1
|
Hai-Na Z, Jun-Jie J, Guang-Meng X. Peptides derived from growth factors: Exploring their diverse impact from antimicrobial properties to neuroprotection. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116830. [PMID: 38824833 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116830] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Growth factor-derived peptides are bioactive molecules that play a crucial role in various physiological processes within the human body. Over the years, extensive research has revealed their diverse applications, ranging from antimicrobial properties to their potential in neuroprotection and treating various diseases. These peptides exhibit innate immune responses and have been found to possess potent antimicrobial properties against a wide range of pathogens. Growth factor-derived peptides have demonstrated the ability to promote neuronal survival, prevent cell death, and stimulate neural regeneration. As a result, they hold immense promise in the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, as well as in the management of traumatic brain injuries. Moreover, growth factor-derived peptides have shown potential for supporting tissue repair and wound healing processes. By enhancing cell proliferation and migration, these peptides contribute to the regeneration of damaged tissues and promote a more efficient healing response. The applications of growth factor-derived peptides extend beyond their therapeutic potential in health; they also have a role in various disease conditions. For example, researchers have explored their influence on cancer cells, where some peptides have demonstrated anti-cancer properties, inhibiting tumor growth and promoting apoptosis in cancer cells. Additionally, their immunomodulatory properties have been investigated for potential applications in autoimmune disorders. Despite the immense promise shown by growth factor-derived peptides, some challenges need to be addressed. Nevertheless, ongoing research and advancements in biotechnology offer promising avenues to overcome these obstacles. The review summarizes the foundational biology of growth factors and the intricate signaling pathways in various physiological processes as well as diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular ailments, and metabolic syndromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Hai-Na
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, PR China
| | - Jiang Jun-Jie
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, PR China
| | - Xu Guang-Meng
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tomasello B, Bellia F, Naletova I, Magrì A, Tabbì G, Attanasio F, Tomasello MF, Cairns WRL, Fortino M, Pietropaolo A, Greco V, La Mendola D, Sciuto S, Arena G, Rizzarelli E. BDNF- and VEGF-Responsive Stimulus to an NGF Mimic Cyclic Peptide with Copper Ionophore Capability and Ctr1/CCS-Driven Signaling. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1755-1769. [PMID: 38602894 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00716] [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] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins are a family of growth factors that play a key role in the development and regulation of the functioning of the central nervous system. Their use as drugs is made difficult by their poor stability, cellular permeability, and side effects. Continuing our effort to use peptides that mimic the neurotrophic growth factor (NGF), the family model protein, and specifically the N-terminus of the protein, here we report on the spectroscopic characterization and resistance to hydrolysis of the 14-membered cyclic peptide reproducing the N-terminus sequence (SSSHPIFHRGEFSV (c-NGF(1-14)). Far-UV CD spectra and a computational study show that this peptide has a rigid conformation and left-handed chirality typical of polyproline II that favors its interaction with the D5 domain of the NGF receptor TrkA. c-NGF(1-14) is able to bind Cu2+ with good affinity; the resulting complexes have been characterized by potentiometric and spectroscopic measurements. Experiments on PC12 cells show that c-NGF(1-14) acts as an ionophore, influencing the degree and the localization of both the membrane transporter (Ctr1) and the copper intracellular transporter (CCS). c-NGF(1-14) induces PC12 differentiation, mimics the protein in TrkA phosphorylation, and activates the kinase cascade, inducing Erk1/2 phosphorylation. c-NGF(1-14) biological activities are enhanced when the peptide interacts with Cu2+ even with the submicromolar quantities present in the culture media as demonstrated by ICP-OES measurements. Finally, c-NGF(1-14) and Cu2+ concur to activate the cAMP response element-binding protein CREB that, in turn, induces the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tomasello
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le Andrea Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Francesco Bellia
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Irina Naletova
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Antonio Magrì
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tabbì
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | | | | | - Warren R L Cairns
- Istituto di Scienze Polari (ISP), c/o Campus Scientifico, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia Via Torino, Venezia Mestre 155-30170, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Fortino
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Adriana Pietropaolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Valentina Greco
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pisa, Bonanno Pisano 12, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Sciuto
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Arena
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Forte G, La Mendola D, Satriano C. The Hybrid Nano-Biointerface between Proteins/Peptides and Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials. Molecules 2023; 28:7064. [PMID: 37894543 PMCID: PMC10609159 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207064] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In typical protein-nanoparticle surface interactions, the biomolecule surface binding and consequent conformational changes are intermingled with each other and are pivotal to the multiple functional properties of the resulting hybrid bioengineered nanomaterial. In this review, we focus on the peculiar properties of the layer formed when biomolecules, especially proteins and peptides, face two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art knowledge and the current challenges concerning the biomolecule coronas and, in general, the 2D nano-biointerface established when peptides and proteins interact with the nanosheet surface. Specifically, this review includes both experimental and simulation studies, including some recent machine learning results of a wide range of nanomaterial and peptide/protein systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Forte
