1
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van Strien J, Makurat M, Zeng Y, Olsthoorn R, Schneider GF, Slütter B, MacKay JA, Jiskoot W, Kros A. Noncovalent Conjugation of OVA323 to ELP Micelles Increases Immune Response. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:1027-1037. [PMID: 38166400 PMCID: PMC10865353 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Subunit vaccines would benefit from a safe particle-based adjuvant. Elastin-like polypeptide (ELP)-based micelles are interesting candidate adjuvants due to their well-defined size and easy modification with protein-based cargo. Coiled coils can facilitate noncovalent modifications, while potentially enhancing antigen delivery through interaction with cell membranes. ELP micelles comprise ELP diblock copolymers that self-assemble above a critical micelle temperature. In this study, an amphiphilic ELP was conjugated to peptide "K", which forms a heterodimeric coiled-coil complex with peptide "E". Self-assembled "covalent" micelles containing ELP-OVA323 (i.e., model antigen OVA323 conjugated to ELP), "coiled-coil" micelles containing ELP-K/E-OVA323 and "hybrid" micelles containing ELP-K and ELP-OVA323 were shown to be monodisperse and spherical. Dendritic cells (DCs) were exposed to all micelle compositions, and T-cell proliferation was investigated. The presence of ELP-K enhanced micelle uptake and subsequent DC maturation, resulting in enhanced CD4+ T-cell proliferation, which makes ELPs with coiled coil-associated antigens a promising vaccine platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolinde van Strien
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Max Makurat
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ye Zeng
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - René Olsthoorn
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gregory F. Schneider
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bram Slütter
- Department
of BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J. Andrew MacKay
- Department
of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90089-9121, United States
| | - Wim Jiskoot
- Department
of BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Kros
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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2
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Perez AR, Lee Y, Colvin ME, Merg AD. Interhelical E@g-N@a interactions modulate coiled coil stability within a de novo set of orthogonal peptide heterodimers. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3540. [PMID: 37690796 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3540] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The designability of orthogonal coiled coil (CC) dimers, which draw on well-established design rules, plays a pivotal role in fueling the development of CCs as synthetically versatile assembly-directing motifs for the fabrication of bionanomaterials. Here, we aim to expand the synthetic CC toolkit through establishing a "minimalistic" set of orthogonal, de novo CC peptides that comprise 3.5 heptads in length and a single buried Asn to prescribe dimer formation. The designed sequences display excellent partner fidelity, confirmed via circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and Ni-NTA binding assays, and are corroborated in silico using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Detailed analysis of the MD conformational data highlights the importance of interhelical E@g-N@a interactions in coordinating an extensive 6-residue hydrogen bonding network that "locks" the interchain Asn-Asn' contact in place. The enhanced stability imparted to the Asn-Asn' bond elicits an increase in thermal stability of CCs up to ~15°C and accounts for significant differences in stability within the collection of similarly designed orthogonal CC pairs. The presented work underlines the utility of MD simulation as a tool for constructing de novo, orthogonal CCs, and presents an alternative handle for modulating the stability of orthogonal CCs via tuning the number of interhelical E@g-N@a contacts. Expansion of CC design rules is a key ingredient for guiding the design and assembly of more complex, intricate CC-based architectures for tackling a variety of challenges within the fields of nanomedicine and bionanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R Perez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Yumie Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Michael E Colvin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Andrea D Merg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA
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3
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Esteban JJ, Mason JR, Kaminski J, Ramachandran R, Luyt LG. A survey of stapling methods to increase affinity, activity, and stability of ghrelin analogues. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:254-266. [PMID: 38283230 PMCID: PMC10809362 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00441d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) is a G protein-coupled receptor which regulates various important physiological and pathophysiological processes in the body such as energy homeostasis, growth hormone secretion and regulation of appetite. As a result, it has been postulated as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer cachexia and other metabolic disorders, as well as a potential imaging agent target for cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Ghrelin is the primary high affinity endogenous ligand for GHSR and has limited secondary structure in solution, which makes it proteolytically unstable. This inherent instability in ghrelin can be overcome by incorporating helix-inducing staples that stabilize its structure and improve affinity and activity. We present an analysis of different stapling methods at positions 12 and 16 of ghrelin(1-20) analogues with the goal of increasing proteolytic stability and to retain or improve affinity and activity towards the GHSR. Ghrelin(1-20) analogues were modified with a wide range of chemical staples, including a lactam staple, triazole staple, hydrocarbon staple, Glaser staple, and xylene-thioether staple. Once synthesized, the receptor affinity and α-helicity were measured using competitive binding assays and circular dichroism spectroscopy, respectively. Generally, an increase in alpha-helicity using a flexible staple linker led to improved affinity towards GHSR. Ghrelin(1-20) analogues with a lactam, triazole, and hydrocarbon staple resulted in helical analogues with stronger affinity towards GHSR than unstapled ghrelin(1-20), a compound that lacks helical character. Compounds were also investigated for their agonist activity through β-arrestin 1 & 2 recruitment BRET assays and for their metabolic stability through serum stability analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J Esteban
