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Holmes SG, Desai UR. Assessing Genetic Algorithm-Based Docking Protocols for Prediction of Heparin Oligosaccharide Binding Geometries onto Proteins. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1633. [PMID: 38002315 PMCID: PMC10669598 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Although molecular docking has evolved dramatically over the years, its application to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) has remained challenging because of their intrinsic flexibility, highly anionic character and rather ill-defined site of binding on proteins. GAGs have been treated as either fully "rigid" or fully "flexible" in molecular docking. We reasoned that an intermediate semi-rigid docking (SRD) protocol may be better for the recapitulation of native heparin/heparan sulfate (Hp/HS) topologies. Herein, we study 18 Hp/HS-protein co-complexes containing chains from disaccharide to decasaccharide using genetic algorithm-based docking with rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible docking protocols. Our work reveals that rigid and semi-rigid protocols recapitulate native poses for longer chains (5→10 mers) significantly better than the flexible protocol, while 2→4-mer poses are better predicted using the semi-rigid approach. More importantly, the semi-rigid docking protocol is likely to perform better when no crystal structure information is available. We also present a new parameter for parsing selective versus non-selective GAG-protein systems, which relies on two computational parameters including consistency of binding (i.e., RMSD) and docking score (i.e., GOLD Score). The new semi-rigid protocol in combination with the new computational parameter is expected to be particularly useful in high-throughput screening of GAG sequences for identifying promising druggable targets as well as drug-like Hp/HS sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G. Holmes
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Suite 212, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Suite 212, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
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Wu C, Sun W, Shen D, Li H, Tong X, Guo Y. TEM1 up-regulates MMP-2 and promotes ECM remodeling for facilitating invasion and migration of uterine sarcoma. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:5. [PMID: 36639546 PMCID: PMC9839929 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00613-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the correlation between tumor endothelial marker 1 (TEM1) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) in uterine sarcoma and their roles in the progression of uterine sarcoma. METHODS Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS, n = 25) and uterine leiomyoma (n = 25) specimens were collected from a total of 50 patients. Immunohistochemistry assay was conducted to determine the expression of TEM1, MMP-2 and MMP-9. TEM1 over expression (hTEM1) and low expression (shRNA-TEM1) MES-SA cell lines were established as in vitro uterine sarcoma models. MMP-2 mRNA, protein expression and enzymatic activity were verified using qPCR, Western blot and gelatin zymography respectively. MMP-2 expression was downregulated using MMP-2 siRNA in hTEM1 MES-SA cells to better study the role of MMP-2. The invasive and migratory capacities of hTEM1, shRNA-TEM1, and hTEM1 treated with MMP-2 siRNA MES-SA cells were determined using transwell assays. Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling mediated by TEM1 was examined using cell-ECM adhesion and fluorescent gelatin-ECM degradation assays. The immunofluorescence of F-actin was examined to analyze the formation of invadopodia. Subcutaneous and intraperitoneal xenografts were established to validate the role of TEM1 in promoting uterine sarcoma metastasis. RESULTS TEM1 and MMP-2 were expressed in 92% (n = 23) and 88% (n = 22) of uterine leiomyosarcoma specimens, respectively. Both TEM1 and MMP-2 were highly expressed in 100% (n = 17) of high stage (III-IV) uterine leiomyosarcoma specimens. In addition, TEM1 expression was positively correlated with MMP-2 expression in uterine leiomyosarcoma. The successful establishment of in vitro uterine sarcoma models was confirmed with qPCR and Western blotting tests. TEM1 promoted the invasion and metastasis of uterine sarcoma in vivo and in vitro. MMP-2 expression and activity were up-regulated in hTEM1 cells but down-regulated in shRNA-TEM1 cells. Importantly, MMP-2 knockdown impaired the invasive and migratory capacity of hTEM1 cells. TEM1 promoted ECM remodeling by increasing cell-ECM adhesion and ECM degradation. TEM1 overexpression also induced the formation of invadopodia. CONCLUSION TEM1 was co-expressed and positively correlated with MMP-2 in uterine leiomyosarcoma specimens. In addition, both TEM1 and MMP-2 were associated with tumor development. TEM1 promoted uterine sarcoma progression by regulating MMP-2 activity and ECM remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghao Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhuizi Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongsheng Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaifang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowen Tong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China.
