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Liu XH, Liu XT, Wu Y, Li SA, Ren KD, Cheng M, Huang B, Yang Y, Liu PP. Broadening Horizons: Exploring the Cathepsin Family as Therapeutic Targets for Alzheimer's Disease. Aging Dis 2024:AD.2024.0456. [PMID: 39122455 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an intricate neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of misfolded proteins, including beta-amyloid (Aβ) and tau, leading to cognitive decline. Despite decades of research, the precise mechanisms underlying its onset and progression remain elusive. Cathepsins are a family of lysosomal enzymes that play vital roles in cellular processes, including protein degradation and regulation of immune responses. Emerging evidence suggests that cathepsins may be involved in AD pathogenesis. Cathepsins can influence the activation of microglia and astrocytes, the resident immune cells in the brain. However, cathepsin dysfunction may lead to the accumulation of misfolded proteins, notably Aβ and tau. In addition, dysregulated cathepsin activity may induce an exaggerated immune response, promoting chronic inflammation and neuronal dysfunction in patients with AD. By unraveling the classification, functions, and roles of cathepsins in AD's pathogenesis, this review sheds light on their intricate involvement in this devastating disease. Targeting cathepsin activity could be a promising and novel approach for mitigating the pathological processes that contribute to AD, providing new avenues for its treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hui Liu
- Clinical Systems Biology Laboratories, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiao-Tong Liu
- Clinical Laboratory, the First Hospital of Yongnian District, Yongnian, Hebei, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Clinical Systems Biology Laboratories, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shu-Ang Li
- Clinical Systems Biology Laboratories, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Kai-Di Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Meng Cheng
- Translational Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Brain Function and Disease Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Clinical Systems Biology Laboratories, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Pei-Pei Liu
- Clinical Systems Biology Laboratories, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Duran Ş, Üstüntanir Dede AF, Dündar Orhan Y, Arslanyolu M. Genome-wide identification and in-silico analysis of papain-family cysteine protease encoding genes in Tetrahymena thermophila. Eur J Protistol 2024; 92:126033. [PMID: 38088016 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2023.126033] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Tetrahymena thermophila is a promising host for recombinant protein production, but its utilization in biotechnology is mostly limited due to the presence of intracellular and extracellular papain-family cysteine proteases (PFCPs). In this study, we employed bioinformatics approaches to investigate the T. thermophila PFCP genes and their encoded proteases (TtPFCPs), the most prominent protease family in the genome. Results from the multiple sequence alignment, protein modeling, and conserved motif analyses revealed that all TtPFCPs showed considerably high homology with mammalian cysteine cathepsins and contained conserved amino acid motifs. The total of 121 TtPFCP-encoding genes, 14 of which were classified as non-peptidase homologs, were found. Remaining 107 true TtPFCPs were divided into four distinct subgroups depending on their homology with mammalian lysosomal cathepsins: cathepsin L-like (TtCATLs), cathepsin B-like (TtCATBs), cathepsin C-like (TtCATCs), and cathepsin X-like (TtCATXs) PFCPs. The majority of true TtPFCPs (96 out of the total) were in TtCATL-like peptidase subgroup. Both phylogenetic and chromosomal localization analyses of TtPFCPs supported the hypothesis that TtPFCPs likely evolved through tandem gene duplication events and predominantly accumulated on micronuclear chromosome 5. Additionally, more than half of the identified TtPFCP genes are expressed in considerably low quantities compared to the rest of the TtPFCP genes, which are expressed at a higher level. However, their expression patterns fluctuate based on the stage of the life cycle. In conclusion, this study provides the first comprehensive in-silico analysis of TtPFCP genes and encoded proteases. The results would help designing an effective strategy for protease knockout mutant cell lines to discover biological function and to improve the recombinant protein production in T. thermophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şeyma Duran
- Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Sciences, Eskisehir Technical University, Yunus Emre Campus, Eskişehir 26470, Türkiye.
| | - Ayça Fulya Üstüntanir Dede
- Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Sciences, Eskisehir Technical University, Yunus Emre Campus, Eskişehir 26470, Türkiye.
| | - Yeliz Dündar Orhan
- Department of Advanced Technologies, Graduate School of Sciences, Eskisehir Technical University, Yunus Emre Campus, Eskişehir 26470, Türkiye.
| | - Muhittin Arslanyolu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Eskisehir Technical University, Yunusemre Campus, Eskişehir 26470, Türkiye.