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario 1151 Richmond Street London Ontario N6A 3K7 Canada
| | - Julia R Mason
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario 1151 Richmond Street London Ontario N6A 3K7 Canada
| | - Jakob Kaminski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario 1151 Richmond Street London Ontario N6A 3K7 Canada
| | - Rithwik Ramachandran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario 1151 Richmond Street London Ontario N6A 5C1 Canada
| | - Leonard G Luyt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario 1151 Richmond Street London Ontario N6A 3K7 Canada
- Departments of Medical Imaging and Oncology, University of Western Ontario 1151 Richmond Street London Ontario N6A 3K7 Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute 800 Commissioners Road East London Ontario N6A 4L6 Canada
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4
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Kim H, Yang I, Lim SI. Streamlined construction of robust heteroprotein complexes by self-induced in-cell disulfide pairing. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127965. [PMID: 37944724 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127965] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecules and their functional subdomains are essential building blocks in the creation of multifunctional nanocomplexes. Methyl-binding domain protein 2 (MBD2) and p66α stand out as small α-helical motifs with an ability to self-assemble into a heterodimeric coiled-coil, making them promising building units. Yet, their practical use is hindered by rapid dissociation upon dilution. In this study, novel fusion tags, MBD2 and p66α variants, were developed to covalently link during co-expression in E. coli SHuffle. Through strategic placement of cysteine at each α-helix's terminus, intracellular crosslinking occurred with high specificity and yield, facilitated by preserved α-helical interactions. This instant disulfide bonding in the oxidative cytoplasm of E. coli SHuffle efficiently overcame the need for inefficient in vitro oxidation and protein extraction prone to creating non-specific adducts and suboptimal bioprocesses. In contrast to their wild-type counterparts, the GFP-mCherry protein complex cross-linked by the fusion tags maintained the heterodimeric state even under extensive dilution. The fusion tags, when combined with the E. coli SHuffle system, allowed for the streamlined co-expression of a stable protein complex through self-induced intracellular cysteine coupling. The approach demonstrated herein holds great promise for producing multifunctional and robust heteroprotein complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunji Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University, Yongso-ro 45, Nam-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Iji Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University, Yongso-ro 45, Nam-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung In Lim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University, Yongso-ro 45, Nam-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Manicardi A, Theppawong A, Van Troys M, Madder A. Proximity-Induced Ligation and One-Pot Macrocyclization of 1,4-Diketone-Tagged Peptides Derived from 2,5-Disubstituted Furans upon Release from the Solid Support. Org Lett 2023; 25:6618-6622. [PMID: 37656900 PMCID: PMC10510716 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c02289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
1,4-Dione-containing peptides are generated during the cleavage of 2,5-disubstituted furan-containing systems. The generated electrophilic systems then react with α-effect nucleophiles, following a Paal-Knorr-like mechanism, for the generation of macrocyclic peptides, occurring after simple resuspension of the crude peptide in water. Conveniently, the in situ generation of the electrophile from a stable furan ring avoids the complications associated with the synthesis of carbonyl-containing peptides. Detailed investigation of the reaction characteristics was first performed on supramolecular coiled-coil systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Manicardi
- Department
of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
- Organic
and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Department of Organic and
Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Atiruj Theppawong
- Organic
and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Department of Organic and
Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marleen Van Troys
- Department
of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annemieke Madder
- Organic
and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Department of Organic and
Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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6
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Zeng Y, Shen M, Singhal A, Sevink GJA, Crone N, Boyle AL, Kros A. Enhanced Liposomal Drug Delivery Via Membrane Fusion Triggered by Dimeric Coiled-Coil Peptides. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2301133. [PMID: 37199140 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202301133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
