1
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Milovanova E, Gomon S, Rocha G. Classic lattice corneal dystrophy: a brief review and summary of treatment modalities. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 262:1667-1681. [PMID: 37934291 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06297-6] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide a brief summary and comparison of the most recent literature on available and theorized treatment modalities for classic lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD). This paper aims to support practitioners in their management of this disease. METHODS A search was carried out on available literature through PubMed and Google Scholar of English language articles up to January 2023 that relate to the treatment of LCD. Due to scarcity of literature regarding specific novel therapies for LCD, results from other corneal pathologies (granular corneal dystrophy, corneal scarring) are sometimes included for contrast, which is clearly denoted. RESULTS LCD is a slowly progressive disease that leads to recurrent epithelial corneal erosions, stromal haze, corneal opacification, substantial discomfort, and visual impairment. Due to its autosomal-dominant inheritance pattern, this disease can persist throughout ancestral lines and requires consistent treatment and follow-up. An optimal management plan is necessary to (1) prolong years of life with best achievable visual acuity; (2) treat painful recurrent corneal erosions as they occur; (3) ensure proper follow-up throughout the life of a patient, as well as monitor at-risk offspring; and (4) monitor efficacy of treatment. CONCLUSIONS This paper addresses (1) treatment for early disease including corneal epithelial debridement, photo therapeutic keratectomy (PTK), femtosecond laser-assisted lamellar keratectomy (FLK), and others; (2) treatment for late disease including full thickness keratoplasties and anterior lamellar keratoplasties; and (3) potential future treatment considerations including a wide variety of topical/systemic, genetic, and regenerative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Milovanova
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
| | - Stanislav Gomon
- Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Guillermo Rocha
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
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2
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Rosace A, Bennett A, Oeller M, Mortensen MM, Sakhnini L, Lorenzen N, Poulsen C, Sormanni P. Automated optimisation of solubility and conformational stability of antibodies and proteins. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1937. [PMID: 37024501 PMCID: PMC10079162 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37668-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Biologics, such as antibodies and enzymes, are crucial in research, biotechnology, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Often, biologics with suitable functionality are discovered, but their development is impeded by developability issues. Stability and solubility are key biophysical traits underpinning developability potential, as they determine aggregation, correlate with production yield and poly-specificity, and are essential to access parenteral and oral delivery. While advances for the optimisation of individual traits have been made, the co-optimization of multiple traits remains highly problematic and time-consuming, as mutations that improve one property often negatively impact others. In this work, we introduce a fully automated computational strategy for the simultaneous optimisation of conformational stability and solubility, which we experimentally validate on six antibodies, including two approved therapeutics. Our results on 42 designs demonstrate that the computational procedure is highly effective at improving developability potential, while not affecting antigen-binding. We make the method available as a webserver at www-cohsoftware.ch.cam.ac.uk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Rosace
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
- Master in Bioinformatics for Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anja Bennett
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Mammalian Expression, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760, Måløv, Denmark
- BRIC, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marc Oeller
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mie M Mortensen
- Department of Purification Technologies, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760, Måløv, Denmark
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, University of Aalborg, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Laila Sakhnini
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biophysics and Injectable Formulation 2, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, 2760, Denmark
| | - Nikolai Lorenzen
- Department of Biophysics and Injectable Formulation 2, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, 2760, Denmark
| | - Christian Poulsen
- Department of Mammalian Expression, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760, Måløv, Denmark
| | - Pietro Sormanni
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK.