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Cyclic gomesin, a stable redesigned spider peptide able to enter cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1863:183480. [PMID: 32979382 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Anticancer chemo- and targeted therapies are limited in some cases due to strong side effects and/or drug resistance. Peptides have received renascent interest as anticancer therapeutics and are currently being considered as alternatives and/or as complementary to biologics and small-molecule drugs. Gomesin, a disulfide-rich host defense peptide expressed in the Brazilian spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana selectively targets and disrupts cancer cell membranes. In the current study, we employed a range of biophysical methodologies with model membranes and bioassays to investigate the use of a cyclic analogue of gomesin as a drug scaffold to internalize cancer cells. We found that cyclic gomesin can internalize cancer cells via endocytosis and direct membrane permeation. In addition, we designed an improved non-disruptive and non-toxic cyclic gomesin analogue by incorporating D-amino acids within the scaffold. This improved analogue retained the ability to enter cancer cells and can be used as a scaffold to deliver drugs. Efforts to investigate the internalization mechanism used by host defense peptides, and to improve their stability, potency, selectivity and ability to permeate cancer cell membranes will increase the opportunities to repurpose peptides as templates for designing alternative anticancer therapeutic leads.
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Bitto N, Liguori E, La Mura V. Coagulation, Microenvironment and Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2018; 7:E85. [PMID: 30042349 PMCID: PMC6115868 DOI: 10.3390/cells7080085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the main consequence of any kind of chronic liver damage. Coagulation and thrombin generation are crucial in the physiological response to tissue injury; however, the inappropriate and uncontrolled activation of coagulation cascade may lead to fibrosis development due to the involvement of several cellular types and biochemical pathways in response to thrombin generation. In the liver, hepatic stellate cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells orchestrate fibrogenic response to chronic damage. Thrombin interacts with these cytotypes mainly through protease-activated receptors (PARs), which are expressed by endothelium, platelets and hepatic stellate cells. This review focuses on the impact of coagulation in liver fibrogenesis, describes receptors and pathways involved and explores the potential antifibrotic properties of drugs active in hemostasis in studies with cells, animal models of liver damage and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Bitto
- Medicina Interna, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Donato, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20097 San Donato Milanese (MI), Italy.
| | - Eleonora Liguori
- Medicina Interna, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Donato, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20097 San Donato Milanese (MI), Italy.
| | - Vincenzo La Mura
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, UOC Medicina Generale-Emostasi e Trombosi, 20122 Milano, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Scienze biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy.
- A. M. and A. Migliavacca per lo studio delle Malattie del Fegato, 20122 Milano, Italy.