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Cristina Satriano
- NanoHybrid Biointerfaces Laboratory (NHBIL), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ross MO, Xie Y, Owyang RC, Ye C, Zbihley ONP, Lyu R, Wu T, Wang P, Karginova O, Olopade OI, Zhao M, He C. PTPN2 copper-sensing rapidly relays copper level fluctuations into EGFR/CREB activation and associated CTR1 transcriptional repression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.29.555401. [PMID: 37693440 PMCID: PMC10491225 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.29.555401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Fluxes in human intra- and extracellular copper levels recently garnered attention for roles in cellular signaling, including affecting levels of the signaling molecule cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). We herein applied an unbiased temporal evaluation of the whole-genome transcriptional activities modulated by fluctuations in copper levels to identify the copper sensor proteins responsible for driving these activities. We found that fluctuations in physiologically-relevant copper levels rapidly modulate EGFR/MAPK/ERK signal transduction and activation of the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Both intracellular and extracellular assays support Cu 1+ inhibition of the EGFR-phosphatase PTPN2 (and potentially the homologous PTPN1)-via direct ligation to the PTPN2 active site cysteine side chain-as the underlying mechanism of copper-stimulated EGFR signal transduction activation. Depletion of copper represses this signaling pathway. We additionally show i ) copper supplementation drives transcriptional repression of the copper importer CTR1 and ii ) CREB activity is inversely correlated with CTR1 expression. In summary, our study reveals PTPN2 as a physiological copper sensor and defines a regulatory mechanism linking feedback control of copper-stimulated MAPK/ERK/CREB-signaling and CTR1 expression, thereby uncovering a previously unrecognized link between copper levels and cellular signal transduction.
Collapse
|
5
|
Atkinson E, Dickman R. Growth factors and their peptide mimetics for treatment of traumatic brain injury. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 90:117368. [PMID: 37331175 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability in adults, caused by a physical insult damaging the brain. Growth factor-based therapies have the potential to reduce the effects of secondary injury and improve outcomes by providing neuroprotection against glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative damage, hypoxia, and ischemia, as well as promoting neurite outgrowth and the formation of new blood vessels. Despite promising evidence in preclinical studies, few neurotrophic factors have been tested in clinical trials for TBI. Translation to the clinic is not trivial and is limited by the short in vivo half-life of the protein, the inability to cross the blood-brain barrier and human delivery systems. Synthetic peptide mimetics have the potential to be used in place of recombinant growth factors, activating the same downstream signalling pathways, with a decrease in size and more favourable pharmacokinetic properties. In this review, we will discuss growth factors with the potential to modulate damage caused by secondary injury mechanisms following a traumatic brain injury that have been trialled in other indications including spinal cord injury, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Peptide mimetics of nerve growth factor (NGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), glial cell line-derived growth factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) will be highlighted, most of which have not yet been tested in preclinical or clinical models of TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Atkinson
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
| | - Rachael Dickman
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Redigolo L, Sanfilippo V, La Mendola D, Forte G, Satriano C. Bioinspired Nanoplatforms Based on Graphene Oxide and Neurotrophin-Mimicking Peptides. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:membranes13050489. [PMID: 37233550 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13050489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs), which are crucial for the functioning of the nervous system, are also known to regulate vascularization. Graphene-based materials may drive neural growth and differentiation, and, thus, have great potential in regenerative medicine. In this work, we scrutinized the nano-biointerface between the cell membrane and hybrids made of neurotrophin-mimicking peptides and graphene oxide (GO) assemblies (pep-GO), to exploit their potential in theranostics (i.e., therapy and imaging/diagnostics) for targeting neurodegenerative diseases (ND) as well as angiogenesis. The pep-GO systems were assembled via spontaneous physisorption onto GO nanosheets of the peptide sequences BDNF(1-12), NT3(1-13), and NGF(1-14), mimicking the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the neurotrophin 3 (NT3), and the nerve growth factor (NGF), respectively. The interaction of pep-GO nanoplatforms at the biointerface with artificial cell membranes was scrutinized both in 3D and 2D by utilizing model phospholipids self-assembled as small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) or planar-supported lipid bilayers (SLBs), respectively. The experimental studies were paralleled via molecular dynamics (MD) computational analyses. Proof-of-work in vitro cellular experiments with undifferentiated neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y), neuron-like, differentiated neuroblastoma (dSH-SY5Y), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were carried out to shed light on the capability of the pep-GO nanoplatforms to stimulate the neurite outgrowth as well as tubulogenesis and cell migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Redigolo
- Nano Hybrid Biointerfaces Lab (NHBIL), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Vanessa Sanfilippo
- Nano Hybrid Biointerfaces Lab (NHBIL), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Forte
- Department of Drug and Health Science, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Cristina Satriano
