The myeloperoxidase-derived oxidant hypothiocyanous acid inhibits protein tyrosine phosphatases via oxidation of key cysteine residues

Substrate-dependent metabolomic signatures of myeloperoxidase activity in airway epithelial cells: Implications for early cystic fibrosis lung disease

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is released by neutrophils in inflamed tissues. MPO oxidizes chloride, bromide, and thiocyanate to produce hypochlorous acid (HOCl), hypobromous acid (HOBr), and hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN), respectively. These oxidants are toxic to pathogens, but may also react with host cells to elicit biological activity and potential toxicity. In cystic fibrosis (CF) and related diseases, increased neutrophil inflammation leads to increased airway MPO and airway epithelial cell (AEC) exposure to its oxidants. In this study, we investigated how equal dose-rate exposures of MPO-derived oxidants differentially impact the metabolome of human AECs (BEAS-2B cells). We utilized enzymatic oxidant production with rate-limiting glucose oxidase (GOX) coupled to MPO, and chloride, bromide (Br-), or thiocyanate (SCN-) as substrates. AECs exposed to GOX/MPO/SCN- (favoring HOSCN) were viable after 24 h, while exposure to GOX/MPO (favoring HOCl) or GOX/MPO/Br- (favoring HOBr) developed cytotoxicity after 6 h. Cell glutathione and peroxiredoxin-3 oxidation were insufficient to explain these differences. However, untargeted metabolomics revealed GOX/MPO and GOX/MPO/Br- diverged significantly from GOX/MPO/SCN- for dozens of metabolites. We noted methionine sulfoxide and dehydromethionine were significantly increased in GOX/MPO- or GOX/MPO/Br--treated cells, and analyzed them as potential biomarkers of lung damage in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 5-year-olds with CF (n = 27). Both metabolites were associated with increasing bronchiectasis, neutrophils, and MPO activity. This suggests MPO production of HOCl and/or HOBr may contribute to inflammatory lung damage in early CF. In summary, our in vitro model enabled unbiased identification of exposure-specific metabolite products which may serve as biomarkers of lung damage in vivo. Continued research with this exposure model may yield additional oxidant-specific biomarkers and reveal explicit mechanisms of oxidant byproduct formation and cellular redox signaling.

Mechanisms and consequences of protein cysteine oxidation: the role of the initial short-lived intermediates

Thiol groups in protein cysteine (Cys) residues can undergo one- and two-electron oxidation reactions leading to the formation of thiyl radicals or sulfenic acids, respectively. In this mini-review we summarize the mechanisms and kinetics of the formation of these species by biologically relevant oxidants. Most of the latter react with the deprotonated form of the thiol. Since the pKa of the thiols in protein cysteines are usually close to physiological pH, the thermodynamics and the kinetics of their oxidation in vivo are affected by the acidity of the thiol. Moreover, the protein microenvironment has pronounced effects on cysteine residue reactivity, which in the case of the oxidation mediated by hydroperoxides, is known to confer specificity to particular protein cysteines. Despite their elusive nature, both thiyl radicals and sulfenic acids are involved in the catalytic mechanism of several enzymes and in the redox regulation of protein function and/or signaling pathways. They are usually short-lived species that undergo further reactions that converge in the formation of different stable products, resulting in several post-translational modifications of the protein. Some of these can be reversed through the action of specific cellular reduction systems. Others damage the proteins irreversibly, and can make them more prone to aggregation or degradation.

The Role of Inflammation and Myeloperoxidase-Related Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Genetically Triggered Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

Genetically triggered thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) are usually considered to exhibit minimal levels of inflammation. However, emerging data demonstrate that specific features of an inflammatory response can be observed in TAA, and that the extent of the inflammatory response can be correlated with the severity, in both mouse models and in human studies. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a key mediator of the inflammatory response, via production of specific oxidative species, e.g., the hypohalous acids. Specific tissue modifications, mediated by hypohalous acids, have been documented in multiple cardiovascular pathologies, including atherosclerosis associated with coronary artery disease, abdominal aortic, and cerebral aneurysms. Similarly, data are now emerging that show the capacity of MPO-derived oxidative species to regulate mechanisms important in TAA pathogenesis, including alterations in extracellular matrix homeostasis, activation of matrix metalloproteinases, induction of endothelial dysfunction and vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching, and activation of ERK1/2 signaling. The weight of evidence supports a role for inflammation in exacerbating the severity of TAA progression, expanding our understanding of the pathogenesis of TAA, identifying potential biomarkers for early detection of TAA, monitoring severity and progression, and for defining potential novel therapeutic targets.

