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Münzker L, Kimani SW, Fowkes MM, Dong A, Zheng H, Li Y, Dasovich M, Zak KM, Leung AKL, Elkins JM, Kessler D, Arrowsmith CH, Halabelian L, Böttcher J. A ligand discovery toolbox for the WWE domain family of human E3 ligases. Commun Biol 2024; 7:901. [PMID: 39048679 PMCID: PMC11269756 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06584-w] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The WWE domain is a relatively under-researched domain found in twelve human proteins and characterized by a conserved tryptophan-tryptophan-glutamate (WWE) sequence motif. Six of these WWE domain-containing proteins also contain domains with E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. The general recognition of poly-ADP-ribosylated substrates by WWE domains suggests a potential avenue for development of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs). Here, we present novel crystal structures of the HUWE1, TRIP12, and DTX1 WWE domains in complex with PAR building blocks and their analogs, thus enabling a comprehensive analysis of the PAR binding site structural diversity. Furthermore, we introduce a versatile toolbox of biophysical and biochemical assays for the discovery and characterization of novel WWE domain binders, including fluorescence polarization-based PAR binding and displacement assays, 15N-NMR-based binding affinity assays and 19F-NMR-based competition assays. Through these assays, we have characterized the binding of monomeric iso-ADP-ribose (iso-ADPr) and its nucleotide analogs with the aforementioned WWE proteins. Finally, we have utilized the assay toolbox to screen a small molecule fragment library leading to the successful discovery of novel ligands targeting the HUWE1 WWE domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Münzker
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Serah W Kimani
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Milan M Fowkes
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aiping Dong
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hong Zheng
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yanjun Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Jonathan M Elkins
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dirk Kessler
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Levon Halabelian
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Jark Böttcher
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria.
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2
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Trelford CB, Shepherd TG. LKB1 biology: assessing the therapeutic relevancy of LKB1 inhibitors. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:310. [PMID: 38844908 PMCID: PMC11155146 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01689-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1), encoded by Serine-Threonine Kinase 11 (STK11), is a master kinase that regulates cell migration, polarity, proliferation, and metabolism through downstream adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and AMPK-related kinase signalling. Since genetic screens identified STK11 mutations in Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, STK11 mutants have been implicated in tumourigenesis labelling it as a tumour suppressor. In support of this, several compounds reduce tumour burden through upregulating LKB1 signalling, and LKB1-AMPK agonists are cytotoxic to tumour cells. However, in certain contexts, its role in cancer is paradoxical as LKB1 promotes tumour cell survival by mediating resistance against metabolic and oxidative stressors. LKB1 deficiency has also enhanced the selectivity and cytotoxicity of several cancer therapies. Taken together, there is a need to develop LKB1-specific pharmacological compounds, but prior to developing LKB1 inhibitors, further work is needed to understand LKB1 activity and regulation. However, investigating LKB1 activity is strenuous as cell/tissue type, mutations to the LKB1 signalling pathway, STE-20-related kinase adaptor protein (STRAD) binding, Mouse protein 25-STRAD binding, splicing variants, nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, post-translational modifications, and kinase conformation impact the functional status of LKB1. For these reasons, guidelines to standardize experimental strategies to study LKB1 activity, associate proteins, spliced isoforms, post-translational modifications, and regulation are of upmost importance to the development of LKB1-specific therapies. Therefore, to assess the therapeutic relevancy of LKB1 inhibitors, this review summarizes the importance of LKB1 in cell physiology, highlights contributors to LKB1 activation, and outlines the benefits and risks associated with targeting LKB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles B Trelford
- The Mary &, John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, 790 Commissioners Road East, Room A4‑921, London, ON, N6A 4L6, Canada.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Trevor G Shepherd
- The Mary &, John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, 790 Commissioners Road East, Room A4‑921, London, ON, N6A 4L6, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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3
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Qiu Z, Li Y, Fu Y, Yang Y. Research progress of AMP-activated protein kinase and cardiac aging. Open Life Sci 2023; 18:20220710. [PMID: 37671091 PMCID: PMC10476487 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of aging is marked by a gradual deterioration in the physiological functions and functional reserves of various tissues and organs, leading to an increased susceptibility to diseases and even death. Aging manifests in a tissue- and organ-specific manner, and is characterized by varying rates and direct and indirect interactions among different tissues and organs. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, with older adults (aged >70 years) accounting for approximately two-thirds of CVD-related deaths. The prevalence of CVD increases exponentially with an individual's age. Aging is a critical independent risk factor for the development of CVD. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation exerts cardioprotective effects in the heart and restores cellular metabolic functions by modulating gene expression and regulating protein levels through its interaction with multiple target proteins. Additionally, AMPK enhances mitochondrial function and cellular energy status by facilitating the utilization of energy substrates. This review focuses on the role of AMPK in the process of cardiac aging and maintaining normal metabolic levels and redox homeostasis in the heart, particularly in the presence of oxidative stress and the invasion of inflammatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengqi Qiu
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Yufei Li
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Yancheng Fu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Human Disease Prevention, Carson International Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518060, China
| | - Yanru Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Human Disease Prevention, Carson International Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518060, China
