Rational design of a selective antagonist of epsilon protein kinase C derived from the selective allosteric agonist, pseudo-RACK peptide

An Update on Protein Kinases as Therapeutic Targets-Part II: Peptides as Allosteric Protein Kinase C Modulators Targeting Protein-Protein Interactions

Human protein kinases are highly-sought-after drug targets, historically harnessed for treating cancer, cardiovascular disease, and an increasing number of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Most current treatments involve small molecule protein kinase inhibitors that interact orthosterically with the protein kinase ATP-binding pocket. As a result, these compounds are often poorly selective and highly toxic. Part I of this series reviews the role of PKC isoforms in various human diseases, featuring cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as translational examples of PKC modulation applied to human health and disease. In the present Part II, we discuss alternative allosteric binding mechanisms for targeting PKC, as well as novel drug platforms, such as modified peptides. A major goal is to design protein kinase modulators with enhanced selectivity and improved pharmacological properties. To this end, we use molecular docking analysis to predict the mechanisms of action for inhibitor-kinase interactions that can facilitate the development of next-generation PKC modulators.

Targeted disruption of PKC from AKAP signaling complexes

Protein Kinase C (PKC) is a member of the AGC subfamily of kinases and regulates a wide array of signaling pathways and physiological processes. Protein-protein interactions involving PKC and its scaffolding partners dictate the spatiotemporal dynamics of PKC activity, including its access to activating second messenger molecules and potential substrates. While the A Kinase Anchoring Protein (AKAP) family of scaffold proteins universally bind PKA, several were also found to scaffold PKC, thereby serving to tune its catalytic output. Targeting these scaffolding interactions can further shed light on the effect of subcellular compartmentalization on PKC signaling. Here we report the development of two hydrocarbon stapled peptides, CSTAD5 and CSTAD6, that are cell permeable and bind PKC to disrupt PKC-gravin complex formation in cells. Both constrained peptides downregulate PMA-induced cytoskeletal remodeling that is mediated by the PKC-gravin complex as measured by cell rounding. Further, these peptides downregulate PKC substrate phosphorylation and cell motility. To the best of our knowledge, no PKC-selective AKAP disruptors have previously been reported and thus CSTAD5 and CSTAD6 are novel disruptors of PKC scaffolding by AKAPs and may serve as powerful tools for dissecting AKAP-localized PKC signaling.

PKCε stimulation of TRPV1 orchestrates carotid body responses to asthmakines

Key points

We have previously shown that carotid body stimulation by lysophosphatidic acid elicits a reflex stimulation of vagal efferent activity sufficient to cause bronchoconstriction in asthmatic rats.

Here, we show that pathophysiological concentrations of asthma‐associated prototypical Th2 cytokines also stimulate the carotid bodies.

Stimulation of the carotid bodies by these asthmakines involves a PKCε–transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) signalling mechanism likely dependent on TRPV1 S502 and T704 phosphorylation sites.

As the carotid bodies’ oxygen sensitivity is independent of PKCε–TRPV1 signalling, systemic blockade of PKCε may provide a novel therapeutic target to reduce allergen‐induced asthmatic bronchoconstriction.

Consistent with the therapeutic potential of blocking the PKCε–TRPV1 pathway, systemic delivery of a PKCε‐blocking peptide suppresses asthmatic respiratory distress in response to allergen and reduces airway hyperresponsiveness to bradykinin.

Abstract

The autonomic nervous system orchestrates organ‐specific, systemic and behavioural responses to inflammation. Recently, we demonstrated a vital role for lysophosphatidic acid in stimulating the primary autonomic oxygen chemoreceptors, the carotid bodies, in parasympathetic‐mediated asthmatic airway hyperresponsiveness. However, the cacophony of stimulatory factors and cellular mechanisms of carotid body activation are unknown. Therefore, we set out to determine the intracellular signalling involved in carotid body‐mediated sensing of asthmatic blood‐borne inflammatory mediators. We employed a range of in vitro and rat in situ preparations, site‐directed mutagenesis, patch‐clamp, nerve recordings and pharmacological inhibition to assess cellular signalling. We show that the carotid bodies are also sensitive to asthma‐associated prototypical Th2 cytokines which elicit sensory nerve excitation. This provides additional asthmatic ligands contributing to the previously established reflex arc resulting in efferent vagal activity and asthmatic bronchoconstriction. This novel sensing role for the carotid body is mediated by a PKCε‐dependent stimulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), likely via TRPV1 phosphorylation at sites T704 and S502. Importantly, carotid body oxygen sensing was unaffected by blocking either PKCε or TRPV1. Further, we demonstrate that systemic PKCε blockade reduces asthmatic respiratory distress in response to allergen and airway hyperresponsiveness. These discoveries support an inflammation‐dependent, oxygen‐independent function for the carotid body and suggest that targeting PKCε provides a novel therapeutic option to abate allergic airway disease without altering life‐saving autonomic hypoxic reflexes.

