1
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Li C, Xu Y, Su W, He X, Li J, Li X, Xu HE, Yin W. Structural insights into ligand recognition, selectivity, and activation of bombesin receptor subtype-3. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114511. [PMID: 39024101 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114511] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS3) is an important orphan G protein-coupled receptor that regulates energy homeostasis and insulin secretion. As a member of the bombesin receptor (BnR) family, the lack of known endogenous ligands and high-resolution structure has hindered the understanding of BRS3 signaling and function. We present two cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of BRS3 in complex with the heterotrimeric Gq protein in its active states: one bound to the pan-BnR agonist BA1 and the other bound to the synthetic BRS3-specific agonist MK-5046. These structures reveal the architecture of the orthosteric ligand pocket underpinning molecular recognition and provide insights into the structural basis for BRS3's selectivity and low affinity for bombesin peptides. Examination of conserved micro-switches suggests a shared activation mechanism among BnRs. Our findings shed light on BRS3's ligand selectivity and signaling mechanisms, paving the way for exploring its therapeutic potential for diabetes, obesity, and related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Youwei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wenxin Su
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Guangdong 510000, China; Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangdong 528400, China
| | - Xinheng He
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jingru Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinzhu Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - H Eric Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Wanchao Yin
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangdong 528400, China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Guangdong 510000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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2
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Shihoya W, Iwama A, Sano FK, Nureki O. Cryo-EM advances in GPCR structure determination. J Biochem 2024; 176:1-10. [PMID: 38498911 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvae029] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute a prominent superfamily in humans and are categorized into six classes (A-F) that play indispensable roles in cellular communication and therapeutics. Nonetheless, their structural comprehension has been limited by challenges in high-resolution data acquisition. This review highlights the transformative impact of cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) on the structural determinations of GPCR-G-protein complexes. Specific technologies, such as nanobodies and mini-G-proteins, stabilize complexes and facilitate structural determination. We discuss the structural alterations upon receptor activation in different GPCR classes, revealing their diverse mechanisms. This review highlights the robust foundation for comprehending GPCR function and pave the way for future breakthroughs in drug discovery and therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Shihoya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Aika Iwama
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Fumiya K Sano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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3
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Szwabowski GL, Griffing M, Mugabe EJ, O'Malley D, Baker LN, Baker DL, Parrill AL. G Protein-Coupled Receptor-Ligand Pose and Functional Class Prediction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6876. [PMID: 38999982 PMCID: PMC11241240 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136876] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) transmembrane protein family members play essential roles in physiology. Numerous pharmaceuticals target GPCRs, and many drug discovery programs utilize virtual screening (VS) against GPCR targets. Improvements in the accuracy of predicting new molecules that bind to and either activate or inhibit GPCR function would accelerate such drug discovery programs. This work addresses two significant research questions. First, do ligand interaction fingerprints provide a substantial advantage over automated methods of binding site selection for classical docking? Second, can the functional status of prospective screening candidates be predicted from ligand interaction fingerprints using a random forest classifier? Ligand interaction fingerprints were found to offer modest advantages in sampling accurate poses, but no substantial advantage in the final set of top-ranked poses after scoring, and, thus, were not used in the generation of the ligand-receptor complexes used to train and test the random forest classifier. A binary classifier which treated agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists as active and all other ligands as inactive proved highly effective in ligand function prediction in an external test set of GPR31 and TAAR2 candidate ligands with a hit rate of 82.6% actual actives within the set of predicted actives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Makenzie Griffing
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Elijah J Mugabe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Daniel O'Malley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Lindsey N Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Daniel L Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Abby L Parrill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
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4
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Flores-Espinoza E, Thomsen ARB. Beneath the surface: endosomal GPCR signaling. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:520-531. [PMID: 38643023 PMCID: PMC11162320 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.03.006] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) located at the cell surface bind extracellular ligands and convey intracellular signals via activation of heterotrimeric G proteins. Traditionally, G protein signaling was viewed to occur exclusively at this subcellular region followed by rapid desensitization facilitated by β-arrestin (βarr)-mediated G protein uncoupling and receptor internalization. However, emerging evidence over the past 15 years suggests that these βarr-mediated events do not necessarily terminate receptor signaling and that some GPCRs continue to activate G proteins after having been internalized into endosomes. Here, we review the recently elucidated mechanistic basis underlying endosomal GPCR signaling and discuss physiological implications and pharmacological targeting of this newly appreciated signaling mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Flores-Espinoza
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA; NYU Pain Research Center, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Alex R B Thomsen
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA; NYU Pain Research Center, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA.
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5
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Nakashima A, Takeuchi H. Roles of odorant receptors during olfactory glomerular map formation. Genesis 2024; 62:e23610. [PMID: 38874301 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23610] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The organization of the olfactory glomerular map involves the convergence of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) expressing the same odorant receptor (OR) into glomeruli in the olfactory bulb (OB). A remarkable feature of the olfactory glomerular map formation is that the identity of OR instructs the topography of the bulb, resulting in thousands of discrete glomeruli in mice. Several lines of evidence indicate that ORs control the expression levels of various kinds of transmembrane proteins to form glomeruli at appropriate regions of the OB. In this review, we will discuss how the OR identity is decoded by OSNs into gene expression through intracellular regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Nakashima
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruki Takeuchi
- Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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6
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Stover L, Bahramimoghaddam H, Wang L, Schrecke S, Yadav GP, Zhou M, Laganowsky A. Grafting the ALFA tag for structural studies of aquaporin Z. J Struct Biol X 2024; 9:100097. [PMID: 38361954 PMCID: PMC10867769 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjsbx.2024.100097] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin Z (AqpZ), a bacterial water channel, forms a tetrameric complex and, like many other membrane proteins, activity is regulated by lipids. Various methods have been developed to facilitate structure determination of membrane proteins, such as the use of antibodies. Here, we graft onto AqpZ the ALFA tag (AqpZ-ALFA), an alpha helical epitope, to make use of the high-affinity anti-ALFA nanobody (nB). Native mass spectrometry reveals the AqpZ-ALFA fusion forms a stable, 1:1 complex with nB. Single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy studies reveal the octameric (AqpZ-ALFA)4(nB)4 complex forms a dimeric assembly and the structure was determined to 1.9 Å resolution. Dimerization of the octamer is mediated through stacking of the symmetrically bound nBs. Tube-like density is also observed, revealing a potential cardiolipin binding site. Grafting of the ALFA tag, or other epitope, along with binding and association of nBs to promote larger complexes will have applications in structural studies and protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Stover
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | | | - Lie Wang
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Samantha Schrecke
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Gaya P. Yadav
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics (LBSD), Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Ming Zhou
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Arthur Laganowsky
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
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7
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Kroning K, Gannot N, Li X, Putansu A, Zhou G, Sescil J, Shen J, Wilson A, Fiel H, Li P, Wang W. Single-chain fluorescent integrators for mapping G-protein-coupled receptor agonists. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307090121. [PMID: 38648487 PMCID: PMC11067452 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307090121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transduce the effects of many neuromodulators including dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, acetylcholine, and opioids. The localization of synthetic or endogenous GPCR agonists impacts their action on specific neuronal pathways. In this paper, we show a series of single-protein chain integrator sensors that are highly modular and could potentially be used to determine GPCR agonist localization across the brain. We previously engineered integrator sensors for the mu- and kappa-opioid receptor agonists called M- and K-Single-chain Protein-based Opioid Transmission Indicator Tool (SPOTIT), respectively. Here, we engineered red versions of the SPOTIT sensors for multiplexed imaging of GPCR agonists. We also modified SPOTIT to create an integrator sensor design platform called SPOTIT for all GPCRs (SPOTall). We used the SPOTall platform to engineer sensors for the beta 2-adrenergic receptor (B2AR), the dopamine receptor D1, and the cholinergic receptor muscarinic 2 agonists. Finally, we demonstrated the application of M-SPOTIT and B2AR-SPOTall in detecting exogenously administered morphine, isoproterenol, and epinephrine in the mouse brain via locally injected viruses. The SPOTIT and SPOTall sensor design platform has the potential for unbiased agonist detection of many synthetic and endogenous neuromodulators across the brain.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/agonists
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Humans
- Mice
- HEK293 Cells
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/agonists
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/metabolism
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2/metabolism
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2/genetics
- Receptor, Muscarinic M2/agonists
- Receptor, Muscarinic M2/metabolism
- Isoproterenol/pharmacology
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Morphine/pharmacology
- Brain/metabolism
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/diagnostic imaging
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
- Biosensing Techniques/methods
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Kroning
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Noam Gannot
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Xingyu Li
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Aubrey Putansu
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Guanwei Zhou
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Jennifer Sescil
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Jiaqi Shen
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Avery Wilson
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Hailey Fiel
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Peng Li
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
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8
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Lee HE, Cho AH, Hwang JH, Kim JW, Yang HR, Ryu T, Jung Y, Lee S. Development, High-Throughput Profiling, and Biopanning of a Large Phage Display Single-Domain Antibody Library. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4791. [PMID: 38732011 PMCID: PMC11083953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094791] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin G-based monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been effective in treating various diseases, but their large molecular size can limit their penetration of tissue and efficacy in multifactorial diseases, necessitating the exploration of alternative forms. In this study, we constructed a phage display library comprising single-domain antibodies (sdAbs; or "VHHs"), known for their small size and remarkable stability, using a total of 1.6 × 109 lymphocytes collected from 20 different alpacas, resulting in approximately 7.16 × 1010 colonies. To assess the quality of the constructed library, next-generation sequencing-based high-throughput profiling was performed, analyzing approximately 5.65 × 106 full-length VHH sequences, revealing 92% uniqueness and confirming the library's diverse composition. Systematic characterization of the library revealed multiple sdAbs with high affinity for three therapeutically relevant antigens. In conclusion, our alpaca sdAb phage display library provides a versatile resource for diagnostics and therapeutics. Furthermore, the library's vast natural VHH antibody repertoire offers insights for generating humanized synthetic sdAb libraries, further advancing sdAb-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Eon Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea; (H.E.L.); (A.H.C.); (J.H.H.); (J.W.K.); (H.R.Y.)
| | - Ah Hyun Cho
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea; (H.E.L.); (A.H.C.); (J.H.H.); (J.W.K.); (H.R.Y.)
| | - Jae Hyeon Hwang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea; (H.E.L.); (A.H.C.); (J.H.H.); (J.W.K.); (H.R.Y.)
| | - Ji Woong Kim
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea; (H.E.L.); (A.H.C.); (J.H.H.); (J.W.K.); (H.R.Y.)
| | - Ha Rim Yang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea; (H.E.L.); (A.H.C.); (J.H.H.); (J.W.K.); (H.R.Y.)
| | - Taehoon Ryu
- ATG Lifetech Inc., Seoul 08507, Republic of Korea; (T.R.); (Y.J.)
| | - Yushin Jung
- ATG Lifetech Inc., Seoul 08507, Republic of Korea; (T.R.); (Y.J.)
| | - Sukmook Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea; (H.E.L.); (A.H.C.); (J.H.H.); (J.W.K.); (H.R.Y.)
