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Keulen GM, Huckriede J, Wichapong K, Nicolaes GAF. Histon activities in the extracellular environment: regulation and prothrombotic implications. Curr Opin Hematol 2024; 31:230-237. [PMID: 39087372 PMCID: PMC11296287 DOI: 10.1097/moh.0000000000000827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Thromboembolic complications are a major contributor to global mortality. The relationship between inflammation and coagulation pathways has become an emerging research topic where the role of the innate immune response, and specifically neutrophils in "immunothrombosis" are receiving much attention. This review aims to dissect the intricate interplay between histones (from neutrophils or cellular damage) and the haemostatic pathway, and to explore mechanisms that may counteract the potentially procoagulant effects of those histones that have escaped their nuclear localization. RECENT FINDINGS Extracellular histones exert procoagulant effects via endothelial damage, platelet activation, and direct interaction with coagulation proteins. Neutralization of histone activities can be achieved by complexation with physiological molecules, through pharmacological compounds, or via proteolytic degradation. Details of neutralization of extracellular histones are still being studied. SUMMARY Leveraging the understanding of extracellular histone neutralization will pave the way for development of novel pharmacological interventions to treat and prevent complications, including thromboembolism, in patients in whom extracellular histones contribute to their overall clinical status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwen M Keulen
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Kollet O, Das A, Karamanos N, Auf dem Keller U, Sagi I. Redefining metalloproteases specificity through network proteolysis. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:147-163. [PMID: 38036391 PMCID: PMC11004056 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.11.001] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Proteolytic processes on cell surfaces and extracellular matrix (ECM) sustain cell behavior and tissue integrity in health and disease. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs) remodel cell microenvironments through irreversible proteolysis of ECM proteins and cell surface bioactive molecules. Pan-MMP inhibitors in inflammation and cancer clinical trials have encountered challenges due to promiscuous activities of MMPs. Systems biology advances revealed that MMPs initiate multifactorial proteolytic cascades, creating new substrates, activating or suppressing other MMPs, and generating signaling molecules. This review highlights the intricate network that underscores the role of MMPs beyond individual substrate-enzyme activities. Gaining insight into MMP function and tissue specificity is crucial for developing effective drug discovery strategies and novel therapeutics. This requires considering the dynamic cellular processes and consequences of network proteolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orit Kollet
- The Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alakesh Das
- The Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nikos Karamanos
- University of Patras, Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis and Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Patras, Greece
| | - Ulrich Auf dem Keller
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Irit Sagi
- The Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Rehovot, Israel.
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Bhattacharyya S, O-Sullivan I, Tu J, Chen Z, Tobacman JK. Exogenous recombinant N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase (Arylsulfatase B; ARSB) inhibits progression of B16F10 cutaneous melanomas and modulates cell signaling. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166913. [PMID: 37813168 PMCID: PMC11265800 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
In the syngeneic, subcutaneous B16F10 mouse model of malignant melanoma, treatment with exogenous ARSB markedly reduced tumor size and extended survival. In vivo experiments showed that local treatment with exogenous N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase (Arylsulfatase B; ARSB) led to reduced tumor growth over time (p < 0.0001) and improved the probability of survival up to 21 days (p = 0.0391). Tumor tissue from the treated mice had lower chondroitin 4-sulfate (C4S) content and lower sulfotransferase activity. The free galectin-3 declined, and the SHP2 activity increased, due to altered binding with chondroitin 4-sulfate. These changes induced effects on transcription, which were mediated by Sp1, phospho-ERK1/2, and phospho-p38 MAPK. Reduced mRNA expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), carbohydrate sulfotransferase 15 (N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase), and matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 resulted. Experiments in the human melanoma cell line A375 demonstrated similar responses to exogenous ARSB as in the tumors, and inverse effects followed ARSB siRNA. ARSB, which removes the 4-sulfate group at the non-reducing end of C4S, acts as a tumor suppressor, and treatment with exogenous ARSB impacts on vital cell signaling and reduces the expression of critical genes associated with melanoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Bhattacharyya
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Insug O-Sullivan
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jieqi Tu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Zhengjia Chen
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Biostatistics Shared Resource, University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Joanne K Tobacman
