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Priyanka, Raymandal B, Mondal S. Native State Stabilization of Amyloidogenic Proteins by Kinetic Stabilizers: Inhibition of Protein Aggregation and Clinical Relevance. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202400244. [PMID: 38863235 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Proteinopathies or amyloidoses are a group of life-threatening disorders that result from misfolding of proteins and aggregation into toxic insoluble amyloid aggregates. Amyloid aggregates have low clearance from the body due to the insoluble nature, leading to their deposition in various organs and consequent organ dysfunction. While amyloid deposition in the central nervous system leads to neurodegenerative diseases that mostly cause dementia and difficulty in movement, several other organs, including heart, liver and kidney are also affected by systemic amyloidoses. Regardless of the site of amyloid deposition, misfolding and structural alteration of the precursor proteins play the central role in amyloid formation. Kinetic stabilizers are an emerging class of drugs, which act like pharmacological chaperones to stabilize the native state structure of amyloidogenic proteins and to increase the activation energy barrier that is required for adopting a misfolded structure or conformation, ultimately leading to the inhibition of protein aggregation. In this review, we discuss the kinetic stabilizers that stabilize the native quaternary structure of transthyretin, immunoglobulin light chain and superoxide dismutase 1 that cause transthyretin amyloidoses, light chain amyloidosis and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Bitta Raymandal
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Santanu Mondal
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi, 110016, India
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Tsekrekou M, Giannakou M, Papanikolopoulou K, Skretas G. Protein aggregation and therapeutic strategies in SOD1- and TDP-43- linked ALS. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1383453. [PMID: 38855322 PMCID: PMC11157337 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1383453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with severe socio-economic impact. A hallmark of ALS pathology is the presence of aberrant cytoplasmic inclusions composed of misfolded and aggregated proteins, including both wild-type and mutant forms. This review highlights the critical role of misfolded protein species in ALS pathogenesis, particularly focusing on Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), and emphasizes the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies targeting these misfolded proteins directly. Despite significant advancements in understanding ALS mechanisms, the disease remains incurable, with current treatments offering limited clinical benefits. Through a comprehensive analysis, the review focuses on the direct modulation of the misfolded proteins and presents recent discoveries in small molecules and peptides that inhibit SOD1 and TDP-43 aggregation, underscoring their potential as effective treatments to modify disease progression and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsekrekou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Giannakou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Papanikolopoulou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
- ResQ Biotech, Patras Science Park, Rio, Greece
| | - Georgios Skretas
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
- ResQ Biotech, Patras Science Park, Rio, Greece
- Institute for Bio-innovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
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3
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Hossain MA, Sarin R, Donnelly DP, Miller BC, Weiss A, McAlary L, Antonyuk SV, Salisbury JP, Amin J, Conway JB, Watson SS, Winters JN, Xu Y, Alam N, Brahme RR, Shahbazian H, Sivasankar D, Padmakumar S, Sattarova A, Ponmudiyan AC, Gawde T, Verrill DE, Yang W, Kannapadi S, Plant LD, Auclair JR, Makowski L, Petsko GA, Ringe D, Agar NYR, Greenblatt DJ, Ondrechen MJ, Chen Y, Yerbury JJ, Manetsch R, Hasnain SS, Brown RH, Agar JN. Evaluating protein cross-linking as a therapeutic strategy to stabilize SOD1 variants in a mouse model of familial ALS. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002462. [PMID: 38289969 PMCID: PMC10826971 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) cause a subset of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS) cases. A shared effect of these mutations is that SOD1, which is normally a stable dimer, dissociates into toxic monomers that seed toxic aggregates. Considerable research effort has been devoted to developing compounds that stabilize the dimer of fALS SOD1 variants, but unfortunately, this has not yet resulted in a treatment. We hypothesized that cyclic thiosulfinate cross-linkers, which selectively target a rare, 2 cysteine-containing motif, can stabilize fALS-causing SOD1 variants in vivo. We created a library of chemically diverse cyclic thiosulfinates and determined structure-cross-linking-activity relationships. A pre-lead compound, "S-XL6," was selected based upon its cross-linking rate and drug-like properties. Co-crystallographic structure clearly establishes the binding of S-XL6 at Cys 111 bridging the monomers and stabilizing the SOD1 dimer. Biophysical studies reveal that the degree of stabilization afforded by S-XL6 (up to 24°C) is unprecedented for fALS, and to our knowledge, for any protein target of any kinetic stabilizer. Gene silencing and protein degrading therapeutic approaches require careful dose titration to balance the benefit of diminished fALS SOD1 expression with the toxic loss-of-enzymatic function. We show that S-XL6 does not share this liability because it rescues the activity of fALS SOD1 variants. No pharmacological agent has been proven to bind to SOD1 in vivo. Here, using a fALS mouse model, we demonstrate oral bioavailability; rapid engagement of SOD1G93A by S-XL6 that increases SOD1G93A's in vivo half-life; and that S-XL6 crosses the blood-brain barrier. S-XL6 demonstrated a degree of selectivity by avoiding off-target binding to plasma proteins. Taken together, our results indicate that cyclic thiosulfinate-mediated SOD1 stabilization should receive further attention as a potential therapeutic approach for fALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Amin Hossain
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Richa Sarin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Biogen Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Daniel P. Donnelly
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Brandon C. Miller
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Luke McAlary
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Svetlana V. Antonyuk
- Molecular Biophysics Group, Department of Biochemistry & Systems Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph P. Salisbury
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jakal Amin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jeremy B. Conway
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Samantha S. Watson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jenifer N. Winters
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yu Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Novera Alam
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rutali R. Brahme
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Haneyeh Shahbazian
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Durgalakshmi Sivasankar
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Swathi Padmakumar
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Aziza Sattarova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Aparna C. Ponmudiyan
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tanvi Gawde
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David E. Verrill
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Wensheng Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sunanda Kannapadi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Leigh D. Plant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jared R. Auclair
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lee Makowski
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gregory A. Petsko
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Rosenstiel Center for Basic Medical Research, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Dagmar Ringe
- Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Rosenstiel Center for Basic Medical Research, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nathalie Y. R. Agar
- Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David J. Greenblatt
- School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mary Jo Ondrechen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yunqiu Chen
- Biogen Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Justin J. Yerbury
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Roman Manetsch
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - S. Samar Hasnain
- Molecular Biophysics Group, Department of Biochemistry & Systems Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Robert H. Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey N. Agar
