1
|
Fan Z, Wan LX, Jiang W, Liu B, Wu D. Targeting autophagy with small-molecule activators for potential therapeutic purposes. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115722. [PMID: 37595546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115722] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is well-known to be a lysosome-mediated catabolic process for maintaining cellular and organismal homeostasis, which has been established with many links to a variety of human diseases. Compared with the therapeutic strategy for inhibiting autophagy, activating autophagy seems to be another promising therapeutic strategy in several contexts. Hitherto, mounting efforts have been made to discover potent and selective small-molecule activators of autophagy to potentially treat human diseases. Thus, in this perspective, we focus on summarizing the complicated relationships between defective autophagy and human diseases, and further discuss the updated progress of a series of small-molecule activators targeting autophagy in human diseases. Taken together, these inspiring findings would provide a clue on discovering more small-molecule activators of autophagy as targeted candidate drugs for potential therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Fan
- Center of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lin-Xi Wan
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Dongbo Wu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
AMP-activated protein kinase β1 or β2 deletion enhances colon cancer cell growth and tumorigenesis. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:1140-1147. [PMID: 35880569 PMCID: PMC9828713 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal metabolism is a major hallmark of cancer and has been validated as a therapeutic target. Adenine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an αβγ heterotrimer, performs essential functions in cancer progression due to its central role in maintaining the homeostasis of cellular energy. While the contributions of AMPKα and AMPKγ subunits to cancer development have been established, specific roles of AMPKβ1 and AMPKβ2 isoforms in cancer development are poorly understood. Here, we show the functions of AMPKβ1 and AMPKβ2 in colon cancer. Specifically, deletion of AMPKβ1 or AMPKβ2 leads to increased cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and tumorigenesis in HCT116 and HT29 colon cancer cells. Interestingly, the AMPKβ1 and AMPKβ2 isoforms have slightly different effects on regulating cancer metabolism, as colon cancer cells with AMPKβ1 knockout showed decreased rates of glycolysis-related oxygen consumption, while AMPKβ2 deletion led to enhanced rates of oxygen consumption due to oxidative phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that functional AMPKβ1 and AMPKβ2 inhibit growth and tumorigenesis in colon cancer cells, suggesting their potential as effective targets for colon cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
3
|
Novel indolic AMPK modulators induce vasodilatation through activation of the AMPK-eNOS-NO pathway. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4225. [PMID: 35273216 PMCID: PMC8913687 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07077-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a critical role in the regulation of vascular tone through stimulating nitric oxide (NO) release in endothelial cells. Since obesity leads to endothelial dysfunction and AMPK dysregulation, AMPK activation might be an important strategy to restore vascular function in cardiometabolic alterations. Here, we report the identification of a novel AMPK modulator, the indolic derivative IND6, which shows affinity for AMPKα1β1γ1, the primary AMPK isoform in human EA.Hy926 endothelial cells. IND6 shows inhibitory action of the enzymatic activity in vitro, but increases the levels of p-Thr174AMPK, p-Ser1177eNOS and p-Ser79ACC in EA.Hy926. This paradoxical finding might be explained by the ability of IND6 to act as a mixed-type inhibitor, but also to promote the enzyme activation by adopting two distinct binding modes at the ADaM site. Moreover, functional assays reveal that IND6 increased the eNOS-dependent production of NO and elicited a concentration-dependent vasodilation of endothelium-intact rat aorta due to AMPK and eNOS activation, demonstrating a functional activation of the AMPK–eNOS–NO endothelial pathway. This kinase inhibition profile, combined with the paradoxical AMPK activation in cells and arteries, suggests that these new chemical entities may constitute a valuable starting point for the development of new AMPK modulators with therapeutic potential for the treatment of vascular complications associated with obesity.
Collapse
|
4
|
Aledavood E, Gheeraert A, Forte A, Vuillon L, Rivalta I, Luque FJ, Estarellas C. Elucidating the Activation Mechanism of AMPK by Direct Pan-Activator PF-739. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:760026. [PMID: 34805275 PMCID: PMC8602109 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.760026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key energy sensor regulating the cell metabolism in response to energy supply and demand. The evolutionary adaptation of AMPK to different tissues is accomplished through the expression of distinct isoforms that can form up to 12 heterotrimeric complexes, which exhibit notable differences in the sensitivity to direct activators. To comprehend the molecular factors of the activation mechanism of AMPK, we have assessed the changes in the structural and dynamical properties of β1- and β2-containing AMPK complexes formed upon binding to the pan-activator PF-739. The analysis revealed the molecular basis of the PF-739-mediated activation of AMPK and enabled us to identify distinctive features that may justify the slightly higher affinity towards the β1−isoform, such as the β1−Asn111 to β2−Asp111 substitution, which seems to be critical for modulating the dynamical sensitivity of β1- and β2 isoforms. The results are valuable in the design of selective activators to improve the tissue specificity of therapeutic treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Aledavood
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aria Gheeraert
- Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale "Toso Montanari" Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,LAMA, University of Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LAMA, Le Bourget du Lac, France
| | - Alessia Forte
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laurent Vuillon
- LAMA, University of Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LAMA, Le Bourget du Lac, France
| | - Ivan Rivalta
- Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale "Toso Montanari" Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Université de Lyon, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5182, Laboratoire de Chimie, Lyon, France
| | - F Javier Luque
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina Estarellas
