1
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Yang Y, Geng C, Shen H, Chao J, Wang Z, Cong W, Li X, Ye G, Jiang Y. Systematical Mutational Analysis of FRATtide against Osteoclast Differentiation by Alanine Scanning. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:1242-1249. [PMID: 39140067 PMCID: PMC11318000 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.4c00127] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis, a global bone disease, results in decreased bone density, mass, and microarchitecture deterioration, increasing fracture risk. In previous research, FRATtide, a peptide derived from a glycogen synthase kinase-3 binding protein, effectively hindered osteoclast differentiation to yield therapeutically potent derivatives via single and double stapling. However, FRATtide's structure-activity relationship remains unclear. This study synthesized 25 FRATtide-derived peptides through systematic alanine scanning and evaluated their activities. Substitutions in Pro2, Leu5, Leu9, Val10, Leu11, Ser12, Asn14, Leu15, Ile16, Glu18, Arg22, Ser25, and Arg26 showed reduced activity, while FRT13 and FRT20 with Gly13 and Arg21 substitutions, respectively, displayed enhanced activities. F-actin binding and bone resorption assays on FRT13 and FRT20 showed better inhibition of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption compared with FRATtide. This study elucidated FRATtide's structure-activity relationship, thereby facilitating future structural optimization for osteoporosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- School
of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, HeFei 230032, China
- School
of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chenchen Geng
- School
of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, HeFei 230032, China
- School
of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Huaxing Shen
- School
of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Jingru Chao
- School
of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute
of Bioengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Wei Cong
- School
of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School
of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Guangming Ye
- Xinrui
Hospital, Xinwu District, Wuxi, 214000, China
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2
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Xue J, Fu Y, Li H, Zhang T, Cong W, Hu H, Lu Z, Yan F, Li Y. All-hydrocarbon stapling enables improvement of antimicrobial activity and proteolytic stability of peptide Figainin 2. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3566. [PMID: 38271799 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3566] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Figainin 2 is a cationic, hydrophobic, α-helical host-defense peptide with 28 residues, which was isolated from the skin secretions of the Chaco tree frog. It shows potent inhibitory activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens and has garnered considerable interest in developing novel classes of natural antibacterial agents. However, as a linear peptide, conformational flexibility and poor proteolytic stability hindered its development as antibacterial agent. To alleviate its susceptibility to proteolytic degradation and improve its antibacterial activity, a series of hydrocarbon-stable analogs of Figainin 2 were synthesized and evaluated for their secondary structure, protease stability, antimicrobial, and hemolytic activities. Among them, F2-12 showed significant improvement in protease resistance and antimicrobial activity compared to that of the template peptide. This study provides a promising strategy for the development of antimicrobial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Xue
- School of Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinxue Fu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Huang Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Cong
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Honggang Hu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyuan Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Yan
- School of Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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3
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Dongrui Z, Miyamoto M, Yokoo H, Demizu Y. Innovative peptide architectures: advancements in foldamers and stapled peptides for drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:699-723. [PMID: 38753534 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2350568] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Peptide foldamers play a critical role in pharmaceutical research and biomedical applications. This review highlights recent (post-2020) advancements in novel foldamers, synthetic techniques, and their applications in pharmaceutical research. AREAS COVERED The authors summarize the structures and applications of peptide foldamers such as α, β, γ-peptides, hydrocarbon-stapled peptides, urea-type foldamers, sulfonic-γ-amino acid foldamers, aromatic foldamers, and peptoids, which tackle the challenges of traditional peptide drugs. Regarding antimicrobial use, foldamers have shown progress in their potential against drug-resistant bacteria. In drug development, peptide foldamers have been used as drug delivery systems (DDS) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION These structures exhibit resistance to enzymatic degradation, are promising for therapeutic delivery, and disrupt crucial PPIs associated with diseases such as cancer with specificity, versatility, and stability, which are useful therapeutic properties. However, the complexity and cost of their synthesis, along with the necessity for thorough safety and efficacy assessments, necessitate extensive research and cross-sector collaboration. Advances in synthesis methods, computational modeling, and targeted delivery systems are essential for fully realizing the therapeutic potential of foldamers and integrating them into mainstream medical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Dongrui
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Maho Miyamoto
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hidetomo Yokoo
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Yosuke Demizu
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Science of Okayama University, Kita, Japan
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4
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Chen FJ, Lin W, Chen FE. Non-symmetric stapling of native peptides. Nat Rev Chem 2024; 8:304-318. [PMID: 38575678 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-024-00591-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Stapling has emerged as a powerful technique in peptide chemistry. It enables precise control over peptide conformation leading to enhanced properties such as improved stability and enhanced binding affinity. Although symmetric stapling methods have been extensively explored, the field of non-symmetric stapling of native peptides has received less attention, largely as a result of the formidable challenges it poses - in particular the complexities involved in achieving the high chemo-selectivity and site-selectivity required to simultaneously modify distinct proteinogenic residues. Over the past 5 years, there have been significant breakthroughs in addressing these challenges. In this Review, we describe the latest strategies for non-symmetric stapling of native peptides, elucidating the protocols, reaction mechanisms and underlying design principles. We also discuss current challenges and opportunities this field offers for future applications, such as ligand discovery and peptide-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fa-Jie Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Wanzhen Lin
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Fen-Er Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P. R. China.
- Engineering Center of Catalysis and Synthesis for Chiral Molecules, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Asymmetric Catalysis of Chiral Drugs, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.
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5
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Li Y, Wu M, Fu Y, Xue J, Yuan F, Qu T, Rissanou AN, Wang Y, Li X, Hu H. Therapeutic stapled peptides: Efficacy and molecular targets. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107137. [PMID: 38522761 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107137] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Peptide stapling, by employing a stable, preformed alpha-helical conformation, results in the production of peptides with improved membrane permeability and enhanced proteolytic stability, compared to the original peptides, and provides an effective solution to accelerate the rapid development of peptide drugs. Various reviews present peptide stapling chemistries, anchoring residues and one- or two-component cyclization, however, therapeutic stapled peptides have not been systematically summarized, especially focusing on various disease-related targets. This review highlights the latest advances in therapeutic peptide drug development facilitated by the application of stapling technology, including different stapling techniques, synthetic accessibility, applicability to biological targets, potential for solving biological problems, as well as the current status of development. Stapled peptides as therapeutic drug candidates have been classified and analysed mainly by receptor- and ligand-based stapled peptide design against various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, inflammation, and diabetes. This review is expected to provide a comprehensive reference for the rational design of stapled peptides for different diseases and targets to facilitate the development of therapeutic peptides with enhanced pharmacokinetic and biological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China.
| | - Minghao Wu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yinxue Fu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Jingwen Xue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Fei Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Tianci Qu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Anastassia N Rissanou
- Theoretical & Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, Athens 11635, Greece
| | - Yilin Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 131 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Honggang Hu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China.
