1
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Yin S, Mei S, Li Z, Xu Z, Wu Y, Chen X, Liu D, Niu MM, Li J. Non-covalent cyclic peptides simultaneously targeting Mpro and NRP1 are highly effective against Omicron BA.2.75. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1037993. [PMID: 36408220 PMCID: PMC9666779 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1037993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Available vaccine-based immunity may at high risk of being evaded due to substantial mutations in the variant Omicron. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 and human neuropilin-1 (NRP1), two less mutable proteins, have been reported to be crucial for SARS-CoV-2 replication and entry into host cells, respectively. Their dual blockade may avoid vaccine failure caused by continuous mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and exert synergistic antiviral efficacy. Herein, four cyclic peptides non-covalently targeting both Mpro and NRP1 were identified using virtual screening. Among them, MN-2 showed highly potent affinity to Mpro (Kd = 18.2 ± 1.9 nM) and NRP1 (Kd = 12.3 ± 1.2 nM), which was about 3,478-fold and 74-fold stronger than that of the positive inhibitors Peptide-21 and EG3287. Furthermore, MN-2 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against Mpro and remarkable anti-infective activity against the pseudotyped variant Omicron BA.2.75 without obvious cytotoxicity. These data demonstrated that MN-2, a novel non-covalent cyclic peptide, is a promising agent against Omicron BA.2.75.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Yin
- Department of Pharmacy, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Taizhou, China
| | - Shuang Mei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiqin Li
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Zhen Xu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Yuting Wu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Xiujuan Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiujuan Chen, ; Jindong Li, ; Dongmei Liu, ; Miao-Miao Niu,
| | - Dongmei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Taizhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiujuan Chen, ; Jindong Li, ; Dongmei Liu, ; Miao-Miao Niu,
| | - Miao-Miao Niu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiujuan Chen, ; Jindong Li, ; Dongmei Liu, ; Miao-Miao Niu,
| | - Jindong Li
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiujuan Chen, ; Jindong Li, ; Dongmei Liu, ; Miao-Miao Niu,
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2
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Xu Z, Zou Y, Gao X, Niu MM, Li J, Xue L, Jiang S. Dual-targeting cyclic peptides of receptor-binding domain (RBD) and main protease (Mpro) as potential drug leads for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1041331. [PMID: 36339564 PMCID: PMC9627161 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1041331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor-binding domain (RBD) and the main protease (Mpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) play a crucial role in the entry and replication of viral particles, and co-targeting both of them could be an attractive approach for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection by setting up a "double lock" in the viral lifecycle. However, few dual RBD/Mpro-targeting agents have been reported. Here, four novel RBD/Mpro dual-targeting peptides, termed as MRs 1-4, were discovered by an integrated virtual screening scheme combining molecular docking-based screening and molecular dynamics simulation. All of them possessed nanomolar binding affinities to both RBD and Mpro ranging from 14.4 to 39.2 nM and 22.5-40.4 nM, respectively. Further pseudovirus infection assay revealed that the four selected peptides showed >50% inhibition against SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus at a concentration of 5 µM without significant cytotoxicity to host cells. This study leads to the identification of a class of dual RBD/Mpro-targeting agents, which may be developed as potential and effective SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Yunting Zou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Gao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Miao-Miao Niu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jindong Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Lu Xue
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Su Jiang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
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3
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Qi Y, Qu Q, Bierer D, Liu L. A Diaminodiacid (DADA) Strategy for the Development of Disulfide Surrogate Peptides. Chem Asian J 2020; 15:2793-2802. [DOI: 10.1002/asia.202000609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yun‐Kun Qi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry School of Pharmacy Qingdao University Qingdao 266021 China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology Department of Chemistry Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Qian Qu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology Department of Chemistry Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Donald Bierer
- Bayer AG Department of Medicinal Chemistry Aprather Weg 18A 42096 Wuppertal Germany
| | - Lei Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology Department of Chemistry Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
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4
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Kennedy AC, Belgi A, Husselbee BW, Spanswick D, Norton RS, Robinson AJ. α-Conotoxin Peptidomimetics: Probing the Minimal Binding Motif for Effective Analgesia. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E505. [PMID: 32781580 PMCID: PMC7472027 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12080505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Several analgesic α-conotoxins have been isolated from marine cone snails. Structural modification of native peptides has provided potent and selective analogues for two of its known biological targets-nicotinic acetylcholine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) G protein-coupled (GABAB) receptors. Both of these molecular targets are implicated in pain pathways. Despite their small size, an incomplete understanding of the structure-activity relationship of α-conotoxins at each of these targets has hampered the development of therapeutic leads. This review scrutinises the N-terminal domain of the α-conotoxin family of peptides, a region defined by an invariant disulfide bridge, a turn-inducing proline residue and multiple polar sidechain residues, and focusses on structural features that provide analgesia through inhibition of high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. Elucidating the bioactive conformation of this region of these peptides may hold the key to discovering potent drugs for the unmet management of debilitating chronic pain associated with a wide range of medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C. Kennedy
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
| | - Alessia Belgi
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
| | - Benjamin W. Husselbee
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
| | - David Spanswick
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Physiology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia;
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- NeuroSolutions Ltd., Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Raymond S. Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia;
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Andrea J. Robinson
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
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5
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Tomassi S, Trotta AM, Ieranò C, Merlino F, Messere A, Rea G, Santoro F, Brancaccio D, Carotenuto A, D'Amore VM, Di Leva FS, Novellino E, Cosconati S, Marinelli L, Scala S, Di Maro S. Disulfide Bond Replacement with 1,4‐ and 1,5‐Disubstituted [1,2,3]‐Triazole on C‐X‐C Chemokine Receptor Type 4 (CXCR4) Peptide Ligands: Small Changes that Make Big Differences. Chemistry 2020; 26:10113-10125. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.202002468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tomassi
- Department of Pharmacy University of Naples “Federico II” Via Domenico Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Anna Maria Trotta
- U.O.C. “Bersagli molecolari del microambiente” Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS—Fondazione “G. Pascale” Via M. Semmola 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Caterina Ieranò
- U.O.C. “Bersagli molecolari del microambiente” Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS—Fondazione “G. Pascale” Via M. Semmola 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy University of Naples “Federico II” Via Domenico Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Anna Messere
- DiSTABiF University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” Via Vivaldi 43 81100 Caserta Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rea
