A chimeric, multivalent assembly of galectin-1 and galectin-3 with enhanced extracellular activity

Thermostable phenylacetic acid degradation protein TtPaaI from Thermus thermophilus as a scaffold for tetravalent display of proteins

Numerous proteins in nature strictly require oligomerization for their full activity. Moreover, the function of natural and artificial proteins can me adjusted by altering their oligomeric state, leading to development of biotechnologically-relevant biomacromolecules. Oligomerization scaffolds from natural sources and designed de novo enable shuffling the oligomeric state and valency of biomacromolecules. In this report we probed the scaffolding potential of the thermostable phenylacetic acid degradation protein acyl-CoA from Thermus thermophilus (TtPaaI). We designed and successfully produced the fusion protein between TtPaaI (scaffold) and galectin-7, a multifunctional lectin implicated in human diseases (ligand) and demonstrated that TtPaaI can serve as a framework for functional multivalent display of ligands.

Engineered intrinsically fluorescent galectin-8 variants with altered valency, ligand recognition and biological activity

Galectin-8 is a small soluble lectin with two carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs). N- and C-terminal CRDs of Gal-8 differ in their specificity for glycan ligands. Here, we wanted to find out whether oligomerization of individual CRDs of galectin-8 affects its biological activity. Using green fluorescent protein polygons (GFPp) as an oligomerization scaffold, we generated intrinsically fluorescent CRDs with altered valency. We show that oligomers of C-CRD are characterized by significant cell surface affinity. Furthermore, the multivalency of the resulting variants has an impact on cellular activities such as cell signaling, heparin binding and proliferation. Our data indicates that tunable valence is a useful tool for modifying the biological activity of CRDs of galectins.

Glycosylation of FGF/FGFR: An underrated sweet code regulating cellular signaling programs

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) constitute plasma-membrane localized signaling hubs that transmit signals from the extracellular environment to the cell interior, governing pivotal cellular processes like motility, metabolism, differentiation, division and death. FGF/FGFR signaling is critical for human body development and homeostasis; dysregulation of FGF/FGFR units is observed in numerous developmental diseases and in about 10% of human cancers. Glycosylation is a highly abundant posttranslational modification that is critical for physiological and pathological functions of the cell. Glycosylation is also very common within FGF/FGFR signaling hubs. Vast majority of FGFs (15 out of 22 members) are N-glycosylated and few FGFs are O-glycosylated. Glycosylation is even more abundant within FGFRs; all FGFRs are heavily N-glycosylated in numerous positions within their extracellular domains. A growing number of studies points on the multiple roles of glycosylation in fine-tuning FGF/FGFR signaling. Glycosylation modifies secretion of FGFs, determines their stability and affects interaction with FGFRs and co-receptors. Glycosylation of FGFRs determines their intracellular sorting, constitutes autoinhibitory mechanism within FGFRs and adjusts FGF and co-receptor recognition. Sugar chains attached to FGFs and FGFRs constitute also a form of code that is differentially decrypted by extracellular lectins, galectins, which transform FGF/FGFR signaling at multiple levels. This review focuses on the identified functions of glycosylation within FGFs and FGFRs and discusses their relevance for the cell physiology in health and disease.

Suppression of local inflammation via galectin-anchored indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase

The treatment of chronic inflammation with systemically administered anti-inflammatory treatments is associated with moderate-to-severe side effects, and the efficacy of locally administered drugs is short-lived. Here we show that inflammation can be locally suppressed by a fusion protein of the immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO) and galectin-3 (Gal3). Gal3 anchors IDO to tissue, limiting the diffusion of IDO-Gal3 away from the injection site. In rodent models of endotoxin-induced inflammation, psoriasis, periodontal disease and osteoarthritis, the fusion protein remained in the inflamed tissues and joints for about 1 week after injection, and the amelioration of local inflammation, disease progression and inflammatory pain in the animals were concomitant with homoeostatic preservation of the tissues and with the absence of global immune suppression. IDO-Gal3 may serve as an immunomodulatory enzyme for the control of focal inflammation in other inflammatory conditions.

Receptor clustering by a precise set of extracellular galectins initiates FGFR signaling

