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He T, Giacomini D, Tolomelli A, Baiula M, Gentilucci L. Conjecturing about Small-Molecule Agonists and Antagonists of α4β1 Integrin: From Mechanistic Insight to Potential Therapeutic Applications. Biomedicines 2024; 12:316. [PMID: 38397918 PMCID: PMC10887150 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrins are heterodimeric cell-surface receptors that regulate cell-cell adhesion and cellular functions through bidirectional signaling. On the other hand, anomalous trafficking of integrins is also implicated in severe pathologies as cancer, thrombosis, inflammation, allergies, and multiple sclerosis. For this reason, they are attractive candidates as drug targets. However, despite promising preclinical data, several anti-integrin drugs failed in late-stage clinical trials for chronic indications, with paradoxical side effects. One possible reason is that, at low concentration, ligands proposed as antagonists may also act as partial agonists. Hence, the comprehension of the specific structural features for ligands' agonism or antagonism is currently of the utmost interest. For α4β1 integrin, the situation is particularly obscure because neither the crystallographic nor the cryo-EM structures are known. In addition, very few potent and selective agonists are available for investigating the mechanism at the basis of the receptor activation. In this account, we discuss the physiological role of α4β1 integrin and the related pathologies, and review the few agonists. Finally, we speculate on plausible models to explain agonism vs. antagonism by comparison with RGD-binding integrins and by analysis of computational simulations performed with homology or hybrid receptor structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting He
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Daria Giacomini
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Alessandra Tolomelli
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacology and Biotechnology (FABIT), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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2
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Baiula M, Anselmi M, Musiani F, Ghidini A, Carbone J, Caligiana A, Maurizio A, Spampinato S, Gentilucci L. Design, Pharmacological Characterization, and Molecular Docking of Minimalist Peptidomimetic Antagonists of α 4β 1 Integrin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119588. [PMID: 37298541 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrin receptors mediate cell-cell interactions via the recognition of cell-adhesion glycoproteins, as well as via the interactions of cells with proteins of the extracellular matrix, and upon activation they transduce signals bi-directionally across the cell membrane. In the case of injury, infection, or inflammation, integrins of β2 and α4 families participate in the recruitment of leukocytes, a multi-step process initiated by the capturing of rolling leukocytes and terminated by their extravasation. In particular, α4β1 integrin is deeply involved in leukocyte firm adhesion preceding extravasation. Besides its well-known role in inflammatory diseases, α4β1 integrin is also involved in cancer, being expressed in various tumors and showing an important role in cancer formation and spreading. Hence, targeting this integrin represents an opportunity for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, some autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In this context, taking inspiration from the recognition motives of α4β1 integrin with its natural ligands FN and VCAM-1, we designed minimalist α/β hybrid peptide ligands, with our approach being associated with a retro strategy. These modifications are expected to improve the compounds' stability and bioavailability. As it turned out, some of the ligands were found to be antagonists, being able to inhibit the adhesion of integrin-expressing cells to plates coated with the natural ligands without inducing any conformational switch and any activation of intracellular signaling pathways. An original model structure of the receptor was generated using protein-protein docking to evaluate the bioactive conformations of the antagonists via molecular docking. Since the experimental structure of α4β1 integrin is still unknown, the simulations might also shed light on the interactions between the receptor and its native protein ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Anselmi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Musiani
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 40, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Ghidini
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Jacopo Carbone
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Caligiana
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Andrea Maurizio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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3
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Anselmi M, Baiula M, Spampinato S, Artali R, He T, Gentilucci L. Design and Pharmacological Characterization of α 4β 1 Integrin Cyclopeptide Agonists: Computational Investigation of Ligand Determinants for Agonism versus Antagonism. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5021-5040. [PMID: 36976921 PMCID: PMC10108353 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