We have previously shown that carotid body stimulation by lysophosphatidic acid elicits a reflex stimulation of vagal efferent activity sufficient to cause bronchoconstriction in asthmatic rats.

Here, we show that pathophysiological concentrations of asthma‐associated prototypical Th2 cytokines also stimulate the carotid bodies.

Stimulation of the carotid bodies by these asthmakines involves a PKCε–transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) signalling mechanism likely dependent on TRPV1 S502 and T704 phosphorylation sites.

As the carotid bodies’ oxygen sensitivity is independent of PKCε–TRPV1 signalling, systemic blockade of PKCε may provide a novel therapeutic target to reduce allergen‐induced asthmatic bronchoconstriction.

Consistent with the therapeutic potential of blocking the PKCε–TRPV1 pathway, systemic delivery of a PKCε‐blocking peptide suppresses asthmatic respiratory distress in response to allergen and reduces airway hyperresponsiveness to bradykinin.

Characterisation of peptide interactions that regulate PKCε activation

Targeting the interaction between PKC isoforms and their anchoring proteins can specifically regulate kinase activity. εV1-2 and pseudoεRACK peptides, derived from the PKCε C2 domain, modulate its association with receptor for activated C-kinase 2 (RACK2) and thus its function. Details of these interactions remain obscure, and we therefore investigated binding of these peptides using biophysical techniques. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) indicated that the inhibitory εV1-2 peptide bound to RACK2, and inhibited PKCε binding as expected. In contrast, SPR and NMR demonstrated that the activating pseudoεRACK peptide and related sequences did not bind to PKCε, indicating that their mechanisms of action do not involve binding to the kinase as previously proposed. Our results clarify which interactions could be targeted in developing new therapeutics that inhibit PKCε-RACK2 interaction.

Protein kinase Cɛ activity regulates mGluR5 surface expression in the rat nucleus accumbens

Type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR5) activate protein kinase C (PKC) via coupling to G_αq/11 protein signaling. We have previously demonstrated that the epsilon isoform of PKC (PKCɛ) is a critical downstream target of mGluR5 in regulating behavioral and biochemical responses to alcohol. Recent evidence suggests that PKC-mediated phosphorylation of mGluR5 can lead to receptor desensitization and internalization. We therefore sought to examine the specific involvement of PKCɛ in the regulation of mGluR5 surface expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key regulator of alcohol-associated behaviors. Coronal brain sections from male Wistar rats were analyzed for either colocalization of mGluR5 and PKCɛ via immunohistochemistry or changes in mGluR5 surface expression and PKCɛ phosphorylation following local application of PKCɛ translocation activator or inhibitor peptides and/or an orthosteric mGluR5 agonist. We observed colocalization of mGluR5 and PKCɛ in the NAc. We also showed that intra-NAc infusion of the PKCɛ translocation inhibitor ɛV1-2 increased mGluR5 surface expression under baseline conditions. Stimulation of mGluR5 with an orthosteric agonist DHPG, dose dependently increased ERK1/2 and PKCɛ phosphorylation as well as mGluR5 internalization in acute NAc slices. Finally, we observed that activation of PKCɛ translocation with Tat-ΨɛRACK peptide mediates agonist-independent mGluR5 internalization, whereas PKCɛ translocation inhibitor ɛV1-2 prevents agonist-dependent internalization of mGluR5 in NAc slice preparations. These findings suggest that the subcellular localization of mGluR5 in the NAc is regulated by PKCɛ under basal and stimulation conditions, which may influence the role of mGluR5-PKCɛ signaling in alcohol-related behaviors. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Targeting protein kinase C subtypes in pancreatic cancer

In preclinical studies, protein kinase C (PKC) enzymes have been implicated in regulating many aspects of pancreatic cancer development and progression. However, clinical Phase I or Phase II trials with compounds targeting classical PKC isoforms were not successful. Recent studies implicate that mainly atypical and novel PKC enzymes regulate oncogenic signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer. Members of these two subgroups converge signaling induced by mutant Kras, growth factors and inflammatory cytokines. Different approaches for the development of inhibitors for atypical PKC and novel PKC have been described; and new compounds include allosteric inhibitors and inhibitors that block ATP binding.

Common mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and ischemic stroke: the role of protein kinase C in the progression of age-related neurodegeneration

Ischemic stroke and Alzheimer's disease (AD), despite being distinct disease entities, share numerous pathophysiological mechanisms such as those mediated by inflammation, immune exhaustion, and neurovascular unit compromise. An important shared mechanistic link is acute and chronic changes in protein kinase C (PKC) activity. PKC isoforms have widespread functions important for memory, blood-brain barrier maintenance, and injury repair that change as the body ages. Disease states accelerate PKC functional modifications. Mutated forms of PKC can contribute to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. In some cases the PKC isoforms are still functional but are not successfully translocated to appropriate locations within the cell. The deficits in proper PKC translocation worsen stroke outcome and amyloid-β toxicity. Cross talk between the innate immune system and PKC pathways contribute to the vascular status within the aging brain. Unfortunately, comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension disrupt normal communication between the two systems. The focus of this review is to highlight what is known about PKC function, how isoforms of PKC change with age, and what additional alterations are consequences of stroke and AD. The goal is to highlight future therapeutic targets that can be applied to both the treatment and prevention of neurologic disease. Although the pathology of ischemic stroke and AD are different, the similarity in PKC responses warrants further investigation, especially as PKC-dependent events may serve as an important connection linking age-related brain injury.

