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Tomisch J, Busse V, Rosato F, Makshakova ON, Salavei P, Kittel AS, Gillon E, Lataster L, Imberty A, Meléndez AV, Römer W. A Shiga Toxin B-Subunit-Based Lectibody Boosts T Cell Cytotoxicity towards Gb3-Positive Cancer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:1896. [PMID: 37508560 PMCID: PMC10378424 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141896] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant glycosylation plays a crucial role in tumour progression and invasiveness. Tumour-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) represent a valuable set of targets for immunotherapeutic approaches. The poor immunogenicity of glycan structures, however, requires a more effective and well-directed way of targeting TACAs on the surface of cancer cells than antibodies. The glycosphingolipid globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) is a well-established TACA present in a multitude of cancer types. Its overexpression has been linked to metastasis, invasiveness, and multidrug resistance. In the present study, we propose to use a dimeric fragment of the Shiga toxin B-subunit (StxB) to selectively target Gb3-positive cancer cells in a StxB-scFv UCHT1 lectibody. The lectibody, comprised of a lectin and the UCHT1 antibody fragment, was produced in E. coli and purified via Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. Specificity of the lectibody towards Gb3-positive cancer cell lines and specificity towards the CD3 receptor on T cells, was assessed using flow cytometry. We evaluated the efficacy of the lectibody in redirecting T cell cytotoxicity towards Gb3-overexpressing cancer cells in luciferase-based cytotoxicity in vitro assays. The StxB-scFv UCHT1 lectibody has proven specific for Gb3 and could induce the killing of up to 80% of Gb3-overexpressing cancer cells in haemorrhagic and solid tumours. The lectibody developed in this study, therefore, highlights the potential that lectibodies and lectins in general have for usage in immunotherapeutic approaches to boost the efficacy of established cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Tomisch
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Vincent Busse
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Francesca Rosato
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Olga N Makshakova
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Kazan Institute for Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, 420111 Kazan, Russia
| | - Pavel Salavei
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Core Facility Signalling Factory & Robotics, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Sophia Kittel
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Emilie Gillon
- CNRS, CERMAV, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Levin Lataster
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anne Imberty
- CNRS, CERMAV, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Ana Valeria Meléndez
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Römer
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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2
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Enzymatic Glyco-Modification of Synthetic Membrane Systems. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020335. [PMID: 36830704 PMCID: PMC9952996 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020335] [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] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The present report assesses the capability of a soluble glycosyltransferase to modify glycolipids organized in two synthetic membrane systems that are attractive models to mimic cell membranes: giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and supported lipid bilayers (SLBs). The objective was to synthesize the Gb3 antigen (Galα1,4Galβ1,4Glcβ-Cer), a cancer biomarker, at the surface of these membrane models. A soluble form of LgtC that adds a galactose residue from UDP-Gal to lactose-containing acceptors was selected. Although less efficient than with lactose, the ability of LgtC to utilize lactosyl-ceramide as an acceptor was demonstrated on GUVs and SLBs. The reaction was monitored using the B-subunit of Shiga toxin as Gb3-binding lectin. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation analysis showed that transient binding of LgtC at the membrane surface was sufficient for a productive conversion of LacCer to Gb3. Molecular dynamics simulations provided structural elements to help rationalize experimental data.
