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Torres-Paris C, Song HJ, Engelberger F, Ramírez-Sarmiento CA, Komives EA. The Light Chain Allosterically Enhances the Protease Activity of Murine Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1434-1444. [PMID: 38780522 PMCID: PMC11154964 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The active form of the murine urokinase-type plasminogen activator (muPA) is formed by a 27-residue disordered light chain connecting the amino-terminal fragment (ATF) with the serine protease domain. The two chains are tethered by a disulfide bond between C1CT in the disordered light chain and C122CT in the protease domain. Previous work showed that the presence of the disordered light chain affected the inhibition of the protease domain by antibodies. Here we show that the disordered light chain induced a 3.7-fold increase in kcat of the protease domain of muPA. In addition, hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) and accelerated molecular dynamics (AMD) were performed to identify the interactions between the disordered light chain and the protease domain. HDX-MS revealed that the light chain is contacting the 110s, the turn between the β10- and β11-strand, and the β7-strand. A reduction in deuterium uptake was also observed in the activation loop, the 140s loop and the 220s loop, which forms the S1-specificty pocket where the substrate binds. These loops are further away from where the light chain seems to be interacting with the protease domain. Our results suggest that the light chain most likely increases the activity of muPA by allosterically favoring conformations in which the specificity pocket is formed. We propose a model by which the allostery would be transmitted through the β-strands of the β-barrels to the loops on the other side of the protease domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanza Torres-Paris
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mail Code 0309, University of California San Diego, 9325 S Scholars Dr, La Jolla, California 92161, United States
| | - Harriet J. Song
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mail Code 0309, University of California San Diego, 9325 S Scholars Dr, La Jolla, California 92161, United States
| | - Felipe Engelberger
- Institute
for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine
and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad
Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- ANID
- Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for
Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - César A. Ramírez-Sarmiento
- Institute
for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine
and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad
Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- ANID
- Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for
Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Elizabeth A. Komives
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mail Code 0309, University of California San Diego, 9325 S Scholars Dr, La Jolla, California 92161, United States
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2
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Torres-Paris C, Chen Y, Xiao L, Song HJ, Chen P, Komives EA. The autoactivation of human single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105179. [PMID: 37607618 PMCID: PMC10520878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Most serine proteases are synthesized as inactive zymogens that are activated by cleavage by another protease in a tightly regulated mechanism. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasmin cleave and activate each other, constituting a positive feedback loop. How this mutual activation cycle begins has remained a mystery. We used hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to characterize the dynamic differences between the inactive single-chain uPA (scuPA) and its active form two-chain uPA (tcuPA). The results show that the C-terminal β-barrel and the area around the new N terminus have significantly reduced dynamics in tcuPA as compared with scuPA. We also show that the zymogen scuPA is inactive but can, upon storage, become active in the absence of external proteases. In addition to plasmin, the tcuPA can activate scuPA by cleavage at K158, a process called autoactivation. Unexpectedly, tcuPA can cleave at position 158 even when this site is mutated. TcuPA can also cleave scuPA after K135 or K136 in the disordered linker, which generates the soluble protease domain of uPA. Plasmin cleaves scuPA exclusively after K158 and at a faster rate than tcuPA. We propose a mechanism by which the uPA receptor dimerization could promote autoactivation of scuPA on cell surfaces. These results resolve long-standing controversies in the literature surrounding the mechanism of uPA activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanza Torres-Paris
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Yueyi Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lufan Xiao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Harriet J Song
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Pingyu Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Komives
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
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3
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Zhang X, Galenkamp NS, van der Heide NJ, Moreno J, Maglia G, Kjems J. Specific Detection of Proteins by a Nanobody-Functionalized Nanopore Sensor. ACS NANO 2023; 17:9167-9177. [PMID: 37127291 PMCID: PMC10184537 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c12733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nanopores are label-free single-molecule analytical tools that show great potential for stochastic sensing of proteins. Here, we described a ClyA nanopore functionalized with different nanobodies through a 5-6 nm DNA linker at its periphery. Ty1, 2Rs15d, 2Rb17c, and nb22 nanobodies were employed to specifically recognize the large protein SARS-CoV-2 Spike, a medium-sized HER2 receptor, and the small protein murine urokinase-type plasminogen activator (muPA), respectively. The pores modified with Ty1, 2Rs15d, and 2Rb17c were capable of stochastic sensing of Spike protein and HER2 receptor, respectively, following a model where unbound nanobodies, facilitated by a DNA linker, move inside the nanopore and provoke reversible blockade events, whereas engagement with the large- and medium-sized proteins outside of the pore leads to a reduced dynamic movement of the nanobodies and an increased current through the open pore. Exploiting the multivalent interaction between trimeric Spike protein and multimerized Ty1 nanobodies enabled the detection of picomolar concentrations of Spike protein. In comparison, detection of the smaller muPA proteins follows a different model where muPA, complexing with the nb22, moves into the pore, generating larger blockage signals. Importantly, the components in blood did not affect the sensing performance of the nanobody-functionalized nanopore, which endows the pore with great potential for clinical detection of protein biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xialin Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | | | | | - Julián Moreno
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | | | - Jørgen Kjems
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
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4
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Zhou Y, Wu J, Xue G, Li J, Jiang L, Huang M. Structural study of the uPA-nafamostat complex reveals a covalent inhibitory mechanism of nafamostat. Biophys J 2022; 121:3940-3949. [PMID: 36039386 PMCID: PMC9674978 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nafamostat mesylate (NM) is a synthetic compound that inhibits various serine proteases produced during the coagulation cascade and inflammation. Previous studies showed that NM was a highly safe drug for the treatment of different cancers, but the precise functions and mechanisms of NM are not clear. In this study, we determined a series of crystal structures of NM and its hydrolysates in complex with a serine protease (urokinase-type plasminogen activator [uPA]). These structures reveal that NM was cleaved by uPA and that a hydrolyzed product (4-guanidinobenzoic acid [GBA]) remained covalently linked to Ser195 of uPA, and the other hydrolyzed product (6-amidino-2-naphthol [6A2N]) released from uPA. Strikingly, in the inactive uPA (uPA-S195A):NM structure, the 6A2N side of intact NM binds to the specific pocket of uPA. Molecular dynamics simulations and end-point binding free-energy calculations show that the conf1 of NM (6A2N as P1 group) in the uPA-S195A:NM complex may be more stable than conf2 of NM (GBA as P1 group). Moreover, in the structure of uPA:NM complex, the imidazole group of His57 flips further away from Ser195 and disrupts the stable canonical catalytic triad conformation. These results not only reveal the inhibitory mechanism of NM as an efficient serine protease inhibitor but also might provide the structural basis for the further development of serine protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Juhong Wu
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Guangpu Xue
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Jinyu Li
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Longguang Jiang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Enzyme Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China.
