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Hu H, Xu Z, Zhang Z, Song P, Stull F, Xu P, Tang H. Rational design of a flavoenzyme for aerobic nicotine catabolism. mBio 2024:e0205024. [PMID: 39191403 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02050-24] [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: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Enzymatic therapy with nicotine-degrading enzyme is a new strategy in treating nicotine addiction, which can reduce nicotine concentrations and weaken withdrawal in the rat model. However, when O2 is used as the electron acceptor, no satisfactory performance has been achieved with one of the most commonly studied and efficient nicotine-catabolizing enzymes, NicA2. To obtain more efficient nicotine-degrading enzyme, we rationally designed and engineered a flavoenzyme Pnao, which shares high structural similarity with NicA2 (RMSD = 1.143 Å) and efficiently catalyze pseudooxynicotine into 3-succinoyl-semialdehyde pyridine using O2. Through amino acid alterations with NicA2, five Pnao mutants were generated, which can degrade nicotine in Tris-HCl buffer and retain catabolic activity on its natural substrate. Nicotine-1'-N-oxide was identified as one of the reaction products. Four of the derivative mutants showed activity in rat serum and Trp220 and Asn224 were found critical for enzyme specificity. Our findings offer a novel avenue for research into aerobic nicotine catabolism and provide a promising method of generating additional nicotine-catalytic enzymes. IMPORTANCE Nicotine, the main active substance in tobacco, results in cigarette addiction and various diseases. There have been some attempts at using nicotine oxidoreductase, NicA2, as a therapeutic for nicotine cessation. However, it uses cytochrome c as it is electron acceptor, which is impractical for therapeutic use compared with using O2 as an oxidant. Thus, amino acid alteration was performed on Pnao using NicA2 as model. Five of the mutants generated degraded nicotine at a rate similar to NicA2, and one of the catabolic compounds was identified as nicotine-1'-N-oxide. Our research highlights a new direction in developing enzymes that efficiently catabolize nicotine without co-enzymes and suggests that structure-similar human original MAOA (or B) may assist with nicotine cessation after being engineered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoyong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyao Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Peizhi Song
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Frederick Stull
- Department of Chemistry, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongzhi Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Hu H, Xu Z, Zhang Z, Song P, Stull F, Xu P, Tang H. Rational Design of a Flavoenzyme for Aerobic Nicotine Catabolism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.11.603087. [PMID: 39026806 PMCID: PMC11257531 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.11.603087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Enzymatic therapy with nicotine-degrading enzyme is a new strategy in treating nicotine addiction, which can reduce nicotine concentrations and weaken withdrawal in the rat model. However, when O2 is used as the electron acceptor, no satisfactory performance has been achieved with one of the most commonly studied and efficient nicotine-catabolizing enzymes, NicA2. To obtain more efficient nicotine-degrading enzyme, we rationally designed and engineered a flavoenzyme Pnao, which shares high structural similarity with NicA2 (RMSD = 1.143 Å) and efficiently catalyze pseudooxynicotine into 3-succinoyl-semialdehyde pyridine using O2. Through amino acid alterations with NicA2, five Pnao mutants were generated, which can degrade nicotine in Tris-HCl buffer and retained catabolic activity on its natural substrate. Nicotine-1'-N-oxide was identified as one of the reaction products. Four of the derivative mutants showed activity in rat serum and Trp220 and Asn224 were found critical for enzyme specificity. Our findings offer a novel avenue for research into aerobic nicotine catabolism and provides a promising method of generating additional nicotine-catalytic enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhaoyong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiyao Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Peizhi Song
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Frederick Stull
- Department of Chemistry, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongzhi Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Ye Z, Wei Y, Zhang G, Ge L, Wu C, Ren Y, Wang J, Xu X, Yang J, Wang T. Circadian rhythm regulation in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus: Insights into clock gene expression, photoperiod susceptibility, and neurohormone signaling. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 270:110930. [PMID: 38065309 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2023.110930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus displays the typical circadian rhythms. This present study investigated the molecular regulation of clock genes, as well as monoamines and melatonin, in multiple tissues of A. japonicus, responding to the photoperiod. In order to determine their pivotal role in circadian rhythms, the crucial clock genes, namely AjClock, AjArnt1, AjCry1, and AjTimeless, were identified and a comprehensive analysis of their expressions across various tissues in adult A. japonicus was conducted, revealing the potential existence of central and peripheral oscillators. Results demonstrated that the tissues of polian vesicle and nerve ring exhibited significant clock gene expression associated with the orchestration of circadian regulation, and that environmental light fluctuations exerted influence on the expression of these clock genes. However, a number of genes, such as AjArnt1 and AjCry1, maintained their circadian rhythmicity even under continuous light conditions. Moreover, we further investigated the circadian patterns of melatonin (MT), serotonin (5-HT), and dopamine (DA) secretion in A. japonicus, data that underscored the tissue-specific regulatory differences and the inherent adaptability to dynamic light environments. Collectively, these findings will provide the molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm in echinoderms and the candidate tissues playing the role of central oscillators in sea cucumbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Ye
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wei
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangbo Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China
| | - Lifei Ge
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenqian Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China
| | - Yucheng Ren
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China
| | - Jixiu Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuwen Xu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianming Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China.