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3
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Mogensen EH, Poulsen ET, Thøgersen IB, Yamamoto K, Brüel A, Enghild JJ. The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) interactome in the human cornea. Exp Eye Res 2022; 219:109081. [PMID: 35461874 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The human cornea is responsible for approximately 70% of the eye's optical power and, together with the lens, constitutes the only transparent tissue in the human body. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), a large, multitalented endocytic receptor, is expressed throughout the human cornea, yet its role in the cornea remains unknown. More than 30 years ago, LRP1 was purified by exploiting its affinity for the activated form of the protease inhibitor alpha-2-macroblulin (A2M), and the original purification protocol is generally referred to in studies involving full-length LRP1. Here, we provide a novel and simplified LRP1 purification protocol based on LRP1's affinity for receptor-related protein (RAP) that produces significantly higher yields of authentic LRP1. Purified LRP1 was used to map its unknown interactome in the human cornea. Corneal proteins extracted under physiologically relevant conditions were subjected to LRP1 affinity pull-down, and LRP1 ligand candidates were identified by LC-MS/MS. A total of 28 LRP1 ligand candidates were found, including 22 novel ligands. The LRP1 corneal interactome suggests a novel role for LRP1 as a regulator of the corneal immune response, structure, and ultimately corneal transparency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Hage Mogensen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Ida B Thøgersen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kazuhiro Yamamoto
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Annemarie Brüel
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jan J Enghild
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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4
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Kim D, Chong SH, Shin S, Ham S. Mutation effects on FAS1 domain 4 based on structure and solubility. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2022; 1870:140746. [PMID: 34942360 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2021.140746] [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: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the fasciclin 1 domain 4 (FAS1-4) of transforming growth factor β-induced protein (TGFBIp) are associated with insoluble extracellular deposits and corneal dystrophies (CDs). The decrease in solubility upon mutation has been implicated in CD; however, the exact molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we performed molecular dynamics simulations followed by solvation thermodynamic analyses of the FAS1-4 domain and its three mutants-R555W, R555Q, and A546T-linked to granular corneal dystrophy type 1, Thiel-Behnke corneal dystrophy and lattice corneal dystrophy, respectively. We found that both R555W and R555Q mutants have less affinity toward solvent water relative to the wild-type protein. In the R555W mutant, a remarkable increase in solvation free energy was observed because of the structural changes near the mutation site. The mutation site W555 is buried in other hydrophobic residues, and R557 simultaneously forms salt bridges with E554 and D561. In the R555Q mutant, the increase in solvation free energy is caused by structural rearrangements far from the mutation site. R558 separately forms salt bridges with D575, E576, and E598. Thus, we thus identified the relationship between the decrease in solubility and conformational changes caused by mutations, which may be useful in designing potential therapeutics and in blocking FAS1 aggregation related to CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- DongGun Kim
- Department of Chemistry, The Research Institute of Natural Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Cheongpa-ro 47-gil 100, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Song-Ho Chong
- Department of Chemistry, The Research Institute of Natural Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Cheongpa-ro 47-gil 100, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokmin Shin
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sihyun Ham
- Department of Chemistry, The Research Institute of Natural Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Cheongpa-ro 47-gil 100, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Assessment of Therapeutic Antibody Developability by Combinations of In Vitro and In Silico Methods. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2313:57-113. [PMID: 34478132 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1450-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although antibodies have become the fastest-growing class of therapeutics on the market, it is still challenging to develop them for therapeutic applications, which often require these molecules to withstand stresses that are not present in vivo. We define developability as the likelihood of an antibody candidate with suitable functionality to be developed into a manufacturable, stable, safe, and effective drug that can be formulated to high concentrations while retaining a long shelf life. The implementation of reliable developability assessments from the early stages of antibody discovery enables flagging and deselection of potentially problematic candidates, while focussing available resources on the development of the most promising ones. Currently, however, thorough developability assessment requires multiple in vitro assays, which makes it labor intensive and time consuming to implement at early stages. Furthermore, accurate in vitro analysis at the early stage is compromised by the high number of potential candidates that are often prepared at low quantities and purity. Recent improvements in the performance of computational predictors of developability potential are beginning to change this scenario. Many computational methods only require the knowledge of the amino acid sequences and can be used to identify possible developability issues or to rank available candidates according to a range of biophysical properties. Here, we describe how the implementation of in silico tools into antibody discovery pipelines is increasingly offering time- and cost-effective alternatives to in vitro experimental screening, thus streamlining the drug development process. We discuss in particular the biophysical and biochemical properties that underpin developability potential and their trade-offs, review various in vitro assays to measure such properties or parameters that are predictive of developability, and give an overview of the growing number of in silico tools available to predict properties important for antibody development, including the CamSol method developed in our laboratory.
