1
|
Naik MT, Naik N, Hu T, Wang SH, Marshall J. Structure-based design of peptidomimetic inhibitors of PSD-95 with improved affinity for the PDZ3 domain. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:233-241. [PMID: 37904289 PMCID: PMC10842001 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14767] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling has been proposed to contribute to the pathophysiology of depression and other neurological disorders such as Angelman syndrome. We have previously shown that targeting the tropomyosin receptor kinase B/postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) nexus in the BDNF signaling pathway by peptidomimetic inhibitors is a promising approach for therapeutic intervention. Here, we used structure-based knowledge to develop a new Syn3 peptidomimetic compound series that fuses peptides derived from the PSD-95-binding protein SynGAP to our prototype compound CN2097. The new compounds target the PSD-95 PDZ3 domain and adjoining αC helix to achieve bivalent binding that results in up to 7-fold stronger affinity compared to CN2097. These compounds were designed to improve CN2097 specificity for the PSD-95 PDZ3 domain, and structure-activity relationship studies were performed to improve their resistance to proteolysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mandar T. Naik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States of America
| | - Nandita Naik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States of America
| | - Tony Hu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States of America
| | - Szu-Huan Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States of America
| | - John Marshall
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Naik MT, Naik N, Hu T, Wang SH, Marshall J. Structure-based development of new cyclic compounds targeting PSD-95 PDZ3 domain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.10.552828. [PMID: 37609345 PMCID: PMC10441386 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.10.552828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant BDNF signaling has been proposed to contribute to the pathophysiology of depression and other neurological disorders such as Angelman syndrome. We have previously shown that targeting the TrkB / PSD-95 nexus by peptidomimetic inhibitors is a promising approach for therapeutic intervention. Here we used structure-based knowledge to develop a new peptidomimetic compound series that fuses SynGAP-derived peptides to our prototype compound CN2097. These compounds target the PSD-95 PDZ3 domain and adjoining αC helix to achieve bivalent binding that results in up to 7-fold stronger affinity compared to CN2097. These compounds were designed to improve CN2097 specificity for the PDZ3 domain and limited SAR studies have been performed to improve their resistance to proteolysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mandar T. Naik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States of America
| | - Nandita Naik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States of America
| | - Tony Hu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States of America
| | - Szu-Huan Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States of America
| | - John Marshall
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Balboa JR, Essig DJ, Ma S, Karer N, Clemmensen LS, Pedersen SW, Joerger AC, Knapp S, Østergaard S, Strømgaard K. Development of a Potent Cyclic Peptide Inhibitor of the nNOS/PSD-95 Interaction. J Med Chem 2023; 66:976-990. [PMID: 36580549 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The complex between the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and the postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. The complex is formed via the PDZ protein domains of PSD-95, and efforts to disrupt the complex have generally been based on C-terminal peptides derived from the NMDAR. However, nNOS binds PSD-95 through a β-hairpin motif, providing an alternative starting point for developing PSD-95 inhibitors. Here, we designed a cyclic nNOS β-hairpin mimetic peptide and generated cyclic nNOS β-hairpin peptide arrays with natural and unnatural amino acids (AAs), which provided molecular insights into this interaction. We then optimized cyclic peptides and identified a potent inhibitor of the nNOS/PSD-95 interaction, with the highest affinity reported thus far for a peptide macrocycle inhibitor of PDZ domains, which serves as a template for the development of treatment for acute ischemic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier R Balboa
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Research Chemistry 3, Novo Nordisk Park, 2760 Måløv, Denmark.,Center for Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dominik J Essig
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Research Chemistry 3, Novo Nordisk Park, 2760 Måløv, Denmark.,Center for Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sana Ma
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nichlas Karer
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise S Clemmensen
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren W Pedersen
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas C Joerger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Søren Østergaard
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Research Chemistry 3, Novo Nordisk Park, 2760 Måløv, Denmark
| | - Kristian Strømgaard
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zang J, Ye F, Solbak SMØ, Høj LJ, Zhang M, Bach A. Identification of Novel Fragments Binding to the PDZ1-2 Domain of PSD-95. ChemMedChem 2020; 16:949-954. [PMID: 33305877 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000865] [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: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of PSD-95 has emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke, as shown with peptide-based compounds that target the PDZ domains of PSD-95. In contrast, developing potent and drug-like small molecules against the PSD-95 PDZ domains has so far been unsuccessful. Here, we explore the druggability of the PSD-95 PDZ1-2 domain and use fragment screening to investigate if this protein is prone to binding small molecules. We screened 2500 fragments by fluorescence polarization (FP) and validated the hits by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), including an inhibition counter-test, and found four promising fragments. Three ligand efficient fragments were shown by 1 H,15 N HSQC NMR to bind in the small hydrophobic P0 pockets of PDZ1-2, and one of them underwent structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies. Overall, we demonstrate that fragment screening can successfully be applied to PDZ1-2 of PSD-95 and disclose novel fragments that can serve as starting points for optimization towards small-molecule PDZ domain inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zang
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fei Ye
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China
| | - Sara M Ø Solbak
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars J Høj
