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Downey ML, Peralta-Yahya P. Technologies for the discovery of G protein-coupled receptor-targeting biologics. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103138. [PMID: 38728825 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important pharmaceutical targets, working as entry points for signaling pathways involved in metabolic, neurological, and cardiovascular diseases. Although small molecules remain the major GPCR drug type, biologic therapeutics, such as peptides and antibodies, are increasingly found among clinical trials and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs. Here, we review state-of-the-art technologies for the engineering of biologics that target GPCRs, as well as proof-of-principle technologies that are ripe for this application. Looking ahead, inexpensive DNA synthesis will enable the routine generation of computationally predesigned libraries for use in display assays for the rapid discovery of GPCR binders. Advances in synthetic biology are enabling the increased throughput of functional GPCR assays to the point that they can be used to directly identify biologics that modulate GPCR activity. Finally, we give an overview of adjacent technologies that are ripe for application to discover biologics that target human GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenna L Downey
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Pamela Peralta-Yahya
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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2
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Skiba MA, Sterling SM, Rawson S, Zhang S, Xu H, Jiang H, Nemeth GR, Gilman MSA, Hurley JD, Shen P, Staus DP, Kim J, McMahon C, Lehtinen MK, Rockman HA, Barth P, Wingler LM, Kruse AC. Antibodies expand the scope of angiotensin receptor pharmacology. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01620-6. [PMID: 38744986 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01620-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key regulators of human physiology and are the targets of many small-molecule research compounds and therapeutic drugs. While most of these ligands bind to their target GPCR with high affinity, selectivity is often limited at the receptor, tissue and cellular levels. Antibodies have the potential to address these limitations but their properties as GPCR ligands remain poorly characterized. Here, using protein engineering, pharmacological assays and structural studies, we develop maternally selective heavy-chain-only antibody ('nanobody') antagonists against the angiotensin II type I receptor and uncover the unusual molecular basis of their receptor antagonism. We further show that our nanobodies can simultaneously bind to angiotensin II type I receptor with specific small-molecule antagonists and demonstrate that ligand selectivity can be readily tuned. Our work illustrates that antibody fragments can exhibit rich and evolvable pharmacology, attesting to their potential as next-generation GPCR modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith A Skiba
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah M Sterling
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cryo-EM Facility at MIT.nano, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Shaun Rawson
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shuhao Zhang
- Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Huixin Xu
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Haoran Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Genevieve R Nemeth
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Morgan S A Gilman
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph D Hurley
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pengxiang Shen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dean P Staus
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Septerna, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jihee Kim
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Conor McMahon
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Sanofi, Large Molecule Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Maria K Lehtinen
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Howard A Rockman
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Patrick Barth
- Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Laura M Wingler
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrew C Kruse
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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3
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Zhang S, Fan Z, Liu J. Generation and characterization of nanobodies targeting GPCR. BIOPHYSICS REPORTS 2024; 10:22-30. [PMID: 38737476 PMCID: PMC11079602 DOI: 10.52601/bpr.2023.230026] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large family of cell membrane proteins that are important targets for drug discovery. Nanobodies, also known as VHH (variable domains of heavy chain-only antibodies, HcAbs) antibodies, are small antibody fragments derived from camelids that have gained significant attention as potential therapeutics for targeting GPCRs due to their advantages over conventional antibodies. However, there are challenges in developing nanobodies targeting GPCRs, among which epitope accessibility is the most significant because the cell membrane partially shields the GPCR surface. We developed a universal protocol for making nanobodies targeting GPCRs using the cell membrane extract of GPCR-overexpressing HEK293 cells as the llama/alpaca immunization antigen. We constructed an immune VHH library and identified nanobodies by phage display bio-panning. The monoclonal nanobodies were recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and purified to characterize their binding potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglan Zhang
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Zhiran Fan
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510005, China
- Cellular Signaling laboratory, International Research Center for Sensory Biology and Technology of MOST, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
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4
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Braga Emidio N, Small BM, Keller AR, Cheloha RW, Wingler LM. Nanobody-Mediated Dualsteric Engagement of the Angiotensin Receptor Broadens Biased Ligand Pharmacology. Mol Pharmacol 2024; 105:260-271. [PMID: 38164609 PMCID: PMC10877709 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.123.000797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Dualsteric G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) ligands are a class of bitopic ligands that consist of an orthosteric pharmacophore, which binds to the pocket occupied by the receptor's endogenous agonist, and an allosteric pharmacophore, which binds to a distinct site. These ligands have the potential to display characteristics of both orthosteric and allosteric ligands. To explore the signaling profiles that dualsteric ligands of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) can access, we ligated a 6e epitope tag-specific nanobody (single-domain antibody fragment) to angiotensin II (AngII) and analogs that show preferential allosteric coupling to Gq (TRV055, TRV056) or β-arrestin (TRV027). While the nanobody itself acts as a probe-specific neutral or negative allosteric ligand of N-terminally 6e-tagged AT1R, nanobody conjugation to orthosteric ligands had varying effects on Gq dissociation and β-arrestin plasma membrane recruitment. The potency of certain AngII analogs was enhanced up to 100-fold, and some conjugates behaved as partial agonists, with up to a 5-fold decrease in maximal efficacy. Nanobody conjugation also biased the signaling of TRV055 and TRV056 toward Gq, suggesting that Gq bias at AT1R can be modulated through molecular mechanisms distinct from those previously elucidated. Both competition radioligand binding experiments and functional assays demonstrated that orthosteric antagonists (angiotensin receptor blockers) act as non-competitive inhibitors of all these nanobody-peptide conjugates. This proof-of-principle study illustrates the array of pharmacological patterns that can be achieved by incorporating neutral or negative allosteric pharmacophores into dualsteric ligands. Nanobodies directed toward linear epitopes could provide a rich source of allosteric reagents for this purpose. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Here we engineer bitopic (dualsteric) ligands for epitope-tagged angiotensin II type 1 receptor by conjugating angiotensin II or its biased analogs to an epitope-specific nanobody (antibody fragment). Our data demonstrate that nanobody-mediated interactions with the receptor N-terminus endow angiotensin analogs with properties of allosteric modulators and provide a novel mechanism to increase the potency, modulate the maximal effect, or alter the bias of ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara Braga Emidio
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (N.B.E., R.W.C.) and Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (B.M.S., A.R.K., L.M.W.)