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Elmansy MF, Reidl CT, Rahaman M, Özdinler PH, Silverman RB. Small molecules targeting different cellular pathologies for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:2260-2302. [PMID: 37243319 PMCID: PMC10592673 DOI: 10.1002/med.21974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease in which the motor neuron circuitry displays progressive degeneration, affecting mostly the motor neurons in the brain and in the spinal cord. There are no effective cures, albeit three drugs, riluzole, edaravone, and AMX0035 (a combination of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol), have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, with limited improvement in patients. There is an urgent need to build better and more effective treatment strategies for ALS. Since the disease is very heterogenous, numerous approaches have been explored, such as targeting genetic mutations, decreasing oxidative stress and excitotoxicity, enhancing mitochondrial function and protein degradation mechanisms, and inhibiting neuroinflammation. In addition, various chemical libraries or previously identified drugs have been screened for potential repurposing in the treatment of ALS. Here, we review previous drug discovery efforts targeting a variety of cellular pathologies that occur from genetic mutations that cause ALS, such as mutations in SOD1, C9orf72, FUS, and TARDP-43 genes. These mutations result in protein aggregation, which causes neuronal degeneration. Compounds used to target cellular pathologies that stem from these mutations are discussed and comparisons among different preclinical models are presented. Because the drug discovery landscape for ALS and other motor neuron diseases is changing rapidly, we also offer recommendations for a novel, more effective, direction in ALS drug discovery that could accelerate translation of effective compounds from animals to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed F. Elmansy
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Department of Organometallic and Organometalloid Chemistry, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Cory T. Reidl
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Mizzanoor Rahaman
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - P. Hande Özdinler
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Richard B. Silverman
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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5
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Rahman A, Saikia B, Baruah A. In silico analysis of SOD1 aggregation inhibition modes of tertiary amine pyrazolone and pyrano coumarin ferulate as ALS drug candidates. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:26833-26846. [PMID: 37782142 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp03978a] [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: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease, the familial form (fALS) of which is often cognate to mutations in the antioxidant enzyme Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) leading to misfolding and aggregation. Two small molecules, a tertiary amine pyrazolone (TAP) and a pyrano coumarin ferulate (PCF) were suggested to be ALS drug candidates following experimental observation of their ability to inhibit SOD1 protein misfolding and aggregation. The present work aims at computational investigation of these experimentally proposed drug candidates to gain insight into their mechanism of SOD1 misfolding and aggregation inhibition. On the basis of molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, MM-PBSA and per-residue energy decomposition analysis, we examined the specific interactions of TAP and PCF with three probable binding sites of SOD1, namely, dimeric interface cavity, W32 and, UMP binding sites. Results suggest that the binding of TAP at W32 and at UMP sites are least probable due to absence of any favorable interaction. The binding of TAP to dimeric cavity is also unstable due to strong unfavorable interactions. In case of PCF, binding at the UMP site is least probable while binding at dimeric cavity is accompanied by unfavorable interactions. PCF, however, exhibits stable binding with the W32 binding site of SOD1 by stabilizing the solvent accessible hydrophobic residues, which otherwise would have acted as contact points for aggregation. Thus the results imply that compound PCF functions as an inhibitior of SOD1 misfolding/aggregation through direct interaction with the protein SOD1 at the W32 binding site. However, TAP is likely to act as an inhibitor through a different mechanism rather than direct interaction with the protein SOD1. These results apart from reinforcing previous experimental findings, shed light on the probable mechanism of action of the proposed drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziza Rahman
- Department of Chemistry, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786004, India.
| | - Bondeepa Saikia
- Department of Chemistry, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786004, India.
| | - Anupaul Baruah
- Department of Chemistry, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786004, India.
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Gomes ARQ, Cruz JN, Castro ALG, Cordovil Brigido HP, Varela ELP, Vale VV, Carneiro LA, Ferreira GG, Percario S, Dolabela MF. Participation of Oxidative Stress in the Activity of Compounds Isolated from Eleutherine plicata Herb. Molecules 2023; 28:5557. [PMID: 37513429 PMCID: PMC10385196 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
From Eleutherine plicata, naphthoquinones, isoeleutherine, and eleutherol were isolated, and previous studies have reported the antioxidant activity of these metabolites. The present work evaluated the role of oxidative changes in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei and treated with E. plicata extract, fraction, and isolated compounds, as well as to verify possible oxidative changes induced by these treatments. E. plicata extracts were prepared from powder from the bulbs, which were submitted to maceration with ethanol, yielding the extract (EEEp), which was fractionated under reflux, and the dichloromethane fraction (FDMEp) was submitted for further fractionation, leading to the isolation of isoeleutherine, eleutherine, and eleutherol. The antimalarial activity was examined using the suppressive test, evaluating the following parameters of oxidative stress: trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, the molecular docking of naphthoquinones, eleutherol, eleutherine, and isoeleutherine interactions with antioxidant defense enzymes was investigated, which was favorable for the formation of the receptor-ligand complex, according to the re-rank score values. Eleutherine and isoeleutherine are the ones with the lowest binding energy for catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx1), showing themselves as possible targets of these molecules in the involvement of redox balance. Data from the present study showed that treatments with E. plicata stimulated an increase in antioxidant capacity and a reduction in oxidative stress in mice infected with P. berghei, with naphthoquinones being responsible for reducing oxidative changes and disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antônio Rafael Quadros Gomes
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Innovation, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belem 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Oxidative Stress Research Lab, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belem 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Jorddy Neves Cruz
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belem 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Ana Laura Gadelha Castro
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Innovation, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belem 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Heliton Patrick Cordovil Brigido
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Innovation, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belem 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Everton Luiz Pompeu Varela
- Oxidative Stress Research Lab, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belem 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology of the BIONORTE Network, Federal University of Para, Belem 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Valdicley Vieira Vale
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Innovation, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belem 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | | | - Gleison Gonçalves Ferreira
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belem 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Sandro Percario
- Oxidative Stress Research Lab, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belem 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology of the BIONORTE Network, Federal University of Para, Belem 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Maria Fâni Dolabela
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Innovation, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belem 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belem 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology of the BIONORTE Network, Federal University of Para, Belem 66075-110, PA, Brazil
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Biological aspects of nitrogen heterocycles for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 107:43-56. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12317-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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McAlary L, Chew YL, Lum JS, Geraghty NJ, Yerbury JJ, Cashman NR. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Proteins, Proteostasis, Prions, and Promises. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:581907. [PMID: 33328890 PMCID: PMC7671971 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.581907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of the motor neurons that innervate muscle, resulting in gradual paralysis and culminating in the inability to breathe or swallow. This neuronal degeneration occurs in a spatiotemporal manner from a point of onset in the central nervous system (CNS), suggesting that there is a molecule that spreads from cell-to-cell. There is strong evidence that the onset and progression of ALS pathology is a consequence of protein misfolding and aggregation. In line with this, a hallmark pathology of ALS is protein deposition and inclusion formation within motor neurons and surrounding glia of the proteins TAR DNA-binding protein 43, superoxide dismutase-1, or fused in sarcoma. Collectively, the observed protein aggregation, in conjunction with the spatiotemporal spread of symptoms, strongly suggests a prion-like propagation of protein aggregation occurs in ALS. In this review, we discuss the role of protein aggregation in ALS concerning protein homeostasis (proteostasis) mechanisms and prion-like propagation. Furthermore, we examine the experimental models used to investigate these processes, including in vitro assays, cultured cells, invertebrate models, and murine models. Finally, we evaluate the therapeutics that may best prevent the onset or spread of pathology in ALS and discuss what lies on the horizon for treating this currently incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke McAlary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Yee Lian Chew
