Cu(II) cyclen cleavage agent for human islet amyloid peptide

Role of mass spectrometry in the study of interactions between amylin and metal ions

Amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide [IAPP]) is a neuroendocrine hormone synthesized with insulin in the beta cells of pancreatic islets. The two hormones act in different ways: in fact insulin triggers glucose uptake in muscle and liver cells, removing glucose from the bloodstream and making it available for energy use and storage, while amylin regulates glucose homeostasis. Aside these positive physiological aspects, human amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) readily forms amyloid in vitro. Amyloids are aggregates of proteins and in the human body amyloids are considered responsible of the development of various diseases. These aspects have been widely described and discussed in literature and to give a view of the highly complexity of this biochemical behavior the different physical, chemical, biological and medical aspects are shortly described in this review. It is strongly affected by the presence on metal ions, responsible for or inhibiting the formation of fibrils. Mass spectrometry resulted (and still results) to be a particularly powerful tool to obtain valid and effective experimental data to describe the hIAPP behavior. Aside classical approaches devoted to investigation on metal ion-hIAPP structures, which reflects on the identification of metal-protein interaction site(s) and of possible metal-induced conformational changes of the protein, interesting results have been obtained by ion mobility mass spectrometry, giving, on the basis of collisional cross-section data, information on both the oligomerization processes and the conformation changes. Laser ablation electrospray ionization-ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (LAESI-IMS-MS), allowed to obtain information on the binding stoichiometry, complex dissociation constant, and the oxidation state of the copper for the amylin-copper interaction. Alternatively to inorganic ions, small organic molecules have been tested by ESI-IMS-MS as inhibitor of amyloid assembly. Also in this case the obtained data demonstrate the validity of the ESI-IMS-MS approach as a high-throughput screen for inhibitors of amyloid assembly, providing valid information concerning the identity of the interacting species, the nature of binding and the effect of the ligand on protein aggregation. Effects of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions in the degradation of human and murine IAPP by insulin-degrading enzyme were studied by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The literature data show that mass spectrometry is a highly valid and effective tool in the study of the amylin behavior, so to individuate medical strategies to avoid the undesired formation of amyloids in in vivo conditions.

Co-Aggregation of S100A9 with DOPA and Cyclen-Based Compounds Manifested in Amyloid Fibril Thickening without Altering Rates of Self-Assembly

The amyloid cascade is central for the neurodegeneration disease pathology, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and remains the focus of much current research. S100A9 protein drives the amyloid-neuroinflammatory cascade in these diseases. DOPA and cyclen-based compounds were used as amyloid modifiers and inhibitors previously, and DOPA is also used as a precursor of dopamine in Parkinson’s treatment. Here, by using fluorescence titration experiments we showed that five selected ligands: DOPA-D-H-DOPA, DOPA-H-H-DOPA, DOPA-D-H, DOPA-cyclen, and H-E-cyclen, bind to S100A9 with apparent K_d in the sub-micromolar range. Ligand docking and molecular dynamic simulation showed that all compounds bind to S100A9 in more than one binding site and with different ligand mobility and H-bonds involved in each site, which all together is consistent with the apparent binding determined in fluorescence experiments. By using amyloid kinetic analysis, monitored by thioflavin-T fluorescence, and AFM imaging, we found that S100A9 co-aggregation with these compounds does not hinder amyloid formation but leads to morphological changes in the amyloid fibrils, manifested in fibril thickening. Thicker fibrils were not observed upon fibrillation of S100A9 alone and may influence the amyloid tissue propagation and modulate S100A9 amyloid assembly as part of the amyloid-neuroinflammatory cascade in neurodegenerative diseases.

Peptide Hydrolysis by Metal (Oxa)cyclen Complexes: Revisiting the Mechanism and Assessing Ligand Effects

The mechanism responsible for peptide bond hydrolysis by Co(III) and Cu(II) complexes with (oxa)cyclen ligands has been revisited by means of computational tools. We propose that the mechanism starts by substrate coordination and an outer-sphere attack on the amide C atom of a solvent water molecule assisted by the metal hydroxo moiety as a general base, which occurs through six-membered ring transition states. This new mechanism represents a more likely scenario than the previously proposed mechanisms that involved an inner-sphere nucleophilic attack through more strained four-membered rings transition states. The corresponding computed overall free-energy barrier of 25.2 kcal mol^-1 for hydrolysis of the peptide bond in Phe-Ala by a cobalt(III) oxacyclen catalyst (1) is consistent with the experimental values obtained from rate constants. Also, we assessed the influence of the nature of the ligand throughout a systematic replacement of N by O atoms in the (oxa)cyclen ligand. Increasing the number of coordinating O atoms accelerates the reaction by increasing the Lewis acidity of the metal ion. On the other hand, the higher reactivity observed for the copper(II) oxacyclen catalyst with respect to the analogous Co(III) complex can be attributed to the larger Brönsted basicity of the copper(II) hydroxo ligand. Ultimately, the detailed understanding of the ligand and metal nature effects allowed us to identify the double role of the metal hydroxo complexes as Lewis acids and Brönsted bases and to rationalize the observed reactivity trends.

