1
|
Calpain Inhibitors as Potential Therapeutic Modulators in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:1125-1149. [PMID: 34982393 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03521-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It is considered a significant challenge to understand the neuronal cell death mechanisms with a suitable cure for neurodegenerative disorders in the coming years. Calpains are one of the best-considered "cysteine proteases activated" in brain disorders. Calpain is an important marker and mediator in the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration. Calpain activation being the essential neurodegenerative factor causing apoptotic machinery activation, it is crucial to develop reliable and effective approaches to prevent calpain-mediated apoptosis in degenerating neurons. It has been recently seen that the "inhibition of calpain activation" has appeared as a possible therapeutic target for managing neurodegenerative diseases. A systematic literature review of PubMed, Medline, Bentham, Scopus, and EMBASE (Elsevier) databases was conducted. The present article reviews the basic pathobiology and role of selective calpain inhibitors used in various neurodegenerative diseases as a therapeutic target.
Collapse
|
2
|
Highly Selective Synthesis of 6-Glyoxylamidoquinoline Derivatives via Palladium-Catalyzed Aminocarbonylation. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 27:molecules27010004. [PMID: 35011236 PMCID: PMC8746719 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The aminocarbonylation of 6-iodoquinoline has been investigated in the presence of large series of amine nucleophiles, providing an efficient synthetic route for producing various quinoline-6-carboxamide and quinoline-6-glyoxylamide derivatives. It was shown, after detailed optimization study, that the formation of amides and ketoamides is strongly influenced by the reaction conditions. Performing the reactions at 40 bar of carbon monoxide pressure in the presence of Pd(OAc)2/2 PPh3, the corresponding 2-ketocarboxamides were formed as major products (up to 63%). When the monodentate triphenylphosphine was replaced by the bidentate XantPhos, the quinoline-6-carboxamide derivatives were synthesized almost exclusively under atmospheric conditions (up to 98%). The isolation and characterization of the new carbonylated products of various structures were also accomplished. Furthermore, the structure of three new mono- and double-carbonylated compounds were unambiguously established by using a single-crystal XRD study.
Collapse
|
3
|
Robello M, Barresi E, Baglini E, Salerno S, Taliani S, Settimo FD. The Alpha Keto Amide Moiety as a Privileged Motif in Medicinal Chemistry: Current Insights and Emerging Opportunities. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3508-3545. [PMID: 33764065 PMCID: PMC8154582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the years, researchers in drug discovery have taken advantage of the use of privileged structures to design innovative hit/lead molecules. The α-ketoamide motif is found in many natural products, and it has been widely exploited by medicinal chemists to develop compounds tailored to a vast range of biological targets, thus presenting clinical potential for a plethora of pathological conditions. The purpose of this perspective is to provide insights into the versatility of this chemical moiety as a privileged structure in drug discovery. After a brief analysis of its physical-chemical features and synthetic procedures to obtain it, α-ketoamide-based classes of compounds are reported according to the application of this motif as either a nonreactive or reactive moiety. The goal is to highlight those aspects that may be useful to understanding the perspectives of employing the α-ketoamide moiety in the rational design of compounds able to interact with a specific target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Robello
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, LBC, NIDDK, NIH, 8 Center Drive, Room 404, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Emma Baglini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Asano T, Nagayo Y, Tsuda S, Ito A, Kobayashi W, Fujita K, Sato K, Nishiguchi KM, Kunikata H, Fujioka H, Kamiya M, Urano Y, Nakazawa T. Companion Diagnosis for Retinal Neuroprotective Treatment by Real-Time Imaging of Calpain Activation Using a Novel Fluorescent Probe. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:2241-2251. [PMID: 32840357 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Calpain activation induces retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, while calpain inhibition suppresses RGC death, in animal studies. However, the role of calpain in human retinal disease is unclear. This study investigated a new strategy to study the role of calpain based on real-time imaging. We synthesized a novel fluorescent probe for calpain, acetyl-l-leucyl-l-methionine-hydroxymethyl rhodamine green (Ac-LM-HMRG) and used it for real-time imaging of calpain activation. The toxicity of Ac-LM-HMRG was evaluated with a lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity assay, retinal sections, and electroretinograms. Here, we performed real-time imaging of calpain activation in a rat model. First, we administered N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) to induce retinal injury. Twenty minutes later, we administered an intravitreal injection of Ac-LM-HMRG. Real-time imaging was then completed with a noninvasive confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. The inhibitory effect of SNJ-1945 against calpain activation was also examined with the same real-time imaging method. Ac-LM-HMRG had no toxic effects. The number of Ac-LM-HMRG-positive cells in real-time imaging significantly increased after NMDA injury, and SNJ-1945 significantly lowered the number of Ac-LM-HMRG-positive cells. Real-time imaging with Ac-LM-HMRG was able to quickly quantify the NMDA-induced activation of calpain and the inhibitory effect of SNJ-1945. This technique, used as a companion diagnostic system, may aid research into the development of new neuroprotective therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Asano
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan
| | - Yuri Nagayo
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan
| | - Azusa Ito
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan
| | - Wataru Kobayashi
- Department of Retinal Disease Control, Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Kosuke Fujita
- Department of Retinal Disease Control, Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Kota Sato
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan.,Collaborative Program of Ophthalmic Drug Discovery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Koji M Nishiguchi
- Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kunikata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan.,Department of Retinal Disease Control, Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Fujioka
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Mako Kamiya
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yasuteru Urano
