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Cheuka PM, Njaria P, Mayoka G, Funjika E. Emerging Drug Targets for Antimalarial Drug Discovery: Validation and Insights into Molecular Mechanisms of Function. J Med Chem 2024; 67:838-863. [PMID: 38198596 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Approximately 619,000 malaria deaths were reported in 2021, and resistance to recommended drugs, including artemisinin-combination therapies (ACTs), threatens malaria control. Treatment failure with ACTs has been found to be as high as 93% in northeastern Thailand, and parasite mutations responsible for artemisinin resistance have already been reported in some African countries. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify alternative treatments with novel targets. In this Perspective, we discuss some promising antimalarial drug targets, including enzymes involved in proteolysis, DNA and RNA metabolism, protein synthesis, and isoprenoid metabolism. Other targets discussed are transporters, Plasmodium falciparum acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase, N-myristoyltransferase, and the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase G. We have outlined mechanistic details, where these are understood, underpinning the biological roles and hence druggability of such targets. We believe that having a clear understanding of the underlying chemical interactions is valuable to medicinal chemists in their quest to design appropriate inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Mubanga Cheuka
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Paul Njaria
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 14548-00400, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Godfrey Mayoka
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Evelyn Funjika
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
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2
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Tennakoon M, Thotamune W, Payton JL, Karunarathne A. CaaX-motif-adjacent residues influence G protein gamma (Gγ) prenylation under suboptimal conditions. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105269. [PMID: 37739036 PMCID: PMC10590752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenylation is an irreversible post-translational modification that supports membrane interactions of proteins involved in various cellular processes, including migration, proliferation, and survival. Dysregulation of prenylation contributes to multiple disorders, including cancers and vascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Prenyltransferases tether isoprenoid lipids to proteins via a thioether linkage during prenylation. Pharmacological inhibition of the lipid synthesis pathway by statins is a therapeutic approach to control hyperlipidemia. Building on our previous finding that statins inhibit membrane association of G protein γ (Gγ) in a subtype-dependent manner, we investigated the molecular reasoning for this differential inhibition. We examined the prenylation of carboxy-terminus (Ct) mutated Gγ in cells exposed to Fluvastatin and prenyl transferase inhibitors and monitored the subcellular localization of fluorescently tagged Gγ subunits and their mutants using live-cell confocal imaging. Reversible optogenetic unmasking-masking of Ct residues was used to probe their contribution to prenylation and membrane interactions of the prenylated proteins. Our findings suggest that specific Ct residues regulate membrane interactions of the Gγ polypeptide, statin sensitivity, and extent of prenylation. Our results also show a few hydrophobic and charged residues at the Ct are crucial determinants of a protein's prenylation ability, especially under suboptimal conditions. Given the cell and tissue-specific expression of different Gγ subtypes, our findings indicate a plausible mechanism allowing for statins to differentially perturb heterotrimeric G protein signaling in cells depending on their Gγ-subtype composition. Our results may also provide molecular reasoning for repurposing statins as Ras oncogene inhibitors and the failure of using prenyltransferase inhibitors in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mithila Tennakoon
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA; Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Waruna Thotamune
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA; Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - John L Payton
- Department of Chemistry, Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, USA
| | - Ajith Karunarathne
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA; Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
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3
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Wang QQ, Sun M, Tang T, Lai DH, Liu J, Maity S, He K, Wu XT, Yang J, Li YB, Tang XY, Ding HY, Hide G, Distefano M, Lun ZR, Zhu XQ, Long S. Functional screening reveals Toxoplasma prenylated proteins required for endocytic trafficking and rhoptry protein sorting. mBio 2023; 14:e0130923. [PMID: 37548452 PMCID: PMC10470541 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01309-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the apicomplexans, endocytosed cargos (e.g., hemoglobin) are trafficked to a specialized organelle for digestion. This follows a unique endocytotic process at the micropore/cytostome in these parasites. However, the mechanism underlying endocytic trafficking remains elusive, due to the repurposing of classical endocytic proteins for the biogenesis of apical organelles. To resolve this issue, we have exploited the genetic tractability of the model apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii, which ingests host cytosolic materials (e.g., green fluorescent protein[GFP]). We determined an association between protein prenylation and endocytic trafficking, and using an alkyne-labeled click chemistry approach, the prenylated proteome was characterized. Genome editing, using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repaet/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9), was efficiently utilized to generate genetically modified lines for the functional screening of 23 prenylated candidates. This identified four of these proteins that regulate the trafficking of endocytosed GFP vesicles. Among these proteins, Rab1B and YKT6.1 are highly conserved but are non-classical endocytic proteins in eukaryotes. Confocal imaging analysis showed that Rab1B and Ras are substantially localized to both the trans-Golgi network and the endosome-like compartments in the parasite. Conditional knockdown of Rab1B caused a rapid defect in secretory trafficking to the rhoptry bulb, suggesting a trafficking intersection role for the key regulator Rab1B. Further experiments confirmed a critical role for protein prenylation in regulating the stability/activity of these proteins (i.e., Rab1B and YKT6.1) in the parasite. Our findings define the molecular basis of endocytic trafficking and reveal a potential intersection function of Rab1B on membrane trafficking in T. gondii. This might extend to other related protists, including the malarial parasites. IMPORTANCE The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii establishes a permissive niche, in host cells, that allows parasites to acquire large molecules such as proteins. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the parasite repurposes the classical endocytic components for secretory sorting to the apical organelles, leaving the question of endocytic transport to the lysosome-like compartment unclear. Recent studies indicated that endocytic trafficking is likely to associate with protein prenylation in malarial parasites. This information promoted us to examine this association in the model apicomplexan T. gondii and to identify the key components of the prenylated proteome that are involved. By exploiting the genetic tractability of T. gondii and a host GFP acquisition assay, we reveal four non-classical endocytic proteins that regulate the transport of endocytosed cargos (e.g., GFP) in T. gondii. Thus, we extend the principle that protein prenylation regulates endocytic trafficking and elucidate the process of non-classical endocytosis in T. gondii and potentially in other related protists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang-Qiang Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Tang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - De-Hua Lai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Sanjay Maity
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kai He
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi-Ting Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiong Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Bao Li
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Tang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Yong Ding
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Geoff Hide
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Centre and Environmental Research and Innovation Centre, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Zhao-Rong Lun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Shaojun Long
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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4
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Jung D, Bachmann HS. Regulation of protein prenylation. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114915. [PMID: 37236024 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenyltransferases (PTases) are known to play a role in embryonic development, normal tissue homeostasis and cancer by posttranslationally modifying proteins involved in these processes. They are being discussed as potential drug targets in an increasing number of diseases, ranging from Alzheimer's disease to malaria. Protein prenylation and the development of specific PTase inhibitors (PTIs) have been subject to intense research in recent decades. Recently, the FDA approved lonafarnib, a specific farnesyltransferase inhibitor that acts directly on protein prenylation; and bempedoic acid, an ATP citrate lyase inhibitor that might alter intracellular isoprenoid composition, the relative concentrations of which can exert a decisive influence on protein prenylation. Both drugs represent the first approved agent in their respective substance class. Furthermore, an overwhelming number of processes and proteins that regulate protein prenylation have been identified over the years, many of which have been proposed as molecular targets for pharmacotherapy in their own right. However, certain aspects of protein prenylation, such as the regulation of PTase gene expression or the modulation of PTase activity by phosphorylation, have attracted less attention, despite their reported influence on tumor cell proliferation. Here, we want to summarize the advances regarding our understanding of the regulation of protein prenylation and the potential implications for drug development. Additionally, we want to suggest new lines of investigation that encompass the search for regulatory elements for PTases, especially at the genetic and epigenetic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Jung
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Hagen S Bachmann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.
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5
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Marchwicka A, Kamińska D, Monirialamdari M, Błażewska KM, Gendaszewska-Darmach E. Protein Prenyltransferases and Their Inhibitors: Structural and Functional Characterization. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105424. [PMID: 35628237 PMCID: PMC9141697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein prenylation is a post-translational modification controlling the localization, activity, and protein–protein interactions of small GTPases, including the Ras superfamily. This covalent attachment of either a farnesyl (15 carbon) or a geranylgeranyl (20 carbon) isoprenoid group is catalyzed by four prenyltransferases, namely farnesyltransferase (FTase), geranylgeranyltransferase type I (GGTase-I), Rab geranylgeranyltransferase (GGTase-II), and recently discovered geranylgeranyltransferase type III (GGTase-III). Blocking small GTPase activity, namely inhibiting prenyltransferases, has been proposed as a potential disease treatment method. Inhibitors of prenyltransferase have resulted in substantial therapeutic benefits in various diseases, such as cancer, neurological disorders, and viral and parasitic infections. In this review, we overview the structure of FTase, GGTase-I, GGTase-II, and GGTase-III and summarize the current status of research on their inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Marchwicka
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, 90-537 Lodz, Poland; (A.M.); (D.K.)
| | - Daria Kamińska
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, 90-537 Lodz, Poland; (A.M.); (D.K.)
| | - Mohsen Monirialamdari
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (M.M.); (K.M.B.)
| | - Katarzyna M. Błażewska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (M.M.); (K.M.B.)
| | - Edyta Gendaszewska-Darmach
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, 90-537 Lodz, Poland; (A.M.); (D.K.)
