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Incocciati A, Cappelletti C, Masciarelli S, Liccardo F, Piacentini R, Giorgi A, Bertuccini L, De Berardis B, Fazi F, Boffi A, Bonamore A, Macone A. Ferritin-based disruptor nanoparticles: A novel strategy to enhance LDL cholesterol clearance via multivalent inhibition of PCSK9-LDL receptor interaction. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5111. [PMID: 39150051 PMCID: PMC11328107 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5111] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia, characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a crucial role in cholesterol metabolism by regulating LDL receptor degradation, making it a therapeutic target for mitigating hypercholesterolemia-associated risks. In this context, we aimed to engineer human H ferritin as a scaffold to present 24 copies of a PCSK9-targeting domain. The rationale behind this protein nanoparticle design was to disrupt the PCSK9-LDL receptor interaction, thereby attenuating the PCSK9-mediated impairment of LDL cholesterol clearance. The N-terminal sequence of human H ferritin was engineered to incorporate a 13-amino acid linear peptide (Pep2-8), which was previously identified as the smallest PCSK9 inhibitor. Exploiting the quaternary structure of ferritin, engineered nanoparticles were designed to display 24 copies of the targeting peptide on their surface, enabling a multivalent binding effect. Extensive biochemical characterization confirmed precise control over nanoparticle size and morphology, alongside robust PCSK9-binding affinity (KD in the high picomolar range). Subsequent efficacy assessments employing the HepG2 liver cell line demonstrated the ability of engineered ferritin's ability to disrupt PCSK9-LDL receptor interaction, thereby promoting LDL receptor recycling on cell surfaces and consequently enhancing LDL uptake. Our findings highlight the potential of ferritin-based platforms as versatile tools for targeting PCSK9 in the management of hypercholesterolemia. This study not only contributes to the advancement of ferritin-based therapeutics but also offers valuable insights into novel strategies for treating cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Incocciati
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cappelletti
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Masciarelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Liccardo
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Piacentini
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Giorgi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Bertuccini
- Core Facilities, Microscopy Area, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara De Berardis
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Boffi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bonamore
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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2
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Li X, Zhang W, Shu Y, Huo R, Zheng C, Qi Q, Fu P, Sun J, Wang Y, Wang Y, Lu J, Zhao X, Yin G, Wang Q, Hong J. Biparatopic anti-PCSK9 antibody enhances the LDL-uptake in HepG2 cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15331. [PMID: 38961200 PMCID: PMC11222478 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66290-9] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target to reduce lipids. In 2020, we reported a chimeric camelid-human heavy chain antibody VHH-B11-Fc targeting PCSK9. Recently, it was verified that VHH-B11 binds one linear epitope in the PCSK9 hinge region. To enhance its druggability, we have developed a novel biparatopic B11-H2-Fc Ab herein. Thereinto, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) confirmed the epitope differences in binding-PCSK9 among VHH-B11, VHH-H2 and the approved Repatha. Additionally, SPR revealed the B11-H2-Fc exhibits an avidity of approximately 0.036 nM for PCSK9, representing a considerable increase compared to VHH-B11-Fc (~ 0.69 nM). Moreover, we found the Repatha and B11-H2-Fc exhibited > 95% PCSK9 inhibition efficiency compared to approximately 48% for the VHH-Fc at 7.4 nM (P < 0.0005). Further, we verified its biological activity using the human hepatoma cells G2 model, where the B11-H2-Fc exhibited almost 100% efficiency in PCSK9 inhibition at only 0.75 μM. The immunoblotting results of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) uptake assay also demonstrated the excellent performance of B11-H2-Fc on recovering the LDL-c receptor (LDLR), as strong as the Repatha (P > 0.05). These findings provide the first evidence of the efficacy of a novel Ab targeting PCSK9 in the field of lipid-lowering drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Henan University of Urban Construction, Ping Dingshan, 467036, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Shu
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Henan University of Urban Construction, Ping Dingshan, 467036, China
| | - Rui Huo
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Henan University of Urban Construction, Ping Dingshan, 467036, China
| | - Chengyang Zheng
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Henan University of Urban Construction, Ping Dingshan, 467036, China
| | - Qi Qi
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Henan University of Urban Construction, Ping Dingshan, 467036, China
| | - Pengfei Fu
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Henan University of Urban Construction, Ping Dingshan, 467036, China
| | - Jie Sun
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Henan University of Urban Construction, Ping Dingshan, 467036, China
| | - Yuhuan Wang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Henan University of Urban Construction, Ping Dingshan, 467036, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Henan University of Urban Construction, Ping Dingshan, 467036, China
| | - Juxu Lu
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Henan University of Urban Construction, Ping Dingshan, 467036, China
| | - Xiangjie Zhao
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Henan University of Urban Construction, Ping Dingshan, 467036, China
| | - Guoyou Yin
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Henan University of Urban Construction, Ping Dingshan, 467036, China.
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Employment and Business Startup Service Center, Henan University of Urban Construction, Ping Dingshan, 467036, China.
| | - Jun Hong
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Henan University of Urban Construction, Ping Dingshan, 467036, China.
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3
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Hummelgaard S, Vilstrup JP, Gustafsen C, Glerup S, Weyer K. Targeting PCSK9 to tackle cardiovascular disease. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 249:108480. [PMID: 37331523 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Lowering blood cholesterol levels efficiently reduces the risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), including coronary artery disease (CAD), which is the main cause of death worldwide. CAD is caused by plaque formation, comprising cholesterol deposits in the coronary arteries. Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin/type 9 (PCSK9) was discovered in the early 2000s and later identified as a key regulator of cholesterol metabolism. PCSK9 induces lysosomal degradation of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor in the liver, which is responsible for clearing LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) from the circulation. Accordingly, gain-of-function PCSK9 mutations are causative of familial hypercholesterolemia, a severe condition with extremely high plasma cholesterol levels and increased ASCVD risk, whereas loss-of-function PCSK9 mutations are associated with very low LDL-C levels and protection against CAD. Since the discovery of PCSK9, extensive investigations in developing PCSK9 targeting therapies have been performed. The combined delineation of clear biology, genetic risk variants, and PCSK9 crystal structures have been major drivers in developing antagonistic molecules. Today, two antibody-based PCSK9 inhibitors have successfully progressed to clinical application and shown to be effective in reducing cholesterol levels and mitigating the risk of ASCVD events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and death, without any major adverse effects. A third siRNA-based inhibitor has been FDA-approved but awaits cardiovascular outcome data. In this review, we outline the PCSK9 biology, focusing on the structure and nonsynonymous mutations reported in the PCSK9 gene and elaborate on PCSK9-lowering strategies under development. Finally, we discuss future perspectives with PCSK9 inhibition in other severe disorders beyond cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Simon Glerup
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Draupnir Bio, INCUBA Skejby, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kathrin Weyer
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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4
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Dec A, Niemiec A, Wojciechowska E, Maligłówka M, Bułdak Ł, Bołdys A, Okopień B. Inclisiran—A Revolutionary Addition to a Cholesterol-Lowering Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076858. [PMID: 37047830 PMCID: PMC10095256 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis, but it remains an undertreated and underdiagnosed disease. Taking into consideration the high prevalence of lipid disorders, long duration of the asymptomatic course of the disease, life-threatening complications resulting from inaccurate therapy, and stringent treatment goals concerning LDL cholesterol level in the prevention of cardiovascular events, novel lipid-lowering therapies have been introduced in the last few years. In this article, a drug belonging to the group of small interfering RNA (siRNA) called inclisiran is described. It is a novel molecule that increases the number of LDL receptors (LDLRs) on the surface of hepatic cells by preventing the formation of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) responsible for the degradation of LDLRs. With great potential for lowering plasma LDL cholesterol level, high liver specificity, comfortable dosing regimen, and good tolerance without significant adverse effects, it could play an important part in future hypolipemic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Dec
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Niemiec
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Eliza Wojciechowska
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Mateusz Maligłówka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Łukasz Bułdak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Bołdys
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Bogusław Okopień
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
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5
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Ahamad S, Bhat SA. Recent Update on the Development of PCSK9 Inhibitors for Hypercholesterolemia Treatment. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15513-15539. [PMID: 36446632 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-type 9 (PCSK9) binds to low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR), thereby trafficking them to lysosomes upon endocytosis and enhancing intracellular degradation to prevent their recycling. As a result, the levels of circulating LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) increase, which is a prominent risk factor for developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). Thus, PCSK9 has become a promising therapeutic target that offers a fertile testing ground for new drug modalities to regulate plasma LDL-C levels to prevent ASCVD. In this review, we have discussed the role of PCSK9 in lipid metabolism and briefly summarized the current clinical status of modalities targeting PCSK9. In particular, a detailed overview of peptide-based PCSK9 inhibitors is presented, which emphasizes their structural features and design, therapeutic effects on patients, and preclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) models, along with PCSK9 modulation mechanisms. As a promising alternative to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for managing LDL-C, anti-PCSK9 peptides are emerging as a prospective next generation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakir Ahamad
- Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Shahnawaz A Bhat
- Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
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6
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Dafnis I, Tsouka AN, Gkolfinopoulou C, Tellis CC, Chroni A, Tselepis AD. PCSK9 is minimally associated with HDL but impairs the anti-atherosclerotic HDL effects on endothelial cell activation. J Lipid Res 2022; 63:100272. [PMID: 36067830 PMCID: PMC9526147 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2022.100272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) regulates the cell-surface localization of LDL receptors in hepatocytes and is associated with LDL and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] uptake, reducing blood concentrations. However, the connection between PCSK9 and HDL is unclear. Here, we investigated the association of plasma PCSK9 with HDL subpopulations and examined the effects of PCSK9 on the atheroprotective function of HDL. We examined the association of PCSK9 with HDL in apoB-depleted plasma by ELISA, native PAGE, and immunoblotting. Our analyses showed that upon apoB-depletion, total circulating PCSK9 levels were 32% of those observed in normolipidemic plasma, and only 6% of PCSK9 in the apoB-depleted plasma, including both the mature and furin-cleaved forms, was associated with HDL. We also show human recombinant PCSK9 abolished the capacity of reconstituted HDL to reduce the formation of ROS in endothelial cells, while a PCSK9-blocking antibody enhanced the capacity of human HDL (in apoB-depleted plasma) to reduce ROS formation in endothelial cells and promote endothelial cell migration. Overall, our findings suggest that PCSK9 is only minimally associated with HDL particles, but PCSK9 in apoB-depleted plasma can affect the atheroprotective properties of HDL related to preservation of endothelial function. This study contributes to the elucidation of the pathophysiological role of plasma PCSK9 and highlights further the anti-atherosclerotic effect of PCSK9 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Dafnis
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini N Tsouka
- Atherothrombosis Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christina Gkolfinopoulou
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos C Tellis
- Atherothrombosis Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Angeliki Chroni
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros D Tselepis
- Atherothrombosis Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
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7
