Use-dependent inhibition of the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor by the suramin analogue NF676

Small molecule screening identifies inhibitors of the Epstein-Barr virus deubiquitinating enzyme, BPLF1

Herpesviral deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) were discovered in 2005, are highly conserved across the family, and are proving to be increasingly important players in herpesviral infection. EBV's DUB, BPLF1, is known to regulate both cellular and viral target activities, yet remains largely unstudied. Our work has implicated BPLF1 in a wide range of processes including infectivity, viral DNA replication, and DNA repair. Additionally, knockout of BPLF1 delays and reduces human B-cell immortalization and lymphoma formation in humanized mice. These findings underscore the importance of BPLF1 in viral infectivity and pathogenesis and suggest that inhibition of EBV's DUB activity may offer a new approach to specific therapy for EBV infections. We set out to discover and characterize small molecule inhibitors of BPLF1 deubiquitinating activity through high-throughput screening. An initial small pilot screen resulted in discovery of 10 compounds yielding >80% decrease in BPLF1 DUB activity at a 10 μM concentration. Follow-up dose response curves of top hits identified several compounds with an IC₅₀ in the low micromolar range. Four of these hits were tested for their ability to cleave ubiquitin chains as well as their effects on viral infectivity and cell viability. Further characterization of the top hit, commonly known as suramin was found to not be selective yet decreased viral infectivity by approximately 90% with no apparent effects on cell viability. Due to the conserved nature of Herpesviral deubiquitinating enzymes, identification of an inhibitor of BPLF1 may prove to be an effective and promising new avenue of therapy for EBV and other herpesviral family members.

G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 terminates G-protein-coupled receptor function in steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone signaling

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transmit extracellular signals across the cell membrane. GPCR kinases (GRKs) desensitize GPCR signals in the cell membrane. However, the role and mechanism of GRKs in the desensitization of steroid hormone signaling are unclear. In this study, we propose that GRK2 is phosphorylated by protein kinase C (PKC) in response to induction by the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), which determines its translocation to the cell membrane of the lepidopteran Helicoverpa armigera. GRK2 protein expression is increased during the metamorphic stage because of induction by 20E. Knockdown of GRK2 in larvae causes accelerated pupation, an increase in 20E-response gene expression, and advanced apoptosis and metamorphosis. 20E induces translocation of GRK2 from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane via steroid hormone ecdysone-responsive GPCR (ErGPCR-2). GRK2 is phosphorylated by PKC on serine 680 after induction by 20E, which leads to the translocation of GRK2 to the cell membrane. GRK2 interacts with ErGPCR-2. These data indicate that GRK2 terminates the ErGPCR-2 function in 20E signaling in the cell membrane by a negative feedback mechanism.

The steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone via nongenomic pathway activates Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II to regulate gene expression

The steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) triggers calcium signaling pathway to regulate 20E response gene expression, but the mechanism underlying this process remains unclear. We propose that the 20E-induced phosphorylation of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) serves an important function in 20E response gene transcription in the lepidopteran insect Helicoverpa armigera. CaMKII showed increased expression and phosphorylation during metamorphosis. 20E elevated CaMKII phosphorylation. However, the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and ryanodine receptor inhibitor suramin, the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122, and the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor inhibitor xestospongin C suppressed 20E-induced CaMKII phosphorylation. Two ecdysone-responsible GPCRs and Gαq protein were involved in 20E-induced CaMKII phosphorylation by RNA interference analysis. 20E regulated CaMKII threonine phosphorylation at amino acid 290, thereby inducing CaMKII nuclear translocation. CaMKII knockdown by dsCaMKII injection into the larvae prevented the occurrence of larval-pupal transition and suppressed 20E response gene expression. CaMKII phosphorylation and nuclear translocation maintained USP1 lysine acetylation at amino acid 303 by inducing histone deacetylase 3 phosphorylation and nuclear export. The lysine acetylation of USP1 was necessary for the interaction of USP1 with EcRB1 and their binding to the ecdysone response element. Results suggest that 20E (via GPCR activation and calcium signaling) activates CaMKII phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, which regulate USP1 lysine acetylation to form an EcRB1-USP1 complex for 20E response gene transcription.

