1
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Navarro-Sánchez M, Gil-Miravet I, Montero-Caballero D, Bathgate RAD, Hossain MA, Castillo-Gómez E, Gundlach AL, Olucha-Bordonau FE. Modulation of contextual fear acquisition and extinction by acute and chronic relaxin-3 receptor (RXFP3) activation in the rat retrosplenial cortex. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116264. [PMID: 38710334 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116264] [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] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) plays a central role in processing contextual fear conditioning. In addition to corticocortical and thalamocortical projections, the RSC receives subcortical inputs, including a substantial projection from the nucleus incertus in the pontine tegmentum. This GABAergic projection contains the neuropeptide, relaxin-3 (RLN3), which inhibits target neurons via its Gi/o-protein-coupled receptor, RXFP3. To assess this peptidergic system role in contextual fear conditioning, we bilaterally injected the RSC of adult rats with an adeno-associated-virus (AAV), expressing the chimeric RXFP3 agonist R3/I5 or a control AAV, and subjected them to contextual fear conditioning. The R3/I5 injected rats did not display any major differences to control-injected and naïve rats but displayed a significantly delayed extinction. Subsequently, we employed acute bilateral injections of the specific RXFP3 agonist peptide, RXFP3-Analogue 2 (A2), into RSC. While the administration of A2 before each extinction trial had no impact on the extinction process, treatment with A2 before each acquisition trial resulted in delayed extinction. In related anatomical studies, we detected an enrichment of RLN3-immunoreactive nerve fibers in deep layers of the RSC, and a higher level of co-localization of RXFP3 mRNA with vesicular GABA transporter (vGAT) mRNA than with vesicular glutamate transporter-1 (vGLUT1) mRNA across the RSC, consistent with an effect of RLN3/RXFP3 signalling on the intrinsic, inhibitory circuits within the RSC. These findings suggest that contextual conditioning processes in the RSC involve, in part, RLN3 afferent modulation of local inhibitory neurons that provides a stronger memory acquisition which, in turn, retards the extinction process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Navarro-Sánchez
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Isis Gil-Miravet
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Daniel Montero-Caballero
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Esther Castillo-Gómez
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain; CIBERsam-isciii, Red Española de Estrés, Spain
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Francisco E Olucha-Bordonau
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain; CIBERsam-isciii, Red Española de Estrés, Spain.
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2
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Wu H, Praveen P, Handley TNG, Chandrashekar C, Cummins SF, Bathgate RAD, Hossain MA. Total Chemical Synthesis of Aggregation-Prone Disulfide-Rich Starfish Peptides. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202400933. [PMID: 38609334 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202400933] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
A relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP), Aso-RGP, featuring six cysteine residues, was identified in the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS, Acanthaster cf. solaris) and initially produced through recombinant yeast expression. This method yielded a single-chain peptide with an uncleaved C-peptide (His Tag) and suboptimal purity. Our objective was to chemically synthesize Aso-RGP in its mature form, comprising two chains (A and B) and three disulfide bridges, omitting the C-peptide. Furthermore, we aimed to synthesize a newly identified relaxin-like peptide, Aso-RLP2, from COTS, which had not been previously synthesized. This paper reports the first total chemical synthesis of Aso-RGP and Aso-RLP2. Aso-RGP synthesis proceeded without major issues, whereas the A-chain of Aso-RLP2, in its reduced and unfolded state with two free thiols, presented considerable challenges. These were initially marked by "messy" RP-HPLC profiles, typically indicative of synthesis failure. Surprisingly, oxidizing the A-chain significantly improved the RP-HPLC profile, revealing the main issue was not synthesis failure but the peptide's aggregation tendency, which initially obscured analysis. This discovery highlights the critical need to account for aggregation in peptide synthesis and analysis. Ultimately, our efforts led to the successful synthesis of both peptides with purities exceeding 95 %.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkang Wu
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Praveen Praveen
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Scott F Cummins
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Wu H, Handley TNG, Hoare BL, Hartono HA, Scott DJ, Chalmers DK, Bathgate RAD, Hossain MA. Developing insulin-like peptide 5-based antagonists for the G protein-coupled receptor, RXFP4. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 224:116239. [PMID: 38679208 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116239] [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] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Human insulin-like peptide 5 (INSL5) is a gut hormone produced by colonic L-cells, and its biological functions are mediated by Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 4 (RXFP4). Our preliminary data indicated that RXFP4 agonists are potential drug leads for the treatment of constipation. More recently, we designed and developed a novel RXFP4 antagonist, A13-nR that was shown to block agonist-induced activity in cells and animal models. We showed that A13-nR was able to block agonist-induced increases in colon motility in mice of both genders that express the receptor, RXFP4. Our data also showed that colorectal propulsion induced by intracolonic administration of short-chain fatty acids was antagonized by A13-nR. Therefore, A13-nR is an important research tool and potential drug lead for the treatment of colon motility disorders, such as bacterial diarrhea. However, A13-nR acted as a partial agonist at high concentrations in vitro and demonstrated modest antagonist potency (∼35 nM). Consequently, the primary objective of this study is to pinpoint novel modifications to A13-nR that eliminate partial agonist effects while preserving or augmenting antagonist potency. In this work, we detail the creation of a series of A13-nR-modified analogues, among which analogues 3, 4, and 6 demonstrated significantly improved RXFP4 affinity (∼3 nM) with reduced partial agonist activity, enhanced antagonist potency (∼10 nM) and maximum agonist inhibition (∼80 %) when compared with A13-nR. These compounds have potential as candidates for further preclinical evaluations, marking a significant stride toward innovative therapeutics for colon motility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkang Wu
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Thomas N G Handley
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Bradley L Hoare
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Herodion A Hartono
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Daniel J Scott
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - David K Chalmers
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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4
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Hossain MA, Praveen P, Noorzi NA, Wu H, Harrison IP, Handley T, Selemidis S, Samuel CS, Bathgate RAD. Development of Novel High-Affinity Antagonists for the Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 1. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:842-853. [PMID: 37200817 PMCID: PMC10186362 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
