1
|
Liang CT, Roscow O, Zhang W. Generation and Characterization of Engineered Ubiquitin Variants to Modulate the Ubiquitin Signaling Cascade. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2024; 2024:107784. [PMID: 36997275 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.over107784] [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: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitin signaling cascade plays a crucial role in human cells. Consistent with this, malfunction of ubiquitination and deubiquitination is implicated in the initiation and progression of numerous human diseases, including cancer. Therefore, the development of potent and specific modulators of ubiquitin signal transduction has been at the forefront of drug development. In the past decade, a structure-based combinatorial protein-engineering approach has been used to generate ubiquitin variants (UbVs) as protein-based modulators of multiple components in the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Here, we review the design and generation of phage-displayed UbV libraries, including the processes of binder selection and library improvement. We also provide a comprehensive overview of the general in vitro and cellular methodologies involved in characterizing UbV binders. Finally, we describe two recent applications of UbVs for developing molecules with therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen T Liang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Olivia Roscow
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1, Canada
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, MaRS Centre, Toronto, Ontario M5G1M1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Spano D, Catara G. Targeting the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System and Recent Advances in Cancer Therapy. Cells 2023; 13:29. [PMID: 38201233 PMCID: PMC10778545 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a reversible post-translational modification based on the chemical addition of ubiquitin to proteins with regulatory effects on various signaling pathways. Ubiquitination can alter the molecular functions of tagged substrates with respect to protein turnover, biological activity, subcellular localization or protein-protein interaction. As a result, a wide variety of cellular processes are under ubiquitination-mediated control, contributing to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. It follows that the dysregulation of ubiquitination reactions plays a relevant role in the pathogenic states of human diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, immune-related pathologies and cancer. In recent decades, the enzymes of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), including E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs), have attracted attention as novel druggable targets for the development of new anticancer therapeutic approaches. This perspective article summarizes the peculiarities shared by the enzymes involved in the ubiquitination reaction which, when deregulated, can lead to tumorigenesis. Accordingly, an overview of the main pharmacological interventions based on targeting the UPS that are in clinical use or still in clinical trials is provided, also highlighting the limitations of the therapeutic efficacy of these approaches. Therefore, various attempts to circumvent drug resistance and side effects as well as UPS-related emerging technologies in anticancer therapeutics are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Spano
- Institute for Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology “G. Salvatore”, National Research Council, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuliana Catara
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hung TI, Hsieh YJ, Lu WL, Wu KP, Chang CEA. What Strengthens Protein-Protein Interactions: Analysis and Applications of Residue Correlation Networks. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168337. [PMID: 37918563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168337] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Identifying residues critical to protein-protein binding and efficient design of stable and specific protein binders are challenging tasks. Extending beyond the direct contacts in a protein-protein binding interface, our study employs computational modeling to reveal the essential network of residue interactions and dihedral angle correlations critical in protein-protein recognition. We hypothesized that mutating residues exhibiting highly correlated dynamic motion within the interaction network could efficiently optimize protein-protein interactions to create tight and selective protein binders. We tested this hypothesis using the ubiquitin (Ub) and MERS coronaviral papain-like protease (PLpro) complex, since Ub is a central player in multiple cellular functions and PLpro is an antiviral drug target. Our designed ubiquitin variant (UbV) hosting three mutated residues displayed a ∼3,500-fold increase in functional inhibition relative to wild-type Ub. Further optimization of two C-terminal residues within the Ub network resulted in a KD of 1.5 nM and IC50 of 9.7 nM for the five-point Ub mutant, eliciting 27,500-fold and 5,500-fold enhancements in affinity and potency, respectively, as well as improved selectivity, without destabilizing the UbV structure. Our study highlights residue correlation and interaction networks in protein-protein interactions, and introduces an effective approach to design high-affinity protein binders for cell biology research and future therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ta I Hung
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, United States
| | - Yun-Jung Hsieh
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lin Lu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuen-Phon Wu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-En A Chang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ren J, Yu P, Liu S, Li R, Niu X, Chen Y, Zhang Z, Zhou F, Zhang L. Deubiquitylating Enzymes in Cancer and Immunity. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303807. [PMID: 37888853 PMCID: PMC10754134 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303807] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs) maintain relative homeostasis of the cellular ubiquitome by removing the post-translational modification ubiquitin moiety from substrates. Numerous DUBs have been demonstrated specificity for cleaving a certain type of ubiquitin linkage or positions within ubiquitin chains. Moreover, several DUBs perform functions through specific protein-protein interactions in a catalytically independent manner, which further expands the versatility and complexity of DUBs' functions. Dysregulation of DUBs disrupts the dynamic equilibrium of ubiquitome and causes various diseases, especially cancer and immune disorders. This review summarizes the Janus-faced roles of DUBs in cancer including proteasomal degradation, DNA repair, apoptosis, and tumor metastasis, as well as in immunity involving innate immune receptor signaling and inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The prospects and challenges for the clinical development of DUB inhibitors are further discussed. The review provides a comprehensive understanding of the multi-faced roles of DUBs in cancer and immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ren
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518033P. R. China
| | - Peng Yu
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug DiscoveryShanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesZhongshanGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Sijia Liu
- International Biomed‐X Research CenterSecond Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou310058China
| | - Ran Li
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518033P. R. China
| | - Xin Niu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling NetworkLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518033P. R. China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450003P. R. China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Institutes of Biology and Medical ScienceSoochow UniversitySuzhou215123P. R. China
| | - Long Zhang
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518033P. R. China
- International Biomed‐X Research CenterSecond Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouP. R. China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling NetworkLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shin SC, Park J, Kim KH, Yoon JM, Cho J, Ha BH, Oh Y, Choo H, Song EJ, Kim EE. Structural and functional characterization of USP47 reveals a hot spot for inhibitor design. Commun Biol 2023; 6:970. [PMID: 37740002 PMCID: PMC10516900 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05345-5] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
USP47 is widely involved in tumor development, metastasis, and other processes while performing a more regulatory role in inflammatory responses, myocardial infarction, and neuronal development. In this study, we investigate the functional and biochemical properties of USP47, whereby depleting USP47 inhibited cancer cell growth in a p53-dependent manner-a phenomenon that enhances during the simultaneous knockdown of USP7. Full-length USP47 shows higher deubiquitinase activity than the catalytic domain. The crystal structures of the catalytic domain, in its free and ubiquitin-bound states, reveal that the misaligned catalytic triads, ultimately, become aligned upon ubiquitin-binding, similar to USP7, thereby becoming ready for catalysis. Yet, the composition and lengths of BL1, BL2, and BL3 of USP47 differ from those for USP7, and they contribute to the observed selectivity. Our study provides molecular details of USP47 regulation, substrate recognition, and the hotspots for drug discovery by targeting USP47.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Chul Shin
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Research Resources Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Park
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio‑Medical Science and Technology, KIST‑School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, 02792, Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Kim
