1
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Besli N, Ercin N, Carmena-Bargueño M, Sarikamis B, Kalkan Cakmak R, Yenmis G, Pérez-Sánchez H, Beker M, Kilic U. Research into how carvacrol and metformin affect several human proteins in a hyperglycemic condition: A comparative study in silico and in vitro. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 758:110062. [PMID: 38880320 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.110062] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Carvacrol (CV) is an organic compound found in the essential oils of many aromatic herbs. It is nearly unfeasible to analyze all the current human proteins for a query ligand using in vitro and in vivo methods. This study aimed to clarify whether CV possesses an anti-diabetic feature via Docking-based inverse docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation and in vitro characterization against a set of novel human protein targets. Herein, the best poses of CV docking simulations according to binding energy ranged from -7.9 to -3.5 (kcal/mol). After pathway analysis of the protein list through GeneMANIA and WebGestalt, eight interacting proteins (DPP4, FBP1, GCK, HSD11β1, INSR, PYGL, PPARA, and PPARG) with CV were determined, and these proteins exhibited stable structures during the MD process with CV. In vitro application, statistically significant results were achieved only in combined doses with CV or metformin. Considering all these findings, PPARG and INSR, among these target proteins of CV, are FDA-approved targets for treating diabetes. Therefore, CV may be on its way to becoming a promising therapeutic compound for treating Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Our outcomes expose formerly unexplored potential target human proteins, whose association with diabetic disorders might guide new potential treatments for DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nail Besli
- Department of Medical Biology, Hamidiye School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Nilufer Ercin
- Department of Medical Biology, Hamidiye School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Miguel Carmena-Bargueño
- Structural Bioinformatics and High Performance Computing Research Group (BIO-HPC), Computer Engineering Department, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Guadalupe, Spain.
| | - Bahar Sarikamis
- Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Rabia Kalkan Cakmak
- Department of Medical Biology, Hamidiye School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Guven Yenmis
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Horacio Pérez-Sánchez
- Structural Bioinformatics and High Performance Computing Research Group (BIO-HPC), Computer Engineering Department, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Guadalupe, Spain.
| | - Merve Beker
- Department of Medical Biology, International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ulkan Kilic
- Department of Medical Biology, Hamidiye School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
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2
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Chauhan R, Navale GR, Saini S, Panwar A, Kukreti P, Saini R, Roy P, Ghosh K. Modulating the aggregation of human prion protein PrP 106-126 by an indole-based cyclometallated palladium complex. Dalton Trans 2024; 53:11995-12006. [PMID: 38963284 DOI: 10.1039/d4dt00704b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The spontaneous aggregation of infectious or misfolded forms of prion protein is known to be responsible for neurotoxicity in brain cells, which ultimately leads to the progression of prion disorders. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in animals and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans are glaring examples in this regard. Square-planar complexes with labile ligands and indole-based compounds are found to be efficiently inhibitory against protein aggregation. Herein, we report the synthesis of an indole-based cyclometallated palladium complex. The ligand and complex were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques such as UV-visible, NMR, IR, and HRMS. The molecular structure of the complex was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The interaction of the complex with PrP106-126 was studied using UV-visible spectroscopy, CD spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF MS, and molecular docking. The inhibition effects of the complex on the PrP106-126 aggregation, fibrillization and amyloid formation phenomena were analysed through the ThT assay, CD, TEM and AFM. The effect of the complex on the aggregation process of PrP106-126 was determined kinetically through the ThT assay. The complex presented high binding affinity with the peptide and influenced the peptide's conformation and aggregation in different modes of binding. Furthermore, the MTT assay on neuronal HT-22 cells showed considerable protective properties of the complex against PrP106-126-mediated cytotoxicity. These findings suggest that the compound influences peptide aggregation in different ways, and the anti-aggregation action is primarily associated with the metal's physicochemical properties and the reactivity rather than the ligand. As a result, we propose that this compound be investigated as a potential therapeutic molecule in metallopharmaceutical research to treat prion disease (PD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Chauhan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Govinda R Navale
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Saakshi Saini
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Abhishek Panwar
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Manipur, Langol 795004, India
| | - Prashant Kukreti
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Rajat Saini
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Partha Roy
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Kaushik Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India.
