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Ubeysinghe S, Kankanamge D, Thotamune W, Wijayaratna D, Mohan TM, Karunarathne A. Spatiotemporal Optical Control of Gαq-PLCβ Interactions. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:242-258. [PMID: 38092428 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00490] [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] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Cells experience time-varying and spatially heterogeneous chemokine signals in vivo, activating cell surface proteins including G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The Gαq pathway activation by GPCRs is a major signaling axis with broad physiological and pathological significance. Compared with other Gα members, GαqGTP activates many crucial effectors, including PLCβ (Phospholipase Cβ) and Rho GEFs (Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors). PLCβ regulates many key processes, such as hematopoiesis, synaptogenesis, and cell cycle, and is therefore implicated in terminal-debilitating diseases, including cancer, epilepsy, Huntington's Disease, and Alzheimer's Disease. However, due to a lack of genetic and pharmacological tools, examining how the dynamic regulation of PLCβ signaling controls cellular physiology has been difficult. Since activated PLCβ induces several abrupt cellular changes, including cell morphology, examining how the other pathways downstream of Gq-GPCRs contribute to the overall signaling has also been difficult. Here we show the engineering, validation, and application of a highly selective and efficient optogenetic inhibitor (Opto-dHTH) to completely disrupt GαqGTP-PLCβ interactions reversibly in user-defined cellular-subcellular regions on optical command. Using this newly gained PLCβ signaling control, our data indicate that the molecular competition between RhoGEFs and PLCβ for GαqGTP determines the potency of Gq-GPCR-governed directional cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sithurandi Ubeysinghe
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, United States
| | - Dinesh Kankanamge
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Waruna Thotamune
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, United States
| | - Dhanushan Wijayaratna
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, United States
| | - Thomas M Mohan
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, United States
| | - Ajith Karunarathne
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, United States
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Ubeysinghe S, Kankanamge D, Thotamune W, Wijayaratna D, Mohan TM, Karunarathne A. Spatiotemporal optical control of Gαq-PLCβ interactions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.10.552801. [PMID: 37609229 PMCID: PMC10441412 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.10.552801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Cells experience time-varying and spatially heterogeneous chemokine signals in vivo, activating cell surface proteins, including G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The Gαq pathway activation by GPCRs is a major signaling axis with a broad physiological and pathological significance. Compared to other Gα members, GαqGTP activates many crucial effectors, including PLCβ (Phospholipase Cβ) and Rho GEFs (Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors). PLCβ regulates many key processes, such as hematopoiesis, synaptogenesis, and cell cycle, and is therefore implicated in terminal - debilitating diseases, including cancer, epilepsy, Huntington's Disease, and Alzheimer's Disease. However, due to a lack of genetic and pharmacological tools, examining how the dynamic regulation of PLCβ signaling controls cellular physiology has been difficult. Since activated PLCβ induces several abrupt cellular changes, including cell morphology, examining how the other pathways downstream of Gq-GPCRs contribute to the overall signaling has also been difficult. Here we show the engineering, validation, and application of a highly selective and efficient optogenetic inhibitor (Opto-dHTH) to completely disrupt GαqGTP-PLCβ interactions reversibly in user-defined cellular-subcellular regions on optical command. Using this newly gained PLCβ signaling control, our data indicate that the molecular competition between RhoGEFs and PLCβ for GαqGTP determines the potency of Gq-GPCR-governed directional cell migration.