| | - Brandi M Small
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (N.B.E., R.W.C.) and Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (B.M.S., A.R.K., L.M.W.)
| | - Amanda R Keller
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (N.B.E., R.W.C.) and Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (B.M.S., A.R.K., L.M.W.)
| | - Ross W Cheloha
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (N.B.E., R.W.C.) and Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (B.M.S., A.R.K., L.M.W.)
| | - Laura M Wingler
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (N.B.E., R.W.C.) and Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (B.M.S., A.R.K., L.M.W.)
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5
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Shumate AD, Farrens DL. A rapid, tag-free way to purify functional GPCRs. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105558. [PMID: 38097184 PMCID: PMC10820827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105558] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play diverse signaling roles and represent major pharmaceutical targets. Consequently, they are the focus of intense study, and numerous advances have been made in their handling and analysis. However, a universal way to purify GPCRs has remained elusive, in part because of their inherent instability when isolated from cells. To address this, we have developed a general, rapid, and tag-free way to purify GPCRs. The method uses short peptide analogs of the Gα subunit C terminus (Gα-CT) that are attached to chromatography beads (Gα-CT resin). Because the Gα-CT peptides bind active GPCRs with high affinity, the Gα-CT resin selectively purifies only active functional receptors. We use this method to purify both rhodopsin and the β2-adrenergic receptor and show they can be purified in either active conformations or inactive conformations, simply by varying elution conditions. While simple in concept-leveraging the conserved GPCR-Gα-CT binding interaction for the purpose of GPCR purification-we think this approach holds excellent potential to isolate functional receptors for a myriad of uses, from structural biology to proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Shumate
- Department of Chemical Biology and Physiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - David L Farrens
- Department of Chemical Biology and Physiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
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6
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Yu J, Kumar A, Zhang X, Martin C, Raia P, Koehl A, Laeremans T, Steyaert J, Manglik A, Ballet S, Boland A, Stoeber M. Structural Basis of μ-Opioid Receptor-Targeting by a Nanobody Antagonist. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.06.570395. [PMID: 38106026 PMCID: PMC10723425 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.06.570395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The μ-opioid receptor (μOR), a prototypical member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, is the molecular target of opioid analgesics such as morphine and fentanyl. Due to the limitations and severe side effects of currently available opioid drugs, there is considerable interest in developing novel modulators of μOR function. Most GPCR ligands today are small molecules, however biologics, including antibodies and nanobodies, are emerging as alternative therapeutics with clear advantages such as affinity and target selectivity. Here, we describe the nanobody NbE, which selectively binds to the μOR and acts as an antagonist. We functionally characterize NbE as an extracellular and genetically encoded μOR ligand and uncover the molecular basis for μOR antagonism by solving the cryo-EM structure of the NbE-μOR complex. NbE displays a unique ligand binding mode and achieves μOR selectivity by interactions with the orthosteric pocket and extracellular receptor loops. Based on a β-hairpin loop formed by NbE that deeply inserts into the μOR and centers most binding contacts, we design short peptide analogues that retain μOR antagonism. The work illustrates the potential of nanobodies to uniquely engage with GPCRs and describes novel μOR ligands that can serve as a basis for therapeutic developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Xuefeng Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Raia
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Koehl
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Jan Steyaert
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aashish Manglik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Steven Ballet
- Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andreas Boland
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Stoeber
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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7
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Li Y, Wang J. Site-specifically radiolabeled nanobodies for imaging blood-brain barrier penetration and targeting in the brain. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2023; 66:444-451. [PMID: 37873934 PMCID: PMC10842159 DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.4069] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Nanobodies (Nbs) hold significant potential in molecular imaging due to their unique characteristics. However, there are challenges to overcome when it comes to brain imaging. To address these obstacles, collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary research are needed. This article aims to raise awareness and encourage collaboration among researchers from various fields to find solutions for effective brain imaging using Nbs. By fostering cooperation and knowledge sharing, we can make progress in overcoming the existing limitations and pave the way for improved molecular imaging techniques in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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8
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Frecot DI, Froehlich T, Rothbauer U. 30 years of nanobodies - an ongoing success story of small binders in biological research. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs261395. [PMID: 37937477 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A milestone in the field of recombinant binding molecules was achieved 30 years ago with the discovery of single-domain antibodies from which antigen-binding variable domains, better known as nanobodies (Nbs), can be derived. Being only one tenth the size of conventional antibodies, Nbs feature high affinity and specificity, while being highly stable and soluble. In addition, they display accessibility to cryptic sites, low off-target accumulation and deep tissue penetration. Efficient selection methods, such as (semi-)synthetic/naïve or immunized cDNA libraries and display technologies, have facilitated the isolation of Nbs against diverse targets, and their single-gene format enables easy functionalization and high-yield production. This Review highlights recent advances in Nb applications in various areas of biological research, including structural biology, proteomics and high-resolution and in vivo imaging. In addition, we provide insights into intracellular applications of Nbs, such as live-cell imaging, biosensors and targeted protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiree I Frecot