H2 relaxin is a peptide hormone that exerts its biological actions through the G protein-coupled receptor, RXFP1. The numerous important biological functions of H2 relaxin, including potent renal, vasodilatory, cardioprotective, and anti-fibrotic actions, have resulted in considerable interest in its use as a therapeutic for various cardiovascular diseases and other fibrotic indications. Interestingly though, H2 relaxin and RXFP1 have been shown to be overexpressed in prostate cancer, allowing for the downregulation or blocking of relaxin/RXFP1 to decrease prostate tumor growth. These findings suggest the application of an RXFP1 antagonist for the treatment of prostate cancer. However, these therapeutically relevant actions are still poorly understood and have been hindered by the lack of a high-affinity antagonist. In this study, we chemically synthesized three novel H2 relaxin analogues that have complex insulin-like structures with two chains (A and B) and three disulfide bridges. We report here the structure-activity relationship studies on H2 relaxin that resulted in the development of a novel high-affinity RXFP1 antagonist, H2 B-R13HR (∼40 nM), that has only one extra methylene group in the side chain of arginine 13 in the B-chain (ArgB13) of H2 relaxin. Most notably, the synthetic peptide was shown to be active in a mouse model of prostate tumor growth in vivo where it inhibited relaxin-mediated tumor growth. Our compound H2 B-R13HR will be an important research tool to understand relaxin actions through RXFP1 and may be a potential lead compound for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- Florey
Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
- School
of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
- Department
of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University
of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Praveen Praveen
- Florey
Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nurhayati Ahmad Noorzi
- Cardiovascular
Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Department
of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hongkang Wu
- Florey
Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
- Department
of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University
of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian P. Harrison
- Cardiovascular
Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Department
of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas Handley
- Florey
Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stavros Selemidis
- School
of
Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora 3083, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chrishan S. Samuel
- Cardiovascular
Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Department
of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ross A. D. Bathgate
- Florey
Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
- Department
of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University
of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Kubra KT, Hasan MM, Hasan MN, Salman MS, Khaleque MA, Sheikh MC, Rehan AI, Rasee AI, Waliullah R, Awual ME, Hossain MS, Alsukaibi AK, Alshammari HM, Awual MR. The heavy lanthanide of Thulium(III) separation and recovery using specific ligand-based facial composite adsorbent. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2023.131415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
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6
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Hasan MN, Salman MS, Hasan MM, Kubra KT, Sheikh MC, Rehan AI, Rasee AI, Awual ME, Waliullah R, Hossain MS, Islam A, Khandaker S, Alsukaibi AK, Alshammari HM, Awual MR. Assessing sustainable Lutetium(III) ions adsorption and recovery using novel composite hybrid nanomaterials. J Mol Struct 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.134795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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7
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Improving copper(II) ion detection and adsorption from wastewater by the ligand-functionalized composite adsorbent. J Mol Struct 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.135259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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8
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Hasan M, Tul Kubra K, Hasan N, Awual E, Salman S, Sheikh C, Islam Rehan A, Islam Rasee A, Waliullah R, Islam S, Khandaker S, Islam A, Sohrab Hossain M, Alsukaibi AK, Alshammari HM, Awual R. Sustainable ligand-modified based composite material for the selective and effective cadmium(II) capturing from wastewater. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.121125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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9
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Simultaneous toxic Cd(II) and Pb(II) encapsulation from contaminated water using Mg/Al-LDH composite materials. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.120810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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10
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Li W, Separovic F, O'Brien-Simpson NM, Wade JD. Chemically modified and conjugated antimicrobial peptides against superbugs. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:4932-4973. [PMID: 33710195 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01026j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to human health that, by 2050, will lead to more deaths from bacterial infections than cancer. New antimicrobial agents, both broad-spectrum and selective, that do not induce AMR are urgently required. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a novel class of alternatives that possess potent activity against a wide range of Gram-negative and positive bacteria with little or no capacity to induce AMR. This has stimulated substantial chemical development of novel peptide-based antibiotics possessing improved therapeutic index. This review summarises recent synthetic efforts and their impact on analogue design as well as their various applications in AMP development. It includes modifications that have been reported to enhance antimicrobial activity including lipidation, glycosylation and multimerization through to the broad application of novel bio-orthogonal chemistry, as well as perspectives on the direction of future research. The subject area is primarily the development of next-generation antimicrobial agents through selective, rational chemical modification of AMPs. The review further serves as a guide toward the most promising directions in this field to stimulate broad scientific attention, and will lead to new, effective and selective solutions for the several biomedical challenges to which antimicrobial peptidomimetics are being applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Li
- Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia. and Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Frances Separovic
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia and School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Neil M O'Brien-Simpson
- Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia. and Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - John D Wade
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia and The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
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11
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Winkler DFH. Automated Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2021; 2103:59-94. [PMID: 31879919 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0227-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of solid-phase peptide synthesis by Bruce Merrifield paved the way for a synthesis carried out by machines. Automated peptide synthesis is a fast and convenient way of synthesizing many peptides simultaneously. This chapter tries to give a general guidance for the development of synthesis protocols for the peptide synthesizer. It also provides some suggestions for the modification of the synthesized peptides. Additionally, many examples of possible challenges during and after the synthesis are given in order to support the reader in finding the best synthesis strategy. Numerous references are given to many of the described matters.