- Correspondence:
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6
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Patel KK, Kashfi K. Lipoproteins and cancer: The role of HDL-C, LDL-C, and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 196:114654. [PMID: 34129857 PMCID: PMC8665945 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol is an amphipathic sterol molecule that is vital for maintaining normal physiological homeostasis. It is a relatively complicated molecule with 27 carbons whose synthesis starts with 2-carbon units. This in itself signifies the importance of this molecule. Cholesterol serves as a precursor for vitamin D, bile acids, and hormones, including estrogens, androgens, progestogens, and corticosteroids. Although essential, high cholesterol levels are associated with cardiovascular and kidney diseases and cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Although there are some contrary reports, current literature suggests a positive association between serum cholesterol levels and the risk and extent of cancer development. In this review, we first present a brief overview of cholesterol biosynthesis and its transport, then elucidate the role of cholesterol in the progression of some cancers. Suggested mechanisms for cholesterol-mediated cancer progression are plentiful and include the activation of oncogenic signaling pathways and the induction of oxidative stress, among others. The specific roles of the lipoprotein molecules, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), in this pathogenesis, are also reviewed. Finally, we hone on the potential role of some cholesterol-lowering medications in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kush K Patel
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Graduate Program in Biology, City University of New York Graduate Center, NY, USA.
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7
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Weber L, Hagemann A, Kaltenhäuser J, Besser M, Rockenfeller P, Ehrhardt A, Stuermer E, Bachmann HS. Bacteria Are New Targets for Inhibitors of Human Farnesyltransferase. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:628283. [PMID: 34917041 PMCID: PMC8669142 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.628283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) are focus for the treatment of several diseases, particularly in the field of cancer therapy. Their potential, however, goes even further, as a number of studies have evaluated FTIs for the treatment of infectious diseases such as malaria, African sleeping sickness, leishmaniosis, and hepatitis D virus infection. Little is known about protein prenylation mechanisms in human pathogens. However, disruption of IspA, a gene encoding the geranyltranstransferase of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) leads to reprogramming of cellular behavior as well as impaired growth and decreased resistance to cell wall-targeting antibiotics. We used an agar well diffusion assay and a time kill assay and determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the FTIs lonafarnib and tipifarnib. Additionally, we conducted cell viability assays. We aimed to characterize the effect of these FTIs on S. aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae). Both the FTIs lonafarnib and tipifarnib were capable of inhibiting the growth of the Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus, MRSA, S. epidermidis, and S. pneumoniae, whereas no effect was observed on Gram-negative bacteria. The analysis of the impact of lonafarnib and tipifarnib on common human pathogens might lead to novel insights into their defense mechanisms and therefore provide new therapeutic targets for antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Weber
- Centre for Biomedical Education and Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Anna Hagemann
- Centre for Biomedical Education and Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Jila Kaltenhäuser
- Department of Translational Wound Research, Centre for Biomedical Education and Research, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Manuela Besser
- Department of Translational Wound Research, Centre for Biomedical Education and Research, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Patrick Rockenfeller
- Centre for Biomedical Education and Research, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Anja Ehrhardt
- Centre for Biomedical Education and Research, Institute of Virology and Microbiology, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Ewa Stuermer
- Department of Vascular Medicine, University Heart Center, Translational Wound Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hagen Sjard Bachmann
- Centre for Biomedical Education and Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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Colón-Bolea P, García-Gómez R, Casar B. RAC1 Activation as a Potential Therapeutic Option in Metastatic Cutaneous Melanoma. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1554. [PMID: 34827551 PMCID: PMC8615836 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a complex process by which cancer cells escape from the primary tumor to colonize distant organs. RAC1 is a member of the RHO family of small guanosine triphosphatases that plays an important role in cancer migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. RAC1 activation has been related to most cancers, such as cutaneous melanoma, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer. RAC1P29S driver mutation appears in a significant number of cutaneous melanoma cases. Likewise, RAC1 is overexpressed or hyperactivated via signaling through oncogenic cell surface receptors. Thus, targeting RAC1 represents a promising strategy for cutaneous melanoma therapy, as well as for inhibition of other signaling activation that promotes resistance to targeted therapies. In this review, we focus on the role of RAC1 in metastatic cutaneous melanoma emphasizing the anti-metastatic potential of RAC1- targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Colón-Bolea
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas—Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain; (P.C.-B.); (R.G.-G.)
| | - Rocío García-Gómez
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas—Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain; (P.C.-B.); (R.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Berta Casar
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas—Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain; (P.C.-B.); (R.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Suazo KF, Park KY, Distefano MD. A Not-So-Ancient Grease History: Click Chemistry and Protein Lipid Modifications. Chem Rev 2021; 121:7178-7248. [PMID: 33821625 PMCID: PMC8820976 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein lipid modification involves the attachment of hydrophobic groups to proteins via ester, thioester, amide, or thioether linkages. In this review, the specific click chemical reactions that have been employed to study protein lipid modification and their use for specific labeling applications are first described. This is followed by an introduction to the different types of protein lipid modifications that occur in biology. Next, the roles of click chemistry in elucidating specific biological features including the identification of lipid-modified proteins, studies of their regulation, and their role in diseases are presented. A description of the use of protein-lipid modifying enzymes for specific labeling applications including protein immobilization, fluorescent labeling, nanostructure assembly, and the construction of protein-drug conjugates is presented next. Concluding remarks and future directions are presented in the final section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiall F. Suazo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Keun-Young Park
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Mark D. Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
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10
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Molecular and Pharmacological Characterization of the Interaction between Human Geranylgeranyltransferase Type I and Ras-Related Protein Rap1B. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052501. [PMID: 33801503 PMCID: PMC7958859 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Geranylgeranyltransferase type-I (GGTase-I) represents an important drug target since it contributes to the function of many proteins that are involved in tumor development and metastasis. This led to the development of GGTase-I inhibitors as anti-cancer drugs blocking the protein function and membrane association of e.g., Rap subfamilies that are involved in cell differentiation and cell growth. In the present study, we developed a new NanoBiT assay to monitor the interaction of human GGTase-I and its substrate Rap1B. Different Rap1B prenylation-deficient mutants (C181G, C181S, and ΔCQLL) were designed and investigated for their interaction with GGTase-I. While the Rap1B mutants C181G and C181S still exhibited interaction with human GGTase-I, mutant ΔCQLL, lacking the entire CAAX motif (defined by a cysteine residue, two aliphatic residues, and the C-terminal residue), showed reduced interaction. Moreover, a specific, peptidomimetic and competitive CAAX inhibitor was able to block the interaction of Rap1B with GGTase-I. Furthermore, activation of both Gαs-coupled human adenosine receptors, A2A (A2AAR) and A2B (A2BAR), increased the interaction between GGTase-I and Rap1B, probably representing a way to modulate prenylation and function of Rap1B. Thus, A2AAR and A2BAR antagonists might be promising candidates for therapeutic intervention for different types of cancer that overexpress Rap1B. Finally, the NanoBiT assay provides a tool to investigate the pharmacology of GGTase-I inhibitors.
