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Evolutionary velocity with protein language models predicts evolutionary dynamics of diverse proteins. Cell Syst 2022; 13:274-285.e6. [PMID: 35120643 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The degree to which evolution is predictable is a fundamental question in biology. Previous attempts to predict the evolution of protein sequences have been limited to specific proteins and to small changes, such as single-residue mutations. Here, we demonstrate that by using a protein language model to predict the local evolution within protein families, we recover a dynamic "vector field" of protein evolution that we call evolutionary velocity (evo-velocity). Evo-velocity generalizes to evolution over vastly different timescales, from viral proteins evolving over years to eukaryotic proteins evolving over geologic eons, and can predict the evolutionary dynamics of proteins that were not used to develop the original model. Evo-velocity also yields new evolutionary insights by predicting strategies of viral-host immune escape, resolving conflicting theories on the evolution of serpins, and revealing a key role of horizontal gene transfer in the evolution of eukaryotic glycolysis.
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Ju B, Guo O, Benissan-Messan DZ, Shawver MH, Chen P, Geng B, Wei S, Yaron JR, Lucas AR, Zhu H. Serp-1 Promotes Corneal Wound Healing by Facilitating Re-epithelialization and Inhibiting Fibrosis and Angiogenesis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:649124. [PMID: 34164439 PMCID: PMC8216079 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.649124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Chemical corneal injuries carry a high morbidity and commonly lead to visual impairment. Here, we investigate the role of Serp-1, a serine protease inhibitor, in corneal wound healing. Methods: An alkaline-induced corneal injury was induced in 14 mice. Following injury, five mice received daily topical saline application while nine mice received Serp-1 100 μL topically combined with a daily subcutaneous injection of 100 ng/gram body weight of Serp-1. Corneal damage was monitored daily through fluorescein staining and imaging. Cross sectional corneal H&E staining were obtained. CD31 was used as marker for neovascularization. Results: Serp-1 facilitates corneal wound healing by reducing fibrosis and neovascularization while mitigating inflammatory cell infiltration with no noticeable harm related to its application. Conclusions: Serp-1 effectively mitigates inflammation, decreases fibrosis, and reduce neovascularization in a murine model of corneal injury without affecting other organs. Translational Relavence: Our study provides preclinical data for topical application of Serp-1 to treat corneal wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent Ju
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Owen Guo
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Dathe Z Benissan-Messan
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - McKinley H Shawver
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Peng Chen
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Bingchuan Geng
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Siqi Wei
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jordan R Yaron
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Alexandra R Lucas
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Hua Zhu
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
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Malik S, Gupta A, Zhong X, Rasmussen TP, Manautou JE, Bahal R. Emerging Therapeutic Modalities against COVID-19. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E188. [PMID: 32784499 PMCID: PMC7465781 DOI: 10.3390/ph13080188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel SARS-CoV-2 virus has quickly spread worldwide, bringing the whole world as well as the economy to a standstill. As the world is struggling to minimize the transmission of this devastating disease, several strategies are being actively deployed to develop therapeutic interventions. Pharmaceutical companies and academic researchers are relentlessly working to investigate experimental, repurposed or FDA-approved drugs on a compassionate basis and novel biologics for SARS-CoV-2 prophylaxis and treatment. Presently, a tremendous surge of COVID-19 clinical trials are advancing through different stages. Among currently registered clinical efforts, ~86% are centered on testing small molecules or antibodies either alone or in combination with immunomodulators. The rest ~14% of clinical efforts are aimed at evaluating vaccines and convalescent plasma-based therapies to mitigate the disease's symptoms. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current therapeutic modalities being evaluated against SARS-CoV-2 virus in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipra Malik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (S.M.); (X.Z.); (T.P.R.); (J.E.M.)
| | - Anisha Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459, USA;
| | - Xiaobo Zhong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (S.M.); (X.Z.); (T.P.R.); (J.E.M.)
| | - Theodore P. Rasmussen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (S.M.); (X.Z.); (T.P.R.); (J.E.M.)
| | - Jose E. Manautou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (S.M.); (X.Z.); (T.P.R.); (J.E.M.)
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (S.M.); (X.Z.); (T.P.R.); (J.E.M.)