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India
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3
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Shoup D, Priola SA. Grp78 destabilization of infectious prions is strain-specific and modified by multiple factors including accessory chaperones and pH. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107346. [PMID: 38718859 PMCID: PMC11176782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107346] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Lethal neurodegenerative prion diseases result from the continuous accumulation of infectious and variably protease-resistant prion protein aggregates (PrPD) which are misfolded forms of the normally detergent soluble and protease-sensitive cellular prion protein. Molecular chaperones like Grp78 have been found to reduce the accumulation of PrPD, but how different cellular environments and other chaperones influence the ability of Grp78 to modify PrPD is poorly understood. In this work, we investigated how pH and protease-mediated structural changes in PrPD from two mouse-adapted scrapie prion strains, 22L and 87V, influenced processing by Grp78 in the presence or absence of chaperones Hsp90, DnaJC1, and Stip1. We developed a cell-free in vitro system to monitor chaperone-mediated structural changes to, and disaggregation of, PrPD. For both strains, Grp78 was most effective at structurally altering PrPD at low pH, especially when additional chaperones were present. While Grp78, DnaJC1, Stip1, and Hsp90 were unable to disaggregate the majority of PrPD from either strain, pretreatment of PrPD with proteases increased disaggregation of 22L PrPD compared to 87V, indicating strain-specific differences in aggregate structure were impacting chaperone activity. Hsp90 also induced structural changes in 87V PrPD as indicated by an increase in the susceptibility of its n-terminus to proteases. Our data suggest that, while chaperones like Grp78, DnaJC1, Stip1, and Hsp90 disaggregate only a small fraction of PrPD, they may still facilitate its clearance by altering aggregate structure and sensitizing PrPD to proteases in a strain and pH-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Shoup
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA.
| | - Suzette A Priola
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
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4
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Liu B, Ding J, Liu Y, Wu J, Wu X, Chen Q, Li W. Elucidating the potential effects of point mutations on FGFR3 inhibitor resistance via combined molecular dynamics simulation and community network analysis. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2023; 37:325-338. [PMID: 37269435 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-023-00510-8] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
FGFR3 kinase mutations are associated with a variety of malignancies, but FGFR3 mutant inhibitors have rarely been studied. Furthermore, the mechanism of pan-FGFR inhibitors resistance caused by kinase domain mutations is still unclear. In this study, we try to explain the mechanism of drug resistance to FGFR3 mutation through global analysis and local analysis based on molecular dynamics simulation, binding free energy analysis, umbrella sampling and community network analysis. The results showed that FGFR3 mutations caused a decrease in the affinity between drugs and FGFR3 kinase, which was consistent with the reported experimental results. Possible mechanisms are that mutations affect drug-protein affinity by altering the environment of residues near the hinge region where the protein binds to the drug, or by affecting the A-loop and interfering with the allosteric communication networks. In conclusion, we systematically elucidated the underlying mechanism of pan-FGFR inhibitor resistance caused by FGFR3 mutation based on molecular dynamics simulation strategy, which provided theoretical guidance for the development of FGFR3 mutant kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Juntao Ding
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yugang Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Jianzhang Wu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xiaoping Wu
- Institute of Tissue Transplantation and Immunology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Future Health Laboratory, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing, 314102, China.
| | - Wulan Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
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5
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Nafe R, Arendt CT, Hattingen E. Human prion diseases and the prion protein - what is the current state of knowledge? Transl Neurosci 2023; 14:20220315. [PMID: 37854584 PMCID: PMC10579786 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases and the prion protein are only partially understood so far in many aspects. This explains the continued research on this topic, calling for an overview on the current state of knowledge. The main objective of the present review article is to provide a comprehensive up-to-date presentation of all major features of human prion diseases bridging the gap between basic research and clinical aspects. Starting with the prion protein, current insights concerning its physiological functions and the process of pathological conversion will be highlighted. Diagnostic, molecular, and clinical aspects of all human prion diseases will be discussed, including information concerning rare diseases like prion-associated amyloidoses and Huntington disease-like 1, as well as the question about a potential human threat due to the transmission of prions from prion diseases of other species such as chronic wasting disease. Finally, recent attempts to develop future therapeutic strategies will be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhold Nafe
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinics of Johann Wolfgang-Goethe University, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christophe T. Arendt
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinics of Johann Wolfgang-Goethe University, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elke Hattingen
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinics of Johann Wolfgang-Goethe University, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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6
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Ilie IM, Caflisch A. Antibody binding increases the flexibility of the prion protein. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2022; 1870:140827. [PMID: 35931365 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2022.140827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Prion diseases are associated with the conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrP) into a pathogenic conformer (PrPSc). A proposed therapeutic approach to avoid the pathogenic transformation is to develop antibodies that bind to PrP and stabilize its structure. POM1 and POM6 are two monoclonal antibodies that bind the globular domain of PrP and have different biological responses, i.e., trigger neurotoxicity mimicking prion infections (POM1) or prevent neurotoxicity (POM6). The crystal structures of PrP in complex with the two antibodies show similar epitopes which seems inconsistent with the opposite phenotypes. Here, we investigate the influence of the POM1 and POM6 antibodies on the flexibility of the mouse PrP by molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations reveal that the POM6/PrP interface is less stable than the POM1/PrP interface, ascribable to localized polar mismatches at the interface, despite the former complex having a larger epitope than the latter. In the presence of any of the two antibodies, the flexibility of the globular domain increases everywhere except for the β1-α1 loop in the POM1/PrP complex which suggests the involvement of this loop in the pathological conversion. The secondary structure of PrP is preserved whereas the polar interactions involving residues Glu146, Arg156 and Arg208 are modified upon antibody binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana M Ilie
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich 8057, Switzerland.
| | - Amedeo Caflisch
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich 8057, Switzerland.