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Toru Nakazawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan.,Department of Retinal Disease Control, Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan.,Collaborative Program of Ophthalmic Drug Discovery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan.,Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmic Imaging and Information Analytics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mahaman YAR, Huang F, Kessete Afewerky H, Maibouge TMS, Ghose B, Wang X. Involvement of calpain in the neuropathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Med Res Rev 2018; 39:608-630. [PMID: 30260518 PMCID: PMC6585958 DOI: 10.1002/med.21534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common (60% to 80%) age‐related disease associated with dementia and is characterized by a deterioration of behavioral and cognitive capacities leading to death in few years after diagnosis, mainly due to complications from chronic illness. The characteristic hallmarks of the disease are extracellular senile plaques (SPs) and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) with neuropil threads, which are a direct result of amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing to Aβ, and τ hyperphosphorylation. However, many indirect underlying processes play a role in this event. One of these underlying mechanisms leading to these histological hallmarks is the uncontrolled hyperactivation of a family of cysteine proteases called calpains. Under normal physiological condition calpains participate in many processes of cells’ life and their activation is tightly controlled. However, with an increase in age, increased oxidative stress and other excitotoxicity assaults, this regulatory system becomes impaired and result in increased activation of these proteases involving them in the pathogenesis of various diseases including neurodegeneration like AD. Reviewed here is a pool of data on the implication of calpains in the pathogenesis of AD, the underlying molecular mechanism, and the potential of targeting these enzymes for AD therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yacoubou Abdoul Razak Mahaman
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Henok Kessete Afewerky
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tanko Mahamane Salissou Maibouge
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bishwajit Ghose
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaochuan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Poncelas M, Inserte J, Aluja D, Hernando V, Vilardosa U, Garcia-Dorado D. Delayed, oral pharmacological inhibition of calpains attenuates adverse post-infarction remodelling. Cardiovasc Res 2018; 113:950-961. [PMID: 28460013 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvx073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Calpains activate during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion and contribute to reperfusion injury. Studies in transgenic animals with altered calpain/calpastatin system subjected to permanent ischemia suggest that calpains are also involved in post-infarction remodelling and heart failure. Aims To determine whether delayed oral administration of the calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945 reduces adverse myocardial remodelling and dysfunction following transient coronary occlusion. Methods and results Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 30 min of ischemia followed by 21 days of reperfusion and received the calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945 intraperitoneally at the onset of reperfusion (Acute group), orally starting after 24 h of reperfusion and for 14 days (Chronic group), or the combination of both treatments. Calpain-1 and calpain-2 protein content increased and correlated with higher calpain activity in control hearts. Administration of SNJ-1945 attenuated calpain activation, and reduced scar expansion, ventricular dilation and dysfunction in both acute and chronic groups. Acute treatment reduced infarct size in hearts reperfused for 24 h and inflammation measured after 3 days. Delayed, chronic oral administration of SNJ-1945 attenuated inflammation, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and collagen infiltration in the non-infarcted myocardium at 21 days in correlation with increased levels of IĸB and reduced NF-ĸB activation. In cultured fibroblasts, SNJ-1945 attenuated TGF-β1-induced fibroblast activation. Conclusions Our data demonstrate for the first time that long-term calpain inhibition is possible with delayed oral treatment, attenuates adverse post-infarction remodelling, likely through prevention of NF-ĸB activation, and may be a promising therapeutic intervention to prevent adverse remodelling and heart failure in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Poncelas
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Cardiology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Research Institute VHIR, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Inserte
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Cardiology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Research Institute VHIR, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERCV, Spain
| | - David Aluja
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Cardiology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Research Institute VHIR, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Hernando
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Cardiology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Research Institute VHIR, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ursula Vilardosa
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Cardiology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Research Institute VHIR, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Garcia-Dorado
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Cardiology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Research Institute VHIR, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERCV, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
W. Smith A, K. Ray S, Das A, Nozaki K, Rohrer B, L. Banik N. Calpain inhibition as a possible new therapeutic target in multiple sclerosis. AIMS MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.3934/molsci.2017.4.446] [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] Open
|
8
|
Curcio M, Salazar IL, Mele M, Canzoniero LMT, Duarte CB. Calpains and neuronal damage in the ischemic brain: The swiss knife in synaptic injury. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 143:1-35. [PMID: 27283248 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The excessive extracellular accumulation of glutamate in the ischemic brain leads to an overactivation of glutamate receptors with consequent excitotoxic neuronal death. Neuronal demise is largely due to a sustained activation of NMDA receptors for glutamate, with a consequent increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and activation of calcium- dependent mechanisms. Calpains are a group of Ca(2+)-dependent proteases that truncate specific proteins, and some of the cleavage products remain in the cell, although with a distinct function. Numerous studies have shown pre- and post-synaptic effects of calpains on glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses, targeting membrane- associated proteins as well as intracellular proteins. The resulting changes in the presynaptic proteome alter neurotransmitter release, while the cleavage of postsynaptic proteins affects directly or indirectly the activity of neurotransmitter receptors and downstream mechanisms. These alterations also disturb the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain, with an impact in neuronal demise. In this review we discuss the evidence pointing to a role for calpains in the dysregulation of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in brain ischemia, at the pre- and post-synaptic levels, as well as the functional consequences. Although targeting calpain-dependent mechanisms may constitute a good therapeutic approach for stroke, specific strategies should be developed to avoid non-specific effects given the important regulatory role played by these proteases under normal physiological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Curcio
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ivan L Salazar
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra (IIIUC), 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miranda Mele
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Carlos B Duarte