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
- Antibody Research Institute, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
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9
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Zhang M, Chen T, Lu X, Lan X, Chen Z, Lu S. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs): advances in structures, mechanisms, and drug discovery. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:88. [PMID: 38594257 PMCID: PMC11004190 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01803-6] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of human membrane proteins and an important class of drug targets, play a role in maintaining numerous physiological processes. Agonist or antagonist, orthosteric effects or allosteric effects, and biased signaling or balanced signaling, characterize the complexity of GPCR dynamic features. In this study, we first review the structural advancements, activation mechanisms, and functional diversity of GPCRs. We then focus on GPCR drug discovery by revealing the detailed drug-target interactions and the underlying mechanisms of orthosteric drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in the past five years. Particularly, an up-to-date analysis is performed on available GPCR structures complexed with synthetic small-molecule allosteric modulators to elucidate key receptor-ligand interactions and allosteric mechanisms. Finally, we highlight how the widespread GPCR-druggable allosteric sites can guide structure- or mechanism-based drug design and propose prospects of designing bitopic ligands for the future therapeutic potential of targeting this receptor family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Affiliated to Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Xun Lu
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaobing Lan
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Ziqiang Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Affiliated to Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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10
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Sencanski M, Glisic S, Kubale V, Cotman M, Mavri J, Vrecl M. Computational Modeling and Characterization of Peptides Derived from Nanobody Complementary-Determining Region 2 (CDR2) Targeting Active-State Conformation of the β 2-Adrenergic Receptor (β 2AR). Biomolecules 2024; 14:423. [PMID: 38672440 PMCID: PMC11048008 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040423] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study assessed the suitability of the complementarity-determining region 2 (CDR2) of the nanobody (Nb) as a template for the derivation of nanobody-derived peptides (NDPs) targeting active-state β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) conformation. Sequences of conformationally selective Nbs favoring the agonist-occupied β2AR were initially analyzed by the informational spectrum method (ISM). The derived NDPs in complex with β2AR were subjected to protein-peptide docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and metadynamics-based free-energy binding calculations. Computational analyses identified a 25-amino-acid-long CDR2-NDP of Nb71, designated P4, which exhibited the following binding free-energy for the formation of the β2AR:P4 complex (ΔG = -6.8 ± 0.8 kcal/mol or a Ki = 16.5 μM at 310 K) and mapped the β2AR:P4 amino acid interaction network. In vitro characterization showed that P4 (i) can cross the plasma membrane, (ii) reduces the maximum isoproterenol-induced cAMP level by approximately 40% and the isoproterenol potency by up to 20-fold at micromolar concentration, (iii) has a very low affinity to interact with unstimulated β2AR in the cAMP assay, and (iv) cannot reduce the efficacy and potency of the isoproterenol-mediated β2AR/β-arrestin-2 interaction in the BRET2-based recruitment assay. In summary, the CDR2-NDP, P4, binds preferentially to agonist-activated β2AR and disrupts Gαs-mediated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Sencanski
- Laboratory for Plant Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, National Institute of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Sanja Glisic
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, National Institute of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Valentina Kubale
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.K.); (M.C.)
| | - Marko Cotman
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.K.); (M.C.)
| | - Janez Mavri
- Department of Computational Biochemistry and Drug Design, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Milka Vrecl
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.K.); (M.C.)
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11
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Calderón JC, Ibrahim P, Gobbo D, Gervasio FL, Clark T. Determinants of Neutral Antagonism and Inverse Agonism in the β 2-Adrenergic Receptor. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:2045-2057. [PMID: 38447156 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Free-energy profiles for the activation/deactivation of the β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) with neutral antagonist and inverse agonist ligands have been determined with well-tempered multiple-walker (MW) metadynamics simulations. The inverse agonists carazolol and ICI118551 clearly favor single inactive conformational minima in both the binary and ternary ligand-receptor-G-protein complexes, in accord with the inverse-agonist activity of the ligands. The behavior of neutral antagonists is more complex, as they seem also to affect the recruitment of the G-protein. The results are analyzed in terms of the conformational states of the well-known microswitches that have been proposed as indicators of receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline C Calderón
- Computer-Chemistry-Center, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuernberg, Naegelsbachstr. 25, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Passainte Ibrahim
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dorothea Gobbo
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CH1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, CH1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Luigi Gervasio
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CH1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, CH1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Chemistry Department, University College London, WC1H 0AJ London, United Kingdom
- Swiss Bioinformatics Institute, CH1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Timothy Clark
- Computer-Chemistry-Center, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuernberg, Naegelsbachstr. 25, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
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12
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Plazinski W, Lutsyk V, Plazinska A. Exploring Free Energies of Specific Protein Conformations Using the Martini Force Field. J Chem Theory Comput 2024; 20:2273-2283. [PMID: 38427574 PMCID: PMC10938637 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c01155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Coarse-grained (CG) level molecular dynamics simulations are routinely used to study various biomolecular processes. The Martini force field is currently the most widely adopted parameter set for such simulations. The functional form of this and several other CG force fields enforces secondary protein structure support by employing a variety of harmonic potentials or restraints that favor the protein's native conformation. We propose a straightforward method to calculate the energetic consequences of transitions between predefined conformational states in systems in which multiple factors can affect protein conformational equilibria. This method is designed for use within the Martini force field and involves imposing conformational transitions by linking a Martini-inherent elastic network to the coupling parameter λ. We demonstrate the applicability of our method using the example of five biomolecular systems that undergo experimentally characterized conformational transitions between well-defined structures (Staphylococcal nuclease, C-terminal segment of surfactant protein B, LAH4 peptide, and β2-adrenergic receptor) as well as between folded and unfolded states (GCN4 leucine zipper protein). The results show that the relative free energy changes associated with protein conformational transitions, which are affected by various factors, such as pH, mutations, solvent, and lipid membrane composition, are correctly reproduced. The proposed method may be a valuable tool for understanding how different conditions and modifications affect conformational equilibria in proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Plazinski
- Jerzy
Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Niezapominajek 8, Krakow 30-239, Poland
- Department
of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, Lublin 20-093, Poland
| | - Valery Lutsyk
- Jerzy
Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Niezapominajek 8, Krakow 30-239, Poland
| | - Anita Plazinska
- Department
of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, Lublin 20-093, Poland
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13
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Tutkus M, Lundgaard CV, Veshaguri S, Tønnesen A, Hatzakis N, Rasmussen SGF, Stamou D. Probing Activation and Conformational Dynamics of the Vesicle-Reconstituted β 2 Adrenergic Receptor at the Single-Molecule Level. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:2124-2133. [PMID: 38391238 PMCID: PMC10926102 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c08349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are structurally flexible membrane proteins that mediate a host of physiological responses to extracellular ligands like hormones and neurotransmitters. Fine features of their dynamic structural behavior are hypothesized to encode the functional plasticity seen in GPCR activity, where ligands with different efficacies can direct the same receptor toward different signaling phenotypes. Although the number of GPCR crystal structures is increasing, the receptors are characterized by complex and poorly understood conformational landscapes. Therefore, we employed a fluorescence microscopy assay to monitor conformational dynamics of single β2 adrenergic receptors (β2ARs). To increase the biological relevance of our findings, we decided not to reconstitute the receptor in detergent micelles but rather lipid membranes as proteoliposomes. The conformational dynamics were monitored by changes in the intensity of an environmentally sensitive boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY 493/503) fluorophore conjugated to an endogenous cysteine (located at the cytoplasmic end of the sixth transmembrane helix of the receptor). Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) and a single small unilamellar liposome assay that we previously developed, we followed the real-time dynamic properties of hundreds of single β2ARs reconstituted in a native-like environment─lipid membranes. Our results showed that β2AR-BODIPY fluctuates between several states of different intensity on a time scale of seconds, compared to BODIPY-lipid conjugates that show almost entirely stable fluorescence emission in the absence and presence of the full agonist BI-167107. Agonist stimulation changes the β2AR dynamics, increasing the population of states with higher intensities and prolonging their durations, consistent with bulk experiments. The transition density plot demonstrates that β2AR-BODIPY, in the absence of the full agonist, interconverts between states of low and moderate intensity, while the full agonist renders transitions between moderate and high-intensity states more probable. This redistribution is consistent with a mechanism of conformational selection and is a promising first step toward characterizing the conformational dynamics of GPCRs embedded in a lipid bilayer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijonas Tutkus
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio Ave. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department of Molecular Compound Physics, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio Ave. 3, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Christian V Lundgaard
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Salome Veshaguri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Asger Tønnesen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nikos Hatzakis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience Center, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren G F Rasmussen
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Panum, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dimitrios Stamou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Geometrically Engineered Cellular Systems, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Nikte SV, Joshi M, Sengupta D. State-dependent dynamics of extramembrane domains in the β 2 -adrenergic receptor. Proteins 2024; 92:317-328. [PMID: 37864328 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane-bound signaling proteins that play an essential role in cellular signaling processes. Due to their intrinsic function of transmitting internal signals in response to external cues, these receptors are adapted to be highly dynamic in nature. The β2 -adrenergic receptor (β2 AR) is a representative member of the family that has been extensively analyzed in terms of its structure and activation. Although the structure of the transmembrane domain has been characterized in the different functional states of the receptor, the conformational dynamics of the extramembrane domains, especially the intrinsically disordered regions are still emerging. In this study, we analyze the state-dependent dynamics of extramembrane domains of β2 AR using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. We introduce a parameter, the residue excess dynamics that allows us to better quantify receptor dynamics. Using this measure, we show that the dynamics of the extramembrane domains are sensitive to the receptor state. Interestingly, the ligand-bound intermediateR ' state shows the maximal dynamics compared to either the active R*G or inactive R states. Ligand binding appears to be correlated with high residue excess dynamics that are dampened upon G protein coupling. The intracellular loop-3 (ICL3) domain has a tendency to flip towards the membrane upon ligand binding, which could contribute to receptor "priming." We highlight an important ICL1-helix-8 interplay that is broken in the ligand-bound state but is retained in the active state. Overall, our study highlights the importance of characterizing the functional dynamics of the GPCR loop domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhanta V Nikte
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Manali Joshi
- Bioinformatics Center, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Durba Sengupta