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7
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Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Prion Protein Phase Separation in Cancer Multidrug Resistance. Molecules 2022; 27:705. [PMID: 35163973 PMCID: PMC8839844 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique ability to adapt and thrive in inhospitable, stressful tumor microenvironments (TME) also renders cancer cells resistant to traditional chemotherapeutic treatments and/or novel pharmaceuticals. Cancer cells exhibit extensive metabolic alterations involving hypoxia, accelerated glycolysis, oxidative stress, and increased extracellular ATP that may activate ancient, conserved prion adaptive response strategies that exacerbate multidrug resistance (MDR) by exploiting cellular stress to increase cancer metastatic potential and stemness, balance proliferation and differentiation, and amplify resistance to apoptosis. The regulation of prions in MDR is further complicated by important, putative physiological functions of ligand-binding and signal transduction. Melatonin is capable of both enhancing physiological functions and inhibiting oncogenic properties of prion proteins. Through regulation of phase separation of the prion N-terminal domain which targets and interacts with lipid rafts, melatonin may prevent conformational changes that can result in aggregation and/or conversion to pathological, infectious isoforms. As a cancer therapy adjuvant, melatonin could modulate TME oxidative stress levels and hypoxia, reverse pH gradient changes, reduce lipid peroxidation, and protect lipid raft compositions to suppress prion-mediated, non-Mendelian, heritable, but often reversible epigenetic adaptations that facilitate cancer heterogeneity, stemness, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review examines some of the mechanisms that may balance physiological and pathological effects of prions and prion-like proteins achieved through the synergistic use of melatonin to ameliorate MDR, which remains a challenge in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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8
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Singh H, Bharadvaja N. Treasuring the computational approach in medicinal plant research. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 164:19-32. [PMID: 34004233 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Medicinal plants serve as a valuable source of secondary metabolites since time immemorial. Computational Research in 21st century is giving more attention to medicinal plants for new drug design as pharmacological screening of bioactive compound was time consuming and expensive. Computational methods such as Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamic Simulation and Artificial intelligence are significant Insilico tools in medicinal plant research. Molecular docking approach exploits the mechanism of potential phytochemicals into the target active site to elucidate its interactions and biological therapeutic properties. MD simulation illuminates the dynamic behavior of biomolecules at atomic level with fine quality representation of biomolecules. Dramatical advancement in computer science is illustrating the biological mechanism via these tools in different diseases treatment. The advancement comprises speed, the system configuration, and other software upgradation to insights into the structural explanation and optimization of biomolecules. A probable shift from simulation to artificial intelligence has in fact accelerated the art of scientific study to a sky high. The most upgraded algorithm in artificial intelligence such as Artificial Neural Networks, Deep Neural Networks, Neuro-fuzzy Logic has provided a wide opportunity in easing the time required in classical experimental strategy. The notable progress in computer science technology has paved a pathway for understanding the pharmacological functions and creating a roadmap for drug design and development and other achievement in the field of medicinal plants research. This review focus on the development and overview in computational research moving from static molecular docking method to a range of dynamic simulation and an advanced artificial intelligence such as machine learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshita Singh
- Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Navneeta Bharadvaja
- Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, 110042, India.