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Min Yoon
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhong Cho
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Hak Ha
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Yeonji Oh
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunah Choo
- Division of Bio‑Medical Science and Technology, KIST‑School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, 02792, Korea
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Joo Song
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eunice EunKyeong Kim
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Le Clorennec C, Lee K, Huo Y, Zage PE. USP7 Inhibition Suppresses Neuroblastoma Growth via Induction of p53-Mediated Apoptosis and EZH2 and N-Myc Downregulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13780. [PMID: 37762082 PMCID: PMC10531325 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813780] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric malignancy originating from neural crest cells of the sympathetic nervous system that accounts for 15% of all pediatric cancer deaths. Despite advances in treatment, high-risk NB remains difficult to cure, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) is a deubiquitinase that plays a critical role in tumor suppression and DNA repair, and USP7 overexpression has been associated with tumor aggressiveness in a variety of tumors, including NB. Therefore, USP7 is a potential therapeutic target for NB. The tumor suppressor p53 is a known target of USP7, and therefore reactivation of the p53 pathway may be an effective therapeutic strategy for NB treatment. We hypothesized that inhibition of USP7 would be effective against NB tumor growth. Using a novel USP7 inhibitor, Almac4, we have demonstrated significant antitumor activity, with significant decreases in both cell proliferation and cell viability in TP53 wild-type NB cell lines. USP7 inhibition in NB cells activated the p53 pathway via USP7 and MDM2 degradation, leading to reduced p53 ubiquitination and increased p53 expression in all sensitive NB cells. In addition, USP7 inhibition led to decreased N-myc protein levels in both MYCN-amplified and -nonamplified NB cell lines, but no correlation was observed between MYCN amplification and treatment response. USP7 inhibition induced apoptosis in all TP53 wild-type NB cell lines. USP7 inhibition also induced EZH2 ubiquitination and degradation. Lastly, the combination of USP7 and MDM2 inhibition showed enhanced efficacy. Our data suggests that USP7 inhibition may be a promising therapeutic strategy for children with high-risk and relapsed NB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Le Clorennec
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Karen Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Yuchen Huo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Peter E. Zage
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kawakami N, Sato H, Terasaka N, Matsumoto K, Suga H. MET-Activating Ubiquitin Multimers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202307157. [PMID: 37450419 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307157] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are generally activated through their dimerization and/or oligomerization induced by their cognate ligands, and one such RTK hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor, known as MET, plays an important role in tissue regeneration. Here we show the development of ubiquitin (Ub)-based protein ligand multimers, referred to as U-bodies, which act as surrogate agonists for MET and are derived from MET-binding macrocyclic peptides. Monomeric Ub constructs (U-body) were first generated by genetic implantation of a macrocyclic peptide pharmacophore into a structural loop of Ub (lasso-grafting) and subsequent optimization of its flanking spacer sequences via mRNA display. Such U-body constructs exhibit potent binding affinity to MET, thermal stability, and proteolytic stability. The U-body constructs also partially/fully inhibited or enhanced HGF-induced MET-phosphorylation. Their multimerization to dimeric, tetrameric, and octameric U-bodies linked by an appropriate peptide linker yielded potent MET activation activity and downstream cell proliferation-promoting activity. This work suggests that lasso-grafting of macrocycles to Ub is an effective approach to devising protein-based artificial RTK agonists and it can be useful in the development of a new class of biologics for various therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Kawakami
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sato
- Division of Tumor Dynamics and Regulation, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan
- WPI-Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Naohiro Terasaka
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8550, Japan
| | - Kunio Matsumoto
- Division of Tumor Dynamics and Regulation, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan
- WPI-Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tang JQ, Marchand MM, Veggiani G. Ubiquitin Engineering for Interrogating the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System and Novel Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2023; 12:2117. [PMID: 37626927 PMCID: PMC10453149 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162117] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein turnover, a highly regulated process governed by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of the UPS has been implicated in various diseases, including viral infections and cancer, making the proteins in the UPS attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. However, the functional and structural redundancies of UPS enzymes present challenges in identifying precise drug targets and achieving target selectivity. Consequently, only 26S proteasome inhibitors have successfully advanced to clinical use thus far. To overcome these obstacles, engineered peptides and proteins, particularly engineered ubiquitin, have emerged as promising alternatives. In this review, we examine the impact of engineered ubiquitin on UPS and non-UPS proteins, as well as on viral enzymes. Furthermore, we explore their potential to guide the development of small molecules targeting novel surfaces, thereby expanding the range of druggable targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Q. Tang
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S3E1, Canada
| | - Mary M. Marchand
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Gianluca Veggiani
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
- Division of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gorka M, Magnussen HM, Kulathu Y. Chemical biology tools to study Deubiquitinases and Ubl proteases. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 132:86-96. [PMID: 35216867 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The reversible attachment of ubiquitin (Ub) and ubiquitin like modifiers (Ubls) to proteins are crucial post-translational modifications (PTMs) for many cellular processes. Not only do cells possess hundreds of ligases to mediate substrate specific modification with Ub and Ubls, but they also have a repertoire of more than 100 dedicated enzymes for the specific removal of ubiquitin (Deubiquitinases or DUBs) and Ubl modifications (Ubl-specific proteases or ULPs). Over the past two decades, there has been significant progress in our understanding of how DUBs and ULPs function at a molecular level and many novel DUBs and ULPs, including several new DUB classes, have been identified. Here, the development of chemical tools that can bind and trap active DUBs has played a key role. Since the introduction of the first activity-based probe for DUBs in 1986, several innovations have led to the development of more sophisticated tools to study DUBs and ULPs. In this review we discuss how chemical biology has led to the development of activity-based probes and substrates that have been invaluable to the study of DUBs and ULPs. We summarise our currently available toolbox, highlight the main achievements and give an outlook of how these tools may be applied to gain a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of DUBs and ULPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Gorka
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation & Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU), School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Helge Magnus Magnussen
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation & Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU), School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Yogesh Kulathu
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation & Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU), School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
On the Study of Deubiquitinases: Using the Right Tools for the Job. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050703. [PMID: 35625630 PMCID: PMC9139131 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Deubiquitinases (DUBs) have been the subject of intense scrutiny in recent years. Many of their diverse enzymatic mechanisms are well characterized in vitro; however, our understanding of these enzymes at the cellular level lags due to the lack of quality tool reagents. DUBs play a role in seemingly every biological process and are central to many human pathologies, thus rendering them very desirable and challenging therapeutic targets. This review aims to provide researchers entering the field of ubiquitination with knowledge of the pharmacological modulators and tool molecules available to study DUBs. A focus is placed on small molecule inhibitors, ubiquitin variants (UbVs), and activity-based probes (ABPs). Leveraging these tools to uncover DUB biology at the cellular level is of particular importance and may lead to significant breakthroughs. Despite significant drug discovery efforts, only approximately 15 chemical probe-quality small molecule inhibitors have been reported, hitting just 6 of about 100 DUB targets. UbV technology is a promising approach to rapidly expand the library of known DUB inhibitors and may be used as a combinatorial platform for structure-guided drug design.
