1
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Liu Z, Sun YH, Ren Y, Perez JM, Scott D, Tamminga C. Upregulated solute-carrier family genes in the hippocampus of schizophrenia can be rescued by antipsychotic medications. Schizophr Res 2024; 272:39-50. [PMID: 39182310 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS Our previous studies have found that functional changes in the hippocampal circuit from dentate gyrus (DG) to cornu ammonis 3 and 1 (CA3, CA1) are highly associated with schizophrenia (SZ). However, no studies have explored the genetic expression across the three and two human hippocampal subfields (DG-CA3-CA1 and CA3-CA1) between subjects with SZ and healthy controls (CT). STUDY DESIGN We matched cohorts between CT (n = 13) and SZ (n = 13). Among SZ, 6 subjects were on antipsychotics (AP) while 7 were off AP. We combined RNA-seq data from all three and two hippocampal subfields and performed differentially expressed gene analyses across DG-CA3-CA1 and CA3-CA1 affected by either SZ or AP. STUDY RESULTS We found that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from effects of SZ and AP across DG-CA3-CA1 and CA3-CA1 were highly associated with gene ontology terms related to hormonal and immune signaling, cellular mitosis and apoptosis, ion and amino acid transports, and protein modification and degradation. Additionally, we found that multiple genes related to solute-carrier family and immune signaling were significantly upregulated across DG-CA3-CA1 and CA3-CA1 in patients with SZ relative to CT, and AP consistently and robustly repressed the expression of these upregulated genes in the DG-CA3-CA1 and CA3-CA1 from subjects with SZ. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data suggest that the upregulated solute-carrier family genes in the hippocampus might have important roles in the pathophysiology of SZ, and that AP may reduce the symptoms of psychosis in SZ via rescuing the solute-carrier gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengshan Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America.
| | - Yu H Sun
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Yue Ren
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Jessica Marie Perez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Daniel Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Carol Tamminga
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
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2
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Yaba A, Thalheim T, Schneider MR. The role of cell-cell and cell-matrix junctional complexes in sebaceous gland homeostasis and differentiation. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:445. [PMID: 39313816 PMCID: PMC11421122 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01835-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Sebaceous glands (SG) are essential for maintaining skin integrity, as their lipid-rich secretion (sebum) lubricates and protects the epidermis and hairs. In addition, these glands have an emerging role in immunomodulation and may affect whole-body energy metabolism, besides being an appealing model for research in topics as lipogenesis, stem cell biology and tumorigenesis. In spite of the increasing interest in studying SGs pathophysiology, sebocyte cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion processes have been only superficially examined, and never in a systematic way. This is regrettable considering the key role of cellular adhesion in general, the specific expression pattern of indivdual junctional complexes, and the reports of structural changes in SGs after altered expression of adhesion-relevant proteins. Here, we review the available information on structural and functional aspects of cell-cell and cell-matrix junctions in sebocytes, and how these processes change under pathological conditions. This information will contribute for better understanding sebocyte differentiation and sebum secretion, and may provide hints for novel therapeutic strategies for skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin Yaba
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Torsten Thalheim
- Present Address: Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gGmbH, Torgauer Str. 116, 04347, Leipzig, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, Härtelstr. 16-18, 04107, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marlon R Schneider
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 7, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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3
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Tiwary S, Guerena CD, Jewell JL. SIRTifying intestinal nucleotide metabolism. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:763-764. [PMID: 39034176 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The intestine is a proliferative tissue subjected to a variety of stresses that disturb its homeostasis. A recent study by Tucker et al. demonstrated that loss of the tumor suppressor SIRT4 leads to increased cell proliferation via the de novo nucleotide biosynthesis pathway over the salvage pathway after ionizing irradiation (IR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Tiwary
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Cristina D Guerena
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jenna L Jewell
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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4
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Wang J, Zhou T. Unveiling gut microbiota's role: Bidirectional regulation of drug transport for improved safety. Med Res Rev 2024. [PMID: 39180410 DOI: 10.1002/med.22077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Drug safety is a paramount concern in the field of drug development, with researchers increasingly focusing on the bidirectional regulation of gut microbiota in this context. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining drug safety. It can influence drug transport processes in the body through various mechanisms, thereby modulating their efficacy and toxicity. The main mechanisms include: (1) The gut microbiota directly interacts with drugs, altering their chemical structure to reduce toxicity and enhance efficacy, thereby impacting drug transport mechanisms, drugs can also change the structure and abundance of gut bacteria; (2) bidirectional regulation of intestinal barrier permeability by gut microbiota, promoting the absorption of nontoxic drugs and inhibiting the absorption of toxic components; (3) bidirectional regulation of the expression and activity of transport proteins by gut microbiota, selectively promoting the absorption of effective components or inhibiting the absorption of toxic components. This bidirectional regulatory role enables the gut microbiota to play a key role in maintaining drug balance in the body and reducing adverse reactions. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms sheds light on novel approaches to minimize toxic side effects, enhance drug efficacy, and ultimately improve drug safety. This review systematically examines the bidirectional regulation of gut microbiota in drug transportation from the aforementioned aspects, emphasizing their significance in ensuring drug safety. Furthermore, it offers a prospective outlook from the standpoint of enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing drug toxicity, underscoring the importance of further exploration in this research domain. It aims to provide more effective strategies for drug development and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyi Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolite Research, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolite Research, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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5
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Gelová Z, Ingles-Prieto A, Bohstedt T, Frommelt F, Chi G, Chang YN, Garcia J, Wolf G, Azzollini L, Tremolada S, Scacioc A, Hansen JS, Serrano I, Droce A, Bernal JC, Burgess-Brown NA, Carpenter EP, Dürr KL, Kristensen P, Geertsma ER, Štefanić S, Scarabottolo L, Wiedmer T, Puetter V, Sauer DB, Superti-Furga G. Protein Binder Toolbox for Studies of Solute Carrier Transporters. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168665. [PMID: 38878854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Transporters of the solute carrier superfamily (SLCs) are responsible for the transmembrane traffic of the majority of chemical substances in cells and tissues and are therefore of fundamental biological importance. As is often the case with membrane proteins that can be heavily glycosylated, a lack of reliable high-affinity binders hinders their functional analysis. Purifying and reconstituting transmembrane proteins in their lipidic environments remains challenging and standard approaches to generate binders for multi-transmembrane proteins, such as SLCs, channels or G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are lacking. While generating protein binders to 27 SLCs, we produced full length protein or cell lines as input material for binder generation by selected binder generation platforms. As a result, we obtained 525 binders for 22 SLCs. We validated the binders with a cell-based validation workflow using immunofluorescent and immunoprecipitation methods to process all obtained binders. Finally, we demonstrated the potential applications of the binders that passed our validation pipeline in structural, biochemical, and biological applications using the exemplary protein SLC12A6, an ion transporter relevant in human disease. With this work, we were able to generate easily renewable and highly specific binders against SLCs, which will greatly facilitate the study of this neglected protein family. We hope that the process will serve as blueprint for the generation of binders against the entire superfamily of SLC transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Gelová
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alvaro Ingles-Prieto
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tina Bohstedt
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fabian Frommelt
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gamma Chi
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Julio Garcia
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gernot Wolf
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Andreea Scacioc
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jesper S Hansen
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Iciar Serrano
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aida Droce
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Nicola A Burgess-Brown
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elisabeth P Carpenter
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Katharina L Dürr
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Kristensen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Eric R Geertsma
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Saša Štefanić
- Nanobody Service Facility, University of Zurich, AgroVet-Strickhof, Eschikon, Switzerland
| | | | - Tabea Wiedmer
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - David B Sauer
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Giulio Superti-Furga
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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6
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Somabattini RA, Sherin S, Siva B, Chowdhury N, Nanjappan SK. Unravelling the complexities of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: The role of metabolism, transporters, and herb-drug interactions. Life Sci 2024; 351:122806. [PMID: 38852799 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a mainstream halting liver disease with high prevalence in North America, Europe, and other world regions. It is an advanced form of NAFLD caused by the amassing of fat in the liver and can progress to the more severe form known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Until recently, there was no authorized pharmacotherapy reported for NASH, and to improve the patient's metabolic syndrome, the focus is mainly on lifestyle modification, weight loss, ensuring a healthy diet, and increased physical activity; however, the recent approval of Rezdiffra (Resmetirom) by the US FDA may change this narrative. As per the reported studies, there is an increased articulation of uptake and efflux transporters of the liver, including OATP and MRP, in NASH, leading to changes in the drug's pharmacokinetic properties. This increase leads to alterations in the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. Furthermore, modifications in Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes can have a significant impact on these properties. Xenobiotics are metabolized primarily in the liver and constitute liver enzymes and transporters. This review aims to delve into the role of metabolism, transport, and potential herb-drug interactions in the context of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Adinarayan Somabattini
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, Chunilal Bhawan, 168, Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Sahla Sherin
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, Chunilal Bhawan, 168, Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Bhukya Siva
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, Chunilal Bhawan, 168, Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Neelanjan Chowdhury
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, Chunilal Bhawan, 168, Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Satheesh Kumar Nanjappan
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, Chunilal Bhawan, 168, Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India.
