1
|
Gao X, Yeh HI, Yang Z, Fan C, Jiang F, Howard RJ, Lindahl E, Kappes JC, Hwang TC. Allosteric inhibition of CFTR gating by CFTRinh-172 binding in the pore. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6668. [PMID: 39107303 PMCID: PMC11303713 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50641-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations of the CFTR gene cause the life-shortening genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF), whereas overactivity of CFTR may lead to secretory diarrhea and polycystic kidney disease. While effective drugs targeting the CFTR protein have been developed for the treatment of CF, little progress has been made for diseases caused by hyper-activated CFTR. Here, we solve the cryo-EM structure of CFTR in complex with CFTRinh-172 (Inh-172), a CFTR gating inhibitor with promising potency and efficacy. We find that Inh-172 binds inside the pore of CFTR, interacting with amino acid residues from transmembrane segments (TMs) 1, 6, 8, 9, and 12 through mostly hydrophobic interactions and a salt bridge. Substitution of these residues lowers the apparent affinity of Inh-172. The inhibitor-bound structure reveals re-orientations of the extracellular segment of TMs 1, 8, and 12, supporting an allosteric modulation mechanism involving post-binding conformational changes. This allosteric inhibitory mechanism readily explains our observations that pig CFTR, which preserves all the amino acid residues involved in Inh-172 binding, exhibits a much-reduced sensitivity to Inh-172 and that the apparent affinity of Inh-172 is altered by the CF drug ivacaftor (i.e., VX-770) which enhances CFTR's activity through binding to a site also comprising TM8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Gao
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Han-I Yeh
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Membrane Protein Structural Biology Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zhengrong Yang
- Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Chen Fan
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Fan Jiang
- Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Rebecca J Howard
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Erik Lindahl
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - John C Kappes
- Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
- Research Service, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Veterans Health Administration, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Tzyh-Chang Hwang
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Membrane Protein Structural Biology Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van der Sluijs P, Hoelen H, Schmidt A, Braakman I. The Folding Pathway of ABC Transporter CFTR: Effective and Robust. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168591. [PMID: 38677493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168591] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
De novo protein folding into a native three-dimensional structure is indispensable for biological function, is instructed by its amino acid sequence, and occurs along a vectorial trajectory. The human proteome contains thousands of membrane-spanning proteins, whose biosynthesis begins on endoplasmic reticulum-associated ribosomes. Nearly half of all membrane proteins traverse the membrane more than once, including therapeutically important protein families such as solute carriers, G-protein-coupled receptors, and ABC transporters. These mediate a variety of functions like signal transduction and solute transport and are often of vital importance for cell function and tissue homeostasis. Missense mutations in multispan membrane proteins can lead to misfolding and cause disease; an example is the ABC transporter Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR). Even though our understanding of multispan membrane-protein folding still is rather rudimental, the cumulative knowledge of 20 years of basic research on CFTR folding has led to development of drugs that modulate the misfolded protein. This has provided the prospect of a life without CF to the vast majority of patients. In this review we describe our understanding of the folding pathway of CFTR in cells, which is modular and tolerates many defects, making it effective and robust. We address how modulator drugs affect folding and function of CFTR, and distinguish protein stability from its folding process. Since the domain architecture of (mammalian) ABC transporters are highly conserved, we anticipate that the insights we discuss here for folding of CFTR may lay the groundwork for understanding the general rules of ABC-transporter folding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter van der Sluijs
- Cellular Protein Chemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Hanneke Hoelen
- Cellular Protein Chemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands; Present address: GenDx, Yalelaan 48, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Andre Schmidt
- Cellular Protein Chemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands; 3D-Pharmxchange, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Ineke Braakman
- Cellular Protein Chemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Latorre RV, Calicchia M, Bigliardi M, Conti J, Kleinfelder K, Melotti P, Sorio C. Functional rescue of CFTR in rectal organoids from patients carrying R334W variant by CFTR modulators and PDE4 inhibitor Roflumilast. Respir Investig 2024; 62:455-461. [PMID: 38547757 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many disease-causing variants in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene remain uncharacterized and untreated. Restoring the function of the impaired CFTR protein is the goal of personalized medicine, particularly in patients carrying rare CFTR variants. In this study, functional defects related to the rare R334W variant were evaluated after treatment with CFTR modulators or Roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor (PDE4i). METHODS Rectal organoids from subjects with R334W/2184insA and R334W/2183AA > G genotypes were used to perform the Forskolin-induced swelling (FIS) assay. Organoids were left drug-untreated or treated with modulators VX-770 (I), VX-445 (E), and VX-661 (T) mixed, and their combination (ETI). Roflumilast (R) was used alone or as a combination of I + R. RESULTS Our data show a significant increase in FIS rate following treatment with I alone. The combined use of modulators, such as ETI, did not increase further swelling than I alone, nor in protein maturation. Treatment with R shows an increase in FIS response similar to those of I, and the combination R + I significantly increases the rescue of CFTR activity. CONCLUSIONS Equivalent I and ETI treatment efficacy was observed for both genotypes. Furthermore, significant organoid swelling was observed with combined I + R used that supports the recently published data describing a potentiating effect of only I in patients carrying the variant R334W and, at the same time, corroborating the role of strategies that include PDE4 inhibitors further to potentiate the effect of I for this variant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Valeria Latorre
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Division of General Pathology, Cystic Fibrosis Laboratory D. Lissandrini, Strada le Grazie 8, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Martina Calicchia
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Division of General Pathology, Cystic Fibrosis Laboratory D. Lissandrini, Strada le Grazie 8, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Martina Bigliardi
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Division of General Pathology, Cystic Fibrosis Laboratory D. Lissandrini, Strada le Grazie 8, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Jessica Conti
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Division of General Pathology, Cystic Fibrosis Laboratory D. Lissandrini, Strada le Grazie 8, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Karina Kleinfelder
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Division of General Pathology, Cystic Fibrosis Laboratory D. Lissandrini, Strada le Grazie 8, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Melotti
- Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Piazzale A. Stefani 1, 37126, Verona, Italy
| | - Claudio Sorio
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Division of General Pathology, Cystic Fibrosis Laboratory D. Lissandrini, Strada le Grazie 8, 37134, Verona, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Premchandar A, Ming R, Baiad A, Da Fonte DF, Xu H, Faubert D, Veit G, Lukacs GL. Readthrough-induced misincorporated amino acid ratios guide mutant-specific therapeutic approaches for two CFTR nonsense mutations. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1389586. [PMID: 38725656 PMCID: PMC11079177 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1389586] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Premature termination codons (PTCs) represent ∼9% of CF mutations that typically cause severe expression defects of the CFTR anion channel. Despite the prevalence of PTCs as the underlying cause of genetic diseases, understanding the therapeutic susceptibilities of their molecular defects, both at the transcript and protein levels remains partially elucidated. Given that the molecular pathologies depend on the PTC positions in CF, multiple pharmacological interventions are required to suppress the accelerated nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), to correct the CFTR conformational defect caused by misincorporated amino acids, and to enhance the inefficient stop codon readthrough. The G418-induced readthrough outcome was previously investigated only in reporter models that mimic the impact of the local sequence context on PTC mutations in CFTR. To identify the misincorporated amino acids and their ratios for PTCs in the context of full-length CFTR readthrough, we developed an affinity purification (AP)-tandem mass spectrometry (AP-MS/MS) pipeline. We confirmed the incorporation of Cys, Arg, and Trp residues at the UGA stop codons of G542X, R1162X, and S1196X in CFTR. Notably, we observed that the Cys and Arg incorporation was favored over that of Trp into these CFTR PTCs, suggesting that the transcript sequence beyond the proximity of PTCs and/or other factors can impact the amino acid incorporation and full-length CFTR functional expression. Additionally, establishing the misincorporated amino acid ratios in the readthrough CFTR PTCs aided in maximizing the functional rescue efficiency of PTCs by optimizing CFTR modulator combinations. Collectively, our findings contribute to the understanding of molecular defects underlying various CFTR nonsense mutations and provide a foundation to refine mutation-dependent therapeutic strategies for various CF-causing nonsense mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruiji Ming
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Abed Baiad
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Haijin Xu
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Denis Faubert
- IRCM Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Platform, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Guido Veit
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gergely L. Lukacs
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Young PG, Levring J, Fiedorczuk K, Blanchard SC, Chen J. Structural basis for CFTR inhibition by CFTR inh-172. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2316675121. [PMID: 38422021 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316675121] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an anion channel that regulates electrolyte and fluid balance in epithelial tissues. While activation of CFTR is vital to treating cystic fibrosis, selective inhibition of CFTR is a potential therapeutic strategy for secretory diarrhea and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Although several CFTR inhibitors have been developed by high-throughput screening, their modes of action remain elusive. In this study, we determined the structure of CFTR in complex with the inhibitor CFTRinh-172 to an overall resolution of 2.7 Å by cryogenic electron microscopy. We observe that CFTRinh-172 binds inside the pore near transmembrane helix 8, a critical structural element that links adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis with channel gating. Binding of CFTRinh-172 stabilizes a conformation in which the chloride selectivity filter is collapsed, and the pore is blocked from the extracellular side of the membrane. Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments indicate that CFTRinh-172 inhibits channel gating without compromising nucleotide-binding domain dimerization. Together, these data reconcile previous biophysical observations and provide a molecular basis for the activity of this widely used CFTR inhibitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Young
- Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
- Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York, NY 10065
| | - Jesper Levring
- Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Karol Fiedorczuk
- Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Scott C Blanchard
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38101
| | - Jue Chen
- Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
- HHMI, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ferreira FC, Buarque CD, Lopes-Pacheco M. Organic Synthesis and Current Understanding of the Mechanisms of CFTR Modulator Drugs Ivacaftor, Tezacaftor, and Elexacaftor. Molecules 2024; 29:821. [PMID: 38398574 PMCID: PMC10891718 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29040821] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The monogenic rare disease Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the CF transmembrane conductance (CFTR) protein, an anion channel expressed at the apical plasma membrane of epithelial cells. The discovery and subsequent development of CFTR modulators-small molecules acting on the basic molecular defect in CF-have revolutionized the standard of care for people with CF (PwCF), thus drastically improving their clinical features, prognosis, and quality of life. Currently, four of these drugs are approved for clinical use: potentiator ivacaftor (VX-770) alone or in combination with correctors lumacaftor, (VX-809), tezacaftor (VX-661), and elexacaftor (VX-445). Noteworthily, the triple combinatorial therapy composed of ivacaftor, tezacaftor, and elexacaftor constitutes the most effective modulator therapy nowadays for the majority of PwCF. In this review, we exploit the organic synthesis of ivacaftor, tezacaftor, and elexacaftor by providing a retrosynthetic drug analysis for these CFTR modulators. Furthermore, we describe the current understanding of the mechanisms of action (MoA's) of these compounds by discussing several studies that report the key findings on the molecular mechanisms underlying their action on the CFTR protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipa C. Ferreira
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Camilla D. Buarque
- Department of Chemistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro 22435-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Miquéias Lopes-Pacheco
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li H, Rodrat M, Al-Salmani MK, Veselu DF, Han ST, Raraigh KS, Cutting GR, Sheppard DN. Two rare variants that affect the same amino acid in CFTR have distinct responses to ivacaftor. J Physiol 2024; 602:333-354. [PMID: 38186087 PMCID: PMC10872379 DOI: 10.1113/jp285727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Some residues in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel are the site of more than one CFTR variant that cause cystic fibrosis. Here, we investigated the function of S1159F and S1159P, two variants associated with different clinical phenotypes, which affect the same pore-lining residue in transmembrane segment 12 that are both strongly potentiated by ivacaftor when expressed in CFBE41o- bronchial epithelial cells. To study the single-channel behaviour of CFTR, we applied the patch-clamp technique to Chinese hamster ovary cells heterologously expressing CFTR variants incubated at 27°C to enhance channel residence at the plasma membrane. S1159F- and S1159P-CFTR formed Cl- channels activated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation and gated by ATP that exhibited thermostability at 37°C. Both variants modestly reduced the single-channel conductance of CFTR. By severely attenuating channel gating, S1159F- and S1159P-CFTR reduced the open probability (Po ) of wild-type CFTR by ≥75% at ATP (1 mM); S1159F-CFTR caused the greater decrease in Po consistent with its more severe clinical phenotype. Ivacaftor (10-100 nM) doubled the Po of both CFTR variants without restoring Po values to wild-type levels, but concomitantly, ivacaftor decreased current flow through open channels. For S1159F-CFTR, the reduction of current flow was marked at high (supersaturated) ivacaftor concentrations (0.5-1 μM) and voltage-independent, identifying an additional detrimental action of elevated ivacaftor concentrations. In conclusion, S1159F and S1159P are gating variants, which also affect CFTR processing and conduction, but not stability, necessitating the use of combinations of CFTR modulators to optimally restore their channel activity. KEY POINTS: Dysfunction of the ion channel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) causes the genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF). This study investigated two rare pathogenic CFTR variants, S1159F and S1159P, which affect the same amino acid in CFTR, to understand the molecular basis of disease and response to the CFTR-targeted therapy ivacaftor. Both rare variants diminished CFTR function by modestly reducing current flow through the channel and severely inhibiting ATP-dependent channel gating with S1159F exerting the stronger adverse effect, which correlates with its association with more severe disease. Ivacaftor potentiated channel gating by both rare variants without restoring their activity to wild-type levels, but concurrently reduced current flow through open channels, particularly those of S1159F-CFTR. Our data demonstrate that S1159F and S1159P cause CFTR dysfunction by multiple mechanisms that require combinations of CFTR-targeted therapies to fully restore channel function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Li
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Mayuree Rodrat
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Center of Research and Development for Biomedical Instrumentation, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Majid K Al-Salmani
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al Khoudh, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | | | - Sangwoo T Han
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Karen S Raraigh
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Garry R Cutting
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David N Sheppard
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yeh HI, Sutcliffe KJ, Sheppard DN, Hwang TC. CFTR Modulators: From Mechanism to Targeted Therapeutics. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2024; 283:219-247. [PMID: 35972584 DOI: 10.1007/164_2022_597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
People with cystic fibrosis (CF) suffer from a multi-organ disorder caused by loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding the epithelial anion channel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Tremendous progress has been made in both basic and clinical sciences over the past three decades since the identification of the CFTR gene. Over 90% of people with CF now have access to therapies targeting dysfunctional CFTR. This success was made possible by numerous studies in the field that incrementally paved the way for the development of small molecules known as CFTR modulators. The advent of CFTR modulators transformed this life-threatening illness into a treatable disease by directly binding to the CFTR protein and correcting defects induced by pathogenic variants. In this chapter, we trace the trajectory of structural and functional studies that brought CF therapies from bench to bedside, with an emphasis on mechanistic understanding of CFTR modulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han-I Yeh
- Department of Pharmacology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Katy J Sutcliffe
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - David N Sheppard
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Tzyh-Chang Hwang
- Department of Pharmacology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bolger GB. Therapeutic Targets and Precision Medicine in COPD: Inflammation, Ion Channels, Both, or Neither? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17363. [PMID: 38139192 PMCID: PMC10744217 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417363] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of a wider range of therapeutic options is a key objective in drug discovery for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fundamental advances in lung biology have the potential to greatly expand the number of therapeutic targets in COPD. The recently reported successful Phase 3 clinical trial of the first biologic agent for COPD, the monoclonal antibody dupilumab, adds additional support to the importance of targeting inflammatory pathways in COPD. However, numerous other cellular mechanisms are important targets in COPD therapeutics, including airway remodeling, the CFTR ion channel, and mucociliary function. Some of these emerging targets can be exploited by the expanded use of existing COPD drugs, such as roflumilast, while targeting others will require the development of novel molecular entities. The identification of additional therapeutic targets and agents has the potential to greatly expand the value of using clinical and biomarker data to classify COPD into specific subsets, each of which can be predictive of an enhanced response to specific subset(s) of targeted therapies. The author reviews established and emerging drug targets in COPD and uses this as a framework to define a novel classification of COPD based on therapeutic targets. This novel classification has the potential to enhance precision medicine in COPD patient care and to accelerate clinical trials and pre-clinical drug discovery efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graeme B Bolger
- BZI Pharma LLC, 1500 1st Ave N., Unit 36, Birmingham, AL 35203-1872, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lieu N, Prentice BJ, Field P, Fitzgerald DA. Trials and tribulations of highly effective modulator therapies in cystic fibrosis. Paediatr Respir Rev 2023; 48:10-19. [PMID: 37914566 DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2023.09.001] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Highly effective modulator therapies (HEMTs) have revolutionised the management approach of most patients living with cystic fibrosis (CF) who have access to these therapies. Clinical trials have reported significant improvements across multiorgan systems, with patients surviving longer. However, there are accumulating case reports and observational data describing various adverse events following initiation of HEMTs including drug-to-drug interactions, drug induced liver injury, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and neurocognitive symptoms including psychosis and depression, which have required discontinuation of therapy. Current clinical trials are assessing efficacy in younger patients with CF, yet long-term studies are also required to better understand the safety profile in the real-world setting across all ages and the impact of HEMT dose alteration or discontinuation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Lieu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2145; Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Bernadette J Prentice
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2031; Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Penelope Field
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2145; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2031; Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dominic A Fitzgerald
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2145; Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Woodall M, Tarran R, Lee R, Anfishi H, Prins S, Counsell J, Vergani P, Hart S, Baines D. Expression of gain-of-function CFTR in cystic fibrosis airway cells restores epithelial function better than wild-type or codon-optimized CFTR. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:593-605. [PMID: 37701179 PMCID: PMC10494266 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.08.006] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Class Ia/b cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) variants cause severe lung disease in 10% of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and are untreatable with small-molecule pharmaceuticals. Genetic replacement of CFTR offers a cure, but its effectiveness is limited in vivo. We hypothesized that enhancing protein levels (using codon optimization) and/or activity (using gain-of-function variants) of CFTR would more effectively restore function to CF bronchial epithelial cells. Three different variants of the CFTR protein were tested: codon optimized (high codon adaptation index [hCAI]), a gain-of-function (GOF) variant (K978C), and a combination of both (hˆK978C). In human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cells, initial results showed that hCAI and hˆK978C produced greater than 10-fold more CFTR protein and displayed ∼4-fold greater activity than wild-type (WT) CFTR. However, functionality was profoundly different in CF bronchial epithelial cells. Here, K978C CFTR more potently restored essential epithelial functions (anion transport, airway surface liquid height, and pH) than WT CFTR. hCAI and hˆK978C CFTRs had limited impact because of mislocalization in the cell. These data provide a proof of principle showing that GOF variants may be more effective than codon-optimized forms of CFTR for CF gene therapy. Video abstract
