1
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Ren Y, Chen H, Zhao SY, Ma L, He QX, Gong WB, Wu JW, Yao HW, Wang ZX. Biochemical analyses reveal new insights into RCAN1/Rcn1 inhibition of calcineurin. FEBS J 2024. [PMID: 39241105 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17266] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/08/2024]
Abstract
Calcineurin is a serine/threonine protein phosphatase that is highly conserved from yeast to human and plays a critical role in many physiological processes. Regulators of calcineurin (RCANs) are a family of endogenous calcineurin regulators, which are capable of inhibiting the catalytic activity of calcineurin in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we first characterized the biochemical properties of yeast calcineurin and its endogenous regulator Rcn1, a yeast homolog of RCAN1. Our data show that Rcn1 inhibits yeast calcineurin toward pNPP substrate with a noncompetitive mode; and Rcn1 binds cooperatively to yeast calcineurin through multiple low-affinity interactions at several docking regions. Next, we reinvestigated the mechanism underlying the inhibition of mammalian calcineurin by RCAN1 using a combination of biochemical, biophysical, and computational methods. In contrast to previous observations, RCAN1 noncompetitively inhibits calcineurin phosphatase activity toward both pNPP and phospho-RII peptide substrates by targeting the enzyme active site in part. Re-analysis of previously reported kinetic data reveals that the RCAN1 concentrations used were too low to distinguish between the inhibition mechanisms [Chan B et al. (2005) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 102, 13075]. The results presented in this study provide new insights into the interaction between calcineurin and RCAN1/Rcn1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ren
- Institute of Molecular Enzymology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Beijing Normal University, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Institute of Molecular Enzymology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shan-Yue Zhao
- Institute of Molecular Enzymology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qing-Xia He
- Institute of Molecular Enzymology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wei-Bin Gong
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Wei Wu
- Institute of Molecular Enzymology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hong-Wei Yao
- Institute of Molecular Enzymology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Xin Wang
- Institute of Molecular Enzymology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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2
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Robinson SA, Co JA, Banik SM. Molecular glues and induced proximity: An evolution of tools and discovery. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1089-1100. [PMID: 38688281 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.04.001] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Small molecule molecular glues can nucleate protein complexes and rewire interactomes. Molecular glues are widely used as probes for understanding functional proximity at a systems level, and the potential to instigate event-driven pharmacology has motivated their application as therapeutics. Despite advantages such as cell permeability and the potential for low off-target activity, glues are still rare when compared to canonical inhibitors in therapeutic development. Their often simple structure and specific ability to reshape protein-protein interactions pose several challenges for widespread, designer applications. Molecular glue discovery and design campaigns can find inspiration from the fields of synthetic biology and biophysics to mine chemical libraries for glue-like molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steven Mark Banik
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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3
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Ly HM, Desgagné M, Nguyen DT, Comeau C, Froehlich U, Marsault É, Boudreault PL. Insights on Structure-Passive Permeability Relationship in Pyrrole and Furan-Containing Macrocycles. J Med Chem 2024; 67:3711-3726. [PMID: 38417040 PMCID: PMC10946398 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02162] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Macrocycles have recognized therapeutic potential, but their limited cellular permeability can hinder their development as oral drugs. To better understand the structure-permeability relationship of heterocycle-containing, semipeptidic macrocycles, a library was synthesized. These compounds were created by developing two novel reactions described herein: the reduction of activated oximes by LiBH4 and the aqueous reductive mono-N-alkylation of aldehydes using catalytic SmI2 and stoichiometric Zn. The permeability of the macrocycles was evaluated through a parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA), and the results indicated that macrocycles with a furan incorporated into the structure have better passive permeability than those with a pyrrole moiety. Compounds bearing a 2,5-disubstituted pyrrole (endo orientation) were shown to be implicated in intramolecular H-bonds, enhancing their permeability. This study highlighted the impact of heterocycles moieties in semipeptides, creating highly permeable macrocycles, thus showing promising avenues for passive diffusion of drugs beyond the rule-of-five chemical space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy M Ly
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e ave Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H5N4, Canada
| | - Michael Desgagné
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e ave Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H5N4, Canada
| | - Duc Tai Nguyen
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e ave Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H5N4, Canada
| | - Christian Comeau
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e ave Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H5N4, Canada
| | - Ulrike Froehlich
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e ave Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H5N4, Canada
| | - Éric Marsault
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e ave Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H5N4, Canada
| | - Pierre-Luc Boudreault
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e ave Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H5N4, Canada
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4
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Moral R, Paul S. Exploring Cyclic Peptide Nanotube Stability Across Diverse Lipid Bilayers and Unveiling Water Transport Dynamics. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:882-895. [PMID: 38134046 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic Peptide Nanotubes (CPNTs) have emerged as compelling candidates for various applications, particularly as nanochannels within lipid bilayers. In this study, the stability of two CPNTs, namely 8 × [(Cys-Gly-Met-Gly)2] and 8 × [(Gly-Leu)4], are comprehensively investigated across different lipid bilayers, including 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), a mixed model membrane (POPE/POPG), and a realistic yeast model membrane. The results demonstrate that both CPNTs maintain their tubular structures in all lipid bilayers, with [(Cys-Gly-Met-Gly)2] showing increased stability over an extended period in these lipid membranes. The insertion of CPNTs shows negligible impact on lipid bilayer properties, including area per lipid, volume per lipid, and bilayer thickness. The study demonstrates that the CPNT preserves its two-line water movement pattern within all the lipid membranes, reaffirming their potential as water channels. The MSD curves further reveal that the dynamics of water molecules inside the nanotube are similar for all the bilayer systems with minor differences that arise due to different lipid environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimjhim Moral
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Sandip Paul
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
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5
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Claes Z, Bollen M. A split-luciferase lysate-based approach to identify small-molecule modulators of phosphatase subunit interactions. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:1666-1679.e6. [PMID: 37625414 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
An emerging strategy for the therapeutic targeting of protein phosphatases involves the use of compounds that interfere with the binding of regulatory subunits or substrates. However, high-throughput screening strategies for such interfering molecules are scarce. Here, we report on the conversion of the NanoBiT split-luciferase system into a robust assay for the quantification of phosphatase subunit and substrate interactions in cell lysates. The assay is suitable to screen small-molecule libraries for interfering compounds. We designed and validated split-luciferase sensors for a broad range of PP1 and PP2A holoenzymes, including sensors that selectively report on weak interaction sites. To facilitate efficient hit triaging in large-scale screening campaigns, deselection procedures were developed to eliminate assay-interfering molecules with high fidelity. As a proof-of-principle, we successfully applied the split-luciferase screening tool to identify small-molecule disruptors of the interaction between the C-terminus of PP1β and the ankyrin-repeat domain of the myosin-phosphatase targeting subunit MYPT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zander Claes
- Laboratory of Biosignaling and Therapeutics, KU Leuven Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Bollen
- Laboratory of Biosignaling and Therapeutics, KU Leuven Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Hasani S, Fathabadi F, Saeidi S, Mohajernoei P, Hesari Z. The role of NFATc1 in the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer: A review on the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:1895-1904. [PMID: 37814550 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12094] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
A common type of cancer among men is the prostate cancer that kills many people every year. The multistage of this disease and the involvement of the vital organs of the body have reduced the life span and quality of life of the people involved and turned the treatment process into a complex one. NFATc1 biomarker contributes significantly in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease by increasing its expression in prostate cancer and helping the proliferation, differentiation, and invasion of cancer cells through different signaling pathways. NFATc1 is also able to target the metabolism of cancer cells by inserting specific oncogene molecules such as c-myc that it causes cell growth and proliferation. Bone is a common tissue where prostate cancer cells metastasize. In this regard, the activity of NFATc1, through the regulation of different signaling cascades, including the RANKL/RANK signaling pathway, in turn, increases the activity of osteoclasts, and as a result, bone tissue is gradually ruined. Using Silibinin as a medicinal plant extract can inhibit the activity of osteoclasts related to prostate cancer by targeting NFATc. Undoubtedly, NFATc1 is one of the effective oncogenes related to prostate cancer, which has the potential to put this cancer on the path of progression and metastasis. In this review, we will highlight the role of NFATc1 in the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer. Furthermore, we will summarize signaling pathways and molecular mechanism, through which NFATc1 regulates the process of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Hasani
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, Khalkhal, Iran
| | - Farshid Fathabadi
- Laboratory Sciences Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Saman Saeidi
- Laboratory Sciences Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Pouya Mohajernoei
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Zahra Hesari
- Laboratory Sciences Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
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7
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Kolbe MR, Hohmann T, Hohmann U, Maronde E, Golbik R, Prell J, Illert J, Strauss C, Dehghani F. Elucidation of GPR55-Associated Signaling behind THC and LPI Reducing Effects on Ki67-Immunoreactive Nuclei in Patient-Derived Glioblastoma Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2646. [PMID: 37998380 PMCID: PMC10670585 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222646] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
GPR55 is involved in many physiological and pathological processes. In cancer, GPR55 has been described to show accelerating and decelerating effects in tumor progression resulting from distinct intracellular signaling pathways. GPR55 becomes activated by LPI and various plant-derived, endogenous, and synthetic cannabinoids. Cannabinoids such as THC exerted antitumor effects by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation or inducing apoptosis. Besides its effects through CB1 and CB2 receptors, THC modulates cellular responses among others via GPR55. Previously, we reported a reduction in Ki67-immunoreactive nuclei of human glioblastoma cells after GPR55 activation in general by THC and in particular by LPI. In the present study, we investigated intracellular mechanisms leading to an altered number of Ki67+ nuclei after stimulation of GPR55 by LPI and THC. Pharmacological analyses revealed a strongly involved PLC-IP3 signaling and cell-type-specific differences in Gα-, Gβγ-, RhoA-ROCK, and calcineurin signaling. Furthermore, immunochemical visualization of the calcineurin-dependent transcription factor NFAT revealed an unchanged subcellular localization after THC or LPI treatment. The data underline the cell-type-specific diversity of GPR55-associated signaling pathways in coupling to intracellular G proteins. Furthermore, this diversity might determine the outcome and the individual responsiveness of tumor cells to GPR55 stimulation by cannabin oids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Richard Kolbe
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.R.K.); (T.H.); (U.H.)
