1
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Benfield AH, Vernen F, Young RSE, Nadal-Bufí F, Lamb H, Hammerlindl H, Craik DJ, Schaider H, Lawrence N, Blanksby SJ, Henriques ST. Cyclic tachyplesin I kills proliferative, non-proliferative and drug-resistant melanoma cells without inducing resistance. Pharmacol Res 2024; 207:107298. [PMID: 39032840 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Acquired drug resistance is the major cause for disease recurrence in cancer patients, and this is particularly true for patients with metastatic melanoma that carry a BRAF V600E mutation. To address this problem, we investigated cyclic membrane-active peptides as an alternative therapeutic modality to kill drug-tolerant and resistant melanoma cells to avoid acquired drug resistance. We selected two stable cyclic peptides (cTI and cGm), previously shown to have anti-melanoma properties, and compared them with dabrafenib, a drug used to treat cancer patients with the BRAF V600E mutation. The peptides act via a fast membrane-permeabilizing mechanism and kill metastatic melanoma cells that are sensitive, tolerant, or resistant to dabrafenib. Melanoma cells do not become resistant to long-term treatment with cTI, nor do they evolve their lipid membrane composition, as measured by lipidomic and proteomic studies. In vivo studies in mice demonstrated that the combination treatment of cTI and dabrafenib resulted in fewer metastases and improved overall survival. Such cyclic membrane-active peptides are thus well suited as templates to design new anticancer therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie H Benfield
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Felicitas Vernen
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Reuben S E Young
- Central Analytical Research Facility and School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Ferran Nadal-Bufí
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Henry Lamb
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Heinz Hammerlindl
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Helmut Schaider
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Nicole Lawrence
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Stephen J Blanksby
- Central Analytical Research Facility and School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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2
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Jiang Z, Huang YH, Kaas Q, Craik DJ, Wang CK. Structure and Activity of Reconstructed Pseudo-Ancestral Cyclotides. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202400124. [PMID: 38632079 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Cyclotides are cyclic peptides that are promising scaffolds for the design of drug candidates and chemical tools. However, despite there being hundreds of reported cyclotides, drug design studies have commonly focussed on a select few prototypic examples. Here, we explored whether ancestral sequence reconstruction could be used to generate new cyclotides for further optimization. We show that the reconstructed 'pseudo-ancestral' sequences, named Ancy-m (for the ancestral cyclotide of the Möbius sub-family) and Ancy-b (for the bracelet sub-family), have well-defined structures like their extant members, comprising the core structural feature of a cyclic cystine knot. This motif underpins efforts to re-engineer cyclotides for agrochemical and therapeutic applications. We further show that the reconstructed sequences are resistant to temperatures approaching boiling, bind to phosphatidyl-ethanolamine lipid bilayers at micromolar affinity, and inhibit the growth of insect cells at inhibitory concentrations in the micromolar range. Interestingly, the Ancy-b cyclotide had a higher oxidative folding yield than its comparator cyclotide cyO2, which belongs to the bracelet cyclotide subfamily known to be notoriously difficult to fold. Overall, this study provides new cyclotide sequences not yet found naturally that could be valuable starting points for the understanding of cyclotide evolution and for further optimization as drug leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Jiang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - Conan K Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
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3
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Koehbach J, Muratspahić E, Ahmed ZM, White AM, Tomašević N, Durek T, Clark RJ, Gruber CW, Craik DJ. Chemical synthesis of grafted cyclotides using a "plug and play" approach. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:567-571. [PMID: 38846076 PMCID: PMC11151825 DOI: 10.1039/d4cb00008k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclotides are a diverse class of plant-derived cyclic, disulfide-rich peptides with a unique cyclic cystine knot topology. Their remarkable structural stability and resistance to proteolytic degradation can lead to improved pharmacokinetics and oral activity as well as selectivity and high enzymatic stability. Thus, cyclotides have emerged as powerful scaffold molecules for designing peptide-based therapeutics. The chemical engineering of cyclotides has generated novel peptide ligands of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), today's most exploited drug targets. However key challenges potentially limit the widespread use of cyclotides in molecular grafting applications. Folding of cyclotides containing bioactive epitopes remains a major bottleneck in cyclotide synthesis. Here we present a modular 'plug and play' approach that effectively bypasses problems associated with the oxidative folding of cyclotides. By grafting onto a pre-formed acyclic cyclotide-like scaffold we show that difficult-to-graft sequences can be easily obtained and can target GPCRs with nanomolar affinities and potencies. We further show the suitability of this new method to graft other complex epitopes including structures with additional disulfide bonds that are not readily available via currently employed chemical methods, thus fully unlocking cyclotides to be used in drug design applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Koehbach
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Edin Muratspahić
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Zakaria M Ahmed
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Andrew M White
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University Australia
| | - Nataša Tomašević
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Richard J Clark
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
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4
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Tomašević N, Emser FS, Muratspahić E, Gattringer J, Hasinger S, Hellinger R, Keov P, Felkl M, Gertsch J, Becker CFW, Gruber CW. Discovery and development of macrocyclic peptide modulators of the cannabinoid 2 receptor. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107330. [PMID: 38679329 PMCID: PMC11154713 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R), a G protein-coupled receptor, is an important regulator of immune cell function and a promising target to treat chronic inflammation and fibrosis. While CB2R is typically targeted by small molecules, including endo-, phyto-, and synthetic cannabinoids, peptides-owing to their size-may offer a different interaction space to facilitate differential interactions with the receptor. Here, we explore plant-derived cyclic cystine-knot peptides as ligands of the CB2R. Cyclotides are known for their exceptional biochemical stability. Recently, they gained attention as G protein-coupled receptor modulators and as templates for designing peptide ligands with improved pharmacokinetic properties over linear peptides. Cyclotide-based ligands for CB2R were profiled based on a peptide-enriched extract library comprising nine plants. Employing pharmacology-guided fractionation and peptidomics, we identified the cyclotide vodo-C1 from sweet violet (Viola odorata) as a full agonist of CB2R with an affinity (Ki) of 1 μM and a potency (EC50) of 8 μM. Leveraging deep learning networks, we verified the structural topology of vodo-C1 and modeled its molecular volume in comparison to the CB2R ligand binding pocket. In a fragment-based approach, we designed and characterized vodo-C1-based bicyclic peptides (vBCL1-4), aiming to reduce size and improve potency. Opposite to vodo-C1, the vBCL peptides lacked the ability to activate the receptor but acted as negative allosteric modulators or neutral antagonists of CB2R. This study introduces a macrocyclic peptide phytocannabinoid, which served as a template for the development of synthetic CB2R peptide modulators. These findings offer opportunities for future peptide-based probe and drug development at cannabinoid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Tomašević
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabiola Susanna Emser
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Edin Muratspahić
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasmin Gattringer
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Hasinger
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roland Hellinger
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Keov
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Manuel Felkl
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christian F W Becker
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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5
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Tian S, de Veer SJ, Durek T, Wang CK, Craik DJ. Nucleation of a key beta-turn promotes cyclotide oxidative folding. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107125. [PMID: 38432638 PMCID: PMC10999817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclotides are plant-derived peptides characterized by a head-to-tail cyclic backbone and a cystine knot motif comprised of three disulfide bonds. Formation of this motif via in vitro oxidative folding can be challenging and can result in misfolded isomers with nonnative disulfide connectivities. Here, we investigated the effect of β-turn nucleation on cyclotide oxidative folding. Two types of β-turn mimics were grafted into kalata B1, individually replacing each of the four β-turns in the folded cyclotide. Insertion of d-Pro-Gly into loop 5 was beneficial to the folding of both cyclic kB1 and a linear form of the peptide. The linear grafted analog folded four-times faster in aqueous conditions than cyclic kB1 in optimized conditions. Additionally, the cyclic analogue folded without the need for redox agents by transitioning through a native-like intermediate that was on-pathway to product formation. Kalata B1 is from the Möbius subfamily of cyclotides. Grafting d-Pro-Gly into loop 5 of cyclotides from two other subfamilies also had a beneficial effect on folding. Our findings demonstrate the importance of a β-turn nucleation site for cyclotide oxidative folding, which could be adopted as a chemical strategy to improve the in vitro folding of diverse cystine-rich peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixin Tian
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Simon J de Veer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Conan K Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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6
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Huang YH, Jiang Z, Du Q, Yap K, Bigot A, Kaas Q, Wang CK, Craik DJ. Scanning mutagenesis identifies residues that improve the long-term stability and insecticidal activity of cyclotide kalata B1. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105682. [PMID: 38272233 PMCID: PMC10877628 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclotides are plant-derived disulfide-rich cyclic peptides that have a natural function in plant defense and potential for use as agricultural pesticides. Because of their highly constrained topology, they are highly resistant to thermal, chemical, or enzymatic degradation. However, the stability of cyclotides at alkaline pH for incubation times of longer than a few days is poorly studied but important since these conditions could be encountered in the environment, during storage or field application as insecticides. In this study, kalata B1 (kB1), the prototypical cyclotide, was engineered to improve its long-term stability and retain its insecticidal activity via point mutations. We found that substituting either Asn29 or Gly1 to lysine or leucine increased the stability of kB1 by twofold when incubated in an alkaline buffer (pH = 9.0) for 7 days, while retaining its insecticidal activity. In addition, when Gly1 was replaced with lysine or leucine, the mutants could be cyclized using an asparaginyl endopeptidase, in vitro with a yield of ∼90% within 5 min. These results demonstrate the potential to manufacture kB1 mutants with increased stability and insecticidal activity recombinantly or in planta. Overall, the discovery of mutants of kB1 that have enhanced stability could be useful in leading to longer term activity in the field as bioinsecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Zhihao Jiang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Qingdan Du
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kuok Yap
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Conan K Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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7
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Lander A, Kong Y, Jin Y, Wu C, Luk LYP. Deciphering the Synthetic and Refolding Strategy of a Cysteine-Rich Domain in the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor (TNF-R) for Racemic Crystallography Analysis and d-Peptide Ligand Discovery. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2024; 4:68-76. [PMID: 38404743 PMCID: PMC10885103 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.3c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Many cell-surface receptors are promising targets for chemical synthesis because of their critical roles in disease development. This synthetic approach enables investigations by racemic protein crystallography and ligand discovery by mirror-image methodologies. However, due to their complex nature, the chemical synthesis of a receptor can be a significant challenge. Here, we describe the chemical synthesis and folding of a central, cysteine-rich domain of the cell-surface receptor tumor necrosis factor 1 which is integral to binding of the cytokine TNF-α, namely, TNFR-1 CRD2. Racemic protein crystallography at 1.4 Å confirmed that the native binding conformation was preserved, and TNFR-1 CRD2 maintained its capacity to bind to TNF-α (KD ≈ 7 nM). Encouraged by this discovery, we carried out mirror-image phage display using the enantiomeric receptor mimic and identified a d-peptide ligand for TNFR-1 CRD2 (KD = 1 μM). This work demonstrated that cysteine-rich domains, including the central domains, can be chemically synthesized and used as mimics for investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander
J. Lander
- School
of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K.
