1
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Ullrich S, Somathilake U, Shang M, Nitsche C. Phage-encoded bismuth bicycles enable instant access to targeted bioactive peptides. Commun Chem 2024; 7:143. [PMID: 38937646 PMCID: PMC11211329 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01232-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetically encoded libraries play a crucial role in discovering structurally rigid, high-affinity macrocyclic peptide ligands for therapeutic applications. Bicyclic peptides with metal centres like bismuth were recently developed as a new type of constrained peptide with notable affinity, stability and membrane permeability. This study represents the genetic encoding of peptide-bismuth and peptide-arsenic bicycles in phage display. We introduce bismuth tripotassium dicitrate (gastrodenol) as a water-soluble bismuth(III) reagent for phage library modification and in situ bicyclic peptide preparation, eliminating the need for organic co-solvents. Additionally, we explore arsenic(III) as an alternative thiophilic element that is used analogously to our previously introduced bicyclic peptides with a bismuth core. The modification of phage libraries and peptides with these elements is instantaneous and entirely biocompatible, offering an advantage over conventional alkylation-based methods. In a pilot display screening campaign aimed at identifying ligands for the biotin-binding protein streptavidin, we demonstrate the enrichment of bicyclic peptides with dissociation constants two orders of magnitude lower than those of their linear counterparts, underscoring the impact of structural constraint on binding affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Ullrich
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Upamali Somathilake
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Minghao Shang
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
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2
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Villequey C, Zurmühl SS, Cramer CN, Bhusan B, Andersen B, Ren Q, Liu H, Qu X, Yang Y, Pan J, Chen Q, Münzel M. An efficient mRNA display protocol yields potent bicyclic peptide inhibitors for FGFR3c: outperforming linear and monocyclic formats in affinity and stability. Chem Sci 2024; 15:6122-6129. [PMID: 38665530 PMCID: PMC11040643 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04763f] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrocyclization has positioned itself as a powerful method for engineering potent peptide drug candidates. Introducing one or multiple cyclizations is a common strategy to improve properties such as affinity, bioavailability and proteolytic stability. Consequently, methodologies to create large libraries of polycyclic peptides by phage or mRNA display have emerged, allowing the rapid identification of binders to virtually any target. Yet, within those libraries, the performance of linear vs. mono- or bicyclic peptides has rarely been studied. Indeed, a key parameter to perform such a comparison is to use a display protocol and cyclization chemistry that enables the formation of all 3 formats in equal quality and diversity. Here, we developed a simple, efficient and fast mRNA display protocol which meets these criteria and can be used to generate highly diverse libraries of thioether cyclized polycyclic peptides. As a proof of concept, we selected peptides against fibroblast growth factor receptor 3c (FGFR3c) and compared the different formats regarding affinity, specificity, and human plasma stability. The peptides with the best KD's and stability were identified among bicyclic peptide hits, further strengthening the body of evidence pointing at the superiority of this class of molecules and providing functional and selective inhibitors of FGFR3c.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Villequey
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk Park 2760 Måløv Denmark
| | - Silvana S Zurmühl
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk Park 2760 Måløv Denmark
| | - Christian N Cramer
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk Park 2760 Måløv Denmark
| | - Bhaskar Bhusan
- Department of Chemistry, Oxford University, Chemistry Research Laboratory 12 Mansfield Road Oxford UK
| | - Birgitte Andersen
- Global Drug Discovery, Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk Park 2760 Måløv Denmark
| | - Qianshen Ren
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Novo Nordisk A/S Shengmingyuan West Ring Rd, Changping District Beijing China
| | - Haimo Liu
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Novo Nordisk A/S Shengmingyuan West Ring Rd, Changping District Beijing China
| | - Xinping Qu
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Novo Nordisk A/S Shengmingyuan West Ring Rd, Changping District Beijing China
| | - Yang Yang
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Novo Nordisk A/S Shengmingyuan West Ring Rd, Changping District Beijing China
| | - Jia Pan
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Novo Nordisk A/S Shengmingyuan West Ring Rd, Changping District Beijing China
| | - Qiujia Chen
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Novo Nordisk A/S Shengmingyuan West Ring Rd, Changping District Beijing China
| | - Martin Münzel
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk Park 2760 Måløv Denmark
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3
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Liao Y, Wang M, Jiang X. Sulfur-containing peptides: Synthesis and application in the discovery of potential drug candidates. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 75:102336. [PMID: 37269675 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Peptides act as biological mediators and play a key role of various physiological activities. Sulfur-containing peptides are widely used in natural products and drug molecules due to their unique biological activity and chemical reactivity of sulfur. Disulfides, thioethers, and thioamides are the most common motifs of sulfur-containing peptides, and they have been extensively studied and developed for synthetic methodology as well as pharmaceutical applications. This review focuses on the illustration of these three motifs in natural products and drugs, as well as the recent advancements in the synthesis of the corresponding core scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xuefeng Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Organometallic Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Nankai University, China.