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3
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Cummins MC, Tripathy A, Sondek J, Kuhlman B. De novo design of stable proteins that efficaciously inhibit oncogenic G proteins. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4713. [PMID: 37368504 PMCID: PMC10360382 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4713] [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: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Many protein therapeutics are competitive inhibitors that function by binding to endogenous proteins and preventing them from interacting with native partners. One effective strategy for engineering competitive inhibitors is to graft structural motifs from a native partner into a host protein. Here, we develop and experimentally test a computational protocol for embedding binding motifs in de novo designed proteins. The protocol uses an "inside-out" approach: Starting with a structural model of the binding motif docked against the target protein, the de novo protein is built by growing new structural elements off the termini of the binding motif. During backbone assembly, a score function favors backbones that introduce new tertiary contacts within the designed protein and do not introduce clashes with the target binding partner. Final sequences are designed and optimized using the molecular modeling program Rosetta. To test our protocol, we designed small helical proteins to inhibit the interaction between Gαq and its effector PLC-β isozymes. Several of the designed proteins remain folded above 90°C and bind to Gαq with equilibrium dissociation constants tighter than 80 nM. In cellular assays with oncogenic variants of Gαq , the designed proteins inhibit activation of PLC-β isozymes and Dbl-family RhoGEFs. Our results demonstrate that computational protein design, in combination with motif grafting, can be used to directly generate potent inhibitors without further optimization via high throughput screening or selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Cummins
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Ashutosh Tripathy
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - John Sondek
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Brian Kuhlman
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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Cummins MC, Tripathy A, Sondek J, Kuhlman B. De novo design of stable proteins that efficaciously inhibit oncogenic G proteins. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.28.534629. [PMID: 37034763 PMCID: PMC10081213 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.28.534629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Many protein therapeutics are competitive inhibitors that function by binding to endogenous proteins and preventing them from interacting with native partners. One effective strategy for engineering competitive inhibitors is to graft structural motifs from a native partner into a host protein. Here, we develop and experimentally test a computational protocol for embedding binding motifs in de novo designed proteins. The protocol uses an "inside-out" approach: Starting with a structural model of the binding motif docked against the target protein, the de novo protein is built by growing new structural elements off the termini of the binding motif. During backbone assembly, a score function favors backbones that introduce new tertiary contacts within the designed protein and do not introduce clashes with the target binding partner. Final sequences are designed and optimized using the molecular modeling program Rosetta. To test our protocol, we designed small helical proteins to inhibit the interaction between Gα q and its effector PLC-β isozymes. Several of the designed proteins remain folded above 90°C and bind to Gα q with equilibrium dissociation constants tighter than 80 nM. In cellular assays with oncogenic variants of Gα q , the designed proteins inhibit activation of PLC-β isozymes and Dbl-family RhoGEFs. Our results demonstrate that computational protein design, in combination with motif grafting, can be used to directly generate potent inhibitors without further optimization via high throughput screening or selection. statement for broader audience Engineered proteins that bind to specific target proteins are useful as research reagents, diagnostics, and therapeutics. We used computational protein design to engineer de novo proteins that bind and competitively inhibit the G protein, Gα q , which is an oncogene for uveal melanomas. This computational method is a general approach that should be useful for designing competitive inhibitors against other proteins of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Cummins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ashutosh Tripathy
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - John Sondek
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brian Kuhlman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Wijayaratna D, Ratnayake K, Ubeysinghe S, Kankanamge D, Tennakoon M, Karunarathne A. The spatial distribution of GPCR and Gβγ activity across a cell dictates PIP3 dynamics. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2771. [PMID: 36797332 PMCID: PMC9935898 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29639-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5) trisphosphate (PIP3) is a plasma membrane-bound signaling phospholipid involved in many cellular signaling pathways that control crucial cellular processes and behaviors, including cytoskeleton remodeling, metabolism, chemotaxis, and apoptosis. Therefore, defective PIP3 signaling is implicated in various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Upon activation by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) or receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), phosphoinositide-3-kinases (PI3Ks) phosphorylate phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate (PIP2), generating PIP3. Though the mechanisms are unclear, PIP3 produced upon GPCR activation attenuates within minutes, indicating a tight temporal regulation. Our data show that subcellular redistributions of G proteins govern this PIP3 attenuation when GPCRs are activated globally, while localized GPCR activation induces sustained subcellular PIP3. Interestingly the observed PIP3 attenuation was Gγ subtype-dependent. Considering distinct cell-tissue-specific Gγ expression profiles, our findings not only demonstrate how the GPCR-induced PIP3 response is regulated depending on the GPCR activity gradient across a cell, but also show how diversely cells respond to spatial and temporal variability of external stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanushan Wijayaratna
- grid.267337.40000 0001 2184 944XDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606 USA ,grid.262962.b0000 0004 1936 9342Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, 3501 Laclede Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63103 USA
| | - Kasun Ratnayake
- grid.267337.40000 0001 2184 944XDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606 USA
| | - Sithurandi Ubeysinghe
- grid.267337.40000 0001 2184 944XDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606 USA ,grid.262962.b0000 0004 1936 9342Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, 3501 Laclede Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63103 USA
| | - Dinesh Kankanamge
- grid.267337.40000 0001 2184 944XDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606 USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Mithila Tennakoon
- grid.267337.40000 0001 2184 944XDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606 USA ,grid.262962.b0000 0004 1936 9342Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, 3501 Laclede Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63103 USA
| | - Ajith Karunarathne
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA. .,Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, 3501 Laclede Avenue, Saint Louis, MO, 63103, USA.
