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Sastre D, Colomer-Molera M, de Benito-Bueno A, Valenzuela C, Fernández-Ballester G, Felipe A. KCNE4-dependent modulation of Kv1.3 pharmacology. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 226:116368. [PMID: 38880360 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116368] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The voltage-dependent potassium channel Kv1.3 is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders. Kv1.3 blockers are effective in treating multiple sclerosis (fampridine) and psoriasis (dalazatide). However, most Kv1.3 pharmacological antagonists are not specific enough, triggering potential side effects and limiting their therapeutic use. Functional Kv are oligomeric complexes in which the presence of ancillary subunits shapes their function and pharmacology. In leukocytes, Kv1.3 associates with KCNE4, which reduces the surface abundance and enhances the inactivation of the channel. This mechanism exerts profound consequences on Kv1.3-related physiological responses. Because KCNE peptides alter the pharmacology of Kv channels, we studied the effects of KCNE4 on Kv1.3 pharmacology to gain insights into pharmacological approaches. To that end, we used margatoxin, which binds the channel pore from the extracellular space, and Psora-4, which blocks the channel from the intracellular side. While KCNE4 apparently did not alter the affinity of either margatoxin or Psora-4, it slowed the inhibition kinetics of the latter in a stoichiometry-dependent manner. The results suggested changes in the Kv1.3 architecture in the presence of KCNE4. The data indicated that while the outer part of the channel mouth remains unaffected, KCNE4 disturbs the intracellular architecture of the complex. Various leukocyte types expressing different Kv1.3/KCNE4 configurations participate in the immune response. Our data provide evidence that the presence of these variable architectures, which affect both the structure of the complex and their pharmacology, should be considered when developing putative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sastre
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Magalí Colomer-Molera
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Carmen Valenzuela
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Felipe
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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2
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Borrego J, Feher A, Jost N, Panyi G, Varga Z, Papp F. Peptide Inhibitors of Kv1.5: An Option for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1303. [PMID: 34959701 PMCID: PMC8704205 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human voltage gated potassium channel Kv1.5 that conducts the IKur current is a key determinant of the atrial action potential. Its mutations have been linked to hereditary forms of atrial fibrillation (AF), and the channel is an attractive target for the management of AF. The development of IKur blockers to treat AF resulted in small molecule Kv1.5 inhibitors. The selectivity of the blocker for the target channel plays an important role in the potential therapeutic application of the drug candidate: the higher the selectivity, the lower the risk of side effects. In this respect, small molecule inhibitors of Kv1.5 are compromised due to their limited selectivity. A wide range of peptide toxins from venomous animals are targeting ion channels, including mammalian channels. These peptides usually have a much larger interacting surface with the ion channel compared to small molecule inhibitors and thus, generally confer higher selectivity to the peptide blockers. We found two peptides in the literature, which inhibited IKur: Ts6 and Osu1. Their affinity and selectivity for Kv1.5 can be improved by rational drug design in which their amino acid sequences could be modified in a targeted way guided by in silico docking experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Borrego
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Adam Feher
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Norbert Jost
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary;
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Research Group for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Zoltan Varga
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Ferenc Papp
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
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3
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Catanese A, Rajkumar S, Sommer D, Freisem D, Wirth A, Aly A, Massa‐López D, Olivieri A, Torelli F, Ioannidis V, Lipecka J, Guerrera IC, Zytnicki D, Ludolph A, Kabashi E, Mulaw MA, Roselli F, Böckers TM. Synaptic disruption and CREB-regulated transcription are restored by K + channel blockers in ALS. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e13131. [PMID: 34125498 PMCID: PMC8261490 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202013131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease, which is still missing effective therapeutic strategies. Although manipulation of neuronal excitability has been tested in murine and human ALS models, it is still under debate whether neuronal activity might represent a valid target for efficient therapies. In this study, we exploited a combination of transcriptomics, proteomics, optogenetics and pharmacological approaches to investigate the activity-related pathological features of iPSC-derived C9orf72-mutant motoneurons (MN). We found that human ALSC9orf72 MN are characterized by accumulation of aberrant aggresomes, reduced expression of synaptic genes, loss of synaptic contacts and a dynamic "malactivation" of the transcription factor CREB. A similar phenotype was also found in TBK1-mutant MN and upon overexpression of poly(GA) aggregates in primary neurons, indicating a strong convergence of pathological phenotypes on synaptic dysregulation. Notably, these alterations, along with neuronal survival, could be rescued by treating ALS-related neurons with the K+ channel blockers Apamin and XE991, which, respectively, target the SK and the Kv7 channels. Thus, our study shows that restoring the activity-dependent transcriptional programme and synaptic composition exerts a neuroprotective effect on ALS disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Catanese
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUlm University School of MedicineUlmGermany
