1
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Imai M, Colas K, Suga H. Protein Grafting Techniques: From Peptide Epitopes to Lasso-Grafted Neobiologics. Chempluschem 2024:e202400152. [PMID: 38693599 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202400152] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Protein engineering techniques have vastly expanded their domain of impact, notably following the success of antibodies. Likewise, smaller peptide therapeutics have carved an increasingly significant niche for themselves in the pharmaceutical landscape. The concept of grafting such peptides onto larger protein scaffolds, thus harvesting the advantages of both, has given rise to a variety of protein engineering strategies that are reviewed herein. We also describe our own "Lasso-Grafting" approach, which combines traditional grafting concepts with mRNA display to streamline the production of multiple grafted drug candidates for virtually any target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikio Imai
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kilian Colas
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
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2
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Zhai S, Tan Y, Zhang C, Hipolito CJ, Song L, Zhu C, Zhang Y, Duan H, Yin Y. PepScaf: Harnessing Machine Learning with In Vitro Selection toward De Novo Macrocyclic Peptides against IL-17C/IL-17RE Interaction. J Med Chem 2023; 66:11187-11200. [PMID: 37480587 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The combination of library-based screening and artificial intelligence (AI) has been accelerating the discovery and optimization of hit ligands. However, the potential of AI to assist in de novo macrocyclic peptide ligand discovery has yet to be fully explored. In this study, an integrated AI framework called PepScaf was developed to extract the critical scaffold relative to bioactivity based on a vast dataset from an initial in vitro selection campaign against a model protein target, interleukin-17C (IL-17C). Taking the generated scaffold, a focused macrocyclic peptide library was rationally constructed to target IL-17C, yielding over 20 potent peptides that effectively inhibited IL-17C/IL-17RE interaction. Notably, the top two peptides displayed exceptional potency with IC50 values of 1.4 nM. This approach presents a viable methodology for more efficient macrocyclic peptide discovery, offering potential time and cost savings. Additionally, this is also the first report regarding the discovery of macrocyclic peptides against IL-17C/IL-17RE interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silong Zhai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yahong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Chengyun Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Christopher John Hipolito
- Screening & Compound Profiling, Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Lulu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Cheng Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Youming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Hongliang Duan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yizhen Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
- Shandong Research Institute of Industrial Technology, Jinan 250101, China
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3
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Lee YCJ, Javdan B, Cowan A, Smith K. More than skin deep: cyclic peptides as wound healing and cytoprotective compounds. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1195600. [PMID: 37325572 PMCID: PMC10267460 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1195600] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and cost of wounds pose a challenge to patients as well as the healthcare system. Wounds can involve multiple tissue types and, in some cases, become chronic and difficult to treat. Comorbidities may also decrease the rate of tissue regeneration and complicate healing. Currently, treatment relies on optimizing healing factors rather than administering effective targeted therapies. Owing to their enormous diversity in structure and function, peptides are among the most prevalent and biologically important class of compounds and have been investigated for their wound healing bioactivities. A class of these peptides, called cyclic peptides, confer stability and improved pharmacokinetics, and are an ideal source of wound healing therapeutics. This review provides an overview of cyclic peptides that have been shown to promote wound healing in various tissues and in model organisms. In addition, we describe cytoprotective cyclic peptides that mitigate ischemic reperfusion injuries. Advantages and challenges in harnessing the healing potential for cyclic peptides from a clinical perspective are also discussed. Cyclic peptides are a potentially attractive category of wound healing compounds and more research in this field could not only rely on design as mimetics but also encompass de novo approaches as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chiang J. Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Bahar Javdan
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Alexis Cowan
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Keith Smith
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States
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4