An ideal nanomedicine system improves the therapeutic efficacy of drugs. However, most nanomedicines enter cells via endosomal/lysosomal pathways and only a small fraction of the cargo enters the cytosol inducing therapeutic effects. To circumvent this inefficiency, alternative approaches are desired. Inspired by fusion machinery found in nature, synthetic lipidated peptide pair E4/K4 is used to induce membrane fusion previously. Peptide K4 interacts specifically with E4, and it has a lipid membrane affinity and resulting in membrane remodeling. To design efficient fusogens with multiple interactions, dimeric K4 variants are synthesized to improve fusion with E4-modified liposomes and cells. The secondary structure and self-assembly of dimers are studied; the parallel PK4 dimer forms temperature-dependent higher-order assemblies, while linear K4 dimers form tetramer-like homodimers. The structures and membrane interactions of PK4 are supported by molecular dynamics simulations. Upon addition of E4, PK4 induced the strongest coiled-coil interaction resulting in a higher liposomal delivery compared to linear dimers and monomer. Using a wide spectrum of endocytosis inhibitors, membrane fusion is found to be the main cellular uptake pathway. Doxorubicin delivery results in efficient cellular uptake and concomitant antitumor efficacy. These findings aid the development of efficient delivery systems of drugs into cells using liposome-cell fusion strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zeng
- Dept. Supramolecular & Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Mengjie Shen
- Dept. Supramolecular & Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Ankush Singhal
- Dept. Supramolecular & Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Jan Agur Sevink
- Dept. Supramolecular & Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Niek Crone
- Dept. Supramolecular & Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Aimee L Boyle
- Dept. Supramolecular & Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Kros
- Dept. Supramolecular & Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
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7
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Hakata Y, Yamashita K, Hashimoto S, Ohtsuki T, Miyazawa M, Kitamatsu M. Adjusting Heterodimeric Coiled-Coils (K/E Zipper) to Connect Autophagy-Inducing Peptide with Cell-Penetrating Peptide. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041048. [PMID: 37111533 PMCID: PMC10141234 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041048] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A connection of a functional peptide with a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) used a heterodimeric coiled-coil as a molecular zipper can improve the intracellular delivery and activity of the functional peptide. However, the chain length of the coiled coil required for functioning as the molecular zipper is unknown at present. To solve the problem, we prepared an autophagy-inducing peptide (AIP) that conjugates with the CPP via heterodimeric coiled-coils consisting of 1 to 4 repeating units (K/E zipper; AIP-Kn and En-CPP), and we investigated the optimum length of the K/E zipper for effective intracellular delivery and autophagy induction. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed that K/E zippers with n = 3 and 4 formed a stable 1:1 hybrid (AIP-K3/E3-CPP and AIP-K4/E4-CPP, respectively). Both AIP-K3 and AIP-K4 were successfully delivered into cells by the corresponding hybrid formation with K3-CPP and K4-CPP, respectively. Interestingly, autophagy was also induced by the K/E zippers with n = 3 and 4, more intensively by the former than by the latter. The peptides and K/E zippers used in this study did not show significant cytotoxicity. These results indicate that the effective induction of autophagy occurs via an exquisite balance of the association and dissociation of the K/E zipper in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Hakata
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, 377-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osakasayama 589-8511, Japan
- Department of Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, 377-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osakasayama 589-8511, Japan
| | - Kazuma Yamashita
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashiosaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Sonoko Hashimoto
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashiosaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohtsuki
- Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Masaaki Miyazawa
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, 377-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osakasayama 589-8511, Japan
| | - Mizuki Kitamatsu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashiosaka 577-8502, Japan
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8
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Khvotchev M, Soloviev M. SNARE Modulators and SNARE Mimetic Peptides. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121779. [PMID: 36551207 PMCID: PMC9776023 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein (SNAP) receptor (SNARE) proteins play a central role in most forms of intracellular membrane trafficking, a key process that allows for membrane and biocargo shuffling between multiple compartments within the cell and extracellular environment. The structural organization of SNARE proteins is relatively simple, with several intrinsically disordered and folded elements (e.g., SNARE motif, N-terminal domain, transmembrane region) that interact with other SNAREs, SNARE-regulating proteins and biological membranes. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the development of functional peptides that can modify SNARE-binding interfaces and modulate SNARE function. The ability of the relatively short SNARE motif to assemble spontaneously into stable coiled coil tetrahelical bundles has inspired the development of reduced SNARE-mimetic systems that use peptides for biological membrane fusion and for making large supramolecular protein complexes. We evaluate two such systems, based on peptide-nucleic acids (PNAs) and coiled coil peptides. We also review how the self-assembly of SNARE motifs can be exploited to drive on-demand assembly of complex re-engineered polypeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Khvotchev
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (M.S.)