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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15
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Burgess SG, Paul NR, Richards MW, Ault JR, Askenatzis L, Claydon SG, Corbyn R, Machesky LM, Bayliss R. A nanobody inhibitor of Fascin-1 actin-bundling activity and filopodia formation. Open Biol 2024; 14:230376. [PMID: 38503329 PMCID: PMC10960945 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230376] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Fascin-1-mediated actin-bundling activity is central to the generation of plasma membrane protrusions required for cell migration. Dysregulated formation of cellular protrusions is observed in metastatic cancers, where they are required for increased invasiveness, and is often correlated with increased Fascin-1 abundance. Therefore, there is interest in generating therapeutic Fascin-1 inhibitors. We present the identification of Nb 3E11, a nanobody inhibitor of Fascin-1 actin-bundling activity and filopodia formation. The crystal structure of the Fascin-1/Nb 3E11 complex reveals the structural mechanism of inhibition. Nb 3E11 occludes an actin-binding site on the third β-trefoil domain of Fascin-1 that is currently not targeted by chemical inhibitors. Binding of Nb 3E11 to Fascin-1 induces a conformational change in the adjacent domains to stabilize Fascin-1 in an inhibitory state similar to that adopted in the presence of small-molecule inhibitors. Nb 3E11 could be used as a tool inhibitor molecule to aid in the development of Fascin-1 targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selena G. Burgess
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nikki R. Paul
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Mark W. Richards
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - James R. Ault
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Laurie Askenatzis
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Sophie G. Claydon
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Ryan Corbyn
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Laura M. Machesky
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Richard Bayliss
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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16
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Sink A, Gerwe H, Hübner H, Boivin-Jahns V, Fender J, Lorenz K, Gmeiner P, Decker M. "Photo-Adrenalines": Photoswitchable β 2 -Adrenergic Receptor Agonists as Molecular Probes for the Study of Spatiotemporal Adrenergic Signaling. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303506. [PMID: 38212242 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303506] [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: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
β2 -adrenergic receptor (β2 -AR) agonists are used for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but also play a role in other complex disorders including cancer, diabetes and heart diseases. As the cellular and molecular mechanisms in various cells and tissues of the β2 -AR remain vastly elusive, we developed tools for this investigation with high temporal and spatial resolution. Several photoswitchable β2 -AR agonists with nanomolar activity were synthesized. The most potent agonist for β2 -AR with reasonable switching is a one-digit nanomolar active, trans-on arylazopyrazole-based adrenaline derivative and comprises valuable photopharmacological properties for further biological studies with high structural accordance to the native ligand adrenaline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Sink
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hubert Gerwe
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Harald Hübner
- Medicinal Chemistry Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Valerie Boivin-Jahns
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 9, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Fender
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 9, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Lorenz
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 9, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS-e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Str. 11, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Medicinal Chemistry Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
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17
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Miller WE, O'Connor CM. CMV-encoded GPCRs in infection, disease, and pathogenesis. Adv Virus Res 2024; 118:1-75. [PMID: 38461029 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2024.01.001] [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: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are seven-transmembrane domain proteins that modulate cellular processes in response to external stimuli. These receptors represent the largest family of membrane proteins, and in mammals, their signaling regulates important physiological functions, such as vision, taste, and olfaction. Many organisms, including yeast, slime molds, and viruses encode GPCRs. Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) are large, betaherpesviruses, that encode viral GPCRs (vGPCRs). Human CMV (HCMV) encodes four vGPCRs, including UL33, UL78, US27, and US28. Each of these vGPCRs, as well as their rodent and primate orthologues, have been investigated for their contributions to viral infection and disease. Herein, we discuss how the CMV vGPCRs function during lytic and latent infection, as well as our understanding of how they impact viral pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Miller
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Bioscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Christine M O'Connor
- Infection Biology, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Global Center for Pathogen and Human Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States; Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, United States.
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18
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Deng Y, Sheng Y, Zhang G, Sun Y, Wang L, Ji P, Zhu J, Wang G, Liu B, Zhou EM, Cai X, Tu Y, Hiscox JA, Stewart JP, Mu Y, Zhao Q. A novel strategy for an anti-idiotype vaccine: nanobody mimicking neutralization epitope of porcine circovirus type 2. J Virol 2024; 98:e0165023. [PMID: 38271227 PMCID: PMC10878242 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01650-23] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective method to protect humans and animals from diseases. Anti-idiotype vaccines are safer due to their absence of pathogens. However, the commercial production of traditional anti-idiotype vaccines using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies (mAb and pAb) is complex and has a high failure rate. The present study designed a novel, simple, low-cost strategy for developing anti-idiotype vaccines with nanobody technology. We used porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) as a viral model, which can result in serious economic loss in the pig industry. The neutralizing mAb-1E7 (Ab1) against PCV2 capsid protein (PCV2-Cap) was immunized in the camel. And 12 nanobodies against mAb-1E7 were screened. Among them, Nb61 (Ab2) targeted the idiotype epitope of mAb-1E7 and blocked mAb-1E7's binding to PCV2-Cap. Additionally, a high-dose Nb61 vaccination can also protect mice and pigs from PCV2 infection. Epitope mapping showed that mAb-1E7 recognized the 75NINDFL80 of PCV2-Cap and 101NYNDFLG107 of Nb61. Subsequently, the mAb-3G4 (Ab3) against Nb61 was produced and can neutralize PCV2 infection in the PK-15 cells. Structure analysis showed that the amino acids of mAb-1E7 and mAb-3G4 respective binding to PCV2-Cap and Nb61 were also similar on the amino acids sequences and spatial conformation. Collectively, our study first provided a strategy for producing nanobody-based anti-idiotype vaccines and identified that anti-idiotype nanobodies could mimic the antigen on amino acids and structures. Importantly, as more and more neutralization mAbs against different pathogens are prepared, anti-idiotype nanobody vaccines can be easily produced against the disease with our strategy, especially for dangerous pathogens.IMPORTANCEAnti-idiotype vaccines utilize idiotype-anti-idiotype network theory, eliminating the need for external antigens as vaccine candidates. Especially for dangerous pathogens, they were safer because they did not contact the live pathogenic microorganisms. However, developing anti-idiotype vaccines with traditional monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies is complex and has a high failure rate. We present a novel, universal, simple, low-cost strategy for producing anti-idiotype vaccines with nanobody technology. Using a neutralization antibody against PCV2-Cap, a nanobody (Ab2) was successfully produced and could mimic the neutralizing epitope of PCV2-Cap. The nanobody can induce protective immune responses against PCV2 infection in mice and pigs. It highlighted that the anti-idiotype vaccine using nanobody has a very good application in the future, especially for dangerous pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Deng
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Efficient New Vaccines for Animals, Universities of Shaanxi Province and Ministry of Education, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, China
| | - Yamin Sheng
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Efficient New Vaccines for Animals, Universities of Shaanxi Province and Ministry of Education, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, China
| | - Guixi Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Efficient New Vaccines for Animals, Universities of Shaanxi Province and Ministry of Education, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, China
| | - Yani Sun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Efficient New Vaccines for Animals, Universities of Shaanxi Province and Ministry of Education, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Efficient New Vaccines for Animals, Universities of Shaanxi Province and Ministry of Education, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, China
| | - Pinpin Ji
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Efficient New Vaccines for Animals, Universities of Shaanxi Province and Ministry of Education, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, China
| | - Jiahong Zhu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Efficient New Vaccines for Animals, Universities of Shaanxi Province and Ministry of Education, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, China
| | - Gang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Baoyuan Liu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Efficient New Vaccines for Animals, Universities of Shaanxi Province and Ministry of Education, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, China
| | - En-Min Zhou
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
| | - Xuehui Cai
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yabin Tu
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Julian A. Hiscox
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - James P. Stewart
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Yang Mu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Efficient New Vaccines for Animals, Universities of Shaanxi Province and Ministry of Education, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Efficient New Vaccines for Animals, Universities of Shaanxi Province and Ministry of Education, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, China
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19
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Chen F, Liu Z, Kang W, Jiang F, Yang X, Yin F, Zhou Z, Li Z. Single-domain antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 RBD from a two-stage phage screening of universal and focused synthetic libraries. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:199. [PMID: 38350843 PMCID: PMC10865538 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09022-8] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an evolving global pandemic, and nanobodies, as well as other single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), have been recognized as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic tool for infectious diseases. High-throughput screening techniques such as phage display have been developed as an alternative to in vivo immunization for the discovery of antibody-like target-specific binders. METHODS We designed and constructed a highly diverse synthetic phage library sdAb-U (single-domain Antibody - Universal library ) based on a human framework. The SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) was expressed and purified. The universal library sdAb-U was panned against the RBD protein target for two rounds, followed by monoclonal phage ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) to identify RBD-specific binders (the first stage). High-affinity binders were sequenced and the obtained CDR1 and CDR2 sequences were combined with fully randomized CDR3 to construct a targeted (focused) phage library sdAb-RBD, for subsequent second-stage phage panning (also two rounds) and screening. Then, sequences with high single-to-background ratios in phage ELISA were selected for expression. The binding affinities of sdAbs to RBD were measured by an ELISA-based method. In addition, we conducted competition ELISA (using ACE2 ectodomain S19-D615) and SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralization assays for the high-affinity RBD-binding sdAb39. RESULTS Significant enrichments were observed in both the first-stage (universal library) and the second-stage (focused library) phage panning. Five RBD-specific binders were identified in the first stage with high ELISA signal-to-background ratios. In the second stage, we observed a much higher possibility of finding RBD-specific clones in phage ELISA. Among 45 selected RBD-positive sequences, we found eight sdAbs can be well expressed, and five of them show high-affinity to RBD (EC50 < 100nM). We finally found that sdAb39 (EC50 ~ 4nM) can compete with ACE2 for binding to RBD. CONCLUSION Overall, this two-stage strategy of synthetic phage display libraries enables rapid selection of SARS-CoV-2 RBD sdAb with potential therapeutic activity, and this two-stage strategy can potentially be used for rapid discovery of sdAbs against other targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Kang
- NanoAI Biotech Co., Ltd, Pingshan District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fan Jiang
- NanoAI Biotech Co., Ltd, Pingshan District, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xixiao Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Feng Yin
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhou
- National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zigang Li
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China.
