Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors: a structure-activity study

High levels of soluble CD73 unveil resistance to BRAF inhibitors in melanoma cells

Melanoma cells express high levels of CD73 that produce extracellular immunosuppressive adenosine. Changes in the CD73 expression occur in response to tumor environmental factors, contributing to tumor phenotype plasticity and therapeutic resistance. Previously, we have observed that CD73 expression can be up-regulated on the surface of melanoma cells in response to nutritional stress. Here, we explore the mechanism by which melanoma cells release soluble CD73 under low nutrient availability and whether this might be affected by agents targeting the proto-oncogene B-Raf (BRAF). We found that starved melanoma cells can release high levels of CD73, able to convert AMP into adenosine, and this activity is abrogated by selective CD73 inhibitors, APCP or PSB-12489. The release of CD73 from melanoma cells is mediated by the matrix metalloproteinase MMP-9. Indeed, MMP-9 inhibitors significantly reduce the levels of CD73 released from the cells, while its surface levels increase. Of relevance, melanoma cells, harboring an activating BRAF mutation, upon treatment with dabrafenib or vemurafenib, show a strong reduction of CD73 cell expression and reduced levels of CD73 released into the extracellular space. Conversely, melanoma cells resistant to dabrafenib show high expression of membrane-bound CD73 and soluble CD73 released into the culture medium. In summary, our data indicate that CD73 is released from melanoma cells. The expression of CD73 is associated with response to BRAF inhibitors. Melanoma cells developing resistance to dabrafenib show increased expression of CD73, including soluble CD73 released from cells, suggesting that CD73 is involved in acquiring resistance to treatment.

Discovery of novel indole derivatives as potent and selective inhibitors of proMMP-9 activation

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a secreted zinc-dependent endopeptidase that degrades the extracellular matrix and basement membrane of neurons, and then contributes to synaptic plasticity by remodeling the extracellular matrix. Inhibition of MMP-9 activity has therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases such as fragile X syndrome. This paper reports the molecular design, synthesis, and in vitro studies of novel indole derivatives as inhibitors of proMMP-9 activation. High-throughput screening (HTS) of our internal compound library and subsequent merging of hit compounds 1 and 2 provided compound 4 as a bona-fide lead. X-ray structure-based design and subsequent lead optimization led to the discovery of compound 33, a highly potent and selective inhibitor of proMMP-9 activation.

Non-Canonical Amino Acids in Analyses of Protease Structure and Function

All known organisms encode 20 canonical amino acids by base triplets in the genetic code. The cellular translational machinery produces proteins consisting mainly of these amino acids. Several hundred natural amino acids serve important functions in metabolism, as scaffold molecules, and in signal transduction. New side chains are generated mainly by post-translational modifications, while others have altered backbones, such as the β- or γ-amino acids, or they undergo stereochemical inversion, e.g., in the case of D-amino acids. In addition, the number of non-canonical amino acids has further increased by chemical syntheses. Since many of these non-canonical amino acids confer resistance to proteolytic degradation, they are potential protease inhibitors and tools for specificity profiling studies in substrate optimization and enzyme inhibition. Other applications include in vitro and in vivo studies of enzyme kinetics, molecular interactions and bioimaging, to name a few. Amino acids with bio-orthogonal labels are particularly attractive, enabling various cross-link and click reactions for structure-functional studies. Here, we cover the latest developments in protease research with non-canonical amino acids, which opens up a great potential, e.g., for novel prodrugs activated by proteases or for other pharmaceutical compounds, some of which have already reached the clinical trial stage.

Discovery of Aryloxyphenyl-Heptapeptide Hybrids as Potent and Selective Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) is a zinc-dependent endopeptidase that plays important roles in the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins. MMP2 is considered to be an attractive target for the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and fibrosis. In this study, we have developed a novel class of MMP2-selective inhibitors by hybridizing the peptide that binds to a zinc ion and S2-S5 pockets with small molecules that bind to the S1' pocket. Structural modifications based on X-ray crystallography revealed that the introduction of 2,4-diaminobutanoic acid (Dab) at position 4 dramatically enhanced MMP2 selectivity by forming an electrostatic interaction with Glu130. After improving the metabolic and chemical stability, TP0556351 (9) was identified. It exhibited potent MMP2 inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 0.20 nM) and extremely high selectivity. It suppressed the accumulation of collagen in a bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis model in mice, demonstrating the efficacy of MMP2-selective inhibitors for fibrosis.

Identifying simultaneous matrix metalloproteinases/soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) have completely unrelated biological functions; however, their dysregulation produce similar effects on biological systems. Based on the similarity in the reported structural requirements for their inhibition, the current study aimed to identify a simultaneous inhibitor for MMP and sEH. Six compounds were identified as potential simultaneous MMP/sEH inhibitors and tested for their capacity to inhibit MMP and sEH. Inhibition of MMP and sEH activity using their endogenous and exogenous substrates was measured by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, spectrophotometry, and zymography. Two compounds, CTK8G1143 and ONO-4817, were identified to inhibit both MMP and sEH activity. CTK8G1143 and ONO-4817 inhibited the recombinant human sEH activity by an average of 67.4% and 55.2%, respectively. The IC₅₀ values for CTK8G1143 and ONO-4817 to inhibit recombinant human sEH were 5.2 and 3.5 µM, respectively, whereas their maximal inhibition values were 71.4% and 42.8%, respectively. Also, MMP and sEH activity of human cardiomyocytes were simultaneously inhibited by CTK8G1143 and ONO-4817. Regarding other compounds, they showed either MMP or sEH inhibitory activity but not both. In conclusion, these two simultaneous inhibitors of MMP and sEH could provide a promising intervention for the prevention and control of several diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases.