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Randolph CE, Dwyer MB, Aumiller JL, Dixon AJ, Inoue A, Osei-Owusu P, Wedegaertner PB. Enhanced membrane binding of oncogenic G protein αqQ209L confers resistance to inhibitor YM-254890. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102538. [PMID: 36174676 PMCID: PMC9626947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterotrimeric G proteins couple activated G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) to intracellular signaling pathways. They can also function independently of GPCR activation upon acquiring mutations that prevent GTPase activity and result in constitutive signaling, as occurs with the αqQ209L mutation in uveal melanoma. YM-254890 (YM) can inhibit signaling by both GPCR-activated WT αq and GPCR-independent αqQ209L. Although YM inhibits WT αq by binding to αq-GDP and preventing GDP/GTP exchange, the mechanism of YM inhibition of cellular αqQ209L remains to be fully understood. Here, we show that YM promotes a subcellular redistribution of αqQ209L from the plasma membrane (PM) to the cytoplasm. To test if this loss of PM localization could contribute to the mechanism of inhibition of αqQ209L by YM, we developed and examined N-terminal mutants of αqQ209L, termed PM-restricted αqQ209L, in which the addition of membrane-binding motifs enhanced PM localization and prevented YM-promoted redistribution. Treatment of cells with YM failed to inhibit signaling by these PM-restricted αqQ209L. Additionally, pull-down experiments demonstrated that YM promotes similar conformational changes in both αqQ209L and PM-restricted αqQ209L, resulting in increased binding to βγ and decreased binding to regulator RGS2, and effectors p63RhoGEF-DH/PH and phospholipase C-β. GPCR-dependent signaling by PM-restricted WT αq is strongly inhibited by YM, demonstrating that resistance to YM inhibition by membrane-binding mutants is specific to constitutively active αqQ209L. Together, these results indicate that changes in membrane binding impact the ability of YM to inhibit αqQ209L and suggest that YM contributes to inhibition of αqQ209L by promoting its relocalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinita E Randolph
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Morgan B Dwyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jenna L Aumiller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Alethia J Dixon
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Patrick Osei-Owusu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Philip B Wedegaertner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.
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Expression of the C-Terminal Domain of Phospholipase Cβ3 Inhibits Signaling via Gαq-Coupled Receptors and Transient Receptor Potential Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179590. [PMID: 36076982 PMCID: PMC9455670 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are cation channels that play a regulatory role in pain and thermosensation, insulin secretion, and neurotransmission. It has been proposed that activation of TRP channels requires phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, the major substrate for phospholipase C (PLC). We investigated whether inhibition of PLCβ has an impact on TRP channel signaling. A genetic approach was used to avoid off-target effects observed when using a pharmacological PLCβ inhibitor. In this study, we show that expression of PLCβ1ct and PLCβ3ct, truncated forms of PLCβ1 or PLCβ3 that contain the C-terminal membrane binding domains, almost completely blocked the signal transduction of a Gαq-coupled designer receptor, including the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. In contrast, expression of the helix-turn-helix motif (Hα1—Hα2) of the proximal C-terminal domain of PLCβ3 did not affect Gαq-coupled receptor signaling. PLCβ3ct expression impaired signaling of the TRP channels TRPM3 and TRPM8, stimulated with either prognenolone sulfate or icilin. Thus, the C-terminal domain of PLCβ3 interacts with plasma membrane targets, most likely phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, and in this way blocks the biological activation of TRPM3 and TRPM8, which require interaction with this phospholipid. PLCβ thus regulates TRPM3 and TRPM8 channels by masking phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate with its C-terminal domain.