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hirata M, Shearer TR, Azuma M. Hypoxia Activates Calpains in the Nerve Fiber Layer of Monkey Retinal Explants. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016; 56:6049-57. [PMID: 26393472 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-17360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The vascular ischemic hypothesis attributes nerve damage in the retina to decreased blood flow in the ophthalmic artery, reduced oxygenation, and impaired axonal transport. Activation of calpain enzymes contributes to retinal cell death during hypoxia. However, we still do not know in which specific retinal layers calpains are activated. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate where and when calpains are activated in an improved culture model of hypoxic monkey retina. METHODS Monkey retinal explants were cultured on microporous membranes with the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) side facing up. Explants were incubated under hypoxic conditions, with or without additional reoxygenation. When it was used, the calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945 was maintained throughout the culture period. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting assays for α-spectrin, calpains 1 and 2, calpastatin, β-III tubulin, and γ-synuclein were performed with specific antibodies. Cell death was assessed by TUNEL staining. RESULTS Under normoxic conditions, TUNEL-positive cells were minimal in our improved culture conditions. As early as 8 hours after hypoxia, the 150-kDa calpain-specific α-spectrin breakdown product appeared in the nerve fiber layer (NFL), where calpains 1 and 2 were localized. TUNEL-positive RGCs then increased at later time periods. The calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945 ameliorated changes induced by hypoxia or hypoxia/reoxygenation. CONCLUSIONS During hypoxia/reoxygenation in an improved, relevant monkey model, calpains were first activated in the NFL, followed by death of the parent RGCs. This observation suggest that calpain-induced degeneration of retinal nerve fibers may be an underlying mechanism for RGC death in hypoxic retinal neuropathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Hirata
- Senju Laboratory of Ocular Sciences, Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Thomas R Shearer
- Department of Integrative Biosciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Mitsuyoshi Azuma
- Senju Laboratory of Ocular Sciences, Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Portland, Oregon, United States 2Department of Integrative Biosciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kobeissy FH, Liu MC, Yang Z, Zhang Z, Zheng W, Glushakova O, Mondello S, Anagli J, Hayes RL, Wang KK. Degradation of βII-Spectrin Protein by Calpain-2 and Caspase-3 Under Neurotoxic and Traumatic Brain Injury Conditions. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 52:696-709. [PMID: 25270371 PMCID: PMC4383741 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8898-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A major consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the rapid proteolytic degradation of structural cytoskeletal proteins. This process is largely reflected by the interruption of axonal transport as a result of extensive axonal injury leading to neuronal cell injury. Previous work from our group has described the extensive degradation of the axonally enriched cytoskeletal αII-spectrin protein which results in molecular signature breakdown products (BDPs) indicative of injury mechanisms and to specific protease activation both in vitro and in vivo. In the current study, we investigated the integrity of βII-spectrin protein and its proteolytic profile both in primary rat cerebrocortical cell culture under apoptotic, necrotic, and excitotoxic challenge and extended to in vivo rat model of experimental TBI (controlled cortical impact model). Interestingly, our results revealed that the intact 260-kDa βII-spectrin is degraded into major fragments (βII-spectrin breakdown products (βsBDPs)) of 110, 108, 85, and 80 kDa in rat brain (hippocampus and cortex) 48 h post-injury. These βsBDP profiles were further characterized and compared to an in vitro βII-spectrin fragmentation pattern of naive rat cortex lysate digested by calpain-2 and caspase-3. Results revealed that βII-spectrin was degraded into major fragments of 110/85 kDa by calpain-2 activation and 108/80 kDa by caspase-3 activation. These data strongly support the hypothesis that in vivo activation of multiple protease system induces structural protein proteolysis involving βII-spectrin proteolysis via a specific calpain and/or caspase-mediated pathway resulting in a signature, protease-specific βsBDPs that are dependent upon the type of neural injury mechanism. This work extends on previous published work that discusses the interplay spectrin family (αII-spectrin and βII-spectrin) and their susceptibility to protease proteolysis and their implication to neuronal cell death mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Firas H Kobeissy
- Center for Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Department
of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ming Cheng Liu
- Center for Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Department
of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Zhihui Yang
- Center for Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Department
of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Zhiqun Zhang
- Center for Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Department
of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Wenrong Zheng
- Center for Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Department
of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Olena Glushakova
- Banyan Laboratory, Banyan Biomarkers, Inc., Alachua, FL 32615,
USA
| | - Stefania Mondello
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Messina, 98125
Messina, Italy
| | - John Anagli
- Banyan Laboratory, Banyan Biomarkers, Inc., Alachua, FL 32615,
USA
| | - Ronald L. Hayes
- Banyan Laboratory, Banyan Biomarkers, Inc., Alachua, FL 32615,
USA
| | - Kevin K.W. Wang
- Center for Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Department
of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Szabadfi K, Pinter E, Reglodi D, Gabriel R. Neuropeptides, trophic factors, and other substances providing morphofunctional and metabolic protection in experimental models of diabetic retinopathy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 311:1-121. [PMID: 24952915 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800179-0.00001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vision is the most important sensory modality for many species, including humans. Damage to the retina results in vision loss or even blindness. One of the most serious complications of diabetes, a disease that has seen a worldwide increase in prevalence, is diabetic retinopathy. This condition stems from consequences of pathological metabolism and develops in 75% of patients with type 1 and 50% with type 2 diabetes. The development of novel protective drugs is essential. In this review we provide a description of the disease and conclude that type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes lead to the same retinopathy. We evaluate existing experimental models and recent developments in finding effective compounds against this disorder. In our opinion, the best models are the long-term streptozotocin-induced diabetes and Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty and spontaneously diabetic Torii rats, while the most promising substances are topically administered somatostatin and pigment epithelium-derived factor analogs, antivasculogenic substances, and systemic antioxidants. Future drug development should focus on these.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Szabadfi
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary; Janos Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.