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Talepoor AG, Fouladseresht H, Khosropanah S, Doroudchi M. Immune-Inflammation in Atherosclerosis: A New Twist in an Old Tale. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2020; 20:525-545. [DOI: 10.2174/1871530319666191016095725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective:Atherosclerosis, a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease, is triggered by the activation of endothelial cells followed by infiltration of innate and adaptive immune cells including monocytes and T cells in arterial walls. Major populations of T cells found in human atherosclerotic lesions are antigen-specific activated CD4+ effectors and/or memory T cells from Th1, Th17, Th2 and Treg subsets. In this review, we will discuss the significance of T cell orchestrated immune inflammation in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.Discussion:Pathogen/oxidative stress/lipid induced primary endothelial wound cannot develop to a full-blown atherosclerotic lesion in the absence of chronically induced inflammation. While the primary inflammatory response might be viewed as a lone innate response, the persistence of such a profound response over time must be (and is) associated with diverse local and systemic T cell responses. The interplay between T cells and innate cells contributes to a phenomenon called immuneinflammation and has an impact on the progression and outcome of the lesion. In recent years immuneinflammation, an old term, has had a comeback in connecting the puzzle pieces of chronic inflammatory diseases.Conclusion:Taking one-step back and looking from afar at the players of immune-inflammation may help us provide a broader perspective of these complicated interactions. This may lead to the identification of new drug targets and the development of new therapies as well as preventative measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefe Ghamar Talepoor
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamed Fouladseresht
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shahdad Khosropanah
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehrnoosh Doroudchi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Alam B, Biswas S. Inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum cysteine protease falcipain-2 by a human cross-class inhibitor serpinB3: A mechanistic insight. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2019; 1867:854-865. [PMID: 31247344 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Falcipain-2(FP2), a cysteine protease from Plasmodium falciparum, cleaves host erythrocyte hemoglobin and specific membrane skeleton components during the parasite life cycle. Therefore its inhibition has been considered as an attractive approach to combat the disease. SerpinB3 (SPB3) belongs to the ovalbumin-serpin family and is a potent cross-class inhibitor of cysteine cathepsins L, K, S and papain. This study explored the possibility of inhibition of FP2 by SPB3. It turned out that general proteolytic activities as well as specific hemoglobinolytic activity of FP2 have been inhibited by SPB3. Furthermore, studies have been designed to investigate and characterize the mechanism of inhibition in comparison with proteases Cathepsin L (CTSL) and papain. The Ki value of inhibition for FP2, measured against its specific substrate (VLK-pNA), is 338.11 nM and stoichiometry (I/E ratio) of inhibition is 1. These values are comparable to CTSL and papain. Analytical gel filtration profile and CD spectroscopy data confirm FP2-SPB3 complex formation. Our studies revealed that interaction of SPB3 with FP2 is non-covalent type like that of CTSL and papain but unlike other serine protease-inhibiting serpins. An in-silico docking and simulation study have been performed with FP2 as well as CTSL and results suggest different binding mode for FP2 and CTSL, though both the complexes are stable with significant contribution from electrostatic energy of interaction. We further showed a disease state mutant SPB3-Gly351Ala performed better anti-protease activity against FP2. This study, for the first time, has shown a serpin family inhibitor from human could efficiently inhibit activity of FP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benazir Alam
- Crystallography and Molecular Biology Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700 064, India
| | - Sampa Biswas
- Crystallography and Molecular Biology Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700 064, India; Homi Bhaba National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400 094, India.
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CrmA orthologs from diverse poxviruses potently inhibit caspases-1 and -8, yet cleavage site mutagenesis frequently produces caspase-1-specific variants. Biochem J 2019; 476:1335-1357. [PMID: 30992316 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Poxviruses encode many proteins that enable them to evade host anti-viral defense mechanisms. Spi-2 proteins, including Cowpox virus CrmA, suppress anti-viral immune responses and contribute to poxviral pathogenesis and lethality. These proteins are 'serpin' protease inhibitors, which function via a pseudosubstrate mechanism involving initial interactions between the protease and a cleavage site within the serpin. A conformational change within the serpin interrupts the cleavage reaction, deforming the protease active site and preventing dissociation. Spi-2 proteins like CrmA potently inhibit caspases-1, -4 and -5, which produce proinflammatory cytokines, and caspase-8, which facilitates cytotoxic lymphocyte-mediated target cell death. It is not clear whether both of these functions are equally perilous for the virus, or whether only one must be suppressed for poxviral infectivity and spread but the other is coincidently inhibited merely because these caspases are biochemically similar. We compared the caspase specificity of CrmA to three orthologs from orthopoxviruses and four from more distant chordopoxviruses. All potently blocked caspases-1, -4, -5 and -8 activity but exhibited negligible inhibition of caspases-2, -3 and -6. The orthologs differed markedly in their propensity to inhibit non-mammalian caspases. We determined the specificity of CrmA mutants bearing various residues in positions P4, P3 and P2 of the cleavage site. Almost all variants retained the ability to inhibit caspase-1, but many lacked caspase-8 inhibitory activity. The retention of Spi-2 proteins' caspase-8 specificity during chordopoxvirus evolution, despite this function being readily lost through cleavage site mutagenesis, suggests that caspase-8 inhibition is crucial for poxviral pathogenesis and spread.