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11
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Ham RE, Temesvari LA. Joining forces: Leveraging novel combination therapies to combat infections with eukaryotic pathogens. PLoS Pathog 2021; 16:e1009081. [PMID: 33382854 PMCID: PMC7774843 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Ham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, Unites States of America
- Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center (EPIC), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, Unites States of America
| | - Lesly A. Temesvari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, Unites States of America
- Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center (EPIC), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, Unites States of America
- * E-mail:
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12
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Chang HY, Cheng TH, Wang AHJ. Structure, catalysis, and inhibition mechanism of prenyltransferase. IUBMB Life 2020; 73:40-63. [PMID: 33246356 PMCID: PMC7839719 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Isoprenoids, also known as terpenes or terpenoids, represent a large family of natural products composed of five‐carbon isopentenyl diphosphate or its isomer dimethylallyl diphosphate as the building blocks. Isoprenoids are structurally and functionally diverse and include dolichols, steroid hormones, carotenoids, retinoids, aromatic metabolites, the isoprenoid side‐chain of ubiquinone, and isoprenoid attached signaling proteins. Productions of isoprenoids are catalyzed by a group of enzymes known as prenyltransferases, such as farnesyltransferases, geranylgeranyltransferases, terpenoid cyclase, squalene synthase, aromatic prenyltransferase, and cis‐ and trans‐prenyltransferases. Because these enzymes are key in cellular processes and metabolic pathways, they are expected to be potential targets in new drug discovery. In this review, six distinct subsets of characterized prenyltransferases are structurally and mechanistically classified, including (1) head‐to‐tail prenyl synthase, (2) head‐to‐head prenyl synthase, (3) head‐to‐middle prenyl synthase, (4) terpenoid cyclase, (5) aromatic prenyltransferase, and (6) protein prenylation. Inhibitors of those enzymes for potential therapies against several diseases are discussed. Lastly, recent results on the structures of integral membrane enzyme, undecaprenyl pyrophosphate phosphatase, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yang Chang
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tien-Hsing Cheng
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Andrew H-J Wang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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13
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Chasapis CT, Ntoupa PSA, Spiliopoulou CA, Stefanidou ME. Recent aspects of the effects of zinc on human health. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:1443-1460. [PMID: 32394086 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02702-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is one of the most important essential nutrients of great public health significance. It is involved in numerous biological functions and it is considered as a multipurpose trace element, due to its capacity to bind to more than 300 enzymes and more than 2000 transcriptional factors. Its role in biochemical pathways and cellular functions, such as the response to oxidative stress, homeostasis, immune responses, DNA replication, DNA damage repair, cell cycle progression, apoptosis and aging is significant. Zn is required for the synthesis of protein and collagen, thus contributing to wound healing and a healthy skin. Metallothioneins are metal-binding proteins and they are potent scavengers of heavy metals, including Zn, and protect the organism against stress. Zn deficiency is observed almost in 17% of the global population and affects many organ systems, leading to dysfunction of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity, thus increasing the susceptibility to infection. This review gives a thorough insight into the most recent evidence on the association between Zn biochemistry and human pathologies, epigenetic processes, gut microbial composition, drug targets and nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos T Chasapis
- NMR Center, Instrumental Analysis Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.,Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), Patras, Greece
| | - Panagoula-Stamatina A Ntoupa
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Chara A Spiliopoulou
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria E Stefanidou
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Goudi, Athens, Greece.
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14
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RAC1 as a Therapeutic Target in Malignant Melanoma. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:478-488. [PMID: 32460002 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Small GTPases of the RAS and RHO families are related signaling proteins that, when activated by growth factors or by mutation, drive oncogenic processes. While activating mutations in KRAS, NRAS, and HRAS genes have long been recognized and occur in many types of cancer, similar mutations in RHO family genes, such as RAC1 and RHOA, have only recently been detected as the result of extensive cancer genome-sequencing efforts and are linked to a restricted set of malignancies. In this review, we focus on the role of RAC1 signaling in malignant melanoma, emphasizing recent advances that describe how this oncoprotein alters melanocyte proliferation and motility and how these findings might lead to new therapeutics in RAC1-mutant tumors.
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15
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Souza ACO, Al Abdallah Q, DeJarnette K, Martin-Vicente A, Nywening AV, DeJarnette C, Sansevere EA, Ge W, Palmer GE, Fortwendel JR. Differential requirements of protein geranylgeranylation for the virulence of human pathogenic fungi. Virulence 2020; 10:511-526. [PMID: 31131706 PMCID: PMC6550545 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2019.1620063] [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] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein prenylation is a crucial post-translational modification largely mediated by two heterodimeric enzyme complexes, farnesyltransferase and geranylgeranyltransferase type-I (GGTase-I), each composed of a shared α-subunit and a unique β-subunit. GGTase-I enzymes are validated drug targets that contribute to virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans and to the yeast-to-hyphal transition in Candida albicans. Therefore, we sought to investigate the importance of the α-subunit, RamB, and the β-subunit, Cdc43, of the A. fumigatus GGTase-I complex to hyphal growth and virulence. Deletion of cdc43 resulted in impaired hyphal morphogenesis and thermo-sensitivity, which was exacerbated during growth in rich media. The Δcdc43 mutant also displayed hypersensitivity to cell wall stress agents and to cell wall synthesis inhibitors, suggesting alterations of cell wall biosynthesis or stress signaling. In support of this, analyses of cell wall content revealed decreased amounts of β-glucan in the Δcdc43 strain. Despite strong in vitro phenotypes, the Δcdc43 mutant was fully virulent in two models of murine invasive aspergillosis, similar to the control strain. We further found that a strain expressing the α-subunit gene, ramB, from a tetracycline-inducible promoter was inviable under non-inducing in vitro growth conditions and was virtually avirulent in both mouse models. Lastly, virulence studies using C. albicans strains with tetracycline-repressible RAM2 or CDC43 expression revealed reduced pathogenicity associated with downregulation of either gene in a murine model of disseminated infection. Together, these findings indicate a differential requirement for protein geranylgeranylation for fungal virulence, and further inform the selection of specific prenyltransferases as promising antifungal drug targets for each pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Camila Oliveira Souza
- a Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science , College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis , TN , USA
| | - Qusai Al Abdallah
- a Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science , College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis , TN , USA
| | - Kaci DeJarnette
- a Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science , College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis , TN , USA
| | - Adela Martin-Vicente
- a Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science , College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis , TN , USA
| | - Ashley V Nywening
- b Department of Molecular Immunology and Biochemistry , College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis , TN , USA
| | - Christian DeJarnette
- b Department of Molecular Immunology and Biochemistry , College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis , TN , USA
| | - Emily A Sansevere
- a Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science , College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis , TN , USA
| | - Wenbo Ge
- a Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science , College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis , TN , USA
| | - Glen E Palmer
- a Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science , College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis , TN , USA
| | - Jarrod R Fortwendel
- a Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science , College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis , TN , USA
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16
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Cholesterol and beyond - The role of the mevalonate pathway in cancer biology. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1873:188351. [PMID: 32007596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a multifaceted global disease. Transformation of a normal to a malignant cell takes several steps, including somatic mutations, epigenetic alterations, metabolic reprogramming and loss of cell growth control. Recently, the mevalonate pathway has emerged as a crucial regulator of tumor biology and a potential therapeutic target. This pathway controls cholesterol production and posttranslational modifications of Rho-GTPases, both of which are linked to several key steps of tumor progression. Inhibitors of the mevalonate pathway induce pleiotropic antitumor-effects in several human malignancies, identifying the pathway as an attractive candidate for novel therapies. In this review, we will provide an overview about the role and regulation of the mevalonate pathway in certain aspects of cancer initiation and progression and its potential for therapeutic intervention in oncology.
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17
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Sun Q, Xiong K, Yuan Y, Yu J, Yang L, Shen C, Su C, Lu Y. Inhibiting Fungal Echinocandin Resistance by Small-Molecule Disruption of Geranylgeranyltransferase Type I Activity. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:e02046-19. [PMID: 31791942 PMCID: PMC6985710 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02046-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Echinocandin resistance in Candida is a great concern, as the echinocandin drugs are recommended as first-line therapy for patients with invasive candidiasis. However, therapeutic efforts to thwart echinocandin resistance have been hampered by a lack of fungal specific drug targets. Here, we show that deleting CDC43, the β subunit of geranylgeranyltransferase type I (GGTase I), confers hypersensitivity to echinocandins, which renders GGTase I a tractable target in combatting echinocandin resistance. The membrane localization of Rho1, which is critical for (1,3)-β-d-glucan synthase Fks1 activation, is disrupted in the cdc43 mutant, resulting in decreased amounts of glucans in the cell wall, thereby exacerbating the cell wall stress upon caspofungin addition. Guided by this insight, we found that selective chemical inhibition of GGTase I by L-269289 potentiates echinocandin activity and renders echinocandin-resistant Candida albicans responsive to treatment in vitro and in animal models for disseminated infection. Furthermore, L-269289 and echinocandins also act in a synergistic manner for the treatment of Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis Importantly, deletion of CDC43 is lethal in Candida glabrata L-269289 is active on its own to kill C. glabrata, and its fungicidal activity is enhanced when combined with caspofungin. Thus, targeting GGTase I has therapeutic potential to address the clinical challenge of echinocandin-resistant candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangqiang Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Xiong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuncong Yuan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lianjuan Yang
- Department of Mycology, Shanghai Dermatology Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chang Su
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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18
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Manaswiyoungkul P, de Araujo ED, Gunning PT. Targeting prenylation inhibition through the mevalonate pathway. RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:51-71. [PMID: 33479604 PMCID: PMC7485146 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00442d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein prenylation is a critical mediator in several diseases including cancer and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Therapeutic intervention has focused primarily on directly targeting the prenyltransferase enzymes, FTase and GGTase I and II. To date, several drugs have advanced to clinical trials and while promising, they have yet to gain approval in a medical setting due to off-target effects and compensatory mechanisms activated by the body which results in drug resistance. While the development of dual inhibitors has mitigated undesirable side effects, potency remains sub-optimal for clinical development. An alternative approach involves antagonizing the upstream mevalonate pathway enzymes, FPPS and GGPPS, which mediate prenylation as well as cholesterol synthesis. The development of these inhibitors presents novel opportunities for dual inhibition of cancer-driven prenylation as well as cholesterol accumulation. Herein, we highlight progress towards the development of inhibitors against the prenylation machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pimyupa Manaswiyoungkul
- Department of Chemistry , University of Toronto , 80 St. George Street , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3H6 , Canada
| | - Elvin D de Araujo
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences , University of Toronto Mississauga , 3359 Mississauga Rd N. , Mississauga , Ontario L5L 1C6 , Canada .