- Nano Hybrid Biointerfaces Lab (NHBIL), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vittorio S, Manelfi C, Gervasoni S, Beccari AR, Pedretti A, Vistoli G, Talarico C. Computational Insights into the Sequence-Activity Relationships of the NGF(1–14) Peptide by Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182808. [PMID: 36139382 PMCID: PMC9497175 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) belongs to the neurothrophins protein family involved in the survival of neurons in the nervous system. The interaction of NGF with its high-affinity receptor TrkA mediates different cellular pathways related to Alzheimer’s disease, pain, ocular dysfunction, and cancer. Therefore, targeting NGF-TrkA interaction represents a valuable strategy for the development of new therapeutic agents. In recent years, experimental studies have revealed that peptides belonging to the N-terminal domain of NGF are able to partly mimic the biological activity of the whole protein paving the way towards the development of small peptides that can selectively target specific signaling pathways. Hence, understanding the molecular basis of the interaction between the N-terminal segment of NGF and TrkA is fundamental for the rational design of new peptides mimicking the NGF N-terminal domain. In this study, molecular dynamics simulation, binding free energy calculations and per-residue energy decomposition analysis were combined in order to explore the molecular recognition pattern between the experimentally active NGF(1–14) peptide and TrkA. The results highlighted the importance of His4, Arg9 and Glu11 as crucial residues for the stabilization of NGF(1–14)-TrkA interaction, thus suggesting useful insights for the structure-based design of new therapeutic peptides able to modulate NGF-TrkA interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Vittorio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Candida Manelfi
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, EXSCALATE, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Gervasoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea R. Beccari
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, EXSCALATE, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pedretti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giulio Vistoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Carmine Talarico
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, EXSCALATE, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hsu WH, Huang NK, Shiao YJ, Lu CK, Chao YM, Huang YJ, Yeh CH, Lin YL. Gastrodiae rhizoma attenuates brain aging via promoting neuritogenesis and neurodifferentiation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 87:153576. [PMID: 33985879 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrodiae Rhizoma (Tianma), the dried tuber of Gastrodia elata Bl. (Orchidaceae), is listed as a top-grade herbal medicine in Shen-nong Ben-ts'ao Jing and has been used for treating headaches, dizziness, vertigo and convulsion. It has a neuroprotective effect and extends the lifespan in mouse models of Huntington's disease and Niemann-Pick type C disease. However, its effect on senescence remains unknown. PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the anti-aging effects and the underlying mechanism of Gastrodiae Rhizoma. METHODS D-galactose (D-gal)- and BeSO4-induced cellular senescence and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity were evaluated in SH-SY5Y and PC12 cells. D-gal-induced aging mice were used as an in vivo model. Animal behaviors including nesting and burrowing and Morris water maze were conducted. Neurogenesis in the hippocampus was assessed by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, and the aging-related proteins were assessed by Western blot analysis. The potential neuritogenesis activity of the partially purified fraction of Gastrodiae Rhizoma (TM-2) and its major ingredients were investigated in PC12 cells. RESULTS TM-2 could improve D-gal-induced learning and memory impairement by inhibiting oxidative stress, increasing hippocampal neurogenesis and regulating the SH2B1-Akt pathway. Moreover, N6-(4-hydroxybenzyl)adenine riboside (T1-11) and parishins A and B, three constituents of TM-2, had anti-aging activity, as did T1-11 and parishin A induced neuritogenesis. CONCLUSION Our data suggested that TM-2 slowed down D-gal-induced cellular and mouse brain aging. These results indicate that Gastrodiae Rhizoma has a beneficial effect on senescence. It may be used for neuroprotection and promoting neurogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hsiang Hsu
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Kuei Huang
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Young-Ji Shiao
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Institute of Biopharmaceutical Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Kuang Lu
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ming Chao
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jeng Huang
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsin Yeh
- Taoyuan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Taoyuan 32754, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Lian Lin
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacy, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10050, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gascon S, Jann J, Langlois-Blais C, Plourde M, Lavoie C, Faucheux N. Peptides Derived from Growth Factors to Treat Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116071. [PMID: 34199883 PMCID: PMC8200100 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive neuron losses in memory-related brain structures. The classical features of AD are a dysregulation of the cholinergic system, the accumulation of amyloid plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles. Unfortunately, current treatments are unable to cure or even delay the progression of the disease. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies have emerged, such as the exogenous administration of neurotrophic factors (e.g., NGF and BDNF) that are deficient or dysregulated in AD. However, their low capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier and their exorbitant cost currently limit their use. To overcome these limitations, short peptides mimicking the binding receptor sites of these growth factors have been developed. Such peptides can target selective signaling pathways involved in neuron survival, differentiation, and/or maintenance. This review focuses on growth factors and their derived peptides as potential treatment for AD. It describes (1) the physiological functions of growth factors in the brain, their neuronal signaling pathways, and alteration in AD; (2) the strategies to develop peptides derived from growth factor and their capacity to mimic the role of native proteins; and (3) new advancements and potential in using these molecules as therapeutic treatments for AD, as well as their limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Gascon
- Laboratory of Cell-Biomaterial Biohybrid Systems, Department of Chemical and Biotechnological Engineering, 2500 Boulevard Université, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada; (S.G.); (J.J.)
