1
|
Erlandson S, Wang J, Jiang H, Osei-Owusu J, Rockman HA, Kruse AC. Engineering and Characterization of a Long-Half-Life Relaxin Receptor RXFP1 Agonist. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:4441-4449. [PMID: 39134056 PMCID: PMC11372834 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00368] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Relaxin-2 is a peptide hormone with important roles in human cardiovascular and reproductive biology. Its ability to activate cellular responses such as vasodilation, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects has led to significant interest in using relaxin-2 as a therapeutic for heart failure and several fibrotic conditions. However, recombinant relaxin-2 has a very short serum half-life, limiting its clinical applications. Here, we present protein engineering efforts targeting the relaxin-2 hormone in order to increase its serum half-life while maintaining its ability to activate the G protein-coupled receptor RXFP1. To achieve this, we optimized a fusion between relaxin-2 and an antibody Fc fragment, generating a version of the hormone with a circulating half-life of around 3 to 5 days in mice while retaining potent agonist activity at the RXFP1 receptor both in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah
C. Erlandson
- Department
of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Jialu Wang
- Department
of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Haoran Jiang
- Department
of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - James Osei-Owusu
- Department
of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Howard A. Rockman
- Department
of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
- Department
of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical
Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Andrew C. Kruse
- Department
of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Agoulnik IU, Kaftanovskaya EM, Myhr C, Bathgate RAD, Kocan M, Peng Y, Lindsay RM, DiStefano PS, Agoulnik AI. Engineering a long acting, non-biased relaxin agonist using Protein-in-Protein technology. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116401. [PMID: 38945278 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116401] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin plays a critical role in tissue remodeling in a variety of tissues through activation of its cognate receptor, RXFP1. Relaxin's ability to modify extracellular matrices has provided a strong rationale for treating fibrosis in a variety of tissues. Treatment with recombinant relaxin peptides in clinical studies of heart failure has not yet proven useful, likely due to the short half-life of infused peptide. To circumvent this particular pharmacokinetic pitfall we have used a Protein-in-Protein (PiP) antibody technology described previously, to insert a single-chain human relaxin construct into the complementarity-determining region (CDR) of an immunoglobulin G (IgG) backbone, creating a relaxin molecule with a half-life of ∼4-5 days in mice. Relaxin-PiP biologics displaced Europium-labeled human relaxin in RXFP1-expressing cells and demonstrated full agonist activity on both human and mouse RXFP1 receptors. Relaxin-PiPs did not show signal transduction bias, as they activated cAMP in THP-1 cells, and cGMP and pERK signaling in primary human cardiac fibroblasts. In an induced carbon tetrachloride mouse model of liver fibrosis one relaxin-PiP, R2-PiP, caused reduction of liver lesions, ameliorated collagen accumulation in the liver with the corresponding reduction of Collagen1a1 gene expression, and increased cell proliferation in hepatic parenchyma. These relaxin biologics represent a novel approach to the design of a long-acting RXFP1 agonist to probe the clinical utility of relaxin/RXFP1 signaling to treat a variety of human fibrotic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina U Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Elena M Kaftanovskaya
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Courtney Myhr
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Martina Kocan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Yingjie Peng
- Scripps Research, 10550 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Ronald M Lindsay
- Zebra Biologics, Inc., 1041 Old Marlboro Road, Concord, MA 01742 USA
| | - Peter S DiStefano
- Zebra Biologics, Inc., 1041 Old Marlboro Road, Concord, MA 01742 USA.