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Markwiesenstrasse 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Theresa Froehlich
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Rothbauer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
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9
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Skiba MA, Sterling SM, Rawson S, Gilman MS, Xu H, Nemeth GR, Hurley JD, Shen P, Staus DP, Kim J, McMahon C, Lehtinen MK, Wingler LM, Kruse AC. Antibodies Expand the Scope of Angiotensin Receptor Pharmacology. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.23.554128. [PMID: 37662341 PMCID: PMC10473732 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.23.554128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key regulators of human physiology and are the targets of many small molecule research compounds and therapeutic drugs. While most of these ligands bind to their target GPCR with high affinity, selectivity is often limited at the receptor, tissue, and cellular level. Antibodies have the potential to address these limitations but their properties as GPCR ligands remain poorly characterized. Here, using protein engineering, pharmacological assays, and structural studies, we develop maternally selective heavy chain-only antibody ("nanobody") antagonists against the angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) and uncover the unusual molecular basis of their receptor antagonism. We further show that our nanobodies can simultaneously bind to AT1R with specific small-molecule antagonists and demonstrate that ligand selectivity can be readily tuned. Our work illustrates that antibody fragments can exhibit rich and evolvable pharmacology, attesting to their potential as next-generation GPCR modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith A. Skiba
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sarah M. Sterling
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shaun Rawson
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Morgan S.A. Gilman
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Huixin Xu
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Genevieve R. Nemeth
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joseph D. Hurley
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pengxiang Shen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Dean P. Staus
- Department of Medicine and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jihee Kim
- Department of Medicine and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Conor McMahon
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Maria K. Lehtinen
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Laura M. Wingler
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Andrew C. Kruse
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Feng X, Wang H. Emerging Landscape of Nanobodies and Their Neutralizing Applications against SARS-CoV-2 Virus. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:925-942. [PMID: 37470012 PMCID: PMC10275483 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly altered people's way of life. Despite widespread knowledge of vaccination, mask use, and avoidance of close contact, COVID-19 is still spreading around the world. Numerous research teams are examining the SARS-CoV-2 infection process to discover strategies to identify, prevent, and treat COVID-19 to limit the spread of this chronic coronavirus illness and restore lives to normalcy. Nanobodies have advantages over polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies (Ab) and Ab fragments, including reduced size, high stability, simplicity in manufacture, compatibility with genetic engineering methods, and lack of solubility and aggregation issues. Recent studies have shown that nanobodies that target the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain and disrupt ACE2 interactions are helpful in the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2-infected animal models, despite the lack of evidence in human patients. The creation and evaluation of nanobodies, as well as their diagnostic and therapeutic applications against COVID-19, are discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Feng
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, College
of Medicine and Health Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Hu Wang
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, College
of Medicine and Health Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
- Institute
of Cell Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore 21215, United States
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11
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Bocancia-Mateescu LA, Stan D, Mirica AC, Ghita MG, Stan D, Ruta LL. Nanobodies as Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tools for Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:863. [PMID: 37375810 PMCID: PMC10301117 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to summarize some of the most recent work in the field of cardiovascular disease (CVD) diagnosis and therapy, focusing mainly on the role of nanobodies in the development of non-invasive imaging methods, diagnostic devices, and advanced biotechnological therapy tools. In the context of the increased number of people suffering from CVDs due to a variety of factors such as sedentariness, poor nutrition, stress, and smoking, there is an urgent need for new and improved diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Nanobodies can be easily produced in prokaryotes, lower eukaryotes, and plant and mammalian cells, and offer great advantages. In the diagnosis domain, they are mainly used as labeled probes that bind to certain surface receptors or other target molecules and give important information on the severity and extent of atherosclerotic lesions, using imaging methods such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound molecular imaging (CEUMI), positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography coupled with computed tomography (SPECT/CT), and PET/CT. As therapy tools, nanobodies have been used either for transporting drug-loaded vesicles to specific targets or as inhibitors for certain enzymes and receptors, demonstrated to be involved in various CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dana Stan
- DDS Diagnostic, 7 Vulcan Judetu, 031427 Bucharest, Romania; (L.-A.B.-M.); (D.S.); (A.-C.M.); (M.G.G.); (D.S.)
- Medicine Doctoral School, Titu Maiorescu University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea-Cristina Mirica
- DDS Diagnostic, 7 Vulcan Judetu, 031427 Bucharest, Romania; (L.-A.B.-M.); (D.S.); (A.-C.M.); (M.G.G.); (D.S.)
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Miruna Gabriela Ghita
- DDS Diagnostic, 7 Vulcan Judetu, 031427 Bucharest, Romania; (L.-A.B.-M.); (D.S.); (A.-C.M.); (M.G.G.); (D.S.)
| | - Diana Stan
- DDS Diagnostic, 7 Vulcan Judetu, 031427 Bucharest, Romania; (L.-A.B.-M.); (D.S.); (A.-C.M.); (M.G.G.); (D.S.)