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Tchéoubi SER, Akpovi CD, Coppée F, Declèves AE, Laurent S, Agbangla C, Burtea C. Molecular and cellular biology of PCSK9: impact on glucose homeostasis. J Drug Target 2022; 30:948-960. [PMID: 35723066 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2022.2092622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase substilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors (PCSK9i) revolutionised the lipid-lowering therapy. However, a risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is evoked under PCSK9i therapy. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge on the link of PCSK9 with T2DM. A significant correlation was found between PCSK9 and insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) of insulin resistance and glycated haemoglobin. PCSK9 is also involved in inflammation. PCSK9 loss-of-function variants increased T2DM risk by altering insulin secretion. Local pancreatic low PCSK9 regulates β-cell LDLR expression which in turn promotes intracellular cholesterol accumulation and hampers insulin secretion. Nevertheless, the association of PCSK9 loss-of-function variants and T2DM is inconsistent. InsLeu and R46L polymorphisms were associated with T2DM, low HOMA for β-cell function and impaired fasting glucose, while the C679X polymorphism was associated with low fasting glucose in Black South African people. Hence, we assume that the impact of these variants on glucose homeostasis may vary depending on the genetic background of the studied populations and the type of effect caused by those genetic variants on the PCSK9 protein. Accordingly, these factors should be considered when choosing a genetic variant of PCSK9 to assess the impact of long-term use of PCSK9i on glucose homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sègbédé E R Tchéoubi
- General, Organic and Biomedical Chemistry Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons - UMONS, Mons, Belgium.,Non-Communicable Diseases and Cancer Research Unit, Laboratory of Applied Biology Research, University of Abomey-Calavi - UAC, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Casimir D Akpovi
- Non-Communicable Diseases and Cancer Research Unit, Laboratory of Applied Biology Research, University of Abomey-Calavi - UAC, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Frédérique Coppée
- Laboratory of Metabolic and Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons - UMONS, Mons, Belgium
| | - Anne-Emilie Declèves
- Laboratory of Metabolic and Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons - UMONS, Mons, Belgium
| | - Sophie Laurent
- General, Organic and Biomedical Chemistry Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons - UMONS, Mons, Belgium
| | - Clément Agbangla
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Genome Analyzes, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, University of Abomey-Calavi - UAC, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Carmen Burtea
- General, Organic and Biomedical Chemistry Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons - UMONS, Mons, Belgium
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8
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Nava-Salazar S, Flores-Pliego A, Pérez-Martínez G, Parra-Hernández S, Vanoye-Carlo A, Ibarguengoitia-Ochoa F, Perichart-Perera O, Reyes-Muñoz E, Solis-Paredes JM, Espino Y Sosa S, Estrada-Gutierrez G. Resistin Modulates Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Uptake in Human Placental Explants via PCSK9. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3242-3253. [PMID: 35467263 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00943-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Maternal metabolic status influences pregnancy and, consequently, the perinatal outcome. Resistin is a pro-inflammatory adipokine predominantly expressed and secreted by mononuclear cells, adipose tissue, and placental trophoblastic cells during pregnancy. Recently, we reported an inverse association between maternal resistin levels and fetal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Then, in this work, we used a human placental explant model and the trophoblast cell line JEG-3 to evaluate whether resistin affects placental LDL-C uptake. Resistin exposure induced the transcription factor SREBP-2, LDLR, and PCSK9 mRNA expression, and changes at the protein level were confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. However, for LDLR, the changes were not consistent between mRNA and protein levels. Using a labeled LDL-cholesterol (BODIPY FL LDL), uptake assay demonstrated that the LDL-C was significantly decreased in placental explants exposed to a high dose of resistin and a lesser extent in JEG-3 cells. In summary, resistin induces PCSK9 expression in placental explants and JEG-3 cells, which could be related to negative regulation of the LDLR by lysosomal degradation. These findings suggest that resistin may significantly regulate the LDL-C uptake and transport from the maternal circulation to the fetus, affecting its growth and lipid profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Nava-Salazar
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo Flores-Pliego
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Sandra Parra-Hernández
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Otilia Perichart-Perera
- Department of Nutrition and Bioprogramming, Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Enrique Reyes-Muñoz
- Coordination of Gynecologic and Perinatal Endocrinology, Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Mario Solis-Paredes
- Department of Human Genetics and Genomics, Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia, Mexico City, Mexico
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9
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Coto E, Albaiceta GM, Amado-Rodríguez L, García-Clemente M, Cuesta-Llavona E, Vázquez-Coto D, Alonso B, Iglesias S, Melón S, Alvarez-Argüelles ME, Boga JA, Rojo-Alba S, Pérez-Oliveira S, Alvarez V, Gómez J. FURIN gene variants (rs6224/rs4702) as potential markers of deat hand cardiovascular traits in severe COVID-19. J Med Virol 2022; 94:3589-3595. [PMID: 35355278 PMCID: PMC9088626 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Furin is a protease that plays a key role in the infection cycle of SARS‐CoV‐2 by cleaving the viral proteins during the virus particle assembly. In addition, Furin regulates several physiological processes related to cardio‐metabolic traits. DNA variants in the FURIN gene are candidates to regulate the risk of developing these traits as well as the susceptibility to severe COVID‐19. We genotyped two functional FURIN variants (rs6224/rs4702) in 428 COVID‐19 patients in the intensive care unit. The association with death (N = 106) and hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidaemia was statistically evaluated. The risk of death was associated with age, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. The two FURIN alleles linked to higher expression (rs6224 T and rs4702 A) were significantly increased in the death cases (odds ratio= 1.40 and 1.43). Homozygosis for the two high expression genotypes (rs6224 TT and rs4702 AA) and for the T‐A haplotype was associated with an increased risk of hypercholesterolemia. In the multiple logistic regression both, hypercholesterolemia and the TT + AA genotype were significantly associated with death. In conclusion, besides its association with hypercholesterolemia, FURIN variants might be independent risk factors for the risk of death among COVID‐19 patients. Furin plays an important role in the life‐cycle of SARS‐CoV‐2 Furin activity might regulate the risk for cardiovascular traits, such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Two functional FURIN variants were associated with the risk of death among critical COVID‐19 patients. The observed association with mortality was independent of higher cholesterol levels. FURIN gene variants might be predictors of COVID‐19 severity and mortaility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliecer Coto
- Genética Molecular, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado deAsturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Spain.,Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Guillermo M Albaiceta
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Cardiológicos, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado deAsturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Spain.,Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,CIBER-Enfermedades Respiratorias. Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Laura Amado-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Cardiológicos, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado deAsturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Spain.,Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,CIBER-Enfermedades Respiratorias. Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Marta García-Clemente
- Neumología, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado deAsturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Elías Cuesta-Llavona
- Genética Molecular, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado deAsturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Belén Alonso
- Genética Molecular, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Sara Iglesias
- Genética Molecular, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Santiago Melón
- Microbiologia, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado deAsturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Marta E Alvarez-Argüelles
- Microbiologia, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado deAsturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - José A Boga
- Microbiologia, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado deAsturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Susana Rojo-Alba
- Microbiologia, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado deAsturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Sergio Pérez-Oliveira
- Genética Molecular, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado deAsturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Victoria Alvarez
- Genética Molecular, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado deAsturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan Gómez
- Genética Molecular, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado deAsturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Spain
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10
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Therapeutic RNA-silencing oligonucleotides in metabolic diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:417-439. [PMID: 35210608 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00407-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen unprecedented activity in the development of RNA-silencing oligonucleotide therapeutics for metabolic diseases. Improved oligonucleotide design and optimization of synthetic nucleic acid chemistry, in combination with the development of highly selective and efficient conjugate delivery technology platforms, have established and validated oligonucleotides as a new class of drugs. To date, there are five marketed oligonucleotide therapies, with many more in clinical studies, for both rare and common liver-driven metabolic diseases. Here, we provide an overview of recent developments in the field of oligonucleotide therapeutics in metabolism, review past and current clinical trials, and discuss ongoing challenges and possible future developments.
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11
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Grewal T, Buechler C. Emerging Insights on the Diverse Roles of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) in Chronic Liver Diseases: Cholesterol Metabolism and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031070. [PMID: 35162992 PMCID: PMC8834914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases are commonly associated with dysregulated cholesterol metabolism. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease of the proprotein convertase family that is mainly synthetized and secreted by the liver, and represents one of the key regulators of circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Its ability to bind and induce LDL-receptor degradation, in particular in the liver, increases circulating LDL-cholesterol levels in the blood. Hence, inhibition of PCSK9 has become a very potent tool for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Besides PCSK9 limiting entry of LDL-derived cholesterol, affecting multiple cholesterol-related functions in cells, more recent studies have associated PCSK9 with various other cellular processes, including inflammation, fatty acid metabolism, cancerogenesis and visceral adiposity. It is increasingly becoming evident that additional roles for PCSK9 beyond cholesterol homeostasis are crucial for liver physiology in health and disease, often contributing to pathophysiology. This review will summarize studies analyzing circulating and hepatic PCSK9 levels in patients with chronic liver diseases. The factors affecting PCSK9 levels in the circulation and in hepatocytes, clinically relevant studies and the pathophysiological role of PCSK9 in chronic liver injury are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grewal
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Christa Buechler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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12
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Uribe KB, Chemello K, Larrea-Sebal A, Benito-Vicente A, Galicia-Garcia U, Bourane S, Jaafar AK, Lambert G, Martín C. A Systematic Approach to Assess the Activity and Classification of PCSK9 Variants. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413602. [PMID: 34948399 PMCID: PMC8706470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gain of function (GOF) mutations of PCSK9 cause autosomal dominant familial hypercholesterolemia as they reduce the abundance of LDL receptor (LDLR) more efficiently than wild-type PCSK9. In contrast, PCSK9 loss of function (LOF) variants are associated with a hypocholesterolemic phenotype. Dozens of PCSK9 variants have been reported, but most remain of unknown significance since their characterization has not been conducted. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to make the most comprehensive assessment of PCSK9 variants and to determine the simplest approach for the classification of these variants. METHODS The expression, maturation, secretion, and activity of nine well-established PCSK9 variants were assessed in transiently transfected HEK293 cells by Western blot and flow cytometry. Their extracellular activities were determined in HepG2 cells incubated with the purified recombinant PCSK9 variants. Their binding affinities toward the LDLR were determined by solid-phase immunoassay. RESULTS LDLR expression increased when cells were transfected with LOF variants and reduced when cells were transfected with GOF variants compared with wild-type PCSK9. Extracellular activities measurements yielded exactly similar results. GOF and LOF variants had increased, respectively reduced, affinities for the LDLR compared with wild-type PCSK9 with the exception of one GOF variant (R218S) that showed complete resistance to inactivation by furin. All variants were expressed at similar levels and underwent normal maturation and secretion patterns except for two LOF and two GOF mutants. CONCLUSIONS We propose that transient transfections of HEK293 cells with a plasmid encoding a PCSK9 variant followed by LDLR expression assessment by flow cytometry is sufficient to reliably determine its GOF or LOF status. More refined experiments should only be used to determine the underlying mechanism(s) at hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kepa B. Uribe
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Biofisika Institute, University of Basque Country and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UPV/EHU, CSIC), 48940 Leioa, Spain; (K.B.U.); (A.L.-S.); (A.B.-V.); (U.G.-G.)
