their abilities to form complexes with each other and to interact with other membrane-associated molecules. Localisation of these protease complexes at cell surface protrusions, called invadopodia, may have a prominent role in processing soluble factors and in the degradation of extracellular matrix components that are essential to the cellular migration and matrix invasion that occur during tumour invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela O'Brien
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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20
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Aggarwal S, Brennen WN, Kole TP, Schneider E, Topaloglu O, Yates M, Cotter RJ, Denmeade SR. Fibroblast activation protein peptide substrates identified from human collagen I derived gelatin cleavage sites. Biochemistry 2007; 47:1076-86. [PMID: 18095711 DOI: 10.1021/bi701921b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A highly consistent trait of tumor stromal fibroblasts is the induction of the membrane-bound serine protease fibroblast activation protein-alpha (FAP), which is overexpressed on the surface of reactive stromal fibroblasts present within the stroma of the majority of human epithelial tumors. In contrast, FAP is not expressed by tumor epithelial cells or by fibroblasts or other cell types in normal tissues. The proteolytic activity of FAP, therefore, represents a potential pan-tumor target that can be exploited for the release of potent cytotoxins from inactive prodrugs consisting of an FAP peptide substrate coupled to a cytotoxin. To identify FAP peptide substrates, we used liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy based sequencing to generate a complete map of the FAP cleavage sites within human collagen I derived gelatin. Positional analysis of the frequency of each amino acid at each position within the cleavage sites revealed FAP consensus sequences PPGP and (D/E)-(R/K)-G-(E/D)-(T/S)-G-P. These studies further demonstrated that ranking cleavage sites based on the magnitude of the LC/MS/MS extracted ion current predicted FAP substrates that were cleaved with highest efficiency. Fluorescence-quenched peptides were synthesized on the basis of the cleavage sites with the highest ion current rankings, and kinetic parameters for FAP hydrolysis were determined. The substrate DRGETGP, which corresponded to the consensus sequence, had the lowest Km of 21 microM. Overall the Km values were relatively similar for both high and low ranked substrates, whereas the kcat values differed by up to 100-fold. On the basis of these results, the FAP consensus sequences are currently being evaluated as FAP-selective peptide carriers for incorporation into FAP-activated prodrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Aggarwal
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA
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21
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Danilova O, Li B, Szardenings AK, Huber BT, Rosenblum JS. Synthesis and activity of a potent, specific azabicyclo[3.3.0]-octane-based DPP II inhibitor. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2006; 17:507-10. [PMID: 17055271 PMCID: PMC1828633 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2006.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2006] [Revised: 10/05/2006] [Accepted: 10/05/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A cell permeable DPP II [also known as DPP2, DPP7, and quiescent cell proline dipeptidase (QPP)] inhibitor has been synthesized. The azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane-based inhibitor is potent and selective and elicits very similar quiescent lymphocyte death to previously characterized inhibitors that are not as selective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Danilova
- Tufts University School of Medicine, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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22
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Ghersi G, Zhao Q, Salamone M, Yeh Y, Zucker S, Chen WT. The protease complex consisting of dipeptidyl peptidase IV and seprase plays a role in the migration and invasion of human endothelial cells in collagenous matrices. Cancer Res 2006; 66:4652-61. [PMID: 16651416 PMCID: PMC1457118 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-05-1245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4/CD26) and seprase/fibroblast activation protein alpha are homologous type II transmembrane, homodimeric glycoproteins that exhibit unique prolyl peptidase activities. Human DPP4 is ubiquitously expressed in epithelial and endothelial cells and serves multiple functions in cleaving the penultimate positioned prolyl bonds at the NH(2) terminus of a variety of physiologically important peptides in the circulation. Recent studies showed a linkage between DPP4 and down-regulation of certain chemokines and mitogenic growth factors, and degradation of denatured collagens (gelatin), suggesting a role of DPP4 in the cell invasive phenotype. Here, we found the existence of a novel protease complex consisting of DPP4 and seprase in human endothelial cells that were activated to migrate and invade in the extracellular matrix in vitro. DPP4 and seprase were coexpressed with the three major protease systems (matrix metalloproteinase, plasminogen activator, and type II transmembrane serine protease) at the cell surface and organize as a complex at invadopodia-like protrusions. Both proteases were colocalized at the endothelial cells of capillaries, but not large blood vessels, in invasive breast ductal carcinoma in vivo. Importantly, monoclonal antibodies against the gelatin-binding domain of DPP4 blocked the local gelatin degradation by endothelial cells in the presence of the major metallo- and serine protease systems that modified pericellular collagenous matrices and subsequent cell migration and invasion. Thus, we have identified a novel mechanism involving the DPP4 gelatin-binding domain of the DPP4-seprase complex that facilitates the local degradation of the extracellular matrix and the invasion of the endothelial cells into collagenous matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Ghersi
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY 11794-8151
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 90128 Palermo, ITALY
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY 11794-8151
| | - Monica Salamone
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY 11794-8151
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 90128 Palermo, ITALY
| | - Yunyun Yeh
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY 11794-8151