The Multifunctional Protein Kinase C-ε in Cancer Development and Progression

The protein kinase C (PKC) family proteins are important signal transducers and have long been the focus of cancer research. PKCɛ, a member of this family, is overexpressed in most solid tumors and plays critical roles in different processes that lead to cancer development. Studies using cell lines and animal models demonstrated the transforming potential of PKCɛ. While earlier research established the survival functions of PKCɛ, recent studies revealed its role in cell migration, invasion and cancer metastasis. PKCɛ has also been implicated in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which may be the underlying mechanism by which it contributes to cell motility. In addition, PKCɛ affects cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions by direct regulation of the cytoskeletal elements. Recent studies have also linked PKCɛ signaling to cancer stem cell functioning. This review focuses on the role of PKCɛ in different processes that lead to cancer development and progression. We also discussed current literatures on the pursuit of PKCɛ as a target for cancer therapy.

HepaCAM inhibits clear cell renal carcinoma 786-0 cell proliferation via blocking PKCε translocation from cytoplasm to plasma membrane

Hepatocyte cell adhesion molecule (HepaCAM) plays a crucial role in tumor progression and has been recognized as a novel tumor suppressor gene. The high protein expression level of protein kinase Cε (PKCε) has been discovered in many tumor types. In the present study, we determined HepaCAM and PKCε protein levels in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tissues and analyzed the correlation between them. We observed an inverse relationship in the expression of HepaCAM and PKCε in ccRCC and adjacent normal tissues. In ccRCC tissue, HepaCAM expression was undetectable while PKCε expression was high; the opposite was found in the adjacent normal tissue. Western blot analysis demonstrated that PKCε cytosolic protein levels increased while plasma membrane protein levels decreased without any change in total protein following infection of the ccRCC cell line 786-0 with adenovirus-GFP-HepaCAM (Ad-GFP-HepaCAM). Moreover, the application of Ad-GFP-HepaCAM combined with a PKCε-specific translocation inhibitor (εV1-2) effectively inhibited 786-0 cell growth. Ad-mediated expression of HepaCAM in 786-0 cells reduced the levels of phosphorylated AKT and cyclin D1 and inhibited cell proliferation. In summary, our studies point to interesting connections between HepaCAM and PKCε in tissues and in vitro. HepaCAM may prevent the translocation of PKCε from cytosolic to particulate fractions, resulting in the inhibition of 786-0 cell proliferation. Therapeutic manipulation of these novel protein targets may provide new ways of treating ccRCC.

PKCε activation promotes FGF-2 exocytosis and induces endothelial cell proliferation and sprouting

Protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) activation controls fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) angiogenic signaling. Here, we examined the effect of activating PKCε on FGF-2 dependent vascular growth and endothelial activation. ψεRACK, a selective PKCε agonist induces pro-angiogenic responses in endothelial cells, including formation of capillary like structures and cell growth. These effects are mediated by FGF-2 export to the cell membrane, as documented by biotinylation and immunofluorescence, and FGF-2/FGFR1 signaling activation, as attested by ERK1/2-STAT-3 phosphorylation and de novo FGF-2 synthesis. Similarly, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activates PKCε in endothelial cells, and promotes FGF-2 export and FGF-2/FGFR1 signaling activation. ψεRACK fails to elicit responses in FGF-2(-/-) endothelial cells, and in cells pretreated with methylamine (MeNH2), an exocytosis inhibitor, indicating that both intracellular FGF-2 and its export toward the membrane are required for the ψεRACK activity. In vivo ψεRACK does not induce angiogenesis in the rabbit cornea. However, ψεRACK promotes VEGF angiogenic responses, an effect sustained by endothelial FGF-2 release and synthesis, since anti-FGF-2 antibody strongly attenuates VEGF responses. The results demonstrate that PKCε stimulation promotes angiogenesis and modulates VEGF activity, by inducing FGF-2 release and autocrine signaling.

Competitive inhibitors and allosteric activators of protein kinase C isoenzymes: a personal account and progress report on transferring academic discoveries to the clinic

PKC (protein kinase C) isoenzymes are related protein kinases, involved in many signalling events in normal state and in disease. Basic research into identifying the molecular basis of PKC selectivity led to simple strategies to identify selective competitive inhibitor peptides and allosteric agonist peptides of individual PKC isoenzymes. The strategies and rationale used to identify these peptide regulators of protein–protein interaction may be applicable to other signalling events. Importantly, the PKC-regulating peptides proved to be useful pharmacological tools and may serve as drugs or drug leads for a variety of human diseases.