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 20014 Donostia San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Kevin Chemello
- Inserm, UMR 1188 Diabète Athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien (DéTROI), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis de La Reunion, France; (K.C.); (S.B.); (A.K.J.)
| | - Asier Larrea-Sebal
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Biofisika Institute, University of Basque Country and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UPV/EHU, CSIC), 48940 Leioa, Spain; (K.B.U.); (A.L.-S.); (A.B.-V.); (U.G.-G.)
- Fundación Biofisika Bizkaia, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Asier Benito-Vicente
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Biofisika Institute, University of Basque Country and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UPV/EHU, CSIC), 48940 Leioa, Spain; (K.B.U.); (A.L.-S.); (A.B.-V.); (U.G.-G.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Unai Galicia-Garcia
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Biofisika Institute, University of Basque Country and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UPV/EHU, CSIC), 48940 Leioa, Spain; (K.B.U.); (A.L.-S.); (A.B.-V.); (U.G.-G.)
- Fundación Biofisika Bizkaia, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Steeve Bourane
- Inserm, UMR 1188 Diabète Athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien (DéTROI), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis de La Reunion, France; (K.C.); (S.B.); (A.K.J.)
| | - Ali K. Jaafar
- Inserm, UMR 1188 Diabète Athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien (DéTROI), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis de La Reunion, France; (K.C.); (S.B.); (A.K.J.)
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Inserm, UMR 1188 Diabète Athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien (DéTROI), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis de La Reunion, France; (K.C.); (S.B.); (A.K.J.)
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (C.M.); Tel.: +94-601-8053 (C.M.)
| | - César Martín
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Biofisika Institute, University of Basque Country and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UPV/EHU, CSIC), 48940 Leioa, Spain; (K.B.U.); (A.L.-S.); (A.B.-V.); (U.G.-G.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (C.M.); Tel.: +94-601-8053 (C.M.)
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13
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Kataoka Y, Harada-Shiba M, Hori M, Watanabe M, Kokubo Y, Noguchi T, Yasuda S, Miyamoto Y. Circulating Furin-Cleaved Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Concentration Predicts Future Coronary Events in Japanese Subjects. JACC: ASIA 2021; 1:360-368. [PMID: 36341208 PMCID: PMC9627806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacasi.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) circulates as mature and furin-cleaved forms, which differ in their properties to degrade low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors. Objectives In this study, we sought to investigate whether PCSK9 subtypes associate with atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. Methods We investigated 1,436 statin-naive Japanese subjects without any cardiovascular disease in the Suita Study, an epidemiologic Japanese cohort study. Total, mature, and furin-cleaved PCSK9 levels were measured by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The occurrence of coronary and stroke events were compared in subjects stratified by PCSK9 level tertile. Results Total, mature, and furin-cleaved PCSK9 levels were associated with non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all P < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.001, P = 0.004, and P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, only furin-cleaved PCSK9 level was correlated to high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (P < 0.001). During the 13.6-year observational period, furin-cleaved PCSK9 level predicted a greater likelihood of experiencing coronary events (tertile 2: hazard ratio [HR]: 2.84 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-6.65; P = 0.01]; tertile 3: HR: 2.81 [95% CI: 1.17-6.74; P = 0.02]), but not stroke (tertile 2: HR: 1.31 [95% CI: 0.72-2.40; P = 0.36]; tertile 3: HR: 1.27 [95% CI: 0.68-2.38; P = 0.44]). Total and mature PCSK9 levels were not associated with coronary events (total PCSK9: tertile 2: HR: 1.35 [95% CI: 0.68-2.68; P = 0.39]; tertile 3: HR: 1.13 [95% CI: 0.54-2.34; P = 0.73]; mature PCSK9: tertile 2: HR: 1.02 [95% CI: 0.52-2.02; P = 0.93]; tertile 3: HR: 0.96 [95% CI: 0.47-1.95; P = 0.92]) and stroke events (total PCSK9: tertile 2: HR: 0.90 [95% CI: 0.50-1.61; P = 0.72]; tertile 3: HR: 0.99 [95% CI:0.54-1.80; P = 0.97]; mature PCSK9: tertile 2: HR: 0.86 [95% CI: 0.47-1.57; P = 0.63]; tertile 3: HR: 1.11 [95% CI: 0.61-1.99; P = 0.72]), respectively. Conclusions Furin-cleaved but not total and mature PCSK9 was associated with both LDL cholesterol and hs-CRP and predicted future coronary events in the primary prevention settings. Our findings provide pathophysiological insights into the properties of PCSK9 subtypes in association with coronary events.
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14
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Jacome Sanz D, Saralahti AK, Pekkarinen M, Kesseli J, Nykter M, Rämet M, Ojanen MJT, Pesu M. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 regulates the production of acute-phase reactants from the liver. Liver Int 2021; 41:2511-2522. [PMID: 34174143 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) controls blood cholesterol levels by fostering the LDL receptor (LDLR) degradation in hepatocytes. Additionally, PCSK9 has been suggested to participate in immunoregulation by modulating cytokine production. We studied the immunological role of PCSK9 in Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteraemia in vivo and in a human hepatocyte cell line. METHODS CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis was utilized to create pcsk9 knock-out (KO) zebrafish, which were infected with S pneumoniae to assess the role of PCSK9 for the survival of the fish and in the transcriptomic response of the liver. The direct effects of PCSK9 on the expression of acute-phase reaction (APR) genes were studied in HepG2 cells. RESULTS The pcsk9 KO zebrafish lines (pcsk9tpu-13 and pcsk9tpu-2,+15 ) did not show developmental defects or gross phenotypical differences. In the S pneumoniae infected zebrafish, the mortality of pcsk9 KOs was similar to the controls. A liver-specific gene expression analysis revealed that a pneumococcal challenge upregulated pcsk9, and that the pcsk9 deletion reduced the expression of APR genes, including hepcidin antimicrobial peptide (hamp) and complement component 7b (c7b). Accordingly, silencing PCSK9 in vitro in HepG2 cells using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) decreased HAMP expression. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that PCSK9 is not critical for zebrafish survival in a systemic pneumococcal infection. However, PCSK9 deficiency was associated with the lower expression of APR genes in zebrafish and altered the expression of innate immunity genes in a human hepatocyte cell line. Overall, our data suggest an evolutionarily conserved function for PCSK9 in APR in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafne Jacome Sanz
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anni K Saralahti
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Meeri Pekkarinen
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Juha Kesseli
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Matti Nykter
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mika Rämet
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Vaccine Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Markus J T Ojanen
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marko Pesu
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab laboratories Ltd, Tampere, Finland
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15
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The association between plasma furin and cardiovascular events after acute myocardial infarction. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2021; 21:468. [PMID: 34579647 PMCID: PMC8477572 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-021-02029-y] [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: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Furin is the key enzyme involved in the cleavage of pro-BNP and plays a critical role in the cardiovascular system through its involvement in lipid metabolism, blood pressure regulation and the formation of atheromatous plaques. NT-proBNP and recently, corin, also a key enzyme in the cleavage of pro-BNP, have been accepted as predictors of prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This cohort study was conducted to investigate the relationship between plasma furin and the prognostic outcomes of AMI patients. Methods In total, 1100 AMI patients were enrolled in the study and their plasma furin concentrations were measured. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of cardiovascular (CV) death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and non-fatal stroke. The associations between plasma furin concentration and AMI outcomes were explored using Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results The results showed a slight increase in mean cTNT in patients with higher furin concentrations (P = 0.016). Over a median follow-up of 31 months, multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that plasma furin was not significantly associated with MACE (HR 1.01; 95% CI 0.93–1.06; P = 0.807) after adjustment for potential conventional risk factors. However, plasma furin was associated with non-fatal MI (HR 1.09; 95% CI 1.01–1.17; P = 0.022) in the fully adjusted model. Subgroup analyses indicated no relationship between plasma furin and MACE in different subgroups. Conclusions This study found no association between plasma furin and risk of MACE. Thus, plasma furin may not be a useful predictor of poor prognosis after AMI. However, higher levels of plasma furin may be associated with a higher risk of recurrent non-fatal MI. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-021-02029-y.