| | - Mingdong Huang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China.
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5
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Gerhardy S, Ultsch M, Tang W, Green E, Holden JK, Li W, Estevez A, Arthur C, Tom I, Rohou A, Kirchhofer D. Allosteric inhibition of HTRA1 activity by a conformational lock mechanism to treat age-related macular degeneration. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5222. [PMID: 36064790 PMCID: PMC9445180 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32760-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The trimeric serine protease HTRA1 is a genetic risk factor associated with geographic atrophy (GA), a currently untreatable form of age-related macular degeneration. Here, we describe the allosteric inhibition mechanism of HTRA1 by a clinical Fab fragment, currently being evaluated for GA treatment. Using cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography and biochemical assays we identify the exposed LoopA of HTRA1 as the sole Fab epitope, which is approximately 30 Å away from the active site. The cryo-EM structure of the HTRA1:Fab complex in combination with molecular dynamics simulations revealed that Fab binding to LoopA locks HTRA1 in a non-competent conformational state, incapable of supporting catalysis. Moreover, grafting the HTRA1-LoopA epitope onto HTRA2 and HTRA3 transferred the allosteric inhibition mechanism. This suggests a conserved conformational lock mechanism across the HTRA family and a critical role of LoopA for catalysis, which was supported by the reduced activity of HTRA1-3 upon LoopA deletion or perturbation. This study reveals the long-range inhibition mechanism of the clinical Fab and identifies an essential function of the exposed LoopA for activity of HTRA family proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Gerhardy
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark Ultsch
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wanjian Tang
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Evan Green
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey K Holden
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alberto Estevez
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chris Arthur
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Irene Tom
- Department of OMNI Biomarker Development, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexis Rohou
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Kirchhofer
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA.
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6
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Yu CC, Raj N, Chu JW. Edge weights in a protein elastic network reorganize collective motions and render long-range sensitivity responses. J Chem Phys 2022; 156:245105. [DOI: 10.1063/5.0095107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of inter-residue interactions on protein collective motions are analyzed by comparing two elastic network models (ENM)—structural contact ENM (SC-ENM) and molecular dynamics (MD)-ENM—with the edge weights computed from an all-atom MD trajectory by structure-mechanics statistical learning. A theoretical framework is devised to decompose the eigenvalues of ENM Hessian into contributions from individual springs and to compute the sensitivities of positional fluctuations and covariances to spring constant variation. Our linear perturbation approach quantifies the response mechanisms as softness modulation and orientation shift. All contacts of C α positions in SC-ENM have an identical spring constant by fitting the profile of root-of-mean-squared-fluctuation calculated from an all-atom MD simulation, and the same trajectory data are also used to compute the specific spring constant of each contact as an MD-ENM edge weight. We illustrate that the soft-mode reorganization can be understood in terms of gaining weights along the structural contacts of low elastic strengths and loosing magnitude along those of high rigidities. With the diverse mechanical strengths encoded in protein dynamics, MD-ENM is found to have more pronounced long-range couplings and sensitivity responses with orientation shift identified as a key player in driving the specific residues to have high sensitivities. Furthermore, the responses of perturbing the springs of different residues are found to have asymmetry in the action–reaction relationship. In understanding the mutation effects on protein functional properties, such as long-range communications, our results point in the directions of collective motions as a major effector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh Cheng Yu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 75 Bo-Ai Street, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Nixon Raj
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 75 Bo-Ai Street, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Jhih-Wei Chu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Department of Biological Science and Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
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7
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Yokoo T, Tanabe A, Yoshida Y, Caaveiro JMM, Nakakido M, Ikeda Y, Fujimura Y, Matsumoto M, Entzminger K, Maruyama T, Okumura CJ, Nangaku M, Tsumoto K. Antibody recognition of complement Factor H reveals a flexible loop involved in Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome pathogenesis. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101962. [PMID: 35452676 PMCID: PMC9127587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101962] [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: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a disease associated with dysregulation of the immune complement system, especially of the alternative pathway (AP). Complement factor H (CFH), consisting of 20 domains called CCP1-20, downregulates the AP as a cofactor for mediating C3 inactivation by complement factor I (CFI). However, anomalies related to CFH are known to cause excessive complement activation and cytotoxicity. In aHUS, mutations and the presence of anti-CFH autoantibodies (AAbs) have been reported as plausible causes of CFH dysfunction, and it is known that CFH-related aHUS carries a high probability of end-stage renal disease. Elucidating the detailed functions of CFH at the molecular level will help to understand aHUS pathogenesis. Herein, we used biophysical data to reveal that a heavy-chain antibody fragment, termed VHH4, recognized CFH with high affinity. Hemolytic assays also indicated that VHH4 disrupted the protective function of CFH on sheep erythrocytes. Furthermore, X-ray crystallography revealed that VHH4 recognized the Leu1181-Leu1189CCP20 loop, a known anti-CFH AAbs epitope. We next analyzed the dynamics of the C-terminal region of CFH, and showed that the epitopes recognized by anti-CFH AAbs and VHH4 were the most flexible regions in CCP18-20. Finally, we conducted mutation analyses to elucidate the mechanism of VHH4 recognition of CFH, and revealed that VHH4 inserts Trp1183CCP20 residue of CFH into the pocket formed by the complementary determining region 3 loop. These results suggested that anti-CFH AAbs may adopt a similar molecular mechanism to recognize the flexible loop of Leu1181-Leu1189CCP20, leading to aHUS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Yokoo
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Aki Tanabe
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Yoko Yoshida
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Jose M M Caaveiro
- Department of Global Healthcare, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Makoto Nakakido
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Yoichiro Ikeda
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Fujimura
- Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, Nara Medical University, 840, Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Masanori Matsumoto
- Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, Nara Medical University, 840, Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Kevin Entzminger
- Abwiz Bio Inc, 9823 Pacific Heights Blvd, Ste J, San Diego, California, 92121, USA
| | - Toshiaki Maruyama
- Abwiz Bio Inc, 9823 Pacific Heights Blvd, Ste J, San Diego, California, 92121, USA
| | - C J Okumura
- Abwiz Bio Inc, 9823 Pacific Heights Blvd, Ste J, San Diego, California, 92121, USA
| | - Masaomi Nangaku
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan; The institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.