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximillian Woodall
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Robert Tarran
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7248, USA
| | - Rhianna Lee
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7248, USA
| | - Hafssa Anfishi
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Stella Prins
- Neuroscience, Physiology, & Pharmacology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - John Counsell
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Paola Vergani
- Neuroscience, Physiology, & Pharmacology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Stephen Hart
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Deborah Baines
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London SW17 0RE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Oliver KE, Carlon MS, Pedemonte N, Lopes-Pacheco M. The revolution of personalized pharmacotherapies for cystic fibrosis: what does the future hold? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1545-1565. [PMID: 37379072 PMCID: PMC10528905 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2230129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cystic fibrosis (CF), a potentially fatal genetic disease, is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding for the CFTR chloride/bicarbonate channel. Modulator drugs rescuing mutant CFTR traffic and function are now in the clinic, providing unprecedented breakthrough therapies for people with CF (PwCF) carrying specific genotypes. However, several CFTR variants are unresponsive to these therapies. AREA COVERED We discussed several therapeutic approaches that are under development to tackle the fundamental cause of CF, including strategies targeting defective CFTR mRNA and/or protein expression and function. Alternatively, defective chloride secretion and dehydration in CF epithelia could be restored by exploiting pharmacological modulation of alternative targets, i.e., ion channels/transporters that concur with CFTR to maintain the airway surface liquid homeostasis (e.g., ENaC, TMEM16A, SLC26A4, SLC26A9, and ATP12A). Finally, we assessed progress and challenges in the development of gene-based therapies to replace or correct the mutant CFTR gene. EXPERT OPINION CFTR modulators are benefiting many PwCF responsive to these drugs, yielding substantial improvements in various clinical outcomes. Meanwhile, the CF therapy development pipeline continues to expand with the development of novel CFTR modulators and alternative therapeutic strategies with the ultimate goal of providing effective therapies for all PwCF in the foreseeable future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E. Oliver
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research, Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Marianne S. Carlon
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Miquéias Lopes-Pacheco
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Allan KM, Astore MA, Kardia E, Wong SL, Fawcett LK, Bell JL, Visser S, Chen PC, Griffith R, Jaffe A, Sivam S, Vittorio O, Kuyucak S, Waters SA. Q1291H-CFTR molecular dynamics simulations and ex vivo theratyping in nasal epithelial models and clinical response to elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in a Q1291H/F508del patient. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1148501. [PMID: 37325471 PMCID: PMC10267335 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1148501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by a wide spectrum of mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, with some leading to non-classical clinical presentations. We present an integrated in vivo, in silico and in vitro investigation of an individual with CF carrying the rare Q1291H-CFTR allele and the common F508del allele. At age 56 years, the participant had obstructive lung disease and bronchiectasis, qualifying for Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (ETI) CFTR modulator treatment due to their F508del allele. Q1291H CFTR incurs a splicing defect, producing both a normally spliced but mutant mRNA isoform and a misspliced isoform with a premature termination codon, causing nonsense mediated decay. The effectiveness of ETI in restoring Q1291H-CFTR is largely unknown. Methods: We collected clinical endpoint measurements, including forced expiratory volume in 1 s percent predicted (FEV1pp) and body mass index (BMI), and examined medical history. In silico simulations of the Q1291H-CFTR were compared to Q1291R, G551D, and wild-type (WT)-CFTR. We quantified relative Q1291H CFTR mRNA isoform abundance in patient-derived nasal epithelial cells. Differentiated pseudostratified airway epithelial cell models at air liquid interface were created and ETI treatment impact on CFTR was assessed by electrophysiology assays and Western blot. Results: The participant ceased ETI treatment after 3 months due to adverse events and no improvement in FEV1pp or BMI. In silico simulations of Q1291H-CFTR identified impairment of ATP binding similar to known gating mutants Q1291R and G551D-CFTR. Q1291H and F508del mRNA transcripts composed 32.91% and 67.09% of total mRNA respectively, indicating 50.94% of Q1291H mRNA was misspliced and degraded. Mature Q1291H-CFTR protein expression was reduced (3.18% ± 0.60% of WT/WT) and remained unchanged with ETI. Baseline CFTR activity was minimal (3.45 ± 0.25 μA/cm2) and not enhanced with ETI (5.73 ± 0.48 μA/cm2), aligning with the individual's clinical evaluation as a non-responder to ETI. Conclusion: The combination of in silico simulations and in vitro theratyping in patient-derived cell models can effectively assess CFTR modulator efficacy for individuals with non-classical CF manifestations or rare CFTR mutations, guiding personalized treatment strategies and optimizing clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katelin M Allan
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Miro A Astore
- School of Physics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Egi Kardia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharon L Wong
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Laura K Fawcett
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica L Bell
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simone Visser
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Po-Chia Chen
- School of Physics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Renate Griffith
- School of Natural Sciences (Chemistry), University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Adam Jaffe
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sheila Sivam
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Orazio Vittorio
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Serdar Kuyucak
- School of Physics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shafagh A Waters
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Levring J, Terry DS, Kilic Z, Fitzgerald G, Blanchard SC, Chen J. CFTR function, pathology and pharmacology at single-molecule resolution. Nature 2023; 616:606-614. [PMID: 36949202 PMCID: PMC10115640 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05854-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an anion channel that regulates salt and fluid homeostasis across epithelial membranes1. Alterations in CFTR cause cystic fibrosis, a fatal disease without a cure2,3. Electrophysiological properties of CFTR have been analysed for decades4-6. The structure of CFTR, determined in two globally distinct conformations, underscores its evolutionary relationship with other ATP-binding cassette transporters. However, direct correlations between the essential functions of CFTR and extant structures are lacking at present. Here we combine ensemble functional measurements, single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer, electrophysiology and kinetic simulations to show that the two nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) of human CFTR dimerize before channel opening. CFTR exhibits an allosteric gating mechanism in which conformational changes within the NBD-dimerized channel, governed by ATP hydrolysis, regulate chloride conductance. The potentiators ivacaftor and GLPG1837 enhance channel activity by increasing pore opening while NBDs are dimerized. Disease-causing substitutions proximal (G551D) or distal (L927P) to the ATPase site both reduce the efficiency of NBD dimerization. These findings collectively enable the framing of a gating mechanism that informs on the search for more efficacious clinical therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Levring
- Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel S Terry
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Zeliha Kilic
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Gabriel Fitzgerald
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott C Blanchard
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Jue Chen
- Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tümmler B. Post-approval studies with the CFTR modulators Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor—Ivacaftor. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1158207. [PMID: 37025483 PMCID: PMC10072268 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1158207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple combination therapy with the CFTR modulators elexacaftor (ELX), tezacaftor (TEZ) and ivacaftor (IVA) has been qualified as a game changer in cystic fibrosis (CF). We provide an overview of the body of literature on ELX/TEZ/IVA published between November 2019 and February 2023 after approval by the regulators. Recombinant ELX/TEZ/IVA-bound Phe508del CFTR exhibits a wild type conformationin vitro, but in patient’s tissue a CFTR glyoisoform is synthesized that is distinct from the wild type and Phe508del isoforms. ELX/TEZ/IVA therapy improved the quality of life of people with CF in the real-life setting irrespective of their anthropometry and lung function at baseline. ELX/TEZ/IVA improved sinonasal and abdominal disease, lung function and morphology, airway microbiology and the basic defect of impaired epithelial chloride and bicarbonate transport. Pregnancy rates were increasing in women with CF. Side effects of mental status changes deserve particular attention in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Tümmler
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), German Center for Lung Research, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- *Correspondence: Burkhard Tümmler,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Railean V, Rodrigues CS, Ramalho SS, Silva IAL, Bartosch J, Farinha CM, Pankonien I, Amaral MD. Personalized medicine: Function of CFTR variant p.Arg334Trp is rescued by currently available CFTR modulators. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1155705. [PMID: 37006619 PMCID: PMC10063961 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1155705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Most of the 2,100 CFTR gene variants reported to date are still unknown in terms of their disease liability in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and their molecular and cellular mechanism that leads to CFTR dysfunction. Since some rare variants may respond to currently approved modulators, characterizing their defect and response to these drugs is essential for effective treatment of people with CF (pwCF) not eligible for the current treatment. Here, we assessed how the rare variant, p.Arg334Trp, impacts on CFTR traffic and function and its response to existing CFTR modulators. To this end, we performed the forskolin-induced swelling (FIS) assay on intestinal organoids from 10 pwCF bearing the p.Arg334Trp variant in one or both alleles of the CFTR gene. In parallel, a novel p.Arg334Trp-CFTR expressing CFBE cell line was generated to characterize the variant individually. Results show that p.Arg334Trp-CFTR does not significantly affect the plasma membrane traffic of CFTR and evidences residual CFTR function. This CFTR variant is rescued by currently available CFTR modulators independently of the variant in the second allele. The study, predicting clinical benefit for CFTR modulators in pwCF with at least one p.Arg334Trp variant, demonstrates the high potential of personalized medicine through theranostics to extend the label of approved drugs for pwCF carrying rare CFTR variants. We recommend that this personalized approach should be considered for drug reimbursement policies by health insurance systems/national health services.