Studies on the effect of a Fupenzi glycoprotein on the fibrillation of bovine serum albumin and its antioxidant activity

In this study, the effect of a glycoprotein obtained from Fupenzi (FPZ) (Rubus chingii Hu.) on the fibrillation of bovine serum album (BSA) was investigated by multi-spectroscopic methods and transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the glycoprotein and the effect of it on H₂O₂-induced cell viability were investigated by cell counting kit and β-galactosidase kit, respectively. The experimental results indicated that the glycoprotein showed very low toxicity to NRK-52E cells and could obviously delay cell senescence and improve cell viability. Moreover, the glycoprotein could effectively inhibit the formation of BSA fibrils and destroy the stability of preformed BSA fibrils in a concentration-dependent manner. Generally, antioxidant capacities are thought to be related to the anti-amyloidogenic activity of inhibitors; therefore, to reveal the inhibitory mechanism, the anti-oxidative property of the glycoprotein was examined by DPPH and ABTS assays. The results demonstrated that FPZ glycoprotein had a remarkable antioxidant activity and the IC₅₀ values of DPPH and ABTS were 0.249 mg mL^-1 and 0.092 mg mL^-1, respectively. This work suggested that the FPZ glycoprotein had the potential to be designed a new therapeutic agent for attenuating aging and preventing the age-related diseases.

Ferrocene-modified peptides as inhibitors against insulin amyloid aggregation based on molecular simulation

Peptide-based inhibitors have gradually been implicated as drugs for treating protein folding diseases because of their favorable biocompatibility and low toxicity. To develop potential therapeutic strategies for amyloid-related disorders, short peptides modified by Fc, ferrocene-l-Phe-l-Phe (Fc-FF) and ferrocene-l-Phe-l-Tyr (Fc-FY), were used as inhibitors for the investigation of the aggregation behavior of insulin. Firstly, molecular docking predicted the interaction between both Fc-peptides and insulin. Then, the experimental data from ThT, DLS, CD and TEM confirmed that Fc-FF and Fc-FY effectively inhibited insulin fibrillation and disaggregated mature insulin fibrils. Based on a dose-dependent manner, both Fc-peptides can strongly inhibit insulin fibrillation, extend lag phase time, reduce final fibril formation (beyond 99% by Fc-peptides of 400 µM), decrease the formation of high-content β-sheet structures and reduce the size of insulin fibrils. Additionally, we found that compared with Fc-FY, the better inhibitory effect of Fc-FF at concentration below 400 µM was mainly resulted from the difference in π-π interaction and hydrogen bonds between Fc-peptides and insulin, according to molecular dynamics analysis. Our results demonstrated Fc-peptides, Fc-FF and Fc-FY, may play effective roles in the development of new therapeutic drugs or strategies for amyloid-related disorders, and the molecular dynamics simulation may be helpful for designing appropriate inhibitors of anti-amyloidosis diseases.

A dual-inhibitor system for the effective antifibrillation of Aβ40 peptides by biodegradable EGCG–Fe(iii)/PVP nanoparticles

By the synergistic effect of dual inhibition, EFPP NPs exhibited a significant effect on the inhibition of Aβ40 fibrillation and on the disaggregation of existing Aβ40 fibrils.

Dual effect of PEG-PE micelle over the oligomerization and fibrillation of human islet amyloid polypeptide

The oligomerization and fibrillation of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) play a central role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Strategies for remodelling the formation of hIAPP oligomers and fibrils have promising application potential in type 2 diabetes therapy. Herein, we demonstrated that PEG-PE micelle could inhibit hIAPP oligomerization and fibrillation through blocking the hydrophobic interaction and the conformational change from random coil to β-sheet structures of hIAPP. In addition, we also found that PEG-PE micelle could remodel the preformed hIAPP fibrils allowing the formation of short fibrils and co-aggregates. Taken together, PEG-PE micelle could rescue hIAPP-induced cytotoxicity by decreasing the content of hIAPP oligomers and fibrils that are related to the oxidative stress and cell membrane permeability. This study could be beneficial for the design and development of antiamyloidogenic agents.