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Mutation-induced dimerization of transforming growth factor-β-induced protein may drive protein aggregation in granular corneal dystrophy. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100858. [PMID: 34097874 PMCID: PMC8220419 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation in the outermost layers of the cornea, which can lead to cloudy vision and in severe cases blindness, is linked to mutations in the extracellular matrix protein transforming growth factor-β-induced protein (TGFBIp). Among the most frequent pathogenic mutations are R124H and R555W, both associated with granular corneal dystrophy (GCD) characterized by the early-onset formation of amorphous aggregates. The molecular mechanisms of protein aggregation in GCD are largely unknown. In this study, we determined the crystal structures of R124H, R555W, and the lattice corneal dystrophy-associated A546T. Although there were no changes in the monomeric TGFBIp structure of any mutant that would explain their propensity to aggregate, R124H and R555W demonstrated a new dimer interface in the crystal packing, which is not present in wildtype TGFBIp or A546T. This interface, as seen in both the R124H and R555W structures, involves residue 124 of the first TGFBIp molecule and 555 in the second. The interface is not permitted by the Arg124 and Arg555 residues of wildtype TGFBIp and may play a central role in the aggregation exhibited by R124H and R555W in vivo. Using cross-linking mass spectrometry and in-line size exclusion chromatography-small-angle X-ray scattering, we characterized a dimer formed by wildtype and mutant TGFBIps in solution. Dimerization in solution also involves interactions between the N- and C-terminal domains of two TGFBIp molecules but was not identical to the crystal packing dimerization. TGFBIp-targeted interventions that disrupt the R124H/R555W crystal packing dimer interface might offer new therapeutic opportunities to treat patients with GCD.
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7
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Pharmaceutical modulation of the proteolytic profile of Transforming Growth Factor Beta induced protein (TGFBIp) offers a new avenue for treatment of TGFBI-corneal dystrophy. J Adv Res 2020; 24:529-543. [PMID: 32637173 PMCID: PMC7327833 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal stromal dystrophies are a group of hereditary disorders caused by mutations in the TGFBI gene and affect the corneal stroma and epithelium. The disease is characterized by the accumulation of insoluble deposits of the mutant TGFBIp leading to poor visual acuity in patients. Mutations are hypothesized to disrupt the protein folding and stability, leading oligomerization of the mutant protein. Current treatment relies on surgical intervention, either tissue removal or substitution, both of which are associated with disease recurrence. The lead compounds reported here prevent/delay the atypical proteolysis of the mutant protein and the generation of amyloidogenic fragments.
Corneal dystrophies are a group of genetically inherited disorders with mutations in the TGFBI gene affecting the Bowman’s membrane and the corneal stroma. The mutant TGFBIp is highly aggregation-prone and is deposited in the cornea. Depending on the type of mutation the protein deposits may vary (amyloid, amorphous powdery aggregate or a mixed form of both), making the cornea opaque and thereby decreases visual acuity. The aggregation of the mutant protein is found to be specific with a unique aggregation mechanism distinct to the cornea. The proteolytic processing of the mutant protein is reported to be different compared to the WT protein. The proteolytic processing of mutant protein gives rise to highly amyloidogenic peptide fragments. The current treatment option, available for patients, is tissue replacement surgery that is associated with high recurrence rates. The clinical need for a simple treatment option for corneal dystrophy patients has become highly essential either to prevent the protein aggregation or to dissolve the preformed aggregates. Here, we report the screening of 2500 compounds from the Maybridge RO3 fragment library using weak affinity chromatography (WAC). The primary hits from WAC were validated by 15N-HSQC NMR assays and specific regions of binding were identified. The recombinant mutant proteins (4th FAS-1 domain of R555W and H572R) were subjected to limited proteolysis by trypsin together with the lead compounds identified by NMR assays. The lead compounds (MO07617, RJF00203 and, BTB05094) were effective to delay/prevent the generation of amyloidogenic peptides in the R555W mutant and compounds (RJF00203 and BTB05094) were effective to delay/prevent the generation of amyloidogenic peptides in the H572R mutant. Thus the lead compounds reported here upon further validation and/or modification might be proposed as a potential treatment option to prevent/delay aggregation by inhibiting the formation of amyloidogenic peptides in TGFBI-corneal dystrophy.