| | - Yifu Kong
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE
Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State
Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Fujian Province 361005, China
| | - Yi Jin
- Manchester
Institute of Biotechnology, University of
Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
| | - Chuanliu Wu
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE
Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State
Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Fujian Province 361005, China
| | - Louis Y. P. Luk
- School
of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K.
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8
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Eteme ON, Zondegoumba EN, Tadayozzi YS, Serafim JA, Leite WQ, de Freitas Genari Severino M, Vicente EF. Methods for extraction, isolation and sequencing of cyclotides and others cyclic peptides with anti-helminthic activities: An overview. Parasitol Int 2024; 98:102808. [PMID: 37717651 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The mortality rate caused by parasitic worms on their hosts is of great concern and studies have been carried out to find molecules to reduce the prevalence, host-parasite interaction, and resistance of parasites to treatments. Existing drugs on the market are very often toxic and have many side effects, hence the need to find new, more active molecules. It has been demonstrated in several works that medicinal plants constitute a wide range of new molecules that can solve this problem. Several works have already been able to demonstrate that cyclic peptides of plant origin have shown good activity in the fight against different types of helminths. Therefore, this review aims to provide a general overview of the methods and techniques of extraction, isolation, activities and mechanisms of action of cyclotides and other cyclic peptides for application in the treatment of helminthic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Ndogo Eteme
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Sciences and Engineering, Tupã, São Paulo 17602-496, Brazil; University of Yaounde I, Faculty of Science, Department of Organic Chemistry, PO. BOX 812, Cameroon.
| | | | - Yasmin Saegusa Tadayozzi
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Sciences and Engineering, Tupã, São Paulo 17602-496, Brazil
| | - Jessica Aparecida Serafim
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Sciences and Engineering, Tupã, São Paulo 17602-496, Brazil
| | - Wendell Queiroz Leite
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Festozo Vicente
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Sciences and Engineering, Tupã, São Paulo 17602-496, Brazil.
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9
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Muratspahić E, Deibler K, Han J, Tomašević N, Jadhav KB, Olivé-Marti AL, Hochrainer N, Hellinger R, Koehbach J, Fay JF, Rahman MH, Hegazy L, Craven TW, Varga BR, Bhardwaj G, Appourchaux K, Majumdar S, Muttenthaler M, Hosseinzadeh P, Craik DJ, Spetea M, Che T, Baker D, Gruber CW. Design and structural validation of peptide-drug conjugate ligands of the kappa-opioid receptor. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8064. [PMID: 38052802 PMCID: PMC10698194 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43718-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing number of GPCR structures and recent advances in peptide design, the development of efficient technologies allowing rational design of high-affinity peptide ligands for single GPCRs remains an unmet challenge. Here, we develop a computational approach for designing conjugates of lariat-shaped macrocyclized peptides and a small molecule opioid ligand. We demonstrate its feasibility by discovering chemical scaffolds for the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) with desired pharmacological activities. The designed De Novo Cyclic Peptide (DNCP)-β-naloxamine (NalA) exhibit in vitro potent mixed KOR agonism/mu-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonism, nanomolar binding affinity, selectivity, and efficacy bias at KOR. Proof-of-concept in vivo efficacy studies demonstrate that DNCP-β-NalA(1) induces a potent KOR-mediated antinociception in male mice. The high-resolution cryo-EM structure (2.6 Å) of the DNCP-β-NalA-KOR-Gi1 complex and molecular dynamics simulations are harnessed to validate the computational design model. This reveals a network of residues in ECL2/3 and TM6/7 controlling the intrinsic efficacy of KOR. In general, our computational de novo platform overcomes extensive lead optimization encountered in ultra-large library docking and virtual small molecule screening campaigns and offers innovation for GPCR ligand discovery. This may drive the development of next-generation therapeutics for medical applications such as pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edin Muratspahić
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Kristine Deibler
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle, Novo Nordisk A/S, 530 Fairview Ave N #5000, Seattle, WA, 97403, USA
| | - Jianming Han
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Nataša Tomašević
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kirtikumar B Jadhav
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aina-Leonor Olivé-Marti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nadine Hochrainer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Roland Hellinger
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty for Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jonathan F Fay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Mohammad Homaidur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Saint Louis College of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Lamees Hegazy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Saint Louis College of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Timothy W Craven
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Balazs R Varga
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Gaurav Bhardwaj
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Kevin Appourchaux
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Parisa Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Bioengineering, Knight Campus, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tao Che
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - David Baker
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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10
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Dahal A, Subramanian V, Shrestha P, Liu D, Gauthier T, Jois S. Conformationally constrained cyclic grafted peptidomimetics targeting protein-protein interactions. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2023; 115:e24328. [PMID: 38188985 PMCID: PMC10769001 DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1) structure is used for designing grafted peptides as a possible therapeutic agent. The grafted peptide exhibits multiple conformations in solution due to the presence of proline in the structure of the peptide. To lock the grafted peptide into a major conformation in solution, a dibenzofuran moiety (DBF) was incorporated in the peptide backbone structure, replacing the Pro-Pro sequence. NMR studies indicated a major conformation of the grafted peptide in solution. Detailed structural studies suggested that SFTI-DBF adopts a twisted beta-strand structure in solution. The surface plasmon resonance analysis showed that SFTI-DBF binds to CD58 protein. A model for the protein-SFTI-DBF complex was proposed based on docking studies. These studies suggested that SFTI-1 grafted peptide can be used to design stable peptides for therapeutic purposes by grafting organic functional groups and amino acids. However, when a similar strategy was used with another grafted peptide, the resulting peptide did not produce a single major conformation, and its biological activity was lost. Thus, conformational constraints depend on the sequence of amino acids used for SFTI-1 grafting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achyut Dahal
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe LA 71201
| | - Vivekanandan Subramanian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Prajesh Shrestha
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe LA 71201
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803
| | - Dong Liu
- AgCenter Biotechnology Laboratory, LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803
| | - Ted Gauthier
- AgCenter Biotechnology Laboratory, LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803
| | - Seetharama Jois
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe LA 71201
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803
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11
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Ho TNT, Turner A, Pham SH, Nguyen HT, Nguyen LTT, Nguyen LT, Dang TT. Cysteine-rich peptides: From bioactivity to bioinsecticide applications. Toxicon 2023; 230:107173. [PMID: 37211058 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Greater levels of insect resistance and constraints on the use of current pesticides have recently led to increased crop losses in agricultural production. Further, the health and environmental impacts of pesticides now restrict their application. Biologics based on peptides are gaining popularity as efficient crop protection agents with low environmental toxicity. Cysteine-rich peptides (whether originated from venoms or plant defense substances) are chemically stable and effective as insecticides in agricultural applications. Cysteine-rich peptides fulfill the stability and efficacy requirements for commercial uses and provide an environmentally benign alternative to small-molecule insecticides. In this article, cysteine-rich insecticidal peptide classes identified from plants and venoms will be highlighted, focusing on their structural stability, bioactivity and production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao N T Ho
- Institute of Applied Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 1B TL29, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - A Turner
- Molecular Biology Department, University of Texas, 100 E 24th St. Austin, USA
| | - Son H Pham
- Institute of Applied Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 1B TL29, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Ha T Nguyen
- National Key Laboratory of Polymer and Composite Materials, Department of Energy Materials, Faculty of Materials Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Linh T T Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, 280 an Duong Vuong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Luan T Nguyen
- National Key Laboratory of Polymer and Composite Materials, Department of Energy Materials, Faculty of Materials Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Tien T Dang
- Institute of Applied Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 1B TL29, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
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12
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Ho TNT, Pham SH, Nguyen LTT, Nguyen HT, Nguyen LT, Dang TT. Insights into the synthesis strategies of plant-derived cyclotides. Amino Acids 2023:10.1007/s00726-023-03271-8. [PMID: 37142771 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03271-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Cyclotides are plant peptides characterized with a head-to-tail cyclized backbone and three interlocking disulfide bonds, known as a cyclic cysteine knot. Despite the variations in cyclotides peptide sequences, this core structure is conserved, underlying their most useful feature: stability against thermal and chemical breakdown. Cyclotides are the only natural peptides known to date that are orally bioavailable and able to cross cell membranes. Cyclotides also display bioactivities that have been exploited and expanded to develop as potential therapeutic reagents for a wide range of conditions (e.g., HIV, inflammatory conditions, multiple sclerosis, etc.). As such, in vitro production of cyclotides is of the utmost importance since it could assist further research on this peptide class, specifically the structure-activity relationship and its mechanism of action. The information obtained could be utilized to assist drug development and optimization. Here, we discuss several strategies for the synthesis of cyclotides using both chemical and biological routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao N T Ho
- Institute of Applied Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 1B TL29, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Son H Pham
- Institute of Applied Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 1B TL29, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Linh T T Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, 280 An Duong Vuong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Ha T Nguyen
- National Key Laboratory of Polymer and Composite Materials, Department of Energy Materials, Faculty of Materials Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
- Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Luan T Nguyen
- National Key Laboratory of Polymer and Composite Materials, Department of Energy Materials, Faculty of Materials Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
- Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Tien T Dang
- Institute of Applied Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 1B TL29, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
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13