| | - Patrick T Gunning
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences , University of Toronto Mississauga , 3359 Mississauga Rd N. , Mississauga , Ontario L5L 1C6 , Canada .
- Department of Chemistry , University of Toronto , 80 St. George Street , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3H6 , Canada
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19
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Aguiar AC, de Sousa LR, Garcia CR, Oliva G, Guido RV. New Molecular Targets and Strategies for Antimalarial Discovery. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:4380-4402. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666170830103003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Malaria remains a major health problem, especially because of the emergence
of resistant P. falciparum strains to artemisinin derivatives. In this context, safe and affordable
antimalarial drugs are desperately needed. New proteins have been investigated
as molecular targets for research and development of innovative compounds with welldefined
mechanism of action. In this review, we highlight genetically and clinically validated
plasmodial proteins as drug targets for the next generation of therapeutics. The enzymes
described herein are involved in hemoglobin hydrolysis, the invasion process,
elongation factors for protein synthesis, pyrimidine biosynthesis, post-translational modifications
such as prenylation, phosphorylation and histone acetylation, generation of ATP
in mitochondrial metabolism and aminoacylation of RNAs. Significant advances on proteomics,
genetics, structural biology, computational and biophysical methods provided
invaluable molecular and structural information about these drug targets. Based on this,
several strategies and models have been applied to identify and improve lead compounds.
This review presents the recent progresses in the discovery of antimalarial drug candidates,
highlighting the approaches, challenges, and perspectives to deliver affordable, safe
and low single-dose medicines to treat malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Caroline Aguiar
- Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, PO Box 369, 13560-970, Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Lorena R.F. de Sousa
- Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, PO Box 369, 13560-970, Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Celia R.S. Garcia
- Physiology Department, Bioscience Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Glaucius Oliva
- Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, PO Box 369, 13560-970, Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael V.C. Guido
- Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, PO Box 369, 13560-970, Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil
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20
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García-Torres D, Fierke CA. The chaperone SmgGDS-607 has a dual role, both activating and inhibiting farnesylation of small GTPases. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:11793-11804. [PMID: 31197034 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras family small GTPases undergo prenylation (such as farnesylation) for proper localization to the plasma membrane, where they can initiate oncogenic signaling pathways. Small GTP-binding protein GDP-dissociation stimulator (SmgGDS) proteins are chaperones that bind and traffic small GTPases, although their exact cellular function is unknown. Initially, SmgGDS proteins were classified as guanine nucleotide exchange factors, but recent findings suggest that SmgGDS proteins also regulate prenylation of small GTPases in vivo in a substrate-selective manner. SmgGDS-607 recognizes the polybasic region and the CAAX box of several small GTPases and inhibits prenylation by impeding their entry into the geranylgeranylation pathway. Here, using recombinant and purified enzymes for prenylation and protein-binding assays, we demonstrate that SmgGDS-607 differentially regulates farnesylation of several small GTPases. SmgGDS-607 inhibited farnesylation of some proteins, such as DiRas1, by sequestering the protein and limiting modification catalyzed by protein farnesyltransferase (FTase). We found that the competitive binding affinities of the small GTPase for SmgGDS-607 and FTase dictate the extent of this inhibition. Additionally, we discovered that SmgGDS-607 increases the rate of farnesylation of HRas by enhancing product release from FTase. Our work indicates that SmgGDS-607 binds to a broad range of small GTPases and does not require a PBR for recognition. Together, these results provide mechanistic insight into SmgGDS-607-mediated regulation of farnesylation of small GTPases and suggest that SmgGDS-607 has multiple modes of substrate recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol A Fierke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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21
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Klochkov SG, Neganova ME, Yarla NS, Parvathaneni M, Sharma B, Tarasov VV, Barreto G, Bachurin SO, Ashraf GM, Aliev G. Implications of farnesyltransferase and its inhibitors as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 56:128-134. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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22
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Membrane Lipid Composition: Effect on Membrane and Organelle Structure, Function and Compartmentalization and Therapeutic Avenues. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092167. [PMID: 31052427 PMCID: PMC6540057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 410] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological membranes are key elements for the maintenance of cell architecture and physiology. Beyond a pure barrier separating the inner space of the cell from the outer, the plasma membrane is a scaffold and player in cell-to-cell communication and the initiation of intracellular signals among other functions. Critical to this function is the plasma membrane compartmentalization in lipid microdomains that control the localization and productive interactions of proteins involved in cell signal propagation. In addition, cells are divided into compartments limited by other membranes whose integrity and homeostasis are finely controlled, and which determine the identity and function of the different organelles. Here, we review current knowledge on membrane lipid composition in the plasma membrane and endomembrane compartments, emphasizing its role in sustaining organelle structure and function. The correct composition and structure of cell membranes define key pathophysiological aspects of cells. Therefore, we explore the therapeutic potential of manipulating membrane lipid composition with approaches like membrane lipid therapy, aiming to normalize cell functions through the modification of membrane lipid bilayers.
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23
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Bader TK, Rappe TM, Veglia G, Distefano MD. Synthesis and NMR Characterization of the Prenylated Peptide, a-Factor. Methods Enzymol 2019; 614:207-238. [PMID: 30611425 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2018.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Protein and peptide prenylation is an essential biological process involved in many signal transduction pathways. Hence, it plays a critical role in establishing many major human ailments, including Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), malaria, and Ras-related cancers. Yeast mating pheromone a-factor is a small dodecameric peptide that undergoes prenylation and subsequent processing in a manner identical to larger proteins. Due to its small size in addition to its well-characterized behavior in yeast, a-factor is an attractive model system to study the prenylation pathway. Traditionally, chemical synthesis and characterization of a-factor have been challenging, which has limited its use in prenylation studies. In this chapter, a robust method for the synthesis of a-factor is presented along with a description of the characterization of the peptide using MALDI and NMR. Finally, complete assignments of resonances from the isoprenoid moiety and a-factor from COSY, TOCSY, HSQC, and long-range HMBC NMR spectra are presented. This methodology should be useful for the synthesis and characterization of other mature prenylated peptides and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taysir K Bader
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Todd M Rappe
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Gianlugi Veglia
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Mark D Distefano
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States.
