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Zhang Y, Liu Y, Wu X, Lu X, Wang M, Ye D, Iqbal C, Sun W, Zhang X, Zhang L, Yang X. A Novel Peptidomimetic Insecticide: Dippu-AstR-Based Rational Design and Biological Activity of Allatostatin Analogs. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:11341-11350. [PMID: 38713071 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Insect neuropeptides play an essential role in regulating growth, development, reproduction, nerve conduction, metabolism, and behavior in insects; therefore, G protein-coupled receptors of neuropeptides are considered important targets for designing green insecticides. Cockroach-type allatostatins (ASTs) (FGLamides allatostatins) are important insect neuropeptides in Diploptera punctata that inhibit juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis in the corpora allata and affect growth, development, and reproduction of insects. Therefore, the pursuit of novel insecticides targeting the allatostatin receptor (AstR) holds significant importance. Previously, we identified an AST analogue, H17, as a promising candidate for pest control. Herein, we first modeled the 3D structure of AstR in D. punctata (Dippu-AstR) and predicted the binding mode of H17 with Dippu-AstR to study the critical interactions and residues favorable to its bioactivity. Based on this binding mode, we designed and synthesized a series of H17 derivatives and assessed their insecticidal activity against D. punctata. Among them, compound Q6 showed higher insecticidal activity than H17 against D. punctata by inhibiting JH biosynthesis, indicating that Q6 is a potential candidate for a novel insect growth regulator (IGR)-based insecticide. Moreover, Q6 exhibited insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella, indicating that these AST analogs may have a wider insecticidal spectrum. The underlying mechanisms and molecular conformations mediating the interactions of Q6 with Dippu-AstR were explored to understand its effects on the bioactivity. The present work clarifies how a target-based strategy facilitates the discovery of new peptide mimics with better bioactivity, enabling improved IGR-based insecticide potency in sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Zhang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wu
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xingxing Lu
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Meizi Wang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dexing Ye
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chandni Iqbal
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wenyu Sun
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Pest Chemical Control, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xinling Yang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Pest Chemical Control, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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3D-QSAR based optimization of insect neuropeptide allatostatin analogs. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2019; 29:890-895. [PMID: 30765188 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Allatostatins (AST) are neuropeptides originally described as inhibitors of juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis in insects. Consequently, they have been considered as potential lead compounds for the discovery of new insect growth regulators (IGRs). In the present work, receptor-based three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) was studied with 48 AST analogs, and a general approach for novel potent bioactive AST analogs is proposed. Hence, six novel AST analogs were designed and synthesized. Bioassays indicated that the majority novel analogs exhibited potent JH inhibitory activity, especially analog A6 (IC50: 3.79 nmol/L), which can be used as lead compound to develop new IGRs.
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DeLaney K, Buchberger AR, Atkinson L, Gründer S, Mousley A, Li L. New techniques, applications and perspectives in neuropeptide research. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:221/3/jeb151167. [PMID: 29439063 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.151167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are one of the most diverse classes of signaling molecules and have attracted great interest over the years owing to their roles in regulation of a wide range of physiological processes. However, there are unique challenges associated with neuropeptide studies stemming from the highly variable molecular sizes of the peptides, low in vivo concentrations, high degree of structural diversity and large number of isoforms. As a result, much effort has been focused on developing new techniques for studying neuropeptides, as well as novel applications directed towards learning more about these endogenous peptides. The areas of importance for neuropeptide studies include structure, localization within tissues, interaction with their receptors, including ion channels, and physiological function. Here, we discuss these aspects and the associated techniques, focusing on technologies that have demonstrated potential in advancing the field in recent years. Most identification and structural information has been gained by mass spectrometry, either alone or with confirmations from other techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and other spectroscopic tools. While mass spectrometry and bioinformatic tools have proven to be the most powerful for large-scale analyses, they still rely heavily on complementary methods for confirmation. Localization within tissues, for example, can be probed by mass spectrometry imaging, immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassays. Functional information has been gained primarily from behavioral studies coupled with tissue-specific assays, electrophysiology, mass spectrometry and optogenetic tools. Concerning the receptors for neuropeptides, the discovery of ion channels that are directly gated by neuropeptides opens up the possibility of developing a new generation of tools for neuroscience, which could be used to monitor neuropeptide release or to specifically change the membrane potential of neurons. It is expected that future neuropeptide research will involve the integration of complementary bioanalytical technologies and functional assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellen DeLaney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Amanda R Buchberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Louise Atkinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Stefan Gründer