FGF/FGFR signaling is critical for the development and homeostasis of the human body and imbalanced FGF/FGFR contributes to the progression of severe diseases, including cancers. FGFRs are N-glycosylated, but the role of these modifications is largely unknown. Galectins are extracellular carbohydrate-binding proteins implicated in a plethora of processes in heathy and malignant cells. Here, we identified a precise set of galectins (galectin-1, -3, -7, and -8) that directly interact with N-glycans of FGFRs. We demonstrated that galectins bind N-glycan chains of the membrane-proximal D3 domain of FGFR1 and trigger differential clustering of FGFR1, resulting in activation of the receptor and initiation of downstream signaling cascades. Using engineered galectins with controlled valency, we provide evidence that N-glycosylation-dependent clustering of FGFR1 constitutes a mechanism for FGFR1 stimulation by galectins. We revealed that the consequences of galectin/FGFR signaling for cell physiology are markedly different from the effects induced by canonical FGF/FGFR units, with galectin/FGFR signaling affecting cell viability and metabolic activity. Furthermore, we showed that galectins are capable of activating an FGFR pool inaccessible for FGF1, enhancing the amplitude of transduced signals. Summarizing, our data identify a novel mechanism of FGFR activation, in which the information stored in the N-glycans of FGFRs provides previously unanticipated information about FGFRs' spatial distribution, which is differentially deciphered by distinct multivalent galectins, affecting signal transmission and cell fate.

Tuning specificity and topology of lectins through synthetic biology

Lectins are non-immunoglobulin and non-catalytic glycan binding proteins that are able to decipher the structure and function of complex glycans. They are widely used as biomarkers for following alteration of glycosylation state in many diseases and have application in therapeutics. Controlling and extending lectin specificity and topology is the key for obtaining better tools. Furthermore, lectins and other glycan binding proteins can be combined with additional domains, providing novel functionalities. We provide a view on the current strategy with a focus on synthetic biology approaches yielding to novel specificity, but other novel architectures with novel application in biotechnology or therapy.

One, two, many: Strategies to alter the number of carbohydrate binding sites of lectins

Carbohydrates are more than an energy-storage. They are ubiquitously found on cells and most proteins, where they encode biological information. Lectins bind these carbohydrates and are essential for translating the encoded information into biological functions and processes. Hundreds of lectins are known, and they are found in all domains of life. For half a century, researchers have been preparing variants of lectins in which the binding sites are varied. In this way, the traits of the lectins such as the affinity, avidity and specificity towards their ligands as well as their biological efficacy were changed. These efforts helped to unravel the biological importance of lectins and resulted in improved variants for biotechnological exploitation and potential medical applications. This review gives an overview on the methods for the preparation of artificial lectins and complexes thereof and how reducing or increasing the number of binding sites affects their function.

Heterogeneous protein co-assemblies with tunable functional domain stoichiometry

In nature, the precise heterogeneous co-assembly of different protein domains gives rise to supramolecular machines that perform complex functions through the co-integrated activity of the individual protein subunits. A synthetic approach capable of mimicking this process would afford access to supramolecular machines with new or improved functional capabilities. Here we show that the distinct peptide strands of a heterotrimeric α-helical coiled-coil (i.e., peptides "A", "B", and "C") can be used as fusion tags for heterogeneous co-assembly of proteins into supramolecular structures with tunable subunit stoichiometry. In particular, we demonstrate that recombinant fusion of A with NanoLuc luciferase (NL-A), B with superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP-B), and C with mRuby (mRuby-C) enables formation of ternary complexes capable of simultaneously emitting blue, green, and red light via sequential bioluminescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (BRET/FRET). Fusion of galectin-3 onto the C-terminus of NL-A, sfGFP-B, and mRuby-C endows the ternary complexes with lactose-binding affinity that can be tuned by varying the number of galectin-3 domains integrated into the complex from one to three, while maintaining BRET/FRET function. The modular nature of the fusion protein design, the precise control of domain stoichiometry, and the multiplicity afforded by the three-stranded coiled-coil scaffold provides access to a greater range of subunit combinations than what is possible with heterodimeric coiled-coils used previously. We envision that access to this expanded range of co-integrated protein domain diversity will be advantageous for future development of designer supramolecular machines for therapeutic, diagnostic, and biotechnology applications.

Fibroblastic galectin-1-fostered invasion and metastasis are mediated by TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer

Background The gastric cancer (GC) microenvironment has important effects on biological behaviors, such as tumor cell invasion and metastasis. However, the mechanism by which the GC microenvironment promotes GC cell invasion and metastasis is unknown. The present study aimed to clarify the effects and mechanism of galectin-1 (GAL-1, encoded by LGALS1) on GC invasion and metastasis in the GC microenvironment. Methods The expression of GAL-1/ LGALS1 was determined using western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR in GC tissues. Besides, methods including stable transfection, Matrigel invasion and migration assays, and wound-healing assays in vitro; and metastasis assays in vivo, were also conducted. Results GAL-1 from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of GC cells though the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1)/ Sma- and mad-related protein (Smad) pathway, and affected the prognosis of patients with GC. The level of GAL-1 was high in CAFs, and treating MGC-803 and SGC -7901 cell line with the conditioned medium from CAFs promoted their invasion and metastasis abilities. Overexpression of LGALS1 promoted the expression of TGF-β1 and induced EMT of GC cell lines. A TGF-β1 antagonist inhibited the invasion and migration of GC cells. In vivo, overexpression of LGALS1 promoted GC growth and metastasis, and the TGF-β1 antagonist dramatically reversed these events. Conclusions These findings suggested that high expression of GAL-1 in the GC microenvironment predicts a poor prognosis in patients with GC by promoting the migration and invasion of GC cells via EMT through the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. The results might provide new therapeutic targets to treat GC.