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16
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Barale C, Melchionda E, Morotti A, Russo I. PCSK9 Biology and Its Role in Atherothrombosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115880. [PMID: 34070931 PMCID: PMC8198903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now about 20 years since the first case of a gain-of-function mutation involving the as-yet-unknown actor in cholesterol homeostasis, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), was described. It was soon clear that this protein would have been of huge scientific and clinical value as a therapeutic strategy for dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis-associated cardiovascular disease (CVD) management. Indeed, PCSK9 is a serine protease belonging to the proprotein convertase family, mainly produced by the liver, and essential for metabolism of LDL particles by inhibiting LDL receptor (LDLR) recirculation to the cell surface with the consequent upregulation of LDLR-dependent LDL-C levels. Beyond its effects on LDL metabolism, several studies revealed the existence of additional roles of PCSK9 in different stages of atherosclerosis, also for its ability to target other members of the LDLR family. PCSK9 from plasma and vascular cells can contribute to the development of atherosclerotic plaque and thrombosis by promoting platelet activation, leukocyte recruitment and clot formation, also through mechanisms not related to systemic lipid changes. These results further supported the value for the potential cardiovascular benefits of therapies based on PCSK9 inhibition. Actually, the passive immunization with anti-PCSK9 antibodies, evolocumab and alirocumab, is shown to be effective in dramatically reducing the LDL-C levels and attenuating CVD. While monoclonal antibodies sequester circulating PCSK9, inclisiran, a small interfering RNA, is a new drug that inhibits PCSK9 synthesis with the important advantage, compared with PCSK9 mAbs, to preserve its pharmacodynamic effects when administrated every 6 months. Here, we will focus on the major understandings related to PCSK9, from its discovery to its role in lipoprotein metabolism, involvement in atherothrombosis and a brief excursus on approved current therapies used to inhibit its action.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use
- Atherosclerosis/drug therapy
- Atherosclerosis/enzymology
- Atherosclerosis/genetics
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Blood Platelets/drug effects
- Blood Platelets/enzymology
- Blood Platelets/pathology
- Cholesterol, LDL/antagonists & inhibitors
- Cholesterol, LDL/metabolism
- Dyslipidemias/drug therapy
- Dyslipidemias/enzymology
- Dyslipidemias/genetics
- Dyslipidemias/pathology
- Fibrinolytic Agents/therapeutic use
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Hypolipidemic Agents/therapeutic use
- Lipid Metabolism/drug effects
- Lipid Metabolism/genetics
- PCSK9 Inhibitors
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/drug therapy
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/enzymology
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/genetics
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/pathology
- Platelet Activation/drug effects
- Proprotein Convertase 9/biosynthesis
- Proprotein Convertase 9/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/therapeutic use
- Receptors, LDL/genetics
- Receptors, LDL/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Thrombosis/enzymology
- Thrombosis/genetics
- Thrombosis/pathology
- Thrombosis/prevention & control
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17
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Dong Y, Meng F, Wang Z, Yu T, Chen A, Xu S, Wang J, Yin M, Tang L, Hu C, Wang H, Cai J. Construction and application of a human scFv phage display library based on Cre‑LoxP recombination for anti‑PCSK9 antibody selection. Int J Mol Med 2020; 47:708-718. [PMID: 33416098 PMCID: PMC7797424 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
A large human natural single-chain fragment variable (scFv) phage library was constructed based on Cre-LoxP recombination, and used to successfully identify antibodies against proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). The library was derived from 400 blood samples, 30 bone marrow samples, and 10 cord blood samples from healthy donors. Lymphocytes were isolated from each sample and cDNA was synthesized using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Two-step overlap PCR was then used for scFv synthesis using a LoxP peptide as the linker. The scFv gene was inserted into the phagemid vector pDF by enzymatic digestion and ligation, and then transformed into Escherichia coli (E. coli) SS320 to establish a primary antibody library in the form of scFvs. A primary antibody library consisting of 5×107 peripheral blood and umbilical cord blood sources, as well as a primary antibody library of 5×107 bone marrow samples were obtained. By optimizing the recombination conditions, the primary phage library was used to infect E. coliBS1365 strain (which expresses the Cre enzyme), and a human scFv recombinant library with a size of 1×1011 was obtained through Cre-LoxP enzyme-mediated heavy and light chain replacement and recombination. This constructed recombinant library was employed to screen for antibodies against recombinant PCSK9. After four rounds of selection, a fully human antibody (3D2) was identified with a binding affinity of 1.96±1.56ⅹ10−10 M towards PCSK9. In vitro, the PCSK9/low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) pathway of Hep-G2 cells was inhibited by 3D2 treatment, thereby increasing LDL uptake in these cells. In addition, combination treatment with 3D2 and statin was more effective at increasing LDLR levels than treatment with 3D2 or statin alone. Furthermore, 3D2 resulted in a 3-fold increase in hepatic LDLR levels, and lowered total serum cholesterol by up to 61.5% in vivo. Taken together, these results suggest that the constructed human Cre-LoxP scFv phage display library can be used to screen fully human scFv, and that 3D2 may serve as a candidate hypolipidemic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Dong
- Jilin Collaborative Innovation Center for Antibody Engineering, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Fanwei Meng
- Jilin Collaborative Innovation Center for Antibody Engineering, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Zhiheng Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, 944th Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Jiuquan, Gansu 735000, P.R. China
| | - Tianyi Yu
- Jilin Collaborative Innovation Center for Antibody Engineering, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - An Chen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Song Xu
- Research and Development Department, Chongqing Biomean Technology Co., Ltd., Chongqing 400715, P.R. China
| | - Jianming Wang
- Research and Development Department, Chongqing Biomean Technology Co., Ltd., Chongqing 400715, P.R. China
| | - Moli Yin
- Jilin Collaborative Innovation Center for Antibody Engineering, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Lu Tang
- Jilin Collaborative Innovation Center for Antibody Engineering, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Chuanmin Hu
- Research and Development Department, Chongqing Biomean Technology Co., Ltd., Chongqing 400715, P.R. China
| | - Huiyan Wang
- Jilin Collaborative Innovation Center for Antibody Engineering, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Jianhui Cai
- Jilin Collaborative Innovation Center for Antibody Engineering, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
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Oleaga C, Hay J, Gurcan E, David LL, Mueller PA, Tavori H, Shapiro MD, Pamir N, Fazio S. Insights into the kinetics and dynamics of the furin-cleaved form of PCSK9. J Lipid Res 2020; 62:100003. [PMID: 33429337 PMCID: PMC7890205 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.ra120000964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) regulates cholesterol metabolism by inducing the degradation of hepatic low density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs). Plasma PCSK9 has 2 main molecular forms: a 62 kDa mature form (PCSK9_62) and a 55 kDa, furin-cleaved form (PCSK9_55). PCSK9_55 is considered less active than PCSK9_62 in degrading LDLRs. We aimed to identify the site of PCSK9_55 formation (intracellular vs. extracellular) and to further characterize the LDLR-degradative function of PCSK9_55 relative to PCSK9_62. Coexpressing PCSK9_62 with furin in cell culture induced formation of PCSK9_55, most of which was found in the extracellular space. Under the same conditions, we found that i) adding a cell-permeable furin inhibitor preferentially decreased the formation of PCSK9_55 extracellularly; ii) using pulse-chase analysis, we observed the formation of PCSK9_55 exclusively extracellularly in a time-dependent manner. A recombinant form of PCSK9_55 was efficiently produced but displayed impaired secretion that resulted in its intracellular trapping. However, the nonsecreted PCSK9_55 was able to induce degradation of LDLR, though with 50% lower efficiency than PCSK9_62. Collectively, our data show that 1) PCSK9_55 is formed extracellularly; 2) PCSK9_55 has a shorter half-life; 3) there is a small intracellular pool of PCSK9_55 that is not secreted; and 4) PCSK9_55 retained within the cell maintains a reduced efficiency to cause LDLR degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Oleaga
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Center for Preventive Cardiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Joshua Hay
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Center for Preventive Cardiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Emma Gurcan
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Center for Preventive Cardiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Larry L David
- Proteomics Shared Resource, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Paul A Mueller
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Center for Preventive Cardiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Hagai Tavori
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Center for Preventive Cardiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Michael D Shapiro
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Center for Preventive Cardiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nathalie Pamir
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Center for Preventive Cardiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Sergio Fazio
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Center for Preventive Cardiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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19
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Guo Y, Yan B, Gui Y, Tang Z, Tai S, Zhou S, Zheng XL. Physiology and role of PCSK9 in vascular disease: Potential impact of localized PCSK9 in vascular wall. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:2333-2351. [PMID: 32875580 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9), a member of the proprotein convertase family, is an important drug target because of its crucial role in lipid metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests a direct role of localized PCSK9 in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. With this in our consideration, we reviewed PCSK9 physiology with respect to recent development and major studies (clinical and experimental) on PCSK9 functionality in vascular disease. PCSK9 upregulates low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels by binding to the LDL-receptor (LDLR) and facilitating its lysosomal degradation. PCSK9 gain-of-function mutations have been confirmed as a novel genetic mechanism for familial hypercholesterolemia. Elevated serum PCSK9 levels in patients with vascular diseases may contribute to coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular diseases, vasculitis, aortic diseases, and arterial aging pathogenesis. Experimental models of atherosclerosis, arterial aneurysm, and coronary or carotid artery ligation also support PCSK9 contribution to inflammatory response and disease progression, through LDLR-dependent or -independent mechanisms. More recently, several clinical trials have confirmed that anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies can reduce systemic LDL levels, total nonfatal cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality. Interaction of PCSK9 with other receptor proteins (LDLR-related proteins, cluster of differentiation family members, epithelial Na+ channels, and sortilin) may underlie its roles in vascular disease. Improved understanding of PCSK9 roles and molecular mechanisms in various vascular diseases will facilitate advances in lipid-lowering therapy and disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Guo
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Binjie Yan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Lab for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Gui
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zhihan Tang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Lab for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Shi Tai
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shenghua Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xi-Long Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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20
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Malvandi AM, Canclini L, Alliaj A, Magni P, Zambon A, Catapano AL. Progress and prospects of biological approaches targeting PCSK9 for cholesterol-lowering, from molecular mechanism to clinical efficacy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:1477-1489. [PMID: 32715821 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1801628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiovascular disorders are one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Recent advances showed a promising role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) as a critical player in regulating plasma LDL levels and lipid metabolism. AREAS COVERED This review addresses the molecular functions of PCSK9 with a vision on the clinical progress of utilizing monoclonal antibodies and other biological approaches to block PCSK9 activity. The successful clinical trials with monoclonal antibodies are reviewed. Recent advances in (pre)clinical trials of other biological approaches, such as small interfering RNAs, are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Discovery of PCSK9 and clinical use of its inhibitors to manage lipid metabolism is a step forward in hypolipidaemic therapy. A better understanding of the molecular activity of PCSK9 can help to identify new approaches in the inhibition of PCSK9 expression/activity. Whether if PCSK9 plays a role in other cardiometabolic conditions may provide grounds for further development of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Canclini
- IRCCS Multimedica , Milan, Italy.,Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Magni
- IRCCS Multimedica , Milan, Italy.,Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Zambon
- IRCCS Multimedica , Milan, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Padova , Padua, Italy
| | - Alberico Luigi Catapano
- IRCCS Multimedica , Milan, Italy.,Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy
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21
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Deng SJ, Shen Y, Gu HM, Guo S, Wu SR, Zhang DW. The role of the C-terminal domain of PCSK9 and SEC24 isoforms in PCSK9 secretion. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2020; 1865:158660. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2020.158660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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22
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Burdick DJ, Skelton NJ, Ultsch M, Beresini MH, Eigenbrot C, Li W, Zhang Y, Nguyen H, Kong-Beltran M, Quinn JG, Kirchhofer D. Design of Organo-Peptides As Bipartite PCSK9 Antagonists. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:425-436. [PMID: 31962046 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) has become an important therapeutic target for lipid lowering, since it regulates low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels by binding to liver LDL receptors (LDLR) and effecting their intracellular degradation. However, the development of small molecule inhibitors is hampered by the lack of attractive PCSK9 target sites. We recently discovered helical peptides that are able to bind to a cryptic groove site on PCSK9, which is situated in proximity to the main LDLR binding site. Here, we designed potent bipartite PCSK9 inhibitors by appending organic moieties to a helical groove-binding peptide to reach a hydrophobic pocket in the proximal LDLR binding region. The ultimately designed 1-amino-4-phenylcyclohexane-1-carbonyl extension improved the peptide affinity by >100-fold, yielding organo-peptide antagonists that potently inhibited PCSK9 binding to LDLR and preserved cellular LDLR. These new bipartite antagonists have reduced mass and improved potency compared to the first-generation peptide antagonists, further validating the PCSK9 groove as a viable therapeutic target site.