β-Arrestin1 interacts with G protein-coupled receptor to desensitize signaling of the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone in the lepidopteran insect Helicoverpa armigera

The steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) plays a critical role in insect development, particularly in larval molting and larval-pupal transition. Studies have indicated that 20E transmits its signal via a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated non-genomic pathway before a genomic pathway is initiated. However, the mechanism by which a 20E signal is desensitized remains unclear. We proposed that β-arrestin1 interacts with ecdysone-responsible GPCR (ErGPCR1) to desensitize a 20E signal in the lepidopteran insect Helicoverpa armigera. Results showed that β-arrestin1 was highly expressed in various tissues during metamorphosis. β-Arrestin1 knockdown by RNA interference in larvae caused advanced pupation and a larval-pupal chimera. The mRNA levels of 20E-response genes were increased after β-arrestin1 was knocked down but were decreased after β-arrestin1 was overexpressed. 20E induced the migration of β-arrestin1 from the cytosol to the cytoplasmic membrane to interact with ErGPCR1. The inhibitors suramin and chelerythrine chloride repressed 20E-induced β-arrestin1 phosphorylation and membrane migration. With ErGPCR1, 20E regulated β-arrestin1 phosphorylation on serines at positions 170 and 234. The double mutation of the amino acids Ser170 and Ser234 to asparagine inhibited phosphorylation and membrane migration of β-arrestin1 in 20E induction. Therefore, 20E via ErGPCR1 and PKC signaling induces β-arrestin1 phosphorylation; phosphorylated β-arrestin1 migrates to the cytoplasmic membrane to interact with ErGPCR1 to block 20E signaling via a feedback mechanism.

Selectivity of pharmacological tools: implications for use in cell physiology. A review in the theme: Cell signaling: proteins, pathways and mechanisms

Pharmacological inhibitors are frequently used to identify the receptors, receptor subtypes, and associated signaling pathways involved in physiological cell responses. Based on the effects of such inhibitors conclusions are drawn about the involvement of their assumed target or lack thereof. While such inhibitors can be useful tools for a better physiological understanding, their uncritical use can lead to incorrect conclusions. This article reviews the concept of inhibitor selectivity and its implication for cell physiology. Specifically, we discuss the implications of using inhibitor vs. activator approaches, issues of direct vs. indirect pathway modulation, implications of inverse agonism and biased signaling, and those of orthosteric vs. allosteric, competitive vs. noncompetitive, and reversible vs. irreversible inhibition. Additional problems can result from inconsistent estimates of inhibitor potency and differences in potency between cell-free systems and intact cells. These concepts are illustrated by several examples of inhibitors displaying affinity for related but distinct targets or even unrelated targets. Of note, many of the issues being addressed are also applicable to genetic inhibition strategies. The main practical conclusion following from these concepts is that investigators should be critical in the choice of inhibitor, its concentrations, and its mode of application. When this advice is adhered to, small-molecule pharmacological inhibitors can be important experimental tools in the hand of physiologists.

Growth factors mediated differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to cardiac polymicrotissue using hanging drop and bioreactor

Heart disease is the major leading cause of death worldwide and the use of stem cells promises new ways for its treatment. The relatively easy and quick acquisition of human umbilical cord matrix mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) and their properties make them useful for the treatment of cardiac diseases. Therefore, the main aim of this investigation was to create cardiac polymicrotissue from HUMSCs using a combination of growth factors [sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and suramin] and techniques (hanging drop and bioreactor). Using designated culture conditions of the growth factors (100 nM S1P and 500 µM suramin), cardiomyocyte differentiation medium (CDM), hanging drop, bioreactor and differentiation for 7 days, a potential specific cardiac polymicrotissue was derived from HUMSCs. The effectiveness of growth factors alone or in combination in differentiation of HUMSCs to cardiac polymicrotissue was analysed by assessing the presence of cardiac markers by immunocytochemistry. This analysis demonstrated the importance of those growth factors for the differentiation. This study for the first time demonstrated the formation of a cardiac polymicrotissue under specific culture conditions. The polymicrotissue thus obtained may be used in future as a 'patch' to cover the injured cardiac region and would thereby be useful for the treatment of heart diseases.

Purinergic signalling in the musculoskeletal system

It is now widely recognised that extracellular nucleotides, signalling via purinergic receptors, participate in numerous biological processes in most tissues. It has become evident that extracellular nucleotides have significant regulatory effects in the musculoskeletal system. In early development, ATP released from motor nerves along with acetylcholine acts as a cotransmitter in neuromuscular transmission; in mature animals, ATP functions as a neuromodulator. Purinergic receptors expressed by skeletal muscle and satellite cells play important pathophysiological roles in their development or repair. In many cell types, expression of purinergic receptors is often dependent on differentiation. For example, sequential expression of P2X5, P2Y1 and P2X2 receptors occurs during muscle regeneration in the mdx model of muscular dystrophy. In bone and cartilage cells, the functional effects of purinergic signalling appear to be largely negative. ATP stimulates the formation and activation of osteoclasts, the bone-destroying cells. Another role appears to be as a potent local inhibitor of mineralisation. In osteoblasts, the bone-forming cells, ATP acts via P2 receptors to limit bone mineralisation by inhibiting alkaline phosphatase expression and activity. Extracellular ATP additionally exerts significant effects on mineralisation via its hydrolysis product, pyrophosphate. Evidence now suggests that purinergic signalling is potentially important in several bone and joint disorders including osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancers. Strategies for future musculoskeletal therapies might involve modulation of purinergic receptor function or of the ecto-nucleotidases responsible for ATP breakdown or ATP transport inhibitors.