| | - Lavinia Liliana Ruta
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 90-92 Panduri Street, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
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12
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Gupta A, Kao KS, Yamin R, Oren DA, Goldgur Y, Du J, Lollar P, Sundberg EJ, Ravetch JV. Mechanism of glycoform specificity and in vivo protection by an anti-afucosylated IgG nanobody. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2853. [PMID: 37202422 PMCID: PMC10195009 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38453-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies contain a complex N-glycan embedded in the hydrophobic pocket between its heavy chain protomers. This glycan contributes to the structural organization of the Fc domain and determines its specificity for Fcγ receptors, thereby dictating distinct cellular responses. The variable construction of this glycan structure leads to highly-related, but non-equivalent glycoproteins known as glycoforms. We previously reported synthetic nanobodies that distinguish IgG glycoforms. Here, we present the structure of one such nanobody, X0, in complex with the Fc fragment of afucosylated IgG1. Upon binding, the elongated CDR3 loop of X0 undergoes a conformational shift to access the buried N-glycan and acts as a 'glycan sensor', forming hydrogen bonds with the afucosylated IgG N-glycan that would otherwise be sterically hindered by the presence of a core fucose residue. Based on this structure, we designed X0 fusion constructs that disrupt pathogenic afucosylated IgG1-FcγRIIIa interactions and rescue mice in a model of dengue virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Gupta
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics & Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin S Kao
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics & Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Yamin
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics & Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deena A Oren
- Structural Biology Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yehuda Goldgur
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan Du
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pete Lollar
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eric J Sundberg
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jeffrey V Ravetch
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics & Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
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13
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Tang H, Gao Y, Han J. Application Progress of the Single Domain Antibody in Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044176. [PMID: 36835588 PMCID: PMC9967291 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The camelid-derived single chain antibody (sdAb), also termed VHH or nanobody, is a unique, functional heavy (H)-chain antibody (HCAb). In contrast to conventional antibodies, sdAb is a unique antibody fragment consisting of a heavy-chain variable domain. It lacks light chains and a first constant domain (CH1). With a small molecular weight of only 12~15 kDa, sdAb has a similar antigen-binding affinity to conventional Abs but a higher solubility, which exerts unique advantages for the recognition and binding of functional, versatile, target-specific antigen fragments. In recent decades, with their unique structural and functional features, nanobodies have been considered promising agents and alternatives to traditional monoclonal antibodies. As a new generation of nano-biological tools, natural and synthetic nanobodies have been used in many fields of biomedicine, including biomolecular materials, biological research, medical diagnosis and immune therapies. This article briefly overviews the biomolecular structure, biochemical properties, immune acquisition and phage library construction of nanobodies and comprehensively reviews their applications in medical research. It is expected that this review will provide a reference for the further exploration and unveiling of nanobody properties and function, as well as a bright future for the development of drugs and therapeutic methods based on nanobodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaping Tang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Jiangyuan Han
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
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14
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Gupta A, Kao K, Yamin R, Oren DA, Goldgur Y, Du J, Lollar P, Sundberg EJ, Ravetch JV. Mechanism of glycoform specificity and protection against antibody dependent enhancement by an anti-afucosylated IgG nanobody. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.23.525277. [PMID: 36747840 PMCID: PMC9900767 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.23.525277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies contain a single, complex N -glycan on each IgG heavy chain protomer embedded in the hydrophobic pocket between its Cγ2 domains. The presence of this glycan contributes to the structural organization of the Fc domain and determines its specificity for Fcγ receptors, thereby determining distinct cellular responses. On the Fc, the variable construction of this glycan structure leads to a family of highly-related, but non-equivalent glycoproteins known as glycoforms. We previously reported the development of synthetic nanobodies that distinguish IgG glycoforms without cross-reactivity to off-target glycoproteins or free glycans. Here, we present the X-ray crystal structure of one such nanobody, X0, in complex with its specific binding partner, the Fc fragment of afucosylated IgG1. Two X0 nanobodies bind a single afucosylated Fc homodimer at the upper Cγ2 domain, making both protein-protein and protein-carbohydrate contacts and overlapping the binding site for Fcγ receptors. Upon binding, the elongated CDR3 loop of X0 undergoes a conformational shift to access the buried N -glycan and acts as a 'glycan sensor', forming hydrogen bonds with the afucosylated IgG N -glycan that would otherwise be sterically hindered by the presence of a core fucose residue. Based on this structure, we designed X0 fusion constructs that disrupt pathogenic afucosylated IgG1-FcγRIIIa interactions and rescue mice in a model of dengue virus infection.