Fluorine Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots as Inhibitor against hIAPP Amyloid Aggregation

Fibrillar deposits of the human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) are considered as a root of Type II diabetes mellitus. Fluorinated graphene quantum dots (FGQDs) are new carbon nanomaterials with unique physicochemical properties containing highly electronegative F atoms. Herein we report a single step synthesis method of FGQDs with an inhibitory effect on aggregation and cytotoxicity of hIAPP in vitro. Highly fluorescent and water dispersible FGQDs, less than 3 nm in size, were synthesized by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. Efficient inhibition capability of FGQDs to amyloid aggregation was demonstrated. The morphologies of hIAPP aggregates were observed to change from the entangled long fibrils to short thin fibrils and amorphous aggregates in the presence of FGQDs. In thioflavin T fluorescence analysis, inhibited aggregation with prolonged lag time and reduced fluorescence intensity at equilibrium were observed when hIAPP was incubated together with FGQDs. Circular dichroism spectrum results reveal that FGQDs could inhibit conformational transition of the peptide from native structure to β-sheets. FGQDs could also rescue the cytotoxicity of INS-1 cells induced by hIAPP in a dose dependent manner. This study could be beneficial for design and preparation of inhibitors for amyloids, which is important for prevention and treatment of amyloidosis.

Binuclear ruthenium complexes inhibit the fibril formation of human islet amyloid polypeptide

Binuclear ruthenium complexes reverse the aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide.

Effect of Zn2+ ions on the assembly of amylin oligomers: insight into the molecular mechanisms

High and low concentrations of Zn²⁺ ions decrease the polymorphism of amylin oligomers and do not affect their cross β-beta structures.

Ruthenium complexes as inhibitors of human islet amyloid polypeptide aggregation, an effect that prevents beta cell apoptosis

Herein we show that ruthenium complexes could inhibit fibrosis of hIAPP and protect the hIAPP-induced cell damage by suppressing ROS generation, indicating the application potential of the complexes in treatment of T2DM by targeting hIAPP.

Site-Selective Peptide/Protein Cleavage

Site-selective peptide/protein degradation through chemical cleavage methods is an important modification of biologically relevant macromolecules which complements enzymatic hydrolysis. In this review, recent progress in chemical, site-selective peptide bond cleavage is overviewed, with an emphasis on postulated mechanisms and their implications on reactivity, selectivity, and substrate scope.

Cu(II) inhibits hIAPP fibrillation and promotes hIAPP-induced beta cell apoptosis through induction of ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP), the major component of the amyloid deposits found in the pancreatic islets of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), plays a central role in the loss of insulin-secreting pancreatic beta cells. Misfolded hIAPP fibrillating in islet beta cells may be one of the causations for T2DM. Studies have showed that fibrosis of hIAPP was inhibited by copper compounds while hIAPP-induced cytotoxicity was greatly stimulated. In this study, the suppression effects of three different forms of copper compounds CuCl2, CuSO4 and Cu(Gly)2 on amyloid fibril formation were examined in vitro. The results demonstrated that Cu(II) could interact with hIAPP to suppress the fibrosis without involvement of the anions. The fibrosis of hIAPP was inhibited by CuCl2, CuSO4 and Cu(Gly)2 with a similar degree. The particle size of hIAPP aggregates was decreased, which was further confirmed in atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. Moreover, approximative cytotoxicity-enhancing levels between CuCl2, CuSO4 and Cu(Gly)2 on hIAPP were also observed in INS-1 cells. Studies on the action mechanisms displayed that copper compounds increased hIAPP-induced cytotoxicity by facilitating apoptosis-promoting effect of hIAPP, which was dominated mainly by cation. Furthermore, Cu(II)-promoted ROS overproduction and mitochondrial disruption might be the main reason for the enhanced apoptosis. Taken together, our studies demonstrate clear interaction mechanisms of Cu(II) and hIAPP in pancreatic beta cells, and provide useful information for our understanding and treatment of T2DM.