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7
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Swapna GVT, Dube N, Roth MJ, Montelione GT. Modeling Alternative Conformational States of Pseudo-Symmetric Solute Carrier Transporters using Methods from Machine Learning. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.15.603529. [PMID: 39071413 PMCID: PMC11275918 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.15.603529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
The Solute Carrier (SLC) superfamily of integral membrane proteins function to transport a wide array of solutes across the plasma and organelle membranes. SLC proteins also function as important drug transporters and as viral receptors. Despite being classified as a single superfamily, SLC proteins do not share a single common fold classification; however, most belong to multi-pass transmembrane helical protein fold families. SLC proteins populate different conformational states during the solute transport process, including outward open, intermediate (occluded), and inward open conformational states. For some SLC fold families this structural "flipping" corresponds to swapping between conformations of their N-terminal and C-terminal symmetry-related sub-structures. Conventional AlphaFold2 or Evolutionary Scale Modeling methods typically generate models for only one of these multiple conformational states of SLC proteins. Here we describe a fast and simple approach for modeling multiple conformational states of SLC proteins using a combined ESM - AF2 process. The resulting multi-state models are validated by comparison with sequence-based evolutionary co-variance data (ECs) that encode information about contacts present in the various conformational states adopted by the protein. We also explored the impact of mutations on conformational distributions of SLC proteins modeled by AlphaFold2 using both conventional and enhanced sampling methods. This approach for modeling conformational landscapes of pseudo-symmetric SLC proteins is demonstrated for several integral membrane protein transporters, including SLC35F2 the receptor of a feline leukemia virus envelope protein required for viral entry into eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- G V T Swapna
- Dept. of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, 12180 USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway NJ 08854 USA
| | - Namita Dube
- Dept. of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, 12180 USA
| | - Monica J Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway NJ 08854 USA
| | - Gaetano T Montelione
- Dept. of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, 12180 USA
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8
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Digles D, Ingles-Prieto A, Dvorak V, Mocking TAM, Goldmann U, Garofoli A, Homan EJ, Di Silvio A, Azzollini L, Sassone F, Fogazza M, Bärenz F, Pommereau A, Zuschlag Y, Ooms JF, Tranberg-Jensen J, Hansen JS, Stanka J, Sijben HJ, Batoulis H, Bender E, Martini R, IJzerman AP, Sauer DB, Heitman LH, Manolova V, Reinhardt J, Ehrmann A, Leippe P, Ecker GF, Huber KVM, Licher T, Scarabottolo L, Wiedmer T, Superti-Furga G. Advancing drug discovery through assay development: a survey of tool compounds within the human solute carrier superfamily. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1401599. [PMID: 39050757 PMCID: PMC11267547 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1401599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
With over 450 genes, solute carriers (SLCs) constitute the largest transporter superfamily responsible for the uptake and efflux of nutrients, metabolites, and xenobiotics in human cells. SLCs are associated with a wide variety of human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and metabolic and neurological disorders. They represent an important therapeutic target class that remains only partly exploited as therapeutics that target SLCs are scarce. Additionally, many small molecules reported in the literature to target SLCs are poorly characterized. Both features may be due to the difficulty of developing SLC transport assays that fulfill the quality criteria for high-throughput screening. Here, we report one of the main limitations hampering assay development within the RESOLUTE consortium: the lack of a resource providing high-quality information on SLC tool compounds. To address this, we provide a systematic annotation of tool compounds targeting SLCs. We first provide an overview on RESOLUTE assays. Next, we present a list of SLC-targeting compounds collected from the literature and public databases; we found that most data sources lacked specificity data. Finally, we report on experimental tests of 19 selected compounds against a panel of 13 SLCs from seven different families. Except for a few inhibitors, which were active on unrelated SLCs, the tested inhibitors demonstrated high selectivity for their reported targets. To make this knowledge easily accessible to the scientific community, we created an interactive dashboard displaying the collected data in the RESOLUTE web portal (https://re-solute.eu). We anticipate that our open-access resources on assays and compounds will support the development of future drug discovery campaigns for SLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Digles
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alvaro Ingles-Prieto
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vojtech Dvorak
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tamara A. M. Mocking
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, LACDR, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Goldmann
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Garofoli
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Evert J. Homan
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | - Felix Bärenz
- Sanofi, Integrated Drug Discovery, Industriepark Hoechst, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
| | - Antje Pommereau
- Sanofi, Integrated Drug Discovery, Industriepark Hoechst, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
| | - Yasmin Zuschlag
- Sanofi, Integrated Drug Discovery, Industriepark Hoechst, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
| | - Jasper F. Ooms
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, LACDR, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jeppe Tranberg-Jensen
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jesper S. Hansen
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Josefina Stanka
- Lead Identification and Characterization, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Hubert J. Sijben
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, LACDR, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Helena Batoulis
- Lead Identification and Characterization, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Eckhard Bender
- Lead Identification and Characterization, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Riccardo Martini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adriaan P. IJzerman
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, LACDR, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - David B. Sauer
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Laura H. Heitman
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, LACDR, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Alexander Ehrmann
- Lead Identification and Characterization, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Philipp Leippe
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard F. Ecker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kilian V. M. Huber
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Licher
- Sanofi, Integrated Drug Discovery, Industriepark Hoechst, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
| | | | - Tabea Wiedmer
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giulio Superti-Furga
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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9
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Ma C, Yimamu M, Zhang S, Shah AM, Yang H, Cai W, Li C, Lu X, Li F, Yang K. Effects of guanidino acetic acid and betaine supplementation on growth, dietary nutrient digestion and intestinal creatine metabolism in sheep. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1470. [PMID: 38923734 PMCID: PMC11196381 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1470] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intestine of young ruminants is in the developmental stage and has weaker resistance to the changes of external environment. Improving intestinal health is vital to promoting growth of young ruminants. This study investigated effects of guanidino acetic acid (GAA) and rumen-protected betaine (RPB) supplementation on growth, dietary nutrient digestion and GAA metabolism in the small intestine of sheep. METHODS Eighteen healthy Kazakh rams (27.46 ± 0.10 kg of body weight and 3-month old) were categorized into control, test group I and test group II, which were fed a basal diet, 1500 mg/kg GAA and 1500 mg/kg GAA + 600 mg/kg RPB, respectively. RESULTS Compared with control group, test group II had increased (p < 0.05) average daily gain, plasma creatine level, ether extract (EE) and phosphorus digestibility on day 30. On day 60, the EE apparent digestibility, jugular venous plasma GAA, GAA content in the duodenal mucosa and GAA content in the jejunal and ileal mucosa of test group II were higher (p < 0.05) than other groups. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the duodenal pathways of oxidative phosphorylation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were significantly altered in test group II versus test group I (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the jejunum, the MAPK signalling pathway, complement and coagulation cascade and B-cell receptor signalling pathway were significantly enriched, with ATPase, solute carrier transporter protein, DHFR, SI, GCK, ACACA and FASN being the significantly DEGs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Dietary supplementation of RPB on top of GAA in sheep diets may promote sheep growth and development by improving the body's energy, amino acid, glucose and lipid metabolism capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Ma
- College of Animal ScienceXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumchiChina
| | - Mireguli Yimamu
- College of Animal ScienceXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumchiChina
| | - Shiqi Zhang
- College of Animal ScienceXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumchiChina
| | - Ali Mujtaba Shah
- Key Laboratory of Animal GeneticsBreeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi ProvinceCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityXianyangChina
| | - Hao Yang
- College of Animal ScienceXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumchiChina
| | - Wenjie Cai
- College of Animal ScienceXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumchiChina
| | - Chaonan Li
- College of Animal ScienceXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumchiChina
| | - Xuejie Lu
- College of Animal ScienceXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumchiChina
| | - Fengming Li
- College of Animal ScienceXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumchiChina
| | - Kailun Yang
- College of Animal ScienceXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumchiChina
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10
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Adla SK, Virtanen H, Thongsodsaeng T, Huttunen KM. Amino acid transporters in neurological disorders and neuroprotective effects of cysteine derivatives. Neurochem Int 2024; 177:105771. [PMID: 38761853 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
For most diseases and disorders occurring in the brain, the full causes behind them are yet unknown, but many show signs of dysfunction of amino acid transporters or abnormalities in amino acid metabolism. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a key role in supporting the function of the central nervous system (CNS). Because of its unique structure, the BBB can maintain the optimal environment for CNS by controlling the passage of hydrophilic molecules from blood to the brain. Nutrients, such as amino acids, can cross the BBB via specific transporters. Many amino acids are essential for CNS function, and dysfunction of these amino acid transporters can lead to abnormalities in amino acid levels. This has been linked to causes behind certain genetic brain diseases, such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and Huntington's disease (HD). One example of crucial amino acids is L-Cys, the rate-limiting factor in the biosynthesis of an important antioxidant, glutathione (GSH). Deficiency of L-Cys and GSH has been linked to oxidative stress and has been shown as a plausible cause behind certain CNS diseases, like schizophrenia and HD. This review presents the current status of potential L-Cys therapies and gives future directions that can be taken to improve amino acid transportation related to distinct CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Kumar Adla
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Heinileena Virtanen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Thanavit Thongsodsaeng
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kristiina M Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
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11
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Lu X, Huang J. Molecular mechanisms of Na +-driven bile acid transport in human NTCP. Biophys J 2024; 123:1195-1210. [PMID: 38544409 PMCID: PMC11140467 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Human Na+ taurocholate co-transporting protein (hNTCP) is a key bile salt transporter to maintain enterohepatic circulation and is responsible for the recognition of hepatitis B and D viruses. Despite landmark cryoelectron microscopy studies revealing open-pore and inward-facing states of hNTCP stabilized by antibodies, the transport mechanism remains largely unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we used molecular dynamics and enhanced sampling metadynamics simulations to elucidate the intrinsic mechanism of hNTCP-mediated taurocholate acid (TCA) transport driven by Na+ binding. We uncovered three TCA-binding modes, including one that closely matched the limited cryoelectron microscopy density observed in the open-pore hNTCP. We also captured several key hNTCP conformations in the substrate transport cycle, particularly including an outward-facing, substrate-bound state. Furthermore, we provided thermodynamic evidence supporting that changes in the Na+-binding state drive the TCA transport by exploiting the amphiphilic nature of the substrate and modulating the protein environment, thereby enabling the TCA molecule to flip through. Understanding these mechanistic details of Na+-driven bile acid transport may aid in the development of hNTCP-targeted therapies for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Lu
- Westlake AI Therapeutics Laboratory, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Westlake AI Therapeutics Laboratory, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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12
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Xie X, Wei Y, Cui Y, Zhang Q, Lu H, Chen L, He J. Transcriptomics reveals age-related changes in ion transport-related factors in yak lungs. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1374794. [PMID: 38779034 PMCID: PMC11110679 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1374794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Yaks inhabit high-altitude, low-oxygen regions, where ion transport functions play a crucial role in maintaining intracellular and extracellular ionic balance and regulating pulmonary vascular tension. These functions affect pulmonary ventilation and blood flow rate, aiding tissue development and enhancing oxygen transfer efficiency, thus facilitating better adaptation to hypoxic environments. To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of ion transport-related factors on the growth and development of yak lungs, we employed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq)for sequencing the transcriptome in the lung tissues of neonatal (1-day-old), juvenile (1-year-old), and adult (4-year-old) yaks. We also performed differential gene expression and functional analyses. The results yielded 26 genes associated with ion transport, mainly enriched in the salivary and pancreatic secretion pathways. Finally, we used several methods including quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemical (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining to determine the distribution of the expression of the ion transport genes FOXI1, KCNMA1, and SLC12A2 in yak lung tissues. qRT-PCR and WB results indicated that mRNA and protein relative expression levels of FOXI1 and SLC12A2 were significantly higher in neonatal yaks than in juvenile and adult yaks (all p < 0.05), whereas those of KCNMA1 were significantly higher in adult yaks than in neonatal and juvenile yaks (all p < 0.05). IHC and IF results demonstrated that FOXI1, KCNMA1, and SLC12A2 were distributed among the epithelial mucosal layers (including ciliated, goblet, and Clara cells) of the yaks' bronchi and their branches in the lungs across different age groups of yak. Therefore, our results suggested that FOXI1, KCNMA1, and SLC12A2 may be strongly associated with the development and aging processes in yak lungs. These results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the yak's adaptation to high-altitude environments and valuable references for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiating Xie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yating Wei