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6
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Zhang Y, Zheng M, Wang Z, Liu Z, Chen S, Li X, Shi Y, Hu H. Discovery of novel antibacterial agent for the infected wound treatment: all-hydrocarbon stapling optimization of LL-37. Theranostics 2024; 14:1181-1194. [PMID: 38323312 PMCID: PMC10845205 DOI: 10.7150/thno.87916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Antimicrobial peptide LL-37 has been recognized as a favorable alternative to antibiotics due to its broad antibacterial spectrum, low resistance development and diverse biological activities. However, its high manufactory cost, poor proteolytic stability, and unpredictable cytotoxicity seriously hindered its medical translation. Methods: To push the frontiers of its clinical application, all-hydrocarbon stapling strategy was exploited here for the structural modification of KR-12, the core and minimal fragment of LL-37. Results: Based on a library of KR-12 derivatives that designed and synthesized to be stapled at positions of either i, i+4 or i, i+7, structure to activity relationship was investigated. Among them, KR-12(Q5, D9) with the glutamine and aspartic acid residues stapled displayed increased helical content and positive charge. The reinforced α-helical conformation not only protected it from proteolytic hydrolysis but also improved its antibacterial efficacy via effective membrane perturbation and anti-inflammatory efficacy via compact LPS binding. Besides, the increased positive charge endowed it with an enhanced therapeutic index. On infected wound mouse model, it was demonstrated to eliminate bacteria and promote wound closure and regeneration effectively. Conclusion: Overall, the all-hydrocarbon stapling was proven to lay the foundation for the future development of antibacterial agents. KR-12(Q5, D9) could serve as a lead compound for the clinical treatment of bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Mengjun Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute of Bioengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Zhinan Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Sumeng Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yejiao Shi
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Honggang Hu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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7
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Zheng M, Chen H, Li X, Chen S, Shi Y, Hu H. Discovery of a novel antifungal agent: All-hydrocarbon stapling modification of peptide Aurein1.2. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3533. [PMID: 37431279 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Aurein1.2 is secreted by the Australian tree frog Litoria aurea and is active against a broad range of infectious microbes including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Its antifungal potency has garnered considerable interest in developing novel classes of natural antifungal agents to fight pathogenic infection by fungi. However, serious pharmacological hurdles remain, hindering its clinical translation. To alleviate its susceptibility to proteolytic degradation and improve its antifungal activity, six conformationally locked peptides were synthesized through hydrocarbon stapling modification and evaluated for their physicochemical and antifungal parameters. Among them, SAU2-4 exhibited significant improvement in helicity levels, protease resistance, and antifungal activity compared to the template linear peptide Aurein1.2. These results confirmed the prominent role of hydrocarbon stapling modification in the manipulation of peptide pharmacological properties and enhanced the application potential of Aurein1.2 in the field of antifungal agent development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjun Zheng
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huixuan Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yejiao Shi
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Honggang Hu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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8
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Chen B, Liu C, Cong W, Gao F, Zou Y, Su L, Liu L, Hillisch A, Lehmann L, Bierer D, Li X, Hu HG. Cyclobutane-bearing restricted anchoring residues enabled geometry-specific hydrocarbon peptide stapling. Chem Sci 2023; 14:11499-11506. [PMID: 37886087 PMCID: PMC10599482 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04279k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Stapled peptides are regarded as the promising next-generation therapeutics because of their improved secondary structure, membrane permeability and metabolic stability as compared with the prototype linear peptides. Usually, stapled peptides are obtained by a hydrocarbon stapling technique, anchoring from paired olefin-terminated unnatural amino acids and the consequent ring-closing metathesis (RCM). To investigate the adaptability of the rigid cyclobutane structure in RCM and expand the chemical diversity of hydrocarbon peptide stapling, we herein described the rational design and efficient synthesis of cyclobutane-based conformationally constrained amino acids, termed (E)-1-amino-3-(but-3-en-1-yl)cyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid (E7) and (Z)-1-amino-3-(but-3-en-1-yl)cyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid (Z7). All four combinations including E7-E7, E7-Z7, Z7-Z7 and Z7-E7 were proven to be applicable in RCM-mediated peptide stapling to afford the corresponding geometry-specific stapled peptides. With the aid of the combined quantum and molecular mechanics, the E7-E7 combination was proven to be optimal in both the RCM reaction and helical stabilization. With the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 as the target, a series of cyclobutane-bearing stapled peptides were obtained. Among them, E7-E7 geometry-specific stapled peptides indeed exhibit higher α-helicity and thus stronger biological activity than canonical hydrocarbon stapled peptides. We believe that this methodology possesses great potential to expand the scope of the existing peptide stapling strategy. These cyclobutane-bearing restricted anchoring residues served as effective supplements for the existing olefin-terminated unnatural amino acids and the resultant geometry-specific hydrocarbon peptide stapling provided more potential for peptide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baobao Chen
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Wei Cong
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Fei Gao
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Yan Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Li Su
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Alexander Hillisch
- Bayer AG, Pharma Division, Drug Discovery Sciences Aprather Weg 18A Wuppertal 42096 Germany
- UCB BioSciences GmbH Alfred-Nobel-Straße 10 40789 Monheim am Rhein Germany
| | - Lutz Lehmann
- Bayer AG, Pharma Division, Drug Discovery Sciences Aprather Weg 18A Wuppertal 42096 Germany
| | - Donald Bierer
- Bayer AG, Pharma Division, Drug Discovery Sciences Aprather Weg 18A Wuppertal 42096 Germany
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Hong-Gang Hu
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
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9
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Li H, Hou Z, Wang Y, Zhou Z, Cai J, Xin Q, Yin F, Li Z, Xu N. Methodology of stable peptide based on propargylated sulfonium. Biochem Biophys Rep 2023; 35:101508. [PMID: 37448811 PMCID: PMC10336417 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101508] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptides can be used as effective molecular tool for covalent modification of proteins and play important roles in ligand directed covalent modification. Tyr-selective protein modifications exert a profound impact on protein functionality. Here, we developed a general strategy that involves nucleophilic addition of alkyne for tyrosine modification. The terminal alkyne of propargyl sulfonium is motivated by the sulfonium center to react with phenolic hydroxyl. This approach provides a straightforward method for tyrosine modification due to its high yield in aqueous solution at physiological temperature. In addition, cyclic peptides could be obtained via adjusting pH to 8.0 from peptides consisting of tyrosine and methionine modified by propargyl bromide, and the resulting cyclic peptides are proved to have better stability, excellent 2-mercaptopyridine resistance and improved cellular uptakes. Furthermore, molecules made from the propargylated sulfonium have the potential to be used as warheads against tyrosine containing biomolecules. Collectively, we develop a direct and uncomplicated technique for modifying tyrosine residues, the strategy concerned can be widely utilized to construct stable peptides and biomolecules imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhanfeng Hou
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuena Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jin Cai
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qilei Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Feng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zigang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Naihan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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10
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Cong W, Shen H, Liao X, Zheng M, Kong X, Wang Z, Chen S, Li Y, Hu H, Li X. Discovery of an orally effective double-stapled peptide for reducing ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:3770-3781. [PMID: 37719364 PMCID: PMC10502273 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Stapled peptides with significantly enhanced pharmacological profiles have emerged as promising therapeutic molecules due to their remarkable resistance to proteolysis and performance to penetrate cells. The all-hydrocarbon peptide stapling technique has already widely adopted with great success, yielding numerous potent peptide-based molecules. Based on our prior efforts, we conceived and prepared a double-stapled peptide in this study, termed FRNC-1, which effectively attenuated the bone resorption capacity of mature osteoclasts in vitro through specific inhibition of phosphorylated GSK-3β. The double-stapled peptide FRNC-1 displayed notably improved helical contents and resistance to proteolysis than its linear form. Additionally, FRNC-1 effectively prevented osteoclast activation and improved bone density for ovariectomized (OVX) mice after intravenous injection and importantly, after oral (intragastric) administration. The double-stapled peptide FRNC-1 is the first orally effective peptide that has been validated to date as a therapeutic candidate for postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cong
- School of Medicine Or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Huaxing Shen