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5
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van den Eshof BL, Hoogendijk AJ, Simpson PJ, van Alphen FPJ, Zanivan S, Mertens K, Meijer AB, van den Biggelaar M. Paradigm of Biased PAR1 (Protease-Activated Receptor-1) Activation and Inhibition in Endothelial Cells Dissected by Phosphoproteomics. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2017; 37:1891-1902. [PMID: 28818855 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.117.309926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Thrombin is the key serine protease of the coagulation cascade and mediates cellular responses by activation of PARs (protease-activated receptors). The predominant thrombin receptor is PAR1, and in endothelial cells (ECs), thrombin dynamically regulates a plethora of phosphorylation events. However, it has remained unclear whether thrombin signaling is exclusively mediated through PAR1. Furthermore, mechanistic insight into activation and inhibition of PAR1-mediated EC signaling is lacking. In addition, signaling networks of biased PAR1 activation after differential cleavage of the PAR1 N terminus have remained an unresolved issue. APPROACH AND RESULTS Here, we used a quantitative phosphoproteomics approach to show that classical and peptide activation of PAR1 induce highly similar signaling, that low thrombin concentrations initiate only limited phosphoregulation, and that the PAR1 inhibitors vorapaxar and parmodulin-2 demonstrate distinct antagonistic properties. Subsequent analysis of the thrombin-regulated phosphosites in the presence of PAR1 inhibitors revealed that biased activation of PAR1 is not solely linked to a specific G-protein downstream of PAR1. In addition, we showed that only the canonical thrombin PAR1 tethered ligand induces extensive early phosphoregulation in ECs. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides detailed insight in the signaling mechanisms downstream of PAR1. Our data demonstrate that thrombin-induced EC phosphoregulation is mediated exclusively through PAR1, that thrombin and thrombin-tethered ligand peptide induce similar phosphoregulation, and that only canonical PAR1 cleavage by thrombin generates a tethered ligand that potently induces early signaling. Furthermore, platelet PAR1 inhibitors directly affect EC signaling, indicating that it will be a challenge to design a PAR1 antagonist that will target only those pathways responsible for tissue pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart L van den Eshof
- From the Department Plasma Proteins (B.L.v.d.E., A.J.H., P.J.S., K.M., A.B.M., M.v.d.B.), Department of Research Facilities (F.P.J.v.A., A.B.M.), Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Department Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, The Netherlands (K.M., A.B.M.)
| | - Arie J Hoogendijk
- From the Department Plasma Proteins (B.L.v.d.E., A.J.H., P.J.S., K.M., A.B.M., M.v.d.B.), Department of Research Facilities (F.P.J.v.A., A.B.M.), Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Department Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, The Netherlands (K.M., A.B.M.)
| | - Pelle J Simpson
- From the Department Plasma Proteins (B.L.v.d.E., A.J.H., P.J.S., K.M., A.B.M., M.v.d.B.), Department of Research Facilities (F.P.J.v.A., A.B.M.), Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Department Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, The Netherlands (K.M., A.B.M.)
| | - Floris P J van Alphen
- From the Department Plasma Proteins (B.L.v.d.E., A.J.H., P.J.S., K.M., A.B.M., M.v.d.B.), Department of Research Facilities (F.P.J.v.A., A.B.M.), Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Department Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, The Netherlands (K.M., A.B.M.)
| | - Sara Zanivan
- From the Department Plasma Proteins (B.L.v.d.E., A.J.H., P.J.S., K.M., A.B.M., M.v.d.B.), Department of Research Facilities (F.P.J.v.A., A.B.M.), Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Department Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, The Netherlands (K.M., A.B.M.)
| | - Koen Mertens
- From the Department Plasma Proteins (B.L.v.d.E., A.J.H., P.J.S., K.M., A.B.M., M.v.d.B.), Department of Research Facilities (F.P.J.v.A., A.B.M.), Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Department Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, The Netherlands (K.M., A.B.M.)
| | - Alexander B Meijer
- From the Department Plasma Proteins (B.L.v.d.E., A.J.H., P.J.S., K.M., A.B.M., M.v.d.B.), Department of Research Facilities (F.P.J.v.A., A.B.M.), Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Department Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, The Netherlands (K.M., A.B.M.)
| | - Maartje van den Biggelaar
- From the Department Plasma Proteins (B.L.v.d.E., A.J.H., P.J.S., K.M., A.B.M., M.v.d.B.), Department of Research Facilities (F.P.J.v.A., A.B.M.), Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (S.Z.); Department Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, The Netherlands (K.M., A.B.M.).