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Meloni BP, Mastaglia FL, Knuckey NW. Cationic Arginine-Rich Peptides (CARPs): A Novel Class of Neuroprotective Agents With a Multimodal Mechanism of Action. Front Neurol 2020; 11:108. [PMID: 32158425 PMCID: PMC7052017 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There are virtually no clinically available neuroprotective drugs for the treatment of acute and chronic neurological disorders, hence there is an urgent need for the development of new neuroprotective molecules. Cationic arginine-rich peptides (CARPs) are an expanding and relatively novel class of compounds, which possess intrinsic neuroprotective properties. Intriguingly, CARPs possess a combination of biological properties unprecedented for a neuroprotective agent including the ability to traverse cell membranes and enter the CNS, antagonize calcium influx, target mitochondria, stabilize proteins, inhibit proteolytic enzymes, induce pro-survival signaling, scavenge toxic molecules, and reduce oxidative stress as well as, having a range of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer actions. CARPs have also been used as carrier molecules for the delivery of other putative neuroprotective agents across the blood-brain barrier and blood-spinal cord barrier. However, there is increasing evidence that the neuroprotective efficacy of many, if not all these other agents delivered using a cationic arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptide (CCPPs) carrier (e.g., TAT) may actually be mediated largely by the properties of the carrier molecule, with overall efficacy further enhanced according to the amino acid composition of the cargo peptide, in particular its arginine content. Therefore, in reviewing the neuroprotective mechanisms of action of CARPs we also consider studies using CCPPs fused to a putative neuroprotective peptide. We review the history of CARPs in neuroprotection and discuss in detail the intrinsic biological properties that may contribute to their cytoprotective effects and their usefulness as a broad-acting class of neuroprotective drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno P Meloni
- Department of Neurosurgery, QEII Medical Centre, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Frank L Mastaglia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Neville W Knuckey
- Department of Neurosurgery, QEII Medical Centre, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Laxio Arenas J, Kaffy J, Ongeri S. Peptides and peptidomimetics as inhibitors of protein–protein interactions involving β-sheet secondary structures. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2019; 52:157-167. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
|
7
|
Alterations in evoked and spontaneous activity of dorsal horn wide dynamic range neurons in pathological pain: a systematic review and analysis. Pain 2019; 160:2199-2209. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
|
8
|
Liu X, Fuentes EJ. Emerging Themes in PDZ Domain Signaling: Structure, Function, and Inhibition. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 343:129-218. [PMID: 30712672 PMCID: PMC7185565 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Post-synaptic density-95, disks-large and zonula occludens-1 (PDZ) domains are small globular protein-protein interaction domains widely conserved from yeast to humans. They are composed of ∼90 amino acids and form a classical two α-helical/six β-strand structure. The prototypical ligand is the C-terminus of partner proteins; however, they also bind internal peptide sequences. Recent findings indicate that PDZ domains also bind phosphatidylinositides and cholesterol. Through their ligand interactions, PDZ domain proteins are critical for cellular trafficking and the surface retention of various ion channels. In addition, PDZ proteins are essential for neuronal signaling, memory, and learning. PDZ proteins also contribute to cytoskeletal dynamics by mediating interactions critical for maintaining cell-cell junctions, cell polarity, and cell migration. Given their important biological roles, it is not surprising that their dysfunction can lead to multiple disease states. As such, PDZ domain-containing proteins have emerged as potential targets for the development of small molecular inhibitors as therapeutic agents. Recent data suggest that the critical binding function of PDZ domains in cell signaling is more than just glue, and their binding function can be regulated by phosphorylation or allosterically by other binding partners. These studies also provide a wealth of structural and biophysical data that are beginning to reveal the physical features that endow this small modular domain with a central role in cell signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Ernesto J. Fuentes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Corresponding author: E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Targeting PTEN in Colorectal Cancers. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1110:55-73. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-02771-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
10
|
Yasko JR, Mains RE. Chronic pain following spinal cord injury: Current approaches to cellular and molecular mechanisms. TRENDS IN CELL & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 13:67-84. [PMID: 33564218 PMCID: PMC7869846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) has devastating implications for patients, including a high prevalence of chronic pain. Despite advancements in our understanding of the mechanisms involved post-SCI, there are no effective treatments for chronic pain following injury. The development of new treatment interventions for pain is needed, but this requires improved models to assess injury-related cellular, neurophysiological and molecular changes in the spinal cord. Here, we will discuss recent animal models for SCI, molecular screening for altered patterns of gene expression, and the importance of injury severity and timing after SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R. Yasko
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington CT 06030-3401, USA
| | - Richard E. Mains
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington CT 06030-3401, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Marshall J, Szmydynger-Chodobska J, Rioult-Pedotti MS, Lau K, Chin AT, Kotla SKR, Tiwari RK, Parang K, Threlkeld SW, Chodobski A. TrkB-enhancer facilitates functional recovery after traumatic brain injury. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10995. [PMID: 28887487 PMCID: PMC5591207 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11316-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key player in regulating synaptic strength and learning, is dysregulated following traumatic brain injury (TBI), suggesting that stimulation of BDNF signaling pathways may facilitate functional recovery. This study investigates whether CN2097, a peptidomimetic ligand which targets the synaptic scaffold protein, postsynaptic density protein 95, to enhance downstream signaling of tropomyosin-related kinase B, a receptor for BDNF, can improve neurological function after TBI. Moderate to severe TBI elicits neuroinflammation and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, which is associated with memory deficits. Here we demonstrate that CN2097 significantly reduces the post-traumatic synthesis of proinflammatory mediators and inhibits the post-traumatic activation of JNK in a rodent model of TBI. The recordings of field excitatory post-synaptic potentials in the hippocampal CA1 subfield demonstrate that TBI inhibits the expression of long-term potentiation (LTP) evoked by high-frequency stimulation of Schaffer collaterals, and that CN2097 attenuates this LTP impairment. Lastly, we demonstrate that CN2097 significantly improves the complex auditory processing deficits, which are impaired after injury. The multifunctionality of CN2097 strongly suggests that CN2097 could be highly efficacious in targeting complex secondary injury processes resulting from neurotrauma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Marshall