| | - Mikhail Soloviev
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (M.S.)
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9
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Inhibition of FOXP3 by stapled alpha-helical peptides dampens regulatory T cell function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2209044119. [PMID: 36227917 PMCID: PMC9586281 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2209044119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapies and preclinical probes designed to drug and better understand the specific functions of intracellular protein–protein interactions (PPIs) remain an area of unmet need. This study describes the development of prototype therapeutics against the FOXP3 homodimer, a PPI essential for regulatory T cell suppressive capacity. We demonstrate that hydrocarbon stapled peptides designed to block this interaction can dampen regulatory T cell (Treg cell) suppressive function and lead to genetic signatures of immune reactivation. This work provides strong scientific justification for continued development of FOXP3-specific peptide-based inhibitors and provides mechanistic insights into the design and delivery of specific inhibitors of the coiled-coil region of FOXP3. These studies ultimately could lead to new immunotherapeutic strategies to amplify immune responsiveness in a number of settings. Despite continuing advances in the development of novel cellular-, antibody-, and chemotherapeutic-based strategies to enhance immune reactivity, the presence of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) remains a complicating factor for their clinical efficacy. To overcome dosing limitations and off-target effects from antibody-based Treg cell deletional strategies or small molecule drugging, we investigated the ability of hydrocarbon stapled alpha-helical (SAH) peptides to target FOXP3, the master transcription factor regulator of Treg cell development, maintenance, and suppressive function. Using the crystal structure of the FOXP3 homodimer as a guide, we developed SAHs in the likeness of a portion of the native FOXP3 antiparallel coiled-coil homodimerization domain (SAH-FOXP3) to block this key FOXP3 protein-protein interaction (PPI) through molecular mimicry. We describe the design, synthesis, and biochemical evaluation of single- and double-stapled SAHs covering the entire coiled-coil expanse. We show that lead SAH-FOXP3s bind FOXP3, are cell permeable and nontoxic to T cells, induce dose-dependent transcript and protein level alterations of FOXP3 target genes, impede Treg cell function, and lead to Treg cell gene expression changes in vivo consistent with FOXP3 dysfunction. These results demonstrate a proof of concept for rationally designed FOXP3-directed peptide therapeutics that could be used as approaches to amplify endogenous immune responsiveness.
