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Li M, Li J, Lu X, Schroder R, Chandramohan A, Wuelfing WP, Templeton AC, Xu W, Gindy M, Kesisoglou F, Ling J, Sawyer T, Verma CS, Partridge AW, Su Y. Molecular Mechanism of P53 Peptide Permeation through Lipid Membranes from Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:23075-23091. [PMID: 39110018 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c04230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Macrocyclic peptides show promise in targeting high-value therapeutically relevant binding sites due to their high affinity and specificity. However, their clinical application is often hindered by low membrane permeability, which limits their effectiveness against intracellular targets. Previous studies focused on peptide conformations in various solvents, leaving a gap in understanding their interactions with and translocation through lipid bilayers. Addressing this, our study explores the membrane interactions of stapled peptides, a subclass of macrocyclic peptides, using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We conducted ssNMR measurements on ATSP-7041M, a prototypical stapled peptide, to understand its interaction with lipid membranes, leading to an MD-informed model for peptide membrane permeation. Our findings reveal that ATSP-7041M adopts a stable α-helical structure upon membrane binding, facilitated by a cation-π interaction between its phenylalanine side chain and the lipid headgroup. This interaction makes the membrane-bound state energetically favorable, facilitating membrane affinity and insertion. The bound peptide displayed asymmetric insertion depths, with the C-terminus penetrating deeper (approximately 9 Å) than the N-terminus (approximately 4.3 Å) relative to the lipid headgroups. Contrary to expectations, peptide dynamics was not hindered by membrane binding and exhibited rapid motions similar to cell-penetrating peptides. These dynamic interactions and peptide-lipid affinity appear to be crucial for membrane permeation. MD simulations indicated a thermodynamically stable transmembrane conformation of ATSP-7041M, reducing the energy barrier for translocation. Our study offers an in silico view of ATSP-7041M's translocation from the extracellular to the intracellular region, highlighting the significance of peptide-lipid interactions and dynamics in enabling peptide transit through membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Li
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Jianguo Li
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, 20 College Road Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Xingyu Lu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
- Instrumentation and Service Center for Molecular Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Ryan Schroder
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | | | - W Peter Wuelfing
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Allen C Templeton
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Wei Xu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Marian Gindy
- Small Molecule Science and Technology, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Filippos Kesisoglou
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Jing Ling
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Tomi Sawyer
- Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Chandra S Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | | | - Yongchao Su
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
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2
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Bekker GJ, Oshima K, Araki M, Okuno Y, Kamiya N. Binding Mechanism between Platelet Glycoprotein and Cyclic Peptide Elucidated by McMD-Based Dynamic Docking. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:4158-4167. [PMID: 38751042 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
The cyclic peptide OS1 (amino acid sequence: CTERMALHNLC), which has a disulfide bond between both termini cysteine residues, inhibits complex formation between the platelet glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα) and the von Willebrand factor (vWF) by forming a complex with GPIbα. To study the binding mechanism between GPIbα and OS1 and, therefore, the inhibition mechanism of the protein-protein GPIbα-vWF complex, we have applied our multicanonical molecular dynamics (McMD)-based dynamic docking protocol starting from the unbound state of the peptide. Our simulations have reproduced the experimental complex structure, although the top-ranking structure was an intermediary one, where the peptide was bound in the same location as in the experimental structure; however, the β-switch of GPIbα attained a different conformation. Our analysis showed that subsequent refolding of the β-switch results in a more stable binding configuration, although the transition to the native configuration appears to take some time, during which OS1 could dissociate. Our results show that conformational changes in the β-switch are crucial for successful binding of OS1. Furthermore, we identified several allosteric binding sites of GPIbα that might also interfere with vWF binding, and optimization of the peptide to target these allosteric sites might lead to a more effective inhibitor, as these are not dependent on the β-switch conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gert-Jan Bekker
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kanji Oshima
- Bio-Pharma Research Laboratories, Kaneka Corporation, 1-8 Miyamae-cho, Takasago-cho, Takasago, Hyogo 676-8688, Japan
| | - Mitsugu Araki
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yasushi Okuno
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Narutoshi Kamiya
- Graduate School of Information Science, University of Hyogo, 7-1-28 minatojima Minami-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
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3
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Tran DVH, Luong HX, Kim DH, Lee BJ, Kim YW. Lysine-homologue substitution: Impact on antimicrobial activity and proteolytic stability of cationic stapled heptapeptides. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 106:117735. [PMID: 38714021 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Numerous natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibit a cationic amphipathic helical conformation, wherein cationic amino acids, such as lysine and arginine, play pivotal roles in antimicrobial activity by aiding initial attraction to negatively charged bacterial membranes. Expanding on our previous work, which introduced a de novo design of amphipathic helices within cationic heptapeptides using an 'all-hydrocarbon peptide stapling' approach, we investigated the impact of lysine-homologue substitution on helix formation, antimicrobial activity, hemolytic activity, and proteolytic stability of these novel AMPs. Our results demonstrate that substituting lysine with ornithine enhances both the antimicrobial activity and proteolytic stability of the stapled heptapeptide AMP series, while maintaining low hemolytic activity. This finding underscores lysine-homologue substitution as a valuable strategy for optimizing the therapeutic potential of diverse cationic AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc V H Tran
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; Intergrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Huy X Luong
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; Intergrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Hee Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Jin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Woo Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; Intergrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Zhao H, Jiang D, Shen C, Zhang J, Zhang X, Wang X, Nie D, Hou T, Kang Y. Comprehensive Evaluation of 10 Docking Programs on a Diverse Set of Protein-Cyclic Peptide Complexes. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:2112-2124. [PMID: 38483249 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Cyclic peptides have emerged as a highly promising class of therapeutic molecules owing to their favorable pharmacokinetic properties, including stability and permeability. Currently, many clinically approved cyclic peptides are derived from natural products or their derivatives, and the development of molecular docking techniques for cyclic peptide discovery holds great promise for expanding the applications and potential of this class of molecules. Given the availability of numerous docking programs, there is a pressing need for a systematic evaluation of their performance, specifically on protein-cyclic peptide systems. In this study, we constructed an extensive benchmark data set called CPSet, consisting of 493 protein-cyclic peptide complexes. Based on this data set, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of 10 docking programs, including Rosetta, AutoDock CrankPep, and eight protein-small molecule docking programs (i.e., AutoDock, AudoDock Vina, Glide, GOLD, LeDock, rDock, MOE, and Surflex). The evaluation encompassed the assessment of the sampling power, docking power, and scoring power of these programs. The results revealed that all of the tested protein-small molecule docking programs successfully sampled the binding conformations when using the crystal conformations as the initial structures. Among them, rDock exhibited outstanding performance, achieving a remarkable 94.3% top-100 sampling success rate. However, few programs achieved successful predictions of the binding conformations using tLEaP-generated conformations as the initial structures. Within this scheme, AutoDock CrankPep yielded the highest top-100 sampling success rate of 29.6%. Rosetta's scoring function outperformed the others in selecting optimal conformations, resulting in an impressive top-1 docking success rate of 87.6%. Nevertheless, all the tested scoring functions displayed limited performance in predicting binding affinity, with MOE@Affinity dG exhibiting the highest Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.378. It is therefore suggested to use an appropriate combination of different docking programs for given tasks in real applications. We expect that this work will offer valuable insights into selecting the appropriate docking programs for protein-cyclic peptide complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifeng Zhao
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang China
- Hangzhou Carbonsilicon AI Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang China
| | - Dejun Jiang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang China
- Hangzhou Carbonsilicon AI Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang China
| | - Chao Shen
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang China
- Hangzhou Carbonsilicon AI Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang China
| | - Jintu Zhang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang China
| | - Xujun Zhang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang China
| | - Xiaorui Wang
- Hangzhou Carbonsilicon AI Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang China
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao 999078, China
| | - Dou Nie
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang China
| | - Yu Kang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang China
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Esteban JJ, Mason JR, Kaminski J, Ramachandran R, Luyt LG. A survey of stapling methods to increase affinity, activity, and stability of ghrelin analogues. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:254-266. [PMID: 38283230 PMCID: PMC10809362 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00441d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) is a G protein-coupled receptor which regulates various important physiological and pathophysiological processes in the body such as energy homeostasis, growth hormone secretion and regulation of appetite. As a result, it has been postulated as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer cachexia and other metabolic disorders, as well as a potential imaging agent target for cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Ghrelin is the primary high affinity endogenous ligand for GHSR and has limited secondary structure in solution, which makes it proteolytically unstable. This inherent instability in ghrelin can be overcome by incorporating helix-inducing staples that stabilize its structure and improve affinity and activity. We present an analysis of different stapling methods at positions 12 and 16 of ghrelin(1-20) analogues with the goal of increasing proteolytic stability and to retain or improve affinity and activity towards the GHSR. Ghrelin(1-20) analogues were modified with a wide range of chemical staples, including a lactam staple, triazole staple, hydrocarbon staple, Glaser staple, and xylene-thioether staple. Once synthesized, the receptor affinity and α-helicity were measured using competitive binding assays and circular dichroism spectroscopy, respectively. Generally, an increase in alpha-helicity using a flexible staple linker led to improved affinity towards GHSR. Ghrelin(1-20) analogues with a lactam, triazole, and hydrocarbon staple resulted in helical analogues with stronger affinity towards GHSR than unstapled ghrelin(1-20), a compound that lacks helical character. Compounds were also investigated for their agonist activity through β-arrestin 1 & 2 recruitment BRET assays and for their metabolic stability through serum stability analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J Esteban
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario 1151 Richmond Street London Ontario N6A 3K7 Canada
| | - Julia R Mason
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario 1151 Richmond Street London Ontario N6A 3K7 Canada
| | - Jakob Kaminski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario 1151 Richmond Street London Ontario N6A 3K7 Canada
| | - Rithwik Ramachandran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario 1151 Richmond Street London Ontario N6A 5C1 Canada
| | - Leonard G Luyt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario 1151 Richmond Street London Ontario N6A 3K7 Canada
- Departments of Medical Imaging and Oncology, University of Western Ontario 1151 Richmond Street London Ontario N6A 3K7 Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute 800 Commissioners Road East London Ontario N6A 4L6 Canada