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24
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Cong Z, Gao F, Liu H. Ni(ii)-catalyzed mono-selective ortho-arylation of unactivated aryl C–H bonds utilizing amino acids as a directing group. RSC Adv 2019; 9:10820-10824. [PMID: 35515296 PMCID: PMC9062466 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra00749k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The nickel(ii)-catalyzed ortho-arylation of unactivated C–H bonds utilizing amino acids as directing groups with aryl iodides or bromides as coupling electrophiles is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanqing Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Shanghai
- China
| | - Feng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Shanghai
- China
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Shanghai
- China
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25
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Abdelmagid WM, Adak T, Freeman JO, Tanner ME. Studies with Guanidinium- and Amidinium-Based Inhibitors Suggest Minimal Stabilization of Allylic Carbocation Intermediates by Dehydrosqualene and Squalene Synthases. Biochemistry 2018; 57:5591-5601. [PMID: 30179505 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dehydrosqualene and squalene synthases catalyze the redox neutral and the reductive, head-to-head dimerization of farnesyl diphosphate, respectively. In each case, the reaction is thought to proceed via an initial dissociation of farnesyl diphosphate to form an allylic carbocation-pyrophosphate ion pair. This work describes the synthesis and testing of inhibitors in which a guanidinium or amidinium moiety is flanked by a phosphonylphosphinate group and a hydrocarbon tail. These functional groups bear a planar, delocalized, positive charge and therefore should act as excellent mimics of an allylic carbocation. An inhibitor bearing a neutral urea moiety was also prepared as a control. The positively charged inhibitors acted as competitive inhibitors against Staphylococcus aureus dehydrosqualene synthase with Ki values in the low micromolar range. Surprisingly, the neutral urea inhibitor was the most potent of the three. Similar trends were seen with the first half reaction of human squalene synthase. One interpretation of these results is that the active sites of these enzymes do not directly stabilize the allylic carbocation via electrostatic or π-cation interactions. Instead, it is likely that the enzymes use tight binding to the pyrophosphate and lipid moieties to promote catalysis and that electrostatic stabilization of the carbocation is provided by the bound pyrophosphate product. An alternate possibility is that these inhibitors cannot bind to the "ionization FPP-binding site" of the enzyme and only bind to the "nonionizing FPP-binding site". In either case, all reported attempts to generate potent inhibitors with cationic FPP analogues have been unsuccessful to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid M Abdelmagid
- Department of Chemistry , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , British Columbia V6T 1Z1 , Canada
| | - Taniya Adak
- Department of Chemistry , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , British Columbia V6T 1Z1 , Canada
| | - Jon O Freeman
- Department of Chemistry , Pacific Lutheran University , Tacoma , Washington 98447 , United States
| | - Martin E Tanner
- Department of Chemistry , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , British Columbia V6T 1Z1 , Canada
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26
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The Many Faces of Rap1 GTPase. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19102848. [PMID: 30241315 PMCID: PMC6212855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19102848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This review addresses the issue of the numerous roles played by Rap1 GTPase (guanosine triphosphatase) in different cell types, in terms of both physiology and pathology. It is one among a myriad of small G proteins with endogenous GTP-hydrolyzing activity that is considerably stimulated by posttranslational modifications (geranylgeranylation) or guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), and inhibited by GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). Rap1 is a ubiquitous protein that plays an essential role in the control of metabolic processes, such as signal transduction from plasma membrane receptors, cytoskeleton rearrangements necessary for cell division, intracellular and substratum adhesion, as well as cell motility, which is needed for extravasation or fusion. We present several examples of how Rap1 affects cells and organs, pointing to possible molecular manipulations that could have application in the therapy of several diseases.
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27
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Jeong A, Suazo KF, Wood WG, Distefano MD, Li L. Isoprenoids and protein prenylation: implications in the pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention of Alzheimer's disease. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 53:279-310. [PMID: 29718780 PMCID: PMC6101676 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2018.1458070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mevalonate-isoprenoid-cholesterol biosynthesis pathway plays a key role in human health and disease. The importance of this pathway is underscored by the discovery that two major isoprenoids, farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, are required to modify an array of proteins through a process known as protein prenylation, catalyzed by prenyltransferases. The lipophilic prenyl group facilitates the anchoring of proteins in cell membranes, mediating protein-protein interactions and signal transduction. Numerous essential intracellular proteins undergo prenylation, including most members of the small GTPase superfamily as well as heterotrimeric G proteins and nuclear lamins, and are involved in regulating a plethora of cellular processes and functions. Dysregulation of isoprenoids and protein prenylation is implicated in various disorders, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancers, bone diseases, infectious diseases, progeria, and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, isoprenoids and/or prenyltransferases have emerged as attractive targets for developing therapeutic agents. Here, we provide a general overview of isoprenoid synthesis, the process of protein prenylation and the complexity of prenylated proteins, and pharmacological agents that regulate isoprenoids and protein prenylation. Recent findings that connect isoprenoids/protein prenylation with AD are summarized and potential applications of new prenylomic technologies for uncovering the role of prenylated proteins in the pathogenesis of AD are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Jeong
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacolog,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | | | - W. Gibson Wood
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Mark D. Distefano
- Departments of Chemistry,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Ling Li
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacolog,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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28
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Joachimiak Ł, Marchwicka A, Gendaszewska-Darmach E, Błażewska KM. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Imidazole-Bearing α-Phosphonocarboxylates as Inhibitors of Rab Geranylgeranyl Transferase (RGGT). ChemMedChem 2018; 13:842-851. [PMID: 29498238 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201700791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Rab geranylgeranyl transferase (RGGT) is an interesting therapeutic target, as it ensures proper functioning of Rab GTPases, a class of enzymes responsible for the regulation of vesicle trafficking. Relying on our previous studies, we synthesized a set of new α-phosphonocarboxylic acids as potential RGGT inhibitors, with emphasis on the elaboration of imidazole-containing analogues. We identified two compounds with activity similar to that of previously reported RGGT inhibitors, showing structural similarity to imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-containing analogues in terms of their substitution pattern. Interestingly, analogues of the N-series, derived from another phosphonocarboxylate RGGT inhibitor, 2-fluoro-3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-2-phosphonopropanoic acid, turned out to be inactive in our model, indicating that an additional substituent localized at positions C2 or C4 of the imidazole ring, may adversely affect the potency against the targeted enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Joachimiak
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Żeromskiego Str. 116, 90-924, Łódź, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Marchwicka
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Institute of Technical Biochemistry, Stefanowskiego Str. 4/10, 90-924, Łódź, Poland
| | - Edyta Gendaszewska-Darmach
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Institute of Technical Biochemistry, Stefanowskiego Str. 4/10, 90-924, Łódź, Poland
| | - Katarzyna M Błażewska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Żeromskiego Str. 116, 90-924, Łódź, Poland
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29
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Kaźmierczak A, Kusy D, Niinivehmas SP, Gmach J, Joachimiak Ł, Pentikäinen OT, Gendaszewska-Darmach E, Błażewska KM. Identification of the Privileged Position in the Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine Ring of Phosphonocarboxylates for Development of Rab Geranylgeranyl Transferase (RGGT) Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2017; 60:8781-8800. [PMID: 28953373 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Members of the Rab GTPase family are master regulators of vesicle trafficking. When disregulated, they are associated with a number of pathological states. The inhibition of RGGT, an enzyme responsible for post-translational geranylgeranylation of Rab GTPases represents one way to control the activity of these proteins. Because the number of molecules modulating RGGT is limited, we combined molecular modeling with biological assays to ascertain how modifications of phosphonocarboxylates, the first reported RGGT inhibitors, rationally improve understanding of their structure-activity relationship. We have identified the privileged position in the core scaffold of the imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine ring, which can be modified without compromising compounds' potency. Thus modified compounds are micromolar inhibitors of Rab11A prenylation, simultaneously being inactive against Rap1A/Rap1B modification, with the ability to inhibit proliferation of the HeLa cancer cell line. These findings were rationalized by molecular docking, which recognized interaction of phosphonic and carboxylic groups as decisive in phosphonocarboxylate localization in the RGGT binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Kaźmierczak
- Institute of Technical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology , Stefanowskiego Street 4/10, 90-924 Łódź, Poland
| | - Damian Kusy
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology , Żeromskiego Street 116, 90-924 Łódź, Poland
| | - Sanna P Niinivehmas
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science & Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä , P.O. Box 35, FI-40014 University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Joanna Gmach
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology , Żeromskiego Street 116, 90-924 Łódź, Poland
| | - Łukasz Joachimiak
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology , Żeromskiego Street 116, 90-924 Łódź, Poland
| | - Olli T Pentikäinen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science & Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä , P.O. Box 35, FI-40014 University of Jyväskylä, Finland.,Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku , FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Edyta Gendaszewska-Darmach
- Institute of Technical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology , Stefanowskiego Street 4/10, 90-924 Łódź, Poland
| | - Katarzyna M Błażewska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology , Żeromskiego Street 116, 90-924 Łódź, Poland
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30
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Hagemann A, Müller G, Manthey I, Bachmann HS. Exploring the putative self-binding property of the human farnesyltransferase alpha-subunit. FEBS Lett 2017; 591:3637-3648. [PMID: 28948621 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Farnesylation is an important post-translational protein modification in eukaryotes. Farnesylation is performed by protein farnesyltransferase, a heterodimer composed of an α- (FTα) and a β-subunit. Recently, homodimerization of truncated rat and yeast FTα has been detected, suggesting a new role for FTα homodimers in signal transduction. We investigated the putative dimerization behaviour of human and rat FTα. Different in vitro and in vivo approaches revealed no self-dimerization and a presumably artificial formation of homotrimers and higher homo-oligomers in vitro. Our study contributes to the clarification of the physiological features of FTase in different species and may be important for the ongoing development of FTase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hagemann