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10
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Xie T, Yang W, Chen X, Rong H, Wang Y, Jiang J. Genome-Wide Identification and Expressional Profiling of the Metal Tolerance Protein Gene Family in Brassica napus. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13050761. [PMID: 35627146 PMCID: PMC9141485 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Cation Diffusion Facilitator (CDF) family, also named Metal Tolerance Protein (MTP), is one of the gene families involved in heavy metal transport in plants. However, a comprehensive study of MTPs in Brassica napus has not been reported yet. In the present study, we identified 33 BnMTP genes from the rapeseed genome using bioinformatic analyses. Subsequently, we analyzed the phylogenetic relationship, gene structure, chromosome distribution, conserved domains, and motifs of the BnMTP gene family. The 33 BnMTPs were phylogenetically divided into three major clusters (Zn-CDFs, Fe/Zn-CDFs, and Mn-CDFs) and seven groups (group 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12). The structural characteristics of the BnMTP members were similar in the same group, but different among groups. Evolutionary analysis indicated that the BnMTP gene family mainly expanded through whole-genome duplication (WGD) and segmental duplication events. Moreover, the prediction of cis-acting elements and microRNA target sites suggested that BnMTPs might be involved in plant growth, development, and stress responses. In addition, we found the expression of 24 BnMTPs in rapeseed leaves or roots could respond to heavy metal ion treatments. These results provided an important basis for clarifying the biological functions of BnMTPs, especially in heavy metal detoxification, and will be helpful in the phytoremediation of heavy metal pollution in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xie
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (T.X.); (W.Y.); (X.C.); (Y.W.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (T.X.); (W.Y.); (X.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Xin Chen
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (T.X.); (W.Y.); (X.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Hao Rong
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou 234000, China;
| | - Youping Wang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (T.X.); (W.Y.); (X.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Jinjin Jiang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (T.X.); (W.Y.); (X.C.); (Y.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-514-87997303
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11
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Daudey GA, Shen M, Singhal A, van der Est P, Sevink GJA, Boyle AL, Kros A. Liposome fusion with orthogonal coiled coil peptides as fusogens: the efficacy of roleplaying peptides. Chem Sci 2021; 12:13782-13792. [PMID: 34760163 PMCID: PMC8549789 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc06635d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological membrane fusion is a highly specific and coordinated process as a multitude of vesicular fusion events proceed simultaneously in a complex environment with minimal off-target delivery. In this study, we develop a liposomal fusion model system with specific recognition using lipidated derivatives of a set of four de novo designed heterodimeric coiled coil (CC) peptide pairs. Content mixing was only obtained between liposomes functionalized with complementary peptides, demonstrating both fusogenic activity of CC peptides and the specificity of this model system. The diverse peptide fusogens revealed important relationships between the fusogenic efficacy and the peptide characteristics. The fusion efficiency increased from 20% to 70% as affinity between complementary peptides decreased, (from KF ≈ 108 to 104 M−1), and fusion efficiency also increased due to more pronounced asymmetric role-playing of membrane interacting ‘K’ peptides and homodimer-forming ‘E’ peptides. Furthermore, a new and highly fusogenic CC pair (E3/P1K) was discovered, providing an orthogonal peptide triad with the fusogenic CC pairs P2E/P2K and P3E/P3K. This E3/P1k pair was revealed, via molecular dynamics simulations, to have a shifted heptad repeat that can accommodate mismatched asparagine residues. These results will have broad implications not only for the fundamental understanding of CC design and how asparagine residues can be accommodated within the hydrophobic core, but also for drug delivery systems by revealing the necessary interplay of efficient peptide fusogens and enabling the targeted delivery of different carrier vesicles at various peptide-functionalized locations. We developed a liposomal fusion model system with specific recognition using a set of heterodimeric coiled coil peptide pairs. This study unravels important structure–fusogenic efficacy relationships of peptide fusogens.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Geert A Daudey
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University P.O. Box 9502 2300 RA Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Mengjie Shen
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University P.O. Box 9502 2300 RA Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Ankush Singhal
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University P.O. Box 9502 2300 RA Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Patrick van der Est
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University P.O. Box 9502 2300 RA Leiden The Netherlands
| | - G J Agur Sevink
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University P.O. Box 9502 2300 RA Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Aimee L Boyle
- Macromolecular Biochemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University P.O. Box 9502 2300 RA Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Kros
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University P.O. Box 9502 2300 RA Leiden The Netherlands
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12