| | - Erika Pinter
- Janos Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, PTE MTA Lendulet-PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Robert Gabriel
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary; Janos Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Analysis of the structure of calpain-10 and its interaction with the protease inhibitor SNJ-1715. Comput Biol Med 2013; 43:1334-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2013.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Revised: 07/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|
13
|
Metabolic stress response implicated in diabetic retinopathy: The role of calpain, and the therapeutic impact of calpain inhibitor. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 48:556-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Revised: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
|
14
|
Colombel V, Rombouts F, Oehlrich D, Molander GA. Suzuki coupling of potassium cyclopropyl- and alkoxymethyltrifluoroborates with benzyl chlorides. J Org Chem 2012; 77:2966-70. [PMID: 22390789 DOI: 10.1021/jo202686p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Efficient Csp(3)-Csp(3) Suzuki couplings have been developed with both potassium cyclopropyl- and alkoxymethyltrifluoroborates. Moderate to good yields have been achieved in the cross-coupling of potassium cyclopropyltrifluoroborate with benzyl chlorides possessing electron-donating or electron-withdrawing substituents. Benzyl chloride was also successfully cross-coupled to potassium alkoxymethyltrifluoroborates derived from primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Colombel
- Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nakajima T, Shearer TR, Azuma M. Involvement of calpain 2 in ionomycin-induced cell death in cultured mouse lens epithelial cells. Curr Eye Res 2011; 36:930-6. [PMID: 21950698 DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2011.577264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Calpains are calcium-activated, intracellular, non-lysosomal, cysteine proteases that hydrolyze lens crystallins and cytoskeletal proteins. Elevated calcium is a frequent finding in both rodent and human cataracts, and calpain 2 is present in lenses of both species. Lens epithelium forms a critical barrier to influx of calcium, but the role of calpain 2 in lens epithelium is poorly characterized. Thus, the purpose of the present experiment was to determine the role of calpain 2 in lens epithelial cell death. METHODS Mouse lens epithelial cells (α-TN4) were cultured with the calcium ionophore ionomycin to promote calcium influx. Release of LDH into the culture medium was measured as a general marker of cell death, while necrosis and apoptosis were detected by staining with ethidium homodimer III (EtD-III) or FITC-annexin V. Calpain activity was determined by zymography and immunoblotting for activation-associated, fragments of calpain. Breakdown products of calpain substrate α-spectrin were also detected by immunoblotting as additional markers of calpain activation. RESULTS Calpain 2 was found to be the major calpain isozyme in α-TN4 cells. Ionomycin caused leakage of LDH into the medium, activation of calpain 2, proteolysis of α-spectrin, and changes in α-TN4 cell morphology and staining characteristic of necrotic cell death. Calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945 significantly inhibited these changes. CONCLUSIONS The ability of mouse lens epithelium to maintain lens transparency would be compromised by activation of calpain 2 and associated necrotic cell death. Since calpain 2 is ubiquitously present in all animal lenses so far observed, the current results may predict the pathological consequences of calpain 2 activation in animal lenses including those of man.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Nakajima
- Senju Laboratory of Ocular Sciences, Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Molander GA, Colombel V, Braz VA. Direct alkylation of heteroaryls using potassium alkyl- and alkoxymethyltrifluoroborates. Org Lett 2011; 13:1852-5. [PMID: 21391555 PMCID: PMC3069859 DOI: 10.1021/ol2003572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A direct alkylation of various heteroaryls using stoichiometric potassium alkyl- and alkoxymethyltrifluoroborates has been developed. This method leads to the synthesis of complex substituted heterocycles, which have been obtained with yields up to 89%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary A Molander
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Donkor IO. Calpain inhibitors: a survey of compounds reported in the patent and scientific literature. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2011; 21:601-36. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2011.568480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
18
|