| | - Tim Hohmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.R.K.); (T.H.); (U.H.)
| | - Urszula Hohmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.R.K.); (T.H.); (U.H.)
| | - Erik Maronde
- Department of Anatomy II, Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Ralph Golbik
- Charles Tanford Protein Centre, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3a, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Julian Prell
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.P.); (J.I.); (C.S.)
| | - Jörg Illert
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.P.); (J.I.); (C.S.)
| | - Christian Strauss
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.P.); (J.I.); (C.S.)
| | - Faramarz Dehghani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.R.K.); (T.H.); (U.H.)
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8
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R M N, Joy A. In silico discovery of novel calcineurin inhibitors using ligand-based 3-D pharmacophore modelling and molecular dynamics simulation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37850491 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2271103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Calcineurin is a serine-threonine protein phosphatase that is activated with the binding of calmodulin in the presence of increased calcium concentration and has a major role in various signaling pathways. Its role in regulating homeostasis, developmental processes, and different disease progression has already been reported. The dysregulated Ca2+/calcineurin/NFAT1-4 pathway is observed in Autoimmune disorders and hence the use of Calcineurin inhibitors like Cyclosporin A (CsA) and Tacrolimus (FK506) is widely done in such cases. Recent studies indicate the uncontrolled overexpression of the Calcineurin protein in the pathophysiological pathway of neurodegenerative diseases. The in vitro and animal model studies with standard calcineurin inhibitors (CnIs), which are widely labeled as immunosuppressant drugs, have shown a significant reduction of neurodegeneration in respective models. These results compel the identification of novel calcineurin inhibitors against neurodegenerative diseases. With this scenario, the present work focuses on the computer-aided identification of novel CnIs via ligand-based 3-D pharmacophore modelling. Known CnIs, CsA, and FK506, were used to build the pharmacophore models which were validated and screened against external databases to retrieve possible hits. Docking investigations, pharmacokinetic properties, and molecular dynamics simulations along with toxicity predictions were performed on the hits that were obtained. According to the study, a total of 5 molecules ILB 162, ILB 005, ILB 439, ILB 390, and ILB 198, were found to be the best calcineurin inhibitors with binding affinity in the range of -9.7 to -9.0 Kcal/mol with 1MF8 (PDB). The stability of interactions of these molecules was further validated via Molecular dynamics simulation studies to confirm these to be the potential calcineurin-inhibiting molecules. HIGHLIGHTSCalcineurin inhibitors can be a novel therapeutic candidate against neurodegenerative diseases.The identification of novel Calcineurin inhibitors was done in silico using ligand-based 3-D pharmacophore modelling using Ligand Scout Essential 4.4. software.The model could identify 440 hits from various external databases like PubChem (2432 molecules), ChemSpider, MayBridge, DrugBank, and e-Drug 3D by Cheminformatic Tools and Databases for Pharmacology.Out of which 5 molecules: ILB 162, ILB 005, ILB 439, ILB 390, and ILB 198, were found to be the best calcineurin inhibitors with binding affinity in the range of -9.7 to -9.0 Kcal/mol with 1MF8 (PDB) which were further confirmed to be the best CnI candidates via Molecular dynamics simulation studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivya R M
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Sahrdaya College of Engineering and Technology, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University of Kerala, Thrissur, Kerala, India
| | - Amitha Joy
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Sahrdaya College of Engineering and Technology, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University of Kerala, Thrissur, Kerala, India
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9
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Lee D, Choi J, Yang MJ, Park CJ, Seo J. Controlling the Chameleonic Behavior and Membrane Permeability of Cyclosporine Derivatives via Backbone and Side Chain Modifications. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13189-13204. [PMID: 37718494 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01140] [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: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Some macrocycles exhibit enhanced membrane permeability through conformational switching in different environmental polarities, a trait known as chameleonic behavior. In this study, we demonstrate specific backbone and side chain modifications that can control chameleonic behavior and passive membrane permeability using a cyclosporin O (CsO) scaffold. To quantify chameleonic behavior, we used a ratio of the population of the closed conformation obtained in polar solvent and nonpolar solvent for each CsO derivative. We found that β-hydroxylation at position 1 (1 and 3) can encode chameleonicity and improve permeability. However, the conformational stabilization induced by adding an additional transannular H-bond (2 and 5) leads to a much slower rate of membrane permeation. Our CsO scaffold provides a platform for the systematic study of the relationship among conformation, membrane permeability, solubility, and protein binding. This knowledge contributes to the discovery of potent beyond the rule of five (bRo5) macrocycles capable of targeting undruggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjae Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Choi
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Min June Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Chin-Ju Park
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Seo
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
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10
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Nolze A, Matern S, Grossmann C. Calcineurin Is a Universal Regulator of Vessel Function-Focus on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2269. [PMID: 37759492 PMCID: PMC10528183 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182269] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin, a serine/threonine phosphatase regulating transcription factors like NFaT and CREB, is well known for its immune modulatory effects and role in cardiac hypertrophy. Results from experiments with calcineurin knockout animals and calcineurin inhibitors indicate that calcineurin also plays a crucial role in vascular function, especially in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In the aorta, calcineurin stimulates the proliferation and migration of VSMCs in response to vascular injury or angiotensin II administration, leading to pathological vessel wall thickening. In the heart, calcineurin mediates coronary artery formation and VSMC differentiation, which are crucial for proper heart development. In pulmonary VSMCs, calcineurin/NFaT signaling regulates the release of Ca2+, resulting in increased vascular tone followed by pulmonary arterial hypertension. In renal VSMCs, calcineurin regulates extracellular matrix secretion promoting fibrosis development. In the mesenteric and cerebral arteries, calcineurin mediates a phenotypic switch of VSMCs leading to altered cell function. Gaining deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms of calcineurin signaling will help researchers to understand developmental and pathogenetical aspects of the vasculature. In this review, we provide an overview of the physiological function and pathophysiology of calcineurin in the vascular system with a focus on vascular smooth muscle cells in different organs. Overall, there are indications that under certain pathological settings reduced calcineurin activity seems to be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
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11
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Gurung D, Danielson JA, Tasnim A, Zhang JT, Zou Y, Liu JY. Proline Isomerization: From the Chemistry and Biology to Therapeutic Opportunities. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1008. [PMID: 37508437 PMCID: PMC10376262 DOI: 10.3390/biology12071008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Proline isomerization, the process of interconversion between the cis- and trans-forms of proline, is an important and unique post-translational modification that can affect protein folding and conformations, and ultimately regulate protein functions and biological pathways. Although impactful, the importance and prevalence of proline isomerization as a regulation mechanism in biological systems have not been fully understood or recognized. Aiming to fill gaps and bring new awareness, we attempt to provide a wholistic review on proline isomerization that firstly covers what proline isomerization is and the basic chemistry behind it. In this section, we vividly show that the cause of the unique ability of proline to adopt both cis- and trans-conformations in significant abundance is rooted from the steric hindrance of these two forms being similar, which is different from that in linear residues. We then discuss how proline isomerization was discovered historically followed by an introduction to all three types of proline isomerases and how proline isomerization plays a role in various cellular responses, such as cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair, T-cell activation, and ion channel gating. We then explore various human diseases that have been linked to the dysregulation of proline isomerization. Finally, we wrap up with the current stage of various inhibitors developed to target proline isomerases as a strategy for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Gurung
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Jacob A Danielson
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Afsara Tasnim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Toledo College of Engineering, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Jian-Ting Zhang
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Yue Zou
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Jing-Yuan Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Toledo College of Engineering, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
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12
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Geng CA, Chen FY, Zheng JB, Liao P, Li TZ, Zhang XM, Chen X, Chen JJ. Rubiginosin B selectively inhibits Treg cell differentiation and enhances anti-tumor immune responses by targeting calcineurin-NFAT signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 116:154898. [PMID: 37247590 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accumulation of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) dampens anti-tumor immune responses and promotes tumor progression. Therefore, the elimination of Tregs has become a strategy to enhance the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy, although it is still a daunting challenge. Rhododendron brachypodum (R. brachypodum) is a perennial shrub mainly distributed in Southwestern China, whereas the chemical constituents in this plant remain elusive. PURPOSE To identify small-molecule inhibitors of Tregs from R. brachypodum. METHODS Meroterpenoids in R. brachypodum were isolated by column chromatography under the guidance of LCMS analyses. The structures of isolates were identified by spectroscopic data and quantum calculations. The activities of compounds were first evaluated on CD4+ T cell differentiation by flow cytometry in Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg polarizing conditions, and then on CT26 and MC38 murine colorectal carcinoma cells-allografted mice models. The mechanism of action was first investigated by determining Foxp3 degradation in Jurkat T cells transfected with pLVX-TetOne-Puro-Foxp3-tGFP, and then through analyses of Foxp3 expression on several pre-transcriptional signaling molecules. RESULTS Two new prenylated phenolic acids (1 and 2) and a chromane meroterpenoid, rubiginosin B (RGB, 3) were obtained from R. brachypodum. The structure of S-anthopogochromene C (1) was rectified according to the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) experiment, and rhodobrachypodic acid (2) was proposed as the precursor of RGB by photochemical transformation. In this investigation, we first found that RGB (3) selectively suppressed the de novo differentiation of TGFβ-induced CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (iTregs), overcome the immunosuppressive TME, and consequently inhibited the growth of tumor in mouse models. The mechanistic study revealed that RGB could target calcineurin, inhibited the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) dephosphorylation, and down-regulated Foxp3 expression. The hypothetical binding modes of RGB with calcineurin were predicted by molecular docking, and the interactions were mainly hydrophobic effects and hydrogen bonds. CONCLUSION These results suggest that RGB enhances anti-tumor immune responses by inhibiting Treg cell differentiation through calcineurin-NFAT signaling pathway, and therefore RGB or its analogs may be used as adjuvant agents meriting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-An Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Feng-Yang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Science, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jing-Bin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Science, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Ping Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Science, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Tian-Ze Li
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Xue-Mei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Science, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China.; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China.