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Angela Mousley
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Lingjun Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA .,School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1450 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Wu X, Wang M, Huang J, Zhang L, Zhang Z, Ling Y, Yang X, Tobe SS. A potential insect growth regulator for cockroach control: design, synthesis and bioactivity of N-terminal-modified allatostatin analogues. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2017; 73:500-505. [PMID: 27717114 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The FGLa-allatostatins (ASTs) are a family of neuropeptides that can inhibit juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the corpora allata (CA) in vitro, and therefore they are regarded as insect growth regulator (IGR) candidates for pest control. In our previous studies, an AST mimic, H17, was found to have a significant effect on JH biosynthesis by cockroach CA, both in vitro and in vivo. To discover new potential mimics and explore the substituent effect on the inhibition of JH biosynthesis, 30 analogues, modified with various substituents on the benzene ring at the N-terminus of lead compound H17, were designed and synthesised. Their bioactivity in inhibiting JH biosynthesis by the CA of Diploptera punctata and the potency of M9, M10 and M11 in activation of Dippu-AstR were evaluated. RESULTS All the analogues showed an effect on JH biosynthesis by CA in vitro. M9, M10 and M11 can activate the Dippu-AstR, albeit with much lower potency than that of AST 1. M11 also exhibited improved in vitro activity (IC50 6.98 nm) in comparison with the lead compound H17 (IC50 29.5 nm). In particular, M11 displayed good in vivo activity in inhibiting JH biosynthesis and basal oocyte growth. CONCLUSION The structure-activity relationship studies suggest that different positions of substituents on the benzene ring of the cinnamic acid can lead to different activities. The para-substitution on the benzene ring plays an important role in inhibiting JH biosynthesis in vitro. Moreover, M11 is considered to be a potential IGR for cockroach control. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Wu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Meizi Wang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Ling
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinling Yang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Stephen S Tobe
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Xie Y, Wang M, Zhang L, Wu X, Yang X, Tobe SS. Synthesis and biological activity of FGLamide allatostatin analogs with Phe3residue modifications. J Pept Sci 2016; 22:600-6. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xie
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science; China Agricultural University; Beijing 100193 China
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology; University of Toronto; 25 Harbord St. Toronto ON M5S 3G5 Canada
- State Key Laboratory of the Discovery and Development of Novel Pesticide; Shenyang Sinochem Agrochemicals R&D Co. Ltd.; Shenyang 110021 China
| | - Meizi Wang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science; China Agricultural University; Beijing 100193 China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science; China Agricultural University; Beijing 100193 China
| | - Xiaoqing Wu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science; China Agricultural University; Beijing 100193 China
| | - Xinling Yang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science; China Agricultural University; Beijing 100193 China
| | - Stephen S. Tobe
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology; University of Toronto; 25 Harbord St. Toronto ON M5S 3G5 Canada
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Wu XQ, Huang J, Wang MZ, Zhang Z, Li XL, Yang XL, Tobe SS. Synthesis, bioactivity and functional evaluation of linker-modified allatostatin analogs as potential insect growth regulators. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Zeng H, Wu X. Alzheimer's disease drug development based on Computer-Aided Drug Design. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 121:851-863. [PMID: 26415837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the excessive deposition of amyloids in the brain. The pathological features mainly include the extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, which are the production of amyloid precursor protein (APP) processed by the α-, β- and γ-secretases. Based on the amyloid cascade hypotheses of AD, a large number of amyloid-β agents and secretase inhibitors against AD have been recently developed by using computational methods. This review article describes pathophysiology of AD and the structure of the Aβ plaques, β- and γ-secretases, and discusses the recent advances in the development of the amyloid agents for AD therapy and diagnosis by using Computer-Aided Drug Design approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahui Zeng
- Science & Technology Department, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China.
| | - Xiangxiang Wu
- Science & Technology Department, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
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