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Chen H, Ambadapadi S, Wakefield D, Bartee M, Yaron JR, Zhang L, Archer-Hartmann SA, Azadi P, Burgin M, Borges C, Zheng D, Ergle K, Muppala V, Morshed S, Rand K, Clapp W, Proudfoot A, Lucas A. Selective Deletion of Heparan Sulfotransferase Enzyme, Ndst1, in Donor Endothelial and Myeloid Precursor Cells Significantly Decreases Acute Allograft Rejection. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13433. [PMID: 30194334 PMCID: PMC6128922 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31779-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early damage to transplanted organs initiates excess inflammation that can cause ongoing injury, a leading cause for late graft loss. The endothelial glycocalyx modulates immune reactions and chemokine-mediated haptotaxis, potentially driving graft loss. In prior work, conditional deficiency of the glycocalyx-modifying enzyme N-deacetylase-N-sulfotransferase-1 (Ndst1f/f TekCre+) reduced aortic allograft inflammation. Here we investigated modification of heparan sulfate (HS) and chemokine interactions in whole-organ renal allografts. Conditional donor allograft Ndst1 deficiency (Ndst1−/−; C57Bl/6 background) was compared to systemic treatment with M-T7, a broad-spectrum chemokine-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) inhibitor. Early rejection was significantly reduced in Ndst1−/− kidneys engrafted into wildtype BALB/c mice (Ndst1+/+) and comparable to M-T7 treatment in C57Bl/6 allografts (P < 0.0081). M-T7 lost activity in Ndst1−/− allografts, while M-T7 point mutants with modified GAG-chemokine binding displayed a range of anti-rejection activity. CD3+ T cells (P < 0.0001), HS (P < 0.005) and CXC chemokine staining (P < 0.012), gene expression in NFκB and JAK/STAT pathways, and HS and CS disaccharide content were significantly altered with reduced rejection. Transplant of donor allografts with conditional Ndst1 deficiency exhibit significantly reduced acute rejection, comparable to systemic chemokine-GAG inhibition. Modified disaccharides in engrafted organs correlate with reduced rejection. Altered disaccharides in engrafted organs provide markers for rejection with potential to guide new therapeutic approaches in allograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- The Department of Tumor Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sriram Ambadapadi
- Divisions of Cardiovascular Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Center for Personalized Diagnostics, and the Center of Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Dara Wakefield
- Department of Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Meeyong Bartee
- Divisions of Cardiovascular Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jordan R Yaron
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, and the Center of Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, and the Center of Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | | | - Parastoo Azadi
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Michelle Burgin
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, and the Center of Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Chad Borges
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, and the Center of Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Donghang Zheng
- Divisions of Cardiovascular Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kevin Ergle
- Divisions of Cardiovascular Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Vishnu Muppala
- Divisions of Cardiovascular Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sufi Morshed
- Divisions of Cardiovascular Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kenneth Rand
- Department of Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - William Clapp
- Department of Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Alexandra Lucas
- Divisions of Cardiovascular Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. .,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. .,Center for Personalized Diagnostics, and the Center of Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
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Chen H, Ambadapadi S, Dai E, Liu L, Yaron JR, Zhang L, Lucas A. Analysis of In Vivo Serpin Functions in Models of Inflammatory Vascular Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1826:157-182. [PMID: 30194600 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8645-3_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Serpins have a wide range of functions in regulation of serine proteases in the thrombotic cascade and in immune responses, representing up to 2-10% of circulating proteins in the blood. Selected serpins also have cross-class inhibitory actions for cysteine proteases in inflammasome and apoptosis pathways. The arterial and venous systems transport blood throughout the mammalian body representing a central site for interactions between coagulation proteases and circulating blood cells (immune cells) and target tissues, a very extensive and complex interaction. While analysis of serpin functions in vitro in kinetics or gel shift assays or in tissue culture provides very necessary information on molecular mechanisms, the penultimate assessment of biological or physiological functions and efficacy for serpins as therapeutics requires study in vivo in whole animal models (some also consider cell culture to be an in vivo approach).Mouse models of arterial transplant with immune rejection as well as models of inflammatory vasculitis induced by infection have been used to study the interplay between the coagulation and immune response pathways. We describe here three in vivo vasculitis models that are used to study the roles of serpins in disease and as therapeutics. The models described include (1) mouse aortic allograft transplantation, (2) human temporal artery (TA) xenograft into immunodeficient mouse aorta, and (3) mouse herpes virus (MHV68)-induced inflammatory vasculitis in interferon-gamma receptor (IFNγR) knockout mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- The Department of Tumor Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- The Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