| | - Ji-Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Moral R, Paul S. Influence of salt and temperature on the self-assembly of cyclic peptides in water: a molecular dynamics study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:5406-5422. [PMID: 36723368 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp05160e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
It is found in the literature that cyclic peptides (CPs) are able to self-assemble in water to form cyclic peptide nanotubes (CPNTs) and are used extensively in the field of nanotechnology. Several factors influence the formation and stability of these nanotubes in water. However, an extensive study of the contribution of several important factors is still lacking. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of temperature and salt (NaCl) on the association tendency of CPs. Furthermore, the self-association behavior of CPs in aqueous solutions at various temperatures is also thoroughly discussed. Cyclo-[(Asp-D-Leu-Lys-D-Leu)2] is considered for this study and a series of classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at three different temperatures, viz. 280 K, 300 K, and 320 K, both in pure water and in NaCl solutions of different concentrations are carried out. The calculations of radial distribution functions, preferential interaction parameters, cluster formation and hydrogen bonding properties suggest a strong influence of NaCl concentration on the association propensity of CPs. Low NaCl concentration hinders CP association while high NaCl concentration facilitates the association of CPs. Besides this, the association of CPs is found to be enhanced at low temperature. Furthermore, the thermodynamics of CP association is predominantly found to be enthalpy driven in both the presence and absence of salt. No crossover between enthalpy and entropy in CP association is observed. In addition, the MM-GBSA method is used to investigate the binding free energies of the CP rings that self-assembled to form nanotube like structures at all three temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimjhim Moral
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati Assam, 781039, India.
| | - Sandip Paul
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati Assam, 781039, India.
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14
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Nitro-oleic acid regulates T cell activation through post-translational modification of calcineurin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2208924120. [PMID: 36652486 PMCID: PMC9942794 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208924120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitro-fatty acids (NO2-FAs) are unsaturated fatty acid nitration products that exhibit anti-inflammatory actions in experimental mouse models of autoimmune and allergic diseases. These electrophilic molecules interfere with intracellular signaling pathways by reversible post-translational modification of nucleophilic amino-acid residues. Several regulatory proteins have been identified as targets of NO2-FAs, modifying their activity and promoting gene expression changes that result in anti-inflammatory effects. Herein, we report the effects of nitro-oleic acid (NO2-OA) on pro-inflammatory T cell functions, showing that 9- and 10-NOA, but not their oleic acid precursor, decrease T cell proliferation, expression of activation markers CD25 and CD71 on the plasma membrane, and IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ cytokine gene expressions. Moreover, we have found that NO2-OA inhibits the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and that this inhibition takes place through the regulation of the phosphatase activity of calcineurin (CaN), hindering NFAT dephosphorylation, and nuclear translocation in activated T cells. Finally, using mass spectrometry-based approaches, we have found that NO2-OA nitroalkylates CaNA on four Cys (Cys129, 228, 266, and 372), of which only nitroalkylation on Cys372 was of importance for the regulation of CaN phosphatase activity in cells, disturbing functional CaNA/CaNB heterodimer formation. These results provide evidence for an additional mechanism by which NO2-FAs exert their anti-inflammatory actions, pointing to their potential as therapeutic bioactive lipids for the modulation of harmful T cell-mediated immune responses.
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15
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Favretto F, Jiménez-Faraco E, Conter C, Dominici P, Hermoso JA, Astegno A. Structural Basis for Cyclosporin Isoform-Specific Inhibition of Cyclophilins from Toxoplasma gondii. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:365-377. [PMID: 36653744 PMCID: PMC9926490 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00566] [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] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Cyclosporin (CsA) has antiparasite activity against the human pathogen Toxoplasma gondii. A possible mechanism of action involves CsA binding to T. gondii cyclophilins, although much remains to be understood. Herein, we characterize the functional and structural properties of a conserved (TgCyp23) and a more divergent (TgCyp18.4) cyclophilin isoform from T. gondii. While TgCyp23 is a highly active cis-trans-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) and binds CsA with nanomolar affinity, TgCyp18.4 shows low PPIase activity and is significantly less sensitive to CsA inhibition. The crystal structure of the TgCyp23:CsA complex was solved at the atomic resolution showing the molecular details of CsA recognition by the protein. Computational and structural studies revealed relevant differences at the CsA-binding site between TgCyp18.4 and TgCyp23, suggesting that the two cyclophilins might have distinct functions in the parasite. These studies highlight the extensive diversification of TgCyps and pave the way for antiparasite interventions based on selective targeting of cyclophilins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Favretto
- Department
of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134Verona, Italy
| | - Eva Jiménez-Faraco
- Department
of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical Chemistry Rocasolano (IQFR), CSIC, Serrano 119, 28006Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Conter
- Department
of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Dominici
- Department
of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134Verona, Italy
| | - Juan A. Hermoso
- Department
of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical Chemistry Rocasolano (IQFR), CSIC, Serrano 119, 28006Madrid, Spain,
| | - Alessandra Astegno
- Department
of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134Verona, Italy,
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16
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Calcineurin Inhibitor CN585 Exhibits Off-Target Effects in the Human Fungal Pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8121281. [PMID: 36547614 PMCID: PMC9788591 DOI: 10.3390/jof8121281] [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: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin (CN) is an attractive antifungal target as it is critical for growth, stress response, drug resistance, and virulence in fungal pathogens. The immunosuppressive drugs, tacrolimus (FK506) and cyclosporin A (CsA), are fungistatic and specifically inhibit CN through binding to their respective immunophilins, FK506-binding protein (FKBP12), and cyclophilin (CypA). We are focused on CN structure-based approaches for the development of non-immunosuppressive FK506 analogs as antifungal therapeutics. Here, we examined the effect of the novel CN inhibitor, CN585, on the growth of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, the most common cause of invasive aspergillosis. Unexpectedly, in contrast to FK506, CN585 exhibited off-target effect on A. fumigatus wild-type and the azole- and echinocandin-resistant strains. Unlike with FK506 and CsA, the A. fumigatus CN, FKBP12, CypA mutants (ΔcnaA, Δfkbp12, ΔcypA) and various FK506-resistant mutants were all sensitive to CN585. Furthermore, in contrast to FK506 the cytosolic to nuclear translocation of the CN-dependent transcription factor (CrzA-GFP) was not inhibited by CN585. Molecular docking of CN585 onto human and A. fumigatus CN complexes revealed differential potential binding sites between human CN versus A. fumigatus CN. Our results indicate CN585 may be a non-specific inhibitor of CN with a yet undefined antifungal mechanism of activity.