- School of Medicine Or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiufei Liao
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Tarim University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Alar City 843300, China
| | - Mengjun Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xianglong Kong
- School of Medicine Or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute of Bioengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Medicine Or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yulei Li
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drugs (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Honggang Hu
- School of Medicine Or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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11
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Shao C, Jian Q, Li B, Zhu Y, Yu W, Li Z, Shan A. Ultrashort All-Hydrocarbon Stapled α-Helix Amphiphile as a Potent and Stable Antimicrobial Compound. J Med Chem 2023; 66:11414-11427. [PMID: 37531494 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00856] [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: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The ravaging effect of drug-resistant bacteria has heightened the need for the development of membrane-soluble antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). However, their potential for clinical use is hindered by issues such as poor biocompatibility, salt sensitivity, and proteolytic lability. In this study, a series of ultrashort stapled cyclization heptapeptides were obtained by inserting all-hydrocarbon staples. StRRL with the highest therapeutic index (TI = 36.3) was selected after evaluating its antibacterial and toxic activity. Furthermore, stRRL demonstrated exceptional performance in high-protease and high-salt environments, making it an effective weapon against bacteria like Escherichia coli in a mouse peritonitis-sepsis model. The membrane lytic mechanism of stRRL, which operates from outside to inside, gives it a low drug-resistant tendency. This suggests that stRRL has the potential to replace antibiotics as a powerful candidate in tackling bacterial infection. In conclusion, the ultrashort all-hydrocarbon stapled antimicrobial amphiphiles inaugurated a novel entrance to the advancements of highly stable peptide compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changxuan Shao
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P. R. China
| | - Qiao Jian
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P. R. China
| | - Bowen Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P. R. China
| | - Yongjie Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P. R. China
| | - Weikang Yu
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P. R. China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P. R. China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P. R. China
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12
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Liu D, Wang J, You W, Ma F, Sun Q, She J, He W, Yang G. A d-peptide-based oral nanotherapeutic modulates the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction for tumor immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1228581. [PMID: 37529049 PMCID: PMC10388715 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1228581] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors are currently the most commonly utilized agents in clinical practice, which elicit an immunostimulatory response to combat malignancies. However, all these inhibitors are currently administered via injection using antibody-based therapies, while there is a growing need for oral alternatives. Methods This study has developed and synthesized exosome-wrapped gold-peptide nanocomplexes with low immunogenicity, which can target PD-L1 and activate antitumor immunity in vivo through oral absorption. The SuperPDL1exo was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and gel silver staining. The transmembrane ability of SuperPDL1exo was evaluated by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Cell viability was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. ELISA experiments were conducted to detect serum and tissue inflammatory factors, as well as serum biochemical indicators. Tissue sections were stained with H&E for the evaluation of the safety of SuperPDL1exo. An MC38 colon cancer model was established in immunocompetent C56BL/6 mice to evaluate the effects of SuperPDL1exo on tumor growth in vivo. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed to detect cytotoxicity factors such as perforin and granzymes. Results First, SuperPDL1 was successfully synthesized, and milk exosome membranes were encapsulated through ultrasound, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and extrusion, resulting in the synthesis of SuperPDL1exo. Multiple characterization results confirmed the successful synthesis of SuperPDL1exo nanoparticles. Furthermore, our data demonstrated that SuperPDL1exo exhibited excellent colloidal stability and superior cell transmembrane ability. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that SuperPDL1exo did not cause damage to multiple systemic organs, demonstrating its good biocompatibility. Finally, in the MC38 colon cancer mouse model, it was discovered that SuperPDL1exo could inhibit the progression of colon cancer, and this tumor-suppressive effect was mediated through the activation of tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-related immune responses. Conclusion This study has successfully designed and synthesized an oral nanotherapeutic, SuperPDL1exo, which demonstrates small particle size, excellent colloidal stability, transmembrane ability in tumor cells, and biocompatibility. In vivo experiments have shown that it effectively activates T-cell immunity and exerts antitumor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xian, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jingmei Wang
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Weiming You
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fang Ma
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xian, China
| | - Junjun She
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xian, China
| | - Wangxiao He
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Oncology, Kunshan Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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13
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Liu D, Huang Y, Mao J, Jiang C, Zheng L, Wu Q, Cai H, Liu X, Dai J. A nanohybrid synthesized by polymeric assembling Au(I)-peptide precursor for anti-wrinkle function. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1087363. [PMID: 36578506 PMCID: PMC9790933 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1087363] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A major sign of aging is wrinkles (dynamic lines and static lines) on the surface of the skin. In spite of Botulinum toxin's favorable therapeutic effect today, there have been several reports of its toxicity and side effects. Therefore, the development of an effective and safe wrinkle-fighting compound is imperative. An antioxidant-wrinkle effect was demonstrated by the peptide that we developed and synthesized, termed Skin Peptide. Aiming at the intrinsic defects of the peptide such as hydrolysis and poor membrane penetration, we developed a general approach to transform the Skin Peptide targeting intracellular protein-protein interaction into a bioavailable peptide-gold spherical nano-hybrid, Skin Pcluster. As expected, the results revealed that Skin Pcluster reduced the content of acetylcholine released by neurons in vitro, and then inhibit neuromuscular signal transmission. Additionally, human experiments demonstrated a significant de-wrinkle effect. Moreover, Skin Pcluster is characterized by a reliable safety profile. Consequently, anti-wrinkle peptides and Skin Pcluster nanohybrids demonstrated innovative anti-wrinkle treatments and have significant potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yinong Huang
- Shaanxi Institute of Pediatric Diseases, Xi’an Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Yinong Huang, ; Hong Cai, ; Xiaojing Liu, ; Jingyao Dai,
| | - Jian Mao
- Graduate School of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,Air Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Jiang
- Graduate School of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,Air Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Graduate School of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,Air Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Qimei Wu
- Graduate School of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,Air Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Cai
- Air Force Medical Center, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Yinong Huang, ; Hong Cai, ; Xiaojing Liu, ; Jingyao Dai,
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Yinong Huang, ; Hong Cai, ; Xiaojing Liu, ; Jingyao Dai,
| | - Jingyao Dai
- Air Force Medical Center, Beijing, China,Air Force Medical Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Yinong Huang, ; Hong Cai, ; Xiaojing Liu, ; Jingyao Dai,
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14
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Yang J, Zhu Q, Wu Y, Qu X, Liu H, Jiang B, Ge D, Song X. Utilization of macrocyclic peptides to target protein-protein interactions in cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:992171. [PMID: 36465350 PMCID: PMC9714258 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.992171] [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: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play vital roles in normal cellular processes. Dysregulated PPIs are involved in the process of various diseases, including cancer. Thus, these PPIs may serve as potential therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. However, despite rapid advances in small-molecule drugs and biologics, it is still hard to target PPIs, especially for those intracellular PPIs. Macrocyclic peptides have gained growing attention for their therapeutic properties in targeting dysregulated PPIs. Macrocyclic peptides have some unique features, such as moderate sizes, high selectivity, and high binding affinities, which make them good drug candidates. In addition, some oncology macrocyclic peptide drugs have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use. Here, we reviewed the recent development of macrocyclic peptides in cancer treatment. The opportunities and challenges were also discussed to inspire new perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoliang Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Qu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Liu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Biao Jiang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Ge
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoling Song