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Cho Y, Li K, Lee JH, Pack SP, Cho AE. Elucidating TH301's influence on the torsion angle of CRY1 W399 using replica exchange with solute tempering (REST) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:32648-32655. [PMID: 38010133 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp04092e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cryptochrome 1 (CRY1) is a protein involved in the circadian clock and associated with various diseases. Targeting CRY1 for drug development requires the discovery of competitive inhibitors that target its FAD binding site through ubiquitination. During the development of compounds to regulate CRY1, an intriguing compound called TH301 was identified. Despite binding to CRY1, TH301 does not induce the expected reaction and is considered an inactive compound. However, it has been observed that TH301 affects the torsion angle of CRY1's W399 residue, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of ubiquitination by influencing the movement of the lid loop. In our research, we aimed to understand how TH301 induces the torsion angle of CRY1's W399 to shift to an "out-form" by performing REST-based MD simulations. The cyclopentane of TH301 tends to align parallel with W292, creating a repulsive force when W399 is in the "in-form", leading to a flip. In the "out-form", W399's side chain interacts with TH301's chlorobenzene through a π-π interaction, stabilizing this pose. This analysis helps identify compounds binding to CRY1 and filter out inactive ones. We found that assessing the interaction energy between TH301 and W399 is crucial to evaluate whether W399 flips or not. These findings contribute to the development of drugs targeting CRY1 and enhance our understanding of its regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeongrae Cho
- Department of Bioinformatics, Korea University, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong, 30119, Korea.
- Biological Clock-based Anti-aging Convergence RLRC, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Kexin Li
- Department of Bioinformatics, Korea University, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong, 30119, Korea.
- Biological Clock-based Anti-aging Convergence RLRC, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyup Lee
- Department of Food and Biotechnology, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong, 30119, Korea
- Biological Clock-based Anti-aging Convergence RLRC, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Pil Pack
- Department of Bioinformatics, Korea University, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong, 30119, Korea.
- Biological Clock-based Anti-aging Convergence RLRC, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Art E Cho
- Department of Bioinformatics, Korea University, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong, 30119, Korea.