| | - Sandeep Rajkumar
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUlm University School of MedicineUlmGermany
| | - Daniel Sommer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUlm University School of MedicineUlmGermany
| | - Dennis Freisem
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUlm University School of MedicineUlmGermany
| | - Alexander Wirth
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUlm University School of MedicineUlmGermany
| | - Amr Aly
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUlm University School of MedicineUlmGermany
| | - David Massa‐López
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE)Ulm siteUlmGermany
| | - Andrea Olivieri
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUlm University School of MedicineUlmGermany
| | - Federica Torelli
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUlm University School of MedicineUlmGermany
| | - Valentin Ioannidis
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUlm University School of MedicineUlmGermany
| | - Joanna Lipecka
- Proteomics platform NeckerINSERM US24/CNRS UMS3633Université de Paris – Structure Fédérative de Recherche NeckerParisFrance
| | - Ida Chiara Guerrera
- Proteomics platform NeckerINSERM US24/CNRS UMS3633Université de Paris – Structure Fédérative de Recherche NeckerParisFrance
| | - Daniel Zytnicki
- SPPIN ‐ Saints‐Pères Paris Institute for the NeurosciencesCNRSUniversité de ParisParis, Paris
| | - Albert Ludolph
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE)Ulm siteUlmGermany
- Department of NeurologyUlm University School of MedicineUlmGermany
| | - Edor Kabashi
- Institute of Translational Research for Neurological DisordersINSERM UMR 1163Imagine InstituteParisFrance
| | - Medhanie A Mulaw
- Internal Medicine I and Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell AgingMedical FacultyUniversity Hospital UlmUniversity of Ulm UniversityUlmGermany
| | - Francesco Roselli
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUlm University School of MedicineUlmGermany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE)Ulm siteUlmGermany
- Department of NeurologyUlm University School of MedicineUlmGermany
| | - Tobias M Böckers
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUlm University School of MedicineUlmGermany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE)Ulm siteUlmGermany
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4
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Schwartz AB, Kapur A, Huang Z, Anangi R, Spear JM, Stagg S, Fardone E, Dekan Z, Rosenberg JT, Grant SC, King GF, Mattoussi H, Fadool DA. Olfactory bulb-targeted quantum dot (QD) bioconjugate and Kv1.3 blocking peptide improve metabolic health in obese male mice. J Neurochem 2020; 157:1876-1896. [PMID: 32978815 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The olfactory system is a driver of feeding behavior, whereby olfactory acuity is modulated by the metabolic state of the individual. The excitability of the major output neurons of the olfactory bulb (OB) can be modulated through targeting a voltage-dependent potassium channel, Kv1.3, which responds to changes in metabolic factors such as insulin, glucose, and glucagon-like peptide-1. Because gene-targeted deletion or inhibition of Kv1.3 in the periphery has been found to increase energy metabolism and decrease body weight, we hypothesized that inhibition of Kv1.3 selectively in the OB could enhance excitability of the output neurons to evoke changes in energy homeostasis. We thereby employed metal-histidine coordination to self-assemble the Kv1.3 inhibitor margatoxin (MgTx) to fluorescent quantum dots (QDMgTx) as a means to label cells in vivo and test changes in neuronal excitability and metabolism when delivered to the OB. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology to measure Kv1.3 properties in heterologously expressed cells and native mitral cells in OB slices, we found that QDMgTx had a fast rate of inhibition, but with a reduced IC50, and increased action potential firing frequency. QDMgTx was capable of labeling cloned Kv1.3 channels but was not visible when delivered to native Kv1.3 in the OB. Diet-induced obese mice were observed to reduce body weight and clear glucose more quickly following osmotic mini-pump delivery of QDMgTx/MgTx to the OB, and following MgTx delivery, they increased the use of fats as fuels (reduced respiratory exchange ratio). These results suggest that enhanced excitability of bulbar output neurons can drive metabolic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin B Schwartz
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Anshika Kapur
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Zhenbo Huang
- Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.,Department of Biological Science, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Raveendra Anangi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - John M Spear
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Scott Stagg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Erminia Fardone
- Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Zolan Dekan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Jens T Rosenberg
- National High Field Magnetic Laboratory, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Samuel C Grant
- National High Field Magnetic Laboratory, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.,Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Hedi Mattoussi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Debra Ann Fadool
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.,Department of Biological Science, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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5