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Zahorska E, Rosato F, Stober K, Kuhaudomlarp S, Meiers J, Hauck D, Reith D, Gillon E, Rox K, Imberty A, Römer W, Titz A. Neutralizing the Impact of the Virulence Factor LecA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa on Human Cells with New Glycomimetic Inhibitors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215535. [PMID: 36398566 PMCID: PMC10107299 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation and host cell invasion of the ESKAPE pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa require the tetravalent lectins LecA and LecB, which are therefore drug targets to fight these infections. Recently, we have reported highly potent divalent galactosides as specific LecA inhibitors. However, they suffered from very low solubility and an intrinsic chemical instability due to two acylhydrazone motifs, which precluded further biological evaluation. Here, we isosterically substituted the acylhydrazones and systematically varied linker identity and length between the two galactosides necessary for LecA binding. The optimized divalent LecA ligands showed improved stability and were up to 1000-fold more soluble. Importantly, these properties now enabled their biological characterization. The lead compound L2 potently inhibited LecA binding to lung epithelial cells, restored wound closure in a scratch assay and reduced the invasiveness of P. aeruginosa into host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zahorska
- Chemical Biology of Carbohydrates (CBCH), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Department of Chemistry, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Standort Hannover-, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Francesca Rosato
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kai Stober
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sakonwan Kuhaudomlarp
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CERMAV, 38000, Grenoble, France.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.,Center for Excellence in Protein and Enzyme Technology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Joscha Meiers
- Chemical Biology of Carbohydrates (CBCH), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Department of Chemistry, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Standort Hannover-, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dirk Hauck
- Chemical Biology of Carbohydrates (CBCH), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Department of Chemistry, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Standort Hannover-, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dorina Reith
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Emilie Gillon
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CERMAV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Katharina Rox
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Standort Hannover-, Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Chemical Biology (CBIO), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Anne Imberty
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CERMAV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Winfried Römer
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Titz
- Chemical Biology of Carbohydrates (CBCH), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Department of Chemistry, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Standort Hannover-, Braunschweig, Germany
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4
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Rosato F, Pasupuleti R, Tomisch J, Meléndez AV, Kolanovic D, Makshakova ON, Wiltschi B, Römer W. A bispecific, crosslinking lectibody activates cytotoxic T cells and induces cancer cell death. J Transl Med 2022; 20:578. [PMID: 36494671 PMCID: PMC9733292 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03794-w] [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] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant glycosylation patterns play a crucial role in the development of cancer cells as they promote tumor growth and aggressiveness. Lectins recognize carbohydrate antigens attached to proteins and lipids on cell surfaces and represent potential tools for application in cancer diagnostics and therapy. Among the emerging cancer therapies, immunotherapy has become a promising treatment modality for various hematological and solid malignancies. Here we present an approach to redirect the immune system into fighting cancer by targeting altered glycans at the surface of malignant cells. We developed a so-called "lectibody", a bispecific construct composed of a lectin linked to an antibody fragment. This lectibody is inspired by bispecific T cell engager (BiTEs) antibodies that recruit cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) while simultaneously binding to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) on cancer cells. The tumor-related glycosphingolipid globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) represents the target of this proof-of-concept study. It is recognized with high selectivity by the B-subunit of the pathogen-derived Shiga toxin, presenting opportunities for clinical development. METHODS The lectibody was realized by conjugating an anti-CD3 single-chain antibody fragment to the B-subunit of Shiga toxin to target Gb3+ cancer cells. The reactive non-canonical amino acid azidolysine (AzK) was inserted at predefined single positions in both proteins. The azido groups were functionalized by bioorthogonal conjugation with individual linkers that facilitated selective coupling via an alternative bioorthogonal click chemistry reaction. In vitro cell-based assays were conducted to evaluate the antitumoral activity of the lectibody. CTLs, Burkitt´s lymphoma-derived