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12
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Baghalabadi V, Doucette AA. Mass spectrometry profiling of low molecular weight proteins and peptides isolated by acetone precipitation. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1138:38-48. [PMID: 33161983 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.08.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Solvent-based protein precipitation provides exceptional recovery, particularly when the ionic strength of the solution is controlled. While precipitation is ideally suited for intact protein purification ahead of mass-spectrometry, low molecular weight (LMW) proteins and peptides are considered less susceptible to aggregation in organic solvent. As the combination of salt and organic solvent (i.e. acetone) has yet to be exploited to precipitate LMW proteins, we herein determine the low mass limit for solvent-based protein precipitation. We establish optimized conditions for high recovery precipitation of LMW proteins and peptides. Our results demonstrate a strong dependence on the type of salt to recover LMW components from complex mixtures. Inclusion of 100 mM ZnSO4 with 97% acetone provides near quantitative recovery of all peptides down to 2 kDa, and continues to exceed 90% yield for peptides at a molecular weight of 1 kDa. A detailed characterization of the precipitated peptides resulting from trypsin and pepsin digestion of complex systems is provided by bottom-up mass spectrometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venus Baghalabadi
- Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, 6274 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, P.O. Box 53714-161, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alan A Doucette
- Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, 6274 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.
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13
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He R, Pan J, Mayer JP, Liu F. Stepwise Construction of Disulfides in Peptides. Chembiochem 2020; 21:1101-1111. [PMID: 31886929 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The disulfide bond plays an important role in biological systems. It defines global conformation, and ultimately the biological activity and stability of the peptide or protein. It is frequently present, singly or multiply, in biologically important peptide hormones and toxins. Numerous disulfide-containing peptides have been approved by the regulatory agencies as marketed drugs. Chemical synthesis is one of the prerequisite tools needed to gain deep insights into the structure-function relationships of these biomolecules. Along with the development of solid-phase peptide synthesis, a number of methods of disulfide construction have been established. This minireview will focus on the regiospecific, stepwise construction of multiple disulfides used in the chemical synthesis of peptides. We intend for this article to serve a reference for peptide chemists conducting complex peptide syntheses and also hope to stimulate the future development of disulfide methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongjun He
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, 5225 Exploration Drive, Indianapolis, IN, 46241, USA
| | - Jia Pan
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, 20 Life Science Road, Beijing, 102206, P. R. China
| | - John P Mayer
- Department of Molecular, Developmental & Cell Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Fa Liu
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle, 530 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
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14
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Mueller LK, Baumruck AC, Zhdanova H, Tietze AA. Challenges and Perspectives in Chemical Synthesis of Highly Hydrophobic Peptides. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:162. [PMID: 32195241 PMCID: PMC7064641 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) provides the possibility to chemically synthesize peptides and proteins. Applying the method on hydrophilic structures is usually without major drawbacks but faces extreme complications when it comes to "difficult sequences." These includes the vitally important, ubiquitously present and structurally demanding membrane proteins and their functional parts, such as ion channels, G-protein receptors, and other pore-forming structures. Standard synthetic and ligation protocols are not enough for a successful synthesis of these challenging sequences. In this review we highlight, summarize and evaluate the possibilities for synthetic production of "difficult sequences" by SPPS, native chemical ligation (NCL) and follow-up protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena K. Mueller
- Clemens-Schöpf Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Darmstadt University of Technology, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Andreas C. Baumruck
- Clemens-Schöpf Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Darmstadt University of Technology, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Hanna Zhdanova
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alesia A. Tietze
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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15
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Ste.Marie EJ, Hondal RJ. 2,2'-Dipyridyl diselenide: A chemoselective tool for cysteine deprotection and disulfide bond formation. J Pept Sci 2020; 26:e3236. [PMID: 31856422 PMCID: PMC7509986 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
There are many examples of bioactive, disulfide-rich peptides and proteins whose biological activity relies on proper disulfide connectivity. Regioselective disulfide bond formation is a strategy for the synthesis of these bioactive peptides, but many of these methods suffer from a lack of orthogonality between pairs of protected cysteine (Cys) residues, efficiency, and high yields. Here, we show the utilization of 2,2'-dipyridyl diselenide (PySeSePy) as a chemical tool for the removal of Cys-protecting groups and regioselective formation of disulfide bonds in peptides. We found that peptides containing either Cys(Mob) or Cys(Acm) groups treated with PySeSePy in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) (with or without triisopropylsilane (TIS) were converted to Cys-S-SePy adducts at 37 °C and various incubation times. This novel Cys-S-SePy adduct is able to be chemoselectively reduced by five-fold excess ascorbate at pH 4.5, a condition that should spare already installed peptide disulfide bonds from reduction. This chemoselective reduction by ascorbate will undoubtedly find utility in numerous biotechnological applications. We applied our new chemistry to the iodine-free synthesis of the human intestinal hormone guanylin, which contains two disulfide bonds. While we originally envisioned using ascorbate to chemoselectively reduce one of the formed Cys-S-SePy adducts to catalyze disulfide bond formation, we found that when pairs of Cys(Acm) residues were treated with PySeSePy in TFA, the second disulfide bond formed spontaneously. Spontaneous formation of the second disulfide is most likely driven by the formation of the thermodynamically favored diselenide (PySeSePy) from the two Cys-S-SePy adducts. Thus, we have developed a one-pot method for concomitant deprotection and disulfide bond formation of Cys(Acm) pairs in the presence of an existing disulfide bond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J. Ste.Marie
