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Yin Y, Zhao P, Xu X, Zhou B, Chen J, Jiang X, Liu Y, Wu Y, Yue W, Xu H, Bu W. Piezoelectric Analgesia Blocks Cancer-Induced Bone Pain. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2403979. [PMID: 39044708 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202403979] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
The manipulation of cell surface receptors' activity will open a new frontier for drug development and disease treatment. However, limited by the desensitization of drugs, effective physical intervention strategy remains challenging. Here, the controllable internalization of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) on neural cells by local piezoelectric field is reported. Single-cell-level local electric field is construct by synthesizing piezoelectric BiOIO3 nanosheets (BIONSs). Upon a mild ultrasound of 0.08 W cm-2, an electric field of 15.29 µV is generated on the surface of BIONSs, further inducing TRPV1 internalization in 5 min. The as-downregulated TRPV1 expression results in the reduction of Ca2+ signal in a spinal neuron and the inhibition of the activity of wide range dynamic neurons, therefore effectively preventing the transmission of cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP). This strategy not only charts a new course for CIBP alleviation, but also introduces a promising nanotechnology for regulating cell surface receptors, showing significant potential in neuropathological and receptor-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Yin
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and Treatment, Shanghai, 200072, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Center of Minimally Invasive Treatment for Tumor, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Peiran Zhao
- Department of Materials Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xianyun Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Bangguo Zhou
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and Treatment, Shanghai, 200072, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Center of Minimally Invasive Treatment for Tumor, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Materials Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xingwu Jiang
- Department of Materials Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Department of Materials Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yelin Wu
- Center of Minimally Invasive Treatment for Tumor, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Wenwen Yue
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and Treatment, Shanghai, 200072, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Center of Minimally Invasive Treatment for Tumor, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Huixiong Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenbo Bu
- Department of Materials Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
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2
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Liao K, Wang F, Xia C, Xu Z, Zhong S, Bi W, Ruan J. The cGAS-STING pathway in COPD: targeting its role and therapeutic potential. Respir Res 2024; 25:302. [PMID: 39113033 PMCID: PMC11308159 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02915-x] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is a gradually worsening and fatal heterogeneous lung disease characterized by airflow limitation and increasingly decline in lung function. Currently, it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The consistent feature of COPD is airway inflammation. Several inflammatory factors are known to be involved in COPD pathogenesis; however, anti-inflammatory therapy is not the first-line treatment for COPD. Although bronchodilators, corticosteroids and roflumilast could improve airflow and control symptoms, they could not reverse the disease. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) signaling pathway plays an important novel role in the immune system and has been confirmed to be a key mediator of inflammation during infection, cellular stress, and tissue damage. Recent studies have emphasized that abnormal activation of cGAS-STING contributes to COPD, providing a direction for new treatments that we urgently need to develop. Here, we focused on the cGAS-STING pathway, providing insight into its molecular mechanism and summarizing the current knowledge on the role of the cGAS-STING pathway in COPD. Moreover, we explored antagonists of cGAS and STING to identify potential therapeutic strategies for COPD that target the cGAS-STING pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Liao
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengshuo Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenhao Xia
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China
| | - Sen Zhong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqi Bi
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Ruan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Jaramillo AM, Vladar EK, Holguin F, Dickey BF, Evans CM. Emerging cell and molecular targets for treating mucus hypersecretion in asthma. Allergol Int 2024; 73:375-381. [PMID: 38692992 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2024.04.002] [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: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucus provides a protective barrier that is crucial for host defense in the lungs. However, excessive or abnormal mucus can have pathophysiological consequences in many pulmonary diseases, including asthma. Patients with asthma are treated with agents that relax airway smooth muscle and reduce airway inflammation, but responses are often inadequate. In part, this is due to the inability of existing therapeutic agents to directly target mucus. Accordingly, there is a critical need to better understand how mucus hypersecretion and airway plugging are affected by the epithelial cells that synthesize, secrete, and transport mucus components. This review highlights recent advances in the biology of mucin glycoproteins with a specific focus on MUC5AC and MUC5B, the chief macromolecular components of airway mucus. An improved mechanistic understanding of key steps in mucin production and secretion will help reveal novel potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Jaramillo
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Eszter K Vladar
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Fernando Holguin
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Burton F Dickey
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas M.D., Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher M Evans
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
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4
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Wang X, Chen X, Chen Z, Xu W, Lai R, Qiu X, Zeng Z, Wang C, Wang Z, Wang J. Integrated Anchored Stapling and Hierarchical Dynamics: MSICDA-Driven CREBBP Bromodomain Inhibition. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:4739-4758. [PMID: 38863138 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00381] [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: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Despite recent success in the computational approaches of cyclic peptide design, current studies face challenges in modeling noncanonical amino acids and nonstandard cyclizations due to limited data. To address this challenge, we developed an integrated framework for the tailored design of stapled peptides (SPs) targeting the bromodomain of CREBBP (CREBBP-BrD). We introduce a powerful combination of anchored stapling and hierarchical molecular dynamics to design and optimize SPs by employing the MultiScale integrative conformational dynamics assessment (MSICDA) strategy, which involves an initial virtual screening of over 1.5 million SPs, followed by comprehensive simulations amounting to 154.54 μs across 5418 of instances. The MSICDA method provides a detailed and holistic stability view of peptide-protein interactions, systematically isolated optimized peptides and identified two leading candidates, DA#430 and DA#99409, characterized by their enhanced stability, optimized binding, and high affinity toward the CREBBP-BrD. In cell-free assays, DA#430 and DA#99409 exhibited 2- to 12-fold greater potency than inhibitor SGC-CBP30. Cell studies revealed higher peptide selectivity for cancerous versus normal cells over small molecules. DA#430 combined with (+)-JQ-1 showed promising synergistic effects. Our approach enables the identification of peptides with optimized binding, high affinity, and enhanced stability, leading to more precise and effective cyclic peptide design, thereby establishing MSICDA as a generalizable and transformative tool for uncovering novel targeted drug development in various therapeutic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinpei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xu Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zhidong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Wanting Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Ruizhi Lai
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Xiaohui Qiu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zekai Zeng
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- Shenzhen Qiyu Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Junqing Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
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5
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Li Z, Feng Y, Han H, Jiang X, Chen W, Ma X, Mei Y, Yuan D, Zhang D, Shi J. A Stapled Peptide Inhibitor Targeting the Binding Interface of N6-Adenosine-Methyltransferase Subunits METTL3 and METTL14 for Cancer Therapy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202402611. [PMID: 38607929 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202402611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