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Ferreira AF, Santiago J, Silva JV, Oliveira PF, Fardilha M. PP1, PP2A and PP2B Interplay in the Regulation of Sperm Motility: Lessons from Protein Phosphatase Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315235. [PMID: 36499559 PMCID: PMC9737803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315235] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Male fertility relies on the ability of spermatozoa to fertilize the egg in the female reproductive tract (FRT). Spermatozoa acquire activated motility during epididymal maturation; however, to be capable of fertilization, they must achieve hyperactivated motility in the FRT. Extensive research found that three protein phosphatases (PPs) are crucial to sperm motility regulation, the sperm-specific protein phosphatase type 1 (PP1) isoform gamma 2 (PP1γ2), protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) and protein phosphatase type 2B (PP2B). Studies have reported that PP activity decreases during epididymal maturation, whereas protein kinase activity increases, which appears to be a requirement for motility acquisition. An interplay between these PPs has been extensively investigated; however, many specific interactions and some inconsistencies remain to be elucidated. The study of PPs significantly advanced following the identification of naturally occurring toxins, including calyculin A, okadaic acid, cyclosporin, endothall and deltamethrin, which are powerful and specific PP inhibitors. This review aims to overview the protein phosphorylation-dependent biochemical pathways underlying sperm motility acquisition and hyperactivation, followed by a discussion of the PP inhibitors that allowed advances in the current knowledge of these pathways. Since male infertility cases still attain alarming numbers, additional research on the topic is required, particularly using other PP inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F. Ferreira
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute for Biomedicine-iBiMED, Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Santiago
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute for Biomedicine-iBiMED, Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana V. Silva
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute for Biomedicine-iBiMED, Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro F. Oliveira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute for Biomedicine-iBiMED, Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-918-143-947
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18
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Schiene‐Fischer C, Fischer G, Braun M. Non-Immunosuppressive Cyclophilin Inhibitors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202201597. [PMID: 35290695 PMCID: PMC9804594 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202201597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cyclophilins, enzymes with peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase activity, are relevant to a large variety of biological processes. The most abundant member of this enzyme family, cyclophilin A, is the cellular receptor of the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A (CsA). As a consequence of the pathophysiological role of cyclophilins, particularly in viral infections, there is a broad interest in cyclophilin inhibition devoid of immunosuppressive activity. This Review first gives an introduction into the physiological and pathophysiological roles of cyclophilins. The presentation of non-immunosuppressive cyclophilin inhibitors will commence with drugs based on chemical modifications of CsA. The naturally occurring macrocyclic sanglifehrins have become other lead structures for cyclophilin-inhibiting drugs. Finally, de novo designed compounds, whose structures are not derived from or inspired by natural products, will be presented. Relevant synthetic concepts will be discussed, but the focus will also be on biochemical studies, structure-activity relationships, and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordelia Schiene‐Fischer
- Institute of Biochemistry and BiotechnologyMartin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg06099Halle (Saale)Germany
| | - Gunter Fischer
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry37077GöttingenGermany
| | - Manfred Braun
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular ChemistryHeinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf40225DüsseldorfGermany
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19
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Mukherjee A, Cuanalo-Contreras K, Sood A, Soto C. Development of a novel pharmacophore model to screen specific inhibitors for the serine-threonine protein phosphatase calcineurin. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 31:101311. [PMID: 36032402 PMCID: PMC9398911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin (CaN) is a calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase with a crucial role in cellular homeostasis. It is also the target of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved immunosuppressant drugs FK506 and cyclosporine A. Recent work from our group and others indicated that an uncontrolled increase in CaN activity causes synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death in various models of neurodegenerative diseases associated with calcium dysregulation. Furthermore, pharmacological normalization of CaN activity can prevent disease progression in animal models. However, none of the FDA-approved CaN inhibitors bind CaN directly, leading to adverse side effects. The development of direct CaN inhibitors is required to reduce off-target effects, but its highly conserved active site and similar mechanism of action with other protein serine/threonine phosphatases impose a significant challenge. In this work, we developed a novel pharmacophore model to screen for CaN-specific inhibitors. Then, we performed a virtual screen for molecules having the pharmacophore model. We also show that the molecules identified in this screen can inhibit CaN with a low micromolar IC50. Interestingly, the inhibitors identified from the screen do not inhibit phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A, a member of the serine/threonine phosphatase family that shares 43% sequence identity with the CaN active site. The pharmacophore model that we developed and validated in this work may help to accelerate the development of specific CaN inhibitors. In this work, we developed a novel pharmacophore model to screen for CaN-specific inhibitors. We show that the molecules identified in this screen can inhibit CaN with a low micromolar IC50. Importantly, the inhibitors identified from the screen do not inhibit phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A, a member of the serine/threonine phosphatase family that shares 43% sequence identity with the CaN active site.
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20
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Limbach MN, Antevska A, Oluwatoba DS, Gray ALH, Carroll XB, Hoffmann CM, Wang X, Voehler MW, Steren CA, Do TD. Atomic View of Aqueous Cyclosporine A: Unpacking a Decades-Old Mystery. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:12602-12607. [PMID: 35786958 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c01743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An atomic view of a main aqueous conformation of cyclosporine A (CycA), an important 11-amino-acid macrocyclic immunosuppressant, is reported. For decades, it has been a grand challenge to determine the conformation of free CycA in an aqueous-like solution given its poor water solubility. Using a combination of X-ray and single-crystal neutron diffraction, we unambiguously resolve a unique conformer (A1) with a novel cis-amide between residues 11 and 1 and two water ligands that stabilize hydrogen bond networks. NMR spectroscopy and titration experiments indicate that the novel conformer is as abundant as the closed conformer in 90/10 (v/v) methanol/water and is the main conformer at 10/90 methanol/water. Five other conformers were also detected in 90/10 methanol/water, one in slow exchange with A1, another one in slow exchange with the closed form and three minor ones, one of which contains two cis amides Abu2-Sar3 and MeBmt1-MeVal11. These conformers help better understand the wide spectrum of membrane permeability observed for CycA analogues and, to some extent, the binding of CycA to protein targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda N Limbach
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Aleksandra Antevska
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Damilola S Oluwatoba
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Amber L H Gray
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Xian B Carroll
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Christina M Hoffmann
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, United States
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, United States
| | - Markus W Voehler
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Carlos A Steren
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Thanh D Do
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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21
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Charitou V, van Keulen SC, Bonvin AMJJ. Cyclization and Docking Protocol for Cyclic Peptide-Protein Modeling Using HADDOCK2.4. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:4027-4040. [PMID: 35652781 PMCID: PMC9202357 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
An emerging class of therapeutic molecules are cyclic peptides with over 40 cyclic peptide drugs currently in clinical use. Their mode of action is, however, not fully understood, impeding rational drug design. Computational techniques could positively impact their design, but modeling them and their interactions remains challenging due to their cyclic nature and their flexibility. This study presents a step-by-step protocol for generating cyclic peptide conformations and docking them to their protein target using HADDOCK2.4. A dataset of 30 cyclic peptide-protein complexes was used to optimize both cyclization and docking protocols. It supports peptides cyclized via an N- and C-terminus peptide bond and/or a disulfide bond. An ensemble of cyclic peptide conformations is then used in HADDOCK to dock them onto their target protein using knowledge of the binding site on the protein side to drive the modeling. The presented protocol predicts at least one acceptable model according to the critical assessment of prediction of interaction criteria for each complex of the dataset when the top 10 HADDOCK-ranked single structures are considered (100% success rate top 10) both in the bound and unbound docking scenarios. Moreover, its performance in both bound and fully unbound docking is similar to the state-of-the-art software in the field, Autodock CrankPep. The presented cyclization and docking protocol should make HADDOCK a valuable tool for rational cyclic peptide-based drug design and high-throughput screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky Charitou
- Computational Structural Biology Group, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Science for Life, Faculty of Science─Chemistry, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Siri C van Keulen
- Computational Structural Biology Group, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Science for Life, Faculty of Science─Chemistry, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandre M J J Bonvin
- Computational Structural Biology Group, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Science for Life, Faculty of Science─Chemistry, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
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22
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Sánchez-Morales A, Biçer A, Panagiotopoulos V, Crecente-Garcia S, Benaiges C, Bayod S, Luís Hernández J, Busqué F, Matsoukas MT, Pérez-Riba M, Alibés R. Design and synthesis of a novel non peptide CN-NFATc signaling inhibitor for tumor suppression in triple negative breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114514. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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23
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Han J, Kyu Lee M, Jang Y, Cho WJ, Kim M. Repurposing of cyclophilin A inhibitors as broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:1895-1912. [PMID: 35609743 PMCID: PMC9123807 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cyclophilin A (CypA) is linked to diverse human diseases including viral infections. With the worldwide emergence of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), drug repurposing has been highlighted as a strategy with the potential to speed up antiviral development. Because CypA acts as a proviral component in hepatitis C virus, coronavirus and HIV, its inhibitors have been suggested as potential treatments for these infections. Here, we review the structure of cyclosporin A and sanglifehrin A analogs as well as synthetic micromolecules inhibiting CypA; and we discuss their broad-spectrum antiviral efficacy in the context of the virus lifecycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhe Han
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Kyu Lee
- Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Yejin Jang
- Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Jea Cho
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea.
| | - Meeheyin Kim
- Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
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The optimized core peptide derived from CABIN1 efficiently inhibits calcineurin-mediated T-cell activation. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:613-625. [PMID: 35550603 PMCID: PMC9166766 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00772-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The C-terminal fragment of CABIN1 interacts with calcineurin and represses the transcriptional activity of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). However, the specific sequences and mechanisms through which it binds to calcineurin are unclear. This study determined that decameric peptide (CABIN1 residues 2146–2155) is minimally required for binding to calcineurin. This peptide contains a unique “PPTP” C-terminal sequence and a “PxIxIT” N-terminal motif. Furthermore, p38MAPK phosphorylated the threonine residue of the “PPTP” sequence under physiological conditions, dramatically enhancing the peptide’s binding affinity to calcineurin. Therefore, the CABIN1 peptide inhibited the calcineurin-NFAT pathway and the activation of T cells more efficiently than the VIVIT peptide without affecting calcineurin’s phosphatase activity. The CABIN1 peptide could thus be a more potent calcineurin inhibitor and provide therapeutic opportunities for various diseases caused by the calcineurin-NFAT pathway. A peptide with therapeutic potential binds strongly to the cellular enzyme calcineurin and may prove valuable in anti-cancer and autoimmune disease treatments. Many cancers and autoimmune diseases are linked with overactivation of a key calcineurin-related pathway which is heavily involved in T cell activation. This pathway has long been a therapeutic target, but existing drugs show problems with stability and delivery, and can cause serious side effects. One known inhibitor of calcineurin is the protein CABIN1, but precisely how well it binds and how useful it may be is unclear. Now, Hong-Duk Youn at Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea, and co-workers have identified how one specific peptide from CABIN1 binds strongly to calcineurin. The CABIN1 peptide was stable and displayed greater efficiency at inhibiting calcineurin than another recently identified peptide candidate.
