1
|
Vijayakumar A, Wang M, Kailasam S. The Senescent Heart-"Age Doth Wither Its Infinite Variety". Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3581. [PMID: 38612393 PMCID: PMC11011282 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073581] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality world-wide. While many factors like smoking, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, a sedentary lifestyle, and genetic factors can predispose to cardiovascular diseases, the natural process of aging is by itself a major determinant of the risk. Cardiac aging is marked by a conglomerate of cellular and molecular changes, exacerbated by age-driven decline in cardiac regeneration capacity. Although the phenotypes of cardiac aging are well characterised, the underlying molecular mechanisms are far less explored. Recent advances unequivocally link cardiovascular aging to the dysregulation of critical signalling pathways in cardiac fibroblasts, which compromises the critical role of these cells in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the myocardium. Clearly, the identification of cardiac fibroblast-specific factors and mechanisms that regulate cardiac fibroblast function in the senescent myocardium is of immense importance. In this regard, recent studies show that Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), a collagen-activated receptor tyrosine kinase predominantly located in cardiac fibroblasts, has an obligate role in cardiac fibroblast function and cardiovascular fibrosis. Incisive studies on the molecular basis of cardiovascular aging and dysregulated fibroblast function in the senescent heart would pave the way for effective strategies to mitigate cardiovascular diseases in a rapidly growing elderly population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anupama Vijayakumar
- Cardiovascular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyothi Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India;
| | - Mingyi Wang
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA;
| | - Shivakumar Kailasam
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Trivandrum 695581, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kelaidonis K, Ligielli I, Letsios S, Vidali VP, Mavromoustakos T, Vassilaki N, Moore GJ, Hoffmann W, Węgrzyn K, Ridgway H, Chasapis CT, Matsoukas JM. Computational and Enzymatic Studies of Sartans in SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD-ACE2 Binding: The Role of Tetrazole and Perspectives as Antihypertensive and COVID-19 Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098454. [PMID: 37176159 PMCID: PMC10179460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study is an extension of current research into a novel class of synthetic antihypertensive drugs referred to as "bisartans", which are bis-alkylated imidazole derivatives bearing two symmetric anionic biphenyltetrazoles. Research to date indicates that bisartans are superior to commercially available hypertension drugs, since the former undergo stronger docking to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is the key receptor involved in SARS-CoV-2 entry, thus initiating COVID-19 infection and in regulating levels of vasoactive peptides such as angiotensin II and beneficial heptapeptides A(1-7) and Alamandine in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). In previous studies using in vivo rabbit-iliac arterial models, we showed that Na+ or K+ salts of selected Bisartans initiate a potent dose-response inhibition of vasoconstriction. Furthermore, computational studies revealed that bisartans undergo stable binding to the vital interfacial region between ACE2 and the SARS-CoV-2 "receptor binding domain" (i.e., the viral RBD). Thus, bisartan homologs are expected to interfere with SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or suppress disease expression in humans. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the role of tetrazole in binding and the network of amino acids of SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD-ACE2 complex involved in interactions with sartans. This study would, furthermore, allow the expansion of the synthetic space to create a diverse suite of new bisartans in conjunction with detailed computational and in vitro antiviral studies. A critical role for tetrazole was uncovered in this study, shedding light on the vital importance of this group in the binding of sartans and bisartans to the ACE2/Spike complex. The in silico data predicting an interaction of tetrazole-containing sartans with ACE2 were experimentally validated by the results of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analyses performed with a recombinant human ACE2 protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene Ligielli
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Veroniki P Vidali
- Natural Products and Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, NCSR "Demokritos", 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Niki Vassilaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Graham J Moore
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Weronika Hoffmann
- Laboratory of Virus Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Węgrzyn
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, NM 88056, USA
| | - Christos T Chasapis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - John M Matsoukas
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jovanović JĐ, Antonijević M, Vojinović R, Filipović ND, Marković Z. In silico study of inhibitory capacity of sacubitril/valsartan toward neprilysin and angiotensin receptor. RSC Adv 2022; 12:29719-29726. [PMID: 36321085 PMCID: PMC9575392 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra04226f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to meet the body's needs. It affects mostly the elderly, commonly from the male population, especially those with obesity, diabetes, or some other chronic condition. It can be treated with different medications, and promising results were shown by a relatively new medicament called Entresto. Results obtained from molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to examine the inhibitory capacity of Entresto are presented in this study. Parameters obtained by the molecular docking simulations show that both parts of Entresto (sacubitril (SAC) and valsartan (VAL)) interact with targeted proteins, and inhibit their physiological function. Simulations of molecular dynamics revealed some interesting inhibitory patterns. SAC was discovered to produce structural alterations in neprilysin by binding to it, reducing neprilysin's physiological activity. In addition to blocking the active site, SAC binding causes the enzyme's structure to become less compact over time, causing changes in its biochemical characteristics and preventing the enzyme from performing its biological function. Similar to SAC, VAL also causes deviations in the structure of angiotensin receptors. The angiotensin receptor GPCR (G-protein-coupled receptors) is immersed in the lipid bilayer, and changes in the tertiary structure are only visible through RMSD and RMSF, not by examining R g. In this regard, MD simulations validated the results of molecular docking simulations, demonstrating that both SAC and VAL had inhibitory potential towards the neprilysin and angiotensin receptors, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Đorović Jovanović
