1
|
Steinmetz MO, Prota AE. Structure-based discovery and rational design of microtubule-targeting agents. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 87:102845. [PMID: 38805950 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102845] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) have demonstrated remarkable efficacy as antitumor, antifungal, antiparasitic, and herbicidal agents, finding applications in the clinical, veterinary, and agrochemical industry. Recent advances in tubulin and microtubule structural biology have provided powerful tools that pave the way for the rational design of innovative small-molecule MTAs for future basic and applied life science applications. In this mini-review, we present the current status of the tubulin and microtubule structural biology field, the recent impact it had on the discovery and rational design of MTAs, and exciting avenues for future MTA research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michel O Steinmetz
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, CH-5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland; University of Basel, Biozentrum, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Andrea E Prota
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, CH-5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wood LM, Moore JK. β3 accelerates microtubule plus end maturation through a divergent lateral interface. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.17.603993. [PMID: 39071388 PMCID: PMC11275713 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.17.603993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
β-tubulin isotypes exhibit similar sequences but different activities, suggesting that limited sequence divergence is functionally important. We investigated this hypothesis for TUBB3/β3, a β-tubulin linked to aggressive cancers and chemoresistance in humans. We created mutant yeast strains with β-tubulin alleles that mimic variant residues in β3 and find that residues at the lateral interface are sufficient to alter microtubule dynamics and response to microtubule targeting agents. In HeLa cells, β3 overexpression decreases the lifetime of microtubule growth, and this requires residues at the lateral interface. These microtubules exhibit a shorter region of EB binding at the plus end, suggesting faster lattice maturation, and resist stabilization by paclitaxel. Resistance requires the H1-S2 and H2-S3 regions at the lateral interface of β3. Our results identify the mechanistic origins of the unique activity of β3 tubulin and suggest that tubulin isotype expression may tune the rate of lattice maturation at growing microtubule plus ends in cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Wood
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jeffrey K Moore
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shen Y, Ori-McKenney KM. Microtubule-associated protein MAP7 promotes tubulin posttranslational modifications and cargo transport to enable osmotic adaptation. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1553-1570.e7. [PMID: 38574732 PMCID: PMC11187767 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.022] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Cells remodel their cytoskeletal networks to adapt to their environment. Here, we analyze the mechanisms utilized by the cell to tailor its microtubule landscape in response to changes in osmolarity that alter macromolecular crowding. By integrating live-cell imaging, ex vivo enzymatic assays, and in vitro reconstitution, we probe the impact of cytoplasmic density on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and tubulin posttranslational modifications (PTMs). We find that human epithelial cells respond to fluctuations in cytoplasmic density by modulating microtubule acetylation, detyrosination, or MAP7 association without differentially affecting polyglutamylation, tyrosination, or MAP4 association. These MAP-PTM combinations alter intracellular cargo transport, enabling the cell to respond to osmotic challenges. We further dissect the molecular mechanisms governing tubulin PTM specification and find that MAP7 promotes acetylation and inhibits detyrosination. Our data identify MAP7 in modulating the tubulin code, resulting in microtubule cytoskeleton remodeling and alteration of intracellular transport as an integrated mechanism of cellular adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Shen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kassandra M Ori-McKenney
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stanková J, Jurášek M, Hajdúch M, Džubák P. Terpenes and Terpenoids Conjugated with BODIPYs: An Overview of Biological and Chemical Properties. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:1306-1319. [PMID: 38482846 PMCID: PMC11061839 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in small-molecule research have created the need for sensitive techniques to accurately study biological processes in living systems. Fluorescent-labeled probes have become indispensable tools, particularly those that use boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes. Terpenes and terpenoids are organic compounds found in nature that offer diverse biological activities, and BODIPY-based probes play a crucial role in studying these compounds. Monoterpene-BODIPY conjugates have exhibited potential for staining bacterial and fungal cells. Sesquiterpene-BODIPY derivatives have been used to study sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA), indicating their potential for drug development. Owing to their unique properties, diterpenes have been investigated using BODIPY conjugates to evaluate their mechanisms of action. Triterpene-BODIPY conjugates have been synthesized for biological studies, with different spacers affecting their cytotoxicity. Fluorescent probes, inspired by terpenoid-containing vitamins, have also been developed. Derivatives of tocopherol, coenzyme Q10, and vitamin K1 can provide insights into their oxidation-reduction abilities. All these probes have diverse applications, including the study of cell membranes to investigate immune responses and antioxidant properties. Further research in this field can help better understand and use terpenes and terpenoids in various biological contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jarmila Stanková
- Institute
of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Jurášek
- Department
of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University
of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marián Hajdúch
- Institute
of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Laboratory
of Experimental Medicine, Institute of Molecular and Translational
Medicine, University Hospital Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Džubák
- Institute
of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Laboratory
of Experimental Medicine, Institute of Molecular and Translational
Medicine, University Hospital Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mahalingan KK, Grotjahn DA, Li Y, Lander GC, Zehr EA, Roll-Mecak A. Structural basis for α-tubulin-specific and modification state-dependent glutamylation. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01599-0. [PMID: 38658656 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01599-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Microtubules have spatiotemporally complex posttranslational modification patterns. Tubulin tyrosine ligase-like (TTLL) enzymes introduce the most prevalent modifications on α-tubulin and β-tubulin. How TTLLs specialize for specific substrate recognition and ultimately modification-pattern generation is largely unknown. TTLL6, a glutamylase implicated in ciliopathies, preferentially modifies tubulin α-tails in microtubules. Cryo-electron microscopy, kinetic analysis and single-molecule biochemistry reveal an unprecedented quadrivalent recognition that ensures simultaneous readout of microtubule geometry and posttranslational modification status. By binding to a β-tubulin subunit, TTLL6 modifies the α-tail of the longitudinally adjacent tubulin dimer. Spanning two tubulin dimers along and across protofilaments (PFs) ensures fidelity of recognition of both the α-tail and the microtubule. Moreover, TTLL6 reads out and is stimulated by glutamylation of the β-tail of the laterally adjacent tubulin dimer, mediating crosstalk between α-tail and β-tail. This positive feedback loop can generate localized microtubule glutamylation patterns. Our work uncovers general principles that generate tubulin chemical and topographic complexity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kishore K Mahalingan
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Danielle A Grotjahn
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute La Jolla, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Proteomics Core Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gabriel C Lander
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute La Jolla, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Elena A Zehr
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Antonina Roll-Mecak
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Biochemistry & Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Walton T, Doran MH, Brown A. Structural determination and modeling of ciliary microtubules. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2024; 80:220-231. [PMID: 38451206 PMCID: PMC10994176 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798324001815] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The axoneme, a microtubule-based array at the center of every cilium, has been the subject of structural investigations for decades, but only recent advances in cryo-EM and cryo-ET have allowed a molecular-level interpretation of the entire complex to be achieved. The unique properties of the nine doublet microtubules and central pair of singlet microtubules that form the axoneme, including the highly decorated tubulin lattice and the docking of massive axonemal complexes, provide opportunities and challenges for sample preparation, 3D reconstruction and atomic modeling. Here, the approaches used for cryo-EM and cryo-ET of axonemes are reviewed, while highlighting the unique opportunities provided by the latest generation of AI-guided tools that are transforming structural biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Travis Walton
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Matthew H. Doran
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alan Brown
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cannariato M, Zizzi EA, Pallante L, Miceli M, Deriu MA. Mechanical communication within the microtubule through network-based analysis of tubulin dynamics. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2024; 23:569-579. [PMID: 38060156 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01792-5] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The identification of the mechanisms underlying the transfer of mechanical vibrations in protein complexes is crucial to understand how these super-assemblies are stabilized to perform specific functions within the cell. In this context, the study of the structural communication and the propagation of mechanical stimuli within the microtubule (MT) is important given the pivotal role of the latter in cell viability. In this study, we employed molecular modelling and the dynamical network analysis approaches to analyse the MT. The results highlight that β -tubulin drives the transfer of mechanical information between protofilaments (PFs), which is altered at the seam due to a different interaction pattern. Moreover, while the key residues involved in the structural communication along the PF are generally conserved, a higher diversity was observed for amino acids mediating the lateral communication. Taken together, these results might explain why MTs with different PF numbers are formed in different organisms or with different β -tubulin isotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cannariato
- PolitoBIOMed Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Eric A Zizzi
- PolitoBIOMed Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pallante
- PolitoBIOMed Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Marcello Miceli
- PolitoBIOMed Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco A Deriu
- PolitoBIOMed Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Adler A, Bangera M, Beugelink JW, Bahri S, van Ingen H, Moores CA, Baldus M. A structural and dynamic visualization of the interaction between MAP7 and microtubules. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1948. [PMID: 38431715 PMCID: PMC10908866 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46260-5] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) are key components of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton and are essential for intracellular organization, organelle trafficking and mitosis. MT tasks depend on binding and interactions with MT-associated proteins (MAPs). MT-associated protein 7 (MAP7) has the unusual ability of both MT binding and activating kinesin-1-mediated cargo transport along MTs. Additionally, the protein is reported to stabilize MTs with its 112 amino-acid long MT-binding domain (MTBD). Here we investigate the structural basis of the interaction of MAP7 MTBD with the MT lattice. Using a combination of solid and solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with electron microscopy, fluorescence anisotropy and isothermal titration calorimetry, we shed light on the binding mode of MAP7 to MTs at an atomic level. Our results show that a combination of interactions between MAP7 and MT lattice extending beyond a single tubulin dimer and including tubulin C-terminal tails contribute to formation of the MAP7-MT complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Adler
- NMR Spectroscopy, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mamata Bangera
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, School of Natural Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - J Wouter Beugelink
- Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht, 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Salima Bahri
- NMR Spectroscopy, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hugo van Ingen
- NMR Spectroscopy, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carolyn A Moores
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, School of Natural Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, WC1E 7HX, UK.