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Song W, Sheng Q, Bai Y, Li L, Ning X, Liu Y, Song C, Wang T, Dong X, Luo Y, Hu J, Zhu L, Cui X, Chen B, Li L, Cai C, Cui H, Yue T. Obesity, but not high-fat diet, is associated with bone loss that is reversed via CD4 +CD25 +Foxp3 + Tregs-mediated gut microbiome of non-obese mice. NPJ Sci Food 2023; 7:14. [PMID: 37055440 PMCID: PMC10102288 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-023-00190-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mass, microarchitectural deterioration, and increased bone fragility. High-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity also results in bone loss, which is associated with an imbalanced gut microbiome. However, whether HFD-induced obesity or HFD itself promotes osteoclastogenesis and consequent bone loss remains unclear. In this study, we developed HFD-induced obesity (HIO) and non-obesity (NO) mouse models to evaluate the effect of HFD on bone loss. NO mice were defined as body weight within 5% of higher or lower than that of chow diet fed mice after 10 weeks HFD feeding. NO was protected from HIO-induced bone loss by the RANKL /OPG system, with associated increases in the tibia tenacity, cortical bone mean density, bone volume of cancellous bone, and trabecular number. This led to increased bone strength and improved bone microstructure via the microbiome-short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) regulation. Additionally, endogenous gut-SCFAs produced by the NO mice activated free fatty acid receptor 2 and inhibited histone deacetylases, resulting in the promotion of Treg cell proliferation in the HFD-fed NO mice; thereby, inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, which can be transplanted by fecal microbiome. Furthermore, T cells from NO mice retain differentiation of osteoclast precursors of RAW 264.7 macrophages ex vivo. Our data reveal that HFD is not a deleterious diet; however, the induction of obesity serves as a key trigger of bone loss that can be blocked by a NO mouse-specific gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Song
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, 710069, Xi'an, China.
- Laboratory of Nutritional and Healthy Food-Individuation Manufacturing Engineering, 710069, Xi'an, China.
- Research Center of Food Safety Risk Assessment and Control, 710069, Xi'an, China.
| | - Qinglin Sheng
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Laboratory of Nutritional and Healthy Food-Individuation Manufacturing Engineering, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Research Center of Food Safety Risk Assessment and Control, 710069, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuying Bai
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 226-8501, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Li Li
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150000, Harbin, China
- National Local Joint Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Nutritional Molecule Synthesis Transformation and Separation, 150000, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Ning
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150000, Harbin, China
- National Local Joint Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Nutritional Molecule Synthesis Transformation and Separation, 150000, Harbin, China
| | - Yangeng Liu
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150000, Harbin, China
- National Local Joint Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Nutritional Molecule Synthesis Transformation and Separation, 150000, Harbin, China
| | - Chen Song
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150000, Harbin, China
- National Local Joint Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Nutritional Molecule Synthesis Transformation and Separation, 150000, Harbin, China
| | - Tianyi Wang
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150000, Harbin, China
- National Local Joint Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Nutritional Molecule Synthesis Transformation and Separation, 150000, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaohua Dong
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150000, Harbin, China
- National Local Joint Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Nutritional Molecule Synthesis Transformation and Separation, 150000, Harbin, China
| | - Yane Luo
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Laboratory of Nutritional and Healthy Food-Individuation Manufacturing Engineering, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Research Center of Food Safety Risk Assessment and Control, 710069, Xi'an, China
| | - Jinhong Hu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Laboratory of Nutritional and Healthy Food-Individuation Manufacturing Engineering, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Research Center of Food Safety Risk Assessment and Control, 710069, Xi'an, China
| | - Lina Zhu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Laboratory of Nutritional and Healthy Food-Individuation Manufacturing Engineering, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Research Center of Food Safety Risk Assessment and Control, 710069, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaole Cui
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Laboratory of Nutritional and Healthy Food-Individuation Manufacturing Engineering, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Research Center of Food Safety Risk Assessment and Control, 710069, Xi'an, China
| | - Bing Chen
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Laboratory of Nutritional and Healthy Food-Individuation Manufacturing Engineering, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Research Center of Food Safety Risk Assessment and Control, 710069, Xi'an, China
| | - Lingling Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Laboratory of Nutritional and Healthy Food-Individuation Manufacturing Engineering, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Research Center of Food Safety Risk Assessment and Control, 710069, Xi'an, China
| | - Congli Cai
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Laboratory of Nutritional and Healthy Food-Individuation Manufacturing Engineering, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Research Center of Food Safety Risk Assessment and Control, 710069, Xi'an, China
| | - Haobo Cui
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Laboratory of Nutritional and Healthy Food-Individuation Manufacturing Engineering, 710069, Xi'an, China
- Research Center of Food Safety Risk Assessment and Control, 710069, Xi'an, China
| | - Tianli Yue
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, 710069, Xi'an, China.