Potentiation of regulatory volume decrease by a p2-like receptor and arachidonic acid in american alligator erythrocytes

This study examined the role of a P2 receptor and arachidonic acid (AA) in regulatory volume decrease (RVD) by American alligator red blood cells (RBCs). Osmotic fragility was determined optically, mean cell volume was measured by electronic sizing, and changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration were visualized using fluorescence microscopy. Gadolinium (50 μM), hexokinase (2.5 U/ml), and suramin (100 μM) increased osmotic fragility, blocked volume recovery after hypotonic shock, and prevented a rise in intracellular Ca(2+) that normally occurs during cell swelling. The P2X antagonists PPADS (50 μM) and TNP-ATP (10 μM) also increased fragility and inhibited volume recovery. In contrast, ATPγS (10 μM), α,β-methylene-ATP (50 μM) and Bz-ATP (50 μM) had the opposite effect, whereas 2-methylthio-ATP (50 μM) and UTP (10 μM) had no effect. In addition, the phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) inhibitors ONO-RS-082 (10 μM), chlorpromazine (10 μM), and isotetrandrine (10 μM) increased osmotic fragility and blocked volume recovery, whereas AA (10 μM) and its nonhydrolyzable analog eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA, 10 μM) had the reverse effect. Further, AA (10 μM), but not ATPγS (10 μM), prevented the inhibitory effect of a low Ca(2+)-EGTA Ringer on RVD, whereas both AA (10 μM) and ATPγS (10 μM) caused cell shrinkage under isosmotic conditions. In conclusion, our results are consistent with the presence of a P2-like receptor whose activation stimulated RVD. In addition, AA also was important for volume recovery.

NAADP-mediated Ca2+ signaling via type 1 ryanodine receptor in T cells revealed by a synthetic NAADP antagonist

The nucleotide NAADP was recently discovered as a second messenger involved in the initiation and propagation of Ca(2+) signaling in lymphoma T cells, but its impact on primary T cell function is still unknown. An optimized, synthetic, small molecule inhibitor of NAADP action, termed BZ194, was designed and synthesized. BZ194 neither interfered with Ca(2+) mobilization by d-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate or cyclic ADP-ribose nor with capacitative Ca(2+) entry. BZ194 specifically and effectively blocked NAADP-stimulated [(3)H]ryanodine binding to the purified type 1 ryanodine receptor. Further, in intact T cells, Ca(2+) mobilization evoked by NAADP or by formation of the immunological synapse between primary effector T cells and astrocytes was inhibited by BZ194. Downstream events of Ca(2+) mobilization, such as nuclear translocation of "nuclear factor of activated T cells" (NFAT), T cell receptor-driven interleukin-2 production, and proliferation in antigen-experienced CD4(+) effector T cells, were attenuated by the NAADP antagonist. Taken together, specific inhibition of the NAADP signaling pathway constitutes a way to specifically and effectively modulate T-cell activation and has potential in the therapy of autoimmune diseases.

Structural and thermodynamic analysis of thrombin:suramin interaction in solution and crystal phases

Suramin is a hexasulfonated naphthylurea which has been recently characterized as a non-competitive inhibitor of human alpha-thrombin activity over fibrinogen, although its binding site and mode of interaction with the enzyme remain elusive. Here, we determined two X-ray structure of the thrombin:suramin complex, refined at 2.4 A resolution. While a single thrombin:suramin complex was found in the asymmetric unit cell of the crystal, some of the crystallographic contacts with symmetrically related molecules are mediated by both the enzyme and the ligand. Molecular dynamics simulations with the 1:1 complex demonstrate a large rearrangement of suramin in the complex, but with the protein scaffold and the more extensive protein-ligand regions keep unchanged. Small-angle X-ray scattering measurements at high micromolar concentration demonstrate a suramin-induced dimerization of the enzyme. These data indicating a dissimilar binding mode in the monomeric and oligomeric states, with a monomeric, 1:1 complex to be more likely to exist at the thrombin physiological, nanomolar concentration range. Collectively, close understanding on the structural basis for interaction is given which might establish a basis for design of suramin analogues targeting thrombin.