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25
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Braun M, Schiene-Fischer C, Fischer G. Non‐Immunosuppressive Cyclophilin Inhibitors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202201597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Braun
- Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf: Heinrich-Heine-Universitat Dusseldorf Organic CHemistry Universitätsstr. 1 40225 Düsseldorf GERMANY
| | - Cordelia Schiene-Fischer
- Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg: Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, GERMANY
| | - Gunter Fischer
- Max-Planck-Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie Abteilung Meiosis: Max-Planck-Institut fur Multidisziplinare Naturwissenschaften Abteilung Meiosis Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry GERMANY
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26
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Kurian SM, Lichius A, Read ND. Ca2+ Signalling Differentially Regulates Germ-Tube Formation and Cell Fusion in Fusarium oxysporum. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8010090. [PMID: 35050029 PMCID: PMC8780837 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium oxysporum is an important plant pathogen and an emerging opportunistic human pathogen. Germination of conidial spores and their fusion via conidial anastomosis tubes (CATs) are significant events during colony establishment in culture and on host plants and, hence, very likely on human epithelia. CAT fusion exhibited by conidial germlings of Fusarium species has been postulated to facilitate mitotic recombination, leading to heterokaryon formation and strains with varied genotypes and potentially increased virulence. Ca2+ signalling is key to many of the important physiological processes in filamentous fungi. Here, we tested pharmacological agents with defined modes of action in modulation of the mammalian Ca2+ signalling machinery for their effect on germination and CAT-mediated cell fusion in F. oxysporum. We found various drug-specific and dose-dependent effects. Inhibition of calcineurin by FK506 or cyclosporin A, as well as chelation of extracellular Ca2+ by BAPTA, exclusively inhibit CAT induction but not germ-tube formation. On the other hand, inhibition of Ca2+ channels by verapamil, calmodulin inhibition by calmidazolium, and inhibition of mitochondrial calcium uniporters by RU360 inhibited both CAT induction and germ-tube formation. Thapsigargin, an inhibitor of mammalian sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA), partially inhibited CAT induction but had no effect on germ-tube formation. These results provide initial evidence for morphologically defining roles of Ca2+-signalling components in the early developmental stages of F. oxysporum colony establishment—most notably, the indication that calcium ions act as self-signalling molecules in this process. Our findings contribute an important first step towards the identification of Ca2+ inhibitors with fungas-specific effects that could be exploited for the treatment of infected plants and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smija M. Kurian
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexander Lichius
- Department of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Nick D. Read
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
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27
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Guo Z, Smutok O, Johnston WA, Ayva CE, Walden P, McWhinney B, Ungerer JPJ, Melman A, Katz E, Alexandrov K. Circular Permutated PQQ‐Glucose Dehydrogenase as an Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Biosensor. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202109005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Guo
- CSIRO-QUT Synthetic Biology Alliance ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health School of Biology and Environmental Science Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD 4001 Australia
| | - Oleh Smutok
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science Clarkson University 8 Clarkson Ave. Potsdam NY 13699 USA
| | - Wayne A. Johnston
- CSIRO-QUT Synthetic Biology Alliance ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health School of Biology and Environmental Science Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD 4001 Australia
| | - Cagla Ergun Ayva
- CSIRO-QUT Synthetic Biology Alliance ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health School of Biology and Environmental Science Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD 4001 Australia
| | - Patricia Walden
- CSIRO-QUT Synthetic Biology Alliance ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health School of Biology and Environmental Science Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD 4001 Australia
| | - Brett McWhinney
- Department of Chemical Pathology Pathology Queensland Brisbane QLD 4001 Australia
| | - Jacobus P. J. Ungerer
- Department of Chemical Pathology Pathology Queensland Brisbane QLD 4001 Australia
- Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Artem Melman
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science Clarkson University 8 Clarkson Ave. Potsdam NY 13699 USA
| | - Evgeny Katz
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science Clarkson University 8 Clarkson Ave. Potsdam NY 13699 USA
| | - Kirill Alexandrov
- CSIRO-QUT Synthetic Biology Alliance ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health School of Biology and Environmental Science Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD 4001 Australia
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28
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Chaklader M, Rothermel BA. Calcineurin in the heart: New horizons for an old friend. Cell Signal 2021; 87:110134. [PMID: 34454008 PMCID: PMC8908812 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Calcineurin, also known as PP2B or PPP3, is a member of the PPP family of protein phosphatases that also includes PP1 and PP2A. Together these three phosphatases carryout the majority of dephosphorylation events in the heart. Calcineurin is distinct in that it is activated by the binding of calcium/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM) and therefore acts as a node for integrating Ca2+ signals with changes in phosphorylation, two fundamental intracellular signaling cascades. In the heart, calcineurin is primarily thought of in the context of pathological cardiac remodeling, acting through the Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cell (NFAT) family of transcription factors. However, calcineurin activity is also essential for normal heart development and homeostasis in the adult heart. Furthermore, it is clear that NFAT-driven changes in transcription are not the only relevant processes initiated by calcineurin in the setting of pathological remodeling. There is a growing appreciation for the diversity of calcineurin substrates that can impact cardiac function as well as the diversity of mechanisms for targeting calcineurin to specific sub-cellular domains in cardiomyocytes and other cardiac cell types. Here, we will review the basics of calcineurin structure, regulation, and function in the context of cardiac biology. Particular attention will be given to: the development of improved tools to identify and validate new calcineurin substrates; recent studies identifying new calcineurin isoforms with unique properties and targeting mechanisms; and the role of calcineurin in cardiac development and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malay Chaklader
- Departments of Internal Medicine (Division of Cardiology) and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Beverly A Rothermel
- Departments of Internal Medicine (Division of Cardiology) and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre, Dallas, TX, USA.
