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Ding Q, Chorazyczewski J, Gros R, Motulsky HJ, Limbird LE, Feldman RD. Correlation of functional and radioligand binding characteristics of GPER ligands confirming aldosterone as a GPER agonist. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2022; 10:e00995. [PMID: 36065843 PMCID: PMC9446082 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aldosterone exerts some of its effects not by binding to mineralocorticoid receptors, but rather by acting via G protein-coupled estrogen receptors (GPER). To determine if aldosterone binds directly to GPER, we studied the ability of aldosterone to compete for the binding of [3 H] 2-methoxyestradiol ([3 H] 2-ME), a high potency GPER-selective agonist. We used GPER gene transfer to engineer Sf9-cultured insect cells to express GPER. We chose insect cells to avoid interactions with any intrinsic mammalian receptors for aldosterone. [3 H] 2-ME binding was saturable and reversible to a high-affinity population of receptors with Kd = 3.7 nM and Bmax = 2.2 pmol/mg. Consistent with agonist binding to G Protein-coupled receptors, [3 H] 2-ME high-affinity state binding was reduced in the presence of the hydrolysis-resistant GTP analog, GppNHp. [3 H] 2-ME binding was competed for by the GPER agonist G1, the GPER antagonist G15, estradiol (E2), as well as aldosterone (Aldo). The order of potency for competing for [3 H] 2-ME binding, namely 2ME > Aldo > E2 ≥ G1, paralleled the orders of potency for inhibition of cell proliferation and inhibition of ERK phosphorylation by ligands acting at GPER. These data confirm the ability of aldosterone to interact with the GPER, consistent with the interpretation that aldosterone likely mediates its GPER-dependent effects by direct binding to the GPER. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Despite the growing evidence for aldosterone's actions via G protein-coupled estrogen receptors (GPER), there remains significant skepticism that aldosterone can directly interact with GPER. The current studies are the first to demonstrate directly that aldosterone indeed is capable of binding to the GPER and thus likely mediates its GPER-dependent effects by direct binding to the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingming Ding
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jozef Chorazyczewski
- Departments of Medicine, Physiology and Pharmacology, Robarts Research Institute, London, Canada
| | - Robert Gros
- Departments of Medicine, Physiology and Pharmacology, Robarts Research Institute, London, Canada
| | | | - Lee E Limbird
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ross D Feldman
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
- Departments of Medicine, Physiology and Pharmacology, Robarts Research Institute, London, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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2
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Krawinski P, Caffrey M. Thromboxane A 2 G Protein-Coupled Receptor Production and Crystallization for Structure Studies. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2507:241-271. [PMID: 35773586 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2368-8_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play vital roles in human physiology and pathophysiology. This makes the elucidation of the high-resolution blueprints of these high value membrane proteins of crucial importance for the structure-based design of novel therapeutics. However, the production and crystallization of GPCRs for structure determination comes with many challenges.In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive protocol for expressing and purifying the thromboxane A2 receptor (TPR), an attractive therapeutic target, for use in structure studies. Guidelines for crystallizing the TPR are also included. Together, these procedures provide a template for generating crystal structures of the TPR and indeed other GPCRs in complex with pharmacologically interesting ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Krawinski
- Membrane Structural and Functional Biology Group, School of Medicine and School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martin Caffrey
- Membrane Structural and Functional Biology Group, School of Medicine and School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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3
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Generating therapeutic monoclonal antibodies to complex multi-spanning membrane targets: Overcoming the antigen challenge and enabling discovery strategies. Methods 2020; 180:111-126. [PMID: 32422249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex integral membrane proteins, which are embedded in the cell surface lipid bilayer by multiple transmembrane spanning helices, encompass families of proteins which are important target classes for drug discovery. These protein families include G protein-coupled receptors, ion channels and transporters. Although these proteins have typically been targeted by small molecule drugs and peptides, the high specificity of monoclonal antibodies offers a significant opportunity to selectively modulate these target proteins. However, it remains the case that isolation of antibodies with desired pharmacological function(s) has proven difficult due to technical challenges in preparing membrane protein antigens suitable to support antibody drug discovery. In this review recent progress in defining strategies for generation of membrane protein antigens is outlined. We also highlight antibody isolation strategies which have generated antibodies which bind the membrane protein and modulate the protein function.