- Institute of Pharmacogenetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Grit Müller
- Institute of Pharmacogenetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Iris Manthey
- Institute of Pharmacogenetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Hagen S Bachmann
- Institute of Pharmacogenetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Germany
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31
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Cadelis MM, Bourguet-Kondracki ML, Dubois J, Kaiser M, Brunel JM, Barker D, Copp BR. Structure-activity relationship studies on thiaplidiaquinones A and B as novel inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum and farnesyltransferase. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:4433-4443. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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32
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Trost BM, Chan WH, Malhotra S. Development of the Regiodivergent Asymmetric Prenylation of 3-Substituted Oxindoles. Chemistry 2017; 23:4405-4414. [PMID: 28141896 PMCID: PMC5530868 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201605810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes our efforts to design a Pd-catalyzed asymmetric prenylation of 3-substituted oxindoles that affords access to both the linear and reverse-prenylated products. Both 3-alkyl- and 3-aryloxindoles performed well under our optimized reaction conditions. The regiodivergent alkylation of monoterpene-derived electrophiles using this methodology was also investigated. The utility of this methodology in natural product synthesis was demonstrated through the efficient total syntheses of four Flustra alkaloids, which also allowed the absolute stereochemistry of the prenylated oxindole products to be assigned. Surprisingly, the same enantiomer of ligand produced linear and branched regioisomers of opposite chirality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry M Trost
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Walter H Chan
- University of Toronto, 78 Queens Park, Toronto, ON, M5S 2C5, Canada
| | - Sushant Malhotra
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
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33
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Diaz-Rodriguez V, Distefano MD. a-Factor: a chemical biology tool for the study of protein prenylation. CURRENT TOPICS IN PEPTIDE & PROTEIN RESEARCH 2017; 18:133-151. [PMID: 29706727 PMCID: PMC5915288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The mating pheromone a-factor is a lipidated dodecapeptide found in the budding yeast S. cerevisiae. The biosynthesis of this peptide encompasses the same three-step processing pathway (farnesylation of C-terminal cysteine, C-terminal proteolysis and C-terminal methyl esterification) as Ras proteins, mutated forms of which have been found in ~30% of human cancers. For the mating of two haploid yeast cells into a diploid cell to happen, the a-factor pheromone travels to the cell surface of the opposite mating cell, where it binds and activates a G-protein coupled receptor. This lipidated-peptide/protein interaction has caught the attention of researchers studying protein prenylation, and studies have shown that this peptide can be used as a model system to understand the role of prenyl groups in protein-protein interactions. Here, we review the different methods used for the synthesis of a-factor and a-factor analogs containing C-terminal cysteine esters and the assays developed for detecting pheromone bioactivity and quantitation of pheromone efficiency. Also, we review crucial peptide modifications that have been used to investigate relationships between the structure and activity of this lipopeptide with its receptor Ste3p. Finally, we aim to discuss recent and future applications of a-factor as a chemical biology tool to study protein prenylation. These include the use of photo crosslinking reactions to map peptide/receptor interactions, the addition of fluorophore tags to visualize the peptide binding, and the use of bio-orthogonal reactions for protein labeling and protein purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Diaz-Rodriguez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mark D Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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34
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Gisselberg JE, Zhang L, Elias JE, Yeh E. The Prenylated Proteome of Plasmodium falciparum Reveals Pathogen-specific Prenylation Activity and Drug Mechanism-of-action. Mol Cell Proteomics 2016; 16:S54-S64. [PMID: 28040698 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m116.064550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium parasites contain several unique membrane compartments in which prenylated proteins may play important roles in pathogenesis. Protein prenylation has also been proposed as an antimalarial drug target because farnesyltransferase inhibitors cause potent growth inhibition of blood-stage Plasmodium However, the specific prenylated proteins that mediate antimalarial activity have yet to be identified. Given the potential for new parasite biology and elucidating drug mechanism-of-action, we performed a large-scale identification of the prenylated proteome in blood-stage P. falciparum parasites using an alkyne-labeled prenyl analog to specifically enrich parasite prenylated proteins. Twenty high-confidence candidates were identified, including several examples of pathogen-specific prenylation activity. One unique parasite prenylated protein was FYVE-containing coiled-coil protein (FCP), which is only conserved in Plasmodium and related Apicomplexan parasites and localizes to the parasite food vacuole. Targeting of FCP to this parasite-specific compartment was dependent on prenylation of its CaaX motif, as mutation of the prenylation site caused cytosolic mislocalization. We also showed that PfRab5b, which lacks C-terminal cysteines that are the only known site of Rab GTPase modification, is prenylated. Finally, we show that the THQ class of farnesyltransferase inhibitors abolishes FCP prenylation and causes its mislocalization, providing the first demonstration of a specific prenylated protein disrupted by antimalarial farnesyl transferase inhibitors. Altogether, these findings identify prenylated proteins that reveal unique parasite biology and are useful for evaluating prenyltransferase inhibitors for antimalarial drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lichao Zhang
- ‖Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford Medical School, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94025
| | - Joshua E Elias
- ‖Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford Medical School, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94025
| | - Ellen Yeh
- From the ‡Department of Biochemistry, .,§Pathology.,¶Microbiology and Immunology, and
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35
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Suazo KF, Schaber C, Palsuledesai CC, Odom John AR, Distefano MD. Global proteomic analysis of prenylated proteins in Plasmodium falciparum using an alkyne-modified isoprenoid analogue. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38615. [PMID: 27924931 PMCID: PMC5141570 DOI: 10.1038/srep38615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum infection remains a serious threat to health worldwide and new therapeutic targets are highly desirable. Small molecule inhibitors of prenyl transferases, enzymes that catalyze the post-translational isoprenyl modifications of proteins, exhibit potent antimalarial activity. The antimalarial actions of prenyltransferase inhibitors indicate that protein prenylation is required for malaria parasite development. In this study, we used a chemical biology strategy to experimentally characterize the entire complement of prenylated proteins in the human malaria parasite. In contrast to the expansive mammalian and fungal prenylomes, we find that P. falciparum possesses a restricted set of prenylated proteins. The prenylome of P. falciparum is dominated by Rab GTPases, in addition to a small number of prenylated proteins that also appear to function primarily in membrane trafficking. Overall, we found robust experimental evidence for a total of only thirteen prenylated proteins in P. falciparum, with suggestive evidence for an additional two probable prenyltransferase substrates. Our work contributes to an increasingly complete picture of essential, post-translational hydrophobic modifications in blood-stage P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiall F Suazo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Chad Schaber
- Departments of Pediatrics and of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | | | - Audrey R Odom John
- Departments of Pediatrics and of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Mark D Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
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36
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Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 2-imino-4-thiazolidinone derivatives as potent anti-cancer agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:5361-5368. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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37
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Mahmoodi MM, Fisher SA, Tam RY, Goff PC, Anderson RB, Wissinger JE, Blank DA, Shoichet MS, Distefano MD. 6-Bromo-7-hydroxy-3-methylcoumarin (mBhc) is an efficient multi-photon labile protecting group for thiol caging and three-dimensional chemical patterning. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 14:8289-300. [PMID: 27529405 DOI: 10.1039/c6ob01045h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The photochemical release of chemical reagents and bioactive molecules provides a useful tool for spatio-temporal control of biological processes. However, achieving this goal requires the development of highly efficient one- and two-photon sensitive photo-cleavable protecting groups. Thiol-containing compounds play critical roles in biological systems and bioengineering applications. While potentially useful for sulfhydryl protection, the 6-bromo-7-hydroxy coumarin-4-ylmethyl (Bhc) group can undergo an undesired photoisomerization reaction upon irradiation that limits its uncaging efficiency. To address this issue, here we describe the development of 6-bromo-7-hydroxy-3-methylcoumarin-4-ylmethyl (mBhc) as an improved group for thiol-protection. One- and two-photon photolysis reactions demonstrate that a peptide containing a mBhc-caged thiol undergoes clean and efficient photo-cleavage upon irradiation without detectable photoisomer production. To test its utility for biological studies, a K-Ras-derived peptide containing an mBhc-protected thiol was prepared by solid phase peptide synthesis using Fmoc-Cys(mBhc)-OH for the introduction of the caged thiol. Irradiation of that peptide using either UV or near IR light in presence of protein farnesyltransferase (PFTase), resulted in generation of the free peptide which was then recognized by the enzyme and became farnesylated. To show the utility of this caging group in biomaterial applications, we covalently modified hydrogels with mBhc-protected cysteamine. Using multi-photon confocal microscopy, highly defined volumes of free thiols were generated inside the hydrogels and visualized via reaction with a sulfhydryl-reactive fluorophore. The simple synthesis of mBhc and its efficient removal by one- and two-photon processes make it an attractive protecting group for thiol caging in a variety of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mohsen Mahmoodi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
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38
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Joachimiak Ł, Janczewski Ł, Ciekot J, Boratyński J, Błażewska K. Applying the prodrug strategy to α-phosphonocarboxylate inhibitors of Rab GGTase--synthesis and stability studies. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 13:6844-56. [PMID: 26018626 DOI: 10.1039/c5ob00281h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Fourteen novel prodrug-like analogs of two highly ionic phosphonocarboxylate inhibitors of Rab geranylgeranyl transferase were synthesized and preliminary assessment of their chemical and enzymatic stability was evaluated in buffers (pH 6.5 and 7.4) and rat intestinal homogenate (pH 6.5). Both acidic groups in phosphonocarboxylates were subject to modification. Phosphonic acid was protected either as bis(acyloxyalkyl) ester or phosphonodiamidate derived from amino acids. The carboxylic acid group was either left unchanged or was studied as ethyl ester. The compounds exhibited favorable stability in physiologically relevant pH (t1/2 above 18 h), while in intestinal homogenate they showed a large variety of half-lives (from 5 minutes to over 150 hours). LC MS studies have shown that the main product of decomposition under studied conditions resulted from cleavage of one of the ester (for acyloxyalkyl analogs) or amide (for phosphonodiamidate) bonds with phosphorus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Joachimiak
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego 116, 90-924 Łódź, Poland.