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4
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Fleming MC, Bowler MM, Park R, Popov KI, Bowers AA. Tyrosinase-Catalyzed Peptide Macrocyclization for mRNA Display. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:10445-10450. [PMID: 37155687 PMCID: PMC11091840 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c12629] [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] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
mRNA display of macrocyclic peptides has proven itself to be a powerful technique to discover high-affinity ligands for a protein target. However, only a limited number of cyclization chemistries are known to be compatible with mRNA display. Tyrosinase is a copper-dependent oxidase that oxidizes tyrosine phenol to an electrophilic o-quinone, which is readily attacked by cysteine thiol. Here we show that peptides containing tyrosine and cysteine are rapidly cyclized upon tyrosinase treatment. Characterization of the cyclization reveals it to be widely applicable to multiple macrocycle sizes and scaffolds. We combine tyrosinase-mediated cyclization with mRNA display to discover new macrocyclic ligands targeting melanoma-associated antigen A4 (MAGE-A4). These macrocycles potently inhibit the MAGE-A4 binding axis with nanomolar IC50 values. Importantly, macrocyclic ligands show clear advantage over noncyclized analogues with ∼40-fold or greater decrease in IC50 values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Fleming
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 301 Pharmacy Lane, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Matthew M. Bowler
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 301 Pharmacy Lane, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Rodney Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Konstantin I. Popov
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 301 Pharmacy Lane, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Albert A. Bowers
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 301 Pharmacy Lane, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
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5
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Abrigo NA, Dods KK, Makovsky CA, Lohan S, Mitra K, Newcomb KM, Le A, Hartman MCT. Development of a Cyclic, Cell Penetrating Peptide Compatible with In Vitro Selection Strategies. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:746-755. [PMID: 36920103 PMCID: PMC11165944 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00680] [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] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
A key limitation for the development of peptides as therapeutics is their lack of cell permeability. Recent work has shown that short, arginine-rich macrocyclic peptides containing hydrophobic amino acids are able to penetrate cells and reach the cytosol. Here, we have developed a new strategy for developing cyclic cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) that shifts some of the hydrophobic character to the peptide cyclization linker, allowing us to do a linker screen to find cyclic CPPs with improved cellular uptake. We demonstrate that both hydrophobicity and position of the alkylation points on the linker affect uptake of macrocyclic cell penetrating peptides (CPPs). Our best peptide, 4i, is on par with or better than prototypical CPPs Arg9 (R9) and CPP12 under assays measuring total cellular uptake and cytosolic delivery. 4i was also able to carry a peptide previously discovered from an in vitro selection, 8.6, and a cytotoxic peptide into the cytosol. A bicyclic variant of 4i showed even better cytosolic entry than 4i, highlighting the plasticity of this class of peptides toward modifications. Since our CPPs are cyclized via their side chains (as opposed to head-to-tail cyclization), they are compatible with powerful technologies for peptide ligand discovery including phage display and mRNA display. Access to diverse libraries with inherent cell permeability will afford the ability to find cell permeable hits to many challenging intracellular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas A Abrigo
- Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1001 W Main Street, Richmond, 23284 Virginia, United States
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, 23219 Virginia, United States
| | - Kara K Dods
- Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1001 W Main Street, Richmond, 23284 Virginia, United States
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, 23219 Virginia, United States
| | - Chelsea A Makovsky
- Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1001 W Main Street, Richmond, 23284 Virginia, United States
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, 23219 Virginia, United States
| | - Sandeep Lohan
- Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1001 W Main Street, Richmond, 23284 Virginia, United States
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, 23219 Virginia, United States
| | - Koushambi Mitra
- Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1001 W Main Street, Richmond, 23284 Virginia, United States
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, 23219 Virginia, United States
| | - Kaylee M Newcomb
- Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1001 W Main Street, Richmond, 23284 Virginia, United States
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, 23219 Virginia, United States
| | - Anthony Le
- Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1001 W Main Street, Richmond, 23284 Virginia, United States
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, 23219 Virginia, United States
| | - Matthew C T Hartman
- Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1001 W Main Street, Richmond, 23284 Virginia, United States
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, 23219 Virginia, United States
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6
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Bowler MM, Glavatskikh M, Pecot CV, Kireev D, Bower s AA. Enzymatic Macrolactamization of mRNA Display Libraries for Inhibitor Selection. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:166-175. [PMID: 36490372 PMCID: PMC9868075 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00828] [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: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
