1
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Günther J, Schuler G, Teppa E, Fürbass R. Charged Amino Acids in the Transmembrane Helix Strongly Affect the Enzyme Activity of Aromatase. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1440. [PMID: 38338720 PMCID: PMC10855386 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031440] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Estrogens play critical roles in embryonic development, gonadal sex differentiation, behavior, and reproduction in vertebrates and in several human cancers. Estrogens are synthesized from testosterone and androstenedione by the endoplasmic reticulum membrane-bound P450 aromatase/cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase complex (CYP19/CPR). Here, we report the characterization of novel mammalian CYP19 isoforms encoded by CYP19 gene copies. These CYP19 isoforms are all defined by a combination of mutations in the N-terminal transmembrane helix (E42K, D43N) and in helix C of the catalytic domain (P146T, F147Y). The mutant CYP19 isoforms show increased androgen conversion due to the KN transmembrane helix. In addition, the TY substitutions in helix C result in a substrate preference for androstenedione. Our structural models suggest that CYP19 mutants may interact differently with the membrane (affecting substrate uptake) and with CPR (affecting electron transfer), providing structural clues for the catalytic differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Günther
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Gerhard Schuler
- Veterinary Clinic for Reproductive Medicine and Neonatology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Elin Teppa
- Université de Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576–UGDF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, 59000 Lille, France;
| | - Rainer Fürbass
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
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2
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Sumangala N, Im SC, Valentín-Goyco J, Auchus RJ. Influence of cholesterol on kinetic parameters for human aromatase (P450 19A1) in phospholipid nanodiscs. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 247:112340. [PMID: 37544101 PMCID: PMC11260420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112340] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol, a significant constituent of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, exerts a substantial effect on the membrane's biophysical and mechanical properties. Cholesterol, however, is often neglected in model systems used to study membrane-bound proteins. For example, the influence of cholesterol on the enzymatic functions of type 2 cytochromes P450, which require a phospholipid bilayer and the redox partner P450-oxidoreductase (POR) for activity, are rarely investigated. Human aromatase (P450 19A1) catalyzes three sequential oxygenations of 19‑carbon steroids to estrogens and is widely expressed across various tissues, which are characterized by varying cholesterol compositions. Our study examined the impact of cholesterol on the functionality of the P450 19A1 complex with POR. Nanodiscs containing P450 19A1 with 20% cholesterol/80% phospholipid had similar rates and affinity of androstenedione binding as phospholipid-only P450 19A1 nanodiscs, and rates of product formation were indistinguishable among these conditions. In contrast, the rate of the first electron transfer from POR to P450 19A1 was 3-fold faster in cholesterol-containing nanodiscs than in phospholipid-only nanodiscs. These results suggest that cholesterol influences some aspects of POR interaction with P450 19A1 and might serve as an additional regulatory mechanism in this catalytic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirupama Sumangala
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, & Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Program in Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sang-Choul Im
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, & Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States
| | - Juan Valentín-Goyco
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, & Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, & Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Program in Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States.
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3
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Gobbi S, Martini S, Rozza R, Spinello A, Caciolla J, Rampa A, Belluti F, Zaffaroni N, Magistrato A, Bisi A. Switching from Aromatase Inhibitors to Dual Targeting Flavonoid-Based Compounds for Breast Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2023; 28:3047. [PMID: 37049810 PMCID: PMC10096035 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the significant outcomes attained by scientific research, breast cancer (BC) still represents the second leading cause of death in women. Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC accounts for the majority of diagnosed BCs, highlighting the disruption of estrogenic signalling as target for first-line treatment. This goal is presently pursued by inhibiting aromatase (AR) enzyme or by modulating Estrogen Receptor (ER) α. An appealing strategy for fighting BC and reducing side effects and resistance issues may lie in the design of multifunctional compounds able to simultaneously target AR and ER. In this paper, previously reported flavonoid-related potent AR inhibitors were suitably modified with the aim of also targeting ERα. As a result, homoisoflavone derivatives 3b and 4a emerged as well-balanced submicromolar dual acting compounds. An extensive computational study was then performed to gain insights into the interactions the best compounds established with the two targets. This study highlighted the feasibility of switching from single-target compounds to balanced dual-acting agents, confirming that a multi-target approach may represent a valid therapeutic option to counteract ER+ BC. The homoisoflavone core emerged as a valuable natural-inspired scaffold for the design of multifunctional compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gobbi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Martini