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Liu C, Yan Q, Yi K, Hu T, Wang J, Zhang Z, Li H, Luo Y, Zhang D, Meng E. A secretory system for extracellular production of spider neurotoxin huwentoxin-I in Escherichia coli. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2022; 53:914-922. [PMID: 36573266 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2022.2158473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Due to their advantages in structural stability and versatility, cysteine-rich peptides, which are secreted from the venom glands of venomous animals, constitute a naturally occurring pharmaceutical arsenal. However, the correct folding of disulfide bonds is a challenging task in the prokaryotic expression system like Escherichia coli due to the reducing environment. Here, a secretory expression plasmid pSE-G1M5-SUMO-HWTX-I for the spider neurotoxin huwentoxin-I (HWTX-I) with three disulfides as a model of cysteine-rich peptides was constructed. By utilizing the signal peptide G1M5, the fusion protein 6 × His-SUMO-HWTX-I was successfully secreted into extracellular medium of BL21(DE3). After enrichment using cation-exchange chromatography and purification utilizing the Ni-NTA column, 6 × His-SUMO-HWTX-I was digested via Ulp1 kinase to release recombinant HWTX-I (rHWTX-I), which was further purified utilizing RP-HPLC. Finally, both impurities with low and high molecular weights were completely removed. The molecular mass of rHWTX-I was identified as being 3750.8 Da, which was identical to natural HWTX-I with three disulfide bridges. Furthermore, by utilizing whole-cell patch clamp, the sodium currents of hNav1.7 could be inhibited by rHWTX-I and the IC50 value was 419 nmol/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjun Liu
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Improvement and Multiple Utilization of Economic Crops in Hunan Province, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Remediation and Safe Utilization of Heavy Metal-polluted Soils, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, PR China
| | - Qing Yan
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, PR China
| | - Ke Yi
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, PR China
| | - Tianhao Hu
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jianjie Wang
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, PR China
| | - Zheyang Zhang
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, PR China
| | - Huimin Li
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yutao Luo
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, PR China
| | - Dongyi Zhang
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, PR China
| | - Er Meng
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Improvement and Multiple Utilization of Economic Crops in Hunan Province, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Remediation and Safe Utilization of Heavy Metal-polluted Soils, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, PR China
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14
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Nadal-Bufí F, Chan LY, Mohammad HH, Mason JM, Salomon C, Lai A, Thompson EW, Craik DJ, Kaas Q, Henriques ST. Peptide-based LDH5 inhibitors enter cancer cells and impair proliferation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:606. [PMID: 36436181 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04633-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lactate dehydrogenase 5 (LDH5) is overexpressed in many cancers and is a potential target for anticancer therapy due to its role in aerobic glycolysis. Small-molecule drugs have been developed as competitive inhibitors to bind substrate/cofactor sites of LDH5, but none reached the clinic to date. Recently, we designed the first LDH5 non-competitive inhibitor, cGmC9, a peptide that inhibits protein-protein interactions required for LDH5 enzymatic activity. Peptides are gaining a large interest as anticancer agents to modulate intracellular protein-protein interactions not targetable by small molecules; however, delivery of these peptides to the cytosol, where LDH5 and other anticancer targets are located, remains a challenge for this class of therapeutics. In this study, we focused on the cellular internalisation of cGmC9 to achieve LDH5 inhibition in the cytosol. We designed cGmC9 analogues and compared them for LDH5 inhibition, cellular uptake, toxicity, and antiproliferation against a panel of cancer cell lines. The lead analogue, [R/r]cGmC9, specifically impairs proliferation of cancer cell lines with high glycolytic profiles. Proteomics analysis showed expected metabolic changes in response to decreased glycolysis. This is the first report of a peptide-based LDH5 inhibitor able to modulate cancer metabolism and kill cancer cells that are glycolytic. The current study demonstrates the potential of using peptides as inhibitors of intracellular protein-protein interactions relevant for cancer pathways and shows that active peptides can be rationally designed to improve their cell permeation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Nadal-Bufí
- Queensland University of Technology, School of Biomedical Sciences and Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Lai Y Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Hadi H Mohammad
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.,Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Knowledge University, Erbil, 44001, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Jody M Mason
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Carlos Salomon
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia.,Departamento de Investigación, Postgrado y Educación Continua (DIPEC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Alba, 8320000, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrew Lai
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- Queensland University of Technology, School of Biomedical Sciences and Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Sónia T Henriques
- Queensland University of Technology, School of Biomedical Sciences and Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia. .,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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15
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S100 Proteins as Novel Therapeutic Targets in Psoriasis and Other Autoimmune Diseases. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196640. [PMID: 36235175 PMCID: PMC9572071 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases affecting about 1-3% of the population. One of the characteristic abnormalities in psoriasis is the excessive production of antimicrobial peptides and proteins, which play an essential role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Antimicrobial peptides and proteins can be expressed differently in normal and diseased skin, reflecting their usefulness as diagnostic biomarkers. Moreover, due to their very important functions in innate immunity, members of host defense peptides and proteins are currently considered to be promising new therapeutic targets for many inflammatory diseases. Koebnerisin (S100A15) belongs to an S100 family of antimicrobial proteins, which constitute the multigenetic group of calcium-binding proteins involved in ion-dependent cellular functions and regulation of immune mechanisms. S100A15 was first discovered to be overexpressed in 'koebnerized' psoriatic skin, indicating its involvement in the disease phenotype and the same promising potential as a new therapeutic target. This review describes the involvement of antimicrobial peptides and proteins in inflammatory diseases' development and therapy. The discussion focuses on S100 proteins, especially koebnerisin, which may be involved in the underlying mechanism of the Köebner phenomenon in psoriasis, as well as other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases described in the last decade.
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16
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Dias SA, Pinto SN, Silva-Herdade AS, Cheneval O, Craik DJ, Coutinho A, Castanho MARB, Henriques ST, Veiga AS. A designed cyclic analogue of gomesin has potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:3256-3264. [PMID: 36171717 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections caused by bacterial biofilms are very difficult to treat. The use of currently approved antibiotics even at high dosages often fails, making the treatment of these infections very challenging. Novel antimicrobial agents that use distinct mechanisms of action are urgently needed. OBJECTIVES To explore the use of [G1K,K8R]cGm, a designed cyclic analogue of the antimicrobial peptide gomesin, as an alternative approach to treat biofilm infections. METHODS We studied the activity of [G1K,K8R]cGm against biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen associated with several biofilm-related infections. A combination of atomic force and real-time confocal laser scanning microscopies was used to study the mechanism of action of the peptide. RESULTS The peptide demonstrated potent activity against 24 h-preformed biofilms through a concentration-dependent ability to kill biofilm-embedded cells. Mechanistic studies showed that [G1K,K8R]cGm causes morphological changes on bacterial cells and permeabilizes their membranes across the biofilm with a half-time of 65 min. We also tested an analogue of [G1K,K8R]cGm without disulphide bonds, and a linear unfolded analogue, and found both to be inactive. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the 3D structure of [G1K,K8R]cGm and its stabilization by disulphide bonds are essential for its antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. Moreover, our findings support the potential application of this stable cyclic antimicrobial peptide to fight bacterial biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana A Dias
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra N Pinto
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.,Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana S Silva-Herdade
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Olivier Cheneval
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072 Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072 Australia
| | - Ana Coutinho
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.,Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.,Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sónia T Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072 Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Brisbane, QLD, 4102 Australia
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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17
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Dang TT, Harvey PJ, Chan LY, Huang Y, Kaas Q, Craik DJ. Mutagenesis of cyclotide Cter 27 exemplifies a robust folding strategy for bracelet cyclotides. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tien T. Dang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland
- Institute of Applied Materials Science Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology Ho Chi Minh City Australia
| | - Peta J. Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland
| | - Lai Yue Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland
| | - Yen‐Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland
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18
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Dahal A, Parajuli P, Singh SS, Shrestha L, Sonju JJ, Shrestha P, Chatzistamou I, Jois S. Targeting protein–protein interaction for immunomodulation: A sunflower trypsin inhibitor analog peptidomimetic suppresses RA progression in CIA model. J Pharmacol Sci 2022; 149:124-138. [PMID: 35641025 PMCID: PMC9208026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein–protein interactions (PPI) of co-stimulatory molecules CD2-CD58 are important in the early stage of an immune response, and increased expression of these co-stimulatory molecules is observed in the synovial region of joints in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A CD2 epitope region that binds to CD58 was grafted on to sunflower trypsin inhibitor (SFTI) template structure to inhibit CD2-CD58 PPI. The peptide was incorporated with an organic moiety dibenzofuran (DBF) in its structure. The designed peptidomimetic was studied for its ability to inhibit CD2-CD58 interactions in vitro, and its thermal and enzymatic stability was evaluated. Stability studies indicated that the grafted peptidomimetic was stable against trypsin cleavage. In vivo studies using the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in mice indicated that the peptidomimetic was able to slow down the progress of arthritis, an autoimmune disease in the mice model. These studies suggest that with the grafting of organic functional groups in the stable peptide template SFTI stabilizes the peptide structure, and these peptides can be used as a template to design stable peptides for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achyut Dahal
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe LA, 71201, USA
| | - Pravin Parajuli
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe LA, 71201, USA
| | - Sitanshu S Singh
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe LA, 71201, USA
| | - Leeza Shrestha
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe LA, 71201, USA
| | - Jafrin Jobayer Sonju
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe LA, 71201, USA
| | - Prajesh Shrestha
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe LA, 71201, USA
| | - Ioulia Chatzistamou
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology (PMI), School of Medicine, USC, SC 6439 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Seetharama Jois
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe LA, 71201, USA.