METTL3, a primary methyltransferase catalyzing the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, has been identified as an oncogene in several cancer types and thus nominated as a potentially effective target for therapeutic inhibition. However, current options using this strategy are limited. In this study, we targeted protein-protein interactions at the METTL3-METTL14 binding interface to inhibit complex formation and subsequent catalysis of the RNA m6A modification. Among candidate peptides, RM3 exhibited the highest anti-cancer potency, inhibiting METTL3 activity while also facilitating its proteasomal degradation. We then designed a stapled peptide inhibitor (RSM3) with enhanced peptide stability and formation of the α-helical secondary structure required for METTL3 interaction. Functional and transcriptomic analysis in vivo indicated that RSM3 induced upregulation of programmed cell death-related genes while inhibiting cancer-promoting signals. Furthermore, tumor growth was significantly suppressed while apoptosis was enhanced upon RSM3 treatment, accompanied by increased METTL3 degradation, and reduced global RNA methylation levels in two in vivo tumor models. This peptide inhibitor thus exploits a mechanism distinct from other small-molecule competitive inhibitors to inhibit oncogenic METTL3 activity. Our findings collectively highlight the potential of targeting METTL3 in cancer therapies through peptide-based inhibition of complex formation and proteolytic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenghui Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation Institution, Guangzhou, 511300, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yuqing Feng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hong Han
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation Institution, Guangzhou, 511300, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xingyue Jiang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation Institution, Guangzhou, 511300, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weiyu Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation Institution, Guangzhou, 511300, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xuezhen Ma
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Yang Mei
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Dan Yuan
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation Institution, Guangzhou, 511300, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Dingxiao Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Junfeng Shi
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation Institution, Guangzhou, 511300, Guangdong Province, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong Province, China
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6
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Dongrui Z, Miyamoto M, Yokoo H, Demizu Y. Innovative peptide architectures: advancements in foldamers and stapled peptides for drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:699-723. [PMID: 38753534 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2350568] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Peptide foldamers play a critical role in pharmaceutical research and biomedical applications. This review highlights recent (post-2020) advancements in novel foldamers, synthetic techniques, and their applications in pharmaceutical research. AREAS COVERED The authors summarize the structures and applications of peptide foldamers such as α, β, γ-peptides, hydrocarbon-stapled peptides, urea-type foldamers, sulfonic-γ-amino acid foldamers, aromatic foldamers, and peptoids, which tackle the challenges of traditional peptide drugs. Regarding antimicrobial use, foldamers have shown progress in their potential against drug-resistant bacteria. In drug development, peptide foldamers have been used as drug delivery systems (DDS) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION These structures exhibit resistance to enzymatic degradation, are promising for therapeutic delivery, and disrupt crucial PPIs associated with diseases such as cancer with specificity, versatility, and stability, which are useful therapeutic properties. However, the complexity and cost of their synthesis, along with the necessity for thorough safety and efficacy assessments, necessitate extensive research and cross-sector collaboration. Advances in synthesis methods, computational modeling, and targeted delivery systems are essential for fully realizing the therapeutic potential of foldamers and integrating them into mainstream medical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Dongrui
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Maho Miyamoto
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hidetomo Yokoo
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Yosuke Demizu
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Science of Okayama University, Kita, Japan
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Li Y, Wu M, Fu Y, Xue J, Yuan F, Qu T, Rissanou AN, Wang Y, Li X, Hu H. Therapeutic stapled peptides: Efficacy and molecular targets. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107137. [PMID: 38522761 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Peptide stapling, by employing a stable, preformed alpha-helical conformation, results in the production of peptides with improved membrane permeability and enhanced proteolytic stability, compared to the original peptides, and provides an effective solution to accelerate the rapid development of peptide drugs. Various reviews present peptide stapling chemistries, anchoring residues and one- or two-component cyclization, however, therapeutic stapled peptides have not been systematically summarized, especially focusing on various disease-related targets. This review highlights the latest advances in therapeutic peptide drug development facilitated by the application of stapling technology, including different stapling techniques, synthetic accessibility, applicability to biological targets, potential for solving biological problems, as well as the current status of development. Stapled peptides as therapeutic drug candidates have been classified and analysed mainly by receptor- and ligand-based stapled peptide design against various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, inflammation, and diabetes. This review is expected to provide a comprehensive reference for the rational design of stapled peptides for different diseases and targets to facilitate the development of therapeutic peptides with enhanced pharmacokinetic and biological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China.
| | - Minghao Wu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yinxue Fu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Jingwen Xue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Fei Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Tianci Qu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Anastassia N Rissanou
- Theoretical & Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, Athens 11635, Greece
| | - Yilin Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 131 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Honggang Hu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China.
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8
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Xu C, Song Y, Liu W, Liu R, Bai Q, Li L, Wang C, Yan G. IL-4 activates ULK1/Atg9a/Rab9 in asthma, NLRP3 inflammasomes, and Golgi fragmentation by increasing autophagy flux and mitochondrial oxidative stress. Redox Biol 2024; 71:103090. [PMID: 38373380 PMCID: PMC10878789 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
During asthma, there is an intensification of pulmonary epithelial inflammation, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and Golgi apparatus fragmentation. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the roles of ULK1, Atg9a, and Rab9 in epithelial inflammation, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and Golgi apparatus fragmentation. We found that ULK1 gene knockout reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells, restored the imbalance of the Th1/Th2 ratio, and inhibited the formation of inflammatory bodies in the lung tissue of house dust mite-induced asthma mice. Moreover, we demonstrated that Atg9a interacted with ULK1 at S467. ULK1 phosphorylated Atg9a at S14. Treatment with ULK1 activator (LYN-1604) and ULK1 inhibitor (ULK-101) respectively promoted and inhibited inflammasome activation, indicating that the activation of inflammasome induced by house dust mite in asthma mice is dependent on ULK1. For validation of the in vivo results, we then used a lentivirus containing ULK1 wild type and ULK1-S467A genes to infect Beas-2b-ULK1-knockout cells and establish a stable cell line. The results suggest that the ULK1 S467 site is crucial for IL-4-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. Experimental verification confirmed that Atg9a was the superior signaling pathway of Rab9. Interestingly, we found for the first time that Rab9 played a very important role in inflammation-induced fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus. Inhibiting the activation of the ULK1/Atg9a/Rab9 signaling pathways can inhibit Golgi apparatus fragmentation and mitochondrial oxidative stress in asthma while reducing the production of NLRP3-mediated pulmonary epithelial inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Xu
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, 133002, PR China
| | - Yilan Song
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, 133002, PR China
| | - Wanting Liu
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, 133002, PR China
| | - Ruobai Liu
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, 133002, PR China
| | - Qiaoyun Bai
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, 133002, PR China
| | - Liangchang Li
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, 133002, PR China
| | - Chongyang Wang
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, 133002, PR China.
| | - Guanghai Yan
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, 133002, PR China.