- Department of Chemistry, Discovery Hall, University of Vermont, 82 University Place, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
- ESM was supported by National Institutes of Health Training Grant T32 HL07594 administered by Dr. Kenneth G. Mann and Dr. Robert J. Kelm
| | - Robert J. Hondal
- Department of Chemistry, Discovery Hall, University of Vermont, 82 University Place, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
- University of Vermont, Department of Biochemistry, 89 Beaumont Ave, Given Laboratory, Room B413, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
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16
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Lee J, Oh ET, Joo YE, Kim HG, Park HJ, Kim C. Stimulus-responsive conformational transformation of peptide with cell penetrating motif for triggered cytotoxicity. NEW J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj04608f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A modified KLA peptide with an intramolecular disulfide bond and a cell penetrating sequence is developed for enhanced intracellular uptake and triggered selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells by stimulus-responsive conformational transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghun Lee
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering
- Inha University
- Incheon 22212
- Korea
| | - Eun-Taex Oh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences
- School of Medicine
- Inha University
- Incheon 22212
- Korea
| | - Ye-eun Joo
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering
- Inha University
- Incheon 22212
- Korea
| | - Ha Gyeong Kim
- Department of Microbiology
- Hypoxia-Related Disease Research Center
- College of Medicine
- Inha University
- Incheon 22212
| | - Heon Joo Park
- Department of Microbiology
- Hypoxia-Related Disease Research Center
- College of Medicine
- Inha University
- Incheon 22212
| | - Chulhee Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering
- Inha University
- Incheon 22212
- Korea
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17
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Bäuml CA, Schmitz T, Paul George AA, Sudarsanam M, Hardes K, Steinmetzer T, Holle LA, Wolberg AS, Pötzsch B, Oldenburg J, Biswas A, Imhof D. Coagulation Factor XIIIa Inhibitor Tridegin: On the Role of Disulfide Bonds for Folding, Stability, and Function. J Med Chem 2019; 62:3513-3523. [PMID: 30852892 PMCID: PMC6650289 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tridegin is a potent and specific 66mer peptide inhibitor of coagulation factor XIIIa with six cysteines involved in three disulfide bonds. Three of the 15 possible 3-disulfide-bonded isomers have been identified, which share a bridge between cysteines 19 and 25. We synthesized the three possible 2-disulfide-bonded analogues using a targeted protecting group strategy to investigate the impact of the C19-C25 bond on tridegin's folding, stability, and function. The FXIIIa inhibitory activity of the analogues was retained, which was shown by in vitro fluorogenic activity and whole blood clotting assays. Molecular dynamics simulations of wild-type tridegin and the analogues as well as molecular docking studies with FXIIIa were performed to elucidate the impact of the C19-C25 bond on conformational stability and binding mode. The strategy of selectively reducing disulfide bonds to facilitate large-scale synthesis, while retaining the functionality of disulfide-bonded peptides, has been demonstrated with our present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A. Bäuml
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Schmitz
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ajay A. Paul George
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Monica Sudarsanam
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Kornelia Hardes
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Lori A. Holle
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 819 Brinkhous-Bullitt Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Alisa S. Wolberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 819 Brinkhous-Bullitt Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Bernd Pötzsch
- Institute of Experimental Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Johannes Oldenburg
- Institute of Experimental Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Arijit Biswas
- Institute of Experimental Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Diana Imhof
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
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18
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Tsoras AN, Champion JA. Cross-Linked Peptide Nanoclusters for Delivery of Oncofetal Antigen as a Cancer Vaccine. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:776-785. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N. Tsoras
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Julie A. Champion
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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19
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Baumruck AC, Tietze D, Steinacker LK, Tietze AA. Chemical synthesis of membrane proteins: a model study on the influenza virus B proton channel. Chem Sci 2018; 9:2365-2375. [PMID: 29719709 PMCID: PMC5897842 DOI: 10.1039/c8sc00004b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
NCL results in the quantitative yield of a membrane protein, where a thioester peptide is formed from an oxo-ester with an in situ cleavable solubilizing tag.
In the present study we have developed and optimized a robust strategy for the synthesis of highly hydrophobic peptides, especially membrane proteins, exemplarily using the influenza B M2 proton channel (BM2(1–51)). This strategy is based on the native chemical ligation of two fragments, where the thioester fragment is formed from an oxo-ester peptide, which is synthesized using Fmoc-SPPS, and features an in situ cleavable solubilizing tag (ADO, ADO2 or ADO-Lys5). The nearly quantitative production of the ligation product was followed by an optimized work up protocol, resulting in almost quantitative desulfurization and Acm-group cleavage. Circular dichroism analysis in a POPC lipid membrane revealed that the synthetic BM2(1–51) construct adopts a helical structure similar to that of the previously characterized BM2(1–33).
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Baumruck
- Darmstadt University of Technology , Clemens-Schöpf Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry , Alarich-Weiss Str. 4 , 64287 Darmstadt , Germany .
| | - D Tietze
- Darmstadt University of Technology , Eduard-Zintl-Institute of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry , Alarich-Weiss-Str. 4 , 64287 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - L K Steinacker
- Darmstadt University of Technology , Clemens-Schöpf Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry , Alarich-Weiss Str. 4 , 64287 Darmstadt , Germany .
| | - A A Tietze
- Darmstadt University of Technology , Clemens-Schöpf Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry , Alarich-Weiss Str. 4 , 64287 Darmstadt , Germany .