- Department of Science, Institute for Information Technologies, University of Kragujevac Jovana Cvijića bb 34000 Kragujevac Republic of Serbia
| | - Marko Antonijević
- Department of Science, Institute for Information Technologies, University of Kragujevac Jovana Cvijića bb 34000 Kragujevac Republic of Serbia
| | - Radiša Vojinović
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac Svetozara Markovića 69 34000 Kragujevc Republic of Serbia
| | - Nenad D Filipović
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac Sestre Janjić 6 34000 Kragujevac Republic of Serbia
| | - Zoran Marković
- Department of Science, Institute for Information Technologies, University of Kragujevac Jovana Cvijića bb 34000 Kragujevac Republic of Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Christoforou E, Leontiadou H, Noé F, Samios J, Emiris IZ, Cournia Z. Investigating the Bioactive Conformation of Angiotensin II Using Markov State Modeling Revisited with Web-Scale Clustering. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:5636-5648. [PMID: 35944098 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.1c00881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics simulation is a powerful technique for studying the structure and dynamics of biomolecules in atomic-level detail by sampling their various conformations in real time. Because of the long timescales that need to be sampled to study biomolecular processes and the big and complex nature of the corresponding data, relevant analyses of important biophysical phenomena are challenging. Clustering and Markov state models (MSMs) are efficient computational techniques that can be used to extract dominant conformational states and to connect those with kinetic information. In this work, we perform Molecular Dynamics simulations to investigate the free energy landscape of Angiotensin II (AngII) in order to unravel its bioactive conformations using different clustering techniques and Markov state modeling. AngII is an octapeptide hormone, which binds to the AT1 transmembrane receptor, and plays a vital role in the regulation of blood pressure, conservation of total blood volume, and salt homeostasis. To mimic the water-membrane interface as AngII approaches the AT1 receptor and to compare our findings with available experimental results, the simulations were performed in water as well as in water-ethanol mixtures. Our results show that in the water-ethanol environment, AngII adopts more compact U-shaped (folded) conformations than in water, which resembles its structure when bound to the AT1 receptor. For clustering of the conformations, we validate the efficiency of an inverted-quantized k-means algorithm, as a fast approximate clustering technique for web-scale data (millions of points into thousands or millions of clusters) compared to k-means, on data from trajectories of molecular dynamics simulations with reasonable trade-offs between time and accuracy. Finally, we extract MSMs using various clustering techniques for the generation of microstates and macrostates and for the selection of the macrostate representatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Christoforou
- ITMB, Department of Informatics & Telecommunications, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15772, Greece.,Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Hari Leontiadou
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Frank Noé
- Fachbereich Mathematik und Informatik, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 6, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Jannis Samios
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15772, Greece
| | - Ioannis Z Emiris
- ITMB, Department of Informatics & Telecommunications, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15772, Greece.,Athena Research Center, Marousi 15125, Greece
| | - Zoe Cournia
- ITMB, Department of Informatics & Telecommunications, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15772, Greece.,Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou, Athens 11527, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Matsoukas JM, Gadanec LK, Zulli A, Apostolopoulos V, Kelaidonis K, Ligielli I, Moschovou K, Georgiou N, Plotas P, Chasapis CT, Moore G, Ridgway H, Mavromoustakos T. Diminazene Aceturate Reduces Angiotensin II Constriction and Interacts with the Spike Protein of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071731. [PMID: 35885036 PMCID: PMC9312513 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diminazene aceturate (DIZE) is a putative angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activator and angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist (AT1R). Its simple chemical structure possesses a negatively charged triazene segment that is homologous to the tetrazole of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), which explains its AT1R antagonistic activity. Additionally, the activation of ACE2 by DIZE converts the toxic octapeptide angiotensin II (AngII) to the heptapeptides angiotensin 1–7 and alamandine, which promote vasodilation and maintains homeostatic balance. Due to DIZE’s protective cardiovascular and pulmonary effects and its ability to target ACE2 (the predominant receptor utilized by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 to enter host cells), it is a promising treatment for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). To determine DIZE’s ability to inhibit AngII constriction, in vitro isometric tension analysis was conducted on rabbit iliac arteries incubated with DIZE or candesartan and constricted with cumulative doses of AngII. In silico docking and ligand interaction studies were performed to investigate potential interactions between DIZE and other ARBs with AT1R and the spike protein/ACE2 complex. DIZE, similar to the other ARBs investigated, was able to abolish vasoconstriction in response to AngII and exhibited a binding affinity for the spike protein/ACE2 complex (PDB 6LZ6). These results support the potential of DIZE as a treatment for COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John M. Matsoukas
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26500 Patras, Greece;
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Correspondence: (J.M.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | | | - Irene Ligielli
- Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (K.M.); (N.G.)