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Yu Q, Bai L, Jiang X. Disulfide Click Reaction for Stapling of S-terminal Peptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202314379. [PMID: 37950389 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202314379] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
A disulfide click strategy is disclosed for stapling to enhance the metabolic stability and cellular permeability of therapeutic peptides. A 17-membered library of stapling reagents with adjustable lengths and angles was established for rapid double/triple click reactions, bridging S-terminal peptides from 3 to 18 amino acid residues to provide 18- to 48-membered macrocyclic peptides under biocompatible conditions. The constrained peptides exhibited enhanced anti-HCT-116 activity with a locked α-helical conformation (IC50 =6.81 μM vs. biological incompetence for acyclic linear peptides), which could be unstapled for rehabilitation of the native peptides under the assistance of tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP). This protocol assembles linear peptides into cyclic peptides controllably to retain the diverse three-dimensional conformations, enabling their cellular uptake followed by release of the disulfides for peptide delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
| | - Leiyang Bai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
| | - Xuefeng Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Organometallic Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
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7
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Lu C, Lubin JH, Sarma VV, Stentz SZ, Wang G, Wang S, Khare SD. Prediction and design of protease enzyme specificity using a structure-aware graph convolutional network. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2303590120. [PMID: 37729196 PMCID: PMC10523478 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303590120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Site-specific proteolysis by the enzymatic cleavage of small linear sequence motifs is a key posttranslational modification involved in physiology and disease. The ability to robustly and rapidly predict protease-substrate specificity would also enable targeted proteolytic cleavage by designed proteases. Current methods for predicting protease specificity are limited to sequence pattern recognition in experimentally derived cleavage data obtained for libraries of potential substrates and generated separately for each protease variant. We reasoned that a more semantically rich and robust model of protease specificity could be developed by incorporating the energetics of molecular interactions between protease and substrates into machine learning workflows. We present Protein Graph Convolutional Network (PGCN), which develops a physically grounded, structure-based molecular interaction graph representation that describes molecular topology and interaction energetics to predict enzyme specificity. We show that PGCN accurately predicts the specificity landscapes of several variants of two model proteases. Node and edge ablation tests identified key graph elements for specificity prediction, some of which are consistent with known biochemical constraints for protease:substrate recognition. We used a pretrained PGCN model to guide the design of protease libraries for cleaving two noncanonical substrates, and found good agreement with experimental cleavage results. Importantly, the model can accurately assess designs featuring diversity at positions not present in the training data. The described methodology should enable the structure-based prediction of specificity landscapes of a wide variety of proteases and the construction of tailor-made protease editors for site-selectively and irreversibly modifying chosen target proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changpeng Lu
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers–The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ08854
| | - Joseph H. Lubin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers–The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ08854
| | - Vidur V. Sarma
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers–The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ08854
| | | | - Guanyang Wang
- Department of Statistics, Rutgers–The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ08854
| | - Sijian Wang
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers–The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ08854
- Department of Statistics, Rutgers–The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ08854
| | - Sagar D. Khare
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers–The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ08854
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers–The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ08854
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8
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Meanwell NA. Sub-stoichiometric Modulation of Viral Targets-Potent Antiviral Agents That Exploit Target Vulnerability. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1021-1030. [PMID: 37583823 PMCID: PMC10424314 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The modulation of oligomeric viral targets at sub-stoichiometric ratios of drug to target has been advocated for its efficacy and potency, but there are only a limited number of documented examples. In this Viewpoint, we summarize the invention of the HIV-1 maturation inhibitor fipravirimat and discuss the emerging details around the mode of action of this class of drug that reflects inhibition of a protein composed of 1,300-1,600 monomers that interact in a cooperative fashion. Similarly, the HCV NS5A inhibitor daclatasvir has been shown to act in a highly sub-stoichiometric fashion, inhibiting viral replication at concentrations that are ∼23,500 lower than that of the protein target.
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Gupta D, Jayashankar C, Srinivas M, Baraka Vishwanathan G, Reddy KR, Kubba A, Batrani M, Hiremagalore R. Clinical and allelic heterogeneity in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa- lessons from an Indian cohort. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289558. [PMID: 37556444 PMCID: PMC10411825 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is due to variation in the COL7A1 gene. The clinical phenotype and severity depends on the type of variation and domain of the affected protein. OBJECTIVES To characterize the spectrum of COL7A1 variations in a cohort of DEB patients from India, to correlate these findings with clinical phenotypes and to establish a genotype-phenotype correlation. METHODS This was a retrospective, observational study involving patients with DEB diagnosed on the basis of clinical manifestations, Immuno-fluorescence antigen mapping (IFM) and genetic analysis. A genotype-phenotype correlation was attempted and observations were further explained using IFM on skin biopsies and molecular dynamic simulations. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS version 20.0 with P values of <0.05 considered significant. RESULTS We report 68 unrelated Indian DEB patients classified as RDEB-Intermediate (RDEB-I), RDEB-Severe (RDEB-S) or DDEB based on the EB diagnostic matrix, immunofluorescence antigen mapping and genetic data. Of 68 DEB patients, 59 (86.76%) were inherited in a recessive pattern (RDEB) and 9 (13.24%) in a dominant pattern (DDEB). Limbal stem cell deficiency was seen in four cases of RDEB-S very early in the course of the disease. A total of 88 variants were detected of which 66 were novel. There were no hotspots and recurrent variations were seen in a very small group of patients. We found a high frequency of compound heterozygotes (CH) in RDEB patients born out of non-consanguineous marriage. RDEB patients older than two years who had oral mucosal involvement, and/or deformities, were more likely to have esophageal involvement. Genotype phenotype correlation showed a higher frequency of extracutaneous manifestations and deformities in patients with Premature Termination Codons (PTCs) than in patients with other variations. Molecular simulation studies in patients with missense mutations showed severe phenotype when they were localized in interrupted regions of GLY-X-Y repeats. CONCLUSION This large study of DEB patients in South Asia adds to the continually expanding genetic database of this condition. This study has direct implications on management as this group of patients can be screened early and managed appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Gupta
- Centre for Human Genetics, Electronic city Phase - I, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Department of Pediatrics and Dermatology, Manipal Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Department of Dermatology, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Charitha Jayashankar
- Centre for Human Genetics, Electronic city Phase - I, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Manoj Srinivas
- Centre for Human Genetics, Electronic city Phase - I, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | | | - Asha Kubba
- Delhi Dermpath Laboratory, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Ravi Hiremagalore
- Centre for Human Genetics, Electronic city Phase - I, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Department of Pediatrics and Dermatology, Manipal Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
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10
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Lu C, Lubin JH, Sarma VV, Stentz SZ, Wang G, Wang S, Khare SD. Prediction and Design of Protease Enzyme Specificity Using a Structure-Aware Graph Convolutional Network. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.16.528728. [PMID: 36824945 PMCID: PMC9949123 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.16.528728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Site-specific proteolysis by the enzymatic cleavage of small linear sequence motifs is a key post-translational modification involved in physiology and disease. The ability to robustly and rapidly predict protease substrate specificity would also enable targeted proteolytic cleavage - editing - of a target protein by designed proteases. Current methods for predicting protease specificity are limited to sequence pattern recognition in experimentally-derived cleavage data obtained for libraries of potential substrates and generated separately for each protease variant. We reasoned that a more semantically rich and robust model of protease specificity could be developed by incorporating the three-dimensional structure and energetics of molecular interactions between protease and substrates into machine learning workflows. We present Protein Graph Convolutional Network (PGCN), which develops a physically-grounded, structure-based molecular interaction graph representation that describes molecular topology and interaction energetics to predict enzyme specificity. We show that PGCN accurately predicts the specificity landscapes of several variants of two model proteases: the NS3/4 protease from the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) proteases. Node and edge ablation tests identified key graph elements for specificity prediction, some of which are consistent with known biochemical constraints for protease:substrate recognition. We used a pre-trained PGCN model to guide the design of TEV protease libraries for cleaving two non-canonical substrates, and found good agreement with experimental cleavage results. Importantly, the model can accurately assess designs featuring diversity at positions not present in the training data. The described methodology should enable the structure-based prediction of specificity landscapes of a wide variety of proteases and the construction of tailor-made protease editors for site-selectively and irreversibly modifying chosen target proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changpeng Lu
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ
| | - Joseph H. Lubin
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ
| | - Vidur V. Sarma
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ
| | | | - Guanyang Wang
- Department of Statistics, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ
| | - Sijian Wang
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ
- Department of Statistics, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ
| | - Sagar D. Khare
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ
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11
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You Y, Liu H, Zhu Y, Zheng H. Rational design of stapled antimicrobial peptides. Amino Acids 2023; 55:421-442. [PMID: 36781451 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03245-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
The global increase in antimicrobial drug resistance has dramatically reduced the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics. Structurally diverse antibiotics are urgently needed to combat multiple-resistant bacterial infections. As part of innate immunity, antimicrobial peptides have been recognized as the most promising candidates because they comprise diverse sequences and mechanisms of action and have a relatively low induction rate of resistance. However, because of their low chemical stability, susceptibility to proteases, and high hemolytic effect, their usage is subject to many restrictions. Chemical modifications such as D-amino acid substitution, cyclization, and unnatural amino acid modification have been used to improve the stability of antimicrobial peptides for decades. Among them, a side-chain covalent bridge modification, the so-called stapled peptide, has attracted much attention. The stapled side-chain bridge stabilizes the secondary structure, induces protease resistance, and increases cell penetration and biological activity. Recent progress in computer-aided drug design and artificial intelligence methods has also been used in the design of stapled antimicrobial peptides and has led to the successful discovery of many prospective peptides. This article reviews the possible structure-activity relationships of stapled antimicrobial peptides, the physicochemical properties that influence their activity (such as net charge, hydrophobicity, helicity, and dipole moment), and computer-aided methods of stapled peptide design. Antimicrobial peptides under clinical trial: Pexiganan (NCT01594762, 2012-05-07). Omiganan (NCT02576847, 2015-10-13).