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCSS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20113 Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Rozza
- National Research Council of Italy Institute of Materials (CNR-IOM) c/o SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Angelo Spinello
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Jessica Caciolla
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Angela Rampa
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Belluti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nadia Zaffaroni
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCSS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20113 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- National Research Council of Italy Institute of Materials (CNR-IOM) c/o SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bisi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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4
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Tu MJ, Yu AM. Recent Advances in Novel Recombinant RNAs for Studying Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation in Drug Metabolism and Disposition. Curr Drug Metab 2023; 24:175-189. [PMID: 37170982 PMCID: PMC10825985 DOI: 10.2174/1389200224666230425232433] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters are major determinants of the absorption, disposition, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs, and changes in ADME gene expression or function may alter the pharmacokinetics/ pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) and further influence drug safety and therapeutic outcomes. ADME gene functions are controlled by diverse factors, such as genetic polymorphism, transcriptional regulation, and coadministered medications. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a superfamily of regulatory small noncoding RNAs that are transcribed from the genome to regulate target gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The roles of miRNAs in controlling ADME gene expression have been demonstrated, and such miRNAs may consequently influence cellular drug metabolism and disposition capacity. Several types of miRNA mimics and small interfering RNA (siRNA) reagents have been developed and widely used for ADME research. In this review article, we first provide a brief introduction to the mechanistic actions of miRNAs in post-transcriptional gene regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and transcription factors. After summarizing conventional small RNA production methods, we highlight the latest advances in novel recombinant RNA technologies and applications of the resultant bioengineered RNA (BioRNA) agents to ADME studies. BioRNAs produced in living cells are not only powerful tools for general biological and biomedical research but also potential therapeutic agents amenable to clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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5
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Pridgeon CS, Johansson I, Ingelman-Sundberg M. Response to Rowland et al. and Achour et al. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2022; 112:1155. [PMID: 36111792 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Chris S Pridgeon
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum B5, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Inger Johansson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum B5, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Ingelman-Sundberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum B5, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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6
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Brann DW, Lu Y, Wang J, Zhang Q, Thakkar R, Sareddy GR, Pratap UP, Tekmal RR, Vadlamudi RK. Brain-derived estrogen and neural function. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:793-817. [PMID: 34823913 PMCID: PMC8816863 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Although classically known as an endocrine signal produced by the ovary, 17β-estradiol (E2) is also a neurosteroid produced in neurons and astrocytes in the brain of many different species. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the localization, regulation, sex differences, and physiological/pathological roles of brain-derived E2 (BDE2). Much of what we know regarding the functional roles of BDE2 has come from studies using specific inhibitors of the E2 synthesis enzyme, aromatase, as well as the recent development of conditional forebrain neuron-specific and astrocyte-specific aromatase knockout mouse models. The evidence from these studies support a critical role for neuron-derived E2 (NDE2) in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, memory, socio-sexual behavior, sexual differentiation, reproduction, injury-induced reactive gliosis, and neuroprotection. Furthermore, we review evidence that astrocyte-derived E2 (ADE2) is induced following brain injury/ischemia, and plays a key role in reactive gliosis, neuroprotection, and cognitive preservation. Finally, we conclude by discussing the key controversies and challenges in this area, as well as potential future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell W Brann
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Yujiao Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Quanguang Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Roshni Thakkar
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Gangadhara R Sareddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA
| | - Uday P Pratap
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA