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Aledavood E, Forte A, Estarellas C, Javier Luque F. Structural basis of the selective activation of enzyme isoforms: Allosteric response to activators of β1- and β2-containing AMPK complexes. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:3394-3406. [PMID: 34194666 PMCID: PMC8217686 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key energy sensor regulating the cell metabolism in response to energy supply and demand. The evolutionary adaptation of AMPK to different tissues is accomplished through the expression of distinct isoforms that can form up to 12 complexes, which exhibit notable differences in the sensitivity to allosteric activators. To shed light into the molecular determinants of the allosteric regulation of this energy sensor, we have examined the structural and dynamical properties of β1- and β2-containing AMPK complexes formed with small molecule activators A-769662 and SC4, and dissected the mechanical response leading to active-like enzyme conformations through the analysis of interaction networks between structural domains. The results reveal the mechanical sensitivity of the α2β1 complex, in contrast with a larger resilience of the α2β2 species, especially regarding modulation by A-769662. Furthermore, binding of activators to α2β1 consistently promotes the pre-organization of the ATP-binding site, favoring the adoption of activated states of the enzyme. These findings are discussed in light of the changes in the residue content of β-subunit isoforms, particularly regarding the β1Asn111 → β2Asp111 substitution as a key factor in modulating the mechanical sensitivity of β1- and β2-containing AMPK complexes. Our studies pave the way for the design of activators tailored for improving the therapeutic treatment of tissue-specific metabolic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessia Forte
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Prat de la Riba 171, Santa Coloma de Gramenet 08921, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bailly C, Vergoten G. Mechanistic insights into dimethyl cardamonin-mediated pharmacological effects: A double control of the AMPK-HMGB1 signaling axis. Life Sci 2020; 263:118601. [PMID: 33086122 PMCID: PMC7568849 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dimethyl cardamonin (DMC) has been isolated from diverse plants, notably from Cleistocalyx operculatus. We have reviewed the pharmacological properties of this natural product which displays anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-cancer properties. The pharmacological activities essentially derive from the capacity of DMC to interact with the protein targets HMGB1 and AMPK. Upon binding to HMGB1, DMC inhibits the nucleocytoplasmic transfer of the protein and its extracellular secretion, thereby blocking its alarmin function. DMC also binds to the AMP site of AMPK to activate phospho-AMPK and then to trigger downstream signals leading to the anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic effects. AMPK activation by DMC reinforces inhibition of HMGB1, to further reduce the release of the alarmin protein, likely contributing to the anticancer effects. The characterization of a tight control of DMC over the AMPK-HMGB1 axis not only helps to explain the known activities of DMC but also suggests opportunities to use this chalcone to treat other pathological conditions such as the acute respiratory distress syndrome (which affects patients with COVID-19). DMC structural analogues are also evoked.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gérard Vergoten
- University of Lille, Inserm, U995 - LIRIC - Lille Inflammation Research International Center, ICPAL, 3 rue du Professeur Laguesse, BP-83, F-59006 Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wu W, Sun J, Ji H, Yu H, Zhou J. AMP-activated protein kinase in the grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idellus: Molecular characterization, tissue distribution and mRNA expression in response to overwinter starvation stress. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 246-247:110457. [PMID: 32417494 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2020.110457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is the main energy sensor in mammals, but limited information is available regarding its role as an energy sensor in nutrient-restricted fish particularly in period of overwinter starvation. The present study aimed to investigate the role of AMPK in the grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idellus through characterization of AMPK full-length cDNAs and the measurement of transcriptional activity in response to overwinter starvation. AMPK is a heterotrimeric serine/threonine kinase that consists of a catalytic alpha (α) subunit complexed with two regulatory subunits, beta (β) and gamma (γ). In our study, we identified nine isoforms of the AMPK family in grass carp and obtained their complete coding sequences (CDS). In the grass carp, the α subunit is encoded by two isoforms (α1 and α2). The β and γ subunits are encoded by three (β1a, β1b, β2) and four isoforms (γ1, γ2a, γ2b, γ3), respectively. AMPK isoforms in grass carp possess structural features similar to mammalian AMPK and exhibit a high degree of homology with other fish and vertebrate AMPK sequences. The mRNA of nine grass carp AMPK isoforms were found to be expressed in a wide range of tissues in vivo, but the abundance of each AMPK mRNA demonstrated a tissue-dependent expression pattern, indicating that they might be key complexes playing the role of energy metabolism sensors during overwinter starvation conditions. Compared to expression levels in control fish (week 0), the expression of various AMPK isoforms significantly increased in the hepatopancreas of fish exposed to 1 week or more of overwinter starvation conditions as follows: week 1 (AMPK α1 and AMPK α2), week8 (AMPK β1b and AMPK γ2b), week 12 (AMPK β2 and AMPK γ1), and week 16 (AMPK β1a, AMPK γ2a, and AMPK γ3). Additionally, compared to expression levels in control fish (week 0), the expression of various AMPK isoforms significantly increased in the adipose tissue of fish exposed to 1 week or more of overwinter starvation conditions as follows: week 1(AMPK β1a and AMPK β1b), week 4 (AMPK α1, AMPK α2, AMPK γ1, AMPK γ2b and AMPK γ3), and week 8 (AMPK β2 and AMPK γ2a). Further in vitro analysis revealed that the mRNA levels of AMPK isoforms in hepatocytes (AMPK α1, AMPK α2, AMPK β1a, AMPK β1b, AMPK β2, AMPK γ2b and AMPK γ3) and adipocytes (AMPK γ2a, AMPK γ2b and AMPK γ3) changed significantly with in the first 24 h of exposure to the overwinter starvation conditions. These findings confirm that nine AMPK subunits are present in grass carp and that all encode proteins with conserved functional domains. The nine AMPK subunits are all regulated at the transcriptional levels to manage excess energy expenditure during overwinter starvation stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Jian Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Hong Ji
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China.
| | - Haibo Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Jishu Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| |
Collapse
|