| | - Jessica Jann
- Laboratory of Cell-Biomaterial Biohybrid Systems, Department of Chemical and Biotechnological Engineering, 2500 Boulevard Université, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada; (S.G.); (J.J.)
| | - Chloé Langlois-Blais
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada;
| | - Mélanie Plourde
- Centre de Recherche sur le Vieillissement, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et Services Sociaux de l’Estrie–Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 1B1, Canada;
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Christine Lavoie
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada;
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, 3001 12th Avenue, N., Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (N.F.); Tel.: +1-819-821-8000 (ext. 72732) (C.L.); +1-819-821-8000 (ext. 61343) (N.F.)
| | - Nathalie Faucheux
- Laboratory of Cell-Biomaterial Biohybrid Systems, Department of Chemical and Biotechnological Engineering, 2500 Boulevard Université, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada; (S.G.); (J.J.)
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, 3001 12th Avenue, N., Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (N.F.); Tel.: +1-819-821-8000 (ext. 72732) (C.L.); +1-819-821-8000 (ext. 61343) (N.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Triaca V, Fico E, Sposato V, Caioli S, Ciotti MT, Zona C, Mercanti D, La Mendola D, Satriano C, Rizzarelli E, Tirassa P, Calissano P. hNGF Peptides Elicit the NGF-TrkA Signalling Pathway in Cholinergic Neurons and Retain Full Neurotrophic Activity in the DRG Assay. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020216. [PMID: 32024191 PMCID: PMC7072391 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)-based clinical approaches have lacked specific and efficient Tyrosine Kinase A (TrkA) agonists for brain delivery. Nowadays, the characterization of novel small peptidomimetic is taking centre stage in preclinical studies, in order to overcome the main size-related limitation in brain delivery of NGF holoprotein for Central Nervous System (CNS) pathologies. Here we investigated the NGF mimetic properties of the human NGF 1–14 sequence (hNGF1–14) and its derivatives, by resorting to primary cholinergic and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Briefly, we observed that: 1) hNGF1–14 peptides engage the NGF pathway through TrkA phosphorylation at tyrosine 490 (Y490), and activation of ShcC/PI3K and Plc-γ/MAPK signalling, promoting AKT-dependent survival and CREB-driven neuronal activity, as seen by levels of the immediate early gene c-Fos, of the cholinergic marker Choline Acetyltransferase (ChAT), and of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF); 2) their NGF mimetic activity is lost upon selective TrkA inhibition by means of GW441756; 3) hNGF1–14 peptides are able to sustain DRG survival and differentiation in absence of NGF. Furthermore, the acetylated derivative Ac-hNGF1–14 demonstrated an optimal NGF mimetic activity in both neuronal paradigms and an electrophysiological profile similar to NGF in cholinergic neurons. Cumulatively, the findings here reported pinpoint the hNGF1–14 peptide, and in particular its acetylated derivative, as novel, specific and low molecular weight TrkA specific agonists in both CNS and PNS primary neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Triaca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR-IBBC), International Campus A. Buzzati Traverso, Via E. Ramarini 32, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-90091357
| | - Elena Fico
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR-IBBC), at Department of Sense Organs, University of Rome “ La Sapienza”, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (M.T.C.); (D.M.); (P.T.)
| | - Valentina Sposato
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI Foundation), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Silvia Caioli
- IRCCS S. Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (C.Z.)
| | - Maria Teresa Ciotti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR-IBBC), at Department of Sense Organs, University of Rome “ La Sapienza”, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (M.T.C.); (D.M.); (P.T.)
| | - Cristina Zona
- IRCCS S. Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (C.Z.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “TorVergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Delio Mercanti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR-IBBC), at Department of Sense Organs, University of Rome “ La Sapienza”, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (M.T.C.); (D.M.); (P.T.)
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Cristina Satriano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (C.S.); (E.R.)
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (C.S.); (E.R.)
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council (CNR-IC), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR-IBBC), at Department of Sense Organs, University of Rome “ La Sapienza”, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (M.T.C.); (D.M.); (P.T.)