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9
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Xu Z, Liu H, Wang S, Zhang Q, Yao X, Zhou S, Liu H. Unraveling the Molecular Mechanism of Prion H2 C-Terminus Misfolding by Metadynamics Simulations. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:772-782. [PMID: 32023408 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Conformational transition from the normal cellular form of prion protein (PrPC) to the pathogenic "scrapie" form (PrPSc) is considered to be a key event in the occurrence of prion disease. Additionally, the H2 C-terminus is widely considered to be a vital site for PrP conformational transition, which can be used as an important region to explore the potential mechanism of PrP misfolding. Therefore, to study the misfolding mechanism of PrP, 500 ns well-tempered metadynamics simulations were performed by focusing on the H2 C-terminus of PrP. For comparison, three systems were designed in total, including PrP in neutral and acidic conditions, as well as H187R mutant. The resulting free energy surfaces (FESs) obtained from metadynamics simulations reveal that acidic conditions and H187R mutation can facilitate PrP misfolding by decreasing free energy barriers for conformational transition and forming energy stable conformational states. Further analyses aimed at H2 C-terminus show that due to the increase of positive charge on residue 187 in both acidic and H187R systems, the electrostatic repulsion of residue 187 and R136/R156 increases greatly, which disrupts the electrostatic interaction network around H2 C-terminus and exposes the hydrophobic core to the solvent. Taken together, acidic conditions and H187R mutation can accelerate PrP misfolding mainly by forming more energetically stable metastable conformations with lower free energy barriers, and electrostatic network disruption involving residue 187 drives the initial misfolding of H2 C-terminus. This study provides quantitative insight into the related function of the H2 C-terminus in the PrP misfolding process, which may guide H2 C-terminus mediated drug design in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerong Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Hongli Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Shuangyan Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Huanxiang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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10
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Wille H, Dorosh L, Amidian S, Schmitt-Ulms G, Stepanova M. Combining molecular dynamics simulations and experimental analyses in protein misfolding. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020; 118:33-110. [PMID: 31928730 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The fold of a protein determines its function and its misfolding can result in loss-of-function defects. In addition, for certain proteins their misfolding can lead to gain-of-function toxicities resulting in protein misfolding diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or the prion diseases. In all of these diseases one or more proteins misfold and aggregate into disease-specific assemblies, often in the form of fibrillar amyloid deposits. Most, if not all, protein misfolding diseases share a fundamental molecular mechanism that governs the misfolding and subsequent aggregation. A wide variety of experimental methods have contributed to our knowledge about misfolded protein aggregates, some of which are briefly described in this review. The misfolding mechanism itself is difficult to investigate, as the necessary timescale and resolution of the misfolding events often lie outside of the observable parameter space. Molecular dynamics simulations fill this gap by virtue of their intrinsic, molecular perspective and the step-by-step iterative process that forms the basis of the simulations. This review focuses on molecular dynamics simulations and how they combine with experimental analyses to provide detailed insights into protein misfolding and the ensuing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Wille
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Lyudmyla Dorosh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Sara Amidian
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Gerold Schmitt-Ulms
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maria Stepanova
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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11
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Zhou S, Shi D, Liu X, Yao X, Da LT, Liu H. pH-Induced Misfolding Mechanism of Prion Protein: Insights from Microsecond-Accelerated Molecular Dynamics Simulations. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:2718-2729. [PMID: 31070897 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The conformational transition of prion protein (PrP) from a native form PrPC to a pathological isoform PrPSc is the main cause of a number of prion diseases in human and animals. Thus, understanding the molecular basis of conformational transition of PrP will be valuable for unveiling the etiology of PrP-related diseases. Here, to explore the potential misfolding mechanism of PrP under the acidic condition, which is known to promote PrP misfolding and trigger its aggregation, the conventional and accelerated molecular dynamics (MD) simulations combined with the Markov state model (MSM) analysis were performed. The conventional MD simulations reveal that, at an acidic pH, the globular domain of PrP is partially unfolded, particularly for the α2 C-terminus. Structural analysis of the key macrostates obtained by MSM indicates that the α2 C-terminus and the β2-α2 loop may serve as important sites for the pH-induced PrP misfolding. Meanwhile, the α1 may also participate in the pH-induced structural conversion by moving away from the α2-α3 subdomain. Notably, dynamical network analysis of the key metastable states indicates that the protonated H187 weakens the interactions between the α2 C-terminus, α1-β2 loop, and α2-α3 loop, leading these domains, especially the α2 C-terminus, to become unstable and to begin to misfold. Therefore, the α2 C-terminus plays a key role in the PrP misfolding process and serves as a potential site for drug targeting. Overall, our findings can deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis related to PrP and provide useful guidance for the future drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangyan Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory on Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Danfeng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xuewei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Lin-Tai Da