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19
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Du Q, Huang YH, Wang CK, Kaas Q, Craik DJ. Mutagenesis of bracelet cyclotide hyen D reveals functionally and structurally critical residues for membrane binding and cytotoxicity. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101822. [PMID: 35283188 PMCID: PMC9006653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclotides have a wide range of bioactivities relevant for agricultural and pharmaceutical applications. This large family of naturally occurring macrocyclic peptides is divided into three subfamilies, with the bracelet subfamily being the largest and comprising the most potent cyclotides reported to date. However, attempts to harness the natural bioactivities of bracelet cyclotides and engineer-optimized analogs have been hindered by a lack of understanding of the structural and functional role of their constituent residues, which has been challenging because bracelet cyclotides are difficult to produce synthetically. We recently established a facile strategy to make the I11L mutant of cyclotide hyen D that is as active as the parent peptide, enabling the subsequent production of a series of variants. In the current study, we report an alanine mutagenesis structure-activity study of [I11L] hyen D to probe the role of individual residues on peptide folding using analytical chromatography, on molecular function using surface plasmon resonance, and on therapeutic potential using cytotoxicity assays. We found that Glu-6 and Thr-15 are critical for maintaining the structure of bracelet cyclotides and that hydrophobic residues in loops 2 and 3 are essential for membrane binding and cytotoxic activity, findings that are distinct from the structural and functional characteristics determined for other cyclotide subfamilies. In conclusion, this is the first report of a mutagenesis scan conducted on a bracelet cyclotide, offering insights into their function and supporting future efforts to engineer bracelet cyclotides for biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingdan Du
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Conan K Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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20
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Protocols for measuring the stability and cytotoxicity of cyclotides. Methods Enzymol 2022; 663:19-40. [PMID: 35168789 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cyclotides are plant host-defense peptides that have a wide range of biological activities and have diverse potential applications in medicine and agriculture. These 27-37 amino acid peptides have a head-to-tail cyclic backbone and are built around a cystine knot core, which makes them exceptionally stable. This stability and their amenability to sequence modifications has made cyclotides attractive scaffolds in drug design, and many synthetic cyclotides have now been designed and synthesized to test their efficacy as leads for a wide range of diseases, including infectious disease, cancer, pain and multiple sclerosis. Additionally, some natural cyclotides are selectively toxic to certain cancer cell lines, opening their potential as anticancer agents, and others have insecticidal activity, with applications in crop protection. With these applications in mind, there is a need to be able to measure cyclotides in pharmaceutical or agrichemical formulations and in biological media such as blood serum, as well as to assess their potential persistence in the environment when used as agrichemical agents. This chapter describes protocols for quantifying cyclotides in biological fluids, measuring their stability, and assessing their relative cytotoxicity on various types of cells.
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21
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Amiss AS, von Pein JB, Webb JR, Condon ND, Harvey PJ, Phan MD, Schembri MA, Currie BJ, Sweet MJ, Craik DJ, Kapetanovic R, Henriques ST, Lawrence N. Modified horseshoe crab peptides target and kill bacteria inside host cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:38. [PMID: 34971427 PMCID: PMC11071844 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04041-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria that occupy an intracellular niche can evade extracellular host immune responses and antimicrobial molecules. In addition to classic intracellular pathogens, other bacteria including uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) can adopt both extracellular and intracellular lifestyles. UPEC intracellular survival and replication complicates treatment, as many therapeutic molecules do not effectively reach all components of the infection cycle. In this study, we explored cell-penetrating antimicrobial peptides from distinct structural classes as alternative molecules for targeting bacteria. We identified two β-hairpin peptides from the horseshoe crab, tachyplesin I and polyphemusin I, with broad antimicrobial activity toward a panel of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria in planktonic form. Peptide analogs [I11A]tachyplesin I and [I11S]tachyplesin I maintained activity toward bacteria, but were less toxic to mammalian cells than native tachyplesin I. This important increase in therapeutic window allowed treatment with higher concentrations of [I11A]tachyplesin I and [I11S]tachyplesin I, to significantly reduce intramacrophage survival of UPEC in an in vitro infection model. Mechanistic studies using bacterial cells, model membranes and cell membrane extracts, suggest that tachyplesin I and polyphemusin I peptides kill UPEC by selectively binding and disrupting bacterial cell membranes. Moreover, treatment of UPEC with sublethal peptide concentrations increased zinc toxicity and enhanced innate macrophage antimicrobial pathways. In summary, our combined data show that cell-penetrating peptides are attractive alternatives to traditional small molecule antibiotics for treating UPEC infection, and that optimization of native peptide sequences can deliver effective antimicrobials for targeting bacteria in extracellular and intracellular environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Amiss
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jessica B von Pein
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, IMB Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jessica R Webb
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, NT, 0811, Australia
| | - Nicholas D Condon
- Australian Cancer Research Foundation/Institute for Molecular Bioscience Cancer Biology Imaging Facility, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Minh-Duy Phan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark A Schembri
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bart J Currie
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, NT, 0811, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Northern Territory Medical Program, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, 0811, Australia
| | - Matthew J Sweet
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, IMB Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ronan Kapetanovic
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, IMB Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058, Basel, BS, Switzerland.
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
- Queensland University of Technology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.
| | - Nicole Lawrence
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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22
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Helesbeux JJ, Carro L, McCarthy FO, Moreira VM, Giuntini F, O’Boyle N, Matthews SE, Bayraktar G, Bertrand S, Rochais C, Marchand P. 29th Annual GP2A Medicinal Chemistry Conference. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121278. [PMID: 34959677 PMCID: PMC8708472 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The 29th Annual GP2A (Group for the Promotion of Pharmaceutical chemistry in Academia) Conference was a virtual event this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and spanned three days from Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 August 2021. The meeting brought together an international delegation of researchers with interests in medicinal chemistry and interfacing disciplines. Abstracts of keynote lectures given by the 10 invited speakers, along with those of the 8 young researcher talks and the 50 flash presentation posters, are included in this report. Like previous editions, the conference was a real success, with high-level scientific discussions on cutting-edge advances in the fields of pharmaceutical chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Carro
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK;
| | - Florence O. McCarthy
- School of Chemistry, Analytical and Biological Chemistry Research Facility, University College Cork, College Road, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland;
| | - Vânia M. Moreira
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francesca Giuntini
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Byrom Street Campus, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK;
| | - Niamh O’Boyle
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panoz Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Susan E. Matthews
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK;
| | - Gülşah Bayraktar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey;
| | - Samuel Bertrand
- Institut des Substances et Organismes de la Mer, ISOmer, Nantes Université, UR 2160, F-44000 Nantes, France;
| | - Christophe Rochais
- UNICAEN, CERMN (Centre d’Etudes et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie), Normandie Univ., F-14032 Caen, France;
| | - Pascal Marchand
- Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et du Cancer, IICiMed, Nantes Université, UR 1155, F-44000 Nantes, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-253-009-155
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23
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Han Y, Zhang M, Lai R, Zhang Z. Chemical modifications to increase the therapeutic potential of antimicrobial peptides. Peptides 2021; 146:170666. [PMID: 34600037 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The continued use of antibiotics has been accompanied by the rapid emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides, show multiple features as an ideal antimicrobial agent, including potent, rapid, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, low promotion of antimicrobial resistance, potent anti-biofilm activity, and lethality against metabolically inactive microorganisms. However, several crucial drawbacks constrain the use of AMPs as clinical drugs, e.g., liability in vivo, toxicity when used systemically, and high production costs. Based on recent findings and our own experiences, here we summarize some chemical modifications and key design strategies to increase the therapeutic potential of AMPs, including 1) enhancing antimicrobial activities, 2) improving in vivo effectiveness, and 3) reduction in toxicity, which may facilitate the design and optimization of AMPs for the development of drug candidates. We also discuss the present challenges in the optimization of AMPs and future concerns about the resistance and cross-resistance to AMPs in the development of AMPs as therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223 Yunnan, China
| | - Manli Zhang
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, The Second Part of First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 Jilin Province, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223 Yunnan, China
| | - Zhiye Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223 Yunnan, China.