- U.O.C. “Bersagli molecolari del microambiente” Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS—Fondazione “G. Pascale” Via M. Semmola 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Federica Santoro
- Department of Pharmacy University of Naples “Federico II” Via Domenico Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Diego Brancaccio
- Department of Pharmacy University of Naples “Federico II” Via Domenico Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmacy University of Naples “Federico II” Via Domenico Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Vincenzo Maria D'Amore
- Department of Pharmacy University of Naples “Federico II” Via Domenico Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Di Leva
- Department of Pharmacy University of Naples “Federico II” Via Domenico Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy University of Naples “Federico II” Via Domenico Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- DiSTABiF University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” Via Vivaldi 43 81100 Caserta Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy University of Naples “Federico II” Via Domenico Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Stefania Scala
- U.O.C. “Bersagli molecolari del microambiente” Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS—Fondazione “G. Pascale” Via M. Semmola 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- DiSTABiF University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” Via Vivaldi 43 81100 Caserta Italy
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6
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Qu Q, Gao S, Wu F, Zhang M, Li Y, Zhang L, Bierer D, Tian C, Zheng J, Liu L. Synthesis of Disulfide Surrogate Peptides Incorporating Large‐Span Surrogate Bridges Through a Native‐Chemical‐Ligation‐Assisted Diaminodiacid Strategy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201915358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Qu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life SciencesMinistry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus, Chemistry and Chemical BiologyCenter for Synthetic and Systems BiologyDepartment of ChemistryTsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Shuai Gao
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life SciencesMinistry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus, Chemistry and Chemical BiologyCenter for Synthetic and Systems BiologyDepartment of ChemistryTsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Fangming Wu
- High Magnetic Field LaboratoryChinese Academy of Sciences Hefei 230031 China
| | - Meng‐Ge Zhang
- School of Life SciencesHefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230027 China
| | - Ying Li
- School of Life SciencesHefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230027 China
| | - Long‐Hua Zhang
- School of Life SciencesHefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230027 China
| | - Donald Bierer
- Bayer AGDepartment of Medicinal Chemistry Aprather Weg 18A 42096 Wuppertal Germany
| | - Chang‐Lin Tian
- High Magnetic Field LaboratoryChinese Academy of Sciences Hefei 230031 China
- School of Life SciencesHefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230027 China
| | - Ji‐Shen Zheng
- School of Life SciencesHefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230027 China
| | - Lei Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life SciencesMinistry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus, Chemistry and Chemical BiologyCenter for Synthetic and Systems BiologyDepartment of ChemistryTsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
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7
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Qu Q, Gao S, Wu F, Zhang MG, Li Y, Zhang LH, Bierer D, Tian CL, Zheng JS, Liu L. Synthesis of Disulfide Surrogate Peptides Incorporating Large-Span Surrogate Bridges Through a Native-Chemical-Ligation-Assisted Diaminodiacid Strategy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:6037-6045. [PMID: 32060988 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201915358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The use of synthetic bridges as surrogates for disulfide bonds has emerged as a practical strategy to obviate the poor stability of some disulfide-containing peptides. However, peptides incorporating large-span synthetic bridges are still beyond the reach of existing methods. Herein, we report a native chemical ligation (NCL)-assisted diaminodiacid (DADA) strategy that enables the robust generation of disulfide surrogate peptides incorporating surrogate bridges up to 50 amino acids in length. This strategy provides access to some highly desirable but otherwise impossible-to-obtain disulfide surrogates of bioactive peptide. The bioactivities and structures of the synthetic disulfide surrogates were verified by voltage clamp assays, NMR, and X-ray crystallography; and stability studies established that the disulfide replacements effectively overcame the problems of disulfide reduction and scrambling that often plague these pharmacologically important peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Qu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Shuai Gao
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Fangming Wu
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Meng-Ge Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ying Li
- School of Life Sciences, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Long-Hua Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Donald Bierer
- Bayer AG, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Aprather Weg 18A, 42096, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Chang-Lin Tian
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.,School of Life Sciences, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ji-Shen Zheng
- School of Life Sciences, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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8
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Structure and Activity Studies of Disulfide-Deficient Analogues of αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA. J Med Chem 2020; 63:1564-1575. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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9
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Fischer J, Schönauer R, Els‐Heindl S, Bierer D, Koebberling J, Riedl B, Beck‐Sickinger AG. Adrenomedullin disulfide bond mimetics uncover structural requirements for AM1receptor activation. J Pept Sci 2019; 25:e3147. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan‐Patrick Fischer
- Institut für Biochemie, Fakultät für Lebenswissenschaften, Universität Leipzig Leipzig Germany
| | - Ria Schönauer
- Institut für Biochemie, Fakultät für Lebenswissenschaften, Universität Leipzig Leipzig Germany
| | - Sylvia Els‐Heindl
- Institut für Biochemie, Fakultät für Lebenswissenschaften, Universität Leipzig Leipzig Germany
| | | | | | - Bernd Riedl
- Bayer AG, Aprather Weg 18A Wuppertal Germany
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10
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Fang GM, Chen XX, Yang QQ, Zhu LJ, Li NN, Yu HZ, Meng XM. Discovery, structure, and chemical synthesis of disulfide-rich peptide toxins and their analogs. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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11
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Targeting cancer-specific glycans by cyclic peptide lectinomimics. Amino Acids 2017; 49:1867-1883. [PMID: 28894966 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-017-2485-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The transformation from normal to malignant phenotype in human cancers is associated with aberrant cell-surface glycosylation. Thus, targeting glycosylation changes in cancer is likely to provide not only better insight into the roles of carbohydrates in biological systems, but also facilitate the development of new molecular probes for bioanalytical and biomedical applications. In the reported study, we have synthesized lectinomimics based on odorranalectin 1; the smallest lectin-like cyclic peptide isolated from the frog Odorrana grahami skin, and assessed the ability of these peptides to bind specific carbohydrates on molecular and cellular levels. In addition, we have shown that the disulfide bond found in 1 can be replaced with a lactam bridge. However, the orientation of the lactam bridge, peptides 2 and 3, influenced cyclic peptide's conformation and thus these peptides' ability to bind carbohydrates. Naturally occurring 1 and its analog 3 that adopt similar conformation in water bind preferentially L-fucose, and to a lesser degree D-galactose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, typically found within the mucin O-glycan core structures. In cell-based assays, peptides 1 and 3 showed a similar binding profile to Aleuria aurantia lectin and these two peptides inhibited the migration of metastatic breast cancer cell lines in a Transwell assay. Altogether, the reported data demonstrate the feasibility of designing lectinomimics based on cyclic peptides.