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8
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Yen M, Ren J, Liu Q, Glassman CR, Sheahan TP, Picton LK, Moreira FR, Rustagi A, Jude KM, Zhao X, Blish CA, Baric RS, Su LL, Garcia KC. Facile discovery of surrogate cytokine agonists. Cell 2022; 185:1414-1430.e19. [PMID: 35325595 PMCID: PMC9021867 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines are powerful immune modulators that initiate signaling through receptor dimerization, but natural cytokines have structural limitations as therapeutics. We present a strategy to discover cytokine surrogate agonists by using modular ligands that exploit induced proximity and receptor dimer geometry as pharmacological metrics amenable to high-throughput screening. Using VHH and scFv to human interleukin-2/15, type-I interferon, and interleukin-10 receptors, we generated combinatorial matrices of single-chain bispecific ligands that exhibited diverse spectrums of functional activities, including potent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 by surrogate interferons. Crystal structures of IL-2R:VHH complexes revealed that variation in receptor dimer geometries resulted in functionally diverse signaling outputs. This modular platform enabled engineering of surrogate ligands that compelled assembly of an IL-2R/IL-10R heterodimer, which does not naturally exist, that signaled through pSTAT5 on T and natural killer (NK) cells. This "cytokine med-chem" approach, rooted in principles of induced proximity, is generalizable for discovery of diversified agonists for many ligand-receptor systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Yen
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Junming Ren
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Qingxiang Liu
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Caleb R Glassman
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Timothy P Sheahan
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lora K Picton
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Fernando R Moreira
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Arjun Rustagi
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kevin M Jude
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Catherine A Blish
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ralph S Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Leon L Su
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - K Christopher Garcia
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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9
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Raj N, Click TH, Yang H, Chu JW. Structure-mechanics statistical learning uncovers mechanical relay in proteins. Chem Sci 2022; 13:3688-3696. [PMID: 35432911 PMCID: PMC8966636 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc06184d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A protein's adaptive response to its substrates is one of the key questions driving molecular physics and physical chemistry. This work employs the recently developed structure-mechanics statistical learning method to establish a mechanical perspective. Specifically, by mapping all-atom molecular dynamics simulations onto the spring parameters of a backbone-side-chain elastic network model, the chemical moiety specific force constants (or mechanical rigidity) are used to assemble the rigidity graph, which is the matrix of inter-residue coupling strength. Using the S1A protease and the PDZ3 signaling domain as examples, chains of spatially contiguous residues are found to exhibit prominent changes in their mechanical rigidity upon substrate binding or dissociation. Such a mechanical-relay picture thus provides a mechanistic underpinning for conformational changes, long-range communication, and inter-domain allostery in both proteins, where the responsive mechanical hotspots are mostly residues having important biological functions or significant mutation sensitivity. Protein residues exhibit specific routes of mechanical relay as the adaptive responses to substrate binding or dissociation. On such physically contiguous connections, residues experience prominent changes in their coupling strengths.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Nixon Raj
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Hsinchu 30010 Taiwan Republic of China
| | - Timothy H Click
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Hsinchu 30010 Taiwan Republic of China
| | - Haw Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University Princeton NJ 08544 USA
| | - Jhih-Wei Chu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Department of Biological Science and Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Hsinchu 30010 Taiwan Republic of China
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10
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El Salamouni NS, Buckley BJ, Ranson M, Kelso MJ, Yu H. Urokinase plasminogen activator as an anti-metastasis target: inhibitor design principles, recent amiloride derivatives, and issues with human/mouse species selectivity. Biophys Rev 2022; 14:277-301. [PMID: 35340592 PMCID: PMC8921380 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00921-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) is a widely studied anticancer drug target with multiple classes of inhibitors reported to date. Many of these inhibitors contain amidine or guanidine groups, while others lacking these groups show improved oral bioavailability. Most of the X-ray co-crystal structures of small molecule uPA inhibitors show a key salt bridge with the side chain carboxylate of Asp189 in the S1 pocket of uPA. This review summarises the different classes of uPA inhibitors, their binding interactions and experimentally measured inhibitory potencies and highlights species selectivity issues with attention to recently described 6-substituted amiloride and 5‑N,N-(hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA) derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehad S El Salamouni
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
- Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Benjamin J. Buckley
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
- Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Marie Ranson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
- Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Michael J. Kelso
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
- Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Haibo Yu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
- Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
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11
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Hanke L, Das H, Sheward DJ, Perez Vidakovics L, Urgard E, Moliner-Morro A, Kim C, Karl V, Pankow A, Smith NL, Porebski B, Fernandez-Capetillo O, Sezgin E, Pedersen GK, Coquet JM, Hällberg BM, Murrell B, McInerney GM. A bispecific monomeric nanobody induces spike trimer dimers and neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 in vivo. Nat Commun 2022; 13:155. [PMID: 35013189 PMCID: PMC8748511 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27610-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies binding to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike have therapeutic promise, but emerging variants show the potential for virus escape. This emphasizes the need for therapeutic molecules with distinct and novel neutralization mechanisms. Here we describe the isolation of a nanobody that interacts simultaneously with two RBDs from different spike trimers of SARS-CoV-2, rapidly inducing the formation of spike trimer-dimers leading to the loss of their ability to attach to the host cell receptor, ACE2. We show that this nanobody potently neutralizes SARS-CoV-2, including the beta and delta variants, and cross-neutralizes SARS-CoV. Furthermore, we demonstrate the therapeutic potential of the nanobody against SARS-CoV-2 and the beta variant in a human ACE2 transgenic mouse model. This naturally elicited bispecific monomeric nanobody establishes an uncommon strategy for potent inactivation of viral antigens and represents a promising antiviral against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Hanke
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hrishikesh Das
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel J Sheward
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Medical Virology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Laura Perez Vidakovics
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Egon Urgard
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ainhoa Moliner-Morro