Chemical Tools for Selective Activity Profiling of Endogenously Expressed MMP-14 in Multicellular Models

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are a large family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases involved in a diverse set of physiological and pathological processes, most notably in cancer. Current methods for imaging and quantifying MMP activity lack sufficient selectivity and spatiotemporal resolution to allow studies of specific MMP function in vivo. Previously, we reported a strategy for selective targeting of MMPs by engineering a functionally silent cysteine mutation that enables highly specific covalent modification by a designed activity-based probe. Here, we describe the translation of that technology into a mouse model of breast cancer and subsequent demonstration of the utility of the approach for studies of MMP-14 activation in the tumor microenvironment. Using this approach, we find that MMP-14 is active in late stage tumors and is predominantly associated with stromal cell populations that have been activated by specific signaling molecules (e.g., TGFβ) produced by tumor cells. Our data demonstrate the applicability of this approach for studies of MMP function in whole organisms and identify important regulatory mechanisms for MMP-14 activity in the tumor microenvironment.

Chemoproteomics of matrix metalloproteases in a model of cartilage degeneration suggests functional biomarkers associated with posttraumatic osteoarthritis

Active matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of many diseases including osteoarthritis (OA), which involves progressive proteolytic degradation of cartilage. Clinical success of OA interventions that target MMPs has been limited by a lack of information about the presence and activity of specific disease-related proteases. We therefore developed a chemoproteomics approach based on MS to characterize the release and activity of MMPs in an in vitro model of the early inflammatory phase of posttraumatic OA (PTOA). We designed and synthesized chemical activity-based probes (ABPs) to identify active MMPs in bovine cartilage explants cultured for 30 days with the proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1α. Using these probes in an activity-based protein profiling-multidimensional identification technology (ABPP-MudPIT) approach, we identified active MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -9, -12, and -13 in the medium after 10 days of culture, the time at which irreversible proteolysis of the collagen network in the explant was detected using proteolytic activation of FRET-quenched MMP substrates. Total MMP levels were quantified by shotgun proteomics, which, taken with ABPP-MudPIT data, indicated the presence of predominantly inactive MMPs in the culture medium. The selectivity of the ABPP-MudPIT approach was further validated by detection of specific endogenous MMPs activated de novo with 4-aminophenylmurcuric acetate. The utility of the new ABPP-MudPIT approach for detecting molecular biomarkers of PTOA disease initiation and potential targets for therapeutics motivates possible application in other diseases involving MMP activity.

HTS by NMR for the Identification of Potent and Selective Inhibitors of Metalloenzymes

We have recently proposed a novel drug discovery approach based on biophysical screening of focused positional scanning libraries in which each element of the library contained a common binding moiety for the given target or class of targets. In this Letter, we report on the implementation of this approach to target metal containing proteins. In our implementation, we first derived a focused positional scanning combinatorial library of peptide mimetics (of approximately 100,000 compounds) in which each element of the library contained the metal-chelating moiety hydroxamic acid at the C-terminal. Screening of this library by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in solution allowed the identification of a novel and selective compound series targeting MMP-12. The data supported that our general approach, perhaps applied using other metal chelating agents or other initial binding fragments, may result very effective in deriving novel and selective agents against metalloenzyme.

Enzymatic asymmetric synthesis of chiral amino acids

This review summarizes the progress achieved in the enzymatic asymmetric synthesis of chiral amino acids from prochiral substrates.

Unusual Amino Acids in Medicinal Chemistry

Unusual amino acids are fundamental building blocks of modern medicinal chemistry. The combination of readily functionalized amine and carboxyl groups attached to a chiral central core along with one or two potentially diverse side chains provides a unique three-dimensional structure with a high degree of functionality. This makes them invaluable as starting materials for syntheses of complex molecules, highly diverse elements for SAR campaigns, integral components of peptidomimetic drugs, and potential drugs on their own. This Perspective highlights the diversity of unnatural amino acid structures found in hit-to-lead and lead optimization campaigns and clinical stage and approved drugs, reflecting their increasingly important role in medicinal chemistry.