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15
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Harvey EP, Shin JE, Skiba MA, Nemeth GR, Hurley JD, Wellner A, Shaw AY, Miranda VG, Min JK, Liu CC, Marks DS, Kruse AC. An in silico method to assess antibody fragment polyreactivity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7554. [PMID: 36477674 PMCID: PMC9729196 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35276-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies are essential biological research tools and important therapeutic agents, but some exhibit non-specific binding to off-target proteins and other biomolecules. Such polyreactive antibodies compromise screening pipelines, lead to incorrect and irreproducible experimental results, and are generally intractable for clinical development. Here, we design a set of experiments using a diverse naïve synthetic camelid antibody fragment (nanobody) library to enable machine learning models to accurately assess polyreactivity from protein sequence (AUC > 0.8). Moreover, our models provide quantitative scoring metrics that predict the effect of amino acid substitutions on polyreactivity. We experimentally test our models' performance on three independent nanobody scaffolds, where over 90% of predicted substitutions successfully reduced polyreactivity. Importantly, the models allow us to diminish the polyreactivity of an angiotensin II type I receptor antagonist nanobody, without compromising its functional properties. We provide a companion web-server that offers a straightforward means of predicting polyreactivity and polyreactivity-reducing mutations for any given nanobody sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward P Harvey
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jung-Eun Shin
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Meredith A Skiba
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Genevieve R Nemeth
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Joseph D Hurley
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alon Wellner
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92692, USA
| | - Ada Y Shaw
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Victor G Miranda
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Joseph K Min
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Chang C Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92692, USA
| | - Debora S Marks
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
| | - Andrew C Kruse
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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16
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Kao KS, Gupta A, Zong G, Li C, Kerschbaumer I, Borghi S, Achkar JM, Bournazos S, Wang LX, Ravetch JV. Synthetic nanobodies as tools to distinguish IgG Fc glycoforms. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2212658119. [PMID: 36409896 PMCID: PMC9860306 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2212658119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein glycosylation is a crucial mediator of biological functions and is tightly regulated in health and disease. However, interrogating complex protein glycoforms is challenging, as current lectin tools are limited by cross-reactivity while mass spectrometry typically requires biochemical purification and isolation of the target protein. Here, we describe a method to identify and characterize a class of nanobodies that can distinguish glycoforms without reactivity to off-target glycoproteins or glycans. We apply this technology to immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fc glycoforms and define nanobodies that specifically recognize either IgG lacking its core-fucose or IgG bearing terminal sialic acid residues. By adapting these tools to standard biochemical methods, we can clinically stratify dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals based on their IgG glycan profile, selectively disrupt IgG-Fcγ receptor binding both in vitro and in vivo, and interrogate the B cell receptor (BCR) glycan structure on living cells. Ultimately, we provide a strategy for the development of reagents to identify and manipulate IgG Fc glycoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S. Kao
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics & Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
| | - Aaron Gupta
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics & Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
| | - Guanghui Zong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD20742
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD20742
| | - Isabell Kerschbaumer
- Department of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases), Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY10461
| | - Sara Borghi
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics & Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
| | - Jacqueline M. Achkar
- Department of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases), Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY10461
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY10461
| | - Stylianos Bournazos
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics & Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
| | - Lai-Xi Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD20742
| | - Jeffrey V. Ravetch
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics & Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
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17
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Abstract
NOX2 is the prototypical member of the NADPH oxidase NOX superfamily and produces superoxide (O2•-), a key reactive oxygen species (ROS) that is essential in innate and adaptive immunity. Mutations that lead to deficiency in NOX2 activity correlate with increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections, resulting in chronic granulomatous disease. The core of NOX2 is formed by a heterodimeric transmembrane complex composed of NOX2 (formerly gp91) and p22, but a detailed description of its structural architecture is lacking. Here, we present the structure of the human NOX2 core complex bound to a selective anti-NOX2 antibody fragment. The core complex reveals an intricate extracellular topology of NOX2, a four-transmembrane fold of the p22 subunit, and an extensive transmembrane interface which provides insights into NOX2 assembly and activation. Functional assays uncover an inhibitory activity of the 7G5 antibody mediated by internalization-dependent and internalization-independent mechanisms. Overall, our results provide insights into the NOX2 core complex architecture, disease-causing mutations, and potential avenues for selective NOX2 pharmacological modulation.
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18
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Yang Z, Cheng J, Shang P, Sun JP, Yu X. Emerging roles of olfactory receptors in glucose metabolism. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 33:463-476. [PMID: 36229334 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory receptors (ORs) are widely expressed in extra-nasal tissues, where they participate in the regulation of divergent physiological processes. An increasing body of evidence over the past decade has revealed important regulatory roles for extra-nasal ORs in glucose metabolism. Recently, nonodorant endogenous ligands of ORs with metabolic significance have been identified, implying the therapeutic potential of ORs in the treatment of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. In this review, we summarize current understanding of the expression patterns and functions of ORs in key tissues involved in glucose metabolism modulation, describe odorant and endogenous OR ligands, explain the biased signaling downstream of ORs, and outline OR therapeutic potential.
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19
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Wingler LM, Feld AP. Nanobodies as Probes and Modulators of Cardiovascular G Protein-Coupled Receptors. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2022; 80:342-353. [PMID: 34840268 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Understanding the activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is of paramount importance to the field of cardiovascular medicine due to the critical physiological roles of these receptors and their prominence as drug targets. Although many cardiovascular GPCRs have been extensively studied as model receptors for decades, new complexities in their regulation continue to emerge. As a result, there is an ongoing need to develop novel approaches to monitor and to modulate GPCR activation. In less than a decade, nanobodies, or recombinant single-domain antibody fragments from camelids, have become indispensable tools for interrogating GPCRs both in purified systems and in living cells. Nanobodies have gained traction rapidly due to their biochemical tractability and their ability to recognize defined states of native proteins. Here, we review how nanobodies have been adopted to elucidate the structure, pharmacology, and signaling of cardiovascular GPCRs, resolving long-standing mysteries and revealing unexpected mechanisms. We also discuss how advancing technologies to discover nanobodies with tailored specificities may expand the impact of these tools for both basic science and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Wingler
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC
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20
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Nanobody-based sensors reveal a high proportion of mGlu heterodimers in the brain. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:894-903. [PMID: 35681029 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01050-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Membrane proteins, including ion channels, receptors and transporters, are often composed of multiple subunits and can form large complexes. Their specific composition in native tissues is difficult to determine and remains largely unknown. In this study, we developed a method for determining the subunit composition of endogenous cell surface protein complexes from isolated native tissues. Our method relies on nanobody-based sensors, which enable proximity detection between subunits in time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements. Additionally, given conformation-specific nanobodies, the activation of these complexes can be recorded in native brain tissue. Applied to the metabotropic glutamate receptors in different brain regions, this approach revealed the clear existence of functional metabotropic glutamate (mGlu)2-mGlu4 heterodimers in addition to mGlu2 and mGlu4 homodimers. Strikingly, the mGlu4 subunits appear to be mainly heterodimers in the brain. Overall, these versatile biosensors can determine the presence and activity of endogenous membrane proteins in native tissues with high fidelity and convenience.