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9
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Ma B, Liu D, Zheng M, Wang Z, Zhang D, Jian Y, Ma J, Fan Y, Chen Y, Gao Y, Liu J, Li X, Li L. Development of a Double-Stapled Peptide Stabilizing Both α-Helix and β-Sheet Structures for Degrading Transcription Factor AR-V7. JACS AU 2024; 4:816-827. [PMID: 38425893 PMCID: PMC10900202 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Peptide drugs offer distinct advantages in therapeutics; however, their limited stability and membrane penetration abilities hinder their widespread application. One strategy to overcome these challenges is the hydrocarbon peptide stapling technique, which addresses issues such as poor conformational stability, weak proteolytic resistance, and limited membrane permeability. Nonetheless, while peptide stapling has successfully stabilized α-helical peptides, it has shown limited applicability for most β-sheet peptide motifs. In this study, we present the design of a novel double-stapled peptide capable of simultaneously stabilizing both α-helix and β-sheet structures. Our designed double-stapled peptide, named DSARTC, specifically targets the androgen receptor (AR) DNA binding domain and MDM2 as E3 ligase. Serving as a peptide-based PROTAC (proteolysis-targeting chimera), DSARTC exhibits the ability to degrade both the full-length AR and AR-V7. Molecular dynamics simulations and circular dichroism analysis validate the successful constraint of both secondary structures, demonstrating that DSARTC is a "first-in-class" heterogeneous-conformational double-stapled peptide drug candidate. Compared to its linear counterpart, DSARTC displays enhanced stability and an improved cell penetration ability. In an enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer animal model, DSARTC effectively inhibits tumor growth and reduces the levels of both AR and AR-V7 proteins. These results highlight the potential of DSARTC as a more potent and specific peptide PROTAC for AR-V7. Furthermore, our findings provide a promising strategy for expanding the design of staple peptide-based PROTAC drugs, targeting a wide range of "undruggable" transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Ma
- Department
of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Donghua Liu
- Department
of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Mengjun Zheng
- School
of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute
of Bioengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China
| | - Dize Zhang
- Department
of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Yanlin Jian
- Department
of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Jian Ma
- Department
of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Yizeng Fan
- Department
of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Yule Chen
- Department
of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department
of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department
of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School
of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department
of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
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10
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Gebert JT, Scribano FJ, Engevik KA, Hyser JM. Live Calcium Imaging of Virus-Infected Human Intestinal Organoid Monolayers Using Genetically Encoded Calcium Indicators. J Vis Exp 2024:10.3791/66132. [PMID: 38314824 PMCID: PMC11157669 DOI: 10.3791/66132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Calcium signaling is an integral regulator of nearly every tissue. Within the intestinal epithelium, calcium is involved in the regulation of secretory activity, actin dynamics, inflammatory responses, stem cell proliferation, and many other uncharacterized cellular functions. As such, mapping calcium signaling dynamics within the intestinal epithelium can provide insight into homeostatic cellular processes and unveil unique responses to various stimuli. Human intestinal organoids (HIOs) are a high-throughput, human-derived model to study the intestinal epithelium and thus represent a useful system to investigate calcium dynamics. This paper describes a protocol to stably transduce HIOs with genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs), perform live fluorescence microscopy, and analyze imaging data to meaningfully characterize calcium signals. As a representative example, 3-dimensional HIOs were transduced with lentivirus to stably express GCaMP6s, a green fluorescent protein-based cytosolic GECI. The engineered HIOs were then dispersed into a single-cell suspension and seeded as monolayers. After differentiation, the HIO monolayers were infected with rotavirus and/or treated with drugs known to stimulate a calcium response. An epifluorescence microscope fitted with a temperature-controlled, humidified live-imaging chamber allowed for long-term imaging of infected or drug-treated monolayers. Following imaging, acquired images were analyzed using the freely available analysis software, ImageJ. Overall, this work establishes an adaptable pipeline for characterizing cellular signaling in HIOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Thomas Gebert
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Francesca J Scribano
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Kristen A Engevik
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Joseph M Hyser
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine;
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11
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Li J, Tan YS, Verma CS. Dissecting the geometric and hydrophobic constraints of stapled peptides. Proteins 2024. [PMID: 38196284 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Stapled peptides are a promising class of molecules with potential as highly specific probes of protein-protein interactions and as therapeutics. Hydrocarbon stapling affects the peptide properties through the interplay of two factors: enhancing the overall hydrophobicity and constraining the conformational flexibility. By constructing a series of virtual peptides, we study the role of each factor in modulating the structural properties of a hydrocarbon-stapled peptide PM2, which has been shown to enter cells, engage its target Mouse Double Minute 2 (MDM2), and activate p53. Hamiltonian replica exchange molecular dynamics (HREMD) simulations suggest that hydrocarbon stapling favors helical populations of PM2 through a combination of the geometric constraints and the enhanced hydrophobicity of the peptide. To further understand the conformational landscape of the stapled peptides along the binding pathway, we performed HREMD simulations by restraining the peptide at different distances from MDM2. When the peptide approaches MDM2, the binding pocket undergoes dehydration which appears to be greater in the presence of the stapled peptide compared with the linear peptide. In the binding pocket, the helicity of the stapled peptide is increased due to the favorable interactions between the peptide residues as well as the staple and the microenvironment of the binding pocket, contributing to enhanced affinity. The dissection of the multifaceted mechanism of hydrocarbon stapling into individual factors not only deepens fundamental understanding of peptide stapling, but also provides guidelines for the design of new stapled peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Li
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yaw Sing Tan
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chandra S Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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12
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Yang R, Wu X, Gounni AS, Xie J. Mucus hypersecretion in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: From molecular mechanisms to treatment. J Transl Int Med 2023; 11:312-315. [PMID: 38130649 PMCID: PMC10732574 DOI: 10.2478/jtim-2023-0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ruonan Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases of Health Ministry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaojie Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Wuhan NO. 1 Hospital, Wuhan Hospital of traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Wuhan430022, Hubei Province, China
| | - Abdelilah Soussi Gounni
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, ManitobaR3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Jungang Xie
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases of Health Ministry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430030, Hubei Province, China
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13
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Chen B, Li Y, Bai H, Ji Y, Cong W, Hu H, He S. Unleashing the potential of natural biological peptide Macropin: Hydrocarbon stapling for effective breast cancer treatment. Bioorg Chem 2023; 140:106770. [PMID: 37604094 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The identification of novel candidate molecules with the potential to revolutionize the treatment of breast cancer holds profound clinical significance. Macropin (Mac)-1, derived from the venom of wild bees, emerges as an auspicious therapeutic agent for combating breast cancers. Nevertheless, linear peptides have long grappled with the challenges of traversing cell membranes and succumbing to protease hydrolysis. To address this challenge, the present study employed hydrocarbon stapling modification to synthesize a range of stapled Mac-1 peptides, which were comprehensively evaluated for their chemical and biological properties. Significantly, Mac-1-sp4 exhibited a remarkable set of improvements, including enhanced helicity, proteolytic stability, cell membrane permeability, induction of cell apoptosis, in vivo antitumor activity, and inhibition of tubulin polymerization. This study explores the significant impact of the hydrocarbon stapling technique on the secondary structure, hydrolase stability, and biological activity of Mac-1, shedding light on its potential as a revolutionary and potent anti-breast cancer therapy. The findings establish a strong basis for the development of innovative and highly effective anti-tumor treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baobao Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, 200444, China
| | - Yinghua Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, 200444, China
| | - Haohao Bai
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, 200444, China
| | - Yajing Ji
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, 200444, China
| | - Wei Cong
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 200444, China.
| | - Honggang Hu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 200444, China
| | - Shipeng He
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, 200444, China.