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Affiliation(s)
- YuHao You
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - HongYu Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - YouZhuo Zhu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Fumo VM, Roberts RC, Zhang J, O'Reilly MC. Diastereoselective synthesis of cyclic tetrapeptide pseudoxylallemycin A illuminates the impact of base during macrolactamization. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:1056-1069. [PMID: 36628602 PMCID: PMC11311250 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob02126a] [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: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic agents with unique molecular structures and new mechanisms of action are needed to confront the phenomenon of multidrug resistance among bacteria. Pseudoxylallemycins, cyclic tetrapeptide (CTP) natural products, have exhibited modest antibiotic activity, but their synthesis has proven challenging. Inherent ring strain in CTPs decreases the rate of cyclization in lieu of polymerization and racemization pathways, which has resulted in previous syntheses describing mixtures of diastereomers containing predominantly an undesired epimer. We have optimized the cyclization step of pseudoxylallemycin A to favor production of the natural diastereomer; notably, variation of the base, temperature, and solvent with peptide coupling reagent propylphosphonic anhydride (T3P) afforded exquisite selectivity for the natural product in as high as 97 : 3 DR, and our conditions can provide the natural product in up to 32% overall yield through 8 steps. Employing weaker bases than those typically used in peptide coupling reactions led to the greatest improvement in diastereoselectivity, and these studies demonstrated that the identity of the amine base has enormous impact on the rate of C-terminal epimerization when T3P is used, a variable usually considered of lesser consequence when combined with typical amide coupling reagents. Toward fully characterizing pseudoxylallemycin stereoisomers, variable temperature NMR was described as a tool to more clearly analyze CTPs that exhibit multiple conformational states. These synthetic and spectroscopic insights were applied toward synthesizing several natural product analogues, and their antibacterial activity was examined using microdilution assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent M Fumo
- Department of Chemistry, Villanova University, 800 E Lancaster Ave, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085, USA.
| | - R Charlie Roberts
- Department of Chemistry, Villanova University, 800 E Lancaster Ave, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085, USA.
| | - Jieyu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Villanova University, 800 E Lancaster Ave, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085, USA.
| | - Matthew C O'Reilly
- Department of Chemistry, Villanova University, 800 E Lancaster Ave, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085, USA.
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13
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Alexander JAN, Worrall LJ, Hu J, Vuckovic M, Satishkumar N, Poon R, Sobhanifar S, Rosell FI, Jenkins J, Chiang D, Mosimann WA, Chambers HF, Paetzel M, Chatterjee SS, Strynadka NCJ. Structural basis of broad-spectrum β-lactam resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. Nature 2023; 613:375-382. [PMID: 36599987 PMCID: PMC9834060 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05583-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is a global healthcare burden1,2. In clinical strains, resistance is largely controlled by BlaR13, a receptor that senses β-lactams through the acylation of its sensor domain, inducing transmembrane signalling and activation of the cytoplasmic-facing metalloprotease domain4. The metalloprotease domain has a role in BlaI derepression, inducing blaZ (β-lactamase PC1) and mecA (β-lactam-resistant cell-wall transpeptidase PBP2a) expression3-7. Here, overcoming hurdles in isolation, we show that BlaR1 cleaves BlaI directly, as necessary for inactivation, with no requirement for additional components as suggested previously8. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of BlaR1-the wild type and an autocleavage-deficient F284A mutant, with or without β-lactam-reveal a domain-swapped dimer that we suggest is critical to the stabilization of the signalling loops within. BlaR1 undergoes spontaneous autocleavage in cis between Ser283 and Phe284 and we describe the catalytic mechanism and specificity underlying the self and BlaI cleavage. The structures suggest that allosteric signalling emanates from β-lactam-induced exclusion of the prominent extracellular loop bound competitively in the sensor-domain active site, driving subsequent dynamic motions, including a shift in the sensor towards the membrane and accompanying changes in the zinc metalloprotease domain. We propose that this enhances the expulsion of autocleaved products from the active site, shifting the equilibrium to a state that is permissive of efficient BlaI cleavage. Collectively, this study provides a structure of a two-component signalling receptor that mediates action-in this case, antibiotic resistance-through the direct cleavage of a repressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Andrew N Alexander
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Liam J Worrall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- HRMEM Facility, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jinhong Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marija Vuckovic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nidhi Satishkumar
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raymond Poon
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Solmaz Sobhanifar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Federico I Rosell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joshua Jenkins
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daniel Chiang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wesley A Mosimann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Henry F Chambers
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark Paetzel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Som S Chatterjee
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Natalie C J Strynadka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- HRMEM Facility, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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14
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Papadopoulou AA, Stelzer W, Silber M, Schlosser C, Spitz C, Haug-Kröper M, Straub T, Müller SA, Lichtenthaler SF, Muhle-Goll C, Langosch D, Fluhrer R. Helical stability of the GnTV transmembrane domain impacts on SPPL3 dependent cleavage. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20987. [PMID: 36470941 PMCID: PMC9722940 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24772-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal-Peptide Peptidase Like-3 (SPPL3) is an intramembrane cleaving aspartyl protease that causes secretion of extracellular domains from type-II transmembrane proteins. Numerous Golgi-localized glycosidases and glucosyltransferases have been identified as physiological SPPL3 substrates. By SPPL3 dependent processing, glycan-transferring enzymes are deactivated inside the cell, as their active site-containing domain is cleaved and secreted. Thus, SPPL3 impacts on glycan patterns of many cellular and secreted proteins and can regulate protein glycosylation. However, the characteristics that make a substrate a favourable candidate for SPPL3-dependent cleavage remain unknown. To gain insights into substrate requirements, we investigated the function of a GxxxG motif located in the transmembrane domain of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnTV), a well-known SPPL3 substrate. SPPL3-dependent secretion of the substrate's ectodomain was affected by mutations disrupting the GxxxG motif. Using deuterium/hydrogen exchange and NMR spectroscopy, we studied the effect of these mutations on the helix flexibility of the GnTV transmembrane domain and observed that increased flexibility facilitates SPPL3-dependent shedding and vice versa. This study provides first insights into the characteristics of SPPL3 substrates, combining molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysical techniques and its results will provide the basis for better understanding the characteristics of SPPL3 substrates with implications for the substrates of other intramembrane proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alkmini A. Papadopoulou
- grid.7307.30000 0001 2108 9006Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Universitätstrasse 2, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Walter Stelzer
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Lehrstuhl für Chemie der Biopolymere, Technische Universität München, Weihenstephaner Berg 3, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Mara Silber
- grid.7892.40000 0001 0075 5874Institute for Biological Interfaces 4, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany ,grid.7892.40000 0001 0075 5874Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Christine Schlosser
- grid.7307.30000 0001 2108 9006Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Universitätstrasse 2, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Spitz
- grid.7307.30000 0001 2108 9006Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Universitätstrasse 2, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Martina Haug-Kröper
- grid.7307.30000 0001 2108 9006Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Universitätstrasse 2, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Straub
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XCore Facility Bioinformatics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stephan A. Müller
- grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426DZNE – German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan F. Lichtenthaler
- grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426DZNE – German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany ,grid.15474.330000 0004 0477 2438Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany ,grid.452617.3Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Muhle-Goll
- grid.7892.40000 0001 0075 5874Institute for Biological Interfaces 4, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany ,grid.7892.40000 0001 0075 5874Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Dieter Langosch
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Lehrstuhl für Chemie der Biopolymere, Technische Universität München, Weihenstephaner Berg 3, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Regina Fluhrer
- grid.7307.30000 0001 2108 9006Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Universitätstrasse 2, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
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15
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Guevara T, Rodríguez-Banqueri A, Stöcker W, Becker-Pauly C, Gomis-Rüth FX. Zymogenic latency in an ∼250-million-year-old astacin metallopeptidase. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2022; 78:1347-1357. [PMID: 36322418 PMCID: PMC9629494 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798322009688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus is one of few extant Limulus species, which date back to ∼250 million years ago under the conservation of a common Bauplan documented by fossil records. It possesses the only proteolytic blood-coagulation and innate immunity system outside vertebrates and is a model organism for the study of the evolution and function of peptidases. The astacins are a family of metallopeptidases that share a central ∼200-residue catalytic domain (CD), which is found in >1000 species across holozoans and, sporadically, bacteria. Here, the zymogen of an astacin from L. polyphemus was crystallized and its structure was solved. A 34-residue, mostly unstructured pro-peptide (PP) traverses, and thus blocks, the active-site cleft of the CD in the opposite direction to a substrate. A central `PP motif' (F35-E-G-D-I39) adopts a loop structure which positions Asp38 to bind the catalytic metal, replacing the solvent molecule required for catalysis in the mature enzyme according to an `aspartate-switch' mechanism. Maturation cleavage of the PP liberates the cleft and causes the rearrangement of an `activation segment'. Moreover, the mature N-terminus is repositioned to penetrate the CD moiety and is anchored to a buried `family-specific' glutamate. Overall, this mechanism of latency is reminiscent of that of the other three astacins with known zymogenic and mature structures, namely crayfish astacin, human meprin β and bacterial myroilysin, but each shows specific structural characteristics. Remarkably, myroilysin lacks the PP motif and employs a cysteine instead of the aspartate to block the catalytic metal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibisay Guevara
- Proteolysis Laboratory, Department of Structural Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB), Higher Scientific Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 15–21, Helix Building, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Arturo Rodríguez-Banqueri
- Proteolysis Laboratory, Department of Structural Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB), Higher Scientific Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 15–21, Helix Building, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Walter Stöcker
- Institut für Molekulare Physiologie (IMP), Johannes-Gutenberg Universität Mainz (JGU), Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 7, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Christoph Becker-Pauly
- Biochemical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Otto-Hahn-Platz 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - F. Xavier Gomis-Rüth
- Proteolysis Laboratory, Department of Structural Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB), Higher Scientific Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 15–21, Helix Building, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain,Correspondence e-mail:
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16