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23
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Li X, Wang M, Zhang X, Liu C, Xiang H, Huang M, Ma Y, Gao X, Jiang L, Liu X, Li B, Hou Y, Zhang X, Yang S, Yang N. The novel llama-human chimeric antibody has potent effect in lowering LDL-c levels in hPCSK9 transgenic rats. Clin Transl Med 2020; 9:16. [PMID: 32056048 PMCID: PMC7018876 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-020-0265-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advent of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)-inhibiting drugs have provided an effective, but extremely expensive treatment for the management of low density lipoprotein (LDL). Our aim was to explore a cost-effective application of camelid anti-PCSK9 single domain antibodies (sdAbs), which are high variable regions of the camelid heavy chain antibodies (VHHs), as a human PCSK9 (hPCSK9) inhibitor. One female llama was immunized with hPCSK9. Screening of high affinity anti-PCSK9 VHHs was carried out based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology. We reported a lysate kinetic analysis method improving the screening efficiency. To increase the serum half-life and targeting properties, the constant region fragment of the human immunoglobulin gamma sub-type 4 (IgG4 Fc) was incorporated to form a novel llama-human chimeric molecule (VHH-hFc). RESULTS The PCSK9 inhibiting effects of the VHH proteins were analyzed in two human liver hepatocellular cells (HepG2 and Huh7) and in the hPCSK9 transgenic Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model. The hPCSK9 antagonistic potency of the bivalent VHH-hFc exceeded the monovalent VHH (P < 0.001) in hepatocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, the llama-human chimeric VHH-Fc protein had a similar reduction (~ 40%) of the LDL-c and total cholesterol when compared to the approved evolocumab in transgenic SD rat model, but with low cost. More surprisingly, the chimeric heavy chain antibodies could be persevered for 3 months at room temperature with little loss of the affinity. CONCLUSIONS Due to the high yield and low cost of Pichia pastoris, lipid-lowering effect and strong stability, the llama-human chimeric antibody (VHH-Fc) offers a potent therapeutic candidate for the control of the serum lipid level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Meiniang Wang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Xinhua Zhang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Chuxin Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Haitao Xiang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Mi Huang
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China
- BGI-Hubei, BGI-Shenzhen, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yingying Ma
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China
- BGI-Hubei, BGI-Shenzhen, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xiaoyan Gao
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China
- BGI-Hubei, BGI-Shenzhen, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Xiaopan Liu
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Bo Li
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Yong Hou
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Xiuqing Zhang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China.
| | - Naibo Yang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China.
- Complete Genomics, Inc., 2904 Orchard Parkway, San Jose, CA, 95134, USA.
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24
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Ben Djoudi Ouadda A, Gauthier MS, Susan-Resiga D, Girard E, Essalmani R, Black M, Marcinkiewicz J, Forget D, Hamelin J, Evagelidis A, Ly K, Day R, Galarneau L, Corbin F, Coulombe B, Çaku A, Tagliabracci VS, Seidah NG. Ser-Phosphorylation of PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-Kexin 9) by Fam20C (Family With Sequence Similarity 20, Member C) Kinase Enhances Its Ability to Degrade the LDLR (Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor). Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2019; 39:1996-2013. [PMID: 31553664 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.119.313247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin 9) enhances the degradation of the LDLR (low-density lipoprotein receptor) in endosomes/lysosomes. This study aimed to determine the sites of PCSK9 phosphorylation at Ser-residues and the consequences of such posttranslational modification on the secretion and activity of PCSK9 on the LDLR. Approach and Results: Fam20C (family with sequence similarity 20, member C) phosphorylates serines in secretory proteins containing the motif S-X-E/phospho-Ser, including the cholesterol-regulating PCSK9. In situ hybridization of Fam20C mRNA during development and in adult mice revealed a wide tissue distribution, including liver, but not small intestine. Here, we show that Fam20C phosphorylates PCSK9 at Serines 47, 666, 668, and 688. In hepatocytes, phosphorylation enhances PCSK9 secretion and maximizes its induced degradation of the LDLR via the extracellular and intracellular pathways. Replacing any of the 4 Ser by the phosphomimetic Glu or Asp enhanced PCSK9 activity only when the other sites are phosphorylated, whereas Ala substitutions reduced it, as evidenced by Western blotting, Elisa, and LDLR-immunolabeling. This newly uncovered PCSK9/LDLR regulation mechanism refines our understanding of the implication of global PCSK9 phosphorylation in the modulation of LDL-cholesterol and rationalizes the consequence of natural mutations, for example, S668R and E670G. Finally, the relationship of Ser-phosphorylation to the implication of PCSK9 in regulating LDL-cholesterol in the neurological Fragile X-syndrome disorder was investigated. CONCLUSIONS Ser-phosphorylation of PCSK9 maximizes both its secretion and activity on the LDLR. Mass spectrometric approaches to measure such modifications were developed and applied to quantify the levels of bioactive PCSK9 in human plasma under normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ben Djoudi Ouadda
- From the Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM; affiliated to the Université de Montréal), QC, Canada (A.B.D.O., D.S.-R., E.G., R.E., J.M., J.H., A.E., N.G.S.)
| | - Marie-Soleil Gauthier
- Translational Proteomics Research Unit, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal (IRCM, affiliated to the Université de Montréal), QC, Canada (M.-S.G., D.F., B.C.)
| | - Delia Susan-Resiga
- From the Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM; affiliated to the Université de Montréal), QC, Canada (A.B.D.O., D.S.-R., E.G., R.E., J.M., J.H., A.E., N.G.S.)
| | - Emmanuelle Girard
- From the Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM; affiliated to the Université de Montréal), QC, Canada (A.B.D.O., D.S.-R., E.G., R.E., J.M., J.H., A.E., N.G.S.)
| | - Rachid Essalmani
- From the Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM; affiliated to the Université de Montréal), QC, Canada (A.B.D.O., D.S.-R., E.G., R.E., J.M., J.H., A.E., N.G.S.)
| | - Miles Black
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas (M.B., V.S.T.)
| | - Jadwiga Marcinkiewicz
- From the Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM; affiliated to the Université de Montréal), QC, Canada (A.B.D.O., D.S.-R., E.G., R.E., J.M., J.H., A.E., N.G.S.)
| | - Diane Forget
- Translational Proteomics Research Unit, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal (IRCM, affiliated to the Université de Montréal), QC, Canada (M.-S.G., D.F., B.C.)
| | - Josée Hamelin
- From the Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM; affiliated to the Université de Montréal), QC, Canada (A.B.D.O., D.S.-R., E.G., R.E., J.M., J.H., A.E., N.G.S.)
| | - Alexandra Evagelidis
- From the Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM; affiliated to the Université de Montréal), QC, Canada (A.B.D.O., D.S.-R., E.G., R.E., J.M., J.H., A.E., N.G.S.)
| | - Kevin Ly
- Institut de Pharmacologie, Université de Sherbrooke, QC, Canada (K.L., R.D.)
| | - Robert Day
- Institut de Pharmacologie, Université de Sherbrooke, QC, Canada (K.L., R.D.)
| | - Luc Galarneau
- Department of Biochemistry, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre de Recherche du CHUS, QC, Canada (L.G., F.C., A.Ç.)
| | - Francois Corbin
- Department of Biochemistry, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre de Recherche du CHUS, QC, Canada (L.G., F.C., A.Ç.)
| | - Benoit Coulombe
- Translational Proteomics Research Unit, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal (IRCM, affiliated to the Université de Montréal), QC, Canada (M.-S.G., D.F., B.C.)
| | - Artuela Çaku
- Department of Biochemistry, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre de Recherche du CHUS, QC, Canada (L.G., F.C., A.Ç.)
| | - Vincent S Tagliabracci
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas (M.B., V.S.T.)
| | - Nabil G Seidah
- From the Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM; affiliated to the Université de Montréal), QC, Canada (A.B.D.O., D.S.-R., E.G., R.E., J.M., J.H., A.E., N.G.S.)
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25
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Sánchez-Hernández RM, Di Taranto MD, Benito-Vicente A, Uribe KB, Lamiquiz-Moneo I, Larrea-Sebal A, Jebari S, Galicia-Garcia U, Nóvoa FJ, Boronat M, Wägner AM, Civeira F, Martín C, Fortunato G. The Arg499His gain-of-function mutation in the C-terminal domain of PCSK9. Atherosclerosis 2019; 289:162-172. [PMID: 31518966 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2019.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a monogenic disease characterized by high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. FH is caused by loss of function mutations in genes encoding LDL receptor (LDLR), and Apolipoprotein B (APOB) or gain of function (GOF) mutations in proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). In this study, we identified a novel variant in PCSK9, p.(Arg499His), located in the C-terminal domain, in two unrelated FH patients from Spain and Italy. METHODS We studied familial segregation and determined variant activity in vitro. RESULTS We determined PCSK9 expression, secretion and activity of the variant in transfected HEK293 cells; extracellular activity of the recombinant p.(Arg499His) PCSK9 variant in HEK 293 and HepG2 cells; PCSK9 affinity to the LDL receptor at neutral and acidic pH; the mechanism of action of the p.(Arg499His) PCSK9 variant by co-transfection with a soluble construct of the LDL receptor and by determining total PCSK9 intracellular accumulation when endosomal acidification is impaired and when an excess of soluble LDLr is present in the culture medium. Our results show high LDL-C concentrations and FH phenotype in p.(Arg499His) carriers. In vitro functional characterization shows that p.(Arg499His) PCSK9 variant causes a reduction in LDLr expression and LDL uptake. An intracellular activity for this variant is also shown when blocking the activity of secreted PCSK9 and by inhibiting endosomal acidification. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that p.(Arg499His) PCSK9 variant causes a direct intracellular degradation of LDLr therefore causing FH by reducing LDLr availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M Sánchez-Hernández
- Sección de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Gran Canaria, Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS) de la Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Maria Donata Di Taranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli and CEINGE S.C.a r.l, Biotecnologie Avanzate, Napoli, Italy
| | - Asier Benito-Vicente
- Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC) and Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidad del País Vasco, Apdo. 644, 48080, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Kepa B Uribe
- Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC) and Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidad del País Vasco, Apdo. 644, 48080, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Itziar Lamiquiz-Moneo
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet. IIS Aragon. CIBERCV. Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Asier Larrea-Sebal
- Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC) and Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidad del País Vasco, Apdo. 644, 48080, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Shifa Jebari
- Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC) and Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidad del País Vasco, Apdo. 644, 48080, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Unai Galicia-Garcia
- Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - F Javier Nóvoa
- Sección de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Gran Canaria, Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS) de la Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Mauro Boronat
- Sección de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Gran Canaria, Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS) de la Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Ana M Wägner
- Sección de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Gran Canaria, Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS) de la Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Fernando Civeira
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet. IIS Aragon. CIBERCV. Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - César Martín
- Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC) and Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidad del País Vasco, Apdo. 644, 48080, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Giuliana Fortunato
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli and CEINGE S.C.a r.l, Biotecnologie Avanzate, Napoli, Italy.
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26
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Autoactivation and calpain-1-mediated shedding of hepsin in human hepatoma cells. Biochem J 2019; 476:2355-2369. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AbstractHepsin is a transmembrane serine protease implicated in many biological processes, including hepatocyte growth, urinary protein secretion, auditory nerve development, and cancer metastasis. Zymogen activation is critical for hepsin function. To date, how hepsin is activated and regulated in cells remains an enigma. In this study, we conducted site-directed mutagenesis, cell expression, plasma membrane protein labeling, trypsin digestion, Western blotting, and flow cytometry experiments in human hepatoma HepG2 cells, where hepsin was originally discovered, and SMMC-7721 cells. Our results show that hepsin is activated by autocatalysis on the cell surface but not intracellularly. Moreover, we show that hepsin undergoes ectodomain shedding. In the conditioned medium from HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells, we detected a soluble fragment comprising nearly the entire extracellular region of hepsin. By testing protease inhibitors, gene knockdown, and site-directed mutagenesis, we identified calpain-1 as a primary protease that acted extracellularly to cleave Tyr52 in the juxtamembrane space of hepsin. These results provide new insights into the biochemical and cellular mechanisms that regulate hepsin expression and activity.