- Laboratory Animal, Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yan Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hongqin Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Liang Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Junfeng He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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13
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Wu K, Gong W, Hu JC, Duan YC, Ke HH, Chen L. SLC38A2 promotes cell proliferation and invasion by promoting glutamine metabolism in adenomyosis. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:218. [PMID: 38590564 PMCID: PMC11000443 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12506] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis is a benign uterine disorder that is associated with female infertility, a reduced clinical pregnancy rate and a high risk of miscarriage. Solute carrier family 38 member a2 (SLC38A2) is a glutamine (Gln) transporter that serves roles in various medical conditions. The present study aimed to reveal the role of SLC38A2 in adenomyosis. The mRNA expression levels of SLC38A2 in eutopic endometrial (EU) and ectopic endometrial (EC) tissues from adenomyotic patients were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. EU and EC cell proliferation and invasion were analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays. Changes in the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) were determined to indicate the mitochondrial respiratory function and observed using a Seahorse analyzer. SLC38A2 expression in EC tissues was upregulated compared with that in normal endometrial tissues. SLC38A2 knockdown repressed EC cell proliferation and invasion. In addition, the Gln content and OCR were decreased in EC cells transfected with SLC38A2-knockdown lentivirus, whereas SLC38A2 overexpression had the opposite effect in EU cells. Furthermore, the increased proliferation and invasion rates and Gln level induced by SLC38A2 overexpression in EU cells were alleviated by CB-839, a glutaminase inhibitor. SLC38A2 overexpression promoted Gln metabolism and oxygen consumption rate, resulting in an increase in cell proliferation and invasion in the adenomyosis context. The present study indicated that reduction of SLC38A2 expression could be a novel target for adenomyosis therapy, and SLC38A2 may be a valuable clinical diagnostic molecule for adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, P.R. China
| | - Wei Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Chang Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Chun Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Hui Ke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, P.R. China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, P.R. China
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14
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Huttunen KM. Improving drug delivery to the brain: the prodrug approach. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:683-693. [PMID: 38738934 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2355180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prodrug approach has been thought to be a simple solution to improve brain drug delivery for decades. Nevertheless, it still comes as a surprise that there is relatively little success in the field. The best example anti-parkinsonian drug levodopa has been serendipitously discovered to be a transporter-utilizing brain-delivered prodrug rather than a rationally developed one. AREAS COVERED The lack of success can mainly be explained by the insufficient understanding of the role of membrane proteins that can facilitate drug delivery at dynamic barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), but also by the sparse knowledge of prodrug bioconverting enzymes in the brain. This review summarizes the current status of the prodrug attempts that have been developed in the past to improve brain drug delivery. EXPERT OPINION With the expandingly improved analytical and computational technologies, it is anticipated that enhanced brain drug delivery will be eventually achieved for most of the central nervous system (CNS) acting drugs. However, this requires that carrier-mediated (pro)drug delivery methods are implemented in the very early phases of the drug development processes and not as a last step to survive a problematic investigational drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina M Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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15
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Mishra S, Stany B, Das A, Kanagavel D, Vijayan M. A Comprehensive Review of Membrane Transporters and MicroRNA Regulation in Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04135-2. [PMID: 38558361 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04135-2] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a distressing neurodegenerative condition characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and tau tangles within the brain. The interconnectedness between membrane transporters (SLCs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in AD pathogenesis has gained increasing attention. This review explores the localization, substrates, and functions of SLC transporters in the brain, emphasizing the roles of transporters for glutamate, glucose, nucleosides, and other essential compounds. The examination delves into the significance of SLCs in AD, their potential for drug development, and the intricate realm of miRNAs, encompassing their transcription, processing, functions, and regulation. MiRNAs have emerged as significant players in AD, including those associated with mitochondria and synapses. Furthermore, this review discusses the intriguing nexus of miRNAs targeting SLC transporters and their potential as therapeutic targets in AD. Finally, the review underscores the interaction between SLC transporters and miRNA regulation within the context of Alzheimer's disease, underscoring the need for further research in this area. This comprehensive review aims to shed light on the complex mechanisms underlying the causation of AD and provides insights into potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shatakshi Mishra
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - B Stany
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Anushka Das
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Deepankumar Kanagavel
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
| | - Murali Vijayan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA.
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16
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Gorostiola González M, Rakers PRJ, Jespers W, IJzerman AP, Heitman LH, van Westen GJP. Computational Characterization of Membrane Proteins as Anticancer Targets: Current Challenges and Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3698. [PMID: 38612509 PMCID: PMC11011372 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073698] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide and calls for novel therapeutic targets. Membrane proteins are key players in various cancer types but present unique challenges compared to soluble proteins. The advent of computational drug discovery tools offers a promising approach to address these challenges, allowing for the prioritization of "wet-lab" experiments. In this review, we explore the applications of computational approaches in membrane protein oncological characterization, particularly focusing on three prominent membrane protein families: receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and solute carrier proteins (SLCs). We chose these families due to their varying levels of understanding and research data availability, which leads to distinct challenges and opportunities for computational analysis. We discuss the utilization of multi-omics data, machine learning, and structure-based methods to investigate aberrant protein functionalities associated with cancer progression within each family. Moreover, we highlight the importance of considering the broader cellular context and, in particular, cross-talk between proteins. Despite existing challenges, computational tools hold promise in dissecting membrane protein dysregulation in cancer. With advancing computational capabilities and data resources, these tools are poised to play a pivotal role in identifying and prioritizing membrane proteins as personalized anticancer targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Gorostiola González
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
- Oncode Institute, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pepijn R. J. Rakers
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
| | - Willem Jespers
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
| | - Adriaan P. IJzerman
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
| | - Laura H. Heitman
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
- Oncode Institute, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J. P. van Westen
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
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17
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Tu G, Fu T, Zheng G, Xu B, Gou R, Luo D, Wang P, Xue W. Computational Chemistry in Structure-Based Solute Carrier Transporter Drug Design: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:1433-1455. [PMID: 38294194 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01736] [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: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Solute carrier transporters (SLCs) are a class of important transmembrane proteins that are involved in the transportation of diverse solute ions and small molecules into cells. There are approximately 450 SLCs within the human body, and more than a quarter of them are emerging as attractive therapeutic targets for multiple complex diseases, e.g., depression, cancer, and diabetes. However, only 44 unique transporters (∼9.8% of the SLC superfamily) with 3D structures and specific binding sites have been reported. To design innovative and effective drugs targeting diverse SLCs, there are a number of obstacles that need to be overcome. However, computational chemistry, including physics-based molecular modeling and machine learning- and deep learning-based artificial intelligence (AI), provides an alternative and complementary way to the classical drug discovery approach. Here, we present a comprehensive overview on recent advances and existing challenges of the computational techniques in structure-based drug design of SLCs from three main aspects: (i) characterizing multiple conformations of the proteins during the functional process of transportation, (ii) identifying druggability sites especially the cryptic allosteric ones on the transporters for substrates and drugs binding, and (iii) discovering diverse small molecules or synthetic protein binders targeting the binding sites. This work is expected to provide guidelines for a deep understanding of the structure and function of the SLC superfamily to facilitate rational design of novel modulators of the transporters with the aid of state-of-the-art computational chemistry technologies including artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gao Tu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Tingting Fu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | | | - Binbin Xu
- Chengdu Sintanovo Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610200, China
| | - Rongpei Gou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Ding Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Panpan Wang
- College of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian 463000, China
| | - Weiwei Xue
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
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18
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Song HS, Ha SY, Kim JY, Kim M, Choi JH. The effect of genetic variants of SLC22A18 on proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3925. [PMID: 38366023 PMCID: PMC10873386 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54658-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Solute carrier family (SLC) transporters are expressed in the digestive system and play important roles in maintaining physiological functions in the body. In addition, SLC transporters act as oncoproteins or tumor-suppressor proteins during the development, progression, and metastasis of various digestive system cancers. SLC22A18, a member of the SLC22 gene family, is an orphan transporter with an unknown endogenous substrate. Previous study revealed that SLC22A18 is downregulated in colorectal cancer tissues and that it acts as a suppressor in colorectal cancer, although the effects of SLC22A18 variants on colon cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion are unknown. Therefore, in this study, we identified SLC22A18 variants found in multiple populations by searching public databases and determined the in vitro effects of these missense variations on transporter expression and cancer progression. Our results indicated that three missense SLC22A18 variants-p.Ala6Thr, p.Arg12Gln, and p.Arg86His-had significantly lower cell expression than the wild type, possibly owing to intracellular degradation. Furthermore, these three variants caused significantly higher proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cells than the wild type. Our findings suggest that missense variants of SLC22A18 can potentially serve as biomarkers or prognostic tools that enable clinicians to predict colorectal cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Sook Song
- Department of Pharmacology, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07804, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Yeon Ha
- Department of Pharmacology, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07804, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Young Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07804, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsuk Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07804, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Ha Choi
- Department of Pharmacology, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07804, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Ronaldson PT, Davis TP. Blood-brain barrier transporters: a translational consideration for CNS delivery of neurotherapeutics. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:71-89. [PMID: 38217410 PMCID: PMC10842757 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2306138] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Successful neuropharmacology requires optimization of CNS drug delivery and, by extension, free drug concentrations at brain molecular targets. Detailed assessment of blood-brain barrier (BBB) physiological characteristics is necessary to achieve this goal. The 'next frontier' in CNS drug delivery is targeting BBB uptake transporters, an approach that requires evaluation of brain endothelial cell transport processes so that effective drug accumulation and improved therapeutic efficacy can occur. AREAS COVERED BBB permeability of drugs is governed by tight junction protein complexes (i.e., physical barrier) and transporters/enzymes (i.e., biochemical barrier). For most therapeutics, a component of blood-to-brain transport involves passive transcellular diffusion. Small molecule drugs that do not possess acceptable physicochemical characteristics for passive permeability may utilize putative membrane transporters for CNS uptake. While both uptake and efflux transport mechanisms are expressed at the brain microvascular endothelium, uptake transporters can be targeted for optimization of brain drug delivery and improved treatment of neurological disease states. EXPERT OPINION Uptake transporters represent a unique opportunity to optimize brain drug delivery by leveraging the endogenous biology of the BBB. A rigorous understanding of these transporters is required to improve translation from the bench to clinical trials and stimulate the development of new treatment paradigms for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas P. Davis
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine
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20
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Dudas B, Miteva MA. Computational and artificial intelligence-based approaches for drug metabolism and transport prediction. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:39-55. [PMID: 38072723 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Drug metabolism and transport, orchestrated by drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) and drug transporters (DTs), are implicated in drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Reliable and precise predictions of DDIs and ADRs are critical in the early stages of drug development to reduce the rate of drug candidate failure. A variety of experimental and computational technologies have been developed to predict DDIs and ADRs. Recent artificial intelligence (AI) approaches offer new opportunities for better predicting and understanding the complex processes related to drug metabolism and transport. We summarize the role of major DMEs and DTs, and provide an overview of current progress in computational approaches for the prediction of drug metabolism, transport, and DDIs, with an emphasis on AI including machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balint Dudas
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8038 CiTCoM, Inserm U1268 MCTR, Paris, France
| | - Maria A Miteva
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8038 CiTCoM, Inserm U1268 MCTR, Paris, France.