mRNA display is a powerful, high-throughput technology for discovering novel, peptide ligands for protein targets. A number of methods have been used to expand the chemical diversity of mRNA display libraries beyond the 20 canonical amino acids, including genetic code reprogramming and biorthogonal chemistries. To date, however, there have been few reports using enzymes as biocompatible reagents for diversifying mRNA display libraries. Here, we report the evaluation and implementation of the common industrial enzyme, microbial transglutaminase (mTG), as a versatile biocatalyst for cyclization of mRNA display peptide libraries via lysine-to-glutamine isopeptide bonds. We establish two separate display-based assays to validate the compatibility of mTG with mRNA-linked peptide substrates. These assays indicate that mTG has a high degree of substrate tolerance and low single round bias. To demonstrate the potential benefits of mTG-mediated cyclization in ligand discovery, high diversity mTG-modified libraries were employed in two separate affinity selections: (1) one against the calcium and integrin binding protein, CIB1, and (2) the second against the immune checkpoint protein and emerging therapeutic target, B7-H3. Both selections resulted in the identification of potent, cyclic, low nanomolar binders, and subsequent structure-activity studies demonstrate the importance of the cyclization to the observed activity. Notably, cyclization in the CIB1 binder stabilizes an α-helical conformation, while the B7-H3 inhibitor employs two bridges, one mTG-derived lactam and a second disulfide to achieve its potency. Together, these results demonstrate potential benefits of enzyme-based biocatalysts in mRNA display ligand selections and establish a framework for employing mTG in mRNA display.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M. Bowler
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA.,Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - Marta Glavatskikh
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - Chad V. Pecot
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology and Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - Dmitri Kireev
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - Albert A. Bower s
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA.,Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA,Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA,Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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7
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Franco HEO, Chaloux BT, Hartman MCT. Spontaneous, co-translational peptide macrocyclization using p-cyanoacetylene-phenylalanine. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:6737-6740. [PMID: 35607950 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc01148d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Peptide macrocycles (PMCs) are increasingly popular for the development of inhibitors of protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Large libraries of PMCs are accessible using display technologies like mRNA display and phage display. These technologies require macrocyclization chemistries to be compatible with biological milieu, severely limiting the types of technologies available for cyclization. Here, we introduce the novel non-canonical amino acid (ncAA) p-cyanoacetylene-L-Phe (pCAF), which facilitates spontaneous, co-translational cyclization through Michael addition with cysteine under physiological conditions. This new, robust chemistry creates stable macrocycles of a wide variety of ring sizes including bicyclic structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Estheban Osorio Franco
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 College St, Richmond, 23219, Virginia, USA. .,Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1001 W Main Street, Richmond, 23284, VA, USA
| | - Brennan T Chaloux
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 College St, Richmond, 23219, Virginia, USA. .,Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1001 W Main Street, Richmond, 23284, VA, USA
| | - Matthew C T Hartman
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 College St, Richmond, 23219, Virginia, USA. .,Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1001 W Main Street, Richmond, 23284, VA, USA
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8
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Hartman MCT. Non-canonical Amino Acid Substrates of E. coli Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202100299. [PMID: 34416067 PMCID: PMC9651912 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In this comprehensive review, I focus on the twenty E. coli aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and their ability to charge non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) onto tRNAs. The promiscuity of these enzymes has been harnessed for diverse applications including understanding and engineering of protein function, creation of organisms with an expanded genetic code, and the synthesis of diverse peptide libraries for drug discovery. The review catalogues the structures of all known ncAA substrates for each of the 20 E. coli aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, including ncAA substrates for engineered versions of these enzymes. Drawing from the structures in the list, I highlight trends and novel opportunities for further exploitation of these ncAAs in the engineering of protein function, synthetic biology, and in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C T Hartman
- Department of Chemistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1001 W Main St., Richmond, VA 23220, USA
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9
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Kamalinia G, Grindel BJ, Takahashi TT, Millward SW, Roberts RW. Directing evolution of novel ligands by mRNA display. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:9055-9103. [PMID: 34165126 PMCID: PMC8725378 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00160d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