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21
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Cheloha RW, Fischer FA, Gardella TJ, Ploegh HL. Activation of a G protein-coupled receptor through indirect antibody-mediated tethering of ligands. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:1692-1700. [PMID: 34977584 PMCID: PMC8637866 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00118c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies raised against many cell surface proteins, including G protein-coupled receptors, remain important tools for their functional characterization. By linking antibodies to ligands for cell surface proteins, such adducts can be targeted to the surface of a cell type of choice. Site-specific functionalization of full-size antibodies with synthetic moieties remains challenging. Here we present new approaches in which single domain antibodies (known as VHHs or nanobodies) that target either cell surface proteins or conventional antibodies are used to indirectly deliver ligands for GPCRs to their sites of action. The combination of high yield production of nanobodies, facile site-specific functionalization, and compatibility with commercially available mouse and rabbit antibodies should enable wide application of this approach. The use of antibodies to target membrane receptors enables specific and potent activation. But antibodies with appropriate specificity can be lacking. We present methods for targeting receptors without target-specific antibodies.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross W Cheloha
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 1 Blackfan Circle Boston MA 02115 USA
| | - Fabian A Fischer
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 1 Blackfan Circle Boston MA 02115 USA
| | - Thomas J Gardella
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 50 Blossom Street Boston MA 02114 USA
| | - Hidde L Ploegh
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 1 Blackfan Circle Boston MA 02115 USA
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22
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Strategies for targeting cell surface proteins using multivalent conjugates and chemical biology. Methods Cell Biol 2021. [PMID: 34752333 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Proper function of receptors on the cell surface is essential for homeostasis. Compounds that target cell surface receptors to address dysregulation have proven exceptionally successful as therapeutic agents; however, the development of compounds with the desired specificity for receptors, cells, and tissues of choice has proven difficult in some cases. The use of compounds that can engage more than one binding site at the cell surface offers a path toward improving biological specificity or pharmacological properties. In this chapter we summarize historical context for the development of such bivalent compounds. We focus on developments in chemical methods and biological engineering to provide bivalent compounds in which the high affinity and specificity of antibodies are leveraged to create multifunctional conjugates with new and useful properties. The development of methods to meld biological macromolecules with synthetic compounds will facilitate modulation of receptor biology in ways not previously possible.
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23
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Jullié D, Valbret Z, Stoeber M. Optical tools to study the subcellular organization of GPCR neuromodulation. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 366:109408. [PMID: 34763022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Modulation of neuronal circuit activity is key to information processing in the brain. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the targets of most neuromodulatory ligands, show extremely diverse expression patterns in neurons and receptors can be localized in various sub-neuronal membrane compartments. Upon activation, GPCRs promote signaling cascades that alter the level of second messengers, drive phosphorylation changes, modulate ion channel function, and influence gene expression, all of which critically impact neuron physiology. Because of its high degree of complexity, this form of interneuronal communication has remained challenging to integrate into our conceptual understanding of brain function. Recent technological advances in fluorescence microscopy and the development of optical biosensors now allow investigating neuromodulation with unprecedented resolution on the level of individual cells. In this review, we will highlight recent imaging techniques that enable determining the precise localization of GPCRs in neurons, with specific focus on the subcellular and nanoscale level. Downstream of receptors, we describe novel conformation-specific biosensors that allow for real-time monitoring of GPCR activation and of distinct signal transduction events in neurons. Applying these new tools has the potential to provide critical insights into the function and organization of GPCRs in neuronal cells and may help decipher the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Jullié
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Zoé Valbret
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Stoeber
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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24
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Catar RA, Wischnewski O, Chen L, Heidecke H, Rutz C, Schülein R, Dragun D, Philippe A, Kusch A. Non-HLA antibodies targeting angiotensin II type 1 receptors and endothelin-1 type A receptors impair endothelial repair via a β2-arrestin link to the mTOR pathway. Kidney Int 2021; 101:498-509. [PMID: 34757123 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Functional non-HLA antibodies (antibodies to non-human leukocyte antigens) targeting the G protein-coupled receptors angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and endothelin-1 type A receptor (ETAR) are implicated in the pathogenesis of transplant vasculopathy. While ERK signaling (a regulator of cell growth) may represent a general cellular response to agonist stimulation, the molecular link between receptor stimulation and development of vascular obliteration has not been fully established. Here we hypothesize involvement of the versatile adaptor proteins, β-arrestins, and the major regulator of cell growth, PI3K/mTOR signaling, in impaired endothelial repair. To test this, human microvascular endothelial cells were treated with AT1R/ETAR antibodies isolated from patients with kidney transplant vasculopathy. These antibodies activated both mTOR complexes via AT1R and ETAR in a PI3K-dependent and ERK-independent manner. The mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, completely abolished activation of mTORC1 and mTORC2 after long-term treatment with receptor antibodies. Imaging studies revealed that β2- but not β1-arrestin was recruited to ETAR in response to ET1 and patient antibodies but not with antibodies isolated from healthy individuals. Silencing of β2-arrestin by siRNA transfection significantly reduced ERK1/2 and mTORC2 activation. Non-HLA antibodies impaired endothelial repair by AT1R- and ETAR-induced mTORC2 signaling. Thus, we provide evidence that functional AT1R/ETAR antibodies induce ERK1/2 and mTOR signaling involving β2-arrestin in human microvascular endothelium. Hence, our data may provide a translational rational for mTOR inhibitors in combination with receptor blockers in patients with non-HLA receptor recognizing antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rusan Ali Catar
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Medizinische Klinik m. S. Nephrologie und internistische Intensivmedizin, Berlin, Germany; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Center for Cardiovascular Research, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Oskar Wischnewski
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Medizinische Klinik m. S. Nephrologie und internistische Intensivmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lei Chen
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Medizinische Klinik m. S. Nephrologie und internistische Intensivmedizin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai City, Guandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Claudia Rutz
- Leibniz Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie im Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V., Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Schülein
- Leibniz Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie im Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V., Berlin, Germany
| | - Duska Dragun
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Medizinische Klinik m. S. Nephrologie und internistische Intensivmedizin, Berlin, Germany; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Center for Cardiovascular Research, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, Germany
| | - Aurélie Philippe
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Medizinische Klinik m. S. Nephrologie und internistische Intensivmedizin, Berlin, Germany; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Center for Cardiovascular Research, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angelika Kusch
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Medizinische Klinik m. S. Nephrologie und internistische Intensivmedizin, Berlin, Germany; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Center for Cardiovascular Research, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Germany.