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Huanxiang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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12
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Paciotti R, Storchi L, Marrone A. An insight of early PrP-E200K aggregation by combined molecular dynamics/fragment molecular orbital approaches. Proteins 2018; 87:51-61. [PMID: 30367504 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Unveiling the events leading to the formation of prion particles is a nowadays challenge in the field of neurochemistry. Pathogenic mutants of prion protein (PrP) are characterized by both an intrinsic tendency to aggregation and scrapie conversion propensity. However, the question about a possible correlation between these two events lasts still unanswered. Here, a multilayered computational workflow was employed to investigate structure, stability, and molecular interaction properties of a dimer of PrPC -E200K, a well-known mutant of the PrP that represents a reduced model of early aggregates of this protein. Based on the combination of molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical approaches, this study provided for an in depth insight of PrPC -E200K dimer in terms of residue-residue interactions. Assembly hypotheses for the early aggregation of PrPC -E200K are paved and compared with PrPSc models reported in the literature to find a structural link between early and late (scrapie) aggregates of this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Paciotti
- Department of Pharmacy, Università "G d'Annunzio" di Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Loriano Storchi
- Department of Pharmacy, Università "G d'Annunzio" di Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Molecular Discovery Limited, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom.,ISTM - CNR, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Department of Pharmacy, Università "G d'Annunzio" di Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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13
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Thompson HN, Thompson CE, Andrade Caceres R, Dardenne LE, Netz PA, Stassen H. Prion protein conversion triggered by acidic condition: a molecular dynamics study through different force fields. J Comput Chem 2018; 39:2000-2011. [DOI: 10.1002/jcc.25380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Nathalia Thompson
- Departamento de Físico-Química, Instituto de Química; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; 91501-970 Porto Alegre Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - Claudia Elizabeth Thompson
- Departamento de Farmacociências; Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre; 90050-170 Porto Alegre Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - Rafael Andrade Caceres
- Departamento de Farmacociências; Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre; 90050-170 Porto Alegre Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Augusto Netz
- Departamento de Físico-Química, Instituto de Química; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; 91501-970 Porto Alegre Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - Hubert Stassen
- Departamento de Físico-Química, Instituto de Química; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; 91501-970 Porto Alegre Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
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14
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Zheng Z, Zhang M, Wang Y, Ma R, Guo C, Feng L, Wu J, Yao H, Lin D. Structural basis for the complete resistance of the human prion protein mutant G127V to prion disease. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13211. [PMID: 30181558 PMCID: PMC6123418 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31394-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are caused by the propagation of misfolded cellular prion proteins (PrPs). A completely prion disease-resistant genotype, V127M129, has been identified in Papua New Guinea and verified in transgenic mice. To disclose the structural basis of the disease-resistant effect of the G127V mutant, we determined and compared the structural and dynamic features of the G127V-mutated human PrP (residues 91-231) and the wild-type PrP in solution. HuPrP(G127V) contains α1, α2 and α3 helices and a stretch-strand (SS) pattern comprising residues Tyr128-Gly131 (SS1) and Val161-Arg164 (SS2), with extending atomic distances between the SS1 and SS2 strands, and a structural rearrangement of the Tyr128 side chain due to steric hindrance of the larger hydrophobic side chain of Val127. The extended α1 helix gets closer to the α2 and α3 helices. NMR dynamics analysis revealed that Tyr128, Gly131 and Tyr163 underwent significant conformational exchanges. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that HuPrP(G127V) prevents the formation of stable β-sheets and dimers. Unique structural and dynamic features potentially inhibit the conformational conversion of the G127V mutant. This work is beneficial for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the complete resistance of the G127V mutant to prion disease and for developing new therapeutics for prion disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Meilan Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yongheng Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Rongsheng Ma
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Chenyun Guo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Liubin Feng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jihui Wu
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Hongwei Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Donghai Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
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15