Collapse
|
11
|
Cable J, Weber-Ban E, Clausen T, Walters KJ, Sharon M, Finley DJ, Gu Y, Hanna J, Feng Y, Martens S, Simonsen A, Hansen M, Zhang H, Goodwin JM, Reggio A, Chang C, Ge L, Schulman BA, Deshaies RJ, Dikic I, Harper JW, Wertz IE, Thomä NH, Słabicki M, Frydman J, Jakob U, David DC, Bennett EJ, Bertozzi CR, Sardana R, Eapen VV, Carra S. Targeted protein degradation: from small molecules to complex organelles-a Keystone Symposia report. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1510:79-99. [PMID: 35000205 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is critical for proper cellular function and development. Protein degradation pathways, such as the ubiquitin proteasomes system, autophagy, and endosome-lysosome pathway, must be tightly regulated to ensure proper elimination of misfolded and aggregated proteins and regulate changing protein levels during cellular differentiation, while ensuring that normal proteins remain unscathed. Protein degradation pathways have also garnered interest as a means to selectively eliminate target proteins that may be difficult to inhibit via other mechanisms. On June 7 and 8, 2021, several experts in protein degradation pathways met virtually for the Keystone eSymposium "Targeting protein degradation: from small molecules to complex organelles." The event brought together researchers working in different protein degradation pathways in an effort to begin to develop a holistic, integrated vision of protein degradation that incorporates all the major pathways to understand how changes in them can lead to disease pathology and, alternatively, how they can be leveraged for novel therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eilika Weber-Ban
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tim Clausen
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kylie J Walters
- Protein Processing Section, Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Michal Sharon
- Department of Bimolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Daniel J Finley
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yangnan Gu
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology and Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California
| | - John Hanna
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yue Feng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sascha Martens
- Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Anne Simonsen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Malene Hansen
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Program of Development, Aging, and Regeneration, La Jolla, California
| | - Hong Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Alessio Reggio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Chunmei Chang
- Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Liang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Brenda A Schulman
- Department of Molecular Machines and Signaling, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | - Ivan Dikic
- Institute of Biochemistry II, School of Medicine and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - J Wade Harper
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ingrid E Wertz
- Departments of Molecular Oncology and Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Brisbane, California
| | - Nicolas H Thomä
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mikołaj Słabicki
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Translational Medical Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Judith Frydman
- Biophysics Graduate Program, Department of Biology and Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Biohub, San Francisco, California
- Division of CryoEM and Bioimaging, SSRL, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California
| | - Ursula Jakob
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Della C David
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), and Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eric J Bennett
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Carolyn R Bertozzi
- Department of Chemistry and Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford University and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, California
| | - Richa Sardana
- Weill Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Vinay V Eapen
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Serena Carra
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hewitt CS, Das C, Flaherty DP. Rational Development and Characterization of a Ubiquitin Variant with Selectivity for Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L3. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010062. [PMID: 35053210 PMCID: PMC8773573 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
There is currently a lack of reliable methods and strategies to probe the deubiquitinating enzyme UCHL3. Current small molecules reported for this purpose display reduced potency and selectivity in cellular assays. To bridge this gap and provide an alternative approach to probe UCHL3, our group has carried out the rational design of ubiquitin-variant activity-based probes with selectivity for UCHL3 over the closely related UCHL1 and other DUBs. The approach successfully produced a triple-mutant ubiquitin variant activity-based probe, UbVQ40V/T66K/V70F-PRG, that was ultimately 20,000-fold more selective for UCHL3 over UCHL1 when assessed by rate of inactivation assays. This same variant was shown to selectively form covalent adducts with UCHL3 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and no reactivity toward other DUBs expressed. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of the approach and also provides insight into how this approach may be applied to other DUB targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chad S. Hewitt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Chittaranjan Das
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Daniel P. Flaherty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
- Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Hanson Life Sciences Research Building, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhou L, Ouyang T, Li M, Hong T, Mhs A, Meng W, Zhang N. Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 7: A Novel Deubiquitinase That Regulates Protein Homeostasis and Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 11:784672. [PMID: 34869041 PMCID: PMC8640129 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.784672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 7 (USP7), or herpes virus-associated protease (HAUSP), is the largest family of the deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). Recent studies have shown that USP7 plays a vital role in regulating various physiological and pathological processes. Dysregulation of these processes mediated by USP7 may contribute to many diseases, such as cancers. Moreover, USP7 with aberrant expression levels and abnormal activity are found in cancers. Therefore, given the association between USP7 and cancers, targeting USP7 could be considered as an attractive and potential therapeutic approach in cancer treatment. This review describes the functions of USP7 and the regulatory mechanisms of its expression and activity, aiming to emphasize the necessity of research on USP7, and provide a better understanding of USP7-related biological processes and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhou
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Taohui Ouyang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Meihua Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Alriashy Mhs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hwang T, Parker SS, Hill SM, Ilunga MW, Grant RA, Mouneimne G, Keating AE. A distributed residue network permits conformational binding specificity in a conserved family of actin remodelers. eLife 2021; 10:e70601. [PMID: 34854809 PMCID: PMC8639148 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Metazoan proteomes contain many paralogous proteins that have evolved distinct functions. The Ena/VASP family of actin regulators consists of three members that share an EVH1 interaction domain with a 100 % conserved binding site. A proteome-wide screen revealed photoreceptor cilium actin regulator (PCARE) as a high-affinity ligand for ENAH EVH1. Here, we report the surprising observation that PCARE is ~100-fold specific for ENAH over paralogs VASP and EVL and can selectively bind ENAH and inhibit ENAH-dependent adhesion in cells. Specificity arises from a mechanism whereby PCARE stabilizes a conformation of the ENAH EVH1 domain that is inaccessible to family members VASP and EVL. Structure-based modeling rapidly identified seven residues distributed throughout EVL that are sufficient to differentiate binding by ENAH vs. EVL. By exploiting the ENAH-specific conformation, we rationally designed the tightest and most selective ENAH binder to date. Our work uncovers a conformational mechanism of interaction specificity that distinguishes highly similar paralogs and establishes tools for dissecting specific Ena/VASP functions in processes including cancer cell invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Hwang
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Sara S Parker
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Samantha M Hill
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Meucci W Ilunga
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Robert A Grant
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Ghassan Mouneimne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Amy E Keating
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Biological Engineering and Koch Institue for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pan T, Li X, Li Y, Tao Z, Yao H, Wu Y, Chen G, Zhang K, Zhou Y, Huang Y. USP7 inhibition induces apoptosis in glioblastoma by enhancing ubiquitination of ARF4. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:508. [PMID: 34556124 PMCID: PMC8461901 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02208-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastomas (GBMs) are grade IV central nervous system tumors characterized by a poor prognosis and a short median overall survival. Effective induction of GBM cell death is difficult because the GBM cell population is genetically unstable, resistant to chemotherapy and highly angiogenic. In recent studies, ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) is shown to scavenge ubiquitin from oncogenic protein substrates, so effective inhibition of USP7 may be a potential key treatment for GBM. Methods Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to detect the expression of USP7 in GBM tissues. In vitro apoptosis assay of USP7 inhibition was performed by western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. Anti-apoptotic substrates of USP7 were defined by Co-IP and TMT proteomics. Western blotting and IP were used to verify the relationship between USP7 and its substrate. In an in vivo experiment using an intracranial xenograft model in nude mice was constructed to assess the therapeutic effect of target USP7. Results Immunohistochemistry and western blotting confirmed that USP7 was significantly upregulated in glioblastoma samples. In in vitro experiments, inhibition of USP7 in GBM induced significant apoptosis. Co-IP and TMT proteomics identified a key anti-apoptotic substrate of USP7, ADP-ribosylation factor 4 (ARF4). Western blotting and IP confirmed that USP7 interacted directly with ARF4 and catalyzed the removal of the K48-linked polyubiquitinated chain that binded to ARF4. In addition, in vivo experiments revealed that USP7 inhibition significantly suppressed tumor growth and promoted the expression of apoptotic genes. Conclusions Targeted inhibition of USP7 enhances the ubiquitination of ARF4 and ultimately mediates the apoptosis of GBM cells. In a clinical sense, P5091 as a novel specific inhibitor of USP7 may be an effective approach for the treatment of GBM. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02208-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingzheng Pan
- Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuetao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated of Soochow University, Jiangsu, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhennan Tao
- Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Yao
- Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Wu
- Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangliang Chen
- Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Youxin Zhou
- Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, Suzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yulun Huang
- Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, Suzhou, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Neurosurgery, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated of Soochow University, Jiangsu, Suzhou, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Xiang M, Liang L, Kuang X, Xie Z, Liu J, Zhao S, Su J, Chen X, Liu H. Pharmacological inhibition of USP7 suppresses growth and metastasis of melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:9228-9240. [PMID: 34469054 PMCID: PMC8500953 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a highly aggressive type of skin cancer. The development of diverse resistance mechanisms and severe adverse effects significantly limit the efficiency of current therapeutic approaches. Identification of the new therapeutic targets involved in the pathogenesis will benefit the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The deubiquitinase ubiquitin–specific protease‐7, a potential target for cancer treatment, is deregulated in types of cancer, but its role in melanoma is still unclear. We investigated the role and the inhibitor P22077 of ubiquitin‐specific protease‐7 in melanoma treatment. We found that ubiquitin‐specific protease‐7 was overexpressed and correlated with poor prognosis in melanoma. Further, pharmacological inhibition of ubiquitin‐specific protease‐7 by P22077 can effectively inhibit proliferation, and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via ROS accumulation–induced DNA damage in melanoma cells. Inhibition of ubiquitin‐specific protease‐7 by P22077 also inhibits melanoma tumour growth in vivo. Moreover, inhibition of ubiquitin‐specific protease‐7 prevented migration and invasion of melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo by decreasing the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. Taken together, our study revealed that ubiquitin‐specific protease‐7 acted as an oncogene involved in melanoma cell proliferation and metastasis. Therefore, ubiquitin‐specific protease‐7 may serve as potential candidates for the treatment of melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minmin Xiang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Changsha, China.,Xiangya Clinical Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Long Liang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Changsha, China.,Xiangya Clinical Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinwei Kuang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Changsha, China.,Xiangya Clinical Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zuozhong Xie
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Changsha, China.,Xiangya Clinical Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Medical Genetics & School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Changsha, China.,Xiangya Clinical Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Su
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Changsha, China.,Xiangya Clinical Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Changsha, China.,Xiangya Clinical Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Changsha, China.,Xiangya Clinical Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
LaPlante G, Zhang W. Targeting the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System for Cancer Therapeutics by Small-Molecule Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3079. [PMID: 34203106 PMCID: PMC8235664 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a critical regulator of cellular protein levels and activity. It is, therefore, not surprising that its dysregulation is implicated in numerous human diseases, including many types of cancer. Moreover, since cancer cells exhibit increased rates of protein turnover, their heightened dependence on the UPS makes it an attractive target for inhibition via targeted therapeutics. Indeed, the clinical application of proteasome inhibitors in treatment of multiple myeloma has been very successful, stimulating the development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting other UPS components. On the other hand, while the discovery of potent and selective chemical compounds can be both challenging and time consuming, the area of targeted protein degradation through utilization of the UPS machinery has seen promising developments in recent years. The repertoire of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which employ E3 ligases for the degradation of cancer-related proteins via the proteasome, continues to grow. In this review, we will provide a thorough overview of small-molecule UPS inhibitors and highlight advancements in the development of targeted protein degradation strategies for cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel LaPlante
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada;
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada;
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, MaRS Centre West Tower, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G1M1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liang CT, Roscow OMA, Zhang W. Recent developments in engineering protein-protein interactions using phage display. Protein Eng Des Sel 2021; 34:6297171. [PMID: 34117768 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted inhibition of misregulated protein-protein interactions (PPIs) has been a promising area of investigation in drug discovery and development for human diseases. However, many constraints remain, including shallow binding surfaces and dynamic conformation changes upon interaction. A particularly challenging aspect is the undesirable off-target effects caused by inherent structural similarity among the protein families. To tackle this problem, phage display has been used to engineer PPIs for high-specificity binders with improved binding affinity and greatly reduced undesirable interactions with closely related proteins. Although general steps of phage display are standardized, library design is highly variable depending on experimental contexts. Here in this review, we examined recent advances in the structure-based combinatorial library design and the advantages and limitations of different approaches. The strategies described here can be explored for other protein-protein interactions and aid in designing new libraries or improving on previous libraries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen T Liang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Olivia M A Roscow
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1, Canada.,CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, MaRS Centre West Tower, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G1M1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Targeting the Ubiquitin Signaling Cascade in Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020791. [PMID: 33466790 PMCID: PMC7830467 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironments are composed of a myriad of elements, both cellular (immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, etc.) and non-cellular (extracellular matrix, cytokines, growth factors, etc.), which collectively provide a permissive environment enabling tumor progression. In this review, we focused on the regulation of tumor microenvironment through ubiquitination. Ubiquitination is a reversible protein post-translational modification that regulates various key biological processes, whereby ubiquitin is attached to substrates through a catalytic cascade coordinated by multiple enzymes, including E1 ubiquitin-activating enzymes, E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes and E3 ubiquitin ligases. In contrast, ubiquitin can be removed by deubiquitinases in the process of deubiquitination. Here, we discuss the roles of E3 ligases and deubiquitinases as modulators of both cellular and non-cellular components in tumor microenvironment, providing potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. Finally, we introduced several emerging technologies that can be utilized to develop effective therapeutic agents for targeting tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
|
20
|
The emerging nature of Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7): a new target in cancer therapy. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:490-502. [PMID: 33157193 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Human ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) is a deubiquitinating enzyme that removes the ubiquitin (Ub) protein and spares substrates from degradation. Given its regulation of proteins involved in several cellular processes, abnormal expression and activity of USP7 are associated with several types of disease, including cancer. In this review, we summarize the developments in our understanding of USP7 over the past 5 years, focusing on its role in related cancers. Furthermore, we discuss clinical studies of USP7, including in vivo and pharmacological studies, as well as the development of USP7 inhibitors. A comprehensive understanding of USP7 will expand our knowledge of the structure and function of USP7-mediated signaling and shed light on drug discovery for different diseases in which USP7 is implicated.
Collapse
|
21
|
Hewitt CS, Krabill AD, Das C, Flaherty DP. Development of Ubiquitin Variants with Selectivity for Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase Deubiquitinases. Biochemistry 2020; 59:3447-3462. [PMID: 32865982 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b01076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitin (Ub) is a highly conserved protein that is covalently attached to substrate proteins as a post-translational modification to regulate signaling pathways such as proteasomal degradation and cell cycle/transcriptional regulation in the eukaryotic cellular environment. Ub signaling is regulated by the homeostasis of substrate protein ubiquitination/deubiquitination by E3 ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) in healthy eukaryotic systems. One such DUB, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), is endogenously expressed in the central nervous system under normal physiological conditions, but overexpression and/or mutation has been linked to various cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. The lack of UCHL1 probing strategies suggests development of a selective Ub variant (UbV) for probing UCHL1's role in these disease states would be beneficial. We describe a computational design approach to investigate UbVs that lend selectivity, both binding and inhibition, to UCHL1 over the close structural homologue UCHL3 and members of other DUB families. A number of UbVs, mainly those containing Thr9 mutations, displayed appreciable binding and inhibition selectivity for UCHL1 over UCHL3, compared to wild-type Ub in in vitro assays. By appending reactive electrophiles to the C-terminus of the UbVs, we created the first activity-based probe (ABP) with demonstrated reaction selectivity for UCH family DUBs over other families in cell lysates. Further kinetic analysis of covalent inhibition by the UbV-ABP with UCHL1 and UCHL3 offers insight into the future design of UCHL1 selective UbV-ABP. These studies serve as a proof of concept of the viability of the in silico design of ubiquitin variants for UCH family DUBs as a step toward the development of macromolecular UCHL1 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chad S Hewitt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Aaron D Krabill
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Chittaranjan Das
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States.,Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Daniel P Flaherty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States.,Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States.,Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhao B, Tsai YC, Jin B, Wang B, Wang Y, Zhou H, Carpenter T, Weissman AM, Yin J. Protein Engineering in the Ubiquitin System: Tools for Discovery and Beyond. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 72:380-413. [PMID: 32107274 PMCID: PMC7047443 DOI: 10.1124/pr.118.015651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin (UB) transfer cascades consisting of E1, E2, and E3 enzymes constitute a complex network that regulates a myriad of biologic processes by modifying protein substrates. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) reverse UB modifications or trim UB chains of diverse linkages. Additionally, many cellular proteins carry UB-binding domains (UBDs) that translate the signals encoded in UB chains to target proteins for degradation by proteasomes or in autophagosomes, as well as affect nonproteolytic outcomes such as kinase activation, DNA repair, and transcriptional regulation. Dysregulation of the UB transfer pathways and malfunctions of DUBs and UBDs play causative roles in the development of many diseases. A greater understanding of the mechanism of UB chain assembly and the signals encoded in UB chains should aid in our understanding of disease pathogenesis and guide the development of novel therapeutics. The recent flourish of protein-engineering approaches such as unnatural amino acid incorporation, protein semisynthesis by expressed protein ligation, and high throughput selection by phage and yeast cell surface display has generated designer proteins as powerful tools to interrogate cell signaling mediated by protein ubiquitination. In this study, we highlight recent achievements of protein engineering on mapping, probing, and manipulating UB transfer in the cell. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The post-translational modification of proteins with ubiquitin alters the fate and function of proteins in diverse ways. Protein engineering is fundamentally transforming research in this area, providing new mechanistic insights and allowing for the exploration of concepts that can potentially be applied to therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhao
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China (B.Z., B.J., B.W.); Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China (Y.W.); Laboratory of Protein Dynamics and Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland (Y.C.T., A.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia (Y.W., H.Z., T.C., J.Y.)