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29
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Alexandrov K, Guo Z, Smutok O, Wayne A Johnston WAJ, Ergun Ayva C, Walden PM, McWhinney B, Ungerer J, Melman A, Katz E. Circular permutated PQQ-glucose dehydrogenase as an ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202109005. [PMID: 34633119 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202109005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Protein biosensors play an increasingly important role as reporters for research and clinical applications. Here we present an approach for the construction of fully integrated but modular electrochemical biosensors based on the principal component of glucose monitors PQQ-glucose dehydrogenase (PQQ-GDH). We designed allosterically regulated circular permutated variants of PQQ-GDH that show large (>10 fold) changes in enzymatic activity following intramolecular scaffolding of the newly generated N- and C termini by ligand binding domain:ligand complexes. The developed biosensors demonstrated sub-nanomolar affinities for small molecules and proteins in colorimetric and electrochemical assays. For instance, the concentration of Cyclosporine A could be measured in 1 ml of undiluted blood with the same accuracy as the leading diagnostic technique that uses 50 times more sample. We further used this biosensor to construct highly porous gold bioelectrodes capable of robustly detecting concentrations of Cyclosporine A as low as 20 pM and retained functionality in samples containing at least 60% human serum. These experiments suggest that the developed biosensor platform is generalizable and may be suitable for Point-of-Care diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill Alexandrov
- Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities, 2 george st, 4100, Brisbane, AUSTRALIA
| | - Zhong Guo
- Queensland University of Technology Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Research Methods Group: Queensland University of Technology Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, CSIRO-QUT synthetic Biology Alliance, AUSTRALIA
| | - Oleh Smutok
- Clarkson University, electrochemistry, UNITED STATES
| | - Wayne A Johnston Wayne A Johnston
- Queensland University of Technology IHBI: Queensland University of Technology Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, CSIRO-QUT synthetic Biology Alliance, AUSTRALIA
| | - Cagla Ergun Ayva
- Queensland University of Technology IHBI: Queensland University of Technology Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, CSIRO-QUT Synthetic Biology Alliance, AUSTRALIA
| | - Patricia M Walden
- Queensland University of Technology IHBI: Queensland University of Technology Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, CSIRO-QUT synthetic biology alliance, AUSTRALIA
| | - Brett McWhinney
- Central Laboratory: Health Support Queensland Pathology Queensland, chemical pathology, AUSTRALIA
| | - Jacobus Ungerer
- Health Support Queensland Pathology Queensland, Chemical Pathology, AUSTRALIA
| | | | - Evgeny Katz
- Clarkson University, electrochemistry, AUSTRALIA
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30
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Liu SY, Zhang QZ, Hu MQ, Li FX, Fu JM, Zhu ZD, Li QK, Yang Z, Quan JM. Targeting Extracellular Cyclophilin A via an Albumin-Binding Cyclosporine A Analogue. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:3649-3652. [PMID: 34595834 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
An albumin-binding CsA analogue 4MCsA was achieved by attachment of a thiol-reactive maleimide group at the side-chain of P4 position of CsA derivative. 4MCsA was semi-synthesized from CsA, and the cell-impermeability of albumin-4MCsA was detected by mass spectrometry and a competitive flow cytometry. 4MCsA exhibits inhibition of chemotaxis activity and inflammation by targeting extracellular CypA without immunosuppressive effect and cellular toxicity. These combined results suggested that 4MCsA can be restricted extracellularly through covalently binding to Cys34 of albumin with its maleimide group, and regulate the functions of cyclophilin A extracellularly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | | | - Min-Qiang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Feng-Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jia-Miao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | | | - Qin-Kai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jun-Min Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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31
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Corbett KM, Ford L, Warren DB, Pouton CW, Chalmers DK. Cyclosporin Structure and Permeability: From A to Z and Beyond. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13131-13151. [PMID: 34478303 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cyclosporins are natural or synthetic undecapeptides with a wide range of actual and potential pharmaceutical applications. Several members of the cyclosporin compound family have remarkably high passive membrane permeabilities that are not well-described by simple structural metrics. Here we review experimental studies of cyclosporin structure and permeability, including cyclosporin-metal complexes. We also discuss models for the conformation-dependent permeability of cyclosporins and similar compounds. Finally, we identify current knowledge gaps in the literature and provide recommendations regarding future avenues of exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Corbett
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Leigh Ford
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Dallas B Warren
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Colin W Pouton
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - David K Chalmers
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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32
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Structural Insights into Protein Regulation by Phosphorylation and Substrate Recognition of Protein Kinases/Phosphatases. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11090957. [PMID: 34575106 PMCID: PMC8467178 DOI: 10.3390/life11090957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation is one of the most widely observed and important post-translational modification (PTM) processes. Protein phosphorylation is regulated by protein kinases, each of which covalently attaches a phosphate group to an amino acid side chain on a serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), or tyrosine (Tyr) residue of a protein, and by protein phosphatases, each of which, conversely, removes a phosphate group from a phosphoprotein. These reversible enzyme activities provide a regulatory mechanism by activating or deactivating many diverse functions of proteins in various cellular processes. In this review, their structures and substrate recognition are described and summarized, focusing on Ser/Thr protein kinases and protein Ser/Thr phosphatases, and the regulation of protein structures by phosphorylation. The studies reviewed here and the resulting information could contribute to further structural, biochemical, and combined studies on the mechanisms of protein phosphorylation and to drug discovery approaches targeting protein kinases or protein phosphatases.
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33
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Zhang Q, Fan Z, Zhang L, You Q, Wang L. Strategies for Targeting Serine/Threonine Protein Phosphatases with Small Molecules in Cancer. J Med Chem 2021; 64:8916-8938. [PMID: 34156850 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Among numerous posttranslational regulation patterns, phosphorylation is reversibly controlled by the balance of kinases and phosphatases. The major form of cellular signaling involves the reversible phosphorylation of proteins on tyrosine, serine, or threonine residues. However, altered phosphorylation levels are found in diverse diseases, including cancer, making kinases and phosphatases ideal drug targets. In contrast to the success of prosperous kinase inhibitors, design of small molecules targeting phosphatase is struggling due to past bias and difficulty. This is especially true for serine/threonine phosphatases, one of the largest phosphatase families. From this perspective, we aim to provide insights into serine/threonine phosphatases and the small molecules targeting these proteins for drug development, especially in cancer. Through highlighting the modulation strategies, we aim to provide basic principles for the design of small molecules and future perspectives for the application of drugs targeting serine/threonine phosphatases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhongjiao Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lianshan Zhang
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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34
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Adaligil E, Song A, Hallenbeck KK, Cunningham CN, Fairbrother WJ. Ribosomal Synthesis of Macrocyclic Peptides with β 2- and β 2,3-Homo-Amino Acids for the Development of Natural Product-Like Combinatorial Libraries. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1011-1018. [PMID: 34008946 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The development of large, natural-product-like, combinatorial macrocyclic peptide libraries is essential in the quest to develop therapeutics for "undruggable" cellular targets. Herein we report the ribosomal synthesis of macrocyclic peptides containing one or more β2-homo-amino acids (β2haa) to enable their incorporation into mRNA display-based selection libraries. We confirmed the compatibility of 14 β2-homo-amino acids, (S)- and (R)-stereochemistry, for single incorporation into a macrocyclic peptide with low to high translation efficiency. Interestingly, N-methylation of the backbone amide of β2haa prevented the incorporation of this amino acid subclass by the ribosome. Additionally, we designed and incorporated several α,β-disubstituted β2,3-homo-amino acids (β2,3haa) with different R-groups on the α- and β-carbons of the same amino acid. Incorporation of these β2,3haa enables increased diversity in a single position of a macrocyclic peptide without significantly increasing the overall molecular weight, which is an important consideration for passive cell permeability. We also successfully incorporated multiple (S)-β2hAla into a single macrocycle with other non-proteinogenic amino acids, confirming that this class of β-amino acid is suitable for development of large scale macrocyclic peptide libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emel Adaligil
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Aimin Song
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Kenneth K. Hallenbeck
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Christian N. Cunningham
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Wayne J. Fairbrother
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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35
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Abstract
The non-immune-suppressive cyclophilin inhibitor CRV431 is a clinical candidate to cure nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and has the potential to treat liver fibrosis and cancer incidence. Herein we report a concise chemical semisynthesis of CRV431 in four steps from the commercially available cyclosporine, featuring in this the flow-chemistry-based methylenation an intermolecular ring-closing metathesis and a Rh-catalyzed diastereoselective hydrogenation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics and Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Qing-Zhou Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics and Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shi-Jun Li
- Green Catalysis Center and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P. R. China
| | - Guang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics and Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics and Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yu Lan
- Green Catalysis Center and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P. R. China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics and Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education and Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
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36
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Kitamura N, Kaminuma O. Isoform-Selective NFAT Inhibitor: Potential Usefulness and Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2725. [PMID: 33800389 PMCID: PMC7962815 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), which is the pharmacological target of immunosuppressants cyclosporine and tacrolimus, has been shown to play an important role not only in T cells (immune system), from which their name is derived, but also in many biological events. Therefore, functional and/or structural abnormalities of NFAT are linked to the pathogenesis of diseases in various organs. The NFAT protein family consists of five isoforms, and each isoform performs diverse functions and has unique expression patterns in the target tissues. This diversity has made it difficult to obtain ideal pharmacological output for immunosuppressants that inhibit the activity of almost all NFAT family members, causing serious and wide-ranging side effects. Moreover, it remains unclear whether isoform-selective NFAT regulation can be achieved by targeting the structural differences among NFAT isoforms and whether this strategy can lead to the development of better drugs than the existing ones. This review summarizes the role of the NFAT family members in biological events, including the development of various diseases, as well as the usefulness of and problems associated with NFAT-targeting therapies, including those dependent on current immunosuppressants. Finally, we propose a novel therapeutic strategy based on the molecular mechanisms that enable selective regulation of specific NFAT isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Kitamura
- Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan;
| | - Osamu Kaminuma
- Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan;
- Department of Disease Model, Research Institute of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
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37
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Role of calcineurin biosignaling in cell secretion and the possible regulatory mechanisms. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:116-124. [PMID: 33424288 PMCID: PMC7783665 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and calcium ions (Ca2+) are two chemical molecules that play a central role in the stimulus-dependent secretion processes within cells. Ca2+ acts as the basal signaling molecule responsible to initiate cell secretion. cAMP primarily acts as an intracellular second messenger in a myriad of cellular processes by activating cAMP-dependent protein kinases through association with such kinases in order to mediate post-translational phosphorylation of those protein targets. Put succinctly, both Ca2+ and cAMP act by associating or activating other proteins to ensure successful secretion. Calcineurin is one such protein regulated by Ca2+; its action depends on the intracellular levels of Ca2+. Being a phosphatase, calcineurin dephosphorylate and other proteins, as is the case with most other phosphatases, such as protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), PP2C, and protein phosphatase-1 (PP1), will likely be activated by phosphorylation. Via this process, calcineurin is able to affect different intracellular signaling with clinical importance, some of which has been the basis for development of different calcineurin inhibitors. In this review, the cAMP-dependent calcineurin bio-signaling, protein-protein interactions and their physiological implications as well as regulatory signaling within the context of cellular secretion are explored.