- Biological Clock-based Anti-aging Convergence RLRC, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
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5
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Frederiksen A, Langebrake C, Hanić M, Manthey G, Mouritsen H, Liedvogel M, Solov’yov IA. Mutational Study of the Tryptophan Tetrad Important for Electron Transfer in European Robin Cryptochrome 4a. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:26425-26436. [PMID: 37521624 PMCID: PMC10373462 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The ability of migratory birds to sense magnetic fields has been known for decades, although the understanding of the underlying mechanism is still elusive. Currently, the strongest magnetoreceptor candidate in birds is a protein called cryptochrome 4a. The cryptochrome 4a protein has changed through evolution, apparently endowing some birds with a more pronounced magnetic sensitivity than others. Using phylogenetic tools, we show that a specific tryptophan tetrad and a tyrosine residue predicted to be essential for cryptochrome activation are highly conserved in the avian clade. Through state-of-the-art molecular dynamics simulations and associated analyses, we also studied the role of these specific residues and the associated mutants on the overall dynamics of the protein. The analyses of the single residue mutations were used to judge how far a local change in the protein structure can impact specific dynamics of European robin cryptochrome 4a. We conclude that the replacements of each of the tryptophans one by one with a phenylalanine do not compromise the overall stability of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Frederiksen
- Institute
of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität
Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Strasse 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Corinna Langebrake
- Institute
of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, Wilhelmshaven 26386, Germany
| | - Maja Hanić
- Institute
of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität
Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Strasse 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Georg Manthey
- Institute
of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität
Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Strasse 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
- Institute
of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, Wilhelmshaven 26386, Germany
| | - Henrik Mouritsen
- Department
of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl
von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Strasse 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
- Research
Centre for Neurosensory Sciences, Carl von
Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Strasse 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Miriam Liedvogel
- Institute
of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, Wilhelmshaven 26386, Germany
- Department
of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl
von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Strasse 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
- MPRG
Behavioural Genomics, Max Planck Institute
for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Str. 2, Plön 24306, Germany
| | - Ilia A. Solov’yov
- Institute
of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität
Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Strasse 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
- Research
Centre for Neurosensory Sciences, Carl von
Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Strasse 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
- Department
of Physics, Center for Nanoscale Dynamics (CENAD), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
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6
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Calloni G, Vabulas RM. The structural and functional roles of the flavin cofactor FAD in mammalian cryptochromes. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 9:1081661. [PMID: 36660433 PMCID: PMC9845712 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1081661] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of circadian rhythms in human health and disease calls for a thorough understanding of the underlying molecular machinery, including its key components, the flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-containing flavoproteins cryptochrome 1 and 2. Contrary to their Drosophila counterparts, mammalian cryptochromes are direct suppressors of circadian transcription and act independently of light. Light-independence poses the question regarding the role of the cofactor FAD in mammalian cryptochromes. The weak binding of the cofactor in vitro argues against its relevance and might be a functionless evolutionary remnant. From the other side, the FAD-binding pocket constitutes the part of mammalian cryptochromes directly related to their ubiquitylation by the ubiquitin ligase Fbxl3 and is the target for protein-stabilizing small molecules. Increased supplies of FAD stabilize cryptochromes in cell culture, and the depletion of the FAD precursor riboflavin with simultaneous knock-down of riboflavin kinase affects the expression of circadian genes in mice. This review presents the classical and more recent studies in the field, which help to comprehend the role of FAD for the stability and function of mammalian cryptochromes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R. Martin Vabulas
- Institute of Biochemistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: R. Martin Vabulas,
