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Battisti V, Moesslacher J, Abdelnabi R, Leyssen P, Rosales Rosas AL, Langendries L, Aufy M, Studenik C, Kratz JM, Rollinger JM, Puerstinger G, Neyts J, Delang L, Urban E, Langer T. Design, synthesis, and lead optimization of piperazinyl-pyrimidine analogues as potent small molecules targeting the viral capping machinery of Chikungunya virus. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:116010. [PMID: 38104375 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide re-emerge of the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), the high morbidity associated with it, and the lack of an available vaccine or antiviral treatment make the development of a potent CHIKV-inhibitor highly desirable. Therefore, an extensive lead optimization was performed based on the previously reported CHVB compound 1b and the reported synthesis route was optimized - improving the overall yield in remarkably shorter synthesis and work-up time. Hundred analogues were designed, synthesized, and investigated for their antiviral activity, physiochemistry, and toxicological profile. An extensive structure-activity relationship study (SAR) was performed, which focused mainly on the combination of scaffold changes and revealed the key chemical features for potent anti-CHIKV inhibition. Further, a thorough ADMET investigation of the compounds was carried out: the compounds were screened for their aqueous solubility, lipophilicity, their toxicity in CaCo-2 cells, and possible hERG channel interactions. Additionally, 55 analogues were assessed for their metabolic stability in human liver microsomes (HLMs), leading to a structure-metabolism relationship study (SMR). The compounds showed an excellent safety profile, favourable physicochemical characteristics, and the required metabolic stability. A cross-resistance study confirmed the viral capping machinery (nsP1) to be the viral target of these compounds. This study identified 31b and 34 as potent, safe, and stable lead compounds for further development as selective CHIKV inhibitors. Finally, the collected insight led to a successful scaffold hop (64b) for future antiviral research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Battisti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Julia Moesslacher
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rana Abdelnabi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Leyssen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ana Lucia Rosales Rosas
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lana Langendries
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mohammed Aufy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Studenik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jadel M Kratz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith M Rollinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Puerstinger
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johan Neyts
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Delang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ernst Urban
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thierry Langer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Aufy M, Hussein AM, Stojanovic T, Studenik CR, Kotob MH. Proteolytic Activation of the Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC): Its Mechanisms and Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17563. [PMID: 38139392 PMCID: PMC10743461 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417563] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) are integral to maintaining salt and water homeostasis in various biological tissues, including the kidney, lung, and colon. They enable the selective reabsorption of sodium ions, which is a process critical for controlling blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and overall fluid volume. ENaC activity is finely controlled through proteolytic activation, a process wherein specific enzymes, or proteases, cleave ENaC subunits, resulting in channel activation and increased sodium reabsorption. This regulatory mechanism plays a pivotal role in adapting sodium transport to different physiological conditions. In this review article, we provide an in-depth exploration of the role of proteolytic activation in regulating ENaC activity. We elucidate the involvement of various proteases, including furin-like convertases, cysteine, and serine proteases, and detail the precise cleavage sites and regulatory mechanisms underlying ENaC activation by these proteases. We also discuss the physiological implications of proteolytic ENaC activation, focusing on its involvement in blood pressure regulation, pulmonary function, and intestinal sodium absorption. Understanding the mechanisms and consequences of ENaC proteolytic activation provides valuable insights into the pathophysiology of various diseases, including hypertension, pulmonary disorders, and various gastrointestinal conditions. Moreover, we discuss the potential therapeutic avenues that emerge from understanding these mechanisms, offering new possibilities for managing diseases associated with ENaC dysfunction. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive discussion of the intricate interplay between proteases and ENaC, emphasizing the significance of proteolytic activation in maintaining sodium and fluid balance in both health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Aufy
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.M.H.); (M.H.K.)
| | - Ahmed M. Hussein
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.M.H.); (M.H.K.)