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeremy Stephen Lum
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas John Geraghty
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin John Yerbury
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Neil R. Cashman
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Balan DJ, Rajavel T, Das M, Sathya S, Jeyakumar M, Devi KP. Thymol induces mitochondrial pathway-mediated apoptosis via ROS generation, macromolecular damage and SOD diminution in A549 cells. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 73:240-254. [PMID: 33095436 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00171-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymol is a monoterpene phenol found in thyme species plants. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of thymol and its molecular mechanism on non-small lung cancer (A549) cells. METHODS The cytotoxic effect of thymol on A549 cells was assessed via MTT assay. ROS production, macromolecular damage, apoptosis were determined using DCF-DA, PI, AO/EtBr stains, respectively. ROS-dependent effect of thymol was confirmed using NAC. The expression of caspase-9, Bcl-2, Bax and cell cycle profile was analyzed via western blot and FACS, respectively. RESULTS The antiproliferative effect of thymol on A549 cells was found to be both dose and time dependent with IC50 values of 112 μg/ml (745 μM) at 24 h. Thymol treatment favored apoptotic cell death and caused G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. It mediated cellular and nuclear morphological changes, phosphatidylserine translocation, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Additionally, upregulation of Bax, downregulation of Bcl-2, and apoptotic fragmented DNA were also observed. Thymol induced ROS by reducing the SOD level which was confirmed via in vitro and in silico analysis. Furthermore, the levels of lipid peroxides and protein carbonyl content were elevated in thymol-treated groups. Notably, N-acetyl cysteine pretreatment reversed the efficacy of thymol on A549 cells. Moreover, thymol-treated human PBMC cells did not show any significant cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION Overall, our results confirmed that thymol can act as a safe and potent therapeutic agent to treat NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devasahayam Jaya Balan
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University [Science Campus], Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India
| | - Tamilselvam Rajavel
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University [Science Campus], Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mamali Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University [Science Campus], Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India
| | - Sethuraman Sathya
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University [Science Campus], Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India
| | - Mahalingam Jeyakumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University [Science Campus], Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India
| | - Kasi Pandima Devi
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University [Science Campus], Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India.
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10
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Musteikyte G, Ziaunys M, Smirnovas V. Methylene blue inhibits nucleation and elongation of SOD1 amyloid fibrils. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9719. [PMID: 32864220 PMCID: PMC7430317 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation into highly-structured amyloid fibrils is linked to several neurodegenerative diseases. Such fibril formation by superoxide dismutase I (SOD1) is considered to be related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a late-onset and fatal disorder. Despite much effort and the discovery of numerous anti-amyloid compounds, no effective cure or treatment is currently available. Methylene blue (MB), a phenothiazine dye, has been shown to modulate the aggregation of multiple amyloidogenic proteins. In this work we show its ability to inhibit both the spontaneous amyloid aggregation of SOD1 as well as elongation of preformed fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Musteikyte
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mantas Ziaunys
- Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vytautas Smirnovas
- Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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11
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Yadav K, Yadav A, Vashistha P, Pandey VP, Dwivedi UN. Protein Misfolding Diseases and Therapeutic Approaches. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2020; 20:1226-1245. [PMID: 31187709 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190610092840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Protein folding is the process by which a polypeptide chain acquires its functional, native 3D structure. Protein misfolding, on the other hand, is a process in which protein fails to fold into its native functional conformation. This misfolding of proteins may lead to precipitation of a number of serious diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) etc. Protein Quality-control (PQC) systems, consisting of molecular chaperones, proteases and regulatory factors, help in protein folding and prevent its aggregation. At the same time, PQC systems also do sorting and removal of improperly folded polypeptides. Among the major types of PQC systems involved in protein homeostasis are cytosolic, Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and mitochondrial ones. The cytosol PQC system includes a large number of component chaperones, such as Nascent-polypeptide-associated Complex (NAC), Hsp40, Hsp70, prefoldin and T Complex Protein-1 (TCP-1) Ring Complex (TRiC). Protein misfolding diseases caused due to defective cytosolic PQC system include diseases involving keratin/collagen proteins, cardiomyopathies, phenylketonuria, PD and ALS. The components of PQC system of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) include Binding immunoglobulin Protein (BiP), Calnexin (CNX), Calreticulin (CRT), Glucose-regulated Protein GRP94, the thiol-disulphide oxidoreductases, Protein Disulphide Isomerase (PDI) and ERp57. ER-linked misfolding diseases include CF and Familial Neurohypophyseal Diabetes Insipidus (FNDI). The components of mitochondrial PQC system include mitochondrial chaperones such as the Hsp70, the Hsp60/Hsp10 and a set of proteases having AAA+ domains similar to the proteasome that are situated in the matrix or the inner membrane. Protein misfolding diseases caused due to defective mitochondrial PQC system include medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD)/Short-chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase (SCAD) deficiency diseases, hereditary spastic paraplegia. Among therapeutic approaches towards the treatment of various protein misfolding diseases, chaperones have been suggested as potential therapeutic molecules for target based treatment. Chaperones have been advantageous because of their efficient entry and distribution inside the cells, including specific cellular compartments, in therapeutic concentrations. Based on the chemical nature of the chaperones used for therapeutic purposes, molecular, chemical and pharmacological classes of chaperones have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kusum Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, U.P, India
| | - Anurag Yadav
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Sardar Krushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Banaskantha, Gujarat, India
| | | | - Veda P Pandey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, U.P, India
| | - Upendra N Dwivedi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, U.P, India.,Institute for Development of Advanced Computing, ONGC Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, U.P., India
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12