Collapse
|
17
|
Hwang TC, Braakman I, van der Sluijs P, Callebaut I. Structure basis of CFTR folding, function and pharmacology. J Cyst Fibros 2023; 22 Suppl 1:S5-S11. [PMID: 36216744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The root cause of cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common life-shortening genetic disease in the Caucasian population, is the loss of function of the CFTR protein, which serves as a phosphorylation-activated, ATP-gated anion channel in numerous epithelia-lining tissues. In the past decade, high-throughput drug screening has made a significant stride in developing highly effective CFTR modulators for the treatment of CF. Meanwhile, structural-biology studies have succeeded in solving the high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) structure of CFTR in different conformations. Here, we provide a brief overview of some striking features of CFTR folding, function and pharmacology, in light of its specific structural features within the ABC-transporter superfamily. A particular focus is given to CFTR's first nucleotide-binding domain (NBD1), because folding of NBD1 constitutes a bottleneck in the CFTR protein biogenesis pathway, and ATP binding to this domain plays a unique role in the functional stability of CFTR. Unraveling the molecular basis of CFTR folding, function, and pharmacology would inspire the development of next-generation mutation-specific CFTR modulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tzyh-Chang Hwang
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan; Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ineke Braakman
- Cellular Protein Chemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter van der Sluijs
- Cellular Protein Chemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Callebaut
- Sorbonne Université, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR CNRS 7590, Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, IMPMC, 75005 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Honrubia JM, Gutierrez-Álvarez J, Sanz-Bravo A, González-Miranda E, Muñoz-Santos D, Castaño-Rodriguez C, Wang L, Villarejo-Torres M, Ripoll-Gómez J, Esteban A, Fernandez-Delgado R, Sánchez-Cordón PJ, Oliveros JC, Perlman S, McCray PB, Sola I, Enjuanes L. SARS-CoV-2-Mediated Lung Edema and Replication Are Diminished by Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Modulators. mBio 2023; 14:e0313622. [PMID: 36625656 PMCID: PMC9973274 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03136-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) of genera α, β, γ, and δ encode proteins that have a PDZ-binding motif (PBM) consisting of the last four residues of the envelope (E) protein (PBM core). PBMs may bind over 400 cellular proteins containing PDZ domains (an acronym formed by the combination of the first letter of the names of the three first proteins where this domain was identified), making them relevant for the control of cell function. Three highly pathogenic human CoVs have been identified to date: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2. The PBMs of the three CoVs were virulence factors. SARS-CoV mutants in which the E protein PBM core was replaced by the E protein PBM core from virulent or attenuated CoVs were constructed. These mutants showed a gradient of virulence, depending on whether the alternative PBM core introduced was derived from a virulent or an attenuated CoV. Gene expression patterns in the lungs of mice infected with SARS-CoVs encoding each of the different PBMs were analyzed by RNA sequencing of infected lung tissues. E protein PBM of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 dysregulated gene expression related to ion transport and cell homeostasis. Decreased expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mRNA, essential for alveolar edema resolution, was shown. Reduced CFTR mRNA levels were associated with edema accumulation in the alveoli of mice infected with SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Compounds that increased CFTR expression and activity, significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 growth in cultured cells and protected against mouse infection, suggesting that E protein virulence is mediated by a decreased CFTR expression. IMPORTANCE Three highly pathogenic human CoVs have been identified: SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. The E protein PBMs of these three CoVs were virulence factors. Gene expression patterns associated with the different PBM motifs in the lungs of infected mice were analyzed by deep sequencing. E protein PBM motif of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 dysregulated the expression of genes related to ion transport and cell homeostasis. A decrease in the mRNA expression of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which is essential for edema resolution, was observed. The reduction of CFTR mRNA levels was associated with edema accumulation in the lungs of mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. Compounds that increased the expression and activity of CFTR drastically reduced the production of SARS-CoV-2 and protected against its infection in a mice model. These results allowed the identification of cellular targets for the selection of antivirals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose M. Honrubia
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Gutierrez-Álvarez
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Sanz-Bravo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ezequiel González-Miranda
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Muñoz-Santos
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Castaño-Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Villarejo-Torres
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Ripoll-Gómez
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Esteban
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raul Fernandez-Delgado
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Animal Health Research Center (CISA), National Institute of Research, Agricultural and Food Technology (INIA-CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro José Sánchez-Cordón
- Veterinary Pathology Department, Animal Health Research Center (CISA), National Institute of Research, Agricultural and Food Technology (INIA-CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Oliveros
- Bioinformatics for Genomics and Proteomics Unit, CNB-CSIC, Campus Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stanley Perlman
- Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Paul B. McCray
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Isabel Sola
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Enjuanes
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ivacaftor-Mediated Potentiation of ABCB4 Missense Mutations Affecting Critical Motifs of the NBDs: Repositioning Perspectives for Hepatobiliary Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021236. [PMID: 36674751 PMCID: PMC9867378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
ABCB4 (ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 4) is a hepatocanalicular floppase involved in biliary phosphatidylcholine (PC) secretion. Variations in the ABCB4 gene give rise to several biliary diseases, including progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3), an autosomal recessive disease that can be lethal in the absence of liver transplantation. In this study, we investigated the effect and potential rescue of ten ABCB4 missense variations in NBD1:NBD2 homologous positions (Y403H/Y1043H, K435M/K1075M, E558K/E1200A, D564G/D1206G and H589Y/H1231Y) all localized at the conserved and functionally critical motifs of ABC transporters, six of which are mutated in patients. By combining structure analysis and in vitro studies, we found that all ten mutants were normally processed and localized at the canalicular membrane of HepG2 cells, but showed dramatically impaired PC transport activity that was significantly rescued by treatment with the clinically approved CFTR potentiator ivacaftor. Our results provide evidence that functional ABCB4 mutations are rescued by ivacaftor, paving the way for the repositioning of this potentiator for the treatment of selected patients with PFIC3 caused by mutations in the ATP-binding sites of ABCB4.
Collapse
|
20
|
Bacalhau M, Ferreira FC, Silva IAL, Buarque CD, Amaral MD, Lopes-Pacheco M. Additive Potentiation of R334W-CFTR Function by Novel Small Molecules. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13010102. [PMID: 36675763 PMCID: PMC9862739 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The R334W (c.1000C>T, p.Arg334Trp) is a rare cystic fibrosis (CF)-causing mutation for which no causal therapy is currently approved. This mutation leads to a significant reduction of CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel conductance that still allows for residual function. Potentiators are small molecules that interact with CFTR protein at the plasma membrane to enhance CFTR-dependent chloride secretion, representing thus pharmacotherapies targeting the root cause of the disease. Here, we generated a new CF bronchial epithelial (CFBE) cell line to screen a collection of compounds and identify novel potentiators for R334W-CFTR. The active compounds were then validated by electrophysiological assays and their additive effects in combination with VX-770, genistein, or VX-445 were exploited in this cell line and further confirmed in intestinal organoids. Four compounds (LSO-24, LSO-25, LSO-38, and LSO-77) were active in the functional primary screen and their ability to enhance R334W-CFTR-dependent chloride secretion was confirmed using electrophysiological measurements. In silico ADME analyses demonstrated that these compounds follow Lipinski’s rule of five and are thus suggested to be orally bioavailable. Dose−response relationships revealed nevertheless suboptimal efficacy and weak potency exerted by these compounds. VX-770 and genistein also displayed a small potentiation of R334W-CFTR function, while VX-445 demonstrated no potentiator activity for this mutation. In the R334W-expressing cell line, CFTR function was further enhanced by the combination of LSO-24, LSO-25, LSO-38, or LSO-77 with VX-770, but not with genistein. The efficacy of potentiator VX-770 combined with active LSO compounds was further confirmed in intestinal organoids (R334W/R334W genotype). Taken together, these molecules were demonstrated to potentiate R334W-CFTR function by a different mechanism than that of VX-770. They may provide a feasible starting point for the design of analogs with improved CFTR-potentiator activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Bacalhau
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filipa C. Ferreira
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Iris A. L. Silva
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Camilla D. Buarque
- Department of Chemistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22541-041, Brazil
| | - Margarida D. Amaral
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miquéias Lopes-Pacheco
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Recovery of ΔF508-CFTR Function by Citrate. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204283. [PMID: 36296967 PMCID: PMC9610893 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204283] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of cystic fibrosis relies so far on expensive and sophisticated drugs. A logical approach to rescuing the defective ΔF508-CFTR protein has not yet been published. Therefore, virtual docking of ATP and CFTR activators to the open conformation of the CFTR protein was performed. A new ATP binding site outside of the two known locations was identified. It was located in the cleft between the nucleotide binding domains NBD1 and NBD2 and comprised six basic amino acids in close proximity. Citrate and isocitrate were also bound to this site. Citrate was evaluated for its action on epithelial cells with intact CFTR and defective ΔF508-CFTR. It activated hyaluronan export from human breast carcinoma cells and iodide efflux, and recovered ΔF508-CFTR from premature intracellular degradation. In conclusion, citrate is an activator for ΔF508-CFTR and increases export by defective ΔF508-CFTR into the extracellular matrix of epithelial cells.
Collapse
|
22
|
Swinney DC. Why medicines work. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 238:108175. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
23
|
In Vitro Rescue of the Bile Acid Transport Function of ABCB11 Variants by CFTR Potentiators. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810758. [PMID: 36142670 PMCID: PMC9502978 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
ABCB11 is responsible for biliary bile acid secretion at the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes. Variations in the ABCB11 gene cause a spectrum of rare liver diseases. The most severe form is progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC2). Current medical treatments have limited efficacy. Here, we report the in vitro study of Abcb11 missense variants identified in PFIC2 patients and their functional rescue using cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator potentiators. Three ABCB11 disease-causing variations identified in PFIC2 patients (i.e., A257V, T463I and G562D) were reproduced in a plasmid encoding an Abcb11-green fluorescent protein. After transfection, the expression and localization of the variants were studied in HepG2 cells. Taurocholate transport activity and the effect of potentiators were studied in Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) clones coexpressing Abcb11 and the sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (Ntcp/Slc10A1). As predicted using three-dimensional structure analysis, the three variants were expressed at the canalicular membrane but showed a defective function. Ivacaftor, GLP1837, SBC040 and SBC219 potentiators increased the bile acid transport of A257V and T463I and to a lesser extent, of G562D Abcb11 missense variants. In addition, a synergic effect was observed when ivacaftor was combined with SBC040 or SBC219. Such potentiators could represent new pharmacological approaches for improving the condition of patients with ABCB11 deficiency due to missense variations affecting the function of the transporter.
Collapse
|
24
|
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Ivacaftor, Lumacaftor, Tezacaftor, and Elexacaftor in Cystic Fibrosis: Where Are We Now? Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081674. [PMID: 36015300 PMCID: PMC9412421 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs modulating the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, namely ivacaftor, lumacaftor, tezacaftor, and elexacaftor, are currently revolutionizing the management of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), particularly those with at least one F508del variant (up to 85% of patients). These “caftor” drugs are mainly metabolized by cytochromes P450 3A, whose enzymatic activity is influenced by environmental factors, and are sensitive to inhibition and induction. Hence, CFTR modulators are characterized by an important interindividual pharmacokinetic variability and are also prone to drug–drug interactions. However, these CFTR modulators are given at standardized dosages, while they meet all criteria for a formal therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) program that should be considered in cases of clinical toxicity, less-than-expected clinical response, drug or food interactions, distinct patient subgroups (i.e., pediatrics), and for monitoring short-term adherence. While the information on CFTR drug exposure–clinical response relationships is still limited, we review the current evidence of the potential interest in the TDM of caftor drugs in real-life settings.