Calpain and caspase processing of caspase-12 contribute to the ER stress-induced cell death pathway in differentiated PC12 cells. Apoptosis 2011; 15:1480-93. [PMID: 20640600 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-010-0526-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal cell death after traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease and ischemic stroke may in part be mediated through endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR). UPR results in induction of molecular chaperone GRP78 and the ER-resident caspase-12, whose activation has been proposed to be mediated by calpain and caspase processing, although their relative contribution remains unclear. In this study we induced ER stress with thapsigargin (TG), and determined the activation profile of calpain-2, caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-12 by analyses of protein levels, corresponding substrates and breakdown products (BDP). Specific calpain and caspase activity was assessed by analysis of αII-spectrin BDP of 145 kDa (SBDP145), BDP of 150 kDa (SBDP150) and BDP of 120 kDa (SBDP120). Decrease in pro-calpain-2 protein and increased SBDP145 levels by 3 h after TG treatment indicated early calpain activity. Active caspase-7 (p20) increase occurred after 8 h, followed by concomitant up-regulation of active caspase-3 and SBDP120 after 24 h. In vitro digestion experiments supported that SBDP120 was exclusively generated by active caspase-3 and validated that kinectin and co-chaperone p23 were calpain and caspase-7 substrates, respectively. Pro-caspase-12 protein processing by the specific action of calpain and caspase-3/7 was observed in a time-dependent manner. N-terminal pro-domain processing of pro-caspase-12 by calpain generated a 38 kDa fragment, while caspase-3/7 generated a 35 kDa fragment. Antibody developed specifically against the caspase-3/7 C-terminal cleavage site D(341) detected the presence of large subunit (p20) containing 23 kDa fragment that increased after 24 h of TG treatment. Significant caspase-12 enzyme activity was only detected after 24 h of TG treatment and was completely inhibited by caspase 3/7 inhibitor DEVD-fmk and partially by calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945. ER-stress-induced cell death pathway in TG-treated PC12 cells was characterized by up-regulation of GRP-78 and processing and activation of caspase-12 by the orchestrated proteolytic activity of calpain-2 and caspase-3/7.
Collapse
|
19
|
Cheng Liu M, Kobeissy F, Zheng W, Zhang Z, Hayes RL, Wang KKW. Dual vulnerability of tau to calpains and caspase-3 proteolysis under neurotoxic and neurodegenerative conditions. ASN Neuro 2011; 3:e00051. [PMID: 21359008 PMCID: PMC3040574 DOI: 10.1042/an20100012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2010] [Revised: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 09/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonally specific microtubule-associated protein tau is an important component of neurofibrillary tangles found in AD (Alzheimer's disease) and other tauopathy diseases such as CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy). Such tau aggregate is found to be hyperphosphorylated and often proteolytically fragmented. Similarly, tau is degraded following TBI (traumatic brain injury). In the present study, we examined the dual vulnerability of tau to calpain and caspase-3 under neurotoxic and neurodegenerative conditions. We first identified three novel calpain cleavage sites in rat tau (four-repeat isoform) as Ser130↓Lys131, Gly157↓Ala158 and Arg380↓Glu381. Fragment-specific antibodies to target the major calpain-mediated TauBDP-35K (35 kDa tau-breakdown product) and the caspase-mediated TauBDP-45K respectively were developed. In rat cerebrocortical cultures treated with excitotoxin [NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate)], tau is significantly degraded into multiple fragments, including a dominant signal of calpain-mediated TauBDP-35K with minimal caspase-mediated TauBDP-45K. Following apoptosis-inducing EDTA treatment, tau was truncated only to TauBDP-48K/45K-exclusively by caspase. Cultures treated with another apoptosis inducer STS (staurosporine), dual fragmentation by calpain (TauBDP-35K) and caspase-3 (TauBDP-45K) was observed. Tau was also fragmented in injured rat cortex following TBI in vivo to BDPs of 45-42 kDa (minor), 35 kDa and 15 kDa, followed by TauBDP-25K. Calpain-mediated TauBDP-35K-specific antibody confirmed robust signals in the injured cortex, while caspase-mediated TauBDP-45K-specific antibody only detected faint signals. Furthermore, intravenous administration of a calpain-specific inhibitor SNJ-1945 strongly suppressed the TauBDP-35K formation. Taken together, these results suggest that tau protein is dually vulnerable to calpain and caspase-3 proteolysis under different neurotoxic and injury conditions.