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
| | - Joanna Szmydynger-Chodobska
- Neurotrauma and Brain Barriers Research Laboratory, Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Mengia S Rioult-Pedotti
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Kara Lau
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Andrea T Chin
- Neurotrauma and Brain Barriers Research Laboratory, Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Siva K Reddy Kotla
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Rakesh Kumar Tiwari
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Keykavous Parang
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | | | - Adam Chodobski
- Neurotrauma and Brain Barriers Research Laboratory, Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Effects of the dimeric PSD-95 inhibitor UCCB01-144 in mouse models of pain, cognition and motor function. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 780:166-73. [PMID: 27032314 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
NMDAR antagonism shows analgesic action in humans and animal pain models, but disrupts cognitive and motor functions. NMDAR-dependent NO production requires tethering of the NMDAR to neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) by the postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95). Perturbing the NMDAR/PSD-95/nNOS interaction has therefore been proposed as an alternative analgesic mechanism. We recently reported that UCCB01-125, a dimeric PSD-95 inhibitor with limited blood-brain-barrier permeability, reduced mechanical hypersensitivity in the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) inflammatory pain model, without disrupting cognitive or motor functions. Here, we investigated the analgesic efficacy in the CFA model of UCCB01-144, a PSD-95 inhibitor with improved blood-brain-barrier permeability. To extend the comparison of UCCB01-125 and UCCB01-144, we also tested both compounds in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain. Potential cognitive effects of UCCB01-144 were examined using the social transmission of food preference (STFP) test and the V-maze test, and motor coordination was assessed with the rotarod test. UCCB01-144 (10mg/kg) reversed CFA-induced mechanical hypersensitivity after 1h, and completely normalised sensitivity after 24h. In the SNI model, UCCB01-144 (30mg/kg) partially reversed hypersensitivity after 1h, but no effect was observed after 24h. UCCB01-125 did not affect SNI-induced hypersensitivity. Rotarod performance was unaffected by UCCB01-144, but 30mg/kg UCCB01-144 impaired performance in the STFP test. Collectively, UCCB01-144 reversed both CFA and SNI-induced hypersensitivity, but the efficacy in the SNI model was only transient. This suggests that enhanced BBB permeability of PSD-95 inhibitors improves the analgesic action in neuropathic pain states.
Collapse
|
13
|
Posttranslational Modifications Regulate the Postsynaptic Localization of PSD-95. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:1759-1776. [PMID: 26884267 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9745-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The postsynaptic density (PSD) consists of a lattice-like array of interacting proteins that organizes and stabilizes synaptic receptors, ion channels, structural proteins, and signaling molecules required for normal synaptic transmission and synaptic function. The scaffolding and hub protein postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) is a major element of central chemical synapses and interacts with glutamate receptors, cell adhesion molecules, and cytoskeletal elements. In fact, PSD-95 can regulate basal synaptic stability as well as the activity-dependent structural plasticity of the PSD and, therefore, of the excitatory chemical synapse. Several studies have shown that PSD-95 is highly enriched at excitatory synapses and have identified multiple protein structural domains and protein-protein interactions that mediate PSD-95 function and trafficking to the postsynaptic region. PSD-95 is also a target of several signaling pathways that induce posttranslational modifications, including palmitoylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, nitrosylation, and neddylation; these modifications determine the synaptic stability and function of PSD-95 and thus regulate the fates of individual dendritic spines in the nervous system. In the present work, we review the posttranslational modifications that regulate the synaptic localization of PSD-95 and describe their functional consequences. We also explore the signaling pathways that induce such changes.
Collapse
|
14
|
Bach A, Pedersen TB, Strømgaard K. Design and synthesis of triazole-based peptidomimetics of a PSD-95 PDZ domain inhibitor. MEDCHEMCOMM 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5md00445d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A novel PSD-95 PDZ2 peptidomimetic has been discovered by designing azide and alkyne amino acid analogues and click chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology
- University of Copenhagen
- DK-2100 Copenhagen
- Denmark
| | - Thomas B. Pedersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology
- University of Copenhagen
- DK-2100 Copenhagen
- Denmark
| | - Kristian Strømgaard
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology
- University of Copenhagen
- DK-2100 Copenhagen
- Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Unexpected Heterodivalent Recruitment of NOS1AP to nNOS Reveals Multiple Sites for Pharmacological Intervention in Neuronal Disease Models. J Neurosci 2015; 35:7349-64. [PMID: 25972165 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0037-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein NOS1AP/CAPON mediates signaling from a protein complex of NMDA receptor, PSD95 and nNOS. The only stroke trial for neuroprotectants that showed benefit to patients targeted this ternary complex. NOS1AP/nNOS interaction regulates small GTPases, iron transport, p38MAPK-linked excitotoxicity, and anxiety. Moreover, the nos1ap gene is linked to disorders from schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and autism to cardiovascular disorders and breast cancer. Understanding protein interactions required for NOS1AP function, therefore, has broad implications for numerous diseases. Here we show that the interaction of NOS1AP with nNOS differs radically from the classical PDZ docking assumed to be responsible. The NOS1AP PDZ motif does not bind nNOS as measured by multiple methods. In contrast, full-length NOS1AP forms an unusually stable interaction with nNOS. We mapped the discrepancy between full-length and C-terminal PDZ motif to a novel internal region we call the ExF motif. The C-terminal PDZ motif, although neither sufficient nor necessary for binding, nevertheless promotes the stability of the complex. It therefore potentially affects signal transduction and suggests that functional interaction of nNOS with NOS1AP might be targetable at two distinct sites. We demonstrate that excitotoxic pathways can be regulated, in cortical neuron and organotypic hippocampal slice cultures from rat, either by the previously described PDZ ligand TAT-GESV or by the ExF motif-bearing region of NOS1AP, even when lacking the critical PDZ residues as long as the ExF motif is intact and not mutated. This previously unrecognized heterodivalent interaction of nNOS with NOS1AP may therefore provide distinct opportunities for pharmacological intervention in NOS1AP-dependent signaling and excitotoxicity.