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21
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Yu H, Tang H, Wang M, Xu Q, Yu J, Ge H, Qiang L, Tang W, Gu HF. Effects of total flavones of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) on the treatment of diabetic nephropathy via the activation of solute carriers in renal tubular epithelial cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115899. [PMID: 37984306 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As a traditional Chinese medicine, Huangkui capsule (HKC) has been used to treat patients with kidney diseases, including diabetic nephropathy (DN). We have recently demonstrated that HKC could re-regulate the activities of solute carriers (SLC)s in proximal and distal convoluted tubules of kidneys in regression of the development of DN. The main active chemical constituents of HKC are the flavones of Abelmoschus manihot (L.). The current study aims to further evaluate the efficacy of total flavones of A. manihot (TFA) in the regression of DN by analyzing SLC activities in proximal and distal convoluted tubules of kidneys. TFA (0.076 g/kg/d) or vehicle was administered in db/db mice, the animal model of type 2 diabetes and DN, daily via oral gavage for four weeks. Blood glucose levels and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were measured and used for the determination of T2D and DN. Ten SLCs, including slc2a2, slc4A1, slc5a2, slc5A3, slc5a8, slc6a20, slc27a2, slc12a3, slc34a1 and slc38a2 were highly expressed in proximal and distinct convoluted tubules of kidneys. Their expression at mRNA and protein levels before and after TFA treatment were analyzed with real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Data showed that UACR in the db/db mice after TFA treatment was significantly decreased. Compared with the group of non-diabetic control, slc2a2, slc4A1, slc5a2, slc5A3, slc5a8, slc6a20, slc27a2, slc12a3, slc34a1 and slc38a2 in the group of DN were down-regulated but up-regulated after TFA treatment. Further analyses of whole kidney sections indicated that the numbers and structures of the nephron in db/db mice was increased and improved after TFA treatment. Thereby, the current study provides further evidence that the flavones in A. manihot have pharmacological effects on the treatment of DN by improving the biological function of SLCs in kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Yu
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, China
| | - Haitao Tang
- Suzhong Pharmaceutical Research Institute, 3-1 Xinjinhu Road, Jiangbei New Area, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210018, China
| | - Mei Wang
- Suzhong Pharmaceutical Research Institute, 3-1 Xinjinhu Road, Jiangbei New Area, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210018, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, China
| | - Jinshi Yu
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, China
| | - Haitao Ge
- Suzhong Pharmaceutical Research Institute, 3-1 Xinjinhu Road, Jiangbei New Area, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210018, China
| | - Lei Qiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longman Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 211198, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Department of Endocrinology, Islet Cell Senescence and Function Research Laboratory, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Geriatric Hospital/Jiangsu Province Geriatric Hospital, 65 Jiangsu Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210024, China.
| | - Harvest F Gu
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, China.
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22
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Chu T, Karmakar J, Haggie PM, Tan JA, Master R, Ramaswamy K, Verkman AS, Anderson MO, Cil O. Selective isoxazolopyrimidine PAT1 (SLC26A6) inhibitors for therapy of intestinal disorders. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:2342-2347. [PMID: 37974969 PMCID: PMC10650448 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00302g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A loss of prosecretory Cl- channel CFTR activity in the intestine is considered as the key cause of gastrointestinal problems in cystic fibrosis (CF): meconium ileus, distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) and constipation. Since CFTR modulators have minimal effects on gastrointestinal symptoms, there is an unmet need for novel treatments for CF-associated gastrointestinal disorders. Meconium ileus and DIOS mainly affect the ileum (distal small intestine). SLC26A6 (putative anion transporter 1, PAT1) is a Cl-/HCO3- exchanger at the luminal membrane of small intestinal epithelial cells which facilitates Cl- and fluid absorption. We recently identified first-in-class PAT1 inhibitors by high-throughput screening. Isoxazolopyrimidine PAT1inh-A01 was a hit compound, which had low potency (IC50 5.2 μM) for SLC26A6 inhibition precluding further preclinical development. Here we performed structure-activity relationship studies to optimize isoxazolopyrimidine SLC26A6 inhibitors and tested a potent inhibitor in mouse models of intestinal fluid absorption. Structure-activity studies of 377 isoxazolopyrimidine analogs identified PAT1inh-A0030 (ethyl 4-(benzyl(methyl)amino)-3-methylisoxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate) as the most potent SLC26A6 inhibitor with a 1.0 μM IC50. Selectivity studies showed that PAT1inh-A030 has no activity on relevant ion transporters/channels (SLC26A3, SLC26A4, SLC26A9, CFTR, TMEM16A). In a closed-loop model of intestinal fluid absorption, intraluminal PAT1inh-A0030 treatment inhibited fluid absorption in the ileum of wild-type and CF mice (CftrdelF508/delF508) with >90% prevention of a decrease in loop fluid volume and loop weight/length ratio at 30 minutes. These results suggest that SLC26A6 is the key transporter mediating Cl- and fluid absorption in the ileum and SLC26A6 inhibitors are novel drug candidates for treatment of CF-associated small intestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tifany Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco San Francisco CA USA
| | - Joy Karmakar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco San Francisco CA USA
| | - Peter M Haggie
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco San Francisco CA USA
| | - Joseph-Anthony Tan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco San Francisco CA USA
| | - Riya Master
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco San Francisco CA USA
| | - Keerthana Ramaswamy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco San Francisco CA USA
| | - Alan S Verkman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco San Francisco CA USA
| | - Marc O Anderson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Francisco State University San Francisco CA USA
| | - Onur Cil
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco San Francisco CA USA
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23
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Alam S, Doherty E, Ortega-Prieto P, Arizanova J, Fets L. Membrane transporters in cell physiology, cancer metabolism and drug response. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050404. [PMID: 38037877 PMCID: PMC10695176 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050404] [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] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
By controlling the passage of small molecules across lipid bilayers, membrane transporters influence not only the uptake and efflux of nutrients, but also the metabolic state of the cell. With more than 450 members, the Solute Carriers (SLCs) are the largest transporter super-family, clustering into families with different substrate specificities and regulatory properties. Cells of different types are, therefore, able to tailor their transporter expression signatures depending on their metabolic requirements, and the physiological importance of these proteins is illustrated by their mis-regulation in a number of disease states. In cancer, transporter expression is heterogeneous, and the SLC family has been shown to facilitate the accumulation of biomass, influence redox homeostasis, and also mediate metabolic crosstalk with other cell types within the tumour microenvironment. This Review explores the roles of membrane transporters in physiological and malignant settings, and how these roles can affect drug response, through either indirect modulation of sensitivity or the direct transport of small-molecule therapeutic compounds into cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Alam
- Drug Transport and Tumour Metabolism Lab, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Emily Doherty
- Drug Transport and Tumour Metabolism Lab, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Paula Ortega-Prieto
- Drug Transport and Tumour Metabolism Lab, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Julia Arizanova
- Drug Transport and Tumour Metabolism Lab, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Louise Fets
- Drug Transport and Tumour Metabolism Lab, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
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24
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Timpani CA, Rasmussen L, Rybalka E. Adenylosuccinic Acid Is a Non-Toxic Small Molecule In Vitro and In Vivo. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1458. [PMID: 37895929 PMCID: PMC10609790 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenylosuccinic acid (ASA) is a small molecule dicarboxylate that could be a strong clinical development candidate for inherited myopathies involving dysregulated purine nucleotide metabolism. Currently, there are no published pharmacokinetic/dynamic or toxicology data available, although 10-year clinical trial data on Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients suggests it is a chronically safe drug. In this study, we tested the toxicity of ASA to cultured myoblasts in vitro and its acute systemic toxicity in mice. ASA is a non-toxic small molecule with an LD50 > 5000 mg/kg. Some background necrotic foci in the liver, kidney and gastrointestinal tract were shown that are likely incidental but warrant follow-up sub-/chronic oral exposure studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara A. Timpani
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia;
- Inherited and Acquired Myopathy Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
- Department of Medicine—Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
| | | | - Emma Rybalka
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia;
- Inherited and Acquired Myopathy Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
- Department of Medicine—Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
- Division of Neuropaediatrics and Developmental Medicine, University Children’s Hospital of Basel (UKBB), 4031 Basel, Switzerland
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25
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Capper MJ, Yang S, Stone AC, Vatansever S, Zilberg G, Mathiharan YK, Habib R, Hutchinson K, Zhao Y, Schlessinger A, Mezei M, Osman R, Zhang B, Wacker D. Substrate binding and inhibition of the anion exchanger 1 transporter. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1495-1504. [PMID: 37679563 PMCID: PMC11008770 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01085-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Anion exchanger 1 (AE1), a member of the solute carrier (SLC) family, is the primary bicarbonate transporter in erythrocytes, regulating pH levels and CO2 transport between lungs and tissues. Previous studies characterized its role in erythrocyte structure and provided insight into transport regulation. However, key questions remain regarding substrate binding and transport, mechanisms of drug inhibition and modulation by membrane components. Here we present seven cryo-EM structures in apo, bicarbonate-bound and inhibitor-bound states. These, combined with uptake and computational studies, reveal important molecular features of substrate recognition and transport, and illuminate sterol binding sites, to elucidate distinct inhibitory mechanisms of research chemicals and prescription drugs. We further probe the substrate binding site via structure-based ligand screening, identifying an AE1 inhibitor. Together, our findings provide insight into mechanisms of solute carrier transport and inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Capper
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shifan Yang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander C Stone
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sezen Vatansever
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gregory Zilberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yamuna Kalyani Mathiharan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Raul Habib
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Keino Hutchinson
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yihan Zhao
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Avner Schlessinger
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mihaly Mezei
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roman Osman
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Wacker
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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26
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Schlessinger A, Zatorski N, Hutchinson K, Colas C. Targeting SLC transporters: small molecules as modulators and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:801-814. [PMID: 37355450 PMCID: PMC10525040 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Solute carrier (SLCs) transporters mediate the transport of a broad range of solutes across biological membranes. Dysregulation of SLCs has been associated with various pathologies, including metabolic and neurological disorders, as well as cancer and rare diseases. SLCs are therefore emerging as key targets for therapeutic intervention with several recently approved drugs targeting these proteins. Unlocking this large and complex group of proteins is essential to identifying unknown SLC targets and developing next-generation SLC therapeutics. Recent progress in experimental and computational techniques has significantly advanced SLC research, including drug discovery. Here, we review emerging topics in therapeutic discovery of SLCs, focusing on state-of-the-art approaches in structural, chemical, and computational biology, and discuss current challenges in transporter drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avner Schlessinger
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Nicole Zatorski
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Keino Hutchinson
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Claire Colas
- University of Vienna, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vienna, Austria.