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Brennan A, Leech JT, Kad NM, Mason JM. The effect of helix-inducing constraints and downsizing upon a transcription block survival-derived functional cJun antagonist. CELL REPORTS. PHYSICAL SCIENCE 2022; 3:101077. [PMID: 36274790 PMCID: PMC9582194 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2022.101077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of cJun is established as a promising therapeutic approach, particularly in cancer. We recently developed the "transcription block survival" (TBS) screening platform to derive functional peptide antagonists of transcription factor activity by ablating their ability to bind to cognate DNA. Using TBS, we screened a >131,000-member peptide library to select a 63-mer peptide that bound cJun and prevented 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate response element (TRE) DNA binding. Iterative truncation was next combined with a systematic exploration of side-chain cyclization to derive a minimal active sequence. The resulting dual lactamized sequence was >40% smaller and retained low nM target affinity (equilibrium binding constant [K D ] = 0.2 versus 9.7 nM), with 8 residues at the acidic region required for functional antagonism. However, even modest C-terminal truncation resulted in functional loss. The peptide functionally antagonizes cJun (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 13 versus 45 μM) and is considerably more stable in human serum relative to its non-lactamized counterpart and HingeW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Brennan
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - James T. Leech
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Neil M. Kad
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NH, UK
| | - Jody M. Mason
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
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17
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Regueiro-Ren A, Sit SY, Chen Y, Chen J, Swidorski JJ, Liu Z, Venables BL, Sin N, Hartz RA, Protack T, Lin Z, Zhang S, Li Z, Wu DR, Li P, Kempson J, Hou X, Gupta A, Rampulla R, Mathur A, Park H, Sarjeant A, Benitex Y, Rahematpura S, Parker D, Phillips T, Haskell R, Jenkins S, Santone KS, Cockett M, Hanumegowda U, Dicker I, Meanwell NA, Krystal M. The Discovery of GSK3640254, a Next-Generation Inhibitor of HIV-1 Maturation. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11927-11948. [PMID: 36044257 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
GSK3640254 is an HIV-1 maturation inhibitor (MI) that exhibits significantly improved antiviral activity toward a range of clinically relevant polymorphic variants with reduced sensitivity toward the second-generation MI GSK3532795 (BMS-955176). The key structural difference between GSK3640254 and its predecessor is the replacement of the para-substituted benzoic acid moiety attached at the C-3 position of the triterpenoid core with a cyclohex-3-ene-1-carboxylic acid substituted with a CH2F moiety at the carbon atom α- to the pharmacophoric carboxylic acid. This structural element provided a new vector with which to explore structure-activity relationships (SARs) and led to compounds with improved polymorphic coverage while preserving pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. The approach to the design of GSK3640254, the development of a synthetic route and its preclinical profile are discussed. GSK3640254 is currently in phase IIb clinical trials after demonstrating a dose-related reduction in HIV-1 viral load over 7-10 days of dosing to HIV-1-infected subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Regueiro-Ren
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, Princeton, New Jersey08543, United States
| | - Sing-Yuen Sit
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Jacob J Swidorski
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Brian L Venables
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Ny Sin
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Richard A Hartz
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Tricia Protack
- Department of Virology, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Zeyu Lin
- Department of Virology, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Department of Virology, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Zhufang Li
- Department of Virology, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Dauh-Rurng Wu
- Department of Discovery Synthesis, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, PO Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey08543, United States
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Discovery Synthesis, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, PO Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey08543, United States
| | - James Kempson
- Department of Discovery Synthesis, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, PO Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey08543, United States
| | - Xiaoping Hou
- Department of Discovery Synthesis, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, PO Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey08543, United States
| | - Anuradha Gupta
- Department of Discovery Synthesis; Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Richard Rampulla
- Department of Discovery Synthesis, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, PO Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey08543, United States
| | - Arvind Mathur
- Department of Discovery Synthesis, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, PO Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey08543, United States
| | - Hyunsoo Park
- Bristol Myers Squibb Chemical and Synthetic Development, New Brunswick, New Jersey08901, United States
| | - Amy Sarjeant
- Bristol Myers Squibb Chemical and Synthetic Development, New Brunswick, New Jersey08901, United States
| | - Yulia Benitex
- Department of Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Sandhya Rahematpura
- Department of Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Dawn Parker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Thomas Phillips
- Department of Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Roy Haskell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Susan Jenkins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Kenneth S Santone
- Department of Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Mark Cockett
- Department of Virology, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Umesh Hanumegowda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Ira Dicker
- Department of Virology, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
| | - Nicholas A Meanwell
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, Princeton, New Jersey08543, United States
| | - Mark Krystal
- Department of Virology, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut06492, United States
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18
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X-ray crystallographic characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease polyprotein cleavage sites essential for viral processing and maturation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5196. [PMID: 36057636 PMCID: PMC9440467 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32854-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the pathogen that causes COVID-19, produces polyproteins 1a and 1ab that contain, respectively, 11 or 16 non-structural proteins (nsp). Nsp5 is the main protease (Mpro) responsible for cleavage at eleven positions along these polyproteins, including at its own N- and C-terminal boundaries, representing essential processing events for viral assembly and maturation. Using C-terminally substituted Mpro chimeras, we have determined X-ray crystallographic structures of Mpro in complex with 10 of its 11 viral cleavage sites, bound at full occupancy intermolecularly in trans, within the active site of either the native enzyme and/or a catalytic mutant (C145A). Capture of both acyl-enzyme intermediate and product-like complex forms of a P2(Leu) substrate in the native active site provides direct comparative characterization of these mechanistic steps as well as further informs the basis for enhanced product release of Mpro’s own unique C-terminal P2(Phe) cleavage site to prevent autoinhibition. We characterize the underlying noncovalent interactions governing binding and specificity for this diverse set of substrates, showing remarkable plasticity for subsites beyond the anchoring P1(Gln)-P2(Leu/Val/Phe), representing together a near complete analysis of a multiprocessing viral protease. Collectively, these crystallographic snapshots provide valuable mechanistic and structural insights for antiviral therapeutic development. The SARS-CoV-2 protease Mpro is essential for viral replication. Here, the authors have determined the structures of Mpro in complex with 10 of the 11 viral cleavage sequences including a covalent acyl-enzyme intermediate, providing mechanistic and structural insights for antiviral development.
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19
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Liu Y, Zhao C, Chen C. Chirality-Governed UCST Behavior in Polypeptides. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yali Liu
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Specialty Polymers, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Chuanzhuang Zhao
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Specialty Polymers, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Chongyi Chen
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Specialty Polymers, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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20
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Chen T, Sun T, Bian Y, Pei Y, Feng F, Chi H, Li Y, Tang X, Sang S, Du C, Chen Y, Chen Y, Sun H. The Design and Optimization of Monomeric Multitarget Peptides for the Treatment of Multifactorial Diseases. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3685-3705. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tingkai Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianyu Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaoyao Bian
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, College of Regimen and Rehabilitation, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuqiong Pei
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Feng
- Food and Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceuticals Science College, Huaian 223003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Heng Chi
- Food and Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceuticals Science College, Huaian 223003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceuticals Science College, Huaian 223005, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shenghu Sang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenxi Du
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
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21
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Méndez-Ardoy A, Insua I, Granja JR, Montenegro J. Cyclization and Self-Assembly of Cyclic Peptides. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2371:449-466. [PMID: 34596863 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1689-5_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic peptides are a fascinating class of molecules that can be programmed to fold or self-assemble into diverse mono- and multidimensional structures with potential applications in biomedicine, nanoelectronics, or catalysis. Herein we describe on-resin procedures to carry out head-to-tail peptide cyclization based on orthogonal protected linear structures. We also present essential characterization tools for obtaining dynamic and structural information, including the visualization cyclic peptide assembly into nanotubes (AFM, TEM) as well as the use of fluorescence microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Méndez-Ardoy
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ignacio Insua
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Juan R Granja
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Javier Montenegro
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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22
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de Araujo AD, Lim J, Wu KC, Hoang HN, Nguyen HT, Fairlie DP. Landscaping macrocyclic peptides: stapling hDM2-binding peptides for helicity, protein affinity, proteolytic stability and cell uptake. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:895-904. [PMID: 35866171 PMCID: PMC9257625 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00231g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Surveying macrocycles for mimicking a helical tumor suppressor protein, resisting breakdown by proteases, and entering cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline D. de Araujo
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Junxian Lim
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Kai-Chen Wu
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Huy N. Hoang
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Huy T. Nguyen
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David P. Fairlie
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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23
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Vu O, Bender BJ, Pankewitz L, Huster D, Beck-Sickinger AG, Meiler J. The Structural Basis of Peptide Binding at Class A G Protein-Coupled Receptors. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010210. [PMID: 35011444 PMCID: PMC8746363 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest membrane protein family and a significant target class for therapeutics. Receptors from GPCRs’ largest class, class A, influence virtually every aspect of human physiology. About 45% of the members of this family endogenously bind flexible peptides or peptides segments within larger protein ligands. While many of these peptides have been structurally characterized in their solution state, the few studies of peptides in their receptor-bound state suggest that these peptides interact with a shared set of residues and undergo significant conformational changes. For the purpose of understanding binding dynamics and the development of peptidomimetic drug compounds, further studies should investigate the peptide ligands that are complexed to their cognate receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oanh Vu
- Deparment of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA;
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (B.J.B.); (L.P.)