| | - Yien Che Tsai
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China (B.Z., B.J., B.W.); Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China (Y.W.); Laboratory of Protein Dynamics and Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland (Y.C.T., A.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia (Y.W., H.Z., T.C., J.Y.)
| | - Bo Jin
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China (B.Z., B.J., B.W.); Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China (Y.W.); Laboratory of Protein Dynamics and Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland (Y.C.T., A.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia (Y.W., H.Z., T.C., J.Y.)
| | - Bufan Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China (B.Z., B.J., B.W.); Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China (Y.W.); Laboratory of Protein Dynamics and Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland (Y.C.T., A.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia (Y.W., H.Z., T.C., J.Y.)
| | - Yiyang Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China (B.Z., B.J., B.W.); Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China (Y.W.); Laboratory of Protein Dynamics and Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland (Y.C.T., A.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia (Y.W., H.Z., T.C., J.Y.)
| | - Han Zhou
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China (B.Z., B.J., B.W.); Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China (Y.W.); Laboratory of Protein Dynamics and Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland (Y.C.T., A.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia (Y.W., H.Z., T.C., J.Y.)
| | - Tomaya Carpenter
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China (B.Z., B.J., B.W.); Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China (Y.W.); Laboratory of Protein Dynamics and Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland (Y.C.T., A.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia (Y.W., H.Z., T.C., J.Y.)
| | - Allan M Weissman
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China (B.Z., B.J., B.W.); Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China (Y.W.); Laboratory of Protein Dynamics and Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland (Y.C.T., A.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia (Y.W., H.Z., T.C., J.Y.)
| | - Jun Yin
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China (B.Z., B.J., B.W.); Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China (Y.W.); Laboratory of Protein Dynamics and Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland (Y.C.T., A.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia (Y.W., H.Z., T.C., J.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Taylor NC, McGouran JF. Strategies to Target Specific Components of the Ubiquitin Conjugation/Deconjugation Machinery. Front Chem 2020; 7:914. [PMID: 31998698 PMCID: PMC6966607 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of ubiquitination status in the cell is controlled by ubiquitin ligases acting in tandem with deubiquitinating enzymes. Ubiquitination controls many key processes in the cell from division to death making its tight regulation key to optimal cell function. Activity based protein profiling has emerged as a powerful technique to study these important enzymes. With around 100 deubiquitinating enzymes and 600 ubiquitin ligases in the human genome targeting a subclass of these enzymes or even a single enzyme is a compelling strategy to unpick this complex system. In this review we will discuss different approaches adopted, including activity-based probes centered around ubiquitin-protein, ubiquitin-peptide and mutated ubiquitin scaffolds. We examine challenges faced and opportunities presented to increase specificity in activity-based protein profiling of the ubiquitin conjugation/deconjugation machinery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neil C Taylor
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joanna F McGouran
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Functional analysis of deubiquitylating enzymes in tumorigenesis and development. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2019; 1872:188312. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2019.188312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
25
|
UCHL3 Regulates Topoisomerase-Induced Chromosomal Break Repair by Controlling TDP1 Proteostasis. Cell Rep 2019; 23:3352-3365. [PMID: 29898404 PMCID: PMC6019701 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic damage can feature DNA-protein crosslinks whereby their acute accumulation is utilized to treat cancer and progressive accumulation causes neurodegeneration. This is typified by tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1), which repairs topoisomerase-mediated chromosomal breaks. Although TDP1 levels vary in multiple clinical settings, the mechanism underpinning this variation is unknown. We reveal that TDP1 is controlled by ubiquitylation and identify UCHL3 as the deubiquitylase that controls TDP1 proteostasis. Depletion of UCHL3 increases TDP1 ubiquitylation and turnover rate and sensitizes cells to TOP1 poisons. Overexpression of UCHL3, but not a catalytically inactive mutant, suppresses TDP1 ubiquitylation and turnover rate. TDP1 overexpression in the topoisomerase therapy-resistant rhabdomyosarcoma is driven by UCHL3 overexpression. In contrast, UCHL3 is downregulated in spinocerebellar ataxia with axonal neuropathy (SCAN1), causing elevated levels of TDP1 ubiquitylation and faster turnover rate. These data establish UCHL3 as a regulator of TDP1 proteostasis and, consequently, a fine-tuner of protein-linked DNA break repair. TDP1 proteostasis is controlled by a UCHL3-dependent ubiquitylation mechanism UCHL3 depletion sensitizes mammalian cells to TOP1 inhibitors Increased TDP1 protein in rhabdomyosarcoma is driven by UCHL3 upregulation Decreased TDP1 protein in spinocerebellar ataxia is driven by UCHL3 downregulation
Collapse
|
26
|
Schauer NJ, Magin RS, Liu X, Doherty LM, Buhrlage SJ. Advances in Discovering Deubiquitinating Enzyme (DUB) Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2019; 63:2731-2750. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J. Schauer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Robert S. Magin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Xiaoxi Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Laura M. Doherty
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Systems Biology and Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Sara J. Buhrlage
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gjonaj L, Sapmaz A, Flierman D, Janssen GMC, van Veelen PA, Ovaa H. Development of a DUB-selective fluorogenic substrate. Chem Sci 2019; 10:10290-10296. [PMID: 32110315 PMCID: PMC6988746 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc02226k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing USP16-selective ubiquitin-based reagents to study USP16 and its related biology.
Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification that is involved in a plethora of cellular processes. Target proteins can be specifically modified with a single ubiquitin (Ub) molecule or with complex chains. In recent years, research has focused on deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) as potential therapeutic candidates in various diseases. USP16 is an emerging target due to its involvement in mitosis and stem cell self-renewal. Generally, activity-based probes (ABPs) used to study DUBs are based on the ubiquitin scaffold, thus lacking target selectivity. To overcome this issue, we designed a Ub-based activity probe bearing specific mutations to achieve selectivity for USP16, by combining structural modelling and analysis and mutational calculation predictions. We develop a fluorogenic substrate, the first of its kind, that is processed exclusively by USP16, which allows us to monitor USP16 activity in complex samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorina Gjonaj
- Oncode Institute , Department of Cell and Chemical Biology , Leiden University Medical Center , Einthovenweg 20 , 2333 ZC , Leiden , The Netherlands .
| | - Aysegul Sapmaz
- Oncode Institute , Department of Cell and Chemical Biology , Leiden University Medical Center , Einthovenweg 20 , 2333 ZC , Leiden , The Netherlands .
| | - Dennis Flierman
- Oncode Institute , Department of Cell and Chemical Biology , Leiden University Medical Center , Einthovenweg 20 , 2333 ZC , Leiden , The Netherlands .
| | - George M C Janssen
- Centre for Proteomics and Metabolomics , Leiden University Medical Center , Albinusdreef 2 , 2333 ZA , Leiden , The Netherlands
| | - Peter A van Veelen
- Centre for Proteomics and Metabolomics , Leiden University Medical Center , Albinusdreef 2 , 2333 ZA , Leiden , The Netherlands
| | - Huib Ovaa
- Oncode Institute , Department of Cell and Chemical Biology , Leiden University Medical Center , Einthovenweg 20 , 2333 ZC , Leiden , The Netherlands .