| | - Marc Baldus
- NMR Spectroscopy, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Muhammad YA, Omar AM, Ahmed F, Khayat MT, Malebari AM, Ibrahim SM, Mass SA, Elfaky MA, El-Araby ME. Exploring antiproliferative activities and kinase profile of ortho-substituted N-(4-(2-(benzylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)benzamides. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14379. [PMID: 37873688 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14379] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Designing kinase inhibitors that bind to the substrate site of oncogenic kinases in a promising, albeit less explored, approach to kinase inhibition as it was sought to avoid the issue of untoward off-target modulations. Our previously identified compound KAC-12 with a meta-chlorophenyl substitution was an example of this approach. While it showed confirmed inhibitory activity against cancer cells, this substitution shifted the profile of affected targets away from Src/tubulin which were seen with the parent KX-01. In this paper, we synthesized compounds with ortho-substitutions, and we investigated the effect of such substitutions on their cellular and subcellular activities. The compound N-(4-(2-(benzylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)-2-(morpholine-4-carbonyl)benzamide (4) exhibited substantial activities against cell lines such HCT116 (IC50 of 0.97 μM) and IC50 HL60 (2.84 μM). Kinase profiling showed that compound 4 trended consistently with KAC-12 as it did not affect Src, but it had more impact on members of the Src family of kinases (SFK) such as Yes, Hck, Fyn, Lck, and Lyn. Both compounds exhibited profound downregulation effects on Erk1/2 but differed on others such as GSK3α/β and C-Jun. Collectively, this study further support to the hypothesis that small structural changes might bring higher changes in their kinome profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yosra A Muhammad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelsattar M Omar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Farid Ahmed
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maan T Khayat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azizah M Malebari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara M Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaza A Mass
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud A Elfaky
- Department of Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moustafa E El-Araby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kustovskiy Y, Karpov P, Blume Y, Yemets A. Ivermectin affects Arabidopsis thaliana microtubules through predicted binding site of β-tubulin. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 206:108296. [PMID: 38141401 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
The ivermectin is a potent nematocide and insecticide, which has low toxicity for humans and domestic animals, but due to low biotransformation, it can be dangerous for non-target organisms. The recent determination of ivermectin absorption and accumulation in tissues of higher plants and multiple shreds of evidence of its negative impact on plant physiology provide a basis for the search for ivermectin's molecular targets and mechanisms of action in plant cells. In this research, for the first time, the ivermectin effect on microtubules of Arabidopsis thaliana cells was studied. It was revealed that ivermectin (250 μg mL-1) disrupts the microtubule network, induces the loss of microtubule orientation, leads to microtubule curvature and shrinkage, and their longitudinal and cross-linked bundling in various cells of A. thaliana primary roots. Further, the previously proposed binding of ivermectin to the β1-tubulin taxane site was developed and confirmed using molecular dynamics simulations of ivermectin complexes with Haemonchus contortus and A. thaliana β1-tubulins. It was predicted that similar to other microtubule stabilizing agents ivermectin binding causes M-loop stabilization in both H. contortus and A. thaliana β-tubulin, which leads to the enhancement of lateral contacts between subunits of adjacent protofilaments preventing microtubule depolymerization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yevhen Kustovskiy
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Baidy-Vyshnevetskoho str., 2a, Kyiv, 04123, Ukraine; National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Skovorody str., 2, Kyiv, 04070, Ukraine.
| | - Pavel Karpov
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Baidy-Vyshnevetskoho str., 2a, Kyiv, 04123, Ukraine.
| | - Yaroslav Blume
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Baidy-Vyshnevetskoho str., 2a, Kyiv, 04123, Ukraine.
| | - Alla Yemets
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Baidy-Vyshnevetskoho str., 2a, Kyiv, 04123, Ukraine; National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Skovorody str., 2, Kyiv, 04070, Ukraine.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hoshino A, Clemente V, Shetty M, Castle B, Odde D, Bazzaro M. The microtubule-severing protein UNC-45A preferentially binds to curved microtubules and counteracts the microtubule-straightening effects of Taxol. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105355. [PMID: 37858676 PMCID: PMC10654038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105355] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Uncoordinated protein 45A (UNC-45A) is the only known ATP-independent microtubule (MT)-severing protein. Thus, it severs MTs via a novel mechanism. In vitro and in cells, UNC-45A-mediated MT severing is preceded by the appearance of MT bends. While MTs are stiff biological polymers, in cells, they often curve, and the result of this curving can be breaking off. The contribution of MT-severing proteins on MT lattice curvature is largely undefined. Here, we show that UNC-45A curves MTs. Using in vitro biophysical reconstitution and total internal fluorescence microscopy analysis, we show that UNC-45A is enriched in the areas where MTs are curved versus the areas where MTs are straight. In cells, we show that UNC-45A overexpression increases MT curvature and its depletion has the opposite effect. We also show that this effect occurs is independent of actomyosin contractility. Lastly, we show for the first time that in cells, Paclitaxel straightens MTs, and that UNC-45A can counteracts the MT-straightening effects of the drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asumi Hoshino
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Valentino Clemente
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mihir Shetty
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Brian Castle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David Odde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Martina Bazzaro
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yue Y, Hotta T, Higaki T, Verhey KJ, Ohi R. Microtubule detyrosination by VASH1/SVBP is regulated by the conformational state of tubulin in the lattice. Curr Biol 2023; 33:4111-4123.e7. [PMID: 37716348 PMCID: PMC10592207 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.07.062] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Tubulin, a heterodimer of α- and β-tubulin, is a GTPase that assembles into microtubule (MT) polymers whose dynamic properties are intimately coupled to nucleotide hydrolysis. In cells, the organization and dynamics of MTs are further tuned by post-translational modifications (PTMs), which control the ability of MT-associated proteins (MAPs) and molecular motors to engage MTs. Detyrosination is a PTM of α-tubulin, wherein its C-terminal tyrosine residue is enzymatically removed by either the vasohibin (VASH) or MT-associated tyrosine carboxypeptidase (MATCAP) peptidases. How these enzymes generate specific patterns of MT detyrosination in cells is not known. Here, we use a novel antibody-based probe to visualize the formation of detyrosinated MTs in real time and employ single-molecule imaging of VASH1 bound to its regulatory partner small-vasohibin binding protein (SVBP) to understand the process of MT detyrosination in vitro and in cells. We demonstrate that the activity, but not binding, of VASH1/SVBP is much greater on mimics of guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-MTs than on guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-MTs. Given emerging data showing that tubulin subunits in GTP-MTs are in expanded conformation relative to tubulin subunits in GDP-MTs, we reasoned that the lattice conformation of MTs is a key factor that gates the activity of VASH1/SVBP. We show that Taxol, a drug known to expand the MT lattice, promotes MT detyrosination and that CAMSAP2 and CAMSAP3 are two MAPs that spatially regulate detyrosination in cells. Collectively, our work shows that VASH1/SVBP detyrosination is regulated by the conformational state of tubulin in the MT lattice and that this is spatially determined in cells by the activity of MAPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yue
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Takashi Hotta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Takumi Higaki
- Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan; International Research Organization in Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Kristen J Verhey
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Ryoma Ohi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chew YM, Cross RA. Taxol acts differently on different tubulin isotypes. Commun Biol 2023; 6:946. [PMID: 37717119 PMCID: PMC10505170 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05306-y] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Taxol is a small molecule effector that allosterically locks tubulin into the microtubule lattice. We show here that taxol has different effects on different single-isotype microtubule lattices. Using in vitro reconstitution, we demonstrate that single-isotype α1β4 GDP-tubulin lattices are stabilised and expanded by 10 µM taxol, as reported by accelerated microtubule gliding in kinesin motility assays, whereas single-isotype α1β3 GDP-tubulin lattices are stabilised but not expanded. This isotype-specific action of taxol drives gliding of segmented-isotype GDP-taxol microtubules along convoluted, sinusoidal paths, because their expanded α1β4 segments try to glide faster than their compacted α1β3 segments. In GMPCPP, single-isotype α1β3 and α1β4 lattices both show accelerated gliding, indicating that both can in principle be driven to expand. We therefore propose that taxol-induced lattice expansion requires a higher taxol occupancy than taxol-induced stabilisation, and that higher taxol occupancies are accessible to α1β4 but not α1β3 single-isotype lattices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yean Ming Chew
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, CV4 7LA, UK
| | - Robert A Cross
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, CV4 7LA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hoshino A, Clemente V, Shetty M, Castle B, Odde D, Bazzaro M. The Microtubule Severing Protein UNC-45A Counteracts the Microtubule Straightening Effects of Taxol. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.12.557417. [PMID: 37745537 PMCID: PMC10515786 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.12.557417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
UNC-45A is the only known ATP-independent microtubule (MT) severing protein. Thus, it severs MTs via a novel mechanism. In vitro and in cells UNC-45A-mediated MT severing is preceded by the appearance of MT bends. While MTs are stiff biological polymers, in cells, they often curve, and the result of this curving can be breaking off. The contribution of MT severing proteins on MT lattice curvature is largely undefined. Here we show that UNC-45A curves MTs. Using in vitro biophysical reconstitution and TIRF microscopy analysis, we show that UNC-45A is enriched in the areas where MTs are curved versus the areas where MTs are straight. In cells, we show that UNC-45A overexpression increases MT curvature and its depletion has the opposite effect. We also show that this effect occurs is independent of actomyosin contractility. Lastly, we show for the first time that in cells, Paclitaxel straightens MTs, and that UNC-45A can counteracts the MT straightening effects of the drug. Significance: Our findings reveal for the first time that UNC-45A increases MT curvature. This hints that UNC-45A-mediated MT severing could be due to the worsening of MT curvature and provide a mechanistic understanding of how this MT-severing protein may act. UNC-45A is the only MT severing protein expressed in human cancers, including paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer. Our finding that UNC-45A counteracts the paclitaxel-straightening effects of MTs in cells suggests an additional mechanism through which cancer cells escape drug treatment.