| | - Brian Joseph Bender
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (B.J.B.); (L.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Lisa Pankewitz
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (B.J.B.); (L.P.)
| | - Daniel Huster
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Department, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16–18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Annette G. Beck-Sickinger
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Jens Meiler
- Deparment of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA;
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (B.J.B.); (L.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Leipzig University Medical Center, Institute for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry and Computer Science, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Correspondence:
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24
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Complex cyclic peptide synthesis via serine/threonine ligation chemistry. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 54:128430. [PMID: 34757215 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128430] [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: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Non-ribosomal cyclic peptides are abundant in natural sources, exhibiting attractive bioactivities and favorable pharmacological properties. Furthermore, their structural complexity renders them as attractive synthetic targets. A general task for cyclic peptide synthesis is the peptide cyclization. Compared to the traditional dehydration-based peptide macrolactamization, chemoselective peptide ligation provides an alternative, sometimes advantageous, strategy to cyclize peptides. Herein, we provide a series of structurally complex cyclic peptide examples whose total syntheses were achieved via peptide ligation-mediated peptide cyclization. The special features of these strategies for achieving the total synthesis are highlighted.
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25
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Ghobadi Z, Mahnam K, Shakhsi-Niaei M. In-silico design of peptides for inhibition of HLA-A*03-KLIETYFSK complex as a new drug design for treatment of multiples sclerosis disease. J Mol Graph Model 2021; 111:108079. [PMID: 34837787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2021.108079] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) plays an important role in initiating adaptive immune responses. HLA class I is present in almost all nucleated cells and presents the cleaved endogenous peptide antigens to cytotoxic T cells. HLA-A*03 is one of the HLA class I alleles, which is reported as substantially related HLA to MS disease. In 2011, the structure of the HLA-A*03 in complex was identified with an immunodominant proteolipid protein (PLP) epitope (KLIETYFSK). This complex has been reported as an important autoantigen-presenting complex in MS pathogenesis. In this study, new peptides were designed to bind to this complex that may prevent specific pathogenic cytotoxic T cell binding to this autoantigen-presenting complex and CNS demyelination. Herein, 14 new helical peptides containing 19 amino acids were designed and their structures were predicted using the PEP-FOLD server. The binding of each designed peptide to the mentioned complex was then performed. A mutation approach was used by the BeAtMuSiC server to improve the binding affinity of the designed peptide. In each position, amino acid substitutions leading to an increase in the binding affinity of the peptide to the mentioned complex were determined. Finally, the resulting complexes were simulated for 40 ns using AMBER18 software. The results revealed that out of 14 designed peptides, "WRYWWKDWAKQFRQFYRWF" peptide exhibited the highest affinity for binding to the mentioned complex. This peptide can be considered as a potential drug to control multiple sclerosis disease in patients carrying the HLA-A*03 allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ghobadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Karim Mahnam
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Mostafa Shakhsi-Niaei
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
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26
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Preußke N, Lipfert M, Rothemund S, Leippe M, Sönnichsen FD. Designed Trp-Cage Proteins with Antimicrobial Activity and Enhanced Stability. Biochemistry 2021; 60:3187-3199. [PMID: 34613690 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
α-Helical antimicrobial peptides (αAMPs) are among the potential candidates for new anti-infectives to tackle the global crisis in antibiotic resistance, but they suffer from low bioavailability due to high susceptibility to enzymatic degradation. Here, we describe a strategy to increase the resistance of αAMPs against proteases. Fusing the 12-residue αAMP KR-12 with a Trp-cage domain induces an α-helical structure in the otherwise unfolded KR-12 moiety in solution. The resulting antimicrobial Trp-cage exhibits higher proteolytic resistance due to its stable fold as evidenced by correlating sequence-resolved digest data with structural analyses. In addition, the antimicrobial Trp-cage displays increased activity against bacteria in the presence of physiologically relevant concentrations of NaCl, while the hemolytic activity remains negligible. In contrast to previous strategies, the presented approach is not reliant on artificial amino acids and is therefore applicable to biosynthetic procedures. Our study aims to improve the pharmacokinetics of αAMPs to facilitate their use as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Preußke
- Otto Diels Institute for Organic Chemistry, Kiel University, Otto-Hahn-Platz 3-5, 24118 Kiel, Germany.,Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 3-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Matthias Lipfert
- Otto Diels Institute for Organic Chemistry, Kiel University, Otto-Hahn-Platz 3-5, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Sven Rothemund
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Liebigstraße 21, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Leippe
- Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 3-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Frank D Sönnichsen
- Otto Diels Institute for Organic Chemistry, Kiel University, Otto-Hahn-Platz 3-5, 24118 Kiel, Germany
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27
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Three Methods for the Solution Phase Synthesis of Cyclic Peptides. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34596843 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1689-5_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Cyclic peptides, which often exhibit interesting biological properties, can be obtained by macrolactamization of adequately protected linear peptide chains. Because of the remarkable biological properties, methods for the efficient cyclization of peptides are of high interest. We herein describe three different protocols for the cyclization of peptides and depsipeptides via amide bond formation. These methods can, in principal, be applied to any linear peptide chain.
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28
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Liaci AM, Steigenberger B, Telles de Souza PC, Tamara S, Gröllers-Mulderij M, Ogrissek P, Marrink SJ, Scheltema RA, Förster F. Structure of the human signal peptidase complex reveals the determinants for signal peptide cleavage. Mol Cell 2021; 81:3934-3948.e11. [PMID: 34388369 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The signal peptidase complex (SPC) is an essential membrane complex in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where it removes signal peptides (SPs) from a large variety of secretory pre-proteins with exquisite specificity. Although the determinants of this process have been established empirically, the molecular details of SP recognition and removal remain elusive. Here, we show that the human SPC exists in two functional paralogs with distinct proteolytic subunits. We determined the atomic structures of both paralogs using electron cryo-microscopy and structural proteomics. The active site is formed by a catalytic triad and abuts the ER membrane, where a transmembrane window collectively formed by all subunits locally thins the bilayer. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that this unique architecture generates specificity for SPs based on the length of their hydrophobic segments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Manuel Liaci
- Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Barbara Steigenberger
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Paulo Cesar Telles de Souza
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute and Zernike Institute for Advanced Material, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands; Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, UMR 5086, CNRS and University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sem Tamara
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mariska Gröllers-Mulderij
- Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Patrick Ogrissek
- Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Institute of Chemistry and Metabolomics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Siewert J Marrink
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute and Zernike Institute for Advanced Material, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Richard A Scheltema
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Friedrich Förster
- Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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29
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Effective bioconversion of feather-waste Keratin by Thermo-Surfactant Stable Alkaline Keratinase produced from Aspergillus sp. DHE7 with promising biotechnological application in detergent formulations. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2021.102052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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30
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Alama-Bermejo G, Meyer E, Atkinson SD, Holzer AS, Wiśniewska MM, Kolísko M, Bartholomew JL. Transcriptome-Wide Comparisons and Virulence Gene Polymorphisms of Host-Associated Genotypes of the Cnidarian Parasite Ceratonova shasta in Salmonids. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 12:1258-1276. [PMID: 32467979 PMCID: PMC7487138 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ceratonova shasta is an important myxozoan pathogen affecting the health of salmonid fishes in the Pacific Northwest of North America. Ceratonova shasta exists as a complex of host-specific genotypes, some with low to moderate virulence, and one that causes a profound, lethal infection in susceptible hosts. High throughput sequencing methods are powerful tools for discovering the genetic basis of these host/virulence differences, but deep sequencing of myxozoans has been challenging due to extremely fast molecular evolution of this group, yielding strongly divergent sequences that are difficult to identify, and unavoidable host contamination. We designed and optimized different bioinformatic pipelines to address these challenges. We obtained a unique set of comprehensive, host-free myxozoan RNA-seq data from C. shasta genotypes of varying virulence from different salmonid hosts. Analyses of transcriptome-wide genetic distances and maximum likelihood multigene phylogenies elucidated the evolutionary relationship between lineages and demonstrated the limited resolution of the established Internal Transcribed Spacer marker for C. shasta genotype identification, as this marker fails to differentiate between biologically distinct genotype II lineages from coho salmon and rainbow trout. We further analyzed the data sets based on polymorphisms in two gene groups related to virulence: cell migration and proteolytic enzymes including their inhibitors. The developed single-nucleotide polymorphism-calling pipeline identified polymorphisms between genotypes and demonstrated that variations in both motility and protease genes were associated with different levels of virulence of C. shasta in its salmonid hosts. The prospective use of proteolytic enzymes as promising candidates for targeted interventions against myxozoans in aquaculture is discussed. We developed host-free transcriptomes of a myxozoan model organism from strains that exhibited different degrees of virulence, as a unique source of data that will foster functional gene analyses and serve as a base for the development of potential therapeutics for efficient control of these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema Alama-Bermejo
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos Almirante Storni (CIMAS), CCT CONICET - CENPAT, San Antonio Oeste, Argentina
| | - Eli Meyer
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University
| | | | - Astrid S Holzer
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Monika M Wiśniewska
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kolísko
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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31