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Design and synthesis of novel cyclopeptide p53-MDM2 inhibitors with isoindolinone as antitumor agent. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.134604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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16
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Ye X, Lee YC, Gates ZP, Ling Y, Mortensen JC, Yang FS, Lin YS, Pentelute BL. Binary combinatorial scanning reveals potent poly-alanine-substituted inhibitors of protein-protein interactions. Commun Chem 2022; 5:128. [PMID: 36697672 PMCID: PMC9814900 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-022-00737-w] [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: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Establishing structure-activity relationships is crucial to understand and optimize the activity of peptide-based inhibitors of protein-protein interactions. Single alanine substitutions provide limited information on the residues that tolerate simultaneous modifications with retention of biological activity. To guide optimization of peptide binders, we use combinatorial peptide libraries of over 4,000 variants-in which each position is varied with either the wild-type residue or alanine-with a label-free affinity selection platform to study protein-ligand interactions. Applying this platform to a peptide binder to the oncogenic protein MDM2, several multi-alanine-substituted analogs with picomolar binding affinity were discovered. We reveal a non-additive substitution pattern in the selected sequences. The alanine substitution tolerances for peptide ligands of the 12ca5 antibody and 14-3-3 regulatory protein are also characterized, demonstrating the general applicability of this new platform. We envision that binary combinatorial alanine scanning will be a powerful tool for investigating structure-activity relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyun Ye
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Yen-Chun Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Chemistry, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City, 701, Taiwan
| | - Zachary P Gates
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore, 138665, Singapore
- Disease Intervention Technology Laboratory (DITL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Yingjie Ling
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, 62 Talbot Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Jennifer C Mortensen
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, 62 Talbot Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Fan-Shen Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Frontier Research Center on Fundamental and Applied Sciences and Matters, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Sec. 2, Guang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, 62 Talbot Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Bradley L Pentelute
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
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17
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Patel SK, Kolte K, Savani CJ, Raghavaiah P, Dave D, Isab AA, Mistry D, Suthar D, Singh VK. New Series of MII-dithiocarbamate complexes (M = CuII, NiII and ZnII) holding pendant N,O-Schiff base moieties: Synthesis, characterization, photophysical, crystallographic, anti-microbial and DFT study. Inorganica Chim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2022.121139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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18
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He M, Cao C, Ni Z, Liu Y, Song P, Hao S, He Y, Sun X, Rao Y. PROTACs: great opportunities for academia and industry (an update from 2020 to 2021). Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:181. [PMID: 35680848 PMCID: PMC9178337 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00999-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) technology is a new protein-degradation strategy that has emerged in recent years. It uses bifunctional small molecules to induce the ubiquitination and degradation of target proteins through the ubiquitin–proteasome system. PROTACs can not only be used as potential clinical treatments for diseases such as cancer, immune disorders, viral infections, and neurodegenerative diseases, but also provide unique chemical knockdown tools for biological research in a catalytic, reversible, and rapid manner. In 2019, our group published a review article “PROTACs: great opportunities for academia and industry” in the journal, summarizing the representative compounds of PROTACs reported before the end of 2019. In the past 2 years, the entire field of protein degradation has experienced rapid development, including not only a large increase in the number of research papers on protein-degradation technology but also a rapid increase in the number of small-molecule degraders that have entered the clinical and will enter the clinical stage. In addition to PROTAC and molecular glue technology, other new degradation technologies are also developing rapidly. In this article, we mainly summarize and review the representative PROTACs of related targets published in 2020–2021 to present to researchers the exciting developments in the field of protein degradation. The problems that need to be solved in this field will also be briefly introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Chaoguo Cao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhihao Ni
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yongbo Liu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Peilu Song
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Hao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yuna He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyun Sun
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yu Rao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China. .,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 450001, Zhengzhou, China.
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19
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Xiao S, Wang Z, Zhang H, Zhao L, Chang Q, Zhang X, Yan R, Wu X, Jin Y. Photoinduced Synthesis of Methylated Marine Cyclopeptide Galaxamide Analogs with Isoindolinone as Anticancer Agents. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20060379. [PMID: 35736182 PMCID: PMC9227305 DOI: 10.3390/md20060379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The methylation of amino acid residues has played an important role in the biological function of bioactive peptides. In this paper, various methyl-modified and stereostructural-modified marine cyclopeptide galaxamide analogs with isoindolinone were synthesized by a photoinduced single electron transfer cyclization reaction. It was found that the single-methyl substitution was beneficial for the bioactivity of cyclic analogs with isoindolinone fragments, and the influence of methylation on bioactivity is uncertain and is sometimes case-specific. The compound with a single methyl group at Gly5 (compound 8) showed the strongest antiproliferative activity against HepG-2 cells. The tumor cell apoptosis, cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular Ca2+ concentration and lactate dehydrogenase activity have been studied extensively to evaluate the antitumor potential of compound 8. Western blotting tests showed that compound 8 could decrease the MDM2 level and increase p53 levels efficiently. Careful molecular docking suggested that cyclic peptide 8 could bind firmly with MDM2 oncoprotein, indicating that MDM2 may be a potential drug target of the prepared peptides.
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20
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Li H, Chen X, Wu M, Song P, Zhao X. Bicyclic stapled peptides based on p53 as dual inhibitors for the interactions of p53 with MDM2 and MDMX. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2021.08.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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21
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Buyanova M, Pei D. Targeting intracellular protein-protein interactions with macrocyclic peptides. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:234-248. [PMID: 34911657 PMCID: PMC8840965 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are challenging targets for traditional drug modalities. Macrocyclic peptides (MPs) prove highly effective PPI inhibitors in vitro and can be rapidly discovered against PPI targets by rational design or screening combinatorial libraries but are generally impermeable to the cell membrane. Recent advances in MP science and technology are allowing for the development of 'drug-like' MPs that potently and specifically modulate intracellular PPI targets in cell culture and animal models. In this review, we highlight recent progress in generating cell-permeable MPs that enter the mammalian cell by passive diffusion, endocytosis followed by endosomal escape, or as-yet unknown mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Buyanova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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22
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Ershov PV, Mezentsev YV, Ivanov AS. Interfacial Peptides as Affinity Modulating Agents of Protein-Protein Interactions. Biomolecules 2022; 12:106. [PMID: 35053254 PMCID: PMC8773757 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of disease-related protein-protein interactions (PPIs) creates objective conditions for their pharmacological modulation. The contact area (interfaces) of the vast majority of PPIs has some features, such as geometrical and biochemical complementarities, "hot spots", as well as an extremely low mutation rate that give us key knowledge to influence these PPIs. Exogenous regulation of PPIs is aimed at both inhibiting the assembly and/or destabilization of protein complexes. Often, the design of such modulators is associated with some specific problems in targeted delivery, cell penetration and proteolytic stability, as well as selective binding to cellular targets. Recent progress in interfacial peptide design has been achieved in solving all these difficulties and has provided a good efficiency in preclinical models (in vitro and in vivo). The most promising peptide-containing therapeutic formulations are under investigation in clinical trials. In this review, we update the current state-of-the-art in the field of interfacial peptides as potent modulators of a number of disease-related PPIs. Over the past years, the scientific interest has been focused on following clinically significant heterodimeric PPIs MDM2/p53, PD-1/PD-L1, HIF/HIF, NRF2/KEAP1, RbAp48/MTA1, HSP90/CDC37, BIRC5/CRM1, BIRC5/XIAP, YAP/TAZ-TEAD, TWEAK/FN14, Bcl-2/Bax, YY1/AKT, CD40/CD40L and MINT2/APP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel V. Ershov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.M.); (A.S.I.)