| | - Rajeshwar R Tekmal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA
| | - Ratna K Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA; Audie L. Murphy Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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7
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Fujino C, Sanoh S, Katsura T. Variation in Expression of Cytochrome P450 3A Isoforms and Toxicological Effects: Endo- and Exogenous Substances as Regulatory Factors and Substrates. Biol Pharm Bull 2021; 44:1617-1634. [PMID: 34719640 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-00332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The CYP3A subfamily, which includes isoforms CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP3A7 in humans, plays important roles in the metabolism of various endogenous and exogenous substances. Gene and protein expression of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP3A7 show large inter-individual differences, which are caused by many endogenous and exogenous factors. Inter-individual differences can cause negative outcomes, such as adverse drug events and disease development. Therefore, it is important to understand the variations in CYP3A expression caused by endo- and exogenous factors, as well as the variation in the metabolism and kinetics of endo- and exogenous substrates. In this review, we summarize the factors regulating CYP3A expression, such as bile acids, hormones, microRNA, inflammatory cytokines, drugs, environmental chemicals, and dietary factors. In addition, variations in CYP3A expression under pathological conditions, such as coronavirus disease 2019 and liver diseases, are described as examples of the physiological effects of endogenous factors. We also summarize endogenous and exogenous substrates metabolized by CYP3A isoforms, such as cholesterol, bile acids, hormones, arachidonic acid, vitamin D, and drugs. The relationship between the changes in the kinetics of these substrates and the toxicological effects in our bodies are discussed. The usefulness of these substrates and metabolites as endogenous biomarkers for CYP3A activity is also discussed. Notably, we focused on discrimination between CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP3A7 to understand inter-individual differences in CYP3A expression and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieri Fujino
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University
| | - Seigo Sanoh
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wakayama Medical University
| | - Toshiya Katsura
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University
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8
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Caciolla J, Martini S, Spinello A, Pavlin M, Turrini E, Simonelli F, Belluti F, Rampa A, Bisi A, Fimognari C, Zaffaroni N, Gobbi S, Magistrato A. Balanced dual acting compounds targeting aromatase and estrogen receptor α as an emerging therapeutic opportunity to counteract estrogen responsive breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113733. [PMID: 34364162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Breast Cancer (BC) is a leading cause of death in women, currently affecting 13% of female population worldwide. First-line clinical treatments against Estrogen Receptor positive (ER+) BC rely on suppressing estrogen production, by inhibiting the aromatase (AR) enzyme, or on blocking estrogen-dependent pro-oncogenic signaling, by targeting Estrogen Receptor (ER) α with selective Modulators/Degraders (SERMs/SERDs). The development of dual acting molecules targeting AR and ERα represents a tantalizing alternative strategy to fight ER + BC, reducing the incidence of adverse effects and resistance onset that limit the effectiveness of these gold-standard therapies. Here, in silico design, synthesis, biological evaluation and an atomic-level characterization of the binding and inhibition mechanism of twelve structurally related drug-candidates enable the discovery of multiple compounds active on both AR and ERα in the sub-μM range. The best drug-candidate 3a displayed a balanced low-nanomolar IC50 towards the two targets, SERM activity and moderate selectivity towards a BC cell line. Moreover, most of the studied compounds reduced ERα levels, suggesting a potential SERD activity. This study dissects the key structural traits needed to obtain optimal dual acting drug-candidates, showing that multitarget compounds may be a viable therapeutic option to counteract ER + BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Caciolla
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Martini
- Fondazione IRCSS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20113, Milano, Italy
| | - Angelo Spinello
- National Research Council of Italy Institute of Materials (CNR-IOM) C/o SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Matic Pavlin
- National Research Council of Italy Institute of Materials (CNR-IOM) C/o SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy; Laboratory of Microsensor Structures and Electronics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška Cesta 25, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eleonora Turrini
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Corso D'Augusto 237, 47921, Rimini, Italy
| | - Federica Simonelli
- National Research Council of Italy Institute of Materials (CNR-IOM) C/o SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Belluti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angela Rampa
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bisi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Corso D'Augusto 237, 47921, Rimini, Italy
| | - Nadia Zaffaroni
- Fondazione IRCSS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20113, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Gobbi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- National Research Council of Italy Institute of Materials (CNR-IOM) C/o SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy.