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Barchielli G, Capperucci A, Tanini D. Therapeutic cysteine protease inhibitors: a patent review (2018-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:17-49. [PMID: 38445468 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2327299] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cysteine proteases are involved in a broad range of biological functions, ranging from extracellular matrix turnover to immunity. Playing an important role in the onset and progression of several diseases, including cancer, immune-related and neurodegenerative disease, viral and parasitic infections, cysteine proteases represent an attractive drug target for the development of therapeutic tools. AREAS COVERED Recent scientific and patent literature focusing on the design and study of cysteine protease inhibitors with potential therapeutic application has been reviewed. EXPERT OPINION The discovery of a number of effective structurally diverse cysteine protease inhibitors opened up new challenges and opportunities for the development of therapeutic tools. Mechanistic studies and the availability of X-ray crystal structures of some proteases, alone and in complex with inhibitors, provide crucial information for the rational design and development of efficient and selective cysteine protease inhibitors as preclinical candidates for the treatment of different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Barchielli
- Department of Chemistry 'Ugo Schiff', University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino FI, Italy
| | - Antonella Capperucci
- Department of Chemistry 'Ugo Schiff', University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino FI, Italy
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Stoka V, Vasiljeva O, Nakanishi H, Turk V. The Role of Cysteine Protease Cathepsins B, H, C, and X/Z in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15613. [PMID: 37958596 PMCID: PMC10650516 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115613] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Papain-like cysteine proteases are composed of 11 human cysteine cathepsins, originally located in the lysosomes. They exhibit broad specificity and act as endopeptidases and/or exopeptidases. Among them, only cathepsins B, H, C, and X/Z exhibit exopeptidase activity. Recently, cysteine cathepsins have been found to be present outside the lysosomes and often participate in various pathological processes. Hence, they have been considered key signalling molecules. Their potentially hazardous proteolytic activities are tightly regulated. This review aims to discuss recent advances in understanding the structural aspects of these four cathepsins, mechanisms of their zymogen activation, regulation of their activities, and functional aspects of these enzymes in neurodegeneration and cancer. Neurodegenerative effects have been evaluated, particularly in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Cysteine cathepsins also participate in tumour progression and metastasis through the overexpression and secretion of proteases, which trigger extracellular matrix degradation. To our knowledge, this is the first review to provide an in-depth analysis regarding the roles of cysteine cathepsins B, H, C, and X in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Further advances in understanding the functions of cysteine cathepsins in these conditions will result in the development of novel, targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Stoka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Olga Vasiljeva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- CytomX Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hiroshi Nakanishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women’s University, Hiroshima 731-0153, Japan;
| | - Vito Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Kordiš D, Turk V. Origin and Early Diversification of the Papain Family of Cysteine Peptidases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11761. [PMID: 37511529 PMCID: PMC10380794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptidases of the papain family play a key role in protein degradation, regulated proteolysis, and the host-pathogen arms race. Although the papain family has been the subject of many studies, knowledge about its diversity, origin, and evolution in Eukaryota, Bacteria, and Archaea is limited; thus, we aimed to address these long-standing knowledge gaps. We traced the origin and expansion of the papain family with a phylogenomic analysis, using sequence data from numerous prokaryotic and eukaryotic proteomes, transcriptomes, and genomes. We identified the full complement of the papain family in all prokaryotic and eukaryotic lineages. Analysis of the papain family provided strong evidence for its early diversification in the ancestor of eukaryotes. We found that the papain family has undergone complex and dynamic evolution through numerous gene duplications, which produced eight eukaryotic ancestral paralogous C1A lineages during eukaryogenesis. Different evolutionary forces operated on C1A peptidases, including gene duplication, horizontal gene transfer, and gene loss. This study challenges the current understanding of the origin and evolution of the papain family and provides valuable insights into their early diversification. The findings of this comprehensive study provide guidelines for future structural and functional studies of the papain family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dušan Kordiš