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23
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Zheng M, Cong W, Peng H, Qing J, Shen H, Tang Y, Geng C, Chen S, Zou Y, Zhang WD, Hu HG, Li X. Stapled Peptides Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein HR1 Inhibit the Fusion of Virus to Its Cell Receptor. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17486-17495. [PMID: 34818014 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The pandemic of acute respiratory disease in 2019 caused by highly pathogenic and infectious SARS-CoV-2 has seriously endangered human public safety. The 6-HB (HR1-HR2 complex) formation occurring in the process of spike protein-mediated membrane fusion could serve as a conserved and potential target for the design of fusion inhibitors. Based on the HR2 domain of 6-HB, we designed and synthesized 32 stapled peptides using an all-hydrocarbon peptide stapling strategy. Owing to the improved proteolytic stability and higher helical contents, the optimized stapled peptides termed SCH2-1-20 and SCH2-1-27 showed better inhibitory activities against pseudo and authentic SARS-CoV-2 compared to the linear counterpart. Of note, SCH2-1-20 and SCH2-1-27 were proved to interfere with S protein-mediated membrane fusion. Structural modeling indicated similar binding modes between SCH2-1-20 and the linear peptide. These optimized stapled peptides could serve as potent fusion inhibitors in treating and preventing SARS-CoV-2, and the corresponding SAR could facilitate further optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjun Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wei Cong
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Haoran Peng
- Department of Microbiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jie Qing
- Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Traditional Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Huaxing Shen
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yaxin Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chenchen Geng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yan Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hong-Gang Hu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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24
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Zhang X, Gao R, Yan H, Zhao Z, Zhang J, You W. Assembling BH3-mimic peptide into a nanocluster to target intracellular Bcl2 towards the apoptosis induction of cancer cell. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 33:085103. [PMID: 34261054 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac146d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein, is always overexpressed in tumor cells to suppress the pro-apoptotic function of Bax, thereby prolonging the life of the tumor. However, BH3 proteins could directly activate Bax via antagonizing Bcl-2 to induce apoptosis in response to the stimulation. Thus, mimicking BH3 proteins with a peptide is a potential strategy for anti-cancer therapy. Unfortunately, clinical translation of BH3-mimic peptide is hindered by its inefficacious cellular internalization and proteolysis resistance. Herein, we translated a BH3-mimic peptide into a peptide-auric spheroidal nanocluster (BH3-AuNp), in which polymeric BH3-Auric precursors [Au1+-S-BH3]narein situself-assembled on the surface of gold nanoparticles by a one-pot synthesis. Expectedly, this strategy could improve the anti-proteolytic ability and cytomembrane penetrability of the BH3 peptide. As a result, BH3-AuNp successfully induced the apoptosis of two cancer cell lines by an order of magnitude compared to BH3. This therapeutic and feasible peptide nano-engineering strategy will help peptides overcome the pharmaceutical obstacles, awaken its biological functions, and possibly revive the research about peptide-derived nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Zhang
- Institute of Sports & Medicine, School of Physical Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 453000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruqing Gao
- School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiyu Yan
- Center for Physical Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Zijian Zhao
- Institute of Sports & Medicine, School of Physical Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 453000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Center for Physical Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiming You
- Precision Medicine Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, People's Republic of China
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, People's Republic of China
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25
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26
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Sabale PM, Imiołek M, Raia P, Barluenga S, Winssinger N. Suprastapled Peptides: Hybridization-Enhanced Peptide Ligation and Enforced α-Helical Conformation for Affinity Selection of Combinatorial Libraries. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:18932-18940. [PMID: 34739233 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c07013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Stapled peptides with an enforced α-helical conformation have been shown to overcome major limitations in the development of short peptides targeting protein-protein interactions (PPIs). While the growing arsenal of methodologies to staple peptides facilitates their preparation, stapling methodologies are not broadly embraced in synthetic library screening. Herein, we report a strategy leveraged on hybridization of short PNA-peptide conjugates wherein nucleobase driven assembly facilitates ligation of peptide fragments and constrains the peptide's conformation into an α-helix. Using native chemical ligation, we show that a mixture of peptide fragments can be combinatorially ligated and used directly in affinity selection against a target of interest. This approach was exemplified with a focused library targeting the p-53/MDM2 interaction. One hundred peptides were obtained in a one-pot ligation reaction, selected by affinity against MDM2 immobilized on beads, and the best binders were identified by mass spectrometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod M Sabale
- Faculty of Science, NCCR Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mateusz Imiołek
- Faculty of Science, NCCR Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Raia
- Faculty of Science, NCCR Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sofia Barluenga
- Faculty of Science, NCCR Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Winssinger
- Faculty of Science, NCCR Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland
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27
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Chen XX, Tang Y, Wu M, Zhang YN, Chen K, Zhou Z, Fang GM. Helix-Constrained Peptides Constructed by Head-to-Side Chain Cross-Linking Strategies. Org Lett 2021; 23:7792-7796. [PMID: 34551517 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c02820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Facile head-to-side chain cross-linking strategies are developed to generate helix-constrained peptides. In our strategies, a covalent cross-linker is incorporated at N, i+7 or N, i+1 positions to lock the peptide into a helical conformation. The described patterns of head-to-side chain cross-linking will provide new frameworks for constrained helical peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xu Chen
- School of Life Science, Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Yang Tang
- Center of Minimally Invasive Treatment for Tumor, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital; Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, P. R. China
| | - Meng Wu
- School of Life Science, Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Ni Zhang
- School of Life Science, Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Kai Chen
- School of Life Science, Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Zhaocai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, P. R. China
| | - Ge-Min Fang
- School of Life Science, Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
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28
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Li X, Gohain N, Chen S, Li Y, Zhao X, Li B, Tolbert WD, He W, Pazgier M, Hu H, Lu W. Design of ultrahigh-affinity and dual-specificity peptide antagonists of MDM2 and MDMX for P53 activation and tumor suppression. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:2655-2669. [PMID: 34589387 PMCID: PMC8463443 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide inhibition of the interactions of the tumor suppressor protein P53 with its negative regulators MDM2 and MDMX activates P53 in vitro and in vivo, representing a viable therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Using phage display techniques, we previously identified a potent peptide activator of P53, termed PMI (TSFAEYWNLLSP), with binding affinities for both MDM2 and MDMX in the low nanomolar concentration range. Here we report an ultrahigh affinity, dual-specificity peptide antagonist of MDM2 and MDMX obtained through systematic mutational analysis and additivity-based molecular design. Functional assays of over 100 peptide analogs of PMI using surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence polarization techniques yielded a dodecameric peptide termed PMI-M3 (LTFLEYWAQLMQ) that bound to MDM2 and MDMX with Kd values in the low picomolar concentration range as verified by isothermal titration calorimetry. Co-crystal structures of MDM2 and of MDMX in complex with PMI-M3 were solved at 1.65 and 3.0 Å resolution, respectively. Similar to PMI, PMI-M3 occupied the P53-binding pocket of MDM2/MDMX, which was dominated energetically by intermolecular interactions involving Phe3, Tyr6, Trp7, and Leu10. Notable differences in binding between PMI-M3 and PMI were observed at other positions such as Leu4 and Met11 with MDM2, and Leu1 and Met11 with MDMX, collectively contributing to a significantly enhanced binding affinity of PMI-M3 for both proteins. By adding lysine residues to both ends of PMI and PMI-M3 to improve their cellular uptake, we obtained modified peptides termed PMI-2K (KTSFAEYWNLLSPK) and M3-2K (KLTFLEYWAQLMQK). Compared with PMI-2K, M3-2K exhibited significantly improved antitumor activities in vitro and in vivo in a P53-dependent manner. This super-strong peptide inhibitor of the P53-MDM2/MDMX interactions may become, in its own right, a powerful lead compound for anticancer drug development, and can aid molecular design of other classes of P53 activators as well for anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Institute of Human Virology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Neelakshi Gohain
- Institute of Human Virology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Si Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yinghua Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Zhao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
| | - William D. Tolbert
- Institute of Human Virology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Wangxiao He
- Department of Talent Highland, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Marzena Pazgier
- Institute of Human Virology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 21 54237607 (Wuyuan Lu), +86 21 66131281 (Honggang Hu), +1 301 295 3291 (Marzena Pazgier).
| | - Honggang Hu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 21 54237607 (Wuyuan Lu), +86 21 66131281 (Honggang Hu), +1 301 295 3291 (Marzena Pazgier).
| | - Wuyuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS) of School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity of School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 21 54237607 (Wuyuan Lu), +86 21 66131281 (Honggang Hu), +1 301 295 3291 (Marzena Pazgier).