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Lu X. Structure and Function of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) in Hyperlipidemia and Atherosclerosis. Curr Drug Targets 2019; 20:1029-1040. [DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190214141626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background:One of the important factors in Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism is the LDL receptor (LDLR) by its capacity to bind and subsequently clear cholesterol derived from LDL (LDL-C) in the circulation. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-like Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a newly discovered serine protease that destroys LDLR in the liver and thereby controls the levels of LDL in plasma. Inhibition of PCSK9-mediated degradation of LDLR has, therefore, become a novel target for lipid-lowering therapy.Methods:We review the current understanding of the structure and function of PCSK9 as well as its implications for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.Results:New treatments such as monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 may be useful agents to lower plasma levels of LDL and hence prevent atherosclerosis.Conclusion:PCSK9's mechanism of action is not yet fully clarified. However, treatments that target PCSK9 have shown striking early efficacy and promise to improve the lives of countless patients with hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjie Lu
- The Mary and Garry Weston Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Thrombosis Research Institute, London, SW3 6LR, United Kingdom
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Identification of a Helical Segment within the Intrinsically Disordered Region of the PCSK9 Prodomain. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:885-903. [PMID: 30653992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of lipid metabolism by degrading liver LDL receptors. Structural studies have provided molecular details of PCSK9 function. However, the N-terminal acidic stretch of the PCSK9 prodomain (Q31-T60) has eluded structural investigation, since it is in a disordered state. The interest in this region is intensified by the presence of human missense mutations associated with low and high LDL-c levels (E32K, D35Y, and R46L, respectively), as well as two posttranslationally modified sites, sulfated Y38 and phosphorylated S47. Herein we show that a segment within this region undergoes disorder-to-order transition. Experiments with acidic stretch-derived peptides demonstrated that the folding is centered at the segment Y38-L45, which adopts an α-helix as determined by NMR analysis of free peptides and by X-ray crystallography of peptides in complex with antibody 6E2 (Ab6E2). In the Fab6E2-peptide complexes, the structured region features a central 2 1/4-turn α-helix and encompasses up to 2/3 of the length of the acidic stretch, including the missense mutations and posttranslationally modified sites. Experiments with helix-breaking proline substitutions in peptides and in PCSK9 protein indicated that Ab6E2 specifically recognizes the helical conformation of the acidic stretch. Therefore, the observed quantitative binding of Ab6E2 to native PCSK9 from various cell lines suggests that the disorder-to-order transition is a true feature of PCSK9 and not limited to peptides. Because the helix provides a constrained spatial orientation of the missense mutations and the posttranslationally modified residues, it is probable that their biological functions take place in the context of an ordered conformational state.
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Liu SY, Huang CH, Shieh JC, Lee TL. Cinnamomum osmophloeum Kanehira ethanol extracts prevents human liver-derived HepG2 cell death from oxidation stress by induction of ghrelin gene expression. J Biosci 2018; 42:439-448. [PMID: 29358557 DOI: 10.1007/s12038-017-9697-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes patients associated with liver disease carry a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Cinnamon has been reported to reduce fructose-induced oxidative stress in the rat liver. However, the mechanism by which cinnamon protects the liver in a high-saccharide environment remains to be investigated. HepG2 cells were cultured with 30 mM D-ribose to mimic the high-oxidative-stress environment, typical of a liver in a diabetic patient. Three different chemical types of C. osmophloeum ethanol extracts (CEEs) were added in HepG2 culture media and the administration of all three CEEs protected HepG2 cells from D-ribose damage and increased cell survival by approximately 20 percent. Exclusively, the transcript variant 1 of the ghrelin gene, but not variant 3, was 2-3 times induced by the addition of these CEEs. Moreover, the mRNAs of ghrelin processing enzyme, furin, and mboat4 were detected in HepG2 cells. The ghrelin hormones in the culture media were increased 4-9 times by the addition of CEEs. The protective effects of ghrelin on HepG2 cells in D-ribose environment were further confirmed by recombinant ghrelin transfection. We conclude that the CEEs induce ghrelin gene expression and protect HepG2 cells from D-ribose-induced oxidative damage through ghrelin signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ying Liu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Da-Yeh University, Changhua, Taiwan
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Abstract
Unknown 15 years ago, PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) is now common parlance among scientists and clinicians interested in prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. What makes this story so special is not its recent discovery nor the fact that it uncovered previously unknown biology but rather that these important scientific insights have been translated into an effective medical therapy in record time. Indeed, the translation of this discovery to novel therapeutic serves as one of the best examples of how genetic insights can be leveraged into intelligent target drug discovery. The PCSK9 saga is unfolding quickly but is far from complete. Here, we review major scientific understandings as they relate to the role of PCSK9 in lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and the impact that therapies designed to inhibit its action are having in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Shapiro
- From the Center for Preventive Cardiology, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Hagai Tavori
- From the Center for Preventive Cardiology, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Sergio Fazio
- From the Center for Preventive Cardiology, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland.
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Gauthier MS, Awan Z, Bouchard A, Champagne J, Tessier S, Faubert D, Chabot K, Garneau PY, Rabasa-Lhoret R, Seidah NG, Ridker PM, Genest J, Coulombe B. Posttranslational modification of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 is differentially regulated in response to distinct cardiometabolic treatments as revealed by targeted proteomics. J Clin Lipidol 2018; 12:1027-1038. [PMID: 29699916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2018.03.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a secreted protein that interacts with the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor at the surface of hepatocytes to regulate circulating LDL cholesterol levels. High circulating PCSK9 levels have been associated with elevated LDL cholesterol. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration of the United States approved new LDL cholesterol-lowering drugs that specifically target the inhibition of PCSK9. Similar to most human proteins, PCSK9 exists in multiple forms as it is the target of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) such as proteolytic cleavage, phosphorylation, and others, which can affect its biological activity. However, commercially available assays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, do not discriminate between these forms. OBJECTIVE To investigate, in 2 patient cohorts, the relationships between circulating levels of multiple forms of PCSK9 and cardiometabolic interventions or treatments known to reduce LDL cholesterol levels. METHODS PCSK9 forms were measured in plasma: (1) in 20 patients before and 6 months after bariatric surgery and (2) in 132 patients before and 12 months after daily statin treatment. A series of specific peptides used as surrogates for various PCSK9 forms were quantified by a novel semiautomated proteomic assay termed protein affinity capture coupled to quantitative mass spectrometry. RESULTS Bariatric surgery resulted in a decrease in the plasma level of PCSK9 prodomain (P < .05), but did not result in a significant change in other measured PCSK9 forms. Statin treatment resulted in an increase in all measured plasma PCSK9 peptides (P < .001), but a 25% decrease in the phosphorylated state of PCSK9 at S688 (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS These unexpected findings indicate that measuring the circulating levels of the various domains and PTMs of PCSK9 provides more in depth information than total PCSK9 and that the prodomain and the phosphorylated state of S688 may represent novel biomarkers to explore in cardiometabolic diseases and response to treatment. In addition, our data generated new hypotheses on the function of PCSK9 PTMs in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Soleil Gauthier
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (affiliated to the Université de Montréal), Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Zuhier Awan
- King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Annie Bouchard
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (affiliated to the Université de Montréal), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Josée Champagne
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (affiliated to the Université de Montréal), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sylvain Tessier
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (affiliated to the Université de Montréal), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Denis Faubert
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (affiliated to the Université de Montréal), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Katherine Chabot
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (affiliated to the Université de Montréal), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre Y Garneau
- General Surgery Department, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (affiliated to the Université de Montréal), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nabil G Seidah
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (affiliated to the Université de Montréal), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Paul M Ridker
- Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacques Genest
- Department of Cardiology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Benoit Coulombe
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (affiliated to the Université de Montréal), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Baragetti A, Grejtakova D, Casula M, Olmastroni E, Jotti GS, Norata GD, Catapano AL, Bellosta S. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-Kexin type-9 (PCSK9) and triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism: Facts and gaps. Pharmacol Res 2018; 130:1-11. [PMID: 29428206 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
After more than a decade of intense investigation, Pro-protein Convertase Subtilisin-Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) remains a hot topic of research both at experimental and clinical level. Interestingly PCSK9 is expressed in different tissues suggesting the existence of additional function(s) beyond the modulation of the Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) receptor in the liver. Emerging data suggest that PCSK9 might play a role in the modulation of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TGRL) metabolism, mainly Very Low-Density Lipoproteins (VLDL) and their remnants. In vitro, PCSK9 affects TGRLs production by intestinal cells as well as the catabolism of LDL receptor homologous and non-homologous targets such as VLDL receptor, CD36 and ApoE2R. However, the in vivo relevance of these findings is still debated. This review aims at critically discussing the role of PCSK9 on TGRLs metabolism with a major focus on the impact of its genetic and pharmacological modulation on circulating lipids and lipoproteins beyond LDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Baragetti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy; S.I.S.A. Center for the Study of Atherosclerosis - Bassini Hospital, Cinisello Balsamo, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Casula
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Centre (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Olmastroni
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Centre (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Gloria Saccani Jotti
- Department of Medicine & Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Parma, Via Volturno 39, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Danilo Norata
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy; School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Kent St., Bentley Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Alberico L Catapano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, via Fantoli 16, 20138, Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Bellosta
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, via Fantoli 16, 20138, Milan, Italy
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A. Richard S. High-mobility group box 1 is a promising diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring biomarker in Cancers: A review. AIMS MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.3934/molsci.2018.4.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Effects of increased body weight and short-term weight loss on serum PCSK9 levels - a prospective pilot study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 2:e46-e51. [PMID: 29242844 PMCID: PMC5728080 DOI: 10.5114/amsad.2017.70502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) catabolism, but its serum concentration is not uniformly associated with cardiovascular disease in clinical studies. Obesity is linked with increased cardiovascular risk, but the effect of increased body weight and short-term weight loss on serum PCSK9 levels is not well studied. Material and methods The aim of this prospective pilot study was to assess differences in serum PCSK9 levels (determined with a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay) between otherwise healthy drug-naïve obese subjects and healthy individuals with normal body weight. Additionally, PCSK9 levels were determined at baseline and after a 3-month weight-loss program with a low-fat diet in a randomly assigned subgroup of the obese subjects (n = 15). Results Obese subjects (n = 35) were older (age: 43 ±11 years) and had significantly higher body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA) index levels, as well as significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration, compared with normal-weight subjects (n = 20, age: 35 ±6 years). Serum PCSK9 levels were significantly higher in obese subjects compared with normal-weight individuals, even after adjustment for age, LDL-C, triglycerides, HDL-C, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein E, glucose, insulin and HOMA index levels (p = 0.018). Obese subjects experienced significant weight loss (from 109 ±22 to 104 ±23 kg, p < 0.01), but serum PCSK9 levels did not significantly change after the 3-month weight-loss program. Conclusions Serum PCSK9 levels are higher in obese subjects than in normal-weight individuals. Short-term weight loss with a low-fat diet does not significantly affect PCSK9 levels.