- Laboratory of Nutritional and Healthy Food-Individuation Manufacturing Engineering, 710069, Xi'an, China.
- Research Center of Food Safety Risk Assessment and Control, 710069, Xi'an, China.
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5
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Ito K, Matsuda Y, Mine A, Miyairi K, Kikuchi Y, Konishi A. Bacterially Secretable Single-Chain Tandem Macrocyclic Peptides for High Affinity and Inhibitory Activity. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200599. [PMID: 36409290 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The inhibition of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is an effective approach for therapy. Owing to their large binding surface areas to target proteins, macrocyclic peptides are suitable molecules for PPI inhibition. In this study, we developed single-chain tandem macrocyclic peptides (STaMPtides) that inhibits the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2 (VEGFR2). They were artificially designed to comprise two different VEGFR2-binding macrocyclic peptides linked in tandem by peptide linkers and secreted by Corynebacterium glutamicum. Most potent VEGFR2-inhibitory STaMPtides with length-optimized linkers exhibited >1000 times stronger inhibitory activity than their parental monomeric peptides, possibly due to the avidity effect of heterodimerization. Our approach of using STaMPtides for PPI inhibition may be used to inhibit other extracellular factors, such as growth factors and cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Ito
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Matsuda
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ayako Mine
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kyohei Miyairi
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Kikuchi
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Konishi
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Kanagawa, Japan
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6
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De novo Fc-based receptor dimerizers differentially modulate PlexinB1 function. Structure 2022; 30:1411-1423.e4. [PMID: 35981535 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Signaling by single-pass transmembrane receptors often involves a formation of ligand-induced receptor dimers with particular conformation, and bivalent receptor binders can modulate receptor functions by inducing different receptor dimer conformations, although such agents are difficult to design. Here, we describe the generation of both antagonistic and agonistic receptor dimerizers toward PlexinB1 (PlxnB1), a receptor for semaphorin 4D (Sema4D), by grafting two different PlxnB1-binding peptides onto the human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) Fc protein. The function-modulating activity of a peptide Fc was strongly dependent on the type of the peptide as well as the grafting site, with the best variants showing activity at an nM concentration range. Structural analysis of each peptide-PlxnB1 complex revealed that the agonistic Fc dimerizes PlxnB1 in a face-to-face fashion similar to that induced by Sema4D, whereas antagonistic Fc would induce signaling-incompetent PlxnB1 dimer conformation, enforcing the idea that plexin activation is primarily controlled by the receptor orientation within the dimer.