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14
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Norman CA, Krishnakumar SS, Timofeeva Y, Volynski KE. The release of inhibition model reproduces kinetics and plasticity of neurotransmitter release in central synapses. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1091. [PMID: 37891212 PMCID: PMC10611806 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05445-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium-evoked release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles (SVs) is catalysed by SNARE proteins. The predominant view is that, at rest, complete assembly of SNARE complexes is inhibited ('clamped') by synaptotagmin and complexin molecules. Calcium binding by synaptotagmins releases this fusion clamp and triggers fast SV exocytosis. However, this model has not been quantitatively tested over physiological timescales. Here we describe an experimentally constrained computational modelling framework to quantitatively assess how the molecular architecture of the fusion clamp affects SV exocytosis. Our results argue that the 'release-of-inhibition' model can indeed account for fast calcium-activated SV fusion, and that dual binding of synaptotagmin-1 and synaptotagmin-7 to the same SNARE complex enables synergistic regulation of the kinetics and plasticity of neurotransmitter release. The developed framework provides a powerful and adaptable tool to link the molecular biochemistry of presynaptic proteins to physiological data and efficiently test the plausibility of calcium-activated neurotransmitter release models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Norman
- University College London Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Mathematics for Real-World Systems Centre for Doctoral Training, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Shyam S Krishnakumar
- University College London Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
- Department of Neurology, Yale Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Yulia Timofeeva
- University College London Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - Kirill E Volynski
- University College London Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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15
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Chen B, Liu C, Cong W, Gao F, Zou Y, Su L, Liu L, Hillisch A, Lehmann L, Bierer D, Li X, Hu HG. Cyclobutane-bearing restricted anchoring residues enabled geometry-specific hydrocarbon peptide stapling. Chem Sci 2023; 14:11499-11506. [PMID: 37886087 PMCID: PMC10599482 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04279k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Stapled peptides are regarded as the promising next-generation therapeutics because of their improved secondary structure, membrane permeability and metabolic stability as compared with the prototype linear peptides. Usually, stapled peptides are obtained by a hydrocarbon stapling technique, anchoring from paired olefin-terminated unnatural amino acids and the consequent ring-closing metathesis (RCM). To investigate the adaptability of the rigid cyclobutane structure in RCM and expand the chemical diversity of hydrocarbon peptide stapling, we herein described the rational design and efficient synthesis of cyclobutane-based conformationally constrained amino acids, termed (E)-1-amino-3-(but-3-en-1-yl)cyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid (E7) and (Z)-1-amino-3-(but-3-en-1-yl)cyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid (Z7). All four combinations including E7-E7, E7-Z7, Z7-Z7 and Z7-E7 were proven to be applicable in RCM-mediated peptide stapling to afford the corresponding geometry-specific stapled peptides. With the aid of the combined quantum and molecular mechanics, the E7-E7 combination was proven to be optimal in both the RCM reaction and helical stabilization. With the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 as the target, a series of cyclobutane-bearing stapled peptides were obtained. Among them, E7-E7 geometry-specific stapled peptides indeed exhibit higher α-helicity and thus stronger biological activity than canonical hydrocarbon stapled peptides. We believe that this methodology possesses great potential to expand the scope of the existing peptide stapling strategy. These cyclobutane-bearing restricted anchoring residues served as effective supplements for the existing olefin-terminated unnatural amino acids and the resultant geometry-specific hydrocarbon peptide stapling provided more potential for peptide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baobao Chen
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Wei Cong
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Fei Gao
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Yan Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Li Su
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Alexander Hillisch
- Bayer AG, Pharma Division, Drug Discovery Sciences Aprather Weg 18A Wuppertal 42096 Germany
- UCB BioSciences GmbH Alfred-Nobel-Straße 10 40789 Monheim am Rhein Germany
| | - Lutz Lehmann
- Bayer AG, Pharma Division, Drug Discovery Sciences Aprather Weg 18A Wuppertal 42096 Germany
| | - Donald Bierer
- Bayer AG, Pharma Division, Drug Discovery Sciences Aprather Weg 18A Wuppertal 42096 Germany
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Hong-Gang Hu
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
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16
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Gan PXL, Liao W, Lim HF, Wong WSF. Dexamethasone protects against Aspergillus fumigatus-induced severe asthma via modulating pulmonary immunometabolism. Pharmacol Res 2023; 196:106929. [PMID: 37717682 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Severe asthma is a difficult-to-treat chronic airway inflammatory disease requiring systemic corticosteroids to achieve asthma control. It has recently been shown that drugs targeting immunometabolism have elicited anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential immunometabolic modulatory actions of systemic dexamethasone (Dex) in an Aspergillus fumigatus (Af)-induced severe asthma model. Mice were repeatedly exposed to the Af aeroallergen before systemic treatment with Dex. Simultaneous measurements of airway inflammation, real-time glycolytic and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) activities, expression levels of key metabolic enzymes, and amounts of metabolites were studied in lung tissues, and in primary alveolar macrophages (AMs) and eosinophils. Dex markedly reduced Af-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation, which was coupled with an overall reduction in lung glycolysis, glutaminolysis, and fatty acid synthesis. The anti-inflammatory effects of Dex may stem from its immunometabolic actions by downregulating key metabolic enzymes including pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, glutaminase, and fatty acid synthase. Substantial suppression of eosinophilic airway inflammation by Dex coincided with a specific escalation of mitochondrial proton leak in primary lung eosinophils. Besides, while our findings confirmed that inflammation corresponds with an upregulation of glycolysis, it was accompanied with an unexpectedly stable or elevated OXPHOS in the lungs and activated immune cells, respectively. Our findings reveal that the anti-inflammatory effects of Dex in severe asthma are associated with downregulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, glutaminase, and fatty acid synthase, and the augmentation of mitochondrial proton leak in lung eosinophils. These enzymes and biological processes may be valuable targets for therapeutic interventions against severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyllis X L Gan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wupeng Liao
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hui Fang Lim
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - W S Fred Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Drug Discovery & Optimization Platform, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.
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17
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Han H, Xing L, Chen BT, Liu Y, Zhou TJ, Wang Y, Zhang LF, Li L, Cho CS, Jiang HL. Progress on the pathological tissue microenvironment barrier-modulated nanomedicine. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 200:115051. [PMID: 37549848 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Imbalance in the tissue microenvironment is the main obstacle to drug delivery and distribution in the human body. Before penetrating the pathological tissue microenvironment to the target site, therapeutic agents are usually accompanied by three consumption steps: the first step is tissue physical barriers for prevention of their penetration, the second step is inactivation of them by biological molecules, and the third step is a cytoprotective mechanism for preventing them from functioning on specific subcellular organelles. However, recent studies in drug-hindering mainly focus on normal physiological rather than pathological microenvironment, and the repair of damaged physiological barriers is also rarely discussed. Actually, both the modulation of pathological barriers and the repair of damaged physiological barriers are essential in the disease treatment and the homeostasis maintenance. In this review, we present an overview describing the latest advances in the generality of these pathological barriers and barrier-modulated nanomedicine. Overall, this review holds considerable significance for guiding the design of nanomedicine to increase drug efficacy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Han
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Lei Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Bi-Te Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Tian-Jiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Ling-Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Chong-Su Cho
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea.
| | - Hu-Lin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China.