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Arora R, Van Theemsche KM, Van Remoortel S, Snyders DJ, Labro AJ, Timmermans JP. Constitutive, Basal, and β-Alanine-Mediated Activation of the Human Mas-Related G Protein-Coupled Receptor D Induces Release of the Inflammatory Cytokine IL-6 and Is Dependent on NF-κB Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413254. [PMID: 34948051 PMCID: PMC8703779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have emerged as key players in regulating (patho)physiological processes, including inflammation. Members of the Mas-related G protein coupled receptors (MRGPRs), a subfamily of GPCRs, are largely expressed by sensory neurons and known to modulate itch and pain. Several members of MRGPRs are also expressed in mast cells, macrophages, and in cardiovascular tissue, linking them to pseudo-allergic drug reactions and suggesting a pivotal role in the cardiovascular system. However, involvement of the human Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor D (MRGPRD) in the regulation of the inflammatory mediator interleukin 6 (IL-6) has not been demonstrated to date. By stimulating human MRGPRD-expressing HeLa cells with the agonist β-alanine, we observed a release of IL-6. β-alanine-induced signaling through MRGPRD was investigated further by probing downstream signaling effectors along the Gαq/Phospholipase C (PLC) pathway, which results in an IkB kinases (IKK)-mediated canonical activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and stimulation of IL-6 release. This IL-6 release could be blocked by a Gαq inhibitor (YM-254890), an IKK complex inhibitor (IKK-16), and partly by a PLC inhibitor (U-73122). Additionally, we investigated the constitutive (ligand-independent) and basal activity of MRGPRD and concluded that the observed basal activity of MRGPRD is dependent on the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) in the culture medium. Consequently, the dynamic range for IL-6 detection as an assay for β-alanine-mediated activation of MRGPRD is substantially increased by culturing the cells in FBS free medium before treatment. Overall, the observation that MRGPRD mediates the release of IL-6 in an in vitro system, hints at a role as an inflammatory mediator and supports the notion that IL-6 can be used as a marker for MRGPRD activation in an in vitro drug screening assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Arora
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (R.A.); (S.V.R.)
- Laboratory for Molecular, Cellular and Network Excitability, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (K.M.V.T.); (D.J.S.)
| | - Kenny M. Van Theemsche
- Laboratory for Molecular, Cellular and Network Excitability, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (K.M.V.T.); (D.J.S.)
| | - Samuel Van Remoortel
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (R.A.); (S.V.R.)
| | - Dirk J. Snyders
- Laboratory for Molecular, Cellular and Network Excitability, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (K.M.V.T.); (D.J.S.)
| | - Alain J. Labro
- Laboratory for Molecular, Cellular and Network Excitability, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (K.M.V.T.); (D.J.S.)
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: (A.J.L.); (J.-P.T.); Tel.: +32-9-3320034 (A.J.L.); +32-3-2653327 (J.-P.T.)
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (R.A.); (S.V.R.)
- Correspondence: (A.J.L.); (J.-P.T.); Tel.: +32-9-3320034 (A.J.L.); +32-3-2653327 (J.-P.T.)
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9
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Hussain M, Cummins MC, Endo-Streeter S, Sondek J, Kuhlman B. Designer proteins that competitively inhibit Gα q by targeting its effector site. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101348. [PMID: 34715131 PMCID: PMC8633581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
During signal transduction, the G protein, Gαq, binds and activates phospholipase C-β isozymes. Several diseases have been shown to manifest upon constitutively activating mutation of Gαq, such as uveal melanoma. Therefore, methods are needed to directly inhibit Gαq. Previously, we demonstrated that a peptide derived from a helix-turn-helix (HTH) region of PLC-β3 (residues 852-878) binds Gαq with low micromolar affinity and inhibits Gαq by competing with full-length PLC-β isozymes for binding. Since the HTH peptide is unstructured in the absence of Gαq, we hypothesized that embedding the HTH in a folded protein might stabilize the binding-competent conformation and further improve the potency of inhibition. Using the molecular modeling software Rosetta, we searched the Protein Data Bank for proteins with similar HTH structures near their surface. The candidate proteins were computationally docked against Gαq, and their surfaces were redesigned to stabilize this interaction. We then used yeast surface display to affinity mature the designs. The most potent design bound Gαq/i with high affinity in vitro (KD = 18 nM) and inhibited activation of PLC-β isozymes in HEK293 cells. We anticipate that our genetically encoded inhibitor will help interrogate the role of Gαq in healthy and disease model systems. Our work demonstrates that grafting interaction motifs into folded proteins is a powerful approach for generating inhibitors of protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmud Hussain
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew C Cummins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stuart Endo-Streeter