| | - Kalliopi Moschovou
- Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (K.M.); (N.G.)
| | - Nikitas Georgiou
- Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (K.M.); (N.G.)
| | - Panagiotis Plotas
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Christos T. Chasapis
- NMR Facility, Instrumental Analysis Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology, Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Graham Moore
- Pepmetics Incorporated, 772 Murphy Pace, Victoria, BC V8Y 3H4, Canada;
| | - Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia;
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, NM 88056, USA
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (K.M.); (N.G.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.M.); (T.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Moore GJ, Pires JM, Kelaidonis K, Gadanec LK, Zulli A, Apostolopoulos V, Matsoukas JM. Receptor Interactions of Angiotensin II and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers-Relevance to COVID-19. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11070979. [PMID: 34356603 PMCID: PMC8301908 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II) may contain a charge relay system (CRS) involving Tyr/His/carboxylate, which creates a tyrosinate anion for receptor activation. Energy calculations were carried out to determine the preferred geometry for the CRS in the presence and absence of the Arg guanidino group occupying position 2 of Ang II. These findings suggest that Tyr is preferred over His for bearing the negative charge and that the CRS is stabilized by the guanidino group. Recent crystallography studies provided details of the binding of nonpeptide angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) to the Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor, and these insights were applied to Ang II. A model of binding and receptor activation that explains the surmountable and insurmountable effects of Ang II analogues sarmesin and sarilesin, respectively, was developed and enabled the discovery of a new generation of ARBs called bisartans. Finally, we determined the ability of the bisartan BV6(TFA) to act as a potential ARB, demonstrating similar effects to candesartan, by reducing vasoconstriction of rabbit iliac arteries in response to cumulative doses of Ang II. Recent clinical studies have shown that Ang II receptor blockers have protective effects in hypertensive patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, the usage of ARBS to block the AT1 receptor preventing the binding of toxic angiotensin implicated in the storm of cytokines in SARS-CoV-2 is a target treatment and opens new avenues for disease therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham J. Moore
- Pepmetics Inc., 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V8Y 3H4, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Correspondence: (G.J.M.); or (J.M.M.)
| | - Jose M. Pires
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Espirito, Santo, Vitoria 29075-910, Brazil;
| | | | - Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
| | - John M. Matsoukas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- NewDrug, Patras Science Park, 26500 Patras, Greece;
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
- Correspondence: (G.J.M.); or (J.M.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Matsoukas J, Apostolopoulos V, Zulli A, Moore G, Kelaidonis K, Moschovou K, Mavromoustakos T. From Angiotensin II to Cyclic Peptides and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Perspectives of ARBs in COVID-19 Therapy. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26030618. [PMID: 33504092 PMCID: PMC7865783 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The octapeptide hormone angiotensin II is one of the most studied peptides with the aim of designing and synthesizing non-peptide mimetics for oral administration. To achieve this, cyclizations at different positions within the peptide molecule has been a useful strategy to define the active conformation. These studies on angiotensin II led to the discovery of Sarmesin, a type II angiotensin II antagonist, and the breakthrough non-peptide mimetic Losartan, the first in a series of sartans marketed as a new generation of anti-hypertensive drugs in the 1990s. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBS) and angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) were recently reported to protect hypertensive patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors reduce excess angiotensin II and increase antagonist heptapeptides alamandine and aspamandine which counterbalance angiotensin II and maintain homeostasis and vasodilation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Matsoukas
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (V.A.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- NewDrug, P.C., Patras Science Park, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2610-911-546(5)
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (V.A.); (A.Z.)
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (V.A.); (A.Z.)
| | - Graham Moore
- Pepmetics Inc., 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V8Y 3H4, Canada;
| | | | - Kalliopi Moschovou
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece; (K.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece; (K.M.); (T.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Insights into the Interaction of LVV-Hemorphin-7 with Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010209. [PMID: 33379211 PMCID: PMC7795518 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemorphins are known for their role in the control of blood pressure. Recently, we revealed the positive modulation of the angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 receptor (AT1R) by LVV-hemorphin-7 (LVV-H7) in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Here, we examined the molecular binding behavior of LVV-H7 on AT1R and its effect on AngII binding using a nanoluciferase-based bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (NanoBRET) assay in HEK293FT cells, as well as molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) studies. Saturation and real-time kinetics supported the positive effect of LVV-H7 on the binding of AngII. While the competitive antagonist olmesartan competed with AngII binding, LVV-H7 slightly, but significantly, decreased AngII’s kD by 2.6 fold with no effect on its Bmax. Molecular docking and MD simulations indicated that the binding of LVV-H7 in the intracellular region of AT1R allosterically potentiates AngII binding. LVV-H7 targets residues on intracellular loops 2 and 3 of AT1R, which are known binding sites of allosteric modulators in other GPCRs. Our data demonstrate the allosteric effect of LVV-H7 on AngII binding, which is consistent with the positive modulation of AT1R activity and signaling previously reported. This further supports the pharmacological targeting of AT1R by hemorphins, with implications in vascular and renal physiology.