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24
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Hellinger R, Muratspahić E, Devi S, Koehbach J, Vasileva M, Harvey PJ, Craik DJ, Gründemann C, Gruber CW. Importance of the Cyclic Cystine Knot Structural Motif for Immunosuppressive Effects of Cyclotides. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:2373-2386. [PMID: 34592097 PMCID: PMC9286316 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cyclotide T20K inhibits the proliferation of human immune cells and is currently in clinical trials for multiple sclerosis. Here, we provide novel functional data and mechanistic insights into structure-activity relationships of T20K. Analogs with partial or complete reduction of the cystine knot had loss of function in proliferation experiments. Similarly, an acyclic analog of T20K was inactive in lymphocyte bioassays. The lack of activity of non-native peptide analogs appears to be associated with the ability of cyclotides to interact with and penetrate cell membranes, since cellular uptake studies demonstrated fast fractional transfer only of the native peptide into the cytosol of human immune cells. Therefore, structural differences between cyclic and linear native folded peptides were investigated by NMR to elucidate structure-activity relationships. Acyclic T20K had a less rigid backbone and considerable structural changes in loops 1 and 6 compared to the native cyclic T20K, supporting the idea that the cyclic cystine knot motif is a unique bioactive scaffold. This study provides evidence that this structural motif in cyclotides governs bioactivity, interactions with and transport across biological membranes, and the structural integrity of these peptides. These observations could be useful to understand the structure-activity of other cystine knot proteins due to the structural conservation of the cystine knot motif across evolution and to provide guidance for the design of novel cyclic cysteine-stabilized molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Hellinger
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Edin Muratspahić
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Seema Devi
- Institute
for Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology, Center for Complementary
Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University
of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 115B, Freiburg 79106, Germany
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mina Vasileva
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Peta J. Harvey
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Carsten Gründemann
- Translational
Complementary Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstr. 80, Basel 4056, Switzerland
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
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25
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Liu W, de Veer SJ, Huang YH, Sengoku T, Okada C, Ogata K, Zdenek CN, Fry BG, Swedberg JE, Passioura T, Craik DJ, Suga H. An Ultrapotent and Selective Cyclic Peptide Inhibitor of Human β-Factor XIIa in a Cyclotide Scaffold. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:18481-18489. [PMID: 34723512 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c07574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cyclotides are plant-derived peptides with complex structures shaped by their head-to-tail cyclic backbone and cystine knot core. These structural features underpin the native bioactivities of cyclotides, as well as their beneficial properties as pharmaceutical leads, including high proteolytic stability and cell permeability. However, their inherent structural complexity presents a challenge for cyclotide engineering, particularly for accessing libraries of sufficient chemical diversity to design potent and selective cyclotide variants. Here, we report a strategy using mRNA display enabling us to select potent cyclotide-based FXIIa inhibitors from a library comprising more than 1012 members based on the cyclotide scaffold of Momordica cochinchinensis trypsin inhibitor-II (MCoTI-II). The most potent and selective inhibitor, cMCoFx1, has a pM inhibitory constant toward FXIIa with greater than three orders of magnitude selectivity over related serine proteases, realizing specific inhibition of the intrinsic coagulation pathway. The cocrystal structure of cMCoFx1 and FXIIa revealed interactions at several positions across the contact interface that conveyed high affinity binding, highlighting that such cyclotides are attractive cystine knot scaffolds for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Simon J de Veer
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Toru Sengoku
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
| | - Chikako Okada
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ogata
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
| | - Christina N Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Joakim E Swedberg
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Toby Passioura
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, School of Chemistry and Sydney Analytical, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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26
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Yin H, Zhou X, Huang YH, King GJ, Collins BM, Gao Y, Craik DJ, Wang CK. Rational Design of Potent Peptide Inhibitors of the PD-1:PD-L1 Interaction for Cancer Immunotherapy. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:18536-18547. [PMID: 34661406 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c08132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Peptides have potential to be developed into immune checkpoint inhibitors, but the target interfaces are difficult to inhibit. Here, we explored an approach to mimic the binding surface of PD-1 to design inhibitors. Mimicking native PD-1 resulted in a mimetic with no activity. However, mimicking an affinity-optimized PD-1 resulted in the peptide mimetic MOPD-1 that displayed nanomolar affinity to PD-L1 and could inhibit PD-1:PD-L1 interactions in both protein- and cell-based assays. Mutagenesis and structural characterization using NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography revealed that binding residues from the high affinity PD-1 are crucial for the bioactivity of MOPD-1. Furthermore, MOPD-1 was extremely stable in human serum and inhibited tumor growth in vivo, suggesting it has potential for use in cancer immunotherapy. The successful design of an inhibitor of PD-1:PD-L1 using the mimicry approach described herein illustrates the value of placing greater emphasis on optimizing the target interface before inhibitor design and is an approach that could have broader utility for the design of peptide inhibitors for other complex protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawu Yin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Xiuman Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Gordon J King
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Brett M Collins
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Conan K Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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27
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Muratspahić E, Retzl B, Duerrauer L, Freissmuth M, Becker CFW, Gruber CW. Genome Mining-Based Discovery of Blenny Fish-Derived Peptides Targeting the Mouse κ-Opioid Receptor. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:773029. [PMID: 34744752 PMCID: PMC8569185 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.773029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past years, peptides have attracted increasing interest for G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) drug discovery and development. Peptides occupy a unique chemical space that is not easily accessible for small molecules and antibodies and provide advantages over these ligand classes such as lower toxicity and higher selectivity. The κ-opioid receptor (KOR) is a prototypic GPCR and an appealing therapeutic target for the development of safer and more effective analgesics. Recently, peptides have emerged as analgesic drug candidates with improved side effect profiles. We have previously identified plant-derived peptides, which activate KOR. Based on this precedent, here we relied on publicly available databases to discover novel KOR peptide ligands by genome mining. Using human preprodynorphin as a query, we identified blenny fish-derived peptides, referred to as blenniorphins, capable of binding to and activating KOR with nanomolar affinity and potency, respectively. Additionally, the blenniorphins altered β-arrestin-2 recruitment at the KOR. Our study demonstrates the utility of genome mining to identify peptide GPCR ligands with intriguing pharmacological properties and unveils the potential of blenny fishes as a source for novel KOR ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edin Muratspahić
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Retzl
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Duerrauer
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian F. W. Becker
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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28
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Huang YH, Du Q, Jiang Z, King GJ, Collins BM, Wang CK, Craik DJ. Enabling Efficient Folding and High-Resolution Crystallographic Analysis of Bracelet Cyclotides. Molecules 2021; 26:5554. [PMID: 34577034 PMCID: PMC8467136 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclotides have attracted great interest as drug design scaffolds because of their unique cyclic cystine knotted topology. They are classified into three subfamilies, among which the bracelet subfamily represents the majority and comprises the most bioactive cyclotides, but are the most poorly utilized in drug design applications. A long-standing challenge has been the very low in vitro folding yields of bracelets, hampering efforts to characterize their structures and activities. Herein, we report substantial increases in bracelet folding yields enabled by a single point mutation of residue Ile-11 to Leu or Gly. We applied this discovery to synthesize mirror image enantiomers and used quasi-racemic crystallography to elucidate the first crystal structures of bracelet cyclotides. This study provides a facile strategy to produce bracelet cyclotides, leading to a general method to easily access their atomic resolution structures and providing a basis for development of biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Y.-H.H.); (Q.D.); (Z.J.); (B.M.C.); (C.K.W.)
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Qingdan Du
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Y.-H.H.); (Q.D.); (Z.J.); (B.M.C.); (C.K.W.)
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Zhihao Jiang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Y.-H.H.); (Q.D.); (Z.J.); (B.M.C.); (C.K.W.)
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Gordon J. King
- The Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Brett M. Collins
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Y.-H.H.); (Q.D.); (Z.J.); (B.M.C.); (C.K.W.)
| | - Conan K. Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Y.-H.H.); (Q.D.); (Z.J.); (B.M.C.); (C.K.W.)
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Y.-H.H.); (Q.D.); (Z.J.); (B.M.C.); (C.K.W.)