Collapse
|
15
|
Shen Y, Ori-McKenney KM. Macromolecular Crowding Tailors the Microtubule Cytoskeleton Through Tubulin Modifications and Microtubule-Associated Proteins. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.14.544846. [PMID: 37398431 PMCID: PMC10312695 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.14.544846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Cells remodel their cytoskeletal networks to adapt to their environment. Here, we analyze the mechanisms utilized by the cell to tailor its microtubule landscape in response to changes in osmolarity that alter macromolecular crowding. By integrating live cell imaging, ex vivo enzymatic assays, and in vitro reconstitution, we probe the impact of acute perturbations in cytoplasmic density on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and tubulin posttranslational modifications (PTMs), unraveling the molecular underpinnings of cellular adaptation via the microtubule cytoskeleton. We find that cells respond to fluctuations in cytoplasmic density by modulating microtubule acetylation, detyrosination, or MAP7 association, without differentially affecting polyglutamylation, tyrosination, or MAP4 association. These MAP-PTM combinations alter intracellular cargo transport, enabling the cell to respond to osmotic challenges. We further dissect the molecular mechanisms governing tubulin PTM specification, and find that MAP7 promotes acetylation by biasing the conformation of the microtubule lattice, and directly inhibits detyrosination. Acetylation and detyrosination can therefore be decoupled and utilized for distinct cellular purposes. Our data reveal that the MAP code dictates the tubulin code, resulting in remodeling of the microtubule cytoskeleton and alteration of intracellular transport as an integrated mechanism of cellular adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Shen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kassandra M Ori-McKenney
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Uba AI, Bui-Linh C, Thornton JM, Olivieri M, Wu C. Computational analysis of drug resistance of taxanes bound to human β-tubulin mutant (D26E). J Mol Graph Model 2023; 123:108503. [PMID: 37209440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The single-point mutation D26E in human β-tubulin is associated with drug resistance seen with two anti-mitotic taxanes (paclitaxel and docetaxel) when used to treat cancers. The molecular mechanism of this resistance remains elusive. However, docetaxel and a third-generation taxane, cabazitaxel, are thought to overcome this resistance. Here, structural models of both the wildtype (WT) and D26E mutant (MT) human β-tubulin were constructed based on the crystal structure of pig β-tubulin in complex with docetaxel (PDB ID: 1TUB). The three taxanes were docked into the WT and MT β-tubulin, and the resulting complexes were submitted to three independent runs of 200 ns molecular dynamic simulations, which were then averaged. MM/GBSA calculations revealed the binding energy of paclitaxel with WT and MT β-Tubulin to be -101.5 ± 8.4 and -90.4 ± 8.9 kcal/mol, respectively. The binding energy of docetaxel was estimated to be -104.7 ± 7.0 kcal/mol with the WT and -103.8 ± 5.5 kcal/mol with the MT β-tubulin. Interestingly, cabazitaxel was found to have a binding energy of -122.8 ± 10.8 kcal/mol against the WT and -106.2 ± 7.0 kcal/mol against the MT β-tubulin. These results show that paclitaxel and docetaxel bound to the MT less strongly than the WT, suggesting possible drug resistance. Similarly, cabazitaxel displayed a greater binding propensity against WT and MT β-tubulin than the other two taxanes. Furthermore, the dynamic cross-correlation matrices (DCCM) analysis suggests that the single-point mutation D26E induces a subtle dynamical difference in the ligand-binding domain. Overall, the present study revealed how the single-point mutation D26E may reduce the binding affinity of the taxanes, however, the effect of the mutation does not significantly affect the binding of cabazitaxel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullahi Ibrahim Uba
- Complex Systems Division, Beijing Computational Science Research Center, Beijing, 100193, China; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Letters, Istanbul AREL University, 34537, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Candice Bui-Linh
- College of Science and Mathematics, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, USA
| | - Julianne M Thornton
- College of Science and Mathematics, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, USA
| | - Michael Olivieri
- College of Science and Mathematics, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, USA
| | - Chun Wu
- College of Science and Mathematics, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ali H, Traj P, Szebeni GJ, Gémes N, Resch V, Paragi G, Mernyák E, Minorics R, Zupkó I. Investigation of the Antineoplastic Effects of 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-13α-Estrone Sulfamate against the HPV16-Positive Human Invasive Cervical Carcinoma Cell Line SiHa. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076625. [PMID: 37047597 PMCID: PMC10095317 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical carcinoma is one of the most frequent malignant gynecological cancers in women of reproductive age. Because of the poor tolerability of currently available chemotherapeutic agents, efforts have been focused on developing innovative molecules, including steroids, that exert antineoplastic effects with a better safety profile. In addition to their endocrine properties, certain estrogens exhibit additional biological activities, such as antiangiogenic and anticancer effects. Based on previous studies, the antineoplastic properties of 13α-estrone sulfamate derivatives (13AES1-3) were investigated, and the mechanism of action for the most promising compound 13AES3 was explored. Based on their effects on the viability of different human adherent gynecological cancer cells, the SiHa cervical cell line was used for mechanistic experiments. The most active analog 13AES3 was shown to exert considerable proapoptotic effects, as evidenced by a colorimetric caspase-3 assay and fluorescent double staining. It also elicited antimigratory and anti-invasive effects in a concentration-dependent manner, as evidenced by wound healing and Boyden chamber assays, respectively. Regarding their mechanism of action, 13AES derivatives were shown to inhibit tubulin polymerization, and computer simulations provided a possible explanation for the importance of the presence of the chlorophenyl ring on the estrane skeleton. 13AES3 is considered to be the first 13α-estrone derivative with a significant antineoplastic potency against SiHa cancer cells. Therefore, it might serve as a valuable lead molecule for the design of anticancer agents targeting cervical carcinomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hazhmat Ali
- Institute of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Traj
- Department of Inorganic, Organic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor J. Szebeni
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Gémes
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Vivien Resch
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Paragi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, H-7622 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Theoretical Physics, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Mernyák
- Department of Inorganic, Organic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Renáta Minorics
- Institute of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Zupkó
- Institute of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Natural Products, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Verhey KJ, Ohi R. Causes, costs and consequences of kinesin motors communicating through the microtubule lattice. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:293511. [PMID: 36866642 PMCID: PMC10022682 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are critical for a variety of important functions in eukaryotic cells. During intracellular trafficking, molecular motor proteins of the kinesin superfamily drive the transport of cellular cargoes by stepping processively along the microtubule surface. Traditionally, the microtubule has been viewed as simply a track for kinesin motility. New work is challenging this classic view by showing that kinesin-1 and kinesin-4 proteins can induce conformational changes in tubulin subunits while they are stepping. These conformational changes appear to propagate along the microtubule such that the kinesins can work allosterically through the lattice to influence other proteins on the same track. Thus, the microtubule is a plastic medium through which motors and other microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) can communicate. Furthermore, stepping kinesin-1 can damage the microtubule lattice. Damage can be repaired by the incorporation of new tubulin subunits, but too much damage leads to microtubule breakage and disassembly. Thus, the addition and loss of tubulin subunits are not restricted to the ends of the microtubule filament but rather, the lattice itself undergoes continuous repair and remodeling. This work leads to a new understanding of how kinesin motors and their microtubule tracks engage in allosteric interactions that are critical for normal cell physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen J. Verhey
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Author for correspondence ()
| | - Ryoma Ohi
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Computational Approaches to the Rational Design of Tubulin-Targeting Agents. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020285. [PMID: 36830654 PMCID: PMC9952983 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are highly dynamic polymers of α,β-tubulin dimers which play an essential role in numerous cellular processes such as cell proliferation and intracellular transport, making them an attractive target for cancer and neurodegeneration research. To date, a large number of known tubulin binders were derived from natural products, while only one was developed by rational structure-based drug design. Several of these tubulin binders show promising in vitro profiles while presenting unacceptable off-target effects when tested in patients. Therefore, there is a continuing demand for the discovery of safer and more efficient tubulin-targeting agents. Since tubulin structural data is readily available, the employment of computer-aided design techniques can be a key element to focus on the relevant chemical space and guide the design process. Due to the high diversity and quantity of structural data available, we compiled here a guide to the accessible tubulin-ligand structures. Furthermore, we review different ligand and structure-based methods recently used for the successful selection and design of new tubulin-targeting agents.