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Troeira Henriques S, Lawrence N, Chaousis S, Ravipati AS, Cheneval O, Benfield AH, Elliott AG, Kavanagh AM, Cooper MA, Chan LY, Huang YH, Craik DJ. Redesigned Spider Peptide with Improved Antimicrobial and Anticancer Properties. ACS Chem Biol 2017; 12:2324-2334. [PMID: 28741926 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b00459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Gomesin, a disulfide-rich antimicrobial peptide produced by the Brazilian spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana, has been shown to be potent against Gram-negative bacteria and to possess selective anticancer properties against melanoma cells. In a recent study, a backbone cyclized analogue of gomesin was shown to be as active but more stable than its native form. In the current study, we were interested in improving the antimicrobial properties of the cyclic gomesin, understanding its selectivity toward melanoma cells and elucidating its antimicrobial and anticancer mode of action. Rationally designed analogues of cyclic gomesin were examined for their antimicrobial potency, selectivity toward cancer cells, membrane-binding affinity, and ability to disrupt cell and model membranes. We improved the activity of cyclic gomesin by ∼10-fold against tested Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria without increasing toxicity to human red blood cells. In addition, we showed that gomesin and its analogues are more toxic toward melanoma and leukemia cells than toward red blood cells and act by selectively targeting and disrupting cancer cell membranes. Preference toward some cancer types is likely dependent on their different cell membrane properties. Our findings highlight the potential of peptides as antimicrobial and anticancer leads and the importance of selectively targeting cancer cell membranes for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Troeira Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Nicole Lawrence
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Stephanie Chaousis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Anjaneya S. Ravipati
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Olivier Cheneval
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Aurélie H. Benfield
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Alysha G. Elliott
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Angela Maria Kavanagh
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Matthew A. Cooper
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Lai Yue Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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7
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Coagulation Factors in the Interstitial Space. Protein Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1201/9781315374307-9] [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]
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8
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Proteolysis in the Interstitium. Protein Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1201/9781315374307-5] [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]
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9
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de Ridder GG, Lundblad RL, Pizzo SV. Actions of thrombin in the interstitium. J Thromb Haemost 2016; 14:40-7. [PMID: 26564405 DOI: 10.1111/jth.13191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Thrombin is a pleiotropic enzyme best known for its contribution to fibrin formation and platelet aggregation during vascular hemostasis. There is increasing evidence to suggest a role for thrombin in the development of interstitial fibrosis, but interstitial thrombin has not been demonstrated by the direct determination of activity. Rather its presence is inferred by products of thrombin action such as fibrin and activated fibroblasts. This review will focus on possible mechanisms of thrombin formation in the interstitial space, the possible actions of thrombin, processes regulating thrombin activity in the interstitial space, and evidence supporting a role for thrombin in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G G de Ridder
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - R L Lundblad
- Department of Pathology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - S V Pizzo
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Hua N, Baik F, Pham T, Phinikaridou A, Giordano N, Friedman B, Whitney M, Nguyen QT, Tsien RY, Hamilton JA. Identification of High-Risk Plaques by MRI and Fluorescence Imaging in a Rabbit Model of Atherothrombosis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139833. [PMID: 26448434 PMCID: PMC4598148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The detection of atherosclerotic plaques at risk for disruption will be greatly enhanced by molecular probes that target vessel wall biomarkers. Here, we test if fluorescently-labeled Activatable Cell Penetrating Peptides (ACPPs) could differentiate stable plaques from vulnerable plaques that disrupt, forming a luminal thrombus. Additionally, we test the efficacy of a combined ACPP and MRI technique for identifying plaques at high risk of rupture. Methods and Results In an atherothrombotic rabbit model, disrupted plaques were identified with in vivo MRI and co-registered in the same rabbit aorta with the in vivo uptake of ACPPs, cleaved by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or thrombin. ACPP uptake, mapped ex vivo in whole aortas, was higher in disrupted compared to non-disrupted plaques. Specifically, disrupted plaques demonstrated a 4.5~5.0 fold increase in fluorescence enhancement, while non-disrupted plaques showed only a 2.2~2.5 fold signal increase. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicates that both ACPPs (MMP and thrombin) show high specificity (84.2% and 83.2%) and sensitivity (80.0% and 85.7%) in detecting disrupted plaques. The detection power of ACPPs was improved when combined with the MRI derived measure, outward remodeling ratio. Conclusions Our targeted fluorescence ACPP probes distinguished disrupted plaques from stable plaques with high sensitivity and specificity. The combination of anatomic, MRI-derived predictors for disruption and ACPP uptake can further improve the power for identification of high-risk plaques and suggests future development of ACPPs with molecular MRI as a readout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Hua