The role of the myeloperoxidase-derived oxidant hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN) in the induction of mitochondrial dysfunction in macrophages

A host of chronic inflammatory diseases are accelerated by the formation of the powerful oxidant hypochlorous acid (HOCl) by myeloperoxidase (MPO). In the presence of thiocyanate (SCN^-), the production of HOCl by MPO is decreased in favour of the formation of a milder oxidant, hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN). The role of HOSCN in disease has not been fully elucidated, though there is increasing interest in using SCN^- therapeutically in different disease settings. Unlike HOCl, HOSCN can be detoxified by thioredoxin reductase, and reacts selectively with thiols to result in reversible modifications, which could potentially reduce the extent of MPO-induced damage during chronic inflammation. In this study, we show that exposure of macrophages, a key inflammatory cell type, to HOSCN results in the reversible modification of multiple mitochondrial proteins, leading to increased mitochondrial membrane permeability, decreased oxidative phosphorylation and reduced formation of ATP. The increased permeability and reduction in ATP could be reversed by pre-treatment of the macrophages with cyclosporine A, implicating a role for the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. HOSCN also drives cells to utilise fatty acids as an energetic substrate after the inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. Raman imaging studies highlighted the ability of HOSCN to perturb the electron transport chain of mitochondria and redistribute these organelles within the cell. Taken together, these data provide new insight into the pathways by which HOSCN can induce cytotoxicity and cellular damage, which may have relevance for the development of inflammatory disease, and therapeutic strategies to reduce HOCl-induced damage by supplementation with SCN^-.

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HOSCN induces the oxidation of mitochondrial thiol proteins and cytochromes.

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HOSCN alters mitochondrial permeability and ATP production via MPTP formation.

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HOSCN increases the capacity of cells to use fatty acids as an energetic substrate.

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Raman imaging shows redistribution of mitochondria after cell exposure to HOSCN.

Role of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and other inflammatory mediators in the induction of macrophage extracellular trap formation

The infiltration of activated leukocytes, including macrophages, at sites of inflammation and the formation and presence of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) are interlinked hallmarks of many debilitating disease processes, including atherosclerosis, arthritis, neurological and renal disease, diabetes and obesity. The production of extracellular traps by activated leukocytes in response to a range of inflammatory stimuli is increasingly recognised as an important process within a range of disease settings. We show that exposure of human monocyte-derived macrophages to pathophysiological levels of HOCl results in the dose-dependent extrusion of DNA and histones into the cellular supernatant, consistent with extracellular trap formation. Concurrent with, but independent of these findings, macrophage exposure to HOCl also resulted in an immediate and sustained cytosolic accumulation of Ca²⁺, culminating in the increased production of cytokines and chemokines. Polarisation of the macrophages prior to HOCl exposure revealed a greater propensity for inflammatory M1 macrophages to produce extracellular traps, whereas alternatively-activated M2 macrophages were less susceptible to HOCl insult. M1 macrophages also produced extracellular traps on exposure to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα). Taken together, these data indicate a potential role for macrophages in mediating extracellular trap formation, which may be relevant in pathological conditions characterised by chronic inflammation or excessive HOCl formation.

Selenium versus sulfur: Reversibility of chemical reactions and resistance to permanent oxidation in proteins and nucleic acids

This review highlights the contributions of Jean Chaudière to the field of selenium biochemistry. Chaudière was the first to recognize that one of the main reasons that selenium in the form of selenocysteine is used in proteins is due to the fact that it strongly resists permanent oxidation. The foundations for this important concept was laid down by Al Tappel in the 1960's and even before by others. The concept of oxygen tolerance first recognized in the study of glutathione peroxidase was further advanced and refined by those studying [NiFeSe]-hydrogenases, selenosubtilisin, and thioredoxin reductase. After 200 years of selenium research, work by Marcus Conrad and coworkers studying glutathione peroxidase-4 has provided definitive evidence for Chaudière's original hypothesis (Ingold et al., 2018) [36]. While the reaction of selenium with oxygen is readily reversible, there are many other examples of this phenomenon of reversibility. Many reactions of selenium can be described as "easy in - easy out". This is due to the strong nucleophilic character of selenium to attack electrophiles, but then this reaction can be reversed due to the strong electrophilic character of selenium and the weakness of the selenium-carbon bond. Several examples of this are described.