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Shen MJ, Olsthoorn RC, Zeng Y, Bakkum T, Kros A, Boyle AL. Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting Using Coiled-Coil Peptides: An Alternative Strategy for Isolating Cells with High Efficiency and Specificity. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:11621-11630. [PMID: 33656313 PMCID: PMC7975280 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c22185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) is an affinity-based technique used to separate cells according to the presence of specific markers. Current MACS systems generally require an antigen to be expressed at the cell surface; these antigen-presenting cells subsequently interact with antibody-labeled magnetic particles, facilitating separation. Here, we present an alternative MACS method based on coiled-coil peptide interactions. We demonstrate that HeLa, CHO, and NIH3T3 cells can either incorporate a lipid-modified coiled-coil-forming peptide into their membrane, or that the cells can be transfected with a plasmid containing a gene encoding a coiled-coil-forming peptide. Iron oxide particles are functionalized with the complementary peptide and, upon incubation with the cells, labeled cells are facilely separated from nonlabeled populations. In addition, the resulting cells and particles can be treated with trypsin to facilitate detachment of the cells from the particles. Therefore, our new MACS method promotes efficient cell sorting of different cell lines, without the need for antigen presentation, and enables simple detachment of the magnetic particles from cells after the sorting process. Such a system can be applied to rapidly developing, sensitive research areas, such as the separation of genetically modified cells from their unmodified counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Jie Shen
- Department
of Supramolecular & Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - René C.L. Olsthoorn
- Department
of Supramolecular & Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Ye Zeng
- Department
of Supramolecular & Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Bakkum
- Department
of Bio-organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Kros
- Department
of Supramolecular & Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Aimee L. Boyle
- Department
of Macromolecular Biochemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
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13
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López‐García P, de Araujo AD, Bergues‐Pupo AE, Tunn I, Fairlie DP, Blank KG. Fortified Coiled Coils: Enhancing Mechanical Stability with Lactam or Metal Staples. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:232-236. [PMID: 32940968 PMCID: PMC7821110 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202006971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Coiled coils (CCs) are powerful supramolecular building blocks for biomimetic materials, increasingly used for their mechanical properties. Here, we introduce helix-inducing macrocyclic constraints, so-called staples, to tune thermodynamic and mechanical stability of CCs. We show that thermodynamic stabilization of CCs against helix uncoiling primarily depends on the number of staples, whereas staple positioning controls CC mechanical stability. Inserting a covalent lactam staple at one key force application point significantly increases the barrier to force-induced CC dissociation and reduces structural deformity. A reversible His-Ni2+ -His metal staple also increases CC stability, but ruptures upon mechanical loading to allow helix uncoiling. Staple type, position and number are key design parameters in using helical macrocyclic templates for fine-tuning CC properties in emerging biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia López‐García
- Mechano(bio)chemistryMax Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesAm Mühlenberg 114476PotsdamGermany
| | - Aline D. de Araujo
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQld4072Australia
| | - Ana E. Bergues‐Pupo
- Department of Theory and Bio-SystemsMax Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesAm Mühlenberg 114476PotsdamGermany
- Present address: Berlin Institute for Medical Systems BiologyMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine10115BerlinGermany
| | - Isabell Tunn
- Mechano(bio)chemistryMax Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesAm Mühlenberg 114476PotsdamGermany
| | - David P. Fairlie
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQld4072Australia
| | - Kerstin G. Blank
- Mechano(bio)chemistryMax Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesAm Mühlenberg 114476PotsdamGermany
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14
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López‐García P, Araujo AD, Bergues‐Pupo AE, Tunn I, Fairlie DP, Blank KG. Mechanische Verstärkung von Coiled Coils mit Lactam und Histidin‐Metall‐Klammern. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202006971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia López‐García
- Mechano(bio)chemie Max-Planck-Institut für Kolloid- und Grenzflächenforschung Am Mühlenberg 1 14476 Potsdam Deutschland
| | - Aline D. Araujo
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science Institute for Molecular Bioscience The University of Queensland Brisbane Qld 4072 Australien
| | - Ana E. Bergues‐Pupo
- Abteilung für Theorie und Bio-Systeme Max-Planck-Institut für Kolloid- und Grenzflächenforschung Am Mühlenberg 1 14476 Potsdam Deutschland
- Aktuelle Adresse: Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin 10115 Berlin Deutschland
| | - Isabell Tunn
- Mechano(bio)chemie Max-Planck-Institut für Kolloid- und Grenzflächenforschung Am Mühlenberg 1 14476 Potsdam Deutschland
| | - David P. Fairlie
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science Institute for Molecular Bioscience The University of Queensland Brisbane Qld 4072 Australien
| | - Kerstin G. Blank
- Mechano(bio)chemie Max-Planck-Institut für Kolloid- und Grenzflächenforschung Am Mühlenberg 1 14476 Potsdam Deutschland
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15
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Li X, Chen S, Zhang WD, Hu HG. Stapled Helical Peptides Bearing Different Anchoring Residues. Chem Rev 2020; 120:10079-10144. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Insititute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Gang Hu
- Insititute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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