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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29
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Gajula SNR, Nadimpalli N, Sonti R. Drug metabolic stability in early drug discovery to develop potential lead compounds. Drug Metab Rev 2021; 53:459-477. [PMID: 34406889 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2021.1970178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of the metabolic stability of a new drug substance eliminated by biotransformation is essential for envisaging the pharmacokinetic parameters required for deciding drug dosing and frequency. Strategies aimed at modifying lead compounds may improve metabolic stability, thereby reducing the drug dosing frequency. Replacement of selective hydrogens with deuterium can effectively enhance the drug's metabolic stability by increasing the biological half-life. Further, cyclization, change in ring size, and chirality can substantially improve the metabolic stability of drugs. The microsomal t1/2 approach for measuring drug in vitro intrinsic clearance by automated LC-MS/MS offers sensitive high-throughput screens with reliable data. The obtained in vitro intrinsic clearance from metabolic stability data helps predict the drug's in vivo total clearance using different scaling factors and hepatic clearance models. This review summarizes all the recent approaches and technological advancements in metabolic stability studies for narrowing down the potential lead compounds in drug discovery. Further, we summarized the potential pitfalls and assumptions made during the in vivo intrinsic clearance estimation from in vitro intrinsic clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siva Nageswara Rao Gajula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Nimisha Nadimpalli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Rajesh Sonti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
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30
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Yin H, Huang YH, Best SA, Sutherland KD, Craik DJ, Wang CK. An Integrated Molecular Grafting Approach for the Design of Keap1-Targeted Peptide Inhibitors. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1276-1287. [PMID: 34152716 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Inhibiting the Nrf2:Keap1 interaction to trigger cytoprotective gene expression is a promising treatment strategy for oxidative stress-related diseases. A short linear motif from Nrf2 has the potential to directly inhibit this protein-protein interaction, but poor stability and limited cellular uptake impede its therapeutic development. To address these limitations, we utilized an integrated molecular grafting strategy to re-engineer the Nrf2 motif. We combined the motif with an engineered non-native disulfide bond and a cell-penetrating peptide onto a single multifunctionalizable and ultrastable molecular scaffold, namely, the cyclotide MCoTI-II, resulting in the grafted peptide MCNr-2c. The engineered disulfide bond enhanced the conformational rigidity of the motif, resulting in a nanomolar affinity of MCNr-2c for Keap1. The cell-penetrating peptide led to an improved cellular uptake and increased ability to enhance the intracellular expression of two well-described Nrf2-target genes NQO1 and TALDO1. Furthermore, the stability of the scaffold was inherited by the grafted peptide, which became resistant to proteolysis in serum. Overall, we have provided proof-of-concept for a strategy that enables the encapsulation of multiple desired and complementary activities into a single molecular entity to design a Keap1-targeted inhibitor. We propose that this integrated approach could have broad utility for the design of peptide drug leads that require multiple functions and/or biopharmaceutical properties to elicit a therapeutic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawu Yin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sarah A. Best
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Kate D. Sutherland
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Conan K. Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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31
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Muratspahić E, Tomašević N, Koehbach J, Duerrauer L, Hadžić S, Castro J, Schober G, Sideromenos S, Clark RJ, Brierley SM, Craik DJ, Gruber CW. Design of a Stable Cyclic Peptide Analgesic Derived from Sunflower Seeds that Targets the κ-Opioid Receptor for the Treatment of Chronic Abdominal Pain. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9042-9055. [PMID: 34162205 PMCID: PMC8273886 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The rising opioid crisis has become a worldwide societal and public health burden, resulting from the abuse of prescription opioids. Targeting the κ-opioid receptor (KOR) in the periphery has emerged as a powerful approach to develop novel pain medications without central side effects. Inspired by the traditional use of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) preparations for analgesic purposes, we developed novel stabilized KOR ligands (termed as helianorphins) by incorporating different dynorphin A sequence fragments into a cyclic sunflower peptide scaffold. As a result, helianorphin-19 selectively bound to and fully activated the KOR with nanomolar potency. Importantly, helianorphin-19 exhibited strong KOR-specific peripheral analgesic activity in a mouse model of chronic visceral pain, without inducing unwanted central effects on motor coordination/sedation. Our study provides a proof of principle that cyclic peptides from plants may be used as templates to develop potent and stable peptide analgesics applicable via enteric administration by targeting the peripheral KOR for the treatment of chronic abdominal pain.
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MESH Headings
- Abdominal Pain/drug therapy
- Analgesics/chemical synthesis
- Analgesics/chemistry
- Analgesics/pharmacology
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- Chronic Disease
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Design
- HEK293 Cells
- Helianthus/chemistry
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Molecular Structure
- Peptides, Cyclic/chemical synthesis
- Peptides, Cyclic/chemistry
- Peptides, Cyclic/pharmacology
- Plant Extracts/chemical synthesis
- Plant Extracts/chemistry
- Plant Extracts/pharmacology
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
- Seeds/chemistry
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- Edin Muratspahić
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nataša Tomašević
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Leopold Duerrauer
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- School
of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Seid Hadžić
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Joel Castro
- Visceral
Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders
Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford
Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
- Hopwood
Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Gudrun Schober
- Visceral
Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders
Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford
Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
- Hopwood
Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Spyridon Sideromenos
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard J. Clark
- School
of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Stuart M. Brierley
- Visceral
Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders
Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford
Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
- Hopwood
Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
- Discipline
of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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32
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Singh SS, Mattheolabakis G, Gu X, Withers S, Dahal A, Jois S. A grafted peptidomimetic for EGFR heterodimerization inhibition: Implications in NSCLC models. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 216:113312. [PMID: 33667849 PMCID: PMC8044046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Among the lung cancers, approximately 85% are histologically classified as non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) are known to play a crucial role in lung cancer. HER2 overexpression is detected by immunohistochemistry in 2.4%-38% of NSCLC samples. EGFRs have been targeted with three generations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and drug resistance has become a major issue; HER2 dimerization with EGFR also plays a major role in the development of resistance to TKI therapy. We have designed grafted peptides to bind to the HER2 extracellular domain (ECD) and inhibit protein-protein interactions of EGFR:HER2 and HER2:HER3. A sunflower trypsin inhibitor (SFTI-1) template was used to graft a peptidomimetic compound. Among several grafted peptides, SFTI-G5 exhibited antiproliferative activity in HER2-positive NSCLC cell lines such as Calu-3 cells with an IC50 value of 0.073 μM. SFTI-G5 was shown to bind to ECD of HER2 and inhibit EGFR:HER2 and HER2:HER3 dimerization and inhibit the phosphorylation of HER2 and downstream signaling proteins. As a proof-of-concept, the in vivo activity of SFTI-G5 was evaluated in two NSCLC mouse models. SFTI-G5 was able to inhibit tumor growth in both models. Furthermore, SFTI-G5 was shown to inhibit EGFR dimerization in tissue samples obtained from in vivo models. These grafted peptides can be used as novel dual inhibitors of EGFR dimerization in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitanshu S Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA
| | - George Mattheolabakis
- School of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA
| | - Xin Gu
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Sita Withers
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Achyut Dahal
- School of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA
| | - Seetharama Jois
- School of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA.
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33
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Nadal-Bufi F, Mason JM, Chan LY, Craik DJ, Kaas Q, Troeira Henriques S. Designed β-Hairpins Inhibit LDH5 Oligomerization and Enzymatic Activity. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3767-3779. [PMID: 33765386 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Lactate dehydrogenase 5 (LDH5) is overexpressed in metastatic tumors and is an attractive target for anticancer therapy. Small-molecule drugs have been developed to target the substrate/cofactor sites of LDH5, but none has reached the clinic to date, and alternative strategies remain almost unexplored. Combining rational and computer-based approaches, we identified peptidic sequences with high affinity toward a β-sheet region that is involved in protein-protein interactions (PPIs) required for the activity of LDH5. To improve stability and potency, these sequences were grafted into a cyclic cell-penetrating β-hairpin peptide scaffold. The lead grafted peptide, cGmC9, inhibited LDH5 activity in vitro in low micromolar range and more efficiently than the small-molecule inhibitor GNE-140. cGmC9 inhibits LDH5 by targeting an interface unlikely to be inhibited by small-molecule drugs. This lead will guide the development of new LDH5 inhibitors and challenges the landscape of drug discovery programs exclusively dedicated to small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Nadal-Bufi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Jody M Mason
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - Lai Yue Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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34
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Synthesis and evaluation of disulfide-rich cyclic α-conotoxin [S9A]TxID analogues as novel α3β4 nAChR antagonists. Bioorg Chem 2021; 112:104875. [PMID: 33823404 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Head-to-tail cyclization is an effective strategy to improve the biological stability of peptides. The α-conotoxin [S9A]TxID is a peptide that inhibits α3β4 nAChR with high activity and selectivity. Herein, we established a method for cyclizing and oxidative folding of [S9A]TxID, and six cyclic analogues of [S9A]TxID were chemically synthesized with various linker lengths. We used the electrophysiology assay to measure activity values of these cyclic analogues, and obtained the most potent analogue c[S9A]TxID-6, which was more stable than native [S9A]TxID against proteinase K.