Probing the structure-activity relationship of endogenous histone deacetylase complexes with immobilized peptide-inhibitors

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are key regulators of numerous cellular proteins by removing acetylation marks from modified lysine residues. Peptide-based HDAC probes containing α-aminosuberic acid ω-hydroxamate have been established as useful tools for investigating substrate selectivity and composition of endogenous HDAC complexes in cellular lysates. Here we report a structure-activity study of potential HDAC-probes containing derivatives of the hydroxamate moieties. While most of these probes did not recruit significant amounts of endogenous HDACs from cellular lysates, peptides containing Nε-acetyl-Nε-hydroxy-L-lysine served as HDAC probe. The recruitment efficiency varied between HDACs and was generally lower than that of α-aminosuberic acid ω-hydroxamate probes, but showed a similar global interaction profile. These findings indicate that Nε-acetyl-Nε-hydroxy-L-lysine might be a useful tool for investigations on HDAC complexes and the development of HDAC inhibitors. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Selective non-zinc binding MMP-2 inhibitors: Novel benzamide Ilomastat analogs with anti-tumor metastasis

Novel Ilomastat analogs with substituted benzamide groups, instead of hydroxamic acid groups, were designed, synthesized and evaluated against MMP-2 and MMP-9. Among these analogs, the most potent compound 10a exhibited potent inhibitory activity against MMP-2 with IC50 value of 0.19 nM, which is 5 times more potent than that of Ilomastat (IC50=0.94 nM). Importantly, 10a exhibited more than 8300 fold selectivity for MMP-2 versus MMP-9 (IC50=1.58 μM). Molecular docking studies showed that 10a bond to the catalytic active pocket of MMP-2 by a non-zinc-chelating mechanism which was different from that of Ilomastat. Furthermore, the invasion assay showed that 10a was effective in reducing HEY cells invasion at 84.6% in 50 μM concentration. For 10a, the pharmacokinetic properties had been improved and especially the more desirable t1/2z was achieved compared with these of the lead compound Ilomastat.

A New Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor, MHY219, Inhibits the Migration of Human Prostate Cancer Cells via HDAC1

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are considered novel agents for cancer chemotherapy. We previously investigated MHY219, a new HDAC inhibitor, and its potent anticancer activity in human prostate cancer cells. In the present study, we evaluated MHY219 molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of prostate cancer cell migration. Similar to suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA), MHY219 inhibited HDAC1 enzyme activity in a dose-dependent manner. MHY219 cytotoxicity was higher in LNCaP (IC₅₀=0.67 μM) than in DU145 cells (IC₅₀=1.10 μM) and PC3 cells (IC₅₀=5.60 μM) after 48 h of treatment. MHY219 significantly inhibited the HDAC1 protein levels in LNCaP and DU145 cells at high concentrations. However, inhibitory effects of MHY219 on HDAC proteins levels varied based on the cell type. MHY219 significantly inhibited LNCaP and DU145 cells migration by down-regulation of matrix metalloprotease-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-2 and induction of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1). These results suggest that MHY219 may potentially be used as an anticancer agent to block cancer cell migration through the repression of MMP-1 and MMP-2, which is related to the reduction of HDAC1.

S/T phosphorylation of DLL1 is required for full ligand activity in vitro but dispensable for DLL1 function in vivo during embryonic patterning and marginal zone B cell development

Interaction of Notch receptors with Delta- and Serrate-type ligands is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that mediates direct communication between adjacent cells and thereby regulates multiple developmental processes. Posttranslational modifications of both receptors and ligands are pivotal for normal Notch pathway function. We have identified by mass spectrometric analysis two serine and one threonine phosphorylation sites in the intracellular domain of the mouse Notch ligand DLL1. Phosphorylation requires cell membrane association of DLL1 and occurs sequentially at the two serine residues. Phosphorylation of one serine residue most likely by protein kinase B primes phosphorylation of the other serine. A DLL1 variant, in which all three identified phosphorylated serine/threonine residues are mutated to alanine and valine, was more stable than wild-type DLL1 but had reduced relative levels on the cell surface and was more effectively cleaved in the extracellular domain. In addition, the mutant variant activated Notch1 significantly less efficient than wild-type DLL1 in a coculture assay in vitro. Mice, however, whose endogenous DLL1 was replaced with the phosphorylation-deficient triple mutant developed normally, suggesting compensatory mechanisms under physiological conditions in vivo.

Substrate cleavage profiling suggests a distinct function of Bacteroides fragilis metalloproteinases (fragilysin and metalloproteinase II) at the microbiome-inflammation-cancer interface

Enterotoxigenic anaerobic Bacteroides fragilis is a significant source of inflammatory diarrheal disease and a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Two distinct metalloproteinase types (the homologous 1, 2, and 3 isoforms of fragilysin (FRA1, FRA2, and FRA3, respectively) and metalloproteinase II (MPII)) are encoded by the B. fragilis pathogenicity island. FRA was demonstrated to be important to pathogenesis, whereas MPII, also a potential virulence protein, remained completely uncharacterized. Here, we, for the first time, extensively characterized MPII in comparison with FRA3, a representative of the FRA isoforms. We employed a series of multiplexed peptide cleavage assays to determine substrate specificity and proteolytic characteristics of MPII and FRA. These results enabled implementation of an efficient assay of MPII activity using a fluorescence-quenched peptide and contributed to structural evidence for the distinct substrate cleavage preferences of MPII and FRA. Our data imply that MPII specificity mimics the dibasic Arg↓Arg cleavage motif of furin-like proprotein convertases, whereas the cleavage motif of FRA (Pro-X-X-Leu-(Arg/Ala/Leu)↓) resembles that of human matrix metalloproteinases. To the best of our knowledge, MPII is the first zinc metalloproteinase with the dibasic cleavage preferences, suggesting a high level of versatility of metalloproteinase proteolysis. Based on these data, we now suggest that the combined (rather than individual) activity of MPII and FRA is required for the overall B. fragilis virulence in vivo.