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27
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Mineiro R, Albuquerque T, Neves AR, Santos CRA, Costa D, Quintela T. The Role of Biological Rhythms in New Drug Formulations to Cross the Brain Barriers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12541. [PMID: 37628722 PMCID: PMC10454916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
For brain protection, the blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier limit the traffic of molecules between blood and brain tissue and between blood and cerebrospinal fluid, respectively. Besides their protective function, brain barriers also limit the passage of therapeutic drugs to the brain, which constitutes a great challenge for the development of therapeutic strategies for brain disorders. This problem has led to the emergence of novel strategies to treat neurological disorders, like the development of nanoformulations to deliver therapeutic agents to the brain. Recently, functional molecular clocks have been identified in the blood-brain barrier and in the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. In fact, circadian rhythms in physiological functions related to drug disposition were also described in brain barriers. This opens the possibility for chronobiological approaches that aim to use time to improve drug efficacy and safety. The conjugation of nanoformulations with chronobiology for neurological disorders is still unexplored. Facing this, here, we reviewed the circadian rhythms in brain barriers, the nanoformulations studied to deliver drugs to the brain, and the nanoformulations with the potential to be conjugated with a chronobiological approach to therapeutic strategies for the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Mineiro
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Tânia Albuquerque
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Neves
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cecília R. A. Santos
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Diana Costa
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- UDI-IPG—Unidade de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Interior, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
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28
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Yu H, Wang M, Yu J, Tang H, Xu Q, Cheng N, Luo X, Wang Y, Ge H, Qiang L, Tang W, Gu HF. Evaluation of the efficacy of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) on diabetic nephropathy by analyzing biomarkers in the glomeruli and proximal and distal convoluted tubules of the kidneys. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1215996. [PMID: 37587982 PMCID: PMC10427220 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1215996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: As a traditional Chinese medicine, Abelmoschus manihot (L.) in the form of Huangkui (HK) capsule has been used as a medication for kidney diseases, including diabetic nephropathy (DN), in China. The most significant effect of HK capsule treatment in kidney diseases is the reduction of albuminuria and proteinuria. To evaluate the efficacy of HK capsule in the regression of DN, in the current study, we analyzed the biomarkers in the glomerulus and proximal and distal convoluted tubules in the kidneys of db/db mice, the animal model for type 2 diabetes and DN. Methods: Huangkui capsules (0.84 g/kg/d) or vehicle were administered daily via oral gavage for 4 weeks in db/db mice. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and blood glucose levels were measured during the whole experimental period. Five biomarkers in the glomerulus and proximal and distal convoluted tubules in the kidneys were selected, namely, col4a3, slc5a2, slc34a1, slc12a3, and slc4a1, and their activities at mRNA and protein levels before and after HK capsule treatment were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Result and discussion: After HK capsule treatment for 4 weeks, the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio in db/db mice was found to be significantly decreased. The activities of col4a3, slc5a2, slc34a1, slc12a3, and slc4a1 in the kidneys were upregulated in db/db mice prior to the treatment but downregulated after HK capsule treatment. Further analyses of the fields of whole kidney tissue sections demonstrated that the number of nephrons in the kidneys of db/db mice with HK capsule treatment was higher than that in the kidneys of db/db mice without HK capsule treatment. Thereby, the current study provides experimental evidence confirming the medical efficacy of A. manihot in the reduction of albuminuria and proteinuria, suggesting that A. manihot may have pharmacological efficacy in the regression of the development of type 2 diabetes-DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Yu
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Wang
- Suzhong Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingshi Yu
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haitao Tang
- Suzhong Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ning Cheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Luo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yurong Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haitao Ge
- Suzhong Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Qiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Department of Endocrinology, Islet Cell Senescence and Function Research Laboratory, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Geriatric Hospital/Jiangsu Province Geriatric Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Harvest F. Gu
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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29
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Zhao Z, Khurana A, Antony F, Young JW, Hewton KG, Brough Z, Zhong T, Parker SJ, Duong van Hoa F. A Peptidisc-Based Survey of the Plasma Membrane Proteome of a Mammalian Cell. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100588. [PMID: 37295717 PMCID: PMC10416069 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins play critical roles at the cell surface and their misfunction is a hallmark of many human diseases. A precise evaluation of the plasma membrane proteome is therefore essential for cell biology and for discovering novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, the low abundance of this proteome relative to soluble proteins makes it difficult to characterize, even with the most advanced proteomics technologies. Here, we apply the peptidisc membrane mimetic to purify the cell membrane proteome. Using the HeLa cell line as a reference, we capture 500 different integral membrane proteins, with half annotated to the plasma membrane. Notably, the peptidisc library is enriched with several ABC, SLC, GPCR, CD, and cell adhesion molecules that generally exist at low to very low copy numbers in the cell. We extend the method to compare two pancreatic cell lines, Panc-1 and hPSC. Here we observe a striking difference in the relative abundance of the cell surface cancer markers L1CAM, ANPEP, ITGB4, and CD70. We also identify two novel SLC transporters, SLC30A1 and SLC12A7, that are highly present in the Panc-1 cell only. The peptidisc library thus emerges as an effective way to survey and compare the membrane proteome of mammalian cells. Furthermore, since the method stabilizes membrane proteins in a water-soluble state, members of the library, here SLC12A7, can be specifically isolated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyu Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Arshdeep Khurana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Frank Antony
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John W Young
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Keeley G Hewton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zora Brough
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tianshuang Zhong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Seth J Parker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Franck Duong van Hoa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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30
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Boytsov D, Schicker K, Hellsberg E, Freissmuth M, Sandtner W. Allosteric modulators of solute carrier function: a theoretical framework. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1166450. [PMID: 37250134 PMCID: PMC10210158 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1166450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-scale drug screening is currently the basis for the identification of new chemical entities. This is a rather laborious approach, because a large number of compounds must be tested to cover the chemical space in an unbiased fashion. However, the structures of targetable proteins have become increasingly available. Thus, a new era has arguably been ushered in with the advent of methods, which allow for structure-based docking campaigns (i.e., virtual screens). Solute carriers (SLCs) are among the most promising drug targets. This claim is substantiated by the fact that a large fraction of the 400 solute carrier genes is associated with human diseases. The ability to dock large ligand libraries into selected structures of solute carriers has set the stage for rational drug design. In the present study, we show that these structure-based approaches can be refined by taking into account how solute carriers operate. We specifically address the feasibility of targeting solute carriers with allosteric modulators, because their actions differ fundamentally from those of ligands, which bind to the substrate binding site. For the pertinent analysis we used transition state theory in conjunction with the linear free energy relationship (LFER). These provide the theoretical framework to understand how allosteric modulators affect solute carrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Boytsov
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - K. Schicker
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - E. Hellsberg
- Computational Structural Biology Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - M. Freissmuth
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - W. Sandtner
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Lee SJ, Joo SA, Kim H, Lee Y, Chung SJ, Chae YJ, Maeng HJ. Involvement of CYP3A4 and MDR1 in altered metabolism and transport of indinavir in 1,25(OH) 2D 3-treated Caco-2 cells. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 183:106396. [PMID: 36736464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Altered drug concentrations may induce unexpected toxicity or treatment failure; thus, understanding the factors that alter the pharmacokinetic profiles of drugs is crucial for optimal disease treatment. Vitamin D receptor (VDR), a nuclear receptor, regulates the expression of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), which are crucial determinants of drug pharmacokinetics. In this study, we investigated the effects of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], a VDR ligand, on the metabolism, transport, and pharmacokinetics of indinavir, a dual substrate of CYP3A4 and MDR1. 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment for three days upregulated the expression levels of CYP3A4 and MDR1 in Caco-2 cells and consequently led to an increase in the level of a metabolite formed via CYP3A4 (indinavir M6) and the efflux ratio of indinavir in transport study. The increase in the metabolic reaction was also confirmed through a metabolism assay performed using the lysate of 1,25(OH)2D3-treated Caco-2 cells. In the Ussing chamber study conducted with the rat intestine, 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment did not alter the transport of indinavir into the basolateral side but increased indinavir M6 formation. Similarly, plasma levels of the metabolite increased in 1,25(OH)2D3-treated rats; however, systemic exposure to indinavir led to insignificant alterations. Considering the overlapping substrate specificities for CYP3A4 and MDR1 and their significant roles in drug pharmacokinetics, VDR may play an important role in drug interactions of CYP3A4 and MDR1 substrates for accessing more effective and safe disease treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Korea
| | - Seul-A Joo
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Korea
| | - Heejeong Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Yunjong Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Suk-Jae Chung
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Yoon-Jee Chae
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Woosuk University, Wanju 55338, Korea.
| | - Han-Joo Maeng
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Korea.