Collapse
|
9
|
Kellici TF, Ntountaniotis D, Liapakis G, Tzakos AG, Mavromoustakos T. The dynamic properties of angiotensin II type 1 receptor inverse agonists in solution and in the receptor site. ARAB J CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
|
10
|
Erol I, Cosut B, Durdagi S. Toward Understanding the Impact of Dimerization Interfaces in Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor. J Chem Inf Model 2019; 59:4314-4327. [PMID: 31429557 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.9b00294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) is a prototypical class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that has an important role in cardiovascular pathologies and blood pressure regulation as well as in the central nervous system. GPCRs may exist and function as monomers; however, they can assemble to form higher order structures, and as a result of oligomerization, their function and signaling profiles can be altered. In the case of AT1R, the classical Gαq/11 pathway is initiated with endogenous agonist angiotensin II binding. A variety of cardiovascular pathologies such as heart failure, diabetic nephropathy, atherosclerosis, and hypertension are associated with this pathway. Recent findings reveal that AT1R can form homodimers and activate the noncanonical (β-arrestin-mediated) pathway. Nevertheless, the exact dimerization interface and atomic details of AT1R homodimerization have not been still elucidated. Here, six different symmetrical dimer interfaces of AT1R are considered, and homodimers were constructed using other published GPCR crystal dimer interfaces as template structures. These AT1R homodimers were then inserted into the model membrane bilayers and subjected to all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. Our simulation results along with the principal component analysis and water pathway analysis suggest four different interfaces as the most plausible: symmetrical transmembrane (TM)1,2,8; TM5; TM4; and TM4,5 AT1R dimer interfaces that consist of one inactive and one active protomer. Moreover, we identified ILE2386.33 as a hub residue in the stabilization of the inactive state of AT1R.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Erol
- Department of Chemistry , Gebze Technical University , Gebze 41400 , Kocaeli , Turkey
| | - Bunyemin Cosut
- Department of Chemistry , Gebze Technical University , Gebze 41400 , Kocaeli , Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Novel stable analogues of the neurotensin C-terminal hexapeptide containing unnatural amino acids. Amino Acids 2019; 51:1009-1022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-019-02741-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
12
|
Modestia SM, Malta de Sá M, Auger E, Trossini GHG, Krieger JE, Rangel-Yagui CDO. Biased Agonist TRV027 Determinants in AT1R by Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Chem Inf Model 2019; 59:797-808. [PMID: 30668103 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.8b00628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Functional selectivity is a phenomenon observed in G protein-coupled receptors in which intermediate active-state conformations are stabilized by mutations or ligand binding, resulting in different sets of signaling pathways. Peptides capable of selectively activating β-arrestin, known as biased agonists, have already been characterized in vivo and could correspond to a new therapeutic approach for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Despite the potential of biased agonism, the mechanism involved in selective signaling remains unclear. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to compare the conformational profile of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) crystal bound to angiotensin II, bound to the biased ligand TRV027, and in the apo form. Our results show that both ligands induce changes near the NPxxY motif in transmembrane domain 7 that are related to receptor activation. However, the biased ligand does not cause the rotamer toggle alternative positioning and displays an exclusive hydrogen-bonding pattern. Our work sheds light on the biased agonism mechanism and will help in the future design of novel biased agonists for AT1R.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvestre Massimo Modestia
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of São Paulo , Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580 , 05508-900 São Paulo - SP , Brazil
| | - Matheus Malta de Sá
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Cardiology, Heart Institute , University of São Paulo Medical School , Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar 44 , 05403-900 São Paulo - SP , Brazil
| | - Eric Auger
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Cardiology, Heart Institute , University of São Paulo Medical School , Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar 44 , 05403-900 São Paulo - SP , Brazil
| | - Gustavo Henrique Goulart Trossini
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of São Paulo , Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580 , 05508-900 São Paulo - SP , Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Krieger
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Cardiology, Heart Institute , University of São Paulo Medical School , Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar 44 , 05403-900 São Paulo - SP , Brazil
| | - Carlota de Oliveira Rangel-Yagui
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of São Paulo , Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580 , 05508-900 São Paulo - SP , Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Singh KD, Unal H, Desnoyer R, Karnik SS. Mechanism of Hormone Peptide Activation of a GPCR: Angiotensin II Activated State of AT 1R Initiated by van der Waals Attraction. J Chem Inf Model 2019; 59:373-385. [PMID: 30608150 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.8b00583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We present a succession of structural changes involved in hormone peptide activation of a prototypical GPCR. Microsecond molecular dynamics simulation generated conformational ensembles reveal propagation of structural changes through key "microswitches" within human AT1R bound to native hormone. The endocrine octa-peptide angiotensin II (AngII) activates AT1R signaling in our bodies which maintains physiological blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and cardiovascular homeostasis. Excessive AT1R activation is associated with pathogenesis of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases which are treated by sartan drugs. The mechanism of AT1R inhibition by sartans has been elucidated by 2.8 Å X-ray structures, mutagenesis, and computational analyses. Yet, the mechanism of AT1R activation by AngII is unclear. The current study delineates an activation scheme initiated by AngII binding. A van der Waals "grasp" interaction between Phe8AngII with Ile2887.39 in AT1R induced mechanical strain pulling Tyr2927.43 and breakage of critical interhelical H-bonds, first between Tyr2927.43 and Val1083.32 and second between Asn1113.35 and Asn2957.46. Subsequently changes are observed in conserved microswitches DRYTM3, Yx7K(R)TM5, CWxPTM6, and NPxxYTM7 in AT1R. Activating the microswitches in the intracellular region of AT1R may trigger formation of the G-protein binding pocket as well as exposure of helix-8 to cytoplasm. Thus, the active-like conformation of AT1R is initiated by the van der Waals interaction of Phe8AngII with Ile2887.39, followed by systematic reorganization of critical interhelical H-bonds and activation of microswitches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khuraijam Dhanachandra Singh