| | - Sriram Ambadapadi
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiovascular Medicine and Rheumatology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Erbin Dai
- Department of Surgery, BIDMC, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liying Liu
- Department of Surgery, BIDMC, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jordan R Yaron
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and Immunology, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 727 E Tyler St, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Alexandra Lucas
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiovascular Medicine and Rheumatology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Zhang L, Yaron JR, Ambadapadi S, Lucas A. Viral Serpin Reactive Center Loop (RCL) Peptides: Design and Testing. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1826:133-142. [PMID: 30194598 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8645-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Serpins function as a trap for serine proteases, presenting the reactive center loop (RCL) as a target for individual proteases. When the protease cleaves the RCL, the serpin and protease become covalently linked leading to a loss of function of both the protease and the serpin; this suicide inhibition is often referred to as a "mouse trap." When the RCL P1-P1' scissile bond is cut by the protease, the resulting bond between the protease and the RCL leads to insertion of the cleaved RCL into the β-sheet A and relocation of the protease to the opposite pole of the serpin, forming a suicide complex. Only a relatively small part of the serpin molecule can be removed in deletion mutations before the serpin RCL inhibitory function is lost. Serpin RCL peptides have been developed to block formation of serpin aggregates in serpinopathies, genetic serpin mutations wherein the abnormal serpins insert their RCL into adjacent serpins forming aggregates of inactive serpins.We have further posited that this natural cleavage site in the serpin RCL may form active serpin metabolites with potential to add to the serpin's inhibitory functions. We have developed RCL peptides based upon predicted serpin RCL cleavage (or metabolism) sites and tested these serpins for inhibitory function. In this chapter we describe the development of RCL-derived peptides, peptides derived based upon the RCL sequences of two myxomaviral serpins. Methods used to develop peptides are described for RCL-derived peptides from Serp-1, a thrombotic and thrombolytic serine protease inhibitor, and Serp-2, a cross class serine and cysteine protease inhibitor (Subheadings 2.1 and 3.1). Approaches to testing RCL peptide functions, in vitro by molecular assays and in vivo in models of cell migration, MHV-68 infection, and aortic allograft transplant are described (Subheadings 2.2 and 3.2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiang Zhang
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 727 E Tyler St, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
| | - Jordan R Yaron
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 727 E Tyler St, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Sriram Ambadapadi
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacyclics LLC, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
| | - Alexandra Lucas
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 727 E Tyler St, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Saint Joseph's Hospital, Dignity Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Role of heparin and non heparin binding serpins in coagulation and angiogenesis: A complex interplay. Arch Biochem Biophys 2016; 604:128-42. [PMID: 27372899 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2016.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pro-coagulant, anti-coagulant and fibrinolytic pathways are responsible for maintaining hemostatic balance under physiological conditions. Any deviation from these pathways would result in hypercoagulability leading to life threatening diseases like myocardial infarction, stroke, portal vein thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Angiogenesis is the process of sprouting of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones and plays a critical role in vascular repair, diabetic retinopathy, chronic inflammation and cancer progression. Serpins; a superfamily of protease inhibitors, play a key role in regulating both angiogenesis and coagulation. They are characterized by the presence of highly conserved secondary structure comprising of 3 β-sheets and 7-9 α-helices. Inhibitory role of serpins is modulated by binding to cofactors, specially heparin and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) present on cell surfaces and extracellular matrix. Heparin and HSPGs are the mainstay of anti-coagulant therapy and also have therapeutic potential as anti-angiogenic inhibitors. Many of the heparin binding serpins that regulate coagulation cascade are also potent inhibitors of angiogenesis. Understanding the molecular mechanism of the switch between their specific anti-coagulant and anti-angiogenic role during inflammation, stress and regular hemostasis is important. In this review, we have tried to integrate the role of different serpins, their interaction with cofactors and their interplay in regulating coagulation and angiogenesis.