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Chao WC, Lu JF, Wang JS, Chiang TH, Lin LJ, Lee YL, Chou PT. Unveiling the structural features of nonnative trimers of human superoxide dismutase 1. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2019; 1864:129483. [PMID: 31734464 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.129483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human SOD1 contains a single tryptophan residue (W32) which has been identified as a site of oxidative modification and a potentiator of aggregation involving in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS). In situ substitution of a tryptophan analog, 2,6-diazatryptophan ((2,6-aza)Trp) with its unique water-catalyzed proton transfer property, into proteins exhibits extraordinary sensitivity in the detection of subtle water-associated structural changes with only a few micro-molar concentration of samples. METHODS A combination of size-exclusion chromatography and water-catalyzed fluorescent emission was utilized to probe the structural features of metastable SOD1 nonnative trimers, the potential neurotoxic species in the fALS. RESULTS The monomer of apo-A4V SOD1 exhibits variable conformations and the fastest trimeric formation rate compared to that of wild type and I113T. The trimeric A4V SOD1 exhibits the least water molecules surrounding the W32, while I113T and the wild type appear to have more water molecules in the proximity of W32. A small molecule stabilizer, 5-fluorouridine, effects the structural conformation of SOD1 nonnative trimers. CONCLUSIONS Our studies unveil new insights into water-associated structural changes of SOD1 nonnative trimers and demonstrate that in situ incorporation of (2,6-aza)Trp is a sensitive and powerful tool for probing subtle changes of water environments during protein aggregation. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The water-sensitive probe, (2,6-aza)Trp, demonstrates superior sensitivity for detecting modulation of water microsolvation, structural conformation during oligomer formation and 5FUrd binding to both wild type and mutant SOD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chih Chao
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Emerging Material and Advanced Devices, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Feng Lu
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jinn-Shyan Wang
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Tzu-Hsuan Chiang
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Emerging Material and Advanced Devices, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ju Lin
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Emerging Material and Advanced Devices, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Lin Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Emerging Material and Advanced Devices, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Tai Chou
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Emerging Material and Advanced Devices, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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13
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The role of hydration effects in 5-fluorouridine binding to SOD1: insight from a new 3D-RISM-KH based protocol for including structural water in docking simulations. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2019; 33:913-926. [PMID: 31686367 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-019-00239-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Misfolded Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD1) shows prion-like propagation in neuronal cells leading to neurotoxic aggregates that are implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Tryptophan-32 (W32) in SOD1 is part of a potential site for templated conversion of wild type SOD1. This W32 binding site is located on a convex, solvent exposed surface of the SOD1 suggesting that hydration effects can play an important role in ligand recognition and binding. A recent X-ray crystal structure has revealed that 5-Fluorouridine (5-FUrd) binds at the W32 binding site and can act as a pharmacophore scaffold for the development of anti-ALS drugs. In this study, a new protocol is developed to account for structural (non-displaceable) water molecules in docking simulations and successfully applied to predict the correct docked conformation binding modes of 5-FUrd at the W32 binding site. The docked configuration is within 0.58 Å (RMSD) of the observed configuration. The docking protocol involved calculating a hydration structure around SOD1 using molecular theory of solvation (3D-RISM-KH, 3D-Reference Interaction Site Model-Kovalenko-Hirata) whereby, non-displaceable water molecules are identified for docking simulations. This protocol was also used to analyze the hydrated structure of the W32 binding site and to explain the role of solvation in ligand recognition and binding to SOD1. Structural water molecules mediate hydrogen bonds between 5-FUrd and the receptor, and create an environment favoring optimal placement of 5-FUrd in the W32 binding site.
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14
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Malik R, Meng H, Wongkongkathep P, Corrales CI, Sepanj N, Atlasi RS, Klärner FG, Schrader T, Spencer MJ, Loo JA, Wiedau M, Bitan G. The molecular tweezer CLR01 inhibits aberrant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) self-assembly in vitro and in the G93A-SOD1 mouse model of ALS. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:3501-3513. [PMID: 30602569 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) cause 15-20% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS) cases. The resulting amino acid substitutions destabilize SOD1's protein structure, leading to its self-assembly into neurotoxic oligomers and aggregates, a process hypothesized to cause the characteristic motor-neuron degeneration in affected individuals. Currently, effective disease-modifying therapy is not available for ALS. Molecular tweezers prevent formation of toxic protein assemblies, yet their protective action has not been tested previously on SOD1 or in the context of ALS. Here, we tested the molecular tweezer CLR01-a broad-spectrum inhibitor of the self-assembly and toxicity of amyloid proteins-as a potential therapeutic agent for ALS. Using recombinant WT and mutant SOD1, we found that CLR01 inhibited the aggregation of all tested SOD1 forms in vitro Next, we examined whether CLR01 could prevent the formation of misfolded SOD1 in the G93A-SOD1 mouse model of ALS and whether such inhibition would have a beneficial therapeutic effect. CLR01 treatment decreased misfolded SOD1 in the spinal cord significantly. However, these histological findings did not correlate with improvement of the disease phenotype. A small, dose-dependent decrease in disease duration was found in CLR01-treated mice, relative to vehicle-treated animals, yet motor function did not improve in any of the treatment groups. These results demonstrate that CLR01 can inhibit SOD1 misfolding and aggregation both in vitro and in vivo, but raise the question whether such inhibition is sufficient for achieving a therapeutic effect. Additional studies in other less aggressive ALS models may be needed to determine the therapeutic potential of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Malik
- From the Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, and
| | - Helen Meng
- From the Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, and
| | | | | | - Niki Sepanj
- From the Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, and
| | - Ryan S Atlasi
- From the Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, and
| | | | - Thomas Schrader
- the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
| | - Melissa J Spencer
- From the Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, and.,Brain Research Institute, and
| | - Joseph A Loo
- Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and.,Biological Chemistry.,Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095 and
| | - Martina Wiedau
- From the Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, and .,Brain Research Institute, and
| | - Gal Bitan
- From the Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, and .,Brain Research Institute, and.,Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095 and
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15
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Tryptophan 32 mediates SOD1 toxicity in a in vivo motor neuron model of ALS and is a promising target for small molecule therapeutics. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 124:297-310. [PMID: 30528257 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
SOD1 misfolding, toxic gain of function, and spread are proposed as a pathological basis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the nature of SOD1 toxicity has been difficult to elucidate. Uniquely in SOD1 proteins from humans and other primates, and rarely in other species, a tryptophan residue at position 32 (W32) is predicted to be solvent exposed and to participate in SOD1 misfolding. We hypothesized that W32 is influential in SOD1 acquiring toxicity, as it is known to be important in template-directed misfolding. We tested if W32 contributes to SOD1 cytotoxicity and if it is an appropriate drug target to ameliorate ALS-like neuromuscular deficits in a zebrafish model of motor neuron axon morphology and function (swimming). Embryos injected with human SOD1 variant with W32 substituted for a serine (SOD1W32S) had reduced motor neuron axonopathy and motor deficits compared to those injected with wildtype or disease-associated SOD1. A library of FDA-approved small molecules was ranked with virtual screening based on predicted binding to W32, and subsequently filtered for analogues using a pharmacophore model based on molecular features of the uracil moiety of a small molecule previously predicted to interact with W32 (5'-fluorouridine or 5'-FUrd). Along with testing 5'-FUrd and uridine, a lead candidate from this list was selected based on its lower toxicity and improved blood brain barrier penetrance; telbivudine significantly rescued SOD1 toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanisms whereby the small molecules ameliorated motor neuron phenotypes were specifically mediated through human SOD1 and its residue W32, because these therapeutics had no measurable impact on the effects of UBQLN4D90A, EtOH, or tryptophan-deficient human SOD1W32S. By substituting W32 for a more evolutionarily conserved residue (serine), we confirmed the significant influence of W32 on human SOD1 toxicity to motor neuron morphology and function; further, we performed pharmaceutical targeting of the W32 residue for rescuing SOD1 toxicity. This unique residue offers future novel insights into SOD1 stability and toxic gain of function, and therefore poses an potential target for drug therapy.