Collapse
|
16
|
Marshall J, Wong KY, Rupasinghe CN, Tiwari R, Zhao X, Berberoglu ED, Sinkler C, Liu J, Lee I, Parang K, Spaller MR, Hüttemann M, Goebel DJ. Inhibition of N-Methyl-D-aspartate-induced Retinal Neuronal Death by Polyarginine Peptides Is Linked to the Attenuation of Stress-induced Hyperpolarization of the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Potential. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:22030-48. [PMID: 26100636 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.662791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
It is widely accepted that overactivation of NMDA receptors, resulting in calcium overload and consequent mitochondrial dysfunction in retinal ganglion neurons, plays a significant role in promoting neurodegenerative disorders such as glaucoma. Calcium has been shown to initiate a transient hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential triggering a burst of reactive oxygen species leading to apoptosis. Strategies that enhance cell survival signaling pathways aimed at preventing this adverse hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential may provide a novel therapeutic intervention in retinal disease. In the retina, brain-derived neurotrophic factor has been shown to be neuroprotective, and our group previously reported a PSD-95/PDZ-binding cyclic peptide (CN2097) that augments brain-derived neurotrophic factor-induced pro-survival signaling. Here, we examined the neuroprotective properties of CN2097 using an established retinal in vivo NMDA toxicity model. CN2097 completely attenuated NMDA-induced caspase 3-dependent and -independent cell death and PARP-1 activation pathways, blocked necrosis, and fully prevented the loss of long term ganglion cell viability. Although neuroprotection was partially dependent upon CN2097 binding to the PDZ domain of PSD-95, our results show that the polyarginine-rich transport moiety C-R(7), linked to the PDZ-PSD-95-binding cyclic peptide, was sufficient to mediate short and long term protection via a mitochondrial targeting mechanism. C-R(7) localized to mitochondria and was found to reduce mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization, and the generation of reactive oxygen species, promoting survival of retinal neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Marshall
- From the Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912
| | - Kwoon Y Wong
- the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
| | - Chamila N Rupasinghe
- the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756
| | - Rakesh Tiwari
- the Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618
| | - Xiwu Zhao
- the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
| | | | - Christopher Sinkler
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, and
| | - Jenney Liu
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, and
| | - Icksoo Lee
- the College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, 330-714, Republic of Korea
| | - Keykavous Parang
- the Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618
| | - Mark R Spaller
- the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756
| | - Maik Hüttemann
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, and
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nissen KB, Andersen JJ, Haugaard-Kedström LM, Bach A, Strømgaard K. Design, synthesis, and characterization of fatty acid derivatives of a dimeric peptide-based postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) inhibitor. J Med Chem 2015; 58:1575-80. [PMID: 25590984 DOI: 10.1021/jm501755d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Dimeric peptide-based inhibitors of postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) can reduce ischemic brain damage and inflammatory pain in rodents. To modify the pharmacokinetic profile, we designed a series of fatty acid linked dimeric ligands, which potently inhibits PSD-95 and shows improved in vitro blood plasma stability. Subcutaneous administration in rats showed extended stability and sustained release of these ligands. This can facilitate new pharmacological uses of PSD-95 inhibitors and further exploration of PSD-95 as a drug target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus B Nissen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Grillo-Bosch D, Choquet D, Sainlos M. Inhibition of PDZ domain-mediated interactions. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2014; 10:e531-40. [PMID: 24451645 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2012.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Modulating protein-protein interactions constitutes a promising strategy both for the investigation of biological mechanisms and for developing new therapeutic approaches. Among the many types of inter-actions, PDZ domain-mediated interactions (PDMIs) have emerged over the last decade as attractive targets in the drug discovery field. Indeed, these small domains are involved in the regulation of many signaling pathways and possess structural properties which are favorable for the design of competing ligands. Herein, we describe the recent approaches developed to inhibit this class of protein-protein interactions.