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Fred Baik
- Division of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Tuan Pham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alkystis Phinikaridou
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Giordano
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Beth Friedman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Michael Whitney
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Quyen T. Nguyen
- Division of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Roger Y. Tsien
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - James A. Hamilton
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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11
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Ortmann C, Pickhinke U, Exner S, Ohlig S, Lawrence R, Jboor H, Dreier R, Grobe K. Sonic hedgehog processing and release are regulated by glypican heparan sulfate proteoglycans. J Cell Sci 2015; 128:2374-85. [PMID: 25967551 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.170670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
All Hedgehog morphogens are released from producing cells, despite being synthesized as N- and C-terminally lipidated molecules, a modification that firmly tethers them to the cell membrane. We have previously shown that proteolytic removal of both lipidated peptides, called shedding, releases bioactive Sonic hedgehog (Shh) morphogens from the surface of transfected Bosc23 cells. Using in vivo knockdown together with in vitro cell culture studies, we now show that glypican heparan sulfate proteoglycans regulate this process, through their heparan sulfate chains, in a cell autonomous manner. Heparan sulfate specifically modifies Shh processing at the cell surface, and purified glycosaminoglycans enhance the proteolytic removal of N- and C-terminal Shh peptides under cell-free conditions. The most likely explanation for these observations is direct Shh processing in the extracellular compartment, suggesting that heparan sulfate acts as a scaffold or activator for Shh ligands and the factors required for their turnover. We also show that purified heparan sulfate isolated from specific cell types and tissues mediates the release of bioactive Shh from pancreatic cancer cells, revealing a previously unknown regulatory role for these versatile molecules in a pathological context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Ortmann
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ute Pickhinke
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sebastian Exner
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ohlig
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Roger Lawrence
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hamodah Jboor
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Rita Dreier
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003-CiM), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Kay Grobe
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003-CiM), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Rubens CE, Sadovsky Y, Muglia L, Gravett MG, Lackritz E, Gravett C. Prevention of preterm birth: Harnessing science to address the global epidemic. Sci Transl Med 2014; 6:262sr5. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3009871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Smiljanic K, Obradovic M, Jovanovic A, Djordjevic J, Dobutovic B, Jevremovic D, Marche P, Isenovic ER. Thrombin stimulates VSMC proliferation through an EGFR-dependent pathway: involvement of MMP-2. Mol Cell Biochem 2014; 396:147-60. [PMID: 25047892 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-014-2151-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), general metalloproteinases, matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) in mediating the mitogenic action of thrombin in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) was investigated. The incubation of rat VSMC with thrombin (1 U/ml) for 5 min resulted in significant (p < 0.001) increase of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by 8.7 ± 0.9-fold, EGFR phosphorylation by 8.5 ± 1.3-fold (p < 0.001) and DNA synthesis by 3.6 ± 0.4-fold (p < 0.001). Separate 30-min pretreatments with EGFR tyrosine kinase irreversible inhibitor, 10 µM PD169540 (PD), and 20 µM anti-HB-EGF antibody significantly reduced thrombin-stimulated EGFR and ERK1/2 phosphorylation by 81, 72 % and by 48 and 61 %, respectively. Furthermore, the same pretreatments with PD or anti-HB-EGF antibody reduced thrombin-induced VSMC proliferation by 44 and 45 %, respectively. In addition, 30-min pretreatments with 10 µM specific MMP-2 inhibitor significantly reduced thrombin-stimulated phosphorylation of both EGFR and ERK1/2 by 25 %. Moreover, the same pretreatment with MMP-2 inhibitor reduced thrombin-induced VSMC proliferation by 45 %. These results show that the thrombin-induced DNA synthesis correlates with the level of ERK1/2 activation rather than EGFR activation. These results further suggest that thrombin acts through EGFR and ERK 1/2 signaling pathways involving MMP-2 to upregulate proliferation of VSMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Smiljanic
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia,
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Garcia-Saldivia M, Lopez-Mendez G, Berrueta L, Salmen S, Donis JH, Davila DF. Left ventricular geometry and matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in chronic Chagas heart disease. Int J Cardiol 2014; 176:565-6. [PMID: 25070381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Garcia-Saldivia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Universidad de Los Andes, Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Mendez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Universidad de Los Andes, Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Lisbeth Berrueta
- Instituto de Inmunologia Clinica, Universidad de Los Andes, Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela; Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA
| | - Siham Salmen
- Instituto de Inmunologia Clinica, Universidad de Los Andes, Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Jose H Donis
- Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Universidad de Los Andes, Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Diego F Davila
- Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Universidad de Los Andes, Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela.