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - John Sondek
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Brian Kuhlman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
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Kankanamge D, Ubeysinghe S, Tennakoon M, Pantula PD, Mitra K, Giri L, Karunarathne A. Dissociation of the G protein βγ from the Gq-PLCβ complex partially attenuates PIP2 hydrolysis. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100702. [PMID: 33901492 PMCID: PMC8138763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Phospholipase C β (PLCβ), which is activated by the Gq family of heterotrimeric G proteins, hydrolyzes the inner membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), generating diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3). Because Gq and PLCβ regulate many crucial cellular processes and have been identified as major disease drivers, activation and termination of PLCβ signaling by the Gαq subunit have been extensively studied. Gq-coupled receptor activation induces intense and transient PIP2 hydrolysis, which subsequently recovers to a low-intensity steady-state equilibrium. However, the molecular underpinnings of this equilibrium remain unclear. Here, we explored the influence of signaling crosstalk between Gq and Gi/o pathways on PIP2 metabolism in living cells using single-cell and optogenetic approaches to spatially and temporally constrain signaling. Our data suggest that the Gβγ complex is a component of the highly efficient lipase GαqGTP-PLCβ-Gβγ. We found that over time, Gβγ dissociates from this lipase complex, leaving the less-efficient GαqGTP-PLCβ lipase complex and allowing the significant partial recovery of PIP2 levels. Our findings also indicate that the subtype of the Gγ subunit in Gβγ fine-tunes the lipase activity of Gq-PLCβ, in which cells expressing Gγ with higher plasma membrane interaction show lower PIP2 recovery. Given that Gγ shows cell- and tissue-specific subtype expression, our findings suggest the existence of tissue-specific distinct Gq-PLCβ signaling paradigms. Furthermore, these results also outline a molecular process that likely safeguards cells from excessive Gq signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Kankanamge
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Sithurandi Ubeysinghe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Mithila Tennakoon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Priyanka Devi Pantula
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | - Kishalay Mitra
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | - Lopamudra Giri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | - Ajith Karunarathne
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA.
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11
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Ge Y, Shi S, Deng JJ, Chen XP, Song Z, Liu L, Lou L, Zhang X, Xiong XF. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Small Molecule Gαq/11 Protein Inhibitors for the Treatment of Uveal Melanoma. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3131-3152. [PMID: 33715360 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is the ocular malignancy and mainly driven by oncogenic mutations of Gαq/11 proteins. Previous targeted therapy for melanoma treatment was limited to specific downstream signaling pathway, and inhibiting the "molecular switches" G proteins for melanoma treatment therapy was rarely described. We herein report the discovery of imidazopiperazine derivatives as Gαq/11 protein inhibitors. The most promising compound GQ127 showed good efficacy and safety in inositol monophosphate (IP1) assay by directly inhibiting Gαq/11 proteins. GQ127 induced uveal melanoma cells apoptosis and displayed potent antitumor activities in uveal melanoma cells viability, migration, and invasion. The effects of GQ127 on Gαq/11 signaling pathway were confirmed by analyzing the downstream effectors yes-associated protein (YAP) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). More importantly, GQ127 significantly suppressed UM xenograft growth in mouse model without severe toxicity at the testing dose. These findings provide a lead compound that directly targets the Gαq/11 proteins for uveal melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ge
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Shuo Shi
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Jun-Jie Deng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Xue-Ping Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Zhendong Song
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Lu Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Linlin Lou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Feng Xiong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
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12