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20
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Jayakody T, Inoue A, Kannan S, Nakamura G, Kawakami K, Mendis K, Nguyen TB, Li J, Herr DR, Verma CS, Dawe GS. Mechanisms of biased agonism by Gα i/o-biased stapled peptide agonists of the relaxin-3 receptor. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eabl5880. [PMID: 38349968 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abl5880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide relaxin-3 is composed of an A chain and a B chain held together by disulfide bonds, and it modulates functions such as anxiety and food intake by binding to and activating its cognate receptor RXFP3, mainly through the B chain. Biased ligands of RXFP3 would help to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of G proteins and β-arrestins downstream of RXFP3 that lead to such diverse functions. We showed that the i, i+4 stapled relaxin-3 B chains, 14s18 and d(1-7)14s18, were Gαi/o-biased agonists of RXFP3. These peptides did not induce recruitment of β-arrestin1/2 to RXFP3 by GPCR kinases (GRKs), in contrast to relaxin-3, which enabled the GRK2/3-mediated recruitment of β-arrestin1/2 to RXFP3. Relaxin-3 and the previously reported peptide 4 (an i, i+4 stapled relaxin-3 B chain) did not exhibit biased signaling. The staple linker of peptide 4 and parts of both the A chain and B chain of relaxin-3 interacted with extracellular loop 3 (ECL3) of RXFP3, moving it away from the binding pocket, suggesting that unbiased ligands promote a more open conformation of RXFP3. These findings highlight roles for the A chain and the N-terminal residues of the B chain of relaxin-3 in inducing conformational changes in RXFP3, which will help in designing selective biased ligands with improved therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharindunee Jayakody
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, P.O. Box 1490, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | | | - Gaku Nakamura
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kouki Kawakami
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Krishan Mendis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, P.O. Box 1490, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
| | - Thanh-Binh Nguyen
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
| | - Jianguo Li
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
| | - Deron R Herr
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chandra S Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Dr., Singapore 637551
| | - Gavin S Dawe
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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21
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Cong Z, Zhao F, Li Y, Luo G, Mai Y, Chen X, Chen Y, Lin S, Cai X, Zhou Q, Yang D, Wang MW. Molecular features of the ligand-free GLP-1R, GCGR and GIPR in complex with G s proteins. Cell Discov 2024; 10:18. [PMID: 38346960 PMCID: PMC10861504 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-024-00649-0] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Class B1 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important regulators of many physiological functions such as glucose homeostasis, which is mainly mediated by three peptide hormones, i.e., glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucagon (GCG), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). They trigger a cascade of signaling events leading to the formation of an active agonist-receptor-G protein complex. However, intracellular signal transducers can also activate the receptor independent of extracellular stimuli, suggesting an intrinsic role of G proteins in this process. Here, we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of the human GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), GCG receptor (GCGR), and GIP receptor (GIPR) in complex with Gs proteins without the presence of cognate ligands. These ligand-free complexes share a similar intracellular architecture to those bound by endogenous peptides, in which, the Gs protein alone directly opens the intracellular binding cavity and rewires the extracellular orthosteric pocket to stabilize the receptor in a state unseen before. While the peptide-binding site is partially occupied by the inward folded transmembrane helix 6 (TM6)-extracellular loop 3 (ECL3) juncture of GIPR or a segment of GCGR ECL2, the extracellular portion of GLP-1R adopts a conformation close to the active state. Our findings offer valuable insights into the distinct activation mechanisms of these three important receptors. It is possible that in the absence of a ligand, the intracellular half of transmembrane domain is mobilized with the help of Gs protein, which in turn rearranges the extracellular half to form a transitional conformation, facilitating the entry of the peptide N-terminus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaotong Cong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fenghui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Li
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiting Mai
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Xianyue Chen
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Yanyan Chen
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Shi Lin
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Xiaoqing Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingtong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China.
| | - Dehua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China.
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China.
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China.
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22
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Jones AJY, Harman TH, Harris M, Lewis OE, Ladds G, Nietlispach D. Binding kinetics drive G protein subtype selectivity at the β 1-adrenergic receptor. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1334. [PMID: 38351103 PMCID: PMC10864275 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45680-7] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) bind to different G protein α-subtypes with varying degrees of selectivity. The mechanism by which GPCRs achieve this selectivity is still unclear. Using 13C methyl methionine and 19F NMR, we investigate the agonist-bound active state of β1AR and its ternary complexes with different G proteins in solution. We find the receptor in the ternary complexes adopts very similar conformations. In contrast, the full agonist-bound receptor active state assumes a conformation differing from previously characterised activation intermediates or from β1AR in ternary complexes. Assessing the kinetics of binding for the agonist-bound receptor with different G proteins, we find the increased affinity of β1AR for Gs results from its much faster association with the receptor. Consequently, we suggest a kinetic-driven selectivity gate between canonical and secondary coupling which arises from differential favourability of G protein binding to the agonist-bound receptor active state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Y Jones
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Thomas H Harman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Matthew Harris
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1PD, UK
| | - Oliver E Lewis
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Graham Ladds
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1PD, UK
| | - Daniel Nietlispach
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK.
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23
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McIntire WE, Purdy MD, Leonhardt SA, Kucharska I, Hanson MA, Poulos S, Garrison JC, Linden J, Yeager M. G protein β 4 as a structural determinant of enhanced nucleotide exchange in the A 2AAR-Gs complex. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3814988. [PMID: 38343806 PMCID: PMC10854301 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3814988/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Adenosine A2A receptors (A2AAR) evoke pleiotropic intracellular signaling events via activation of the stimulatory heterotrimeric G protein, Gs. Here, we used cryoEM to solve the agonist-bound structure of A2AAR in a complex with full-length Gs α and Gβ4γ2 (A2AAR-Gs α:β4γ2). The orthosteric binding site of A2AAR-Gs α:β4γ2 was similar to other structures of agonist-bound A2AAR, with or without Gs. Unexpectedly, the solvent accessible surface area within the interior of the complex was substantially larger for the complex with Gβ4 versus the closest analog, A2AAR-miniGs α:β1γ2. Consequently, there are fewer interactions between the switch II in Gs α and the Gβ4 torus. In reconstitution experiments Gβ4γ2 displayed a ten-fold higher efficiency over Gβ1γ2 in catalyzing A2AAR dependent GTPγS binding to Gs α. We propose that the less constrained switch II in A2AAR-Gs α:β4γ2 accounts for this increased efficiency. These results suggest that Gβ4 functions as a positive allosteric enhancer versus Gβ1.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E. McIntire
- The Phillip and Patricia Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146
| | - Michael D. Purdy
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
- Molecular Electron Microscopy Core, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Susan A. Leonhardt
- The Phillip and Patricia Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146
| | - Iga Kucharska
- The Phillip and Patricia Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146
| | - Michael A. Hanson
- The Phillip and Patricia Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146
| | - Sandra Poulos
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - James C. Garrison
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22903 Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Joel Linden
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Mark Yeager
- The Phillip and Patricia Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146
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24
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Cong Y, Devoogdt N, Lambin P, Dubois LJ, Yaromina A. Promising Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches Based on VHHs for Cancer Management. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:371. [PMID: 38254860 PMCID: PMC10814765 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020371] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the distinctive structure of heavy chain-only antibodies in species belonging to the Camelidae family has elicited significant interest in their variable antigen binding domain (VHH) and gained attention for various applications, such as cancer diagnosis and treatment. This article presents an overview of the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of VHHs as compared to conventional antibodies, and their usage in diverse applications. The singular properties of VHHs are explained, and several strategies that can augment their utility are outlined. The preclinical studies illustrating the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of distinct VHHs in diverse formats against solid cancers are summarized, and an overview of the clinical trials assessing VHH-based agents in oncology is provided. These investigations demonstrate the enormous potential of VHHs for medical research and healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cong
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Research Group (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ludwig J. Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Ala Yaromina
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
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25
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Zhang X, Guseinov AA, Jenkins L, Li K, Tikhonova IG, Milligan G, Zhang C. Structural basis for the ligand recognition and signaling of free fatty acid receptors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj2384. [PMID: 38198545 PMCID: PMC10780892 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj2384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Free fatty acid receptors 1 to 4 (FFA1 to FFA4) are class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). FFA1 to FFA3 share substantial sequence similarity, whereas FFA4 is unrelated. However, FFA1 and FFA4 are activated by long-chain fatty acids, while FFA2 and FFA3 respond to short-chain fatty acids generated by intestinal microbiota. FFA1, FFA2, and FFA4 are potential drug targets for metabolic and inflammatory conditions. Here, we determined the active structures of FFA1 and FFA4 bound to docosahexaenoic acid, FFA4 bound to the synthetic agonist TUG-891, and butyrate-bound FFA2, each complexed with an engineered heterotrimeric Gq protein (miniGq), by cryo-electron microscopy. Together with computational simulations and mutagenesis studies, we elucidated the similarities and differences in the binding modes of fatty acid ligands to their respective GPCRs. Our findings unveiled distinct mechanisms of receptor activation and G protein coupling. We anticipate that these outcomes will facilitate structure-based drug development and underpin future research on this group of GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Abdul-Akim Guseinov
- School of Pharmacy, Medical Biology Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Laura Jenkins
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK
| | - Kunpeng Li
- Cryo-EM Core Facility, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Irina G. Tikhonova
- School of Pharmacy, Medical Biology Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Graeme Milligan
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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26
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Demby A, Zaccolo M. Investigating G-protein coupled receptor signalling with light-emitting biosensors. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1310197. [PMID: 38260094 PMCID: PMC10801095 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1310197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most frequent target of currently approved drugs and play a central role in both physiological and pathophysiological processes. Beyond the canonical understanding of GPCR signal transduction, the importance of receptor conformation, beta-arrestin (β-arr) biased signalling, and signalling from intracellular locations other than the plasma membrane is becoming more apparent, along with the tight spatiotemporal compartmentalisation of downstream signals. Fluorescent and bioluminescent biosensors have played a pivotal role in elucidating GPCR signalling events in live cells. To understand the mechanisms of action of the GPCR-targeted drugs currently available, and to develop new and better GPCR-targeted therapeutics, understanding these novel aspects of GPCR signalling is critical. In this review, we present some of the tools available to interrogate each of these features of GPCR signalling, we illustrate some of the key findings which have been made possible by these tools and we discuss their limitations and possible developments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuela Zaccolo
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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27