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute , Cleveland Clinic Foundation , Cleveland , Ohio 44195 , United States
| | - Hamiyet Unal
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute , Cleveland Clinic Foundation , Cleveland , Ohio 44195 , United States
| | - Russell Desnoyer
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute , Cleveland Clinic Foundation , Cleveland , Ohio 44195 , United States
| | - Sadashiva S Karnik
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute , Cleveland Clinic Foundation , Cleveland , Ohio 44195 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Namkung Y, LeGouill C, Kumar S, Cao Y, Teixeira LB, Lukasheva V, Giubilaro J, Simões SC, Longpré JM, Devost D, Hébert TE, Piñeyro G, Leduc R, Costa-Neto CM, Bouvier M, Laporte SA. Functional selectivity profiling of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor using pathway-wide BRET signaling sensors. Sci Signal 2018; 11:11/559/eaat1631. [PMID: 30514808 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aat1631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important therapeutic targets that exhibit functional selectivity (biased signaling), in which different ligands or receptor variants elicit distinct downstream signaling. Understanding all the signaling events and biases that contribute to both the beneficial and adverse effects of GPCR stimulation by given ligands is important for drug discovery. Here, we report the design, validation, and use of pathway-selective bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) biosensors that monitor the engagement and activation of signaling effectors downstream of G proteins, including protein kinase C (PKC), phospholipase C (PLC), p63RhoGEF, and Rho. Combined with G protein and β-arrestin BRET biosensors, our sensors enabled real-time monitoring of GPCR signaling at different levels in downstream pathways in both native and engineered cells. Profiling of the responses to 14 angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 receptor (AT1R) ligands enabled the clustering of compounds into different subfamilies of biased ligands and showed that, in addition to the previously reported functional selectivity between Gαq and β-arrestin, there are also biases among G protein subtypes. We also demonstrated that biases observed at the receptor and G protein levels propagated to downstream signaling pathways and that these biases could occur through the engagement of different G proteins to activate a common effector. We also used these tools to determine how naturally occurring AT1R variants affected signaling bias. This suite of BRET biosensors provides a useful resource for fingerprinting biased ligands and mutant receptors and for dissecting functional selectivity at various levels of GPCR signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Namkung
- Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center (RI-MUHC), McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Christian LeGouill
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Sahil Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center (RI-MUHC), McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Yubo Cao
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Larissa B Teixeira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Viktoriya Lukasheva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Jenna Giubilaro
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Sarah C Simões
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Jean-Michel Longpré
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke and Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Dominic Devost
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Terence E Hébert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Graciela Piñeyro
- Centre de Recherche de l'Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Richard Leduc
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke and Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Claudio M Costa-Neto
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Michel Bouvier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
| | - Stéphane A Laporte
- Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center (RI-MUHC), McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada. .,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Qaradakhi T, Matsoukas MT, Hayes A, Rybalka E, Caprnda M, Rimarova K, Sepsi M, Büsselberg D, Kruzliak P, Matsoukas J, Apostolopoulos V, Zulli A. Alamandine reverses hyperhomocysteinemia-induced vascular dysfunction via PKA-dependent mechanisms. Cardiovasc Ther 2017; 35. [PMID: 28901725 DOI: 10.1111/1755-5922.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) impairs nitric oxide endothelium-dependent vasodilation, consequently leading to atherosclerosis, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Novel treatments for HHcy are necessary. AIM We tested the hypothesis that alamandine, a vasoactive peptide of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), could reverse HHcy-induced vascular dysfunction through the MrgD receptor and that this is mediated by the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. Furthermore, we sought to determine a putative binding model of alamandine to the MrgD receptor through docking and molecular dynamics simulations. METHOD The abdominal aorta was excised from New Zealand white rabbits (n = 15) and incubated with 3 mmol/L Hcy (to mimic HHcy) to induce vascular dysfunction in vitro. Vascular function was assessed by vasodilatory responses to cumulative doses of acetylcholine. RESULT Vasodilation was significantly impaired in HHcy-incubated aortic rings while alamandine reversed this effect (control, 74.2 ± 5.0%; Hcy, 30.3 ± 9.8%; alamandine + Hcy, 59.7 ± 4.8%, P < .0001). KT5720 (PKA inhibitor) significantly inhibited the ability of alamandine to attenuate the impaired vasodilation caused by HHcy (KT5720 + Hcy + alamandine, 27.1 ± 24.1, P < .01). Following immunohistochemistry analysis, the MrgD receptor was highly expressed within the media and endothelial layer of aortic rings in HHcy compared to control (media: 0.23 ± 0.003 vs control 0.16 ± 0.01, P < .05 and endothelium: 0.68 ± 0.07 vs control 0.13 ± 0.02, P < .01, in PA/I (A.U) units). Computational studies also propose certain interactions of alamandine within the MrgD transmembrane domain. CONCLUSION This study shows that alamandine is effective in reversing HHcy-induced vascular dysfunction, possibly through the PKA signaling pathway via MrgD. Our results indicate a therapeutic potential of alamandine in reversing the detrimental effects of HHcy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tawar Qaradakhi
