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Schlaak L, Weise C, Kuropka B, Weng A. Mutational Analysis of RIP Type I Dianthin-30 Suggests a Role for Arg24 in Endocytosis. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:219. [PMID: 38787071 PMCID: PMC11125672 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16050219] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Saponin-mediated endosomal escape is a mechanism that increases the cytotoxicity of type I ribosome-inactivating proteins (type I RIPs). In order to actualize their cytotoxicity, type I RIPs must be released into the cytosol after endocytosis. Without release from the endosomes, type I RIPs are largely degraded and cannot exert their cytotoxic effects. Certain triterpene saponins are able to induce the endosomal escape of these type I RIPs, thus increasing their cytotoxicity. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the endosomal escape enhancement of type I RIPs by triterpene saponins has not been fully elucidated. In this report, we investigate the involvement of the basic amino acid residues of dianthin-30, a type I RIP isolated from the plant Dianthus caryophyllus L., in endosomal escape enhancement using alanine scanning. Therefore, we designed 19 alanine mutants of dianthin-30. Each mutant was combined with SO1861, a triterpene saponin isolated from the roots of Saponaria officinalis L., and subjected to a cytotoxicity screening in Neuro-2A cells. Cytotoxic screening revealed that dianthin-30 mutants with lysine substitutions did not impair the endosomal escape enhancement. There was one particular mutant dianthin, Arg24Ala, that exhibited significantly reduced synergistic cytotoxicity in three mammalian cell lines. However, this reduction was not based on an altered interaction with SO1861. It was, rather, due to the impaired endocytosis of dianthin Arg24Ala into the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Schlaak
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Christoph Weise
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (C.W.); (B.K.)
| | - Benno Kuropka
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (C.W.); (B.K.)
| | - Alexander Weng
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
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De Rouck S, Mocchetti A, Dermauw W, Van Leeuwen T. SYNCAS: Efficient CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing in difficult to transform arthropods. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 165:104068. [PMID: 38171463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.104068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The genome editing technique CRISPR/Cas9 has led to major advancements in many research fields and this state-of-the-art tool has proven its use in genetic studies for various arthropods. However, most transformation protocols rely on microinjection of CRISPR/Cas9 components into embryos, a method which is challenging for many species. Alternatively, injections can be performed on adult females, but transformation efficiencies can be very low as was shown for the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, a minute but important chelicerate pest on many crops. In this study, we explored different CRISPR/Cas9 formulations to optimize a maternal injection protocol for T. urticae. We observed a strong synergy between branched amphipathic peptide capsules and saponins, resulting in a significant increase of CRISPR/Cas9 knock-out efficiency, exceeding 20%. This CRISPR/Cas9 formulation, termed SYNCAS, was used to knock-out different T. urticae genes - phytoene desaturase, CYP384A1 and Antennapedia - but also allowed to develop a co-CRISPR strategy and facilitated the generation of T. urticae knock-in mutants. In addition, SYNCAS was successfully applied to knock-out white and white-like genes in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. The SYNCAS method allows routine genome editing in these species and can be a game changer for genetic research in other hard to transform arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander De Rouck
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Antonio Mocchetti
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Wannes Dermauw
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium.
| | - Thomas Van Leeuwen
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium.