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
UCHL3 promotes ovarian cancer progression by stabilizing TRAF2 to activate the NF-κB pathway. Oncogene 2019; 39:322-333. [DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0987-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
29
|
Ubiquitin in disguise unveils a cryptic binding site in 1.2-MDa anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:17142-17144. [PMID: 31371495 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1911388116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
|
30
|
Protein engineering of a ubiquitin-variant inhibitor of APC/C identifies a cryptic K48 ubiquitin chain binding site. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:17280-17289. [PMID: 31350353 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1902889116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin (Ub)-mediated proteolysis is a fundamental mechanism used by eukaryotic cells to maintain homeostasis and protein quality, and to control timing in biological processes. Two essential aspects of Ub regulation are conjugation through E1-E2-E3 enzymatic cascades and recognition by Ub-binding domains. An emerging theme in the Ub field is that these 2 properties are often amalgamated in conjugation enzymes. In addition to covalent thioester linkage to Ub's C terminus for Ub transfer reactions, conjugation enzymes often bind noncovalently and weakly to Ub at "exosites." However, identification of such sites is typically empirical and particularly challenging in large molecular machines. Here, studying the 1.2-MDa E3 ligase anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), which controls cell division and many aspects of neurobiology, we discover a method for identifying unexpected Ub-binding sites. Using a panel of Ub variants (UbVs), we identify a protein-based inhibitor that blocks Ub ligation to APC/C substrates in vitro and ex vivo. Biochemistry, NMR, and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structurally define the UbV interaction, explain its inhibitory activity through binding the surface on the APC2 subunit that recruits the E2 enzyme UBE2C, and ultimately reveal that this APC2 surface is also a Ub-binding exosite with preference for K48-linked chains. The results provide a tool for probing APC/C activity, have implications for the coordination of K48-linked Ub chain binding by APC/C with the multistep process of substrate polyubiquitylation, and demonstrate the power of UbV technology for identifying cryptic Ub-binding sites within large multiprotein complexes.
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhong M, Lee GM, Sijbesma E, Ottmann C, Arkin MR. Modulating protein-protein interaction networks in protein homeostasis. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2019; 50:55-65. [PMID: 30913483 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) occur in complex networks. These networks are highly dependent on cellular context and can be extensively altered in disease states such as cancer and viral infection. In recent years, there has been significant progress in developing inhibitors that target individual PPIs either orthosterically (at the interface) or allosterically. These molecules can now be used as tools to dissect PPI networks. Here, we review recent examples that highlight the use of small molecules and engineered proteins to probe PPIs within the complex networks that regulate protein homeostasis. Researchers have discovered multiple mechanisms to modulate PPIs involved in host/viral interactions, deubiquitinases, the ATPase p97/VCP, and HSP70 chaperones. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of such modulators on the target's network or have compared the biological implications of different modulation strategies. Such studies will have an important impact on next generation therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Zhong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gregory M Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eline Sijbesma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Ottmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Michelle R Arkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Room Temperature X-Ray Crystallography Reveals Conformational Heterogeneity of Engineered Proteins. Structure 2019; 25:691-692. [PMID: 28467914 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Structure, Biel et al. (2017) present multi-conformer analyses from room temperature X-ray data of two ubiquitin phage display variants binding deubiquitinase USP7. The first contains core mutations. The second matured variant contains additional surface mutations. Alternate conformations detected in the core mutant were removed by maturation.
Collapse
|
33
|
Veggiani G, Gerpe MCR, Sidhu SS, Zhang W. Emerging drug development technologies targeting ubiquitination for cancer therapeutics. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 199:139-154. [PMID: 30851297 PMCID: PMC7112620 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Development of effective cancer therapeutic strategies relies on our ability to interfere with cellular processes that are dysregulated in tumors. Given the essential role of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) in regulating a myriad of cellular processes, it is not surprising that malfunction of UPS components is implicated in numerous human diseases, including many types of cancer. The clinical success of proteasome inhibitors in treating multiple myeloma has further stimulated enthusiasm for targeting UPS proteins for pharmacological intervention in cancer treatment, particularly in the precision medicine era. Unfortunately, despite tremendous efforts, the paucity of potent and selective UPS inhibitors has severely hampered attempts to exploit the UPS for therapeutic benefits. To tackle this problem, many groups have been working on technology advancement to rapidly and effectively screen for potent and specific UPS modulators as intracellular probes or early-phase therapeutic agents. Here, we review several emerging technologies for developing chemical- and protein-based molecules to manipulate UPS enzymatic activity, with the aim of providing an overview of strategies available to target ubiquitination for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Veggiani
- The Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S3E1, Canada
| | - María Carla Rosales Gerpe
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Sachdev S Sidhu
- The Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S3E1, Canada.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Spiliotopoulos A, Blokpoel Ferreras L, Densham RM, Caulton SG, Maddison BC, Morris JR, Dixon JE, Gough KC, Dreveny I. Discovery of peptide ligands targeting a specific ubiquitin-like domain-binding site in the deubiquitinase USP11. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:424-436. [PMID: 30373771 PMCID: PMC6333900 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) reverse ubiquitination and regulate virtually all cellular processes. Defined noncatalytic domains in USP4 and USP15 are known to interact with E3 ligases and substrate recruitment factors. No such interactions have been reported for these domains in the paralog USP11, a key regulator of DNA double-strand break repair by homologous recombination. We hypothesized that USP11 domains adjacent to its protease domain harbor unique peptide-binding sites. Here, using a next-generation phage display (NGPD) strategy, combining phage display library screening with next-generation sequencing, we discovered unique USP11-interacting peptide motifs. Isothermal titration calorimetry disclosed that the highest affinity peptides (KD of ∼10 μm) exhibit exclusive selectivity for USP11 over USP4 and USP15 in vitro Furthermore, a crystal structure of a USP11-peptide complex revealed a previously unknown binding site in USP11's noncatalytic ubiquitin-like (UBL) region. This site interacted with a helical motif and is absent in USP4 and USP15. Reporter assays using USP11-WT versus a binding pocket-deficient double mutant disclosed that this binding site modulates USP11's function in homologous recombination-mediated DNA repair. The highest affinity USP11 peptide binder fused to a cellular delivery sequence induced significant nuclear localization and cell cycle arrest in S phase, affecting the viability of different mammalian cell lines. The USP11 peptide ligands and the paralog-specific functional site in USP11 identified here provide a framework for the development of new biochemical tools and therapeutic agents. We propose that an NGPD-based strategy for identifying interacting peptides may be applied also to other cellular targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Spiliotopoulos
- From the Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD
- the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington Campus, College Road, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire LE12 5RD
| | - Lia Blokpoel Ferreras
- From the Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD
| | - Ruth M Densham
- the Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, Medical and Dental Schools, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, and
| | - Simon G Caulton
- From the Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD
| | - Ben C Maddison
- ADAS, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Bonington Campus, College Road, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna R Morris
- the Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, Medical and Dental Schools, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, and
| | - James E Dixon
- From the Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD
| | - Kevin C Gough
- the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington Campus, College Road, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire LE12 5RD,
| | - Ingrid Dreveny
- From the Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD,
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gjonaj L, Sapmaz A, González-Prieto R, Vertegaal ACO, Flierman D, Ovaa H. USP7: combining tools towards selectivity. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:5075-5078. [PMID: 30972393 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc00969h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Active-site directed probes based on the ubiquitin scaffold have been successfully applied as tools to determine the levels of active deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). Here, we show the development of a Ub-based reagent selective for the DUB USP7. This concept can be applied for the generation of other new selective reagents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorina Gjonaj
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Understanding molecular mechanisms in cell signaling through natural and artificial sequence variation. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2018; 26:25-34. [PMID: 30598552 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-018-0175-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The functionally tolerated sequence space of proteins can now be explored in an unprecedented way, owing to the expansion of genomic databases and the development of high-throughput methods to interrogate protein function. For signaling proteins, several recent studies have shown how the analysis of sequence variation leverages the available protein-structure information to provide new insights into specificity and allosteric regulation. In this Review, we discuss recent work that illustrates how this emerging approach is providing a deeper understanding of signaling proteins.