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Changil Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vivien Karl
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alec Pankow
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Natalie L Smith
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bartlomiej Porebski
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oscar Fernandez-Capetillo
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Genomic Instability Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Erdinc Sezgin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabriel K Pedersen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonathan M Coquet
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Martin Hällberg
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Karolinska Institutet VR-RÅC, Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Notkestraße 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Ben Murrell
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gerald M McInerney
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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12
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Hanke L, Das H, Sheward DJ, Perez Vidakovics L, Urgard E, Moliner-Morro A, Kim C, Karl V, Pankow A, Smith NL, Porebski B, Fernandez-Capetillo O, Sezgin E, Pedersen GK, Coquet JM, Hällberg BM, Murrell B, McInerney GM. A bispecific monomeric nanobody induces spike trimer dimers and neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 in vivo. Nat Commun 2022. [PMID: 35013189 DOI: 10.1101/2021.03.20.436243v2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies binding to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike have therapeutic promise, but emerging variants show the potential for virus escape. This emphasizes the need for therapeutic molecules with distinct and novel neutralization mechanisms. Here we describe the isolation of a nanobody that interacts simultaneously with two RBDs from different spike trimers of SARS-CoV-2, rapidly inducing the formation of spike trimer-dimers leading to the loss of their ability to attach to the host cell receptor, ACE2. We show that this nanobody potently neutralizes SARS-CoV-2, including the beta and delta variants, and cross-neutralizes SARS-CoV. Furthermore, we demonstrate the therapeutic potential of the nanobody against SARS-CoV-2 and the beta variant in a human ACE2 transgenic mouse model. This naturally elicited bispecific monomeric nanobody establishes an uncommon strategy for potent inactivation of viral antigens and represents a promising antiviral against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Hanke
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hrishikesh Das
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel J Sheward
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Medical Virology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Laura Perez Vidakovics
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Egon Urgard
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ainhoa Moliner-Morro
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Changil Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vivien Karl
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alec Pankow
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Natalie L Smith
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bartlomiej Porebski
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oscar Fernandez-Capetillo
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Genomic Instability Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Erdinc Sezgin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabriel K Pedersen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonathan M Coquet
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Martin Hällberg
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Karolinska Institutet VR-RÅC, Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Notkestraße 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Ben Murrell
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gerald M McInerney
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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13
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S El Salamouni N, Buckley BJ, Jiang L, Huang M, Ranson M, Kelso MJ, Yu H. Disruption of Water Networks is the Cause of Human/Mouse Species Selectivity in Urokinase Plasminogen Activator (uPA) Inhibitors Derived from Hexamethylene Amiloride (HMA). J Med Chem 2021; 65:1933-1945. [PMID: 34898192 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) plays a critical role in tumor cell invasion and migration and is a promising antimetastasis target. 6-Substituted analogues of 5-N,N-(hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA) are potent and selective uPA inhibitors that lack the diuretic and antikaliuretic properties of the parent drug amiloride. However, the compounds display pronounced selectivity for human over mouse uPA, thus confounding interpretation of data from human xenograft mouse models of cancer. Here, computational and experimental findings reveal that residue 99 is a key contributor to the observed species selectivity, whereby enthalpically unfavorable expulsion of a water molecule by the 5-N,N-hexamethylene ring occurs when residue 99 is Tyr (as in mouse uPA). Analogue 7 lacking the 5-N,N-hexamethylene ring maintained similar water networks when bound to human and mouse uPA and displayed reduced selectivity, thus supporting this conclusion. The study will guide further optimization of dual-potent human/mouse uPA inhibitors from the amiloride class as antimetastasis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehad S El Salamouni
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Buckley
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,CONCERT-Translational Cancer Research Centre, Sydney, NSW 2750, Australia
| | - Longguang Jiang
- National Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Centre on Photodynamic Technologies, Fuzhou University, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Mingdong Huang
- National Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Centre on Photodynamic Technologies, Fuzhou University, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Marie Ranson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,CONCERT-Translational Cancer Research Centre, Sydney, NSW 2750, Australia
| | - Michael J Kelso
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Haibo Yu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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14
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Asaadi Y, Jouneghani FF, Janani S, Rahbarizadeh F. A comprehensive comparison between camelid nanobodies and single chain variable fragments. Biomark Res 2021; 9:87. [PMID: 34863296 PMCID: PMC8642758 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00332-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
By the emergence of recombinant DNA technology, many antibody fragments have been developed devoid of undesired properties of natural immunoglobulins. Among them, camelid heavy-chain variable domains (VHHs) and single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) are the most favored ones. While scFv is used widely in various applications, camelid antibodies (VHHs) can serve as an alternative because of their superior chemical and physical properties such as higher solubility, stability, smaller size, and lower production cost. Here, these two counterparts are compared in structure and properties to identify which one is more suitable for each of their various therapeutic, diagnosis, and research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Asaadi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Fazlollahi Jouneghani
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Janani
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rahbarizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
- Research and Development Center of Biotechnology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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15