Chondroitinase ABC/galectin-3 fusion proteins with hyaluronan-based hydrogels stabilize enzyme and provide targeted enzyme activity for neural applications

Objective. Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for central nervous system regeneration. Despite multiple beneficial outcomes for regeneration, translation of this enzyme is challenged by poor pharmacokinetics, localization, and stability.Approach. This study explored the function andin vitroapplication of engineered ChABC fused to galectin-3 (Gal3). Two previously developed ChABC-Gal3 oligomers (monomeric and trimeric) were evaluated for functionality and kinetics, then applied to anin vitrocellular outgrowth model using dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). The fusions were combined with two formulations of hyaluronan (HA)-based scaffolds to determine the extent of active enzyme release compared to wild type (WT) ChABC.Main Results. Monomeric and trimeric ChABC-Gal3 maintained digestive capabilities with kinetic properties that were substrate-dependent for chondroitin sulfates A, B, and C. The fusions had longer half-lives at 37 °C on the order of seven fold for monomer and twelve fold for trimer compared to WT. Both fusions were also effective at restoring DRG outgrowthin vitro. To create a combination approach, two triple-component hydrogels containing modified HA were formulated to match the mechanical properties of native spinal cord tissue and to support astrocyte viability (>80%) and adhesion. The hydrogels included collagen-I and laminin mixed with either 5 mg ml^-1of glycidyl methacrylate HA or 3 mg ml^-1Hystem. When combined with scaffolds, ChABC-Gal3 release time was lengthened compared to WT. Both fusions had measurable enzymatic activity for at least 10 d when incorporated in gels, compared to WT that lost activity after 1 d. These longer term release products from gels maintained adequate function to promote DRG outgrowth.Significance. Results of this study demonstrated cohesive benefits of two stabilized ChABC-Gal3 oligomers in combination with HA-based scaffolds for neural applications. Significant improvements to ChABC stability and release were achieved, meriting future studies of ChABC-Gal3/hydrogel combinations to target neural regeneration.

Physical tuning of galectin-3 signaling

Galectin-3 (Gal3) exhibits dynamic oligomerization and promiscuous binding, which can lead to concomitant activation of synergistic, antagonistic, or noncooperative signaling pathways that alter cell behavior. Conferring signaling pathway selectivity through mutations in the Gal3-glycan binding interface is challenged by the abundance of common carbohydrate types found on many membrane glycoproteins. Here, employing alpha-helical coiled-coils as scaffolds to create synthetic Gal3 constructs with defined valency, we demonstrate that oligomerization can physically regulate extracellular signaling activity of Gal3. Constructs with 2 to 6 Gal3 subunits ("Dimer," "Trimer," "Tetramer," "Pentamer," "Hexamer") demonstrated glycan-binding properties and cell death-inducing potency that scaled with valency. Dimer was the minimum functional valency. Unlike wild-type Gal3, which signals apoptosis and mediates agglutination, synthetic Gal3 constructs induced cell death without agglutination. In the presence of CD45, Hexamer was distributed on the cell membrane, whereas it clustered in absence of CD45 via membrane glycans other than those found on CD7. Wild-type Gal3, Pentamer, and Hexamer required CD45 and CD7 to signal apoptosis, and the involvement of caspases in apoptogenic signaling was increased in absence of CD45. However, wild-type Gal3 depended on caspases to signal apoptosis to a greater extent than Hexamer, which had greater caspase dependence than Pentamer. Diminished caspase activation downstream of Hexamer signaling led to decreased pannexin-1 hemichannel opening and interleukin-2 secretion, events facilitated by the increased caspase activation downstream of wild-type Gal3 signaling. Thus, synthetic fixation of Gal3 multivalency can impart physical control of its outside-in signaling activity by governing membrane glycoprotein engagement and, in turn, intracellular pathway activation.

Effects of galectin-1 on immunomodulatory properties of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells

Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of Gal-1 in dose depending manner on maturation and immunomodulatory properties of monocyte-derived (Mo) DCs in-vitro. The effects were analyzed by monitoring their phenotypic characteristics, cytokine profile, and the ability to direct the immune response in the co-culture with allogeneic CD4⁺T cells. Gal-1 reduced the expression of CD80 and CD86 molecules on MoDCs compared to untreated MoDCs. Gal-1 at concentrations of 1 and 6 μg/mL significantly reduced IL-12 production, while the concentration of 3 μg/mL led to its significant increase. Gal-1 in all concentrations induced a significant increase in the production of IL-10. Treatment of MoDCs with 3 and 6 μg/mL of Gal-1 stimulated the production of IL-2 and IFN-γ in the co-culture with CD4⁺T lymphocytes. This study demonstrated a dual immunomodulatory effect of Gal-1 on MoDCs in terms of immune stimulation and immune suppression, depending on the applied concentration.