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Chartier M, Desgagné M, Sousbie M, Rumsby C, Chevillard L, Théroux L, Haroune L, Côté J, Longpré JM, Boudreault PL, Marsault É, Sarret P. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles of a neurotensin receptor type 2 (NTS2) analgesic macrocyclic analog. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 141:111861. [PMID: 34229249 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The current opioid crisis highlights the urgent need to develop safe and effective pain medications. Thus, neurotensin (NT) compounds represent a promising approach, as the antinociceptive effects of NT are mediated by activation of the two G protein-coupled receptor subtypes (i.e., NTS1 and NTS2) and produce potent opioid-independent analgesia. Here, we describe the synthesis and pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of the first constrained NTS2 macrocyclic NT(8-13) analog. The Tyr11 residue of NT(8-13) was replaced with a Trp residue to achieve NTS2 selectivity, and a rationally designed side-chain to side-chain macrocyclization reaction was applied between Lys8 and Trp11 to constrain the peptide in an active binding conformation and limit its recognition by proteolytic enzymes. The resulting macrocyclic peptide, CR-01-64, exhibited high-affinity for NTS2 (Ki 7.0 nM), with a more than 125-fold selectivity over NTS1, as well as an improved plasma stability profile (t1/2 > 24 h) compared with NT (t1/2 ~ 2 min). Following intrathecal administration, CR-01-64 exerted dose-dependent and long-lasting analgesic effects in acute (ED50 = 4.6 µg/kg) and tonic (ED50 = 7.1 µg/kg) pain models as well as strong mechanical anti-allodynic effects in the CFA-induced chronic inflammatory pain model. Of particular importance, this constrained NTS2 analog exerted potent nonopioid antinociceptive effects and potentiated opioid-induced analgesia when combined with morphine. At high doses, CR-01-64 did not cause hypothermia or ileum relaxation, although it did induce mild and short-term hypotension, all of which are physiological effects associated with NTS1 activation. Overall, these results demonstrate the strong therapeutic potential of NTS2-selective analogs for the management of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Chartier
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Michael Desgagné
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Marc Sousbie
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Charles Rumsby
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | | | - Léa Théroux
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Lounès Haroune
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Jérôme Côté
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Jean-Michel Longpré
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Pierre-Luc Boudreault
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Éric Marsault
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
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32
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Vu QN, Young R, Sudhakar HK, Gao T, Huang T, Tan YS, Lau YH. Cyclisation strategies for stabilising peptides with irregular conformations. RSC Med Chem 2021; 12:887-901. [PMID: 34263169 PMCID: PMC8230030 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00098e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclisation is a common synthetic strategy for enhancing the therapeutic potential of peptide-based molecules. While there are extensive studies on peptide cyclisation for reinforcing regular secondary structures such as α-helices and β-sheets, there are remarkably few reports of cyclising peptides which adopt irregular conformations in their bioactive target-bound state. In this review, we highlight examples where cyclisation techniques have been successful in stabilising irregular conformations, then discuss how the design of cyclic constraints for irregularly structured peptides can be informed by existing β-strand stabilisation approaches, new computational design techniques, and structural principles extracted from cyclic peptide library screening hits. Through this analysis, we demonstrate how existing peptide cyclisation techniques can be adapted to address the synthetic design challenge of stabilising irregularly structured binding motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh Ngoc Vu
- School of Chemistry, Eastern Ave, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Reginald Young
- School of Chemistry, Eastern Ave, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | | | - Tianyi Gao
- School of Chemistry, Eastern Ave, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Tiancheng Huang
- School of Chemistry, Eastern Ave, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Yaw Sing Tan
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01, Matrix Singapore 138671 Singapore
| | - Yu Heng Lau
- School of Chemistry, Eastern Ave, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
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33
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Patil NA, Quek JP, Schroeder B, Morewood R, Rademann J, Luo D, Nitsche C. 2-Cyanoisonicotinamide Conjugation: A Facile Approach to Generate Potent Peptide Inhibitors of the Zika Virus Protease. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:732-737. [PMID: 34055219 PMCID: PMC8155238 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid generation and modification of macrocyclic peptides in medicinal chemistry is an ever-growing area that can present various synthetic challenges. The reaction between N-terminal cysteine and 2-cyanoisonicotinamide is a new biocompatible click reaction that allows rapid access to macrocyclic peptides. Importantly, 2-cyanoisonicotinamide can be attached to different linkers directly during solid-phase peptide synthesis. The synthesis involves only commercially available precursors, allowing for a fully automated process. We demonstrate the approach for four cyclic peptide ligands of the Zika virus protease NS2B-NS3. Although all peptides display the substrate recognition motif, the activity strongly depends on the linker length, with the shortest cyclization linker corresponding to highest activity (K i = 0.64 μM). The most active cyclic peptide displays affinity 78 times higher than that of its linear analogue. We solved a crystal structure of the proteolytically cleaved ligand and synthesized it by applying the presented chemistry to peptide ligation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin A. Patil
- Biomedicine
Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Jun-Ping Quek
- Lee
Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological
University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Barbara Schroeder
- Pharmaceutical
and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2 + 4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Research
School of Chemistry, Australian National
University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Richard Morewood
- Research
School of Chemistry, Australian National
University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Jörg Rademann
- Pharmaceutical
and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2 + 4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee
Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological
University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research
School of Chemistry, Australian National
University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
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34
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Jafary F, Jafari S, Ganjalikhany MR. In silico investigation of critical binding pattern in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6927. [PMID: 33767306 PMCID: PMC7994905 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86380-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly-discovered coronavirus and responsible for the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 infected millions of people in the world and immediately became a pandemic in March 2020. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the beta-coronavirus genus of the large family of Coronaviridae. It is now known that its surface spike glycoprotein binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), which is expressed on the lung epithelial cells, mediates the fusion of the cellular and viral membranes, and facilitates the entry of viral genome to the host cell. Therefore, blocking the virus-cell interaction could be a potential target for the prevention of viral infection. The binding of SARS-CoV-2 to ACE2 is a protein-protein interaction, and so, analyzing the structure of the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 and its underlying mechanism to bind the host cell receptor would be useful for the management and treatment of COVID-19. In this study, we performed comparative in silico studies to deeply understand the structural and functional details of the interaction between the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 and its cognate cellular receptor ACE2. According to our results, the affinity of the ACE2 receptor for SARS-CoV-2 was higher than SARS-CoV. According to the free energy decomposition of the spike glycoprotein-ACE2 complex, we found critical points in three areas which are responsible for the increased binding affinity of SARS-CoV-2 compared with SARS-CoV. These mutations occurred at the receptor-binding domain of the spike glycoprotein that play an essential role in the increasing the affinity of coronavirus to ACE2. For instance, mutations Pro462Ala and Leu472Phe resulted in the altered binding energy from - 2 kcal mol-1 in SARS-COV to - 6 kcal mol-1 in SARS-COV-2. The results demonstrated that some mutations in the receptor-binding motif could be considered as a hot-point for designing potential drugs to inhibit the interaction between the spike glycoprotein and ACE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Jafary
- Core Research Facilities (CRF), Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sepideh Jafari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohamad Reza Ganjalikhany
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
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35
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Chartier M, Desgagné M, Sousbie M, Côté J, Longpré JM, Marsault E, Sarret P. Design, Structural Optimization, and Characterization of the First Selective Macrocyclic Neurotensin Receptor Type 2 Non-opioid Analgesic. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2110-2124. [PMID: 33538583 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurotensin (NT) receptor type 2 (NTS2) represents an attractive target for the development of new NT-based analgesics. Here, we report the synthesis and functional in vivo characterization of the first constrained NTS2-selective macrocyclic NT analog. While most chemical optimization studies rely on the NT(8-13) fragment, we focused on NT(7-12) as a scaffold to design NTS2-selective macrocyclic peptides. Replacement of Ile12 by Leu, and Pro7/Pro10 by allylglycine residues followed by cyclization via ring-closing metathesis led to macrocycle 4, which exhibits good affinity for NTS2 (50 nM), high selectivity over NTS1 (>100 μM), and improved stability compared to NT(8-13). In vivo profiling in rats reveals that macrocycle 4 produces potent analgesia in three distinct rodent pain models, without causing the undesired effects associated with NTS1 activation. We further provide evidence of its non-opioid antinociceptive activity, therefore highlighting the strong therapeutic potential of NTS2-selective analogs for the management of acute and chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Chartier
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Michael Desgagné
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Marc Sousbie
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Jérôme Côté
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Longpré
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Eric Marsault
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
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36
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Yang Y, Mao H, Chen L, Li L. Targeting signal pathways triggered by cyclic peptides in cancer: Current trends and future challenges. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 701:108776. [PMID: 33515532 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.108776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a global health issue that origins thousands of deaths annually worldwide. Cyclic peptides are polypeptide chains which are formed by cyclic sequence of amide bonds between proteinogenic or non-proteinogenic amino acids. Numerous evidences indicate that cyclic peptides are implicated with the occurrence and development of cancer. This review presents the current knowledge about the role of cyclic peptides in cancer, such as liver cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer as well as prostate cancer. Specifically, the precise molecular mechanisms between cyclic peptides and cancer are elaborated. Some cyclic peptides from nature and synthesis prevent the occurrence and development of cancer. However, some other cyclic peptides including endothelin-1, urotensinⅡand melanin-concentrating hormone deteriorate the pathogenesis of cancer. Given the pleiotropic actions of cyclic peptides, the identification and development of cyclic peptides and their derivates as drug may be a potent therapeutic strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyuan Yang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Hui Mao
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
| | - Lanfang Li
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
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37
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Ahangarpour M, Kavianinia I, Harris PWR, Brimble MA. Photo-induced radical thiol-ene chemistry: a versatile toolbox for peptide-based drug design. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:898-944. [PMID: 33404559 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00354a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
While the global market for peptide/protein-based therapeutics is witnessing significant growth, the development of peptide drugs remains challenging due to their low oral bioavailability, poor membrane permeability, and reduced metabolic stability. However, a toolbox of chemical approaches has been explored for peptide modification to overcome these obstacles. In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in photoinduced radical thiol-ene chemistry as a powerful tool for the construction of therapeutic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Ahangarpour
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
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38