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Peacock RB, Komives EA. Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Reveal Dynamic Allostery on Multiple Time Scales in the Serine Protease Thrombin. Biochemistry 2021; 60:3441-3448. [PMID: 34159782 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A deeper understanding of how hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) reveals allostery is important because HDX-MS can reveal allostery in systems that are not amenable to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We were able to study thrombin and its complex with thrombomodulin, an allosteric regulator, by both HDX-MS and NMR. In this Perspective, we compare and contrast the results from both experiments and from molecular dynamics simulations. NMR detects changes in the chemical environment around the protein backbone N-H bond vectors, providing residue-level information about the conformational exchange between distinct states. HDX-MS detects changes in amide proton solvent accessibility and H-bonding. Taking advantage of NMR relaxation dispersion measurements of the time scale of motions, we draw conclusions about the motions reflected in HDX-MS experiments. Both experiments detect allostery, but they reveal different components of the allosteric transition. The insights gained from integrating NMR and HDX-MS into thrombin dynamics enable a clearer interpretation of the evidence for allostery revealed by HDX-MS in larger protein complexes and assemblies that are not amenable to NMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley B Peacock
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0378, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Komives
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0378, United States
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16
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Structural basis of covalent inhibitory mechanism of TMPRSS2-related serine proteases by camostat. J Virol 2021; 95:e0086121. [PMID: 34160253 PMCID: PMC8428381 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00861-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the viral pathogen causing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic. No effective treatment for COVID-19 has been established yet. The serine protease transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) is essential for viral spread and pathogenicity by facilitating the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. The protease inhibitor camostat, an anticoagulant used in the clinic, has potential anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities against COVID-19. However, the potential mechanisms of viral resistance and antiviral activity of camostat are unclear. Herein, we demonstrate high inhibitory potencies of camostat for a panel of serine proteases, indicating that camostat is a broad-spectrum inhibitor of serine proteases. In addition, we determined the crystal structure of camostat in complex with a serine protease (uPA [urokinase-type plasminogen activator]), which reveals that camostat is inserted in the S1 pocket of uPA but is hydrolyzed by uPA, and the cleaved camostat covalently binds to Ser195. We also generated a homology model of the structure of the TMPRSS2 serine protease domain. The model shows that camostat uses the same inhibitory mechanism to inhibit the activity of TMPRSS2, subsequently preventing SARS-CoV-2 spread. IMPORTANCE Serine proteases are a large family of enzymes critical for multiple physiological processes and proven diagnostic and therapeutic targets in several clinical indications. The serine protease transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) was recently found to mediate SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host. Camostat mesylate (FOY 305), a serine protease inhibitor active against TMPRSS2 and used for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma and chronic pancreatitis, inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection of human lung cells. However, the direct inhibition mechanism of camostat mesylate for TMPRSS2 is unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that camostat uses the same inhibitory mechanism to inhibit the activity of TMPRSS2 as uPA, subsequently preventing SARS-CoV-2 spread.
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17
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Abstract
Unique, functional, homodimeric heavy chain-only antibodies, devoid of light chains, are circulating in the blood of Camelidae. These antibodies recognize their cognate antigen via one single domain, known as VHH or Nanobody. This serendipitous discovery made three decades ago has stimulated a growing number of researchers to generate highly specific Nanobodies against a myriad of targets. The small size, strict monomeric state, robustness, and easy tailoring of these Nanobodies have inspired many groups to design innovative Nanobody-based multi-domain constructs to explore novel applications. As such, Nanobodies have been employed as an exquisite research tool in structural, cell, and developmental biology. Furthermore, Nanobodies have demonstrated their benefit for more sensitive diagnostic tests. Finally, several Nanobody-based constructs have been designed to develop new therapeutic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Muyldermans
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; .,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Imaging, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
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18
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Cheloha RW, Harmand TJ, Wijne C, Schwartz TU, Ploegh HL. Exploring cellular biochemistry with nanobodies. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:15307-15327. [PMID: 32868455 PMCID: PMC7650250 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev120.012960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Reagents that bind tightly and specifically to biomolecules of interest remain essential in the exploration of biology and in their ultimate application to medicine. Besides ligands for receptors of known specificity, agents commonly used for this purpose are monoclonal antibodies derived from mice, rabbits, and other animals. However, such antibodies can be expensive to produce, challenging to engineer, and are not necessarily stable in the context of the cellular cytoplasm, a reducing environment. Heavy chain-only antibodies, discovered in camelids, have been truncated to yield single-domain antibody fragments (VHHs or nanobodies) that overcome many of these shortcomings. Whereas they are known as crystallization chaperones for membrane proteins or as simple alternatives to conventional antibodies, nanobodies have been applied in settings where the use of standard antibodies or their derivatives would be impractical or impossible. We review recent examples in which the unique properties of nanobodies have been combined with complementary methods, such as chemical functionalization, to provide tools with unique and useful properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross W Cheloha
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thibault J Harmand
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Charlotte Wijne
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas U Schwartz
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hidde L Ploegh
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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19
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Peyron I, Kizlik‐Masson C, Dubois M, Atsou S, Ferrière S, Denis CV, Lenting PJ, Casari C, Christophe OD. Camelid-derived single-chain antibodies in hemostasis: Mechanistic, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2020; 4:1087-1110. [PMID: 33134775 PMCID: PMC7590285 DOI: 10.1002/rth2.12420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemostasis is a complex process involving the concerted action of molecular and vascular components. Its basic understanding as well as diagnostic and therapeutic aspects have greatly benefited from the use of monoclonal antibodies. Interestingly, camelid-derived single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), also known as VHH or nanobodies, have become available during the previous 2 decades as alternative tools in this regard. Compared to classic antibodies, sdAbs are easier to produce and their small size facilitates their engineering and functionalization. It is not surprising, therefore, that sdAbs are increasingly used in hemostasis-related research. In addition, they have the capacity to recognize unique epitopes unavailable to full monoclonal antibodies. This property can be used to develop novel diagnostic tests identifying conformational variants of hemostatic proteins. Examples include sdAbs that bind active but not globular von Willebrand factor or free factor VIIa but not tissue factor-bound factor VIIa. Finally, sdAbs have a high therapeutic potential, exemplified by caplacizumab, a homodimeric sdAb targeting von Willebrand factor that is approved for the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. In this review, the various applications of sdAbs in thrombosis and hemostasis-related research, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Peyron