Collapse
|
20
|
Oliva M, Gago F, Kamimura S, Díaz JF. Alternative Approaches to Understand Microtubule Cap Morphology and Function. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:3540-3550. [PMID: 36743020 PMCID: PMC9893253 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) are essential cellular machines built from concatenated αβ-tubulin heterodimers. They are responsible for two central and opposite functions from the dynamic point of view: scaffolding (static filaments) and force generation (dynamic MTs). These roles engage multiple physiological processes, including cell shape, polarization, division and movement, and intracellular long-distance transport. At the most basic level, the MT regulation is chemical because GTP binding and hydrolysis have the ability to promote assembly and disassembly in the absence of any other constraint. Due to the stochastic GTP hydrolysis, a chemical gradient from GTP-bound to GDP-bound tubulin is created at the MT growing end (GTP cap), which is translated into a cascade of structural regulatory changes known as MT maturation. This is an area of intense research, and several models have been proposed based on information mostly gathered from macromolecular crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy studies. However, these classical structural biology methods lack temporal resolution and can be complemented, as shown in this mini-review, by other approaches such as time-resolved fiber diffraction and computational modeling. Together with studies on structurally similar tubulins from the prokaryotic world, these inputs can provide novel insights on MT assembly, dynamics, and the GTP cap.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María
Ángela Oliva
- Unidad
de Desarrollo de Fármacos Biológicos, Inmunológicos
y Químicos, Centro de Investigaciones
Biológicas Margarita Salas - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones
Científicas, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Federico Gago
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences and IQM-UAH Associate Unit, University of Alcalá, E-28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Shinji Kamimura
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 112-8551 Tokyo, Japan
| | - J. Fernando Díaz
- Unidad
de Desarrollo de Fármacos Biológicos, Inmunológicos
y Químicos, Centro de Investigaciones
Biológicas Margarita Salas - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones
Científicas, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Steroidal Diaryl Ethers. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031196. [PMID: 36770863 PMCID: PMC9919549 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel 13α-estrone derivatives have been synthesized via direct arylation of the phenolic hydroxy function. Chan-Lam couplings of arylboronic acids with 13α-estrone as a nucleophilic partner were carried out under copper catalysis. The antiproliferative activities of the newly synthesized diaryl ethers against a panel of human cancer cell lines (A2780, MCF-7, MDA-MB 231, HeLa, SiHa) were investigated by means of MTT assays. The quinoline derivative displayed substantial antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines with low micromolar IC50 values. Disturbance of tubulin polymerization has been confirmed by microplate-based photometric assay. Computational calculations reveal significant interactions of the quinoline derivative with the taxoid binding site of tubulin.
Collapse
|
22
|
Estévez-Gallego J, Álvarez-Bernad B, Pera B, Wullschleger C, Raes O, Menche D, Martínez JC, Lucena-Agell D, Prota AE, Bonato F, Bargsten K, Cornelus J, Giménez-Abián JF, Northcote P, Steinmetz MO, Kamimura S, Altmann KH, Paterson I, Gago F, Van der Eycken J, Díaz JF, Oliva MÁ. Chemical modulation of microtubule structure through the laulimalide/peloruside site. Structure 2023; 31:88-99.e5. [PMID: 36462501 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Taxanes are microtubule-stabilizing agents used in the treatment of many solid tumors, but they often involve side effects affecting the peripheral nervous system. It has been proposed that this could be related to structural modifications on the filament upon drug binding. Alternatively, laulimalide and peloruside bind to a different site also inducing stabilization, but they have not been exploited in clinics. Here, we use a combination of the parental natural compounds and derived analogs to unravel the stabilization mechanism through this site. These drugs settle lateral interactions without engaging the M loop, which is part of the key and lock involved in the inter-protofilament contacts. Importantly, these drugs can modulate the angle between protofilaments, producing microtubules of different diameters. Among the compounds studied, we have found some showing low cytotoxicity and able to induce stabilization without compromising microtubule native structure. This opens the window of new applications for microtubule-stabilizing agents beyond cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Estévez-Gallego
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Beatriz Álvarez-Bernad
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Benet Pera
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Christoph Wullschleger
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences - ETH Zurich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Raes
- Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Dirk Menche
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | | | - Daniel Lucena-Agell
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Andrea E Prota
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Bonato
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Katja Bargsten
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Jelle Cornelus
- Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Juan Francisco Giménez-Abián
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Peter Northcote
- Ferrier Research Institute, University of Wellington, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand
| | - Michel O Steinmetz
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland; University of Basel, Biozentrum, Basel 4056, Switzerland
| | - Shinji Kamimura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Tokyo 192-0393, Japan
| | - Karl-Heinz Altmann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences - ETH Zurich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Ian Paterson
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Federico Gago
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Associated Unit IQM-UAH, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares 28805, Spain
| | - Johan Van der Eycken
- Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - J Fernando Díaz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - María Ángela Oliva
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Úsuga-Acevedo B, García Y, Díaz CF, Jiménez VA. Rational Discovery of Microtubule-Stabilizing Peptides. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:6844-6856. [PMID: 36074453 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Microtubule (MT) stabilization is an attractive pharmacological strategy to hamper the progress of neurodegenerative diseases. In this regard, seeking peptides with MT-stabilizing properties has awoken great interest. This work reports the rational discovery of two structurally related MT-stabilizing octapeptides using a combination of protein-peptide docking, conventional molecular dynamics, Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD), and tubulin polymerization assays. FASTA sequences for ∼1000 peptides were crafted from single and double mutants of davunetide (NAP) and docked against the Taxol (TX) site on an octameric MT model representing a portion of the MT wall. Docked peptides were rescored after MM minimization and binding free energy refinement through single-point MM/GBSA calculations. The 60 best-ranked peptides were subjected to 50 ns MD simulations on peptide-MT complexes at the terminal TX site in the octameric Tau-MT model resulting in 11 complexes with occupancies greater than 99% and peptide-protein binding free energies less than -40 kcal/mol. Selected peptides were then examined through 300 ns GaMD simulations in complexes containing two identical ligands at the terminal and intermediate TX sites in the Tau-MT model to account for the differential association of MT-binding peptides to different regions of the MT structure. Six candidates showed a favorable MT-binding potential based on the analysis of interaction frequencies and relative mobilities of the complex components, suggesting a pivotal role of Arg278, Gln281, and Arg369 residues for peptides recognition. Four candidates were predicted to preserve an adequate balance of longitudinal and lateral interactions between tubulin dimers in peptide-MT complexes such that MT-stabilizing effects could be expected. MT polymerization experiments confirmed that four peptides (HAPVSIHQ, NYPVSIHQ, NWPVSIWQ, HAPVSIIQ) exhibit MT-stabilizing activity in vitro with NWPVSIWQ (P43) and HAPVSIIQ (P52) being the most active. Tryptophan quenching assays verified that P43 and P52 bind to nonpolymeric tubulin, whereas viability experiments on HEK cells confirmed their safety to pursue future pharmacological studies. The results herein presented are valuable to making progress in the rational design of MT-stabilizing peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Úsuga-Acevedo
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello, Sede Concepción, Autopista Concepción-Talcahuano 7100, Talcahuano, Chile 4300866
| | - Yadiris García
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello, Sede Concepción, Autopista Concepción-Talcahuano 7100, Talcahuano, Chile 4300866
| | - Carola F Díaz
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello, Sede Concepción, Autopista Concepción-Talcahuano 7100, Talcahuano, Chile 4300866
| | - Verónica A Jiménez
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello, Sede Concepción, Autopista Concepción-Talcahuano 7100, Talcahuano, Chile 4300866
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Somsen BA, Craenmehr FWB, Liu WHW, Koops AA, Pennings MAM, Visser EJ, Ottmann C, Cossar PJ, Brunsveld L. Functional mapping of the 14-3-3 hub protein as a guide to design 14-3-3 molecular glues. Chem Sci 2022; 13:13122-13131. [PMID: 36425501 PMCID: PMC9667936 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc04662h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular glues represent an evolution in drug discovery, however, targeted stabilization of protein complexes remains challenging, owing to a paucity of drug design rules. The functional mapping of hotspots has been critical to protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitor research, however, the orthogonal approach to stabilize PPIs has not exploited this information. Utilizing the hub protein 14-3-3 as a case study we demonstrate that functional mapping of hotspots provides a triage map for 14-3-3 molecular glue development. Truncation and mutation studies allowed deconvoluting the energetic contributions of sidechain and backbone interactions of a 14-3-3-binding non-natural peptide. Three central 14-3-3 hotspots were identified and their thermodynamic characteristics profiled. In addition to the phospho-binding pocket; (i) Asn226, (ii) Lys122 and (iii) the hydrophobic patch formed by Leu218, Ile219 and Leu222 were critical for protein complex formation. Exploiting this hotspot information allowed a peptide-based molecular glue that elicits high cooperativity (α = 36) and selectively stabilizes the 14-3-3/ChREBP PPI to be uniquely developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bente A Somsen
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Fenna W B Craenmehr
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Wei-Hong W Liu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Auke A Koops
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Marloes A M Pennings
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Emira J Visser
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Christian Ottmann
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Peter J Cossar
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Luc Brunsveld