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Li L, Zhu Y, Zhou S, An X, Zhang Y, Bai Q, He YX, Liu H, Yao X. Experimental and Theoretical Insights into the Inhibition Mechanism of Prion Fibrillation by Resveratrol and its Derivatives. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:2698-2707. [PMID: 28817252 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Resveratrol and its derivatives have been shown to display beneficial effects to neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanism of resveratrol and its derivatives on prion conformational conversion is poorly understood. In this work, the interaction mechanism between prion and resveratrol as well as its derivatives was investigated using steady-state fluorescence quenching, Thioflavin T binding assay, Western blotting, and molecular dynamics simulation. Protein fluorescence quenching method and Thioflavin T assay revealed that resveratrol and its derivatives could interact with prion and interrupt prion fibril formation. Molecular dynamics simulation results indicated that resveratrol can stabilize the PrP127-147 peptide mainly through π-π stacking interactions between resveratrol and Tyr128. The hydrogen bonds interactions between resveratrol and the PrP127-147 peptide could further reduce the flexibility and the propensity to aggregate. The results of this study not only can provide useful information about the interaction mechanism between resveratrol and prion, but also can provide useful clues for further design of new inhibitors inhibiting prion aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yongchang Zhu
- School
of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Shuangyan Zhou
- State
Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
- School
of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli An
- State
Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
- School
of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Qifeng Bai
- State
Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Xing He
- School
of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Huanxiang Liu
- School
of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- State
Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
- State
Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute
for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, P. R. China
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16
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Liu X, Shi D, Zhou S, Liu H, Liu H, Yao X. Molecular dynamics simulations and novel drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2017; 13:23-37. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1403419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Danfeng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | | | - Hongli Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huanxiang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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17
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Abstract
Protein sequences are evolved to encode generally one folded structure, out of a nearly infinite array of possible folds. Underlying this code is a funneled free energy landscape that guides folding to the native conformation. Protein misfolding and aggregation are also a manifestation of free-energy landscapes. The detailed mechanisms of these processes are poorly understood, but often involve rare, transient species and a variety of different pathways. The inherent complexity of misfolding has hampered efforts to measure aggregation pathways and the underlying energy landscape, especially using traditional methods where ensemble averaging obscures important rare and transient events. We recently studied the misfolding and aggregation of prion protein by examining 2 monomers tethered in close proximity as a dimer, showing how the steps leading to the formation of a stable aggregated state can be resolved in the single-molecule limit and the underlying energy landscape thereby reconstructed. This approach allows a more quantitative comparison of native folding versus misfolding, including fundamental differences in the dynamics for misfolding. By identifying key steps and interactions leading to misfolding, it should help to identify potential drug targets. Here we describe the importance of characterizing free-energy landscapes for aggregation and the challenges involved in doing so, and we discuss how single-molecule studies can help test proposed structural models for PrP aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek R Dee
- a Department of Physics , University of Alberta , Edmonton , AB , Canada
| | - Michael T Woodside
- a Department of Physics , University of Alberta , Edmonton , AB , Canada;,b National Institute for Nanotechnology, National Research Council , Edmonton , AB , Canada
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18
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Pagadala NS, Bjorndahl TC, Joyce M, Wishart DS, Syed K, Landi A. The compound (3-{5-[(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)amino]-1,3,4-thiadiazolidin-2-yl}-5,8-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one) inhibits the prion protein conversion from PrP C to PrP Sc with lower IC 50 in ScN2a cells. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:5875-5888. [PMID: 28951092 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 09/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system characterized by the accumulation of a protease resistant form (PrPSc) of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) in the brain. Two types of cellular prion (PrPC) compounds have been identified that appear to affect prion conversion are known as Effective Binders (EBs) and Accelerators (ACCs). Effective binders shift the balance in favour of PrPC, whereas Accelerators favour the formation of PrPSc. Molecular docking indicates EBs and ACCs both bind to pocket-D of the SHaPrPC molecule. However, EBs and ACCs may have opposing effects on the stability of the salt bridge between Arg156 and Glu196/Glu200. Computational docking data indicate that the hydrophobic benzamide group of the EB, GFP23 and the 1-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexylidene)piperidinium group of the ACC, GFP22 play an important role in inhibition and conversion from SHaPrPC to SHaPrPSc, respectively. Experimentally, NMR confirmed the amide chemical shift perturbations observed upon the binding of GFP23 to pocket-D of SHaPrPC. Consistent with its role as an ACC, titration of GFP22 resulted in widespread chemical shift changes and signal intensity loss due to protein unfolding. Virtual screening of a ligand database using the molecular scaffold developed from the set of EBs identified six of our compounds (previously studied using fluorescence quenching) as being among the top 100 best binders. Among them, compounds 5 and 6 were found to be particularly potent in decreasing the accumulation SHaPrPSc in ScN2a cells with an IC50 of ∼35µM and 20µM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataraj S Pagadala
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 6-020 Katz Group Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada.