Inhibition of islet amyloid polypeptide fibril formation by selenium-containing phycocyanin and prevention of beta cell apoptosis

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) fibril is the major constituent of amyloid deposits in pancreatic islets of type 2 diabetes. Misfolding and hIAPP fibril formation are thought to be important in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Studies have showed that selenium-containing phycocyanin (Se-PC) inhibited the fibrillation of hIAPP to form nanoscale particles, which is mainly by interfering with the combination between hIAPP. Small nanoscale oligomers tended to grow into larger nanoparticles and the size of nanoparticles increased with the incubation time. By interfering with the fibrillation of hIAPP and altering the structure, Se-PC alleviated hIAPP-induced cell apoptosis. Meantime, generation of ROS produced during the fibrillation process was inhibited, which was proposed to be the main factor for the hIAPP-cytotoxicity in beta cells. Taken together, Se-PC inhibited hIAPP fibrillation, thus suppressed the formation of ROS to show protective effect on hIAPP mediated cell apoptosis. Our studies provide useful information for our understanding of the interaction mechanisms of Se-PC on hIAPP structure and protective mechanisms on hIAPP cytotoxicity, presenting useful candidate for anti-diabetes drug development.

Target-directed catalytic metallodrugs

Most drugs function by binding reversibly to specific biological targets, and therapeutic effects generally require saturation of these targets. One means of decreasing required drug concentrations is incorporation of reactive metal centers that elicit irreversible modification of targets. A common approach has been the design of artificial proteases/nucleases containing metal centers capable of hydrolyzing targeted proteins or nucleic acids. However, these hydrolytic catalysts typically provide relatively low rate constants for target inactivation. Recently, various catalysts were synthesized that use oxidative mechanisms to selectively cleave/inactivate therapeutic targets, including HIV RRE RNA or angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). These oxidative mechanisms, which typically involve reactive oxygen species (ROS), provide access to comparatively high rate constants for target inactivation. Target-binding affinity, co-reactant selectivity, reduction potential, coordination unsaturation, ROS products (metal-associated vs metal-dissociated; hydroxyl vs superoxide), and multiple-turnover redox chemistry were studied for each catalyst, and these parameters were related to the efficiency, selectivity, and mechanism(s) of inactivation/cleavage of the corresponding target for each catalyst. Important factors for future oxidative catalyst development are 1) positioning of catalyst reduction potential and redox reactivity to match the physiological environment of use, 2) maintenance of catalyst stability by use of chelates with either high denticity or other means of stabilization, such as the square planar geometric stabilization of Ni- and Cu-ATCUN complexes, 3) optimal rate of inactivation of targets relative to the rate of generation of diffusible ROS, 4) targeting and linker domains that afford better control of catalyst orientation, and 5) general bio-availability and drug delivery requirements.

A Co(III) complex cleaving soluble oligomers of h-IAPP in the presence of polymeric aggregates of h-IAPP

Soluble oligomers of human islet amyloid polypeptide (h-IAPP) are believed to be the pathogenic species for type 2 diabetes mellitus. In search of the peptide-cleavage agent cleaving oligomers of h-IAPP with low affinity for polymeric aggregates of h-IAPP, a chemical library was constructed by using the Ugi condensation. From the library, a Co(III) complex was discovered to cleave soluble oligomers of h-IAPP in the presence of polymeric aggregates of h-IAPP without being captured by the aggregates considerably. The peptide-cleavage agent inhibited apoptosis of INS-1 cell by h-IAPP even in the presence of preformed polymeric aggregates of h-IAPP. This suggests that target-selective peptide-cleavage agents may be applied clinically not only to diabetes but also to various other amyloid diseases.

Targeted catalytic inactivation of angiotensin converting enzyme by lisinopril-coupled transition-metal chelates

A series of compounds that target reactive transition-metal chelates to somatic angiotensin converting enzyme (sACE-1) have been synthesized. Half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)) and rate constants for both inactivation and cleavage of full-length sACE-1 have been determined and evaluated in terms of metal chelate size, charge, reduction potential, coordination unsaturation, and coreactant selectivity. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA), and tripeptide GGH were linked to the lysine side chain of lisinopril by 1-ethyl-3-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide coupling. The resulting amide-linked chelate-lisinopril (EDTA-lisinopril, NTA-lisinopril, DOTA-lisinopril, and GGH-lisinopril) conjugates were used to form coordination complexes with iron, cobalt, nickel, and copper, such that lisinopril could mediate localization of the reactive metal chelates to sACE-1. ACE activity was assayed by monitoring cleavage of the fluorogenic substrate Mca-RPPGFSAFK(Dnp)-OH, a derivative of bradykinin, following preincubation with metal chelate-lisinopril compounds. Concentration-dependent inhibition of sACE-1 by metal chelate-lisinopril complexes revealed IC(50) values ranging from 44 to 4500 nM for Ni-NTA-lisinopril and Ni-DOTA-lisinopril, respectively, versus 1.9 nM for lisinopril. Stronger inhibition was correlated with smaller size and lower negative charge of the attached metal chelates. Time-dependent inactivation of sACE-1 by metal chelate-lisinopril complexes revealed a remarkable range of catalytic activities, with second-order rate constants as high as 150,000 M(-1) min(-1) (Cu-GGH-lisinopril), while catalyst-mediated cleavage of sACE-1 typically occurred at much lower rates, indicating that inactivation arose primarily from side chain modification. Optimal inactivation of sACE-1 was observed when the reduction potential for the metal center was poised near 1000 mV, reflecting the difficulty of protein oxidation. This class of metal chelate-lisinopril complexes possesses a range of high-affinity binding to ACE, introduces the advantage of irreversible catalytic turnover, and marks an important step toward the development of multiple-turnover drugs for selective inactivation of sACE-1.