Influence of protein (human galectin-3) design on aspects of lectin activity

The concept of biomedical significance of the functional pairing between tissue lectins and their glycoconjugate counterreceptors has reached the mainstream of research on the flow of biological information. A major challenge now is to identify the principles of structure–activity relationships that underlie specificity of recognition and the ensuing post-binding processes. Toward this end, we focus on a distinct feature on the side of the lectin, i.e. its architecture to present the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD). Working with a multifunctional human lectin, i.e. galectin-3, as model, its CRD is used in protein engineering to build variants with different modular assembly. Hereby, it becomes possible to compare activity features of the natural design, i.e. CRD attached to an N-terminal tail, with those of homo- and heterodimers and the tail-free protein. Thermodynamics of binding disaccharides proved full activity of all proteins at very similar affinity. The following glycan array testing revealed maintained preferential contact formation with N-acetyllactosamine oligomers and histo-blood group ABH epitopes irrespective of variant design. The study of carbohydrate-inhibitable binding of the test panel disclosed up to qualitative cell-type-dependent differences in sections of fixed murine epididymis and especially jejunum. By probing topological aspects of binding, the susceptibility to inhibition by a tetravalent glycocluster was markedly different for the wild-type vs the homodimeric variant proteins. The results teach the salient lesson that protein design matters: the type of CRD presentation can have a profound bearing on whether basically suited oligosaccharides, which for example tested positively in an array, will become binding partners in situ. When lectin-glycoconjugate aggregates (lattices) are formed, their structural organization will depend on this parameter. Further testing (ga)lectin variants will thus be instrumental (i) to define the full range of impact of altering protein assembly and (ii) to explain why certain types of design have been favored during the course of evolution, besides opening biomedical perspectives for potential applications of the novel galectin forms.

Functionalized nano-targeted moieties in management of prostate cancer

Multimodal properties of nanoparticles, such as simultaneously carrying drugs and/or diagnostic probes for site-specific delivery, make them excellent carriers for diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Advantages are high permeability and selectivity to malignant cells to reduce systemic toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs. Based on a review of current literature, the lack of efficient and highly specific prostate cancer cell targeting moieties is hindering successful in vivo prostate cancer-targeted drug delivery systems. Highly specific nano-targeting moieties as drug delivery vehicles might improve chemotherapeutic delivery via targeting to specific receptors expressed on the surface of prostate cancer cells. This review describes nano-targeting moieties for management of prostate cancer and its cancer stem cells. Descriptions of targeting moieties using anti-prostate-specific membrane antigen, aptamer, anti-cluster of differentiation 24/44, folic acid and other targeting strategies are highlighted. Current research results are promising and may yield development of next-generation nanoscale theragnostic targeted modalities for prostate cancer treatment.

A Synthetic Tetramer of Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 Amplifies Pro-apoptotic Signaling by Integrating the Activity of Both Galectins

Galectin-1 (G1) and galectin-3 (G3) are carbohydrate-binding proteins that can signal apoptosis in T cells. We recently reported that a synthetic tetramer with two G1 and two G3 domains ("G1/G3 Zipper") induces Jurkat T cell death more potently than G1. The pro-apoptotic signaling pathway of G1/G3 Zipper was not elucidated, but we hypothesized based on prior work that the G1 domains acted as the signaling units, while the G3 domains served as anchors that increase glycan-binding affinity. To test this, here we studied the involvement of different cell membrane glycoproteins and intracellular mediators in pro-apoptotic signaling via G1/G3 Zipper, G1, and G3. G1/G3 Zipper induced Jurkat T cell death more potently than G1 and G3 alone or in combination. G1/G3 Zipper, G1, and G3 increased caspase-8 activity, yet only G1 and G3 depended on it to induce cell death. G3 increased caspase-3 activity more than G1/G3 Zipper and G1, while all three galectin variants required it to induce cell death. JNK activation had similar roles downstream of G1/G3 Zipper, G1, and G3, whereas ERK had differing roles. CD45 was essential for G1 activity, and was involved in signaling via G1/G3 Zipper and G3. CD7 inhibited G1/G3 Zipper activity at low galectin concentrations but not at high galectin concentrations. In contrast, CD7 was necessary for G1 and G3 signaling at low galectin concentration but antagonistic at high galectin concentrations. Collectively, these observations suggest that G1/G3 Zipper amplifies pro-apoptotic signaling through the integrated activity of both the G1 and G3 domains.