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Szczesna E, Zehr EA, Cummings SW, Szyk A, Mahalingan KK, Li Y, Roll-Mecak A. Combinatorial and antagonistic effects of tubulin glutamylation and glycylation on katanin microtubule severing. Dev Cell 2022; 57:2497-2513.e6. [PMID: 36347241 PMCID: PMC9665884 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Microtubules have spatiotemporally complex posttranslational modification patterns. How cells interpret this tubulin modification code is largely unknown. We show that C. elegans katanin, a microtubule severing AAA ATPase mutated in microcephaly and critical for cell division, axonal elongation, and cilia biogenesis, responds precisely, differentially, and combinatorially to three chemically distinct tubulin modifications-glycylation, glutamylation, and tyrosination-but is insensitive to acetylation. Glutamylation and glycylation are antagonistic rheostats with glycylation protecting microtubules from severing. Katanin exhibits graded and divergent responses to glutamylation on the α- and β-tubulin tails, and these act combinatorially. The katanin hexamer central pore constrains the polyglutamate chain patterns on β-tails recognized productively. Elements distal to the katanin AAA core sense α-tubulin tyrosination, and detyrosination downregulates severing. The multivalent microtubule recognition that enables katanin to read multiple tubulin modification inputs explains in vivo observations and illustrates how effectors can integrate tubulin code signals to produce diverse functional outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Szczesna
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Elena A Zehr
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Steven W Cummings
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Agnieszka Szyk
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kishore K Mahalingan
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Proteomic Core Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Antonina Roll-Mecak
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chaaban S, Carter AP. Structure of dynein-dynactin on microtubules shows tandem adaptor binding. Nature 2022; 610:212-216. [PMID: 36071160 PMCID: PMC7613678 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05186-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cytoplasmic dynein is a microtubule motor that is activated by its cofactor dynactin and a coiled-coil cargo adaptor1-3. Up to two dynein dimers can be recruited per dynactin, and interactions between them affect their combined motile behaviour4-6. Different coiled-coil adaptors are linked to different cargos7,8, and some share motifs known to contact sites on dynein and dynactin4,9-13. There is limited structural information on how the resulting complex interacts with microtubules and how adaptors are recruited. Here we develop a cryo-electron microscopy processing pipeline to solve the high-resolution structure of dynein-dynactin and the adaptor BICDR1 bound to microtubules. This reveals the asymmetric interactions between neighbouring dynein motor domains and how they relate to motile behaviour. We found that two adaptors occupy the complex. Both adaptors make similar interactions with the dyneins but diverge in their contacts with each other and dynactin. Our structure has implications for the stability and stoichiometry of motor recruitment by cargos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sami Chaaban
- Division of Structural Studies, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew P Carter
- Division of Structural Studies, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Drugs That Changed Society: Microtubule-Targeting Agents Belonging to Taxanoids, Macrolides and Non-Ribosomal Peptides. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175648. [PMID: 36080414 PMCID: PMC9457747 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
During a screening performed by the National Cancer Institute in the 1960s, the terpenoid paclitaxel was discovered. Paclitaxel expanded the treatment options for breast, lung, prostate and ovarian cancer. Paclitaxel is only present in minute amounts in the bark of Taxia brevifolia. A sustainable supply was ensured with a culture developed from Taxus chinensis, or with semi-synthesis from other taxanes. Paclitaxel is marketed under the name Taxol. An intermediate from the semi-synthesis docetaxel is also used as a drug and marketed as Taxotere. O-Methylated docetaxel is used for treatment of some paclitaxel-resistant cancer forms as cabazitaxel. The solubility problems of paclitaxel have been overcome by formulation of a nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (NAB-paclitaxel, Abraxane). The mechanism of action is affinity towards microtubules, which prevents proliferation and consequently the drug would be expected primarily to be active towards cancer cells proliferating faster than benign cells. The activity against slowly growing tumors such as solid tumors suggests that other effects such as oncogenic signaling or cellular trafficking are involved. In addition to terpenoids, recently discovered microtubule-targeting polyketide macrolides and non-ribosomal peptides have been discovered and marketed as drugs. The revolutionary improvements for treatment of cancer diseases targeting microtubules have led to an intensive search for other compounds with the same target. Several polyketide macrolides, terpenoids and non-ribosomal peptides have been investigated and a few marketed.
Collapse
|
28
|
Triple negative breast cancer: approved treatment options and their mechanisms of action. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04189-6. [PMID: 35976445 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04189-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer worldwide, consists of 4 main subtypes, namely, Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-positive, and Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Triple-negative breast tumors, which do not express estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, account for approximately 15-20% of breast cancer cases. The lack of traditional receptor targets contributes to the heterogenous, aggressive, and refractory nature of these tumors, resulting in limited therapeutic strategies. METHODS Chemotherapeutics such as taxanes and anthracyclines have been the traditional go to treatment regimens for TNBC patients. Paclitaxel, docetaxel, doxorubicin, and epirubicin have been longstanding, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies against TNBC. Additionally, the FDA approved PARP inhibitors such as olaparib and atezolizumab to be used in combination with chemotherapies, primarily to improve their efficiency and reduce adverse patient outcomes. The immunotherapeutic Keytruda was the latest addition to the FDA-approved list of drugs used to treat TNBC. RESULTS The following review aims to elucidate current FDA-approved therapeutics and their mechanisms of action, shedding a light on the various strategies currently used to circumvent the treatment-resistant nature of TNBC cases. CONCLUSION The recent approval and use of therapies such as Trodelvy, olaparib and Keytruda has its roots in the development of an understanding of signaling pathways that drive tumour growth. In the future, the emergence of novel drug delivery methods may help increase the efficiency of these therapies whiel also reducing adverse side effects.
Collapse
|
29
|
Development of S-aryl dithiocarbamate derived novel antiproliferative compound exhibiting tubulin bundling. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 68:116874. [PMID: 35716589 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of human death, and there is a need to identify efficient and novel chemical scaffolds which could provide flexibility to cancer chemotherapeutics. This work introduces S-aryl dithiocarbamates belonging to a versatile group of organo-sulfur containing compounds as a hitherto unexplored class of effective anticancer drugs with promising pharmacophore properties. We synthesized a series of N-Boc piperazine containing S-aryl dithiocarbamates and identified compound 1 as a potent antiproliferative agent in lung, cervical, and breast cancer cell lines. Compound 1 exhibited best inhibitory activity against cervical cancer cells, HeLa with an IC50 of 0.432 ± 0.138 μM for 72 h, and lung cancer cells, A549 with an IC50 of 0.447 ± 0.051 μM for 72 h. We further demonstrate that HeLa cells treated with this compound result in G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, causing cell apoptosis due to the upregulation of the p53-p21 signaling pathway. Importantly, cells treated with compound 1 showed a novel tubulin bundling phenotype in fluorescence microscopy, which is a characteristic of microtubule-stabilizing anticancer drugs like paclitaxel. Interestingly, molecular docking analysis revealed reasonable binding of compound 1 in the taxol-binding pocket of β-tubulin, making it a promising candidate for microtubule stabilization based anticancer drug discovery.
Collapse
|
30
|
Castrogiovanni C, Inchingolo AV, Harrison JU, Dudka D, Sen O, Burroughs NJ, McAinsh AD, Meraldi P. Evidence for a HURP/EB free mixed-nucleotide zone in kinetochore-microtubules. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4704. [PMID: 35948594 PMCID: PMC9365851 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32421-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Current models infer that the microtubule-based mitotic spindle is built from GDP-tubulin with small GTP caps at microtubule plus-ends, including those that attach to kinetochores, forming the kinetochore-fibres. Here we reveal that kinetochore-fibres additionally contain a dynamic mixed-nucleotide zone that reaches several microns in length. This zone becomes visible in cells expressing fluorescently labelled end-binding proteins, a known marker for GTP-tubulin, and endogenously-labelled HURP - a protein which we show to preferentially bind the GDP microtubule lattice in vitro and in vivo. We find that in mitotic cells HURP accumulates on the kinetochore-proximal region of depolymerising kinetochore-fibres, whilst avoiding recruitment to nascent polymerising K-fibres, giving rise to a growing "HURP-gap". The absence of end-binding proteins in the HURP-gaps leads us to postulate that they reflect a mixed-nucleotide zone. We generate a minimal quantitative model based on the preferential binding of HURP to GDP-tubulin to show that such a mixed-nucleotide zone is sufficient to recapitulate the observed in vivo dynamics of HURP-gaps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Castrogiovanni
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
- Translational Research Centre in Onco-hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Alessio V Inchingolo
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Jonathan U Harrison
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Damian Dudka
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
- Translational Research Centre in Onco-hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Onur Sen
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Nigel J Burroughs
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Andrew D McAinsh
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
| | - Patrick Meraldi
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
- Translational Research Centre in Onco-hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Andreu JM, Huecas S, Araújo-Bazán L, Vázquez-Villa H, Martín-Fontecha M. The Search for Antibacterial Inhibitors Targeting Cell Division Protein FtsZ at Its Nucleotide and Allosteric Binding Sites. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081825. [PMID: 36009372 PMCID: PMC9405007 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The global spread of bacterial antimicrobial resistance is associated to millions of deaths from bacterial infections per year, many of which were previously treatable. This, combined with slow antibiotic deployment, has created an urgent need for developing new antibiotics. A still clinically unexploited mode of action consists in suppressing bacterial cell division. FtsZ, an assembling GTPase, is the key protein organizing division in most bacteria and an attractive target for antibiotic discovery. Nevertheless, developing effective antibacterial inhibitors targeting FtsZ has proven challenging. Here we review our decade-long multidisciplinary research on small molecule inhibitors of bacterial division, in the context of global efforts to discover FtsZ-targeting antibiotics. We focus on methods to characterize synthetic inhibitors that either replace bound GTP from the FtsZ nucleotide binding pocket conserved across diverse bacteria or selectively bind into the allosteric site at the interdomain cleft of FtsZ from Bacillus subtilis and the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. These approaches include phenotype screening combined with fluorescence polarization screens for ligands binding into each site, followed by detailed cytological profiling, and biochemical and structural studies. The results are analyzed to design an optimized workflow to identify effective FtsZ inhibitors, and new approaches for the discovery of FtsZ-targeting antibiotics are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José M. Andreu
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.H.); (L.A.-B.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.); (M.M.-F.)