Collapse
|
25
|
Xiao Q, Koutsilieri S, Sismanoglou DC, Lauschke VM. CFTR reduces the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma and is a strong predictor of survival in both smokers and non-smokers. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:3293-3302. [PMID: 35715537 PMCID: PMC9587080 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04106-x] [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: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Background One of the main hurdles of oncological therapy is the development of drug resistance. The ABC transporter gene family contributes majorly to cancer chemoresistance. However, effects of somatic expression of most ABC transporters on cancer outcomes remain largely unclear. Methods We systematically analyzed expression signatures of all 48 human ABC transporters in samples from 8562 patients across 14 different cancer types. The association between CFTR (ABCC7) expression and outcomes was analyzed experimentally using knock-downs and pharmacological CFTR stimulation. Results Across 720 analyzed clinical associations with patient outcomes, 363 were nominally significant of which 29 remained significant after stringent Bonferroni correction. Among those were various previously known associations, as well as a multitude of novel factors that correlated with poor prognosis or predicted improved outcomes. The association between low CFTR levels and reduced survival in lung adenocarcinoma was confirmed in two independent cohorts of 246 patients with a history of smoking (logrank P = 0.0021, hazard ratio [HR], 0.49) and 143 never-smokers (logrank P = 0.0023, HR 0.31). Further in vitro experiments using naturally CFTR expressing lung adenocarcinoma cells showed that treatment with CFTR potentiators significantly reduced proliferation at therapeutically relevant concentrations. Conclusions These results suggest that CFTR acts as a pharmacologically activatable tumor suppressor and constitutes a promising target for adjuvant therapy in lung adenocarcinoma. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00432-022-04106-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingyang Xiao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefania Koutsilieri
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Despoina-Christina Sismanoglou
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Patras, Greece
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany. .,University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ensinck MM, Carlon MS. One Size Does Not Fit All: The Past, Present and Future of Cystic Fibrosis Causal Therapies. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121868. [PMID: 35740997 PMCID: PMC9220995 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common monogenic disorder, caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Over the last 30 years, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the molecular basis of CF and the development of treatments that target the underlying defects in CF. Currently, a highly effective CFTR modulator treatment (Kalydeco™/Trikafta™) is available for 90% of people with CF. In this review, we will give an extensive overview of past and ongoing efforts in the development of therapies targeting the molecular defects in CF. We will discuss strategies targeting the CFTR protein (i.e., CFTR modulators such as correctors and potentiators), its cellular environment (i.e., proteostasis modulation, stabilization at the plasma membrane), the CFTR mRNA (i.e., amplifiers, nonsense mediated mRNA decay suppressors, translational readthrough inducing drugs) or the CFTR gene (gene therapies). Finally, we will focus on how these efforts can be applied to the 15% of people with CF for whom no causal therapy is available yet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein M. Ensinck
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium;
| | - Marianne S. Carlon
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium;
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Yeh HI, Hwang TC. In vitro assessment of triple combination therapy for the most common disease-associated mutation in cystic fibrosis. Eur Respir J 2022; 59:59/2/2102380. [PMID: 35210304 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02380-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Han-I Yeh
- Dept of Pharmacology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzyh-Chang Hwang
- Dept of Pharmacology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan .,Dept of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Parodi A, Righetti G, Pesce E, Salis A, Tomati V, Pastorino C, Tasso B, Benvenuti M, Damonte G, Pedemonte N, Cichero E, Millo E. Journey on VX-809-Based Hybrid Derivatives towards Drug-like F508del-CFTR Correctors: From Molecular Modeling to Chemical Synthesis and Biological Assays. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030274. [PMID: 35337072 PMCID: PMC8955485 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease affecting the lungs and pancreas and causing progressive damage. CF is caused by mutations abolishing the function of CFTR, a protein whose role is chloride’s mobilization in the epithelial cells of various organs. Recently a therapy focused on small molecules has been chosen as a main approach to contrast CF, designing and synthesizing compounds acting as misfolding (correctors) or defective channel gating (potentiators). Multi-drug therapies have been tested with different combinations of the two series of compounds. Previously, we designed and characterized two series of correctors, namely, hybrids, which were conceived including the aminoarylthiazole (AAT) core, merged with the benzodioxole carboxamide moiety featured by VX-809. In this paper, we herein proceeded with molecular modeling studies guiding the design of a new third series of hybrids, featuring structural variations at the thiazole moiety and modifications on position 4. These derivatives were tested in different assays including a YFP functional assay on models F508del-CFTR CFBE41o-cells, alone and in combination with VX-445, and by using electrophysiological techniques on human primary bronchial epithelia to demonstrate their F508del-CFTR corrector ability. This study is aimed (i) at identifying three molecules (9b, 9g, and 9j), useful as novel CFTR correctors with a good efficacy in rescuing the defect of F508del-CFTR; and (ii) at providing useful information to complete the structure–activity study within all the three series of hybrids as possible CFTR correctors, supporting the development of pharmacophore modelling studies, taking into account all the three series of hybrids. Finally, in silico evaluation of the hybrids pharmacokinetic (PK) properties contributed to highlight hybrid developability as drug-like correctors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Parodi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.P.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (G.D.)
| | - Giada Righetti
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.R.); (B.T.)
| | - Emanuela Pesce
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.P.); (V.T.); (N.P.)
| | - Annalisa Salis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.P.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (G.D.)
| | - Valeria Tomati
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.P.); (V.T.); (N.P.)
| | - Cristina Pastorino
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DI-NOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Bruno Tasso
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.R.); (B.T.)
| | - Mirko Benvenuti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.P.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (G.D.)
| | - Gianluca Damonte
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.P.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (G.D.)
| | - Nicoletta Pedemonte
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.P.); (V.T.); (N.P.)
| | - Elena Cichero
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.R.); (B.T.)
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (E.M.)
| | - Enrico Millo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.P.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (G.D.)
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (E.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wine JJ. How the sweat gland reveals levels of CFTR activity. J Cyst Fibros 2022; 21:396-406. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
30
|
Michaels WE, Pena-Rasgado C, Kotaria R, Bridges RJ, Hastings ML. Open reading frame correction using splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2114886119. [PMID: 35017302 PMCID: PMC8784102 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114886119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CFTR gene mutations that result in the introduction of premature termination codons (PTCs) are common in cystic fibrosis (CF). This mutation type causes a severe form of the disease, likely because of low CFTR messenger RNA (mRNA) expression as a result of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, as well as the production of a nonfunctional, truncated CFTR protein. Current therapeutics for CF, which target residual protein function, are less effective in patients with these types of mutations due in part to low CFTR protein levels. Splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), designed to induce skipping of exons in order to restore the mRNA open reading frame, have shown therapeutic promise preclinically and clinically for a number of diseases. We hypothesized that ASO-mediated skipping of CFTR exon 23 would recover CFTR activity associated with terminating mutations in the exon, including CFTR p.W1282X, the fifth most common mutation in CF. Here, we show that CFTR lacking the amino acids encoding exon 23 is partially functional and responsive to corrector and modulator drugs currently in clinical use. ASO-induced exon 23 skipping rescued CFTR expression and chloride current in primary human bronchial epithelial cells isolated from a homozygote CFTR-W1282X patient. These results support the use of ASOs in treating CF patients with CFTR class I mutations in exon 23 that result in unstable CFTR mRNA and truncations of the CFTR protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wren E Michaels
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine, North Chicago, IL 60064
- School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine, North Chicago, IL 60064
| | - Cecilia Pena-Rasgado
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine, North Chicago, IL 60064
| | - Rusudan Kotaria
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine, North Chicago, IL 60064
| | - Robert J Bridges
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine, North Chicago, IL 60064;
| | - Michelle L Hastings
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine, North Chicago, IL 60064;
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Fiedorczuk K, Chen J. Mechanism of CFTR correction by type I folding correctors. Cell 2022; 185:158-168.e11. [PMID: 34995514 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Small molecule chaperones have been exploited as therapeutics for the hundreds of diseases caused by protein misfolding. The most successful examples are the CFTR correctors, which transformed cystic fibrosis therapy. These molecules revert folding defects of the ΔF508 mutant and are widely used to treat patients. To investigate the molecular mechanism of their action, we determined cryo-electron microscopy structures of CFTR in complex with the FDA-approved correctors lumacaftor or tezacaftor. Both drugs insert into a hydrophobic pocket in the first transmembrane domain (TMD1), linking together four helices that are thermodynamically unstable. Mutating residues at the binding site rendered ΔF508-CFTR insensitive to lumacaftor and tezacaftor, underscoring the functional significance of the structural discovery. These results support a mechanism in which the correctors stabilize TMD1 at an early stage of biogenesis, prevent its premature degradation, and thereby allosterically rescuing many disease-causing mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karol Fiedorczuk
- Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jue Chen
- Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Medicina de precisión en fibrosis quística. REVISTA MÉDICA CLÍNICA LAS CONDES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmclc.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
33
|
Sabbadini R, Pesce E, Parodi A, Mustorgi E, Bruzzone S, Pedemonte N, Casale M, Millo E, Cichero E. Probing Allosteric Hsp70 Inhibitors by Molecular Modelling Studies to Expedite the Development of Novel Combined F508del CFTR Modulators. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121296. [PMID: 34959696 PMCID: PMC8709398 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by different mutations related to the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein (CFTR), with F508del being the most common. Pioneering the development of CFTR modulators, thanks to the development of effective correctors or potentiators, more recent studies deeply encouraged the administration of triple combination therapeutics. However, combinations of molecules interacting with other proteins involved in functionality of the CFTR channel recently arose as a promising approach to address a large rescue of F508del-CFTR. In this context, the design of compounds properly targeting the molecular chaperone Hsp70, such as the allosteric inhibitor MKT-077, proved to be effective for the development of indirect CFTR modulators, endowed with ability to amplify the accumulation of the rescued protein. Herein we performed structure-based studies of a number of allosteric HSP70 inhibitors, considering the recent X-ray crystallographic structure of the human enzyme. This allowed us to point out the main interaction supporting the binding mode of MKT-077, as well as of the related analogues. In particular, cation-π and π-π stacking with the conserve residue Tyr175 deeply stabilized inhibitor binding at the HSP70 cavity. Molecular docking studies had been followed by QSAR analysis and then by virtual screening of aminoaryl thiazoles (I-IIIa) as putative HSP70 inhibitors. Their effectiveness as CFTR modulators has been verified by biological assays, in combination with VX-809, whose positive results confirmed the reliability of the whole applied computational method. Along with this, the "in-silico" prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties highlighted, once more, that AATs may represent a chemical class to be further investigated for the rational design of novel combination of compounds for CF treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Sabbadini
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Emanuela Pesce
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini, 5, 16147 Genova, Italy; (E.P.); (N.P.)
| | - Alice Parodi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Eleonora Mustorgi
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Chemistry and Food and Pharmaceutical Technologies, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (E.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Santina Bruzzone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Nicoletta Pedemonte
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini, 5, 16147 Genova, Italy; (E.P.); (N.P.)