mRNA display is a powerful biological display platform for the directed evolution of proteins and peptides. mRNA display libraries covalently link the displayed peptide or protein (phenotype) with the encoding genetic information (genotype) through the biochemical activity of the small molecule puromycin. Selection for peptide/protein function is followed by amplification of the linked genetic material and generation of a library enriched in functional sequences. Iterative selection cycles are then performed until the desired level of function is achieved, at which time the identity of candidate peptides can be obtained by sequencing the genetic material. The purpose of this review is to discuss the development of mRNA display technology since its inception in 1997 and to comprehensively review its use in the selection of novel peptides and proteins. We begin with an overview of the biochemical mechanism of mRNA display and its variants with a particular focus on its advantages and disadvantages relative to other biological display technologies. We then discuss the importance of scaffold choice in mRNA display selections and review the results of selection experiments with biological (e.g., fibronectin) and linear peptide library architectures. We then explore recent progress in the development of "drug-like" peptides by mRNA display through the post-translational covalent macrocyclization and incorporation of non-proteogenic functionalities. We conclude with an examination of enabling technologies that increase the speed of selection experiments, enhance the information obtained in post-selection sequence analysis, and facilitate high-throughput characterization of lead compounds. We hope to provide the reader with a comprehensive view of current state and future trajectory of mRNA display and its broad utility as a peptide and protein design tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnaz Kamalinia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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10
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Wong JYK, Mukherjee R, Miao J, Bilyk O, Triana V, Miskolzie M, Henninot A, Dwyer JJ, Kharchenko S, Iampolska A, Volochnyuk DM, Lin YS, Postovit LM, Derda R. Genetically-encoded discovery of proteolytically stable bicyclic inhibitors for morphogen NODAL. Chem Sci 2021; 12:9694-9703. [PMID: 34349940 PMCID: PMC8294009 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc01916c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this manuscript, we developed a two-fold symmetric linchpin (TSL) that converts readily available phage-displayed peptides libraries made of 20 common amino acids to genetically-encoded libraries of bicyclic peptides displayed on phage. TSL combines an aldehyde-reactive group and two thiol-reactive groups; it bridges two side chains of cysteine [C] with an N-terminal aldehyde group derived from the N-terminal serine [S], yielding a novel bicyclic topology that lacks a free N-terminus. Phage display libraries of SX1CX2X3X4X5X6X7C sequences, where X is any amino acid but Cys, were converted to a library of bicyclic TSL-[S]X1[C]X2X3X4X5X6X7[C] peptides in 45 ± 15% yield. Using this library and protein morphogen NODAL as a target, we discovered bicyclic macrocycles that specifically antagonize NODAL-induced signaling in cancer cells. At a 10 μM concentration, two discovered bicyclic peptides completely suppressed NODAL-induced phosphorylation of SMAD2 in P19 embryonic carcinoma cells. The TSL-[S]Y[C]KRAHKN[C] bicycle inhibited NODAL-induced proliferation of NODAL-TYK-nu ovarian carcinoma cells with apparent IC50 of 1 μM. The same bicycle at 10 μM concentration did not affect the growth of the control TYK-nu cells. TSL-bicycles remained stable over the course of the 72 hour-long assays in a serum-rich cell-culture medium. We further observed general stability in mouse serum and in a mixture of proteases (Pronase™) for 21 diverse bicyclic macrocycles of different ring sizes, amino acid sequences, and cross-linker geometries. TSL-constrained peptides to expand the previously reported repertoire of phage-displayed bicyclic architectures formed by cross-linking Cys side chains. We anticipate that it will aid the discovery of proteolytically stable bicyclic inhibitors for a variety of protein targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Y-K Wong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta Edmonton AB T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Raja Mukherjee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta Edmonton AB T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Jiayuan Miao
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Olena Bilyk
- Department of Experimental Oncology, University of Alberta Edmonton AB T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Vivian Triana
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta Edmonton AB T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Mark Miskolzie
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta Edmonton AB T6G 2G2 Canada
| | | | - John J Dwyer
- Ferring Research Institute San Diego California 92121 USA
| | | | - Anna Iampolska
- Enamine Ltd. Chervonotkatska Street 78 Kyiv 02094 Ukraine
| | | | - Yu-Shan Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Lynne-Marie Postovit
- Department of Experimental Oncology, University of Alberta Edmonton AB T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Ratmir Derda
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta Edmonton AB T6G 2G2 Canada
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11
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Ekanayake AI, Sobze L, Kelich P, Youk J, Bennett NJ, Mukherjee R, Bhardwaj A, Wuest F, Vukovic L, Derda R. Genetically Encoded Fragment-Based Discovery from Phage-Displayed Macrocyclic Libraries with Genetically Encoded Unnatural Pharmacophores. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:5497-5507. [PMID: 33784084 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c01186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded macrocyclic peptide libraries with unnatural pharmacophores are valuable sources for the discovery of ligands for many targets of interest. Traditionally, generation of such libraries employs "early stage" incorporation of unnatural building blocks into the chemically or translationally produced macrocycles. Here, we describe a divergent late-stage approach to such libraries starting from readily available starting material: genetically encoded libraries of peptides. A diketone linchpin 1,5-dichloropentane-2,4-dione converts peptide libraries displayed on phage to 1,3-diketone bearing macrocyclic peptides (DKMP): shelf-stable precursors for Knorr pyrazole synthesis. Ligation of diverse hydrazine derivatives onto DKMP libraries displayed on phage that carries silent DNA-barcodes yields macrocyclic libraries in which the amino acid sequence and the pharmacophore are encoded by DNA. Selection of this library against carbonic anhydrase enriched macrocycles with benzenesulfonamide pharmacophore and nanomolar Kd. The methodology described in this manuscript can graft diverse pharmacophores into many existing genetically encoded phage libraries and significantly increase the value of such libraries in molecular discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunika I Ekanayake