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12
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Wright ZVF, McCarthy S, Dickman R, Reyes FE, Sanchez-Martinez S, Cryar A, Kilford I, Hall A, Takle AK, Topf M, Gonen T, Thalassinos K, Tabor AB. The Role of Disulfide Bond Replacements in Analogues of the Tarantula Toxin ProTx-II and Their Effects on Inhibition of the Voltage-Gated Sodium Ion Channel Na v1.7. J Am Chem Soc 2017; 139:13063-13075. [PMID: 28880078 PMCID: PMC5618157 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b06506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Spider
venom toxins, such as Protoxin-II (ProTx-II), have recently
received much attention as selective Nav1.7 channel blockers,
with potential to be developed as leads for the treatment of chronic
nocioceptive pain. ProTx-II is a 30-amino acid peptide with three
disulfide bonds that has been reported to adopt a well-defined inhibitory
cystine knot (ICK) scaffold structure. Potential drawbacks with such
peptides include poor pharmacodynamics and potential scrambling of
the disulfide bonds in vivo. In order to address
these issues, in the present study we report the solid-phase synthesis
of lanthionine-bridged analogues of ProTx-II, in which one of the
three disulfide bridges is replaced with a thioether linkage, and
evaluate the biological properties of these analogues. We have also
investigated the folding and disulfide bridging patterns arising from
different methods of oxidation of the linear peptide precursor. Finally,
we report the X-ray crystal structure of ProTx-II to atomic resolution;
to our knowledge this is the first crystal structure of an ICK spider
venom peptide not bound to a substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë V F Wright
- Department of Chemistry, University College London , 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen McCarthy
- Department of Chemistry, University College London , 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael Dickman
- Department of Chemistry, University College London , 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Francis E Reyes
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Ashburn, Virginia 20147, United States
| | - Silvia Sanchez-Martinez
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Ashburn, Virginia 20147, United States
| | - Adam Cryar
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London , Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.,Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London , London WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Kilford
- European Knowledge Centre, Eisai Limited , Mosquito Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9SN, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Hall
- European Knowledge Centre, Eisai Limited , Mosquito Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9SN, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew K Takle
- European Knowledge Centre, Eisai Limited , Mosquito Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9SN, United Kingdom
| | - Maya Topf
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London , London WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom
| | - Tamir Gonen
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Ashburn, Virginia 20147, United States
| | - Konstantinos Thalassinos
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London , Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.,Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London , London WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom
| | - Alethea B Tabor
- Department of Chemistry, University College London , 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
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13
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Tabassum N, Tae HS, Jia X, Kaas Q, Jiang T, Adams DJ, Yu R. Role of Cys I-Cys III Disulfide Bond on the Structure and Activity of α-Conotoxins at Human Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. ACS OMEGA 2017; 2:4621-4631. [PMID: 30023726 PMCID: PMC6044955 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.7b00639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
α-Conotoxins preferentially antagonize muscle and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Native α-conotoxins have two disulfide links, CI-CIII and CII-CIV, and owing to the inherent properties of disulfide bonds, α-conotoxins have been systematically engineered to improve their chemical and biological properties. In this study, we explored the possibility of simplifying the disulfide framework of α-conotoxins Vc1.1, BuIA, ImI, and AuIB, by introducing [C2H,C8F] modification to the CI-CIII bond. We therefore explored the possibility of using hydrophobic packing of standard amino acid side chains to replace disulfide bonds as an alternative strategy to nonnatural amino acid cross-links. The impact of CI-CIII disulfide bond replacement on the conformation of the α-conotoxins was investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift index study. Two-electrode voltage clamp techniques and MD simulations were used to study the impact of disulfide bond deletion on the activities of the peptides at human neuronal nAChRs. All disulfide-deleted variants except ImI[C2H,C8F] had reduced potency for inhibiting nAChRs. Our results suggest that the CI-CIII disulfide bond is important to stabilize the secondary structure of α-conotoxins as well as their interaction with neuronal nAChR targets. Results from this study enrich our understanding of the function of the CI-CIII disulfide bond and are useful in guiding future structural engineering of the α-conotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nargis Tabassum
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School
of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory
for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for
Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra
Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Xinying Jia
- The Centre for Advanced Imaging and Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- The Centre for Advanced Imaging and Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School
of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - David J. Adams
- Illawarra
Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School
of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory
for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for
Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
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14
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Gori A, Gagni P, Rinaldi S. Disulfide Bond Mimetics: Strategies and Challenges. Chemistry 2017; 23:14987-14995. [PMID: 28749012 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201703199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The activity profile of many biologically relevant proteins and peptides often relies on a precise 3D structural organization. In this context, disulfide bonds are natural covalent constraints that play a key role in driving and stabilizing the folding pattern of these molecules. Despite its prominent significance as structural motif, the disulfide bond itself is inherently unstable under physiological conditions, posing a major limit to the use and development of disulfide-rich peptides and proteins as molecular tools and drug lead compounds. To tackle this restriction, disulfide engineering with stable functional analogues has arisen a considerable interest. Here, the most popular approaches to disulfide replacement are reviewed and discussed with particular emphasis on advantages and limitations under both functional and synthetic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Gori
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare (ICRM), National Research Council of, Italy) (CNR, via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Gagni