| | - Monica Casale
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Chemistry and Food and Pharmaceutical Technologies, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (E.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Enrico Millo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.P.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (E.C.); Tel.: +10-335-3032-3033 (E.M.); +39-010-353-8350 (E.C.)
| | - Elena Cichero
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (E.C.); Tel.: +10-335-3032-3033 (E.M.); +39-010-353-8350 (E.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Williamson M, Casey M, Gabillard-Lefort C, Alharbi A, Teo YQJ, McElvaney NG, Reeves EP. Current evidence on the effect of highly effective CFTR modulation on interleukin-8 in cystic fibrosis. Expert Rev Respir Med 2021; 16:43-56. [PMID: 34726115 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2021.2001333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetically inherited disease, with mortality and morbidity associated with respiratory disease. The inflammatory response in CF is characterized by excessive neutrophil influx to the airways, mainly due to the increased local production and retention of interleukin-8 (IL-8), a potent neutrophil chemoattractant. AREAS COVERED We discuss how the chemokine IL-8 dominates the inflammatory profile of the airways in CF lung disease. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies are designed to correct the malfunctioning protein resulting from specific CFTR mutations. This review covers current evidence on the impact of CFTR impairment on levels of IL-8 and outlines the influence of effective CFTR modulation on inflammation in CF with a focus on cytokine production. Review of the literature was carried out using the PUBMED database, Google Scholar, and The Cochrane Library databases, using several appropriate generic terms. EXPERT OPINION Therapeutic interventions specifically targeting the defective CFTR protein have improved the outlook for CF. Accumulating studies on the effect of highly effective CFTR modulation on inflammation indicate an impact on IL-8 levels. Further studies are required to increase our knowledge of early onset innate inflammatory dysregulation and on anti-inflammatory mechanisms of CFTR modulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Williamson
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Irish Centre for Genetic Lung Disease, Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michelle Casey
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Irish Centre for Genetic Lung Disease, Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Claudie Gabillard-Lefort
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Irish Centre for Genetic Lung Disease, Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aram Alharbi
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Irish Centre for Genetic Lung Disease, Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yu Qing Jolene Teo
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Irish Centre for Genetic Lung Disease, Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Noel G McElvaney
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Irish Centre for Genetic Lung Disease, Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emer P Reeves
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Irish Centre for Genetic Lung Disease, Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Liu J, Berg AP, Wang Y, Jantarajit W, Sutcliffe KJ, Stevens EB, Cao L, Pregel MJ, Sheppard DN. A small molecule CFTR potentiator restores ATP-dependent channel gating to the cystic fibrosis mutant G551D-CFTR. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1319-1337. [PMID: 34644413 PMCID: PMC9304199 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiators are small molecules developed to treat the genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF). They interact directly with CFTR Cl- channels at the plasma membrane to enhance channel gating. Here, we investigate the action of a new CFTR potentiator, CP-628006 with a distinct chemical structure. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using electrophysiological assays with CFTR-expressing heterologous cells and CF patient-derived human bronchial epithelial (hBE) cells, we compared the effects of CP-628006 with the marketed CFTR potentiator ivacaftor. KEY RESULTS CP-628006 efficaciously potentiated CFTR function in epithelia from cultured hBE cells. Its effects on the predominant CFTR variant F508del-CFTR were larger than those with the gating variant G551D-CFTR. In excised inside-out membrane patches, CP-628006 potentiated wild-type, F508del- and G551D-CFTR by increasing the frequency and duration of channel openings. CP-628006 increased the affinity and efficacy of F508del-CFTR gating by ATP. In these respects, CP-628006 behaved like ivacaftor. CP-628006 also demonstrated notable differences with ivacaftor. Its potency and efficacy were lower than those of ivacaftor. CP-628006 conferred ATP-dependent gating on G551D-CFTR, whereas the action of ivacaftor was ATP-independent. For G551D-CFTR, but not F508del-CFTR, the action of CP-628006 plus ivacaftor was greater than ivacaftor alone. CP-628006 delayed, but did not prevent, the deactivation of F508del-CFTR at the plasma membrane, whereas ivacaftor accentuated F508del-CFTR deactivation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS CP-628006 has distinct effects compared to ivacaftor, suggesting a different mechanism of CFTR potentiation. The emergence of CFTR potentiators with diverse modes of action makes therapy with combinations of potentiators a possibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, UK.,School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol, UK
| | - Allison P Berg
- Rare Disease Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yiting Wang
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol, UK
| | - Walailak Jantarajit
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol, UK.,Center of Calcium and Bone Research and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Katy J Sutcliffe
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol, UK
| | - Edward B Stevens
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lishuang Cao
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marko J Pregel
- Rare Disease Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David N Sheppard
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Shaughnessy CA, Zeitlin PL, Bratcher PE. Elexacaftor is a CFTR potentiator and acts synergistically with ivacaftor during acute and chronic treatment. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19810. [PMID: 34615919 PMCID: PMC8494914 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99184-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which lead to early death due to progressive lung disease. The development of small-molecule modulators that directly interact with CFTR to aid in protein folding (“correctors”) and/or increase channel function (“potentiators”) have proven to be highly effective in the therapeutic treatment of CF. Notably, incorporation of the next-generation CFTR corrector, elexacaftor, into a triple combination therapeutic (marketed as Trikafta) has shown tremendous clinical promise in treating CF caused by F508del-CFTR. Here, we report on a newly-described role of elexacaftor as a CFTR potentiator. We explore the acute and chronic actions, pharmacology, and efficacy of elexacaftor as a CFTR potentiator in restoring function to multiple classes of CFTR mutations. We demonstrate that the potentiating action of elexacaftor exhibits multiplicative synergy with the established CFTR potentiator ivacaftor in rescuing multiple CFTR class defects, indicating that a new combination therapeutic of ivacaftor and elexacaftor could have broad impact on CF therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pamela L Zeitlin
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Preston E Bratcher
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Pinto MC, Silva IAL, Figueira MF, Amaral MD, Lopes-Pacheco M. Pharmacological Modulation of Ion Channels for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. J Exp Pharmacol 2021; 13:693-723. [PMID: 34326672 PMCID: PMC8316759 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s255377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening monogenic disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, an anion channel that transports chloride and bicarbonate across epithelia. Despite clinical progress in delaying disease progression with symptomatic therapies, these individuals still develop various chronic complications in lungs and other organs, which significantly restricts their life expectancy and quality of life. The development of high-throughput assays to screen drug-like compound libraries have enabled the discovery of highly effective CFTR modulator therapies. These novel therapies target the primary defect underlying CF and are now approved for clinical use for individuals with specific CF genotypes. However, the clinically approved modulators only partially reverse CFTR dysfunction and there is still a considerable number of individuals with CF carrying rare CFTR mutations who remain without any effective CFTR modulator therapy. Accordingly, additional efforts have been pursued to identify novel and more potent CFTR modulators that may benefit a larger CF population. The use of ex vivo individual-derived specimens has also become a powerful tool to evaluate novel drugs and predict their effectiveness in a personalized medicine approach. In addition to CFTR modulators, pro-drugs aiming at modulating alternative ion channels/transporters are under development to compensate for the lack of CFTR function. These therapies may restore normal mucociliary clearance through a mutation-agnostic approach (ie, independent of CFTR mutation) and include inhibitors of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), modulators of the calcium-activated channel transmembrane 16A (TMEM16, or anoctamin 1) or of the solute carrier family 26A member 9 (SLC26A9), and anionophores. The present review focuses on recent progress and challenges for the development of ion channel/transporter-modulating drugs for the treatment of CF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madalena C Pinto
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Iris A L Silva
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miriam F Figueira
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Margarida D Amaral
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miquéias Lopes-Pacheco
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Laselva O, Qureshi Z, Zeng ZW, Petrotchenko EV, Ramjeesingh M, Hamilton CM, Huan LJ, Borchers CH, Pomès R, Young R, Bear CE. Identification of binding sites for ivacaftor on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. iScience 2021; 24:102542. [PMID: 34142049 PMCID: PMC8184517 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ivacaftor (VX-770) was the first cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulatory drug approved for the treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis. Electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) studies of detergent-solubilized CFTR indicated that VX-770 bound to a site at the interface between solvent and a hinge region in the CFTR protein conferred by transmembrane (tm) helices: tm4, tm5, and tm8. We re-evaluated VX-770 binding to CFTR in biological membranes using photoactivatable VX-770 probes. One such probe covalently labeled CFTR at two sites as determined following trypsin digestion and analysis by tandem-mass spectrometry. One labeled peptide resides in the cytosolic loop 4 of CFTR and the other is located in tm8, proximal to the site identified by cryo-EM. Complementary data from functional and molecular dynamic simulation studies support a model, where VX-770 mediates potentiation via multiple sites in the CFTR protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Onofrio Laselva
- Programme in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Zafar Qureshi
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Zhi-Wei Zeng
- Programme in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Evgeniy V. Petrotchenko
- Segal Cancer Proteomics Center, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Center for Computational and Data-Intensive Science and Engineering, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Mohabir Ramjeesingh
- Programme in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | | | - Ling-Jun Huan
- Programme in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Christoph H. Borchers
- Segal Cancer Proteomics Center, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Center for Computational and Data-Intensive Science and Engineering, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Régis Pomès
- Programme in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert Young
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Christine E. Bear