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Wang W, Cao XW, Wang FJ, Zhao J. Cytotoxic effects of recombinant proteins enhanced by momordin Ic are dependent on cholesterol and ganglioside GM1. Toxicon 2023; 229:107129. [PMID: 37086901 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Plant-derived triterpenoid saponins have been shown to play a powerful role in enhancing the cytotoxic activity of protein therapeutics. However, the mechanism of how saponins are acting is not clearly understood. In this study, momordin Ic (MIC), a triterpenoid saponin derived from Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad., specifically enhance the antiproliferative effect of recombinant MAP30 (a type I ribosome inactivating protein, RIP) in breast cancer cells. Subsequently, the possible mechanism of how MIC enhanced the cytotoxicity of MAP30 was analyzed in detail. We observed the level of intracellular labeled MAP30 using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. And a reporter protein, GAL9, was used to monitor the role of MIC in promoting endosomal escape. We found endosomal escape does not play a role for the enhancer effect of MIC while the effect of MIC on MAP30 is cholesterol dependent and that ganglioside GM1, a lipid raft marker, can competitively inhibit cytotoxicity of MAP30 enhanced by MIC. Finally, we provided some insights into the correlation between the sugar side chain of MIC and its role in enhancing of RIP cytotoxicity and altering of drug cell tropism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Applied Biology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xue-Wei Cao
- Department of Applied Biology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; ECUST-FONOW Joint Research Center for Innovative Medicines, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Fu-Jun Wang
- ECUST-FONOW Joint Research Center for Innovative Medicines, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; New Drug R&D Center, Zhejiang Fonow Medicine Co., Ltd. 209 West Hulian Road, Dongyang, 322100, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jian Zhao
- Department of Applied Biology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; ECUST-FONOW Joint Research Center for Innovative Medicines, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
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Raddeanin A synergistically enhances the anti-tumor effect of MAP30 in multiple ways, more than promoting endosomal escape. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 449:116139. [PMID: 35750203 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Biomacromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids are very attractive due to their high efficiency and specificity as cancer therapeutics. In fact, the endocytosed macromolecules are often trapped in the endosomes and cannot exhibit pharmacological effects well. Many strategies have been used to address this bottleneck, and one promising approach is to exploit the endosomal escape-promoting effect of triterpenoid saponins to aid in the release of biomacromolecules. Here, Raddeanin A (RA, an oleanane-type triterpenoid saponin) was proved to significantly promote endosomal escape as it recruited Galectin-9, an endosomal escape event reporter. As expected, RA effectively enhanced the anti-tumor effect of MAP30 (a type I ribosome-inactivating protein derived from Momordica charantia). However, based on the results of fluorescent colocalization, RA did not significantly promote MAP30 release from endosomes, suggesting that RA enhances MAP30 activity not only by promoting endosomal escape. Furthermore, it was found that the inhibitors of micropinocytosis and caveolae could almost completely inhibit the cytotoxicity of MAP30 combined with RA without affecting the cytotoxicity of MAP30 alone, indicating that RA may regulate the endocytic pathway of MAP30. Meanwhile, the effect of RA is related to the intra vesicular pH and cholesterol content on cell membrane, and is also cell-type dependent. Therefore, RA enhanced the anti-tumor effect of MAP30 in multiple ways, not just by promoting endosomal escape. Our findings will help to further decipher the possible mechanisms by which triterpenoid saponins enhance drug activity, and provide a new perspective for improving the activity of endocytosed drugs.
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Gevrenova R, Zengin G, Balabanova V, Voynikov Y, Zheleva-Dimitrova D. C, O – flavonoid glycosides and oleanane-type bidesmosides from Gypsophila perfoliata L. “tekirae” (Caryophyllaceae): Chemophenetic implications. BIOCHEM SYST ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2021.104353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Clochard J, Jerz G, Schmieder P, Mitdank H, Tröger M, Sama S, Weng A. A new acetylated triterpene saponin from Agrostemma githago L. modulates gene delivery efficiently and shows a high cellular tolerance. Int J Pharm 2020; 589:119822. [PMID: 32861772 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Transfection is the process to deliver nucleic acid into eukaryotic cells. Different transfection techniques already exist. However, they can be expensive and toxic toward subjected cells. Previous research shed light on natural occurring molecules called triterpene saponins that have great potential for the non-viral gene delivery. Using a combination of different chromatographic techniques and in vitro transfection bioassays, a new triterpenoid saponin (agrostemmoside E) from the plant Agrostemma githago L. was isolated. Agrostemmoside E was characterized by mass spectrometry, intense NMR spectroscopy and was identified as 3-{O-ß-D-Galactopyranosyl-(1→2)]-[ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)]-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl} quillaic acid 28-O-{[ß-D-4,6-di-(O-acetyl)-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-[ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)}-[3,4-di-(O-acetyl)-ß-D-quinovopyranosyl-(1→4)]-ß-D-fucopyranoside ester. Agrostemmoside E has a great potential for delivery of gene loaded nanoplexes and increased the transfection efficiency by 70% compared to 2% without agrostemmoside E. By comparative toxicity studies, we show that agrostemmoside E can be applied at high concentrations without toxicity, justifying its use as a new tool for gene transfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Clochard