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20
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Graziadio A, Zanda M, Frau S, Fleming IN, Musolino M, Dall'Angelo S, Baldassarre M, Piras M. NGR Tumor-Homing Peptides: Structural Requirements for Effective APN (CD13) Targeting. Bioconjug Chem 2016; 27:1332-40. [PMID: 27077642 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.6b00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic CNGRC (cCNGRC) peptides are very important targeting ligands for Aminopeptidase N (APN or CD13), which is overexpressed on the surface of many cancer cells. In this work we have (1) developed an efficient solid-phase synthesis and (2) tested on purified porcine APN and APN-expressing human cells two different classes of cCNGRC peptides: the first carrying a biotin affinity tag or a fluorescent tag attached to the carboxyl Arg-Cys-COOH terminus and the second with the tags attached to the amino H2N-Cys-Asn terminus. Carboxyl-terminus functionalized cCNGRC peptides 3, 6, and 8 showed good affinity for porcine APN and very good capacity to target and be internalized into APN-expressing cells. In contrast, amino-terminus functionalized cCNGRC peptides 4, 5, and 7 displayed significantly decreased affinity and targeting capacity. These results, which are in agreement with the recently reported X-ray structure of a cCNGRC peptide bound to APN showing important stabilizing interactions between the unprotected cCNGRC amino terminus and the APN active site, indicate that the carboxyl and not the amino-terminus of cCNGRC peptides should be used as a "handle" for the attachment of toxic payloads for therapy or isotopically labeled functions for imaging and nuclear medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Graziadio
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Zanda
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom.,C.N.R. - I.C.R.M. , via Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Frau
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Ian N Fleming
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Manuele Musolino
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Sergio Dall'Angelo
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Massimiliano Baldassarre
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Monica Piras
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
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21
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Tailhades J, Sethi A, Petrie EJ, Gooley PR, Bathgate RA, Wade JD, Hossain MA. Native Chemical Ligation to Minimize Aspartimide Formation during Chemical Synthesis of Small LDLa Protein. Chemistry 2015; 22:1146-51. [PMID: 26612092 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201503599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The inhibition of the G protein-coupled receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), by a small LDLa protein may be a potential approach for prostate cancer treatment. However, it is a significant challenge to chemically produce the 41-residue and three-disulfide cross-bridged LDLa module which is highly prone to aspartimide formation due to the presence of several aspartic acid residues. Known palliative measures, including addition of HOBt to piperidine for N(α) -deprotection, failed to completely overcome this side reaction. For this reason, an elegant native chemical ligation approach was employed in which two segments were assembled for generating the linear LDLa protein. Acquisition of correct folding was achieved by using either a regioselective disulfide bond formation or global oxidation strategies. The final synthetic LDLa protein obtained was characterized by NMR spectroscopic structural analysis after chelation with a Ca(2+) ion and confirmed to be equivalent to the same protein obtained by recombinant DNA production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Tailhades
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | - Ashish Sethi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Emma J Petrie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Paul R Gooley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Ross A Bathgate
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - John D Wade
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia. .,The School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | - Mohammed A Hossain
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia. .,The School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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22
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Hossain MA, Haugaard-Kedström LM, Rosengren KJ, Bathgate RAD, Wade JD. Chemically synthesized dicarba H2 relaxin analogues retain strong RXFP1 receptor activity but show an unexpected loss of in vitro serum stability. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 13:10895-903. [PMID: 26368576 DOI: 10.1039/c5ob01539a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Peptides and proteins are now acknowledged as viable alternatives to small molecules as potential therapeutic agents. A primary limitation to their more widespread acceptance is their generally short in vivo half-lives due to serum enzyme susceptibility and rapid renal clearance. Numerous chemical approaches to address this concern have been undertaken in recent years. The replacement of disulfide bonds with non-reducible elements has been demonstrated to be one effective means by eliminating the deleterious effect of serum reductases. In particular, substitution with dicarba bonds via ring closure metathesis has been increasingly applied to many bioactive cystine-rich peptides. We used this approach for the replacement of the A-chain intramolecular disulfide bond of human relaxin 2 (H2 relaxin), an insulin-like peptide that has important regulatory roles in cardiovascular and connective tissue homeostasis that has led to successful Phase IIIa clinical trials for the treatment of acute heart failure. Use of efficient solid phase synthesis of the two peptide chains was followed by on-resin ring closure metathesis and formation of the dicarba bond within the A-chain and then by off-resin combination with the B-chain via sequential directed inter-chain disulfide bond formation. After purification and comprehensive chemical characterization, the two isomeric synthetic H2 relaxin analogues were shown to retain near-equipotent RXFP1 receptor binding and activation propensity. Unexpectedly, the in vitro serum stability of the analogues was greatly reduced compared with the native peptide. Circular dichroism spectroscopy studies showed subtle differences in the secondary structures between dicarba analogues and H2 relaxin suggesting that, although the overall fold is retained, it may be destabilized which could account for rapid degradation of dicarba analogues in serum. Caution is therefore recommended when using ring closure metathesis as a general approach to enhance peptide stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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23