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Devasia AG, Shanmugham M, Ramasamy A, Bellanger S, Parry LJ, Leo CH. Therapeutic potential of relaxin or relaxin mimetics in managing cardiovascular complications of diabetes. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 229:116507. [PMID: 39182735 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease with an escalating global prevalence. Despite the abundance and relative efficacies of current therapeutic approaches, they primarily focus on attaining the intended glycaemic targets, but patients ultimately still suffer from various diabetes-associated complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, and atherosclerosis. There is a need to explore innovative and effective diabetic treatment strategies that not only address the condition itself but also combat its complications. One promising option is the reproductive hormone relaxin, an endogenous ligand of the RXFP1 receptor. Relaxin is known to exert beneficial actions on the cardiovascular system through its vasoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. Nevertheless, the native relaxin peptide exhibits a short biological half-life, limiting its therapeutic potential. Recently, several relaxin mimetics and innovative delivery technologies have been developed to extend its biological half-life and efficacy. The current review provides a comprehensive landscape of the cardiovascular effects of relaxin, focusing on its potential therapeutic applications in managing complications associated with diabetes. The latest advancements in the development of relaxin mimetics and delivery methods for the treatment of cardiometabolic disorders are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arun George Devasia
- Science, Math & Technology, Singapore University of Technology & Design, Singapore 487372, Singapore; Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Meyammai Shanmugham
- Science, Math & Technology, Singapore University of Technology & Design, Singapore 487372, Singapore; A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL), Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-06 Immunos, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Adaikalavan Ramasamy
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Sophie Bellanger
- A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL), Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-06 Immunos, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Laura J Parry
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Chen Huei Leo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design & Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kaushal N, Attarwala H, Iqbal MJ, Saini R, Van L, Liang M. Translational pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model for mRNA-0184, an investigational therapeutic for the treatment of heart failure. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13894. [PMID: 39072952 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a complex, progressive disorder that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality on a global scale. Relaxin-2 is a naturally occurring hormone that may have potential therapeutic benefit for patients with HF. To investigate the therapeutic potential of relaxin in the treatment of patients with HF, mRNA-0184, a novel, investigational, lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA therapy that encodes for human relaxin-2 fused to variable light chain kappa (Rel2-vlk) was developed. A translational semi-mechanistic population pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) model was developed using data from non-human primates at dose levels ranging from 0.15 to 1 mg/kg. The PK/PD model was able to describe the PK of Rel2-vlk mRNA and translated Rel2-vlk protein in non-human primates adequately with relatively precise estimates. The preclinical PK/PD model was then scaled allometrically to determine the human mRNA-0184 dose that would achieve therapeutic levels of Rel2-vlk protein expression in patients with stable HF with reduced ejection fraction. Model-based simulations derived from the scaled PK/PD model support the selection of 0.025 mg/kg as an appropriate starting human dose of mRNA-0184 to achieve average trough relaxin levels between 1 and 2.5 ng/mL, which is the potential exposure for cardioprotective action of relaxin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Linh Van
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Min Liang
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nourmahnad A, Javad Shariyate M, Khak M, Grinstaff MW, Nazarian A, Rodriguez EK. Relaxin as a treatment for musculoskeletal fibrosis: What we know and future directions. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116273. [PMID: 38729446 PMCID: PMC11179965 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116273] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Fibrotic changes in musculoskeletal diseases arise from the abnormal buildup of fibrotic tissue around the joints, leading to limited mobility, compromised joint function, and diminished quality of life. Relaxin (RLX) attenuates fibrosis by accelerating collagen degradation and inhibiting excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Further, RLX disrupts myofibroblast activation by modulating the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathways, which reduces connective tissue fibrosis. However, the mechanisms and effects of RLX in musculoskeletal pathologies are emerging as increasing research focuses on relaxin's impact on skin, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, joint capsules, connective tissues, and muscles. This review delineates the actions of relaxin within the musculoskeletal system and the challenges to its clinical application. Relaxin shows significant potential in both in vivo and in vitro studies for broadly managing musculoskeletal fibrosis; however, challenges such as short biological half-life and sex-specific responses may pose hurdles for clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Javad Shariyate
- Musculoskeletal Translational Innovation Initiative, Carl J. Shapiro Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mohammad Khak
- Musculoskeletal Translational Innovation Initiative, Carl J. Shapiro Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Ara Nazarian
- Musculoskeletal Translational Innovation Initiative, Carl J. Shapiro Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Edward K Rodriguez