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PCSK9: BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY REGULATION AND CONNECTION WITH LIPID AND CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM. КЛИНИЧЕСКАЯ ПРАКТИКА 2017. [DOI: 10.17816/clinpract8370-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease which plays an important role in the regulation of LDL receptor (LDLR) expression and apolipoprotein B (apoB) lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism. It is well known that hepatic PCSK9 expression, its activity and secretion influence cholesterol homeostasis. An upregulation of PCSK9 causes an increase of LDLR degradation, which results in decrease of apoB lipoprotein uptake, and a consequent increase in plasma lipoprotein concentration, including LDL. Therefore, PCSK9 has become a new target for lipid lowering therapy. The aim of this review is to consider current data on metabolic and dietary regulation of PCSK9 and its effect on cholesterol and apoB lipoproteins metabolism and risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Fazio S, Minnier J, Shapiro MD, Tsimikas S, Tarugi P, Averna MR, Arca M, Tavori H. Threshold Effects of Circulating Angiopoietin-Like 3 Levels on Plasma Lipoproteins. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2017; 102. [PMID: 28633452 PMCID: PMC5587068 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2016-4043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) deficiency in plasma due to loss-of-function gene mutations results in familial combined hypobetalipoproteinemia type 2 (FHBL2) in homozygotes. However, the lipid phenotype in heterozygotes is much milder and does not appear to relate directly to ANGPTL3 levels. Furthermore, the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) phenotype in carriers of ANGPTL3 mutations is unexplained. OBJECTIVE To determine whether reduction below a critical threshold in plasma ANGPTL3 levels is a determinant of lipoprotein metabolism in FHBL2, and to determine whether proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is involved in determining low LDL levels in this condition. DESIGN We studied subjects from 19 families with ANGPTL3 mutations and subjects with familial combined hypobetalipoproteinemia type 1 (FHBL1) due to truncated apolipoprotein B (apoB) species. RESULTS First, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL and LDL particle concentration correlated with plasma ANGPTL3 levels but only when the latter was <25% of normal (<60 ng/dL). Second, the very low-density lipoprotein particle concentration correlated strongly with plasma ANGPTL3 when the latter was <58% of normal. Third, both FHBL1 and FHBL2 subjects showed low levels of mature and LDL-bound PCSK9 and higher levels of its furin-cleaved form. Finally, LDL-bound PCSK9 is protected from cleavage by furin and binds to the LDL receptor more strongly than apoB-free PCSK9. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the hypolipidemic effects of ANGPTL3 mutations in FHBL2 are dependent on a threshold of plasma ANGPTL3 levels, with differential effects on various lipoprotein particles. The increased inactivation of PCSK9 by furin in FHBL1 and FHBL2 is likely to cause increased LDL clearance and suggests novel therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hagai Tavori
- Center for Preventive Cardiology, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
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Zhang Y, Ultsch M, Skelton NJ, Burdick DJ, Beresini MH, Li W, Kong-Beltran M, Peterson A, Quinn J, Chiu C, Wu Y, Shia S, Moran P, Di Lello P, Eigenbrot C, Kirchhofer D. Discovery of a cryptic peptide-binding site on PCSK9 and design of antagonists. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2017; 24:848-856. [DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Hypercholesterolemia: The role of PCSK9. Arch Biochem Biophys 2017; 625-626:39-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Proprotein convertase furin/PCSK3 and atherosclerosis: New insights and potential therapeutic targets. Atherosclerosis 2017; 262:163-170. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Cheng H, Wang W, Zhang Y, Zhang B, Cheng J, Teng P, Tang X. Expression levels and clinical significance of hepsin and HMGB1 proteins in cervical carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:159-164. [PMID: 28693148 PMCID: PMC5494806 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assessed the hypothesis that the protein levels of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and hepsin can be used as markers for diagnosis and prognosis in cervical carcinoma. Seventy patients with cervical cancer who were hospitalized in Xuzhou Central Hospital from May 2008 to June 2010 and underwent surgical treatment were selected for the observation group. At the same time, 20 patients with cervical benign lesions who underwent tumor stripping or accessory resection were selected for the control group. Immunohistochemical (SP) detection methods were used to detect hepsin and HMGB1 protein levels in tissues. The positive rates of HMGB1 cells in normal, paracancerous and cancerous cervical tissues were 5.0% (1/20), 22.9% (16/70) and 95.7% (67/70) (F=24.581, P=0.001) respectively. The positive rates of hepsin in normal, paracancerous and cancerous cervical tissues were respectively 10% (2/20), 61% (43/70) and 90% (63/70) (F=11.538, P=0.001). The HMGB1 expression level was related to the degree of tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage (P<0.05). While the level of hepsin expression was related to the degree of tumor differentiation, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage (P<0.05). Furthermore, a positive correlation between the levels of hepsin and HMGB1 was found (r=15.27, P<0.05). The overall 5-year survival rates of patients with high expression of HMGB1 (+++) and low expression of HMGB1 (+ to ++) were respectively 51.2 and 29.2% (HR=11.637, 95% CI=4.351-38.213; P=0.002). The overall 5-year survival rates of patients with high hepsin expression (+++) and low hepsin expression (+ to ++) were respectively 41.3 and 35.3% (HR=10.143, 95% CI=4.285-33.275; P=0.006). Based on our results, the higher the levels of expression of hepsin and HMGB1 in tissues the higher the degree of invasiveness of the cervical cancers, and the worse the prognoses for the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
| | - Weiqi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
| | - Peng Teng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
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Lai Q, Giralt A, Le May C, Zhang L, Cariou B, Denechaud PD, Fajas L. E2F1 inhibits circulating cholesterol clearance by regulating Pcsk9 expression in the liver. JCI Insight 2017; 2:89729. [PMID: 28515357 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.89729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol accumulation in the liver is an early event in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, we demonstrate that E2F1 plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular cholesterol homeostasis by regulating cholesterol uptake via proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9), an enzyme that promotes low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) degradation upon activation. E2f1-/- mice display reduced total plasma cholesterol levels and increased cholesterol content in the liver. In this study, we show that E2f1 deletion in cellular and mouse models leads to a marked decrease in Pcsk9 expression and an increase in LDLR expression. In addition to the upregulation of LDLR, we report that E2f1-/- hepatocytes exhibit increased LDL uptake. ChIP-Seq and PCSK9 promoter reporter experiments confirmed that E2F1 binds to and transactivates the PCSK9 promoter. Interestingly, E2f1-/- mice fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) display a fatty liver phenotype and liver fibrosis, which is reversed by reexpression of PCSK9 in the liver. Collectively, these data indicate that E2F1 regulates cholesterol uptake and that the loss of E2F1 leads to abnormal cholesterol accumulation in the liver and the development of fibrosis in response to an HCD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Albert Giralt
- Department of Physiology.,Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Le May
- l'Institut du Thorax, Inserm UMR1087 - CNRS UMR6291, UNIV Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Lianjun Zhang
- Ludwig Cancer Research and Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Bertrand Cariou
- l'Institut du Thorax, Inserm UMR1087 - CNRS UMR6291, UNIV Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Pierre-Damien Denechaud
- Department of Physiology.,Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lluis Fajas
- Department of Physiology.,Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Dron JS, Hegele RA. Complexity of mechanisms among human proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 variants. Curr Opin Lipidol 2017; 28:161-169. [PMID: 28157721 DOI: 10.1097/mol.0000000000000386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There are many reports of human variants in proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) that are either gain-of-function (GOF) or loss-of-function (LOF), with downstream effects on LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, data on particular mechanisms have only been minimally curated. RECENT FINDINGS GOF variants are individually ultrarare, affect all domains of the protein, act to reduce LDL receptor expression through several mechanisms, are a minor cause of familial hypercholesterolemia, have been reported mainly within families, have variable LDL cholesterol-raising effects, and are associated with increased CVD risk mainly through observational studies in families and small cohorts. In contrast, LOF variants can be either ultrarare mutations or relatively more common polymorphisms seen in populations, affect all domains of the protein, act to increase LDL receptor expression through several mechanisms, have variable LDL cholesterol-lowering effects, and have been associated with decreased CVD risk mainly through Mendelian randomization studies in epidemiologic populations. SUMMARY There is considerable complexity underlying the clinical concept of both LOF and GOF variants of PCSK9. But despite the underlying mechanistic heterogeneity, altered PCSK9 secretion or function is ultimately correlated with plasma LDL cholesterol level, which is also the driver of CVD outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline S Dron
- aRobarts Research Institute bDepartment of Biochemistry cDepartment of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Krysa JA, Ooi TC, Proctor SD, Vine DF. Nutritional and Lipid Modulation of PCSK9: Effects on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors. J Nutr 2017; 147:473-481. [PMID: 28179493 DOI: 10.3945/jn.116.235069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease involved in the regulation of LDL receptor (LDLR) expression and apolipoprotein B lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism. Hepatic PCSK9 protein expression, activity, and secretion have been shown to affect cholesterol homeostasis. An upregulation of hepatic PSCK9 protein leads to increased LDLR degradation, resulting in decreased uptake of apoB lipoproteins and a consequent increase in the plasma concentration of these lipoproteins, including LDL and chylomicron remnants. Hence, PCSK9 has become a novel target for lipid-lowering therapies. The aim of this review is to outline current findings on the metabolic and dietary regulation of PCSK9 and effects on cholesterol, apoB lipoprotein metabolism, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. PCSK9 gene and protein expression have been shown to be regulated by metabolic status and the diurnal pattern. In the fasting state, plasma PCSK9 is reduced via modulation of the nuclear transcriptional factors, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) 1c, SREBP2, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α. Plasma PCSK9 concentrations are also known to be positively associated with plasma insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and appear to be regulated by SREBP1c independently of glucose status. Plasma PCSK9 concentrations are stable in response to high-fat or high-protein diets in healthy individuals; however, this response may differ in altered metabolic conditions. Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to reduce plasma PCSK9 concentration and hepatic PCSK9 mRNA expression, consistent with their lipid-lowering effects, whereas dietary fructose appears to upregulate PCSK9 mRNA expression and plasma PCSK9 concentrations. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of how dietary components regulate PCSK9 and effects on cholesterol and apoB lipoprotein metabolism, as well as to delineate the clinical impact of diet on PCSK9 in terms of CVD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A Krysa
- Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases Laboratory, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Teik Chye Ooi
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; and.,Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Spencer D Proctor
- Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases Laboratory, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Donna F Vine
- Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases Laboratory, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada;
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Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is accompanied by a number of secondary metabolic dysregulations, such as lipid abnormalities, presenting with unique characteristics. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have been introduced as the new era in the management of dyslipidemia with promising results in groups with refractory lipid abnormalities. Increasing number of studies investigate the possible association of PCSK9 levels with kidney function, especially with nephrotic range proteinuria, as well as its role as a prognostic cardiovascular risk marker in CKD. In this review, we discuss the existing evidence for PCSK9 levels in patient groups with nephrotic syndrome, non-dialysis CKD, end-stage renal disease and kidney transplantation. METHODS Online research was conducted in MEDLINE database to identify articles investigating PCSK9 in all different aspects of CKD. References from relevant studies were screened for supplementary articles. RESULTS Four cross-sectional studies, one secondary analysis, one publication from two independent cohort studies and one multicentre prospective cohort study assessed PCSK9 plasma levels in different subgroups of CKD patients. PCSK9 levels increase in nephrotic syndrome and have a positive correlation with proteinuria. In CKD patients, no correlation was found between PCSK9 levels and estimated GFR. Peritoneal dialysis patients have higher PCSK9 levels compared with hemodialysis and renal transplant patients as well as general population. CONCLUSION Accumulative evidence focuses on the possible association of PCSK9 levels with kidney function. No data are available for the administration of PCSK9 inhibitors in CKD patients. Further research will optimize knowledge on the role of PCSK9 levels and PCSK9 inhibitors in CKD.