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Key Words
- 1D, 1-Dimensional
- 2D, 2-Dimensional
- 3D, 3-Dimensional
- AA, Amino Acid
- BMRB, Biological Magnetic Resonance Data Bank
- Corneal dystrophy
- DMSO, Dimethyl sulfoxide
- DSS, 4, 4-dimethyl-4-silapentane-1-sulfonic acid
- EIC, Extracted Ion Chromatogram
- EMI, Emilin-like domain
- FAS1, Fasciclin like Domain
- FPLC, Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography
- Fragment screening
- GCD, Granular Corneal Dystrophy
- HPLC, High-performance liquid chromatography
- HSQC, Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence Spectroscopy
- IPTG, Isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside
- ITC, Isothermal Titration Calorimetry
- LB, Luria Bertani
- LCD, Lattice Corneal Dystrophy
- LE, Ligand Efficiency
- MALDI, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization
- MS, Mass spectrometry/spectrometer
- PBS, Phosphate Buffered Saline
- Proteolysis
- SD, Standard Deviation
- SDS-PAGE, Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
- SPR, Surface Plasmon Resonance
- TFA, Trifluoroacetic acid
- TGFBI, Transforming Growth Factor Beta Induced
- TGFBIp
- TGFBIp, Transforming Growth Factor Beta Induced protein
- TOF, Time-of-Flight
- WAC, Weak affinity chromatography
- WT, Wild Type
- Weak affinity chromatography
- ms, Millisecond
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Nielsen NS, Poulsen ET, Lukassen MV, Chao Shern C, Mogensen EH, Weberskov CE, DeDionisio L, Schauser L, Moore TC, Otzen DE, Hjortdal J, Enghild JJ. Biochemical mechanisms of aggregation in TGFBI-linked corneal dystrophies. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 77:100843. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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9
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Lukassen MV, Poulsen ET, Donaghy J, Mogensen EH, Christie KA, Roshanravan H, DeDioniso L, Nesbit MA, Moore T, Enghild JJ. Protein Analysis of the TGFBI R124H Mouse Model Gives Insight into Phenotype Development of Granular Corneal Dystrophy. Proteomics Clin Appl 2020; 14:e1900072. [PMID: 32558206 DOI: 10.1002/prca.201900072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mutations in the transforming growth factor β-induced protein (TGFBIp) are associated with TGFBI-linked corneal dystrophies, which manifests as protein deposits in the cornea. A total of 70 different disease-causing mutations have been reported so far including the common R124H substitution, which is associated with granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2). The disease mechanism of GCD2 is not known and the current treatments only offer temporary relief due to the reoccurrence of deposits. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The corneal protein profiles of the three genotypes (wild-type (WT), heterozygotes, and homozygotes) of a GCD2 mouse model are compared using label-free quantitative LC-MS/MS. RESULTS The mice do not display corneal protein deposits and the global protein expression between the three genotypes is highly similar. However, the expression of mutated TGFBIp is 41% of that of the WT protein. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE It is proposed that the lowered expression level of mutant TGFBIp protein relative to WT protein is the direct cause of the missing development of corneal deposits in the mouse. The overall protein profiles of the corneas are not impacted by the reduced amount of TGFBIp. Altogether, this supports a partial reduction in mutated TGFBIp as a potential treatment strategy for GCD2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie V Lukassen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark.,Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Ebbe T Poulsen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Jack Donaghy
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Emilie H Mogensen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Kathleen A Christie
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK
| | | | - Larry DeDioniso
- Avellino Labs USA, Menlo Park, San Francisco, CA, 94025, USA
| | - M Andrew Nesbit
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Tara Moore
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK.,Avellino Labs USA, Menlo Park, San Francisco, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Jan J Enghild
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark.,Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