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Ambadapadi S, Munuswamy-Ramanujam G, Zheng D, Sullivan C, Dai E, Morshed S, McFadden B, Feldman E, Pinard M, McKenna R, Tibbetts S, Lucas A. Reactive Center Loop (RCL) Peptides Derived from Serpins Display Independent Coagulation and Immune Modulating Activities. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:2874-87. [PMID: 26620556 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.704841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Serpins regulate coagulation and inflammation, binding serine proteases in suicide-inhibitory complexes. Target proteases cleave the serpin reactive center loop scissile P1-P1' bond, resulting in serpin-protease suicide-inhibitory complexes. This inhibition requires a near full-length serpin sequence. Myxomavirus Serp-1 inhibits thrombolytic and thrombotic proteases, whereas mammalian neuroserpin (NSP) inhibits only thrombolytic proteases. Both serpins markedly reduce arterial inflammation and plaque in rodent models after single dose infusion. In contrast, Serp-1 but not NSP improves survival in a lethal murine gammaherpesvirus68 (MHV68) infection in interferon γ-receptor-deficient mice (IFNγR(-/-)). Serp-1 has also been successfully tested in a Phase 2a clinical trial. We postulated that proteolytic cleavage of the reactive center loop produces active peptide derivatives with expanded function. Eight peptides encompassing predicted protease cleavage sites for Serp-1 and NSP were synthesized and tested for inhibitory function in vitro and in vivo. In engrafted aorta, selected peptides containing Arg or Arg-Asn, not Arg-Met, with a 0 or +1 charge, significantly reduced plaque. Conversely, S-6 a hydrophobic peptide of NSP, lacking Arg or Arg-Asn with -4 charge, induced early thrombosis and mortality. S-1 and S-6 also significantly reduced CD11b(+) monocyte counts in mouse splenocytes. S-1 peptide had increased efficacy in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 serpin-deficient transplants. Plaque reduction correlated with mononuclear cell activation. In a separate study, Serp-1 peptide S-7 improved survival in the MHV68 vasculitis model, whereas an inverse S-7 peptide was inactive. Reactive center peptides derived from Serp-1 and NSP with suitable charge and hydrophobicity have the potential to extend immunomodulatory functions of serpins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Ambadapadi
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Ganesh Munuswamy-Ramanujam
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and the Interdisciplinary Institute of the Indian System of Medicine, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Donghang Zheng
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Colin Sullivan
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Erbin Dai
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Sufi Morshed
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Baron McFadden
- the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32608 and
| | - Emily Feldman
- the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32608 and
| | - Melissa Pinard
- the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32608 and
| | - Robert McKenna
- the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32608 and
| | - Scott Tibbetts
- the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32608 and
| | - Alexandra Lucas
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32608 and
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Khan R, Spagnoli V, Tardif JC, L'Allier PL. Novel anti-inflammatory therapies for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis 2015; 240:497-509. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.04.783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Revised: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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14
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Lucas AR, Verma RK, Dai E, Liu L, Chen H, Kesavalu S, Rivera M, Velsko I, Ambadapadi S, Chukkapalli S, Kesavalu L. Myxomavirus anti-inflammatory chemokine binding protein reduces the increased plaque growth induced by chronic Porphyromonas gingivalis oral infection after balloon angioplasty aortic injury in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111353. [PMID: 25354050 PMCID: PMC4213024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Thrombotic occlusion of inflammatory plaque in coronary arteries causes myocardial infarction. Treatment with emergent balloon angioplasty (BA) and stent implant improves survival, but restenosis (regrowth) can occur. Periodontal bacteremia is closely associated with inflammation and native arterial atherosclerosis, with potential to increase restenosis. Two virus-derived anti-inflammatory proteins, M-T7 and Serp-1, reduce inflammation and plaque growth after BA and transplant in animal models through separate pathways. M-T7 is a broad spectrum C, CC and CXC chemokine-binding protein. Serp-1 is a serine protease inhibitor (serpin) inhibiting thrombotic and thrombolytic pathways. Serp-1 also reduces arterial inflammation and improves survival in a mouse herpes virus (MHV68) model of lethal vasculitis. In addition, Serp-1 demonstrated safety and efficacy in patients with unstable coronary disease and stent implant, reducing markers of myocardial damage. We investigate here the effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontal pathogen, on restenosis after BA and the effects of blocking chemokine and protease pathways with M-T7 and Serp-1. ApoE−/− mice had aortic BA and oral P. gingivalis infection. Arterial plaque growth was examined