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Li Y, Shi J, Yang J, Ge S, Zhang J, Jia R, Fan X. Uveal melanoma: progress in molecular biology and therapeutics. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920965852. [PMID: 33149769 PMCID: PMC7586035 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920965852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular malignancy in adults. So far, no systemic therapy or standard treatment exists to reduce the risk of metastasis and improve overall survival of patients. With the increased knowledge regarding the molecular pathways that underlie the oncogenesis of UM, it is expected that novel therapeutic approaches will be available to conquer this disease. This review provides a summary of the current knowledge of, and progress made in understanding, the pathogenesis, genetic mutations, epigenetics, and immunology of UM. With the advent of the omics era, multi-dimensional big data are publicly available, providing an innovation platform to develop effective targeted and personalized therapeutics for UM patients. Indeed, recently, a great number of therapies have been reported specifically for UM caused by oncogenic mutations, as well as other etiologies. In this review, special attention is directed to advancements in targeted therapies. In particular, we discuss the possibilities of targeting: GNAQ/GNA11, PLCβ, and CYSLTR2 mutants; regulators of G-protein signaling; the secondary messenger adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6); downstream pathways, such as those involving mitogen-activated protein kinase/MEK/extracellular signal-related kinase, protein kinase C (PKC), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Trio/Rho/Rac/Yes-associated protein, and inactivated BAP1; and immune-checkpoint proteins cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 and programmed cell-death protein 1/programmed cell-death ligand 1. Furthermore, we conducted a survey of completed and ongoing clinical trials applying targeted and immune therapies for UM. Although drug combination therapy based on the signaling pathways involved in UM has made great progress, targeted therapy is still an unmet medical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahao Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianming Zhang
- National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, 833 Zhizaoju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200001, China
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13
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Küppers J, Benkel T, Annala S, Kimura K, Reinelt L, Fleischmann BK, Kostenis E, Gütschow M. Tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine Derivatives: Synthesis and Evaluation as Gα q -Protein Ligands. Chemistry 2020; 26:12615-12623. [PMID: 32428383 PMCID: PMC7590114 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202001446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine derivative BIM-46174 and its dimeric form BIM-46187 (1) are heterocyclized dipeptides that belong to the very few cell-permeable compounds known to preferentially silence Gαq proteins. To explore the chemical space of Gαq inhibitors of the BIM chemotype, a combinatorial approach was conducted towards a library of BIM molecules. This library was evaluated in a second messenger-based fluorescence assay to analyze the activity of Gαq proteins through the determination of intracellular myo-inositol 1-phosphate. Structure-activity relationships were deduced and structural requirements for biological activity obtained, which were (i) a redox reactive thiol/disulfane substructure, (ii) an N-terminal basic amino group, (iii) a cyclohexylalanine moiety, and (iv) a bicyclic skeleton. Active compounds exhibited cellular toxicity, which was investigated in detail for the prototypical inhibitor 1. This compound affects the structural cytoskeletal dynamics in a Gαq/11 -independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Küppers
- Pharmaceutical InstituteDepartment of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal ChemistryUniversity of BonnAn der Immenburg 453121BonnGermany
| | - Tobias Benkel
- Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology SectionInstitute for Pharmaceutical BiologyUniversity of BonnNussallee 653115BonnGermany
- Research Training Group 1873University of Bonn53115BonnGermany
| | - Suvi Annala
- Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology SectionInstitute for Pharmaceutical BiologyUniversity of BonnNussallee 653115BonnGermany
| | - Kenichi Kimura
- Institute of Physiology I, Life and Brain Center, Medical FacultyUniversity of BonnSigmund-Freud-Str. 2553105BonnGermany
| | - Lisa Reinelt
- Pharmaceutical InstituteDepartment of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal ChemistryUniversity of BonnAn der Immenburg 453121BonnGermany
| | - Bernd K. Fleischmann
- Institute of Physiology I, Life and Brain Center, Medical FacultyUniversity of BonnSigmund-Freud-Str. 2553105BonnGermany
| | - Evi Kostenis
- Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology SectionInstitute for Pharmaceutical BiologyUniversity of BonnNussallee 653115BonnGermany
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical InstituteDepartment of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal ChemistryUniversity of BonnAn der Immenburg 453121BonnGermany
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14