- HIThUMR_S1176INSERMUniversité Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | | | - Marie‐Daniéla Dubois
- HIThUMR_S1176INSERMUniversité Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
- EA 7525 VPMCUniversité des AntillesSchoelcherMartiniqueFrance
| | - Sénadé Atsou
- HIThUMR_S1176INSERMUniversité Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Stephen Ferrière
- HIThUMR_S1176INSERMUniversité Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Cécile V. Denis
- HIThUMR_S1176INSERMUniversité Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Peter J. Lenting
- HIThUMR_S1176INSERMUniversité Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Caterina Casari
- HIThUMR_S1176INSERMUniversité Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
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20
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Hoey RJ, Eom H, Horn JR. Structure and development of single domain antibodies as modules for therapeutics and diagnostics. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2019; 244:1568-1576. [PMID: 31594404 PMCID: PMC6920669 DOI: 10.1177/1535370219881129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since their discovery just over 25 years ago, the single variable domain from heavy-chain-only antibodies plays a role in an increasing number of antibody-based applications. Structural and biophysical studies have revealed that the small, ∼15 kDa, single variable domain found in camelids displays versatility in target recognition. Such insight has served as the foundation to develop and engineer VHH domains with enhanced properties capable of targeting a range of therapeutically relevant protein antigens or low-molecular weight haptens. Furthermore, the modular nature of VHH domains allows them to be introduced into constructs that are simply not possible with conventional antibodies. Here, we review the structural and biophysical properties of VHH domains, highlight recent VHH-based therapeutics and diagnostics, and provide insight into VHH engineering that may pave the way to next-generation single domain antibody applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Hoey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,
Northern
Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115,
USA
| | - Hyeyoung Eom
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,
Northern
Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115,
USA
| | - James R Horn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,
Northern
Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115,
USA
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21
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Gene cloning, expression and homology modeling of first fibrinolytic enzyme from mushroom (Cordyceps militaris). Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 146:897-906. [PMID: 31726136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Fibrinolytic enzymes are important thrombolytic agents for blood-clotting disorders like cardiovascular diseases. Availability of novel recombinant fibrinolytic enzymes can overcome the shortcomings of current thrombolytic drugs. With the objective of facilitating their cost-effective production for therapeutic applications and for gaining deeper insight into their structure-function, we have cloned and expressed the first fibrinolytic protease gene from Cordyceps militaris. Cordyceps militaris fibrinolytic enzyme (CmFE) has one open reading frame of 759 bp encoding "pre-pro-protein" of 252 amino acids. Recombinant CmFE was expressed as 28 kDa extracellular enzyme in Pichia pastoris which was capable of degrading fibrin clot. A structure homology model of CmFE was developed using urokinase-type plasminogen activator. The active site contains catalytic triad His41, Asp83, Ser177 and consensus sequence of GDSGG. The substrate binding residues are Asp (171), Gly (194) and Ser (192). Its trypsin-like specificity is determined by the critical Asp171 in S1 subsite. The "oxyanion hole" is formed by backbone amide hydrogen atoms of Gly-175 and Ser-177. CmFE contains six conserved cysteines forming three disulfide linkages. This is the first study describing cloning, expression and prediction of structure-function relationship of a mushroom fibrinolytic protease. Hence it has great relevance in application of fibrinolytic enzymes as thrombolytic agents.
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22
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Goettig P, Brandstetter H, Magdolen V. Surface loops of trypsin-like serine proteases as determinants of function. Biochimie 2019; 166:52-76. [PMID: 31505212 PMCID: PMC7615277 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Trypsin and chymotrypsin-like serine proteases from family S1 (clan PA) constitute the largest protease group in humans and more generally in vertebrates. The prototypes chymotrypsin, trypsin and elastase represent simple digestive proteases in the gut, where they cleave nearly any protein. Multidomain trypsin-like proteases are key players in the tightly controlled blood coagulation and complement systems, as well as related proteases that are secreted from diverse immune cells. Some serine proteases are expressed in nearly all tissues and fluids of the human body, such as the human kallikreins and kallikrein-related peptidases with specialization for often unique substrates and accurate timing of activity. HtrA and membrane-anchored serine proteases fulfill important physiological tasks with emerging roles in cancer. The high diversity of all family members, which share the tandem β-barrel architecture of the chymotrypsin-fold in the catalytic domain, is conferred by the large differences of eight surface loops, surrounding the active site. The length of these loops alters with insertions and deletions, resulting in remarkably different three-dimensional arrangements. In addition, metal binding sites for Na+, Ca2+ and Zn2+ serve as regulatory elements, as do N-glycosylation sites. Depending on the individual tasks of the protease, the surface loops determine substrate specificity, control the turnover and allow regulation of activation, activity and degradation by other proteins, which are often serine proteases themselves. Most intriguingly, in some serine proteases, the surface loops interact as allosteric network, partially tuned by protein co-factors. Knowledge of these subtle and complicated molecular motions may allow nowadays for new and specific pharmaceutical or medical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Goettig
- Division of Structural Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Hans Brandstetter
- Division of Structural Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Viktor Magdolen
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, München, Germany
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Mican J, Toul M, Bednar D, Damborsky J. Structural Biology and Protein Engineering of Thrombolytics. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2019; 17:917-938. [PMID: 31360331 PMCID: PMC6637190 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2019.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke are the most frequent causes of death or disability worldwide. Due to their ability to dissolve blood clots, the thrombolytics are frequently used for their treatment. Improving the effectiveness of thrombolytics for clinical uses is of great interest. The knowledge of the multiple roles of the endogenous thrombolytics and the fibrinolytic system grows continuously. The effects of thrombolytics on the alteration of the nervous system and the regulation of the cell migration offer promising novel uses for treating neurodegenerative disorders or targeting cancer metastasis. However, secondary activities of thrombolytics may lead to life-threatening side-effects such as intracranial bleeding and neurotoxicity. Here we provide a structural biology perspective on various thrombolytic enzymes and their key properties: (i) effectiveness of clot lysis, (ii) affinity and specificity towards fibrin, (iii) biological half-life, (iv) mechanisms of activation/inhibition, and (v) risks of side effects. This information needs to be carefully considered while establishing protein engineering strategies aiming at the development of novel thrombolytics. Current trends and perspectives are discussed, including the screening for novel enzymes and small molecules, the enhancement of fibrin specificity by protein engineering, the suppression of interactions with native receptors, liposomal encapsulation and targeted release, the application of adjuvants, and the development of improved production systems.