at 24 weeks with and without anti-inflammatory protein treatment. Dental plaques from mice infected with P. gingivalis tested positive for infection. Neither Serp-1 nor M-T7 treatment reduced infection, but IgG antibody levels in mice treated with Serp-1 and M-T7 were reduced. P. gingivalis significantly increased monocyte invasion and arterial plaque growth after BA (P<0.025). Monocyte invasion and plaque growth were blocked by M-T7 treatment (P<0.023), whereas Serp-1 produced only a trend toward reductions. Both proteins modified expression of TLR4 and MyD88. In conclusion, aortic plaque growth in ApoE−/− mice increased after angioplasty in mice with chronic oral P. gingivalis infection. Blockade of chemokines, but not serine proteases significantly reduced arterial plaque growth, suggesting a central role for chemokine-mediated inflammation after BA in P. gingivalis infected mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R. Lucas
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AL); (LK)
| | - Raj K. Verma
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Erbin Dai
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Liying Liu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Hao Chen
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sheela Kesavalu
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Mercedes Rivera
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Irina Velsko
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sriram Ambadapadi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sasanka Chukkapalli
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Lakshmyya Kesavalu
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AL); (LK)
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Chen H, Zheng D, Abbott J, Liu L, Bartee MY, Long M, Davids J, Williams J, Feldmann H, Strong J, Grau KR, Tibbetts S, Macaulay C, McFadden G, Thoburn R, Lomas DA, Spinale FG, Virgin HW, Lucas A. Myxomavirus-derived serpin prolongs survival and reduces inflammation and hemorrhage in an unrelated lethal mouse viral infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 57:4114-27. [PMID: 23774438 PMCID: PMC3754305 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02594-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lethal viral infections produce widespread inflammation with vascular leak, clotting, and bleeding (disseminated intravascular coagulation [DIC]), organ failure, and high mortality. Serine proteases in clot-forming (thrombotic) and clot-dissolving (thrombolytic) cascades are activated by an inflammatory cytokine storm and also can induce systemic inflammation with loss of normal serine protease inhibitor (serpin) regulation. Myxomavirus secretes a potent anti-inflammatory serpin, Serp-1, that inhibits clotting factor X (fX) and thrombolytic tissue- and urokinase-type plasminogen activators (tPA and uPA) with anti-inflammatory activity in multiple animal models. Purified serpin significantly improved survival in a murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) infection in gamma interferon receptor (IFN-γR) knockout mice, a model for lethal inflammatory vasculitis. Treatment of MHV68-infected mice with neuroserpin, a mammalian serpin that inhibits only tPA and uPA, was ineffective. Serp-1 reduced virus load, lung hemorrhage, and aortic, lung, and colon inflammation in MHV68-infected mice and also reduced virus load. Neuroserpin suppressed a wide range of immune spleen cell responses after MHV68 infection, while Serp-1 selectively increased CD11c(+) splenocytes (macrophage and dendritic cells) and reduced CD11b(+) tissue macrophages. Serp-1 altered gene expression for coagulation and inflammatory responses, whereas neuroserpin did not. Serp-1 treatment was assessed in a second viral infection, mouse-adapted Zaire ebolavirus in wild-type BALB/c mice, with improved survival and reduced tissue necrosis. In summary, treatment with this unique myxomavirus-derived serpin suppresses systemic serine protease and innate immune responses caused by unrelated lethal viral infections (both RNA and DNA viruses), providing a potential new therapeutic approach for treatment of lethal viral sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Divisions of Cardiology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
| | - Donghang Zheng
- Divisions of Cardiology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
| | - Jeff Abbott
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Liying Liu
- Divisions of Cardiology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine
| | - Mee Y. Bartee
- Divisions of Cardiology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
| | - Maureen Long
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jennifer Davids
- Divisions of Cardiology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
| | | | - Heinz Feldmann
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - James Strong
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Grant McFadden
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
- Viron Therapeutics, Inc., London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Thoburn
- Divisions of Cardiology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine
| | - David A. Lomas
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Francis G. Spinale
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, South Carolina, USA
| | - Herbert W. Virgin
- Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alexandra Lucas
- Divisions of Cardiology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
- Viron Therapeutics, Inc., London, Ontario, Canada
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