| | - Sonia Huecas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.H.); (L.A.-B.)
| | - Lidia Araújo-Bazán
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.H.); (L.A.-B.)
| | - Henar Vázquez-Villa
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Mar Martín-Fontecha
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.); (M.M.-F.)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Omar AM, Khayat MT, Ahmed F, Muhammad YA, Malebari AM, Ibrahim SM, Khan MI, Shah DK, Childers WE, El-Araby ME. SAR Probing of KX2-391 Provided Analogues With Juxtaposed Activity Profile Against Major Oncogenic Kinases. Front Oncol 2022; 12:879457. [PMID: 35669422 PMCID: PMC9166630 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.879457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tirbanibulin (KX2-391, KX-01), a dual non-ATP (substrate site) Src kinase and tubulin-polymerization inhibitor, demonstrated a universal anti-cancer activity for variety of cancer types. The notion that KX2-391 is a highly selective Src kinase inhibitor have been challenged by recent reports on the activities of this drug against FLT3-ITD mutations in some leukemic cell lines. Therefore, we hypothesized that analogues of KX2-391 may inhibit oncogenic kinases other than Src. A set of 4-aroylaminophenyl-N-benzylacetamides were synthesized and found to be more active against leukemia cell lines compared to solid tumor cell lines. N-(4-(2-(benzylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)-4-chlorobenzamide (4e) exhibited activities at IC50 0.96 µM, 1.62 µM, 1.90 µM and 4.23 µM against NB4, HL60, MV4-11 and K562 leukemia cell lines, respectively. We found that underlying mechanisms of 4e did not include tubulin polymerization or Src inhibition. Such results interestingly suggested that scaffold-hopping of KX2-391 may change the two main underlying cytotoxic mechanisms (Src and tubulin). Kinase profiling using two methods revealed that 4e significantly reduces the activities of some other potent oncogenic kinases like the MAPK member ERK1/2 (>99%) and it also greatly upregulates the pro-apoptotic c-Jun kinase (84%). This research also underscores the importance of thorough investigation of total kinase activities as part of the structure-activity relationship studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdelsattar M Omar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maan T Khayat
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farid Ahmed
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yosra A Muhammad
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azizah M Malebari
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara M Ibrahim
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad I Khan
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dhaval K Shah
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Wayne E Childers
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Moustafa E El-Araby
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Chimplee S, Smythe C, Tipmanee V, Sukrong S, Kanokwiroon K. Anticancer mechanism of 7-α-hydroxyfrullanolide on microtubules and computational prediction of its target binding in triple-negative breast cancer cells. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13508. [PMID: 35651747 PMCID: PMC9150694 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) responds poorly to the available drugs; thus, the mortality rate associated with TNBC remains high. 7-α-Hydroxyfrullanolide (7HF) possesses anticancer properties and arrests cells in the G2/M-phase via modulation of several proteins involved in the G2/M-phase transition, as well as the mitotic checkpoint in MDA-MB-468 (TNBC) cells. Microtubules (MTs) dynamically regulate cell division in the G2/M phase and are related to cancer cell stress response. However, antimitotic drug cytotoxicity to multiple cancer resistance developed in response to drugs are obstacles faced to date. Here, the activity and mechanism via which 7HF controls MTs dynamics was investigated in MDA-MB-468 cells. Methods 7HF uptake by MDA-MB-468 cells was assessed using spectrophotometry. The drug-like properties of 7HF were predicted using the Swiss-absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) webtool. Then, the effect of 7HF treatment (6, 12, and 24 µM) on the dynamic arrangement of MTs was assessed for 1, 12, and 24 h using indirect immunofluorescence. Polymerization of α- and β-tubulin was assessed using different 7HF concentrations in a cell-free system for 1 h. Cell proliferation assay with bromodeoxyuridine plus propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry was performed at different 7HF concentrations and time points. The mechanism of action was assessed by detecting the expression of proteins, including Bub3, cyclin B1, p-Cdk1 (Tyr15), Rb, p-Rb (Ser780), Chk1, p-Chk1 (Ser345), Chk2, p-Chk2 (Ser516), and p-H2AX (Ser139), using western blotting. Molecular docking was used to predict the molecular interactions between 7HF and tubulins in MTs. Results We observed that 7HF was able to enter the MDA-MB-468 cells. The ADME webtool analysis predicted that it possesses the high passive permeation and gastrointestinal absorption properties of drugs. Various concentrations of 7HF disrupted the dynamic arrangement of spindle MTs by causing radial spindle array shrinkage and expansion of fibrous spindle density and radial array lengths in a time-dependent manner. 7HF reduced polymerization of α-, β-tubulin in dose-dependent manner. 7HF also triggered DNA damage response by inducing G2/M and G1 phase arrests in a concentration and time-dependent manner, which occurred due to the upregulation of Bub3, Chk1, p-Chk1 (Ser345), p-Cdk1 (Tyr15), and cyclin B1. According to molecular docking analysis, 7HF preferred to bind to β-tubulin over α-tubulin. The lactone, ketone, and hydroxyl groups of 7HF supported the 7HF-tubulin interactions. Hydrogen bonding with a hydrocarbon ring and salt bridge attractive forces were responsible for the binding versatility of 7HF. Conclusions This is the first study to investigate the molecular mechanism, MTs interacting sites, and the internalization and drug-like properties of 7HF in TNBC cells. The findings will be useful for developing 7HF-based treatment for patients with TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siriphorn Chimplee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Carl Smythe
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Varomyalin Tipmanee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Suchada Sukrong
- Center of Excellence in DNA Barcoding of Thai Medicinal Plants, Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanyanatt Kanokwiroon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zehr EA, Roll-Mecak A. A look under the hood of the machine that makes cilia beat. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2022; 29:416-418. [PMID: 35578025 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00778-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elena A Zehr
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Antonina Roll-Mecak
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA. .,Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
The Expression of Signaling Genes in Breast Cancer Cells. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040555. [PMID: 35453754 PMCID: PMC9025738 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a drug for cancer—paclitaxel—on the expression of genes encoding the signaling factors in breast cancer cells outside organisms. The tested cells were harvested from the mammary glands of 36 women with breast cancer. The microarray technology —the carrier with applied DNA samples—was employed for the identification of gene expression. A significant effect of paclitaxel on the genome of breast cancer cells was confirmed. Paclitaxel changed the functions of cancer cell by increasing the expression of the genes encoding signaling proteins. This is the molecule of intercellular communication. The analysis of the results suggests that this cytostatic agent produces a beneficial therapeutic effect at a lower dose (60 ng/mL). In contrast, a high dose of paclitaxel (300 ng/mL) was associated with higher cytotoxicity and this had a negative effect on the tested tumor cells. Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of paclitaxel on the expression of genes encoding signaling factors in breast cancer cells in in vitro conditions after incubation with the said chemotherapeutic. The tested cells were harvested from the mammary glands of 36 patients with early breast cancer. The microarray technology was employed for the identification of gene expression. For this purpose, mRNA isolated from tumor cells was used. A significant effect of paclitaxel on the genome of breast cancer cells was confirmed. Paclitaxel changed the functions of cancer cells by increasing the expression of most genes encoding signaling proteins and receptors. The analysis of the results suggested that this cytostatic agent produces a beneficial therapeutic effect at a lower dose (60 ng/mL). In contrast, a high dose of paclitaxel (300 ng/mL) was associated with a high cytotoxicity.