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29
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Zheng M, Wang R, Chen S, Zou Y, Yan L, Zhao L, Li X. Design, Synthesis and Antifungal Activity of Stapled Aurein1.2 Peptides. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:956. [PMID: 34439006 PMCID: PMC8389037 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10080956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aurein1.2 is a 13-residue antimicrobial peptide secreted by the Australian tree frog Litoria aurea. In order to improve its stabilities, the helical contents and corresponding biological activities of Aurein1.2 (a series of stapled analogues) were synthesized, and their potential antifungal activities were evaluated. Not surprisingly, the stapled Aurein1.2 peptides showed higher proteolytic stability and helicity than the linear counterpart. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ten stapled peptides against six strains of common pathogenic fungi was determined by the microscale broth dilution method recommended by CLSI. Of them, Sau-1, Sau-2, Sau-5, and Sau-9 exhibited better inhibitory effects on the fungi than the linear peptide. These stapled Aurein1.2 peptides may serve as the leading compounds for further optimization and antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjun Zheng
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China;
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; (R.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Ruina Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; (R.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Si Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China;
| | - Yan Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; (R.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Lan Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; (R.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Linjing Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China;
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; (R.W.); (Y.Z.)
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30
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Zheng X, Yan J, You W, Li F, Diao J, He W, Yao Y. De Novo Nano-Erythrocyte Structurally Braced by Biomimetic Au(I)-peptide Skeleton for MDM2/MDMX Predation toward Augmented Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Immunotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2100394. [PMID: 33870652 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202100394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In nature, cells rely on a structural framework called the "cytoskeleton" to maintain their shape and polarity. Based on this, herein a new class of cell-mimicking nanomedicine using bionic skeletons constituted by the oligomeric Au(I)-peptide complex is developed. The peptide function of degrading pathological MDM2 and MDMX is used to synthesize an oligomeric Au(I)-PMIV precursor capable of self-assembling into a clustered spherical bionic skeleton. Through coating by erythrocyte membrane, an erythrocyte-mimicking nano-cell (Nery-PMIV) is developed with depressed macrophage uptakes, increased colloidal stability, and prolonged blood circulation. Nery-PMIV potently restores p53 and p73 in vitro and in vivo by degrading MDM2/MDMX. More importantly, Nery-PMIV effectively augments antitumor immunity elicited by anti-PD1 therapy in a murine orthotopic allograft model for LUAD and a humanized patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model for LUAD, while maintaining a favorable safety profile. Taken together, this work not only presents evidence showing that MDM2/MDMX degradation is a potentially viable therapeutic paradigm to synergize anti-PD1 immunotherapy toward LUAD carrying wild-type p53; it also suggests that cell-mimicking nanoparticles with applicable bionic skeletons hold tremendous promise in offering new therapies to revolutionize nanomedicine in the treatment of a myriad of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Zheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jin Yan
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Weiming You
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Fanni Li
- Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jiajie Diao
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Wangxiao He
- Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Yu Yao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
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31
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Ceballos J, Grinhagena E, Sangouard G, Heinis C, Waser J. Cys-Cys and Cys-Lys Stapling of Unprotected Peptides Enabled by Hypervalent Iodine Reagents. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:9022-9031. [PMID: 33450121 PMCID: PMC8048981 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202014511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Easy access to a wide range of structurally diverse stapled peptides is crucial for the development of inhibitors of protein-protein interactions. Herein, we report bis-functional hypervalent iodine reagents for two-component cysteine-cysteine and cysteine-lysine stapling yielding structurally diverse thioalkyne linkers. This stapling method works with unprotected natural amino acid residues and does not require pre-functionalization or metal catalysis. The products are stable to purification and isolation. Post-stapling modification can be accessed via amidation of an activated ester, or via cycloaddition onto the formed thioalkyne group. Increased helicity and binding affinity to MDM2 was obtained for a i,i+7 stapled peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Ceballos
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Organic SynthesisEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneEPFL SB ISIC LCSO, BCH 14021015LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Elija Grinhagena
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Organic SynthesisEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneEPFL SB ISIC LCSO, BCH 14021015LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Gontran Sangouard
- Laboratory of Therapeutic Proteins and PeptidesEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL SB ISIC LPPT, BCH 53051015LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Christian Heinis
- Laboratory of Therapeutic Proteins and PeptidesEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL SB ISIC LPPT, BCH 53051015LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Jerome Waser
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Organic SynthesisEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneEPFL SB ISIC LCSO, BCH 14021015LausanneSwitzerland
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32
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Ceballos J, Grinhagena E, Sangouard G, Heinis C, Waser J. Cys–Cys and Cys–Lys Stapling of Unprotected Peptides Enabled by Hypervalent Iodine Reagents. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202014511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Ceballos
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Organic Synthesis Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne EPFL SB ISIC LCSO, BCH 1402 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Elija Grinhagena
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Organic Synthesis Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne EPFL SB ISIC LCSO, BCH 1402 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Gontran Sangouard
- Laboratory of Therapeutic Proteins and Peptides Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL SB ISIC LPPT, BCH 5305 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Christian Heinis
- Laboratory of Therapeutic Proteins and Peptides Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL SB ISIC LPPT, BCH 5305 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Jerome Waser
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Organic Synthesis Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne EPFL SB ISIC LCSO, BCH 1402 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
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33
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Ahangarpour M, Kavianinia I, Harris PWR, Brimble MA. Photo-induced radical thiol-ene chemistry: a versatile toolbox for peptide-based drug design. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:898-944. [PMID: 33404559 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00354a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
While the global market for peptide/protein-based therapeutics is witnessing significant growth, the development of peptide drugs remains challenging due to their low oral bioavailability, poor membrane permeability, and reduced metabolic stability. However, a toolbox of chemical approaches has been explored for peptide modification to overcome these obstacles. In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in photoinduced radical thiol-ene chemistry as a powerful tool for the construction of therapeutic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Ahangarpour
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
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34
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Lindsey‐Crosthwait A, Rodriguez‐Lema D, Walko M, Pask CM, Wilson AJ. Structural optimization of reversible dibromomaleimide peptide stapling. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2021; 113:e24157. [PMID: 34938942 PMCID: PMC8650577 DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Methods to constrain peptides in a bioactive α-helical conformation for inhibition of protein-protein interactions represent an ongoing area of investigation in chemical biology. Recently, the first example of a reversible "stapling" methodology was described which exploits native cysteine or homocysteine residues spaced at the i and i + 4 positions in a peptide sequence together with the thiol selective reactivity of dibromomaleimides (a previous study). This manuscript reports on the optimization of the maleimide based constraint, focusing on the kinetics of macrocyclization and the extent to which helicity is promoted with different thiol containing amino acids. The study identified an optimal stapling combination of X 1 = L-Cys and X 5 = L-hCys in the context of the model peptide Ac-X1AAAX5-NH2, which should prove useful in implementing the dibromomaleimide stapling strategy in peptidomimetic ligand discovery programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayanna Lindsey‐Crosthwait
- School of Chemistry, University of LeedsLeedsUK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Diana Rodriguez‐Lema
- School of Chemistry, University of LeedsLeedsUK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Martin Walko
- School of Chemistry, University of LeedsLeedsUK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of LeedsLeedsUK
| | | | - Andrew J. Wilson
- School of Chemistry, University of LeedsLeedsUK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of LeedsLeedsUK
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35
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Liu J, Liu X, Zhang F, Qu J, Sun H, Zhu Q. A Peptide Stapling Strategy with Built‐In Fluorescence by Direct Late‐Stage C(sp
2
)−H Olefination of Tryptophan. Chemistry 2020; 26:16122-16128. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.202003548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou 310014 P.R. China
| | - Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou 310014 P.R. China
| | - Fangfang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou 310014 P.R. China
| | - Jiaojiao Qu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou 310014 P.R. China
| | - Hongyan Sun
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF) City University of Hong Kong Hong Kong P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou 310014 P.R. China
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36
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Li X, Chen S, Zhang WD, Hu HG. Stapled Helical Peptides Bearing Different Anchoring Residues. Chem Rev 2020; 120:10079-10144. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Insititute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Gang Hu
- Insititute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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37
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He W, Yan J, Li Y, Yan S, Wang S, Hou P, Lu W. Resurrecting a p53 peptide activator - An enabling nanoengineering strategy for peptide therapeutics. J Control Release 2020; 325:293-303. [PMID: 32653500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Many high-affinity peptide antagonists of MDM2 and MDMX have been reported as activators of the tumor suppressor protein p53 with therapeutic potential. Unfortunately, peptide activators of p53 generally suffer poor proteolytic stability and low membrane permeability, posing a major pharmacological challenge to anticancer peptide drug development. We previously obtained several potent dodecameric peptide antagonists of MDM2 and MDMX termed PMIs, one of which, TSFAEYWALLSP, bound to MDM2 and MDMX at respective affinities of 0.49 and 2.4 nM. Here we report the development of gold nanoparticles (Np) as a membrane-traversing delivery vehicle to carry PMI for anticancer therapy. Np-PMI was substantially more active in vitro than Nutlin-3 in killing tumor cells bearing wild-type p53, and effectively inhibited tumor growth in metastasis in a mouse homograft mode of melanoma and a patient-derived xenograft model of colon cancer with a favorable safety profile. This clinically viable drug delivery strategy can be applied not only to peptide activators of p53 for cancer therapy, but also to peptide therapeutics in general aimed at targeting intracellular protein-protein interactions for disease intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangxiao He
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jin Yan
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710014, China.