Collapse
|
37
|
Nishi R, Wijnhoven PWG, Kimura Y, Matsui M, Konietzny R, Wu Q, Nakamura K, Blundell TL, Kessler BM. The deubiquitylating enzyme UCHL3 regulates Ku80 retention at sites of DNA damage. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17891. [PMID: 30559450 PMCID: PMC6297141 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36235-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), which can promote genomic instability when dysfunctional, is a major DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway. Although ubiquitylation of the core NHEJ factor, Ku (Ku70-Ku80), which senses broken DNA ends, is important for its removal from sites of damage upon completion of NHEJ, the mechanism regulating Ku ubiquitylation remains elusive. We provide evidence showing that the ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L3 (UCHL3) interacts with and directly deubiquitylates one of the Ku heterodimer subunits, Ku80. Additionally, depleting UCHL3 resulted in reduced Ku80 foci formation, Ku80 binding to chromatin after DSB induction, moderately sensitized cells to ionizing radiation and decreased NHEJ efficiencies. Mechanistically, we show that DNA damage induces UCHL3 phosphorylation, which is dependent on ATM, downstream NHEJ factors and UCHL3 catalytic activity. Furthermore, this phosphorylation destabilizes UCHL3, despite having no effect on its catalytic activity. Collectively, these data suggest that UCHL3 facilitates cellular viability after DSB induction by antagonizing Ku80 ubiquitylation to enhance Ku80 retention at sites of damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryotaro Nishi
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute and Department of Biology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, United Kingdom.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan.
| | - Paul W G Wijnhoven
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute and Department of Biology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, United Kingdom
- Bioscience Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Yusuke Kimura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Misaki Matsui
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Rebecca Konietzny
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, United Kingdom
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Sanger Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, United Kingdom
| | - Keisuke Nakamura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Tom L Blundell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Sanger Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, United Kingdom
| | - Benedikt M Kessler
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Allosteric Modulation of Binding Specificity by Alternative Packing of Protein Cores. J Mol Biol 2018; 431:336-350. [PMID: 30471255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hydrophobic cores are often viewed as tightly packed and rigid, but they do show some plasticity and could thus be attractive targets for protein design. Here we explored the role of different functional pressures on the core packing and ligand recognition of the SH3 domain from human Fyn tyrosine kinase. We randomized the hydrophobic core and used phage display to select variants that bound to each of three distinct ligands. The three evolved groups showed remarkable differences in core composition, illustrating the effect of different selective pressures on the core. Changes in the core did not significantly alter protein stability, but were linked closely to changes in binding affinity and specificity. Structural analysis and molecular dynamics simulations revealed the structural basis for altered specificity. The evolved domains had significantly reduced core volumes, which in turn induced increased backbone flexibility. These motions were propagated from the core to the binding surface and induced significant conformational changes. These results show that alternative core packing and consequent allosteric modulation of binding interfaces could be used to engineer proteins with novel functions.
Collapse
|
39
|
Veggiani G, Sidhu SS. Peptides meet ubiquitin: Simple interactions regulating complex cell signaling. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Veggiani
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Banting and Best Department of Medical Research; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Sachdev S. Sidhu
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Banting and Best Department of Medical Research; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Miyafusa T, Hirota K, Honda S. Generation of ubiquitin-based binder with an inserted active peptide. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 503:3162-3166. [PMID: 30146256 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.08.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The grafting of active peptides onto structurally stable scaffold proteins is effective for the generation of functional proteins. In this study, we aimed to develop a grafting method using ubiquitin as a scaffold protein. Ubiquitin is a small protein consisting of 76 amino acid residues that is highly stable against heat and pH stress, which are desirable characteristics for a scaffold protein. Moreover, its structure is maintained even if it is split or additional residues are inserted. Therefore, we assumed that grafting of an active peptide into ubiquitin would result in a functional protein. As a proof of concept, we developed the ubiquitin-based binder (UbB), into which the p53 (17-28) peptide was inserted between Ile36 and Pro37. The p53 (17-28) peptide, utilized as a model active peptide in this work, is known to bind to mouse double minute 2 homolog (Mdm2). Size exclusion chromatography and circular dichroism indicated that UbB maintained a similar structure to that of ubiquitin. The affinity for Mdm2 measured by surface plasmon resonance was 292 times greater than that of the p53 (17-28) peptide. These observations indicate that ubiquitin is a robust scaffold for peptide grafting. We hope that this study will aid further development of ubiquitin-based protein engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takamitsu Miyafusa
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 6, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan
| | - Kiyonori Hirota
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 6, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan
| | - Shinya Honda
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 6, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan; Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Gorelik M, Manczyk N, Pavlenco A, Kurinov I, Sidhu SS, Sicheri F. A Structure-Based Strategy for Engineering Selective Ubiquitin Variant Inhibitors of Skp1-Cul1-F-Box Ubiquitin Ligases. Structure 2018; 26:1226-1236.e3. [PMID: 30033217 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Skp1-Cul1-F-box (SCF) E3 ligases constitute the largest and best-characterized family of the multisubunit E3 ligases with important cellular functions and numerous disease links. The specificity of an SCF E3 ligase is established by one of the 69 human F-box proteins that are recruited to Cul1 through the Skp1 adaptor. We previously reported generation of ubiquitin variants (UbVs) targeting Fbw7 and Fbw11, which inhibit ligase activity by binding at the F-box-Skp1 interface to competitively displace Cul1. In the present study, we employed an optimized engineering strategy to generate specific binding UbVs against 17 additional Skp1-F-box complexes. We validated our design strategy and uncovered the structural basis of binding specificity by crystallographic analyses of representative UbVs bound to Skp1-Fbl10 and Skp1-Fbl11. Our study highlights the power of combining phage display with structure-based design to develop UbVs targeting specific protein surfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Gorelik
- Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, Terrence Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Noah Manczyk
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Alevtina Pavlenco
- Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, Terrence Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Igor Kurinov
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Sachdev S Sidhu
- Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, Terrence Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Frank Sicheri
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Gopinath P, Ohayon S, Nawatha M, Brik A. Chemical and semisynthetic approaches to study and target deubiquitinases. Chem Soc Rev 2018; 45:4171-98. [PMID: 27049734 DOI: 10.1039/c6cs00083e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a key posttranslational modification, which affects numerous biological processes and is reversed by a class of enzymes known as deubiquitinases (DUBs). This family of enzymes cleaves mono-ubiquitin or poly-ubiquitin chains from a target protein through different mechanisms and mode of interactions with their substrates. Studying the role of DUBs in health and diseases has been a major goal for many laboratories both in academia and in industry. However, the field has been challenged by the difficulties in obtaining native substrates and novel reagents using traditional enzymatic and molecular biology approaches. Recent advancements in the synthesis and semisynthesis of proteins made it possible to prepare several unique ubiquitin conjugates to study various aspects of DUBs such as their specificities and structures. Moreover, these approaches enable the preparation of novel activity based probes and assays to monitor DUB activities in vitro and in cellular contexts. Efforts made to bring new chemical entities for the selective inhibition of DUBs based on these tools are also highlighted with selected examples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pushparathinam Gopinath
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology Haifa, 3200008, Israel.
| | - Shimrit Ohayon
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology Haifa, 3200008, Israel.
| | - Mickal Nawatha
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology Haifa, 3200008, Israel.