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Tamara Stojanovic
- Programme for Proteomics, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Christian R. Studenik
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.M.H.); (M.H.K.)
| | - Mohamed H. Kotob
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.M.H.); (M.H.K.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
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Abdelaziz RF, Hussein AM, Kotob MH, Weiss C, Chelminski K, Stojanovic T, Studenik CR, Aufy M. Enhancement of Radiation Sensitivity by Cathepsin L Suppression in Colon Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17106. [PMID: 38069428 PMCID: PMC10707098 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the main causes of death globally. Radiotherapy/Radiation therapy (RT) is one of the most common and effective cancer treatments. RT utilizes high-energy radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells, leading to their death or impairing their proliferation. However, radiation resistance remains a significant challenge in cancer treatment, limiting its efficacy. Emerging evidence suggests that cathepsin L (cath L) contributes to radiation resistance through multiple mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the role of cath L, a member of the cysteine cathepsins (caths) in radiation sensitivity, and the potential reduction in radiation resistance by using the specific cath L inhibitor (Z-FY(tBu)DMK) or by knocking out cath L with CRISPR/Cas9 in colon carcinoma cells (caco-2). Cells were treated with different doses of radiation (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10), dose rate 3 Gy/min. In addition, the study conducted protein expression analysis by western blot and immunofluorescence assay, cytotoxicity MTT, and apoptosis assays. The results demonstrated that cath L was upregulated in response to radiation treatment, compared to non-irradiated cells. In addition, inhibiting or knocking out cath L led to increased radiosensitivity in contrast to the negative control group. This may indicate a reduced ability of cancer cells to recover from radiation-induced DNA damage, resulting in enhanced cell death. These findings highlight the possibility of targeting cath L as a therapeutic strategy to enhance the effectiveness of RT. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and to assess the translational implications of cath L knockout in clinical settings. Ultimately, these findings may contribute to the development of novel treatment approaches for improving outcomes of RT in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramadan F. Abdelaziz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (R.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (C.W.); (M.A.)
- Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Wagramer Str. 5, 1400 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Ahmed M. Hussein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (R.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (C.W.); (M.A.)
| | - Mohamed H. Kotob
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (R.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (C.W.); (M.A.)
| | - Christina Weiss
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (R.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (C.W.); (M.A.)
| | - Krzysztof Chelminski
- Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Wagramer Str. 5, 1400 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Tamara Stojanovic
- Programme for Proteomics, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Christian R. Studenik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (R.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (C.W.); (M.A.)
| | - Mohammed Aufy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (R.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (C.W.); (M.A.)
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Buncha V, Cherezova A, Alexander S, Baranovskaya I, Coleman KA, Cherian-Shaw M, Brands MW, Sullivan JC, O'Connor PM, Mamenko M. Aldosterone Antagonism Is More Effective at Reducing Blood Pressure and Excessive Renal ENaC Activity in AngII-Infused Female Rats Than in Males. Hypertension 2023; 80:2196-2208. [PMID: 37593894 PMCID: PMC10528186 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.21287] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AngII (angiotensin II)-dependent hypertension causes comparable elevations of blood pressure (BP), aldosterone levels, and renal ENaC (epithelial Na+ channel) activity in male and female rodents. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonism has a limited antihypertensive effect associated with insufficient suppression of renal ENaC in male rodents with AngII-hypertension. While MR blockade effectively reduces BP in female mice with salt-sensitive and leptin-induced hypertension, MR antagonism has not been studied in female rodents with AngII-hypertension. We hypothesize that overstimulation of renal MR signaling drives redundant ENaC-mediated Na+ reabsorption and BP increase in female rats with AngII-hypertension. METHODS We employ a combination of physiological, pharmacological, biochemical, and biophysical approaches to compare the effect of MR inhibitors on BP and ENaC activity in AngII-infused male and female Sprague Dawley rats. RESULTS MR blockade markedly attenuates AngII-hypertension in female rats but has only a marginal effect in males. Spironolactone increases urinary sodium excretion and urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio in AngII-infused female, but not male, rats. The expression of renal MR and HSD11β2 (11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2) that determines the availability of MR to aldosterone is significantly higher in AngII-infused female rats than in males. ENaC activity is ≈2× lower in spironolactone-treated AngII-infused female rats than in males. Reduced ENaC activity in AngII-infused female rats on spironolactone correlates with increased interaction with ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2 (neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4-2), targeting ENaC for degradation. CONCLUSIONS MR-ENaC axis is the primary determinant of excessive renal sodium reabsorption and an attractive antihypertensive target in female rats with AngII-hypertension, but not in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadym Buncha