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Morewood R, Nitsche C. A biocompatible stapling reaction for in situ generation of constrained peptides. Chem Sci 2020; 12:669-674. [PMID: 34163798 PMCID: PMC8178976 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc05125j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Constrained peptides are promising next-generation therapeutics. Peptide stapling is a particularly attractive technique to generate constrained macrocycles with improved biological activity and metabolic stability. We introduce a biocompatible two-component stapling approach based on the reagent 2,6-dicyanopyridine and a pseudo-cysteine amino acid. Stapling can proceed either directly on-resin during solid-phase synthesis or following isolation of the linear peptide. The stapling reaction is orthogonal to natural amino acid side chains and completes in aqueous solution at physiological pH, enabling its direct use in biochemical assays. We performed a small screening campaign of short peptides targeting the Zika virus protease NS2B-NS3, allowing the direct comparison of linear with in situ stapled peptides. A stapled screening hit showed over 28-fold stronger inhibition than its linear analogue, demonstrating the successful identification of constrained peptide inhibitors. A synthetically straightforward and biocompatible peptide-stapling strategy that can be used directly in biochemical assays to identify constrained enzyme inhibitors.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Morewood
- 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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39
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Payne CD, Vadlamani G, Fisher MF, Zhang J, Clark RJ, Mylne JS, Rosengren KJ. Defining the Familial Fold of the Vicilin-Buried Peptide Family. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2020; 83:3030-3040. [PMID: 32997497 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Plants and their seeds have been shown to be a rich source of cystine-stabilized peptides. Recently a new family of plant seed peptides whose sequences are buried within precursors for seed storage vicilins was identified. Members of this Vicilin-Buried Peptide (VBP) family are found in distantly related plant species including the monocot date palm, as well as dicotyledonous species like pumpkin and sesame. Genetic evidence for their widespread occurrence indicates that they are of ancient origin. Limited structural studies have been conducted on VBP family members, but two members have been shown to adopt a helical hairpin fold. We present an extensive characterization of VBPs using solution NMR spectroscopy, to better understand their structural features. Four peptides were produced by solid phase peptide synthesis and shown to favor a helix-loop-helix hairpin fold, as a result of the I-IV/II-III ladderlike connectivity of their disulfide bonds. Interhelical interactions, including hydrophobic contacts and salt bridges, are critical for the fold stability and control the angle at which the antiparallel α-helices interface. Activities reported for VBPs include trypsin inhibitory activity and inhibition of ribosomal function; however, their diverse structural features despite a common fold suggest that additional bioactivities yet to be revealed are likely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colton D Payne
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Richard J Clark
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | | | - K Johan Rosengren
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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40
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Jastaniah A, Gaisina IN, Knopp RC, Thatcher GRJ. Synthesis of α-Ketoamide-Based Stereoselective Calpain-1 Inhibitors as Neuroprotective Agents. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:2280-2285. [PMID: 32840034 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Calpain inhibitors have been proposed as drug candidates for neurodegenerative disorders, with ABT-957 entering clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The structure of ABT-957 was very recently disclosed, and trials were terminated owing to inadequate CNS concentrations to obtain a pharmacodynamic effect. The multistep synthesis of an α-ketoamide peptidomimetic inhibitor series potentially including ABT-957 was optimized to yield diastereomerically pure compounds that are potent and selective for calpain-1 over papain and cathepsins B and K. As the final oxidation step, with its optimized synthesis protocol, does not alter the configuration of the substrate, the synthesis of the diastereomeric pair (R)-1-benzyl-N-((S)-4-((4-fluorobenzyl)amino)-3,4-dioxo-1-phenylbutan-2-yl)-5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (1 c) and (R)-1-benzyl-N-((R)-4-((4-fluorobenzyl)amino)-3,4-dioxo-1-phenylbutan-2-yl)-5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (1 g) was feasible. This allowed the exploration of stereoselective inhibition of calpain-1, with 1 c (IC50 =78 nM) being significantly more potent than 1 g. Moreover, inhibitor 1 c restored cognitive function in amnestic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Jastaniah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL., 60612, USA
| | - Irina N Gaisina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL., 60612, USA
| | - Rachel C Knopp
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL., 60612, USA
| | - Gregory R J Thatcher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL., 60612, USA
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41
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Chen QY, Luo D, Seabra GM, Luesch H. Ahp-Cyclodepsipeptides as tunable inhibitors of human neutrophil elastase and kallikrein 7: Total synthesis of tutuilamide A, serine protease selectivity profile and comparison with lyngbyastatin 7. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115756. [PMID: 33002682 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
We describe the total synthesis of tutuilamide A, a potent porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) inhibitor and a representative member of the 3-amino-6-hydroxy-2-piperidone (Ahp) cyclodepsipeptide family, isolated from marine cyanobacteria. The Ahp unit serves as a pharmacophore and the adjacent 2-amino-2-butenoic acid (Abu) is a main driver of the selectivity among serine proteases. We adapted our previous convergent strategy to generate the macrocycle, common with lyngbyastatin 7 and related elastase inhibitors, and then appended the tutuilamide A-specific side chain bearing a vinyl chloride. Tutuilamide A and lyngbyastatin 7 were evaluated side by side for the inhibition of the disease-relevant human neutrophil elastase (HNE). Tutuilamide A and lyngbyastatin 7 were approximately equipotent against HNE, while tutuilamide A was previously shown to be more active against PPE compared with lyngbyastatin 7, further demonstrating that the side chain provides opportunities to not only modulate potency but also selectivity among proteases of the same function from different organisms. Profiling of tutuilamide A against mainly human serine proteases revealed high selectivity for HNE (IC50 0.73 nM) and pleiotropic activity against kallikrein 7 (KLK7, IC50 5.0 nM), without affecting other kallikreins, similarly to lyngbyastatin 7 (IC50 0.85 nM for HNE and 3.1 nM for KLK7). A comprehensive molecular docking study for elastases and KLK7 afforded deeper insight into the intricate differences between inhibitor interactions with HNE and PPE, accounting for the differential activities for both compounds. The synthesis and molecular studies serve as a proof-of-concept that the macrocyclic scaffold can be diversified to fine-tune the activity of serine protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yin Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Danmeng Luo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Gustavo M Seabra
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Hendrik Luesch
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
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42
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Donkor IO. An update on the therapeutic potential of calpain inhibitors: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:659-675. [PMID: 32700591 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1797678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Calpain is a cytosolic proteinase that regulates of a wide range of physiological functions. The enzyme has been implicated in various pathological conditions including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and several other diseases. Therefore, calpain inhibitors are of interest as therapeutic agents and have been studied in preclinical models of several diseases in which the enzyme has been implicated. AREAS COVERED Calpain inhibitors that were disclosed over the last 5 years (2015-2019) include calpastatin-based peptidomimetics; thalassospiramide lipopeptides; disulfide analogs of alpha-mercaptoacrylic acids; allosteric modulators; azoloimidazolidenones; and macrocyclic/non-macrocyclic carboxamides. The effectiveness of some of the inhibitors in preclinical animal models is discussed. EXPERT OPINION Significant milestones that were made over this time frame include: a) disclosure of novel blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeable calpastatin analogs as calpain inhibitors; b) disclosure that potent calpain inhibitors can be obtained by targeting the hydrophobic pockets on chain A of PEF(S) of the small subunit of calpain; c) use of PEF(S) (PDB ID: 4WQ2) in virtual screening to identify novel structurally diverse calpain inhibitors; and d) mitigation of the metabolic instability of the alpha-ketoamide warhead of calpain inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac O Donkor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Pharmacy , Memphis, Tennessee, United States
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43
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Yoo DY, Hauser AD, Joy ST, Bar-Sagi D, Arora PS. Covalent Targeting of Ras G12C by Rationally Designed Peptidomimetics. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:1604-1612. [PMID: 32378881 PMCID: PMC7739374 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a critical role in fundamental biological processes. Competitive inhibition of these interfaces requires compounds that can access discontinuous binding epitopes along a large, shallow binding surface area. Conformationally defined protein surface mimics present a viable route to target these interactions. However, the development of minimal protein mimics that engage intracellular targets with high affinity remains a major challenge because mimicry of a portion of the binding interface is often associated with the loss of critical binding interactions. Covalent targeting provides an attractive approach to overcome the loss of noncovalent contacts but have the inherent risk of dominating noncovalent contacts and increasing the likelihood of nonselective binding. Here, we report the iterative design of a proteolytically stable α3β chimeric helix mimic that covalently targets oncogenic Ras G12C as a model system. We explored several electrophiles to optimize preferential alkylation with the desired C12 on Ras. The designed lead peptide modulates nucleotide exchange, inhibits activation of the Ras-mediated signaling cascade, and is selectively toxic toward mutant Ras G12C cancer cells. The relatively high frequency of acquired cysteines as missense mutations in cancer and other diseases suggests that covalent peptides may offer an untapped therapeutic approach for targeting aberrant protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Y. Yoo
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, 10003, U.S.A
| | - Andrew D. Hauser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, U.S.A
| | - Stephen T. Joy
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, 10003, U.S.A
| | - Dafna Bar-Sagi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, U.S.A
| | - Paramjit S. Arora
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, 10003, U.S.A
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44
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Brayden D, Hill T, Fairlie D, Maher S, Mrsny R. Systemic delivery of peptides by the oral route: Formulation and medicinal chemistry approaches. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 157:2-36. [PMID: 32479930 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In its 33 years, ADDR has published regularly on the po5tential of oral delivery of biologics especially peptides and proteins. In the intervening period, analysis of the preclinical and clinical trial failures of many purported platform technologies has led to reflection on the true status of the field and reigning in of expectations. Oral formulations of semaglutide, octreotide, and salmon calcitonin have completed Phase III trials, with oral semaglutide being approved by the FDA in 2019. The progress made with oral peptide formulations based on traditional permeation enhancers is against a background of low and variable oral bioavailability values of ~1%, leading to a current perception that only potent peptides with a viable cost of synthesis can be realistically considered. Desirable features of candidates should include a large therapeutic index, some stability in the GI tract, a long elimination half-life, and a relatively low clearance rate. Administration in nanoparticle formats have largely disappointed, with few prototypes reaching clinical trials: insufficient particle loading, lack of controlled release, low epithelial particle uptake, and lack of scalable synthesis being the main reasons for discontinuation. Disruptive technologies based on engineered devices promise improvements, but scale-up and toxicology aspects are issues to address. In parallel, medicinal chemists are synthesizing stable hydrophobic macrocyclic candidate peptides of lower molecular weight and with potential for greater oral bioavailability than linear peptides, but perhaps without the same requirement for elaborate drug delivery systems. In summary, while there have been advances in understanding the limitations of peptides for oral delivery, low membrane permeability, metabolism, and high clearance rates continue to hamper progress.