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Calce E, Vitale RM, Scaloni A, Amodeo P, De Luca S. Air oxidation method employed for the disulfide bond formation of natural and synthetic peptides. Amino Acids 2015; 47:1507-15. [PMID: 25900810 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-1983-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Among the available protocols, chemically driven approaches to oxidize cysteine may not be required for molecules that, under the native-like conditions, naturally fold in conformations ensuring an effective pairing of the right disulfide bridge pattern. In this contest, we successfully prepared the distinctin, a natural heterodimeric peptide, and some synthetic cyclic peptides that are inhibitors of the CXCR4 receptor. In the first case, the air oxidation reaction allowed to connect two peptide chains via disulfide bridge, while in the second case allowed the cyclization of rationally designed peptides by an intramolecular disulfide bridge. Computational approaches helped to either drive de-novo design or suggest structural modifications and optimal oxidization protocols for disulfide-containing molecules. They are able to both predict and to rationalize the propensity of molecules to spontaneously fold in suitable conformations to achieve the right disulfide bridges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Calce
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, 80138, Naples, Italy
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24
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Alghamdi RH, O'Reilly P, Lu C, Gomes J, Lagace TA, Basak A. LDL-R promoting activity of peptides derived from human PCSK9 catalytic domain (153-421): design, synthesis and biochemical evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 92:890-907. [PMID: 25679794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High level of Low Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (LDL-C) in circulation in the blood is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke. Currently the statin drugs which inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver are very effective in lowering LDL-cholesterol. However these drugs are often associated with serious side effects particularly for ∼10-12% of cases. Therefore there is a need to develop non-statin based cholesterol reducing agents. Recently it was revealed that the secreted Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin 9 (PCSK9) binds with LDL-receptor (LDL-R) causing its degradation in the lysosome with the result of LDL-C accumulating in the blood. Thus PCSK9 has become an alternative target for development of non-statin cholesterol reducing agents. It is established that the catalytic domain of PCSK9 (aa153-421) and the EGF-A domain of LDL-R (aa314-355) are involved in the above bind leading to the reduction of LDL-R level and accumulation of LDL-C. OBJECTIVE The major goal of this study is to identify peptide/s from the catalytic domain of hPCSK9 that can block the binding of hPCSK9 and LDL-R and therefore can reduce LDL-R degradation leading to the clearance of LDL-C from the plasma. RESULTS Using 51 synthetic linear peptides (P1-P51) of 15aa long with 10 amino acids overlapping sequences spanning the entire catalytic segment of hPCSK9 (aa153-421), we identified two domains of hPCSK9 namely (aa323-358) and (aa365-384) that exhibited strong binding affinity towards synthetic EGF-A peptide. The results were based on mass spectrometry, fluorescence spectroscopy and native gel electrophoresis. Thus peptides containing the above segments in part (P35-P39 and P42-P47) exhibited LDL-R promoting activity when added exogenously to culture medium of growing human hepatic cells like HepG2 and HuH7. The effects were particularly significant with peptides P36, P37, P46 and P47. Interestingly, the first two peptides are present within the disulphide loop Cys(323)-Cys(358) and contain the key gain of function mutation D(374)/Y site while the last two peptides contain another disulphide bridge loop Cys(375)-Cys(378) and the second most potent gain of function mutation R(357)/H. Further studies revealed that S-S bridged cyclic loop peptide hPCSK9(365-384) exhibited the highest (∼3.5-fold) LDL-R promoting activity in both HepG2 and HuH7 when applied at 5 μM concentration level. This effect is completely abrogated when one of the Cys residues is substituted by Ala thereby preventing any S-S bond formation. This suggested its critical role in the bioactivity. It is proposed that LDL-R promoting activity of this and other selected PCSK9 catalytic peptides such as P36, P37, P46 and P47 are most likely mediated via intervention of PCSK9:LDL-R complex formation. Our findings may find useful application in future development of small molecule PCSK9 inhibitors for intervention of hypercholesterolemia and associated cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha H Alghamdi
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Health Science, U Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Paul O'Reilly
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Health Science, U Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Chunyu Lu
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Health Science, U Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - James Gomes
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Health Science, U Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Thomas A Lagace
- Lipoprotein Receptor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4W7, Canada
| | - Ajoy Basak
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Health Science, U Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, U Ottawa, 725 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y4E9, Canada.
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25
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26
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Rauschenberg M, Bandaru S, Waller MP, Ravoo BJ. Peptide-Based Carbohydrate Receptors. Chemistry 2014; 20:2770-82. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201303777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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27
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Calce E, Sandomenico A, Saviano M, Ruvo M, De Luca S. Cysteine co-oxidation process driven by native peptide folding: an example on HER2 receptor model system. Amino Acids 2014; 46:1197-206. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1681-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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28
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Total chemical synthesis of a heterodimeric interchain bis-lactam-linked Peptide: application to an analogue of human insulin-like Peptide 3. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEPTIDES 2013; 2013:504260. [PMID: 24288548 PMCID: PMC3830869 DOI: 10.1155/2013/504260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 08/31/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Nonreducible cystine isosteres represent important peptide design elements in that they can maintain a near-native tertiary conformation of the peptide while simultaneously extending the in vitro and in vivo half-life of the biomolecule. Examples of these cystine mimics include dicarba, diselenide, thioether, triazole, and lactam bridges. Each has unique physicochemical properties that impact upon the resulting peptide conformation. Each also requires specific conditions for its formation via chemical peptide synthesis protocols. While the preparation of peptides containing two lactam bonds within a peptide is technically possible and reported by others, to date there has been no report of the chemical synthesis of a heterodimeric peptide linked by two lactam bonds. To examine the feasibility of such an assembly, judicious use of a complementary combination of amine and acid protecting groups together with nonfragment-based, total stepwise solid phase peptide synthesis led to the successful preparation of an analogue of the model peptide, insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), in which both of the interchain disulfide bonds were replaced with a lactam bond. An analogue containing a single disulfide-substituted interchain lactam bond was also prepared. Both INSL3 analogues retained significant cognate RXFP2 receptor binding affinity.