Collapse
|
36
|
Bamberger C, Diedrich J, Martìnez-Bartholomé S, Yates JR. Cancer Conformational Landscape Shapes Tumorigenesis. J Proteome Res 2022; 21:1017-1028. [PMID: 35271278 PMCID: PMC9653087 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.1c00906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
During tumorigenesis, DNA mutations in protein coding sequences can alter amino acid sequences which can change the structures of proteins. While the 3D structure of mutated proteins has been studied with atomic resolution, the precise impact of somatic mutations on the 3D proteome during malignant transformation remains unknown because methods to reveal in vivo protein structures in high throughput are limited. Here, we measured the accessibility of the lysine ε-amine for chemical modification across proteomes using covalent protein painting (CPP) to indirectly determine alterations in the 3D proteome. CPP is a novel, high-throughput quantitative mass spectrometric method that surveyed a total of 8052 lysine sites across the 60 cell lines of the well-studied anticancer cell line panel (NCI60). Overall, 5.2 structural alterations differentiated any cancer cell line from the other 59. Structural aberrations in 98 effector proteins correlated with the selected presence of 90 commonly mutated proteins in the NCI60 cell line panel, suggesting that different tumor genotypes reshape a limited set of effector proteins. We searched our dataset for druggable conformational aberrations and identified 49 changes in the cancer conformational landscape that correlated with the growth inhibition profiles of 300 drug candidates out of 50,000 small molecules. We found that alterations in heat shock proteins are key predictors of anticancer drug efficacy, which implies that the proteostasis network may have a general but hitherto unrecognized role in maintaining malignancy. Individual lysine sites may serve as biomarkers to guide drug selection or may be directly targeted for anticancer drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casimir Bamberger
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jolene Diedrich
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Salvador Martìnez-Bartholomé
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - John R. Yates
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Huang Yang CP, Horwitz SB, McDaid HM. Utilization of Photoaffinity Labeling to Investigate Binding of Microtubule Stabilizing Agents to P-Glycoprotein and β-Tubulin. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 85:720-728. [PMID: 35240035 PMCID: PMC9484556 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Photoaffinity labeling approaches have historically been used in pharmacology to identify molecular targets. This methodology has played a pivotal role in identifying drug-binding domains and searching for novel compounds that may interact at these domains. In this review we focus on studies of microtubule stabilizing agents of natural product origin, specifically taxol (paclitaxel). Taxol and other microtubule interacting agents bind to both P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), a drug efflux pump that reduces intracellular drug accumulation, and the tubulin/microtubule system. Both binding relationships modulate drug efficacy and are of immense interest to basic and translational scientists, primarily because of their association with drug resistance for this class of molecules. We present this body of work and acknowledge its value as fundamental to understanding the mechanisms of taxol and elucidation of the taxol pharmacophore. Furthermore, we highlight the ability to multiplex photoaffinity approaches with other technologies to further enhance our understanding of pharmacologic interactions at an atomic level. Thus, photoaffinity approaches offer a relatively inexpensive and robust technique that will continue to play an important role in drug discovery for the foreseeable future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ping Huang Yang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Susan Band Horwitz
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Hayley M McDaid
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Fischer ES, Jones LH. Small molecule modulation of protein polymerization. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:2392-2396. [PMID: 35266488 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00070a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The modulation of protein surface physicochemistry through single point mutations can trigger polymerization, which is facilitated by subunit repetition within a homomeric complex. Furthermore, monogenic disorders may result from aberrant supramolecular assemblies caused by missense mutations that modify the protein surface. Noteworthy from a therapeutic perspective, small molecules have been shown to not only mediate and enhance polymerization, analogous to a surface residue perturbation, but also bind and stabilize the repeating unit to inhibit the self-assembly event. We exemplify pharmacological manipulation of polymeric protein assemblies using some recently reported studies. The aim of this Viewpoint is to highlight opportunities to rationally control protein polymerization for therapeutic benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric S Fischer
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 360 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Lyn H Jones
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 360 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ferro LS, Fang Q, Eshun-Wilson L, Fernandes J, Jack A, Farrell DP, Golcuk M, Huijben T, Costa K, Gur M, DiMaio F, Nogales E, Yildiz A. Structural and functional insight into regulation of kinesin-1 by microtubule-associated protein MAP7. Science 2022; 375:326-331. [PMID: 35050657 PMCID: PMC8985661 DOI: 10.1126/science.abf6154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microtubule (MT)-associated protein 7 (MAP7) is a required cofactor for kinesin-1-driven transport of intracellular cargoes. Using cryo-electron microscopy and single-molecule imaging, we investigated how MAP7 binds MTs and facilitates kinesin-1 motility. The MT-binding domain (MTBD) of MAP7 bound MTs as an extended α helix between the protofilament ridge and the site of lateral contact. Unexpectedly, the MTBD partially overlapped with the binding site of kinesin-1 and inhibited its motility. However, by tethering kinesin-1 to the MT, the projection domain of MAP7 prevented dissociation of the motor and facilitated its binding to available neighboring sites. The inhibitory effect of the MTBD dominated as MTs became saturated with MAP7. Our results reveal biphasic regulation of kinesin-1 by MAP7 in the context of their competitive binding to MTs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke S Ferro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley CA, USA
| | - Qianglin Fang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley CA, USA
| | - Lisa Eshun-Wilson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley CA, USA
| | | | - Amanda Jack
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley CA, USA
| | - Daniel P Farrell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mert Golcuk
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Teun Huijben
- Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | | | - Mert Gur
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Frank DiMaio
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eva Nogales
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley CA, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase MD, USA
| | - Ahmet Yildiz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley CA, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley CA, USA
- Physics Department, University of California, Berkeley CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Garnett JA, Atherton J. Structure Determination of Microtubules and Pili: Past, Present, and Future Directions. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:830304. [PMID: 35096976 PMCID: PMC8795688 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.830304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically proteins that form highly polymeric and filamentous assemblies have been notoriously difficult to study using high resolution structural techniques. This has been due to several factors that include structural heterogeneity, their large molecular mass, and available yields. However, over the past decade we are now seeing a major shift towards atomic resolution insight and the study of more complex heterogenous samples and in situ/ex vivo examination of multi-subunit complexes. Although supported by developments in solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (ssNMR) and computational approaches, this has primarily been due to advances in cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The study of eukaryotic microtubules and bacterial pili are good examples, and in this review, we will give an overview of the technical innovations that have enabled this transition and highlight the advancements that have been made for these two systems. Looking to the future we will also describe systems that remain difficult to study and where further technical breakthroughs are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James A. Garnett
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Atherton
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Structural transitions in the GTP cap visualized by cryo-electron microscopy of catalytically inactive microtubules. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2114994119. [PMID: 34996871 PMCID: PMC8764682 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114994119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) are polymers of αβ-tubulin heterodimers that stochastically switch between growth and shrinkage phases. This dynamic instability is critically important for MT function. It is believed that GTP hydrolysis within the MT lattice is accompanied by destabilizing conformational changes and that MT stability depends on a transiently existing GTP cap at the growing MT end. Here, we use cryo-electron microscopy and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy of GTP hydrolysis-deficient MTs assembled from mutant recombinant human tubulin to investigate the structure of a GTP-bound MT lattice. We find that the GTP-MT lattice of two mutants in which the catalytically active glutamate in α-tubulin was substituted by inactive amino acids (E254A and E254N) is remarkably plastic. Undecorated E254A and E254N MTs with 13 protofilaments both have an expanded lattice but display opposite protofilament twists, making these lattices distinct from the compacted lattice of wild-type GDP-MTs. End-binding proteins of the EB family have the ability to compact both mutant GTP lattices and to stabilize a negative twist, suggesting that they promote this transition also in the GTP cap of wild-type MTs, thereby contributing to the maturation of the MT structure. We also find that the MT seam appears to be stabilized in mutant GTP-MTs and destabilized in GDP-MTs, supporting the proposal that the seam plays an important role in MT stability. Together, these structures of catalytically inactive MTs add mechanistic insight into the GTP state of MTs, the stability of the GTP- and GDP-bound lattice, and our overall understanding of MT dynamic instability.
Collapse
|
42
|
Development of Phenothiazine Hybrids with Potential Medicinal Interest: A Review. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27010276. [PMID: 35011508 PMCID: PMC8746661 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The molecular hybridization approach has been used to develop compounds with improved efficacy by combining two or more pharmacophores of bioactive scaffolds. In this context, hybridization of various relevant pharmacophores with phenothiazine derivatives has resulted in pertinent compounds with diverse biological activities, interacting with specific or multiple targets. In fact, the development of new drugs or drug candidates based on phenothiazine system has been a promising approach due to the diverse activities associated with this tricyclic system, traditionally present in compounds with antipsychotic, antihistaminic and antimuscarinic effects. Actually, the pharmacological actions of phenothiazine hybrids include promising antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, analgesic and multi-drug resistance reversal properties. The present review summarizes the progress in the development of phenothiazine hybrids and their biological activity.
Collapse
|
43
|
Conze C, Rierola M, Trushina NI, Peters M, Janning D, Holzer M, Heinisch JJ, Arendt T, Bakota L, Brandt R. Caspase-cleaved tau is senescence-associated and induces a toxic gain of function by putting a brake on axonal transport. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3010-3023. [PMID: 35393558 PMCID: PMC9205779 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01538-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau plays a central role in tauopathies such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The exact molecular mechanisms underlying tau toxicity are unclear, but aging is irrefutably the biggest risk factor. This raises the question of how cellular senescence affects the function of tau as a microtubule regulator. Here we report that the proportion of tau that is proteolytically cleaved at the caspase-3 site (TauC3) doubles in the hippocampus of senescent mice. TauC3 is also elevated in AD patients. Through quantitative live-cell imaging, we show that TauC3 has a drastically reduced dynamics of its microtubule interaction. Single-molecule tracking of tau confirmed that TauC3 has a longer residence time on axonal microtubules. The reduced dynamics of the TauC3-microtubule interaction correlated with a decreased transport of mitochondria, a reduced processivity of APP-vesicle transport and an induction of region-specific dendritic atrophy in CA1 neurons of the hippocampus. The microtubule-targeting drug Epothilone D normalized the interaction of TauC3 with microtubules and modulated the transport of APP-vesicles dependent on the presence of overexpressed human tau. The results indicate a novel toxic gain of function, in which a post-translational modification of tau changes the dynamics of the tau-microtubule interaction and thus leads to axonal transport defects and neuronal degeneration. The data also introduce microtubule-targeting drugs as pharmacological modifiers of the tau-microtubule interaction with the potential to restore the physiological interaction of pathologically altered tau with microtubules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Conze
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Neurobiology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Marina Rierola
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Neurobiology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Nataliya I. Trushina
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Neurobiology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Michael Peters
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Neurobiology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Dennis Janning
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Neurobiology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany ,grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Max Holzer
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Center for Neuropathology and Brain Research, Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jürgen J. Heinisch
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Genetics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Thomas Arendt
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Center for Neuropathology and Brain Research, Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lidia Bakota
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Neurobiology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Roland Brandt
- Department of Neurobiology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany. .,Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany. .,Institute of Cognitive Science, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Kumari A, Panda D. Monitoring the Disruptive Effects of Tubulin-Binding Agents on Cellular Microtubules. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2430:431-448. [PMID: 35476348 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1983-4_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Tubulin-binding agents are an important class of chemotherapeutic agents. This chapter describes detailed protocols to examine the effects of tubulin-binding agents on cellular microtubules. The methods can be utilized for the screening of novel chemotherapeutic agents targeting microtubules. These assays can also be extended to study the effects of various proteins on the stability of microtubules. We have described five assays, which together provides qualitative and quantitative information about the effects of tubulin-binding agents on microtubule stability and dynamics. The key steps and crucial information regarding different steps have been included along with the theory of each of the assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Kumari
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
| | - Dulal Panda
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Lattice defects induced by microtubule-stabilizing agents exert a long-range effect on microtubule growth by promoting catastrophes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2112261118. [PMID: 34916292 PMCID: PMC8713758 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112261118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are major cytoskeletal filaments important for cell division, growth, and differentiation. Microtubules can rapidly switch between phases of growth and shortening, and this dynamic behavior is essential for shaping microtubule arrays. To obtain insights into mechanisms controlling microtubule dynamics, here we used microtubule-stabilizing agents such as Taxol and their fluorescent analogs to manipulate microtubule protofilament number and generate stable defects in microtubule lattices that can be visualized using fluorescence microscopy. We show that microtubule polymerization rate increases with protofilament number and that drug-induced microtubule lattice discontinuities can promote plus-end catastrophes at a distance of several micrometers. Our data indicate that structural defects in the microtubule wall can have long-range propagating effects on microtubule tip dynamics. Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal polymers that spontaneously switch between phases of growth and shrinkage. The probability of transitioning from growth to shrinkage, termed catastrophe, increases with microtubule age, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we set out to test whether microtubule lattice defects formed during polymerization can affect growth at the plus end. To generate microtubules with lattice defects, we used microtubule-stabilizing agents that promote formation of polymers with different protofilament numbers. By employing different agents during nucleation of stable microtubule seeds and the subsequent polymerization phase, we could reproducibly induce switches in protofilament number and induce stable lattice defects. Such drug-induced defects led to frequent catastrophes, which were not observed when microtubules were grown in the same conditions but without a protofilament number mismatch. Microtubule severing at the site of the defect was sufficient to suppress catastrophes. We conclude that structural defects within the microtubule lattice can exert effects that can propagate over long distances and affect the dynamic state of the microtubule end.