- Institut für Pharmazie, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerold Jerz
- Institut für Lebensmittelchemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Schleinitz-Str. 20, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Peter Schmieder
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Robert-Roessle-Str., 1013125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hardy Mitdank
- Institut für Pharmazie, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Meike Tröger
- Institut für Pharmazie, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Simko Sama
- Institut für Pharmazie, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Alexander Weng
- Institut für Pharmazie, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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Cao XW, Wang FJ, Liew OW, Lu YZ, Zhao J. Analysis of Triterpenoid Saponins Reveals Insights into Structural Features Associated with Potent Protein Drug Enhancement Effects. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:683-694. [PMID: 31913047 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b01158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Plant-based saponins are amphipathic glycosides composed of a hydrophobic aglycone backbone covalently bound to one or more hydrophilic sugar moieties. Recently, the endosomal escape activity of triterpenoid saponins has been investigated as a potentially powerful tool for improved cytosolic penetration of protein drugs internalized by endocytic uptake, thereby greatly enhancing their pharmacological effects. However, only a few saponins have been studied, and the paucity in understanding the structure-activity relationship of saponins imposes significant limitations on their applications. To address this knowledge gap, 12 triterpenoid saponins with diverse structural side chains were screened for their utility as endosomolytic agents. These compounds were used in combination with a toxin (MAP30-HBP) comprising a type I ribosome-inactivating protein fused to a cell-penetrating peptide. Suitability of saponins as endosomolytic agents was assessed on the basis of cytotoxicity, endosomal escape promotion, and synergistic effects on toxins. Five saponins showed strong endosomal escape activity, enhancing MAP30-HBP cytotoxicity by more than 106 to 109 folds. These saponins also enhanced the apoptotic effect of MAP30-HBP in a pH-dependent manner. Additionally, growth inhibition of MAP30-HBP-treated SMMC-7721 cells was greater than that of similarly treated HeLa cells, suggesting that saponin-mediated endosomolytic effect is likely to be cell-specific. Furthermore, the structural features and hydrophobicity of the sugar side chains were analyzed to draw correlations with endosomal escape activity and derive predictive rules, thus providing new insights into structure-activity relationships of saponins. This study revealed new saponins that can potentially be exploited as efficient cytosolic delivery reagents for improved therapeutic drug effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Wei Cao
- Department of Applied Biology , East China University of Science and Technology , 130 Meilong Road , Shanghai 200237 , China
| | - Fu-Jun Wang
- New Drug R&D Center , Zhejiang Fonow Medicine Company, Ltd. , 209 West Hulian Road , Dongyang 322100 , Zhejiang , China.,Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines , 1200 Cailun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China.,Institute of Chinese Materia , Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , 1200 Cailun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Oi-Wah Liew
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System , Centre for Translational Medicine , MD6#08-01, 14 Medical Drive , 117599 , Singapore
| | - Ye-Zhou Lu
- Department of Applied Biology , East China University of Science and Technology , 130 Meilong Road , Shanghai 200237 , China
| | - Jian Zhao
- Department of Applied Biology , East China University of Science and Technology , 130 Meilong Road , Shanghai 200237 , China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering , East China University of Science and Technology , 130 Meilong Road , Shanghai 200237 , China
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Dianthin and Its Potential in Targeted Tumor Therapies. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11100592. [PMID: 31614697 PMCID: PMC6832487 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dianthin enzymes belong to ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) of type 1, i.e., they only consist of a catalytic domain and do not have a cell binding moiety. Dianthin-30 is very similar to saporin-S3 and saporin-S6, two RIPs often used to design targeted toxins for tumor therapy and already tested in some clinical trials. Nevertheless, dianthin enzymes also exhibit differences to saporin with regard to structure, efficacy, toxicity, immunogenicity and production by heterologous expression. Some of the distinctions might make dianthin more suitable for targeted tumor therapies than other RIPs. The present review provides an overview of the history of dianthin discovery and illuminates its structure, function and role in targeted toxins. It further discusses the option to increase the efficacy of dianthin by endosomal escape enhancers.
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