| | - Yujun Li
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710014, China; Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Siqi Yan
- Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Simeng Wang
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Peng Hou
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Wuyuan Lu
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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38
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Yan J, Ji F, Yan S, You W, Ma F, Li F, Huang Y, Liu W, He W. A general-purpose Nanohybrid fabricated by Polymeric Au(I)-peptide precursor to wake the function of Peptide Therapeutics. Theranostics 2020; 10:8513-8527. [PMID: 32754260 PMCID: PMC7392018 DOI: 10.7150/thno.47243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide-derived nanocomposites have been exhibiting fascinating biological advantages, including but not limited to excellent biocompatibility, biological degradation, high targetability and subsequent potent therapeutic efficacy. While some successes have been achieved in the nanoengineering of peptide-based architectures with defined dimensions and medical functions, enormous challenges remain about clinical nano-pharmaceutics of peptides, especially those modulating intracellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Methods: We developed a general method to translate intracellular-PPI-targeted peptides into a bioavailable peptide-auric spheroidal nanohybrid (SNH), for which polymeric peptide-Auric precursors [Au1+-S-peptide]n are in-situ reduced on the surface of gold nanoseeds via a simple and mild reaction. As proofs of concept, three cytomembrane-impenetrable peptides with different physicochemical properties were successfully engineered into stable and tumor-specific SNH respectively. Results: To highlight the advantage of SNH, PMI, a hydrophobic and enzyme-intolerant peptide capable of p53 restoration, was selected to challenge the power of SNH in a colon tumor xenografts model. PMI-Au SNH in vivo suppressed tumor growth potently after three administrations: intravenous injection, intraperitoneal injection and gastric perfusion, and maintained a favorable therapeutic safety. Conclusion: This therapeutically feasible strategy of peptide nanoengineering will allow us to fabricate a series of nanomedicines to modulate carcinogenic PPIs that hide and multiply inside cells, and in all likelihood reinvigorate the development of peptide drug against wide varieties of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yan
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, PR. China
- Department of Tumor and Immunology in precision medical institute, Western China Science and Technology Innovation Port, Xi'an, 710004, PR. China
| | - Fanpu Ji
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, PR. China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, PR. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an, China
| | - Siqi Yan
- Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, PR. China
| | - Weiming You
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, PR. China
- Department of Tumor and Immunology in precision medical institute, Western China Science and Technology Innovation Port, Xi'an, 710004, PR. China
| | - Fang Ma
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, PR. China
- Department of Tumor and Immunology in precision medical institute, Western China Science and Technology Innovation Port, Xi'an, 710004, PR. China
| | - Fanni Li
- Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, PR. China
| | - Yinong Huang
- Shaanxi Institute of Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, PR. China
| | - Wenjia Liu
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, PR. China
- Department of Tumor and Immunology in precision medical institute, Western China Science and Technology Innovation Port, Xi'an, 710004, PR. China
| | - Wangxiao He
- Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, PR. China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, PR. China
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39
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Liao H, Li X, Zhao L, Wang Y, Wang X, Wu Y, Zhou X, Fu W, Liu L, Hu HG, Chen YG. A PROTAC peptide induces durable β-catenin degradation and suppresses Wnt-dependent intestinal cancer. Cell Discov 2020; 6:35. [PMID: 32550000 PMCID: PMC7280531 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-020-0171-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been associated with the onset and progression of many types of tumors and thus β-catenin represents one attractive intracellular target for cancer therapy. Based on the Axin-derived peptide that binds to β-catenin, two stapled peptides SAHPA1 and xStAx were reported to enhance or impair Wnt/β-catenin signaling, respectively. In this study, we designed PROTACs (proteolysis targeting chimeras) by coupling SAHPA1 or xStAx with the VHL ligand to achieve efficient β-catenin degradation. The obtained xStAx-VHLL sustained β-catenin degradation and manifested strong inhibition of Wnt signaling in cancer cells and in APC-/- organoids. Furthermore, xStAx-VHLL could effectively restrain tumor formation in BALB/C nude mice, and diminish the existing tumors in APCmin/+ mice. More importantly, xStAx-VHLL could potently inhibit the survival of colorectal cancer patient-derived organoids. These findings suggest that xStAx-VHLL exhibits the ability of cancer prevention and cure, highlighting the potential of β-catenin degrader PROTACs as a new class of promising anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Liao
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 200433 Shanghai, China
| | - Lianzheng Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Yalong Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodan Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Ye Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 200433 Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Gang Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 200433 Shanghai, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, 200444 Shanghai, China
| | - Ye-Guang Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
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40
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Liu T, Cong W, Ye L, Xu X, Liao X, Xie G, Cheng Z, Hu H, Li X, Liao H. Rational design of stapled peptides targeting phosphorylated GSK3β for regulating osteoclast differentiation. RSC Adv 2020; 10:7758-7763. [PMID: 35492160 PMCID: PMC9049898 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra00008f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), has been reported to show essential roles in osteoclast differentiation. Modeled after FRATtide, a peptide derived from a GSK-3 binding protein, here we designed and synthesized a series of stapled peptides targeting phosphorylated GSK3β, and evaluated the corresponding biological activities. The results indicated that stapled peptides with better helical contents and proteolytic stability than the linear ones showed improved biological activity in inhibiting osteoclast differentiation. Among them, FRC-2 and FRN-2 showed promising prospects for treating osteoporosis. A series of stapled peptides targeting phosphorylated GSK3β were rationally designed and the corresponding biological activities were evaluated.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Tairong Liu
- School of Pharmacy
- Chengdu Medical College
- Chengdu 610500
- P. R. China
- Schoolof Pharmacy
| | - Wei Cong
- School of Translational Medicine
- Shanghai University
- Shanghai 200436
- P. R. China
| | - Lei Ye
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University
- Jinan 250014
- P. R. China
| | - Xike Xu
- Schoolof Pharmacy
- Second Military Medical University
- Shanghai 200433
- P. R. China
| | - Xiufei Liao
- School of Pharmacy
- Chengdu Medical College
- Chengdu 610500
- P. R. China
| | - Gang Xie
- School of Translational Medicine
- Shanghai University
- Shanghai 200436
- P. R. China
| | - Zhaoxi Cheng
- Schoolof Pharmacy
- Second Military Medical University
- Shanghai 200433
- P. R. China
| | - Honggang Hu
- School of Translational Medicine
- Shanghai University
- Shanghai 200436
- P. R. China
| | - Xiang Li
- Schoolof Pharmacy
- Second Military Medical University
- Shanghai 200433
- P. R. China
| | - Hongli Liao
- School of Pharmacy
- Chengdu Medical College
- Chengdu 610500
- P. R. China
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41
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Wu Y, Li Y, Cong W, Zou Y, Li X, Hu H. Total synthesis of TRADD death domain with arginine N-GlcNAcylation by hydrazide-based native chemical ligation. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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42