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7
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Vogler M, Oleksy A, Schulze S, Fedorova M, Kojonazarov B, Nijjar S, Patel S, Jossi S, Sawmynaden K, Henry M, Brown R, Matthews D, Offermanns S, Worzfeld T. An antagonistic monoclonal anti-Plexin-B1 antibody exerts therapeutic effects in mouse models of postmenopausal osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102265. [PMID: 35850304 PMCID: PMC9396414 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102265] [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: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis are highly prevalent diseases with limited treatment options. In light of these unmet medical needs, novel therapeutic approaches are urgently sought. Previously, the activation of the transmembrane receptor Plexin-B1 by its ligand semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) has been shown to suppress bone formation and promote neuroinflammation in mice. However, it is unclear whether inhibition of this receptor–ligand interaction by an anti–Plexin-B1 antibody could represent a viable strategy against diseases related to these processes. Here, we raised and systematically characterized a monoclonal antibody directed against the extracellular domain of human Plexin-B1, which specifically blocks the binding of Sema4D to Plexin-B1. In vitro, we show that this antibody inhibits the suppressive effects of Sema4D on human osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. To test the therapeutic potential of the antibody in vivo, we generated a humanized mouse line, which expresses transgenic human Plexin-B1 instead of endogenous murine Plexin-B1. Employing these mice, we demonstrate that the anti–Plexin-B1 antibody exhibits beneficial effects in mouse models of postmenopausal osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis in vivo. In summary, our data identify an anti–Plexin-B1 antibody as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Vogler
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department of Pharmacology, Bad Nauheim 61231, Germany; LOEWE Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt 60596, Germany
| | - Arkadiusz Oleksy
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, SG1 2FX, UK
| | - Sabrina Schulze
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department of Pharmacology, Bad Nauheim 61231, Germany; LOEWE Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt 60596, Germany
| | - Marina Fedorova
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, SG1 2FX, UK
| | - Baktybek Kojonazarov
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Medical Clinic II, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Sharandip Nijjar
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, SG1 2FX, UK
| | - Seema Patel
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, SG1 2FX, UK
| | - Sian Jossi
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, SG1 2FX, UK
| | - Kovilen Sawmynaden
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, SG1 2FX, UK
| | - Maud Henry
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, SG1 2FX, UK
| | - Richard Brown
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, SG1 2FX, UK
| | - David Matthews
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, SG1 2FX, UK
| | - Stefan Offermanns
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department of Pharmacology, Bad Nauheim 61231, Germany; LOEWE Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt 60596, Germany; Medical Faculty, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
| | - Thomas Worzfeld
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department of Pharmacology, Bad Nauheim 61231, Germany; LOEWE Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt 60596, Germany; Institute of Pharmacology, University of Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany.
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8
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Coronado JN, Ngo P, Anslyn EV, Ellington AD. Chemical insights into flexizyme-mediated tRNA acylation. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:1071-1112. [PMID: 35413283 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
A critical step in repurposing the cellular translation machinery for the synthesis of polymeric products is the acylation of transfer RNA (tRNA) with unnatural monomers. Toward this goal, flexizymes, ribozymes capable of aminoacylation, have emerged as a uniquely adept tool for charging tRNA with ever increasingly diverse substrates. In this review, we present a library of monomer substrates that have been tested for tRNA acylation with the flexizyme system. From this mile-high view, we provide insights for understanding the chemical factors that influence flexizyme-mediated tRNA acylation. We conclude that flexizymes are primitive esterification catalysts that display a modest binding affinity to the monomer's aromatic recognition element. Together, these robust, yet flexible, flexizyme systems provide researchers with unprecedented access for preparing unnatural acyl-tRNA and the opportunity to repurpose the translation machinery for the synthesis of novel biologically derived structures beyond native proteins and peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime N Coronado
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Phuoc Ngo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Eric V Anslyn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Andrew D Ellington
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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9