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Islam S, Akhand MRN, Hasan M. Evolutionary trend of bovine β-defensin proteins toward functionality prediction: A domain-based bioinformatics study. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14158. [PMID: 36938430 PMCID: PMC10015202 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Defensins are small cationic cysteine-rich and amphipathic peptides that form of three-dimensional β-strand structure connected by disulfide bonds. Defensins form key elements of the innate immune system of multicellular organisms. They not only possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity but also have diverse roles, including cell signaling, ion channel agitation, toxic functions, and enzyme inhibitor activities in various animals. Although the role of β-defensins in immune responses against infectious agents and reproduction could be significant, inadequate genomic information is available to explain the whole β-defensin repertoire in cattle. No domain or motif-based functional analyses have been previously reported. In addition, how do defensins possess this magnitude of functions in the immune system is still not clear. Our present study, therefore, investigated the sequence divergence and evolutionary relations of bovine defensin proteins with those of humans. Our domain-based evolutionary analysis revealed four major clusters with significant domain variation while reserving a main antimicrobial activity. Our study revealed the β-defensin domain as the ancestor domain, and it is preserved in the first group of defensin protein with no α-helix in its structure. Due to natural selection, some domains have evolved independently within clusters II and III, while some proteins have lost their domain characteristics. Cluster IV contains the most recently evolved domains. Some proteins of all but cluster I might have adopted the functional characteristics of α-defensins which is largely absent in cattle. The proteins show different patterns of disulfide bridges and multiple signature patterns which might render them specialized functions in different tissue to combat against various pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiful Islam
- Department of Physiology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh
| | - Mst Rubaiat Nazneen Akhand
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh
- Corresponding author.
| | - Mahmudul Hasan
- Department of Pharmaceuticals and Industrial Biotechnology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh
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Wei X, Li X, Liu P, Li L, Chen H, Li D, Liu J, Xie L. Integrated physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analysis of thallium toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160265. [PMID: 36403832 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although several studies have evaluated the effects of Thallium (Tl) in adult species of fish, the developmental toxicity of Tl has not been previously explored. In this study, zebrafish embryos (<4 h post fertilization (hpf)) were exposed to Tl at concentrations from 0.8 to 400 μg L-1 for 7 d. The results showed that the decreased hatching rate and increased malformation rate were observed in the larvae. The swimming velocity of larvae from 200 and 400 μg L-1 treatments was respectively reduced by ~26 % and 15 %. Histopathological analysis of liver indicated the number of cells of karyolysis (143 % and 202 %) and pyknosis (170 % and 131 %) were respectively increased in 200 and 400 μg L-1 Tl treatments. Meanwhile, the Tl body burden and metallothionein (MT) levels in the larvae were increased with elevated Tl concentrations. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased by ~20 to 51 % in all Tl treatments and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was decreased by ~12 % at 200 μg L-1. The activities of Na+/K+-ATPase and protease were inhibited in 200 and 400 μg L-1 Tl treatments. Moreover, the transcripts of genes (Nrf2, HO-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, TGF) were significantly altered. In addition, a total of 930 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1549 DEGs were found in the 200 and 400 μg L-1 treatments with 458 overlapped DEGs by transcriptomic analysis. The protein digestion and absorption, ECM-receptor interaction, and complement and coagulation cascades pathways were shown to be the most significantly enriched pathways. This study helps better understand the molecular mechanisms of Tl toxicity in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrong Wei
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Xiamen Key Laboratory for Feed Quality Testing and Safety Evaluation, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Ping Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Lixia Li
- 810 Institute of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology, Shandong Provincial Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources, Jinan 250014, China; Shandong Engineering Research Center for Environmental Protection and Remediation on Groundwater, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Hongxing Chen
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dan Li
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Lingtian Xie
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Hutchinson K, Silva DB, Bohlke J, Clausen C, Thomas AA, Bonomi M, Schlessinger A. Describing inhibitor specificity for the amino acid transporter LAT1 from metainference simulations. Biophys J 2022; 121:4476-4491. [PMID: 36369754 PMCID: PMC9748366 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1; SLC7A5) is a membrane transporter of amino acids, thyroid hormones, and drugs such as the Parkinson's disease drug levodopa (L-Dopa). LAT1 is found in the blood-brain barrier, testis, bone marrow, and placenta, and its dysregulation has been associated with various neurological diseases, such as autism and epilepsy, as well as cancer. In this study, we combine metainference molecular dynamics simulations, molecular docking, and experimental testing, to characterize LAT1-inhibitor interactions. We first conducted a series of molecular docking experiments to identify the most relevant interactions between LAT1's substrate-binding site and ligands, including both inhibitors and substrates. We then performed metainference molecular dynamics simulations using cryoelectron microscopy structures in different conformations of LAT1 with the electron density map as a spatial restraint, to explore the inherent heterogeneity in the structures. We analyzed the LAT1 substrate-binding site to map important LAT1-ligand interactions as well as newly described druggable pockets. Finally, this analysis guided the discovery of previously unknown LAT1 ligands using virtual screening and cellular uptake experiments. Our results improve our understanding of LAT1-inhibitor recognition, providing a framework for rational design of future lead compounds targeting this key drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keino Hutchinson
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Dina Buitrago Silva
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Joshua Bohlke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney, Nebraska
| | - Chase Clausen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney, Nebraska
| | - Allen A Thomas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney, Nebraska
| | - Massimiliano Bonomi
- Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3528, Paris, France.
| | - Avner Schlessinger
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
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Heterologous (Over) Expression of Human SoLute Carrier (SLC) in Yeast: A Well-Recognized Tool for Human Transporter Function/Structure Studies. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12081206. [PMID: 36013385 PMCID: PMC9410066 DOI: 10.3390/life12081206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
For more than 20 years, yeast has been a widely used system for the expression of human membrane transporters. Among them, more than 400 are members of the largest transporter family, the SLC superfamily. SLCs play critical roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis by transporting nutrients, ions, and waste products. Based on their involvement in drug absorption and in several human diseases, they are considered emerging therapeutic targets. Despite their critical role in human health, a large part of SLCs' is 'orphans' for substrate specificity or function. Moreover, very few data are available concerning their 3D structure. On the basis of the human health benefits of filling these knowledge gaps, an understanding of protein expression in systems that allow functional production of these proteins is essential. Among the 500 known yeast species, S. cerevisiae and P. pastoris represent those most employed for this purpose. This review aims to provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art on the attempts of human SLC expression performed by exploiting yeast. The collected data will hopefully be useful for guiding new attempts in SLCs expression with the aim to reveal new fundamental data that could lead to potential effects on human health.
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Ronaldson PT, Davis TP. Transport Mechanisms at the Blood-Brain Barrier and in Cellular Compartments of the Neurovascular Unit: Focus on CNS Delivery of Small Molecule Drugs. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1501. [PMID: 35890396 PMCID: PMC9324459 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a primary origin of morbidity and mortality in the United States and around the world. Indeed, several research projects have attempted to discover new drugs or repurpose existing therapeutics to advance stroke pharmacotherapy. Many of these preclinical stroke studies have reported positive results for neuroprotective agents; however, only one compound (3K3A-activated protein C (3K3A-APC)) has advanced to Phase III clinical trial evaluation. One reason for these many failures is the lack of consideration of transport mechanisms at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and neurovascular unit (NVU). These endogenous transport processes function as a "gateway" that is a primary determinant of efficacious brain concentrations for centrally acting drugs. Despite the knowledge that some neuroprotective agents (i.e., statins and memantine) are substrates for these endogenous BBB transporters, preclinical stroke studies have largely ignored the role of transporters in CNS drug disposition. Here, we review the current knowledge on specific BBB transporters that either limit drug uptake into the brain (i.e., ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters) or can be targeted for optimized drug delivery (i.e., solute carrier (SLC) transporters). Additionally, we highlight the current knowledge on transporter expression in astrocytes, microglia, pericytes, and neurons with an emphasis on transport mechanisms in these cell types that can influence drug distribution within the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T. Ronaldson
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724-5050, USA;
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37
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Ruel NM, Nguyen KH, Kim CS, Andrade LPS, Hammond JR. Impact of SLC43A3/ENBT1 expression and function on 6-mercaptopurine transport and cytotoxicity in human acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 382:335-345. [PMID: 35798387 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001155] [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: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) is used extensively in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and inflammatory bowel diseases. Our lab determined previously, using a recombinant HEK293 cell model, that the SLC43A3-encoded equilibrative nucleobase transporter 1 (ENBT1) transports 6-MP into cells and significantly impacts the cytotoxicity of 6-MP in that model. To further investigate the clinical relevance of this finding, we now extend this work to an analysis of the impact of SLC43A3/ENBT1 expression and function on 6-MP uptake and cytotoxicity in leukemic lymphoblasts, the therapeutic target of 6-MP in ALL. A panel of ALL cell lines was assessed for SLC43A3/ENBT1 expression, ENBT1 function, and sensitivity to 6-MP. There was a significant difference in SLC43A3 expression among the cell lines that positively correlated with the rate of ENBT1-mediated 6-MP uptake. Cells with the lowest expression of SLC43A3 (SUP-B15: Vmax - 22 {plus minus} 5 pmol/µl/s) were also significantly less sensitive to 6-MP induced cytotoxicity than were the highest expressing cells (ALL-1: Vmax - 69 {plus minus} 10 pmol/µl/s). Furthermore, knockdown of ENBT1 using shRNAi in RS4;11 cells caused a significant decrease in ENBT1-mediated 6-MP uptake (Vmax: RS4;11 - 40 {plus minus} 4 pmol/µl/s; RS4;11 shRNAi - 26 {plus minus} 3 pmol/µl/s) and 6-MP cytotoxicity (EC50: RS4;11: 0.58 {plus minus} 0.05 µM; RS4;11 shRNAi: 1.44 {plus minus} 0.59 µM). This study showed that ENBT1 is a major contributor to 6-MP uptake in leukemia cell lines, and may prove to be a biomarker for the therapeutic efficacy of 6-MP in patients with ALL. Significance Statement This study shows that ENBT1 is responsible for the transport of 6-MP into leukemia cells and that its level of expression can impact the cytotoxicity of 6-MP. Further studies are warranted to investigate the therapeutic implications in patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chan S Kim
- Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Canada
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Huttunen J, Adla SK, Markowicz-Piasecka M, Huttunen KM. Increased/Targeted Brain (Pro)Drug Delivery via Utilization of Solute Carriers (SLCs). Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061234. [PMID: 35745806 PMCID: PMC9228667 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane transporters have a crucial role in compounds’ brain drug delivery. They allow not only the penetration of a wide variety of different compounds to cross the endothelial cells of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), but also the accumulation of them into the brain parenchymal cells. Solute carriers (SLCs), with nearly 500 family members, are the largest group of membrane transporters. Unfortunately, not all SLCs are fully characterized and used in rational drug design. However, if the structural features for transporter interactions (binding and translocation) are known, a prodrug approach can be utilized to temporarily change the pharmacokinetics and brain delivery properties of almost any compound. In this review, main transporter subtypes that are participating in brain drug disposition or have been used to improve brain drug delivery across the BBB via the prodrug approach, are introduced. Moreover, the ability of selected transporters to be utilized in intrabrain drug delivery is discussed. Thus, this comprehensive review will give insights into the methods, such as computational drug design, that should be utilized more effectively to understand the detailed transport mechanisms. Moreover, factors, such as transporter expression modulation pathways in diseases that should be taken into account in rational (pro)drug development, are considered to achieve successful clinical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; (J.H.); (S.K.A.)
| | - Santosh Kumar Adla
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; (J.H.); (S.K.A.)