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Coban MA, Fraga S, Caulfield TR. Structural And Computational Perspectives of Selectively Targeting Mutant Proteins. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2020; 18:365-378. [PMID: 32160847 DOI: 10.2174/1570163817666200311114819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Diseases are often caused by mutant proteins. Many drugs have limited effectiveness and/or toxic side effects because of a failure to selectively target the disease-causing mutant variant, rather than the functional wild type protein. Otherwise, the drugs may even target different proteins with similar structural features. Designing drugs that successfully target mutant proteins selectively represents a major challenge. Decades of cancer research have led to an abundance of potential therapeutic targets, often touted to be "master regulators". For many of these proteins, there are no FDA-approved drugs available; for others, off-target effects result in dose-limiting toxicity. Cancer-related proteins are an excellent medium to carry the story of mutant-specific targeting, as the disease is both initiated and sustained by mutant proteins; furthermore, current chemotherapies generally fail at adequate selective distinction. This review discusses some of the challenges associated with selective targeting from a structural biology perspective, as well as some of the developments in algorithm approach and computational workflow that can be applied to address those issues. One of the most widely researched proteins in cancer biology is p53, a tumor suppressor. Here, p53 is discussed as a specific example of a challenging target, with contemporary drugs and methodologies used as examples of burgeoning successes. The oncogene KRAS, which has been described as "undruggable", is another extensively investigated protein in cancer biology. This review also examines KRAS to exemplify progress made towards selective targeting of diseasecausing mutant proteins. Finally, possible future directions relevant to the topic are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew A Coban
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, United States
| | - Sarah Fraga
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, United States
| | - Thomas R Caulfield
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, United States
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15
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Li J, Ge Y, Huang JX, Strømgaard K, Zhang X, Xiong XF. Heterotrimeric G Proteins as Therapeutic Targets in Drug Discovery. J Med Chem 2019; 63:5013-5030. [PMID: 31841625 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Heterotrimeric G proteins are molecular switches in GPCR signaling pathways and regulate a plethora of physiological and pathological processes. GPCRs are efficient drug targets, and more than 30% of the drugs in use target them. However, selectively targeting an individual GPCR may be undesirable in various multifactorial diseases in which multiple receptors are involved. In addition, abnormal activation or expression of G proteins is frequently associated with diseases. Furthermore, G proteins harboring mutations often result in malignant diseases. Thus, targeting G proteins instead of GPCRs might provide alternative approaches for combating these diseases. In this review, we discuss the biochemistry of heterotrimeric G proteins, describe the G protein-associated diseases, and summarize the currently known modulators that can regulate the activities of G proteins. The outlook for targeting G proteins to treat diverse diseases is also included in this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yang Ge
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Jun-Xiang Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Kristian Strømgaard
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Feng Xiong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
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16
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Küppers J, Benkel T, Annala S, Schnakenburg G, Kostenis E, Gütschow M. BIM-46174 fragments as potential ligands of G proteins. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:1838-1843. [PMID: 32180917 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00269c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine derivative BIM-46174 has received attention as Gαq inhibitor. We conducted structural reductions to monocyclic and bicyclic substructures to explore the chemical space of BIM fragments and to gain insights into the pharmacophore of BIM-type Gαq inhibitors. Two piperazin-2-one-containing fragments and a small library of bicyclic lactams featuring fused pyrazine and diazepine rings were synthesized and evaluated. The results of a second messenger-based cellular assay indicate that the entire BIM structure is required for efficient Gαq inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Küppers
- Pharmaceutical Institute , Pharmaceutical Chemistry I , University of Bonn , An der Immenburg 4 , 53121 Bonn , Germany .
| | - Tobias Benkel
- Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section , Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology , University of Bonn , Nussallee 6 , 53115 Bonn , Germany.,Research Training Group 1873 , University of Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Suvi Annala
- Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section , Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology , University of Bonn , Nussallee 6 , 53115 Bonn , Germany
| | - Gregor Schnakenburg
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry , University of Bonn , Gerhard-Domagk-Str. 1 , 53121 Bonn , Germany
| | - Evi Kostenis
- Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section , Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology , University of Bonn , Nussallee 6 , 53115 Bonn , Germany
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical Institute , Pharmaceutical Chemistry I , University of Bonn , An der Immenburg 4 , 53121 Bonn , Germany .