| | - Pietro Calissano
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI Foundation), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.S.); (P.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Magrì A, Tabbì G, Cucci LM, Satriano C, Pietropaolo A, Malgieri G, Isernia C, La Mendola D. The curious case of opossum prion: a physicochemical study on copper(ii) binding to the bis-decarepeat fragment from the protein N-terminal domain. Dalton Trans 2019; 48:17533-17543. [PMID: 31748763 DOI: 10.1039/c9dt02510c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The opossum is a peculiar model of immunity to prion diseases. Here we scrutinised the bis-decarepeat peptide sequence of the opossum prion (Op_bis-deca) protein by a multitechnique approach, with a combined experimental (potentiometry, UV-visible, circular dichroism, NMR and EPR spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring and confocal microscopy) and simulation (DFT calculations) approach. Results showed that the macrochelate structures formed upon the binding to Cu(ii) by the analogous bis-octarepeat peptide sequence of human prion (Hu_bis-octa) are not found in the case of Op_bis-deca. At physiological pH and equimolar amount of copper ions, the [CuLH-2] is the major species formed by Op_bis-deca. In this species one imidazole and two amide nitrogen atoms are involved in metal coordination and its stability constant value is lower than that of the analogous species formed by Hu_bis-octa, due to the presence of an extra proline residue. Moreover, the study on the interaction of the peptides or the peptide/Cu(ii) complexes with the model cell membranes made of supported lipid bilayers disclosed different levels of interaction, monitored by the viscoelastic changes of the membranes, which exhibited a similar viscoelastic response at the interface of the two complexes, while in the absence of Cu(ii), the Hu_bis-octa/SLB interface was more viscoelastic than the Op_bis-deca one.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Magrì
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council (CNR), S.S. Catania, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a key regulator of chronic osteoarthritic pain, but the exact targets of NGF action on human articular cartilage is unknown. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the NGF-tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) (high-affinity NGF receptor) pathway plays a role in the calcification process of human articular chondrocytes (hACs). A 14-aa small peptide of NGF (Nsp) previously shown to activate NGF signaling in rat PC12 cells was used as an NGF signaling agonist, and recombinant NGF and the pan-Trk inhibitor GNF-5837 were employed as signaling modulating agents. The functional consequences of NGF-TrkA signaling were examined in human healthy articular chondrocytes maintained under conditions supportive of osteogenesis in vitro. The NGF-mimetic bioactivity of Nsp was first confirmed on the basis of maintenance of neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. Primary human chondrocytes responded to Nsp in vitro. Perturbation of NGF signaling with NGF, Nsp, and GNF-5837 resulted in a strong induction of chondrocyte calcification, and gene expression data suggested that the Indian Hedgehog-parathyroid hormone-related protein signaling axis was involved. These findings suggest functional involvement of NGF signaling in calcification of hACs and the importance of NGF signaling in articular cartilage homeostasis.-Jiang, Y., Tuan, R. S. Role of NGF-TrkA signaling in calcification of articular chondrocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangzi Jiang
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rocky S Tuan
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rotamer Dynamics: Analysis of Rotamers in Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Proteins. Biophys J 2019; 116:2062-2072. [PMID: 31084902 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Given by χ torsional angles, rotamers describe the side-chain conformations of amino acid residues in a protein based on the rotational isomers (hence the word rotamer). Constructed rotamer libraries, based on either protein crystal structures or dynamics studies, are the tools for classifying rotamers (torsional angles) in a way that reflect their frequency in nature. Rotamer libraries are routinely used in structure modeling and evaluation. In this perspective article, we would like to encourage researchers to apply rotamer analyses beyond their traditional use. Molecular dynamics (MD) of proteins highlight the in silico behavior of molecules in solution and thus can identify favorable side-chain conformations. In this article, we used simple computational tools to study rotamer dynamics (RD) in MD simulations. First, we isolated each frame in the MD trajectories in separate Protein Data Bank files via the cpptraj module in AMBER. Then, we extracted torsional angles via the Bio3D module in R language. The classification of torsional angles was also done in R according to the penultimate rotamer library. RD analysis is useful for various applications such as protein folding, study of rotamer-rotamer relationship in protein-protein interaction, real-time correlation between secondary structures and rotamers, study of flexibility of side chains in binding site for molecular docking preparations, use of RD as guide in functional analysis and study of structural changes caused by mutations, providing parameters for improving coarse-grained MD accuracy and speed, and many others. Major challenges facing RD to emerge as a new scientific field involve the validation of results via easy, inexpensive wet-lab methods. This realm is yet to be explored.
Collapse
|
14
|
Naletova I, Satriano C, Pietropaolo A, Gianì F, Pandini G, Triaca V, Amadoro G, Latina V, Calissano P, Travaglia A, Nicoletti VG, La Mendola D, Rizzarelli E. The Copper(II)-Assisted Connection between NGF and BDNF by Means of Nerve Growth Factor-Mimicking Short Peptides. Cells 2019; 8:E301. [PMID: 30939824 PMCID: PMC6523629 DOI: 10.3390/cells8040301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a protein necessary for development and maintenance of the sympathetic and sensory nervous systems. We have previously shown that the NGF N-terminus peptide NGF(1-14) is sufficient to activate TrkA signaling pathways essential for neuronal survival and to induce an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Cu2+ ions played a critical role in the modulation of the biological activity of NGF(1-14). Using computational, spectroscopic, and biochemical techniques, here we report on the ability of a newly synthesized peptide named d-NGF(1-15), which is the dimeric form of NGF(1-14), to interact with TrkA. We found that d-NGF(1-15) interacts with the TrkA-D5 domain and induces the activation of its signaling pathways. Copper binding to d-NGF(1-15) stabilizes the secondary structure of the peptides, suggesting a strengthening of the noncovalent interactions that allow for the molecular recognition of D5 domain of TrkA and the activation of the signaling pathways. Intriguingly, the signaling cascade induced by the NGF peptides ultimately involves cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) activation and an increase in BDNF protein level, in keeping with our previous result showing an increase of BDNF mRNA. All these promising connections can pave the way for developing interesting novel drugs for neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Naletova
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Cristina Satriano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Adriana Pietropaolo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Campus Universitario Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Fiorenza Gianì
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, University of Catania, via Palermo n. 636, 95122 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Pandini
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, University of Catania, via Palermo n. 636, 95122 Catania, Italy.