cells and colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines were screened in flow cytometry and cytotoxicity assays for activation and lysis, respectively. RESULTS This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that the lectibody activates T cells for their cytotoxic signaling, redirecting CTLs´ cytotoxicity in a highly selective manner and resulting in nearly complete tumor cell lysis-up to 93%-of Gb3+ tumor cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS This research highlights the potential of lectins in targeting certain tumors, with an opportunity for new cancer treatments. When considering a combinatorial strategy, lectin-based platforms of this type offer the possibility to target glycan epitopes on tumor cells and boost the efficacy of current therapies, providing an additional strategy for tumor eradication and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Rosato
- grid.5963.9Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rajeev Pasupuleti
- grid.432147.70000 0004 0591 4434ACIB - The Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Graz, Austria ,grid.410413.30000 0001 2294 748XInstitute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Jana Tomisch
- grid.5963.9Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ana Valeria Meléndez
- grid.5963.9Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dajana Kolanovic
- grid.432147.70000 0004 0591 4434ACIB - The Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Graz, Austria ,grid.410413.30000 0001 2294 748XInstitute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Olga N. Makshakova
- grid.5963.9Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.419733.b0000 0004 0487 3538Kazan Institute for Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - Birgit Wiltschi
- grid.432147.70000 0004 0591 4434ACIB - The Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Graz, Austria ,grid.410413.30000 0001 2294 748XInstitute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria ,grid.5173.00000 0001 2298 5320Institute of Bioprocess Science and Engineering, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Winfried Römer
- grid.5963.9Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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5
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Septin barriers protect mammalian host cells against Pseudomonas aeruginosa invasion. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111510. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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6
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Meléndez AV, Velasco Cárdenas RMH, Lagies S, Strietz J, Siukstaite L, Thomas OS, Tomisch J, Weber W, Kammerer B, Römer W, Minguet S. Novel lectin-based chimeric antigen receptors target Gb3-positive tumour cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:513. [PMID: 36097202 PMCID: PMC9468074 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04524-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The link between cancer and aberrant glycosylation has recently become evident. Glycans and their altered forms, known as tumour-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs), are diverse, complex and difficult to target therapeutically. Lectins are naturally occurring glycan-binding proteins that offer a unique opportunity to recognise TACAs. T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have proven to be a successful immunotherapy against leukaemias, but so far have shown limited success in solid tumours. We developed a panel of lectin-CARs that recognise the glycosphingolipid globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), which is overexpressed in various cancers, such as Burkitt's lymphoma, colorectal, breast and pancreatic. We have selected the following lectins: Shiga toxin's B-subunit from Shigella dysenteriae, LecA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the engineered lectin Mitsuba from Mytilus galloprovincialis as antigen-binding domains and fused them to a well-known second-generation CAR. The Gb3-binding lectin-CARs have demonstrated target-specific cytotoxicity against Burkitt's lymphoma-derived cell lines as well as solid tumour cells from colorectal and triple-negative breast cancer. Our findings reveal the big potential of lectin-based CARs as therapeutical applications to target Gb3 and other TACAs expressed in haematological malignancies and solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Valeria Meléndez
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19a, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rubí M-H Velasco Cárdenas
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Lagies
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Albertstraße 21, 79102, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Lina Siukstaite
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Oliver S Thomas
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19a, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jana Tomisch
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wilfried Weber
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19a, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Kammerer
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Albertstraße 21, 79102, Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Signalling Analysis, University of Freiburg, Habsburgerstraße 49, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Römer
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19a, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Susana Minguet
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19a, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Center of Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Clinics and Medical Faculty, Freiburg, Germany.