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9
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Spinello A, Borišek J, Pavlin M, Janoš P, Magistrato A. Computing Metal-Binding Proteins for Therapeutic Benefit. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:2034-2049. [PMID: 33740297 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Over one third of biomolecules rely on metal ions to exert their cellular functions. Metal ions can play a structural role by stabilizing the structure of biomolecules, a functional role by promoting a wide variety of biochemical reactions, and a regulatory role by acting as messengers upon binding to proteins regulating cellular metal-homeostasis. These diverse roles in biology ascribe critical implications to metal-binding proteins in the onset of many diseases. Hence, it is of utmost importance to exhaustively unlock the different mechanistic facets of metal-binding proteins and to harness this knowledge to rationally devise novel therapeutic strategies to prevent or cure pathological states associated with metal-dependent cellular dysfunctions. In this compendium, we illustrate how the use of a computational arsenal based on docking, classical, and quantum-classical molecular dynamics simulations can contribute to extricate the minutiae of the catalytic, transport, and inhibition mechanisms of metal-binding proteins at the atomic level. This knowledge represents a fertile ground and an essential prerequisite for selectively targeting metal-binding proteins with small-molecule inhibitors aiming to (i) abrogate deregulated metal-dependent (mis)functions or (ii) leverage metal-dyshomeostasis to selectively trigger harmful cells death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Spinello
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR)-, Institute of Materials (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jure Borišek
- National Institute of Chemistry Institution Hajdrihova ulica 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matic Pavlin
- Laboratory of Microsensor Structures and Electronics Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana Tržaška cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Pavel Janoš
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR)-, Institute of Materials (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR)-, Institute of Materials (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
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10
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Di Nardo G, Zhang C, Marcelli AG, Gilardi G. Molecular and Structural Evolution of Cytochrome P450 Aromatase. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E631. [PMID: 33435208 PMCID: PMC7827799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatase is the cytochrome P450 enzyme converting androgens into estrogen in the last phase of steroidogenesis. As estrogens are crucial in reproductive biology, aromatase is found in vertebrates and the invertebrates of the genus Branchiostoma, where it carries out the aromatization reaction of the A-ring of androgens that produces estrogens. Here, we investigate the molecular evolution of this unique and highly substrate-selective enzyme by means of structural, sequence alignment, and homology modeling, shedding light on its key role in species conservation. The alignments led to the identification of a core structure that, together with key and unique amino acids located in the active site and the substrate recognition sites, has been well conserved during evolution. Structural analysis shows what their roles are and the reason why they have been preserved. Moreover, the residues involved in the interaction with the redox partner and some phosphorylation sites appeared late during evolution. These data reveal how highly substrate-selective cytochrome P450 has evolved, indicating that the driving forces for evolution have been the optimization of the interaction with the redox partner and the introduction of phosphorylation sites that give the possibility of modulating its activity in a rapid way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Di Nardo
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, via Accademia Albertina 13, 1023 Torino, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
| | | | | | - Gianfranco Gilardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, via Accademia Albertina 13, 1023 Torino, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
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11
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An electron transfer competent structural ensemble of membrane-bound cytochrome P450 1A1 and cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase. Commun Biol 2021; 4:55. [PMID: 33420418 PMCID: PMC7794467 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01568-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 (CYP) heme monooxygenases require two electrons for their catalytic cycle. For mammalian microsomal CYPs, key enzymes for xenobiotic metabolism and steroidogenesis and important drug targets and biocatalysts, the electrons are transferred by NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CPR). No structure of a mammalian CYP-CPR complex has been solved experimentally, hindering understanding of the determinants of electron transfer (ET), which is often rate-limiting for CYP reactions. Here, we investigated the interactions between membrane-bound CYP 1A1, an antitumor drug target, and CPR by a multiresolution computational approach. We find that upon binding to CPR, the CYP 1A1 catalytic domain becomes less embedded in the membrane and reorients, indicating that CPR may affect ligand passage to the CYP active site. Despite the constraints imposed by membrane binding, we identify several arrangements of CPR around CYP 1A1 that are compatible with ET. In the complexes, the interactions of the CPR FMN domain with the proximal side of CYP 1A1 are supplemented by more transient interactions of the CPR NADP domain with the distal side of CYP 1A1. Computed ET rates and pathways agree well with available experimental data and suggest why the CYP-CPR ET rates are low compared to those of soluble bacterial CYPs.
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12
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Istiandari P, Yasumoto S, Srisawat P, Tamura K, Chikugo A, Suzuki H, Seki H, Fukushima EO, Muranaka T. Comparative Analysis of NADPH-Cytochrome P450 Reductases From Legumes for Heterologous Production of Triterpenoids in Transgenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:762546. [PMID: 34975947 PMCID: PMC8716914 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.762546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Triterpenoids are plant specialized metabolites with various pharmacological activities. They are widely distributed in higher plants, such as legumes. Because of their low accumulation in plants, there is a need for improving triterpenoid production. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) play critical roles in the structural diversification of triterpenoids. To perform site-specific oxidations, CYPs require the electrons that are transferred by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). Plants possess two main CPR classes, class I and class II. CPR classes I and II have been reported to be responsible for primary and specialized (secondary) metabolism, respectively. In this study, we first analyzed the CPR expression level of three legumes species, Medicago truncatula, Lotus japonicus, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis, showing that the expression level of CPR class I was lower and more stable, while that of CPR class II was higher in almost all the samples. We then co-expressed different combinations of CYP716As and CYP72As with different CPR classes from these three legumes in transgenic yeast. We found that CYP716As worked better with CPR-I from the same species, while CYP72As worked better with any CPR-IIs. Using engineered yeast strains, CYP88D6 paired with class II GuCPR produced the highest level of 11-oxo-β-amyrin, the important precursor of high-value metabolites glycyrrhizin. This study provides insight into co-expressing genes from legumes for heterologous production of triterpenoids in yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramesti Istiandari