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29
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Lin F, Tailhades J, Chan LJ, Bathgate RA, Hossain MA, Wade JD. Preparation of canine relaxin by Fmoc-solid phase synthesis and regioselective disulfide bond formation within the A- and B-chains. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.7243/2052-9341-1-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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30
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Shabanpoor F, Hossain MA, Lin F, Wade JD. Sequential formation of regioselective disulfide bonds in synthetic peptides with multiple disulfide bonds. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 1047:81-87. [PMID: 23943479 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-544-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Numerous methods have been developed for the formation of disulfide bonds in recombinant DNA-derived and chemically synthesized peptides and proteins, but only a few have found widespread acceptance. The choice of method(s) for formation of disulfide in synthetic peptides and proteins needs to be tailored for each individual polypeptide in such a way so that the reaction conditions are selective, efficient, and safe and give the maximum yield. Here we describe the sequential formation of three disulfide bonds regioselectively which has been optimized for the synthesis of two-chained, heterodimeric polypeptide members of the insulin-relaxin superfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazel Shabanpoor
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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31
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32
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Reddy KMB, Kumari YB, Mallikharjunasarma D, Bulliraju K, Sreelatha V, Ananda K. Large Scale Solid Phase Synthesis of Peptide Drugs: Use of Commercial Anion Exchange Resin as Quenching Agent for Removal of Iodine during Disulphide Bond Formation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEPTIDES 2012; 2012:323907. [PMID: 23118772 PMCID: PMC3478740 DOI: 10.1155/2012/323907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The S-acetamidomethyl (Acm) or trityl (Trt) protecting groups are widely used in the chemical synthesis of peptides that contain one or more disulfide bonds. Treatment of peptides containing S-Acm protecting group with iodine results in simultaneous removal of the sulfhydryl protecting group and disulfide formation. However, the excess iodine needs to be quenched or adsorbed as quickly as possible after completion of the disulfide bond formation in order to minimize side reactions that are often associated with the iodination step. We report here a simple method for simultaneous quenching and removal of iodine and isolation of disulphide bridge peptides. The use of excess inexpensive anion exchange resin to the oxidized peptide from the aqueous acetic acid/methanol solution affords quantitative removal of iodine and other color impurities. This improves the resin life time of expensive chromatography media that is used in preparative HPLC column during the purification of peptide using preparative HPLC. Further, it is very useful for the conversion of TFA salt to acetate in situ. It was successfully applied commercially, to the large scale synthesis of various peptides including Desmopressin, Oxytocin, and Octreotide. This new approach offers significant advantages such as more simple utility, minimal side reactions, large scale synthesis of peptide drugs, and greater cost effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. M. Bhaskara Reddy
- Chemical Research Division, Mylan Laboratories Ltd., Anrich Industrial Estate, Bollaram, Hyderabad 502325, India
| | - Y. Bharathi Kumari
- Department of Chemistry, College of Engeenering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad, Kukatpally, Hyderabad 500085, India
| | - Dokka Mallikharjunasarma
- Chemical Research Division, Mylan Laboratories Ltd., Anrich Industrial Estate, Bollaram, Hyderabad 502325, India
| | - Kamana Bulliraju
- Chemical Research Division, Mylan Laboratories Ltd., Anrich Industrial Estate, Bollaram, Hyderabad 502325, India
| | - Vanjivaka Sreelatha
- Chemical Research Division, Mylan Laboratories Ltd., Anrich Industrial Estate, Bollaram, Hyderabad 502325, India
| | - Kuppanna Ananda
- Chemical Research Division, Mylan Laboratories Ltd., Anrich Industrial Estate, Bollaram, Hyderabad 502325, India
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33
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Chan LJ, Rosengren KJ, Layfield SL, Bathgate RAD, Separovic F, Samuel CS, Hossain MA, Wade JD. Identification of key residues essential for the structural fold and receptor selectivity within the A-chain of human gene-2 (H2) relaxin. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:41152-64. [PMID: 23024363 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.409284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human gene-2 (H2) relaxin is currently in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of acute heart failure. It is a 53-amino acid insulin-like peptide comprising two chains and three disulfide bonds. It interacts with two of the relaxin family peptide (RXFP) receptors. Although its cognate receptor is RXFP1, it is also able to cross-react with RXFP2, the native receptor for a related peptide, insulin-like peptide 3. In order to understand the basis of this cross-reactivity, it is important to elucidate both binding and activation mechanisms of this peptide. The primary binding mechanism of this hormone has been extensively studied and well defined. H2 relaxin binds to the leucine-rich repeats of RXFP1 and RXFP2 using B-chain-specific residues. However, little is known about the secondary interaction that involves the A-chain of H2 relaxin and transmembrane exoloops of the receptors. We demonstrate here through extensive mutation of the A-chain that the secondary interaction between H2 relaxin and RXFP1 is not driven by any single amino acid, although residues Tyr-3, Leu-20, and Phe-23 appear to contribute. Interestingly, these same three residues are important drivers of the affinity and activity of H2 relaxin for RXFP2 with additional minor contributions from Lys-9, His-12, Lys-17, Arg-18, and Arg-22. Our results provide new insights into the mechanism of secondary activation interaction of RXFP1 and RXFP2 by H2 relaxin, leading to a potent and RXFP1-selective analog, H2:A(4-24)(F23A), which was tested in vitro and in vivo and found to significantly inhibit collagen deposition similar to native H2 relaxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda J Chan