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu Y, Cui X, Sun YE, Yang X, Ni K, Zhou Y, Ma Z, Gu X. Intrathecal injection of the peptide myr-NR2B9c attenuates bone cancer pain via perturbing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-PSD-95 protein interactions in mice. Anesth Analg 2014; 118:1345-54. [PMID: 24842180 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000000202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDARs)-dependent central sensitization plays an important role in cancer pain. Binding of NMDAR subunit 2B (NR2B) by postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) can couple NMDAR activity to intracellular enzymes, such as neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), facilitate downstream signaling pathways, and modulate NMDAR stability, contributing to synaptic plasticity. In this study, we investigated whether perturbing the specific interaction between spinal NR2B-containing NMDAR and PSD-95, using a peptide-mimetic strategy, could attenuate bone cancer-related pain behaviors. METHODS Osteosarcoma cells were implanted into the intramedullary space of the right femurs of C3H/HeJ mice to induce progressive bone cancer-related pain behaviors. Western blotting was applied to examine the expression of spinal phospho-Tyr1472 NR2B, nNOS, and PSD-95. We further investigated the effects of intrathecal injection of the mimetic peptide Myr-NR2B9c, which competitively disrupts the interaction between PSD-95 and NR2B, on nociceptive behaviors and on the upregulation of phospho-Tyr1472 NR2B, nNOS, and PSD-95 associated with bone cancer pain in the spinal cord. RESULTS Inoculation of osteosarcoma cells induced progressive bone cancer pain and resulted in a significant upregulation of phospho-Tyr1472 NR2B, nNOS, and PSD-95. Intrathecal administration of Myr-NR2B9c attenuated bone cancer-evoked mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, and reduced spinal phospho-Tyr1472 NR2B, nNOS, and PSD-95 expression. CONCLUSIONS Intrathecal administration of Myr-NR2B9c reduced bone cancer pain. Internalization of spinal NR2B and dissociation NR2B-containing NMDARs activation from downstream nNOS signaling may contribute to the analgesic effects of Myr-NR2B9c. This approach may circumvent the negative consequences associated with blocking NMDARs, and may be a novel strategy for the treatment of bone cancer pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
More than half of all patients with diabetes develop neuropathic disorders affecting the distal sensory and/or motor nerves, or autonomic or cranial nerve functions. Glycemic control can decrease the incidence of neuropathy but is not adequate alone to prevent or treat the disease. This chapter introduces diabetic neuropathy with a morphological description of the disease then describes our current understanding of metabolic and molecular mechanisms that contribute to neurovascular dysfunctions. Key mechanisms include glucose and lipid imbalances and insulin resistance that are interconnected via oxidative stress, inflammation, and altered gene expression. These complex interactions should be considered for the development of new treatment strategies against the onset or progression of neuropathy. Advances in understanding the combined metabolic stressors and the novel study of epigenetics suggest new therapeutic targets to combat this morbid and intractable disease affecting millions of patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Collapse
|
21
|
Tiwari G, Mohanty D. An in silico analysis of the binding modes and binding affinities of small molecule modulators of PDZ-peptide interactions. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71340. [PMID: 23951139 PMCID: PMC3738590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of PDZ-peptide interactions have important implications in a variety of biological processes including treatment of cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Even though experimental studies have reported characterization of peptidomimetic inhibitors of PDZ-peptide interactions, the binding modes for most of them have not been characterized by structural studies. In this study we have attempted to understand the structural basis of the small molecule-PDZ interactions by in silico analysis of the binding modes and binding affinities of a set of 38 small molecules with known Ki or Kd values for PDZ2 and PDZ3 domains of PSD-95 protein. These two PDZ domains show differential selectivity for these compounds despite having a high degree of sequence similarity and almost identical peptide binding pockets. Optimum binding modes for these ligands for PDZ2 and PDZ3 domains were identified by using a novel combination of semi-flexible docking and explicit solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Analysis of the binding modes revealed most of the peptidomimectic ligands which had high Ki or Kd moved away from the peptide binding pocket, while ligands with high binding affinities remained in the peptide binding pocket. The differential specificities of the PDZ2 and PDZ3 domains primarily arise from differences in the conformation of the loop connecting βB and βC strands, because this loop interacts with the N-terminal chemical moieties of the ligands. We have also computed the MM/PBSA binding free energy values for these 38 compounds with both the PDZ domains from multiple 5 ns MD trajectories on each complex i.e. a total of 228 MD trajectories of 5 ns length each. Interestingly, computational binding free energies show good agreement with experimental binding free energies with a correlation coefficient of approximately 0.6. Thus our study demonstrates that combined use of docking and MD simulations can help in identification of potent inhibitors of PDZ-peptide complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Garima Tiwari
- Bioinformatics Center, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Debasisa Mohanty
- Bioinformatics Center, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mellone M, Gardoni F. Modulation of NMDA receptor at the synapse: promising therapeutic interventions in disorders of the nervous system. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 719:75-83. [PMID: 23872417 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
There is general agreement that excessive activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors plays a key role in mediating at least some aspects of synaptic dysfunction in several central nervous system disorders. On this view, in the last decades, research focused on the discovery of different compounds able to reduce NMDA receptor activity, such as classical and/or subunit-specific antagonists. However, the increasing body of knowledge on specific signaling pathways downstream NMDA receptors led to the identification of new pharmacological targets for NMDA receptor-related pathological conditions. Moreover, besides over-activation, several studies indicated that also abnormal NMDA receptor trafficking, resulting in the modification of the receptor subunit composition at the synapse, has a major role in the pathogenesis of several brain disorders. For this reason, the discovery of the molecular mechanisms regulating the abundance of synaptic versus extra-synaptic NMDA receptors as well as the activation of the specific signaling pathways downstream the different NMDA receptor subtypes is needed for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Mellone
- Dipartimento Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Gardoni
- Dipartimento Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Andreasen JT, Bach A, Gynther M, Nasser A, Mogensen J, Strømgaard K, Pickering DS. UCCB01-125, a dimeric inhibitor of PSD-95, reduces inflammatory pain without disrupting cognitive or motor performance: Comparison with the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801. Neuropharmacology 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
24
|