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16
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McGown A, Stopford MJ. High-throughput drug screens for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:1015-1025. [PMID: 30317895 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1533953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapid adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons. Current treatment options are limited for ALS, with very modest effects on survival. Therefore, there is a unmet need for novel therapeutics to treat ALS. Areas covered: This review highlights the many diverse high-throughput screening platforms that have been implemented in ALS drug discovery. The authors discuss cell free assays including in silico and protein interaction models. The review also covers classical in vitro cell studies and new cell technologies, such as patient derived cell lines. Finally, the review looks at novel in vivo models and their use in high-throughput ALS drug discovery Expert opinion: Greater use of patient-derived in vitro cell models and development of better animal models of ALS will improve translation of lead compounds into clinic. Furthermore, AI technology is being developed to digest and interpret obtained data and to make 'hidden knowledge' usable to researchers. As a result, AI will improve target selection for high-throughput drug screening (HTDS) and aid lead compound optimisation. Furthermore, with greater genetic characterisation of ALS patients recruited to clinical trials, AI may help identify responsive genetic subtypes of patients from clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander McGown
- a Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) , University of Sheffield , Sheffield , United Kingdom
| | - Matthew John Stopford
- a Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) , University of Sheffield , Sheffield , United Kingdom
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17
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Pokrishevsky E, McAlary L, Farrawell NE, Zhao B, Sher M, Yerbury JJ, Cashman NR. Tryptophan 32-mediated SOD1 aggregation is attenuated by pyrimidine-like compounds in living cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15590. [PMID: 30349065 PMCID: PMC6197196 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32835-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 160 mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS), where the main pathological feature is deposition of SOD1 into proteinaceous cytoplasmic inclusions. We previously showed that the tryptophan residue at position 32 (W32) mediates the prion-like propagation of SOD1 misfolding in cells, and that a W32S substitution blocks this phenomenon. Here, we used in vitro protein assays to demonstrate that a W32S substitution in SOD1-fALS mutants significantly diminishes their propensity to aggregate whilst paradoxically decreasing protein stability. We also show SOD1-W32S to be resistant to seeded aggregation, despite its high abundance of unfolded protein. A cell-based aggregation assay demonstrates that W32S substitution significantly mitigates inclusion formation. Furthermore, this assay reveals that W32 in SOD1 is necessary for the formation of a competent seed for aggregation under these experimental conditions. Following the observed importance of W32 for aggregation, we established that treatment of living cells with the W32-interacting 5-Fluorouridine (5-FUrd), and its FDA approved analogue 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), substantially attenuate inclusion formation similarly to W32S substitution. Altogether, we highlight W32 as a significant contributor to SOD1 aggregation, and propose that 5-FUrd and 5-FU present promising lead drug candidates for the treatment of SOD1-associated ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Pokrishevsky
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Luke McAlary
- Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Natalie E Farrawell
- Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Beibei Zhao
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Mine Sher
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Justin J Yerbury
- Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia. .,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
| | - Neil R Cashman
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
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18
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Makhouri FR, Ghasemi JB. In Silico Studies in Drug Research Against Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:664-725. [PMID: 28831921 PMCID: PMC6080098 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170823095628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease (PD), spinal cerebellar ataxias, and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy are described by slow and selective degeneration of neurons and axons in the central nervous system (CNS) and constitute one of the major challenges of modern medicine. Computer-aided or in silico drug design methods have matured into powerful tools for reducing the number of ligands that should be screened in experimental assays. Methods In the present review, the authors provide a basic background about neurodegenerative diseases and in silico techniques in the drug research. Furthermore, they review the various in silico studies reported against various targets in neurodegenerative diseases, including homology modeling, molecular docking, virtual high-throughput screening, quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR), hologram quantitative structure activity relationship (HQSAR), 3D pharmacophore mapping, proteochemometrics modeling (PCM), fingerprints, fragment-based drug discovery, Monte Carlo simulation, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, quantum-mechanical methods for drug design, support vector machines, and machine learning approaches. Results Detailed analysis of the recently reported case studies revealed that the majority of them use a sequential combination of ligand and structure-based virtual screening techniques, with particular focus on pharmacophore models and the docking approach. Conclusion Neurodegenerative diseases have a multifactorial pathoetiological origin, so scientists have become persuaded that a multi-target therapeutic strategy aimed at the simultaneous targeting of multiple proteins (and therefore etiologies) involved in the development of a disease is recommended in future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jahan B Ghasemi
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Ip P, Sharda PR, Cunningham A, Chakrabartty S, Pande V, Chakrabartty A. Quercitrin and quercetin 3-β-d-glucoside as chemical chaperones for the A4V SOD1 ALS-causing mutant. Protein Eng Des Sel 2017; 30:431-440. [PMID: 28475686 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzx025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In many cases of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), mutant forms of the Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase protein (SOD1) misfold and aggregate in motor neurons. Monomers of the normally homodimeric SOD1 have been found in patient tissue, presymptomatic mouse models of ALS, and in vitro misfolding assays which suggests that monomerization might be an early step in the pathological SOD1 misfolding pathway. In this study, we targeted the dimer interface with small molecules that might act as chemical chaperones to stabilize the native dimer and prevent downstream misfolding and aggregation. We performed a computational screen with a library of ~4400 drugs and natural compounds that were docked to two pockets around the SOD1 dimer interface. Of the resultant hits, seven were tested for misfolding and aggregation inhibition activity with A4V mutant SOD1. Quercitrin, quercetin-3-β-d-glucoside (Q3BDG), and, to a markedly lesser extent, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) were found to combat misfolding and aggregation induced by hydrogen peroxide, a physiologically relevant stress, as assessed by a gel-based assay and 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-suflonic acid (ANS) fluorescence. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and a colourimetric assay determined that these molecules directly bind A4V SOD1. Based on these findings, we speculate that quercitrin and Q3BDG may be potential therapeutic inhibitors of misfolding and aggregation in SOD1-associated ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philbert Ip