| | - Viviana Triaca
- Medicina Molecolare e Traslazionale "Rita Levi Montalcini", Institute of Cellular Biology and Neurobiology (IBCN), National Research Council (CNR), c/o Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Via del Policlinico 255, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Amadoro
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), 00131 Rome, Italy.
| | - Valentina Latina
- European Brain Research Institute, Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161, 64-65, 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - Pietro Calissano
- European Brain Research Institute, Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161, 64-65, 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessio Travaglia
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Giuseppe Nicoletti
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
- Institute of Crystallography-Catania, National Research Council (CNR), Via P. Gaifami, 95126 Catania, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pietropaolo A, Magrì A, Greco V, Losasso V, La Mendola D, Sciuto S, Carloni P, Rizzarelli E. Binding of Zn(II) to Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase A in Complex with Its Cognate Nerve Growth Factor: Insights from Molecular Simulation and in Vitro Essays. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1095-1103. [PMID: 29281262 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The binding of the human nerve growth factor (NGF) protein to tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) is associated with Alzhemeir's development. Owing to the large presence of zinc(II) ions in the synaptic compartments, the zinc ions might be bound to the complex in vivo. Here, we have identified a putative zinc binding site using a combination of computations and experiments. First, we have predicted structural features of the NGF/TrkA complex in an aqueous solution by molecular simulation. Metadynamics free energy calculations suggest that these are very similar to those in the X-ray structure. Here, the "crab" structure of the NGF shape binds tightly to two TrkA "pincers". Transient conformations of the complex include both more extended and more closed conformations. Interestingly, the latter features facial histidines (His60 and His61) among the N-terminal D1-D3 domains, each of which is a potential binding region for biometals. This suggests the presence of a four-His Zn binding site connecting the two chains. To address this issue, we investigated the binding of a D1-D3 domains' peptide mimic by stability constant and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, complemented by density functional theory-based calculations. Taken together, these establish unambiguously a four-His coordination of the metal ion in the model systems, supporting the presence of our postulated binding site in the NGF/TrkA complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Pietropaolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Magrì
- IBB-CNR, UOS Catania, via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina Greco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Losasso
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine (IAS-5/INM-9/INM-9) Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department of Physics, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Sciuto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Carloni
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine (IAS-5/INM-9/INM-9) Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department of Physics, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Satriano C, Forte G, Magrì A, Di Pietro P, Travaglia A, Pandini G, Gianì F, La Mendola D. Neurotrophin-mimicking peptides at the biointerface with gold respond to copper ion stimuli. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 18:30595-30604. [PMID: 27786317 DOI: 10.1039/c6cp05476e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The peptide fragments NGF1-14 and BDNF1-12, encompassing the N-terminal domains, respectively, of the proteins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were used in this study for the fabrication of a hybrid gold/peptide biointerface. These peptides mimic the Trk receptor activation of the respective whole protein - with a crucial role played by copper ions - and exhibit, in bulk solution, a pH-dependent capability to complex copper. We demonstrate here the maintenance of peptide-specific responses at different pH values as well as the copper binding also for the adlayers formed upon physisorption at the gold surface. The physicochemical properties, including viscoelastic behavior of the adlayer and competitive vs. synergic interactions in sequential adsorption processes, were addressed both experimentally, by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and circular dichroism (CD), and theoretically, by molecular dynamics (MD) calculations. Proof-of work biological assays with the neuroblastoma SY-SH5H cell line demonstrated that the developed hybrid Au/peptide nanoplatforms are very promising for implementation in pH- and metal-responsive systems for application in nanomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Satriano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, I-95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - G Forte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, I-95125 Catania, Italy
| | - A Magrì
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages - Catania, National Council of Research (IBB-CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 16, I-95125 Catania, Italy
| | - P Di Pietro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, I-95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - A Travaglia
- Centre for Neural Science, New York University, Washington Place, 4, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - G Pandini
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, University of Catania, via Palermo n. 636, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - F Gianì