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shuhei Yasumoto
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Industrial Biotechnology Initiative Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Pisanee Srisawat
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Keita Tamura
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ayaka Chikugo
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Suzuki
- Department of Research and Development, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Kisarazu, Japan
| | - Hikaru Seki
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Industrial Biotechnology Initiative Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ery Odette Fukushima
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Plant Translational Research Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica IKIAM, Tena, Ecuador
| | - Toshiya Muranaka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Industrial Biotechnology Initiative Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Toshiya Muranaka,
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13
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Palermo G, Spinello A, Saha A, Magistrato A. Frontiers of metal-coordinating drug design. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:497-511. [PMID: 33874825 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1851188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The occurrence of metal ions in biomolecules is required to exert vital cellular functions. Metal-containing biomolecules can be modulated by small-molecule inhibitors targeting their metal-moiety. As well, the discovery of cisplatin ushered the rational discovery of metal-containing-drugs. The use of both drug types exploiting metal-ligand interactions is well established to treat distinct pathologies. Therefore, characterizing and leveraging metal-coordinating drugs is a pivotal, yet challenging, part of medicinal chemistry.Area covered: Atomic-level simulations are increasingly employed to overcome the challenges met by traditional drug-discovery approaches and to complement wet-lab experiments in elucidating the mechanisms of drugs' action. Multiscale simulations, allow deciphering the mechanism of metal-binding inhibitors and metallo-containing-drugs, enabling a reliable description of metal-complexes in their biological environment. In this compendium, the authors review selected applications exploiting the metal-ligand interactions by focusing on understanding the mechanism and design of (i) inhibitors targeting iron and zinc-enzymes, and (ii) ruthenium and gold-based anticancer agents targeting the nucleosome and aquaporin protein, respectively.Expert opinion: The showcased applications exemplify the current role and the potential of atomic-level simulations and reveal how their synergic use with experiments can contribute to uncover fundamental mechanistic facets and exploit metal-ligand interactions in medicinal chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Palermo
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, United States
| | - Angelo Spinello
- National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, Institute of Material (IOM) @ International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Aakash Saha
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, United States
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, Institute of Material (IOM) @ International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
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14
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Dixit VA, Warwicker J, Visser SP. How Do Metal Ions Modulate the Rate‐Determining Electron‐Transfer Step in Cytochrome P450 Reactions? Chemistry 2020; 26:15270-15281. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.202003024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav A. Dixit
- Department of Pharmacy Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences Pilani (BITS-Pilani) Vidya Vihar Campus 41 Pilani 333031 Rajasthan India
| | - Jim Warwicker
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology The University of Manchester 131 Princess Street Manchester M17DN United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry The University of Manchester Oxford Road Manchester M139PL United Kingdom
| | - Sam P. Visser
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology The University of Manchester 131 Princess Street Manchester M17DN United Kingdom
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science The University of Manchester Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL United Kingdom
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15
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Abstract
Aromatase CYP19A1 catalyzes the synthesis of estrogens in endocrine, reproductive and central nervous systems. Higher levels of 17β-estradiol (E2) are associated with malignancies and diseases of the breast, ovary and endometrium, while low E2 levels increase the risk for osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and cognitive disorders. E2, the transcriptional activator of the estrogen receptors, is also known to be involved in non-genomic signaling as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator, with recent evidence for rapid estrogen synthesis (RES) within the synaptic terminal. Although regulation of brain aromatase activity by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation has been suggested, it remains obscure in the endocrine and reproductive systems. RES and overabundance of estrogens could stimulate the genomic and non-genomic signaling pathways, and genotoxic effects of estrogen metabolites. Here, by utilizing biochemical, cellular, mass spectrometric, and structural data we unequivocally demonstrate phosphorylation of human placental aromatase and regulation of its activity. We report that human aromatase has multiple phosphorylation sites, some of which are consistently detectable. Phosphorylation of the residue Y361 at the reductase-coupling interface significantly elevates aromatase activity. Other sites include the active site residue S478 and several at the membrane interface. We present the evidence that two histidine residues are phosphorylated. Furthermore, oxidation of two proline residues near the active site may have implications in regulation. Taken together, the results demonstrate that aromatase activity is regulated by phosphorylation and possibly other post-translational modifications. Protein level regulation of aromatase activity not only represents a paradigm shift in estrogen-mediated biology, it could also explain unresolved clinical questions such as aromatase inhibitor resistance.