- Campbell Family Institute for Cancer Research, Ontario Cancer Institute/University Health Network, Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, TMDT 4-305, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaM5G 1L7
| | - Priya Roy Sharda
- Campbell Family Institute for Cancer Research, Ontario Cancer Institute/University Health Network, Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, TMDT 4-305, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaM5G 1L7
| | - Anna Cunningham
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305-5174, USA
| | - Sumon Chakrabartty
- Campbell Family Institute for Cancer Research, Ontario Cancer Institute/University Health Network, Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, TMDT 4-307, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaM5G 1L7
| | - Vijay Pande
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, CA94305, USA
| | - Avijit Chakrabartty
- Campbell Family Institute for Cancer Research, Ontario Cancer Institute/University Health Network, Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, TMDT 4-307, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaM5G 1L7
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20
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Andrei SA, Sijbesma E, Hann M, Davis J, O’Mahony G, Perry MWD, Karawajczyk A, Eickhoff J, Brunsveld L, Doveston RG, Milroy LG, Ottmann C. Stabilization of protein-protein interactions in drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2017; 12:925-940. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2017.1346608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian A. Andrei
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Eline Sijbesma
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Hann
- Platform Technology and Science, Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Stevenage, UK
| | - Jeremy Davis
- Department of Chemistry, UCB Celltech, Slough, UK
| | - Gavin O’Mahony
- CVMD Medicinal Chemistry, Innovative Medicines and Early Development, AstraZeneca Gothenburg, Pepparedsleden, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Matthew W. D. Perry
- RIA Medicinal Chemistry, Innovative Medicines and Early Development, AstraZeneca Gothenburg, Pepparedsleden, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Anna Karawajczyk
- Medicinal Chemistry, Taros Chemicals GmbH & Co. KG, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jan Eickhoff
- Assay development & screening, Lead Discovery Center GmbH, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Luc Brunsveld
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Richard G. Doveston
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lech-Gustav Milroy
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Ottmann
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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21
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Kumar V, Sami N, Kashav T, Islam A, Ahmad F, Hassan MI. Protein aggregation and neurodegenerative diseases: From theory to therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 124:1105-1120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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22
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Anzai I, Toichi K, Tokuda E, Mukaiyama A, Akiyama S, Furukawa Y. Screening of Drugs Inhibiting In vitro Oligomerization of Cu/Zn-Superoxide Dismutase with a Mutation Causing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Mol Biosci 2016; 3:40. [PMID: 27556028 PMCID: PMC4977284 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2016.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dominant mutations in Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene have been shown to cause a familial form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SOD1-ALS). A major pathological hallmark of this disease is abnormal accumulation of mutant SOD1 oligomers in the affected spinal motor neurons. While no effective therapeutics for SOD1-ALS is currently available, SOD1 oligomerization will be a good target for developing cures of this disease. Recently, we have reproduced the formation of SOD1 oligomers abnormally cross-linked via disulfide bonds in a test tube. Using our in vitro model of SOD1 oligomerization, therefore, we screened 640 FDA-approved drugs for inhibiting the oligomerization of SOD1 proteins, and three effective classes of chemical compounds were identified. Those hit compounds will provide valuable information on the chemical structures for developing a novel drug candidate suppressing the abnormal oligomerization of mutant SOD1 and possibly curing the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itsuki Anzai
- Laboratory for Mechanistic Chemistry of Biomolecules, Department of Chemistry, Keio University Yokohama, Japan
| | - Keisuke Toichi
- Laboratory for Mechanistic Chemistry of Biomolecules, Department of Chemistry, Keio University Yokohama, Japan
| | - Eiichi Tokuda
- Laboratory for Mechanistic Chemistry of Biomolecules, Department of Chemistry, Keio University Yokohama, Japan
| | - Atsushi Mukaiyama
- Research Center of Integrative Molecular Systems, Institute for Molecular ScienceOkazaki, Japan; Department of Functional Molecular Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies)Okazaki, Japan
| | - Shuji Akiyama
- Research Center of Integrative Molecular Systems, Institute for Molecular ScienceOkazaki, Japan; Department of Functional Molecular Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies)Okazaki, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Furukawa
- Laboratory for Mechanistic Chemistry of Biomolecules, Department of Chemistry, Keio University Yokohama, Japan
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Nedumpully-Govindan P, Kakinen A, Pilkington EH, Davis TP, Chun Ke P, Ding F. Stabilizing Off-pathway Oligomers by Polyphenol Nanoassemblies for IAPP Aggregation Inhibition. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19463. [PMID: 26763863 PMCID: PMC4725907 DOI: 10.1038/srep19463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Experimental studies have shown that many naturally occurring polyphenols have inhibitory effect on the aggregation of several proteins. Here, we use discrete molecular dynamics (DMD) simulations and high-throughput dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments to study the anti-aggregation effects of two polyphenols, curcumin and resveratrol, on the aggregation of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP or amylin). Our DMD simulations suggest that the aggregation inhibition is caused by stabilization of small molecular weight IAPP off-pathway oligomers by the polyphenols. Our analysis indicates that IAPP-polyphenol hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking combined with hydrophobic interactions are responsible for the stabilization of oligomers. The presence of small oligomers is confirmed with DLS measurements in which nanometer-sized oligomers are found to be stable for up to 7.5 hours, the time frame within which IAPP aggregates in the absence of polyphenols. Our study offers a general anti-aggregation mechanism for polyphenols, and further provides a computational framework for the future design of anti-amyloid aggregation therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aleksandr Kakinen
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Emily H Pilkington
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Thomas P Davis
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Pu Chun Ke
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Feng Ding