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Alan Hayes
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Emma Rybalka
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Martin Caprnda
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kvetoslava Rimarova
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Milan Sepsi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Peter Kruzliak
- Department of Chemical Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Matsoukas MT, Spyroulias GA. Dynamic properties of the growth hormone releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR) and molecular determinants of GHRH binding. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 13:1313-1322. [DOI: 10.1039/c7mb00130d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
17
|
Zhang J, Liu X, Wang SQ, Liu GY, Xu WR, Cheng XC, Wang RL. Identification of dual ligands targeting angiotensin II type 1 receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ by core hopping of telmisartan. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2016; 35:2665-2680. [PMID: 27602589 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2016.1227726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
It has been reported previously that some angiotensin II receptor blockers not only antagonize angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), but also exert stimulation in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) partial activation, among which telmisartan displays the best. Telmisartan has been tested as a bifunctional ligand with antihypertensive and hypoglycemic activity. Aiming at more potent leads with selective AT1R antagonism and PPARγ partial agonism, the three parts of telmisartan including the distal benzimidazole ring, the biphenyl moiety, and the carboxylic acid group experienced modification by core hopping method in our study. The central benzimidazole ring, however, remained intact considering its great affinity toward AT1R and PPARγ. We utilized computational techniques for the sake of details on the binding interactions and conformational stability. Standard precision docking analysis and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity prediction received 10 molecules with higher Glide scores, similar interactions, and improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to telmisartan. Comp#91 with highest scores for AT1R (-11.92 kcal/mol) and PPARγ (-13.88 kcal/mol) exhibited excellent binding modes and pharmacokinetic parameters. Molecular dynamics trajectories on best docking pose of comp#91 confirmed the docking results and verified the conformational stability with both receptors throughout the course of 20-ns simulations. Thus, comp#91 could be identified as a promising lead in the development of dual AT1R antagonist and PPARγ partial agonist against hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- a Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of Pharmacy , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin 300070 , China
| | - Xin Liu
- a Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of Pharmacy , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin 300070 , China
| | - Shu-Qing Wang
- a Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of Pharmacy , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin 300070 , China
| | - Gui-You Liu
- a Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of Pharmacy , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin 300070 , China
| | - Wei-Ren Xu
- b Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery , Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research , Tianjin 300193 , China
| | - Xian-Chao Cheng
- a Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of Pharmacy , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin 300070 , China
| | - Run-Ling Wang
- a Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of Pharmacy , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin 300070 , China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang S, Li Y, Miao W, Zhao H, Zhang F, Liu N, Su G, Cai X. Angiopoietin-like protein 2 expression is suppressed by angiotensin II via the angiotensin II type 1 receptor in rat cardiomyocytes. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:2607-13. [PMID: 27483989 PMCID: PMC4991724 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the inhibitory effects of angiotensin II (AngII) on angiopoietin‑like protein 2 (Angptl2) in rat primary cardiomyocytes, and to investigate the potential association between angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and these effects. Cardiomyocytes were isolated from 3-day-old Wistar rats, and were cultured and identified. Subsequently, the expression levels of Angptl2 were detected following incubation with various concentrations of AngII for various durations using western blotting, reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence. Finally, under the most appropriate conditions (100 nmol/l AngII, 24 h), the cardiomyocytes were divided into six groups: Normal, AngII, AngII + losartan, normal + losartan, AngII + PD123319 and normal + PD123319 groups, in order to investigate the possible function of AT1R in Angptl2 suppression. Losartan and PD123319 are antagonists of AT1R and angiotensin II type 2 receptor, respectively. The statistical significance of the results was analyzed using Student's t‑test or one‑way analysis of variance. The results demonstrated that Angptl2 expression was evidently suppressed (P<0.05) following incubation with 100 nmol/l AngII for 24 h. Conversely, the expression levels of Angptl2 were significantly increased in the AngII + losartan group compared with the AngII group (P<0.01). However, no significant difference was detected between the AngII + PD123319, normal + losartan or normal + PD123319 groups and the normal group. The present in vitro study indicated that AngII was able to suppress Angptl2 expression, whereas losartan was able to significantly reverse this decrease by inhibiting AT1R.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuya Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Wei Miao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Nan Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Guohai Su