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Johansen-Leete J, Ullrich S, Fry SE, Frkic R, Bedding MJ, Aggarwal A, Ashhurst AS, Ekanayake KB, Mahawaththa MC, Sasi VM, Luedtke S, Ford DJ, O'Donoghue AJ, Passioura T, Larance M, Otting G, Turville S, Jackson CJ, Nitsche C, Payne RJ. Antiviral cyclic peptides targeting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. Chem Sci 2022; 13:3826-3836. [PMID: 35432913 PMCID: PMC8966731 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc06750h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antivirals that specifically target SARS-CoV-2 are needed to control the COVID-19 pandemic. The main protease (Mpro) is essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication and is an attractive target for antiviral development. Here we report the use of the Random nonstandard Peptide Integrated Discovery (RaPID) mRNA display on a chemically cross-linked SARS-CoV-2 Mpro dimer, which yielded several high-affinity thioether-linked cyclic peptide inhibitors of the protease. Structural analysis of Mpro complexed with a selenoether analogue of the highest-affinity peptide revealed key binding interactions, including glutamine and leucine residues in sites S1 and S2, respectively, and a binding epitope straddling both protein chains in the physiological dimer. Several of these Mpro peptide inhibitors possessed antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro with EC50 values in the low micromolar range. These cyclic peptides serve as a foundation for the development of much needed antivirals that specifically target SARS-CoV-2. RaPID mRNA display was used for the discovery of antiviral cyclic peptides that potently and selectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The most potent inhibitor exhibited a novel binding mode, interacting with residues across the homodimer interface.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Johansen-Leete
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sven Ullrich
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Sarah E. Fry
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Rebecca Frkic
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Max J. Bedding
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | | | - Anneliese S. Ashhurst
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Kasuni B. Ekanayake
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Mithun C. Mahawaththa
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Vishnu M. Sasi
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Stephanie Luedtke
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Daniel J. Ford
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Anthony J. O'Donoghue
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Toby Passioura
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Sydney Analytical, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mark Larance
- Sydney Analytical, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Gottfried Otting
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | | | - Colin J. Jackson
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Richard J. Payne
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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10
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Goto Y, Suga H. The RaPID Platform for the Discovery of Pseudo-Natural Macrocyclic Peptides. Acc Chem Res 2021; 54:3604-3617. [PMID: 34505781 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although macrocyclic peptides bearing exotic building blocks have proven their utility as pharmaceuticals, the sources of macrocyclic peptide drugs have been largely limited to mimetics of native peptides or natural product peptides. However, the recent emergence of technologies for discovering de novo bioactive peptides has led to their reconceptualization as a promising therapeutic modality. For the construction and screening of libraries of such macrocyclic peptides, our group has devised a platform to conduct affinity-based selection of massive libraries (>1012 unique sequences) of in vitro expressed macrocyclic peptides, which is referred to as the random nonstandard peptides integrated discovery (RaPID) system. The RaPID system integrates genetic code reprogramming using the FIT (flexible in vitro translation) system, which is largely facilitated by flexizymes (flexible tRNA-aminoacylating ribozymes), with mRNA display technology.We have demonstrated that the RaPID system enables rapid discovery of various de novo pseudo-natural peptide ligands for protein targets of interest. Many examples discussed in this Account prove that thioether-closed macrocyclic peptides (teMPs) obtained by the RaPID system generally exhibit remarkably high affinity and specificity, thereby potently inhibiting or activating a specific function(s) of the target. Moreover, such teMPs are used for a wide range of biochemical applications, for example, as crystallization chaperones for intractable transmembrane proteins and for in vivo recognition of specific cell types. Furthermore, recent studies demonstrate that some teMPs exhibit pharmacological activities in animal models and that even intracellular proteins can be inhibited by teMPs, illustrating the potential of this class of peptides as drug leads.Besides the ring-closing thioether linkage in the teMPs, genetic code reprogramming by the FIT system allows for incorporation of a variety of other exotic building blocks. For instance, diverse nonproteinogenic amino acids, hydroxy acids (ester linkage), amino carbothioic acid (thioamide linkage), and abiotic foldamer units have been successfully incorporated into ribosomally synthesized peptides. Despite such enormous successes in the conventional FIT system, multiple or consecutive incorporation of highly exotic amino acids, such as d- and β-amino acids, is yet challenging, and particularly the synthesis of peptides bearing non-carbonyl backbone structures remains a demanding task. To upgrade the RaPID system to the next generation, we have engaged in intensive manipulation of the FIT system to expand the structural diversity of peptides accessible by our in vitro biosynthesis strategy. Semilogical engineering of tRNA body sequences led to a new suppressor tRNA (tRNAPro1E2) capable