- Programme in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Della Sala A, Prono G, Hirsch E, Ghigo A. Role of Protein Kinase A-Mediated Phosphorylation in CFTR Channel Activity Regulation. Front Physiol 2021; 12:690247. [PMID: 34211404 PMCID: PMC8240754 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.690247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an anion channel expressed on the apical membrane of epithelial cells, where it plays a pivotal role in chloride transport and overall tissue homeostasis. CFTR constitutes a unique member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter superfamily, due to its distinctive cytosolic regulatory (R) domain carrying multiple phosphorylation sites that allow the tight regulation of channel activity and gating. Mutations in the CFTR gene cause cystic fibrosis, the most common lethal autosomal genetic disease in the Caucasian population. In recent years, major efforts have led to the development of CFTR modulators, small molecules targeting the underlying genetic defect of CF and ultimately rescuing the function of the mutant channel. Recent evidence has highlighted that this class of drugs could also impact on the phosphorylation of the R domain of the channel by protein kinase A (PKA), a key regulatory mechanism that is altered in various CFTR mutants. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the regulation of the CFTR by PKA-mediated phosphorylation and to provide insights into the different factors that modulate this essential CFTR modification. Finally, the discussion will focus on the impact of CF mutations on PKA-mediated CFTR regulation, as well as on how small molecule CFTR regulators and PKA interact to rescue dysfunctional channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Della Sala
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Emilio Hirsch
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Kither Biotech S.r.l, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ghigo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Kither Biotech S.r.l, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
de Jonge HR, Ardelean MC, Bijvelds MJC, Vergani P. Strategies for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator inhibition: from molecular mechanisms to treatment for secretory diarrhoeas. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:4085-4108. [PMID: 33113586 PMCID: PMC7756540 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an unusual ABC transporter. It acts as an anion‐selective channel that drives osmotic fluid transport across many epithelia. In the gut, CFTR is crucial for maintaining fluid and acid‐base homeostasis, and its activity is tightly controlled by multiple neuro‐endocrine factors. However, microbial toxins can disrupt this intricate control mechanism and trigger protracted activation of CFTR. This results in the massive faecal water loss, metabolic acidosis and dehydration that characterize secretory diarrhoeas, a major cause of malnutrition and death of children under 5 years of age. Compounds that inhibit CFTR could improve emergency treatment of diarrhoeal disease. Drawing on recent structural and functional insight, we discuss how existing CFTR inhibitors function at the molecular and cellular level. We compare their mechanisms of action to those of inhibitors of related ABC transporters, revealing some unexpected features of drug action on CFTR. Although challenges remain, especially relating to the practical effectiveness of currently available CFTR inhibitors, we discuss how recent technological advances might help develop therapies to better address this important global health need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo R. de Jonge
- Department of Gastroenterology & HepatologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Maria C. Ardelean
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and PharmacologyUniversity College LondonUK
- Department of Natural SciencesUniversity College LondonUK
| | - Marcel J. C. Bijvelds
- Department of Gastroenterology & HepatologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Paola Vergani
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and PharmacologyUniversity College LondonUK
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Michaels WE, Bridges RJ, Hastings ML. Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated correction of CFTR splicing improves chloride secretion in cystic fibrosis patient-derived bronchial epithelial cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:7454-7467. [PMID: 32520327 PMCID: PMC7367209 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, encoding an anion channel that conducts chloride and bicarbonate across epithelial membranes. Mutations that disrupt pre-mRNA splicing occur in >15% of CF cases. One common CFTR splicing mutation is CFTR c.3718-2477C>T (3849+10 kb C>T), which creates a new 5′ splice site, resulting in splicing to a cryptic exon with a premature termination codon. Splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have emerged as an effective therapeutic strategy to block aberrant splicing. We test an ASO targeting the CFTR c.3718-2477C>T mutation and show that it effectively blocks aberrant splicing in primary bronchial epithelial (hBE) cells from CF patients with the mutation. ASO treatment results in long-term improvement in CFTR activity in hBE cells, as demonstrated by a recovery of chloride secretion and apical membrane conductance. We also show that the ASO is more effective at recovering chloride secretion in our assay than ivacaftor, the potentiator treatment currently available to these patients. Our findings demonstrate the utility of ASOs in correcting CFTR expression and channel activity in a manner expected to be therapeutic in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wren E Michaels
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.,School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Robert J Bridges
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Michelle L Hastings
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Rodrat M, Jantarajit W, Ng DRS, Harvey BSJ, Liu J, Wilkinson WJ, Charoenphandhu N, Sheppard DN. Carbon monoxide-releasing molecules inhibit the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl - channel. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2020; 319:L997-L1009. [PMID: 32936026 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00440.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The gasotransmitter carbon monoxide (CO) regulates fluid and electrolyte movements across epithelial tissues. However, its action on anion channels is incompletely understood. Here, we investigate the direct action of CO on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) by applying CO-releasing molecules (CO-RMs) to the intracellular side of excised inside-out membrane patches from cells heterologously expressing wild-type human CFTR. Addition of increasing concentrations of tricarbonyldichlororuthenium(II) dimer (CORM-2) (1-300 μM) inhibited CFTR channel activity, whereas the control RuCl3 (100 μM) was without effect. CORM-2 predominantly inhibited CFTR by decreasing the frequency of channel openings and, hence, open probability (Po). But, it also reduced current flow through open channels with very fast kinetics, particularly at elevated concentrations. By contrast, the chemically distinct CO-releasing molecule CORM-3 inhibited CFTR by decreasing Po without altering current flow through open channels. Neither depolarizing the membrane voltage nor raising the ATP concentration on the intracellular side of the membrane affected CFTR inhibition by CORM-2. Interestingly, CFTR inhibition by CORM-2, but not by CFTRinh-172, was prevented by prior enhancement of channel activity by the clinically approved CFTR potentiator ivacaftor. Similarly, when added after CORM-2, ivacaftor completely relieved CFTR inhibition. In conclusion, CORM-2 has complex effects on wild-type human CFTR consistent with allosteric inhibition and open-channel blockade. Inhibition of CFTR by CO-releasing molecules suggests that CO regulates CFTR activity and that the gasotransmitter has tissue-specific effects on epithelial ion transport. The action of ivacaftor on CFTR Cl- channels inhibited by CO potentially expands the drug's clinical utility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayuree Rodrat
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Center of Calcium and Bone Research (COCAB), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Walailak Jantarajit
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Center of Calcium and Bone Research (COCAB), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Demi R S Ng
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Bartholomew S J Harvey
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Narattaphol Charoenphandhu
- Center of Calcium and Bone Research (COCAB), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.,The Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Dusit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - David N Sheppard
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wang W, Fu L, Liu Z, Wen H, Rab A, Hong JS, Kirk KL, Rowe SM. G551D mutation impairs PKA-dependent activation of CFTR channel that can be restored by novel GOF mutations. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2020; 319:L770-L785. [PMID: 32877225 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00262.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
G551D is a major disease-associated gating mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, an ATP- and phosphorylation-dependent chloride channel. G551D causes severe cystic fibrosis (CF) disease by disrupting ATP-dependent channel opening; however, whether G551D affects phosphorylation-dependent channel activation is unclear. Here, we use macropatch recording and Ussing chamber approaches to demonstrate that G551D impacts on phosphorylation-dependent activation of CFTR, and PKA-mediated phosphorylation regulates the interaction between the x-loop in nucleotide-binding domain 2 (NBD2) and cytosolic loop (CL) 1. We show that G551D not only disrupts ATP-dependent channel opening but also impairs phosphorylation-dependent channel activation by largely reducing PKA sensitivity consistent with the reciprocal relationship between channel opening/gating, ligand binding, and phosphorylation. Furthermore, we identified two novel GOF mutations: D1341R in the x-loop near the ATP-binding cassette signature motif in NBD2 and D173R in CL1, each of which strongly increased PKA sensitivity both in the wild-type (WT) background and when introduced into G551D-CFTR. When D1341R was combined with a second GOF mutation (e.g., K978C in CL3), we find that the double GOF mutation maximally increased G551D channel activity such that VX-770 had no further effect. We further show that a double charge-reversal mutation of D1341R/D173R-CFTR exhibited similar PKA sensitivity when compared with WT-CFTR. Together, our results suggest that charge repulsion between D173 and D1341 of WT-CFTR normally inhibits channel activation at low PKA activity by reducing PKA sensitivity, and negative allostery by the G551D is coupled to reduced PKA sensitivity of CFTR that can be restored by second GOF mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Lianwu Fu
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Hui Wen
- Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Andras Rab
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jeong S Hong
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kevin L Kirk
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Steven M Rowe
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
De Sutter PJ, Gasthuys E, Van Braeckel E, Schelstraete P, Van Biervliet S, Van Bocxlaer J, Vermeulen A. Pharmacokinetics in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: A Systematic Review of Data Published Between 1999 and 2019. Clin Pharmacokinet 2020; 59:1551-1573. [DOI: 10.1007/s40262-020-00932-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
45
|
Mareux E, Lapalus M, Amzal R, Almes M, Aït-Slimane T, Delaunay JL, Adnot P, Collado-Hilly M, Davit-Spraul A, Falguières T, Callebaut I, Gonzales E, Jacquemin E. Functional rescue of an ABCB11 mutant by ivacaftor: A new targeted pharmacotherapy approach in bile salt export pump deficiency. Liver Int 2020; 40:1917-1925. [PMID: 32433800 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM The canalicular bile salt export pump (BSEP/ABCB11) of hepatocytes is the main adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) transporter responsible for bile acid secretion. Mutations in ABCB11 cause several cholestatic diseases, including progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC2) often lethal in absence of liver transplantation. We investigated in vitro the effect and potential rescue of a BSEP mutation by ivacaftor, a clinically approved cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR/ABCC7) potentiator. METHODS The p.T463I mutation, identified in a PFIC2 patient and located in a highly conserved ABC transporter motif, was studied by 3D structure modelling. The mutation was reproduced in a plasmid encoding a rat Bsep-green fluorescent protein. After transfection, mutant expression was studied in Can 10 cells. Taurocholate transport activity and ivacaftor effect were studied in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) clones co-expressing the rat sodium-taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (Ntcp/Slc10A1). RESULTS As the wild-type protein, BsepT463I was normally targeted to the canalicular membrane of Can 10 cells. As predicted by 3D structure modelling, taurocholate transport activity was dramatically low in MDCK clones expressing BsepT463I . Ivacaftor treatment increased by 1.7-fold taurocholate transport activity of BsepT463I (P < .0001), reaching 95% of Bsepwt activity. These data suggest that the p.T463I mutation impairs ATP-binding, resulting in Bsep dysfunction that can be rescued by ivacaftor. CONCLUSION These results provide experimental evidence of ivacaftor therapeutic potential for selected patients with PFIC2 caused by ABCB11 missense mutations affecting BSEP function. This could represent a significant step forward for the care of patients with BSEP deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Mareux