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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24
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SESSION 1 JOINT OPENING SESSION. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2014; 15 Suppl 1:1-56. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2014.960172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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25
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Limpert AS, Mattmann ME, Cosford NDP. Recent progress in the discovery of small molecules for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Beilstein J Org Chem 2013; 9:717-32. [PMID: 23766784 PMCID: PMC3678841 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.9.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with few therapeutic options. While several gene mutations have been implicated in ALS, the exact cause of neuronal dysfunction is unknown and motor neurons of affected individuals display numerous cellular abnormalities. Ongoing efforts to develop novel ALS treatments involve the identification of small molecules targeting specific mechanisms of neuronal pathology, including glutamate excitotoxicity, mutant protein aggregation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, loss of trophic factors, oxidative stress, or neuroinflammation. Herein, we review recent advances in the discovery and preclinical characterization of lead compounds that may ultimately provide novel drugs to treat patients suffering from ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison S Limpert
- Apoptosis and Cell Death Research Program, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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26
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Wright GS, Antonyuk SV, Kershaw NM, Strange RW, Samar Hasnain S. Ligand binding and aggregation of pathogenic SOD1. Nat Commun 2013; 4:1758. [PMID: 23612299 PMCID: PMC3644087 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase-1 cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Superoxide dismutase-1 mutations decrease protein stability and promote aggregation. The mutant monomer is thought to be an intermediate in the pathway from the superoxide dismutase-1 dimer to aggregate. Here we find that the monomeric copper-apo, zinc-holo protein is structurally perturbed and the apo-protein aggregates without reattainment of the monomer-dimer equilibrium. Intervention to stabilize the superoxide dismutase-1 dimer and inhibit aggregation is regarded as a potential therapeutic strategy. We describe protein-ligand interactions for two compounds, Isoproterenol and 5-fluorouridine, highlighted as superoxide dismutase-1 stabilizers. We find both compounds interact with superoxide dismutase-1 at a key region identified at the core of the superoxide dismutase-1 fibrillar aggregates, β-barrel loop II-strand 3, rather than the proposed dimer interface site. This illustrates the need for direct structural observations when developing compounds for protein-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth S.A. Wright
- Molecular Biophysics Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Svetlana V. Antonyuk
- Molecular Biophysics Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Neil M. Kershaw
- Molecular Biophysics Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Richard W. Strange
- Molecular Biophysics Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - S Samar Hasnain
- Molecular Biophysics Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
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27
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Gavrin LK, Denny RA, Saiah E. Small Molecules That Target Protein Misfolding. J Med Chem 2012; 55:10823-43. [DOI: 10.1021/jm301182j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lori Krim Gavrin
- BioTherapeutics
Chemistry, Pfizer Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, 200 CambridgePark Drive, Cambridge,
Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Rajiah Aldrin Denny
- BioTherapeutics
Chemistry, Pfizer Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, 200 CambridgePark Drive, Cambridge,
Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Eddine Saiah
- BioTherapeutics
Chemistry, Pfizer Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, 200 CambridgePark Drive, Cambridge,
Massachusetts 02140, United States
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28
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Johnson SM, Connelly S, Fearns C, Powers ET, Kelly JW. The transthyretin amyloidoses: from delineating the molecular mechanism of aggregation linked to pathology to a regulatory-agency-approved drug. J Mol Biol 2012; 421:185-203. [PMID: 22244854 PMCID: PMC3350832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2011.12.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) is one of the many proteins that are known to misfold and aggregate (i.e., undergo amyloidogenesis) in vivo. The process of TTR amyloidogenesis causes nervous system and/or heart pathology. While several of these maladies are associated with mutations that destabilize the native TTR quaternary and/or tertiary structure, wild-type TTR amyloidogenesis also leads to the degeneration of postmitotic tissue. Over the past 20 years, much has been learned about the factors that influence the propensity of TTR to aggregate. This biophysical information led to the development of a therapeutic strategy, termed "kinetic stabilization," to prevent TTR amyloidogenesis. This strategy afforded the drug tafamidis which was recently approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of TTR familial amyloid polyneuropathy, the most common familial TTR amyloid disease. Tafamidis is the first and currently the only medication approved to treat TTR familial amyloid polyneuropathy. Here we review the biophysical basis for the kinetic stabilization strategy and the structure-based drug design effort that led to this first-in-class pharmacologic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M. Johnson
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Stephen Connelly
- Department of Molecular Biology, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Colleen Fearns
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Evan T. Powers
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Jeffery W. Kelly
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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29
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Ulloa-Aguirre A, Michael Conn P. Pharmacoperones: a new therapeutic approach for diseases caused by misfolded G protein-coupled receptors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 5:13-24. [PMID: 22074574 DOI: 10.2174/187221411794351851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 11/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
G Protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell membrane proteins that recognize specific chemical signals such as drugs and hormones and transduce these signals into cellular responses by activating G-proteins. As is the case for all newly synthesized proteins, GPCRs are subjected to conformational scrutiny at the endoplasmic reticulum prior to processing and trafficking to the cell surface membrane. Because of this stringent quality control screening mechanism, mutations that result in protein misfolding frequently lead to retention in the endoplasmic reticulum, aggregation or other misrouting and, eventually, to disease. This article reviews some patents and new therapeutic opportunities based on the misfolding and retention of otherwise functional GPCRs that represent promising approaches to correct conformational abnormalities leading to distinct disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Ulloa-Aguirre
- Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, Hospital de Ginecobstetricia Luis Castelazo Ayala, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Av. Rio Magdalena 289, 60. piso, Col. Tizapan San Angel, C.P. 01090, Mexico D.F., Mexico.