Bouzidi N, Deokar H, Vogrig A, Boucherle B, Ripoche I, Abrunhosa-Thomas I, Dorr L, Wattiez AS, Lian LY, Marin P, Courteix C, Ducki S. Identification of PDZ ligands by docking-based virtual screening for the development of novel analgesic agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013; 23:2624-7. [PMID: 23545111 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.02.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Disrupting the interaction between the PDZ protein, PSD-95, and its target ligands (such as the glutamate NMDA receptor or the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor) was found to reduce hyperalgesia in various models of neuropathic pain. Here, we set out to identify lead molecules which would interact with PSD-95, and hence, would potentially display analgesic activity. We describe the virtual screening of the Asinex and Cambridge databases which together contain almost one million molecules. Using three successive docking filters and visual inspection, we identified three structural classes of molecules and synthesized a potential lead compound from each class. The binding of the molecules with the PDZ domains of PSD-95 was assessed by (1)H-(15)N HSQC NMR experiments. The analgesic activity of the best ligand, quinoline 2, was evaluated in vivo in a model of neuropathic pain and showed promising results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoual Bouzidi
- Clermont Université, UBP, CNRS UMR 6296, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, BP 10448, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Cao C, Rioult-Pedotti MS, Migani P, Yu CJ, Tiwari R, Parang K, Spaller MR, Goebel DJ, Marshall J. Impairment of TrkB-PSD-95 signaling in Angelman syndrome. PLoS Biol 2013; 11:e1001478. [PMID: 23424281 PMCID: PMC3570550 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1001478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling is defective in Angelman syndrome and can be rescued by disruption of Arc/PSD95 binding. Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by severe cognitive impairment and a high rate of autism. AS is caused by disrupted neuronal expression of the maternally inherited Ube3A ubiquitin protein ligase, required for the proteasomal degradation of proteins implicated in synaptic plasticity, such as the activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associated protein (Arc/Arg3.1). Mice deficient in maternal Ube3A express elevated levels of Arc in response to synaptic activity, which coincides with severely impaired long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus and deficits in learning behaviors. In this study, we sought to test whether elevated levels of Arc interfere with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) TrkB receptor signaling, which is known to be essential for both the induction and maintenance of LTP. We report that TrkB signaling in the AS mouse is defective, and show that reduction of Arc expression to control levels rescues the signaling deficits. Moreover, the association of the postsynaptic density protein PSD-95 with TrkB is critical for intact BDNF signaling, and elevated levels of Arc were found to impede PSD-95/TrkB association. In Ube3A deficient mice, the BDNF-induced recruitment of PSD-95, as well as PLCγ and Grb2-associated binder 1 (Gab1) with TrkB receptors was attenuated, resulting in reduced activation of PLCγ-α-calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and PI3K-Akt, but leaving the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) pathway intact. A bridged cyclic peptide (CN2097), shown by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies to uniquely bind the PDZ1 domain of PSD-95 with high affinity, decreased the interaction of Arc with PSD-95 to restore BDNF-induced TrkB/PSD-95 complex formation, signaling, and facilitate the induction of LTP in AS mice. We propose that the failure of TrkB receptor signaling at synapses in AS is directly linked to elevated levels of Arc associated with PSD-95 and PSD-95 PDZ-ligands may represent a promising approach to reverse cognitive dysfunction. Angelman syndrome (AS) is a debilitating neurological disorder caused by a dysfunctional Ube3A gene. Most children with AS exhibit developmental delay, movement disorders, speech impairment, and often autistic features. The Ube3A enzyme normally regulates the degradation of the synaptic protein Arc, and in its absence the resulting elevated levels of Arc weaken synaptic contacts, making it difficult to generate long-term potentiation (LTP) and to process and store memory. In this study, we show that increased levels of Arc disrupt brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling through the TrkB receptor (which is important for both the induction and maintenance of LTP). We find that the association of the postsynaptic density protein PSD-95 with TrkB is critical for intact BDNF signaling, and that the high levels of Arc in AS interfere with BDNF-induced recruitment of postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) and other effectors to TrkB. By disrupting the interaction between Arc and PSD-95 with the novel cyclic peptidomimetic compound CN2097, we were able to restore BDNF signaling and improve the induction of LTP in a mouse model of AS. We propose that the disruption of TrkB receptor signaling at synapses contributes to the cognitive dysfunction that occurs in Angelman syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Cao
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Mengia S. Rioult-Pedotti
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Paolo Migani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Crystal J. Yu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Rakesh Tiwari
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Keykavous Parang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Mark R. Spaller
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Dennis J. Goebel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DJG); (JM)
| | - John Marshall
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DJG); (JM)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Serotonin-glutamate and serotonin-dopamine reciprocal interactions as putative molecular targets for novel antipsychotic treatments: from receptor heterodimers to postsynaptic scaffolding and effector proteins. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013. [PMID: 23179966 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2921-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The physical and functional interactions between serotonin-glutamate and serotonin-dopamine signaling have been suggested to be involved in psychosis pathophysiology and are supposed to be relevant for antipsychotic treatment. Type II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and serotonin 5-HT(2A) receptors have been reported to form heterodimers that modulate G-protein-mediated intracellular signaling differentially compared to mGluR2 and 5-HT(2A) homomers. Additionally, direct evidence has been provided that D(2) and 5-HT(2A) receptors form physical heterocomplexes which exert a functional cross-talk, as demonstrated by studies on hallucinogen-induced signaling. Moving from receptors to postsynaptic density (PSD) scenario, the scaffolding protein PSD-95 is known to interact with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), D(2) and 5-HT(2) receptors, regulating their activation state. Homer1a, the inducible member of the Homer family of PSD proteins that is implicated in glutamatergic signal transduction, is induced in striatum by antipsychotics with high dopamine receptor affinity and in the cortex by antipsychotics with mixed serotonergic/dopaminergic profile. Signaling molecules, such as Akt and glycogen-synthase-kinase-3 (GSK-3), could be involved in the mechanism of action of antipsychotics, targeting dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate neurotransmission. Altogether, these proteins stand at the crossroad of glutamate-dopamine-serotonin signaling pathways and may be considered as valuable molecular targets for current and new antipsychotics. The aim of this review is to provide a critical appraisal on serotonin-glutamate and serotonin-dopamine interplay to support the idea that next generation schizophrenia pharmacotherapy should not exclusively rely on receptor targeting strategies.