Incorporation of Bulky and Cationic Cyclam-Triazole Moieties into Marimastat Can Generate Potent MMP Inhibitory Activity without Inducing Cytotoxicity

The synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitory activity of a cyclam-marimastat conjugate and its metal complexes are described. The conjugate, synthesized with a copper(I)-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition ("click" reaction), contains two zinc-binding groups (ZBGs). The metal complexation behavior with copper(II) and zinc(II) was investigated using UV/Vis spectrophotometry and (1)H NMR spectroscopy, respectively, demonstrating that the first equivalent of the metal ion was chelated by the cyclam-triazole moiety rather than the hydroxamic acid site. Thus, the corresponding mononuclear metal-cyclam complexes were successfully prepared with one equivalent of the metal salt. Both the cyclam-marimastat conjugate and its metal complexes exhibited slightly reduced potency against MMP-1, but essentially identical inhibitory activity against MMP-3. The conjugate and its metal complexes displayed little or no cytotoxicity, further supporting their potential suitability for imaging MMP localization and activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that describes the incorporation of metal complexes into an MMP inhibitor without influencing the preexisting ZBG, and the first report of the evaluation of structures containing more than one ZBG as MMP inhibitors.

Microfabricated collagen tracks facilitate single cell metastatic invasion in 3D

While the mechanisms employed by metastatic cancer cells to migrate remain poorly understood, it has been widely accepted that metastatic cancer cells can invade the tumor stroma by degrading the extracellular matrix (ECM) with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Although MMP inhibitors showed early promise in preventing metastasis in animal models, they have largely failed clinically. Recently, studies have shown that some cancer cells can use proteolysis to mechanically rearrange their ECM to form tube-like "microtracks" which other cells can follow without using MMPs themselves. We speculate that this mode of migration in the secondary cells may be one example of migration which can occur without endogenous protease activity in the secondary cells. Here we present a technique to study this migration in a 3D, collagen-based environment which mimics the size and topography of the tracks produced by proteolytically active cancer cells. Using time-lapse phase-contrast microscopy, we find that these microtracks permit the rapid and persistent migration of noninvasive MCF10A mammary epithelial cells, which are unable to otherwise migrate in 3D collagen. Additionally, while highly metastatic MDAMB231 breast cancer cells are able to invade a 3D collagen matrix, seeding within the patterned microtracks induced significantly increased cell migration speed, which was not decreased by pharmacological MMP inhibition. Together, these data suggest that microtracks within a 3D ECM may facilitate the migration of cells in an MMP-independent fashion, and may reveal novel insight into the clinical challenges facing MMP inhibitors.

NADPH oxidase-produced superoxide mediates EGFR transactivation by c-Src in arsenic trioxide-stimulated human keratinocytes

Arsenic is a well-known poison and carcinogen in humans. However, it also has been used to effectively treat some human cancers and non-carcinogenic ailments. Previously, we demonstrated in keratinocytes that arsenic trioxide (ATO)-induced p21(WAF1/CIP1) (p21) expression leading to cellular cytotoxicity through the c-Src/EGFR/ERK pathway and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we found that EGFR-Y845 and EGFR-Y1173 could be phosphorylated by ATO. Using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, we found that pretreatment with apocynin, DPI, and tiron could remove ATO-induced ROS production. Furthermore, to increase NADPH oxidase activity, ATO could induce cytosolic p67(phox) expression and translocation to membrane. In addition, knockdown of p67(phox) could abolish ATO-induced ROS production. Therefore, we suggest that NADPH oxidase-produced superoxide was a major source of ATO-induced ROS production. Conversely, ATO-induced NADPH oxidase activation and superoxide generation could be inhibited by the c-Src inhibitor PP1, but not by the EGFR inhibitor PD153035. In addition, overexpression of c-Src as well as treatment with ATO could stimulate EGFR-Y845/ERK phosphorylation, p21 expression, and cellular arrest/apoptosis, which could be attenuated by pretreatment with apocynin or knockdown of p67(phox). Collectively, we suggest that NADPH oxidase was involved in the ATO-induced arrest/apoptosis of keratinocytes, which was regulated by c-Src activation.