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45
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Zhai L, Otani Y, Hori Y, Tomita T, Ohwada T. Peptide-based short single β-strand mimics without hydrogen bonding or aggregation. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:1573-1576. [PMID: 31930273 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc08378b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Generation of short peptides with a single β-strand structure in solution is difficult. Herein, we design a new class of single β-strand peptidic mimics that are stable without self-aggregation in protic and non-protic solvents. Introduction of one present β-strand mimic can induce and propagate the β-strand structure for at least a penta-peptide sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luhan Zhai
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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46
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Merritt HI, Sawyer N, Arora PS. Bent Into Shape: Folded Peptides to Mimic Protein Structure and Modulate Protein Function. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2020; 112:e24145. [PMID: 33575525 PMCID: PMC7875438 DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Protein secondary and tertiary structure mimics have served as model systems to probe biophysical parameters that guide protein folding and as attractive reagents to modulate protein interactions. Here we review contemporary methods to reproduce loop, helix, sheet and coiled-coil conformations in short peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paramjit S. Arora
- Department of Chemistry New York University, New York, New York 10003, United States
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Voshavar C. Protease Inhibitors for the Treatment of HIV/AIDS: Recent Advances and Future Challenges. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1571-1598. [PMID: 31237209 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190619115243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic disease characterized by multiple life-threatening illnesses caused by a retro-virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV infection slowly destroys the immune system and increases the risk of various other infections and diseases. Although, there is no immediate cure for HIV infection/AIDS, several drugs targeting various cruxes of HIV infection are used to slow down the progress of the disease and to boost the immune system. One of the key therapeutic strategies is Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) or ' AIDS cocktail' in a general sense, which is a customized combination of anti-retroviral drugs designed to combat the HIV infection. Since HAART's inception in 1995, this treatment was found to be effective in improving the life expectancy of HIV patients over two decades. Among various classes of HAART treatment regimen, Protease Inhibitors (PIs) are known to be widely used as a major component and found to be effective in treating HIV infection/AIDS. For the past several years, a variety of protease inhibitors have been reported. This review outlines the drug design strategies of PIs, chemical and pharmacological characteristics of some mechanism-based inhibitors, summarizes the recent developments in small molecule based drug discovery with HIV protease as a drug target. Further discussed are the pharmacology, PI drug resistance on HIV PR, adverse effects of HIV PIs and challenges/impediments in the successful application of HIV PIs as an important class of drugs in HAART regimen for the effective treatment of AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrashekhar Voshavar
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, United States
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Albert L, Vázquez O. Photoswitchable peptides for spatiotemporal control of biological functions. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:10192-10213. [PMID: 31411602 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc03346g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Light is unsurpassed in its ability to modulate biological interactions. Since their discovery, chemists have been fascinated by photosensitive molecules capable of switching between isomeric forms, known as photoswitches. Photoswitchable peptides have been recognized for many years; however, their functional implementation in biological systems has only recently been achieved. Peptides are now acknowledged as excellent protein-protein interaction modulators and have been important in the emergence of photopharmacology. In this review, we briefly explain the different classes of photoswitches and summarize structural studies when they are incorporated into peptides. Importantly, we provide a detailed overview of the rapidly increasing number of examples, where biological modulation is driven by the structural changes. Furthermore, we discuss some of the remaining challenges faced in this field. These exciting proof-of-principle studies highlight the tremendous potential of photocontrollable peptides as optochemical tools for chemical biology and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Albert
- Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, 35043, Marburg, Germany.
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Nishimiya D, Kawaguchi Y, Kodama S, Nasu H, Yano H, Yamaguchi A, Tamura M, Hashimoto R. A protein scaffold, engineered SPINK2, for generation of inhibitors with high affinity and specificity against target proteases. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11436. [PMID: 31391482 PMCID: PMC6686015 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47615-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteases are one of attractive therapeutic targets to play key roles in pharmacological action. There are many protease inhibitors in nature, and most of them structurally have cystine knot motifs. Their structures are favorable for recognition of active pockets of proteases, leading to the potent inhibition. However, they also have drawbacks, such as broad cross-reactivity, on the therapeutic application. To create therapeutic proteins derived from a disulfide-rich scaffold, we selected human serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 2 (SPINK2) through a scaffold screening, as a protein scaffold with requirements for therapeutic proteins. We then constructed a diverse library of the engineered SPINK2 by introducing random mutations into its flexible loop region with the designed method. By phage panning against four serine proteases, we isolated potent inhibitors against each target with picomolar KD and sub-nanomolar Ki values. Also, they exhibited the desired specificities against target proteases without inhibiting non-target proteases. The crystal structure of kallikrein related peptidase 4 (KLK4)-engineered SPINK2 complex revealed the interface with extensive conformational complementarity. Our study demonstrates that engineered SPINK2 can serve as a scaffold to generate therapeutic molecules against target proteins with groove structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Nishimiya
- DAIICHI SANKYO CO., LTD., Biologics Division, Modality Research Laboratories, 1-2-58, Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-8710, Japan.
| | - Yoshirou Kawaguchi
- DAIICHI SANKYO CO., LTD., Biologics Division, Modality Research Laboratories, 1-2-58, Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-8710, Japan
| | - Shiho Kodama
- DAIICHI SANKYO CO., LTD., Biologics Division, Modality Research Laboratories, 1-2-58, Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-8710, Japan
| | - Hatsumi Nasu
- DAIICHI SANKYO CO., LTD., Biologics Division, Modality Research Laboratories, 1-2-58, Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-8710, Japan
| | - Hidenori Yano
- DAIICHI SANKYO CO., LTD., Biologics Division, Modality Research Laboratories, 1-2-58, Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-8710, Japan
| | - Aya Yamaguchi
- DAIICHI SANKYO CO., LTD., Biologics Division, Modality Research Laboratories, 1-2-58, Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-8710, Japan
| | - Masakazu Tamura
- DAIICHI SANKYO CO., LTD., Biologics Division, Modality Research Laboratories, 1-2-58, Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-8710, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hashimoto
- DAIICHI SANKYO CO., LTD., Biologics Division, Modality Research Laboratories, 1-2-58, Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-8710, Japan
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Chow HY, Zhang Y, Matheson E, Li X. Ligation Technologies for the Synthesis of Cyclic Peptides. Chem Rev 2019; 119:9971-10001. [PMID: 31318534 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic peptides have been attracting a lot of attention in recent decades, especially in the area of drug discovery, as more and more naturally occurring cyclic peptides with diverse biological activities have been discovered. Chemical synthesis of cyclic peptides is essential when studying their structure-activity relationships. Conventional peptide cyclization methods via direct coupling have inherent limitations, like the susceptibility to epimerization at the C-terminus, poor solubility of fully protected peptide precursors, and low yield caused by oligomerization. In this regard, chemoselective ligation-mediated cyclization methods have emerged as effective strategies for cyclic peptide synthesis. The toolbox for cyclic peptide synthesis has been expanded substantially in the past two decades, allowing more efficient synthesis of cyclic peptides with various scaffolds and modifications. This Review will explore different chemoselective ligation technologies used for cyclic peptide synthesis that generate both native and unnatural peptide linkages. The practical issues and limitations of different methods will be discussed. The advance in cyclic peptide synthesis will benefit the biological and medicinal study of cyclic peptides, an important class of macrocycles with potentials in numerous fields, notably in therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Yee Chow
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry , The University of Hong Kong , Pokfulam Road , Hong Kong SAR , P. R. China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry , The University of Hong Kong , Pokfulam Road , Hong Kong SAR , P. R. China
| | - Eilidh Matheson
- School of Chemistry , University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh EH8 9LE , United Kingdom
| | - Xuechen Li
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry , The University of Hong Kong , Pokfulam Road , Hong Kong SAR , P. R. China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts , Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology , Qingdao 266237 , P. R. China
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