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, J. Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vito Turk
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, J. Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Jiang H, Dong Z, Xia X, Li X. Cathepsins in oral diseases: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1203071. [PMID: 37334378 PMCID: PMC10272612 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1203071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cathepsins are a type of lysosomal globulin hydrolase and are crucial for many physiological processes, including the resorption of bone matrix, innate immunity, apoptosis, proliferation, metastasis, autophagy, and angiogenesis. Findings regarding their functions in human physiological processes and disorders have drawn extensive attention. In this review, we will focus on the relationship between cathepsins and oral diseases. We highlight the structural and functional properties of cathepsins related to oral diseases, as well as the regulatory mechanisms in tissue and cells and their therapeutic uses. Elucidating the associated mechanism between cathepsins and oral diseases is thought to be a promising strategy for the treatment of oral diseases and may be a starting point for further studies at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Jiang
- Department of Stomatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Stomatology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zuoxiang Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaomin Xia
- Department of Stomatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Stomatology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Stomatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Stomatology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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7
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Varda N, Novinec M. Evolutionary Analysis of Dipeptidyl Peptidase I. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031852. [PMID: 35163774 PMCID: PMC8836896 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Human dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI) belongs to the family of papain-like cysteine peptidases. Its distinctive features are the unique exclusion domain which enables the eponymous activity and homotetramerization of DPPI, and its dependence on chloride ions for enzymatic activity. The oligomeric state of DPPI is unique in this family of predominantly monomeric peptidases. However, a distant DPPI ortholog from Plasmodium falciparum has been shown to be monomeric, indicating that the oligomeric state of DPPI varies between lineages. The aim of this work was to study the evolution of DPPI, with particular attention to the structural features that determine its characteristic enzymatic activity and preferences, and to reconstruct the evolution of its oligomerization. We analyzed fifty-seven selected sequences of DPPI and confirmed its presence in three lineages, namely, Amorphea (including animals and Amoebozoa), Alveolates and the metamonad Giardia. The amino acid residues that bind the chloride ion are highly conserved in all species, indicating that the dependence on chloride ions for activity is an evolutionarily conserved feature of DPPI. The number of N-glycosylation sites is significantly increased in animals, particularly vertebrates. Analysis of homology models and subunit contacts suggests that oligomerization is likely restricted to DPPIs in the Amorphea group.
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Majc B, Habič A, Novak M, Rotter A, Porčnik A, Mlakar J, Župunski V, Fonović UP, Knez D, Zidar N, Gobec S, Kos J, Turnšek TL, Pišlar A, Breznik B. Upregulation of Cathepsin X in Glioblastoma: Interplay with γ-Enolase and the Effects of Selective Cathepsin X Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031784. [PMID: 35163706 PMCID: PMC8836869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and deadly primary brain tumor in adults. Understanding GBM pathobiology and discovering novel therapeutic targets are critical to finding efficient treatments. Upregulation of the lysosomal cysteine carboxypeptidase cathepsin X has been linked to immune dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases, but its role in cancer and particularly in GBM progression in patients is unknown. In this study, cathepsin X expression and activity were found to be upregulated in human GBM tissues compared to low-grade gliomas and nontumor brain tissues. Cathepsin X was localized in GBM cells as well as in tumor-associated macrophages and microglia. Subsequently, potent irreversible (AMS36) and reversible (Z7) selective cathepsin X inhibitors were tested in vitro. Selective cathepsin X inhibitors decreased the viability of patient-derived GBM cells as well as macrophages and microglia that were cultured in conditioned media of GBM cells. We next examined the expression pattern of neuron-specific enzyme γ-enolase, which is the target of cathepsin X. We found that there was a correlation between high proteolytic activity of cathepsin X and C-terminal cleavage of γ-enolase and that cathepsin X and γ-enolase were colocalized in GBM tissues, preferentially in GBM-associated macrophages and microglia. Taken together, our results on patient-derived material suggest that cathepsin X is involved in GBM progression and is a potential target for therapeutic approaches against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernarda Majc
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (A.H.); (M.N.); (A.R.); (T.L.T.)
- Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 39 Jamova cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anamarija Habič
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (A.H.); (M.N.); (A.R.); (T.L.T.)
- Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 39 Jamova cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Metka Novak
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (A.H.); (M.N.); (A.R.); (T.L.T.)
| | - Ana Rotter
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (A.H.); (M.N.); (A.R.); (T.L.T.)
| | - Andrej Porčnik
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 7 Zaloška cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Jernej Mlakar
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 2 Korytkova ulica, 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia;
| | - Vera Župunski
- Chair of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 113 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Urša Pečar Fonović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 7 Aškerčeva cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.P.F.); (D.K.); (N.Z.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Damijan Knez
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 7 Aškerčeva cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.P.F.); (D.K.); (N.Z.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Nace Zidar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 7 Aškerčeva cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.P.F.); (D.K.); (N.Z.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 7 Aškerčeva cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.P.F.); (D.K.); (N.Z.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Janko Kos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 7 Aškerčeva cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.P.F.); (D.K.); (N.Z.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Tamara Lah Turnšek
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (A.H.); (M.N.); (A.R.); (T.L.T.)
- Chair of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 113 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Anja Pišlar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 7 Aškerčeva cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.P.F.); (D.K.); (N.Z.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: (B.B.); Tel.: +386-(0)59-232-870; (A.P.), Tel.: +386-(0)14-169-526
| | - Barbara Breznik
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (A.H.); (M.N.); (A.R.); (T.L.T.)
- Correspondence: (B.B.); Tel.: +386-(0)59-232-870; (A.P.), Tel.: +386-(0)14-169-526
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Mitrović A, Završnik J, Mikhaylov G, Knez D, Pečar Fonović U, Matjan Štefin P, Butinar M, Gobec S, Turk B, Kos J. Evaluation of novel cathepsin-X inhibitors in vitro and in vivo and their ability to improve cathepsin-B-directed antitumor therapy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:34. [PMID: 34989869 PMCID: PMC8738504 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04117-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
New therapeutic targets that could improve current antitumor therapy and overcome cancer resistance are urgently needed. Promising candidates are lysosomal cysteine cathepsins, proteolytical enzymes involved in various critical steps during cancer progression. Among them, cathepsin X, which acts solely as a carboxypeptidase, has received much attention. Our results indicate that the triazole-based selective reversible inhibitor of cathepsin X named Z9 (1-(2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2-((4-isopropyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)ethan-1-one) significantly reduces tumor progression, both in vitro in cell-based functional assays and in vivo in two independent tumor mouse models: the FVB/PyMT transgenic and MMTV-PyMT orthotopic breast cancer mouse models. One of the mechanisms by which cathepsin X contributes to cancer progression is the compensation of cathepsin-B activity loss. Our results confirm that cathepsin-B inhibition is compensated by an increase in cathepsin X activity and protein levels. Furthermore, the simultaneous inhibition of both cathepsins B and X with potent, selective, reversible inhibitors exerted a synergistic effect in impairing processes of tumor progression in in vitro cell-based assays of tumor cell migration and spheroid growth. Taken together, our data demonstrate that Z9 impairs tumor progression both in vitro and in vivo and can be used in combination with other peptidase inhibitors as an innovative approach to overcome resistance to antipeptidase therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mitrović
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana,, Slovenia.
| | - Janja Završnik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Georgy Mikhaylov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Knez
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Petra Matjan Štefin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Butinar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana,, Slovenia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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