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Gul S, Akyel YK, Gul ZM, Isin S, Ozcan O, Korkmaz T, Selvi S, Danis I, Ipek OS, Aygenli F, Taskin AC, Akarlar BA, Ozlu N, Ozturk N, Ozturk N, Ünal DÖ, Guzel M, Turkay M, Okyar A, Kavakli IH. Discovery of a small molecule that selectively destabilizes Cryptochrome 1 and enhances life span in p53 knockout mice. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6742. [PMID: 36347873 PMCID: PMC9643396 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34582-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptochromes are negative transcriptional regulators of the circadian clock in mammals. It is not clear how reducing the level of endogenous CRY1 in mammals will affect circadian rhythm and the relation of such a decrease with apoptosis. Here, we discovered a molecule (M47) that destabilizes Cryptochrome 1 (CRY1) both in vitro and in vivo. The M47 selectively enhanced the degradation rate of CRY1 by increasing its ubiquitination and resulted in increasing the circadian period length of U2OS Bmal1-dLuc cells. In addition, subcellular fractionation studies from mice liver indicated that M47 increased degradation of the CRY1 in the nucleus. Furthermore, M47-mediated CRY1 reduction enhanced oxaliplatin-induced apoptosis in Ras-transformed p53 null fibroblast cells. Systemic repetitive administration of M47 increased the median lifespan of p53-/- mice by ~25%. Collectively our data suggest that M47 is a promising molecule to treat forms of cancer depending on the p53 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seref Gul
- grid.15876.3d0000000106887552Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, 34450 Sariyer-Istanbul, Turkey ,grid.9601.e0000 0001 2166 6619Present Address: Department of Biology, Biotechnology Division, İstanbul University, TR-34116 Beyazit-Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Kubra Akyel
- grid.9601.e0000 0001 2166 6619Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, İstanbul University, TR-34116 Beyazit-Istanbul, Turkey ,grid.411781.a0000 0004 0471 9346Present Address: School of Medicine, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Melis Gul
- grid.15876.3d0000000106887552Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Safak Isin
- grid.15876.3d0000000106887552Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Onur Ozcan
- grid.15876.3d0000000106887552Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Tuba Korkmaz
- grid.448834.70000 0004 0595 7127Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze Technical University, Gebze, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Saba Selvi
- grid.448834.70000 0004 0595 7127Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze Technical University, Gebze, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Danis
- grid.9601.e0000 0001 2166 6619Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical Chemistry, İstanbul University, TR-34116 Beyazit-Istanbul, Turkey ,grid.9601.e0000 0001 2166 6619İstanbul University Drug Research and Application Center (ILAM), TR-34116 Beyazıt-Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgecan Savlug Ipek
- grid.411781.a0000 0004 0471 9346Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), İstanbul Medipol University, Kavacik Campus, Kavacik-Beykoz/Istanbul, 34810 Turkey ,grid.38575.3c0000 0001 2337 3561Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Yildiz Technical University, Besiktas/Istanbul, 34349 Turkey
| | - Fatih Aygenli
- grid.448834.70000 0004 0595 7127Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze Technical University, Gebze, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ali Cihan Taskin
- grid.15876.3d0000000106887552Animal Research Facility, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koc University, Rumelifeneri yolu, 34450 Sariyer-Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Büşra Aytül Akarlar
- grid.15876.3d0000000106887552Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Nurhan Ozlu
- grid.15876.3d0000000106887552Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Nuri Ozturk
- grid.448834.70000 0004 0595 7127Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze Technical University, Gebze, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Narin Ozturk
- grid.9601.e0000 0001 2166 6619Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, İstanbul University, TR-34116 Beyazit-Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Durişehvar Özer Ünal
- grid.9601.e0000 0001 2166 6619Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical Chemistry, İstanbul University, TR-34116 Beyazit-Istanbul, Turkey ,grid.9601.e0000 0001 2166 6619İstanbul University Drug Research and Application Center (ILAM), TR-34116 Beyazıt-Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Guzel
- grid.411781.a0000 0004 0471 9346Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), İstanbul Medipol University, Kavacik Campus, Kavacik-Beykoz/Istanbul, 34810 Turkey ,grid.411781.a0000 0004 0471 9346International School of Medicine, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Kavacik Campus, İstanbul Medipol University, Kavacik-Beykoz/Istanbul, 34810 Turkey
| | - Metin Turkay
- grid.15876.3d0000000106887552Department of Industrial Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alper Okyar
- grid.9601.e0000 0001 2166 6619Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, İstanbul University, TR-34116 Beyazit-Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Halil Kavakli
- grid.15876.3d0000000106887552Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, 34450 Sariyer-Istanbul, Turkey ,grid.15876.3d0000000106887552Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, İstanbul, Turkey
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8