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18
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Cong W, Shen H, Liao X, Zheng M, Kong X, Wang Z, Chen S, Li Y, Hu H, Li X. Discovery of an orally effective double-stapled peptide for reducing ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:3770-3781. [PMID: 37719364 PMCID: PMC10502273 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Stapled peptides with significantly enhanced pharmacological profiles have emerged as promising therapeutic molecules due to their remarkable resistance to proteolysis and performance to penetrate cells. The all-hydrocarbon peptide stapling technique has already widely adopted with great success, yielding numerous potent peptide-based molecules. Based on our prior efforts, we conceived and prepared a double-stapled peptide in this study, termed FRNC-1, which effectively attenuated the bone resorption capacity of mature osteoclasts in vitro through specific inhibition of phosphorylated GSK-3β. The double-stapled peptide FRNC-1 displayed notably improved helical contents and resistance to proteolysis than its linear form. Additionally, FRNC-1 effectively prevented osteoclast activation and improved bone density for ovariectomized (OVX) mice after intravenous injection and importantly, after oral (intragastric) administration. The double-stapled peptide FRNC-1 is the first orally effective peptide that has been validated to date as a therapeutic candidate for postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cong
- School of Medicine Or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Huaxing Shen
- School of Medicine Or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiufei Liao
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Tarim University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Alar City 843300, China
| | - Mengjun Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xianglong Kong
- School of Medicine Or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute of Bioengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Medicine Or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yulei Li
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drugs (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Honggang Hu
- School of Medicine Or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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19
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Wojnacki J, Lujan AL, Brouwers N, Aranda-Vallejo C, Bigliani G, Rodriguez MP, Foresti O, Malhotra V. Tetraspanin-8 sequesters syntaxin-2 to control biphasic release propensity of mucin granules. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3710. [PMID: 37349283 PMCID: PMC10287693 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39277-9] [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: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Agonist-mediated stimulated pathway of mucin and insulin release are biphasic in which rapid fusion of pre-docked granules is followed by slow docking and fusion of granules from the reserve pool. Here, based on a cell-culture system, we show that plasma membrane-located tetraspanin-8 sequesters syntaxin-2 to control mucin release. Tetraspanin-8 affects fusion of granules during the second phase of stimulated mucin release. The tetraspanin-8/syntaxin-2 complex does not contain VAMP-8, which functions with syntaxin-2 to mediate granule fusion. We suggest that by sequestering syntaxin-2, tetraspanin-8 prevents docking of granules from the reserve pool. In the absence of tetraspanin-8, more syntaxin-2 is available for docking and fusion of granules and thus doubles the quantities of mucins secreted. This principle also applies to insulin release and we suggest a cell type specific Tetraspanin/Syntaxin combination is a general mechanism regulating the fusion of dense core granules.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Wojnacki
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Agustin Leonardo Lujan
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nathalie Brouwers
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Aranda-Vallejo
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Bigliani
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Pena Rodriguez
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ombretta Foresti
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vivek Malhotra
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain.
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20
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Nchioua R, Schundner A, Klute S, Koepke L, Hirschenberger M, Noettger S, Fois G, Zech F, Graf A, Krebs S, Braubach P, Blum H, Stenger S, Kmiec D, Frick M, Kirchhoff F, Sparrer KM. Reduced replication but increased interferon resistance of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201745. [PMID: 36977594 PMCID: PMC10053418 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The IFN system constitutes a powerful antiviral defense machinery. Consequently, effective IFN responses protect against severe COVID-19 and exogenous IFNs inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. However, emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) may have evolved reduced IFN sensitivity. Here, we determined differences in replication and IFN susceptibility of an early SARS-CoV-2 isolate (NL-02-2020) and the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron VOCs in Calu-3 cells, iPSC-derived alveolar type-II cells (iAT2) and air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures of primary human airway epithelial cells. Our data show that Alpha, Beta, and Gamma replicated to similar levels as NL-02-2020. In comparison, Delta consistently yielded higher viral RNA levels, whereas Omicron was attenuated. All viruses were inhibited by type-I, -II, and -III IFNs, albeit to varying extend. Overall, Alpha was slightly less sensitive to IFNs than NL-02-2020, whereas Beta, Gamma, and Delta remained fully sensitive. Strikingly, Omicron BA.1 was least restricted by exogenous IFNs in all cell models. Our results suggest that enhanced innate immune evasion rather than higher replication capacity contributed to the effective spread of Omicron BA.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayhane Nchioua
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Annika Schundner
- Institute of General Physiology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Susanne Klute
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lennart Koepke
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Sabrina Noettger
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Giorgio Fois
- Institute of General Physiology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Fabian Zech
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexander Graf
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Krebs
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Braubach
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Pathology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helmut Blum
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Steffen Stenger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Dorota Kmiec
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Manfred Frick
- Institute of General Physiology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
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21
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Maneu V, Borges R, Gandía L, García AG. Forty years of the adrenal chromaffin cell through ISCCB meetings around the world. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:667-690. [PMID: 36884064 PMCID: PMC10185644 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02793-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
This historical review focuses on the evolution of the knowledge accumulated during the last two centuries on the biology of the adrenal medulla gland and its chromaffin cells (CCs). The review emerged in the context of a series of meetings that started on the Spanish island of Ibiza in 1982 with the name of the International Symposium on Chromaffin Cell Biology (ISCCB). Hence, the review is divided into two periods namely, before 1982 and from this year to 2022, when the 21st ISCCB meeting was just held in Hamburg, Germany. The first historical period extends back to 1852 when Albert Kölliker first described the fine structure and function of the adrenal medulla. Subsequently, the adrenal staining with chromate salts identified the CCs; this was followed by the establishment of the embryological origin of the adrenal medulla, and the identification of adrenaline-storing vesicles. By the end of the nineteenth century, the basic morphology, histochemistry, and embryology of the adrenal gland were known. The twentieth century began with breakthrough findings namely, the experiment of Elliott suggesting that adrenaline was the sympathetic neurotransmitter, the isolation of pure adrenaline, and the deciphering of its molecular structure and chemical synthesis in the laboratory. In the 1950s, Blaschko isolated the catecholamine-storing vesicles from adrenal medullary extracts. This switched the interest in CCs as models of sympathetic neurons with an explosion of studies concerning their functions, i.e., uptake of catecholamines by chromaffin vesicles through a specific coupled transport system; the identification of several vesicle components in addition to catecholamines including chromogranins, ATP, opioids, and other neuropeptides; the calcium-dependence of the release of catecholamines; the underlying mechanism of exocytosis of this release, as indicated by the co-release of proteins; the cross-talk between the adrenal cortex and the medulla; and the emission of neurite-like processes by CCs in culture, among other numerous findings. The 1980s began with the introduction of new high-resolution techniques such as patch-clamp, calcium probes, marine toxins-targeting ion channels and receptors, confocal microscopy, or amperometry. In this frame of technological advances at the Ibiza ISCCB meeting in 1982, 11 senior researchers in the field predicted a notable increase in our knowledge in the field of CCs and the adrenal medulla; this cumulative knowledge that occurred in the last 40 years of history of the CC is succinctly described in the second part of this historical review. It deals with cell excitability, ion channel currents, the exocytotic fusion pore, the handling of calcium ions by CCs, the kinetics of exocytosis and endocytosis, the exocytotic machinery, and the life cycle of secretory vesicles. These concepts together with studies on the dynamics of membrane fusion with super-resolution imaging techniques at the single-protein level were extensively reviewed by top scientists in the field at the 21st ISCCB meeting in Hamburg in the summer of 2022; this frontier topic is also briefly reviewed here. Many of the concepts arising from those studies contributed to our present understanding of synaptic transmission. This has been studied in physiological or pathophysiological conditions, in CCs from animal disease models. In conclusion, the lessons we have learned from CC biology as a peripheral model for brain and brain disease pertain more than ever to cutting-edge research in neurobiology. In the 22nd ISCCB meeting in Israel in 2024 that Uri Asheri is organizing, we will have the opportunity of seeing the progress of the questions posed in Ibiza, and on other questions that undoubtedly will arise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Maneu
- Departamento de Óptica, Farmacología y Anatomía, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Ricardo Borges
- Unidad de Farmacología, Departamento de Medicina Física y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Luis Gandía
- Instituto Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio G. García
- Instituto Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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22
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Dickey BF, Evans CM. Towards a better mucolytic. Eur Respir J 2023; 61:2300619. [PMID: 37230504 PMCID: PMC11210706 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00619-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Burton F Dickey
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher M Evans
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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23
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Case M, Navaratna T, Vinh J, Thurber G. Rapid Evaluation of Staple Placement in Stabilized α Helices Using Bacterial Surface Display. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:905-914. [PMID: 37039514 PMCID: PMC10773984 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
There are a wealth of proteins involved in disease that cannot be targeted by current therapeutics because they are inside cells, inaccessible to most macromolecules, and lack small-molecule binding pockets. Stapled peptides, where two amino acids are covalently linked, form a class of macrocycles that have the potential to penetrate cell membranes and disrupt intracellular protein-protein interactions. However, their discovery relies on solid-phase synthesis, greatly limiting queries into their complex design space involving amino acid sequence, staple location, and staple chemistry. Here, we use stabilized peptide engineering by Escherichia coli display (SPEED), which utilizes noncanonical amino acids and click chemistry for stabilization, to rapidly screen staple location and linker structure to accelerate peptide design. After using SPEED to confirm hotspots in the mdm2-p53 interaction, we evaluated different staple locations and staple chemistry to identify several novel nanomolar and sub-nanomolar antagonists. Next, we evaluated SPEED in the B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein family, which is responsible for regulating apoptosis. We report that novel staple locations modified in the context of BIM, a high affinity but nonspecific naturally occurring peptide, improve its specificity against the highly homologous proteins in the Bcl-2 family. These compounds demonstrate the importance of screening linker location and chemistry in identifying high affinity and specific peptide antagonists. Therefore, SPEED can be used as a versatile platform to evaluate multiple design criteria for stabilized peptide engineering.