Active leukocyte detachment and apoptosis/necrosis on PEG hydrogels and the implication in the host inflammatory response

Monocytes/Macrophages have long been recognized as key players in inflammation and wound healing and are often employed in vitro to gain an understanding of the inflammatory response to biomaterials. Previous work has demonstrated a drastic decrease in primary monocyte adherent density on biomaterial surfaces coupled with a change in monocyte behavior over time. However, the mechanism responsible for this decrease remains unclear. In this study, we explored active detachment and cellular death as possible regulating factors. Specifically, extracellular TNF-α and ROS production were analyzed as potential endogenous stimulators of cell death. MMPs, but not calpains, were found to play a key role in active monocyte detachment. Monocyte death was found to peak at 24 h and occur by both apoptosis and necrosis as opposed to polymorphonuclear leukocyte death which mainly occurred through apoptosis. Finally, TNF-α and ROS production were not found to have a causal relationship with monocyte death on TCPS or PEG surfaces. The occurrence of primary monocyte apoptosis/necrosis as well as active detachment from a material surface has implications not only in in vitro study, but also in the translation of the in vitro inflammatory response of these cells to in vivo applications.

Inhibition of human leukocyte elastase, plasmin and matrix metalloproteinases by oleic acid and oleoyl-galardin derivative(s)

Molecular modeling was undertaken at aims to analyze the interactions between oleic acid and human leukocyte elastase (HLE), plasmin and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), involved in the inhibitory capacity of fatty acid towards those proteases. The carboxylic acid group of the fatty acid was found to form a salt bridge with Arg(217) of HLE while unsaturation interacted with Phe(192) and Val(216) at the S(3) subsite, and alkyl end group occupied S(1) subsite. In keeping with the main contribution of kringle 5 domain in plasmin-oleic acid interaction [Huet E et al. Biochem Pharmacol 2004;67(4):643-54], docking computations revealed that the long alkyl chain of fatty acid inserted within an hydrophobic groove of this domain with the carboxylate forming a salt bridge with Arg(512). Finally, blind docking revealed that oleic acid could occupy both S'(1) subsite and Fn(II)(3) domain of MMP-2. Several residues involved in Fn(II)(3)/oleic acid interaction were similarly implicated in binding of this domain to collagen. Oleic acid was covalently linked to galardin (at P'(2) position): OL-GAL (CONHOH) or to its carboxylic acid counterpart: OL-GAL (COOH), with the idea to obtain potent MMP inhibitors able to also interfere with elastase and plasmin activity. OL-GALs were found less potent MMP inhibitors as compared to galardin and no selectivity for MMP-2 or MMP-9 could be demonstrated. Docking computations indicated that contrary to oleic acid, OL-GAL binds only to MMP-2 active site and surprisingly, hydroxamic acid was unable to chelate Zn, but instead forms a salt bridge with the N-terminal Tyr(110). Interestingly, oleic acid and particularly OL-GALs proved to potently inhibit MMP-13. OL-GAL was found as potent as galardin (K(i) equal to 1.8nM for OL-GAL and 1.45nM for GAL) and selectivity for that MMP was attained (2-3 log orders of difference in inhibitory potency as compared to other MMPs). Molecular modeling studies indicated that oleic acid could be accommodated within S'(1) pocket of MMP-13 with carboxylic acid chelating Zn ion. OL-GAL also occupied such pocket but hydroxamic acid did not interact with Zn but instead was located at 2.8Å from Tyr(176). Since these derivatives retained, as their oleic acid original counterpart, the capacity to inhibit the amidolytic activity of HLE and plasmin as well as to decrease HLE- and plasmin-mediated pro MMP-3 activation, they might be of therapeutic value to control proteolytic cascades in chronic inflammatory disorders.

SSTR1- and SSTR3-selective somatostatin analogues

We prepared the two enantiomers of 3-(3'-quinolyl)-alanine (Qla, 1) in multigram scale by asymmetric hydrogenation. These amino acids, protected as Fmoc derivatives, were then used in the solid-phase synthesis of two new somatostatin 14 (SRIF-14) analogues 8 a and 8 b, tetradecapeptides in which the tryptophan residue (Trp8) is replaced by one of the two enantiomers of 3-(3'-quinolyl)-alanine (Qla8) and therefore lack the N--H bond in residue 8. The selectivity of these new analogues for the somatostatin receptors, SSTR1-5, was measured. Substitution with L-Qla8 yielded peptide 8 a, which was highly selective for SSTR1 and SSTR3, with an affinity similar to that of SRIF-14. Substitution by D-Qla gave the relatively selective analogue 8 b, which showed high affinity for SSTR3 and significant affinity for SSTR1, SSTR2 and SSTR5. The biological results demonstrate that bulky and electronically poor aromatic amino acids at position 8 are compatible with strong activity with SSTR1 and SSTR3. Remarkably, these high affinity levels were achieved with peptides in which the conformational mobility was increased with respect to that of SRIF-14. This observation suggests that conformational rigidity is not required, and might be detrimental to the interaction with receptors SSTR1 and SSTR3. The absence of an indole N proton in Qla8 might also contribute to the increased flexibility observed in these analogues.