- Musculoskeletal Translational Innovation Initiative, Carl J. Shapiro Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Poirier B, Pasquier O, Chenede X, Corbier A, Prigent P, Azam A, Bernard C, Guillotel M, Gillot F, Riva L, Briand V, Ingenito R, Gauzy-Lazo L, Duclos O, Philippo C, Maillere B, Bianchi E, Mallart S, Janiak P, Illiano S. R2R01: A long-acting single-chain peptide agonist of RXFP1 for renal and cardiovascular diseases. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:1993-2011. [PMID: 38450758 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16338] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The therapeutic potential of relaxin for heart failure and renal disease in clinical trials is hampered by the short half-life of serelaxin. Optimization of fatty acid-acetylated single-chain peptide analogues of relaxin culminated in the design and synthesis of R2R01, a potent and selective RXFP1 agonist with subcutaneous bioavailability and extended half-life. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Cellular assays and pharmacological models of RXFP1 activation were used to validate the potency and selectivity of R2R01. Increased renal blood flow was used as a translational marker of R2R01 activity. Human mastocytes (LAD2 cells) were used to study potential pseudo-allergic reactions and CD4+ T-cells to study immunogenicity. The pharmacokinetics of R2R01 were characterized in rats and minipigs. KEY RESULTS In vitro, R2R01 had comparable potency and efficacy to relaxin as an agonist for human RXFP1. In vivo, subcutaneous administration of R2R01 increased heart rate and renal blood flow in normotensive and hypertensive rat and did not show evidence of tachyphylaxis. R2R01 also increased nipple length in rats, used as a chronic model of RXFP1 engagement. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that R2R01 has a significantly extended terminal half-life. The in vitro assays with LAD2 cells and CD4+ T-cells showed that R2R01 had low potential for pseudo-allergic and immunogenic reactions, respectively. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS R2R01 is a potent RXFP1 agonist with an extended half-life that increases renal blood flow in various settings including normotensive and hypertensive conditions. The preclinical efficacy and safety data supported clinical development of R2R01 as a potential new therapy for renal and cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Poirier
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | | | - Xavier Chenede
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Alain Corbier
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Philippe Prigent
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | | | - Carine Bernard
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Michel Guillotel
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Florence Gillot
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Laurence Riva
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Veronique Briand
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Raffaele Ingenito
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Laurence Gauzy-Lazo
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, Université de Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Olivier Duclos
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, Université de Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | | | - Elisabetta Bianchi
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Mallart
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, Université de Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Philip Janiak
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Stephane Illiano
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
- Investigative Toxicology, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Granberg KL, Sakamaki S, Fuchigami R, Niwa Y, Fujio M, Kato H, Bergström F, Larsson N, Persson M, Villar IC, Fujita T, Sugikawa E, Althage M, Yano N, Yokoyama Y, Kimura J, Lal M, Mochida H. Identification of Novel Series of Potent and Selective Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 1 (RXFP1) Agonists. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38502780 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Relaxin H2 is a clinically relevant peptide agonist for relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), but a combination of this hormone's short plasma half-life and the need for injectable delivery limits its therapeutic potential. We sought to overcome these limitations through the development of a potent small molecule (SM) RXFP1 agonist. Although two large SM HTS campaigns failed in identifying suitable hit series, we uncovered novel chemical space starting from the only known SM RXFP1 agonist series, represented by ML290. Following a design-make-test-analyze strategy based on improving early dose to man ranking, we discovered compound 42 (AZ7976), a highly selective RXFP1 agonist with sub-nanomolar potency. We used AZ7976, its 10 000-fold less potent enantiomer 43 and recombinant relaxin H2 to evaluate in vivo pharmacology and demonstrate that AZ7976-mediated heart rate increase in rats was a result of RXFP1 agonism. As a result, AZ7976 was selected as lead for continued optimization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth L Granberg
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 43183, Sweden
| | - Shigeki Sakamaki
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Fuchigami
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Yasuki Niwa
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Masakazu Fujio
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Harutoshi Kato
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Fredrik Bergström
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Cardiovascular, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Niklas Larsson
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Mikael Persson
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism Safety, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Inmaculada C Villar
- Regulatory Toxicology & Safety Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Takuya Fujita
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Emiko Sugikawa
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Magnus Althage
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Naoko Yano
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Yoshito Yokoyama
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Junpei Kimura
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Mark Lal
- Bioscience Renal, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Hideki Mochida
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Handley TNG, Praveen P, Tailhades J, Wu H, Bathgate RAD, Hossain MA. Further Developments towards a Minimal Potent Derivative of Human Relaxin-2. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12670. [PMID: 37628851 PMCID: PMC10454739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612670] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human relaxin-2 (H2 relaxin) is a peptide hormone with potent vasodilatory and anti-fibrotic effects, which is of interest for the treatment of heart failure and fibrosis. H2 relaxin binds to the Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 1 (RXFP1). Native H2 relaxin is a two-chain, three-disulfide-bond-containing peptide, which is unstable in human serum and difficult to synthesize efficiently. In 2016, our group developed B7-33, a single-chain peptide derived from the B-chain of H2 relaxin. B7-33 demonstrated poor affinity and potency in HEK cells overexpressing RXFP1; however, it displayed equivalent potency to H2 relaxin in fibroblasts natively expressing RXFP1, where it also demonstrated the anti-fibrotic effects of the native hormone. B7-33 reversed organ fibrosis in numerous pre-clinical animal studies. Here, we detail our efforts towards a minimal H2 relaxin scaffold and attempts to improve scaffold activity through Aib substitution and hydrocarbon stapling to re-create the peptide helicity present in the native H2 relaxin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Praveen Praveen
- The Florey, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (T.N.G.H.); (P.P.); (H.W.)
| | - Julien Tailhades
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Hongkang Wu
- The Florey, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (T.N.G.H.); (P.P.); (H.W.)