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24
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Kumar THV, Srinivasan S, Krishnan V, Vaidyanathan R, Babu KA, Natarajan S, Veerapandian M. Peptide-based direct electrochemical detection of receptor binding domains of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in pristine samples. SENSORS AND ACTUATORS. B, CHEMICAL 2023; 377:133052. [PMID: 36438197 PMCID: PMC9682882 DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2022.133052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
RNA isolation and amplification-free user-friendly detection of SARS-CoV-2 is the need of hour especially at resource limited settings. Herein, we devised the peptides of human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (hACE-2) as bioreceptor at electrode interface for selective targeting of receptor binding domains (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP). Disposable carbon-screen printed electrode modified with methylene blue (MB) electroadsorbed graphene oxide (GO) has been constructed as cost-efficient and scalable platform for hACE-2 peptide-based SARS-CoV-2 detection. In silico molecular docking of customized 25 mer peptides with RBD of SARS-CoV-2 SP were validated by AutoDock CrankPep. N-terminal region of ACE-2 showed higher binding affinity of - 20.6 kcal/mol with 15 H-bond, 9 of which were < 3 Å. Electrochemical biosensing of different concentrations of SPs were determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA), enabling a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.58 pg/mL and 0.71 pg/mL, respectively. MB-GO devised hACE-2 peptide platform exert an enhanced current sensitivity of 0.0105 mA/pg mL-1 cm-2 (R2 = 0.9792) (CV) and 0.45 nA/pg mL-1 (R2 = 0.9570) (CA) against SP in the range of 1 pg/mL to 1 µg/mL. For clinical feasibility, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab specimens in viral transport medium were directly tested with the prepared peptide biosensor and validated with RT-PCR, promising for point-of-need analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T H Vignesh Kumar
- Electrodics and Electrocatalysis Division, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sowmiya Srinivasan
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Center of Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai 600095, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vinoth Krishnan
- Electrodics and Electrocatalysis Division, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Rama Vaidyanathan
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Center of Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai 600095, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai 600095, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kannadasan Anand Babu
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Center of Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai 600095, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sudhakar Natarajan
- Department of Virology and Biotechnology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai 600031, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Murugan Veerapandian
- Electrodics and Electrocatalysis Division, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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25
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The Role of α-Synuclein in SNARE-mediated Synaptic Vesicle Fusion. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167775. [PMID: 35931109 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal communication depends on exquisitely regulated membrane fusion between synaptic vesicles and presynaptic neurons, which results in neurotransmitter release in precisely timed patterns. Presynaptic dysfunctions are known to occur prior to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease. Synaptic accumulation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) oligomers has been implicated in the pathway leading to such outcomes. α-Syn oligomers exert aberrant effects on presynaptic fusion machinery through their interactions with synaptic vesicles and proteins. Here, we summarize in vitro bulk and single-vesicle assays for investigating the functions of α-Syn monomers and oligomers in synaptic vesicle fusion and then discuss the current understanding of the roles of α-Syn monomers and oligomers in synaptic vesicle fusion. Finally, we suggest a new therapeutic avenue specifically targeting the mechanisms of α-Syn oligomer toxicity rather than the oligomer itself.
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26
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Brunger AT, Leitz J. The Core Complex of the Ca 2+-Triggered Presynaptic Fusion Machinery. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167853. [PMID: 36243149 PMCID: PMC10578080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic neurotransmitter release is mediated by an orchestra of presynaptic proteins that precisely control and trigger fusion between synaptic vesicles and the neuron terminal at the active zone upon the arrival of an action potential. Critical to this process are the neuronal SNAREs (Soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor Attachment protein REceptor), the Ca2+-sensor synaptotagmin, the activator/regulator complexin, and other factors. Here, we review the interactions between the SNARE complex and synaptotagmin, with focus on the so-called primary interface between synaptotagmin and the SNARE complex that has been validated in terms of its physiological relevance. We discuss several other but less validated interfaces as well, including the so-called tripartite interface, and we discuss the pros and cons for these possible alternative interfaces. We also present new molecular dynamics simulations of the tripartite interface and new data of an inhibitor of the primary interface in a reconstituted system of synaptic vesicle fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.