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojun Cai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Anupama V, George M, Dhanesh SB, Chandran A, James J, Shivakumar K. Molecular mechanisms in H2O2-induced increase in AT1 receptor gene expression in cardiac fibroblasts: A role for endogenously generated Angiotensin II. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2016; 97:295-305. [PMID: 27208880 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The AT1 receptor (AT1R) mediates the manifold actions of angiotensin II in the cardiovascular system. This study probed the molecular mechanisms that link altered redox status to AT1R expression in cardiac fibroblasts. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis showed that H2O2 enhances AT1R mRNA and protein expression via NADPH oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen species induction. Activation of NF-κB and AP-1, demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, abolition of AT1R expression by their inhibitors, Bay-11-7085 and SR11302, respectively, and luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed transcriptional control of AT1R by NF-κB and AP-1 in H2O2-treated cells. Further, inhibition of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) using chemical inhibitors or by RNA interference attenuated AT1R expression. Inhibition of the MAPKs showed that while ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK suffice for NF-κB activation, all three kinases are required for AP-1 activation. H2O2 also increased collagen type I mRNA and protein expression. Interestingly, the AT1R antagonist, candesartan, attenuated H2O2-stimulated AT1R and collagen mRNA and protein expression, suggesting that H2O2 up-regulates AT1R and collagen expression via local Angiotensin II generation, which was confirmed by real-time PCR and ELISA. To conclude, oxidative stress enhances AT1R gene expression in cardiac fibroblasts by a complex mechanism involving the redox-sensitive transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1 that are activated by the co-ordinated action of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and JNK. Importantly, by causally linking oxidative stress to Angiotensin II and AT1R up-regulation in cardiac fibroblasts, this study offers a novel perspective on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Anupama
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum 695011, Kerala, India
| | - Mereena George
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum 695011, Kerala, India
| | - Sivadasan Bindu Dhanesh
- Neuro Stem Cell Biology, Neurobiology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Trivandrum 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Aneesh Chandran
- Bacterial and Parasite Disease Biology, Tropical Disease Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Trivandrum 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Jackson James
- Neuro Stem Cell Biology, Neurobiology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Trivandrum 695014, Kerala, India
| | - K Shivakumar
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum 695011, Kerala, India.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sallander J, Wallinder C, Hallberg A, Åqvist J, Gutiérrez-de-Terán H. Structural determinants of subtype selectivity and functional activity of angiotensin II receptors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 26:1355-9. [PMID: 26810314 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.10.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Agonists of the angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AT2), a G-protein coupled receptor, promote tissue protective effects in cardiovascular and renal diseases, while antagonists reduce neuropathic pain. We here report detailed molecular models that explain the AT2 receptor selectivity of our recent series of non-peptide ligands. In addition, minor structural changes of these ligands that provoke different functional activity are rationalized at a molecular level, and related to the selectivity for the different receptor conformations. These findings should pave the way to structure based drug discovery of AT2 receptor ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Sallander
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Box 596, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Wallinder
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Box 574, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Hallberg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Box 574, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Åqvist
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Box 596, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hugo Gutiérrez-de-Terán
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Box 596, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Karhu L, Turku A, Xhaard H. Modeling of the OX1R-orexin-A complex suggests two alternative binding modes. BMC STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2015; 15:9. [PMID: 25957175 PMCID: PMC4469407 DOI: 10.1186/s12900-015-0036-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Background Interactions between the orexin peptides and their cognate OX1 and OX2 receptors remain poorly characterized. Site-directed mutagenesis studies on orexin peptides and receptors have indicated amino acids important for ligand binding and receptor activation. However, a better understanding of specific pairwise interactions would benefit small molecule discovery. Results We constructed a set of three-dimensional models of the orexin 1 receptor based on the 3D-structures of the orexin 2 receptor (released while this manuscript was under review), neurotensin receptor 1 and chemokine receptor CXCR4, conducted an exhaustive docking of orexin-A16–33 peptide fragment with ZDOCK and RDOCK, and analyzed a total of 4301 complexes through multidimensional scaling and clustering. The best docking poses reveal two alternative binding modes, where the C-terminus of the peptide lies deep in the binding pocket, on average about 5–6 Å above Tyr6.48 and close to Gln3.32. The binding modes differ in the about 100° rotation of the peptide; the peptide His26 faces either the receptor’s fifth transmembrane helix or the seventh helix. Both binding modes are well in line with previous mutation studies and partake in hydrogen bonding similar to suvorexant. Conclusions We present two binding modes for orexin-A into orexin 1 receptor, which help rationalize previous results from site-directed mutagenesis studies. The binding modes should serve small molecule discovery, and offer insights into the mechanism of receptor activation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12900-015-0036-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Karhu