Molecular modeling and biological effects of peptidomimetic inhibitors of TACE activity

We investigated the molecular basis of specificity for the interaction between tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme (TACE) and peptidomimetic inhibitors. Four novel peptidomimetic TACE inhibitors (8a-d) were designed and synthesized by introducing a substituted sulfur group and a hydrophobic group to a novel matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibitor. Inhibition was determined by in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS) cytotoxicity tests in HL-60 cell lines and by measuring the expression of mTNF-alpha using FCM techniques and immunohistochemistry in vivo. We simulated the interaction of the inhibitors with the 3D structure of the TACE active site in the Brookhaven Protein Database (PDB). The four inhibitors (8a-d) inhibited activity by 9.1%, 54.5%, 27.3%, and 54.5%, respectively. 8b and 8d showed significant in vitro inhibition in cytotoxicity tests, which corresponded to the molecular docking results. 8d also showed inhibitory activity in vivo. We explored the interface between enzyme and substrate by combining bioinformatics with experimental observations to further the development of specific TACE inhibitors to reduce inflammatory responses.

Relaxin regulates MMP expression and promotes satellite cell mobilization during muscle healing in both young and aged mice

The polypeptide hormone relaxin has been proven to be effective in promoting both the remodeling and regeneration of various tissues, including cardiac muscle. In addition, our previous study demonstrated that relaxin is beneficial to skeletal muscle healing by both promoting muscle regeneration and preventing fibrosis formation. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of relaxin in regulating both myogenic cell differentiation and muscle healing process are still unclear. In this study, C2C12 mouse myoblasts and primary human myoblasts were treated with relaxin to investigate its potential effect in vitro; relaxin was also injected intramuscularly into the injured site of the mouse on the second day after injury to observe its function in vivo, especially in the aged muscle. Results showed that relaxin promoted myogenic differentiation, migration, and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) of cultured myoblasts in vitro. In the injured muscle, relaxin administration promoted the activation of Pax7-positive skeletal muscle satellite cells and increased its local population compared with nontreated control muscles. Meanwhile, both angiogenesis and revascularization were increased, while the extended inflammatory reaction was repressed in the relaxin-treated injured muscle. Moreover, relaxin similarly promoted muscle healing in mice with aged muscle. These results revealed the multiple effects of relaxin in systematically improving muscle healing as well as its potential for clinical applications in patients with skeletal muscle injuries and diseases.

Positron emission tomography tracers for imaging angiogenesis

Position emission tomography imaging of angiogenesis may provide non-invasive insights into the corresponding molecular processes and may be applied for individualized treatment planning of antiangiogenic therapies. At the moment, most strategies are focusing on the development of radiolabelled proteins and antibody formats targeting VEGF and its receptor or the ED-B domain of a fibronectin isoform as well as radiolabelled matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors or alpha(v)beta(3) integrin antagonists. Great efforts are being made to develop suitable tracers for different target structures. All of the major strategies focusing on the development of radiolabelled compounds for use with positron emission tomography are summarized in this review. However, because the most intensive work is concentrated on the development of radiolabelled RGD peptides for imaging alpha(v)beta(3) expression, which has successfully made its way from bench to bedside, these developments are especially emphasized.

Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase activity prevents increases in myocardial tumor necrosis factor-alpha

TNF-alpha is known to cause adverse myocardial remodeling. While we have previously shown a role for cardiac mast cells in mediating increases in myocardial TNF-alpha, however, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation of TNF-alpha may also be contributory. We sought to determine the relative roles of MMPs and cardiac mast cells in the activation of TNF-alpha in the hearts of rats subjected to chronic volume overload. Interventions with the broad spectrum MMP inhibitor, GM6001, or the mast cell stabilizer, nedocromil, were performed in the rat aortocaval fistula (ACF) model of volume overload. Myocardial TNF-alpha levels were significantly increased in the ACF. This increase was prevented by MMP inhibition with GM6001 (p< or =0.001 vs. ACF). Conversely, myocardial TNF-alpha levels were increased in the ACF+nedocromil treated fistula groups (p< or =0.001 vs. sham). The degradation of interstitial collagen volume fraction seen in the untreated ACF group was prevented in both the GM6001 and nedocromil treated hearts. Significant increases in LV myocardial ET-1 levels also occurred in the ACF group at 3days post-fistula. Whereas administration of GM6001 significantly attenuated this increase, mast cell stabilization with nedocromil markedly exacerbated the increase, producing ET-1 levels 6.5 fold and 2 fold greater than that in the sham-operated control and ACF group, respectively. The efficacy of the MMP inhibitor, GM6001, to prevent increased levels of myocardial TNF-alpha is indicative of MMP-mediated cleavage of latent extracellular membrane-bound TNF-alpha protein as the primary source of bioactive TNF-alpha in the myocardium of the volume overload heart.

Matrix metalloproteinase inhibition causes luminal narrowing and ring thickening in the cricoid cartilage

OBJECTIVE

Luminal expansion of the cricoid cartilage appears to be stunted by loss of luminal epithelium (LE) and can be enhanced by transforming growth factor-beta3 (TGF-beta3). When both the LE and perichondrium are disrupted, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels within adjacent chondrocytes are diminished but can be restored by exogenous TGF-beta3. Cricoid growth stunting and luminal expansion that occur in the absence and presence of MMP activity, respectively, suggest that MMPs play an important role in normal subglottal development. The study objective was to determine if MMP inhibition affects cricoid expansion and by what mechanism, which will in turn help to define the mechanism of action of TGF-beta3-induced luminal expansion.