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, University of Catania, via Palermo n. 636, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - D La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno Pisano, 6, I-56100 Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Haddad Y, Adam V, Heger Z. Trk Receptors and Neurotrophin Cross-Interactions: New Perspectives Toward Manipulating Therapeutic Side-Effects. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:130. [PMID: 28515680 PMCID: PMC5414483 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Some therapeutic side-effects result from simultaneous activation of homolog receptors by the same ligand. Tropomyosin receptor kinases (TrkA, TrkB and TrkC) play a major role in the development and biology of neurons through neurotrophin signaling. The wide range of cross-interactions between Trk receptors and neurotrophins vary in selectivity, affinity and function. In this study, we discuss new perspectives to the manipulation of side-effects via a better understanding of the cross-interactions at the molecular level, derived by computational methods. Available crystal structures of Trk receptors and neurotrophins are a valuable resource for exploitation via molecular mechanics (MM) and dynamics (MD). The study of the energetics and dynamics of neurotrophins or neurotrophic peptides interacting with Trk receptors will provide insight to structural regions that may be candidates for drug targeting and signaling pathway selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yazan Haddad
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in BrnoBrno, Czechia.,Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of TechnologyBrno, Czechia
| | - Vojtěch Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in BrnoBrno, Czechia.,Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of TechnologyBrno, Czechia
| | - Zbyněk Heger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in BrnoBrno, Czechia.,Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of TechnologyBrno, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zinc Interactions With Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Related Peptide Fragments. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2017; 104:29-56. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
19
|
Paoletti F, de Chiara C, Kelly G, Covaceuszach S, Malerba F, Yan R, Lamba D, Cattaneo A, Pastore A. Conformational Rigidity within Plasticity Promotes Differential Target Recognition of Nerve Growth Factor. Front Mol Biosci 2016; 3:83. [PMID: 28083536 PMCID: PMC5183593 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2016.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), the prototype of the neurotrophin family, is essential for maintenance and growth of different neuronal populations. The X-ray crystal structure of NGF has been known since the early '90s and shows a β-sandwich fold with extensive loops that are involved in the interaction with its binding partners. Understanding the dynamical properties of these loops is thus important for molecular recognition. We present here a combined solution NMR/molecular dynamics study which addresses the question of whether and how much the long loops of NGF are flexible and describes the N-terminal intrinsic conformational tendency of the unbound NGF molecule. NMR titration experiments allowed identification of a previously undetected epitope of the anti-NGF antagonist antibody αD11 which will be of crucial importance for future drug lead discovery. The present study thus recapitulates all the available structural information and unveils the conformational versatility of the relatively rigid NGF loops upon functional ligand binding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paoletti
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, European Brain Research, Rita Levi-Montalcini FoundationRome, Italy; Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
| | | | - Geoff Kelly
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Biomedical NMR Centre, The Francis Crick Institute London, UK
| | - Sonia Covaceuszach
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Sede Secondaria di Basovizza Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Malerba
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, European Brain Research, Rita Levi-Montalcini FoundationRome, Italy; Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
| | - Robert Yan
- Maurice Wohl Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London London, UK
| | - Doriano Lamba
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Sede Secondaria di Basovizza Trieste, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, European Brain Research, Rita Levi-Montalcini FoundationRome, Italy; Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pastore
- Maurice Wohl Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College LondonLondon, UK; Molecular Medicine Department, University of PaviaPavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pandini G, Satriano C, Pietropaolo A, Gianì F, Travaglia A, La Mendola D, Nicoletti VG, Rizzarelli E. The Inorganic Side of NGF: Copper(II) and Zinc(II) Affect the NGF Mimicking Signaling of the N-Terminus Peptides Encompassing the Recognition Domain of TrkA Receptor. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:569. [PMID: 28090201 PMCID: PMC5201159 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The nerve growth factor (NGF) N-terminus peptide, NGF(1–14), and its acetylated form, Ac-NGF(1–14), were investigated to scrutinize the ability of this neurotrophin domain to mimic the whole protein. Theoretical calculations demonstrated that non-covalent forces assist the molecular recognition of TrkA receptor by both peptides. Combined parallel tempering/docking simulations discriminated the effect of the N-terminal acetylation on the recognition of NGF(1–14) by the domain 5 of TrkA (TrkA-D5). Experimental findings demonstrated that both NGF(1–14) and Ac-NGF(1–14) activate TrkA signaling pathways essential for neuronal survival. The NGF-induced TrkA internalization was slightly inhibited in the presence of Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions, whereas the metal ions elicited the NGF(1–14)-induced internalization of TrkA and no significant differences were found in the weak Ac-NGF(1–14)-induced receptor internalization. The crucial role of the metals was confirmed by experiments with the metal-chelator bathocuproine disulfonic acid, which showed different inhibitory effects in the signaling cascade, due to different metal affinity of NGF, NGF(1–14) and Ac-NGF(1–14). The NGF signaling cascade, activated by the two peptides, induced CREB phosphorylation, but the copper addition further stimulated the Akt, ERK and CREB phosphorylation in the presence of NGF and NGF(1–14) only. A dynamic and quick influx of both peptides into PC12 cells was tracked by live cell imaging with confocal microscopy. A significant role of copper ions was found in the modulation of peptide sub-cellular localization, especially at the nuclear level. Furthermore, a strong copper ionophoric ability of NGF(1–14) was measured. The Ac-NGF(1–14) peptide, which binds copper ions with a lower stability constant than NGF(1–14), exhibited a lower nuclear localization with respect to the total cellular uptake. These findings were correlated to the metal-induced increase of CREB and BDNF expression caused by NGF(1–14) stimulation. In summary, we here validated NGF(1–14) and Ac-NGF(1–14) as first examples of monomer and linear peptides able to activate the NGF-TrkA signaling cascade. Metal ions modulated the activity of both NGF protein and the NGF-mimicking peptides. Such findings demonstrated that NGF(1–14) sequence can reproduce the signal transduction of whole protein, therefore representing a very promising drug candidate for further pre-clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Pandini