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38
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Masuda Y. Bioactive 3D structures of naturally occurring peptides and their application in drug design. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2021; 85:24-32. [PMID: 33577656 DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbaa008] [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: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Naturally occurring peptides form unique 3D structures, which are critical for their bioactivities. To gain useful insights into drug design, the relationship between the 3D structure and bioactivity of the peptides has been studied. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of the 42-residue amyloid β-protein (Aβ42) suggested the presence of toxic conformers with a turn structure at positions 22 and 23 in the aggregates. Antibodies specific to this turn structure could be utilized for immunotherapy and early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Solution NMR analysis of apratoxin A, a cyclic depsipeptide with potent cytotoxicity, proposed an accurate structural model with an important bend structure, which led to the development of highly active mimetics. X-ray crystal analysis of PF1171F, a cyclic hexapeptide with insecticidal activity, indicated the formation of 4 intramolecular hydrogen bonds, which play an important role in cell membrane permeability of PF1171F.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Masuda
- Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Japan
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39
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Abstract
The serine/threonine phosphatase calcineurin acts as a crucial connection between calcium signaling the phosphorylation states of numerous important substrates. These substrates include, but are not limited to, transcription factors, receptors and channels, proteins associated with mitochondria, and proteins associated with microtubules. Calcineurin is activated by increases in intracellular calcium concentrations, a process that requires the calcium sensing protein calmodulin binding to an intrinsically disordered regulatory domain in the phosphatase. Despite having been studied for around four decades, the activation of calcineurin is not fully understood. This review largely focuses on what is known about the activation process and highlights aspects that are currently not understood. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor P Creamer
- Center for Structural Biology, Department of Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry, 741 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536-0509, USA.
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40
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Makino T, Yoshimura S, Neya M, Yamanaka T, Sawada M, Tsujii E, Barrett D. Discovery of ASP5286: A novel non-immunosuppressive cyclophilin inhibitor for the treatment of HCV. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127308. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Makino T, Ishida J, Yamanaka T, Ohki H, Uchida M, Sawada M, Barrett D. Discovery of a novel 9-position modified second-generation anti-HCV candidate via bioconversion and semi-synthesis of FR901459. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127423. [PMID: 32731088 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127423] [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: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Evidence that hepatitis C virus (HCV) utilizes cellular cyclophilin proteins in the virus replication cycle has increased attention on cyclophilin inhibitors as attractive therapeutic targets in the treatment of HCV. Previous reports have described a number of non-immunosuppressive cyclophilin inhibitors, most of which require many synthetic steps for their preparation. Sasamura et al. have previously reported the isolation of bioconversion derivative 4. This analog is a convenient starting point for optimization due to the presence of the readily modifiable primary hydroxyl group and because it shows moderate anti-HCV activity and decreased immunosuppressive activity. We have also established an efficient C-alkylation reaction at the 3-position. Through a detailed structure-activity relationship study, we discovered a new type of clinical candidate 14 which requires a short synthetic process and has potent anti-HCV activity and reduced immunosuppressive activity, as well as improved aqueous solubility and pharmacokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Makino
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc.; 21, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan.
| | - Junya Ishida
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc.; 21, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
| | - Toshio Yamanaka
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc.; 21, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
| | - Hidenori Ohki
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc.; 21, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
| | - Masao Uchida
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc.; 21, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
| | - Masae Sawada
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc.; 21, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
| | - David Barrett
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc.; 21, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
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Li Y, Sheftic SR, Grigoriu S, Schwieters CD, Page R, Peti W. The structure of the RCAN1:CN complex explains the inhibition of and substrate recruitment by calcineurin. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/27/eaba3681. [PMID: 32936779 PMCID: PMC7458460 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba3681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) is an endogenous inhibitor of the Ser/Thr phosphatase calcineurin (CN). It has been shown that excessive inhibition of CN is a critical factor for Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Here, we determined RCAN1's mode of action. Using a combination of structural, biophysical, and biochemical studies, we show that RCAN1 inhibits CN via multiple routes: first, by blocking essential substrate recruitment sites and, second, by blocking the CN active site using two distinct mechanisms. We also show that phosphorylation either inhibits RCAN1-CN assembly or converts RCAN1 into a weak inhibitor, which can be reversed by CN via dephosphorylation. This highlights the interplay between posttranslational modifications in regulating CN activity. Last, this work advances our understanding of how active site inhibition of CN can be achieved in a highly specific manner. Together, these data provide the necessary road map for targeting multiple neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1041 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Sarah R Sheftic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1041 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Simina Grigoriu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting St., Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Charles D Schwieters
- Imaging Sciences Laboratory, Center for Information Technology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rebecca Page
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1041 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Wolfgang Peti
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1041 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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Beaumont VA, Reiss K, Qu Z, Allen B, Batista VS, Loria JP. Allosteric Impact of the Variable Insert Loop in Vaccinia H1-Related (VHR) Phosphatase. Biochemistry 2020; 59:1896-1908. [PMID: 32348128 PMCID: PMC7364816 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dynamics and conformational motions are important to the activity of enzymes, including protein tyrosine phosphatases. These motions often extend to regions outside the active site, called allosteric regions. In the tyrosine phosphatase Vaccinia H1-related (VHR) enzyme, we demonstrate the importance of the allosteric interaction between the variable insert region and the active-site loops in VHR. These studies include solution nuclear magnetic resonance, computation, steady-state, and rapid kinetic measurements. Overall, the data indicate concerted millisecond motions exist between the variable insert and the catalytic acid loop in wild-type (WT) VHR. The 150 ns computation studies show a flexible acid loop in WT VHR that opens during the simulation from its initial closed structure. Mutation of the variable insert residue, asparagine 74, to alanine results in a rigidification of the acid loop as observed by molecular dynamics simulations and a disruption of crucial active-site hydrogen bonds. Moreover, enzyme kinetic analysis shows a weakening of substrate affinity in the N74A mutant and a >2-fold decrease in substrate cleavage and hydrolysis rates. These data show that despite being nearly 20 Å from the active site, the variable insert region is linked to the acid loop by coupled millisecond motions, and that disruption of the communication between the variable insert and active site alters the normal catalytic function of VHR and perturbs the active-site environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A Beaumont
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Krystle Reiss
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Zexing Qu
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Institute for Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130023, China
| | - Brandon Allen
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Victor S Batista
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - J Patrick Loria
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, 266 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
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Rein T. Peptidylprolylisomerases, Protein Folders, or Scaffolders? The Example of FKBP51 and FKBP52. Bioessays 2020; 42:e1900250. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Theo Rein
- Department of Translational Science in Psychiatry, MunichMax Planck Institute of Psychiatry Munich 80804 Germany
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45
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Roy J, Cyert MS. Identifying New Substrates and Functions for an Old Enzyme: Calcineurin. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:a035436. [PMID: 31308145 PMCID: PMC7050593 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Biological processes are dynamically regulated by signaling networks composed of protein kinases and phosphatases. Calcineurin, or PP3, is a conserved phosphoserine/phosphothreonine-specific protein phosphatase and member of the PPP family of phosphatases. Calcineurin is unique, however, in its activation by Ca2+ and calmodulin. This ubiquitously expressed phosphatase controls Ca2+-dependent processes in all human tissues, but is best known for driving the adaptive immune response by dephosphorylating the nuclear factor of the activated T-cells (NFAT) family of transcription factors. Therefore, calcineurin inhibitors, FK506 (tacrolimus), and cyclosporin A serve as immunosuppressants. We describe some of the adverse effects associated with calcineurin inhibitors that result from inhibition of calcineurin in nonimmune tissues, illustrating the many functions of this enzyme that have yet to be elucidated. In fact, calcineurin has essential roles beyond the immune system, from yeast to humans, but since its discovery more than 30 years ago, only a small number of direct calcineurin substrates have been shown (∼75 proteins). This is because of limitations in current methods for identification of phosphatase substrates. Here we discuss recent insights into mechanisms of calcineurin activation and substrate recognition that have been critical in the development of novel approaches for identifying its targets systematically. Rather than comprehensively reviewing known functions of calcineurin, we highlight new approaches to substrate identification for this critical regulator that may reveal molecular mechanisms underlying toxicities caused by calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagoree Roy
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5020
| | - Martha S Cyert
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5020