Collapse
|
27
|
Time-dependent cross talk between spinal serotonin 5-HT2A receptor and mGluR1 subserves spinal hyperexcitability and neuropathic pain after nerve injury. J Neurosci 2012; 32:13568-81. [PMID: 23015446 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1364-12.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence implicates serotonergic descending facilitatory pathways from the brainstem to the spinal cord in the maintenance of pathologic pain. Upregulation of the serotonin receptor 2A (5-HT(2A)R) in dorsal horn neurons promotes spinal hyperexcitation and impairs spinal μ-opioid mechanisms during neuropathic pain. We investigated the involvement of spinal glutamate receptors, including metabotropic receptors (mGluRs) and NMDA, in 5-HT(2A)R-induced hyperexcitability after spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rat. High-affinity 5-HT(2A)R agonist (4-bromo-3,6-dimethoxybenzocyclobuten-1-yl)methylamine hydrobromide (TCB-2) enhanced C-fiber-evoked dorsal horn potentials after SNL, which was prevented by mGluR1 antagonist AIDA [(RS)-1-aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid] but not by group II mGluR antagonist LY 341495 [(2S)-2-amino-2-[(1S,2S)-2-carboxycycloprop-1-yl]-3-(xanth-9-yl)propanoic acid] or NMDA antagonist d-AP5 [D-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid]. 5-HT(2A)R and mGluR1 were found to be coexpressed in postsynaptic densities in dorsal horn neurons. In the absence of SNL, pharmacological stimulation of 5-HT(2A)R with TCB-2 both induced rapid bilateral upregulation of mGluR1 expression in cytoplasmic and synaptic fractions of spinal cord homogenates, which was attenuated by PKC inhibitor chelerythrine, and enhanced evoked potentials during costimulation of mGluR1 with 3,5-DHPG [(RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine]. SNL was followed by bilateral upregulation of mGluR1 in 5-HT(2A)R-containing postsynaptic densities. Upregulation of mGluR1 in synaptic compartments was partially prevented by chronic administration of selective 5-HT(2A)R antagonist M100907 [(R)-(+)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-pipidinemethanol], confirming 5-HT(2A)R-mediated control of mGluR1 upregulation triggered by SNL. Changes in thermal and mechanical pain thresholds following SNL were increasingly reversed over the days after injury by chronic 5-HT(2A)R blockade. These results emphasize a role for 5-HT(2A)R in hyperexcitation and pain after nerve injury and support mGluR1 upregulation as a novel feedforward activation mechanism contributing to 5-HT(2A)R-mediated facilitation.
Collapse
|
28
|
Chi CN, Bach A, Strømgaard K, Gianni S, Jemth P. Ligand binding by PDZ domains. Biofactors 2012; 38:338-48. [PMID: 22674855 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The postsynaptic density protein-95/disks large/zonula occludens-1 (PDZ) protein domain family is one of the most common protein-protein interaction modules in mammalian cells, with paralogs present in several hundred human proteins. PDZ domains are found in most cell types, but neuronal proteins, for example, are particularly rich in these domains. The general function of PDZ domains is to bring proteins together within the appropriate cellular compartment, thereby facilitating scaffolding, signaling, and trafficking events. The many functions of PDZ domains under normal physiological as well as pathological conditions have been reviewed recently. In this review, we focus on the molecular details of how PDZ domains bind their protein ligands and their potential as drug targets in this context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celestine N Chi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
A high-affinity, dimeric inhibitor of PSD-95 bivalently interacts with PDZ1-2 and protects against ischemic brain damage. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:3317-22. [PMID: 22343531 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1113761109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the ternary protein complex of the synaptic scaffolding protein postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is a potential strategy for treating ischemic brain damage, but high-affinity inhibitors are lacking. Here we report the design and synthesis of a novel dimeric inhibitor, Tat-NPEG4(IETDV)(2) (Tat-N-dimer), which binds the tandem PDZ1-2 domain of PSD-95 with an unprecedented high affinity of 4.6 nM, and displays extensive protease-resistance as evaluated in vitro by stability-measurements in human blood plasma. X-ray crystallography, NMR, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) deduced a true bivalent interaction between dimeric inhibitor and PDZ1-2, and also provided a dynamic model of the conformational changes of PDZ1-2 induced by the dimeric inhibitor. A single intravenous injection of Tat-N-dimer (3 nmol/g) to mice subjected to focal cerebral ischemia reduces infarct volume with 40% and restores motor functions. Thus, Tat-N-dimer is a highly efficacious neuroprotective agent with therapeutic potential in stroke.