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare (ICRM), National Research Council of, Italy) (CNR, via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Rinaldi
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare (ICRM), National Research Council of, Italy) (CNR, via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
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15
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K-Ras(G12D)-selective inhibitory peptides generated by random peptide T7 phage display technology. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 484:605-611. [PMID: 28153726 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.01.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Amino-acid mutations of Gly12 (e.g. G12D, G12V, G12C) of V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (K-Ras), the most promising drug target in cancer therapy, are major growth drivers in various cancers. Although over 30 years have passed since the discovery of these mutations in most cancer patients, effective mutated K-Ras inhibitors have not been marketed. Here, we report novel and selective inhibitory peptides to K-Ras(G12D). We screened random peptide libraries displayed on T7 phage against purified recombinant K-Ras(G12D), with thorough subtraction of phages bound to wild-type K-Ras, and obtained KRpep-2 (Ac-RRCPLYISYDPVCRR-NH2) as a consensus sequence. KRpep-2 showed more than 10-fold binding- and inhibition-selectivity to K-Ras(G12D), both in SPR analysis and GDP/GTP exchange enzyme assay. KD and IC50 values were 51 and 8.9 nM, respectively. After subsequent sequence optimization, we successfully generated KRpep-2d (Ac-RRRRCPLYISYDPVCRRRR-NH2) that inhibited enzyme activity of K-Ras(G12D) with IC50 = 1.6 nM and significantly suppressed ERK-phosphorylation, downstream of K-Ras(G12D), along with A427 cancer cell proliferation at 30 μM peptide concentration. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a K-Ras(G12D)-selective inhibitor, contributing to the development and study of K-Ras(G12D)-targeting drugs.
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16
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Molecular Engineering of Conus Peptides as Therapeutic Leads. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1030:229-254. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-66095-0_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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17
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Aoki K, Maeda M, Nakae T, Okada Y, Ohya K, Chiba K. A disulfide bond replacement strategy enables the efficient design of artificial therapeutic peptides. Tetrahedron 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2014.05.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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18
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Marcelo Der Torossian T, Silva AF, Alves FL, Capurro ML, Miranda A, Vani Xavier O. Highly Potential Antiplasmodial Restricted Peptides. Chem Biol Drug Des 2014; 85:163-71. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adriana F. Silva
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas; Universidade Federal do ABC; Santo André Brazil
| | - Flávio L. Alves
- Departamento de Biofísica; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Margareth L. Capurro
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas II; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Antonio Miranda
- Departamento de Biofísica; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Oliveira Vani Xavier
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas; Universidade Federal do ABC; Santo André Brazil
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19
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Akondi KB, Muttenthaler M, Dutertre S, Kaas Q, Craik DJ, Lewis RJ, Alewood PF. Discovery, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships of conotoxins. Chem Rev 2014; 114:5815-47. [PMID: 24720541 PMCID: PMC7610532 DOI: 10.1021/cr400401e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sébastien Dutertre
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
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20
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Incorporation of post-translational modified amino acids as an approach to increase both chemical and biological diversity of conotoxins and conopeptides. Amino Acids 2013; 46:125-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-013-1606-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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21
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Total chemical synthesis of a heterodimeric interchain bis-lactam-linked Peptide: application to an analogue of human insulin-like Peptide 3. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEPTIDES 2013; 2013:504260. [PMID: 24288548 PMCID: PMC3830869 DOI: 10.1155/2013/504260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 08/31/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Nonreducible cystine isosteres represent important peptide design elements in that they can maintain a near-native tertiary conformation of the peptide while simultaneously extending the in vitro and in vivo half-life of the biomolecule. Examples of these cystine mimics include dicarba, diselenide, thioether, triazole, and lactam bridges. Each has unique physicochemical properties that impact upon the resulting peptide conformation. Each also requires specific conditions for its formation via chemical peptide synthesis protocols. While the preparation of peptides containing two lactam bonds within a peptide is technically possible and reported by others, to date there has been no report of the chemical synthesis of a heterodimeric peptide linked by two lactam bonds. To examine the feasibility of such an assembly, judicious use of a complementary combination of amine and acid protecting groups together with nonfragment-based, total stepwise solid phase peptide synthesis led to the successful preparation of an analogue of the model peptide, insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), in which both of the interchain disulfide bonds were replaced with a lactam bond. An analogue containing a single disulfide-substituted interchain lactam bond was also prepared. Both INSL3 analogues retained significant cognate RXFP2 receptor binding affinity.
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22
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Carotenuto A, Cipolletta E, Gomez-Monterrey I, Sala M, Vernieri E, Limatola A, Bertamino A, Musella S, Sorriento D, Grieco P, Trimarco B, Novellino E, Iaccarino G, Campiglia P. Design, synthesis and efficacy of novel G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2013; 69:384-92. [PMID: 24077529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) is a relevant signaling node of the cellular transduction network, playing major roles in the physiology of various organs/tissues including the heart and blood vessels. Emerging evidence suggests that GRK2 is up regulated in pathological situations such as heart failure, hypertrophy and hypertension, and its inhibition offers a potential therapeutic solution to these diseases. We explored the GRK2 inhibitory activity of a library of cyclic peptides derived from the HJ loop of G protein-coupled receptor kinases 2 (GRK2). The design of these cyclic compounds was based on the conformation of the HJ loop within the X-ray structure of GRK2. One of these compounds, the cyclic peptide 7, inhibited potently and selectively the GRK2 activity, being more active than its linear precursor. In a cellular system, this peptide confirms the beneficial signaling properties of a potent GRK2 inhibitor. Preferred conformations of the most potent analog were investigated by NMR spectroscopy.