| | - Ross A. D. Bathgate
- The Florey, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (T.N.G.H.); (P.P.); (H.W.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- The Florey, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (T.N.G.H.); (P.P.); (H.W.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Bio21, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu Z, Zhang X, Wang Y, Tai Y, Yao X, Midgley AC. Emergent Peptides of the Antifibrotic Arsenal: Taking Aim at Myofibroblast Promoting Pathways. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1179. [PMID: 37627244 PMCID: PMC10452577 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081179] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are the principal effector cells driving fibrosis, and their accumulation in tissues is a fundamental feature of fibrosis. Essential pathways have been identified as being central to promoting myofibroblast differentiation, revealing multiple targets for intervention. Compared with large proteins and antibodies, peptide-based therapies have transpired to serve as biocompatible and cost-effective solutions to exert biomimicry, agonistic, and antagonistic activities with a high degree of targeting specificity and selectivity. In this review, we summarize emergent antifibrotic peptides and their utilization for the targeted prevention of myofibroblasts. We then highlight recent studies on peptide inhibitors of upstream pathogenic processes that drive the formation of profibrotic cell phenotypes. We also briefly discuss peptides from non-mammalian origins that show promise as antifibrotic therapeutics. Finally, we discuss the future perspectives of peptide design and development in targeting myofibroblasts to mitigate fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xinyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yanrong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yifan Tai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaolin Yao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China
| | - Adam C. Midgley
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Praveen P, Wang C, Handley TNG, Wu H, Samuel CS, Bathgate RAD, Hossain MA. A Lipidated Single-B-Chain Derivative of Relaxin Exhibits Improved In Vitro Serum Stability without Altering Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076616. [PMID: 37047588 PMCID: PMC10094921 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human relaxin-2 (H2 relaxin) is therapeutically very important due to its strong anti-fibrotic, vasodilatory, and cardioprotective effects. Therefore, relaxin’s receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), is a potential target for the treatment of fibrosis and related disorders, including heart failure. H2 relaxin has a complex two-chain structure (A and B) and three disulfide bridges. Our laboratory has recently developed B7-33 peptide, a single-chain agonist based on the B-chain of H2 relaxin. However, the peptide B7-33 has a short circulation time in vitro in serum (t1/2 = ~6 min). In this study, we report structure-activity relationship studies on B7-33 utilizing different fatty-acid conjugations at different positions. We have shown that by fatty-acid conjugation with an appropriate spacer length, the in vitro half-life of B7-33 can be increased from 6 min to 60 min. In the future, the lead lipidated molecule will be studied in animal models to measure its PK/PD properties, which will lead to their pre-clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Praveen
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Chao Wang
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Thomas N. G. Handley
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Hongkang Wu
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Chrishan S. Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Ross A. D. Bathgate
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, School of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Esposito S, Krick A, Pasquier O, Bonche F, Ingenito R, Magotti P, Bianchi E, Monteagudo E, Gallo M, Cicero DO, Orsatti L, Veneziano M, Caretti F, Mele R, Roversi D, Gennari N, Brasseur D, Gauzy-Lazo L, Duclos O, Mauriac C, Illiano S, Mallart S. Fatty acid acylated peptide therapeutics: discovery of omega-n oxidation of the lipid chain as a novel metabolic pathway in preclinical species. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 227:115256. [PMID: 36764268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115256] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
We recently described C18 fatty acid acylated peptides as a new class of potent long-lasting single-chain RXFP1 agonists that displayed relaxin-like activities in vivo. Early pharmacokinetics and toxicological studies of these stearic acid acylated peptides revealed a relevant oxidative metabolism occurring in dog and minipig, and also seen at a lower extent in monkey and rat. Mass spectrometry combined to NMR spectroscopy studies revealed that the oxidation occurred, unexpectedly, on the stearic acid chain at ω-1, ω-2 and ω-3 positions. Structure-metabolism relationship studies on acylated analogues with different fatty acids lengths (C15-C20) showed that the extent of oxidation was higher with longer chains. The oxidized metabolites could be generated in vitro using liver microsomes and engineered bacterial CYPs. These systems were correlating poorly with in vivo metabolism observed across species; however, the results suggest that this biotransformation pathway might be catalyzed by some unknown CYP enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Esposito
- Biodistribution, Biotransformation and Analytical Science Unit, Experimental Pharmacology Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, 00 071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alain Krick
- DMPK France, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, 91385 Chilly Mazarin, France.