Collapse
|
30
|
Iwata M, LeBlanc BW, Kadasi LM, Zerah ML, Cosgrove RG, Saab CY. High-frequency stimulation in the ventral posterolateral thalamus reverses electrophysiologic changes and hyperalgesia in a rat model of peripheral neuropathic pain. Pain 2011; 152:2505-2513. [PMID: 21906880 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2011.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Revised: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain is associated with long-term changes at multiple levels of the neuroaxis, including in the brain, where electrical stimulation has been used to manage severe pain conditions. However, the clinical outcome of deep brain stimulation is often mixed, and the mechanisms are poorly understood. By means of electrophysiologic methods, we sought to characterize the changes in neuronal activity in the ventral posterolateral nucleus of the thalamus (VPL) in a rat model of peripheral neuropathic pain, and to reverse these changes with low-voltage, high-frequency stimulation (HFS) in the VPL. Extracellular single-unit neuronal activity was recorded in naive rats and in those with sciatic chronic constriction injury (CCI). Seven days after CCI, brush- and pinch-evoked firing, as well as spontaneous firing and afterdischarge, were significantly increased compared to naive rats. Spontaneous rhythmic oscillation in neuronal firing was also observed in rats with CCI. HFS decreased neuronal firing rates in rats with CCI up to ~50% except for spontaneous activity, whereas low-frequency stimulation had no effect. Compared to naive rats, burst firing properties (burst events, percentage of spikes in burst, and mean interburst time) were altered in rats with CCI, whereas these changes were reversed to near normal after HFS. Thermal hyperalgesia in rats with CCI was significantly attenuated by HFS. Therefore, this study demonstrates that electrical stimulation within the VPL can effectively modulate some nociceptive phenomena associated with peripheral neuropathic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Iwata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI 02903, USA Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
LeBlanc BW, Zerah ML, Kadasi LM, Chai N, Saab CY. Minocycline injection in the ventral posterolateral thalamus reverses microglial reactivity and thermal hyperalgesia secondary to sciatic neuropathy. Neurosci Lett 2011; 498:138-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.04.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 04/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
32
|
Boucherle B, Vogrig A, Deokar H, Bouzidi N, Ripoche I, Thomas I, Marin P, Ducki S. Synthesis and evaluation of bidentate ligands designed to interact with PDZ domains. Bioorg Med Chem 2011; 19:4346-54. [PMID: 21680189 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2011.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We designed bidentate ligands to target PDZ domains through two binding sites: site S0, delimited by the GLGF loop, and site S1, a zone situated around loop β(B)/β(C). A molecular docking study allowed us to design a generic S0 binder, to which was attached a variable size linker, itself linked to an amino acid aimed to interact with the S1 site of PDZ domains. A series of 15 novel bidentate ligands was prepared in 6-11 steps in good overall yield (24-43%). Some of these ligands showed an inhibitory activity against serotonin 5-HT2A receptor/PSD-95 interaction. This was assessed by pull-down assay using a synthetic decapeptide corresponding to the C-terminal residues of the receptor as a bait.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Boucherle
- Clermont Université, UBP, EA 987, LCHG, BP 10448, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Perturbing PSD-95 interactions with NR2B-subtype receptors attenuates spinal nociceptive plasticity and neuropathic pain. Mol Ther 2011; 19:1780-92. [PMID: 21427709 PMCID: PMC3188755 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral inflammation or nerve injury induces a primary afferent barrage into the spinal cord, which can cause N-methyl -aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent alterations in the responses of dorsal horn sensory neurons to subsequent afferent inputs. This plasticity, such as “wind-up” and central sensitization, contributes to the hyperexcitability of dorsal horn neurons and increased pain-related behavior in animal models, as well as clinical signs of chronic pain in humans, hyperalgesia and allodynia. Binding of NMDA receptor subunits by the scaffolding protein postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) can facilitate downstream intracellular signaling and modulate receptor stability, contributing to synaptic plasticity. Here, we show that spinal delivery of the mimetic peptide Tat-NR2B9c disrupts the interaction between PSD-95 and NR2B subunits in the dorsal horn and selectively reduces NMDA receptor-dependent events including wind-up of spinal sensory neurons, and both persistent formalin-induced neuronal activity and pain-related behaviors, attributed to central sensitization. Furthermore, a single intrathecal injection of Tat-NR2B9c in rats with established nerve injury-induced pain attenuates behavioral signs of mechanical and cold hypersensitivity, with no effect on locomotor performance. Thus, uncoupling of PSD-95 from spinal NR2B-containing NMDA receptors may prevent the neuronal plasticity involved in chronic pain and may be a successful analgesic therapy, reducing side effects associated with receptor blockade.
Collapse
|
34
|
Bach A, Eildal JNN, Stuhr-Hansen N, Deeskamp R, Gottschalk M, Pedersen SW, Kristensen AS, Strømgaard K. Cell-Permeable and Plasma-Stable Peptidomimetic Inhibitors of the Postsynaptic Density-95/N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Interaction. J Med Chem 2011; 54:1333-46. [DOI: 10.1021/jm1013924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Bach
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas N. N. Eildal
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicolai Stuhr-Hansen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Deeskamp
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Gottschalk
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren W. Pedersen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders S. Kristensen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Strømgaard
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Woolf CJ. Central sensitization: implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. Pain 2010; 152:S2-S15. [PMID: 20961685 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2010.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2743] [Impact Index Per Article: 195.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2010] [Revised: 09/24/2010] [Accepted: 09/24/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nociceptor inputs can trigger a prolonged but reversible increase in the excitability and synaptic efficacy of neurons in central nociceptive pathways, the phenomenon of central sensitization. Central sensitization manifests as pain hypersensitivity, particularly dynamic tactile allodynia, secondary punctate or pressure hyperalgesia, aftersensations, and enhanced temporal summation. It can be readily and rapidly elicited in human volunteers by diverse experimental noxious conditioning stimuli to skin, muscles or viscera, and in addition to producing pain hypersensitivity, results in secondary changes in brain activity that can be detected by electrophysiological or imaging techniques. Studies in clinical cohorts reveal changes in pain sensitivity that have been interpreted as revealing an important contribution of central sensitization to the pain phenotype in patients with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal disorders with generalized pain hypersensitivity, headache, temporomandibular joint disorders, dental pain, neuropathic pain, visceral pain hypersensitivity disorders and post-surgical pain. The comorbidity of those pain hypersensitivity syndromes that present in the absence of inflammation or a neural lesion, their similar pattern of clinical presentation and response to centrally acting analgesics, may reflect a commonality of central sensitization to their pathophysiology. An important question that still needs to be determined is whether there are individuals with a higher inherited propensity for developing central sensitization than others, and if so, whether this conveys an increased risk in both developing conditions with pain hypersensitivity, and their chronification. Diagnostic criteria to establish the presence of central sensitization in patients will greatly assist the phenotyping of patients for choosing treatments that produce analgesia by normalizing hyperexcitable central neural activity. We have certainly come a long way since the first discovery of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in the spinal cord and the revelation that it occurs and produces pain hypersensitivity in patients. Nevertheless, discovering the genetic and environmental contributors to and objective biomarkers of central sensitization will be highly beneficial, as will additional treatment options to prevent or reduce this prevalent and promiscuous form of pain plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clifford J Woolf
- Program in Neurobiology and FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Children's Hospital Boston, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|