| | - Trent C Bjorndahl
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Computing Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E8, Canada
| | - Michael Joyce
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 6-020 Katz Group Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - David S Wishart
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Computing Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E8, Canada
| | - Khajamohiddin Syed
- Unit for Drug Discovery Research, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein 9300, Free State, South Africa
| | - Abdolamir Landi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 6-020 Katz Group Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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19
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Moulick R, Udgaonkar JB. Identification and Structural Characterization of the Precursor Conformation of the Prion Protein which Directly Initiates Misfolding and Oligomerization. J Mol Biol 2017; 429:886-899. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2017.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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20
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Choi J, Govindaraj RG, Hyeon JW, Lee K, Ma S, Kim SY, Lee J, No KT. Structural insight into the antiprion compound inhibition mechanism of native prion folding over misfolding. Chem Biol Drug Des 2017; 89:907-917. [PMID: 27933736 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Transition of a physiological folded prion (PrPC ) into a pathogenic misfolded prion (PrPSc ) causes lethal neurodegenerative disorders and prion diseases. Antiprion compounds have been developed to prevent this conversion; however, their mechanism of action remains unclear. Recently, we reported two antiprion compounds, BMD29 and BMD35, identified by in silico and in vitro screening. In this study, we used extensive explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulations to investigate ligand-binding inhibition by antiprion compounds in prion folding over misfolding behavior at acidic pH. The two antiprion compounds and the previously reported GN8 compound resulted in a remarkably stabilized intermediate by binding to the hotspot region of PrPC , whereas free PrPC and the inactive compound BMD01 destabilized the structure of PrPC leading to the misfolded form. The results uncovered a secondary structural transition of free PrPC and transition suppression by the antiprion compounds. One of the major misfolding processes in PrPC , alternation of hydrophobic core residues, disruption of intramolecular interactions, and the increase in residue solvent exposure were significantly inhibited by both antiprion compounds. These findings provide insights into prion misfolding and inhibition by antiprion compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Choi
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Design Research Center, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Rajiv Gandhi Govindaraj
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Design Research Center, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jae Wook Hyeon
- Division of Zoonoses, Center for Immunology & Pathology, National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Seoul, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea
| | - Kyungro Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - SongLing Ma
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Yeon Kim
- Division of Zoonoses, Center for Immunology & Pathology, National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Seoul, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea
| | - Jeongmin Lee
- Division of Zoonoses, Center for Immunology & Pathology, National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Seoul, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea
| | - Kyoung Tai No
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Design Research Center, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
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21
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Structural Modeling of Human Prion Protein's Point Mutations. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2017; 150:105-122. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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22
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Marrone A, Re N, Storchi L. The Effects of Ca2+ Concentration and E200K Mutation on the Aggregation Propensity of PrPC: A Computational Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168039. [PMID: 27959938 PMCID: PMC5154561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The propensity of cellular prion protein to aggregation is reputed essential for the initiation of the amyloid cascade that ultimately lead to the accumulation of neurotoxic aggregates. In this paper, we extended and applied an already reported computational workflow [Proteins 2015; 83: 1751–1765] to elucidate in details the aggregation propensity of PrP protein systems including wild type, wild type treated at different [Ca2+] and E200K mutant. The application of the computational procedure to two segments of PrPC, i.e. 125–228 and 120–231, allowed to emphasize how the inclusion of complete C-terminus and last portion (120–126) of the neurotoxic segment 106–126 may be crucial to unveil significant and unexpected interaction properties. Indeed, the anchoring of N-terminus on H2 domain detected in the wild type resulted to be disrupted upon either E200K mutation or Ca2+ binding, and to unbury hydrophobic spots on the PrPC surface. A peculiar dinuclear Ca2+ binding motif formed by the C-terminus and the S2-H2 loop was detected for [Ca2+] > 5 mM and showed similarities with binding motifs retraced in other protein systems, thus suggesting a possible functional meaning for its formation. Therefore, we potentiated the computational procedure by including a tool that clusterize the minima of molecular interaction fields of a proteinand delimit the regions of space with higher hydrophobic or higher hydrophilic character, hence, more likely involved in the self-assembly process. Plausible models for the self-assembly of either the E200K mutated or Ca2+-bound PrPC were sketched and discussed. The present investigation provides for structure-based information and new prompts that may represent a starting point for future experimental or computational works on the PrPC aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Marrone
- Università “G d’Annunzio” di Chieti-Pescara, Department of Pharmacy, Chieti, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Nazzareno Re
- Università “G d’Annunzio” di Chieti-Pescara, Department of Pharmacy, Chieti, Italy
| | - Loriano Storchi
- Università “G d’Annunzio” di Chieti-Pescara, Department of Pharmacy, Chieti, Italy
- Molecular Discovery Limited, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom
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23
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Borgohain G, Dan N, Paul S. Use of molecular dynamics simulation to explore structural facets of human prion protein with pathogenic mutations. Biophys Chem 2016; 213:32-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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24
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Protective V127 prion variant prevents prion disease by interrupting the formation of dimer and fibril from molecular dynamics simulations. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21804. [PMID: 26906032 PMCID: PMC4764842 DOI: 10.1038/srep21804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies uncovered a novel protective prion protein variant: V127 variant, which was reported intrinsically resistant to prion conversion and propagation. However, the structural basis of its protective effect is still unknown. To uncover the origin of the protective role of V127 variant, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to explore the influence of G127V mutation on two key processes of prion propagation: dimerization and fibril formation. The simulation results indicate V127 variant is unfavorable to form dimer by reducing the main-chain H-bond interactions. The simulations of formed fibrils consisting of β1 strand prove V127 variant will make the formed fibril become unstable and disorder. The weaker interaction energies between layers and reduced H-bonds number for V127 variant reveal this mutation is unfavorable to the formation of stable fibril. Consequently, we find V127 variant is not only unfavorable to the formation of dimer but also unfavorable to the formation of stable core and fibril, which can explain the mechanism on the protective role of V127 variant from the molecular level. Our findings can deepen the understanding of prion disease and may guide the design of peptide mimetics or small molecule to mimic the protective effect of V127 variant.