of effectively recruiting translation factors, particularly EF-Tu and EF-P. The use of tRNAPro1E2 in the FIT system allows for not only single but also consecutive and multiple elongation of exotic amino acids, such as d-, β-, and γ-amino acids as well as aminobenzoic acids. Moreover, the integration of the FIT system with various chemical or enzymatic posttranslational modifications enables us to expand the range of accessible backbone structures to non-carbonyl moieties prominent in natural products and peptidomimetics. In such systems, FIT-expressed peptides undergo multistep backbone conversions in a one-pot manner to yield designer peptides composed of modified backbones such as azolines, azoles, and ring-closing pyridines. Our current research endeavors focus on applying such in vitro biosynthesis systems for the discovery of bioactive de novo pseudo-natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Goto
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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11
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Kamalinia G, Grindel BJ, Takahashi TT, Millward SW, Roberts RW. Directing evolution of novel ligands by mRNA display. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:9055-9103. [PMID: 34165126 PMCID: PMC8725378 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00160d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
mRNA display is a powerful biological display platform for the directed evolution of proteins and peptides. mRNA display libraries covalently link the displayed peptide or protein (phenotype) with the encoding genetic information (genotype) through the biochemical activity of the small molecule puromycin. Selection for peptide/protein function is followed by amplification of the linked genetic material and generation of a library enriched in functional sequences. Iterative selection cycles are then performed until the desired level of function is achieved, at which time the identity of candidate peptides can be obtained by sequencing the genetic material. The purpose of this review is to discuss the development of mRNA display technology since its inception in 1997 and to comprehensively review its use in the selection of novel peptides and proteins. We begin with an overview of the biochemical mechanism of mRNA display and its variants with a particular focus on its advantages and disadvantages relative to other biological display technologies. We then discuss the importance of scaffold choice in mRNA display selections and review the results of selection experiments with biological (e.g., fibronectin) and linear peptide library architectures. We then explore recent progress in the development of "drug-like" peptides by mRNA display through the post-translational covalent macrocyclization and incorporation of non-proteogenic functionalities. We conclude with an examination of enabling technologies that increase the speed of selection experiments, enhance the information obtained in post-selection sequence analysis, and facilitate high-throughput characterization of lead compounds. We hope to provide the reader with a comprehensive view of current state and future trajectory of mRNA display and its broad utility as a peptide and protein design tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnaz Kamalinia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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12
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Norman A, Franck C, Christie M, Hawkins PME, Patel K, Ashhurst AS, Aggarwal A, Low JKK, Siddiquee R, Ashley CL, Steain M, Triccas JA, Turville S, Mackay JP, Passioura T, Payne RJ. Discovery of Cyclic Peptide Ligands to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Using mRNA Display. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2021; 7:1001-1008. [PMID: 34230894 PMCID: PMC8189037 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.0c01708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to substantial morbidity, mortality, and disruption globally. Cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 is mediated by the viral spike protein, and affinity ligands to this surface protein have the potential for applications as antivirals and diagnostic reagents. Here, we describe the affinity selection of cyclic peptide ligands to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) from three distinct libraries (in excess of a trillion molecules each) by mRNA display. We identified six high affinity molecules with dissociation constants (K D) in the nanomolar range (15-550 nM) to the RBD. The highest affinity ligand could be used as an affinity reagent to detect the spike protein in solution by ELISA, and the cocrystal structure of this molecule bound to the RBD demonstrated that it binds to a cryptic binding site, displacing a β-strand near the C-terminus. Our findings provide key mechanistic insight into the binding of peptide ligands to the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD, and the ligands discovered in this work may find future use as reagents for diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Norman
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian
Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and
Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Charlotte Franck
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian
Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and
Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- School
of Life and Environmental Sciences, The
University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Mary Christie
- School
of Life and Environmental Sciences, The
University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Paige M. E. Hawkins
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian
Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and
Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Karishma Patel
- School