Misfolded proteins in Alzheimer's disease and type II diabetes

This tutorial review presents descriptions of two amyloidogenic proteins, amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), whose misfolding propensities are implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type II diabetes, respectively. Protein misfolding diseases share similarities, as well as some unique protein-specific traits, that could contribute to the initiation and/or development of their associated conditions. Aβ and IAPP are representative amyloidoses and are used to highlight some of the primary considerations for studying misfolded proteins associated with human diseases in this review. Among these factors, their physiological formation, aggregation, interactions with metal ions and other protein partners, and toxicity are presented. Small molecules that target and modulate the metal-Aβ interaction and neurotoxicity are included to illustrate one of the current approaches for uncovering the complexities of protein misfolding at the molecular level.

Investigation of the copper binding site on the human islet amyloid polypeptide hormone

The metal ion binding sites of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) have been investigated to explain the biological activity difference in the fibril formation process. The structures of [hIAPP...Cu (or Al)](n+) and [hIAPP17-30...Cu]2+ complex were investigated by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The fragmentation patterns of [hIAPP...Cu [or Al)](n+) and [hIAPP17-30...Cu]2+ complex were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and multi-stage mass spectrometry (MS3) spectra. The [hIAPP+Cu+H]3+, [hIAPP+Al+H]4+ and [hIAPP17-30+Cu]2+ complexes were observed in MS spectra. The Cu binding site of hIAPP is suggested to be the N22-F-G-A-I26 part for the [hIAPP+Cu+H]3+ gas-phase complex. The original hIAPP conformation was supposed to be changed by the interaction between the Cu ion and the N22-F-G-A-I26 part in the [hIAPP+Cu+H]3+ gas-phase complex.

The amylin peptide implicated in type 2 diabetes stimulates copper-mediated carbonyl group and ascorbate radical formation

Human amylin (hA), which is toxic to islet β-cells, can self-generate H(2)O(2), and this process is greatly enhanced in the presence of Cu(II) ions. Here we show that carbonyl groups, a marker of oxidative modification, were formed in hA incubated in the presence of Cu(II) ions or Cu(II) ions plus H(2)O(2), but not in the presence of H(2)O(2) alone. Furthermore, under similar conditions (i.e., in the presence of both Cu(II) ions and H(2)O(2)), hA also stimulated ascorbate radical formation. The same observations concerning carbonyl group formation were made when the histidine residue (at position 18) in hA was replaced by alanine, indicating that this residue does not play a key role. In complete contrast to hA, rodent amylin, which is nontoxic, does not generate H(2)O(2), and binds Cu(II) ions only weakly, showed none of these properties. We conclude that the hA-Cu(II)/Cu(I) complex is redox active, with electron donation from the peptide reducing the oxidation state of the copper ions. The complex is capable of forming H(2)O(2) from O(2) and can also generate (•)OH via Fenton chemistry. These redox properties of hA can explain its ability to stimulate copper-mediated carbonyl group and ascorbate radical formation. The formation of reactive oxygen species from hA in this way could hold the key to a better understanding of the damaging consequences of amyloid formation within the pancreatic islets of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Cyclen-hybrid compound captures copper to protect INS-1 cells from islet amyloid polypeptide cytotoxicity by inhibiting and lysing effects

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) deposit is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes pathology. Here, we report that apo-cyclen, attached to a specific hIAPP recognition motif (NYGAIL), captured copper ions and became proteolytically active. This cyclen-NYGAIL-copper complex was able to interfere with hIAPP aggregation and cleave hIAPP. These activities rescued INS-1 cells from hIAPP induced cytotoxicity.