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Shin Y, Kim S, Liang G, Ulmer TS, An W. VprBP/DCAF1 Triggers Melanomagenic Gene Silencing through Histone H2A Phosphorylation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2552. [PMID: 37760992 PMCID: PMC10526264 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vpr binding protein (VprBP), also known as DDB1- and CUL4-associated factor1 (DCAF1), is a recently identified atypical kinase and plays an important role in downregulating the transcription of tumor suppressor genes as well as increasing the risk for colon and prostate cancers. Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer arising from pigment-producing melanocytes and is often associated with the dysregulation of epigenetic factors targeting histones. Here, we demonstrate that VprBP is highly expressed and phosphorylates threonine 120 (T120) on histone H2A to drive the transcriptional inactivation of growth-regulatory genes in melanoma cells. As is the case for its epigenetic function in other types of cancers, VprBP acts to induce a gene silencing program dependent on H2AT120 phosphorylation (H2AT120p). The significance of VprBP-mediated H2AT120p is further underscored by the fact that VprBP knockdown- or VprBP inhibitor-induced lockage of H2AT120p mitigates melanoma tumor growth in xenograft models. Collectively, our results establish VprBP-mediated H2AT120p as a key epigenetic signal for melanomagenesis and suggest the therapeutic potential of targeting VprBP kinase activity for effective melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghwan Shin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Y.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Sungmin Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Y.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Gangning Liang
- Department of Urology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA;
| | - Tobias S. Ulmer
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
| | - Woojin An
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Y.S.); (S.K.)
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Shin Y, Kim S, Liang G, Ulmer TS, An W. VprBP/DCAF1 triggers melanomagenic gene silencing through histone H2A phosphorylation. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3147199. [PMID: 37502858 PMCID: PMC10371079 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3147199/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer arising from pigment-producing melanocytes and is often associated with dysregulation of epigenetic factors targeting histones. VprBP, also known as DCAF1, is a recently identified kinase and plays an important role in downregulating the transcription of tumor suppressor genes as well as increasing the risk for colon and prostate cancers. However, it remains unknown whether VprBP is also involved in triggering the pathogenesis of other types of cancer. Results We demonstrate that VprBP is highly expressed and phosphorylates threonine 120 (T120) on histone H2A to drive transcriptional inactivation of growth regulatory genes in melanoma cells. As is the case for its epigenetic function in colon and prostate cancers, VprBP acts to induce gene silencing program dependently of H2AT120 phosphorylation (H2AT120p). The significance of VprBP-mediated H2AT120p is further underscored by the fact that VprBP knockdown- or VprBP inhibitor-induced lockage of H2AT120p mitigates melanoma tumor growth in xenograft models. Moreover, artificial tethering of VprBP wild type, but not VprBP kinase-dead mutant, to its responsive genes is sufficient for achieving an inactive transcriptional state in VprBP-depleted cells, indicating that VprBP drives gene silencing program in an H2AT120p-dependent manner. Conclusions Our results establish VprBP-mediated H2AT120p as a key epigenetic signal for melanomagenesis and suggest the therapeutic potential of targeting VprBP kinase activity for effective melanoma treatment.
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Shin Y, Kim S, Liang G, Ulmer TS, An W. VprBP/DCAF1 triggers melanomagenic gene silencing through histone H2A phosphorylation. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2950076. [PMID: 37293029 PMCID: PMC10246234 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2950076/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer arising from pigment-producing melanocytes and is often associated with dysregulation of epigenetic factors targeting histones. VprBP, also known as DCAF1, is a recently identified kinase and plays an important role in downregulating the transcription of tumor suppressor genes as well as increasing the risk for colon and prostate cancers. However, it remains unknown whether VprBP is also involved in triggering the pathogenesis of other types of cancer. Results We demonstrate that VprBP is highly expressed and phosphorylates threonine 120 (T120) on histone H2A to drive transcriptional inactivation of growth regulatory genes in melanoma cells. As is the case for its epigenetic function in colon and prostate cancers, VprBP acts to induce gene silencing program dependently of H2AT120 phosphorylation (H2AT120p). The significance of VprBP-mediated H2AT120p is further underscored by the fact that VprBP knockdown- or VprBP inhibitor-induced lockage of H2AT120p mitigates melanoma tumor growth in xenograft models. Moreover, artificial tethering of VprBP wild type, but not VprBP kinase-dead mutant, to its responsive genes is sufficient for achieving an inactive transcriptional state in VprBP-depleted cells, indicating that VprBP drives gene silencing program in an H2AT120p-dependent manner. Conclusions Our results establish VprBP-mediated H2AT120p as a key epigenetic signal for melanomagenesis and suggest the therapeutic potential of targeting VprBP kinase activity for effective melanoma treatment.