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39
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Wang YC, Distefano MD. Synthetic isoprenoid analogues for the study of prenylated proteins: Fluorescent imaging and proteomic applications. Bioorg Chem 2016; 64:59-65. [PMID: 26709869 PMCID: PMC4731301 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Protein prenylation is a posttranslational modification catalyzed by prenyltransferases involving the attachment of farnesyl or geranylgeranyl groups to residues near the C-termini of proteins. This irreversible covalent modification is important for membrane localization and proper signal transduction. Here, the use of isoprenoid analogues for studying prenylated proteins is reviewed. First, experiments with analogues containing small fluorophores that are alternative substrates for prenyltransferases are described. Those analogues have been useful for quantifying binding affinity and for the production of fluorescently labeled proteins. Next, the use of analogues that incorporate biotin, bioorthogonal groups or antigenic moieties is described. Such probes have been particularly useful for identifying proteins that are naturally prenylated within mammalian cells. Overall, the use of isoprenoid analogues has contributed significantly to the understanding of protein prenlation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Chih Wang
- Departments of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Mark D Distefano
- Departments of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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40
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Highly improved antiparasitic activity after introduction of an N-benzylimidazole moiety on protein farnesyltransferase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 109:173-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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41
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Diaz-Rodriguez V, Ganusova E, Rappe TM, Becker JM, Distefano MD. Synthesis of Peptides Containing C-Terminal Esters Using Trityl Side-Chain Anchoring: Applications to the Synthesis of C-Terminal Ester Analogs of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mating Pheromone a-Factor. J Org Chem 2015; 80:11266-74. [PMID: 26270598 PMCID: PMC5035043 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.5b01376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Peptides containing C-terminal esters are an important class of bioactive molecules that includes a-factor, a farnesylated dodecapeptide, involved in the mating of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, results that expand the scope of solid-phase peptide synthetic methodology that uses trityl side-chain anchoring for the preparation of peptides with C-terminal cysteine alkyl esters are described. In this method, Fmoc-protected C-terminal cysteine esters are anchored to trityl chloride resin and extended by standard solid-phase procedures followed by acidolytic cleavage and HPLC purification. Analysis using a Gly-Phe-Cys-OMe model tripeptide revealed minimal epimerization of the C-terminal cysteine residue under basic conditions used for Fmoc deprotection. (1)H NMR analysis of the unfarnesylated a-factor precursor peptide confirmed the absence of epimerization. The side-chain anchoring method was used to produce wild-type a-factor that contains a C-terminal methyl ester along with ethyl-, isopropyl-, and benzyl-ester analogs in good yield. Activity assays using a yeast-mating assay demonstrate that while the ethyl and isopropyl esters manifest near-wild-type activity, the benzyl ester-containing analog is ca. 100-fold less active. This simple method opens the door to the synthesis of a variety of C-terminal ester-modified peptides that should be useful in studies of protein prenylation and other structurally related biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Diaz-Rodriguez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Elena Ganusova
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Todd M. Rappe
- Minnesota NMR Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jeffrey M. Becker
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Mark D. Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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42
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Moudgil DK, Chan GKT. Lipids beyond membranes; farnesylation targets Spindly to kinetochores. Cell Cycle 2015; 14:2185-6. [PMID: 26029813 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2015.1056698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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43
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Palsuledesai CC, Distefano MD. Protein prenylation: enzymes, therapeutics, and biotechnology applications. ACS Chem Biol 2015; 10:51-62. [PMID: 25402849 PMCID: PMC4301080 DOI: 10.1021/cb500791f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Protein
prenylation is a ubiquitous covalent post-translational modification
found in all eukaryotic cells, comprising attachment of either a farnesyl
or a geranylgeranyl isoprenoid. It is essential for the proper cellular
activity of numerous proteins, including Ras family GTPases and heterotrimeric
G-proteins. Inhibition of prenylation has been extensively investigated
to suppress the activity of oncogenic Ras proteins to achieve antitumor
activity. Here, we review the biochemistry of the prenyltransferase
enzymes and numerous isoprenoid analogs synthesized to investigate
various aspects of prenylation and prenyltransferases. We also give
an account of the current status of prenyltransferase inhibitors as
potential therapeutics against several diseases including cancers,
progeria, aging, parasitic diseases, and bacterial and viral infections.
Finally, we discuss recent progress in utilizing protein prenylation
for site-specific protein labeling for various biotechnology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charuta C. Palsuledesai
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mark D. Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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44
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Palsuledesai CC, Ochocki JD, Markowski TW, Distefano MD. A combination of metabolic labeling and 2D-DIGE analysis in response to a farnesyltransferase inhibitor facilitates the discovery of new prenylated proteins. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2014; 10:1094-103. [PMID: 24577581 DOI: 10.1039/c3mb70593e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Protein prenylation is a post-translational modification required for proper cellular localization and activity of many important eukaryotic proteins. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) have been explored extensively for their antitumor activity. To assist in identifying potentially new and more useful markers for therapeutic applications, we developed a strategy that uses a combination of metabolic labeling and 2D DIGE (differential gel electrophoresis) to discover new prenylated proteins whose cellular levels are influenced by FTIs. In this approach, metabolic labeling of prenylated proteins was first carried out with an alkyne-modified isoprenoid analog, C15Alk, in the presence or absence of the FTI L-744,832. The resulting alkyne-tagged proteins were then labeled with Cy3-N3 and Cy5-N3 and subjected to 2D-DIGE. Multiple spots having altered levels of labeling in presence of the FTI were observed. Mass spectrometric analysis of some of the differentially labeled spots identified several known prenylated proteins, along with HisRS, PACN-3, GNAI-1 and GNAI-2, which are not known to be prenylated. In vitro farnesylation of a C-terminal peptide sequence derived from GNAI-1 and GNAI-2 produced a farnesylated product, suggesting GNAI-1 and GNAI-2 are potential novel farnesylated proteins. These results suggest that this new strategy could be useful for the identification of prenylated proteins whose level of post-translational modification has been modulated by the presence of an FTI. Additionally, this approach, which decreases sample complexity and thereby facilitates analysis, should be applicable to studies of other post-translational modifications as well.