| | - Jeremy Leitz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
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27
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Jaczynska K, Esquivies L, Pfuetzner RA, Alten B, Brewer KD, Zhou Q, Kavalali ET, Brunger AT, Rizo J. Analysis of tripartite Synaptotagmin-1-SNARE-complexin-1 complexes in solution. FEBS Open Bio 2023; 13:26-50. [PMID: 36305864 PMCID: PMC9811660 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterizing interactions of Synaptotagmin-1 with the SNARE complex is crucial to understand the mechanism of neurotransmitter release. X-ray crystallography revealed how the Synaptotagmin-1 C2 B domain binds to the SNARE complex through a so-called primary interface and to a complexin-1-SNARE complex through a so-called tripartite interface. Mutagenesis and electrophysiology supported the functional relevance of both interfaces, and extensive additional data validated the primary interface. However, ITC evidence suggesting that binding via the tripartite interface occurs in solution was called into question by subsequent NMR data. Here, we describe joint efforts to address this apparent contradiction. Using the same ITC approach with the same C2 B domain mutant used previously (C2 BKA-Q ) but including ion exchange chromatography to purify it, which is crucial to remove polyacidic contaminants, we were unable to observe the substantial endothermic ITC signal that was previously attributed to binding of this mutant to the complexin-1-SNARE complex through the tripartite interface. We were also unable to detect substantial populations of the tripartite interface in NMR analyses of the ITC samples or in measurements of paramagnetic relaxation effects, despite the high sensitivity of this method to detect weak protein complexes. However, these experiments do not rule out the possibility of very low affinity (KD > 1 mm) binding through this interface. These results emphasize the need to develop methods to characterize the structure of synaptotagmin-1-SNARE complexes between two membranes and to perform further structure-function analyses to establish the physiological relevance of the tripartite interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Jaczynska
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | - Luis Esquivies
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Structural BiologyStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Photon ScienceStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteStanford UniversityCAUSA
| | - Richard A. Pfuetzner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Structural BiologyStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Photon ScienceStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteStanford UniversityCAUSA
| | - Baris Alten
- Department of PharmacologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
- Vanderbilt Brain InstituteVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
- Present address:
Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Present address:
Department of NeurologyBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Present address:
Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Kyle D. Brewer
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
- Present address:
ETTA BiotechnologyPalo AltoCAUSA
| | - Qiangjun Zhou
- Vanderbilt Brain InstituteVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
- Department of Cell and Developmental BiologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Ege T. Kavalali
- Department of PharmacologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
- Vanderbilt Brain InstituteVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Axel T. Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Structural BiologyStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Department of Photon ScienceStanford UniversityCAUSA
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteStanford UniversityCAUSA
| | - Josep Rizo
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
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28
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Zhou Q. Calcium Sensors of Neurotransmitter Release. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 33:119-138. [PMID: 37615865 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) plays a critical role in triggering all three primary modes of neurotransmitter release (synchronous, asynchronous, and spontaneous). Synaptotagmin1, a protein with two C2 domains, is the first isoform of the synaptotagmin family that was identified and demonstrated as the primary Ca2+ sensor for synchronous neurotransmitter release. Other isoforms of the synaptotagmin family as well as other C2 proteins such as the double C2 domain protein family were found to act as Ca2+ sensors for different modes of neurotransmitter release. Major recent advances and previous data suggest a new model, release-of-inhibition, for the initiation of Ca2+-triggered synchronous neurotransmitter release. Synaptotagmin1 binds Ca2+ via its two C2 domains and relieves a primed pre-fusion machinery. Before Ca2+ triggering, synaptotagmin1 interacts Ca2+ independently with partially zippered SNARE complexes, the plasma membrane, phospholipids, and other components to form a primed pre-fusion state that is ready for fast release. However, membrane fusion is inhibited until the arrival of Ca2+ reorients the Ca2+-binding loops of the C2 domain to perturb the lipid bilayers, help bridge the membranes, and/or induce membrane curvatures, which serves as a power stroke to activate fusion. This chapter reviews the evidence supporting these models and discusses the molecular interactions that may underlie these abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangjun Zhou
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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29
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Khvotchev M, Soloviev M. SNARE Modulators and SNARE Mimetic Peptides. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121779. [PMID: 36551207 PMCID: PMC9776023 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein (SNAP) receptor (SNARE) proteins play a central role in most forms of intracellular membrane trafficking, a key process that allows for membrane and biocargo shuffling between multiple compartments within the cell and extracellular environment. The structural organization of SNARE proteins is relatively simple, with several intrinsically disordered and folded elements (e.g., SNARE motif, N-terminal domain, transmembrane region) that interact with other SNAREs, SNARE-regulating proteins and biological membranes. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the development of functional peptides that can modify SNARE-binding interfaces and modulate SNARE function. The ability of the relatively short SNARE motif to assemble spontaneously into stable coiled coil tetrahelical bundles has inspired the development of reduced SNARE-mimetic systems that use peptides for biological membrane fusion and for making large supramolecular protein complexes. We evaluate two such systems, based on peptide-nucleic acids (PNAs) and coiled coil peptides. We also review how the self-assembly of SNARE motifs can be exploited to drive on-demand assembly of complex re-engineered polypeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Khvotchev
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (M.S.)
| | - Mikhail Soloviev
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (M.S.)
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30
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Hoang ON, Ermund A, Jaramillo AM, Fakih D, French CB, Flores JR, Karmouty-Quintana H, Magnusson JM, Fois G, Fauler M, Frick M, Braubach P, Hales JB, Kurten RC, Panettieri R, Vergara L, Ehre C, Adachi R, Tuvim MJ, Hansson GC, Dickey BF. Mucins MUC5AC and MUC5B Are Variably Packaged in the Same and in Separate Secretory Granules. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 206:1081-1095. [PMID: 35776514 PMCID: PMC9704839 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202202-0309oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: MUC5AC (mucin 5AC, oligomeric gel-forming) and MUC5B (mucin 5B, oligomeric gel-forming) are the predominant secreted polymeric mucins in mammalian airways. They contribute differently to the pathogenesis of various muco-obstructive and interstitial lung diseases, and their genes are separately regulated, but whether they are packaged together or in separate secretory granules is not known. Objectives: To determine the packaging of MUC5AC and MUC5B within individual secretory granules in mouse and human airways under varying conditions of inflammation and along the proximal-distal axis. Methods: Lung tissue was obtained from mice stimulated to upregulate mucin production by the cytokines IL-1β and IL-13 or by porcine pancreatic elastase. Human lung tissue was obtained from donated normal lungs, biopsy samples of transplanted lungs, and explanted lungs from subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. MUC5AC and MUC5B were labeled with antibodies from different animal species or, in mice only, by transgenic chimeric mucin-fluorescent proteins and imaged using widefield deconvolution or Airyscan fluorescence microscopy. Measurements and Main Results: In both mouse and human airways, most secretory granules contained both mucins interdigitating within the granules. Smaller numbers of granules contained MUC5B alone, and even fewer contained MUC5AC alone. Conclusions: MUC5AC and MUC5B are variably stored both in the same and in separate secretory granules of both mice and humans. The high fraction of granules containing both mucins under a variety of conditions makes it unlikely that their secretion can be differentially controlled as a therapeutic strategy. This work also advances knowledge of the packaging of mucins within secretory granules to understand mechanisms of epithelial stress in the pathogenesis of chronic lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oanh N. Hoang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Anna Ermund
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ana M. Jaramillo
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Dalia Fakih
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cory B. French
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jose R. Flores
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Harry Karmouty-Quintana
- Division of Critical Care, Pulmonary, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Jesper M. Magnusson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Giorgio Fois
- Institute of General Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Fauler
- Institute of General Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Manfred Frick
- Institute of General Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Joshua B. Hales
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | | | - Leoncio Vergara
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Houston, Texas; and
| | - Camille Ehre
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Roberto Adachi
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael J. Tuvim
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Gunnar C. Hansson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Burton F. Dickey
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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31