Chronic Active Arthritis Driven by Macrophages Without Involvement of T Cells: A Novel Experimental Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new chronic rheumatoid arthritis model that is driven by the innate immune system.

METHODS

Injection of a cocktail of 4 monoclonal antibodies against type II collagen, followed on days 5 and 60 by intraperitoneal injections of mannan (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae), was used to induce development of chronic arthritis in B10.Q mice. The role of the innate immune system as compared to the adaptive immune system in this arthritis model was investigated using genetically modified mouse strains.

RESULTS

A new model of chronic relapsing arthritis was characterized in B10.Q mice, in which a persistently active, chronic disease was found. This relapsing disease was driven by macrophages lacking the ability to mount a reactive oxygen species response against pathogens, and was associated with the classical/alternative pathway, but not the lectin pathway, of complement activation. The disease was independent of Fcγ receptor type III, and also independent of the activity of adaptive immune cells (B and T cells), indicating that the innate immune system, involving complement activation, could be the sole driver of chronicity.

CONCLUSION

Chronic active arthritis can be driven innately by macrophages without the involvement of T and B cells in the adaptive immune system.

Melatonin prevents hypochlorous acid-mediated cyanocobalamin destruction and cyanogen chloride generation

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a potent cytotoxic oxidant generated by the enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) and chloride (Cl^- ). Elevated levels of HOCl play an important role in various pathological conditions through oxidative modification of several biomolecules. Recently, we have highlighted the ability of HOCl to mediate the destruction of the metal-ion derivatives of tetrapyrrole macrocyclic rings such as hemoproteins and vitamin B₁₂ (VB₁₂ ) derivatives. Destruction of cyanocobalamin, a common pharmacological form of VB₁₂ mediated by HOCl, results in the generation of toxic molecular products such as chlorinated derivatives, corrin ring cleavage products, the toxic blood agents cyanide (CN^- ) and cyanogen chloride (CNCl), and redox-active free cobalt. Here, we show that melatonin prevents HOCl-mediated cyanocobalamin destruction, using a combination of UV-Vis spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, and colorimetric CNCl assay. Identification of several melatonin oxidation products suggests that the protective role of melatonin against HOCl-mediated cyanocobalamin destruction and subsequent CNCl generation is at the expense of melatonin oxidation. Collectively, this work highlights that, in addition to acting as an antioxidant and as a MPO inhibitor, melatonin can also prevent VB₁₂ deficiency in inflammatory conditions such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, among many others.

The other myeloperoxidase: Emerging functions

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a member of the mammalian peroxidase family. It is mainly expressed in neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages. As a catalyzer of reactive oxidative species and radical species formation, it contributes to neutrophil bactericidal activity. Nevertheless MPO invalidation does not seem to have major health consequences in affected individuals. This suggests that MPO might have alternative functions supporting its conservation during evolution. We will review the available data supporting these non-canonical functions in terms of tissue specific expression, function and enzymatic activity. Thus, we discuss its cell type specific expression. We review in between others its roles in angiogenesis, endothelial (dys-) function, immune reaction, and inflammation. We summarize its pathological actions in clinical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Effect of Oxidation and Protein Unfolding on Cross-Linking of β-Lactoglobulin and α-Lactalbumin