| | - Olivier Pasquier
- DMPK France, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, 91385 Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Fabrice Bonche
- DMPK France, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, 91385 Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Raffaele Ingenito
- Peptide Chemistry Unit, Peptides & Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, 00 071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Magotti
- Peptide Chemistry Unit, Peptides & Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, 00 071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bianchi
- Peptide Chemistry Unit, Peptides & Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, 00 071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Edith Monteagudo
- Biodistribution, Biotransformation and Analytical Science Unit, Experimental Pharmacology Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, 00 071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy; PK/PD & Bioanalytics Unit, Experimental Pharmacology Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, 00 071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariana Gallo
- Structural Biology Unit, Computational Chemistry & Structural Biology Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, 00 071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniel Oscar Cicero
- Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Orsatti
- PK/PD & Bioanalytics Unit, Experimental Pharmacology Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, 00 071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Veneziano
- PK/PD & Bioanalytics Unit, Experimental Pharmacology Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, 00 071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvia Caretti
- PK/PD & Bioanalytics Unit, Experimental Pharmacology Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, 00 071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Mele
- Biodistribution, Biotransformation and Analytical Science Unit, Experimental Pharmacology Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, 00 071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Roversi
- Peptide Chemistry Unit, Peptides & Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, 00 071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia Gennari
- High Throughput Biology & Screening, Translational Research Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, 00 071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Denis Brasseur
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, 91385 Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Laurence Gauzy-Lazo
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, 91385 Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Olivier Duclos
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, 91385 Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Christine Mauriac
- DMPK France, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, 91385 Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Stephane Illiano
- Investigative Toxicology, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, 91385 Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Sergio Mallart
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, 91385 Chilly Mazarin, France.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Verdino P, Lee SL, Cooper FN, Cottle SR, Grealish PF, Hu CC, Meyer CM, Lin J, Copeland V, Porter G, Schroeder RL, Thompson TD, Porras LL, Dey A, Zhang HY, Beebe EC, Matkovich SJ, Coskun T, Balciunas AM, Ferrante A, Siegel R, Malherbe L, Bivi N, Paavola CD, Hansen RJ, Abernathy MM, Nwosu SO, Carr MC, Heuer JG, Wang X. Development of a long-acting relaxin analogue, LY3540378, for treatment of chronic heart failure. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 36780899 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chronic heart failure, a progressive disease with limited treatment options currently available, especially in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), represents an unmet medical need as well as an economic burden. The development of a novel therapeutic to slow or reverse disease progression would be highly impactful to patients and society. Relaxin-2 (relaxin) is a human hormone regulating cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary adaptations during pregnancy. A short-acting recombinant relaxin, Serelaxin, demonstrated short-term heart failure symptom relief and biomarker improvement in acute heart failure trials. Here, we present the development of a long-acting relaxin analogue to be tested in the treatment of chronic heart failure. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH LY3540378 is a long-acting protein therapeutic composed of a human relaxin analogue and a serum albumin-binding VHH domain. KEY RESULTS LY3540378 is a potent agonist of the relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) and maintains selectivity against RXFP2/3/4 comparable to native relaxin. The half-life of LY3540378 in preclinical species is extended through high affinity binding of the albumin-binding VHH domain to serum albumin. When tested in a single dose administration, LY3540378 elicited relaxin-mediated pharmacodynamic responses, such as reduced serum osmolality and increased renal blood flow in rats. In an isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy mouse model, treatment with LY3540378 significantly reduced cardiac hypertrophy and improved isovolumetric relaxation time. In a monkey cardiovascular safety study, there were no adverse observations from administration of LY3540378. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS LY3540378 demonstrated to be a suitable clinical development candidate, and is progressing in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Verdino
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Stacey L Lee
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Fariba N Cooper
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Steven R Cottle
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Patrick F Grealish
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Charlie C Hu
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Catalina M Meyer
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Joanne Lin
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Victoria Copeland
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Gina Porter
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Richard L Schroeder
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Tyran D Thompson
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Leah L Porras
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Asim Dey
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Hong Y Zhang
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Emily C Beebe
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Scot J Matkovich
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Tamer Coskun
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Aldona M Balciunas
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Andrea Ferrante
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Robert Siegel
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Laurent Malherbe
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Nicoletta Bivi
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Chad D Paavola
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Ryan J Hansen