α4β1 integrin is a cell adhesion receptor deeply involved in the migration and accumulation of leukocytes. Therefore, integrin antagonists that inhibit leukocytes recruitment are currently regarded as a therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of inflammatory disorder, including leukocyte-related autoimmune diseases. Recently, it has been suggested that integrin agonists capable to prevent the release of adherent leukocytes might serve as therapeutic agents as well. However, very few α4β1 integrin agonists have been discovered so far, thus precluding the investigation of their potential therapeutic efficacy. In this perspective, we synthesized cyclopeptides containing the LDV recognition motif found in the native ligand fibronectin. This approach led to the discovery of potent agonists capable to increase the adhesion of α4 integrin-expressing cells. Conformational and quantum mechanics computations predicted distinct ligand-receptor interactions for antagonists or agonists, plausibly referable to receptor inhibition or activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Anselmi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Tingting He
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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4
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Wang C, Hu T, Lu J, Lv Y, Ge S, Hou Y, He H. Convenient Diaryl Ureas as Promising Anti-pseudo-allergic Agents. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10626-10637. [PMID: 35876064 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Tian Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, 3201 Hospital Affiliated to Xi’an Jiaotong University, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, China
| | - Jiayu Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yuexin Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Shuai Ge
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yajing Hou
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaanxi Province People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710068, China
| | - Huaizhen He
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
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Design of α/β-Hybrid Peptide Ligands of α4β1 Integrin Equipped with a Linkable Side Chain for Chemoselective Biofunctionalization of Microstructured Materials. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111737. [PMID: 34829965 PMCID: PMC8615975 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-binding integrins, e.g., αvβ3, αvβ1, αvβ5 integrins, are currently regarded as privileged targets for the delivery of diagnostic and theranostic agents, especially in cancer treatment. In contrast, scarce attention has been paid so far to the diagnostic opportunities promised by integrins that recognize other peptide motifs. In particular, α4β1 integrin is involved in inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune diseases, therefore, it represents an interesting therapeutic target. Aiming at obtaining simple, highly stable ligands of α4β1 integrin, we designed hybrid α/β peptidomimetics carrying linkable side chains for the expedient functionalization of biomaterials, nano- and microparticles. We identified the prototypic ligands MPUPA-(R)-isoAsp(NHPr)-Gly-OH (12) and MPUPA-Dap(Ac)-Gly-OH (13) (MPUPA, methylphenylureaphenylacetic acid; Dap, 2,3-diamino propionic acid). Modification of 12 and 13 by introduction of flexible linkers at isoAsp or Dap gave 49 and 50, respectively, which allowed for coating with monolayers (ML) of flat zeolite crystals. The resulting peptide–zeolite MLs were able to capture selectively α4β1 integrin-expressing cells. In perspective, the α4β1 integrin ligands identified in this study can find applications for preparing biofunctionalized surfaces and diagnostic devices to control the progression of α4β1 integrin-correlated diseases.
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Zhao J, Santino F, Giacomini D, Gentilucci L. Integrin-Targeting Peptides for the Design of Functional Cell-Responsive Biomaterials. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E307. [PMID: 32854363 PMCID: PMC7555639 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrins are a family of cell surface receptors crucial to fundamental cellular functions such as adhesion, signaling, and viability, deeply involved in a variety of diseases, including the initiation and progression of cancer, of coronary, inflammatory, or autoimmune diseases. The natural ligands of integrins are glycoproteins expressed on the cell surface or proteins of the extracellular matrix. For this reason, short peptides or peptidomimetic sequences that reproduce the integrin-binding motives have attracted much attention as potential drugs. When challenged in clinical trials, these peptides/peptidomimetics let to contrasting and disappointing results. In the search for alternative utilizations, the integrin peptide ligands have been conjugated onto nanoparticles, materials, or drugs and drug carrier systems, for specific recognition or delivery of drugs to cells overexpressing the targeted integrins. Recent research in peptidic integrin ligands is exploring new opportunities, in particular for the design of nanostructured, micro-fabricated, cell-responsive, stimuli-responsive, smart materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (J.Z.); (F.S.); (D.G.)