STUDY DESIGN

Ex vivo, in vitro whole organ culture of subglottises grown with and without the presence of an MMP inhibitor.

SETTING

Tertiary care facility.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Subglottises from 20 neonatal mice were divided into 10 grown with an MMP inhibitor, GM6001, and 10 grown in basic medium alone. The luminal cross-sectional area, apoptosis levels, cell proliferation rates, and presence or absence of cleaved aggrecan fragments were determined.

RESULTS

Subglottises that were exposed to the MMP inhibitor displayed statistically significant luminal narrowing, accompanied by apparent circumferential thickening of the cricoid ring, relatively decreased apoptosis, increased chondrocyte proliferation, and decreased amounts of aggrecan cleavage fragments in the extracellular matrix.

CONCLUSION

Matrix metalloproteinases likely play a significant role in growth of the cricoid cartilage such that their inhibition leads to marked changes in the shape of the ring.

Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid limits migration and invasion of glioma cells in two and three dimensional culture

High grade gliomas are aggressive cancers that are not well addressed by current chemotherapies, in large measure because these drugs do not curtail the diffuse invasion of glioma cells into brain tissue surrounding the tumor. Here, we investigate the effects of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) on glioma cells in 2D and 3D in vitro assays, as SAHA has previously been shown to significantly increase apoptosis, decrease proliferation, and interfere with migration in other cell lines. We find that SAHA has significant independent effects on proliferation, migration, and invasion. These effects are seen in both 2D and 3D culture. In 3D culture, with glioma spheroids embedded in collagen I matrices, SAHA independently limits both glioma invasion and the reorganization of the tumor surroundings that usually proceeds such invasion. The decreased matrix reorganization and invasion is not accompanied by decreased production or activity of matrix-metalloproteases but instead may be related to increased cell-cell adhesion.

Chronic treatment of astrocytes with therapeutically relevant fluoxetine concentrations enhances cPLA2 expression secondary to 5-HT2B-induced, transactivation-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation

INTRODUCTION

We have recently shown that fluoxetine, a serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has low micromolar affinity for the 5-HT(2C) receptor (but not for 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2B) receptors) in primary cultures of mouse astrocytes. This was determined as phosphorylation (stimulation) of extracellular-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK(1/2)) by transactivation-mediated phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, followed by conventional EGF receptor signaling (Li et al., Psychopharmacology 194:333-334, 2007). Paroxetine has an identical effect. The present study shows that chronic fluoxetine treatment with even higher affinity (EC(50) = 0.5-2.0 microM) upregulates Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)), which releases arachidonic acid from the sn-2 position of membrane-bound phospholipid, without effect on secretory PLA(2) (sPLA(2)) and intracellular PLA(2) (iPLA(2)).

DISCUSSION

This demonstration replicates the fluoxetine-induced cPLA(2) upregulation in rat brain shown by Rao et al. (Pharmacogenomics J 6:413-420, 2006) and provides the new information that upregulation (1) occurs in astrocytes, (2) is evoked by stimulation of 5-HT(2B) receptor, and (3) requires transactivation-mediated ERK(1/2) phosphorylation. Similar upregulation of cPLA(2) in intact brain in response to 5-HT(2)-mediated signaling by elevated serotonin levels and/or an SSRI during antidepressant treatment may explain the repeatedly reported ability of SSRIs to normalize regional decreases which occur in brain metabolism during major depression, since (1) arachidonic acid strongly stimulates glucose metabolism in cultured astrocytes (Yu et al., J Neurosci Res 64:295-303, 1993) and (2) plasma concentrations of arachidonic acid in depressed patients are linearly correlated with regional brain glucose metabolism (Elizabeth Sublette et al., Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 80:57-64, 2009).

Trophoblast stem cell maintenance by fibroblast growth factor 4 requires MEKK4 activation of Jun N-terminal kinase

Trophoblast differentiation during placentation involves an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with loss of E-cadherin and gain of trophoblast invasiveness. Mice harboring a point mutation that renders inactive the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase MEKK4 exhibit dysregulated placental development with increased trophoblast invasion. Isolated MEKK4 kinase-inactive trophoblast stem (TS) cells cultured under undifferentiating, self-renewing conditions in the presence of fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) display increased expression of Slug, Twist, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), loss of E-cadherin, and hyperinvasion of extracellular matrix, each a hallmark of EMT. MEKK4 kinase-inactive TS cells show a preferential differentiation to Tpbp alpha- and Gcm1-positive trophoblasts, which are indicative of spongiotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast differentiation, respectively. FGF4-stimulated Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 activity is markedly reduced in MEKK4 kinase-inactive TS cells. Chemical inhibition of JNK in wild-type TS cells induced a similar EMT response as loss of MEKK4 kinase activity, including inhibition of E-cadherin expression and increased expression of Slug, MMP2, Tpbp alpha, and Gcm1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses revealed changes in AP-1 composition with increased Fra-2 and decreased Fra-1 and JunB binding to the regulatory regions of Gcm1 and MMP2 genes in MEKK4 kinase-inactive TS cells. Our results define MEKK4 as a signaling hub for FGF4 activation of JNK that is required for maintenance of TS cells in an undifferentiated state.