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Key Words
- EGF, Epidermal growth factor domain
- F, Fibrin binding finger domain
- Fibrinolysis
- K, Kringle domain
- LRP1, Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1
- MR, Mannose receptor
- NMDAR, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor
- P, Proteolytic domain
- PAI-1, Inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator
- Plg, Plasminogen
- Plm, Plasmin
- RAP, Receptor antagonist protein
- SAK, Staphylokinase
- SK, Streptokinase
- Staphylokinase
- Streptokinase
- Thrombolysis
- Tissue plasminogen activator
- Urokinase
- t-PA, Tissue plasminogen activator
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Mican
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Toul
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Bednar
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Damborsky
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
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Abstract
Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), the autonomous variable domains of heavy chain-only antibodies produced naturally by camelid ungulates and cartilaginous fishes, have evolved to bind antigen using only three complementarity-determining region (CDR) loops rather than the six present in conventional VH:VL antibodies. It has been suggested, based on limited evidence, that sdAbs may adopt paratope structures that predispose them to preferential recognition of recessed protein epitopes, but poor or non-recognition of protuberant epitopes and small molecules. Here, we comprehensively surveyed the evidence in support of this hypothesis. We found some support for a global structural difference in the paratope shapes of sdAbs compared with those of conventional antibodies: sdAb paratopes have smaller molecular surface areas and diameters, more commonly have non-canonical CDR1 and CDR2 structures, and have elongated CDR3 length distributions, but have similar amino acid compositions and are no more extended (interatomic distance measured from CDR base to tip) than conventional antibody paratopes. Comparison of X-ray crystal structures of sdAbs and conventional antibodies in complex with cognate antigens showed that sdAbs and conventional antibodies bury similar solvent-exposed surface areas on proteins and form similar types of non-covalent interactions, although these are more concentrated in the compact sdAb paratope. Thus, sdAbs likely have privileged access to distinct antigenic regions on proteins, but only owing to their small molecular size and not to general differences in molecular recognition mechanism. The evidence surrounding the purported inability of sdAbs to bind small molecules was less clear. The available data provide a structural framework for understanding the evolutionary emergence and function of autonomous heavy chain-only antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Henry
- a Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre , National Research Council Canada , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - C Roger MacKenzie
- a Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre , National Research Council Canada , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada.,b School of Environmental Sciences , University of Guelph , Guelph , Ontario , Canada
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Peacock RB, Davis JR, Markwick PRL, Komives EA. Dynamic Consequences of Mutation of Tryptophan 215 in Thrombin. Biochemistry 2018; 57:2694-2703. [PMID: 29634247 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Thrombin normally cleaves fibrinogen to promote coagulation; however, binding of thrombomodulin to thrombin switches the specificity of thrombin toward protein C, triggering the anticoagulation pathway. The W215A thrombin mutant was reported to have decreased activity toward fibrinogen without significant loss of activity toward protein C. To understand how mutation of Trp215 may alter thrombin specificity, hydrogen-deuterium exchange experiments (HDXMS), accelerated molecular dynamics (AMD) simulations, and activity assays were carried out to compare the dynamics of Trp215 mutants with those of wild type (WT) thrombin. Variation in NaCl concentration had no detectable effect on the sodium-binding (220sCT) loop, but appeared to affect other surface loops. Trp215 mutants showed significant increases in amide exchange in the 170sCT loop consistent with a loss of H-bonding in this loop identified by the AMD simulations. The W215A thrombin showed increased amide exchange in the 220sCT loop and in the N-terminus of the heavy chain. The AMD simulations showed that a transient conformation of the W215A thrombin has a distorted catalytic triad. HDXMS experiments revealed that mutation of Phe227, which engages in a π-stacking interaction with Trp215, also caused significantly increased amide exchange in the 170sCT loop. Activity assays showed that only the F227V mutant had wild type catalytic activity, whereas all other mutants showed markedly lower activity. Taken together, the results explain the reduced pro-coagulant activity of the W215A mutant and demonstrate the allosteric connection between Trp215, the sodium-binding loop, and the active site.