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Śliwa P, Dziurzyńska M, Kurczab R, Kucwaj-Brysz K. The Pivotal Distinction between Antagonists' and Agonists' Binding into Dopamine D4 Receptor-MD and FMO/PIEDA Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:746. [PMID: 38255820 PMCID: PMC10815553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020746] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The dopamine D4 receptor (D4R) is a promising therapeutic target in widespread diseases, and the search for novel agonists and antagonists appears to be clinically relevant. The mechanism of binding to the receptor (R) for antagonists and agonists varies. In the present study, we conducted an in-depth computational study, teasing out key similarities and differences in binding modes, complex dynamics, and binding energies for D4R agonists and antagonists. The dynamic network method was applied to investigate the communication paths between the ligand (L) and G-protein binding site (GBS) of human D4R. Finally, the fragment molecular orbitals with pair interaction energy decomposition analysis (FMO/PIEDA) scheme was used to estimate the binding energies of L-R complexes. We found that a strong salt bridge with D3.32 initiates the inhibition of the dopamine D4 receptor. This interaction also occurs in the binding of agonists, but the change in the receptor conformation to the active state starts with interaction with cysteine C3.36. Such a mechanism may arise in the case of agonists unable to form a hydrogen bond with the serine S5.46, considered, so far, to be crucial in the activation of GPCRs. The energy calculations using the FMO/PIEDA method indicate that antagonists show higher residue occupancy of the receptor binding site than agonists, suggesting they could form relatively more stable complexes. Additionally, antagonists were characterized by repulsive interactions with S5.46 distinguishing them from agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Śliwa
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Kraków, Poland
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Dziurzyńska
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Kraków, Poland
| | - Rafał Kurczab
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Kucwaj-Brysz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland;
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
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28
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Struts AV, Barmasov AV, Fried SDE, Hewage KSK, Perera SMDC, Brown MF. Osmotic stress studies of G-protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin activation. Biophys Chem 2024; 304:107112. [PMID: 37952496 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2023.107112] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
We summarize and critically review osmotic stress studies of the G-protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin. Although small amounts of structural water are present in these receptors, the effect of bulk water on their function remains uncertain. Studies of the influences of osmotic stress on the GPCR archetype rhodopsin have given insights into the functional role of water in receptor activation. Experimental work has discovered that osmolytes shift the metarhodopsin equilibrium after photoactivation, either to the active or inactive conformations according to their molar mass. At least 80 water molecules are found to enter rhodopsin in the transition to the photoreceptor active state. We infer that this movement of water is both necessary and sufficient for receptor activation. If the water influx is prevented, e.g., by large polymer osmolytes or by dehydration, then the receptor functional transition is back shifted. These findings imply a new paradigm in which rhodopsin becomes solvent swollen in the activation mechanism. Water thus acts as an allosteric modulator of function for rhodopsin-like receptors in lipid membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey V Struts
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Laboratory of Biomolecular NMR, St.-Petersburg State University, 199034 St.-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander V Barmasov
- Department of Biophysics, St.-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 St.-Petersburg, Russia; Department of Physics, St.-Petersburg State University, 199034 St.-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Steven D E Fried
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kushani S K Hewage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | | | - Michael F Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Department of Physics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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29
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Raynaud P, Jugnarain V, Vaugrente O, Vallet A, Boulo T, Gauthier C, Inoue A, Sibille N, Gauthier C, Jean-Alphonse F, Reiter E, Crépieux P, Bruneau G. A single-domain intrabody targeting the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor impacts FSH-induced G protein-dependent signalling. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:220-232. [PMID: 37923554 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14765] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular variable fragments of heavy-chain antibody from camelids (intra-VHH) have been successfully used as chaperones to solve the 3D structure of active G protein-coupled receptors bound to their transducers. However, their effect on signalling has been poorly explored, although they may provide a better understanding of the relationships between receptor conformation and activity. Here, we isolated and characterized iPRC1, the first intra-VHH recognizing a member of the large glycoprotein hormone receptor family, the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). This intra-VHH recognizes the FSHR third intracellular loop and decreases cAMP production in response to FSH, without altering Gαs recruitment. Hence, iPRC1 behaves as an allosteric modulator and provides a new tool to complete structure/activity studies performed thus far on this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Raynaud
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Vinesh Jugnarain
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Océane Vaugrente
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Amandine Vallet
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Thomas Boulo
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Camille Gauthier
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Nathalie Sibille
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS), CNRS, University Montpellier, Inserm, France
| | - Christophe Gauthier
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Frédéric Jean-Alphonse
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
- Inria, Inria Saclay-Ile-de-France, Palaiseau, France
| | - Eric Reiter
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
- Inria, Inria Saclay-Ile-de-France, Palaiseau, France
| | - Pascale Crépieux
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
- Inria, Inria Saclay-Ile-de-France, Palaiseau, France
| | - Gilles Bruneau
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
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30
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Shumate AD, Farrens DL. A rapid, tag-free way to purify functional GPCRs. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105558. [PMID: 38097184 PMCID: PMC10820827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105558] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play diverse signaling roles and represent major pharmaceutical targets. Consequently, they are the focus of intense study, and numerous advances have been made in their handling and analysis. However, a universal way to purify GPCRs has remained elusive, in part because of their inherent instability when isolated from cells. To address this, we have developed a general, rapid, and tag-free way to purify GPCRs. The method uses short peptide analogs of the Gα subunit C terminus (Gα-CT) that are attached to chromatography beads (Gα-CT resin). Because the Gα-CT peptides bind active GPCRs with high affinity, the Gα-CT resin selectively purifies only active functional receptors. We use this method to purify both rhodopsin and the β2-adrenergic receptor and show they can be purified in either active conformations or inactive conformations, simply by varying elution conditions. While simple in concept-leveraging the conserved GPCR-Gα-CT binding interaction for the purpose of GPCR purification-we think this approach holds excellent potential to isolate functional receptors for a myriad of uses, from structural biology to proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Shumate
- Department of Chemical Biology and Physiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - David L Farrens
- Department of Chemical Biology and Physiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
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31
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Yu J, Kumar A, Zhang X, Martin C, Raia P, Koehl A, Laeremans T, Steyaert J, Manglik A, Ballet S, Boland A, Stoeber M. Structural Basis of μ-Opioid Receptor-Targeting by a Nanobody Antagonist. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.06.570395. [PMID: 38106026 PMCID: PMC10723425 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.06.570395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The μ-opioid receptor (μOR), a prototypical member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, is the molecular target of opioid analgesics such as morphine and fentanyl. Due to the limitations and severe side effects of currently available opioid drugs, there is considerable interest in developing novel modulators of μOR function. Most GPCR ligands today are small molecules, however biologics, including antibodies and nanobodies, are emerging as alternative therapeutics with clear advantages such as affinity and target selectivity. Here, we describe the nanobody NbE, which selectively binds to the μOR and acts as an antagonist. We functionally characterize NbE as an extracellular and genetically encoded μOR ligand and uncover the molecular basis for μOR antagonism by solving the cryo-EM structure of the NbE-μOR complex. NbE displays a unique ligand binding mode and achieves μOR selectivity by interactions with the orthosteric pocket and extracellular receptor loops. Based on a β-hairpin loop formed by NbE that deeply inserts into the μOR and centers most binding contacts, we design short peptide analogues that retain μOR antagonism. The work illustrates the potential of nanobodies to uniquely engage with GPCRs and describes novel μOR ligands that can serve as a basis for therapeutic developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Xuefeng Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Raia
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Koehl
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Jan Steyaert
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aashish Manglik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Steven Ballet
- Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andreas Boland
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Stoeber
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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32
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Mollaei P, Barati Farimani A. Unveiling Switching Function of Amino Acids in Proteins Using a Machine Learning Approach. J Chem Theory Comput 2023; 19:8472-8480. [PMID: 37933128 PMCID: PMC10688191 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c00665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Dynamics of individual amino acids play key roles in the overall properties of proteins. However, the knowledge of protein structural features at the residue level is limited due to the current resolutions of experimental and computational techniques. To address this issue, we designed a novel machine-learning (ML) framework that uses Molecular Dynamics (MD) trajectories to identify the major conformational states of individual amino acids, classify amino acids switching between two distinct modes, and evaluate their degree of dynamic stability. The Random Forest model achieved 96.94% classification accuracy in identifying switch residues within proteins. Additionally, our framework distinguishes between the stable switch (SS) residues, which remain stable in one angular state and jump once to another state during protein dynamics, and unstable switch (US) residues, which constantly fluctuate between the two angular states. This study also illustrates the correlation between the dynamics of SS residues and the protein's global properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Mollaei
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon
University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Amir Barati Farimani
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon
University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon
University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Machine
Learning Department, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
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33
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López-Correa JM, König C, Vellido A. GPCR molecular dynamics forecasting using recurrent neural networks. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20995. [PMID: 38017062 PMCID: PMC10684758 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48346-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large superfamily of cell membrane proteins that play an important physiological role as transmitters of extracellular signals. Signal transmission through the cell membrane depends on conformational changes in the transmembrane region of the receptor, which makes the investigation of the dynamics in these regions particularly relevant. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provide a wealth of data about the structure, dynamics, and physiological function of biological macromolecules by modelling the interactions between their atomic constituents. In this study, a Recurrent and Convolutional Neural Network (RNN) model, namely Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), is used to predict the dynamics of two GPCR states and three specific simulations of each one, through their activation path and focussing on specific receptor regions. Active and inactive states of the GPCRs are analysed in six scenarios involving APO, Full Agonist (BI 167107) and Partial Inverse Agonist (carazolol) of the receptor. Four Machine Learning models with increasing complexity in terms of neural network architecture are evaluated, and their results discussed. The best method achieves an overall RMSD lower than 0.139 Å and the transmembrane helices are the regions showing the minimum prediction errors and minimum relative movements of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline König
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
- IDEAI-UPC - Research Center, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfredo Vellido
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.