of Life and Environmental Sciences, The
University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Anneliese S. Ashhurst
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian
Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and
Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- School
of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | | | - Jason K. K. Low
- School
of Life and Environmental Sciences, The
University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Rezwan Siddiquee
- School
of Life and Environmental Sciences, The
University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Sydney Analytical, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Caroline L. Ashley
- School
of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Megan Steain
- School
of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - James A. Triccas
- School
of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | | | - Joel P. Mackay
- School
of Life and Environmental Sciences, The
University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Toby Passioura
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- School
of Life and Environmental Sciences, The
University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Sydney Analytical, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Richard J. Payne
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian
Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and
Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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13
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Taguchi S, Suga H. Targeting of extracellular protein-protein interactions with macrocyclic peptides. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 62:82-89. [PMID: 33774472 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Targeting of extracellular protein-protein interactions (PPI) is emerging as a major application for de novo discovered macrocyclic peptides. Modern discovery platforms can routinely identify macrocyclic peptide ligands capable of highly selective modulation of extracellular signaling pathways; amenability to chemical synthesis and natural modularity of peptides additionally provides an avenue for their further structural elaboration, while the challenge of cell internalization can be minimized. Here, we discuss the recent progress in targeting extracellular PPIs with macrocyclic peptides by focusing on a number of recent case studies. We analyze the scope and potential limitations of the discovery systems in identifying functional macrocyclic ligands. We also highlight the recent technical advancements allowing for a more streamlined discovery pipeline and our brief perspective in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Taguchi
- Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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14
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Mihara E, Watanabe S, Bashiruddin NK, Nakamura N, Matoba K, Sano Y, Maini R, Yin Y, Sakai K, Arimori T, Matsumoto K, Suga H, Takagi J. Lasso-grafting of macrocyclic peptide pharmacophores yields multi-functional proteins. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1543. [PMID: 33750839 PMCID: PMC7943567 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21875-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein engineering has great potential for devising multifunctional recombinant proteins to serve as next-generation protein therapeutics, but it often requires drastic modifications of the parental protein scaffolds e.g., additional domains at the N/C-terminus or replacement of a domain by another. A discovery platform system, called RaPID (Random non-standard Peptides Integrated Discovery) system, has enabled rapid discovery of small de novo macrocyclic peptides that bind a target protein with high binding specificity and affinity. Capitalizing on the optimized binding properties of the RaPID-derived peptides, here we show that RaPID-derived pharmacophore sequences can be readily implanted into surface-exposed loops on recombinant proteins and maintain both the parental peptide binding function(s) and the host protein function. We refer to this protein engineering method as lasso-grafting and demonstrate that it can endow specific binding capacity toward various receptors into a diverse set of scaffolds that includes IgG, serum albumin, and even capsid proteins of adeno-associated virus, enabling us to rapidly formulate and produce bi-, tri-, and even tetra-specific binder molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Mihara
- Laboratory of Protein Synthesis and Expression, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Watanabe
- Laboratory of Protein Synthesis and Expression, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nasir K Bashiruddin
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nozomi Nakamura
- Laboratory of Protein Synthesis and Expression, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kyoko Matoba
- Laboratory of Protein Synthesis and Expression, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yumi Sano
- Laboratory of Protein Synthesis and Expression, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Rumit Maini
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yizhen Yin
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuya Sakai
- Division of Tumor Dynamics and Regulation, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- WPI-Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takao Arimori
- Laboratory of Protein Synthesis and Expression, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kunio Matsumoto
- Division of Tumor Dynamics and Regulation, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- WPI-Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Junichi Takagi
- Laboratory of Protein Synthesis and Expression, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
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