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16
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Ferreira Almeida C, Oliveira A, João Ramos M, Fernandes PA, Teixeira N, Amaral C. Estrogen receptor-positive (ER +) breast cancer treatment: Are multi-target compounds the next promising approach? Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 177:113989. [PMID: 32330493 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine therapy is currently the main therapeutic approach for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, the most frequent subtype of breast cancer in women worldwide. For this subtype of tumors, the current clinical treatment includes aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and anti-estrogenic compounds, such as Tamoxifen and Fulvestrant, being AIs the first-line treatment option for post-menopausal women. Moreover, the recent guidelines also suggest the use of these compounds by pre-menopausal women after suppressing ovaries function. However, besides its therapeutic efficacy, the prolonged use of this type of therapies may lead to the development of several adverse effects, as well as, endocrine resistance, limiting the effectiveness of such treatments. In order to surpass this issues and clinical concerns, during the last years, several studies have been suggesting alternative therapeutic approaches, considering the function of aromatase, ERα and ERβ. Here, we review the structural and functional features of these three targets and their importance in ER+ breast cancer treatment, as well as, the current treatment strategies used in clinic, emphasizing the importance of the development of multi-target compounds able to simultaneously modulate these key targets, as a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for this type of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ferreira Almeida
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Oliveira
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Computational Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Ramos
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Computational Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Computational Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Amaral
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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17
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Ritacco I, Saltalamacchia A, Spinello A, Ippoliti E, Magistrato A. All-Atom Simulations Disclose How Cytochrome Reductase Reshapes the Substrate Access/Egress Routes of Its Partner CYP450s. J Phys Chem Lett 2020; 11:1189-1193. [PMID: 31986051 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.9b03798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cytochromes P450 enzymes (CYP450s) promote the oxidative metabolism of a variety of substrates via the electrons supplied by the cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) and upon formation of a CPR/CYP450 adduct. In spite of the pivotal regulatory importance of this process, the impact of CPR binding on the functional properties of its partner CYP450 remains elusive. By performing multiple microsecond-long all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of a 520 000-atom model of a CPR/CYP450 adduct embedded in a membrane mimic, we disclose the molecular terms for their interactions, considering the aromatase (HA) enzyme as a proxy of the CYP450 family. Our study strikingly unveils that CPR binding alters HA's functional motions, bolstering a change in the shape and type of the channels traveled by substrates/products during their access/egress to/from the enzyme's active site. Our outcomes unprecedentedly contribute to extricate the many entangled facets of the CYP450 metabolon, redrafting its intricate panorama from an atomic-level perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Ritacco
- CNR-IOM c/o SISSA , via Bonomea 265 , 34136 Trieste , Italy
| | | | | | - Emiliano Ippoliti
- IAS-5/INM-9 Computational Biomedicine Institute and JARA-HPC , Forschungszentrum Jülich , Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße , 52425 Jülich , Germany
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18
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Spinello A, Ritacco I, Magistrato A. Recent advances in computational design of potent aromatase inhibitors: open-eye on endocrine-resistant breast cancers. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:1065-1076. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1646245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Spinello
- National Research Council - Istituto Officina dei Materiali c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Ida Ritacco
- National Research Council - Istituto Officina dei Materiali c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- National Research Council - Istituto Officina dei Materiali c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
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19
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Coupling of Redox and Structural States in Cytochrome P450 Reductase Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9341. [PMID: 31249341 PMCID: PMC6597723 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45690-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) is the key protein that regulates the electron transfer from NADPH to various heme-containing monooxygenases. CPR has two flavin-containing domains: one with flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), called FAD domain, and the other with flavin mononucleotide (FMN), called FMN domain. It is considered that the electron transfer occurs via FAD and FMN (NADPH → FAD → FMN → monooxygenase) and is regulated by an interdomain open-close motion. It is generally thought that the structural state is coupled with the redox state, which, however, has not yet been firmly established. In this report, we studied the coupling of the redox and the structural states by full-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of CPR (total 86.4 μs). Our MD result showed that while CPR predominantly adopts the closed state both in the oxidized and reduced states, it exhibits a tendency to open in the reduced state. We also found a correlation between the FAD-FMN distance and the predicted FMN-monooxygenase distance, which is embedded in the equilibrium thermal fluctuation of CPR. Based on these results, a physical mechanism for the electron transfer by CPR is discussed.
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