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Schwartz AB, Kapur A, Wang W, Huang Z, Fardone E, Palui G, Mattoussi H, Fadool DA. Margatoxin-bound quantum dots as a novel inhibitor of the voltage-gated ion channel Kv1.3. J Neurochem 2016; 140:404-420. [PMID: 27861889 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Venom-derived ion channel inhibitors have strong channel selectivity, potency, and stability; however, tracking delivery to their target can be challenging. Herein, we utilized luminescent quantum dots (QDs) conjugated to margatoxin (MgTx) as a traceable vehicle to target a voltage-dependent potassium channel, Kv1.3, which has a select distribution and well-characterized role in immunity, glucose metabolism, and sensory ability. We screened both unconjugated (MgTx) and conjugated MgTx (QD-MgTx) for their ability to inhibit Shaker channels Kv1.1 to Kv1.7 using patch-clamp electrophysiology in HEK293 cells. Our data indicate that MgTx inhibits 79% of the outward current in Kv1.3-transfected cells and that the QD-MgTx conjugate is able to achieve a similar level of block, albeit a slightly reduced efficacy (66%) and at a slower time course (50% block by 10.9 ± 1.1 min, MgTx; vs. 15.3 ± 1.2 min, QD-MgTx). Like the unbound peptide, the QD-MgTx conjugate inhibits both Kv1.3 and Kv1.2 at a 1 nM concentration, whereas it does not inhibit other screened Shaker channels. We tested the ability of QD-MgTx to inhibit native Kv1.3 expressed in the mouse olfactory bulb (OB). In brain slices of the OB, the conjugate acted similarly to MgTx to inhibit Kv1.3, causing an increased action potential firing frequency attributed to decreased intraburst duration rather than interspike interval. Our data demonstrate a retention of known biophysical properties associated with block of the vestibule of Kv1.3 by QD-MgTx conjugate compared to that of MgTx, inferring QDs could provide a useful tool to deliver ion channel inhibitors to targeted tissues in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin B Schwartz
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Anshika Kapur
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Wentao Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Zhenbo Huang
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Erminia Fardone
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA.,Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Goutam Palui
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Hedi Mattoussi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Debra Ann Fadool
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA.,Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
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6
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Housley DM, Housley GD, Liddell MJ, Jennings EA. Scorpion toxin peptide action at the ion channel subunit level. Neuropharmacology 2016; 127:46-78. [PMID: 27729239 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This review categorizes functionally validated actions of defined scorpion toxin (SCTX) neuropeptides across ion channel subclasses, highlighting key trends in this rapidly evolving field. Scorpion envenomation is a common event in many tropical and subtropical countries, with neuropharmacological actions, particularly autonomic nervous system modulation, causing significant mortality. The primary active agents within scorpion venoms are a diverse group of small neuropeptides that elicit specific potent actions across a wide range of ion channel classes. The identification and functional characterisation of these SCTX peptides has tremendous potential for development of novel pharmaceuticals that advance knowledge of ion channels and establish lead compounds for treatment of excitable tissue disorders. This review delineates the unique specificities of 320 individual SCTX peptides that collectively act on 41 ion channel subclasses. Thus the SCTX research field has significant translational implications for pathophysiology spanning neurotransmission, neurohumoral signalling, sensori-motor systems and excitation-contraction coupling. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Housley
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Gary D Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael J Liddell
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science and College of Science & Engineering, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Ernest A Jennings
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, James Cook University, Queensland 4878, Australia; Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, QLD, Australia
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7
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Ehling P, Meuth P, Eichinger P, Herrmann AM, Bittner S, Pawlowski M, Pankratz S, Herty M, Budde T, Meuth SG. Human T cells in silico: Modelling their electrophysiological behaviour in health and disease. J Theor Biol 2016; 404:236-250. [PMID: 27288542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Although various types of ion channels are known to have an impact on human T cell effector functions, their exact mechanisms of influence are still poorly understood. The patch clamp technique is a well-established method for the investigation of ion channels in neurons and T cells. However, small cell sizes and limited selectivity of pharmacological blockers restrict the value of this experimental approach. Building a realistic T cell computer model therefore can help to overcome these kinds of limitations as well as reduce the overall experimental effort. The computer model introduced here was fed off ion channel parameters from literature and new experimental data. It is capable of simulating the electrophysiological behaviour of resting and activated human CD4(+) T cells under basal conditions and during extracellular acidification. The latter allows for the very first time to assess the electrophysiological consequences of tissue acidosis accompanying most forms of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Ehling
- Department of Neurology, and Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Patrick Meuth
- Department of Neurology, and Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Paul Eichinger
- Department of Neurology, and Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, 48149 Münster, Germany; Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München TUM, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander M Herrmann
- Department of Neurology, and Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Bittner
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Pawlowski
- Department of Neurology, and Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, 48149 Münster, Germany; Wellcome Trust and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, and Anne McLaren Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, University of Cambridge, West Forvie Building, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, UK
| | - Susann Pankratz
- Department of Neurology, and Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Herty