Collapse
Key Words
- AD, Alzheimer's disease
- CCI, controlled cortical impact
- CSF, colony-stimulating factor
- CTE, chronic traumatic encephalopathy
- DMEM, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium
- DTT, dithiothreitol
- NMDA, N-methyl-d-aspartate
- STS, staurosporine
- TAI, traumatic axonal injury
- TBI, traumatic brain injury
- TBST, TBS and 0.05% Tween-2
- TauBDP-35K, 35 kDa tau-breakdown product
- cell death
- neurodegeneration
- protease
- tau protein
- tauopathy
- traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Cheng Liu
- *Center of Innovative Research, Banyan Biomarkers Inc., 12085 Research Drive, Alachua, FL 32615, U.S.A
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- *Center of Innovative Research, Banyan Biomarkers Inc., 12085 Research Drive, Alachua, FL 32615, U.S.A
- †Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, U.S.A
| | - Wenrong Zheng
- *Center of Innovative Research, Banyan Biomarkers Inc., 12085 Research Drive, Alachua, FL 32615, U.S.A
| | - Zhiqun Zhang
- *Center of Innovative Research, Banyan Biomarkers Inc., 12085 Research Drive, Alachua, FL 32615, U.S.A
| | - Ronald L Hayes
- *Center of Innovative Research, Banyan Biomarkers Inc., 12085 Research Drive, Alachua, FL 32615, U.S.A
- ‡Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, U.S.A
| | - Kevin KW Wang
- *Center of Innovative Research, Banyan Biomarkers Inc., 12085 Research Drive, Alachua, FL 32615, U.S.A
- †Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Imai S, Shimazawa M, Nakanishi T, Tsuruma K, Hara H. Calpain inhibitor protects cells against light-induced retinal degeneration. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2010; 335:645-52. [PMID: 20823194 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.110.171298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Calpains are activated by excessive light exposure and related to retinal degeneration. We investigated the protective effects of ((1S)-1-((((1S)-1-benzyl-3-cyclopropylamino-2,3-di-oxopropyl)amino)carbonyl)-3-methylbutyl)carbamic acid 5-methoxy-3-oxapentyl ester (SNJ-1945), a calpain inhibitor, against light-induced retinal degeneration in mice. SNJ-1945 was orally administrated at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg at 30 min before and just after light exposure. Light-induced calpain activation was evaluated by using proteolysis of α-spectrin and p35 (a neuron-specific activator for cyclin-dependent kinase 5). The effects of SNJ-1945 against light-induced retinal damage were examined by the thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL). Photoreceptor apoptosis was assessed by counting terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells in ONL. Retinal functions were measured in terms of a- and b-wave amplitudes by using an electroretinogram. As the mechanism of SNJ-1945, caspase-3/7 measurement was carried out. SNJ-1945 inhibited the proteolysis of α-spectrin and p35 by light exposure and presented a decrease in the numbers of TUNEL-positive cells and ONL atrophy. Furthermore, SNJ-1945 presented a decrease in a- and b-wave amplitude and caspase-3/7 activation induced by light exposure. These findings suggest that the activation of calpain plays a pivotal role in photoreceptor degeneration by light exposure, and SNJ-1945 may be a candidate for effectively treating diseases related to photoreceptor degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Imai
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Shimazawa M, Suemori S, Inokuchi Y, Matsunaga N, Nakajima Y, Oka T, Yamamoto T, Hara H. A Novel Calpain Inhibitor, ((1S)-1-((((1S)-1-Benzyl-3-cyclopropylamino-2,3-di-oxopropyl)amino)carbonyl)-3-methylbutyl)carbamic Acid 5-Methoxy-3-oxapentyl Ester (SNJ-1945), Reduces Murine Retinal Cell Death In Vitro and In Vivo. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2009; 332:380-7. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.109.156612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
|
22
|
Dondapati JS, Godi S, Babu AP. QSAR studies on peptide alpha-ketoamides and alpha-ketohydroxamate derivatives as calpain I inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2009; 23:757-62. [PMID: 18618317 DOI: 10.1080/14756360701626314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) studies were conducted on 34 peptide alpha-ketoamide and alpha-ketohydroxamate derivatives of Calpain I using multiple linear regression (MLR) procedure. The activity contributions of these compounds were determined from regression equation and the validation procedures that analyze the predictive ability of QSAR models were described. Among forty six descriptors that were considered in generating the QSAR model, three descriptors such as LogP, Heat of formation and HOMO resulted in a statistically significant model with 0.877 r(2) and 0.937 q(2) respectively. The inter-correlation between descriptors was 0.42. The proposed QSAR model indicates an increase in logP value increases hydrophobicity in order to achieve cellular permeability and an increase in heat of formation as well as decrease in HOMO energy favors better binding and activity towards development of potent calpain I inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse S Dondapati
- Molecular Genetics Division, Department of Human Genetics, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Over the past two decades, many oral drugs have been designed in consideration of physicochemical properties to attain optimal pharmacokinetic properties. This strategy significantly reduced attrition in drug development owing to inadequate pharmacokinetics during the last decade. On the other hand, most ophthalmic drugs are generated from reformulation of other therapeutic dosage forms. Therefore, the modification of formulations has been used mainly as the approach to improve ocular pharmacokinetics. However, to maximize ocular pharmacokinetic properties, a specific molecular design for ocular drug is preferable. Passive diffusion of drugs across the cornea membranes requires appropriate lipophilicity and aqueous solubility. Improvement of such physicochemical properties has been achieved by structure optimization or prodrug approaches. This review discusses the current knowledge about ophthalmic drugs adapted from systemic drugs and molecular design for ocular drugs. I propose the approaches for molecular design to obtain the optimal ocular penetration into anterior segment based on published studies to date.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihisa Shirasaki
- Senju Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2241, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Shirasaki Y, Takahashi H, Yamaguchi M, Inoue J. Molecular design to enhance the penetration into the retina via ocular instillation. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2008; 18:5174-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.08.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2008] [Revised: 08/11/2008] [Accepted: 08/26/2008] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|
25
|
The role of calcium-activated protease calpain in experimental retinal pathology. Surv Ophthalmol 2008; 53:150-63. [PMID: 18348880 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2007.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to present the recent evidence linking the family of ubiquitous proteases called calpains (EC 3.4.22.17) to neuropathologies of the retina. The hypothesis being tested in such studies is that over-activation of calpains by elevated intracellular calcium contributes to retinal cell death produced by conditions such as elevated intraocular pressure and hypoxia. Recent x-ray diffraction studies have provided insight into the molecular events causing calpain activation. Further, x-ray diffraction data has provided details on how side chains on calpain inhibitors affect docking into the active site of calpain 1. This opens the possibility of testing calpain-specific inhibitors, such as SJA6017 and SNJ1945, for human safety and as a site-directed form of treatment for retinal pathologies.