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23
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Banerjee J, Gyanda R, Chang YP, Armishaw CJ. The chemical synthesis of α-conotoxins and structurally modified analogs with enhanced biological stability. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 1081:13-34. [PMID: 24014431 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-652-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
α-Conotoxins are peptide neurotoxins isolated from the venom ducts of carnivorous marine cone snails that exhibit exquisite pharmacological potency and selectivity for various nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes. As such, they are important research tools and drug leads for treating various diseases of the central nervous system, including pain and tobacco addiction. Despite their therapeutic potential, the chemical synthesis of α-conotoxins for use in structure-activity relationship studies is complicated by the possibility of three disulfide bond isomers, where inefficient folding methods can lead to a poor recovery of the pharmacologically active isomer. In order to achieve higher yields of the native isomer, especially in high-throughput syntheses it is necessary to select appropriate oxidative folding conditions. Moreover, the poor biochemical stability exhibited by α-conotoxins limits their general therapeutic applicability in vivo. Numerous strategies to enhance their stability including the substitution of disulfide bond with diselenide bond and N-to-C cyclization via an oligopeptide spacer have successfully overcome these limitations. This chapter describes methods for performing both selective and nonselective disulfide bond oxidation strategies for controlling the yields and formation of α-conotoxin disulfide bond isomers, as well as methods for the production of highly stable diselenide-containing and N-to-C cyclized conotoxin analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayati Banerjee
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA
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24
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Bingham JP, Andrews EA, Kiyabu SM, Cabalteja CC. Drugs from slugs. Part II--conopeptide bioengineering. Chem Biol Interact 2012; 200:92-113. [PMID: 23063744 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2012.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2012] [Revised: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The biological transformation of toxins as research probes, or as pharmaceutical drug leads, is an onerous and drawn out process. Issues regarding changes to pharmacological specificity, desired potency, and bioavailability are compounded naturally by their inherent toxicity. These often scuttle their progress as they move up the narrowing drug development pipeline. Yet one class of peptide toxins, from the genus Conus, has in many ways spearheaded the expansion of new peptide bioengineering techniques to aid peptide toxin pharmaceutical development. What has now emerged is the sequential bioengineering of new research probes and drug leads that owe their lineage to these highly potent and isoform specific peptides. Here we discuss the progressive bioengineering steps that many conopeptides have transitioned through, and specifically illustrate some of the biochemical approaches that have been established to maximize their biological research potential and pharmaceutical worth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Paul Bingham
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
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25
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Kowalczyk R, Harris PWR, Brimble MA, Callon KE, Watson M, Cornish J. Synthesis and evaluation of disulfide bond mimetics of amylin-(1-8) as agents to treat osteoporosis. Bioorg Med Chem 2012; 20:2661-8. [PMID: 22398258 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Osteoporotic fracture is a significant public health problem, resulting in fractures in >50% of women and in almost one third of men age 65 and older. Most of the existing therapies act by slowing bone loss, through inhibiting the action of bone resorbing cells. However, more substantial reductions of fracture numbers will only result from treatments that can rebuild bone. Our own animal studies demonstrated the anabolic potential of the small but unstable octapeptide fragment of amylin-(1-37), namely amylin-(1-8) containing one disulfide bridge (Cys/2 and Cys/7) [Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab.2000, 279, E730]. Herein, we describe the synthesis of amylin-(1-8) octapeptide and seven analogues thereof wherein the disulfide bridge is modified either via insertion of different linkers or bridges of a different nature in order to improve the stability and/or bone anabolic activity of the parent peptide. The peptide analogues were screened for proliferative activity in primary foetal rat bone-forming cells or osteoblasts at physiological concentrations. One such analogue showed promising biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Kowalczyk
- The School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, 23 Symonds St., Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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26
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Dekan Z, Vetter I, Daly NL, Craik DJ, Lewis RJ, Alewood PF. α-Conotoxin ImI Incorporating Stable Cystathionine Bridges Maintains Full Potency and Identical Three-Dimensional Structure. J Am Chem Soc 2011; 133:15866-9. [DOI: 10.1021/ja206408q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Dekan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Queensland, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Queensland, Australia
| | - Norelle L. Daly
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Queensland, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul F. Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Queensland, Australia
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27
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Knerr PJ, Tzekou A, Ricklin D, Qu H, Chen H, van der Donk WA, Lambris JD. Synthesis and activity of thioether-containing analogues of the complement inhibitor compstatin. ACS Chem Biol 2011; 6:753-60. [PMID: 21520911 DOI: 10.1021/cb2000378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Disulfide bonds are essential for the structural stability and biological activity of many bioactive peptides. However, these bonds are labile to reducing agents, which can limit the therapeutic utility of such peptides. Substitution of a disulfide bond with a reduction-resistant cystathionine bridge is an attractive means of improving stability while imposing minimal structural perturbation to the peptide. We have applied this approach to the therapeutic complement inhibitor compstatin, a disulfide-containing peptide currently in clinical trials for age-related macular degeneration, in an effort to maintain its potent activity while improving its biological stability. Thioether-containing compstatin analogues were produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis utilizing orthogonally protected cystathionine amino acid building blocks and solid-supported peptide cyclization. Overall, the affinity of these analogues for their biological target and potent inhibition of complement activation were largely maintained when compared to those of the parent disulfide-containing peptides. Thus, the improved stability to reduction conferred by the thioether bond makes this new class of compstatin peptides a promising alternative for therapeutic applications. Additionally, the versatility of this synthesis allows for exploration of disulfide-to-thioether substitution in a variety of other therapeutic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Apostolia Tzekou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Hongchang Qu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | | | - John D. Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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28