| | - Stanley Zucker
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY 11794-8151
- V. A. Medical Center, Northport, N.Y. 11768
| | - Wen-Tien Chen
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY 11794-8151
- . Corresponding author: Wen-Tien Chen, Ph.D., Department of Medicine, HSC T15, Rm. 053, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY 11794-8151. T: (631) 444-6948; F: (631) 444-7530;
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Brandt I, Lambeir AM, Maes MB, Scharpé S, De Meester I. Peptide substrates of dipeptidyl peptidases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2006; 575:3-18. [PMID: 16700503 DOI: 10.1007/0-387-32824-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Inger Brandt
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
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24
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Ho NH, Weissleder R, Tung CH. Development of water-soluble far-red fluorogenic dyes for enzyme sensing. Tetrahedron 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2005.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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25
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Lee KN, Jackson KW, Christiansen VJ, Lee CS, Chun JG, McKee PA. Antiplasmin-cleaving enzyme is a soluble form of fibroblast activation protein. Blood 2005; 107:1397-404. [PMID: 16223769 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-08-3452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating antiplasmin-cleaving enzyme (APCE) has a role in fibrinolysis and appears structurally similar to fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a cell-surface proteinase that promotes invasiveness of certain epithelial cancers. To explore this potential relationship, we performed comparative structure/function analyses of the 2 enzymes. APCE from human plasma and recombinant FAP (rFAP) exhibited identical pH optima of 7.5, extinction coefficients (in(280 nm)(1%)) of 20.2 and 20.5, common sequences of tryptic peptides, and cross-reactivity with FAP antibody. APCE and rFAP are homodimers with monomeric subunits of 97 and 93 kDa. Only homodimers appear to have enzymatic activity, with essentially identical kinetics toward Met-alpha2-antiplasmin (Met-alpha2AP) and peptide substrates. APCE and rFAP cleave both Pro3-Leu4 and Pro12-Asn13 bonds of Met-alpha2AP, but relative kcat/Km values for Pro12-Asn13 are about 16-fold higher than for Pro3-Leu4. APCE and rFAP demonstrate higher kcat/Km values toward a peptide modeled on P4-P4' sequence surrounding the Pro12-Asn13 primary cleavage site than for Z-Gly-Pro-AMC and Ala-Pro-AFC substrates. These data support APCE as a soluble derivative of FAP and Met-alpha2AP as its physiologic substrate. Conversion of Met-alpha2AP by membrane or soluble FAP to the more easily fibrin-incorporable form, Asn-alpha2AP, may increase plasmin inhibition within fibrin surrounding certain neoplasms and have an impact on growth and therapeutic susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung N Lee
- W. K. Warren Medical Research Center, PO Box 26901, BSEB-306, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, USA.
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Aertgeerts K, Ye S, Shi L, Prasad SG, Witmer D, Chi E, Sang BC, Wijnands RA, Webb DR, Swanson RV. N-linked glycosylation of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (CD26): effects on enzyme activity, homodimer formation, and adenosine deaminase binding. Protein Sci 2004; 13:145-54. [PMID: 14691230 PMCID: PMC2286525 DOI: 10.1110/ps.03352504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The type II transmembrane serine protease dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), also known as CD26 or adenosine deaminase binding protein, is a major regulator of various physiological processes, including immune, inflammatory, nervous, and endocrine functions. It has been generally accepted that glycosylation of DPPIV and of other transmembrane dipeptidyl peptidases is a prerequisite for enzyme activity and correct protein folding. Crystallographic studies on DPPIV reveal clear N-linked glycosylation of nine Asn residues in DPPIV. However, the importance of each glycosylation site on physiologically relevant reactions such as dipeptide cleavage, dimer formation, and adenosine deaminase (ADA) binding remains obscure. Individual Asn-->Ala point mutants were introduced at the nine glycosylation sites in the extracellular domain of DPPIV (residues 39-766). Crystallographic and biochemical data demonstrate that N-linked glycosylation of DPPIV does not contribute significantly to its peptidase activity. The kinetic parameters of dipeptidyl peptidase cleavage of wild-type DPPIV and the N-glycosylation site mutants were determined by using Ala-Pro-AFC and Gly-Pro-pNA as substrates and varied by <50%. DPPIV is active as a homodimer. Size-exclusion chromatographic analysis showed that the glycosylation site mutants do not affect dimerization. ADA binds to the highly glycosylated beta-propeller domain of DPPIV, but the impact of glycosylation on binding had not previously been determined. Our studies indicate that glycosylation of DPPIV is not required for ADA binding. Taken together, these data indicate that in contrast to the generally accepted view, glycosylation of DPPIV is not a prerequisite for catalysis, dimerization, or ADA binding.
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Rosenblum JS, Kozarich JW. Prolyl peptidases: a serine protease subfamily with high potential for drug discovery. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2003; 7:496-504. [PMID: 12941425 DOI: 10.1016/s1367-5931(03)00084-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Much attention has recently been given to a class of proteases that cleave proteins and peptides after proline residues. This class includes dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV; also termed CD26), fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP; seprase), DPP7 (DPP II; quiescent cell proline dipeptidase), DPP8, DPP9, and prolyl carboxypeptidase (PCP; angiotensinase C). More distant members include prolyl oligopeptidase (POP; post proline cleaving enzyme) and acylaminoacylpeptidase (AAP; acylpeptide hydrolase). The DPPs and related proteins contain both membrane-bound and soluble members and span a broad range of expression patterns, tissue distributions and compartmentalization. These proteins have important roles in regulation of signaling by peptide hormones, and are emerging targets for diabetes, oncology and other indications.
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