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Shi S, Sui K, Liu W, Lei Y, Zhang S, Zhang Q. Revealing binding selectivity of ligands toward murine double minute 2 and murine double minute X based on molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:5081-5094. [PMID: 31755361 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1695671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that the interactions of p53 with murine double minute 2 and murine double minute X, namely MDM2 and MDMX, have been significant targets of efficient anti-cancer drug design. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, principal component (PC) analysis and binding free energy calculations are combined to recognize binding selectivity of three ligands to MDM2 and MDMX. The binding free energies were estimated by using molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) method and the obtained results display that the increase in the binding enthalpy of three ligands to MDM2 relative to MDMX mainly drives the binding selectivity of them toward MDM2 and MDMX. The information obtained from PC analysis shows that the associations of ligands exert important impacts on internal dynamics of MDM2 and MDMX. Meanwhile, the calculations of residue-based free energy decomposition not only identify the hot interaction spots of ligands with MDM2 and MDMX, but also show the residues (L54, M53), (Y67, Y66), (V93, V92), (H96, P95), (I99, I98) and (Y100, Y99) in (MDM2, MDMX) are responsible for most contributions to the binding selectivity of three ligands toward MDM2 and MDMX. It is believed that this work can provide useful information for design of highly selective and dual inhibitors targeting MDM2 and MDMX.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Shi
- School of Science, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, China
| | - Kai Sui
- School of Science, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, China
| | - Weizhe Liu
- School of Science, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanzi Lei
- School of Science, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, China
| | - Shaolong Zhang
- College of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Qinggang Zhang
- College of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
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43
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Yan J, Yan S, Hou P, Lu W, Ma PX, He W, Lei B. A Hierarchical Peptide-Lanthanide Framework To Accurately Redress Intracellular Carcinogenic Protein-Protein Interaction. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:7918-7926. [PMID: 31645103 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b03028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are a vital and yet underexploited class of therapeutic targets for their crucial roles in cellular processes and involvement in disease initiation and progression. Although some successful chemistry and nanotechnologies have been introduced into peptide PPI modulators to allow cell and tissue permeability, significant challenges remain with regard to the efficient and precise modulation of PPIs within specific cells of diseased tissues, such as solid tumors. Herein, an intratumoral transformable hierarchical framework, termed iPLF, was fabricated via a two-step self-assembly between peptides and lanthanide-doped nanocrystals. In this proof-of-concept study, using NanoEL effect, TME response, and tumor marker targeting, iPLF in vivo delivered the p53-MDM2 modulator DPMI into tumor cells and β-catenin-Bcl9 modulator Bcl9p into tumor stem cells. This crafted programmed nanomedicine with triple-stage delivery and responsiveness accurately modulated the specific intracellular protein-protein interactions, resulting in the suppression of tumor growth and metastasis in vivo, while maintaining a highly favorable safety profile. iPLF reached the goal of accurate, potent, and hazard-free intracellular PPI modulation, thereby providing a means to improve current knowledge of PPI networks and a novel therapeutic strategy for a great variety of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yan
- Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology , Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710054 , China
| | - Siqi Yan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710061 , P.R. China
| | - Peng Hou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710061 , P.R. China
| | - Wuyuan Lu
- Institute of Human Virology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore , Maryland 21201 , United States
| | - Peter X Ma
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Macromolecular Science and Engineering Center, Department of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | - Wangxiao He
- Department of Talent Highland , The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University , Xi'an 710061 , China
| | - Bo Lei
- Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology , Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710054 , China
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44
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Charoenpattarapreeda J, Tan YS, Iegre J, Walsh SJ, Fowler E, Eapen RS, Wu Y, Sore HF, Verma CS, Itzhaki L, Spring DR. Targeted covalent inhibitors of MDM2 using electrophile-bearing stapled peptides. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:7914-7917. [PMID: 31225847 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc04022f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we describe the development of a novel staple with an electrophilic warhead to enable the generation of stapled peptide covalent inhibitors of the p53-MDM2 protein-protein interaction (PPI). The peptide developed showed complete and selective covalent binding resulting in potent inhibition of p53-MDM2 PPI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yaw Sing Tan
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Jessica Iegre
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Stephen J Walsh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Elaine Fowler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Rohan S Eapen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK
| | - Yuteng Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Hannah F Sore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Chandra S Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671, Singapore and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 673551, Singapore
| | - Laura Itzhaki
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK
| | - David R Spring
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK.
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45
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Ma B, Niu F, Qu X, He W, Feng C, Wang S, Ouyang Z, Yan J, Wen Y, Xu D, Shao Y, Ma PX, Lu W. A tetrameric protein scaffold as a nano-carrier of antitumor peptides for cancer therapy. Biomaterials 2019; 204:1-12. [PMID: 30861422 PMCID: PMC6441627 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A major pharmacological barrier to peptide therapeutics is their susceptibility to proteolytic degradation and poor membrane permeability, which, in principle, can be overcome by nanoparticle-based delivery technologies. Proteins, by definition, are nano materials and have been clinically proven as an efficient delivery vehicle for small molecule drugs. Here we describe the design of a protein-based peptide drug carrier derived from the tetramerization domain of the chimeric oncogenic protein Bcr/Abl of chronic myeloid leukemia. A dodecameric peptide inhibitor of the p53-MDM2/MDMX interaction, termed PMI, was grafted to the N-terminal helical region of Bcr/Abl tetramer. To antagonize intracellular MDM2/MDMX for p53 activation, we extended this protein, PMIBcr/Abl, by a C-terminal Arg-repeating hexapeptide to facilitate its cellular uptake. The resultant tetrameric protein PMIBcr/Abl-R6 adopted an alpha-helical conformation in solution and bound to MDM2 at an affinity of 32 nM. PMIBcr/Abl-R6 effectively induced apoptosis of HCT116 p53+/+ cells in vitro in a p53-dependent manner and potently inhibited tumor growth in a nude mouse xenograft model by stabilizing p53 in vivo. Our protein-based delivery strategy thus provides a clinically viable solution to p53-inspired anticancer therapy and is likely applicable to the development of many other peptide therapeutics to target a great variety of intracellular protein-protein interactions responsible for disease initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China; Institute of Human Virology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Fan Niu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China; Institute of Human Virology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Qu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Wangxiao He
- Center for Translational Medicine, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China; Institute of Human Virology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Chao Feng
- Center for Translational Medicine, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Simeng Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Zhenlin Ouyang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Jin Yan
- Center for Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China; Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Macromolecular Science and Engineering Center, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Yurong Wen
- Center for Translational Medicine, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China; Institute of Human Virology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Yongping Shao
- Center for Translational Medicine, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Peter X Ma
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Macromolecular Science and Engineering Center, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Wuyuan Lu
- Institute of Human Virology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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