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4
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Pei X, Li H, Yu H, Wang W, Mao D. APN Expression in Serum and Corpus Luteum: Regulation of Luteal Steroidogenesis Is Possibly Dependent on the AdipoR2/AMPK Pathway in Goats. Cells 2023; 12:1393. [PMID: 37408227 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adiponectin (APN) is an essential adipokine for a variety of reproductive processes. To investigate the role of APN in goat corpora lutea (CLs), CLs and sera from different luteal phases were collected for analysis. The results showed that the APN structure and content had no significant divergence in different luteal phases both in CLs and sera; however, high molecular weight APN was dominant in serum, while low molecular weight APN was more present in CLs. The luteal expression of both AdipoR1/2 and T-cadherin (T-Ca) increased on D11 and 17. APN and its receptors (AdipoR1/2 and T-Ca) were mainly expressed in goat luteal steroidogenic cells. The steroidogenesis and APN structure in pregnant CLs had a similar model as in the mid-cycle CLs. To further explore the effects and mechanisms of APN in CLs, steroidogenic cells from pregnant CLs were isolated to detect the AMPK-mediated pathway by the activation of APN (AdipoRon) and knockdown of APN receptors. The results revealed that P-AMPK in goat luteal cells increased after incubation with APN (1 μg/mL) or AdipoRon (25 μM) for 1 h, and progesterone (P4) and steroidogenic proteins levels (STAR/CYP11A1/HSD3B) decreased after 24 h. APN did not affect the steroidogenic protein expression when cells were pretreated with Compound C or SiAMPK. APN increased P-AMPK and reduced the CYP11A1 expression and P4 levels when cells were pretreated with SiAdipoR1 or SiT-Ca, while APN failed to affect P-AMPK, the CYP11A1 expression or the P4 levels when pretreated with SiAdipoR2. Therefore, the different structural forms of APN in CLs and sera may possess distinct functions; APN might regulate luteal steroidogenesis through AdipoR2 which is most likely dependent on AMPK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Pei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Haolin Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Hao Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Dagan Mao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Molaei A, Molaei E, Sadeghnia H, Hayes AW, Karimi G. LKB1: An emerging therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. Life Sci 2022; 306:120844. [PMID: 35907495 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are currently the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Experimental studies suggest that liver kinase B1 (LKB1) plays an important role in the heart. Several studies have shown that cardiomyocyte-specific LKB1 deletion leads to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, left ventricular contractile dysfunction, and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. In addition, the cardioprotective effects of several medicines and natural compounds, including metformin, empagliflozin, bexarotene, and resveratrol, have been reported to be associated with LKB1 activity. LKB1 limits the size of the damaged myocardial area by modifying cellular metabolism, enhancing the antioxidant system, suppressing hypertrophic signals, and inducing mild autophagy, which are all primarily mediated by the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) energy sensor. LKB1 also improves myocardial efficiency by modulating the function of contractile proteins, regulating the expression of electrical channels, and increasing vascular dilatation. Considering these properties, stimulation of LKB1 signaling offers a promising approach in the prevention and treatment of heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Molaei
- Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Hamidreza Sadeghnia
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - A Wallace Hayes
- University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Gholamreza Karimi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran..
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Aiyasiding X, Liao HH, Feng H, Zhang N, Lin Z, Ding W, Yan H, Zhou ZY, Tang QZ. Liquiritin Attenuates Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy by Activating the PKA/LKB1/AMPK Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:870699. [PMID: 35592411 PMCID: PMC9110825 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.870699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Liquiritin (LQ) is one of the main flavonoids extracted from the roots of Glycyrrhiza spp., which are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Studies in both cellular and animal disease models have shown that LQ attenuates or prevents oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. However, the potential therapeutic effects of LQ on pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy have not been so far explored. Therefore, we investigated the cardioprotective role of LQ and its underlying mechanisms in the aortic banding (AB)-induced cardiac hypertrophy mouse model. Methods and Results: Starting 3 days after AB surgery, LQ (80 mg/kg/day) was administered daily over 4 weeks. Echocardiography and pressure-volume loop analysis indicated that LQ treatment markedly improved hypertrophy-related cardiac dysfunction. Moreover, hematoxylin and eosin, picrosirius red, and TUNEL staining showed that LQ significantly inhibited cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and apoptosis. Western blot assays further showed that LQ activated LKB1/AMPKα2/ACC signaling and inhibited mTORC1 phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes. Notably, LQ treatment failed to prevent cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, and fibrosis in AMPKα2 knockout (AMPKα2−/−) mice. However, LQ still induced LKB1 phosphorylation in AMPKα2−/− mouse hearts. In vitro experiments further demonstrated that LQ inhibited Ang II-induced hypertrophy in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) by increasing cAMP levels and PKA activity. Supporting the central involvement of the cAMP/PKA/LKB1/AMPKα2 signaling pathway in the cardioprotective effects of LQ, inhibition of Ang II-induced hypertrophy and induction of LKB1 and AMPKα phosphorylation were no longer observed after inhibiting PKA activity. Conclusion: This study revealed that LQ alleviates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy in vivo and inhibits Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro via activating cAMP/PKA/LKB1/AMPKα2 signaling. These findings suggest that LQ might be a valuable adjunct to therapeutic approaches for treating pathological cardiac remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiahenazi Aiyasiding
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Hai-Han Liao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Feng
- Department of Geriatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen Ding
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Yan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Zi-Ying Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi-Zhu Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, China
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