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Abstract
Glycoscience assembles all the scientific disciplines involved in studying various molecules and macromolecules containing carbohydrates and complex glycans. Such an ensemble involves one of the most extensive sets of molecules in quantity and occurrence since they occur in all microorganisms and higher organisms. Once the compositions and sequences of these molecules are established, the determination of their three-dimensional structural and dynamical features is a step toward understanding the molecular basis underlying their properties and functions. The range of the relevant computational methods capable of addressing such issues is anchored by the specificity of stereoelectronic effects from quantum chemistry to mesoscale modeling throughout molecular dynamics and mechanics and coarse-grained and docking calculations. The Review leads the reader through the detailed presentations of the applications of computational modeling. The illustrations cover carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions, glycolipids, and N- and O-linked glycans, emphasizing their role in SARS-CoV-2. The presentation continues with the structure of polysaccharides in solution and solid-state and lipopolysaccharides in membranes. The full range of protein-carbohydrate interactions is presented, as exemplified by carbohydrate-active enzymes, transporters, lectins, antibodies, and glycosaminoglycan binding proteins. A final section features a list of 150 tools and databases to help address the many issues of structural glycobioinformatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Perez
- Centre de Recherche sur les Macromolecules Vegetales, University of Grenoble-Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Grenoble F-38041, France
| | - Olga Makshakova
- FRC Kazan Scientific Center of Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kazan 420111, Russia
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8
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Glycans in autophagy, endocytosis and lysosomal functions. Glycoconj J 2021; 38:625-647. [PMID: 34390447 PMCID: PMC8497297 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-021-10007-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glycans have been shown to function as versatile molecular signals in cells. This prompted us to look at their roles in endocytosis, endolysosomal system and autophagy. We start by introducing the cell biological aspects of these pathways, the concept of the sugar code, and provide an overview on the role of glycans in the targeting of lysosomal proteins and in lysosomal functions. Moreover, we review evidence on the regulation of endocytosis and autophagy by glycans. Finally, we discuss the emerging concept that cytosolic exposure of luminal glycans, and their detection by endogenous lectins, provides a mechanism for the surveillance of the integrity of the endolysosomal compartments, and serves their eventual repair or disposal.
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9
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Siukstaite L, Imberty A, Römer W. Structural Diversities of Lectins Binding to the Glycosphingolipid Gb3. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:704685. [PMID: 34381814 PMCID: PMC8350385 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.704685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycolipids are present on the surfaces of all living cells and thereby represent targets for many protein receptors, such as lectins. Understanding the interactions between lectins and glycolipids is essential for investigating the functions of lectins and the dynamics of glycolipids in living membranes. This review focuses on lectins binding to the glycosphingolipid globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), an attractive host cell receptor, particularly for pathogens and pathogenic products. Shiga toxin (Stx), from Shigella dysenteriae or Escherichia coli, which is one of the most virulent bacterial toxins, binds and clusters Gb3, leading to local negative membrane curvature and the formation of tubular plasma membrane invaginations as the initial step for clathrin-independent endocytosis. After internalization, it is embracing the retrograde transport pathway. In comparison, the homotetrameric lectin LecA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa can also bind to Gb3, triggering the so-called lipid zipper mechanism, which results in membrane engulfment of the bacterium as an important step for its cellular uptake. Notably, both lectins bind to Gb3 but induce distinct plasma membrane domains and exploit mainly different transport pathways. Not only, several other Gb3-binding lectins have been described from bacterial origins, such as the adhesins SadP (from Streptococcus suis) and PapG (from E. coli), but also from animal, fungal, or plant origins. The variety of amino acid sequences and folds demonstrates the structural versatilities of Gb3-binding lectins and asks the question of the evolution of specificity and carbohydrate recognition in different kingdoms of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Siukstaite
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anne Imberty
- CNRS, CERMAV, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Winfried Römer
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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10