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The scarcity of pharmacological neuroprotective treatments for traumatic brain injury is a concern being targeted on various fronts. This review examines the latest treatments under investigation. RECENT FINDINGS In the last 12-18 months, no drug has completed phase III clinical trials as a clearly proven method to treat traumatic brain injury. While the drugs work in rodents, when they make it to clinical trial they have failed primarily due to negative side-effects. Those still in trial show promise, and even those rejected have undergone modifications and now show potential, e.g. second-generation N-methyl-D-aspartic acid and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-methyl-4-isoxazolyl-propionic acid receptor antagonists, calpain inhibitors, and cyclosporine A analogues. Also, several drugs not previously given much attention, such as the antibiotic minocycline, estrogen and progesterone, and a drug already approved for other diseases, erythropoietin, are being examined. Finally, a treatment generating some controversy, but showing potential, is the application of hypothermia to the patients. SUMMARY Clearly, finding treatments for traumatic brain injury is not going to be easy and is evidently going to require numerous trials. The good news is that we are closer to finding one or more methods for treating traumatic brain injury patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K W Wang
- Center for Neuroproteomics and Biomarkers Research, Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida, 100 S. Newell Drive, Box 100256, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Shirasaki Y, Yamaguchi M, Miyashita H. Retinal Penetration of Calpain Inhibitors in Rats After Oral Administration. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2006; 22:417-24. [PMID: 17238807 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2006.22.417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Calpain-mediated proteolysis has been involved in neuronal cell death of retinal neurological degeneration. An aldehyde-based calpain inhibitor, SJA6017 (1), was effective following oral administration in a rat retinal ischemia model but had low oral bioavailability. The aim of this study was to identify calpain inhibitors with good retinal penetration after oral dosing. The orally bioavailable inhibitors, hemiacetal 3 (SNJ-1715), amphipathic ketoamide 5 (SNJ-1945), and pyridine ketoamide 6 (SNJ-2008), were evaluated for their retinal pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles. The retinal drug exposure of these inhibitors was more than tenfold higher than 1. Among these compounds, 5 exhibited the most favorable retinal PK properties, such as good penetration and long half-life. Comparisons of 5 and the structurally related ketoamide 6 suggested that the presence of a methoxy diethylene glycol moiety resulted in the inhibitor with high penetration into the retina and the sustained high retinal levels. Ketoamide 5 was selected as the development candidate for the treatment of retinal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihisa Shirasaki
- Pharmacokinetic group, Laboratory for Preclinical Research, Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hyogo, Japan.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Oka T, Nakajima T, Tamada Y, Shearer TR, Azuma M. Contribution of calpains to photoreceptor cell death in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-treated rats. Exp Neurol 2006; 204:39-48. [PMID: 17069801 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2006.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2006] [Revised: 09/15/2006] [Accepted: 09/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to determine if proteolysis by the calcium-dependent enzyme calpains (EC 3.4.22.17) contributed to retinal cell death in a rat model of photoreceptor degeneration induced by intraperitoneal injection of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). Retinal degeneration was evaluated by H&E staining, and cell death was determined by TUNEL assay. Total calcium in retina was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Activation of calpains was determined by casein zymography and immunoblotting. Proteolysis of alpha-spectrin and p35 (regulator of Cdk5) were evaluated by immunoblotting. Calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945 was orally administrated to MNU-treated rats to test drug efficacy. MNU decreased the thickness of photoreceptor cell layer, composed of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and outer segment (OS). Numerous cells in the ONL showed positive TUNEL staining. Total calcium was increased in retina after MNU. Activation of calpains and calpain-specific proteolysis of alpha-spectrin were observed after MNU injection. Oral administration of SNJ-1945 to MNU-treated rats showed a significant protective effect against photoreceptor cell loss, confirming involvement of calpains in photoreceptor degeneration. Conversion of p35 to p25 was well correlated with calpain activation, suggesting prolonged activation of Cdk5/p25 as a possible downstream mechanism for MNU-induced photoreceptor cell death. SNJ-1945 reduced photoreceptor cells death, even though MNU is one of the most severe models of photoreceptor cell degeneration. Oral calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945 may be a candidate for testing as a medication against retinal degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Oka
- Kobe Creative Center, Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2241, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Saez ME, Ramirez-Lorca R, Moron FJ, Ruiz A. The therapeutic potential of the calpain family: new aspects. Drug Discov Today 2006; 11:917-23. [PMID: 16997142 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2006.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2006] [Revised: 07/20/2006] [Accepted: 08/14/2006] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The calpain family is a group of cysteine proteases unique in their dependency on calcium to attain functionally active forms. Calpains are involved in a wide range of cellular calcium-regulated functions, including signal transduction, cell proliferation and differentiation, and apoptosis. Moreover, altered calpain activity has been observed in several human diseases. Specific calpain inhibitors hold promise for the treatment of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases in which calpains have been shown to be upregulated (e.g. Parkinson's disease and Duchenne muscular dystrophy). Conversely, calpain activators could be a useful approach for those diseases where reduced calpain activity has been observed, such as type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Saez