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Fulcher YG, Sanganna Gari RR, Frey NC, Zhang F, Linhardt RJ, King GM, Van Doren SR. Heparinoids activate a protease, secreted by mucosa and tumors, via tethering supplemented by allostery. ACS Chem Biol 2014; 9:957-66. [PMID: 24495220 DOI: 10.1021/cb400898t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Activation by glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is an emerging trend among extracellular proteases important in disease. ProMMP-7, the zymogen of a matrix metalloproteinase secreted by mucosal epithelial and tumor cells, is activated at their surfaces by sulfated GAGs, but how? ProMMP-7 is activated in trans by representative heparin oligosaccharides in a length-dependent manner, with a large jump in activation at lengths of 16 monosaccharides. Imaging by atomic force microscopy visualized small complexes of proMMP-7 molecules linked by 8-mer lengths of heparinoids and extended assembles formed with 16-mer lengths of heparin. Complexes of proMMP-7 with polydisperse heparin or heparan sulfate were more diverse. Heparinoids evidently accelerate activation by tethering multiple proMMP-7 molecules together for proteolytic attack among neighbors. Removal of either the prodomain or C-terminal peptide sequence of KRSNSRKK from MMP-7 prevents formation of the long arrays induced by heparin 16-mers or heparan sulfate. The role of the C-terminus in activation assays suggests it contributes to remote, allosteric binding of GAGs. Enhancement of proteolytic velocity of MMP-by GAGs indicates them to be effectors of V-type allostery. GAGs from proteoglycans appear to assemble proMMP-7 molecules for activation, an event preceding its tumorigenic or antibacterial proteolytic activities at cell surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fuming Zhang
- Center
for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, United States
| | - Robert J. Linhardt
- Center
for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, United States
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Xu CY, Zhu HM, Wu JH, Wen H, Liu CJ. Increased permeability of blood-brain barrier is mediated by serine protease during Cryptococcus meningitis. J Int Med Res 2014; 42:85-92. [PMID: 24398759 DOI: 10.1177/0300060513504365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the role of serine protease in the disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) during Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis. METHODS Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the production of serine protease by different strains of C. neoformans. BBB permeability in immunosuppressed rats inoculated with C. neoformans or C. neoformans plus aprotinin was examined via Evans blue staining. In vitro BBB permeability (transwell passage of horseradish peroxidase) was determined in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) cultured with serine protease or serine protease plus aprotinin. Electron microscopy of rat brain tissue was used to visualise C. neoformans infection. RESULTS Serine protease mRNA and protein were detected in all C. neoformans serotypes. C. neoformans infection increased BBB permeability in vivo, but this effect was ameliorated by aprotinin. Treatment of BMECs with serine protease increased permeability in vitro. This effect was reversed by aprotinin. CONCLUSION Serine protease secreted by C. neoformans leads to BBB disruption during Cryptococcus meningitis. Serine protease may be a novel treatment target for Cryptococcus meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Yu Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Jinan Military General Hospital, Jinan, China
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Thrombin weakens the amnion extracellular matrix (ECM) directly rather than through protease activated receptors. Placenta 2013; 34:924-31. [PMID: 23953865 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.07.