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25
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Chandrasekaran P, Rajasekaran R. Detailed computational analysis revealed mutation V210I on PrP induced conformational conversion on β2–α2 loop and α2–α3. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2016; 12:3223-33. [DOI: 10.1039/c6mb00342g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The development of fatal transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) is associated with the conformational conversion of the normal cellular prion protein, PrPC, into its pathogenic isoform, PrPSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Chandrasekaran
- Computational Biology Lab
- Department of Biotechnology
- School of Biosciences and Technology
- VIT University
- Vellore 632 014
| | - R. Rajasekaran
- Computational Biology Lab
- Department of Biotechnology
- School of Biosciences and Technology
- VIT University
- Vellore 632 014
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26
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Discovery of Novel Anti-prion Compounds Using In Silico and In Vitro Approaches. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14944. [PMID: 26449325 PMCID: PMC4598813 DOI: 10.1038/srep14944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are associated with the conformational conversion of the physiological form of cellular prion protein (PrPC) to the pathogenic form, PrPSc. Compounds that inhibit this process by blocking conversion to the PrPSc could provide useful anti-prion therapies. However, no suitable drugs have been identified to date. To identify novel anti-prion compounds, we developed a combined structure- and ligand-based virtual screening system in silico. Virtual screening of a 700,000-compound database, followed by cluster analysis, identified 37 compounds with strong interactions with essential hotspot PrP residues identified in a previous study of PrPC interaction with a known anti-prion compound (GN8). These compounds were tested in vitro using a multimer detection system, cell-based assays, and surface plasmon resonance. Some compounds effectively reduced PrPSc levels and one of these compounds also showed a high binding affinity for PrPC. These results provide a promising starting point for the development of anti-prion compounds.
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27
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Polymorphisms at amino acid residues 141 and 154 influence conformational variation in ovine PrP. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:372491. [PMID: 25126555 PMCID: PMC4122135 DOI: 10.1155/2014/372491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphisms in ovine PrP at amino acid residues 141 and 154 are associated with susceptibility to ovine prion disease: Leu141Arg154 with classical scrapie and Phe141Arg154 and Leu141His154 with atypical scrapie. Classical scrapie is naturally transmissible between sheep, whereas this may not be the case with atypical scrapie. Critical amino acid residues will determine the range or stability of structural changes within the ovine prion protein or its functional interaction with potential cofactors, during conversion of PrPC to PrPSc in these different forms of scrapie disease. Here we computationally identified that regions of ovine PrP, including those near amino acid residues 141 and 154, displayed more conservation than expected based on local structural environment. Molecular dynamics simulations showed these conserved regions of ovine PrP displayed genotypic differences in conformational repertoire and amino acid side-chain interactions. Significantly, Leu141Arg154 PrP adopted an extended beta sheet arrangement in the N-terminal palindromic region more frequently than the Phe141Arg154 and Leu141His154 variants. We supported these computational observations experimentally using circular dichroism spectroscopy and immunobiochemical studies on ovine recombinant PrP. Collectively, our observations show amino acid residues 141 and 154 influence secondary structure and conformational change in ovine PrP that may correlate with different forms of scrapie.
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28
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Cheng CJ, Daggett V. Molecular dynamics simulations capture the misfolding of the bovine prion protein at acidic pH. Biomolecules 2014; 4:181-201. [PMID: 24970211 PMCID: PMC4030982 DOI: 10.3390/biom4010181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that is transmissible to humans and that is currently incurable. BSE is caused by the prion protein (PrP), which adopts two conformers; PrPC is the native innocuous form, which is α-helix rich; and PrPSc is the β-sheet rich misfolded form, which is infectious and forms neurotoxic species. Acidic pH induces the conversion of PrPC to PrPSc. We have performed molecular dynamics simulations of bovine PrP at various pH regimes. An acidic pH environment induced conformational changes that were not observed in neutral pH simulations. Putative misfolded structures, with nonnative β-strands formed in the flexible N-terminal domain, were found in acidic pH simulations. Two distinct pathways were observed for the formation of nonnative β-strands: at low pH, hydrophobic contacts with M129 nucleated the nonnative β-strand; at mid-pH, polar contacts involving Q168 and D178 facilitated the formation of a hairpin at the flexible N-terminus. These mid- and low pH simulations capture the process of nonnative β-strand formation, thereby improving our understanding of how PrPC misfolds into the β-sheet rich PrPSc and how pH factors into the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Jung Cheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195-5013, USA.
| | - Valerie Daggett
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195-5013, USA.
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