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Pezeshkian W, Shillcock JC, Ipsen JH. Computational Approaches to Explore Bacterial Toxin Entry into the Host Cell. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13070449. [PMID: 34203472 PMCID: PMC8309782 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Many bacteria secrete toxic protein complexes that modify and disrupt essential processes in the infected cell that can lead to cell death. To conduct their action, these toxins often need to cross the cell membrane and reach a specific substrate inside the cell. The investigation of these protein complexes is essential not only for understanding their biological functions but also for the rational design of targeted drug delivery vehicles that must navigate across the cell membrane to deliver their therapeutic payload. Despite the immense advances in experimental techniques, the investigations of the toxin entry mechanism have remained challenging. Computer simulations are robust complementary tools that allow for the exploration of biological processes in exceptional detail. In this review, we first highlight the strength of computational methods, with a special focus on all-atom molecular dynamics, coarse-grained, and mesoscopic models, for exploring different stages of the toxin protein entry mechanism. We then summarize recent developments that are significantly advancing our understanding, notably of the glycolipid–lectin (GL-Lect) endocytosis of bacterial Shiga and cholera toxins. The methods discussed here are also applicable to the design of membrane-penetrating nanoparticles and the study of the phenomenon of protein phase separation at the surface of the membrane. Finally, we discuss other likely routes for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weria Pezeshkian
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute and Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, 9712 Groningen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - Julian C. Shillcock
- Blue Brain Project, Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - John H. Ipsen
- MEMPHYS/PhyLife, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy (FKF), University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark;
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Lingwood C. Therapeutic Uses of Bacterial Subunit Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13060378. [PMID: 34073185 PMCID: PMC8226680 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The B subunit pentamer verotoxin (VT aka Shiga toxin-Stx) binding to its cellular glycosphingolipid (GSL) receptor, globotriaosyl ceramide (Gb3) mediates internalization and the subsequent receptor mediated retrograde intracellular traffic of the AB5 subunit holotoxin to the endoplasmic reticulum. Subunit separation and cytosolic A subunit transit via the ER retrotranslocon as a misfolded protein mimic, then inhibits protein synthesis to kill cells, which can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome clinically. This represents one of the most studied systems of prokaryotic hijacking of eukaryotic biology. Similarly, the interaction of cholera AB5 toxin with its GSL receptor, GM1 ganglioside, is the key component of the gastrointestinal pathogenesis of cholera and follows the same retrograde transport pathway for A subunit cytosol access. Although both VT and CT are the cause of major pathology worldwide, the toxin–receptor interaction is itself being manipulated to generate new approaches to control, rather than cause, disease. This arena comprises two areas: anti neoplasia, and protein misfolding diseases. CT/CTB subunit immunomodulatory function and anti-cancer toxin immunoconjugates will not be considered here. In the verotoxin case, it is clear that Gb3 (and VT targeting) is upregulated in many human cancers and that there is a relationship between GSL expression and cancer drug resistance. While both verotoxin and cholera toxin similarly hijack the intracellular ERAD quality control system of nascent protein folding, the more widespread cell expression of GM1 makes cholera the toxin of choice as the means to more widely utilise ERAD targeting to ameliorate genetic diseases of protein misfolding. Gb3 is primarily expressed in human renal tissue. Glomerular endothelial cells are the primary VT target but Gb3 is expressed in other endothelial beds, notably brain endothelial cells which can mediate the encephalopathy primarily associated with VT2-producing E. coli infection. The Gb3 levels can be regulated by cytokines released during EHEC infection, which complicate pathogenesis. Significantly Gb3 is upregulated in the neovasculature of many tumours, irrespective of tumour Gb3 status. Gb3 is markedly increased in pancreatic, ovarian, breast, testicular, renal, astrocytic, gastric, colorectal, cervical, sarcoma and meningeal cancer relative to the normal tissue. VT has been shown to be effective in mouse xenograft models of renal, astrocytoma, ovarian, colorectal, meningioma, and breast cancer. These studies are herein reviewed. Both CT and VT (and several other bacterial toxins) access the cell cytosol via cell surface ->ER transport. Once in the ER they interface with the protein folding homeostatic quality control pathway of the cell -ERAD, (ER associated degradation), which ensures that only correctly folded nascent proteins are allowed to progress to their cellular destinations. Misfolded proteins are translocated through the ER membrane and degraded by cytosolic proteosome. VT and CT A subunits have a C terminal misfolded protein mimic sequence to hijack this transporter to enter the cytosol. This interface between exogenous toxin and genetically encoded endogenous mutant misfolded proteins, provides a new therapeutic basis for the treatment of such genetic diseases, e.g., Cystic fibrosis, Gaucher disease, Krabbe disease, Fabry disease, Tay-Sachs disease and many more. Studies showing the efficacy of this approach in animal models of such diseases are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford Lingwood
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada;
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, and Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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