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Preserving the integrity of neuronal microtubules (MTs) has emerged as a promising strategy to inhibit the progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Such a goal could be achieved by peptides that mimic the functional role of Tau, an MT-associated protein that stabilizes MTs by dynamically binding to their outer surface. This work examines the binding properties and MT-stabilizing potential of a 27-amino acid Tau oligopeptide from 300 ns Gaussian-accelerated molecular dynamics simulations and Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) calculations on octameric MT models bound to two equivalent and independent Tau peptides. Bound peptides adopted extended conformations that are highly consistent with cryo-electron microscopy reports for full-length Tau bound to MTs. Anchoring points in three consecutive tubulin subunits were identified, with a relevant contribution of the Ser419-Val435 region to α-tubulin. Tau peptides strengthen the longitudinal protein-protein contacts within the MT lattice and exert a cooperative MT-stabilizing effect in MT complexes simultaneously bonded to taxol or peloruside A. Ser phosphorylation results in a larger peptide mobility, altered interaction profiles, and MT destabilization, which are in line with the loss of MT integrity resulting from the post-translational hyperphosphorylation of Tau. Our results shed light on the MT-stabilizing potential of Tau-mimetic peptides to act as novel neuroprotective agents targeting MTs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verónica A Jiménez
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello, Sede Concepción, Autopista Concepción-Talcahuano, Talcahuano 7100, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Gerasimaitė R, Bucevičius J, Kiszka KA, Schnorrenberg S, Kostiuk G, Koenen T, Lukinavičius G. Blinking Fluorescent Probes for Tubulin Nanoscopy in Living and Fixed Cells. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:2130-2136. [PMID: 34734690 PMCID: PMC8609524 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Here we report a
small molecule tubulin probe for single-molecule
localization microscopy (SMLM), stimulated emission depletion (STED)
microscopy and MINFLUX nanoscopy, which can be used in living and
fixed cells. We explored a series of taxane derivatives containing
spontaneously blinking far-red dye hydroxymethyl silicon–rhodamine
(HMSiR) and found that the linker length profoundly affects the probe
permeability and off-targeting in living cells. The best performing
probe, HMSiR-tubulin, is composed of cabazitaxel and the 6′-regioisomer
of HMSiR bridged by a C6 linker. Microtubule diameter of ≤50
nm was routinely measured in SMLM experiments on living and fixed
cells. HMSiR-tubulin allows a complementary use of different nanoscopy
techniques for investigating microtubule functions and developing
imaging methods. For the first time, we resolved the inner microtubule
diameter of 16 ± 5 nm by optical nanoscopy and thereby demonstrated
the utility of a self-blinking dye for MINFLUX imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ru̅ta Gerasimaitė
- Chromatin Labeling and Imaging group, Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jonas Bucevičius
- Chromatin Labeling and Imaging group, Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kamila A. Kiszka
- Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Georgij Kostiuk
- Chromatin Labeling and Imaging group, Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tanja Koenen
- Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gražvydas Lukinavičius
- Chromatin Labeling and Imaging group, Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Thakkar PV, Kita K, Castillo UD, Galletti G, Madhukar N, Navarro EV, Barasoain I, Goodson HV, Sackett D, Díaz JF, Lu Y, RoyChoudhury A, Molina H, Elemento O, Shah MA, Giannakakou P. CLIP-170S is a microtubule +TIP variant that confers resistance to taxanes by impairing drug-target engagement. Dev Cell 2021; 56:3264-3275.e7. [PMID: 34672971 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Taxanes are widely used cancer chemotherapeutics. However, intrinsic resistance limits their efficacy without any actionable resistance mechanism. We have discovered a microtubule (MT) plus-end-binding CLIP-170 protein variant, hereafter CLIP-170S, which we found enriched in taxane-resistant cell lines and patient samples. CLIP-170S lacks the first Cap-Gly motif, forms longer comets, and impairs taxane access to its MT luminal binding site. CLIP-170S knockdown reversed taxane resistance in cells and xenografts, whereas its re-expression led to resistance, suggesting causation. Using a computational approach in conjunction with the connectivity map, we unexpectedly discovered that Imatinib was predicted to reverse CLIP-170S-mediated taxane resistance. Indeed, Imatinib treatment selectively depleted CLIP-170S, thus completely reversing taxane resistance. Other RTK inhibitors also depleted CLIP-170S, suggesting a class effect. Herein, we identify CLIP-170S as a clinically prevalent variant that confers taxane resistance, whereas the discovery of Imatinib as a CLIP-170S inhibitor provides novel therapeutic opportunities for future trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Isabel Barasoain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Dan Sackett
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Yao Lu
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Arindam RoyChoudhury
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Henrik Molina
- Proteomics Resource Center, the Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Nasedkin A, Ermilova I, Swenson J. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of tubulin heterodimers explain the motion of a microtubule. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2021; 50:927-940. [PMID: 34215900 PMCID: PMC8448678 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-021-01553-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules are essential parts of the cytoskeleton that are built by polymerization of tubulin heterodimers into a hollow tube. Regardless that their structures and functions have been comprehensively investigated in a modern soft matter, it is unclear how properties of tubulin heterodimer influence and promote the self-assembly. A detailed knowledge of such structural mechanisms would be helpful in drug design against neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes etc. In this work atomistic molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the fundamental dynamics of tubulin heterodimers in a sheet and a short microtubule utilizing well-equilibrated structures. The breathing motions of the tubulin heterodimers during assembly show that the movement at the lateral interface between heterodimers (wobbling) dominates in the lattice. The simulations of the protofilament curvature agrees well with recently published experimental data, showing curved protofilaments at polymerization of the microtubule plus end. The tubulin heterodimers exposed at the microtubule minus end were less curved and displayed altered interactions at the site of sheet closure around the outmost heterodimers, which may slow heterodimer binding and polymerization, providing a potential explanation for the limited dynamics observed at the minus end.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr Nasedkin
- Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, SE 41296 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Inna Ermilova
- Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, SE 41296 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Jan Swenson
- Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, SE 41296 Göteborg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Pradhan P, Margolin W, Beuria TK. Targeting the Achilles Heel of FtsZ: The Interdomain Cleft. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:732796. [PMID: 34566937 PMCID: PMC8456036 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.732796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Widespread antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens is a serious threat to public health. Thus, identification of new targets and development of new antibacterial agents are urgently needed. Although cell division is a major driver of bacterial colonization and pathogenesis, its targeting with antibacterial compounds is still in its infancy. FtsZ, a bacterial cytoskeletal homolog of eukaryotic tubulin, plays a highly conserved and foundational role in cell division and has been the primary focus of research on small molecule cell division inhibitors. FtsZ contains two drug-binding pockets: the GTP binding site situated at the interface between polymeric subunits, and the inter-domain cleft (IDC), located between the N-terminal and C-terminal segments of the core globular domain of FtsZ. The majority of anti-FtsZ molecules bind to the IDC. Compounds that bind instead to the GTP binding site are much less useful as potential antimicrobial therapeutics because they are often cytotoxic to mammalian cells, due to the high sequence similarity between the GTP binding sites of FtsZ and tubulin. Fortunately, the IDC has much less sequence and structural similarity with tubulin, making it a better potential target for drugs that are less toxic to humans. Over the last decade, a large number of natural and synthetic IDC inhibitors have been identified. Here we outline the molecular structure of IDC in detail and discuss how it has become a crucial target for broad spectrum and species-specific antibacterial agents. We also outline the drugs that bind to the IDC and their modes of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pinkilata Pradhan
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - William Margolin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|