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17
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Zhang H, Nielsen AL, Strømgaard K. Recent achievements in developing selective Gqinhibitors. Med Res Rev 2019; 40:135-157. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Co‐innovation Center of Henan Province for New Drug R&D and Preclinical Safety, and School of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou Henan China
| | - Alexander L. Nielsen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Center for BiopharmaceuticalsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen Denmark
| | - Kristian Strømgaard
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Center for BiopharmaceuticalsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen Denmark
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18
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Rimessi A, Bezzerri V, Salvatori F, Tamanini A, Nigro F, Dechecchi MC, Santangelo A, Prandini P, Munari S, Provezza L, Garreau de Loubresse N, Muller J, Ribeiro CMP, Lippi G, Gambari R, Pinton P, Cabrini G. PLCB3 Loss of Function Reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Dependent IL-8 Release in Cystic Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2019; 59:428-436. [PMID: 29668297 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2017-0267oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are characterized by an exaggerated inflammation driven by secretion of IL-8 from bronchial epithelial cells and worsened by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. To identify novel antiinflammatory molecular targets, we previously performed a genetic study of 135 genes of the immune response, which identified the c.2534C>T (p.S845L) variant of phospholipase C-β3 (PLCB3) as being significantly associated with mild progression of pulmonary disease. Silencing PLCB3 revealed that it potentiates the Toll-like receptor's inflammatory signaling cascade originating from CF bronchial epithelial cells. In the present study, we investigated the role of the PLCB3-S845L variant together with two synthetic mutants paradigmatic of impaired catalytic activity or lacking functional activation in CF bronchial epithelial cells. In experiments in which cells were exposed to P. aeruginosa, the supernatant of mucopurulent material from the airways of patients with CF or different agonists revealed that PLCB3-S845L has defects of 1) agonist-induced Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum and rise of Ca2+ concentration, 2) activation of conventional protein kinase C isoform β, and 3) induction of IL-8 release. These results, besides identifying S845L as a loss-of-function variant, strengthen the importance of targeting PLCB3 to mitigate the CF inflammatory response in bronchial epithelial cells without blunting the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentino Bezzerri
- 2 Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Salvatori
- 3 Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Tamanini
- 2 Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Federica Nigro
- 1 Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and
| | - Maria Cristina Dechecchi
- 2 Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santangelo
- 2 Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Prandini
- 2 Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Munari
- 2 Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lisa Provezza
- 2 Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Nicolas Garreau de Loubresse
- 4 Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U964, CNRS UMR7104, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Jean Muller
- 5 Laboratoire de diagnostic génétique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; and
| | - Carla M P Ribeiro
- 6 Department of Medicine, and.,7 Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- 2 Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- 3 Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- 1 Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and
| | - Giulio Cabrini
- 2 Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
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19
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Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of drug targets, largely owing to their druggability, diversity and physiological efficacy. Many drugs selectively target specific subtypes of GPCRs, but high specificity for individual GPCRs may not be desirable in complex multifactorial disease states in which multiple receptors may be involved. One approach is to target G protein subunits rather than the GPCRs directly. This approach has the potential to achieve broad efficacy by blocking pathways shared by multiple GPCRs. Additionally, because many GPCRs couple to multiple G protein signalling pathways, blocking specific G protein subunits can 'bias' GPCR signals by inhibiting only a subset of these signals. Molecules that target G protein α or βγ-subunits have been developed and show strong efficacy in multiple preclinical disease models and biased inhibition of G protein signalling. In this Review, we discuss the development and characterization of G protein α and βγ-subunit ligands and the preclinical evidence that this exciting new approach has potential for therapeutic efficacy in a number of indications, such as pain, thrombosis, asthma and heart failure.
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20
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Specific inhibition of GPCR-independent G protein signaling by a rationally engineered protein. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E10319-E10328. [PMID: 29133411 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1707992114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of heterotrimeric G proteins by cytoplasmic nonreceptor proteins is an alternative to the classical mechanism via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). A subset of nonreceptor G protein activators is characterized by a conserved sequence named the Gα-binding and activating (GBA) motif, which confers guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) activity in vitro and promotes G protein-dependent signaling in cells. GBA proteins have important roles in physiology and disease but remain greatly understudied. This is due, in part, to the lack of efficient tools that specifically disrupt GBA motif function in the context of the large multifunctional proteins in which they are embedded. This hindrance to the study of alternative mechanisms of G protein activation contrasts with the wealth of convenient chemical and genetic tools to manipulate GPCR-dependent activation. Here, we describe the rational design and implementation of a genetically encoded protein that specifically inhibits GBA motifs: GBA inhibitor (GBAi). GBAi was engineered by introducing modifications in Gαi that preclude coupling to every known major binding partner [GPCRs, Gβγ, effectors, guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors (GDIs), GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs), or the chaperone/GEF Ric-8A], while favoring high-affinity binding to all known GBA motifs. We demonstrate that GBAi does not interfere with canonical GPCR-G protein signaling but blocks GBA-dependent signaling in cancer cells. Furthermore, by implementing GBAi in vivo, we show that GBA-dependent signaling modulates phenotypes during Xenopus laevis embryonic development. In summary, GBAi is a selective, efficient, and convenient tool to dissect the biological processes controlled by a GPCR-independent mechanism of G protein activation mediated by cytoplasmic factors.
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