- RWTH Aachen University, Mathematics (Continuous optimization), Templergraben 55, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Budde
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 27a, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology, and Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, 48149 Münster, Germany
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8
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Nikouee A, Khabiri M, Cwiklik L. Scorpion toxins prefer salt solutions. J Mol Model 2015; 21:287. [PMID: 26475740 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-015-2822-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There is a wide variety of ion channel types with various types of blockers, making research in this field very complicated. To reduce this complexity, it is essential to study ion channels and their blockers independently. Scorpion toxins, a major class of blockers, are charged short peptides with high affinities for potassium channels. Their high selectivity and inhibitory properties make them an important pharmacological tool for treating autoimmune or nervous system disorders. Scorpion toxins typically have highly charged surfaces and-like other proteins-an intrinsic ability to bind ions (Friedman J Phys Chem B 115(29):9213-9223, 1996; Baldwin Biophys J 71(4):2056-2063, 1996; Vrbka et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 103(42):15440-15444, 2006a; Vrbka et al. J Phys Chem B 110(13):7036-43, 2006b). Thus, their effects on potassium channels are usually investigated in various ionic solutions. In this work, computer simulations of protein structures were performed to analyze the structural properties of the key residues (i.e., those that are presumably involved in contact with the surfaces of the ion channels) of 12 scorpion toxins. The presence of the two most physiologically abundant cations, Na(+) and K(+), was considered. The results indicated that the ion-binding properties of the toxin residues vary. Overall, all of the investigated toxins had more stable structures in ionic solutions than in water. We found that both the number and length of elements in the secondary structure varied depending on the ionic solution used (i.e., in the presence of NaCl or KCl). This study revealed that the ionic solution should be chosen carefully before performing experiments on these toxins. Similarly, the influence of these ions should be taken into consideration in the design of toxin-based pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Nikouee
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Morteza Khabiri
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16610, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Lukasz Cwiklik
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16610, Prague 6, Czech Republic
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic v.v.i., Dolejskova 3, 18223, Prague 8, Czech Republic
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9
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Martinelli AH, Kappaun K, Ligabue-Braun R, Defferrari MS, Piovesan AR, Stanisçuaski F, Demartini DR, Dal Belo CA, Almeida CG, Follmer C, Verli H, Carlini CR, Pasquali G. Structure–function studies on jaburetox, a recombinant insecticidal peptide derived from jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) urease. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014; 1840:935-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2013] [Revised: 11/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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10
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Anangi R, Koshy S, Huq R, Beeton C, Chuang WJ, King GF. Recombinant expression of margatoxin and agitoxin-2 in Pichia pastoris: an efficient method for production of KV1.3 channel blockers. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52965. [PMID: 23300835 PMCID: PMC3530466 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The K(v)1.3 voltage-gated potassium channel regulates membrane potential and calcium signaling in human effector memory T cells that are key mediators of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, subtype-specific K(v)1.3 blockers have potential for treatment of autoimmune diseases. Several K(v)1.3 channel blockers have been characterized from scorpion venom, all of which have an α/β scaffold stabilized by 3-4 intramolecular disulfide bridges. Chemical synthesis is commonly used for producing these disulfide-rich peptides but this approach is time consuming and not cost effective for production of mutants, fusion proteins, fluorescently tagged toxins, or isotopically labelled peptides for NMR studies. Recombinant production of K(v)1.3 blockers in the cytoplasm of E. coli generally necessitates oxidative refolding of the peptides in order to form their native disulfide architecture. An alternative approach that avoids the need for refolding is expression of peptides in the periplasm of E. coli but this often produces low yields. Thus, we developed an efficient Pichia pastoris expression system for production of K(v)1.3 blockers using margatoxin (MgTx) and agitoxin-2 (AgTx2) as prototypic examples. The Pichia system enabled these toxins to be obtained in high yield (12-18 mg/L). NMR experiments revealed that the recombinant toxins adopt their native fold without the need for refolding, and electrophysiological recordings demonstrated that they are almost equipotent with the native toxins in blocking K(V)1.3 (IC(50) values of 201±39 pM and 97 ± 3 pM for recombinant AgTx2 and MgTx, respectively). Furthermore, both recombinant toxins inhibited T-lymphocyte proliferation. A MgTx mutant in which the key pharmacophore residue K28 was mutated to alanine was ineffective at blocking K(V)1.3 and it failed to inhibit T-lymphocyte proliferation. Thus, the approach described here provides an efficient method of producing toxin mutants with a view to engineering K(v)1.3 blockers with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raveendra Anangi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail: (RA); (GK)
| | - Shyny Koshy
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Redwan Huq
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Christine Beeton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Woei-Jer Chuang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail: (RA); (GK)
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