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Vellanki S, Billmyre RB, Lorenzen A, Campbell M, Turner B, Huh EY, Heitman J, Lee SC. A Novel Resistance Pathway for Calcineurin Inhibitors in the Human-Pathogenic Mucorales Mucor circinelloides. mBio 2020; 11:e02949-19. [PMID: 31992620 PMCID: PMC6989107 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02949-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is an emerging lethal fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. Mucor circinelloides is a causal agent of mucormycosis and serves as a model system to understand genetics in Mucorales. Calcineurin is a conserved virulence factor in many pathogenic fungi, and calcineurin inhibition or deletion of the calcineurin regulatory subunit (CnbR) in Mucor results in a shift from hyphal to yeast growth. We analyzed 36 calcineurin inhibitor-resistant or bypass mutants that exhibited hyphal growth in the presence of calcineurin inhibitors or in the yeast-locked cnbRΔ mutant background without carrying any mutations in known calcineurin components. We found that a majority of the mutants had altered sequence in a gene, named here bycA (bypass of calcineurin). bycA encodes an amino acid permease. We verified that both the bycAΔ single mutant and the bycAΔ cnbRΔ double mutant are resistant to calcineurin inhibitor FK506, thereby demonstrating a novel mechanism of resistance against calcineurin inhibitors. We also found that the level of expression of bycA was significantly higher in the wild-type strain treated with FK506 and in the cnbRΔ mutants but was significantly lower in the wild-type strain without FK506 treatment. These findings suggest that bycA is a negative regulator of hyphal growth and/or a positive regulator of yeast growth in Mucor and that calcineurin suppresses expression of the bycA gene at the mRNA level to promote hyphal growth. BycA is involved in the Mucor hypha-yeast transition as our data demonstrate positive correlations among bycA expression, protein kinase A activity, and Mucor yeast growth. Also, calcineurin, independently of its role in morphogenesis, contributes to virulence traits, including phagosome maturation blockade, host cell damages, and proangiogenic growth factor induction during interactions with hosts.IMPORTANCEMucor is intrinsically resistant to most known antifungals, which makes mucormycosis treatment challenging. Calcineurin is a serine/threonine phosphatase that is widely conserved across eukaryotes. When calcineurin function is inhibited in Mucor, growth shifts to a less virulent yeast growth form, which makes calcineurin an attractive target for development of new antifungal drugs. Previously, we identified two distinct mechanisms through which Mucor can become resistant to calcineurin inhibitors involving Mendelian mutations in the gene for FKBP12, including mechanisms corresponding to calcineurin A or B subunits and epimutations silencing the FKBP12 gene. Here, we identified a third novel mechanism where loss-of-function mutations in the amino acid permease corresponding to the bycA gene contribute to resistance against calcineurin inhibitors. When calcineurin activity is absent, BycA can activate protein kinase A (PKA) to promote yeast growth via a cAMP-independent pathway. Our data also show that calcineurin activity contributes to host-pathogen interactions primarily in the pathogenesis of Mucor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Vellanki
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - R Blake Billmyre
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alejandra Lorenzen
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Micaela Campbell
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Broderick Turner
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Eun Young Huh
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Soo Chan Lee
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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47
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Sun B, Vaughan D, Tikunova S, Creamer TP, Davis JP, Kekenes-Huskey PM. Calmodulin-Calcineurin Interaction beyond the Calmodulin-Binding Region Contributes to Calcineurin Activation. Biochemistry 2019; 58:4070-4085. [PMID: 31483613 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Calcineurin (CaN) is a calcium-dependent phosphatase involved in numerous signaling pathways. Its activation is in part driven by the binding of calmodulin (CaM) to a CaM recognition region (CaMBR) within CaN's regulatory domain (RD). However, secondary interactions between CaM and the CaN RD may be necessary to fully activate CaN. Specifically, it is established that the CaN RD folds upon CaM binding and a region C-terminal to CaMBR, the "distal helix", assumes an α-helix fold and contributes to activation [Dunlap, T. B., et al. (2013) Biochemistry 52, 8643-8651]. We hypothesized in that previous study that this distal helix can bind CaM in a region distinct from the canonical CaMBR. To test this hypothesis, we utilized molecular simulations, including replica-exchange molecular dynamics, protein-protein docking, and computational mutagenesis, to determine potential distal helix-binding sites on CaM's surface. We isolated a potential binding site on CaM (site D) that facilitates moderate-affinity interprotein interactions and predicted that mutation of site D residues K30 and G40 on CaM would weaken CaN distal helix binding. We experimentally confirmed that two variants (K30E and G40D) indicate weaker binding of a phosphate substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate to the CaN catalytic site by a phosphatase assay. This weakened substrate affinity is consistent with competitive binding of the CaN autoinhibition domain to the catalytic site, which we suggest is due to the weakened distal helix-CaM interactions. This study therefore suggests a novel mechanism for CaM regulation of CaN that may extend to other CaM targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Sun
- Department of Chemistry , University of Kentucky , Lexington , Kentucky 40506 , United States
| | - Darin Vaughan
- Department of Chemistry , University of Kentucky , Lexington , Kentucky 40506 , United States
| | - Svetlana Tikunova
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology , The Ohio State University , Columbus , Ohio 43210 , United States
| | - Trevor P Creamer
- Center for Structural Biology and Department of Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry , University of Kentucky , Lexington , Kentucky 40536 , United States
| | - Jonathan P Davis
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology , The Ohio State University , Columbus , Ohio 43210 , United States
| | - P M Kekenes-Huskey
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering , University of Kentucky , Lexington , Kentucky 40506 , United States.,Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology , Loyola University Chicago , Maywood , Illinois 60153 , United States
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48
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Egbert M, Whitty A, Keserű GM, Vajda S. Why Some Targets Benefit from beyond Rule of Five Drugs. J Med Chem 2019; 62:10005-10025. [PMID: 31188592 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Beyond rule-of-five (bRo5) compounds are increasingly used in drug discovery. Here we analyze 37 target proteins that have bRo5 drugs or clinical candidates. Targets can benefit from bRo5 drugs if they have "complex" hot spot structure with four or more hots spots, including some strong ones. Complex I targets show positive correlation between binding affinity and molecular weight. These targets are conventionally druggable, but reaching additional hot spots enables improved pharmaceutical properties. Complex II targets, mostly protein kinases, also have strong hot spots but show no correlation between affinity and ligand molecular weight, and the primary motivation for creating larger drugs is to increase selectivity. Each target considered as complex III has some specific reason for requiring bRo5 drugs. Finally, targets with "simple" hot spot structure, i.e., three or fewer weak hot spots, must use larger compounds that interact with surfaces beyond the hot spot region to achieve acceptable affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Egbert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Boston University , Boston , Massachusetts 02215 , United States
| | - Adrian Whitty
- Department of Chemistry , Boston University , Boston , Massachusetts 02215 , United States
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group , Research Center for Natural Sciences , Magyar Tudósok krt. 2 , H-1117 Budapest , Hungary
| | - Sandor Vajda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Boston University , Boston , Massachusetts 02215 , United States.,Department of Chemistry , Boston University , Boston , Massachusetts 02215 , United States
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49
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TRPC-mediated Ca 2+ signaling and control of cellular functions. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 94:28-39. [PMID: 30738858 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Canonical members of the TRP superfamily of ion channels have long been recognized as key elements of Ca2+ handling in a plethora of cell types. The emerging role of TRPC channels in human physiopathology has generated considerable interest in their pharmacological targeting, which requires detailed understanding of their molecular function. Although consent has been reached that receptor-phospholipase C (PLC) pathways and generation of lipid mediators constitute the prominent upstream signaling process that governs channel activity, multimodal sensing features of TRPC complexes have been demonstrated repeatedly. Downstream signaling by TRPC channels is similarly complex and involves the generation of local and global cellular Ca2+ rises, which are well-defined in space and time to govern specific cellular functions. These TRPC-mediated Ca2+ signals rely in part on Ca2+ permeation through the channels, but are essentially complemented by secondary mechanisms such as Ca2+ mobilization from storage sites and Na+/Ca2+ exchange, which involve coordinated interaction with signaling partners. Consequently, the control of cell functions by TRPC molecules is critically determined by dynamic assembly and subcellular targeting of the TRPC complexes. The very recent availability of high-resolution structure information on TRPC channel complexes has paved the way towards a comprehensive understanding of signal transduction by TRPC channels. Here, we summarize current concepts of cation permeation in TRPC complexes, TRPC-mediated shaping of cellular Ca2+ signals and the associated control of specific cell functions.
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50
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Farley KA, Che Y, Navarro-Vázquez A, Limberakis C, Anderson D, Yan J, Shapiro M, Shanmugasundaram V, Gil RR. Cyclic Peptide Design Guided by Residual Dipolar Couplings, J-Couplings, and Intramolecular Hydrogen Bond Analysis. J Org Chem 2019; 84:4803-4813. [PMID: 30605335 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.8b02811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic peptides have long tantalized drug designers with their potential ability to combine the best attributes of antibodies and small molecules. An ideal cyclic peptide drug candidate would be able to recognize a protein surface like an antibody while achieving the oral bioavailability of a small molecule. It has been hypothesized that such cyclic peptides balance permeability and solubility using their solvent-dependent conformational flexibility. Herein we report a conformational deconvolution NMR methodology that combines residual dipolar couplings, J-couplings, and intramolecular hydrogen bond analysis along with conformational analysis using molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations for studying cyclic peptide conformations in both low-dielectric solvent (chloroform) and high-dielectric solvent (DMSO) to experimentally study the solvent-dependent conformational change hypothesis. Taken together, the combined experimental and computational approaches can illuminate conformational ensembles of cyclic peptides in solution and help identify design opportunities for better permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A Farley
- Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide R&D , Eastern Point Road , Groton , Connecticut 06340 , United States
| | - Ye Che
- Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide R&D , Eastern Point Road , Groton , Connecticut 06340 , United States
| | - Armando Navarro-Vázquez
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, CCEN , Universidade Federal de Pernambuco , Cidade Universitária, Recife , PE 50740-560 , Brazil
| | - Chris Limberakis
- Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide R&D , Eastern Point Road , Groton , Connecticut 06340 , United States
| | - Dennis Anderson
- Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide R&D , Eastern Point Road , Groton , Connecticut 06340 , United States
| | - Jiangli Yan
- Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide R&D , Eastern Point Road , Groton , Connecticut 06340 , United States
| | - Michael Shapiro
- Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide R&D , Eastern Point Road , Groton , Connecticut 06340 , United States
| | - Veerabahu Shanmugasundaram
- Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide R&D , Eastern Point Road , Groton , Connecticut 06340 , United States
| | - Roberto R Gil
- Department of Chemistry , Carnegie Mellon University , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15213 , United States
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