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Ramirez-Sarmiento CA, Komives EA. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry reveals folding and allostery in protein-protein interactions. Methods 2018; 144:43-52. [PMID: 29627358 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDXMS) has emerged as a powerful approach for revealing folding and allostery in protein-protein interactions. The advent of higher resolution mass spectrometers combined with ion mobility separation and ultra performance liquid chromatographic separations have allowed the complete coverage of large protein sequences and multi-protein complexes. Liquid-handling robots have improved the reproducibility and accurate temperature control of the sample preparation. Many researchers are also appreciating the power of combining biophysical approaches such as stopped-flow fluorescence, single molecule FRET, and molecular dynamics simulations with HDXMS. In this review, we focus on studies that have used a combination of approaches to reveal (re)folding of proteins as well as on long-distance allosteric changes upon interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar A Ramirez-Sarmiento
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Elizabeth A Komives
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92092-0378, United States.
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27
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Chakraborty P, Acquasaliente L, Pelc LA, Di Cera E. Interplay between conformational selection and zymogen activation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4080. [PMID: 29511224 PMCID: PMC5840343 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21728-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypsin-like proteases are synthesized as zymogens and activated through a mechanism that folds the active site for efficient binding and catalysis. Ligand binding to the active site is therefore a valuable source of information on the changes that accompany zymogen activation. Using the physiologically relevant transition of the clotting zymogen prothrombin to the mature protease thrombin, we show that the mechanism of ligand recognition follows selection within a pre-existing ensemble of conformations with the active site accessible (E) or inaccessible (E*) to binding. Prothrombin exists mainly in the E* conformational ensemble and conversion to thrombin produces two dominant changes: a progressive shift toward the E conformational ensemble triggered by removal of the auxiliary domains upon cleavage at R271 and a drastic drop of the rate of ligand dissociation from the active site triggered by cleavage at R320. Together, these effects produce a significant (700-fold) increase in binding affinity. Limited proteolysis reveals how the E*-E equilibrium shifts during prothrombin activation and influences exposure of the sites of cleavage at R271 and R320. These new findings on the molecular underpinnings of prothrombin activation are relevant to other zymogens with modular assembly involved in blood coagulation, complement and fibrinolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradipta Chakraborty
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Laura Acquasaliente
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Leslie A Pelc
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Enrico Di Cera
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA.
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Iezzi ME, Policastro L, Werbajh S, Podhajcer O, Canziani GA. Single-Domain Antibodies and the Promise of Modular Targeting in Cancer Imaging and Treatment. Front Immunol 2018. [PMID: 29520274 PMCID: PMC5827546 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies and their fragments have significantly changed the outcome of cancer in the clinic, effectively inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, triggering antibody-dependent immune effector cell activation and complement mediated cell death. Along with a continued expansion in number, diversity, and complexity of validated tumor targets there is an increasing focus on engineering recombinant antibody fragments for lead development. Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), in particular those engineered from the variable heavy-chain fragment (VHH gene) found in Camelidae heavy-chain antibodies (or IgG2 and IgG3), are the smallest fragments that retain the full antigen-binding capacity of the antibody with advantageous properties as drugs. For similar reasons, growing attention is being paid to the yet smaller variable heavy chain new antigen receptor (VNAR) fragments found in Squalidae. sdAbs have been selected, mostly from immune VHH libraries, to inhibit or modulate enzyme activity, bind soluble factors, internalize cell membrane receptors, or block cytoplasmic targets. This succinct review is a compilation of recent data documenting the application of engineered, recombinant sdAb in the clinic as epitope recognition “modules” to build monomeric, dimeric and multimeric ligands that target, tag and stall solid tumor growth in vivo. Size, affinity, specificity, and the development profile of sdAbs drugs are seemingly consistent with desirable clinical efficacy and safety requirements. But the hepatotoxicity of the tetrameric anti-DR5-VHH drug in patients with pre-existing anti-drug antibodies halted the phase I clinical trial and called for a thorough pre-screening of the immune and poly-specific reactivities of the sdAb leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Elena Iezzi
- Laboratorio de Terapia Molecular y Celular, Fundación Instituto Leloir, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía Policastro
- Laboratorio de Terapia Molecular y Celular, Fundación Instituto Leloir, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Laboratorio Nanomedicina, Gerencia de Desarrollo Tecnológico y Proyectos Especiales, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Santiago Werbajh
- Laboratorio de Terapia Molecular y Celular, Fundación Instituto Leloir, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Osvaldo Podhajcer
- Laboratorio de Terapia Molecular y Celular, Fundación Instituto Leloir, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Alicia Canziani
- Laboratorio de Terapia Molecular y Celular, Fundación Instituto Leloir, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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29
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Ligand binding modulates the structural dynamics and activity of urokinase-type plasminogen activator: A possible mechanism of plasminogen activation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192661. [PMID: 29420634 PMCID: PMC5805342 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The catalytic activity of trypsin-like serine proteases is in many cases regulated by conformational changes initiated by binding of physiological modulators to exosites located distantly from the active site. A trypsin-like serine protease of particular interest is urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), which is involved in extracellular tissue remodeling processes. Herein, we used hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDXMS) to study regulation of activity in the catalytic domain of the murine version of uPA (muPA) by two muPA specific monoclonal antibodies. Using a truncated muPA variant (muPA16-243), containing the catalytic domain only, we show that the two monoclonal antibodies, despite binding to an overlapping epitope in the 37s and 70s loops of muPA16-243, stabilize distinct muPA16-243 conformations. Whereas the inhibitory antibody, mU1 was found to increase the conformational flexibility of muPA16-243, the stimulatory antibody, mU3, decreased muPA16-243 conformational flexibility. Furthermore, the HDXMS data unveil the existence of a pathway connecting the 70s loop to the active site region. Using alanine scanning mutagenesis, we further identify the 70s loop as an important exosite for the activation of the physiological uPA substrate plasminogen. Thus, the data presented here reveal important information about dynamics in uPA by demonstrating how various ligands can modulate uPA activity by mediating long-range conformational changes. Moreover, the results provide a possible mechanism of plasminogen activation.
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