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30
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Liu T, Bitan G. Modulating self-assembly of amyloidogenic proteins as a therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases: strategies and mechanisms. ChemMedChem 2012; 7:359-74. [PMID: 22323134 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201100585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal protein assembly causes multiple devastating disorders in the central nervous system (CNS), such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and prion diseases. Due to the now extended human lifespan, these diseases have been increasing in prevalence, resulting in major public health problems and the associated financial difficulties worldwide. The wayward proteins that lead to disease self-associate into neurotoxic oligomers and go on to form fibrillar polymers through multiple pathways. Thus, a range of possible targets for pharmacotherapeutic intervention exists along these pathways. Many compounds have shown different levels of effectiveness in inhibiting aberrant self-assembly, dissociating existing aggregates, protecting cells against neurotoxic insults, and in some cases ameliorating disease symptoms in vivo, yet achieving efficient, disease-modifying therapy in humans remains a major unattained goal. To a large degree, this is because the mechanisms of action for these drugs are essentially unknown. For successful design of new effective drugs, it is crucial to elucidate the mechanistic details of their action, including the actual target(s) along the protein aggregation pathways, how the compounds modulate these pathways, and their effect at the cellular, tissue, organ, and organism level. Here, the current knowledge of major mechanisms by which some of the more extensively explored drug candidates work are discussed. In particular, we focus on three prominent strategies: 1) stabilizing the native fold of amyloidogenic proteins, 2) accelerating the aggregation pathways towards the fibrillar endpoint thereby reducing accumulation of toxic oligomers, and 3) modulating the assembly process towards nontoxic oligomers/aggregates. The merit of each strategy is assessed, and the key points to consider when analyzing the efficacy of possible drug candidates and their mechanism of action are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Liu
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South/NRB 455, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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31
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Härd T, Lendel C. Inhibition of amyloid formation. J Mol Biol 2012; 421:441-65. [PMID: 22244855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2011.12.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2011] [Revised: 12/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid is aggregated protein in the form of insoluble fibrils. Amyloid deposition in human tissue-amyloidosis-is associated with a number of diseases including all common dementias and type II diabetes. Considerable progress has been made to understand the mechanisms leading to amyloid formation. It is, however, not yet clear by which mechanisms amyloid and protein aggregates formed on the path to amyloid are cytotoxic. Strategies to prevent protein aggregation and amyloid formation are nevertheless, in many cases, promising and even successful. This review covers research on intervention of amyloidosis and highlights several examples of how inhibition of protein aggregation and amyloid formation has been achieved in practice. For instance, rational design can provide drugs that stabilize a native folded state of a protein, protein engineering can provide new binding proteins that sequester monomeric peptides from aggregation, small molecules and peptides can be designed to block aggregation or direct it into non-cytotoxic paths, and monoclonal antibodies have been developed for therapies towards neurodegenerative diseases based on inhibition of amyloid formation and clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torleif Härd
- Department of Molecular Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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32
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Naik S, Zhang N, Gao P, Fisher MT. On the design of broad based screening assays to identify potential pharmacological chaperones of protein misfolding diseases. Curr Top Med Chem 2012; 12:2504-22. [PMID: 23339304 PMCID: PMC3751797 DOI: 10.2174/1568026611212220006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Correcting aberrant folds that develop during protein folding disease states is now an active research endeavor that is attracting increasing attention from both academic and industrial circles. One particular approach focuses on developing or identifying small molecule correctors or pharmacological chaperones that specifically stabilize the native fold. Unfortunately, the limited screening platforms available to rapidly identify or validate potential drug candidates are usually inadequate or slow because the folding disease proteins in question are often transiently folded and/or aggregation-prone, complicating and/or interfering with the assay outcomes. In this review, we outline and discuss the numerous platform options currently being employed to identify small molecule therapeutics for folding diseases. Finally, we describe a new stability screening approach that is broad based and is easily applicable toward a very large number of both common and rare protein folding diseases. The label free screening method described herein couples the promiscuity of the GroEL binding to transient aggregation-prone hydrophobic folds with surface plasmon resonance enabling one to rapidly identify potential small molecule pharmacological chaperones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhashchandra Naik
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Biochemistry, Kansas City KS, USA
| | - Na Zhang
- University of Kansas, Protein Production Facility, Lawrence KS, USA
| | - Phillip Gao
- University of Kansas, Protein Production Facility, Lawrence KS, USA
| | - Mark T. Fisher
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Biochemistry, Kansas City KS, USA
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Pharmacological chaperones correct misfolded GPCRs and rescue function: protein trafficking as a therapeutic target. Subcell Biochem 2012; 63:263-89. [PMID: 23161143 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-4765-4_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large superfamily of plasma membrane proteins that play central roles in transducing endocrine, neural and -sensory signals. In humans, more than 30 disorders are associated with mutations in GPCRs and these proteins are common drug development targets, with 30-50% of drugs targeting them. GPCR mutants are frequently misfolded, recognized as defective by the cellular quality control system, retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and do not traffic to the plasma membrane. The use of small molecules chaperones (pharmacological chaperones or "pharmacoperones") to rescue misfolded GPCRs has provided a new approach for treatment of human diseases caused by misfolding and misrouting. This chapter provides an overview of the molecular basis of this approach using the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (hGnRHR) as model for treatment of conformational diseases provoked by -misfolded GPCRs.
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Conn PM, Ulloa-Aguirre A. Pharmacological chaperones for misfolded gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2011; 62:109-41. [PMID: 21907908 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385952-5.00008-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Structural alterations provoked by mutations or genetic variations in the gene sequence of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) may lead to abnormal function of the receptor molecule. Frequently, this leads to disease. While some mutations lead to changes in domains involved in agonist binding, receptor activation, or coupling to effectors, others may cause misfolding and lead to retention/degradation of the protein molecule by the quality control system of the cell. Several strategies, including genetic, chemical, and pharmacological approaches, have been shown to rescue function of trafficking-defective misfolded GPCRs. Among these, pharmacological strategies offer the most promising therapeutic tool to promote proper trafficking of misfolded proteins to the plasma membrane (PM). Pharmacological chaperones or "pharmacoperones" are small compounds that permeate the PM, enter cells, and bind selectively to misfolded proteins and correct folding allowing routing of the target protein to the PM, where the receptor may bind and respond to agonist stimulation. In this review, we describe new therapeutic opportunities based on mislocalization of otherwise functional human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors. This particular receptor is highly sensitive to single changes in chemical charge, and its intracellular traffic is delicately balanced between expression at the PM or retention/degradation in the endoplasmic reticulum; it is, therefore, a particularly instructive model to understand both the protein routing and the molecular mechanisms, whereby pharmacoperones rescue misfolded intermediates or conformationally defective receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Michael Conn
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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35
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Unmet challenges of structural genomics. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2010; 20:587-97. [PMID: 20810277 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2010.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2010] [Revised: 07/30/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Structural genomics (SG) programs have developed during the last decade many novel methodologies for faster and more accurate structure determination. These new tools and approaches led to the determination of thousands of protein structures. The generation of enormous amounts of experimental data resulted in significant improvements in the understanding of many biological processes at molecular levels. However, the amount of data collected so far is so large that traditional analysis methods are limiting the rate of extraction of biological and biochemical information from 3D models. This situation has prompted us to review the challenges that remain unmet by SG, as well as the areas in which the potential impact of SG could exceed what has been achieved so far.
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