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Effect of osmolytes on in-vitro aggregation properties of peptides derived from TGFBIp. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4011. [PMID: 32132634 PMCID: PMC7055237 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60944-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation has been one of the leading triggers of various disease conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other amyloidosis. TGFBI-associated corneal dystrophies are protein aggregation disorders in which the mutant TGFBIp aggregates and accumulates in the cornea, leading to a reduction in visual acuity and blindness in severe cases. Currently, the only therapy available is invasive and there is a known recurrence after surgery. In this study, we tested the inhibitory and amyloid dissociation properties of four osmolytes in an in-vitroTGFBI peptide aggregation model. The 23-amino acid long peptide (TGFBIp 611–633 with the mutation c.623 G>R) from the 4th FAS-1 domain of TGFBIp that rapidly forms amyloid fibrils was used in the study. Several biophysical methods like Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence, Circular Dichroism (CD), fluorescence microscopy and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the inhibitory and amyloid disaggregation properties of the four osmolytes (Betaine, Raffinose, Sarcosine, and Taurine). The osmolytes were effective in both inhibiting and disaggregating the amyloid fibrils derived from TGFBIp 611–633 c.623 G>R peptide. The osmolytes did not have an adverse toxic effect on cultured human corneal fibroblast cells and could potentially be a useful therapeutic strategy for patients with TGFBIp corneal dystrophies.
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11
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Sormanni P, Vendruscolo M. Protein Solubility Predictions Using the CamSol Method in the Study of Protein Homeostasis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2019; 11:cshperspect.a033845. [PMID: 30833455 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a033845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
One of the major functions of the protein homeostasis system is to maintain proteins in their soluble states, and indeed several human disorders are associated with the aberrant aggregation of proteins. An active involvement of the protein homeostasis system is necessary to avoid aggregation because proteins are expressed at levels close to their solubility limits, hence being poorly soluble. The mechanisms by which the protein homeostasis system acts to control protein aggregation are, however, still not known in much detail. To facilitate systematic investigations of these mechanisms, we describe here the CamSol method of predicting protein solubility, and illustrate its initial applications. We anticipate that with the advent of powerful proteomics and transcriptomic methods, in combination with the use of the CamSol method and related approaches to predict the solubility and other biophysical properties of proteins, it will become possible to increase our understanding of the principles of protein homeostasis related to the maintenance of the proteome in its soluble form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Sormanni
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
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12
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Skorodumova LO, Belodedova AV, Sharova EI, Malyugin BE. [Search for genetic markers for precise diagnostics of keratoconus]. BIOMEDIT︠S︡INSKAI︠A︡ KHIMII︠A︡ 2019; 65:9-20. [PMID: 30816092 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20196501009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Keratoconus is a chronic disorder of the cornea, characterized by its progressive thinning, stretching, and conical protrusion. Diagnostics of subclinical keratoconus, as well as its early stages (forme fruste), is a complex problem. The presence of these forms of keratoconus in a patient is one of the reasons for the development of keratectasia after laser refractive surgery. Currently, the role of genetic factors in keratoconus development has been proven. This indicates the possibility of diagnostics of subclinical and forme fruste keratoconus using genetic markers. Knowledge about the patient's genetic susceptibility to keratoconus would allow correcting the tactics of treatment of refractive anomalies and avoiding serious side effects. The studies of causal mutations indicate the genetic heterogeneity of keratoconus, which complicates the development of a diagnostic panel. Selection of candidate variants from the currently known ones based on clear criteria may be one of the approaches for diagnostic markers search. In this review, we have analyzed articles on keratoconus markers in order to form a list of candidate variants for genotyping in the Russian population. The selection criteria took into account the complexes of symptoms in which a marker was found, populations in which a particular marker was investigated, the presence and results of replication studies. The analysis included markers in VSX1, SOD1, ZEB1, LOX, CAST, DOCK9, TGFBI, HGF, MAP3K19, KCND3, COL4A3, COL4A4, COL5A1, FNDC3B, FOXO1, BANP-ZNF469, MPDZ-NF1B, WNT10A genes. Based on the results of the analysis, the following candidate variants were selected for genotyping in the Russian population of patients with keratoconus: rs1536482 and rs7044529 in the COL5A1 gene, rs5745752 and rs2286194 in the HGF gene, rs4954218 in the MAP3K19 gene, rs4839200 near the KCND3 gene, rs2721051 near the FOXO1 gene, rs1324183 between the MPDZ and the NF1B genes, and rs121908120 in the WNT10A gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- L O Skorodumova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Belodedova
- Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Complex Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russia
| | - E I Sharova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - B E Malyugin
- Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Complex Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russia
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Mohammad-Beigi H, Kjaer L, Eskandari H, Aliakbari F, Christiansen G, Ruvo G, Ward JL, Otzen DE. A Possible Connection Between Plant Longevity and the Absence of Protein Fibrillation: Basis for Identifying Aggregation Inhibitors in Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:148. [PMID: 30815009 PMCID: PMC6381023 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The ability of proteins to aggregate to form well-organized β-sheet rich amyloid fibrils is increasingly viewed as a general if regrettable property of the polypeptide chain. Aggregation leads to diseases such as amyloidosis and neurodegeneration in humans and various mammalian species but is also found in a functional variety in both animals and microbes. However, there are to our knowledge no reports of amyloid formation in plants. Plants are also the source of a large number of aggregation-inhibiting compounds. We reasoned that the two phenomena could be connected and that one of (many) preconditions for plant longevity is the ability to suppress unwanted protein aggregation. In support of this, we show that while protein extracts from the sugar maple tree Acer saccharum fibrillate readily on their own, this process is efficiently abolished by addition of small molecule extracts from the same plant. Further analysis of 44 plants showed a correlation between plant longevity and ability to inhibit protein aggregation. Extracts from the best performing plant, the sugar maple, were subjected to chromatographic fractionation, leading to the identification of a large number of compounds, many of which were shown to inhibit aggregation in vitro. One cautious interpretation is that it may have been advantageous for plants to maintain an efficient collection of aggregation-inhibiting metabolites as long as they do not impair metabolite function. From a practical perspective, our results indicate that long-lived plants may be particularly appropriate sources of new anti-aggregation compounds with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Kjaer
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hoda Eskandari
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Farhang Aliakbari
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gunna Christiansen
- Department of Biomedicine-Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gianluca Ruvo
- Computational and Analytical Sciences Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Jane L. Ward
- Computational and Analytical Sciences Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Erik Otzen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Daniel Erik Otzen,
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Sormanni P, Aprile FA, Vendruscolo M. Third generation antibody discovery methods: in silico rational design. Chem Soc Rev 2018; 47:9137-9157. [PMID: 30298157 DOI: 10.1039/c8cs00523k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Owing to their outstanding performances in molecular recognition, antibodies are extensively used in research and applications in molecular biology, biotechnology and medicine. Recent advances in experimental and computational methods are making it possible to complement well-established in vivo (first generation) and in vitro (second generation) methods of antibody discovery with novel in silico (third generation) approaches. Here we describe the principles of computational antibody design and review the state of the art in this field. We then present Modular, a method that implements the rational design of antibodies in a modular manner, and describe the opportunities offered by this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Sormanni
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
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