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Matthew M Abernathy
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Sylvia O Nwosu
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Molly C Carr
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Josef G Heuer
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Xiaojun Wang
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhao R, Shi P, Cui JB, Shi C, Wei XX, Luo J, Xia Z, Shi WW, Zhou Y, Tang J, Tian C, Meininghaus M, Bierer D, Shi J, Li YM, Liu L. Single-Shot Solid-Phase Synthesis of Full-Length H2 Relaxin Disulfide Surrogates. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202216365. [PMID: 36515186 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202216365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chemical synthesis of insulin superfamily proteins (ISPs) has recently been widely studied to develop next-generation drugs. Separate synthesis of multiple peptide fragments and tedious chain-to-chain folding are usually encountered in these studies, limiting accessibility to ISP derivatives. Here we report the finding that insulin superfamily proteins (e.g. H2 relaxin, insulin itself, and H3 relaxin) incorporating a pre-made diaminodiacid bridge at A-B chain terminal disulfide can be easily and rapidly synthesized by a single-shot automated solid-phase synthesis and expedient one-step folding. Our new H2 relaxin analogues exhibit almost identical structures and activities when compared to their natural counterparts. This new synthetic strategy will expediate production of new ISP analogues for pharmaceutical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China.,School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Pan Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Ji-Bin Cui
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Chaowei Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Xiao-Xiong Wei
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Jie Luo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Zhemin Xia
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Wei-Wei Shi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yingxin Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Jiahui Tang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Changlin Tian
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Mark Meininghaus
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18 A, 42096, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Donald Bierer
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18 A, 42096, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Yi-Ming Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype of Cardiovascular System Cells and Inflammaging: Perspectives of Peptide Regulation. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010106. [PMID: 36611900 PMCID: PMC9818427 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and a mild inflammatory response characteristic of senescent cells (inflammaging) form the conditions for the development of cardiovascular diseases: atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and myocardial infarction. The purpose of the review is to analyze the pool of signaling molecules that form SASP and inflammaging in cells of the cardiovascular system and to search for targets for the action of vasoprotective peptides. The SASP of cells of the cardiovascular system is characterized by a change in the synthesis of anti-proliferative proteins (p16, p19, p21, p38, p53), cytokines characteristic of inflammaging (IL-1α,β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, TNFα, TGFβ1, NF-κB, MCP), matrix metalloproteinases, adhesion molecules, and sirtuins. It has been established that peptides are physiological regulators of body functions. Vasoprotective polypeptides (liraglutide, atrial natriuretic peptide, mimetics of relaxin, Ucn1, and adropin), KED tripeptide, and AEDR tetrapeptide regulate the synthesis of molecules involved in inflammaging and SASP-forming cells of the cardiovascular system. This indicates the prospects for the development of drugs based on peptides for the treatment of age-associated cardiovascular pathology.
Collapse
|
15
|
Characterization of a new potent and long-lasting single chain peptide agonist of RXFP1 in cells and in vivo translational models. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20435. [PMID: 36443381 PMCID: PMC9705314 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24716-2] [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: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite beneficial effects in acute heart failure, the full therapeutic potential of recombinant relaxin-2 has been hampered by its short half-life and the need for intravenous administration limiting its use to intensive care units. A multiparametric optimization of the relaxin B-chain led to the identification of single chain lipidated peptide agonists of RXFP1 like SA10SC-RLX with subcutaneous bioavailability and extended half-life. SA10SC-RLX has sub nanomolar activity on cells expressing human RXFP1 and molecular modeling associated with the study of different RXFP1 mutants was used to decipher the mechanism of SA10SC-RLX interaction with RXFP1. Telemetry was performed in rat where SA10SC-RLX was able to engage RXFP1 after subcutaneous administration without tachyphylaxis after repeated dosing. Renal blood flow was then used as a translational model to evaluate RXFP1 activation. SA10SC-RLX increased renal blood flow and decreased renal vascular resistance in rats as reported for relaxin in humans. In conclusion, SA10SC-RLX mimics relaxin activity in in vitro and in vivo models of acute RXFP1 engagement. SA10SC-RLX represents a new class of long-lasting RXFP1 agonist, suitable for once daily subcutaneous administration in patients and potentially paving the way to new treatments for chronic fibrotic and cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
|
16
|
Bąchor U, Lizak A, Bąchor R, Mączyński M. 5-Amino-3-methyl-Isoxazole-4-carboxylic Acid as a Novel Unnatural Amino Acid in the Solid Phase Synthesis of α/β-Mixed Peptides. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175612. [PMID: 36080386 PMCID: PMC9457529 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hybrid peptides consisting of α and β-amino acids show great promise as peptidomimetics that can be used as therapeutic agents. Therefore, the development of new unnatural amino acids and the methods of their incorporation into the peptide chain is an important task. Here, we described our investigation of the possibility of 5-amino-3-methyl-isoxazole-4-carboxylic acid (AMIA) application in the solid phase peptide synthesis. This new unnatural β-amino acid, presenting various biological activities, was successfully coupled to a resin-bound peptide using different reaction conditions, including classical and ultrasonic agitated solid-phase synthesis. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by tandem mass spectrometry. The obtained results present the possibility of the application of this β-amino acid in the synthesis of a new class of bioactive peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Bąchor
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Drug Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (U.B.); (R.B.); Tel.: +48-78-406-34 (U.B.); +48-71-375-7218 (R.B.); Fax: +48-71-328-2348 (R.B.)