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35
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Dang TT, Chan LY, Tombling BJ, Harvey PJ, Gilding EK, Craik DJ. In Planta Discovery and Chemical Synthesis of Bracelet Cystine Knot Peptides from Rinorea bengalensis. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:395-407. [PMID: 33570395 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Cyclotides are plant-derived peptides that have attracted interest as biocides and scaffolds for the development of stable peptide therapeutics. Cyclotides are characterized by their cyclic backbone and cystine knot framework, which engenders them with remarkably high stability. This study reports the cystine knot-related peptidome of Rinorea bengalensis, a small rainforest tree in the Violaceae family that is distributed from Australia westward to India. Surprisingly, many more acyclic knotted peptides (acyclotides) were discovered than cyclic counterparts (cyclotides), with 32 acyclotides and 1 cyclotide sequenced using combined transcriptome and proteomic analyses. Nine acyclotides were isolated and screened against a panel of mammalian cell lines, showing they had the cytotoxic properties normally associated with cyclotide-like peptides. NMR analysis of the acyclotide ribes 21 and 22 and the cyclotide ribe 33 confirmed that these peptides contained the cystine knot structural motif. The bracelet-subfamily cyclotide ribe 33 was amenable to chemical synthesis in reasonable yield, an achievement that has long eluded previous attempts to synthetically produce bracelet cyclotides. Accordingly, ribe 33 represents an exciting new bracelet cyclotide scaffold that can be subject to chemical modification for future molecular engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien T Dang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Lai Y Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Tombling
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Edward K Gilding
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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36
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Muller JAI, Lawrence N, Chan LY, Harvey PJ, Elliott AG, Blaskovich MAT, Gonçalves JC, Galante P, Mortari MR, Toffoli-Kadri MC, Koehbach J, Craik DJ. Antimicrobial and Anticancer Properties of Synthetic Peptides Derived from the Wasp Parachartergus fraternus. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1415-1423. [PMID: 33244888 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Agelaia-MPI and protonectin are antimicrobial peptides isolated from the wasp Parachartergus fraternus that show antimicrobial and neuroactive activities. Previously, two analogues of these peptides, neuroVAL and protonectin-F, were designed to reduce nonspecific toxicity and improve potency. Here, the three-dimensional structures of neuroVAL, protonectin and protonectin-F were determined by using circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopy. Antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities were tested for the parent peptides and analogues. All peptides showed moderate antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with agelaia-MPI being the most active. Protonectin and protonectin-F were found to be toxic to cancerous and noncancerous cell lines. Internalization experiments revealed that these peptides accumulate inside both cell types. By contrast, neuroVAL was nontoxic to all tested cells and was able to enter cells without accumulating. In summary, neuroVAL has potential as a nontoxic cell-penetrating peptide, while protonectin-F needs further modification to realize its potential as an antitumor peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A I Muller
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Nicole Lawrence
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Lai Yue Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Alysha G Elliott
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Superbug Solutions, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Mark A T Blaskovich
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Superbug Solutions, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Jacqueline C Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IB/University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brasilia, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Galante
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IB/University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brasilia, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Marcia R Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IB/University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brasilia, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Mônica C Toffoli-Kadri
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
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37
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Yeast-based bioproduction of disulfide-rich peptides and their cyclization via asparaginyl endopeptidases. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:1740-1760. [PMID: 33597770 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-00483-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic disulfide-rich peptides have attracted significant interest in drug development and biotechnology. Here, we describe a protocol for producing cyclic peptide precursors in Pichia pastoris that undergo in vitro enzymatic maturation into cyclic peptides using recombinant asparaginyl endopeptidases (AEPs). Peptide precursors are expressed with a C-terminal His tag and secreted into the media, enabling facile purification by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. After AEP-mediated cyclization, cyclic peptides are purified by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and characterized by mass spectrometry, peptide mass fingerprinting, NMR spectroscopy, and activity assays. We demonstrate the broad applicability of this protocol by generating cyclic peptides from three distinct classes that are either naturally occurring or synthetically backbone cyclized, and range in size from 14 amino acids with one disulfide bond, to 34 amino acids with a cystine knot comprising three disulfide bonds. The protocol requires 14 d to identify and optimize a high-expressing Pichia clone in small-scale cultures (24 well plates or 50 mL tubes), after which large-scale production in a bioreactor and peptide purification can be completed in 10 d. We use the cyclotide Momordica cochinchinensis trypsin inhibitor II as an example. We also include a protocol for recombinant AEP production in Escherichia coli as AEPs are emerging tools for orthogonal peptide and protein ligation. We focus on two AEPs that preferentially cyclize different peptide precursors, namely an engineered AEP with improved catalytic efficiency [C247A]OaAEP1b and the plant-derived MCoAEP2. Rudimentary proficiency and equipment in molecular biology, protein biochemistry and analytical chemistry are needed.
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38
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Giribaldi J, Haufe Y, Evans ERJ, Amar M, Durner A, Schmidt C, Faucherre A, Moha Ou Maati H, Enjalbal C, Molgó J, Servent D, Wilson DT, Daly NL, Nicke A, Dutertre S. Backbone Cyclization Turns a Venom Peptide into a Stable and Equipotent Ligand at Both Muscle and Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:12682-12692. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Giribaldi
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Yves Haufe
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Edward R. J. Evans
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Muriel Amar
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, SIMoS, ERL CNRS 9004, F-91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Anna Durner
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Casey Schmidt
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Adèle Faucherre
- Département de Physiologie, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS/INSERM UMR 5203, Université de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Hamid Moha Ou Maati
- Département de Physiologie, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS/INSERM UMR 5203, Université de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Christine Enjalbal
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Jordi Molgó
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, SIMoS, ERL CNRS 9004, F-91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Denis Servent
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, SIMoS, ERL CNRS 9004, F-91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - David T. Wilson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Norelle L. Daly
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Annette Nicke
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Sébastien Dutertre
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France
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39
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Cyclic gomesin, a stable redesigned spider peptide able to enter cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1863:183480. [PMID: 32979382 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Anticancer chemo- and targeted therapies are limited in some cases due to strong side effects and/or drug resistance. Peptides have received renascent interest as anticancer therapeutics and are currently being considered as alternatives and/or as complementary to biologics and small-molecule drugs. Gomesin, a disulfide-rich host defense peptide expressed in the Brazilian spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana selectively targets and disrupts cancer cell membranes. In the current study, we employed a range of biophysical methodologies with model membranes and bioassays to investigate the use of a cyclic analogue of gomesin as a drug scaffold to internalize cancer cells. We found that cyclic gomesin can internalize cancer cells via endocytosis and direct membrane permeation. In addition, we designed an improved non-disruptive and non-toxic cyclic gomesin analogue by incorporating D-amino acids within the scaffold. This improved analogue retained the ability to enter cancer cells and can be used as a scaffold to deliver drugs. Efforts to investigate the internalization mechanism used by host defense peptides, and to improve their stability, potency, selectivity and ability to permeate cancer cell membranes will increase the opportunities to repurpose peptides as templates for designing alternative anticancer therapeutic leads.
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40
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Huang Z, Wu Y, Dong H, Zhao Y, Wu C. Design and Synthesis of Disulfide-Rich Peptides with Orthogonal Disulfide Pairing Motifs. J Org Chem 2020; 85:11475-11481. [PMID: 32786636 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.0c01600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Disulfide-rich peptides (DRPs) are a class of peptides that are constrained through two or more disulfide bonds. Though natural DRPs have been extensively exploited for developing protein binders or potential therapeutics, their synthesis and re-engineering to bind new targets are not straightforward due to difficulties in handling the disulfide pairing problem. Rationally designed DRPs with an intrinsically orthogonal disulfide pairing propensity provide an alternative to the natural scaffolds for developing functional DRPs. Herein we report the use of tandem CXPen/PenXC motifs ((C) cysteine; (Pen) penicillamine; (X) any residue) for directing the oxidative folding of peptides. Diverse tricyclic peptides were designed and synthesized by varying the pattern of C/Pen residues and incorporating a tandem CXPen/PenXC motif into peptides. The folding of these peptides was determined primarily by C/Pen patterns and tolerated to sequence manipulations. The applicability of the designed C/Pen-DRPs was demonstrated by designing protein binders using an epitope grafting strategy. This study thus demonstrates the potential of using orthogonal disulfide pairing to design DRP scaffolds with new structures and functions, which would greatly benefit the development of multicyclic peptide ligands and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirong Huang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People's Republic of China
| | - Yapei Wu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People's Republic of China
| | - Huilei Dong
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People's Republic of China
| | - Yibing Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanliu Wu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People's Republic of China
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41
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Yin H, Huang YH, Deprey K, Condon ND, Kritzer JA, Craik DJ, Wang CK. Cellular Uptake and Cytosolic Delivery of a Cyclic Cystine Knot Scaffold. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:1650-1661. [PMID: 32315152 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cyclotides are macrocyclic peptides with exceptionally stable structures and have been reported to penetrate cells, making them promising scaffolds for the delivery of inhibitory peptides to target intracellular proteins. However, their cellular uptake and cytosolic localization have been poorly understood until now, which has limited their therapeutic potential. In this study, the recently developed chloroalkane penetration assay was combined with established assays to characterize the cellular uptake and cytosolic delivery of the prototypic cyclotide, kalata B1. We show that kalata B1 enters the cytosol at low efficiency. A structure-activity study of residues in loop 6 showed that some modifications, such as increasing cationic residue content, did not affect delivery efficiency, whereas others, including introducing a single hydrophobic amino acid, did significantly improve cytosolic delivery. Our results provide a foundation for the further development of a structurally unique class of scaffolds for the delivery of therapeutic cargoes into cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawu Yin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Kirsten Deprey
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Nicholas D. Condon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Joshua A. Kritzer