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, University of CataniaCatania, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages - Catania, National Research CouncilCatania, Italy
| | - Cristina Satriano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of CataniaCatania, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi BiologiciBari, Italy
| | | | - Fiorenza Gianì
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, University of CataniaCatania, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages - Catania, National Research CouncilCatania, Italy
| | | | - Diego La Mendola
- Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi BiologiciBari, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, University of PisaPisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo G Nicoletti
- Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi BiologiciBari, Italy; Section of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of CataniaCatania, Italy
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages - Catania, National Research CouncilCatania, Italy; Department of Chemical Sciences, University of CataniaCatania, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi BiologiciBari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
A Novel Strategy for the Preparation of Codon-Optimized Truncated Ulp1 and its Simplified Application to Cleavage the SUMO Fusion Protein. Protein J 2016; 35:115-23. [PMID: 26960810 PMCID: PMC7088175 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-016-9654-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-like protease 1 (Ulp1) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae emerges as a fundamental tool to obtain the natural N-terminal target protein by cleavage of the small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) fusion protein. However, the costly commercial Ulp1 and its complicated procedures limit its application in the preparation of the target protein with natural N-terminal sequence. Here, we describe the preparation of bioactive codon-optimized recombinant truncated Ulp1 (Leu403-Lys621) (rtUlp1) of S. cerevisiae in Escherichia coli using only one-step with Ni–NTA affinity chromatograph, and the application of rtUlp1 to cleave the SUMO fusion protein by simply mixing the purified rtUlp1, SUMO fusion protein and DL-Dithiothreitol in Tris–HCl buffer. The optimal expression level of non-fusion protein rtUlp1 accounts for approximately 50 % of the total cellular protein and 36 % of the soluble form by addition of isopropyl β-D-l-thiogalactopyranoside at a final concentration of 0.4 mM at 18 °C for 20 h. The purification of target protein rtUlp1 was conducted by Ni–NTA affinity chromatography. The final yield of rtUlp1 was 45 mg/l in flask fermentation with a purity up to 95 %. Furthermore, the high purity of rtUlp1 could effectively cleave the SUMO-tTβRII fusion protein (SUMO gene fused to truncated transforming growth factor-beta receptor type II gene) with the above simplified approach, and the specific activity of the rtUlp1 reached up to 2.8 × 104 U/mg, which is comparable to the commercial Ulp1. The preparation and application strategy of the rtUlp1 with commonly available laboratory resources in this study will be convenient to the cleavage of the SUMO fusion protein to obtain the natural N-terminal target protein, which can be implemented in difficult-to-express protein functional analysis.
Collapse
|
22
|
Pinkernelle J, Raffa V, Calatayud MP, Goya GF, Riggio C, Keilhoff G. Growth factor choice is critical for successful functionalization of nanoparticles. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:305. [PMID: 26388717 PMCID: PMC4557102 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) show new characteristics compared to the corresponding bulk material. These nanoscale properties make them interesting for various applications in biomedicine and life sciences. One field of application is the use of magnetic NPs to support regeneration in the nervous system. Drug delivery requires a functionalization of NPs with bio-functional molecules. In our study, we functionalized self-made PEI-coated iron oxide NPs with nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Next, we tested the bio-functionality of NGF in a rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12) and the bio-functionality of GDNF in an organotypic spinal cord culture. Covalent binding of NGF to PEI-NPs impaired bio-functionality of NGF, but non-covalent approach differentiated PC12 cells reliably. Non-covalent binding of GDNF showed a satisfying bio-functionality of GDNF:PEI-NPs, but turned out to be unstable in conjugation to the PEI-NPs. Taken together, our study showed the importance of assessing bio-functionality and binding stability of functionalized growth factors using proper biological models. It also shows that successful functionalization of magnetic NPs with growth factors is dependent on the used binding chemistry and that it is hardly predictable. For use as therapeutics, functionalization strategies have to be reproducible and future studies are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Pinkernelle
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University of MagdeburgMagdeburg, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University of MagdeburgMagdeburg, Germany
| | - Vittoria Raffa
- Department of Biology, University of PisaPisa, Italy
- Institute of Life Science, Scuola Superiore Sant' AnnaPisa, Italy
| | | | - Gerado F. Goya
- Aragon Institute of Nanosciences, University of ZaragozaZaragoza, Spain
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of ZaragozaSpain
| | - Cristina Riggio
- Institute of Life Science, Scuola Superiore Sant' AnnaPisa, Italy
| | - Gerburg Keilhoff
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University of MagdeburgMagdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|