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Wierød L, Cameron J, Strøm TB, Leren TP. Studies of the autoinhibitory segment comprising residues 31-60 of the prodomain of PCSK9: Possible implications for the mechanism underlying gain-of-function mutations. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2016; 9:86-93. [PMID: 27896130 PMCID: PMC5121147 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) binds to the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) at the cell surface and is internalized as a complex with the LDLR. In the acidic milieu of the sorting endosome, PCSK9 remains bound to the LDLR and prevents the LDLR from folding over itself to adopt a closed conformation. As a consequence, the LDLR fails to recycle back to the cell membrane. Even though it is the catalytic domain of PCSK9 that interacts with the LDLR at the cell surface, the structurally disordered segment consisting of residues 31–60 and which is rich in acidic residues, has a negative effect both on autocatalytic cleavage and on the activity of PCSK9 towards the LDLR. Thus, this unstructured segment represents an autoinhibitory domain of PCSK9. One may speculate that post-translational modifications within residues 31–60 may affect the inhibitory activity of this segment, and represent a mechanism for fine-tuning the activity of PCSK9 towards the LDLR. Our data indicate that the inhibitory effect of this unstructured segment results from an interaction with basic residues of the catalytic domain of PCSK9. Mutations in the catalytic domain which involve charged residues, could therefore be gain-of-function mutations by affecting the positioning of this segment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Wierød
- Unit for Cardiac and Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jamie Cameron
- Unit for Cardiac and Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thea Bismo Strøm
- Unit for Cardiac and Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trond P Leren
- Unit for Cardiac and Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Norata GD, Tavori H, Pirillo A, Fazio S, Catapano AL. Biology of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9: beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering. Cardiovasc Res 2016; 112:429-42. [PMID: 27496869 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvw194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of low-density lipoprotein receptor levels and LDL-cholesterol levels. Loss-of-function mutations in PCSK9 gene are associated with hypocholesterolaemia and protection against cardiovascular disease, identifying PCSK9 inhibition as a valid therapeutic approach to manage hypercholesterolaemia and related diseases. Although PCSK9 is expressed mainly in the liver, it is present also in other tissues and organs with specific functions, raising the question of whether a pharmacological inhibition of PCSK9 to treat hypercholesterolaemia and associated cardiovascular diseases might be helpful or deleterious in non-hepatic tissues. For example, PCSK9 is expressed in the vascular wall, in the kidneys, and in the brain, where it was proposed to play a role in development, neurocognitive process, and neuronal apoptosis. A link between PCSK9 and immunity was also proposed as both sepsis and viral infections are differentially affected in the presence or absence of PCSK9. Despite the increasing number of observations, the debate on the exact roles of PCSK9 in extrahepatic tissues is still ongoing, and as very effective drugs that inhibit PCSK9 have become available to the clinician, a better understanding of the biological roles of PCSK9 is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Danilo Norata
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy Center for the Study of Atherosclerosis, Ospedale Bassini, Cinisello Balsamo, Italy
| | - Hagai Tavori
- Center for Preventive Cardiology, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Angela Pirillo
- Center for the Study of Atherosclerosis, Ospedale Bassini, Cinisello Balsamo, Italy IRCCS Multimedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Sergio Fazio
- Center for Preventive Cardiology, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Alberico L Catapano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy IRCCS Multimedica, Milan, Italy
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Ferri N, Corsini A, Macchi C, Magni P, Ruscica M. Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 and high-density lipoprotein metabolism: experimental animal models and clinical evidence. Transl Res 2016; 173:19-29. [PMID: 26548330 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) belongs to the proprotein convertase family. Several studies have demonstrated its involvement in the regulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by inducing the degradation of the LDL receptor (LDLR). However, experimental, epidemiologic, and pharmacologic data provide important evidence on the role of PCSK9 also on high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). In mice, PCSK9 regulates the HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels by the degradation of hepatic LDLR, thus inhibiting the uptake of apolipoprotein (Apo)E-containing HDLs. Several epidemiologic and genetic studies reported positive relationship between PCSK9 and HDL-C levels, likely by reducing the uptake of the ApoE-containing HDL particles. PCSK9 enhances also the degradation of LDLR's closest family members, ApoE receptor 2, very low-density lipoprotein receptor, and LDLR-related protein 1. This feature provides a molecular mechanism by which PCSK9 may affect HDL metabolism. Experimental studies demonstrated that PCSK9 directly interacts with HDL by modulating PCSK9 self-assembly and its binding to the LDLR. Finally, the inhibition of PCSK9 by means of monoclonal antibodies directed to PCSK9 (ie, evolocumab and alirocumab) determines an increase of HDL-C fraction by 7% and 4.2%, respectively. Thus, the understanding of the role of PCSK9 on HDL metabolism needs to be elucidated with a particular focus on the effect of PCSK9 on HDL-mediated reverse cholesterol transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Ferri
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università di Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Multimedica IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Macchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Magni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Centro per lo Studio delle Malattie Dismetaboliche e delle Iperlipemie-Enrica Grossi Paoletti, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Walley KR, Francis GA, Opal SM, Stein EA, Russell JA, Boyd JH. The Central Role of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 in Septic Pathogen Lipid Transport and Clearance. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2016; 192:1275-86. [PMID: 26252194 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201505-0876ci] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial cell walls contain pathogenic lipids, including LPS in gram-negative bacteria, lipoteichoic acid in gram-positive bacteria, and phospholipomannan in fungi. These pathogen lipids are major ligands for innate immune receptors and figure prominently in triggering the septic inflammatory response. Alternatively, pathogen lipids can be cleared and inactivated, thus limiting the inflammatory response. Accordingly, biological mechanisms for sequestering and clearing pathogen lipids from the circulation have evolved. Pathogen lipids released into the circulation are initially bound by transfer proteins, notably LPS binding protein and phospholipid transfer protein, and incorporated into high-density lipoprotein particles. Next, LPS binding protein, phospholipid transfer protein, and other transfer proteins transfer these lipids to ApoB-containing lipoproteins, including low-density (LDL) and very-low-density lipoproteins and chylomicrons. Pathogen lipids within these lipoproteins and their remnants are then cleared from the circulation by the liver. Hepatic clearance involves the LDL receptor (LDLR) and possibly other receptors. Once absorbed by the liver, these lipids are then excreted in the bile. Recent evidence suggests pathogen lipid clearance can be modulated. Importantly, reduced proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 activity increases recycling of the LDLR and thereby increases LDLR on the surface of hepatocytes, which increases clearance by the liver of pathogen lipids transported in LDL. Increased pathogen lipid clearance, which can be achieved by inhibiting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, may decrease the systemic inflammatory response to sepsis and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith R Walley
- 1 Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gordon A Francis
- 1 Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Steven M Opal
- 2 Infectious Disease Division, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island and Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island; and
| | - Evan A Stein
- 3 Metabolic and Atherosclerosis Research Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - James A Russell
- 1 Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John H Boyd
- 1 Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Glassman PM, Balthasar JP. Application of a catenary PBPK model to predict the disposition of "catch and release" anti-PCSK9 antibodies. Int J Pharm 2016; 505:69-78. [PMID: 27041125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.03.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The development of 'catch and release', or pH-sensitive, monoclonal antibodies (mAb) has become of interest to groups seeking to reduce the influence of target-mediated elimination on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In this work, a catenary physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model is described to predict the pharmacokinetic benefit conferred by engineering mAbs for 'catch and release' binding. Our previously published PBPK model was adapted for consideration of the production and elimination of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in mice, and the model was then applied to predict the pharmacokinetics of anti-PCSK9 mAb with pH-stable (J10) and pH-sensitive binding (J17). The model was able to generate reasonable predictions of both J10 and J17 plasma pharmacokinetics. For J10, mean (±standard deviation) predicted vs. observed areas under the plasma concentration curve (AUCinf) were: 217 (77.1) vs. 103nMday (1mg/kg), 1.14×10(3) (858) vs. 769nMday (3mg/kg), and 6.60×10(3) (5.58×10(3)) vs. 2.86×10(3)nMday (10mg/kg), and for J17 the values were: 838 (161) vs. 818nMday (1mg/kg), 2.30×10(3) (441) vs. 2.57×10(3)nMday (3mg/kg), and 8.42×10(3) (1.50×10(3)) vs. 9.17×10(3)nMday (10mg/kg). Further simulations with the model predicted that target turnover and the magnitude of change in the complex dissociation rate constant between pH 7.4 and pH 6.0 are key determinants of the improvements in pharmacokinetics associated with 'catch and release' mAbs. The model described here may be useful for prediction of the pharmacokinetics of 'catch and release' mAbs directed against other targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Glassman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States
| | - Joseph P Balthasar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States.
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Schroeder KM, Beyer TP, Hansen RJ, Han B, Pickard RT, Wroblewski VJ, Kowala MC, Eacho PI. Proteolytic cleavage of antigen extends the durability of an anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibody. J Lipid Res 2015; 56:2124-32. [PMID: 26392590 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m061903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lilly PCSK9 antibody LY3015014 (LY) is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that neutralizes proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9). LY decreases LDL cholesterol in monkeys and, unlike other PCSK9 mAbs, does not cause an accumulation of intact PCSK9 in serum. Comparing the epitope of LY with other clinically tested PCSK9 mAbs, it was noted that the LY epitope excludes the furin cleavage site in PCSK9, whereas other mAbs span this site. In vitro exposure of PCSK9 to furin resulted in degradation of PCSK9 bound to LY, whereas cleavage was blocked by other mAbs. These other mAbs caused a significant accumulation of serum PCSK9 and displayed a shorter duration of LDL-cholesterol lowering than LY when administered to mice expressing the WT human PCSK9. In mice expressing a noncleavable variant of human PCSK9, LY behaved like a cleavage-blocking mAb, in that it caused significant PCSK9 accumulation, its duration of LDL lowering was reduced, and its clearance (CL) from serum was accelerated. Thus, LY neutralizes PCSK9 and allows its proteolytic degradation to proceed, which limits PCSK9 accumulation, reduces the CL rate of LY, and extends its duration of action. PCSK9 mAbs with this property are likely to achieve longer durability and require lower doses than mAbs that cause antigen to accumulate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista M Schroeder
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285
| | - Thomas P Beyer
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285
| | - Ryan J Hansen
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285
| | - Bomie Han
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285
| | - Richard T Pickard
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285
| | | | - Mark C Kowala
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285
| | - Patrick I Eacho
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285
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