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Hydrophobic tag-assisted liquid-phase synthesis of a growth hormone-inhibiting peptide somatostatin. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2011; 21:4476-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2011.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Revised: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Shabanpoor F, Zhang S, Hughes RA, Hossain MA, Layfield S, Ferraro T, Bathgate RAD, Separovic F, Wade JD. Design and development of analogues of dimers of insulin-like peptide 3 B-chain as high-affinity antagonists of the RXFP2 receptor. Biopolymers 2011; 96:81-7. [PMID: 20560146 DOI: 10.1002/bip.21484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is one of 10 members of the human relaxin-insulin superfamily of peptides. It is a peptide hormone that is expressed by fetal and postnatal testicular Leydig cells and postnatal ovarian thecal cells. It mediates testicular descent during fetal life and suppresses sperm apoptosis in adult males, whereas, in females, it causes oocyte maturation. INSL3 has also been shown to promote thyroid tumor growth and angiogenesis in human. These actions of INSL3 are mediated through its G protein-coupled receptor, RXFP2. INSL3, a two-chained peptide, binds to its receptor primarily via its B-chain, whereas elements of the A-chain are essential for receptor activation. In an attempt to design a high-affinity antagonist with potential clinical application as an anticancer agent as well as a contraceptive, we have previously prepared a synthetic parallel dimer of INSL3 B-chain and demonstrated that it binds to RXFP2 with high affinity. In this work, we undertook full pharmacological characterization of this peptide and show that it can antaogonize INSL3-mediated cAMP signaling through RXFP2. Further refinement by truncation of 18 residues yielded a minimized analogue that retained full binding affinity and INSL3 antagonism. It is an attractive lead peptide for in vivo evaluation as an inhibitor of male and female fertility and of INSL3-mediated carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazel Shabanpoor
- Howard Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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Zhang S, Hughes RA, Bathgate RAD, Shabanpoor F, Hossain MA, Lin F, van Lierop B, Robinson AJ, Wade JD. Role of the intra-A-chain disulfide bond of insulin-like peptide 3 in binding and activation of its receptor, RXFP2. Peptides 2010; 31:1730-6. [PMID: 20570702 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Revised: 05/29/2010] [Accepted: 05/29/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INSL3 is a member of the insulin-IGF-relaxin superfamily and plays a key role in male fetal development and in adult germ cell maturation. It is the cognate ligand for RXFP2, a leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein coupled receptor. To date, and in contrast to our current knowledge of the key structural features that are required for the binding of INSL3 to RXFP2, comparatively little is known about the key residues that are required to elicit receptor activation and downstream cell signaling. Early evidence suggests that these are contained principally within the A-chain. To further explore this hypothesis, we have undertaken an examination of the functional role of the intra-A-chain disulfide bond. Using solid-phase peptide synthesis together with regioselective disulfide bond formation, two analogs of human INSL3 were prepared in which the intra-chain disulfide bond was replaced, one in which the corresponding Cys residues were substituted with the isosteric Ser and the other in which the Cys were removed altogether. Both of these peptides retained nearly full RXFP2 receptor binding but were devoid of cAMP activity (receptor activation), indicating that the intra-A-chain disulfide bond makes a significant contribution to the ability of INSL3 to act as an RXFP2 agonist. Replacement of the disulfide bond with a metabolically stable dicarba bond yielded two isomers of INSL3 that each exhibited bioactivity similar to native INSL3. This study highlights the critical structural role played by the intra-A-chain disulfide bond of INSL3 in mediating agonist actions through the RXFP2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suode Zhang
- Howard Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Hossain MA, Belgi A, Lin F, Zhang S, Shabanpoor F, Chan L, Belyea C, Truong HT, Blair AR, Andrikopoulos S, Tregear GW, Wade JD. Use of a Temporary “Solubilizing” Peptide Tag for the Fmoc Solid-Phase Synthesis of Human Insulin Glargine via Use of Regioselective Disulfide Bond Formation. Bioconjug Chem 2009; 20:1390-6. [DOI: 10.1021/bc900181a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- Howard Florey Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Department of Medicine (AH/NH), The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, and Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 2/320 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia
| | - Alessia Belgi
- Howard Florey Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Department of Medicine (AH/NH), The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, and Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 2/320 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia
| | - Feng Lin
- Howard Florey Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Department of Medicine (AH/NH), The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, and Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 2/320 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia
| | - Suode Zhang
- Howard Florey Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Department of Medicine (AH/NH), The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, and Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 2/320 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia
| | - Fazel Shabanpoor
- Howard Florey Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Department of Medicine (AH/NH), The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, and Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 2/320 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia
| | - Linda Chan
- Howard Florey Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Department of Medicine (AH/NH), The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, and Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 2/320 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia
| | - Chris Belyea
- Howard Florey Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Department of Medicine (AH/NH), The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, and Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 2/320 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia
| | - Hue-Trung Truong
- Howard Florey Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Department of Medicine (AH/NH), The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, and Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 2/320 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia
| | - Amy R. Blair
- Howard Florey Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Department of Medicine (AH/NH), The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, and Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 2/320 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia
| | - Sof Andrikopoulos
- Howard Florey Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Department of Medicine (AH/NH), The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, and Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 2/320 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia
| | - Geoffrey W. Tregear
- Howard Florey Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Department of Medicine (AH/NH), The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, and Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 2/320 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia
| | - John D. Wade
- Howard Florey Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Department of Medicine (AH/NH), The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, and Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 2/320 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia
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