- Department of Structural Genomics, Neocodex, Centro de Negocios Charles Darwin s/n, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092-Sevilla, Spain.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Shirasaki Y, Nakamura M, Yamaguchi M, Miyashita H, Sakai O, Inoue J. Exploration of orally available calpain inhibitors 2: peptidyl hemiacetal derivatives. J Med Chem 2006; 49:3926-32. [PMID: 16789748 DOI: 10.1021/jm060157n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported a potent calpain inhibitor 1 (SJA6017, N-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-valyl-l-leucinal), which displayed relatively low oral bioavailability (BA). Replacing the metabolically labile aldehyde moiety of 1with more chemically stable warheads, such as a cyclic hemiacetal, hydrazone, and alpha-ketoamide, provided the inhibitors with improved in vitro metabolic stability. Cyclic hemiacetal 2 was the most stable of these compounds. The optimization of 2 led to hemiacetal 8 (SNJ-1715) which exhibited high potency, good aqueous solubility, excellent oral BA, and prolonged plasma half-life in rats. Furthermore, 8 showed neuroprotective efficacy via oral administration in a rat retinal ischemia model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihisa Shirasaki
- Senju Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2241, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Oka T, Walkup RD, Tamada Y, Nakajima E, Tochigi A, Shearer TR, Azuma M. Amelioration of retinal degeneration and proteolysis in acute ocular hypertensive rats by calpain inhibitor ((1S)-1-((((1S)-1-benzyl-3-cyclopropylamino-2,3-di-oxopropyl)amino)carbonyl)-3-methylbutyl)carbamic acid 5-methoxy-3-oxapentyl ester. Neuroscience 2006; 141:2139-45. [PMID: 16843603 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.05.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2006] [Revised: 05/25/2006] [Accepted: 05/27/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our recent study suggested involvement of calpain-induced proteolysis in retinal degeneration and dysfunction in acute ocular hypertensive rats. The purpose of the present study was to determine if an orally available form of calpain inhibitor, ((1S)-1-((((1S)-1-benzyl-3-cyclopropylamino-2,3-di-oxopropyl)amino)carbonyl)-3-methylbutyl)carbamic acid 5-methoxy-3-oxapentyl ester (SNJ-1945), ameliorated retinal degeneration induced by acute hypertension in rats. To help extrapolate the effect of SNJ-1945 from the rat model to the human glaucomatous patient, in vitro inhibition of calpain-induced proteolysis by SNJ-1945 in monkey and human retinal proteins was compared with proteolysis in rat proteins. METHODS Intraocular pressure (IOP) in rats was elevated to 110 mm Hg for 50 min. SNJ-1945 was administrated i.p. or orally before ocular hypertension. Retinal degeneration was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and cell counting. Transcripts for calpains and calpastatin in rat, monkey, and human retinas were measured by quantitative RT-PCR. Calpain activities were determined by casein zymography. Soluble retinal proteins from rat, monkey, and humans were incubated with calcium to activate calpains, with or without SNJ-1945. Proteolysis of calpain substrate alpha-spectrin was analyzed by immunoblotting. RESULTS Elevated IOP caused retinal degeneration and proteolysis of alpha-spectrin. Both i.p. and oral administration of SNJ-1945 inhibited proteolysis of alpha-spectrin and ameliorated retinal degeneration. Transcript levels for calpain 1 and calpastatin were similar in rat, monkey, and human retinas. Calpain 2 transcript levels were higher in rats compared with monkey and human. Appreciable caseinolytic activities due to calpains were observed in monkey and human retinas. Incubation of retinal soluble proteins with calcium led to proteolysis of alpha-spectrin due to calpains in rat, monkey, and human samples. SNJ-1945 similarly inhibited proteolysis in all species. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that orally available calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945 might be a possible candidate drug for testing in preventing progression of glaucomatous retinal degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Oka
- Kobe Creative Center, Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2241, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Shirasaki Y, Miyashita H, Yamaguchi M. Exploration of orally available calpain inhibitors. Part 3: Dipeptidyl alpha-ketoamide derivatives containing pyridine moiety. Bioorg Med Chem 2006; 14:5691-8. [PMID: 16651001 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2006.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2006] [Revised: 04/06/2006] [Accepted: 04/07/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Calpain-mediated proteolysis has been implicated as a major process in neuronal cell death including retinal neurological degeneration. The previously reported calpain inhibitor SJA6017 (1) showed oral efficacy in a retinal pharmacological model, but its oral bioavailability was low due to the metabolic lability and low water-solubility. The purpose of present study was to identify good orally bioavailable calpain inhibitors. A series of water-soluble dipeptidyl alpha-ketoamides containing a pyridine moiety at P3 were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their oral bioavailability and retinal penetration. Introduction of a pyridineethanol moiety provided the potent alpha-ketoamide inhibitor 8 with good oral bioavailability. Compound 8 showed about 12-fold higher retinal AUC than 1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihisa Shirasaki
- Research Laboratory of Ocular Science, Senju Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Nishi-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|