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25
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Wang X, Li F, Qiu W, Xu B, Li Y, Lian X, Yu H, Zhang Z, Wang J, Li Z, Xue W, Zhu F. SYNBIP: synthetic binding proteins for research, diagnosis and therapy. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:D560-D570. [PMID: 34664670 PMCID: PMC8728148 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of protein engineering and design has extensively expanded the protein space, which presents a promising strategy for creating next-generation proteins of diverse functions. Among these proteins, the synthetic binding proteins (SBPs) are smaller, more stable, less immunogenic, and better of tissue penetration than others, which make the SBP-related data attracting extensive interest from worldwide scientists. However, no database has been developed to systematically provide the valuable information of SBPs yet. In this study, a database named ‘Synthetic Binding Proteins for Research, Diagnosis, and Therapy (SYNBIP)’ was thus introduced. This database is unique in (a) comprehensively describing thousands of SBPs from the perspectives of scaffolds, biophysical & functional properties, etc.; (b) panoramically illustrating the binding targets & the broad application of each SBP and (c) enabling a similarity search against the sequences of all SBPs and their binding targets. Since SBP is a human-made protein that has not been found in nature, the discovery of novel SBPs relied heavily on experimental protein engineering and could be greatly facilitated by in-silico studies (such as AI and computational modeling). Thus, the data provided in SYNBIP could lay a solid foundation for the future development of novel SBPs. The SYNBIP is accessible without login requirement at both official (https://idrblab.org/synbip/) and mirror (http://synbip.idrblab.net/) sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Fengcheng Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Wenqi Qiu
- Department of Surgery, HKU-SZH & Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Binbin Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yanlin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xichen Lian
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Hongyan Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Jianxin Wang
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Zhaorong Li
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Hangzhou 330110, China
| | - Weiwei Xue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.,College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.,Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Hangzhou 330110, China
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Silva-Pilipich N, Smerdou C, Vanrell L. A Small Virus to Deliver Small Antibodies: New Targeted Therapies Based on AAV Delivery of Nanobodies. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9091956. [PMID: 34576851 PMCID: PMC8465657 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanobodies are camelid-derived single-domain antibodies that present some advantages versus conventional antibodies, such as a smaller size, and higher tissue penetrability, stability, and hydrophilicity. Although nanobodies can be delivered as proteins, in vivo expression from adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors represents an attractive strategy. This is due to the fact that AAV vectors, that can provide long-term expression of recombinant genes, have shown an excellent safety profile, and can accommodate genes for one or several nanobodies. In fact, several studies showed that AAV vectors can provide sustained nanobody expression both locally or systemically in preclinical models of human diseases. Some of the pathologies addressed with this technology include cancer, neurological, cardiovascular, infectious, and genetic diseases. Depending on the indication, AAV-delivered nanobodies can be expressed extracellularly or inside cells. Intracellular nanobodies or “intrabodies” carry out their function by interacting with cell proteins involved in disease and have also been designed to help elucidate cellular mechanisms by interfering with normal cell processes. Finally, nanobodies can also be used to retarget AAV vectors, when tethered to viral capsid proteins. This review covers applications in which AAV vectors have been used to deliver nanobodies, with a focus on their therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Silva-Pilipich
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Cristian Smerdou
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (L.V.); Tel.: +34-948194700 (C.S.); +508-29021505 (L.V.); Fax: +34-948194717 (C.S.)
| | - Lucía Vanrell
- Biotechnology Laboratory, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad ORT Uruguay, Mercedes 1237, Montevideo 11100, Uruguay
- Nanogrow Biotech, CIE BIO Incubator, Mercedes 1237, Montevideo 11100, Uruguay
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (L.V.); Tel.: +34-948194700 (C.S.); +508-29021505 (L.V.); Fax: +34-948194717 (C.S.)
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Gulezian E, Crivello C, Bednenko J, Zafra C, Zhang Y, Colussi P, Hussain S. Membrane protein production and formulation for drug discovery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:657-674. [PMID: 34270922 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Integral membrane proteins (MPs) are important drug targets across most fields of medicine, but historically have posed a major challenge for drug discovery due to difficulties in producing them in functional forms. We review the state of the art in drug discovery strategies using recombinant multipass MPs, and outline methods to successfully express, stabilize, and formulate them for small-molecule and monoclonal antibody therapeutics development. Advances in structure-based drug design and high-throughput screening are allowing access to previously intractable targets such as ion channels and transporters, propelling the field towards the development of highly specific therapies targeting desired conformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Gulezian
- TetraGenetics Inc., 91 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA 02474, USA
| | | | - Janna Bednenko
- TetraGenetics Inc., 91 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA 02474, USA
| | - Claudia Zafra
- TetraGenetics Inc., 91 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA 02474, USA
| | - Yihui Zhang
- TetraGenetics Inc., 91 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA 02474, USA
| | - Paul Colussi
- TetraGenetics Inc., 91 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA 02474, USA
| | - Sunyia Hussain
- TetraGenetics Inc., 91 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA 02474, USA.