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Adak A, Das G, Gupta V, Khan J, Mukherjee N, Mondal P, Roy R, Barman S, Gharai PK, Ghosh S. Evolution of Potential Antimitotic Stapled Peptides from Multiple Helical Peptide Stretches of the Tubulin Heterodimer Interface: Helix-Mimicking Stapled Peptide Tubulin Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2022; 65:13866-13878. [PMID: 36240440 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions play a crucial role in microtubule dynamics. Microtubules are considered as a key target for the design and development of anticancer therapeutics, where inhibition of tubulin-tubulin interactions plays a crucial role. Here, we focused on a few key helical stretches at the interface of α,β-tubulin heterodimers and developed a structural mimic of these helical peptides, which can serve as potent inhibitors of microtubule polymerization. To induce helicity, we have made stapled analogues of these sequences. Thereafter, we modified the lead sequences of the antimitotic stapled peptides with halo derivatives. It is observed that halo-substituted stapled peptides follow an interesting trend for the electronegativity of halogen atoms in interaction patterns with tubulin and a correlation in the toxicity profile. Remarkably, we found that para-fluorophenylalanine-modified stapled peptide is the most potent inhibitors, which perturbs microtubule dynamics, induces apoptotic death, and inhibits the growth of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindyasundar Adak
- Organic and Medicinal Chemistry and Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 032, India
| | - Gaurav Das
- Organic and Medicinal Chemistry and Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 032, India
| | - Varsha Gupta
- Organic and Medicinal Chemistry and Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 032, India
| | - Juhee Khan
- Organic and Medicinal Chemistry and Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 032, India
| | - Nabanita Mukherjee
- Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, NH 62, Surpura Bypass Road, Karwar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342037, India
| | - Prasenjit Mondal
- Organic and Medicinal Chemistry and Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 032, India
| | - Rajsekhar Roy
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, NH 62, Surpura Bypass Road, Karwar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342037, India
| | - Surajit Barman
- Organic and Medicinal Chemistry and Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 032, India
| | - Prabir Kumar Gharai
- Organic and Medicinal Chemistry and Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 032, India
| | - Surajit Ghosh
- Organic and Medicinal Chemistry and Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 032, India.,Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, NH 62, Surpura Bypass Road, Karwar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342037, India.,Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, NH 62, Surpura Bypass Road, Karwar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342037, India
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Cui L, Li H, Xi Y, Hu Q, Liu H, Fan J, Xiang Y, Zhang X, Shui W, Lai Y. Vesicle trafficking and vesicle fusion: mechanisms, biological functions, and their implications for potential disease therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:29. [PMID: 36129576 PMCID: PMC9492833 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular vesicle trafficking is the fundamental process to maintain the homeostasis of membrane-enclosed organelles in eukaryotic cells. These organelles transport cargo from the donor membrane to the target membrane through the cargo containing vesicles. Vesicle trafficking pathway includes vesicle formation from the donor membrane, vesicle transport, and vesicle fusion with the target membrane. Coat protein mediated vesicle formation is a delicate membrane budding process for cargo molecules selection and package into vesicle carriers. Vesicle transport is a dynamic and specific process for the cargo containing vesicles translocation from the donor membrane to the target membrane. This process requires a group of conserved proteins such as Rab GTPases, motor adaptors, and motor proteins to ensure vesicle transport along cytoskeletal track. Soluble N-ethyl-maleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein receptors (SNARE)-mediated vesicle fusion is the final process for vesicle unloading the cargo molecules at the target membrane. To ensure vesicle fusion occurring at a defined position and time pattern in eukaryotic cell, multiple fusogenic proteins, such as synaptotagmin (Syt), complexin (Cpx), Munc13, Munc18 and other tethering factors, cooperate together to precisely regulate the process of vesicle fusion. Dysfunctions of the fusogenic proteins in SNARE-mediated vesicle fusion are closely related to many diseases. Recent studies have suggested that stimulated membrane fusion can be manipulated pharmacologically via disruption the interface between the SNARE complex and Ca2+ sensor protein. Here, we summarize recent insights into the molecular mechanisms of vesicle trafficking, and implications for the development of new therapeutics based on the manipulation of vesicle fusion.
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Rizo J, David G, Fealey ME, Jaczynska K. On the difficulties of characterizing weak protein interactions that are critical for neurotransmitter release. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:1912-1938. [PMID: 35986639 PMCID: PMC9623538 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of neurotransmitter release has been extensively characterized, showing that vesicle fusion is mediated by the SNARE complex formed by syntaxin-1, SNAP-25 and synaptobrevin. This complex is disassembled by N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF) and SNAPs to recycle the SNAREs, whereas Munc18-1 and Munc13s organize SNARE complex assembly in an NSF-SNAP-resistant manner. Synaptotagmin-1 acts as the Ca2+ sensor that triggers exocytosis in a tight interplay with the SNAREs and complexins. Here, we review technical aspects associated with investigation of protein interactions underlying these steps, which is hindered because the release machinery is assembled between two membranes and is highly dynamic. Moreover, weak interactions, which are difficult to characterize, play key roles in neurotransmitter release, for instance by lowering energy barriers that need to be overcome in this highly regulated process. We illustrate the crucial role that structural biology has played in uncovering mechanisms underlying neurotransmitter release, but also discuss the importance of considering the limitations of the techniques used, including lessons learned from research in our lab and others. In particular, we emphasize: (a) the promiscuity of some protein sequences, including membrane-binding regions that can mediate irrelevant interactions with proteins in the absence of their native targets; (b) the need to ensure that weak interactions observed in crystal structures are biologically relevant; and (c) the limitations of isothermal titration calorimetry to analyze weak interactions. Finally, we stress that even studies that required re-interpretation often helped to move the field forward by improving our understanding of the system and providing testable hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Rizo
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | - Guillaume David
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | - Michael E. Fealey
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | - Klaudia Jaczynska
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
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Dickey BF, Lai Y, Frick M, Brunger AT. Discovery of a drug to treat airway mucus hypersecretion. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e972. [PMID: 35908252 PMCID: PMC9339237 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Burton F. Dickey
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
| | - Ying Lai
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Manfred Frick
- Institute of General Physiology Ulm University Ulm Germany
| | - Axel T. Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology Stanford University Stanford California USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute Stanford University Stanford California USA
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Lai Y, Tuvim MJ, Leitz J, Peters J, Pfuetzner RA, Esquivies L, Zhou Q, Czako B, Cross JB, Jones P, Dickey BF, Brunger AT. Screening of Hydrocarbon-Stapled Peptides for Inhibition of Calcium-Triggered Exocytosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:891041. [PMID: 35814209 PMCID: PMC9258623 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.891041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The so-called primary interface between the SNARE complex and synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1) is essential for Ca2+-triggered neurotransmitter release in neuronal synapses. The interacting residues of the primary interface are conserved across different species for synaptotagmins (Syt1, Syt2, Syt9), SNAP-25, and syntaxin-1A homologs involved in fast synchronous release. This Ca2+-independent interface forms prior to Ca2+-triggering and plays a role in synaptic vesicle priming. This primary interface is also conserved in the fusion machinery that is responsible for mucin granule membrane fusion. Ca2+-stimulated mucin secretion is mediated by the SNAREs syntaxin-3, SNAP-23, VAMP8, Syt2, and other proteins. Here, we designed and screened a series of hydrocarbon-stapled peptides consisting of SNAP-25 fragments that included some of the key residues involved in the primary interface as observed in high-resolution crystal structures. We selected a subset of four stapled peptides that were highly α-helical as assessed by circular dichroism and that inhibited both Ca2+-independent and Ca2+-triggered ensemble lipid-mixing with neuronal SNAREs and Syt1. In a single-vesicle content-mixing assay with reconstituted neuronal SNAREs and Syt1 or with reconstituted airway SNAREs and Syt2, the selected peptides also suppressed Ca2+-triggered fusion. Taken together, hydrocarbon-stapled peptides that interfere with the primary interface consequently inhibit Ca2+-triggered exocytosis. Our inhibitor screen suggests that these compounds may be useful to combat mucus hypersecretion, which is a major cause of airway obstruction in the pathophysiology of COPD, asthma, and cystic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Axel T. Brunger, ; Ying Lai, ; Burton F. Dickey,
| | - Michael J. Tuvim
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jeremy Leitz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - John Peters
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Richard A. Pfuetzner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Luis Esquivies
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Qiangjun Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Barbara Czako
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jason B. Cross
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Philip Jones
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Burton F. Dickey
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Axel T. Brunger, ; Ying Lai, ; Burton F. Dickey,
| | - Axel T. Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Axel T. Brunger, ; Ying Lai, ; Burton F. Dickey,
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Stapled peptide blocks mucus secretion. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:338. [PMID: 35388205 DOI: 10.1038/d41573-022-00060-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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37
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An added layer of repression for human genes. Nature 2022; 604:41-42. [PMID: 35354969 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-022-00519-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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38
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Gitlin I, Fahy JV. Mucus secretion blocked at its source in the lungs. Nature 2022; 603:798-799. [PMID: 35322214 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-022-00700-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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