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Holland-Nell K, Meldal M. Maintaining Biological Activity by Using Triazoles as Disufide Bond Mimetics. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201005846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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29
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Holland-Nell K, Meldal M. Maintaining Biological Activity by Using Triazoles as Disufide Bond Mimetics. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2011; 50:5204-6. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201005846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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30
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Muttenthaler M, Andersson A, de Araujo AD, Dekan Z, Lewis RJ, Alewood PF. Modulating Oxytocin Activity and Plasma Stability by Disulfide Bond Engineering. J Med Chem 2010; 53:8585-96. [DOI: 10.1021/jm100989w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, 4072 St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland
| | - Asa Andersson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, 4072 St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland
| | - Aline D. de Araujo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, 4072 St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland
| | - Zoltan Dekan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, 4072 St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, 4072 St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland
| | - Paul F. Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, 4072 St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland
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31
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Gámez JA, Yáñez M. Asymmetry and Electronegativity in the Electron Capture Activation of the Se−Se Bond: σ*(Se−Se) vs σ*(Se−X). J Chem Theory Comput 2010; 6:3102-12. [DOI: 10.1021/ct100336q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- José A. Gámez
- Departamento de Química, Módulo 13, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Campus de Excelencia UAM-CSIC, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Yáñez
- Departamento de Química, Módulo 13, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Campus de Excelencia UAM-CSIC, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
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32
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Armishaw CJ. Synthetic α-conotoxin mutants as probes for studying nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and in the development of novel drug leads. Toxins (Basel) 2010; 2:1471-99. [PMID: 22069647 PMCID: PMC3153239 DOI: 10.3390/toxins2061471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2010] [Revised: 05/27/2010] [Accepted: 06/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Conotoxins are peptide neurotoxins isolated from venomous marine cone snails that are potent and selective antagonists for different subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). As such, they are valuable probes for dissecting the role that nAChRs play in nervous system function. In recent years, extensive insight into the binding mechanisms of α-conotoxins with nAChRs at the molecular level has aided in the design of synthetic analogs with improved pharmacological properties. This review examines the structure-activity relationship studies involving α-conotoxins as research tools for studying nAChRs in the central and peripheral nervous systems and their use towards the development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Armishaw
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St Lucie, FL 34987, USA.
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33
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Shomin CD, Meyer SC, Ghosh I. Staurosporine tethered peptide ligands that target cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA): optimization and selectivity profiling. Bioorg Med Chem 2009; 17:6196-202. [PMID: 19674907 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2009.07.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2009] [Revised: 07/22/2009] [Accepted: 07/23/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We have recently developed a fragment based selection strategy for targeting kinases, where a small molecule warhead can be non-covalently tethered to a phage-displayed library of peptides. This approach was applied to the conversion of the promiscuous kinase inhibitor, staurosporine, into a potent bivalent ligand for cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Herein we report a systematic evaluation of this new bivalent ligand (BL); (a) Lineweaver-Burke analysis revealed that the BL, unlike substrate-based bivalent kinase inhibitors, displayed non-competitive inhibition with respect to the peptide substrate, suggesting an allosteric mechanism of action; (b) linker optimization of the BL, afforded one of the most potent, sub-nanomolar, inhibitors of PKA reported to date; (c) the BL was found to be modular, where attachment of active site targeted small molecule warheads in lieu of staurosporine could achieve similar gains in affinity; and (d) profiling studies of both the staurosporine derivative and the BL (amide isostere) against a panel of 90 kinases revealed almost unique enhancement in selectivity against PKA (>5-fold) compared to the starting staurosporine derivative. These combined results provide new insights for BL discovery, which has the potential to provide guidance toward the development of kinase selective reagents while uncovering new allosteric sites on kinases for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn D Shomin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
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34
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Hossain MA, Rosengren KJ, Zhang S, Bathgate RAD, Tregear GW, van Lierop BJ, Robinson AJ, Wade JD. Solid phase synthesis and structural analysis of novel A-chain dicarba analogs of human relaxin-3 (INSL7) that exhibit full biological activity. Org Biomol Chem 2009; 7:1547-53. [PMID: 19343240 DOI: 10.1039/b821882j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Replacement of disulfide bonds with non-reducible isosteres can be a useful means of increasing the in vivo stability of a protein. We describe the replacement of the A-chain intramolecular disulfide bond of human relaxin-3 (H3 relaxin, INSL7), an insulin-like peptide that has potential applications in the treatment of stress and obesity, with the physiologically stable dicarba bond. Solid phase peptide synthesis was used to prepare an A-chain analogue in which the two cysteine residues that form the intramolecular bond were replaced with allylglycine. On-resin microwave-mediated ring closing metathesis was then employed to generate the dicarba bridge. Subsequent cleavage of the peptide from the solid support, purification of two isomers and their combination with the B-chain via two intermolecular disulfide bonds, then furnished two isomers of dicarba-H3 relaxin. These were characterized by CD spectroscopy, which suggested a structural similarity to the native peptide. Additional analysis by solution NMR spectroscopy also identified the likely cis/trans form of the analogs. Both peptides demonstrated binding affinities that were equivalent to native H3 relaxin on RXFP1 and RXFP3 expressing cells. However, although the cAMP activity of the analogs on RXFP3 expressing cells was similar to the native peptide, the potency on RXFP1 expressing cells was slightly lower. The data confirmed the use of a dicarba bond as a useful isosteric replacement of the disulfide bond.