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Weekley BH, Rice JC. The MMP-2 histone H3 N-terminal tail protease is selectively targeted to the transcription start sites of active genes. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:16. [PMID: 37161413 PMCID: PMC10170761 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00491-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proteolysis of the histone H3 N-terminal tail (H3NT) is an evolutionarily conserved epigenomic feature of nearly all eukaryotes, generating a cleaved H3 product that is retained in ~ 5-10% of the genome. Although H3NT proteolysis within chromatin was first reported over 60 years ago, the genomic sites targeted for H3NT proteolysis and the impact of this histone modification on chromatin structure and function remain largely unknown. The goal of this study was to identify the specific regions targeted for H3NT proteolysis and investigate the consequence of H3NT "clipping" on local histone post-translational modification (PTM) dynamics. RESULTS Leveraging recent findings that matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) functions as the principal nuclear H3NT protease in the human U2OS osteosarcoma cell line, a ChIP-Seq approach was used to map MMP-2 localization genome wide. The results indicate that MMP-2 is selectively targeted to the transcription start sites (TSSs) of protein coding genes, primarily at the + 1 nucleosome. MMP-2 localization was exclusive to highly expressed genes, further supporting a functional role for H3NT proteolysis in transcriptional regulation. MMP-2 dependent H3NT proteolysis at the TSSs of these genes resulted in a > twofold reduction of activation-associated histone H3 PTMs, including H3K4me3, H3K9ac and H3K18ac. One of genes requiring MMP-2 mediated H3NT proteolysis for proficient expression was the lysosomal cathepsin B protease (CTSB), which we discovered functions as a secondary nuclear H3NT protease in U2OS cells. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that the MMP-2 H3NT protease is selectively targeted to the TSSs of active protein coding genes in U2OS cells. The resulting H3NT proteolysis directly alters local histone H3 PTM patterns at TSSs, which likely functions to regulate transcription. MMP-2 mediated H3NT proteolysis directly activates CTSB, a secondary H3NT protease that generates additional cleaved H3 products within chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin H Weekley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 1450 Biggy Street, HNRT 6506, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Judd C Rice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 1450 Biggy Street, HNRT 6506, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
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Mechanisms of DNA methylation and histone modifications. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 197:51-92. [PMID: 37019597 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The field of genetics has expanded a lot in the past few decades due to the accessibility of human genome sequences, but still, the regulation of transcription cannot be explicated exclusively by the sequence of DNA of an individual. The coordination and crosstalk between chromatin factors which are conserved is indispensable for all living creatures. The regulation of gene expression has been dependent on the methylation of DNA, post-translational modifications of histones, effector proteins, chromatin remodeler enzymes that affect the chromatin structure and function, and other cellular activities such as DNA replication, DNA repair, proliferation and growth. The mutation and deletion of these factors can lead to human diseases. Various studies are being performed to identify and understand the gene regulatory mechanisms in the diseased state. The information from these high throughput screening studies is able to aid the treatment developments based on the epigenetics regulatory mechanisms. This book chapter will discourse on various modifications and their mechanisms that take place on histones and DNA that regulate the transcription of genes.