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A nanobody activating metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 discriminates between homo- and heterodimers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2105848118. [PMID: 34385321 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2105848118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in developing biologics due to their high target selectivity. The G protein-coupled homo- and heterodimeric metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors regulate many synapses and are promising targets for the treatment of numerous brain diseases. Although subtype-selective allosteric small molecules have been reported, their effects on the recently discovered heterodimeric receptors are often not known. Here, we describe a nanobody that specifically and fully activates homodimeric human mGlu4 receptors. Molecular modeling and mutagenesis studies revealed that the nanobody acts by stabilizing the closed active state of the glutamate binding domain by interacting with both lobes. In contrast, this nanobody does not activate the heterodimeric mGlu2-4 but acts as a pure positive allosteric modulator. These data further reveal how an antibody can fully activate a class C receptor and bring further evidence that nanobodies represent an alternative way to specifically control mGlu receptor subtypes.
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Rathinaswamy MK, Fleming KD, Dalwadi U, Pardon E, Harris NJ, Yip CK, Steyaert J, Burke JE. HDX-MS-optimized approach to characterize nanobodies as tools for biochemical and structural studies of class IB phosphoinositide 3-kinases. Structure 2021; 29:1371-1381.e6. [PMID: 34348129 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in developing antibodies as modulators of signaling pathways. One of the most important signaling pathways in higher eukaryotes is the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, which plays fundamental roles in growth, metabolism, and immunity. The class IB PI3K, PI3Kγ, is a heterodimeric complex composed of a catalytic p110γ subunit bound to a p101 or p84 regulatory subunit. PI3Kγ is a critical component in multiple immune signaling processes and is dependent on activation by Ras and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to mediate its cellular roles. Here we describe the rapid and efficient characterization of multiple PI3Kγ binding single-chain camelid nanobodies using hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry (MS) for structural and biochemical studies. We identify nanobodies that stimulated lipid kinase activity, block Ras activation, and specifically inhibited p101-mediated GPCR activation. Overall, our work reveals insight into PI3Kγ regulation and identifies sites that may be exploited for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj K Rathinaswamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Kaelin D Fleming
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Udit Dalwadi
- Life Sciences Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Els Pardon
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium; VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Noah J Harris
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Calvin K Yip
- Life Sciences Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jan Steyaert
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium; VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - John E Burke
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada; Life Sciences Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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30
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Elgeti M, Hubbell WL. DEER Analysis of GPCR Conformational Heterogeneity. Biomolecules 2021; 11:778. [PMID: 34067265 PMCID: PMC8224605 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent a large class of transmembrane helical proteins which are involved in numerous physiological signaling pathways and therefore represent crucial pharmacological targets. GPCR function and the action of therapeutic molecules are defined by only a few parameters, including receptor basal activity, ligand affinity, intrinsic efficacy and signal bias. These parameters are encoded in characteristic receptor conformations existing in equilibrium and their populations, which are thus of paramount interest for the understanding of receptor (mal-)functions and rational design of improved therapeutics. To this end, the combination of site-directed spin labeling and EPR spectroscopy, in particular double electron-electron resonance (DEER), is exceedingly valuable as it has access to sub-Angstrom spatial resolution and provides a detailed picture of the number and populations of conformations in equilibrium. This review gives an overview of existing DEER studies on GPCRs with a focus on the delineation of structure/function frameworks, highlighting recent developments in data analysis and visualization. We introduce "conformational efficacy" as a parameter to describe ligand-specific shifts in the conformational equilibrium, taking into account the loose coupling between receptor segments observed for different GPCRs using DEER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Elgeti
- Jules Stein Eye Institute and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Wayne L. Hubbell
- Jules Stein Eye Institute and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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The Angiotensin II Type 1(AT1) Receptor and Cardiac Hypertrophy: Did We Have It Wrong All Along? J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2021; 77:531-535. [PMID: 33657051 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT An ongoing issue in cardiac pharmacology is whether angiotensin II has direct growth promoting effects on the heart via the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor. This question has relevance for whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and AT1 receptor blockers offer additional benefit in preventing adverse cardiac remodeling in hypertension. In a recent study, 2 strains of mice were infused with angiotensin II. In both, AT1 receptors were deleted in the heart and conduit vessels, but in one, AT1 receptors were also deleted in resistance vessels. Angiotensin II caused hypertrophy and hypertension in the strain lacking AT1 receptors in the heart and conduit vessels, but not in the strain without AT1 receptors in resistance vessels. This finding supports the conclusion that blood pressure is more important in determining cardiac hypertrophy than direct AT1 activation by angiotensin II, when the two are rapidly and simultaneously introduced. Surprisingly, mice with no cardiac AT1 receptor expression developed ventricular dilation and eccentric hypertrophy with pressure overload, in contrast to wild type mice that exhibited concentric hypertrophy, suggesting that cardiac AT1 receptors protect against high blood pressure. This interpretation revives issues related to β-arrestin-biased signaling and mechanosensitivity of AT1 receptors. Synthetic nanobodies, which are based on the variable regions of camelid-derived heavy chain-only antibodies, could be applied to explore the therapeutic potential of exploiting different activation states of AT1 under stress conditions, such as hypertension and heart failure. At the very least, this experimental approach is likely to reveal new facets of AT1 receptor signaling in the heart.
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