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35
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Tian X, Michal AM, Li P, Wolfe HR, Waldman SA, Wickstrom E. STa peptide analogs for probing guanylyl cyclase C. Biopolymers 2008; 90:713-23. [PMID: 18615494 DOI: 10.1002/bip.21045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Guanylyl cyclase C (GC-C), universally overexpressed on primary and metastatic colorectal carcinoma cells, is activated by endogenous ligands, guanylin, and uroguanylin, and by exogenous 18-residue heat-stable enterotoxins (STa) produced by diarrheagenic bacteria. Two 12-residue STa analogs with alternate combinations of two interlocked disulfide bonds, peptides 3 and 6, were synthesized by orthogonal solid phase synthesis routes. Peptides 3 and 6 bound GC-C with a rank order potency of STa > peptide 3 > peptide 6. Peptides 3 and 6 behaved as agonists in stimulating cGMP production. The results reveal that the toxic domain of STa can be reduced to 12 amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobing Tian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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36
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Muttenthaler M, Alewood PF. Selenocystine Peptides – Synthesis, Folding and Applications. OXIDATIVE FOLDING OF PEPTIDES AND PROTEINS 2008. [DOI: 10.1039/9781847559265-00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Minta E, Kafarski P, Martinez J, Rolland V. Synthesis of cyclooctapeptides: constraints analogues of the peptidic neurotoxin, omega-agatoxine IVB-an experimental point of view. J Pept Sci 2008; 14:267-77. [PMID: 17853503 DOI: 10.1002/psc.919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
omega-AGA IVB is an important lead structure when considering the design of effectors of glutamate release inducting P/Q-type calcium channels. The best route to achieve the analogues possessing the three-dimensional arrangement corresponding to the native binding loop was the introduction of constraint by ring formation via side chain to side chain lactamization for suitably protected Lys and Glu residues. Since tryptophane residue located at position 14 of this neuropeptide has been suggested as essential for binding, analogues in which this amino acid was replaced by aza-tryptophane and alanine were synthesized. The synthesis was carried out on various acid-labile resins (BARLOS chlorotrityl, Rink amide, PEG-based or Wang resins), by Fmoc strategy. In this paper, we describe optimization of the peptide cyclization with various protecting groups, and on resin or in solution cyclization experimental parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Minta
- IBMM, UMR 5247, CNRS, Max Mousseron Institut of Biomolecules, Montpellier 1 & 2, Place E.Bataillon, Montpellier, France
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39
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Bulaj G, Olivera BM. Folding of conotoxins: formation of the native disulfide bridges during chemical synthesis and biosynthesis of Conus peptides. Antioxid Redox Signal 2008; 10:141-55. [PMID: 17961068 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2007.1856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Conopeptides from >700 species of predatory marine Conus snails provide an impressive molecular diversity of cysteine-rich peptides. Most of the estimated 50,000-100,000 distinct conopeptides range in size from 10 to 50 amino acid residues, often with multiple posttranslational modifications. The great majority contain from two to four disulfide bridges. As the biosynthetic and chemical production of this impressive repertoire of disulfide-rich peptides has been investigated, particularly the formation of native disulfide bridges, differences between in vivo and in vitro oxidative folding have become increasingly evident. In this article, we provide an overview of the molecular diversity of conotoxins with an emphasis on the cysteine patterns and disulfide frameworks. The conotoxin folding studies reviewed include regioselective and direct oxidation strategies, recombinant expression, optimization of folding methods, mechanisms of in vitro folding, and preliminary data on the biosynthesis of conotoxins in venom ducts. Despite these studies, how the cone snails efficiently produce properly folded conotoxins remains unanswered. As chemists continue to master oxidative folding techniques, insights gleaned from how conotoxins are folded in vivo will likely lead to the development of the new folding methods, as well as shed some light on fundamental mechanisms relevant to the protein folding problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA.
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40
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Craik DJ, Adams DJ. Chemical modification of conotoxins to improve stability and activity. ACS Chem Biol 2007; 2:457-68. [PMID: 17649970 DOI: 10.1021/cb700091j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Conotoxins are small disulfide-rich peptides from the venom of cone snails. Along with other conopeptides, they target a wide range of membrane receptors, ion channels, and transporters, and because of their high potency and selectivity for defined subtypes of these receptors, they have attracted a great deal of attention recently as leads in drug development. However, like most peptides, conopeptides potentially suffer from the disadvantages of poor absorption, poor stability, or short biological half-lives. Recently, various chemical approaches, including residue substitutions, backbone cyclization, and disulfide-bridge modification, have been reported to increase the stability of conopeptides. These manufactured interventions add to the array of post-translational modifications that occur naturally in conopeptides. They enhance the versatility of these peptides as tools in neuroscience and as drug leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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41
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Kasheverov IE, Utkin IN, Tsetlin VI. [Natural alpha-conotoxins and their synthetic analogues in studies of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors]. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2006; 32:115-29. [PMID: 16637282 DOI: 10.1134/s1068162006020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
alpha-Conotoxins, peptide neurotoxins from poisonous marine snails of the genus Conus that highly specifically block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) of various types, are reviewed. Preliminarily, the structural organization of AChRs of the muscular and neuronal types, their involvement in physiological processes, and their role in various diseases are briefly discussed. In this connection, the necessity of quantitative determination of AChR subtypes using neurotoxins and other approaches is substantiated. The chemical structure, spatial organization, and specificity of alpha-conotoxins are mainly discussed, taking into consideration the recent results on the ability of alpha-conotoxins to interact with muscular or neuronal hetero- and homooligomeric AChRs exhibiting a high species specificity. Particular emphasis is placed upon a thorough characterization of the surfaces of interaction of alpha-conotoxins with AChRs using synthetic analogues of alpha-conotoxins, mutations in AChRs, and pairwise mutations in both alpha-conotoxins and AChRs. The discovery in 2001 of the acetylcholine-binding protein from the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis and the determination of its crystalline structure led to rapid progress in understanding the structural organization of ligand-binding domains of AChRs with which alpha-conotoxins also interact. We discuss the interaction of various alpha-conotoxins with acetylcholine-binding proteins, the recently reported X-ray structure of the complex of the acetylcholine-binding protein from Aplysia californica with the alpha-conotoxin analogue PnIA, and the application of this structure to the modeling of complexes of alpha-conotoxins with various AChRs.