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45
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Wang YC, Dozier JK, Beese LS, Distefano MD. Rapid analysis of protein farnesyltransferase substrate specificity using peptide libraries and isoprenoid diphosphate analogues. ACS Chem Biol 2014; 9:1726-35. [PMID: 24841702 PMCID: PMC4136699 DOI: 10.1021/cb5002312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
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Protein farnesytransferase (PFTase)
catalyzes the farnesylation
of proteins with a carboxy-terminal tetrapeptide sequence denoted
as a Ca1a2X box. To explore the specificity
of this enzyme, an important therapeutic target, solid-phase peptide
synthesis in concert with a peptide inversion strategy was used to
prepare two libraries, each containing 380 peptides. The libraries
were screened using an alkyne-containing isoprenoid analogue followed
by click chemistry with biotin azide and subsequent visualization
with streptavidin-AP. Screening of the CVa2X and CCa2X libraries with Rattus norvegicus PFTase revealed reaction by many known recognition sequences as
well as numerous unknown ones. Some of the latter occur in the genomes
of bacteria and viruses and may be important for pathogenesis, suggesting
new targets for therapeutic intervention. Screening of the CVa2X library with alkyne-functionalized isoprenoid substrates
showed that those prepared from C10 or C15 precursors
gave similar results, whereas the analogue synthesized from a C5 unit gave a different pattern of reactivity. Lastly, the
substrate specificities of PFTases from three organisms (R. norvegicus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Candida albicans) were compared
using CVa2X libraries. R. norvegicus PFTase was found to share more peptide substrates with S. cerevisiae PFTase than with C.
albicans PFTase. In general, this method is a highly
efficient strategy for rapidly probing the specificity of this important
enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Chih Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jonathan K. Dozier
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Lorena S. Beese
- Department
of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Mark D. Distefano
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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46
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Coxon FP, Joachimiak L, Najumudeen AK, Breen G, Gmach J, Oetken-Lindholm C, Way R, Dunford JE, Abankwa D, Błażewska KM. Synthesis and characterization of novel phosphonocarboxylate inhibitors of RGGT. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 84:77-89. [PMID: 25016230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.06.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Phosphonocarboxylate (PC) analogs of the anti-osteoporotic drugs, bisphosphonates, represent the first class of selective inhibitors of Rab geranylgeranyl transferase (RabGGTase, RGGT), an enzyme implicated in several diseases including ovarian, breast and skin cancer. Here we present the synthesis and biological characterization of an extended set of this class of compounds, including lipophilic derivatives of the known RGGT inhibitors. From this new panel of PCs, we have identified an inhibitor of RGGT that is of similar potency as the most active published phosphonocarboxylate, but of higher selectivity towards this enzyme compared to prenyl pyrophosphate synthases. New insights into structural requirements are also presented, showing that only PC analogs of the most potent 3rd generation bisphosphonates inhibit RGGT. In addition, the first phosphonocarboxylate-derived GGPPS inhibitor is reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fraser P Coxon
- Musculoskeletal Programme, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB252ZD, UK
| | - Lukasz Joachimiak
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego 116, 90-924 Łódź, Poland
| | - Arafath Kaja Najumudeen
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6B, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - George Breen
- Musculoskeletal Programme, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB252ZD, UK
| | - Joanna Gmach
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego 116, 90-924 Łódź, Poland
| | | | - Rebecca Way
- Musculoskeletal Programme, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB252ZD, UK
| | - James E Dunford
- University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, The Botnar Research Center, UK
| | - Daniel Abankwa
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6B, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Katarzyna M Błażewska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego 116, 90-924 Łódź, Poland.
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47
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Vervacke J, Funk AL, Wang YC, Strom M, Hrycyna CA, Distefano MD. Diazirine-containing photoactivatable isoprenoid: synthesis and application in studies with isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase. J Org Chem 2014; 79:1971-8. [PMID: 24502619 PMCID: PMC3985442 DOI: 10.1021/jo402600b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Photoaffinity labeling is a useful technique employed to identify protein-ligand and protein-protein noncovalent interactions. Photolabeling experiments have been particularly informative for probing membrane-bound proteins where structural information is difficult to obtain. The most widely used classes of photoactive functionalities include aryl azides, diazocarbonyls, diazirines, and benzophenones. Diazirines are intrinsically smaller than benzophenones and generate carbenes upon photolysis that react with a broader range of amino acid side chains compared with the benzophenone-derived diradical; this makes diazirines potentially more general photoaffinity-labeling agents. In this article, we describe the development and application of a new isoprenoid analogue containing a diazirine moiety that was prepared in six steps and incorporated into an a-factor-derived peptide produced via solid-phase synthesis. In addition to the diazirine moiety, fluorescein and biotin groups were also incorporated into the peptide to aid in the detection and enrichment of photo-cross-linked products. This multifuctional diazirine-containing peptide was a substrate for Ste14p, the yeast homologue of the potential anticancer target Icmt, with K(m) (6.6 μM) and V(max) (947 pmol min(-1) mg(-1)) values comparable or better than a-factor peptides functionalized with benzophenone-based isoprenoids. Photo-cross-linking experiments demonstrated that the diazirine probe photo-cross-linked to Ste14p with observably higher efficiency than benzophenone-containing a-factor peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey
S. Vervacke
- Departments
of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Amy L. Funk
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907−2084, United States
| | - Yen-Chih Wang
- Departments
of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mark Strom
- Departments
of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Christine A. Hrycyna
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907−2084, United States
| | - Mark D. Distefano
- Departments
of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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48
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Chen M, Knifley T, Subramanian T, Spielmann HP, O’Connor KL. Use of synthetic isoprenoids to target protein prenylation and Rho GTPases in breast cancer invasion. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89892. [PMID: 24587105 PMCID: PMC3935959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of Ras and Rho family small GTPases drives the invasion and metastasis of multiple cancers. For their biological functions, these GTPases require proper subcellular localization to cellular membranes, which is regulated by a series of post-translational modifications that result in either farnesylation or geranylgeranylation of the C-terminal CAAX motif. This concept provided the rationale for targeting farnesyltransferase (FTase) and geranylgeranyltransferases (GGTase) for cancer treatment. However, the resulting prenyl transferase inhibitors have not performed well in the clinic due to issues with alternative prenylation and toxicity. As an alternative, we have developed a unique class of potential anti-cancer therapeutics called Prenyl Function Inhibitors (PFIs), which are farnesol or geranyl-geraniol analogs that act as alternate substrates for FTase or GGTase. Here, we test the ability of our lead PFIs, anilinogeraniol (AGOH) and anilinofarnesol (AFOH), to block the invasion of breast cancer cells. We found that AGOH treatment effectively decreased invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells in a two-dimensional (2D) invasion assay at 100 µM while it blocked invasive growth in three-dimensional (3D) culture model at as little as 20 µM. Notably, the effect of AGOH on 3D invasive growth was phenocopied by electroporation of cells with C3 exotransferase. To determine if RhoA and RhoC were direct targets of AGOH, we performed Rho activity assays in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells and found that AGOH blocked RhoA and RhoC activation in response to LPA and EGF stimulation. Notably, the geranylgeraniol analog AFOH was more potent than AGOH in inhibiting RhoA and RhoC activation and invasive growth. Interestingly, neither AGOH nor AFOH impacted 3D growth of MCF10A cells. Collectively, this study demonstrates that AGOH and AFOH dramatically inhibit breast cancer invasion, at least in part by blocking Rho function, thus, suggesting that targeting prenylation by using PFIs may offer a promising mechanism for treatment of invasive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Graduate Center for Toxicology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Teresa Knifley
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Thangaiah Subramanian
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - H. Peter Spielmann
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Center for Structural Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Kathleen L. O’Connor
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
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49
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Rojo-Arreola L, Long T, Asarnow D, Suzuki BM, Singh R, Caffrey CR. Chemical and genetic validation of the statin drug target to treat the helminth disease, schistosomiasis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87594. [PMID: 24489942 PMCID: PMC3906178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The mevalonate pathway is essential in eukaryotes and responsible for a diversity of fundamental synthetic activities. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the pathway and is targeted by the ubiquitous statin drugs to treat hypercholesterolemia. Independent reports have indicated the cidal effects of statins against the flatworm parasite, S. mansoni, and the possibility that SmHMGR is a useful drug target to develop new statin-based anti-schistosome therapies. For six commercially available statins, we demonstrate concentration- and time-dependent killing of immature (somule) and adult S. mansoni in vitro at sub-micromolar and micromolar concentrations, respectively. Cidal activity trends with statin lipophilicity whereby simvastatin and pravastatin are the most and least active, respectively. Worm death is preventable by excess mevalonate, the product of HMGR. Statin activity against somules was quantified both manually and automatically using a new, machine learning-based automated algorithm with congruent results. In addition, to chemical targeting, RNA interference (RNAi) of HMGR also kills somules in vitro and, again, lethality is blocked by excess mevalonate. Further, RNAi of HMGR of somules in vitro subsequently limits parasite survival in a mouse model of infection by up to 80%. Parasite death, either via statins or specific RNAi of HMGR, is associated with activation of apoptotic caspase activity. Together, our genetic and chemical data confirm that S. mansoni HMGR is an essential gene and the relevant target of statin drugs. We discuss our findings in context of a potential drug development program and the desired product profile for a new schistosomiasis drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Rojo-Arreola
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Thavy Long
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Dan Asarnow
- Department of Computer Science, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Brian M. Suzuki
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Rahul Singh
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Computer Science, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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50
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Bosc D, Mouray E, Grellier P, Cojean S, Loiseau PM, Dubois J. Introduction of methionine mimics on 3-arylthiophene: influence on protein farnesyltransferase inhibition and on antiparasitic activity. MEDCHEMCOMM 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3md00065f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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