- IDEAI-UPC - Research Center, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.
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34
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Liccardo F, Morstein J, Lin TY, Pampel J, Shokat KM, Irannejad R. Selective activation of intracellular β1AR using a spatially restricted antagonist. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.22.568314. [PMID: 38045405 PMCID: PMC10690298 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.22.568314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate several physiological and pathological processes and represent the target of approximately 30% of FDA-approved drugs. GPCR-mediated signaling was thought to occur exclusively at the plasma membrane. However, recent studies have unveiled their presence and function at subcellular membrane compartments. There is a growing interest in studying compartmentalized signaling of GPCRs. This requires development of novel tools to separate GPCRs signaling at the plasma membrane from the ones initiated at intracellular compartments. We took advantage of the structural and pharmacological information available for β1-adrenergic receptor (β1AR), an exemplary GPCR that functions at subcellular compartments, and rationally designed spatially restricted antagonists. We generated a cell impermeable β1AR antagonist by conjugating a suitable pharmacophore to a sulfonate-containing fluorophore. This cell-impermeable antagonist only inhibited β1AR on the plasma membrane. In contrast, a cell permeable β1AR agonist containing a non-sulfonated fluorophore, efficiently inhibited both the plasma membrane and Golgi pools of β1ARs. Furthermore, the cell impermeable antagonist selectively inhibited the phosphorylation of downstream effectors of PKA proximal to the plasma membrane in adult cardiomyocytes while β1AR intracellular pool remained active. Our tools offer promising avenues for investigating compartmentalized β1AR signaling in various context, potentially advancing our understanding of β1AR-mediated cellular responses in health and disease. They also offer a general strategy to study compartmentalized signaling for other GPCRs in various biological systems.
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35
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Zhu S, Fan S, Tang T, Huang J, Zhou H, Huang C, Chen Y, Qian F. Polymorphic nanobody crystals as long-acting intravitreal therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10523. [PMID: 38023710 PMCID: PMC10658565 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) is the most common cause of blindness, and chronic intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins has been the dominant therapeutic approach. Less intravitreal injection and a prolonged inter-injection interval are the main drivers behind new wet AMD drug innovations. By rationally engineering the surface residues of a model anti-VEGF nanobody, we obtained a series of anti-VEGF nanobodies with identical protein structures and VEGF binding affinities, while drastically different crystallization propensities and crystal lattice structures. Among these nanobody crystals, the P212121 lattice appeared to be denser and released protein slower than the P1 lattice, while nanobody crystals embedding zinc coordination further slowed the protein release rate. The polymorphic protein crystals could be a potentially breakthrough strategy for chronic intravitreal administration of anti-VEGF proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqian Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)Tsinghua UniversityBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Shilong Fan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological StructureTsinghua UniversityBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Tianxin Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)Tsinghua UniversityBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Jinliang Huang
- Quaerite Biopharm ResearchBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Heng Zhou
- Shuimu BioSciences Co. Ltd.BeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Chengnan Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)Tsinghua UniversityBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Youxin Chen
- Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Feng Qian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)Tsinghua UniversityBeijingPeople's Republic of China
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36
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Baumann C, Chiang W, Valsecchi R, Jurt S, Deluigi M, Schuster M, Rosengren KJ, Plückthun A, Zerbe O. Side-chain dynamics of the α 1B -adrenergic receptor determined by NMR via methyl relaxation. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4801. [PMID: 37805830 PMCID: PMC10593183 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4801] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are medically important membrane proteins that sample inactive, intermediate, and active conformational states characterized by relatively slow interconversions (~μs-ms). On a faster timescale (~ps-ns), the conformational landscape of GPCRs is governed by the rapid dynamics of amino acid side chains. Such dynamics are essential for protein functions such as ligand recognition and allostery. Unfortunately, technical challenges have almost entirely precluded the study of side-chain dynamics for GPCRs. Here, we investigate the rapid side-chain dynamics of a thermostabilized α1B -adrenergic receptor (α1B -AR) as probed by methyl relaxation. We determined order parameters for Ile, Leu, and Val methyl groups in the presence of inverse agonists that bind orthosterically (prazosin, tamsulosin) or allosterically (conopeptide ρ-TIA). Despite the differences in the ligands, the receptor's overall side-chain dynamics are very similar, including those of the apo form. However, ρ-TIA increases the flexibility of Ile1764×56 and possibly of Ile2145×49 , adjacent to Pro2155×50 of the highly conserved P5×50 I3×40 F6×44 motif crucial for receptor activation, suggesting differences in the mechanisms for orthosteric and allosteric receptor inactivation. Overall, increased Ile side-chain rigidity was found for residues closer to the center of the membrane bilayer, correlating with denser packing and lower protein surface exposure. In contrast to two microbial membrane proteins, in α1B -AR Leu exhibited higher flexibility than Ile side chains on average, correlating with the presence of Leu in less densely packed areas and with higher protein-surface exposure than Ile. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of studying receptor-wide side-chain dynamics in GPCRs to gain functional insights.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wan‐Chin Chiang
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Simon Jurt
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Mattia Deluigi
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | | | | | - Oliver Zerbe
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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37
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Burghi V, Paradis JS, Officer A, Adame-Garcia SR, Wu X, Matthees ESF, Barsi-Rhyne B, Ramms DJ, Clubb L, Acosta M, Tamayo P, Bouvier M, Inoue A, von Zastrow M, Hoffmann C, Gutkind JS. Gαs is dispensable for β-arrestin coupling but dictates GRK selectivity and is predominant for gene expression regulation by β2-adrenergic receptor. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105293. [PMID: 37774973 PMCID: PMC10641165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105293] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
β-arrestins play a key role in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) internalization, trafficking, and signaling. Whether β-arrestins act independently of G protein-mediated signaling has not been fully elucidated. Studies using genome-editing approaches revealed that whereas G proteins are essential for mitogen-activated protein kinase activation by GPCRs., β-arrestins play a more prominent role in signal compartmentalization. However, in the absence of G proteins, GPCRs may not activate β-arrestins, thereby limiting the ability to distinguish G protein from β-arrestin-mediated signaling events. We used β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) and its β2AR-C tail mutant expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells wildtype or CRISPR-Cas9 gene edited for Gαs, β-arrestin1/2, or GPCR kinases 2/3/5/6 in combination with arrestin conformational sensors to elucidate the interplay between Gαs and β-arrestins in controlling gene expression. We found that Gαs is not required for β2AR and β-arrestin conformational changes, β-arrestin recruitment, and receptor internalization, but that Gαs dictates the GPCR kinase isoforms involved in β-arrestin recruitment. By RNA-Seq analysis, we found that protein kinase A and mitogen-activated protein kinase gene signatures were activated by stimulation of β2AR in wildtype and β-arrestin1/2-KO cells but absent in Gαs-KO cells. These results were validated by re-expressing Gαs in the corresponding KO cells and silencing β-arrestins in wildtype cells. These findings were extended to cellular systems expressing endogenous levels of β2AR. Overall, our results support that Gs is essential for β2AR-promoted protein kinase A and mitogen-activated protein kinase gene expression signatures, whereas β-arrestins initiate signaling events modulating Gαs-driven nuclear transcriptional activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Burghi
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Justine S Paradis
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Adam Officer
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sendi Rafael Adame-Garcia
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Xingyu Wu
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Edda S F Matthees
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, CMB - Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Benjamin Barsi-Rhyne
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Dana J Ramms
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lauren Clubb
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Monica Acosta
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Pablo Tamayo
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Michel Bouvier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mark von Zastrow
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Carsten Hoffmann
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, CMB - Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
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38
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Frecot DI, Froehlich T, Rothbauer U. 30 years of nanobodies - an ongoing success story of small binders in biological research. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs261395. [PMID: 37937477 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A milestone in the field of recombinant binding molecules was achieved 30 years ago with the discovery of single-domain antibodies from which antigen-binding variable domains, better known as nanobodies (Nbs), can be derived. Being only one tenth the size of conventional antibodies, Nbs feature high affinity and specificity, while being highly stable and soluble. In addition, they display accessibility to cryptic sites, low off-target accumulation and deep tissue penetration. Efficient selection methods, such as (semi-)synthetic/naïve or immunized cDNA libraries and display technologies, have facilitated the isolation of Nbs against diverse targets, and their single-gene format enables easy functionalization and high-yield production. This Review highlights recent advances in Nb applications in various areas of biological research, including structural biology, proteomics and high-resolution and in vivo imaging. In addition, we provide insights into intracellular applications of Nbs, such as live-cell imaging, biosensors and targeted protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiree I Frecot
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Markwiesenstrasse 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Theresa Froehlich
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Rothbauer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
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39
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Lyons AC, Mehta S, Zhang J. Fluorescent biosensors illuminate the spatial regulation of cell signaling across scales. Biochem J 2023; 480:1693-1717. [PMID: 37903110 PMCID: PMC10657186 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
As cell signaling research has advanced, it has become clearer that signal transduction has complex spatiotemporal regulation that goes beyond foundational linear transduction models. Several technologies have enabled these discoveries, including fluorescent biosensors designed to report live biochemical signaling events. As genetically encoded and live-cell compatible tools, fluorescent biosensors are well suited to address diverse cell signaling questions across different spatial scales of regulation. In this review, methods of examining spatial signaling regulation and the design of fluorescent biosensors are introduced. Then, recent biosensor developments that illuminate the importance of spatial regulation in cell signaling are highlighted at several scales, including membranes and organelles, molecular assemblies, and cell/tissue heterogeneity. In closing, perspectives on how fluorescent biosensors will continue enhancing cell signaling research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C. Lyons
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
| | - Sohum Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
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40
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Calderón JC, Ibrahim P, Gobbo D, Gervasio FL, Clark T. Activation/Deactivation Free-Energy Profiles for the β 2-Adrenergic Receptor: Ligand Modes of Action. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:6332-6343. [PMID: 37824365 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