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Armishaw CJ, Daly NL, Nevin ST, Adams DJ, Craik DJ, Alewood PF. Alpha-selenoconotoxins, a new class of potent alpha7 neuronal nicotinic receptor antagonists. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:14136-43. [PMID: 16500898 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m512419200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Disulfide bonds are important structural motifs that play an essential role in maintaining the conformational stability of many bioactive peptides. Of particular importance are the conotoxins, which selectively target a wide range of ion channels that are implicated in numerous disease states. Despite the enormous potential of conotoxins as therapeutics, their multiple disulfide bond frameworks are inherently unstable under reducing conditions. Reduction or scrambling by thiol-containing molecules such as glutathione or serum albumin in intracellular or extracellular environments such as blood plasma can decrease their effectiveness as drugs. To address this issue, we describe a new class of selenoconotoxins where cysteine residues are replaced by selenocysteine to form isosteric and nonreducible diselenide bonds. Three isoforms of alpha-conotoxin ImI were synthesized by t-butoxycarbonyl chemistry with systematic replacement of one ([Sec(2,8)]ImI or [Sec(3,12)]ImI), or both ([Sec(2,3,8,12)]ImI) disulfide bonds with a diselenide bond. Each analogue demonstrated remarkable stability to reduction or scrambling under a range of chemical and biological reducing conditions. Three-dimensional structural characterization by NMR and CD spectroscopy indicates conformational preferences that are very similar to those of native ImI, suggesting fully isomorphic structures. Additionally, full bioactivity was retained at the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, with each selenoanalogue exhibiting a dose-response curve that overlaps with wild-type ImI, thus further supporting an isomorphic structure. These results demonstrate that selenoconotoxins can be used as highly stable scaffolds for the design of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Armishaw
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Stymiest JL, Mitchell BF, Wong S, Vederas JC. Synthesis of Oxytocin Analogues with Replacement of Sulfur by Carbon Gives Potent Antagonists with Increased Stability. J Org Chem 2005; 70:7799-809. [PMID: 16277299 DOI: 10.1021/jo050539l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
[Chemical reaction: See text] The neuropeptide oxytocin 1 controls mammary and uterine smooth muscle contraction. Atosiban 2, an oxytocin antagonist, is used for prevention of preterm labor and premature birth. However, the metabolic lifetimes of such peptide drugs are short because of in vivo degradation. Facile production of oxytocin analogues with varying ring sizes wherein sulfur is replaced by carbon (methylene or methine) could be achieved by standard solid-phase peptide synthesis using olefin-bearing amino acids followed by on-resin ring-closing metathesis (RCM). These were tested for agonistic and antagonistic uteronic activity using myometrial strips taken from nonpregnant female rats. Peptide 8 showed agonistic activity in vitro (EC50= 1.4 x 10(3) +/- 4.4 x 10(2) nM) as compared to 1 (EC50= 7.0 +/- 2.1 nM). Atosiban analogues 17 (pA2= 7.8 +/- 0.1) and 18 (pA2= 8.0 +/- 0.1) showed substantial activity compared to the parent oxytocin antagonist 2 (pA2= 9.9 +/- 0.3). Carba analogue 35 (pA2= 6.1 +/- 0.1) had an agonistic activity over 2 orders of magnitude less than its parent 3 (8.8 +/- 0.5). A comparison of biological stabilities of 1,6-carba analogues of both an agonist 8 and antagonist 18 versus parent peptides 1 and 2 was conducted. The half-lives of peptides 8 and 18 in rat placental tissue were shown (Table 2) to be greatly improved versus their parents oxytocin 1 and atosiban 2, respectively. These results suggest that peptides 8 and 18 and analogues thereof may be important leads into the development of a long-lasting, commercially available therapeutic for initiation of parturition and treatment of preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake L Stymiest
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Bondebjerg J, Grunnet M, Jespersen T, Meldal M. Solid-phase synthesis and biological activity of a thioether analogue of conotoxin G1. Chembiochem 2003; 4:186-94. [PMID: 12616632 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.200390030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A bicyclic thioether analogue of alpha-conotoxin G1, a neurotoxin found in the venom of cone snails, was synthesized on solid phase. Two successive intramolecular on-bead cyclizations between a cysteine residue and a chloroacetylated reduced peptide bond are the key steps in the synthesis. The first reduced peptide bond was introduced by a reductive alkylation with a 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl protected amino aldehyde, and the second by coupling of a dipeptide building block containing an allyloxycarbonyl protected reduced peptide bond. The desired bicyclic product was obtained as a mixture of two isomers, which were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the muscular nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The two isomers were found to have IC(50) values (inhibitory activities) of 144 microM and 48 microM, compared to 0.18 microM for native conotoxin G1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Bondebjerg
- SPOCC Centre, Carlsberg Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Gamle Carlsbergvej 10, 2500 Valby, Denmark
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Grieco P, Carotenuto A, Patacchini R, Maggi CA, Novellino E, Rovero P. Design, synthesis, conformational analysis, and biological studies of urotensin-II lactam analogues. Bioorg Med Chem 2002; 10:3731-9. [PMID: 12413830 DOI: 10.1016/s0968-0896(02)00372-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Human urotensin II (hU-II; H-Glu-Thr-Pro-Asp-cyclo[Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys]-Val-OH) is a disulfide bridged undecapeptide recently identified as the ligand of an orphan G protein-coupled receptor. hU-II has been described as the most potent vasoconstrictor compound identified to date. With the aim of replacing the disulfide bridge by a chemically more stable moiety, we have synthesized and tested a series of lactam analogues of hU-II minimum active fragment, that is hU-II(4-11). The contractile activity of the synthetic analogues on the rat isolated thoracic aorta was found to be dependent upon the dimension of the lactam bridge. The most active peptide, H-Asp-cyclo[Orn-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Asp]-Val-OH (3), is approximately 2 logs less potent than hU-II (pD(2)=6.3 vs 8.4). A conformational analysis in solution of the active peptide 3, one of the inactive analogues, and hU-II was performed, using NMR and molecular modelling techniques. A superposition of the calculated structures of hU-II and 3 clearly shows that three out of four key residues (i.e., Phe(6), Lys(8) and Tyr(9)) maintain the same side- chain orientation, while the fourth one, Trp(7), cannot be superimposed. This observation could explain the reduced biological activity of the synthetic analogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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