Oxidation and heat treatment can initiate changes in the amino acid composition, structure, solubility, hydrophobicity, conformation, function, and susceptibility to proteolysis of proteins. These can result in adverse consequences for mammals, plants, foodstuffs, and pharmaceuticals. This study investigated whether and how individual or combined treatment with heat, a commonly encountered factor in industrial processing, and H₂O₂ alters the structure and composition of two major milk whey proteins, α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin, and mixtures of these. Thermal treatment induced reducible cross-links in isolated β-lactoglobulin, but not isolated α-lactalbumin under the conditions employed. Cross-linking occurred at lower temperatures and to a greater extent in the presence of low concentrations of H₂O₂. H₂O₂ did not induce cross-linking in the absence of heat. Mixtures of α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin showed similar behavior, except that mixed α-lactalbumin-β-lactoglobulin dimers were detected. Cross-linking was associated with formation of sulfenic acids (RS-OH species), oxidation of methionine residues, cleavage of disulfide bonds in α-lactalbumin, altered conformation of disulfide bonds in β-lactoglobulin, alterations in the fluorescence intensity and maximum emission wavelength of endogenous tryptophan residues, and binding of the hydrophobic probe 8-anilinonaphthalenesulfonate. These data are consistent with increased unfolding and subsequent aggregation of the protein, with these changes being maximized in the presence of both heat and H₂O₂. The enhanced aggregation detected with H₂O₂ is consistent with additional pathways to aggregation above that induced by heat alone. These mechanistic insights provide potential strategies for modulating the extent and nature of protein modification induced by thermal and oxidant treatment.

Key role of cysteine residues and sulfenic acids in thermal- and H2O2-mediated modification of β-lactoglobulin

Oxidation results in protein deterioration in mammals, plants, foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals, via changes in amino acid composition, fragmentation, aggregation, solubility, hydrophobicity, conformation, function and susceptibility to digestion. This study investigated whether and how individual or combined treatment with heat, a commonly encountered factor in industrial processing, and H2O2 alters the structure and composition of the major whey protein β-lactoglobulin. Thermal treatment induced reducible cross-links, with this being enhanced by low H2O2 concentrations, but decreased by high concentrations, where fragmentation was detected. Cross-linking was prevented when the single free Cys121 residue was blocked with iodoacetamide. Low concentrations of H2O2 added before heating depleted thiols, with H2O2 alone, or H2O2 added after heating, having lesser effects. A similar pattern was detected for methionine loss and methionine sulfoxide formation. Tryptophan loss was only detected with high levels of H2O2, and no other amino acid was affected, indicating that sulfur-centered amino acids are critical targets. No protection against aggregation was provided by high concentrations of the radical scavenger 5, 5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO), consistent with molecular oxidation, rather than radical reactions, being the major process. Sulfenic acid formation was detected by Western blotting and LC-MS/MS peptide mass-mapping of dimedone-treated protein, consistent with these species being significant intermediates in heat-induced cross-linking, especially in the presence of H2O2. Studies using circular dichroism and intrinsic fluorescence indicate that H2O2 increases unfolding during heating. These mechanistic insights provide potential strategies for modulating the extent of modification of proteins exposed to thermal and oxidant treatment.

Reversible oxidation controls the activity and oligomeric state of the mammalian phosphoglycolate phosphatase AUM

Redox-dependent switches of enzyme activity are emerging as important fine-tuning mechanisms in cell signaling. For example, protein tyrosine phosphatases employ a conserved cysteine residue for catalysis, which also renders them highly susceptible to reversible inactivation by oxidation. In contrast, haloacid dehalogenase (HAD)-type phosphatases perform catalysis via a phosphoaspartyltransferase reaction. The potential regulation of HAD phosphatases by reversible oxidation has not yet been explored. Here, we investigate the redox-sensitivity of the HAD-type phosphoglycolate phosphatase PGP, also known as AUM or glycerol-3-phosphate phosphatase. We show that recombinant, purified murine PGP is inhibited by oxidation and re-activated by reduction. We identify three reactive cysteine residues in the catalytic core domain of PGP (Cys35, Cys104 and Cys243) that mediate the reversible inhibition of PGP activity and the associated, redox-dependent conformational changes. Structural analysis suggests that Cys35 oxidation weakens van-der-Waals interactions with Thr67, a conserved catalytic residue required for substrate coordination. Cys104 and Cys243 form a redox-dependent disulfide bridge between the PGP catalytic core and cap domains, which may impair the open/close-dynamics of the catalytic cycle. In addition, we demonstrate that Cys297 in the PGP cap domain is essential for redox-dependent PGP oligomerization, and that PGP oxidation/oligomerization occurs in response to stimulation of cells with EGF. Finally, employing a modified cysteinyl-labeling assay, we show that cysteines of cellular PGP are transiently oxidized to sulfenic acids. Taken together, our findings establish that PGP, an aspartate-dependent HAD phosphatase, is transiently inactivated by reversible oxidation in cells.