Synthesis and use of isotope-labelled substrates for a mechanistic study on human alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase 1A (AMACR; P504S)

Alpha-Methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) is an important enzyme for the metabolism of branched-chain lipids and drugs. The enzyme is over-expressed in prostate and other cancers. AMACR 1A, the major splice variant, was purified from recombinant E. coli cells as a His-tag protein. Purified enzyme catalysed chiral inversion of both S- and R-2-methyldecanoyl-CoA, with an equilibrium constant of 1.09 +/- 0.14 (2S/2R). Reactions with (2)H-labelled substrate showed that loss of the alpha-proton was a prerequisite for chiral inversion. Reactions conducted in (2)H(2)O indicated that reprotonation was not stereospecific. These results are the first mechanistic study on any recombinant mammalian alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase.

Expression profiles of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in teleost fish provide evidence for its active role in initiation and resolution of inflammation

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) belongs to a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases. As a consequence of its ability to cleave structural extracellular matrix molecules, mammalian MMP-9 is associated with vital inflammatory processes such as leucocyte migration and tissue remodelling and regeneration. Interestingly, MMP-9 genes have been identified in fish, but functional data are still limited and focus on the involvement of MMP-9 in embryonic development, reproduction and post-mortem tenderization. Here, we describe the involvement of MMP-9 in the innate immunity of carp. In carp, MMP-9 was most notably expressed in classical fish immune organs and in peritoneal and peripheral blood leucocytes, indicating a role of MMP-9 in immune responses. In our well-characterized zymosan-induced peritonitis model for carp, we analysed expression of the MMP-9 gene and the gelatinolytic levels of both pro- and activated forms of MMP-9. The biphasic profile of MMP-9 mRNA expression indicated involvement during the initial phase of inflammation and during the later phase of tissue remodelling. Also, in vitro stimulation of carp phagocytes with lipopolysaccharide or concanavalin A increased MMP-9 gene expression, with a peak at 24 hr. The increase of MMP-9 mRNA correlated with the peak of MMP-9 gelatinolytic level in culture supernatants. These results provide evidence for an evolutionarily conserved and relevant role of MMP-9 in the innate immune response.

Dual modulation of airway smooth muscle contraction by Th2 cytokines via matrix metalloproteinase-1 production

Altered contractility of airway smooth muscle (SM) is one of the main causes of allergic asthma, in which the predominance of Th2 over Th1 cytokines plays a central role. In the present study, we examine the effects of Th2 cytokines on airway SM contraction. Treatment with a low concentration of IL-4 (0.2 ng/ml) for 6 h augmented, whereas higher concentrations (2-20 ng/ml) inhibited, agonist-induced contractions of collagen gels containing bovine tracheal SM cells. Another Th2 cytokine (IL-13) showed an augmentation of gel contraction in the concentration range of 20-200 ng/ml. IL-4 and IL-13 increased mRNA expression and protein secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, but these cytokines did not affect Ca(2+)-mobilizing properties and phosphorylation levels of myosin L chain in bovine tracheal SM cells. These changes were sensitive to wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3K, but not to leflunomide, an inhibitor of STAT6. Scanning electron microscope observation revealed that collagen fibers twining around SM cells were completely dissolved in 20 ng/ml IL-4-treated gels and reorganized into basket-like structure in 20 ng/ml IL-13-treated gels. Exogenous application of high and low concentrations of MMP-1 also induced the inhibition and augmentation of gel contraction, respectively. Furthermore, nonselective MMP inhibitor galardin suppressed the effects of IL-4 and IL-13 on gel contraction, and MMP-1-targeted small-interfering RNA reversed the inhibitory effects of IL-4 on gel contraction to the augmentation. This indicates that Th2 cytokines modulate airway contraction without affecting cellular contractility but by secreting MMP-1 from the SM cells via PI3K activation and changing cell-to-matrix interactions.

Profibrinolytic effects of metalloproteinases during skin wound healing in the absence of plasminogen

Genetic ablation of plasminogen (Plg) and pharmacological inhibition of metalloproteinase activity by galardin delay skin wound healing in mice, whereas the combined inhibition of these two enzyme systems completely prevents healing. In this study, the impact of plasmin and metalloproteinases as profibrinolytic enzymes has been investigated by comparing skin wound healing in the absence and presence of fibrin. Plg deficiency impairs skin wound healing kinetics, but this delay is only partially restored in the absence of fibrin. This suggests that plasmin-mediated fibrinolysis is the primary, but not the exclusive, requirement for healing of wounds in these mice. In addition, we observe that lack of fibrin reduces Plg activation significantly during wound healing. The profibrinolytic role of metalloproteinases is revealed by the finding that lack of fibrin partially restores the otherwise arrested healing of Plg-deficient wounds after metalloproteinase inhibition. In conclusion, the residual impairment of skin wound healing in the absence of fibrin suggests the existence of a fibrin-independent substrate(s) for plasmin and metalloproteinases. Furthermore, these in vivo data reveal that galardin-sensitive metalloproteinases mediate compensatory fibrinolysis to facilitate wound healing in the absence of plasmin.