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB), Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542/2, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Markowicz-Piasecka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Radiopharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Kristiina M. Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; (J.H.); (S.K.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Lai Y, Chu X, Di L, Gao W, Guo Y, Liu X, Lu C, Mao J, Shen H, Tang H, Xia CQ, Zhang L, Ding X. Recent advances in the translation of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics science for drug discovery and development. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:2751-2777. [PMID: 35755285 PMCID: PMC9214059 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) is an important branch of pharmaceutical sciences. The nature of ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) and PK (pharmacokinetics) inquiries during drug discovery and development has evolved in recent years from being largely descriptive to seeking a more quantitative and mechanistic understanding of the fate of drug candidates in biological systems. Tremendous progress has been made in the past decade, not only in the characterization of physiochemical properties of drugs that influence their ADME, target organ exposure, and toxicity, but also in the identification of design principles that can minimize drug-drug interaction (DDI) potentials and reduce the attritions. The importance of membrane transporters in drug disposition, efficacy, and safety, as well as the interplay with metabolic processes, has been increasingly recognized. Dramatic increases in investments on new modalities beyond traditional small and large molecule drugs, such as peptides, oligonucleotides, and antibody-drug conjugates, necessitated further innovations in bioanalytical and experimental tools for the characterization of their ADME properties. In this review, we highlight some of the most notable advances in the last decade, and provide future perspectives on potential major breakthroughs and innovations in the translation of DMPK science in various stages of drug discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Lai
- Drug Metabolism, Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Chu
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Drug Metabolism, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Li Di
- Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Drug Metabolism, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Yingying Guo
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46221, USA
| | - Xingrong Liu
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Biogen, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Chuang Lu
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Accent Therapeutics, Inc. Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Jialin Mao
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, A Member of the Roche Group, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hong Shen
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Department, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Huaping Tang
- Bioanalysis and Biomarkers, Glaxo Smith Kline, King of the Prussia, PA 19406, USA
| | - Cindy Q. Xia
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Office of Research and Standards, Office of Generic Drugs, CDER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Xinxin Ding
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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Cappoli N, Jenkinson MD, Russo CD, Dickens D. LAT1, a novel pharmacological target for the treatment of glioblastoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 201:115103. [PMID: 35618000 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115103] [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: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The L-Type Amino Acid transporter, LAT1 (SLC7A5), has a crucial role in mediating amino acid uptake into the cells, thus modulating cell growth and proliferation as well as other intracellular functions. Different studies have reported a central role of LAT1 in glioblastoma development and progression, suggesting that the modulation of its activity could be a novel therapeutic strategy. LAT1 also has an important role in the peripheral immune system, by regulating the activation status of several immune cells through modulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase. In glioblastoma (GBM), the blood-brain barrier is disrupted, which allows the recruitment of peripheral immune cells to the tumour site. These cells, together with resident microglia, contribute to cancer growth and progression. Currently, little is known about the function of LAT1 in the reprogramming of the immune component of the tumour microenvironment in the context of GBM. In this article, we review the available data on the role of LAT1 in the regulation of GBM biology, including its potential role in the tumour microenvironment, particularly in infiltrating-peripheral immune cells and resident microglial cells. In addition, we review the available data on the main pharmacological inhibitors of LAT1, aiming to evaluate their possible role as novel therapeutics for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Cappoli
- Department of Healthcare Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Pharmacology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Michael D Jenkinson
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Department of Neurosurgery, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Cinzia Dello Russo
- Department of Healthcare Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Pharmacology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - David Dickens
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Zinc transporters ZIPT-2.4 and ZIPT-15 are required for normal C. elegans fecundity. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1261-1276. [PMID: 35501415 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02495-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The requirement of zinc for the development and maturation of germ lines and reproductive systems is deeply conserved across evolution. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans offers a tractable platform to study the complex system of distributing zinc to the germ line. We investigated several zinc importers to investigate how zinc transporters play a role in the reproductive system in nematodes, as well as establish a platform to study zinc transporter biology in germline and reproductive development. METHODS Previous high throughput transcriptional datasets as well as phylogenetic analysis identified several putative zinc transporters that have a function in reproduction in worms. Phenotypic analysis of CRISPR-generated knockouts and tags included characterization of offspring output, gonad development, and protein localization. Light and immunofluorescence microscopy allowed for visualization of physiological and molecular effects of zinc transporter mutations. RESULTS Disruption of two zinc transporters, ZIPT-2.4 and ZIPT-15, was shown to lead to defects in reproductive output. A mutation in zipt-2.4 has subtle effects on reproduction, while a mutation in zipt-15 has a clear impact on gonad and germline development that translates into a more pronounced defect in fecundity. Both transporters have germline expression, as well as additional expression in other cell types. CONCLUSIONS Two ZIP-family zinc transporter orthologs of human ZIP6/10 and ZIP1/2/3 proteins are important for full reproductive fecundity and participate in development of the gonad. Notably, these zinc transporters are present in gut and reproductive tissues in addition to the germ line, consistent with a complex zinc trafficking network important for reproductive success.
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Role of the Orphan Transporter SLC35E1 in the Nuclear Egress of Herpes Simplex Virus 1. J Virol 2022; 96:e0030622. [PMID: 35475666 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00306-22] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study developed a system consisting of two rounds of screening cellular proteins involved in the nuclear egress of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). Using this system, we first screened cellular proteins that interacted with the HSV-1 nuclear egress complex (NEC) consisting of UL34 and UL31 in HSV-1-infected cells, which are critical for the nuclear egress of HSV-1, by tandem affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry-based proteomics technology. Next, we performed CRISPR/Cas9-based screening of live HSV-1-infected reporter cells under fluorescence microscopy using single guide RNAs targeting the cellular proteins identified in the first proteomic screening to detect the mislocalization of the lamin-associated protein emerin, which is a phenotype for defects in HSV-1 nuclear egress. This study focused on a cellular orphan transporter SLC35E1, one of the cellular proteins identified by the screening system. Knockout of SLC35E1 reduced HSV-1 replication and induced membranous invaginations containing perinuclear enveloped virions (PEVs) adjacent to the nuclear membrane (NM), aberrant accumulation of PEVs in the perinuclear space between the inner and outer NMs and the invagination structures, and mislocalization of the NEC. These effects were similar to those of previously reported mutation(s) in HSV-1 proteins and depletion of cellular proteins that are important for HSV-1 de-envelopment, one of the steps required for HSV-1 nuclear egress. Our newly established screening system enabled us to identify a novel cellular protein required for efficient HSV-1 de-envelopment. IMPORTANCE The identification of cellular protein(s) that interact with viral effector proteins and function in important viral procedures is necessary for enhancing our understanding of the mechanics of various viral processes. In this study, we established a new system consisting of interactome screening for the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) nuclear egress complex (NEC), followed by loss-of-function screening to target the identified putative NEC-interacting cellular proteins to detect a defect in HSV-1 nuclear egress. This newly established system identified SLC35E1, an orphan transporter, as a novel cellular protein required for efficient HSV-1 de-envelopment, providing an insight into the mechanisms involved in this viral procedure.