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Arias-Mejias SM, Warda KY, Quattrocchi E, Alonso-Quinones H, Sominidi-Damodaran S, Meves A. The role of integrins in melanoma: a review. Int J Dermatol 2020; 59:525-534. [PMID: 32157692 PMCID: PMC7167356 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.14850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Integrins are the major family of cell adhesion receptors in humans and essential for a wide range of normal physiology, including formation and maintenance of tissue structure integrity, cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Integrins also play a prominent role in tumor growth and metastasis. Translational research has tried to define the contribution of integrins to the phenotypic aggressiveness of melanoma because such knowledge is clinically useful. For example, differential expression of integrins in primary cutaneous melanoma can be used to distinguish indolent from aggressive, prometastatic melanoma. Recent studies have shown that gene expression-based testing of patient-derived melanoma tissue is feasible, and molecular tests may fully replace interventional surgical methods such as sentinel lymph node biopsies in the future. Because of their central role in mediating invasion and metastasis, integrins are likely to be useful biomarkers. Integrins are also attractive candidate targets for interventional therapy. This article focuses on the role of integrins in melanoma and highlights recent advances in the field of translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzette M. Arias-Mejias
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota
- Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Katerina Y. Warda
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Enrica Quattrocchi
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Hector Alonso-Quinones
- Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Alexander Meves
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota
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8
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Martelli G, Galletti P, Baiula M, Calcinari L, Boschi G, Giacomini D. Chiral β-lactam-based integrin ligands through Lipase-catalysed kinetic resolution and their enantioselective receptor response. Bioorg Chem 2019; 88:102975. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.102975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Dattoli SD, Baiula M, De Marco R, Bedini A, Anselmi M, Gentilucci L, Spampinato S. DS-70, a novel and potent α 4 integrin antagonist, is an effective treatment for experimental allergic conjunctivitis in guinea pigs. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:3891-3910. [PMID: 30051467 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Allergic conjunctivitis is an eye inflammation that involves the infiltration of immune cells into the conjunctiva via cell surface-adhesion receptors, such as integrin α4 β1 . These receptors interact with adhesion molecules expressed on the conjunctival endothelium and may be a target to treat this disease. We synthesized DS-70, a novel α/β-peptidomimetic α4 integrin antagonist, to prevent the conjunctival infiltration of immune cells and clinical symptoms in a model of allergic conjunctivitis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In vitro, DS-70 was pharmacologically characterized using a scintillation proximity procedure to measure its affinity for α4 β1 integrin, and its effect on cell adhesion mediated by different integrins was also evaluated. The effects of DS-70 on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)-mediated degranulation of a human mast cell line and an eosinophilic cell line, which both express α4 β1 , and on VCAM-1-mediated phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 in Jurkat E6.1 cells were investigated. Effects of DS-70 administered in the conjunctival fornix of ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs were evaluated. KEY RESULTS DS-70 bound to integrin α4 β1 with nanomolar affinity, prevented the adhesion of α4 integrin-expressing cells, antagonized VCAM-1-mediated degranulation of mast cells and eosinophils and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation. Only 20% was degraded after an 8 h incubation with serum. DS-70 dose-dependently reduced the clinical symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctival α4 integrin expression and conjunctival levels of chemokines and cytokines in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings highlight the role of α4 integrin in allergic conjunctivitis and suggest that DS-70 is a potential treatment for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rossella De Marco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Bedini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Anselmi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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10
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De Marco R, Greco A, Calonghi N, Dattoli SD, Baiula M, Spampinato S, Picchetti P, De Cola L, Anselmi M, Cipriani F, Gentilucci L. Selective detection of α4β1 integrin (VLA-4)-expressing cells using peptide-functionalized nanostructured materials mimicking endothelial surfaces adjacent to inflammatory sites. Biopolymers 2017; 110. [PMID: 29178262 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23081] [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] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Persistent accumulation of immune cells mediated by α4β1 integrin (VLA-4) is a hallmark of the inflammatory diseases and of chronic inflammation observed in the affected tissues of autoimmune diseases. Aiming at exploring new methods for monitoring the course of the inflammatory processes, we designed the first peptide-functionalized nanostructured devices capable to mimic the high-density multivalency binding between the α4β1 integrin-expressing cells and the ligands overexpressed on the endothelial surfaces, in the proximity of the sites of inflammation. Specifically, we describe the first examples of monolayers constituted by dye-loaded zeolite L crystals, coated with α4β1 integrin peptide ligands, and we analyze the adhesion of model Jurkat cells in comparison to non-α4β1 integrin-expressing cells. In particular, the peptidomimetic diphenylurea-Leu-Asp-Val-diamine allows significant and selective detection of α4β1 integrin-expressing Jurkat cells, after very rapid incubation time, supporting the possible implementation in a diagnostic device capable to detect the desired cells from biological fluids, obtainable from patients in a noninvasive way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella De Marco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Arianna Greco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Natalia Calonghi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Samantha D Dattoli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Pierre Picchetti
- Institut de science et d'ingénierie supramoléculaires (ISIS), Université de Strasbourg and CNR UMR 7006, 8 Allée Gaspard Monge, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Luisa De Cola