| | - Ashraf Brik
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology Haifa, 3200008, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Özen A, Rougé L, Bashore C, Hearn BR, Skelton NJ, Dueber EC. Selectively Modulating Conformational States of USP7 Catalytic Domain for Activation. Structure 2017; 26:72-84.e7. [PMID: 29249604 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) deubiquitinase activity is controlled by a number of regulatory factors, including stimulation by intramolecular accessory domains. Alone, the USP7 catalytic domain (USP7cd) shows limited activity and apo USP7cd crystal structures reveal a disrupted catalytic triad. By contrast, ubiquitin-conjugated USP7cd structures demonstrate the canonical cysteine protease active-site geometry; however, the structural features of the USP7cd that stabilize the inactive conformation and the mechanism of transition between inactive and active states remain unclear. Here we use comparative structural analyses, molecular dynamics simulations, and in silico sequence re-engineering via directed sampling by RosettaDesign to identify key molecular determinants of USP7cd activation and successfully engineer USP7cd for improved activity. Full kinetic analysis and multiple X-ray crystal structures of our designs indicate that electrostatic interactions in the distal "switching loop" region and local packing in the hydrophobic core mediate subtle but significant conformational changes that modulate USP7cd activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayşegül Özen
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; Department of Discovery Chemistry, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Lionel Rougé
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Charlene Bashore
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Brian R Hearn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94618, USA
| | - Nicholas J Skelton
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Erin C Dueber
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Zhang W, Sartori MA, Makhnevych T, Federowicz KE, Dong X, Liu L, Nim S, Dong A, Yang J, Li Y, Haddad D, Ernst A, Heerding D, Tong Y, Moffat J, Sidhu SS. Generation and Validation of Intracellular Ubiquitin Variant Inhibitors for USP7 and USP10. J Mol Biol 2017; 429:3546-3560. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2017.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
45
|
Kim RQ, Sixma TK. Regulation of USP7: A High Incidence of E3 Complexes. J Mol Biol 2017; 429:3395-3408. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2017.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
46
|
Boselli M, Lee BH, Robert J, Prado MA, Min SW, Cheng C, Silva MC, Seong C, Elsasser S, Hatle KM, Gahman TC, Gygi SP, Haggarty SJ, Gan L, King RW, Finley D. An inhibitor of the proteasomal deubiquitinating enzyme USP14 induces tau elimination in cultured neurons. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:19209-19225. [PMID: 28972160 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.815126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is responsible for most selective protein degradation in eukaryotes and regulates numerous cellular processes, including cell cycle control and protein quality control. A component of this system, the deubiquitinating enzyme USP14, associates with the proteasome where it can rescue substrates from degradation by removal of the ubiquitin tag. We previously found that a small-molecule inhibitor of USP14, known as IU1, can increase the rate of degradation of a subset of proteasome substrates. We report here the synthesis and characterization of 87 variants of IU1, which resulted in the identification of a 10-fold more potent USP14 inhibitor that retains specificity for USP14. The capacity of this compound, IU1-47, to enhance protein degradation in cells was tested using as a reporter the microtubule-associated protein tau, which has been implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases. Using primary neuronal cultures, IU1-47 was found to accelerate the rate of degradation of wild-type tau, the pathological tau mutants P301L and P301S, and the A152T tau variant. We also report that a specific residue in tau, lysine 174, is critical for the IU1-47-mediated tau degradation by the proteasome. Finally, we show that IU1-47 stimulates autophagic flux in primary neurons. In summary, these findings provide a powerful research tool for investigating the complex biology of USP14.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Boselli
- From the Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Byung-Hoon Lee
- From the Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.,the Department of New Biology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, 42988 Daegu, Korea
| | - Jessica Robert
- From the Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Miguel A Prado
- From the Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Sang-Won Min
- the Department of Neurology, Gladstone Institute of Neurological Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Chialin Cheng
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - M Catarina Silva
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Changhyun Seong
- From the Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.,Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York 10591, and
| | - Suzanne Elsasser
- From the Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Ketki M Hatle
- From the Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Timothy C Gahman
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Steven P Gygi
- From the Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Stephen J Haggarty
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Li Gan
- the Department of Neurology, Gladstone Institute of Neurological Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Randall W King
- From the Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
| | - Daniel Finley
- From the Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Flexibility and Design: Conformational Heterogeneity along the Evolutionary Trajectory of a Redesigned Ubiquitin. Structure 2017; 25:739-749.e3. [PMID: 28416112 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although protein design has been used to introduce new functions, designed variants generally only function as well as natural proteins after rounds of laboratory evolution. One possibility for this pattern is that designed mutants frequently sample nonfunctional conformations. To test this idea, we exploited advances in multiconformer modeling of room-temperature X-ray data collection on redesigned ubiquitin variants selected for increasing binding affinity to the deubiquitinase USP7. Initial core mutations disrupt natural packing and lead to increased flexibility. Additional, experimentally selected mutations quenched conformational heterogeneity through new stabilizing interactions. Stabilizing interactions, such as cation-pi stacking and ordered waters, which are not included in standard protein design energy functions, can create specific interactions that have long-range effects on flexibility across the protein. Our results suggest that increasing flexibility may be a useful strategy to escape local minima during initial directed evolution and protein design steps when creating new functions.
Collapse
|
48
|
Hewings DS, Flygare JA, Bogyo M, Wertz IE. Activity-based probes for the ubiquitin conjugation-deconjugation machinery: new chemistries, new tools, and new insights. FEBS J 2017; 284:1555-1576. [PMID: 28196299 PMCID: PMC7163952 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The reversible post‐translational modification of proteins by ubiquitin and ubiquitin‐like proteins regulates almost all cellular processes, by affecting protein degradation, localization, and complex formation. Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are proteases that remove ubiquitin modifications or cleave ubiquitin chains. Most DUBs are cysteine proteases, which makes them well suited for study by activity‐based probes. These DUB probes report on deubiquitinase activity by reacting covalently with the active site in an enzyme‐catalyzed manner. They have proven to be important tools to study DUB selectivity and proteolytic activity in different settings, to identify novel DUBs, and to characterize deubiquitinase inhibitors. Inspired by the efficacy of activity‐based probes for DUBs, several groups have recently reported probes for the ubiquitin conjugation machinery (E1, E2, and E3 enzymes). Many of these enzymes, while not proteases, also posses active site cysteine residues and can be targeted by covalent probes. In this review, we will discuss how features of the probe (cysteine‐reactive group, recognition element, and reporter tag) affect reactivity and suitability for certain experimental applications. We will also review the diverse applications of the current probes, and discuss the need for new probe types to study emerging aspects of ubiquitin biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S Hewings
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.,Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.,Discovery Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA
| | - John A Flygare
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Bogyo
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA
| | - Ingrid E Wertz
- Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.,Discovery Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Shukla S, Shamsi Z, Moffett AS, Selvam B, Shukla D. Application of Hidden Markov Models in Biomolecular Simulations. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1552:29-41. [PMID: 28224489 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6753-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Hidden Markov models (HMMs) provide a framework to analyze large trajectories of biomolecular simulation datasets. HMMs decompose the conformational space of a biological molecule into finite number of states that interconvert among each other with certain rates. HMMs simplify long timescale trajectories for human comprehension, and allow comparison of simulations with experimental data. In this chapter, we provide an overview of building HMMs for analyzing bimolecular simulation datasets. We demonstrate the procedure for building a Hidden Markov model for Met-enkephalin peptide simulation dataset and compare the timescales of the process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Shukla
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Zahra Shamsi
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Alexander S Moffett
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Balaji Selvam
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Diwakar Shukla
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Zhang W, Ben-David M, Sidhu SS. Engineering cell signaling modulators from native protein-protein interactions. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2016; 45:25-35. [PMID: 27866084 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies on genome sequencing and genetic screens with RNAi and CRISPR technology have revolutionized our understanding of aberrant signaling networks in human diseases. A strategy combining both genetic and protein-based technologies should be at the heart of modern drug-development efforts, particularly in the era of precision medicine. Thus, there is an urgent need for efficient platforms to develop probes that can modulate protein function in cells to validate drug targets and to develop therapeutic leads. Advanced protein engineering has enabled the rapid production of monoclonal antibodies and small protein scaffold affinity reagents for diverse protein targets. Here, we review the most recent progress on engineering natural protein-protein interactions for modulation of cell signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S3E1, Canada
| | - Moshe Ben-David
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S3E1, Canada
| | - Sachdev S Sidhu
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S3E1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|