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4
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Wiseman DN, Otchere A, Patel JH, Uddin R, Pollock NL, Routledge SJ, Rothnie AJ, Slack C, Poyner DR, Bill RM, Goddard AD. Expression and purification of recombinant G protein-coupled receptors: A review. Protein Expr Purif 2020; 167:105524. [PMID: 31678667 PMCID: PMC6983937 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2019.105524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Given their extensive role in cell signalling, GPCRs are significant drug targets; despite this, many of these receptors have limited or no available prophylaxis. Novel drug design and discovery significantly rely on structure determination, of which GPCRs are typically elusive. Progress has been made thus far to produce sufficient quantity and quality of protein for downstream analysis. As such, this review highlights the systems available for recombinant GPCR expression, with consideration of their advantages and disadvantages, as well as examples of receptors successfully expressed in these systems. Additionally, an overview is given on the use of detergents and the styrene maleic acid (SMA) co-polymer for membrane solubilisation, as well as purification techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel N Wiseman
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Abigail Otchere
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Jaimin H Patel
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Romez Uddin
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
| | | | - Sarah J Routledge
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Alice J Rothnie
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Cathy Slack
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
| | - David R Poyner
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Roslyn M Bill
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Alan D Goddard
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
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5
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Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies to Complex Membrane Protein Targets: Antigen Generation and Antibody Discovery Strategies. BioDrugs 2019; 32:339-355. [PMID: 29934752 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-018-0289-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cell surface membrane proteins comprise a wide array of structurally and functionally diverse proteins involved in a variety of important physiological and homeostatic processes. Complex integral membrane proteins, which are embedded in the lipid bilayer by multiple transmembrane-spanning helices, are represented by families of proteins that are important target classes for drug discovery. Such protein families include G-protein-coupled receptors, ion channels and transporters. Although these targets have typically been the domain of small-molecule drugs, the exquisite specificity of monoclonal antibodies offers a significant opportunity to selectively modulate these target proteins. Nevertheless, the isolation of antibodies with desired pharmacological functions has proved difficult because of technical challenges in preparing membrane protein antigens for antibody drug discovery. In this review, we describe recent progress in defining strategies for the generation of membrane protein antigens. We also describe antibody-isolation strategies that identify antibodies that bind the membrane protein and modulate protein function.
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6
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Desuzinges Mandon E, Agez M, Pellegrin R, Igonet S, Jawhari A. Novel systematic detergent screening method for membrane proteins solubilization. Anal Biochem 2016; 517:40-49. [PMID: 27847172 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2016.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Membrane proteins play crucial role in many cellular processes including cell adhesion, cell-cell communication, signal transduction and transport. To better understand the molecular basis of such central biological machines and in order to specifically study their biological and medical role, it is necessary to extract them from their membrane environment. To do so, it is challenging to find the best solubilization condition. Here we describe, a systematic screening method called BMSS (Biotinylated Membranes Solubilization & Separation) that allow screening 96 conditions at once. Streptavidine magnetic beads are used to separate solubilized proteins from remaining biotinylated membranes after solubilization. Relative quantification of dot blots help to select the best conditions to be confirmed by classical ultra-centrifugation and western blot. Classical detergents with different physical-chemical characteristics, novel calixarene based detergents and combination of both, were used for solubilization trials to obtain broad spectrum of conditions. Here, we show the application of BMSS to discover solubilization conditions of a GPCR target (MP-A) and a transporter (MP-B). The selected conditions allowed the solubilization and purification of non-aggregated and homogenous native membrane proteins A and B. Taken together, BMSS represent a rapid, reproducible and high throughput assessment of solubilization toward biochemical/functional characterization, biophysical screening and structural investigations of membrane proteins of high biological and medical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morgane Agez
- CALIXAR, 60 Avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
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Cuozzo JW, Soutter HH. Overview of Recent Progress in Protein-Expression Technologies for Small-Molecule Screening. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 19:1000-13. [PMID: 24525871 DOI: 10.1177/1087057114520975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Production of novel soluble and membrane-localized protein targets for functional and affinity-based screening has often been limited by the inability of traditional protein-expression systems to generate recombinant proteins that have properties similar to those of their endogenous counterparts. Such targets have often been labeled as challenging. Although biological validation of these challenging targets for specific disease areas may be strong, discovery of small-molecule modulators can be greatly delayed or completely halted due to target-expression issues. In this article, the limitations of traditional protein-expression systems will be discussed along with new systems designed to overcome these challenges. Recent work in this field has focused on two major areas for both soluble and membrane targets: construct-design strategies to improve expression levels and new hosts that can carry out the posttranslational modifications necessary for proper target folding and function. Another area of active research has been on the reconstitution of solubilized membrane targets for both structural analysis and screening. Finally, the potential impact of these new systems on the output of small-molecule screening campaigns will be discussed.