- Inserm, Physiopathogénèse et traitement des maladies du foie, UMR_S 1193, Hepatinov, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Martine Lapalus
- Inserm, Physiopathogénèse et traitement des maladies du foie, UMR_S 1193, Hepatinov, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Rachida Amzal
- Inserm, Physiopathogénèse et traitement des maladies du foie, UMR_S 1193, Hepatinov, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Marion Almes
- Inserm, Physiopathogénèse et traitement des maladies du foie, UMR_S 1193, Hepatinov, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France.,Paediatric Hepatology & Paediatric Liver Transplant Department, Reference Center for Rare Paediatric Liver Diseases, FILFOIE, ERN RARE LIVER, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Faculty of Medicine Paris-Saclay, CHU Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Tounsia Aït-Slimane
- Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), UMR_S 938, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Louis Delaunay
- Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), UMR_S 938, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Adnot
- Inserm, Physiopathogénèse et traitement des maladies du foie, UMR_S 1193, Hepatinov, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Mauricette Collado-Hilly
- Inserm, Physiopathogénèse et traitement des maladies du foie, UMR_S 1193, Hepatinov, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Anne Davit-Spraul
- Inserm, Physiopathogénèse et traitement des maladies du foie, UMR_S 1193, Hepatinov, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France.,CHU Bicêtre, Biochemistry Unit, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Thomas Falguières
- Inserm, Physiopathogénèse et traitement des maladies du foie, UMR_S 1193, Hepatinov, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Isabelle Callebaut
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR CNRS 7590, Institut de Minéralogie de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, IMPMC, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Gonzales
- Inserm, Physiopathogénèse et traitement des maladies du foie, UMR_S 1193, Hepatinov, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France.,Paediatric Hepatology & Paediatric Liver Transplant Department, Reference Center for Rare Paediatric Liver Diseases, FILFOIE, ERN RARE LIVER, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Faculty of Medicine Paris-Saclay, CHU Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Emmanuel Jacquemin
- Inserm, Physiopathogénèse et traitement des maladies du foie, UMR_S 1193, Hepatinov, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France.,Paediatric Hepatology & Paediatric Liver Transplant Department, Reference Center for Rare Paediatric Liver Diseases, FILFOIE, ERN RARE LIVER, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Faculty of Medicine Paris-Saclay, CHU Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Bradbury NA. Cystic Fibrosis and Genotype-Dependent Therapy: Is There a Need for a Sex-Specific Therapy? GENDER AND THE GENOME 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2470289720937025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulation (CFTR) anion channel. Loss of CFTR protein and/or function disrupts chloride, bicarbonate, and fluid transport and also impacts epithelial sodium transport. Such altered ion and fluid transport produces mucus obstruction, inflammation, pulmonary infection, and damage to multiple organs. Although an autosomal disease, it is apparent that gender differences in life expectancy and quality of life do exist. Conventionally established therapies have treated the downstream sequelae of CFTR dysfunction and have led to a steady increase in life expectancy. Physicians now have access to medications that treat the basic defect in CF, in the form of CFTR modulators. These drugs target the trafficking and/or function of CFTR to improve clinical outcomes for patients. This review summarizes the science behind CFTR modulators and shows how these drugs have dramatically changed how patients with CF are treated. Surprisingly, although the drug target(s) are identical in males and females, CF females seem to display a greater improvement than their male counterparts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neil A. Bradbury
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Sousa L, Pankonien I, Clarke LA, Silva I, Kunzelmann K, Amaral MD. KLF4 Acts as a wt-CFTR Suppressor through an AKT-Mediated Pathway. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071607. [PMID: 32630830 PMCID: PMC7408019 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is caused by >2000 mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, but one mutation-F508del-occurs in ~80% of patients worldwide. Besides its main function as an anion channel, the CFTR protein has been implicated in epithelial differentiation, tissue regeneration, and, when dysfunctional, cancer. However, the mechanisms that regulate such relationships are not fully elucidated. Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) are a family of transcription factors (TFs) playing central roles in development, stem cell differentiation, and proliferation. Herein, we hypothesized that these TFs might have an impact on CFTR expression and function, being its missing link to differentiation. Our results indicate that KLF4 (but not KLF2 nor KLF5) is upregulated in CF vs. non-CF cells and that it negatively regulates wt-CFTR expression and function. Of note, F508del-CFTR expressing cells are insensitive to KLF4 modulation. Next, we investigated which KLF4-related pathways have an effect on CFTR. Our data also show that KLF4 modulates wt-CFTR (but not F508del-CFTR) via both the serine/threonine kinase AKT1 (AKT) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) signaling. While AKT acts positively, GSK3β is a negative regulator of CFTR. This crosstalk between wt-CFTR and KLF4 via AKT/ GSK3β signaling, which is disrupted in CF, constitutes a novel mechanism linking CFTR to the epithelial differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Sousa
- BioISI – Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (L.S.); (I.P.); (L.A.C.); (I.S.)
| | - Ines Pankonien
- BioISI – Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (L.S.); (I.P.); (L.A.C.); (I.S.)
| | - Luka A Clarke
- BioISI – Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (L.S.); (I.P.); (L.A.C.); (I.S.)
| | - Iris Silva
- BioISI – Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (L.S.); (I.P.); (L.A.C.); (I.S.)
| | - Karl Kunzelmann
- Department of Physiology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
| | - Margarida D Amaral
- BioISI – Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (L.S.); (I.P.); (L.A.C.); (I.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-21-750-08-61; Fax: +351-21-750-00-88
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Uliyakina I, Botelho HM, da Paula AC, Afonso S, Lobo MJ, Felício V, Farinha CM, Amaral MD. Full Rescue of F508del-CFTR Processing and Function by CFTR Modulators Can Be Achieved by Removal of Two Regulatory Regions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124524. [PMID: 32630527 PMCID: PMC7350234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CF Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR), the only ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter functioning as a channel. Unique to CFTR is a regulatory domain which includes a highly conformationally dynamic region—the regulatory extension (RE). The first nucleotide-binding domain of CFTR contains another dynamic region—regulatory insertion (RI). Removal of RI rescues the trafficking defect of CFTR with F508del, the most common CF-causing mutation. Here we aimed to assess the impact of RE removal (with/without RI or genetic revertants) on F508del-CFTR trafficking and how CFTR modulator drugs VX-809/lumacaftor and VX-770/ivacaftor rescue these variants. We generated cell lines expressing ΔRE and ΔRI CFTR (with/without genetic revertants) and assessed CFTR expression, stability, plasma membrane levels, and channel activity. Our data demonstrated that ΔRI significantly enhanced rescue of F508del-CFTR by VX-809. While the presence of the RI seems to be precluding full rescue of F508del-CFTR processing by VX-809, this region appears essential to rescue its function by VX-770, suggesting some contradictory role in rescue of F508del-CFTR by these two modulators. This negative impact of RI removal on VX-770-stimulated currents on F508del-CFTR can be compensated by deletion of the RE which also leads to the stabilization of this mutant. Despite both regions being conformationally dynamic, RI precludes F508del-CFTR processing while RE affects mostly its stability and channel opening.
Collapse
|
49
|
Genistein antagonizes gliadin-induced CFTR malfunction in models of celiac disease. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 11:2003-2019. [PMID: 30981209 PMCID: PMC6503870 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In celiac disease (CD), an intolerance to dietary gluten/gliadin, antigenic gliadin peptides trigger an HLA-DQ2/DQ8-restricted adaptive Th1 immune response. Epithelial stress, induced by other non-antigenic gliadin peptides, is required for gliadin to become fully immunogenic. We found that cystic-fibrosis-transmembrane-conductance-regulator (CFTR) acts as membrane receptor for gliadin-derived peptide P31-43, as it binds to CFTR and impairs its channel function. P31-43-induced CFTR malfunction generates epithelial stress and intestinal inflammation. Maintaining CFTR in an active open conformation by the CFTR potentiators VX-770 (Ivacaftor) or Vrx-532, prevents P31-43 binding to CFTR and controls gliadin-induced manifestations. Here, we evaluated the possibility that the over-the-counter nutraceutical genistein, known to potentiate CFTR function, would allow to control gliadin-induced alterations. We demonstrated that pre-treatment with genistein prevented P31-43-induced CFTR malfunction and an epithelial stress response in Caco-2 cells. These effects were abrogated when the CFTR gene was knocked out by CRISP/Cas9 technology, indicating that genistein protects intestinal epithelial cells by potentiating CFTR function. Notably, genistein protected gliadin-sensitive mice from intestinal CFTR malfunction and gliadin-induced inflammation as it prevented gliadin-induced IFN-γ production by celiac peripheral-blood-mononuclear-cells (PBMC) cultured ex-vivo in the presence of P31-43-challenged Caco-2 cells. Our results indicate that natural compounds capable to increase CFTR channel gating might be used for the treatment of CD.
Collapse
|
50
|
Strub MD, McCray, Jr. PB. Transcriptomic and Proteostasis Networks of CFTR and the Development of Small Molecule Modulators for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11050546. [PMID: 32414011 PMCID: PMC7288469 DOI: 10.3390/genes11050546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The diversity of mutations and the multiple ways by which the protein is affected present challenges for therapeutic development. The observation that the Phe508del-CFTR mutant protein is temperature sensitive provided proof of principle that mutant CFTR could escape proteosomal degradation and retain partial function. Several specific protein interactors and quality control checkpoints encountered by CFTR during its proteostasis have been investigated for therapeutic purposes, but remain incompletely understood. Furthermore, pharmacological manipulation of many CFTR interactors has not been thoroughly investigated for the rescue of Phe508del-CFTR. However, high-throughput screening technologies helped identify several small molecule modulators that rescue CFTR from proteosomal degradation and restore partial function to the protein. Here, we discuss the current state of CFTR transcriptomic and biogenesis research and small molecule therapy development. We also review recent progress in CFTR proteostasis modulators and discuss how such treatments could complement current FDA-approved small molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Strub
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Paul B. McCray, Jr.
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(319)-335-6844
| |
Collapse
|