| | - Agnieszka Lizak
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Remigiusz Bąchor
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (U.B.); (R.B.); Tel.: +48-78-406-34 (U.B.); +48-71-375-7218 (R.B.); Fax: +48-71-328-2348 (R.B.)
| | - Marcin Mączyński
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Drug Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Esposito S, Orsatti L, Pucci V. Subcutaneous Catabolism of Peptide Therapeutics: Bioanalytical Approaches and ADME Considerations. Xenobiotica 2022; 52:828-839. [PMID: 36039395 DOI: 10.1080/00498254.2022.2119180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Many peptide drugs such as insulin and glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) analogues are successfully administered subcutaneously (SC). Following SC injection, peptides may undergo catabolism in the SC compartment before entering systemic circulation, which could compromise their bioavailability and in turn affect their efficacy.This review will discuss how both technology and strategy have evolved over the past years to further elucidate peptide SC catabolism.Modern bioanalytical technologies (particularly liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry) and bioinformatics platforms for data mining has prompted the development of in silico, in vitro and in vivo tools for characterizing peptide SC catabolism to rapidly address proteolytic liabilities and, ultimately, guide the design of peptides with improved SC bioavailability.More predictive models able to recapitulate the interplay between SC catabolism and other factors driving SC absorption are highly desirable to improve in vitro/in vivo correlations.We envision the routine incorporation of in vitro and in vivo SC catabolism studies in ADME screening funnels to develop more effective peptide drugs for SC delivery.
Collapse
|
18
|
D'Ercole A, Nistri S, Pacini L, Carotenuto A, Santoro F, Papini AM, Bathgate RAD, Bani D, Rovero P. Synthetic short-chain peptide analogues of H1 relaxin lack affinity for the RXFP1 receptor and relaxin-like bioactivity. Clues to a better understanding of relaxin agonist design. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:942178. [PMID: 36034864 PMCID: PMC9402926 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.942178] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin (RLX), also available as clinical-grade recombinant protein (serelaxin), holds great promise as a cardiovascular and anti-fibrotic agent but is limited by the pharmacokinetic issues common to all peptide drugs. In this study, by a computational modelling chemistry approach, we have synthesized and tested a set of low molecular weight peptides based on the putative receptor-binding domain of the B chain of human H1 RLX isoform, with the objective to obtain RLX analogues with improved pharmacokinetic features. Some of them were stabilized to induce the appropriate 3-D conformation by intra-chain tri-azolic staples, which should theoretically enhance their resistance to digestive enzymes making them suited for oral administration. Despite these favourable premises, none of these H1 peptides, either linear or stapled, revealed a sufficient affinity to the specific RLX receptor RXFP1. Moreover, none of them was endowed with any RLX-like biological effects in RXFP1-expressing THP-1 human monocytic cells and mouse NIH-3T3-derived myofibroblasts in in vitro culture, in terms of significantly relevant cAMP elevation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which represent two major signal transduction events downstream RXFP1 activation. This was at variance with authentic serelaxin, which induced a clear-cut, significant activation of both these classical RLX signaling pathways. Albeit negative, the results of this study offer additional information about the structural requirements that new peptide therapeutics shall possess to effectively behave as RXFP1 agonists and RLX analogues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata D'Ercole
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Nistri
- Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pacini
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Federica Santoro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Papini
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ross A. D. Bathgate
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Unviversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniele Bani
- Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- *Correspondence: Daniele Bani, ; Paolo Rovero,
| | - Paolo Rovero
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of NeuroFarBa, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- *Correspondence: Daniele Bani, ; Paolo Rovero,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chunduri P, Patel SA, Levick SP. Relaxin/serelaxin for cardiac dysfunction and heart failure in hypertension. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2022; 94:183-211. [PMID: 35659372 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The pregnancy related hormone relaxin is produced throughout the reproductive system. However, relaxin also has important cardiovascular effects as part of the adaptation that the cardiovascular system undergoes in response to the extra demands of pregnancy. These effects are primarily mediated by the relaxin family peptide receptor 1, which is one of four known relaxin receptors. The effects of relaxin on the cardiovascular system during pregnancy, as well as its anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties, have led to extensive studies into the potential of relaxin therapy as an approach to treat heart failure. Cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and endothelial cells all possess relaxin family peptide receptor 1, allowing for direct effects of therapeutic relaxin on the