- Institut de science et d'ingénierie supramoléculaires (ISIS), Université de Strasbourg and CNR UMR 7006, 8 Allée Gaspard Monge, Strasbourg, 67000, France
- Institut fűr Nanotechnologie (INT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - Campus Nord, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, 76344, Germany
| | - Michele Anselmi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Francesca Cipriani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
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De Marco R, Mazzotti G, Dattoli SD, Baiula M, Spampinato S, Greco A, Gentilucci L. 5-aminomethyloxazolidine-2,4-dione hybrid α/β-dipeptide scaffolds as inductors of constrained conformations: Applications to the synthesis of integrin antagonists. Biopolymers 2016. [PMID: 26211418 DOI: 10.1002/bip.22704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Peptidomimetics represent an attractive starting point for drug discovery programs; in particular, peptidomimetics that result from the incorporation of a heterocycle may take advantage of increased enzymatic stability and higher ability to reproduce the bioactive conformations of the parent peptides, resulting in enhanced therapeutic potential. Herein, we present mimetics of the α4β1 integrin antagonist BIO1211 (MPUPA-Leu-Asp-Val-Pro-OH), containing a aminomethyloxazolidine-2,4-dione scaffold (Amo). Interestingly, the retro-sequences PhCOAsp(OH)-Amo-APUMP including either (S)- or (R)-configured Amo displayed significant ability to inhibit the adhesion of α4β1 integrin expressing cells, and remarkable stability in mouse serum. Possibly, the conformational bias exerted by the Amo scaffold determined the affinity for the receptors. These peptidomimetics could be of interest for the development of small-molecule agents effective against inflammatory processes and correlated autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella De Marco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Giacomo Mazzotti
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Samantha D Dattoli
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Arianna Greco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
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12
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De Marco R, Tolomelli A, Juaristi E, Gentilucci L. Integrin Ligands with α/β-Hybrid Peptide Structure: Design, Bioactivity, and Conformational Aspects. Med Res Rev 2016; 36:389-424. [PMID: 26777675 DOI: 10.1002/med.21383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Integrins are cell surface receptors for proteins of the extracellular matrix and plasma-borne adhesive proteins. Their involvement in diverse pathologies prompted medicinal chemists to develop small-molecule antagonists, and very often such molecules are peptidomimetics designed on the basis of the short native ligand-integrin recognition motifs. This review deals with peptidomimetic integrin ligands composed of α- and β-amino acids. The roles exerted by the β-amino acid components are discussed in terms of biological activity, bioavailability, and selectivity. Special attention is paid to the synthetic accessibility and efficiency of conformationally constrained heterocyclic scaffolds incorporating α/β-amino acid span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella De Marco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician,", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tolomelli
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician,", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eusebio Juaristi
- Department of Chemistry, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Avenida IPN 2508, esquina Ticoman, Mexico, D.F., 07360, Mexico
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician,", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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13
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Tolomelli A, Baiula M, Viola A, Ferrazzano L, Gentilucci L, Dattoli S, Spampinato S, Juaristi E, Escudero M. Dehydro-β-proline Containing α4β1 Integrin Antagonists: Stereochemical Recognition in Ligand-Receptor Interplay. ACS Med Chem Lett 2015; 6:701-6. [PMID: 26101577 PMCID: PMC4468404 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel class of dehydro-β-proline-containing peptidomimetics, designed to be effective as α4β1 integrin ligands, has been developed on the basis of the fundamental requirements for the interactions of these transmembrane receptors with bioactive ligands. Dehydro-β-proline ring has been synthesized through an original pathway, involving ring closing metathesis of a diallylamino derivative. The synthesized products showed to be effective and selective as α4β1 integrin antagonists and displayed IC50 values in the nanomolar range in cell adhesion inhibition assays and in VCAM-1-induced phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinases. Significant activity was observed also toward the homologous integrin α4β7, while they did not display any activity toward selected members of β1, β2, and β3 families. A strong dependence on the stereochemistry of the heterocyclic central core could be observed. The great importance of α4β1 integrin in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases suggests a possible exploitation of these ligands as lead compounds for therapeutic tools development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Tolomelli
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy
and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Angelo Viola
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Ferrazzano
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Samantha
Deianira Dattoli
- Department of Pharmacy
and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy
and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eusebio Juaristi
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto
Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco 07360, México
| | - Margarita Escudero
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto
Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco 07360, México
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14
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Toum V, Bolley J, Lalatonne Y, Barbey C, Motte L, Lecouvey M, Royer J, Dupont N, Pérard-Viret J. In silico studies, synthesis and binding evaluation of substituted 2-pyrrolidinones as peptidomimetics of RGD tripeptide sequence. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 93:360-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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15
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Galletti P, Soldati R, Pori M, Durso M, Tolomelli A, Gentilucci L, Dattoli SD, Baiula M, Spampinato S, Giacomini D. Targeting integrins αvβ3 and α5β1 with new β-lactam derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 83:284-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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