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Yagi M, Miller S, Nagai Y, Inuki S, Sato A, Hirota T. A methylbenzimidazole derivative regulates mammalian circadian rhythms by targeting Cryptochrome proteins. F1000Res 2022; 11:1016. [PMID: 36226040 PMCID: PMC9523283 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.124658.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Impairment of the circadian clock has been associated with numerous diseases, including sleep disorders and metabolic disease. Although small molecules that modulate clock function may form the basis of drug discovery of clock-related diseases, only a few compounds that selectively target core clock proteins have been identified. Three scaffolds were previously discovered as small-molecule activators of the clock protein Cryptochrome (CRY), and they have been providing powerful tools to understand and control the circadian clock system. Identifying new scaffolds will expand the possibilities of drug discovery. Methods: A methylbenzimidazole derivative TH401 identified from cell-based circadian screens was characterized. Effects of TH401 on circadian rhythms were evaluated in cellular assays. Functional assays and X-ray crystallography were used to elucidate the effects of the compound on CRY1 and CRY2 isoforms. Results: TH401 lengthened the period of circadian rhythms and stabilized both CRY1 and CRY2. The compound repressed Per2 reporter activity, which was reduced by Cry1 or Cry2 knockout and abolished by Cry1/Cry2 double knockout, indicating the dependence on CRY isoforms. Thermal shift assays showed slightly higher interaction of TH401 with CRY2 over CRY1. The crystal structure of CRY1 in complex with TH401 revealed a conformational change of the gatekeeper W399, which is involved in isoform-selectivity determination. Conclusions: The present study identified a new small molecule TH401 that targets both CRY isoforms. This compound has expanded the chemical diversity of CRY activators, and will ultimately aid in the development of therapeutics against circadian clock-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moeri Yagi
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan,Division of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Simon Miller
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Nagai
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Inuki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Ayato Sato
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hirota
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan,Division of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan,
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9
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CRY2 isoform selectivity of a circadian clock modulator with antiglioblastoma efficacy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2203936119. [PMID: 36161947 PMCID: PMC9546630 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203936119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian cryptochrome isoforms, CRY1 and CRY2, are core circadian clock regulators that work redundantly. Recent studies revealed distinct roles of these closely related homologs in clock output pathways. Isoform-selective control of CRY1 and CRY2 is critical for further understanding their redundant and distinct roles. KL001 was the first identified small-molecule CRY modulator that activates both CRY1 and CRY2. SHP656 is an orally available KL001 derivative and has shown efficacy in blood glucose control and inhibition of glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) growth in animal models. However, CRY isoform selectivity of SHP656 was uncharacterized, limiting understanding of the roles of CRY1 and CRY2. Here, we report the elucidation of CRY2 selectivity of SHP656. SHP656 lengthened cellular circadian period in a CRY2-dependent manner and selectively interacted with CRY2. By determining the X-ray crystal structure of CRY2 in complex with SHP656 and performing molecular dynamics simulations, we elucidated compound interaction mechanisms. SHP656 binding was compatible with the intrinsic CRY2 gatekeeper W417 "in" orientation and also a close "further in" conformation. Perturbation of W417 interaction with the lid loop resulted in a reduced effect of SHP656 on CRY2, supporting an important role of gatekeeper orientation in isoform selectivity. We also identified the R form of SHP656 (called SHP1703) as the active isomer. Treatment with SHP1703 effectively reduced GSC viability. Our results suggest a direct role of CRY2 in glioblastoma antitumorigenesis and provide a rationale for the selective modulation of CRY isoforms in the therapeutic treatment of glioblastoma and other circadian clock-related diseases.
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Rasmussen ES, Takahashi JS, Green CB. Time to target the circadian clock for drug discovery. Trends Biochem Sci 2022; 47:745-758. [PMID: 35577675 PMCID: PMC9378619 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The circadian clock is an intracellular timekeeping device that drives daily rhythms in diverse and extensive processes throughout the body. The clock mechanism comprises a core transcription/translation negative feedback loop that is modulated by a complex set of additional interlocking feedback loops. Pharmacological manipulation of the clock may be valuable for treating many maladies including jet lag, shift work and related sleep disorders, various metabolic diseases, and cancer. We review recent identification of small-molecule clock modulators and discuss the biochemical features of the core clock that may be amenable to future drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Sjulstok Rasmussen
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Joseph S Takahashi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Carla B Green