We use enhanced-sampling simulations with an effective collective variable to study the activation of the β2-adrenergic receptor in the presence of ligands with different efficacy. The free-energy profiles are computed for the ligand-free (apo) receptor and binary (apo-receptor + G-protein α-subunit and receptor + ligand) and ternary complexes. The results are not only compatible with available experiments but also allow unprecedented structural insight into the nature of GPCR conformations along the activation pathway and their role in the activation mechanism. In particular, the simulations reveal an unexpected mode of action of partial agonists such as salmeterol and salbutamol that arises already in the binary complex without the G-protein. Specific differences in the polar interactions with residues in TM5, which are required to stabilize an optimal TM6 conformation that facilitates G-protein binding and receptor activation, play a major role in differentiating them from full agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline C Calderón
- Computer-Chemistry-Center, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuernberg, Naegelsbachstraße 25, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Passainte Ibrahim
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dorothea Gobbo
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CH1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, CH1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Luigi Gervasio
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CH1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, CH1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Chemistry Department, University College London, WC1H 0AJ London, United Kingdom
- Swiss Bioinformatics Institute, CH1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Timothy Clark
- Computer-Chemistry-Center, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuernberg, Naegelsbachstraße 25, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
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41
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Hacisuleyman A, Erman B. Fine tuning rigid body docking results using the Dreiding force field: A computational study of 36 known nanobody-protein complexes. Proteins 2023; 91:1417-1426. [PMID: 37232507 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26529] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to understand the binding strategies of a nanobody-protein pair by studying known complexes. Rigid body protein-ligand docking programs produce several complexes, called decoys, which are good candidates with high scores of shape complementarity, electrostatic interactions, desolvation, buried surface area, and Lennard-Jones potentials. However, the decoy that corresponds to the native structure is not known. We studied 36 nanobody-protein complexes from the single domain antibody database, sd-Ab DB, http://www.sdab-db.ca/. For each structure, a large number of decoys are generated using the Fast Fourier Transform algorithm of the software ZDOCK. The decoys were ranked according to their target protein-nanobody interaction energies, calculated by using the Dreiding Force Field, with rank 1 having the lowest interaction energy. Out of 36 protein data bank (PDB) structures, 25 true structures were predicted as rank 1. Eleven of the remaining structures required Ångstrom size rigid body translations of the nanobody relative to the protein to match the given PDB structure. After the translation, the Dreiding interaction (DI) energies of all complexes decreased and became rank 1. In one case, rigid body rotations as well as translations of the nanobody were required for matching the crystal structure. We used a Monte Carlo algorithm that randomly translates and rotates the nanobody of a decoy and calculates the DI energy. Results show that rigid body translations and the DI energy are sufficient for determining the correct binding location and pose of ZDOCK created decoys. A survey of the sd-Ab DB showed that each nanobody makes at least one salt bridge with its partner protein, indicating that salt bridge formation is an essential strategy in nanobody-protein recognition. Based on the analysis of the 36 crystal structures and evidence from existing literature, we propose a set of principles that could be used in the design of nanobodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysima Hacisuleyman
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Burak Erman
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
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42
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Wu FJ, Kronenberg D, Hertel I, Grzesiek S. The key role of glutamine for protein expression and isotopic labeling in insect cells. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105142. [PMID: 37553040 PMCID: PMC10556780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105142] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of many physiologically important proteins have long been impeded by the necessity to express such proteins in isotope-labeled form in higher eukaryotic cells and the concomitant high costs of providing isotope-labeled amino acids in the growth medium. Economical routes use isotope-labeled yeast or algae extracts but still require expensive isotope-labeled glutamine. Here, we have systematically quantified the effect of 15N2-glutamine on the expression and isotope labeling of different proteins in insect cells. Sufficient levels of glutamine in the medium increase the protein expression by four to five times relative to deprived conditions. 1H-15N nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy shows that the 15N atoms from 15N2-glutamine are scrambled with surprisingly high (60-70%) efficiency into the three amino acids alanine, aspartate, and glutamate. This phenomenon gives direct evidence that the high energy demand of insect cells during baculovirus infection and concomitant heterologous protein expression is predominantly satisfied by glutamine feeding the tricarboxylic acid cycle. To overcome the high costs of supplementing isotope-labeled glutamine, we have developed a robust method for the large-scale synthesis of 15N2-glutamine and partially deuterated 15N2-glutamine-α,β,β-d3 from inexpensive precursors. An application is shown for the effective large-scale expression of the isotope-labeled β1-adrenergic receptor using the synthesized 15N2-glutamine-α,β,β-d3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Jie Wu
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | | | - Ines Hertel
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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43
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Llinas del Torrent C, Raïch I, Gonzalez A, Casajuana-Martin N, Lillo J, Rebassa JB, Ferreiro-Vera C, Sánchez de Medina V, Franco R, Navarro G, Pardo L. The Leu/Val 6.51 Side Chain of Cannabinoid Receptors Regulates the Binding Mode of the Alkyl Chain of Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:5927-5935. [PMID: 37644761 PMCID: PMC10523433 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
(-)-Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the principal psychoactive constituent of Cannabis, mediates its action by binding to two members of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family: the cannabinoid CB1 (CB1R) and CB2 (CB2R) receptors. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the pentyl chain of THC could adopts an I-shape conformation, filling an intracellular cavity between Phe3.36 and Trp6.48 for initial agonist-induced receptor activation, in CB1R but not in CB2R. This cavity opens to the five-carbon chain of THC by the conformational change of the γ-branched, flexible, Leu6.51 side chain of CB1R, which is not feasible by the β-branched, mode rigid, Val6.51 side chain of CB2R. In agreement with our computational results, THC could not decrease the forskolin-induced cAMP levels in cells expressing mutant CB1RL6.51V receptor but could activate the mutant CB2RV6.51L receptor as efficiently as wild-type CB1R. Additionally, JWH-133, a full CB2R agonist, contains a branched dimethyl moiety in the ligand chain that bridges Phe3.36 and Val6.51 for receptor activation. In this case, the substitution of Val6.51 to Leu in CB2R makes JWH-133 unable to activate CB2RV6.51L. In conclusion, our combined computational and experimental results have shown that the amino acid at position 6.51 is a key additional player in the initial mechanism of activation of GPCRs that recognize signaling molecules derived from lipid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Llinas del Torrent
- Laboratory
of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iu Raïch
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Gonzalez
- Laboratory
of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nil Casajuana-Martin
- Laboratory
of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Lillo
- Department
of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Biel Rebassa
- Department
of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Rafael Franco
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Centro
de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Department
of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute
of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona
(NeuroUB), Av Joan XXIII
27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leonardo Pardo
- Laboratory
of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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Bueschbell B, Magalhães PR, Barreto CA, Melo R, Schiedel AC, Machuqueiro M, Moreira IS. The World of GPCR dimers - Mapping dopamine receptor D 2 homodimers in different activation states and configuration arrangements. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4336-4353. [PMID: 37711187 PMCID: PMC10497915 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.08.032] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are known to dimerize, but the molecular and structural basis of GPCR dimers is not well understood. In this study, we developed a computational framework to generate models of symmetric and asymmetric GPCR dimers using different monomer activation states and identified their most likely interfaces with molecular details. We chose the dopamine receptor D2 (D2R) homodimer as a case study because of its biological relevance and the availability of structural information. Our results showed that transmembrane domains 4 and 5 (TM4 and TM5) are mostly found at the dimer interface of the D2R dimer and that these interfaces have a subset of key residues that are mostly nonpolar from TM4 and TM5, which was in line with experimental studies. In addition, TM2 and TM3 appear to be relevant for D2R dimers. In some cases, the inactive configuration is unaffected by the partnered protomer, whereas in others, the active protomer adopts the properties of an inactive receptor. Additionally, the β-arrestin configuration displayed the properties of an active receptor in the absence of an agonist, suggesting that a switch to another meta-state during dimerization occurred. Our findings are consistent with the experimental data, and this method can be adapted to study heterodimers and potentially extended to include additional proteins such as G proteins or β-arrestins. In summary, this approach provides insight into the impact of the conformational status of partnered protomers on the overall quaternary GPCR macromolecular structure and dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Bueschbell
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIs-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro R. Magalhães
- BioISI - Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande C8 bdg, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos A.V. Barreto
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIs-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita Melo
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Anke C. Schiedel
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Miguel Machuqueiro
- BioISI - Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande C8 bdg, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Irina S. Moreira
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
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45
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Kellogg GE, Cen Y, Dukat M, Ellis KC, Guo Y, Li J, May AE, Safo MK, Zhang S, Zhang Y, Desai UR. Merging cultures and disciplines to create a drug discovery ecosystem at Virginia commonwealth university: Medicinal chemistry, structural biology, molecular and behavioral pharmacology and computational chemistry. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023; 28:255-269. [PMID: 36863508 PMCID: PMC10619687 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The Department of Medicinal Chemistry, together with the Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has evolved, organically with quite a bit of bootstrapping, into a unique drug discovery ecosystem in response to the environment and culture of the university and the wider research enterprise. Each faculty member that joined the department and/or institute added a layer of expertise, technology and most importantly, innovation, that fertilized numerous collaborations within the University and with outside partners. Despite moderate institutional support with respect to a typical drug discovery enterprise, the VCU drug discovery ecosystem has built and maintained an impressive array of facilities and instrumentation for drug synthesis, drug characterization, biomolecular structural analysis and biophysical analysis, and pharmacological studies. Altogether, this ecosystem has had major impacts on numerous therapeutic areas, such as neurology, psychiatry, drugs of abuse, cancer, sickle cell disease, coagulopathy, inflammation, aging disorders and others. Novel tools and strategies for drug discovery, design and development have been developed at VCU in the last five decades; e.g., fundamental rational structure-activity relationship (SAR)-based drug design, structure-based drug design, orthosteric and allosteric drug design, design of multi-functional agents towards polypharmacy outcomes, principles on designing glycosaminoglycans as drugs, and computational tools and algorithms for quantitative SAR (QSAR) and understanding the roles of water and the hydrophobic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen E Kellogg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA.