heart. Many pre-clinical animal studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of exogenous relaxin on adverse cardiac remodeling including inflammation, fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis, as well as effects on cardiac contractile function. Despite this, clinical studies have yielded disappointing results for the synthetic seralaxin, even though seralaxin was well tolerated. This article will provide background on relaxin in the context of normal physiology, as well as the role of relaxin in pregnancy-related adaptations of the cardiovascular system. We will also present evidence from pre-clinical animal studies that demonstrate the potential benefits of relaxin therapy, as well as discussing the results from clinical trials. Finally, we will discuss possible reasons for the failure of these clinical trials as well as steps being taken to potentially improve relaxin therapy for heart failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prasad Chunduri
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shrey A Patel
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott P Levick
- Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Samuel CS, Bennett RG. Relaxin as an anti-fibrotic treatment: Perspectives, challenges and future directions. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 197:114884. [PMID: 34968489 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis refers to the scarring and hardening of tissues, which results from a failed immune system-coordinated wound healing response to chronic organ injury and which manifests from the aberrant accumulation of various extracellular matrix components (ECM), primarily collagen. Despite being a hallmark of prolonged tissue damage and related dysfunction, and commonly associated with high morbidity and mortality, there are currently no effective cures for its regression. An emerging therapy that meets several criteria of an effective anti-fibrotic treatment, is the recombinant drug-based form of the human hormone, relaxin (also referred to as serelaxin, which is bioactive in several other species). This review outlines the broad anti-fibrotic and related organ-protective roles of relaxin, mainly from studies conducted in preclinical models of ageing and fibrotic disease, including its ability to ameliorate several aspects of fibrosis progression and maturation, from immune cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokine secretion, oxidative stress, organ hypertrophy, cell apoptosis, myofibroblast differentiation and ECM production, to its ability to facilitate established ECM degradation. Studies that have compared and/or combined these therapeutic effects of relaxin with current standard of care medication have also been discussed, along with the main challenges that have hindered the translation of the anti-fibrotic efficacy of relaxin to the clinic. The review then outlines the future directions as to where scientists and several pharmaceutical companies that have recognized the therapeutic potential of relaxin are working towards, to progress its development as a treatment for human patients suffering from various fibrotic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Robert G Bennett
- Research Service, Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4130, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bourbiaux K, Legrand B, Verdié P, Mallart S, Manette G, Minoletti C, Stepp JD, Prigent P, Le Bail JC, Gauzy-Lazo L, Duclos O, Martinez J, Amblard M. Potent Lys Patch-Containing Stapled Peptides Targeting PCSK9. J Med Chem 2021; 64:10834-10848. [PMID: 34266235 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), identified as a regulator of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), plays a major role in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Recently, Pep2-8, a small peptide with discrete three-dimensional structure, was found to inhibit the PCSK9/LDLR interaction. In this paper, we describe the modification of this peptide using stapled peptide and SIP technologies. Their combination yielded potent compounds such as 18 that potently inhibited the binding of PCSK9 to LDLR (KD = 6 ± 1 nM) and restored in vitro LDL uptake by HepG2 cells in the presence of PCSK9 (EC50 = 175 ± 40 nM). The three-dimensional structures of key peptides were extensively studied by circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance, and molecular dynamics simulations allowed us to compare their binding mode to tentatively rationalize structure-activity relationships (SAR).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Bourbiaux
- IBMM, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34093 Montpellier, France.,Sanofi Aventis R&D, 1 Avenue Pierre Brossolette, 91380 Chilly-Mazarin, France
| | - Baptiste Legrand
- IBMM, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Pascal Verdié
- IBMM, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Sergio Mallart
- Sanofi Aventis R&D, 1 Avenue Pierre Brossolette, 91380 Chilly-Mazarin, France
| | - Géraldine Manette
- Sanofi Aventis R&D, 1 Avenue Pierre Brossolette, 91380 Chilly-Mazarin, France
| | - Claire Minoletti
- Sanofi Aventis R&D, 1 Avenue Pierre Brossolette, 91380 Chilly-Mazarin, France
| | - J David Stepp
- Sanofi, 153 2nd Avenue, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Philippe Prigent
- Sanofi Aventis R&D, 1 Avenue Pierre Brossolette, 91380 Chilly-Mazarin, France
| | | | - Laurence Gauzy-Lazo
- Sanofi Aventis R&D, 1 Avenue Pierre Brossolette, 91380 Chilly-Mazarin, France
| | - Olivier Duclos
- Sanofi Aventis R&D, 1 Avenue Pierre Brossolette, 91380 Chilly-Mazarin, France
| | - Jean Martinez
- IBMM, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Muriel Amblard
- IBMM, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34093 Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|