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Lena Sobze
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Payam Kelich
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Jihea Youk
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Bennett
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Raja Mukherjee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Atul Bhardwaj
- Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Frank Wuest
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
- Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Lela Vukovic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Ratmir Derda
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
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12
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Discovery of De Novo Macrocyclic Peptides by Messenger RNA Display. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:385-397. [PMID: 33771353 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Macrocyclic peptides are a promising class of compounds that can often engage challenging therapeutic targets. Display technologies, such as mRNA display, allow for the efficient discovery of macrocyclic peptides. This article reviews the current approaches for generating macrocyclic peptide libraries using mRNA display and highlights some recent examples of ribosomal incorporation of nonproteinogenic amino acids into macrocyclic peptides.
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Dotter H, Boll M, Eder M, Eder AC. Library and post-translational modifications of peptide-based display systems. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 47:107699. [PMID: 33513435 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Innovative biotechnological methods empower the successful identification of new drug candidates. Phage, ribosome and mRNA display represent high throughput screenings, allowing fast and efficient progress in the field of targeted drug discovery. The identification range comprises low molecular weight peptides up to whole antibodies. However, a major challenge poses the stability and affinity in particular of peptides. Chemical modifications e.g. the introduction of unnatural amino acids or cyclization, have been proven to be essential tools to overcome these limitations. This review article particularly focuses on available methods for the targeted chemical modification of peptides and peptide libraries in selected display approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Dotter
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Division of Radiopharmaceutical Development, German Cancer Consortium, partner site Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany, and German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melanie Boll
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Division of Radiopharmaceutical Development, German Cancer Consortium, partner site Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany, and German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Eder
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Division of Radiopharmaceutical Development, German Cancer Consortium, partner site Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany, and German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ann-Christin Eder
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Division of Radiopharmaceutical Development, German Cancer Consortium, partner site Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany, and German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Bowen J, Schloop AE, Reeves GT, Menegatti S, Rao BM. Discovery of Membrane-Permeating Cyclic Peptides via mRNA Display. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:2325-2338. [PMID: 32786364 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Small synthetic peptides capable of crossing biological membranes represent valuable tools in cell biology and drug delivery. While several cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) of natural or synthetic origin have been reported, no peptide is currently known to cross both cytoplasmic and outer embryonic membranes. Here, we describe a method to engineer membrane-permeating cyclic peptides (MPPs) with broad permeation activity by screening mRNA display libraries of cyclic peptides against embryos at different developmental stages. The proposed method was demonstrated by identifying peptides capable of permeating Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) embryos and mammalian cells. The selected peptide cyclo[Glut-MRKRHASRRE-K*] showed a strong permeation activity of embryos exposed to minimal permeabilization pretreatment, as well as human embryonic stem cells and a murine fibroblast cell line. Notably, in both embryos and mammalian cells, the cyclic peptide outperformed its linear counterpart and the control MPPs. Confocal microscopy and single cell flow cytometry analysis were utilized to assess the degree of permeation both qualitatively and quantitatively. These MPPs have potential application in studying and nondisruptively controlling intracellular or intraembryonic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Bowen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way room 2-009, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Allison E Schloop
- Genetics Program, North Carolina State University, 112 Derieux Place, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Gregory T Reeves
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 200 Jack E. Brown Engineering Building, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Stefano Menegatti
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way room 2-009, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, 850 Oval Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Balaji M Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way room 2-009, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, 850 Oval Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
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