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Conan K. Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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42
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Shinbara K, Liu W, van Neer RHP, Katoh T, Suga H. Methodologies for Backbone Macrocyclic Peptide Synthesis Compatible With Screening Technologies. Front Chem 2020; 8:447. [PMID: 32626683 PMCID: PMC7314982 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Backbone macrocyclic structures are often found in diverse bioactive peptides and contribute to greater conformational rigidity, peptidase resistance, and potential membrane permeability compared to their linear counterparts. Therefore, such peptide scaffolds are an attractive platform for drug-discovery endeavors. Recent advances in synthetic methods for backbone macrocyclic peptides have enabled the discovery of novel peptide drug candidates against diverse targets. Here, we overview recent technical advancements in the synthetic methods including 1) enzymatic synthesis, 2) chemical synthesis, 3) split-intein circular ligation of peptides and proteins (SICLOPPS), and 4) in vitro translation system combined with genetic code reprogramming. We also discuss screening methodologies compatible with those synthetic methodologies, such as one-beads one-compound (OBOC) screening compatible with the synthetic method 2, cell-based assay compatible with 3, limiting-dilution PCR and mRNA display compatible with 4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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43
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Du Q, Chan LY, Gilding EK, Henriques ST, Condon ND, Ravipati AS, Kaas Q, Huang YH, Craik DJ. Discovery and mechanistic studies of cytotoxic cyclotides from the medicinal herb Hybanthus enneaspermus. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:10911-10925. [PMID: 32414842 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.012627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclotides are plant-derived peptides characterized by an ∼30-amino acid-long cyclic backbone and a cystine knot motif. Cyclotides have diverse bioactivities, and their cytotoxicity has attracted significant attention for its potential anticancer applications. Hybanthus enneaspermus (Linn) F. Muell is a medicinal herb widely used in India as a libido enhancer, and a previous study has reported that it may contain cyclotides. In the current study, we isolated 11 novel cyclotides and 1 known cyclotide (cycloviolacin O2) from H. enneaspermus and used tandem MS to determine their amino acid sequences. We found that among these cyclotides, hyen C comprises a unique sequence in loops 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 compared with known cyclotides. The most abundant cyclotide in this plant, hyen D, had anticancer activity comparable to that of cycloviolacin O2, one of the most cytotoxic known cyclotides. We also provide mechanistic insights into how these novel cyclotides interact with and permeabilize cell membranes. Results from surface plasmon resonance experiments revealed that hyen D, E, L, and M and cycloviolacin O2 preferentially interact with model lipid membranes that contain phospholipids with phosphatidyl-ethanolamine headgroups. The results of a lactate dehydrogenase assay indicated that exposure to these cyclotides compromises cell membrane integrity. Using live-cell imaging, we show that hyen D induces rapid membrane blebbing and cell necrosis. Cyclotide-membrane interactions correlated with the observed cytotoxicity, suggesting that membrane permeabilization and disintegration underpin cyclotide cytotoxicity. These findings broaden our knowledge on the indigenous Indian herb H. enneaspermus and have uncovered cyclotides with potential anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingdan Du
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lai Y Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Edward K Gilding
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation and Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicholas D Condon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anjaneya S Ravipati
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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44
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Smithies BJ, Huang YH, Jackson MA, Yap K, Gilding EK, Harris KS, Anderson MA, Craik DJ. Circular Permutation of the Native Enzyme-Mediated Cyclization Position in Cyclotides. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:962-969. [PMID: 32203656 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cyclotides are a class of cyclic disulfide-rich peptides found in plants that have been adopted as a molecular scaffold for pharmaceutical applications due to their inherent stability and ability to penetrate cell membranes. For research purposes, they are usually produced and cyclized synthetically, but there are concerns around the cost and environmental impact of large-scale chemical synthesis. One strategy to improve this is to combine a recombinant production system with native enzyme-mediated cyclization. Asparaginyl endopeptidases (AEPs) are enzymes that can act as peptide ligases in certain plants to facilitate cyclotide maturation. One of these ligases, OaAEP1b, originates from the cyclotide-producing plant, Oldenlandia affinis, and can be produced recombinantly for use in vitro as an alternative to chemical cyclization of recombinant substrates. However, not all engineered cyclotides are compatible with AEP-mediated cyclization because new pharmaceutical epitopes often replace the most flexible region of the peptide, where the native cyclization site is located. Here we redesign a popular cyclotide grafting scaffold, MCoTI-II, to incorporate an AEP cyclization site located away from the usual grafting region. We demonstrate the incorporation of a bioactive peptide sequence in the most flexible region of MCoTI-II while maintaining AEP compatibility, where the two were previously mutually exclusive. We anticipate that our AEP-compatible scaffold, based on the most popular cyclotide for pharmaceutical applications, will be useful in designing bioactive cyclotides that are compatible with AEP-mediated cyclization and will therefore open up the possibility of larger scale enzyme-mediated production of recombinant or synthetic cyclotides alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn J. Smithies
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mark A. Jackson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Kuok Yap
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Edward K. Gilding
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Karen S. Harris
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Marilyn A. Anderson
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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45
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Haque FM, Grayson SM. The synthesis, properties and potential applications of cyclic polymers. Nat Chem 2020; 12:433-444. [DOI: 10.1038/s41557-020-0440-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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46
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Li X, Wang S, Zhu X, Zhangsun D, Wu Y, Luo S. Effects of Cyclization on Activity and Stability of α-Conotoxin TxIB. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:E180. [PMID: 32235388 PMCID: PMC7230940 DOI: 10.3390/md18040180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Conotoxin TxIB specifically blocked α6/α3β2β3 acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and it could be a potential probe for studying addiction and other diseases related to α6/α3β2β3 nAChRs. However, as a peptide, TxIB may suffer from low stability, short half-life, and poor bioavailability. In this study, cyclization of TxIB was used to improve its stability. Four cyclic mutants of TxIB (cTxIB) were synthesized, and the inhibition of these analogues on α6/α3β2β3 nAChRs as well as their stability in human serum were measured. All cyclized analogues had similar activity compared to wild-type TxIB, which indicated that backbone cyclization of TxIB had no significant effect on its activity. Cyclization of TxIB with a seven-residue linker improved its stability significantly in human serum. Besides this, the results showed that cyclization maintained the activity of α-conotoxin TxIB, which is conducive to its future application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xincan Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.L.); (S.W.); (X.Z.); (D.Z.)
| | - Shuai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.L.); (S.W.); (X.Z.); (D.Z.)
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.L.); (S.W.); (X.Z.); (D.Z.)
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.L.); (S.W.); (X.Z.); (D.Z.)
- Medical School, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.L.); (S.W.); (X.Z.); (D.Z.)
- Medical School, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Sulan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.L.); (S.W.); (X.Z.); (D.Z.)
- Medical School, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
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47
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Yu R, Liu H, Wang B, Harvey PJ, Wei N, Chu Y. Synthesis and biological activity study of the retro-isomer of RhTx against TRPV1. RSC Adv 2020; 10:2141-2145. [PMID: 35494567 PMCID: PMC9048425 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra08829f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
TRPV1 is a ligand-gated ion channel and plays an important role in detecting noxious heat and pain with an unknown mechanism. RhTx from Chinese red-headed centipede activates the TRPV1 channel through the heat activation pathway by binding to the outer pore region, and causes extreme pain. Here, we synthesized RhTx and its retro-isomer RL-RhTx. Their structures were investigated by their circular dichroic spectra and NMR spectra. The effect of RhTx and RL-RhTx on the currents of wild-type and mutants of TRPV1 indicated that RL-RhTx have comparable TRPV1 activation responses to RhTx. A mutagenesis study showed that four TRPV1 residues, including Leu461, Asp602, Tyr632 and Thr634, significantly contributed to the activation effects of RL-RhTx and RhTx, and both peptides probably bind with TRPV1 in similar binding modes. As a novel TRPV1 activator, RL-RhTx provides an essential powerful tool for the investigation of activation mechanisms of TRPV1.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Huijie Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Qingdao 266021 China
| | - Baishi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China Qingdao 266003 China
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Ningning Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Qingdao 266021 China
| | - Yanyan Chu
- 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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48
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Vernen F, Craik DJ, Lawrence N, Troeira Henriques S. Cyclic Analogues of Horseshoe Crab Peptide Tachyplesin I with Anticancer and Cell Penetrating Properties. ACS Chem Biol 2019; 14:2895-2908. [PMID: 31714739 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Tachyplesin-I (TI) is a host defense peptide from the horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus that has outstanding potential as an anticancer therapeutic lead. Backbone cyclized TI (cTI) has similar anticancer properties to TI but has higher stability and lower hemolytic activity. We designed and synthesized cTI analogues to further improve anticancer potential and investigated structure-activity relationships based on peptide-membrane interactions, cellular uptake, and anticancer activity. The membrane-binding affinity and cytotoxic activity of cTI were found to be highly dependent on peptide hydrophobicity and charge. We describe two analogues with increased selectivity toward melanoma cells and one analogue with the ability to enter cells with high efficacy and low toxicity. Overall, the structure-activity relationship study shows that cTI can be developed as a membrane-active antimelanoma lead, or be employed as a cell penetrating peptide scaffold that can target and enter cells without damaging their integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Vernen
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Nicole Lawrence
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
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49
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Abstract
This Review explores the class of plant-derived macrocyclic peptides called cyclotides. We include an account of their discovery, characterization, and distribution in the plant kingdom as well as a detailed analysis of their sequences and structures, biosynthesis and chemical synthesis, biological functions, and applications. These macrocyclic peptides are around 30 amino acids in size and are characterized by their head-to-tail cyclic backbone and cystine knot motif, which render them to be exceptionally stable, with resistance to thermal or enzymatic degradation. Routes to their chemical synthesis have been developed over the past two decades, and this capability has facilitated a wide range of mutagenesis and structure-activity relationship studies. In turn, these studies have both led to an increased understanding of their mechanisms of action as well as facilitated a range of applications in agriculture and medicine, as ecofriendly crop protection agents, and as drug leads or scaffolds for pharmaceutical design. Our overall objective in this Review is to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of cyclotides that we hope will stimulate further work on this fascinating family of peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J de Veer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Meng-Wei Kan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland 4072 , Australia
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50
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Huang YH, Du Q, Craik DJ. Cyclotides: Disulfide-rich peptide toxins in plants. Toxicon 2019; 172:33-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.10.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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