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Rana N, Aziz MA, Oraby AK, Wuest M, Dufour J, Abouzid KAM, Wuest F, West FG. Towards Selective Binding to the GLUT5 Transporter: Synthesis, Molecular Dynamics and In Vitro Evaluation of Novel C-3-Modified 2,5-Anhydro-D-mannitol Analogs. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:828. [PMID: 35456662 PMCID: PMC9032776 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Deregulation and changes in energy metabolism are emergent and important biomarkers of cancer cells. The uptake of hexoses in cancer cells is mediated by a family of facilitative hexose membrane-transporter proteins known as Glucose Transporters (GLUTs). In the clinic, numerous breast cancers do not show elevated glucose metabolism (which is mediated mainly through the GLUT1 transporter) and may use fructose as an alternative energy source. The principal fructose transporter in most cancer cells is GLUT5, and its mRNA was shown to be elevated in human breast cancer. This offers an alternative strategy for early detection using fructose analogs. In order to selectively scout GLUT5 binding-pocket requirements, we designed, synthesized and screened a new class of fructose mimics based upon the 2,5-anhydromannitol scaffold. Several of these compounds display low millimolar IC50 values against the known high-affinity 18F-labeled fructose-based probe 6-deoxy-6-fluoro-D-fructose (6-FDF) in murine EMT6 breast cancer cells. In addition, this work used molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MD) with previously reported GLUT5 structures to gain better insight into hexose-GLUT interactions with selected ligands governing their preference for GLUT5 compared to other GLUTs. The improved inhibition of these compounds, and the refined model for their binding, set the stage for the development of high-affinity molecular imaging probes targeting cancers that express the GLUT5 biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Rana
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta-Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB T6G IZ2, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, 2-132 Li Ka Shing, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Marwa A Aziz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abassia, Cairo P.O. Box 11566, Egypt
| | - Ahmed K Oraby
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr University of Science & Technology, Al-Motamayez District, 6th of October City P.O. Box 77, Egypt
| | - Melinda Wuest
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta-Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB T6G IZ2, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, 2-132 Li Ka Shing, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Jennifer Dufour
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta-Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB T6G IZ2, Canada
| | - Khaled A M Abouzid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abassia, Cairo P.O. Box 11566, Egypt
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City P.O. Box 32897, Egypt
| | - Frank Wuest
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta-Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB T6G IZ2, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, 2-132 Li Ka Shing, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - F G West
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, 2-132 Li Ka Shing, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
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Pesta D, Jordan J. INDY as a Therapeutic Target for Cardio-Metabolic Disease. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12030244. [PMID: 35323687 PMCID: PMC8949283 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12030244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Decreased expression of the plasma membrane citrate transporter INDY (acronym I’m Not Dead, Yet) promotes longevity and protects from high-fat diet- and aging-induced metabolic derangements. Preventing citrate import into hepatocytes by different strategies can reduce hepatic triglyceride accumulation and improve hepatic insulin sensitivity, even in the absence of effects on body composition. These beneficial effects likely derive from decreased hepatic de novo fatty acid biosynthesis as a result of reduced cytoplasmic citrate levels. While in vivo and in vitro studies show that inhibition of INDY prevents intracellular lipid accumulation, body weight is not affected by organ-specific INDY inhibition. Besides these beneficial metabolic effects, INDY inhibition may also improve blood pressure control through sympathetic nervous system inhibition, partly via reduced peripheral catecholamine synthesis. These effects make INDY a promising candidate with bidirectional benefits for improving both metabolic disease and blood pressure control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Pesta
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, D-51147 Cologne, Germany;
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, D-50931 Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, D-50931 Cologne, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Jens Jordan
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, D-51147 Cologne, Germany;
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Huttunen KM, Terasaki T, Urtti A, Montaser AB, Uchida Y. Pharmacoproteomics of Brain Barrier Transporters and Substrate Design for the Brain Targeted Drug Delivery. Pharm Res 2022; 39:1363-1392. [PMID: 35257288 PMCID: PMC9246989 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03193-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
One of the major reasons why central nervous system (CNS)-drug development has been challenging in the past, is the barriers that prevent substances entering from the blood circulation into the brain. These barriers include the blood-brain barrier (BBB), blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB), blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB), and blood-arachnoid barrier (BAB), and they differ from each other in their transporter protein expression and function as well as among the species. The quantitative expression profiles of the transporters in the CNS-barriers have been recently revealed, and in this review, it is described how they affect the pharmacokinetics of compounds and how these expression differences can be taken into account in the prediction of brain drug disposition in humans, an approach called pharmacoproteomics. In recent years, also structural biology and computational resources have progressed remarkably, enabling a detailed understanding of the dynamic processes of transporters. Molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) are currently used commonly to reveal the conformational changes of the transporters and to find the interactions between the substrates and the protein during the binding, translocation in the transporter cavity, and release of the substrate on the other side of the membrane. The computational advancements have also aided in the rational design of transporter-utilizing compounds, including prodrugs that can be actively transported without losing potency towards the pharmacological target. In this review, the state-of-art of these approaches will be also discussed to give insights into the transporter-mediated drug delivery to the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina M Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Tetsuya Terasaki
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Arto Urtti
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ahmed B Montaser
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Yasuo Uchida
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
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Romersi RF, Nicklisch SCT. Interactions of Environmental Chemicals and Natural Products With ABC and SLC Transporters in the Digestive System of Aquatic Organisms. Front Physiol 2022; 12:767766. [PMID: 35095552 PMCID: PMC8793745 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.767766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
An organism’s diet is a major route of exposure to both beneficial nutrients and toxic environmental chemicals and natural products. The uptake of dietary xenobiotics in the intestine is prevented by transporters of the Solute Carrier (SLC) and ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) family. Several environmental chemicals and natural toxins have been identified to induce expression of these defense transporters in fish and aquatic invertebrates, indicating that they are substrates and can be eliminated. However, certain environmental chemicals, termed Transporter-Interfering Chemicals or TICs, have recently been shown to bind to and inhibit fish and mammalian P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), thereby sensitizing cells to toxic chemical accumulation. If and to what extent other xenobiotic defense or nutrient uptake transporters can also be inhibited by dietary TICs is still unknown. To date, most chemical-transporter interaction studies in aquatic organisms have focused on ABC-type transporters, while molecular interactions of xenobiotics with SLC-type transporters are poorly understood. In this perspective, we summarize current advances in the identification, localization, and functional analysis of protective MXR transporters and nutrient uptake systems in the digestive system of fish and aquatic invertebrates. We collate the existing literature data on chemically induced transporter gene expression and summarize the molecular interactions of xenobiotics with these transport systems. Our review emphasizes the need for standardized assays in a broader panel of commercially important fish and seafood species to better evaluate the effects of TIC and other xenobiotic interactions with physiological substrates and MXR transporters across the aquatic ecosystem and predict possible transfer to humans through consumption.
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Sousa-Silva M, Soares P, Alves J, Vieira D, Casal M, Soares-Silva I. Uncovering Novel Plasma Membrane Carboxylate Transporters in the Yeast Cyberlindnera jadinii. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:51. [PMID: 35049991 PMCID: PMC8779868 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The yeast Cyberlindnera jadinii has great potential in the biotechnology industry due to its ability to produce a variety of compounds of interest, including carboxylic acids. In this work, we identified genes encoding carboxylate transporters from this yeast species. The functional characterization of sixteen plasma membrane carboxylate transporters belonging to the AceTr, SHS, TDT, MCT, SSS, and DASS families was performed by heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The newly identified C. jadinii transporters present specificity for mono-, di-, and tricarboxylates. The transporters CjAto5, CjJen6, CjSlc5, and CjSlc13-1 display the broadest substrate specificity; CjAto2 accepts mono- and dicarboxylates; and CjAto1,3,4, CjJen1-5, CjSlc16, and CjSlc13-2 are specific for monocarboxylic acids. A detailed characterization of these transporters, including phylogenetic reconstruction, 3D structure prediction, and molecular docking analysis is presented here. The properties presented by these transporters make them interesting targets to be explored as organic acid exporters in microbial cell factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sousa-Silva
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.S.-S.); (P.S.); (J.A.); (D.V.); (M.C.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Pedro Soares
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.S.-S.); (P.S.); (J.A.); (D.V.); (M.C.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - João Alves
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.S.-S.); (P.S.); (J.A.); (D.V.); (M.C.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Daniel Vieira
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.S.-S.); (P.S.); (J.A.); (D.V.); (M.C.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Margarida Casal
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.S.-S.); (P.S.); (J.A.); (D.V.); (M.C.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Isabel Soares-Silva
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.S.-S.); (P.S.); (J.A.); (D.V.); (M.C.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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An Uninvited Seat at the Dinner Table: How Apicomplexan Parasites Scavenge Nutrients from the Host. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122592. [PMID: 34946193 PMCID: PMC8707601 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Obligate intracellular parasites have evolved a remarkable assortment of strategies to scavenge nutrients from the host cells they parasitize. Most apicomplexans form a parasitophorous vacuole (PV) within the invaded cell, a replicative niche within which they survive and multiply. As well as providing a physical barrier against host cell defense mechanisms, the PV membrane (PVM) is also an important site of nutrient uptake that is essential for the parasites to sustain their metabolism. This means nutrients in the extracellular milieu are separated from parasite metabolic machinery by three different membranes, the host plasma membrane, the PVM, and the parasite plasma membrane (PPM). In order to facilitate nutrient transport from the extracellular environment into the parasite itself, transporters on the host cell membrane of invaded cells can be modified by secreted and exported parasite proteins to maximize uptake of key substrates to meet their metabolic demand. To overcome the second barrier, the PVM, apicomplexan parasites secrete proteins contained in the dense granules that remodel the vacuole and make the membrane permissive to important nutrients. This bulk flow of host nutrients is followed by a more selective uptake of substrates at the PPM that is operated by specific transporters of this third barrier. In this review, we recapitulate and compare the strategies developed by Apicomplexa to scavenge nutrients from their hosts, with particular emphasis on transporters at the parasite plasma membrane and vacuolar solute transporters on the parasite intracellular digestive organelle.
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Yamashita M, Markert UR. Overview of Drug Transporters in Human Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313149. [PMID: 34884954 PMCID: PMC8658420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The transport of drugs across the placenta is a point of great importance in pharmacotherapy during pregnancy. However, the knowledge of drug transport in pregnancy is mostly based on experimental clinical data, and the underlying biological mechanisms are not fully understood. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of drug transporters in the human placenta. We only refer to human data since the placenta demonstrates great diversity among species. In addition, we describe the experimental models that have been used in human placental transport studies and discuss their availability. A better understanding of placental drug transporters will be beneficial for the health of pregnant women who need drug treatment and their fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Yamashita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Udo R. Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany;
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Englezakis A, Gozalpour E, Kamran M, Fenner K, Mele E, Coopman K. Development of a hollow fibre-based renal module for active transport studies. J Artif Organs 2021; 24:473-484. [PMID: 33751266 PMCID: PMC8571221 DOI: 10.1007/s10047-021-01260-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the active transport of substrates by the kidney in the renal proximal convoluted tubule is crucial for drug development and for studying kidney diseases. Currently, cell-based assays are applied for this this purpose, however, differences between assays and the body are common, indicating the importance of in vitro-in vivo discrepancies. Several studies have suggested that 3D cell cultures expose cells to a more physiological environments, thus, providing more accurate cell function results. To mimic the renal proximal tubule, we have developed a custom-made renal module (RM), containing a single polypropylene hollow fibre (Plasmaphan P1LX, 3M) that serves as a porous scaffold and compared to conventional Transwell cell-based bidirectional transport studies. In addition, a constant flow of media, exposed cells to a physiological shear stress of 0.2 dyne/cm2. MDCK-Mdr1a cells, overexpressing the rat Mdr1a (P-gp) transporter, were seeded onto the HF membrane surface coated with the basement membrane matrix Geltrex which facilitated cell adhesion and tight junction formation. Cells were then seeded into the HF lumen where attachment and tight junction formation were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy while epithelial barrier integrity under shear stress was shown to be achieved by day 7. qPCR results have shown significant changes in gene expression compared to cells grown on Transwells. Kidney injury marker such as KIM-1 and the hypoxia marker CA9 have been downregulated, while the CD133 (Prominin-1) microvilli marker has shown a fivefold upregulation. Furthermore, the renal transporter P-gp expression has been downregulated by 50%. Finally, bidirectional assays have shown that cells grown in the RM were able to reabsorb albumin with a higher efficiency compared to Transwell cell cultures while efflux of the P-gp-specific substrates Hoechst and Rhodamine 123 was decreased. These results further support the effect of the microenvironment and fluidic shear stress on cell function and gene expression. This can serve as the basis for the development of a microphysiological renal model for drug transport studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Englezakis
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.
| | - Elnaz Gozalpour
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mohammed Kamran
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Katherine Fenner
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elisa Mele
- Department of Materials, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Karen Coopman
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
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