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| | - Alena Cherezova
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| | - Sati Alexander
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| | - Irina Baranovskaya
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| | - Kathleen A Coleman
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| | - Mary Cherian-Shaw
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| | - Michael W Brands
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| | | | - Paul M O'Connor
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| | - Mykola Mamenko
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
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Chen Y, Yu X, Yan Z, Zhang S, Zhang J, Guo W. Role of epithelial sodium channel-related inflammation in human diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1178410. [PMID: 37559717 PMCID: PMC10407551 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1178410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a heterotrimer and is widely distributed throughout the kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, colons, and many other organs. The basic role of the ENaC is to mediate the entry of Na+ into cells; the ENaC also has an important regulatory function in blood pressure, airway surface liquid (ASL), and endothelial cell function. Aldosterone, serum/glucocorticoid kinase 1 (SGK1), shear stress, and posttranslational modifications can regulate the activity of the ENaC; some ion channels also interact with the ENaC. In recent years, it has been found that the ENaC can lead to immune cell activation, endothelial cell dysfunction, aggravated inflammation involved in high salt-induced hypertension, cystic fibrosis, pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA), and tumors; some inflammatory cytokines have been reported to have a regulatory role on the ENaC. The ENaC hyperfunction mediates the increase of intracellular Na+, and the elevated exchange of Na+ with Ca2+ leads to an intracellular calcium overload, which is an important mechanism for ENaC-related inflammation. Some of the research on the ENaC is controversial or unclear; we therefore reviewed the progress of studies on the role of ENaC-related inflammation in human diseases and their mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- National Organ Transplantation (Liver &Kidney Transplantation) Physician Training Centre, Zhengzhou, China
- National Regional Medical Treatment Centre of Henan Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- National Organ Transplantation (Liver &Kidney Transplantation) Physician Training Centre, Zhengzhou, China
- National Regional Medical Treatment Centre of Henan Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhiping Yan
- Henan Organ Transplantation Centre, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering and Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiacheng Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China
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Aufy M, Abdelaziz RF, Hussein AM, Topcagic N, Shamroukh H, Abdel-Maksoud MA, Salem TZ, Studenik CR. Impact of Enniatin B and Beauvericin on Lysosomal Cathepsin B Secretion and Apoptosis Induction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032030. [PMID: 36768354 PMCID: PMC9916760 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Enniatin B (ENN B) and Beauvericin (BEA) are cyclohexadepsipeptides that can be isolated from Fusarium and Beauveria bassiana, respectively. Both compounds are cytotoxic and ionophoric. In the present study, the mechanism of cell death induced by these compounds was investigated. Epidermal carcinoma-derived cell line KB-3-1 cells were treated with different concentrations of these compounds. The extracellular secretion of cathepsin B increased in a concentration-dependent manner, and the lysosomal staining by lysotracker red was reduced upon the treatment with any of the compounds. However, the extracellular secretion of cathepsin L and cathepsin D were not affected. Inhibition of cathepsin B with specific inhibitor CA074 significantly reduced the cytotoxic effect of both compounds, while inhibition of cathepsin D or cathepsin L did not influence the cytotoxic activities of both compounds. In vitro labelling of lysosomal cysteine cathepsins with Ethyl (2S, 3S)-epoxysuccinate-Leu-Tyr-Acp-Lys (Biotin)-NH2 (DCG04) was not affected in case of cathepsin L upon the treatment with both compounds, while it was significantly reduced in case of cathepsin B. In conclusion, ENN B and BEA increase lysosomal Ph, which inhibits delivery of cathepsin B from Golgi to lysosomes, thereby inducing cathepsin B release in cytosol, which activates caspases and hence the apoptotic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Aufy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Ramadan F. Abdelaziz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ahmed M. Hussein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Programme for Proteomics, Paracelsus Private Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nermina Topcagic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hadil Shamroukh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mostafa A. Abdel-Maksoud
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tamer Z. Salem
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12511, Egypt
| | - Christian R. Studenik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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