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Alachkar A. Aromatic patterns: Tryptophan aromaticity as a catalyst for the emergence of life and rise of consciousness. Phys Life Rev 2022; 42:93-114. [PMID: 35905538 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2022.07.002] [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: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sunlight held the key to the origin of life on Earth. The earliest life forms, cyanobacteria, captured the sunlight to generate energy through photosynthesis. Life on Earth evolved in accordance with the circadian rhythms tied to sensitivity to sunlight patterns. A unique feature of cyanobacterial photosynthetic proteins and circadian rhythms' molecules, and later of nearly all photon-sensing molecules throughout evolution, is that the aromatic amino acid tryptophan (Trp) resides at the center of light-harvesting active sites. In this perspective, I review the literature and integrate evidence from different scientific fields to explore the role Trp plays in photon-sensing capabilities of living organisms through its resonance delocalization of π-electrons. The observations presented here are the product of apparently unrelated phenomena throughout evolution, but nevertheless share consistent patterns of photon-sensing by Trp-containing and Trp-derived molecules. I posit the unique capacity to transfer electrons during photosynthesis in the earliest life forms is conferred to Trp due to its aromaticity. I propose this ability evolved to assume more complex functions, serving as a host for mechanisms underlying mental aptitudes - a concept which provides a theoretical basis for defining the neural correlates of consciousness. The argument made here is that Trp aromaticity may have allowed for the inception of the mechanistic building blocks used to fabricate complexity in higher forms of life. More specifically, Trp aromatic non-locality may have acted as a catalyst for the emergence of consciousness by instigating long-range synchronization and stabilizing the large-scale coherence of neural networks, which mediate functional brain activity. The concepts proposed in this perspective provide a conceptual foundation that invites further interdisciplinary dialogue aimed at examining and defining the role of aromaticity (beyond Trp) in the emergence of life and consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Alachkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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12
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Miller S, Hirota T. Structural and Chemical Biology Approaches Reveal Isoform-Selective Mechanisms of Ligand Interactions in Mammalian Cryptochromes. Front Physiol 2022; 13:837280. [PMID: 35153842 PMCID: PMC8831909 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.837280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptochromes (CRYs) are core components of the circadian feedback loop in mammals, which regulates circadian rhythmicity in a variety of physiological processes including sleep–wake cycles and metabolism. Dysfunction of CRY1 and CRY2 isoforms has been associated with a host of diseases, such as sleep phase disorder and metabolic diseases. Accumulating evidence for distinct roles of CRY1 and CRY2 has highlighted the need for CRY isoform-selective regulation; however, highly conserved sequences in CRY ligand-binding sites have hindered the design of isoform-selective compounds. Chemical biology approaches have been identifying small-molecule modulators of CRY proteins, which act in isoform-non-selective and also isoform-selective manners. In this review, we describe advances in our understanding of CRY isoform selectivity by comparing X-ray crystal structures of mammalian CRY isoforms in apo form and in complexes with compounds. We discuss how intrinsic conformational differences in identical residues of CRY1 and CRY2 contribute to unique interactions with different compound moieties for isoform selectivity.
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13
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Iida M, Nakane Y, Yoshimura T, Hirota T. Effects of Cryptochrome-modulating compounds on circadian behavioral rhythms in zebrafish. J Biochem 2021; 171:501-507. [PMID: 34528676 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvab096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The circadian clock controls daily rhythms of various physiological processes, and impairment of its function causes many diseases including sleep disorders. Chemical compounds that regulate clock function are expected to be applied for treatment of circadian clock-related diseases. We previously identified small-molecule compounds KL001, KL101, and TH301 that lengthen the period of cellular circadian clock by directly targeting clock proteins Cryptochromes (CRYs) in mammals. KL001 targets both CRY1 and CRY2 isoforms, while KL101 and TH301 are isoform-selective compounds and require CRY C-terminal region for their effects. For further application of these compounds, the effects on locomotor activity rhythms at the organismal level need to be investigated. Here we used zebrafish larvae as an in vivo model system and found that KL001 lengthened the period of locomotor activity rhythms in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, KL101 and TH301 showed no effect on the period. The amino acid sequences of CRY C-terminal regions are diverged in zebrafish and mammals, supporting the importance of this region for the effects of KL101 and TH301. This study demonstrated efficacy of CRY modulation for controlling circadian behavioral rhythms in organisms and suggested species-dependent differences in the effects of isoform-selective CRY-modulating compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mui Iida
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.,Division of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakane
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Integrative Physiology, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Yoshimura
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Integrative Physiology, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hirota
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.,Division of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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