| | - Yana Cen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Malgorzata Dukat
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Keith C Ellis
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Youzhong Guo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Aaron E May
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Martin K Safo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Shijun Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Umesh R Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA.
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46
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Sanchez-Reyes OB, Zilberg G, McCorvy JD, Wacker D. Molecular insights into GPCR mechanisms for drugs of abuse. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105176. [PMID: 37599003 PMCID: PMC10514560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105176] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance abuse is on the rise, and while many people may use illicit drugs mainly due to their rewarding effects, their societal impact can range from severe, as is the case for opioids, to promising, as is the case for psychedelics. Common with all these drugs' mechanisms of action are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which lie at the center of how these drugs mediate inebriation, lethality, and therapeutic effects. Opioids like fentanyl, cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol, and psychedelics like lysergic acid diethylamide all directly bind to GPCRs to initiate signaling which elicits their physiological actions. We herein review recent structural studies and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of opioids, cannabinoids, and psychedelics at their respective GPCR subtypes. We further discuss how such mechanistic insights facilitate drug discovery, either toward the development of novel therapies to combat drug abuse or toward harnessing therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar B Sanchez-Reyes
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gregory Zilberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - John D McCorvy
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
| | - Daniel Wacker
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
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47
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Lee KH, Manning JJ, Javitch J, Shi L. A Novel "Activation Switch" Motif Common to All Aminergic Receptors. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:5001-5017. [PMID: 37540602 PMCID: PMC10695015 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00732] [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] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Aminergic receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that transduce signals from small endogenous biogenic amines to regulate intracellular signaling pathways. Agonist binding in the ligand binding pocket on the extracellular side opens and prepares a cavity on the intracellular face of the receptors to interact with and activate G proteins and β-arrestins. Here, by reviewing and analyzing all available aminergic receptor structures, we seek to identify activation-related conformational changes that are independent of the specific scaffold of the bound agonist, which we define as "activation conformational changes" (ACCs). While some common intracellular ACCs have been well-documented, identifying common extracellular ACCs, including those in the ligand binding pocket, is complicated by local adjustments to different ligand scaffolds. Our analysis shows no common ACCs at the extracellular ends of the transmembrane helices. Furthermore, the restricted access to the ligand binding pocket identified previously in some receptors is not universal. Notably, the Trp6.48 toggle switch and the Pro5.50-Ile3.40-Phe6.44 (PIF) motif at the bottom of the ligand binding pocket have previously been proposed to mediate the conformational consequences of ligand binding to the intracellular side of the receptors. Our analysis shows that common ACCs in the ligand binding pocket are associated with the PIF motif and nearby residues, including Trp6.48, but fails to support a shared rotamer toggle associated with activation. However, we identify two common rearrangements between the extracellular and middle subsegments, and propose a novel "activation switch" motif common to all aminergic receptors. This motif includes the middle subsegments of transmembrane helices 3, 5, and 6 and integrates both the PIF motif and Trp6.48.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo Hao Lee
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Jamie J. Manning
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jonathan Javitch
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Lei Shi
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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48
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Wu A, Salom D, Hong JD, Tworak A, Watanabe K, Pardon E, Steyaert J, Kandori H, Katayama K, Kiser PD, Palczewski K. Structural basis for the allosteric modulation of rhodopsin by nanobody binding to its extracellular domain. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5209. [PMID: 37626045 PMCID: PMC10457330 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40911-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhodopsin is a prototypical G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) critical for vertebrate vision. Research on GPCR signaling states has been facilitated using llama-derived nanobodies (Nbs), some of which bind to the intracellular surface to allosterically modulate the receptor. Extracellularly binding allosteric nanobodies have also been investigated, but the structural basis for their activity has not been resolved to date. Here, we report a library of Nbs that bind to the extracellular surface of rhodopsin and allosterically modulate the thermodynamics of its activation process. Crystal structures of Nb2 in complex with native rhodopsin reveal a mechanism of allosteric modulation involving extracellular loop 2 and native glycans. Nb2 binding suppresses Schiff base deprotonation and hydrolysis and prevents intracellular outward movement of helices five and six - a universal activation event for GPCRs. Nb2 also mitigates protein misfolding in a disease-associated mutant rhodopsin. Our data show the power of nanobodies to modulate the photoactivation of rhodopsin and potentially serve as therapeutic agents for disease-associated rhodopsin misfolding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arum Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - David Salom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - John D Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Aleksander Tworak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Kohei Watanabe
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466- 8555, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Els Pardon
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jan Steyaert
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hideki Kandori
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466- 8555, Japan
- OptoBioTechnology Research Center, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
| | - Kota Katayama
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466- 8555, Japan.
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan.
- OptoBioTechnology Research Center, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan.
| | - Philip D Kiser
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Research Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA, USA.
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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49
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Zhang X, Guseinov AA, Jenkins L, Li K, Tikhonova IG, Milligan G, Zhang C. Structural basis for the ligand recognition and signaling of free fatty acid receptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.20.553924. [PMID: 37662198 PMCID: PMC10473637 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.20.553924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Free fatty acid receptors 1-4 (FFA1-4) are class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). FFA1-3 share substantial sequence similarity whereas FFA4 is unrelated. Despite this FFA1 and FFA4 are activated by the same range of long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) whilst FFA2 and FFA3 are instead activated by short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) generated by the intestinal microbiota. Each of FFA1, 2 and 4 are promising targets for novel drug development in metabolic and inflammatory conditions. To gain insights into the basis of ligand interactions with, and molecular mechanisms underlying activation of, FFAs by LCFAs and SCFAs, we determined the active structures of FFA1 and FFA4 bound to the polyunsaturated LCFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), FFA4 bound to the synthetic agonist TUG-891, as well as SCFA butyrate-bound FFA2, each complexed with an engineered heterotrimeric Gq protein (miniGq), by cryo-electron microscopy. Together with computational simulations and mutagenesis studies, we elucidated the similarities and differences in the binding modes of fatty acid ligands with varying chain lengths to their respective GPCRs. Our findings unveil distinct mechanisms of receptor activation and G protein coupling. We anticipate that these outcomes will facilitate structure-based drug development and underpin future research to understand allosteric modulation and biased signaling of this group of GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15261, USA
| | - Abdul-Akim Guseinov
- School of Pharmacy, Medical Biology Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Jenkins
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Kunpeng Li
- Cryo-EM core facility, Case Western Reserve University, OH44106, USA
| | - Irina G. Tikhonova
- School of Pharmacy, Medical Biology Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme Milligan
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15261, USA
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50
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Goldberg A, Xie B, Shi L. The Molecular Mechanism of Positive Allosteric Modulation at the Dopamine D1 Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12848. [PMID: 37629030 PMCID: PMC10454769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612848] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) is a promising target for treating various psychiatric disorders. While upregulation of D1R activity has shown potential in alleviating motor and cognitive symptoms, orthosteric agonists have limitations, restricting their clinical applications. However, the discovery of several allosteric compounds specifically targeting the D1R, such as LY3154207, has opened new therapeutic avenues. Based on the cryo-EM structures of the D1R, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the binding and allosteric mechanisms of LY3154207. Our simulations revealed that LY3154207 preferred the horizontal orientation above intracellular loop 2 (IL2) and stabilized the helical conformation of IL2. Moreover, LY3154207 binding induced subtle yet significant changes in key structural motifs and their neighboring residues. Notably, a cluster of residues centered around the Na+-binding site became more compact, while interactions involving the PIF motif and its neighboring residues were loosened upon LY3154207 binding, consistent with their role in opening the intracellular crevice for receptor activation. Additionally, we identified an allosteric pathway likely responsible for the positive allosteric effect of LY3154207 in enhancing Gs protein coupling. This mechanistic understanding of LY3154207's allosteric action at the D1R paves the way for the rational design of more potent and effective allosteric modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lei Shi
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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