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Wei F, Pan B, Diao J, Wang Y, Sheng Y, Gao S. The micronuclear histone H3 clipping in the unicellular eukaryote Tetrahymena thermophila. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:584-594. [PMID: 37078088 PMCID: PMC10077241 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-022-00151-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Clipping of the histone H3 N-terminal tail has been implicated in multiple fundamental biological processes for a growing list of eukaryotes. H3 clipping, serving as an irreversible process to permanently remove some post-translational modifications (PTMs), may lead to noticeable changes in chromatin dynamics or gene expression. The eukaryotic model organism Tetrahymena thermophila is among the first few eukaryotes that exhibits H3 clipping activity, wherein the first six amino acids of H3 are cleaved off during vegetative growth. Clipping only occurs in the transcriptionally silent micronucleus of the binucleated T. thermophila, thus offering a unique opportunity to reveal the role of H3 clipping in epigenetic regulation. However, the physiological functions of the truncated H3 and its protease(s) for clipping remain elusive. Here, we review the major findings of H3 clipping in T. thermophila and highlight its association with histone modifications and cell cycle regulation. We also summarize the functions and mechanisms of H3 clipping in other eukaryotes, focusing on the high diversity in terms of protease families and cleavage sites. Finally, we predict several protease candidates in T. thermophila and provide insights for future studies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-022-00151-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wei
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Bo Pan
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Jinghan Diao
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Yalan Sheng
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Shan Gao
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
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Novel Roles of MT1-MMP and MMP-2: Beyond the Extracellular Milieu. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179513. [PMID: 36076910 PMCID: PMC9455801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are critical enzymes involved in a variety of cellular processes. MMPs are well known for their ability to degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) and their extracellular role in cell migration. Recently, more research has been conducted on investigating novel subcellular localizations of MMPs and their intracellular roles at their respective locations. In this review article, we focus on the subcellular localization and novel intracellular roles of two closely related MMPs: membrane-type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Although MT1-MMP is commonly known to localize on the cell surface, the protease also localizes to the cytoplasm, caveolae, Golgi, cytoskeleton, centrosome, and nucleus. At these subcellular locations, MT1-MMP functions in cell migration, macrophage metabolism, invadopodia development, spindle formation and gene expression, respectively. Similar to MT1-MMP, MMP-2 localizes to the caveolae, mitochondria, cytoskeleton, nucleus and nucleolus and functions in calcium regulation, contractile dysfunction, gene expression and ribosomal RNA transcription. Our particular interest lies in the roles MMP-2 and MT1-MMP serve within the nucleus, as they may provide critical insights into cancer epigenetics and tumor migration and invasion. We suggest that targeting nuclear MT1-MMP or MMP-2 to reduce or halt cell proliferation and migration may lead to the development of new therapies for cancer and other diseases.
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Identification of Novel Natural Product Inhibitors against Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Using Quantum Mechanical Fragment Molecular Orbital-Based Virtual Screening Methods. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084438. [PMID: 35457257 PMCID: PMC9030947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are calcium-dependent zinc-containing endopeptidases involved in multiple cellular processes. Among the MMP isoforms, MMP-9 regulates cancer invasion, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis by degrading extracellular matrix proteins present in the tumor microenvironment and cartilage and promoting angiogenesis. Here, we identified two potent natural product inhibitors of the non-catalytic hemopexin domain of MMP-9 using a novel quantum mechanical fragment molecular orbital (FMO)-based virtual screening workflow. The workflow integrates qualitative pharmacophore modeling, quantitative binding affinity prediction, and a raw material search of natural product inhibitors with the BMDMS-NP library. In binding affinity prediction, we made a scoring function with the FMO method and applied the function to two protein targets (acetylcholinesterase and fibroblast growth factor 1 receptor) from DUD-E benchmark sets. In the two targets, the FMO method outperformed the Glide docking score and MM/PBSA methods. By applying this workflow to MMP-9, we proposed two potent natural product inhibitors (laetanine 9 and genkwanin 10) that interact with hotspot residues of the hemopexin domain of MMP-9. Laetanine 9 and genkwanin 10 bind to MMP-9 with a dissociation constant (KD) of 21.6 and 0.614 μM, respectively. Overall, we present laetanine 9 and genkwanin 10 for MMP-9 and demonstrate that the novel FMO-based workflow with a quantum mechanical approach is promising to discover potent natural product inhibitors of MMP-9, satisfying the pharmacophore model and good binding affinity.
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