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Ainoleena Turku
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Henri Xhaard
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cabana J, Holleran B, Leduc R, Escher E, Guillemette G, Lavigne P. Identification of Distinct Conformations of the Angiotensin-II Type 1 Receptor Associated with the Gq/11 Protein Pathway and the β-Arrestin Pathway Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:15835-15854. [PMID: 25934394 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.627356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Biased signaling represents the ability of G protein-coupled receptors to engage distinct pathways with various efficacies depending on the ligand used or on mutations in the receptor. The angiotensin-II type 1 (AT1) receptor, a prototypical class A G protein-coupled receptor, can activate various effectors upon stimulation with the endogenous ligand angiotensin-II (AngII), including the Gq/11 protein and β-arrestins. It is believed that the activation of those two pathways can be associated with distinct conformations of the AT1 receptor. To verify this hypothesis, microseconds of molecular dynamics simulations were computed to explore the conformational landscape sampled by the WT-AT1 receptor, the N111G-AT1 receptor (constitutively active and biased for the Gq/11 pathway), and the D74N-AT1 receptor (biased for the β-arrestin1 and -2 pathways) in their apo-forms and in complex with AngII. The molecular dynamics simulations of the AngII-WT-AT1, N111G-AT1, and AngII-N111G-AT1 receptors revealed specific structural rearrangements compared with the initial and ground state of the receptor. Simulations of the D74N-AT1 receptor revealed that the mutation stabilizes the receptor in the initial ground state. The presence of AngII further stabilized the ground state of the D74N-AT1 receptor. The biased agonist [Sar(1),Ile(8)]AngII also showed a preference for the ground state of the WT-AT1 receptor compared with AngII. These results suggest that activation of the Gq/11 pathway is associated with a specific conformational transition stabilized by the agonist, whereas the activation of the β-arrestin pathway is linked to the stabilization of the ground state of the receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Cabana
- Departments of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4; PROTEO (Quebec Network on Protein Structure, Function, and Engineering), Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Brian Holleran
- Departments of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4
| | - Richard Leduc
- Departments of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4
| | - Emanuel Escher
- Departments of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4
| | - Gaétan Guillemette
- Departments of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4
| | - Pierre Lavigne
- PROTEO (Quebec Network on Protein Structure, Function, and Engineering), Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada; Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kellici TF, Tzakos AG, Mavromoustakos T. Rational drug design and synthesis of molecules targeting the angiotensin II type 1 and type 2 receptors. Molecules 2015; 20:3868-97. [PMID: 25738535 PMCID: PMC6272512 DOI: 10.3390/molecules20033868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 and type 2 receptors (AT1R and AT2R) orchestrate an array of biological processes that regulate human health. Aberrant function of these receptors triggers pathophysiological responses that can ultimately lead to death. Therefore, it is important to design and synthesize compounds that affect beneficially these two receptors. Cardiovascular disease, which is attributed to the overactivation of the vasoactive peptide hormone Αng II, can now be treated with commercial AT1R antagonists. Herein, recent achievements in rational drug design and synthesis of molecules acting on the two AT receptors are reviewed. Quantitative structure activity relationships (QSAR) and molecular modeling on the two receptors aim to assist the search for new active compounds. As AT1R and AT2R are GPCRs and drug action is localized in the transmembrane region the role of membrane bilayers is exploited. The future perspectives in this field are outlined. Tremendous progress in the field is expected if the two receptors are crystallized, as this will assist the structure based screening of the chemical space and lead to new potent therapeutic agents in cardiovascular and other diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tahsin F Kellici
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou 15771, Greece
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | - Andreas G Tzakos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou 15771, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Insights into the molecular basis of action of the AT1 antagonist losartan using a combined NMR spectroscopy and computational approach. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2013; 1838:1031-46. [PMID: 24374319 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The drug:membrane interactions for the antihypertensive AT1 antagonist losartan, the prototype of the sartans class, are studied herein using an integrated approach. The pharmacophore arrangement of the drug was revealed by rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (2D ROESY) NMR spectroscopy in three different environments, namely water, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micellar solutions mimicking conditions of biological transport fluids and membrane lipid bilayers. Drug association with micelles was monitored by diffusion ordered spectroscopy (2D DOSY) and drug:micelle intermolecular interactions were characterized by ROESY spectroscopy. The localisation of the drug in the micellar environment was investigated by introducing 5-doxyl and 16-doxyl stearic acids. The use of spin labels confirmed that losartan resides close to the micelle:water interface with the hydroxymethyl group and the tetrazole heterocyclic aromatic ring facing the polar surface with the potential to interact with SDS charged polar head groups in order to increase amphiphilic interactions. The spontaneous insertion, the diffusion pathway and the conformational features of losartan were monitored by Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations in a modeled SDS micellar aggregate environment and a long exploratory MD run (580ns) in a phospholipid dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayer with the AT1 receptor embedded. MD simulations were in excellent agreement with experimental results and further revealed the molecular basis of losartan:membrane interactions in atomic-level detail. This applied integrated approach aims to explore the role of membranes in losartan's pathway towards the AT1 receptor.
Collapse
|