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8
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Tu YJ, Ye AF, Pan ZM, Zheng C, Wu TL, Cheng XG, Guo F. Regulation of expression of HGF in BM-MSCs by baculovirus-mediated transduction. Cell Biol Int 2013; 37:659-68. [PMID: 23404631 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ji Tu
- Department of Orthopedics; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University; No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006; China
| | - Ai Fang Ye
- Nanchang University; No. 461, Bayi Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006; China
| | - Zhi Min Pan
- Nanchang University; No. 461, Bayi Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006; China
| | - Chao Zheng
- Nanchang University; No. 461, Bayi Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006; China
| | - Tian Long Wu
- Department of Orthopedics; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University; No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006; China
| | - Xi Gao Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University; No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006; China
| | - Fei Guo
- Nanchang University; No. 461, Bayi Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006; China
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9
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Romero-Fernandez W, Garriga P, Borroto-Escuela DO. Overproduction of human M₃ muscarinic acetylcholine receptor: an approach toward structural studies. Biotechnol Prog 2011; 27:838-45. [PMID: 21548142 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Revised: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Human M(3) muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3R), present in both the central and the peripheral nervous system, is involved in several neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. Recently, M3R overexpression has been suggested to play a role in certain forms of cancer, showing promise as a new potential pharmacological target. However, the lack of structural information hampered to develop a new potent selective and potent antagonist. We describe here different strategies for overexpressing functional M3R on the perspective of future biophysical studies. To achieve this goal, four tagged M3R genes were engineered and codon optimized. Different heterologous expression systems, including mammalian cells and viral transfection, were employed to overexpress M3R. Although codon optimization resulted in only twofold to threefold increase of M3R expression, we found that epitope tagging of the synthetic M3R, especially with hemagglutinin and Flag epitope tags, could improve M3R expression levels. On the other hand, viral transfection led to a yield of 27 pmol/mg protein that is the highest level reported so far for this receptor subtype in mammalian cells. Taking together several of the strategies used can help increasing M3R expression, not only to start purification efforts but also for secondary structural analysis trial and functional analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilber Romero-Fernandez
- Centre de Biotecnologia Molecular, Dept. d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Terrassa 08222, Spain
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10
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Sf9 cells: a versatile model system to investigate the pharmacological properties of G protein-coupled receptors. Pharmacol Ther 2010; 128:387-418. [PMID: 20705094 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2010.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The Sf9 cell/baculovirus expression system is widely used for high-level protein expression, often with the purpose of purification. However, proteins may also be functionally expressed in the defined Sf9 cell environment. According to the literature, the pharmacology of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) functionally reconstituted in Sf9 cells is similar to the receptor properties in mammalian cells. Sf9 cells express both recombinant GPCRs and G-proteins at much higher levels than mammalian cells. Sf9 cells can be grown in suspension culture, providing an inexpensive way of obtaining large protein amounts. Co-infection with various baculoviruses allows free combination of GPCRs with different G-proteins. The absence of constitutively active receptors in Sf9 cells provides an excellent signal-to background ratio in functional assays, allowing the detection of agonist-independent receptor activity and of small ligand-induced signals including partial agonistic and inverse agonistic effects. Insect cell Gα(i)-like proteins mostly do not couple productively to mammalian GPCRs. Thus, unlike in mammalian cells, Sf9 cells do not require pertussis toxin treatment to obtain a Gα(i)-free environment. Co-expression of GPCRs with Gα(i1), Gα(i2), Gα(i3) or Gα(o) in Sf9 cells allows the generation of a selectivity profile for these Gα(i/o)-isoforms. Additionally, GPCR-G-protein combinations can be compared with defined 1:1 stoichiometry by expressing GPCR-Gα fusion proteins. Sf9 cells can also be employed for ligand screening in medicinal chemistry programs, using radioligand binding assays or functional assays, like the steady-state GTPase- or [(35)S]GTPγS binding assay. This review shows that Sf9 cells are a versatile model system to investigate the pharmacological properties of GPCRs.
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11
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Mukai T, Wakiyama M, Sakamoto K, Yokoyama S. Genetic encoding of non-natural amino acids in Drosophila melanogaster Schneider 2 cells. Protein Sci 2010; 19:440-8. [PMID: 20052681 DOI: 10.1002/pro.322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Insect cells are useful for the high-yield production of recombinant proteins including chemokines and membrane proteins. In this study, we developed an insect cell-based system for incorporating non-natural amino acids into proteins at specific sites. Three types of promoter systems were constructed, and their efficiencies were compared for the expression of the prokaryotic amber suppressor tRNA(Tyr) in Drosophila melanogaster Schneider 2 cells. When paired with a variant of Escherichia coli tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase specific for 3-iodo-L-tyrosine, the suppressor tRNA transcribed from the U6 promoter most efficiently incorporated the amino acid into proteins in the cells. The transient and stable introductions of these prokaryotic molecules into the insect cells were then compared in terms of the yield of proteins containing non-natural amino acids, and the "transient" method generated a sevenfold higher yield. By this method, 4-azido-L-phenylalanine was incorporated into human interleukin-8 at a specific site. The yield of the azido-containing IL-8 was 1 microg/1 mL cell culture, and the recombinant protein was successfully labeled with a fluorescent probe by the Staudinger-Bertozzi reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahito Mukai
- RIKEN Systems and Structural Biology Center, Tsurumi, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
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