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 06/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (pPROM) is a major cause of preterm birth. Abruption associated thrombin production, and infection-inflammation associated cytokine production reportedly play major roles in pPROM. Utilizing an in vitro model-system we have confirmed that both thrombin and inflammatory cytokines remodel and biomechanically weaken amnion, the load-bearing component of FM. Also, we have shown thrombin directly weakens isolated amnion but cytokines weaken amnion only indirectly by initially interacting with choriodecidua and releasing unidentified soluble activator(s). This study's purpose was to determine whether thrombin weakens the isolated amnion through thrombin receptor-protease activated receptors (PARs 1,2,3,4), activation of previously secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) enzymes, or by direct action on the ECM. METHODS Primary amnion cells and isolated amnion were tested for PARs by immunohistochemistry, Western Blot and rtPCR. Cell-free amnion ECM was produced by devitalizing isolated amnion by exposure to UV light and subsequent freeze-thaw cycles. Devitalized amnion membrane explants were incubated with thrombin and biomechanically tested. RESULTS PARs were not found in amnion or amnion cells. Thrombin induced dose-dependent weakening of devitalized amnion explants. Preincubation with the thrombin inhibitor hirudin prevented thrombin-induced weakening. Thrombin converted pro-MMP2 embedded in the devitalized amnion ECM to multiple active forms. Thrombin also directly digested gelatin gels in zymograms suggesting the possibility of direct degradation of amnion ECM components. DISCUSSION Thrombin appears to directly weaken the amnion ECM and additionally activates stored pro-MMP2 to active forms that may further enhance amnion ECM degradation. CONCLUSION Thrombin weakens amnion directly rather than through PARs.
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Koo BH, Kim YH, Han JH, Kim DS. Dimerization of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2): functional implication in MMP-2 activation. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:22643-53. [PMID: 22577146 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.337949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) functions in diverse biological processes through the degradation of extracellular and non-extracellular matrix molecules. Because of its potential for tissue damage, there are several ways to regulate MMP-2 activity, including gene expression, compartmentalization, zymogen activation, and enzyme inactivation by extracellular inhibitors. Enzyme regulation through zymogen activation is important for the regulation of MMP-2 activity. In our previous studies, we showed that thrombin directly cleaved the propeptide of MMP-2 at specific sites for enzyme activation. We also demonstrated that heparan sulfate was required for thrombin-mediated activation of pro-MMP-2 by binding to thrombin, presumably through conformational changes at the active site of the enzyme. This suggests a regulatory mechanism for thrombin-mediated activation of pro-MMP-2. In this study, we found that MMP-2 formed a reduction-sensitive homodimer in a controlled manner and that Ca(2+) ion was essential for homodimerization of MMP-2. Homodimerization was not associated with protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation of MMP-2. MMP-2 formed a homodimer through an intermolecular disulfide bond between Cys(102) and the neighboring Cys(102). Homodimerization of MMP-2 enhanced thrombin-mediated activation of pro-MMP-2. Moreover, the MMP-2 homodimer could cleave a small peptide substrate without removal of the propeptide. Taken together, our experimental data suggest a novel regulatory mechanism for pro-MMP-2 activation that is modulated through homodimerization of MMP-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bon-Hun Koo
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea.
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Human matrix metalloproteinases: an ubiquitarian class of enzymes involved in several pathological processes. Mol Aspects Med 2011; 33:119-208. [PMID: 22100792 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2011.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/29/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) belong to the M10 family of the MA clan of endopeptidases. They are ubiquitarian enzymes, structurally characterized by an active site where a Zn(2+) atom, coordinated by three histidines, plays the catalytic role, assisted by a glutamic acid as a general base. Various MMPs display different domain composition, which is very important for macromolecular substrates recognition. Substrate specificity is very different among MMPs, being often associated to their cellular compartmentalization and/or cellular type where they are expressed. An extensive review of the different MMPs structural and functional features is integrated with their pathological role in several types of diseases, spanning from cancer to cardiovascular diseases and to neurodegeneration. It emerges a very complex and crucial role played by these enzymes in many physiological and pathological processes.
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